GLOBAL FINANCES 16 TITUS/PHILEMON STUDY 18 BOARD MEETING REPORT 20

-- - - -~ - - - - - Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. , -Theodore Roosevelt

How does an educational - institution become a community of compassion known around the world? Let Jan and Roma Jo Thompson take you on a behind-the-scenes historical journey of the Brethren Service Center and find out how this little campus dared to embrace the world.

Beyond Our Means How the Brethren Service Center , Dared To Embrace the World -----@>----- /,~ RJan and RomaJo Thompson Brethren Press® This day. Order Now 800-441-3712 www.brethrenpress.com MAY 2009 VOL.158 NO.5 WWW.BRETHREN.ORG

(( . publish with the voice of thanksgiving) and tell of all thy wondrous works)) (Psa. 26: 7b KJV).

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

8 California, here we come: Annual Conference 2009 A collection of stories provides a preview of this year's Annual Conference in San Diego, including a feature on the journey of 2009 Conference moderator David Shumate. Other pieces give an overview of Conference business and the host city, a unique initiative occurring at a southern California seminary, and some fun highlights related to this year's big event.

15 Flashes of fundamentalism Many historical snapshots didn't fit in last year's heritage series during the denomination's 300th anniversary. This month, Tim Harvey tells the story of Harold Snider-a successful but controversial pastor who opposed the Brethren joining the Federal Council of Churches in the 1940s.

16 Real concern for the 'real' economy Everyone knows the world's economy has been in turmoil this past year. Church activists at this year's World Social Forum said this is a pivotal moment, when global finances can and must change.

18 Titus and Philemon: Instruction and counsel These two letters of Paul explain the need for good character and forgiveness. One is a "pastoral epistle" to an assistant in Crete, the other an appeal to a friend and slave-owner. ·

DEPARTMENTS 2 From the Publisher 3 In Touch 6 Reflections 7 The Buzz 20 News 25 Youth Life 26 Media Review 27 Letters 31 Turning Points 32 Editorial Messeege, May 2009 ■ n "Flatland," an imaginary world of two dimensions, the inhabitants are HOW TO REACH US flat geometrical figures oblivious to the notion of space. From their limited 1 MESSENGER vantage point they can see each other only as edges, so that everyone appears to be a 1451 Dundee Avenue straight line. Elgin, IL 60120 When a square visits the one-dimensional world of "Lineland" and has an encounter Subscriptions: with an actual line, he realizes how frustratingly limited this simple creature's frame of [email protected] reference is. The line's entire horizon consists of a point, since Phone: 847-742-5100 ext. 247 Fax: 847-742-6103 he can look only one direction or the other. The square's voice seems to come from his middle, which doesn't make sense to Advertising: [email protected] him. And when the square suggests he move off his line, the Phone: 800-323-8039 line is shocked by the idea that he could leave his world. Fax: 847-742-1407

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We may have trouble imagining what lies beyond our limited sight, but we know Visit MESSENGER online at that it's there. God's reality is far beyond the bounds of our anxieties. We're dwelling in www.brethren.org/messenger. Flatland, but God is not. A free study guide for each issue of MESSENGER is available at this site, along with other information.

MESSENGER is the official publication of the Church of the Brethren. Member of the Associated Church Press. B'iblical quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the New Revised Standard Version. Copyright © May 2009, Church of the Brethren.

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A taste of Jesus' time planning a 50-year anniversary celebra­ Bridgewater love feast attempts to re-create typical meal tion and reunion Aug. 13-15, 2010, including the compilation of a devotion­ "What can we do to create a meaningful love feast experience for our members?" al book from submissions by former This question was raised at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren during our staff, campers, and volunteers .. . . Karen annual organizational meeting of deacons serving on the communion committee. Duhai of Bedford (Pa.) Church of the One deacon made the suggestion, "Let's serve a meal of foods that Jesus may have Brethren has been called as the new eaten at the Last Supper." So began a period of research that resulted in a special youth ministry coordinator for Middle meal quite different from our traditional love feast of beef and sop. Pennsylvania Dist rict. Deacons researched information from a variety of sources. Dr. Don Colbert's books, What Would Jesus Eat? and The Ultimate Program for Eating, Feeling Great, and Southeast Annual Conference modera­ Living Longer were helpful. We also found information on the Web for articles about tor David Shumate headlined this year's typical diet in that part of the world 2,000 years ago. There was support for the theo­ Southeastern District Adult Fellowship ry that red meat was not abundant, and that there was easier access to olives, nuts, Rally, April 19 in Sparta, N.C .. . . Camp figs, dates, and milk products from goats or sheep. Bethel (Fincastle, Va. ) held its Sounds of There are relatively few written references to daily the Mountains Story and Music Festival foods in the Bible. It seems likely that a main source of OU'R. MEAL Apr. 24-25 . .. . Virlina District held an evangelism-focused conference with the protein was fish, and other meats may have been Sourdough Bread reserved for special meals rather than daily food. While theme "Living Our Faith: Outside the Goat's Cheese Walls of our Church" March 28 at the references to eating goat, sheep, and lamb are fre­ Hummus Germantown Brick congregation (Rocky quently found in the Bible, they often are mentioned in Olives relation to feasts or special celebrations. Cattle were Unleave ned Crackers Mount, Va.). uncommon, and terms like fatted calf probably do not Artichoke Tapenade Dates Midwest Creekside Church of the refer to our type of cattle. Grapes Brethren (Elkhart, Ind.) on May 16 will Due to the absence of detailed records, we felt free to Almonds raise money for National Youth interpret our meal with products both affordable and Conference with a concert by the band available to us. The menu served was vegetarian, and "Sanctified," along with a "blessings of made use of foods such as goat's cheese, olives, sourdough herbal breads, arti­ the bikes" and escorted motorcycle ride. chokes, nuts, fruit, and bean products. While it is not known if these elements were .. . Southern Ohio District is having a part of the Last Supper, all seem to have been typical of the period. "fiesta" May 16 at Cristo Nuestra Paz This serving of native foods encouraged us to identify in a more complete way (New Carlisle, Ohio) to celebrate with the experience of Christ at the table with his disciples. It was effective in lead­ Hispanic ministry .... Christian singer ing us into an attitude of worship in which the betrayal of Christ and his impending Mitch McVicker did a concert March 15 at trial and crucifixion seemed to be at hand and very real. We felt our own need for Peoria (Ill.) Church of the Brethren. confession and forgiveness. The bread and cup more readily fulfilled their purpose of bringing us into harmony with the occasion and its meaning. Ozarks/Plains A team of four care­ While our love feast meal gave rise to discussions at many tables about the times givers from the Church of the Brethren's in which Jesus lived, it was also a time of experimentation in new tastes for many Children's Disaster Services arrived in of our members. One 90-year-old in attendance remarked, "If this is what a vegetari­ flood-ravaged Fargo, N.D., March 30 to an meal is like .. . then I could happily be a vegetarian!" Both he and the deacons provide assistance .... Inner-city First were surprised at his response to our meal! Central Church of the Brethren (Kansas While we do not plan to serve such a love feast menu every Maundy Thursday, City, Kan.) partnered with the Washington we did find this to be a wonderful and unique opportunity to commune with one Creek congregation (Lawrence, Kan.) for another. In many ways this menu brought an air of authenticity to our Easter wor­ a tiny but mighty Foods Resource Bank ship experience and helped us to focus on Jesus and this time of his life. growing project-a 10x10 sweet potato -Lori Lineweaver and Andrea Miracle plot that raised $70 for hunger relief.

West Idaho District held a "Fifth ...... YOU SAID IT BVTHENUMBERS Sunday" district worship service March 29 at the Fruitland congregation. The ~he Church of the evening of music and celebration cen­ Brethren needs our very best tered on the theme "God Is .. ." ... Camp people-young, middle-aged, La Verne (Angeles Oaks, Calif.) held its annual banquet and silent auction on and older-to consider the call 5,519 Feb. 7 . . .. Brethren sociologist Carl Number of Brethren Press Lenten to serve the church and Bowman is scheduled to discuss survey devotional booklets sold this year-an become ministers of the gospel increase of 1,452 from 2008. A significant findings from his book Portrait of a of the Lord Jesus Christ." gift w as provided by an individual donor People May 2 at Glendora (Calif.) and for marketing the series. May 3 at Modesto (Calif.). - Middlebury (Ind.) Church of the Brethren pastor Dan Petry, in a sermon to the congregation Messenger May 2009 ·lm'[jJ

S'IIJtl IIWU.Jtl in the Shenandoah Valley, published by Donation of rare books t!l'tBibles and hym­ ed members of the congregation to bring nals, according to the college. The collec­ in an item that identifies them in some Esther and Emmert Bittinger have donated tion, to be known as the Emmert and way. The items-ranging from crafts, to a unique collection of mostly German­ Esther Bittinger Research Collection, will language books to Elizabethtown College's collectibles, to newspaper clippings­ be housed at the Young Center. Young Center. now adorn the bookshelves along the His lecture, titled "Crisis of inside wall of the pastor's study. Conscience: The Shenandoah Anabaptist Shenandoah Valley of Virginia in the The Stoners say they now "have the during the Civil War," examined the 1860s. His recent publications include company of the congregation that experiences of Anabaptists in the Unionists and the Civil War Experience they've come to love so."

REMEMBERED

• Connie S. Andes, 66, a former executive staff member for the and committees, and as Annual Conference moderator for 1975- Church of the Brethren, died March 2 at Kansas City (Mo.) 1976. After Bethany Bible Training School in Chicago, he complet­ Hospice House. She served the General Board from 1984 to 1988 ed his bachelor's degree at McPherson (Kan.) College, and earned as an associate general secretary and executive of the General his master's degree and Ph .D. from the University of Kansas. A Services Commission. During her tenure, she was a member of memorial service was held March 27 in the college's Cordier the National Council of Churches Governing Board, served on the Auditorium, followed by a reception. Church Leaders Panel charged with integrating Church World • Kenneth E. McDowell, 93, died Feb. 13 in Hanover, Pa. He Service into the NCC structure, and was a member-at-large of the was a former interim general secretary and executive of the NCC Executive Committee. Previously, she was director of admis­ World Ministries Commission of the Church of the Brethren sions, alumni director, and associate director of development at General Board, among other appointments. He retired in 1980 McPherson College, beginning in 1979. She held degrees from after 27 years of service to the church. He began working for the McPherson College, Wichita State University, and the University General Board in 1953 as a mission worker in India. On his return, of Texas at Austin. The family held a private gathering at the fami­ he worked for nine years as assistant treasurer in the Finance ly farm in Missouri for the scattering of ashes. Commission. In 1966 he was appointed director of material aid • A. Blair Helman, president of Manchester College in North services in the Brethren Service Commission, with responsibility Manchester, Ind., for 30 years, died March 22 at limbercrest for a network of Church World Service collection and processing Retirement Community. He was 88. centers operated by the Church of the Brethren, as well as over­ "President Helman's leadership reflected sight of SERRV and processing and shipping of supplies for IMA. his keen intellect, deep faith, and enduring In 1968, he added community development consultant and direc­ love for Manchester College," current tor of disaster response to his responsibilities. From 1977 to 1979 Manchester president Jo Young Switzer he headed the World Ministries Commission. In retirement, he said. Helman served as president from served as interim executive for World Ministries from the end of 1956 to 1986. A total of 16 buildings were 1984 through mid-1985, and as interim general secretary for sev­ added to campus during his tenure, and eral months in 1986. An ordained minister, he held degrees from the campus doubled in size. A residence Juniata College and Bethany Theological Seminary. hall at the college bears his name. He • Alma ., Jerry" Crist Whitman, wife of the man once known served as national chair of the Council of as "America's Favorite Folksinger," Slim Whitman, died Feb. 16 in Protestant Colleges and Universities, and Florida. She was 84. The Whitmans, who were married for 67 as president of the Indiana Conference of Higher Education. An years, have lived in Middleburg, Fla., since 1955. Her father, A.D. ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren, Helman also pas­ Crist, helped to found the nearby Clay County Church of the tored three congregations in Kansas, served on various boards Brethren. The funeral was held Feb. 21 at the church.

Messenger May 2009 LANDMARKS & LAURELS

• Donnels Creek Church of the Brethren, located near Springfield, Ohio, will celebrate its 200th anniversary on May 17. Former pastor Mel Menker will be the guest speaker for two worship services, followed by a carry-in dinner and entertainment. • Ray Warner, a member of Eden {N.C.) First Church of the Brethren and former long-time deacon chair there, celebrated his 100th birth­ day April 5 at the church. • The Dayton (Ohio) Daily News on March 9 featured Sylvia Utz, a member of Pitsburg Church of the Brethren {Arcanum, Ohio) now living at the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville. Utz turned 110 that day, and the retirement community planned a big celebra­ tion. Utz, who still has a sharp mind and walks with a walker, enjoys doing word finds, accord­ ing to the article. "I don't have an ache or a pain," Utz told the paper. Her older sister, Delcie Cress, lived to age 109. • Erwin (Tenn.) Church of the Brethren, destroyed in a fire last June, held a ground­ breaking service for its new building on March 15. A mission group from Alabama called "Carpenters for Christ" has volunteered its serv­ ices to rebuild the church, which was underin­ sured; a team of 60 to 70 people are expected to begin on June 2 and complete the project in 10 days. "Tears came to my eyes to see how God 2009 Ecumenical Luncheon is working," Erwin pastor Phil Graeber said. • An On Earth Peace and Christian Peacemaker Annual Conference-San Diego, California Teams-sponsored peacemaking delegation to Monday, June 29, 2009 the Middle East in January received interna­ 12 Noon-Tiki Pavillion tional attention, as Yahoo news reported on the delegation's participation in a peace witness action with medical personnel and journalists in "Transforming the Mission, Hebron. Delegation member Renee Arbisi was Presence, and Influence of the also interviewed by the Al Jazeera news network. National Council of Churches of Christ" • Brook Lane Health Services of Hagerstown, Md., which is affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, plans to celebrate its Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon 60th anniversary June 12-14. A variety of spe­ General Secretary cial events, including an ice cream and croquet social, will take place on the main campus National Council of Churches of Christ through the weekend. • Popular speaker/author Tony Campolo will Tickets available online at the Annual Conference website, headline the 20th anniversary celebration ban­ or at the meal ticket table at Annual Conference. quet for the Brethren Housing Association of Harrisburg, Pa., on Sept. 15. • Church of the Brethren representative Rex Miller, executive director of Camp Mack in Also: Insight Session-Monday, June 29, 9:00 p.m. Continuing Milford, Ind., was among those who approved the conversation with Michael Kinnamon. 0.1 CEU Available and signed on to a Green Camp and Conference Center Covenant through the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program in late _Jl~ Sponsored by the Church of the Brethren Committee on lnterchurch Relations and the [,/ Office of the General Secretary January. The covenant can be read {and signed) at www.nccecojustice.org/campcovenant.html.

Messenger May 2009 Four days deep

very so often, life presents moments when you wilderness trip, it seems to take about four days for people Eare suddenly aware of the pseudo-life that you have to start dreaming nature dreams rather than 'busy' or 'urban' been living and you long to unearth what's been lost. In dreams. This recurring pattern suggests to me that our cul­ doing so, you never see the world the way you did before. ture is only four days deep." That moment occurred for me when I attended a wilder­ If our culture only has a four-day hold, then the challenge ness survival school nearly two years ago. I had put pastoral becomes clear. We must find a way to free ourselves from ministry on hold a year earlier because it had become so that restraint for at least four days. Schedule a retreat. Turn empty to me. I sensed that God was calling me into a wilder­ off your screens, and take in natural scenes. Participate in a ness period. Little did I know that it would be just as literal is vision quest. Vacation in the Grand Canyon. Do everything it would be figurative. you can to break free from the frantic pace of society, While at wilderness survival because it is killing us: mind, body, and soul. school, I was reminded of God's We have lost the art of detachment; that is why we are such words spoken to Israel through the an addictive society. Wilderness re-teaches us detachment and prophet Hosea: "I will guide you into breaks us of our addictions. For me, time in nature helps to the wilderness, and it is there that I break that grasp. It is there that I encounter a Creator who isn't will reclaim your heart" (2:14). Up filtered through cultural assumptions. It was out of that initial until that moment, my life had been wilderness encounter that I reclaimed my heart's longing: to the perfect preparation for some­ lead people back into the wild to reconnect to the earth, our thing that was now trying to be born souls, one another, and to the Creator. through me. Imagine what could happen if the church were to enter There is something mysterious into a wilderness time. What could we learn about our­ about the wilderness; it represents selves? The church and the North American mindset have the unknown. What we don't know, we fear; and what we slowly been converging over the past few decades, and the fear, we have no desire to understand. The same can be said church can no longer have natural dreams or visions about of our own "inner" wilderness. Each one of us has this what we should be. Instead our dreams are mired around earthy, untamed, undomesticated part of our soul; it's our culture, which might be why we ask questions that have "wild within," and most have no desire to understand it, let nothing to do with Christ-who is our sole (or better said, alone let it live through us. Since about the age of 5, we've our "soul") reference point. Only when we make that shift

SCHEDULE A RETREAT. TURN OFF YOUR SCREENS, AND TAKE IN NATURAL SCENES. PARTICIPATE IN A VISION QUEST. VACATION IN THE GRAND CANYON. DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN TO BREAK FREE FROM THE FRANTIC PACE OF SOCIETY, BECAUSE IT IS KILLING US: MIND, BODY, AND SOUL.

covered over our wildness in order to be more civilized. does the possibility of our dreams become less of what we I believe wildness is not all that different from what it think our life should be and more of what God calls us to be. means to have child-like faith. As children we were, by The wilderness experience also shaped our biblical nature, full of wonder, awe, and awareness. We got dirty and ancestors: the Israelites, the prophets, John the Baptist, took risks because we were full of curiosity and adventure­ and even Jesus. They set the model for us. Now we must full of life! Very few people in the church are living from this allow ourselves to be led into our own wildernesses. Only place, and that may be why the church is dying. We place there can we be taught what we need to know and be too much emphasis on "acting your age," and over time the healed where we need it most. And I'm convinced that wildness becomes dulled and tamed. when we live from that place in our hearts, we will always In order to reclaim our hearts and our wild within, I believe enter the Kingdom as children.ll! it means being led back into the wilderness. Robert Greenway, an eco-psychologist who has led many Randa ll Westfall is a w ilderness instructor, musicia n, and licensed min ister living in retreats into the wilderness, makes this observation: "On a Le na, Ill. He attends Lanark (Il l.) Church of the Brethren.

■ Messenger May 2009 ORTHY CULTUREVIEW • Support for refugees living in either. (RNS) North Carolina's Research • The United Methodist '' To close part of Triangle area and Greensboro is Church's General Board of being strengthened with the Global Ministries announced in ourselves to God opening of two new Church March that it was reducing its World Service (CWS) reset­ 2009 operating budget by 7 per­ is to fail to tlement offices. On Feb. 1, cent, about $3.9 million (United CWS opened its new office in Methodist Reporter). \Norship God Durham, which will conduct • The United Church of Christ resettlement activities and pro­ newspaper, United Church vide support to refugees in the News, will end its newsprint truly and fully.'' Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill edition later this year and move -Chris Whitacre. chaplain at The Cedars retirement community in McPherson, Kan., and a member of the Church of the Brethren area. CWS expected to open its online its delivery of denomina­ Mission and Ministry Board. He was leading devotions for the refugee resettlement sub-office tional news, according to a UCC board on facing challenges and crises in Greensboro in March. report. The decision was made "It is perhaps in the most difficult of • Leaders from 67 religious on March 20 by the board of and humanitarian organizations circumstances that churches show the most directors of the Office of have asked President Barack General Ministries, which has generous form of Christianity." Obama to reconsider US been struggling with skyrocket­ -World Council of Churches staff member Henrik Hansson, writing about Christian communities in Pakistan and their ongoing service to local opposition to global treaties ing costs for the newspaper's Muslims amid violence that prohibit the use and trans­ production. Postage and print­ fer of landmines and cluster ing costs have more than dou­ "We tend to forget the good things in our munitions. The Mine Ban Treaty bled during the past five years. lives when we are in a slump." was signed by 122 governments • A brief survey of Mennonite in December 1997, and there are congregations in 2007-2008 -ordained Disciples of Christ pastor Arlene Franks of Washington, D.C., writing about the job search process in DisciplesWorld magazine currently 156 member states, found that 39 percent of mem­ according to the International bers participated in a feet­ Campaign to Band Landmines. washing service in a given "People are waking up to the truth that the The new Convention on Cluster year, according to an article kingdom of God looks like Jesus and that the Munitions was signed by 94 by Bob Brenneman in heart of Christianity is simply imitating him." states in December 2008. The Mennonite Quarterly -Greg Boyd, Baptist pastor and theologian from Minneapolis, in an address United States has not signed Review. to Mennonites about religious trends and Anabaptism's relevance to them. His writings were quoted by Paul Schrag in Mennonite Weekly Review.

"The problems of extreme poverty are JUST FOR FUN: DID YOU KNOW? visible only occasionally. We see them after SHIFTING IDENTIFICATIONS Religious self-identification of the the L.A. riots or we see them after Katrina or US adult population in 1990 and in the past year, according to we see them when food banks are strained findings of the American Religious Identification Survey released in a severe recession, but those problems March 9. More than 54,000 people were surveyed in the 2008 don't disappear in between." study (RNS).

-Michael Gerson, speechwriter for former President George W. Bush and now co-chair, with Jim Wallis, of the bipartisan Poverty Forum 1990 Total Christians: 86.2 percent "We are still a solvent organization, and that Catholic: 26.2 percent is good news." Other Christians: 60.0 percent Other religions: 3.3 percent -LeAnn Wine, executive director of Systems and Services for the Church of the Brethren, in a financial report for the Church of the Brethren Nones (no religious identification): 8.2 percent Mission and Ministry Board. Despite significant losses in 2008, the organi­ zation had nearly $23 million in net assets at the end of the year. Don't know/refused: 2.3 percent

2008 "We believe that war is not the solution to Total Christians: 76.0 percent the differences that divide peoples. Dialogue Catholic: 25.1 percent can make a real difference." Other Christian: 50. 9 percent -Dr. John Brademas,. former US Congressman and president emeritus of Other religions: 3.9 percent New York University, who served as moderator for a dinner and conversa­ tion last fall between Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and US reli­ Nones (no religious identification): 15.0 percent gious and political leaders Don't know/refused: 5.2 percent

M esse nger May 2009 COUNTRY ROADS: by WaltWiltschek A MODERATOR'S JOURNEY FROM WEST VIRGINIA TO SAN DIEGO, DAVID SHUMATE'S CALL CONTINUES

avid Shumate has been called a lot of things: West Virginian, Virginian, retail employee, numbers guy, Dseminary student, pastor, district executive, husband, father-and probably a few he wouldn't want to repeat. This year he's added another one to the list: moderator of the Church of the Brethren. In that highest elected office in the denomination, he will sit front and center at the June 26-30 Annual Conference in San Diego, guiding delegates through a meaty business agenda. "I have found it to be a tremendous professional growth experi­ ence," Shumate says of his year in the role, following a year as moderator-elect. "I know I got to a few places I wouldn't have got­ ten to as quickly." The journey has taken him to 13 of the denomination's 23 US districts, covering more than 20 states, as well as four countries. Even more significant, though, is the journey that has brought him to this newest calling.

Shumate grew up in tiny Crab Orchard, W.Va., a few miles from the larger city of Beckley(" Just tell them you're fro~ Beckley," his mother advised him), and lived in the area until he was 23. He went to the town's Baptist church. The other one-the only other one-in Crab Orchard was the Church of the Brethren, where most of his "kin" attended. He estimates he's related to about 80 percent of that congregation. He liked the liturgy and high-quality worship at the Baptist church, however, as opposed to the less formal Brethren service. As young as age 13, he began to feel a sense of call to the ministry, but "I don't think I really knew what to do with it," Shumate says, the West Virginia drawl still thick in his speech. Over the next few years, his church involvement waned, and with it his sense of call. That changed when he began dating a young woman who was /? I). I) A~ N UAL/ CON FE RE NC E 2 0 0 _9 Lalitornia, here we come

How exciting is it to work in Virlina District? Annual Conference moderator David Shumate and other members of the district staff and Camp Bethel staff jump for joy at the district offices in Roanoke, Va. (part of a series of jumping photos being taken around the denomination).

involved in the Brethren church, and he started attending March 1981, moving to Oak Brook, Ill., a few months later. there, as well. It was a smaller church, and he was quickly He enjoyed seminary and did an internship, then requested given responsibility- beginning with the job of putting all the a position where he could further test his call as an interim hymnals back in their places each week. Later he became an pastor. He asked for "someplace where I could flunk quietly," usher, which fit nicely with his love of counting things. he jokes. That opportunity came at Oak Grove Church of the He planned to go into accounting, actually. He liked numbers Breth ren in Lowpoint, 111., which was celebrating its centenni­ and their clean-cut solutions-something that's not always the al. He and the church both survived. case in ministry. He went to Beckley College and Concord After another couple of years of classes and short-term College with that goal and then worked in retail for four years. placements, he told Stultz he wanted to return to his native Amid all that, his girlfriend's father, who had become a sig­ Virlina District. Shumate asked if any congregations were nificant role model, passed away. Later that year, Shu mate's available and would take a fresh seminary graduate. relationship with his girlfriend ended, as well. It led him to One did: The Pulaski congregation in southwest Virginia, some deep thinking, and he mentioned to his Brethren pastor which at the time had two meeting houses (Pulaski and that he was feeling a nudge toward ministry again. Hiwasee). He stayed there almost eight years, starting a Bible His pastor contacted then-district executive Owen Stultz, study that continues at Hiwasee. To this day, Shumate makes who battled a blizzard to come to West Virginia and meet with an annual trip there to celebrate its anniversary with a cake. Shumate. Stultz encouraged him to attended Bethany "They were very patient with me," Shumate says. "I don't Theological Seminary near the big city of Chicago. know that I accomplished a lot as pastor, but I had a good time." "Owen was very helpful to me in that process," Shumate says. It was there that he became involved with community and "I knew it would be a major culture shock for me, and it was." ecumenical programs, including serving as president for the county ministers' group and chairing the local FEMA board. He also was elected to Virlina's district board, serving on the.min­ Shumate met the woman who would become his wife during istry commission. Until then, he says, he had usually been seen that discernment time, and he and Dorothy were married in as "a clown" who w as good at relieving stress; on the board,

6 ' THE NO. 1 ISSUE .- . IS WE -NEE~ ~o EXPEN_D_~;ss ENERGY TALKING AND REORGANIZING OUR STRUCTURE, AND MORE TIME SPENT ON VISION AND MINISTRY. THE SECOND THING IS TO GET OUR FOCUS OFF HOW LITTLE WE HAVE AND THINK ABOUT HOW WE USE WHAT WE DO HAVE.

Messenger May 2009 though, he had to be a troubleshooter who dealt with difficult Churches and even serving as president for one term. ministry ethics situations and other disciplinary issues. "That's something that's been very, very vital to me," "People on the district board saw me in a different light," Shumate says. "I think I most know what it means to be he says. Brethren when I'm with people who aren't. When we're When Stultz announced his retirement, he supported together, we spend too much time navel-gazing." Shumate in applying for the position. For Shumate, it He also enjoys teaching and preaching whenever he can seemed a natural blend of his background in business ("I don't consider myself a polished preacher," he says, "but administration and ministry. "I perceived being district exec­ I like to preach. It's me.") and getting out to the many con­ utive as a call," he says. "It felt right to me." gregations of his district, one of the denomination's largest The search committee agreed. Shumate began his new and most varied. In fact, he says one of his goals for the role in Roanoke in January 1993. coming years in his work is "to spend more time just being with people, especially pastors." Emma Jean Woodard, Virlina's associate executive, While in Pulaski, another pivotal event occurred for the praised Shumate as "a dedicated district executive minister Shumates. In 1987 they had a son, John, who was born pre­ with a very strong work ethic. maturely and was severely autistic. "He loves the Lord and cares deeply for the church and "It's probably the most profound thing that's happened to the kingdom of God," she adds. (She also says his driving either of us," Shumate says. "has increased the prayer life of many individuals.") He says it taught him to shift his thinking away from valu­ Shumate admits he often works more than he should, and ing people for what they produce to valuing them simply for there are always new challenges, even after 17 years on the who they are. Those learnings had an impact in viewing his job. But the district has been good at giving him sabbatical ministry, as well. time, too. He values that, especially for the opportunity to be "The church is not about what people do or not do," he present with his family as much as possible. says, "but how each one of us incarnates the living image of Other aspirations like teaching history or running for politi­ God in our midst." cal office or even crunching those quiet numbers have occa­ When the family moved to Daleville Church of the sionally tugged at him, but the church's call hasn't gone away. Brethren in 1993, they built a new support network for their "I think about alternate things I could do," he says, "but son. Through connections with the Old German Baptist I've always come back." Brethren in Franklin County, Va., they met Eloise Bowman, who worked with John and became "like a third parent" for him, Shumate says. David Shumate will have more time at home again once his Meanwhile, Shumate grew into his new role as district moderator duties conclude at the end of Annual Conference, executive. He concentrated on leadership development, but he says he has treasured this opportunity. financial resources, community building, and new church He has enjoyed the fellowship of Brethren near and far­ development-areas that even starting his own Facebook page-and the chance for continue to be at the more ecumenical involvement, most notably with Christian heart of his work. Churches Together. He also has heard Brethren share their He also became concerns for the future of the church, particularly in this year increasingly involved when economic issues have been so prevalent. On the ecumenically, serving on whole, though, he says he's been surprised that pe~ple the coordinating cabinet haven't been "bending his ear" on various topics as much for the Virginia Council of as he expected.

''THE CHURCH IS NOT ABOUT WHAT PEOP LE DO OR NOT DO, BUT HOW EACH ONE OF US INCARNATES THE LIV ING IMAGE OF GOD IN OUR MIDST. nMesseegec May 2009 /? /). I) A~ N UAL/ CON FE RE NC_E_ 2_0_Q9_ Lalitornia, here we conie

Out of those experiences and his own journey, Shumate Shumate says he likes that sense of------balance, something names a few primary issues for the church: "I think the No. 1 he tries to live out himself both theologically and practically. issue . .. is we need to expend less energy talking and reor­ He is an avid historian, so he has an appreciation for the ganizing our structure, and more time spent on vision and church's past, as well as its need to move into the future. ministry. The second thing is to get our focus off how little Coming off last year's 300th anniversary celebration, he says we have and think about how we use what we do have. this year is a time to look ahead, noting that God is the con­ "I think we're at a point in history where we have a lot of tinuity in the story even amid challenge. opportunities, and we need to avail ourselves of those "The church has weathered this stuff before," Shumate opportunities." says. "The church has endured." That transitional point comes through in the theme he The journey continues. Next stop: San Diego. ll! fashioned for this year's Annual Conference: "The old has gone. The new has come. All this is from God." Walt Wiltschek is editor of MESSENGER. He interviewed David Shumate in March.

ON THE AGENDA confesses, "We are not of one mind on reconciliation" and that it "has experi­ this matter." The statement declares that enced deep division and brokenness The 2009 Annual Conference will the church's 1983 paper on Human related to the language from the 1983 address five items of new business: a Sexuality "remains our official position" Human Sexuality Paper that same-sex paper from Standing Committee titled but also acknowledges tension between covenantal relationships are not accept­ "A Statement of Confession and different parts of the 1983 paper. The able," the query petitions Conference Commitment," a revision of the docu­ statement confesses "meanness and "to consider whether it is t he will of the ment "A Structural Framework for fighting" over the issue and calls on the church that this language on same-sex Dealing with Strongly Controversial church to stop un-Christian behavior. covenantal relationships will continue to Issues," revised bylaws for the Church • The revision of the document for guide our journey together." of the Brethren, and two queries: dealing with strongly controversial • "Query: Secret Oath-Bound "Query: Language on Same-Sex issues follows up on a decision of the Societies" was initiated by Dry Run Covenantal 2002 Conference, which referred an (Pa .) Church of the Brethren and Relationships" update of the original 1988 document to approved by Southern Pennsylvania and "Query: the former Annual Conference Council. District. Citing a number of scriptures, Secret Oath­ The council in turn appointed a commit­ among others 2 Timothy 3:16-17, John Bound tee to update the paper and present a 8:31-32, Matthew 5:33-34, 2 Corinthians Societies." revision. The revision gives guidelines 6:14-17, and Ephesians 5:7-17, the query Business ses­ for how Standing Committee and states in part that "it is clear that mem­ sions will be led Annual Conference will identify and deal bership in these societies constitutes a by moderator with queries that may generate adver­ dual allegiance" and that there is confu­ David Shumate, sarial stances. The proposed three-year sion among Brethren about secret oath­ executive minister for Virlina District. No process includes appointment of a bound societies. The query requests items of unfinished business are sched­ " Resource Committee" representing Conference to take action to give clarity uled. Also on the agenda will be elec­ diverse perspectives on the issue to to the issue. tions for denominational offices, reports develop study materials; facilitating • Revised bylaws for the Church of from agencies of the church and com­ hearings at Annual Conference and in the Brethren follow the decision of last mittees of the Conference, and other districts; and a special procedure for pre­ year's Annual Conference approving items of information. senting such queries to the Conference. merger of the former Association of • "A Statement of Confession and • " Query: Language on Same-Sex Brethren Caregivers with the former Commitment" was adopted by Covenantal Relationships" was initi­ General Board to form a new entity Standing Committee at last year's ated by Beacon Heights Church of the called Church of the Brethren lnc.-Cheryl Annual Conference. The one-page docu­ Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., and Brumbaugh-Cayford ment addresses the issue of homosexu­ approved by Northern Indiana District. ality as one that "continues to bring ten­ Stating in part that the denomination Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford is director of news services for the Church of the Brethren . sion and division within our Body" and "has a history and practice of seeking

Messe"gec Mey 2009 ■ The Town& Country Resort , is on San Diego's Hotel Circle, north of

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2009

Where: San Diego, Calif. (population 1,256,951), Town & and daily participants, and for current Brethren Volunteer Country Resort Service workers. When: June 26-30, with some related events beginning Unique features: Annual Conference executive director June 23 Lerry Fogle (who is retiring after this Conference) says the Theme: "The Old Has Gone, The New Has Come, All This Town & Country Resort will be "one of the more unique ven­ Is From God" (based on 2 Car. 5:16-21) ues in which we've had Conference," with a "cozy and com­ Projected attendance: The Conference office has set a fortable" setting. Most attendees will be staying at the goal of 2,800 to 3,000 people, counting delegates and non­ resort, which will also host all business and worship events delegates and exhibit areas. It has five restaurants onsite, and there Fees: Delegates, $245; non-delegates, $75 for adults and will be an outdoor cash buffet.... The Conference schedule $25 for ages 12-21 for the full conference if pre-registered shifts back a day this year, beginning on a Friday and ending online, $100 and $43, respectively, for onsite registration. on Tuesday instead of the usual Special rates are available for weekend only, Sunday only, Saturday-Wednesday format.

HEAVENLY HOGS The idea for this trip route, Liepelt says. Each For many Brethren, it's a long trip to began after he rode his rider is asked to get San Diego. For at least one, though, motorcycle from pledges per mile. every mile will be savored. Connecticut to the Church of the Paul Liepelt, pastor of Dranesville National Young Adult Brethren congregations Church of the Brethren (Herndon, Va.) is Conference in Colorado in along the route have agreed organizing a cross-country motorcycle 2004, and from frequent motor­ to host the riders for most of ride to Annual Conference. Dubbed cycle rides and an outreach to riders the nights, cutting down on lodging "Hogs for Heifers," the ride will benefit while serving with his wife in Nigeria. expenses and providing opportunities the construction of the new Heifer "I try to tie in motorcycles wherever I for fellowship. On the way out, Cabool Global Village at Shepherd's Spring go," says Liepelt, who has been riding (Mo.) Church of the Brethren,. Clovis Outdoor Ministry Center in Sharpsburg, since he was 16. "It's my hobby." (N.M.), and Papago Buttes (Scottsdale, Md. (A grand opening celebration for The Hogs caravan (currently just Ariz.) are providing hospitality. One the first phase is taking place May 9). Liepelt, although he's hoping for oth­ night will be spent in southwestern "It's a good opportunity to ride all the ers-contact him at Ohio. The return route will go through way cross-country, and then make it [email protected] or 703-430-8835) Utah and a stop at Prince of Peace profit for something as well," Liepelt plans to depart the East Coast on June Church of the Brethren in Littleton, says. He decided to aid the Heifer Global 22, following a prayer and dedication Colo. Village after volunteering as a counselor service at Shepherd's Spring, and make Liepelt says he hopes to make the at Shepherd's Spring last summer and the 3,000-mile trek in five days. Other Annual Conference ride an annual talking with director Ann Cornell. riders are welcome to join along the event.-Walt Wiltschek

Messenger May 2009 /;) /). I) A~NUAL/ CONFERENC~ 200~--­ La[itornta, here we come

DID YOU KNOW? Jody Gerut, an outfielder for the San Diego Padres baseball team, has roots in the Church of the Brethren. Gerut was born in Elmhurst, 111., and grew up in nearby Lombard, where he attended York Center Church of the Brethren as a child and teenager. He went on to attend Stanford University in California, earning a degree in history, before entering the baseball draft. He made his Major League Otherwise, however, the schedule will be mostly similar to Baseball debut in April 2003 with the previous years .... Saturday evening will feature an extend­ Cleveland Indians, where he played ed worship time with a cross-cultural flavor. Musical group A regularly the next two and a half sea­ Cappella will give a concert Sunday evening, followed by a sons before being traded in mid-2005 free ice cream social. to the Chicago Cubs and soon there­ Key business items: Moderator David Shumate says this after to the Pittsburgh Pirates. year's agenda contains business items that are "profound for A knee injury kept him out the next the future of the church." Five items are expected on the agen­ two seasons, but he resurfaced last da (see sidebar, p. 11 ), in addition to a series of reports and year with San Diego, playing in 100 updates. Shumate says he hopes delegates approach the agen­ games for the Padres and hitting .296 da with the "three P's": patience, perseverance, and pacifism. with 14 home runs and 43 RBI. Gerut, Worship: Services will take place Friday and Saturday 31, is expected to play center field for the Padres (who have evenings, Sunday morning, Monday evening, and Tuesday a home series against the Houston Astros June 29-July 2) morning. Speakers, in order, are Shumate; Lancaster (Pa.) again this year. Church of the Brethren ministry team member Dick Shreckhise; Episcopal priest and multicultural ministry con­ sultant Eric H.F. Law; Church of the Brethren Dominican house tours of the center are tentatively planned to be avail­ Republic mission co-coordinator Nancy Heishman; and able around the time of Annual Conference. About a dozen Castaner (P.R.) Church of the Brethren pastor Jaime Diaz. other Brethren congregations and fellowships are located Program and Arrangements Committee member Scott elsewhere in southern Cal ifornia, along with the University Duffey serves as worship coordinator this year. of La Verne. Church setting: San Diego is in the denomination's What to see: Sunny San Diego, often characterized as Pacific Southwest District and is home to San Diego First having the most perfect weather in the nation, does not lack Church of the Brethren (3850 Westgate Place, for tourism options. Some highlights include Balboa Park www.sdbrethrenchurch.org). It is also the site of the unique with the San Diego Zoo and various museums, SeaWorld, Friends Center, an environmental project being built on the the hist oric Gaslamp Quarter, Old Town, Wild Animal Park, church's property in partnership with other groups. Open Birch Aquarium, and various beaches. LEGOLAND Cal ifornia is located in nearby Carlsbad. Fashion Valley mall, with a large food court, is located just behind the Town & Country Resort, along with a trolley system providing access to much of the San Diego area. The San Diego Padres baseball team has a homestand beginning June 29 at PETCO Park. For m o re information: Visit www.brethren.org/ac. ll!

Dick Shreckhise Eric H.F. Law Nancy Heishman Jaime Diaz

Messeogec Mey 2009 ■ /? I). I) A~_~UAL, _CQN_J_ERENCE 2009 ------=~~~~Lalitornta, here we come A FULLER EMBRACE ------

OF ANABAPTISM by Wa It Wi ltschek

NOTED SEMINARY PLANS TO START ENDOWED CHAIR IN ANABAPTIST STUDIES

One may not think of southern California as a major and a voice and a Ph.D.-level training hotbed of Anabaptist study and culture, but that has context that can supplement nicely been changing in the past decade-in large part due to the good work going on in the tradi­ the work and influence of Fuller Theological Seminary. tion's own theological seminaries." The Pasadena school, long known as an evangelical force, As a further step toward that goal, increasingly came to find the Radical Reformation's Anabaptist Murphy had proposed a chair in movement as "one of the natural dialogue partners" with Anabaptist studies named after Fuller's Reformed base, School of Theology dean Howard McClendon. About the same time, Loewen says. At least half a dozen faculty now "identify retired faculty member Wilbur Shenk explicitly" with the Anabaptist tradition, according to Loewen, had proposed a chair in Mennonite and a number of others "have warm feelings toward it." studies, named after Yoder. The two Nancey Murphy Among those faculty members is Nancey Murphy, a mem­ ideas were brought together, and ber of Pasadena Church of the Brethren and an ordained funding for the Yoder-McClendon Chair in Anabaptist Studies minister in the denomination. Murphy grew up Catholic but in now under way. encountered Anabaptism through her late husband, Jim "The idea is that this person would be a nucleus who McClendon, after they met at the Graduate Theological would pull together all the Anabaptist people and influences Union in Berkeley, Calif. that have developed at Fuller over the past 10 or so years," McClendon had grown up Baptist, but became intrigued by says Murphy, who will herself teach Anabaptist theology and the writing of John Howard Yoder, a prominent Mennonite ethics for the first time at Fuller next year. The position theologian and author. McClendon began teaching a seminar would eventually enable Ph.D. studies in the field not cur­ in Anabaptist theology and ethics at Berkeley, which Murphy rently available anywhere else, along with mentoring and took. As she read Yoder and others, she, too, was drawn in relationship-building in the Anabaptist community. by Anabaptist beliefs and practice. Murphy emphasizes that Fuller doesn't want to compete "I decided I needed to join a church where pacifism was with Bethany Theological Seminary or Mennonite schools. central rather than an add-on," Murphy says. They didn't Instead, she hopes Fuller fills a unique niche. It offers studies find a church that fit what they were seeking in the Bay area, in particular ethnic traditions-Korean, African-American, but they did when Murphy was hired at Fuller in 1989. They and Hispanic-that could prove valuable in Anabaptist min­ moved to Pasadena and there encountered the Church of the istry training and church planting efforts, she says. Brethren. They liked the theology and the people and "pretty In addition, Fuller's West Coast location could make face­ quickly joined up," Murphy says. to-face training possible for some Mennonites and Brethren She found Fuller very open to Anabaptism from the begin­ who are unable to relocate. Many current Brethren and ning, and that has only grown over the years. She says many Mennonite seminary graduates have been unable or unwill­ students from other traditions have become connected to the ing to move to the West, so training in the local context Anabaptist tradition at Fuller. One is an intern at the Church could fill a need. Fuller has been in dialogue with Anabaptist of the Brethren; a number of others attend Pasadena seminaries and local district executive ministers to chart the Mennonite Church, which shares a building with the best path forward, Murphy says. Brethren congregation. An Anabaptist prayer and worship The Yoder-McClendon Chair will need a total of $2.5 million group has often met on campus. in endowment to be established, according to Loewen. Loewen says the Anabaptist presence, which may include Fund raising has been slowed by the economic recession, he about 50 students, adds to a "rich mix" at Fuller, which has says, forcing the timeline to be pushed back. He still hopes some 4,500 students representing more than 120 denomina­ for a "major academic event" to formally launch the new ini­ tions. He believes Anabaptism brings fresh gifts in areas tiative on campus as soon as 2009-2010. such as biblical study, christology, peace and justice, and rec­ "There are some exciting developments in this area," onciliation. Loewen says of the Anabaptist emphasis. "The story is yet to "I think (the Anabaptist tradition) has become a significant be completed. I think it's just begun."li! part of Fuller's DNA," he says. "A tremendous gift that Fuller can provide for the Anabaptist tradition is to give it a platform Walt Wiltschek is editor of M ESSENGER.

IP Messeogec May 2009 SNAPSHOTS OF HISTORY FLASHES OF FUNDAMENTAL SM by Tim Harvey HAROLD SNIDER OPPOSED BRETHREN JOINING FEDERAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES IN 1940s

arold Snider was one of the most effective Christianity. Snider accused denominational leaders of forcing a Brethren pastors in the first half of the 20th controversial item of business through the La Verne Conference Hcentury. He was also one of the most controversial. too quickly, and of not printing his own viewpoints in the Born in 1900 in Waynesboro, Pa ., Brother Snider was the pas­ Gospel Messenger. He accused the FCC of supporting mod­ tor of two Church of the Brethren congregations: first in ernism; of denying the inerrancy of the Scriptures; of economic Martinsburg, W.Va., then in Lewistown, Pa., beginning in 1941. plans that resembled socialism; and of seeking change through During his tenure as pastor, both congregations experienced government action. significant growth. The Martinsburg church grew from a part­ Because of his increasing frustration with Brethren leadership, time to a full-time pas­ Snider began publishing his own magazine. Beginning in 1945, toral program during his Snider published The Christian Beacon, which was soon tenure; the Lewistown renamed The Brethren Fundamentalist. These publications congregation grew to fueled the fundamentalist have more than 800 debates of the 1940s, in large During the denomination's members. part to Snider's incendiary 300th anniversary celebra­ But in spite of his suc­ language. Brethren leaders tion in 2008, MESSNGER ran a cess as an evangelist, were compared to "Stalin" series of articles featuring Brethren history remem­ and "Hitler," highly insulting events and personalities bers Harold Snider most names considering the recent from the past. Space was for the controversy gen­ events of World War II. When insufficient to tell all those erated by his opposition district and denominational stories, so the magazine will to the Brethren joining leadership began to seek res­ continue periodically to the Federal Council of olution to the controversy, share some of those glimpes Churches (FCC)-a con­ they were accused of attempt­ of our history, such as this troversy that ultimately ing to "purge" the denomina­ one of a controversial pastor led to the division of the tion of fundamentalism. in the first half of the 20th Lewistown congregation. These attempts to resolve century. In 1941, the Brethren the situation were unsuccess­ Joint Council of Boards ful. The controversy finally sent a resolution to came to a head in 1948, when district leadership removed Standing Committee requesting membership in the FCC. This Snider's ministerial credentials and asked him to vacate the pul­ resolution had the backing of many ecumenically minded church pit and the parsonage of the Lewistown church. Snider pre­ leaders of the day, most notably M.R. Zigler. This ecumenical dictably refused, and attempted to take the congregation out of desire was born out of Brethren encounters with the widespread the Church of the Brethren. A minority of Lewistown members suffering caused by events leading up to World War II. sought to remain with the Church of the Brethren, and the ques­ Brethren had served in many foreign fields in the 1930s and tion of who had proper right to the church property was settled 1940s, and along with seeing much suffering they had encoun­ in court. The court awarded the property to the group who tered leaders of other Christian denominations doing similar wished to remain faithful to the Church of the Brethren. work. The rationale for joining the FCC was to "give Snider took the rest of the congregation and formed Protestantism a strong voice in the many strategic situations Calvary Independent Church (renamed Calvary Bible Church), which now exist throughout the world" (Annual Conference where he served as pastor until 1959. Harold Snider died in Minutes, 1923-1944, p. 162). Delegates at the 1941 La Verne, Calif., Arizona in 1993. ll! Annual Conference overwhelmingly approved joining the FCC. The decision angered ardent supporters of fundamentalism Tim Harvey is pastor of Centra l Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va. Information for this arti­ like Harold Snider. They saw the leaders of both the Church of cle came from sources including Fruit of the Vine and The Brethren in an Age of World War the Brethren and the FCC as departing from the doctrines of true as well as material s written by Snider.

Messeogec May 2009 ■ REAL CONCERN FOR THE 'REAL' ECONOMY

by Juan Michel

CHURCH ACTIVISTS SAYS GLOBAL FINANCES CAN AND MUST CHANGE

the global financial system falters, many civil institutions-that are neither legitimized democratically nor ociety and church activists see the crisis as an oppor­ accountable to the society. On the other hand, the dominion tunity to press for long-overdue, radical reforms. of finances over the 'real' economy must end." A For once, advocates for economic justice seem In other words, what needs to be targeted is the heart of not to be alone in recognizing the need for changes in so-called "casino, or gambling, capitalism." For each dollar global finances. Stock markets faltering around the planet involved in transactions within the 'real' economy-where and giant banks falling into bankruptcy have convinced gov­ products or services are exchanged in return for money­ ernments of the richest countries that they have to do some­ there are 35 dollars involved in transactions of a purely "vir­ thing, especially as the financial crisis impacts the "real" tual" nature through financial instruments ever more compli­ economy with massive layoffs in companies affected by the cated and farther removed from real goods. global credit crunch and shrinking consumer markets. The other side of that coin, the so-called shareholder value "But there is a fundamental difference of approach principle, needs to be turned upside-down. Summarized in between those who try to re-fund financial capitalism and the dictum of Milton Friedman, one of the fathers of neoliber­ those who see a need for a shift of paradigm in the world's al economics, the principle maintains, "A company's only economy," says Brazilian economist Marcos Arruda, from the responsibility is to increase profits for its shareholders." Institute on Policy Alternatives for the Southern Cone (PACS). According to Guck, "It is no longer acceptable that only the "What is needed is not just some regulations here and there, interests of shareholders-and even those understood exclu­ but real alternatives to the current system which represent a sively in terms of maximization of short-term profits-are taken profound transformation." into account when international companies make decisions." Arruda was a speaker on proposals for a new international financial architecture at a panel discussion sponsored by the Solutions to a systemic crisis World Council of Churches (WCC) during this winter's World In Belem, some 20 civil society organizations and networks Social Forum in Belem, Brazil. This forum is the biggest glob­ concerned with economic justice issues were able to agree al gathering of the "alter-globalization" movement, which on a number of concrete proposals to reform the current seeks to resist exploitative economic globalization-instead global financial system. Complex as the system is, the pro­ promoting alternative, value-based forms of social and eco­ posed alternatives are also varied and, sometimes, of a rather nomic organization. technical nature. The quest for viable alternatives to the current global finan­ However, the basics are clear: "We call for the United cial system was one of the main issues discussed at the Nations, reformed and democratized, to be put at the center Belem event. Gathering 130,000 social activists from more of the reform of the financial system," says Marta Ruiz of the than 140 countries over six days at the gateway of the European Network on Debt and Development, who acted as Amazon region, the forum also highlighted the environmen­ spokesperson for the financial crisis caucus in Belem. tal crisis and the voices of indigenous peoples. The list of key proposals includes mechanisms to control international capital flows, an international monetary system Aiming at the heart of 'casino capitalism' based on regional reserve currencies, citizens' control of "Meaningful alternatives to current global finances need to ful­ banks and financial institutions, progressive taxation fill two fundamental requisites," says Martin Guck, from Kairos schemes both at national and international levels, prohibition Europe, a network of church-related justice movements. Guck of speculative funds and non-regulated markets, eradication was also a speaker at the WCC-sponsored panel in Belem. of speculation on primary products including food, and elimi­ "On the one hand, they have to reverse the imbalance of nation of tax havens. power in the current financial market system, which favors The crisis is not just financial but systemic, the activists in private and public actors-banks and international financial Belem agreed, and it encompasses multiple crises affecting

■L-M_e_s_s_e_n-ge_r_M_a_v _2_0_09______Social Forum in Brazil take part in a rally.

the environment, social and political structures, and food and Reform within the system and reform of t he syst em energy supplies. Owing to this complexity, the solutions can­ Since it is clear that global finances cannot be overhauled not be only of a financial nature. overnight, a pressing question is how and where the changes "Behind the financial crisis is the ecological one," says Bertille will come from. The answer could be a two-way approach. Darragon, a French ecological activist. "We need to abandon the On the one hand it is necessary "to create at the local level model of unlimited economic growth and start thinking in terms new forms of 'solidarity economy' within the old system," of 'de-growth'-that is, to decrease the consumption of Arruda says, "forms that are not driven by the logic of private resources and energy, beginning with the very rich but including profit and that are sustainable from an environmental and the middle classes both in the North and the South." intergenerational perspective." "A change in our lifestyle is needed," agrees Wilfried On the other hand, "We need to make sure that our alterna­ Steen, a Protestant pastor who is executive director of the tive proposals become mainstream and are taken seriously," German Church Development Service (EED). "We Germans says Rogate Mshana, a Tanzanian economist working on the have a level of consumption that would require 1.3 planets to staff of the WCC. be sustainable. That needs to change. From a theological Even if they do not believe the so-called "Group of 20" viewpoint every human being has a place in God's creation, nations-the eight richest countries plus 12 of the largest so all have the same right to live and to consume." emerging economies-can actually put in place a radical An alternative development model needs to be "people-led, transformation, many of the activists gathered in Belem driven by local demand and based upon regional integration," planned to press their agenda at a meeting of G20 leaders in says Percy Makombe, from the economic justice network of early April. the Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Africa. According to Mshana, "Nobody has a blueprint for a new In Makombe's view, African countries should "de-link" model of a global financial system. But as the current system themselves from the global financial and trade systems, is not the result of some blueprint but of an accumulative, rejecting bilateral and free trade agreements and even repu­ step-by-step process along t ime, so we need to press for diating any further aid from developed countries. transformative reforms at different levels; civil society organi­ "We rely heavily on foreign aid," says Makombe. "But as it zations and churches around the world have a lot to con­ is channeled through international financial institutions like tribute in this regard." li! the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, in order to receive that aid we are forced to open up our markets and put at risk our food sovereignty, and so the whole process Juan Michel is media relations officer for the World Council of Churches, based in ends up siphoning wealth out of Africa." Ge neva, Sw itzerland.

Messeogec May 2009 ■ Tit US an d ph i I em On : by James F. Myer lnstruction and counsel Paul's letters explain need for good character, forgiveness

Titus: The importance in a corrupt environment required high­ Judaizers who were insisting on observ­ of good works quality Christian living. It is interesting to ing all the feast days and rituals con­ note that no standard of academic train­ tained in the Jewish law. Titus is one of three of Paul's letters ing is listed, even though such standards In chapter 2 Paul gives instructions for I known as the "pastoral epistles," seem to top the list of requirements older men and women, younger men because they were written to church today. Paul makes no apologies to minis­ and women, and servants. To each group leaders concerning pastoral care of the ters for raising the standard high in the a listing of duties and character qualities members of local congregations. areas of moral conduct and family rela­ is given. The importance of sound doc­ Titus was one of Paul's converts (1 :4) tionships. The reason for this is because trine, having a sober attitude, and taking and became a reliable help to Paul's min­ a minister is to lead by example, not one's faith seriously is upheld. These istry. Crete was a large, mountainous merely by preaching from the pulpit. traits will give evidence to the work of island located in the Mediterranean Sea The "husband of one wife" qualification God's grace in bringing us salvation southeast of Greece. In New Testament (1:6) has been interpreted in various ways. (2: 11 ), and this grace brings discipline, times Roman armies used this rugged A footnote in the Brethren New Testament "training us to renounce impurity and place for military training. The inhabi­ Commentary Series on 1 & 2 Timothy and worldly passions, and in the present age tants of the island are described as being litus (p. 163), records an 1866 decision of to live lives that are self-controlled, somewhat crude also, with a reputation Annual Conference: "Some of the early upright, and godly" (2:12). described as "always liars, vicious Brethren held the belief that a bishop (an The final chapter gives instruction in brutes, lazy gluttons" (1:12). elder) must be a married man. At the 1866 being a good Christian citizen with a In this pagan environment Paul had left Annual Conference a question arose about respectful attitude toward obeying gov­ litus behind to "put in order what 'the husband of one wife' clause. Does it ernment leaders. A key verse in litus remained to be done, and appoint elders in mean 'that he must be a married man, or reminds readers of the importance of every town" (1:5). This verse provides the does it mean that he shall have but one good works, "that those who have come principle for calling multiple (and local) wife at a time?' The answer, 'We consider to believe in God may be careful to leaders as bi-vocational pastors for local that a single brother can hold the office of devote themselves to good works; these churches, and this style of leadership is still a bishop or deacon, if duly qualified in things are excellent and profitable to a vital ministry pattern in numerous con­ other respects, and that married brethren everyone" (3:8). gregations in the Church of the Brethren. can hold either office being the husband This letter closes with plans and greet­ Even churches served by full-time pastors of one wife at a time' " (p. 256, Minutes of ings related to some of Paul's helpers, should seek to call ministers from within Annual Meetings of the Brethren 1778- and then he extends grace to all readers. the congregation; a spiritually healthy con­ 1909, Brethren Publishing House, 1909). One answer to the question, "How can gregation should be producing ministers. If The rest of litus chapter 1 emphasizes the church grow?" is found in Titus: If the young fledgling church in Crete could the destructive work of false teachers. leaders and laity will respond to God's do it, we should be able to do it as well. Some false teachers are simply confused grace that enables lives to be changed The qualifications for elders are given or have bad information. Others have (even in unlikely places like Crete), strong in 1:6-9 and parallel those set forth in 1 evil, destructive motives and ambitions. groups of disciples devoted to good Timothy 3:1-7. To lead new church plants The false teachers in Crete were religious works can emerge (3:14).

TITUS AND PHILEMON: A CLOSER LOOK Titus: Titus is not mentioned in the book of Acts, but appears 13 times in the rest of the New Testament. He was a living object­ lesson of one who was an uncircumcised Gentile that had received the gospel of the grace of God (Gal. 2:1-3). Titus was later sent on a mission to Dalmatia, and this is the last word recorded about him in the New Testament. Philemon: Phi lemon may have been written about the same time as Paul wrote Colossians (about 60 AD). Phi lemon is one of the prison epistles along with Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians, which implies they were written by Paul while he was in prison at Rome.

• Messenger May 2009 Journey thro11gh the Word

Philemon: Concerning a runaway slave

The book of Phi lemon is the shortest of I Paul's letters; it focuses on encourag­ ing Philemon to forgive and receive his runaway slave named Onesimus back into his good graces. Onesimus had become a believer under Paul's influence while in prison. Apparently, before running off Onesimus had stolen from his owner, Philemon, and was now willing to return and make resti­ tution. Under Roman law Philemon could have had Onesimus executed for his wrongdoing, but Paul urges forgiveness and restoration as a brother. Paul is a prisoner (v. 1 ), likely in Rome, and addresses the letter to Phi lemon, and to "the church in your house." In New Testament days those who were more wealthy and had larg­ er houses opened up their homes as places for believers to meet; our family units today also should comprise little con­ gregations, as we worship and teach free. Sometimes those slaves chose to in any way, or owes you anything, charge God's word in our homes. stay around and become hired servants that to my account." What a gesture of Beginning with verse 4, Paul expresses and work for their masters the rest of their God's grace! We, too, have one-in deep appreciation for the life of Philemon. lives, out of appreciation for the act of Jesus-who by his death on the cross says In verse 8 he makes the case for forgiving kindness.) to all sinners, "Put that on my account." Onesimus. Paul describes himself as an This letter to Phi lemon reinforces two Paul concludes the letter by expressing old man, and appeals on the basis of spiri­ important truths of the Christian faith. full confidence that Philemon will follow tual principles rather than on his authority One is the need for deep forgiveness to through with this matter. He also sends as an apostle. He reminds Philemon of be practiced toward those who have Christian greetings to a short list of believ­ Philemon's own conversion under Paul (v. wronged us, but who with sorrow have ers who likely comprised a part of 19), and now Paul has become a spiritual repented and been willing to make restitu­ Philemon's house church in Colossae. nJ father to Onesimus also (v. 10). Paul con­ tion. The Matthew 18 instruction has his­ tinued to nurture those who had come to torically been taught to those seeking Ja mes F. Myer is an ordai ned minister in t he Chu rch of the faith in Christ under his ministry. membership in the Church of the Brethren Brethre n and pa rt of the free ministry team at W hite Oa k Chu rch of the Brethren, Manheim, Pa. (It should be noted that Brethren have as a way of dealing with offenses that may come up. historically taught against owning slaves. MESSENGER's "Journey through t he Word" series will pro­ Stories exist telling how some Brethren The other is the doctrine of imputation. vide a bri ef overview of a different book (or books) of the actually purchased slaves at slave auc­ In verse 18 Paul says to Philemon, con­ Bi bl e each month through December 2009. Coming in tions, then took them home and set them cerning Onesimus, "If he has wronged you June: Hebrews, by Bob Neff. Messenger May 2009 ■ Mission and Ministry Board wrestles with tough decisions

Financial concerns topped the agenda at the March 14-16 ber of employee positions, and also make substantial changes in meeting of the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry how certain departments will do their work (see sidebars). Board. The denominational board-chaired by Eddie The financial situation "has forced the church to re-envision Edmonds, pastor of Moler Avenue Church of the Brethren in its ministries," Noffsinger said, emphasizing that leadership is Martinsburg, W.Va.-met at the Brethren Service Center in attempting to use this difficult period to position the denomi­ New Windsor, Md., using Romans 12:2 as a scripture theme. nation to emerge from the economic downturn in good shape and with ministries appropriate to the current climate. Revision of 2009 budget parameter The board revised expectations for 2009 income to the Church Board reorganization of the Brethren's Core Ministries Fund downward bv. close to The decision of the 2008 Annual Conference approving the $1 million. The revision was made in light of a loss of about merger of ttie Association of Brethren Caregivers with the $7 million in net assets in 2008, caused by the market down- General Board called for a combined board of 15 members plus a chair and chair-elect. Before the economic downturn, the board had planned to gradually reduce its number of members by attrition, with each member of the prior boards invited to fill out his or her full term. The board, however, decided in New Windsor to immediate­ ly reorganize itself to help reduce expenses before Annual Conference this year. The decision reduced the number of board members from 29 to 19, and following Annual Conference it will be at the approved level of 17. Those continuing on the Mission and Ministry Board include (last year of board term in parentheses): Eddie Edmonds, chair (2009), Dale Minnich, chair-elect (2011), Vernne Greiner (2010), Ken Wenger (2009), Terry Lewis (2012), Frances Townsend (2012), Dan McRoberts (2010), Willie Hisey Pierson (2013), Andy Hamilton (2013), Tammy Kiser (2011), Ben Barlow (2013), David Bollinger (2011), Hector Perez-Borges (2011), Wallace Cole (2013), Opportunities for "table talk" and brainstorming in small groups Barbra Davis (2011), Chris Whitacre (2010), Colleen Michael mark the spring meeting of the Mission and Ministry Board. (2011), Bruce Holderreed (2010), and John Katonah (2010).

turn, as well as a 10-percent decrease in total giving to the Other business denomination compared to 2007. In other actions, the board accepted the 2009 Annual The new budget parameter represents an expected Conference budget, approved the 2008 annual report of $5,174,000 in income, reduced from $6,036,000. Total expenses Church of the Brethren ministries, and approved spending of for core ministries in the revised budget come to $5,671,000. up to $378,000 from a Land, Buildings, and Equipment Fund With these revisions, the board approved a reduction of to pay for necessary upgrades to safety features and equip­ $505,000 in the operating budget for core ministries, use of ment in the kitchen at the New Windsor Conference Center. $497,000 in net assets, and use of $166,000 in designated funds The board also affirmed work by staff with regard to the to cover the deficit expected this year. A detailed plan for mak­ Domestic Hunger Matching Grants program. Staff were ing the 2009 budget reduction of $505,000 was presented in empowered to find funding to match grants for 136 congrega­ sessions that included only board members and executive staff. tions that applied for the program after the money initially Treasurer Judy Keyser told the board that finance staff antic­ allocated from the Global Food Crisis Fund and the ipate a need for an additional budget reduction of close to Emergency Disaster Fund had been fully expended. $300,000 in 2010; it assumes no salary and wage increases for In addition, the board recognized the work of Wil Nolen, 2010, as well. who retired in 2008 as president of Brethren Benefit Trust; "We have sufficient cash reserves. Our net assets are still held a first read-through of revised bylaws for th!=) denomina­ strong," Keyser told the board's executive committee. The tion; did brainstorming for new core values and vision state­ Church of the Brethren currently has a net asset value of about ments; reviewed a timeline for an update of the Ministerial $23 million (cash, investments, and property), down from Leadership Paper; and heard a preliminary proposal for a new some $30 million at the close of 2007. She also noted that the Children's Ministry within the Caring Ministries. Church of the Brethren has no outside debt obligations. Reports were received about a master plan for the Brethren The budget decision affects the Core Ministries Fund of the Service Center and the General Offices, a new denomination­ denomination, but not self-funded ministries. A separate wide fundraising campaign in the planning stages, and sever­ closed-session report was given by Brethren Press, which is al programs and recent conferences. operating in a deficit situation. The executive committee approved an expenditure of $47,000 In comments outside of the meetings, general secretary Stan from the Bequest Quasi-Endowment Fund for a test study of Noffsinger said the comprehensive plan would eliminate a num- the new fund raising campaign, with consultants RSI of Dallas,

II Me~eoge, May 2009 Texas. The appointment of Denise D. Kettering to the Brethren Historical Committee was affirmed by the executive committee. The meetings closed with prayer, led by board member Chris Whitacre. The board prayed for those affected by the results of decisions made at the meeting, and for decision-makers to feel confident. "God .. . you have been with us in the deliberations of this process," Whitacre prayed, "every step of the way."

Congregational Life, Global Mission announce plans for reorganization

The Church of the Brethren is redesigning its Congregational Life Ministries area, eliminating the Congregational Life Teams effective April 6. The denomination also closed its Washington (D.C) Office, as of March 19. The actions were part of a plan created by executive staff to respond to financial challenges facing the denomination and the decision of the Mission and Ministry Board to reduce the operating budget for core min­ istries by $505,000 this year. Congregational Life: The plan for Congregational Life Ministries outlines a new staff configuration with four direc­ A time of prayer together closed the Mission and Ministry Board meeting. tor-level positions to be based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The four positions are lntercultural Ministries, Transforming Practices, Spiritual Life and Washington Office: Following the closing of the Brethren Discipleship, and Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Witness/Washington Office, Jay Wittmeyer, executive director "Our relationship and service to congregations is not going to of Global Mission Partnerships, said he will be structuring a go away," said Jonathan Shively, executive director of listening process to gather broad denominational feedback for Congregational Life Ministries. "It's going to look different, and reshaping the way the church carries out the work of witness, feel different, but we still have a commitment to congregations." peacebuilding, and justice. The two new director-level positions w ill emphasize building As the listening process takes shape, executive staff empha­ capacity for leadership in local congregations and districts. sized that the Church of the Brethren will continue its long­ Staff will shift from point-of-service ministries in geographic standing relationships with partners in peacemaking, contin­ areas to ministries that build up congregational leadership ues to have representatives on the boards of ecumenical insti­ and develop networks to exchange services and resources tutions to speak out and support the denomination's witness throughout the denomination, Shively said. for peace and justice, will continue giving grants to peace In addition, former Congregational Life Team member Ruben partners such as Churches for Middle East Peace, and will Deoleo will continue on staff as director of lntercultural continue providing opportunities and events such as the Ministries responsible for equipping the denomination toward Christian Citizenship Seminar. its intercultural vision and commitments. Chris Douglas contin­ Some of the work responsibilities of the Washington Office ues as director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, which pro­ now will be centered at the General Offices in Elgin, 111., includ­ vides leadership in understanding youth and young adult cul­ ing resources to be made available through the Global Mission ture, trains the church for ministry with young people, and pro­ Partnerships office, opportunities for political advocacy, and vides programmatic opportunities for youth and young adults. the work of the church to support conscientious objection.

Budget decisions force eliminated because of the budget reduc­ and May through November 2006; and numerous staff layoffs tion is receiving a three-month severance as a Brethren Volunteer Service worker package of regular salary and benefits and legislative associate from August Following are Church of the Brethren staff and outplacement services. 2003 through February 2005. members whose positions were eliminat­ • Amy Adkins, program assistant at • Kim Bickler, volunteer service min­ ed following action taken by executive the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, istries secretary, finished her service on staff and the Mission and Ministry Board finished her service on March 14. She March 24. Bickler was hired as secretary to address a significant budget deficit had served in the part-time contract for Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) amid the current economic crisis. The 14 position since Sept. 15, 2008. Previously, recruitment and orientation in May positions, along with two others eliminat­ she worked in the Brethren 1991. In 1992, her title changed to secre­ ed in February, represent about a quarter Witness/Washington Office for three sep­ tary of BVS recruitment, and more of the organization's Core Ministries staff. arate periods of time: as program assis­ recently to volunteer service ministries Each person whose position has been tant from July through December 2005, (continued on next page) Messenger May 2009 ■ secretary. In that role she connected with April 6. He began work part-time as • Carol E.O. Mason, Congregational many of the hundreds of volunteers who Congregational Life Team staff for Area Life Team member, finished her service have served through BVS in the past 17- 5 on Jan. 1, 2000, concurrently serving April 6. She began as Congregational plus years. part-time as district executive for Life Team coordinator for Area 3 on • Doug Donohoo, special gifts Oregon and Washington District. Based Dec. 5, 2005. Prior to her service with counselor in the Stewardship and in Wenatchee, Wash., he has worked at the Congregational Life Team, she also Donor Development department, fin­ building relationships and developing had served the Church of the Brethren ished his service March 31. Donohoo leadership in the West and nurtured a as a mission worker in Nigeria. Based has been serving in the funding and strong interest in church planting. in Virginia, Mason has helped congre­ stewardship area since he started work • Phil Jones, director of the gations improve various ministries and as financial resource counselor for the Brethren Witness/Washington Office, served on a group working with the Northeast on May 7, 2001. He came to finished his service March 19. "Gather 'Round" curriculum project. work for the former General Board Jones had been director of the office • Joan McGrath, human resources from Southern Ohio District, where he since July 21, 2003. His work there built coordinator at the Brethren Service had served on the district board and on his involvement in grassroots efforts Center in New Windsor, Md., finished New Church Development Task Force. for peace and justice, including work her service on March 26. She had He has worked out of a home office in against the death penalty and opposi­ served in the position for two years. Englewood, Ohio. tion to the war in Iraq. He helped organ­ Prior to her work for the church, she • Mary Lou Garrison, director of ize many events such as the Christian was the owner of Footsteps to Health the Caring Ministries' Wellness Citizenship Seminar and annual gather­ in Westminster, Md. Ministry, will finish her service on May ings of Brethren at the School of the • Wolfgang Spreen, program assis­ 30. Garrison has worked part-time as Americas (SOA) Watch vigils. tant for Buildings and Grounds at the director of the ministry since Aug. 1, • Janice Glass King, Brethren Service Center in New 2006. The position was started as a Congregational Life Team member, fin­ Windsor, Md., finished his service on collaboration between the former ished her service April 6. She began as March 9. Spreen began employment at Association of Brethren Caregivers, the Congregational Life Team coordinator the Brethren Service Center on July 14, former Church of the Brethren General for Area 1 on Dec. 1, 1997. Based in 2003, as program assistant for the Board, and Brethren Benefit Trust. Pennsylvania, King worked to support executive director of the center, and Prior to her appointment to the congregations and districts in the provided assistance to the general sec­ Wellness Ministry, she had worked as areas of Christian nurture, Christian retary. Later he became the program director of Human Resources for the education, women's ministry, youth assistant for the Buildings and General Board. ministry, congregational consulting Grounds department. • Jeff Glass, Congregational Life and resourcing, and leadership devel­ • Carol Yeazell, Congregational Life Team member, finished his service opment, and served as liaison to the Team member, finished her service April 6. He began serving in a half-time Association of the Arts in the Church April 6. Her service with the team start­ position as Congregational Life Team of the Brethren (AACB). ed on Jan. 15, 1998, when she began a coordinator for Area 5 on Jan. 1, 1998. • Jon Kobel finishes his service as dual position as part-time Based in San Diego, his work included manager of office operations for the Congregational Life Team staff for Area an emphasis on the today's complex general secretary June 19, after which 3 and part-time district executive for cultural shifts, and encouraging and he will assume new duties as conference Atlantic Southeast District. For seven supporting the emergent church move­ assistant for the Conference Office of the months in 2005 she served as coordi­ ment among Brethren, with media Church of the Brethren (a self-funded nator for Area 3, and from 2007-2008 ministry and digital communication as program). For a time, Kobel will work was interim director of the special interests. alongside current conference assistant Congregational Life Teams. Based in • Duane Grady, Congregational Life Dana Weaver as he learns the job. In Arden, N.C., she has emphasized Team member, finished his service September, the Conference Office will be prayer and healing, organization and April 6. He began as half-time moved to the General Offices in Elgin, leadership, and aided the cross-cultur­ Congregational Life Team coordinator 111., from its current location at the al ministries of the denomination. for Area 2 on Jan. 1, 1998, and later Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, • In addition, two employees of also became coordinator for Area 4. Md. Nancy Miner's position as manager Brethren Press-Jean Clements and For some years, he concurrently in the office of the associate general sec­ Margaret Drafall-moved to part­ served part-time in pastoral ministry in retary of Ministry and Program/executive time from full-time positions. Clements Indiana. He has helped lead and shape director of Caring Ministries will be mod­ serves as Yearbook specialist. While the church's cross-cultural ministries ified to provide managerial assistance to reducing her time in Brethren Press, emphasis and worked at nurturing both the general secretary and the asso­ effective March 30, she is taking on a healthy relationships between church ciate general secretary of Ministry and few hours a week for the Office of leaders and congregations. Program. Kobel has filled the managerial Ministry. Drafall is a customer service • Steve Gregory, Congregational post in the general secretary's office resource specialist. Her shift to part­ Life Team member, finished his service since June 1999. time takes effect May 1.

■ Messenger May 2009 ------Sebring (Fla.); Lauren Young, ~•l4:t•1Mlddi') 3~• I=_ Harrisonburg (Va.) First Church May 1-2 Children's Disaster of the Brethren, to Abode Services Level 1 workshop, Services, Fremont, Calif.; Callie Kerneysville, W.Va. Surber (staff). Back row: Heather May 1-3 Church of the Thompson, Billings, Mont., to Brethren Women's Wellness Quaker Cottage, Belfast, Retreat, Lyons, Mich. Northern Ireland; Philipp Siedler, Rottweil, Germany, to May 2 Deacon training event, San Antonio (Texas) Catholic Mount Morris, Ill. Worker House; Aaron Hostetler, BVS Unit 283: Brethren (staff); Matthew Witkovsky, Bremen, Ind., to Abode May 3 National Youth Sunday Volunteer Service Unit 283 Stone Church of the Brethren, Services, Fremont, Calif.; Patrick held orientation Jan. 25-Feb. Huntingdon, Pa., to Brethren Spahn, Neustadt, Germany, to May 7 National Day of Prayer 13 at Camp lthiel in Gotha, Fla. Witness/Washington (D.C.) Center on Conscience and War, Volunteers had several days to Office and Youth/Young Adult Washington, D.C.; Max May 16 Deacon training serve the community, includ­ Ministries, Elgin, 111.; Sarah Fuerstenberg, Gerlingen, event, Palmyra, Pa. ing work days with local agen­ Hurst, Dillsburg, Pa. to Quaker Germany, to San Antonio cies in Orlando and Miami. Cottage, Belfast, Northern (Texas) Catholic Worker House; May 17 Health Promotion The group also explored Ireland; Chelsea Spade, Dan Finkbiner, Little Swatara Sunday issues of faith, community, Grossnickle Church of the Church of the Brethren, Bethel, peace, and social justice Brethren, Myersville, Md., to Pa., to Hopewell Inn, May 23-25 Church of the throughout their three weeks. Casa de Esperanza de los Mesopotamia, Ohio. Brethren Young Adult Volunteers, with their home Ninos, Houston; Sharon For more information about Conference, Camp Swatara, congregation or hometown Flaten (staff). BVS, call 800-323-8039, or visit Bethel, Pa. and service placements are: Middle row: Emily Fuentes, www.brethrenvolunteer­ Front row: Beth Merrill Erie, Colo., to The Palms of service.org. May 27-29 Spiritual Directors Network retreat, Sharpsburg, Md. Clergywomen's Retreat offers sabbath space and 1 holy fire' May 29-30 Children's Pastors are usually the ones giving the bless­ gathered in small circles to anoint one anoth­ Disaster Services Level 1 work­ ings and preaching the sermons, but at the er, and the image was telling: all these minis­ shop, Victor, N.Y. Clergywomen's Retreat in January, women ters both blessing and being blessed. ministers from across the denomination found "We expect and require much of our pas­ May 30-June 4 Ministry time to listen and receive. tors, asking them again and again to anoint Summer Service orientation, Forty-one women joined together for a week our bodies and bless our meals," said Dana Elgin, Ill. of sabbath rest at the Mary and Joseph Cassell, a Brethren Volunteer Service worker Retreat Center in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., who helped to organize the event. "The June 19-21 National Junior Jan. 12-15. Structured around the theme of Clergywomen's Retreat offered a short time of High Conference, "Reconnecting with Holy Fire," the retreat fea­ rest for these creative women who are spend­ Harrisonburg, Va. tured daily sessions with author and theolo­ ing their lives creating sabbath and offering gian Marva Dawn exploring images of fire in blessing to others." June 24-26 Council of District scripture. A trip to a nearby beach included Executives meeting, San whale watching and cliff climbing; laughter Diego, Calif. yoga, art journaling, and prayer shawl-mak­ ing activities filled another afternoon. June 25-26 Ministers' Each day ended in engaging worship, invit­ Association continuing educa­ ing women to create an altar, participate in tion event, San Diego, Calif. communion, and remember their baptism. At the close of one worship service, the women June 26 Mission and Ministry Board meeting, San Diego, Participants at the Clergywomen's Retreat Calif. prayed together in small groups and engaged in discussion and sharing of experiences. The June 26-30 Annual event was sponsored by the Church of the Conference, San Diego, Calif. Brethren Office of Ministry.

Messenger May 2009 P.ERSONNEL MOVES

• Steven Schweitzer, assistant professor of Old Testament at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) in Elkhart, Ind., will become associate professor and aca­ demic dean at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., beginning July 1. Schweitzer is a member of Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in South Bend, Ind. He received his B.A. in Ch ristian studies summa cum laude from North Becoming your legacy is a life-long process, one that begins Central University, Minneapolis; an M.A. in as children and continues throughout our lives. Our beliefs and theology with a concentration in Hebrew values, our thoughts and actions, contribute to who we are as Bible and a minor in patristics from the people of God and guide us toward the hope to which God has University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn.; called us. Like the transformation from caterpill ar to chrysalis and a Ph.D. in theology from the University to butterfly, our lives are a process of becoming our legacy. of Notre Dame. He previously taught at Wonderful resources to help individuals, families and congregations North Central University and at Notre explore ways to identify, reclaim and communicate the sacred Dame before joining the AMBS faculty in legacies people wish to bequeath to their loved ones and to 2006. future generations are available from Caring Ministries. "Steve brings a love for teaching, out­ _JL standing teaching evaluations, and highly www.brethren.org/ legacy 1r, developed organizational skills to this posi­ (800) 323-8039 Church of the Brethren tion," Bethany president Ruthann Knechel Johansen said. "I am pleased that he has accepted this call." • Zach Erbaugh, director of seminary Neglected Voices computing for Bethany Theological Peace in the Old Testament Seminary and the Earlham School of Religion (ESR), submitted his resignation "David A. Leiter does not ignore the stories of effective April 17. He has accepted a posi­ violence fo und throughout the Old Testament. tion with a national software services com­ Rather, he seeks to strike a balance between pany providing medical records tracking to ------those stories and stories that call fo r peace. He hospitals and pharmacies. Erbaugh began NEGLECTED claims that peace is more than one theme his service w ith Bethany and ESR in VOICES October 2000. PEACE INTHE 0LDTESTAMEr-.,'T among many; it is a key component that sur­ faces time and again."-The Bible Today • Nate Polzin was called to serve as DA\l'JD A,. 1.£1T(R interim district executive for Michigan J6~1>;NJ;,,YW~.. .. 411. Paper, 188 pages, $16.99; in Canada $19.54 District, a half-time position, beginning March 7. The district board and district con­ Springs of Living Water ference have named a committee to review Christ-Centered Church Renewal and evaluate the district mission and struc­ "I encourage all church leaders to consider ture and bring recommendations to the David S. Young's Springs of Living Water ini­ 2010 district conference; Polzin will serve as interim until this process is cnmpleted. tiative. Its practical, Bible-based, Spirit-led Polzin is a church planter and continues to approach to individual and church renewal serve as half-time pastor of The Ch urch in begins where change is most necessary-in the Drive in Saginaw; he has also served on human heart." the district ministry commission and on -John Ballinger, Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Standing Committee Paper, 390 pages, $16.99; ~ and currently serves on the Bethany Theological Seminary board of trustees. He in Canada $19.54 · Herald Press ; , is a graduate of Bethany and Central Michigan University. The district office is 1 800 245-7894 x 278 • www.heraldpress.com relocating to the Saginaw-Bay City area.

Messenger May 2009 ONCAMPUS Roundtable participants engage Bridgewater College (Bridgewater, Va.) in worship on the A group of 23 Bridgewater students Bridgewater College spent spring break in March working with campus. Habitat for Humanity in Bunnell, Fla .... On Founder's Day, April 7, Bridgewater presented awards for excellence in teach­ ing to Verne E. Leininger, associate pro­ fessor of mathematics, and Philip T. Spickler, associate professor of physics.

Elizabethtown College (Elizabethtown, Pa.) A new joint venture "pilot project" between Elizabethtown and the church's Knights of the Roundtable Atlantic Northeast and Southern Spanning from Florida to Maryland, 270 youth and Pennsylvania districts is bringing togeth­ advisors gathered Mar. 20-22 at Bridgewater (Va.) er representatives from 11 local congre­ College for Roundtable regional youth conference. gations and the college to discuss Attendees engaged with guest speaker Cindy "Envisioning a New Church." A first Laprade Lattimer-a 2006 National Youth Conference meeting was held March 28. co-coordinator-while exploring the theme "You Are a Knight in the Kingdom of God!" taken from Ephesians Juniata College (Huntingdon, Pa.) 6:10-11. Cindy explained how heroes of the church Visaka Dharmadasa, a Sri Lankan peace today are found in each of us, as we work with the activist and founder and chair of Church of the Brethren to find paths of justice. Servicemen Missing in Action and the Shawn Flory Replogle also enticed youth to live the Association of War-Affected Women, uniqueness of being Brethren in his first official became the first Global Fellow at address as Annual Conference moderator-elect. Juniata's Baker Institute for Peace and Bridgewater College band BBNJS led music through­ Conflict Studies. Dharmadasa co-taught out the weekend, with both youth and adults also peace and conflict studies courses at the enjoying a groovy evening performance by Brethren college March 15-27. band Mutual Kumquat. Participation in workshops, reflective small groups, University of La Verne (La Verne, Calif.) and even ultimate frisbee was an integral part of the The work of La Verne seniors Chris Arce, gathering. Youth skillfully took part in the variety Steven Bier, Amri Covarrubias, and Leah show, worship, and vespers planned by the Heagy was included in the fourth annual lnterdistrict Youth Cabinet. Student Art Show presented by the Next year's Roundtable is currently scheduled for Association of Independent California Mar. 19-21, 2010.-Kay Guyer Colleges & Universities (AICCU) . Their art joined works from other California Kay Guye r is a member of Woodbury (Pa.I Church of the Brethren and of schools in a display in California's State the 2009-2010 National Youth Cabinet. Capitol in Sacramento.

Manchester College (North Manchester, Ind.) Roundtable participant Manchester announced an unprecedent­ BITS AND PIECES Tyler Broyles puts the ed $11 .67 million in four-year academic armor of God-the • Eleven young adults are participating in the denomi­ scholarships for 2009-2010, fueled by a theme scripture for this nation's Ministry Summer Service (MSS) program record number of academically strong year'.$ Roundtable-on this year. Training will take place in late May and early full display. applicants. The scholarships, ranging June in Elgin, Ill., before the interns head out to their from a total of $50,000 to $64,000, were ministry placements for nine weeks, each paired with a awarded to 202 high school students. mentor. Seven will be serving in congregations; four are on the Youth The school said it was on track to match last year's record enrollment. Peace Travel Team visiting camps and conferences. • As of the end of March, 703 participants had registered for one of this McPherson College (McPherson, Kan.) summer's 31 Church of the Brethren youth and young adult work­ Seniors Katelyn Lamb of Hesston, Kan., camps. Openings remain in some workcamps; registration continues and Erica Shook of McPherson, Kan., through June 5 at www.brethrenworkcamps.org. were honored as recipients of the Kansas • A gathering called "Footprints" will replace the former Eastern Department of Education "Teacher of Regional Youth Conference in the Northeast. The 2009 event is scheduled Promise" award after nominations from for Nov. 20-22 at Rhodes Grove Camp & Conference Center in McPherson faculty members. Chambersburg, Pa. New Community Project director David Radcliff will be the keynote speaker.

Messenger May 2009 'Slumdog Millionaire': An exotic look at fate vs. choice

hen the 19th-century Brethren missionaries that suggest everything was preordained and some of us W in their plain garb began their work in India were chosen by God are balanced with others that make it it immediately became clear that they were in a dif- clear that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be ferent world. It was one thing to expect American Brethren saved, and we make a choice to call on that name. to conform to the order, but India was a different matter. Maybe that's why I ended up loving this film, despite the Give them credit: They adapted. This helps to explain the fact that initially I was very skeptical. The characters are query to the 1902 Annual Meeting asking if it was acceptable caught up in a web of social and religious constraints that to baptize polygamists in India. determine their lives-except that their choices make suc­ One wonders if American Brethren cess or failure possible. confusion about the merger of the Thanks to Danny Boyle's expert direction (he was assisted India Brethren into the Church of onsite by Loveleen Tandan), this complex story is easy to North India and the subsequent litiga­ follow, despite the extensive use of flashbacks. We meet the tion about church buildings stems film's hero, Jamal Malik, in the final stages of an episode of from a lack of understanding about the the game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire? There are, of way that magnificent country works. course, many versions in many countries. But we're simulta­ India is the world's largest democracy, neously transported to a hideous jail where the contestant is a nation of contrasts with abject being brutally questioned to discover where he, a survivor of poverty beyond anything we can the slums, could possibly have picked up the knowledge to imagine alongside opulent wealth. answer the questions correctly. He is suspected of cheating. There is a rigid caste system coupled with the possibility of Over the course of the film we discover how the experi­ upward mobility. Sectarian violence that rivals any hotspot in ences of a short lifetime in the slums provided all that he the world co-exists with a largely stable political system. And needed to know. Along the way a rich love story, as well as a despite grinding injustice and corruption there is hope. tale of two brothers who have chosen radically different If Slumdog Millionaire does nothing else, it dramatically paths, is skillfully woven across a couple of decades. illustrates what the first Brethren in India discovered: This is The complaint is made that this is a fantasy, since almost one different place. no one will make it out of the slums of India. Ironically, this According to the data collected by Carl Bowman and pub­ point was made very loudly through an angry diatribe in a lished in Portrait of a People, most Brethren live in small major news magazine, written by a journalist who grew up towns or rural settings. I suspect we believe that. In some in the worst of the Indian slums and who only through luck ways this is a strength, but I have observed that many and a string of circumstances escaped to become a reporter Brethren I encounter think people either live the way we do for that periodical-which, despite his insistence that the or else they ought to. And it ain't necessarily so. whole thing is nearly impossible, demonstrated that it isn't. Of course by now just about everyone has heard about this Cast members, including children, teens, and young film: the eight Academy Awards, the three sets of actors that adults, are virtually unknown, but their performances are portray the main characters as they age-some pulled right out wonderfully strong. The direction, as well as the artistic con­ of the slums portrayed on screen-and the controversies that cept, is staggeringly beautiful, even when filming horrific swirled around the movie, including accusations that Slumdog things. S/umdog Millionaire is nearly impossible to watch in Millionaire both exploited and insulted the Indian people. places because the events are so terribly painful-yet it para­ Slumdog Millionaire takes place in a land wholly other than doxically glorifies the wonder that is India, where it was our own. It is a triumphant affirmation of the human spirit. exclusively filmed. The movie should be seen by all who dis­ More important, it wrestles with the question of whether we miss other countries for not doing a better job of being us. are the product of fate and chance, or whether our decisions God's people live all around the world. E.! make us who we are. Oddly enough, this is the same tension we encounter in the New Testament, where some scriptures Frank Ramirez is pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.

M essenger May 2009 1 AM CONCERNED OVER THE LONG SLIDE AWAY FROM ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT WITH MATTERS OF JUSTICE AND PEACE AND THE INTEGRITY OF 11CREATION TOWARD A FOCUS ON SELF-CARE AND MISSION.

Recent cuts dampen came 2003 and the melding of Brethren precisely our cutting edge and biblically our unique witness Witness and the Washington Office. grounded witness to God's justice, And now as a result of the recent peace, and care for this earth that could When I came to the General Board in reductions by the Mission and Ministry lead the way. Otherwise, we're not 1989 as peace consultant, I stepped Board (see page 21), only BVS much more than another "Protestant" into a vibrant cluster of staff and pro­ remains-and it is less a program arm group competing for attention with grams promoting the church's witness doing education and advocacy than an other churches who play that game to justice, peace, and creation care. agency placing folks with other groups. much better than we do. In addition, in Altogether, there were nine offices Thus, it is not just this recent cut that I the short time since the loss of the working at these concerns: the find troubling-if not disabling-in regard Brethren Witness/Washington Office, I Washington Office, Peace Consultant, to our peace witness. I am concerned have heard from a number of youth Eco-justice, Brethren Volunteer Service over the long slide away from active and young adults who were deeply (BVS), Africa/Middle East, Europe/Asia, engagement with matters of justice and troubled by this decision, leading them Latin America, SERRV, and On Earth peace and the integrity of creation toward to question the church's commitment Peace (OEP). a focus on self-care and mission (defined to one of the tenets they consider As a result of spinning off programs as church planting). We seem to believe essential to our witness and to their (SERRV and OEP) combined with the these latter programs will somehow save own connection to the denomination. reorganization of the national staff in our declining denomination, and when Perhaps the hope is that On Earth the late 1990's, this was whittled down push comes to shove, they survive. Peace will pick up the slack. They are to three: Brethren Witness, the I would argue the reverse: For our very good at what they do, but they do Washington Office, and BVS. Then denomination to recover its vitality, it is not have a significant Washington pres-

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Messeogec May 2009 ■ ence and also lack the broad interna­ ::._ff.l:__ Pontius' Puddle tional and ecumenical contacts the denomination has nurtured over the OR..~A.IJE fA...Y ~P-.1'<\ILY, fR\E.Nt>S, AN.I> ,ST. ?ot--1,1us' ~ years. These are the contacts that have SERti-t1iy t>R.IWE:R.t _:: ~ELLOW l..1-\URtl-\ t-1\Efl\..~E.RS A WI-I.OLE LOT 01= Tlt-1\E ~NC> ,\V ~lNA.LLV informed our witness, while giving us &tVll-lCr TH.EM. T\-1.E SE.'REN. 1-ry TO M.C..'t:.?i' wide recognition as a steady and cre­ THA.'i 1.'(1/\ <::>NE: o~ ·n-\C>SE ative voice for peace. ·n•\IN.(5'2, 'il-\A"I 1-.\\4'.El..Y 'N\LL STA..Y Tl-\~ ~~t-A:c. We like to say we are "continuing the work of Jesus" in our life as a denomi­ nation. Central to Jesus' work was a prophetic and courageous commitment to simplicity, love for enemies, and jus­ tice for those at the margins of society. It was the work of our Lord; it is work our world desperately needs to have done-will it continue to be our work? David Radcliff Elgin. Ill.

Jesus' teachings don't leave room for rejection

Jesus taught us to love our neighbor The Church of the Brethren Coffee Project and to love our enemies. He taught that when we care for the "least of these," A partnership of Brethren Witness /Washington Office and Equal Exchange we are caring for Jesus. I do not understand how we as a church can reject people on the basis of a personal, God-given characteristic, namely homosexuality. This seems to be counter to everything Brethren. We are not following Jesus when we "shun" our churches and people who believe Jesus taught us to welcome and care for all. Jesus never taught us to judge others, but rather to work on the logs in our very own eyes. I ask you to look into the eyes of a friend or neighbor who is gay or lesbian and see Jesus. If you do not know of someone who is gay or lesbian, seek When you purchase fairly traded coffee, tea and chocolate through out someone or ask a friend. The hope the Church of the Brethren Coffee Project, you join a grow ing network of the church is in going back to the of 40 small farmer co-operatives in 20 countries, including the words and life of Jesus as our inspira­ United States, recei ving fair prices, affordable credit and a long-term, tion, not the ways of the world or politi­ cal positions. It seems way past time to direct trade relationship through a 100% Fair Trad e, worker-ow ned acknowledge that there are differences cooperative, Equal Exchange. within our church on this issue of wel­ coming all people and their gifts. Fundraising with Fair Trade We need to move forward to do the Use Equal Exchange products to raise money work that we are called to do in this for youth groups or mission projects, and to world. We all know there is so much to educate your congregation about Fair Trade. be done, so many people to serve, so Contact the Interfaith Program and ask for much healing to take place. Let us stop our Church Fundraising Packet for helpful focusing on rejecting others and be information and suggestions. Christ's hands, eyes, ears, voice, and

For more information on ordering for your church, fund raiser or alternative gift market: heart for our world. tel 774.776.7366 www.equalexchange.coop/how-to-order Kathleen Fry-Miller Fort Wayne, Ind .

■ Messenger May 2009 Riemans' witness gave Small churches can still • Once a year on "Souper" Bowl living letter to the world do some creative things Sunday, the group puts together soup packets for a local food bank. This year The Sunday school class that we lead One small church can make a difference. they made 1,267 (about 984 pounds). takes as its theme 2 Cor.3:2-3: "You your­ Members of Peace Church of the [See March MESSENGER, p. 3.) selves are our letter, written on our Brethren in Portland, Ore., with an aver­ • Members also find time to volunteer hearts, to be known and read by all; ... age Sunday attendance of less than 50 for other organizations and to attend written not with ink but with the spirit of people, have found some enormously local social action events, parades, and the living God." creative and caring ways to serve their marches-frequently carrying the Peace In our study of Brethren teaching and community. Church banner. practices we have learned from many • On the lower level (about half the I'm sure there are many congregations sources, one of which is MESSENGER. On total church space), the church has pro­ who serve in similar ways. This is what the last Sunday of the month, we do a vided space for a day care center/shelter one small but active congregation is review of the current issue. All the mem­ for homeless families. doing. • They are providing space behind the bers receive a subscription, a gift from Linda Lauderdale the church. We encourage regular read­ church for a community garden, which Portland, Ore. ing, and it is, as well, an informative was dedicated on March 28 to serve the source for people new to the church. surrounding neighborhood, as well as Gender equality: Good steps The March issue contained a lovely the shelter. taken, still room for more tribute of the Rieman pastors by one who • They provide office space for two read the "writing on the hearts" of these staff members of On Earth Peace. As one who is also a feminist, I was very disciples. What an excellent and honest • Several members, headed by Ed grateful for the article, "Can Justice evaluation, one easily understood by Groff, create a monthly program for the Extend to Gender?," written by Wendy those trying to make a difference in our local television station to highlight some Matheny and published in the March world. We greatly appreciate Shawn's aspect of the mission of the local church, issue. Thank you, good sister, for your sharing and your bringing it to us. This as well as programs of the denomina­ comments and for your research that witness continues, even after death. tion. These DVDs are also sent to over listed some of the "gender-equality David and Sara Wilson 30 other churches and organizations efforts which already exist in our church Mechanicsburg, Pa. throughout the country. community."

Caring Ministries Denominational Recognition Dinner Deacon Luncheon Saturday, June 27, 2009, S p.m. Monday, June 29, 2009, Noon I'm not cheap, I'm Brethren! Called to be "Fisherds" Although the stereotype of .----..,....,- Jesus cleal'ly calls us to be fishers Brethren folks is that they are of men (and women). But is it earnest and serious, growing up enough to just cast our net? Brethren can be fertile ground What do we do with our "catch"? for comedy. Come hear about Jesus reminds us in John 21 that the lighter side of growing up each of us is called to share in a with a father who is a biblical ministry of shepherding as well scholar and a mother who is a as fishing. How can deacons pastor. All of that in the great model this blended ministry in state of Texas and more. the life of the congregation? Join us The Caring Ministries Recognition Dinner will to talk about how we can also honor recipients of the Caregiving Awards. create a climate that enables and encourages seekers to follow Jesus, while at the same time shepherding Tickets regularly sell out, so order your ticket, early using those who share in the life of the church. the Meal Events order form in the Annual Conference _JL packet or through Annual Conference's on-line 7E? registration site: www. brethren.orglac. Church of the Brethren

Messenger May 2009 ■ . 40 YEARS OF DISCOVERY I want to add two such efforts to your list. THROUGH TRAVEL 1. In the period from 1978 to 1987, when the special gifts of ministry had not been 2009TOURS 2010TOURS widely recognized, the district minister of Northern Indiana District succeeded in EXPLORE the WORLD of PAUL AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND (February 5-25) placing 15 different women in pastoral with TOM YODER NEUFELD (Ap ril 29-May l 5) WITH OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY: positions across the district. ISRAEL and PALESTINE (May 24-Jun e 3) SPRINGTIME in GREAT TREK TO UR 2009 (May 24-June 4) HOLLAND, BELGIUM & GERMANY (May 6-17) 2. In Fresh from the Word, the devotional EUROPEAN HERITAGE TOUR (June 4-17) LUTHERAN HOLY LAND TOUR (May 8-19) book of the 300th anniversary of our RUSSIA and UKRAINE (June 5-18) EUROPEAN HERITAGE with JOHN RUTH (June 1-14) church community, 104 of the 250 authors ALASKA CRUISE TOUR (June 8-20) SPECTACULAR SCANDINAVIA & ITSFJORDS (June 13-28) were women (All but one of the 104 were MENNONITE WORLD CONFERENCE TOURS PENNSYLVANIA to EUROPE (June 19-J uly 2) listed as being from the Church of the (July) -AFe w Seats Available ISRAEVPALESTINE (Jun e 24-July 5) Brethren). EURO PEAN HERITAGE EUROPEAN HERITAGE with JOHN SHARP (J une 29-July 12) with JOHN SHARP (July 31-August 13) There is still room for improvement! ITALY, AUSTRIA & GERMANY (J uly 7-17) MEDA IN UKRAINE ENGLAND and SCOTLAND (Ju ly 23-August 4) Keep up the good work. (September 3-13) SWISS GLACIER EXPRESS (July 29-Augusl 11) Charles M. Bieber ENCHANTING DANUBE RIVER CRUISE Lancaster, Pa . (October 24-November 1) EUROPEAN HERITAGE with PAUL ZEHR (Sep tember 5-18) JAMAICA HIGHLIGHTS TOUR THE ROAD to JERUSALEM (September 11 -22) The opinions expressed in "Letters" are not neces­ (Novemb er 13-22) EUROPEAN HERITAGE for sarily those of MESSENGER. Readers should receive BEHIND the VEIL - EXPERIENCING EGYPT GERMAN -SPEAKI NGPERSO NS (September 16-2 9) (November 16-28) TM MYSTERY TOUR (October l 5-23) them in the same way as when differing views are expressed in face-to-face conversation. Letters should be brief, clear, and respectful of the ~ "Building bridges among Mennonites and other Christians and faiths ~ around the world through custom-designed travel." opinions of others, with strong differences handled ,:~~ in the spirit of Matthew 18. Preference is given to letters that respond directly to items in MESSENGER. CALL 1-800-565-0451 FOR MORE INFORMATI ON AND TO BOOK YOUR TOUR Anonymous letters will not be considered. E-MAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.lourmaginalion.com Send letters to MESSENGER, Attn: Letters, 9 Willow Street, Waterloo, ON N2J lV6 Conodo Reg. #500 14322 2308 Wood Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 USA 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 or [email protected]. Please include hometown and phone number.

CLASSIFIEDADS Beautiful America Tour to Annual Conference in San Diego. Ride with Brethren on air-cond itioned coach from Elizabethtown, PA, with pickups along 1-70 . Visit Bethany Seminary and numerous national parks. June 18-July 5, 2009 . Light for Europe in 2010. Enjoy two-week tour including Amsterdam, Paris, Swiss Alps, Oberammergau Pass ion Play, and Brethren sites-Buedingen and Schwarzenau. Three-week tour adds Venice, Vienna, Prague, Berlin. Please contact J. Kenneth tlie journey Kreider, 1300 Sheaffer Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 or krei­ [email protected].

Walk where Jesus walked. Come along with Rev. John and Rev. Linda Stoner as they return to the Holy Land . The Stoners are both ordained CoB pastors with over 22 years experience as pro­ fessional travel agents. This inspirational journey takes place November 3-12, 2009, and departs from Western Pennsylvania. Departures can also be arranged from any major gateway city. Transportation, first-class lodging, daily breakfast and dinner, and more included. $3,389.00 877-456-8769 or www.small­ grouptours.com for details.

PASTORS NEEDED. Congregations in many of the denomina­ tion's 23 districts are in need of strong, trained Christian leaders who are dedicated to Church of the Brethren beliefs and practices to serve as pastor. The available placements are both full-time and part-time and include some associate/second staff position s. The congregations vary widely in size and program. A full listing of openings can be found at www.brethren.org. Contact the appro­ priate district executive or call the Ministry office at 800-323-8039.

Messenger May 2009 Please send information to be Mohican, West Salem, Ohio: Stuarts Draft, Va., Jan. 5 81, San Juan P.R., March Wilkinson, Mildred, 82, included in Turning Points to Paul Ickes, Carole Ann Auker, Martha, 99, 10 Dayton, Va ., Oct. 20 Jean Clements, 1451 Dundee Ickes, Bob LeMaster, Landisville, Pa., Feb. 22 Keffer, Marian E., 92, Williams, Rebecca F., 61, Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120; Chris LeMaster, Jazon Baer, Madlyn L., 86, Zanesville, Ohio, Nov. 15 Walkersville, Md., Oct. 19 800-323-8039 ext. 206; Garcia LeMaster, Shelly Hagerstown, Md., Feb. 16 Keller, Margaret, 99, Wingert, Helen, 88, [email protected]. Odenkirk, Corey Barr, Carol, 58, Ashland, Elizabethtown, Pa., Nov. Chambersburg, Pa., Feb. Information must be complete Odenkirk Ohio, Feb. 1 7 23 20 in order to be published. Mount Hermon, Bassett, Berkenbosch, Dale, 87, Kendall, Frank, 90, Witter, Doris, 76, Information older than one Ya.: Dawn Steele Prairie City, Iowa, Jan. 8 Milledgeville, Ill., June 7, Chambersburg, Pa., Aug. year cannot be published. Pleasant View, Fayetteville, Brewer, Marjorie, 84, Prairie 2008 14 WYa.: Ron Milam, Helen City, Iowa, March 23, Lehman, Curtis, 83, Wray, Violet, 94, Modesto, New Members Milam, Shane Milam, 2008 Lancaster, Pa., Feb. 22 Calif., Feb. 15 Codorus, Dallastown, Pa.: Nora Milam Brinegar, Freda, 81, Lingenfelter, C. Wesley, 75, Wubbena, Doris J., 70, Debbie Fischl, Rick Fischl, Union Bridge, Md.: Karen Centerville, Iowa, March 1 Altoona, Pa., Feb. 10 Freeport, Ill. , Feb. 10 Michelle Hartman, Eric Dargavel, Bryan Hissong, Brown, Ma·ry, 93, Long, Omer M., Sr., 87, Zimmerman, Jessie, 90, Ritenour, Rhonda Kim Hissong, Bruce Elizabethtown, Pa., Jan. Hagerstown, Md. , Jan. 12 Mount Morris, 111 ., March Ritenour, Dustin Innerst, Hollenberg, Gary 21 Long, Vera, 76, Lititz, Pa., 18 Rachel Brenneman, Mosholder, Sheri Burger, Beulah, 89, March 5 Zuercher, Debra, 53, Morgan Romesberg, Erika Mosholder, Cathleen Centerville, Iowa, March 3 Manges, Harold B., 90, Elizabethtown, Ky. , Dec. Sentz, Laura Lesher, Ian Musil Crites, Norman D., 75, Windber, Pa ., Feb. 16 28 McKinneU Warrensburg, Mo.: Emerson Broadway, Ya. , Jan. 30 Michael, Mildred, 87, Elizabethtown, Pa.: Lynette Taylor, Kari Taylor Curran, Harold, 81, Abilene, Clinton, Iowa, Aug. I 0 Campbell, George Waterford, Calif.: Ede Parks, Kan., Oct. 4 Myers, Galen, 89, Denver, Licensings Keleher, Helen Keleher, Wanda Parks, Dennis Dean, Margaret Seese, 88, Colo., Feb. 27 Vera Neiss, Michelle Gray, Zurrino, Shannon Zurrino Oakland, Md., Jan. 29 Padgett, Darlene, 63, Koczan-Flory, Kimberly, N. Harry Ebersole, Jr. , Heidi White Cottage, Ohio: Fred Detwiler, Elda M., 96, New Shelocta, Pa ., Jan. 29 Ind. Dist. (Beacon Ebersole McNutt, Lynn McNutt, Enterprise, Pa., March 3 Pentz, Elizabeth M., 77, Heights, Fort Wayne, Fairview, Unionville, Iowa: Willie Neighbor Durbin, Leoda M. , 90, Westminster, Md., Feb. 10 lnd.), Dec. 21 Gary Hanes Winter Park, Fla.: Rocco Hagerstown, Md., Feb. 14 Phillips, Marvin, 80, Senkler, Christopher R., Pac. Freeburg, Paris, Ohio: Morelli, Christine Morelli, Fager, Cecil, 91, Waterford, Dayton, Ohio, March 3 S.W Dist. (Pasadena, Andrew English, Conner Dan Dunn, Margie Dunn, Calif., Dec. 10 Ream, Lucille, 91, Palmyra, Calif.), Feb. 1 English, Ted Troyer, Tiffany Maupin, Jessie Feathers, Mary Ellen, 90, Pa., Feb. 16 Tindall, Josh, Atl. N .E. Dist. Manases Troyer, Carol Davis, Kristi Davis, Hollidaysburg, Pa., March Rivera, Beverly Ann, 64, (Elizabethtown, Pa.), Jan. Troyer, Crystal Zellers, Stephanie Knight, Marie 2 Lebanon, Pa., March 5 11 Robert Zigler, Meralyn Henisa, Christine Bailiff Ferg, Geneva, 89, Rummell, Dorothy, 82, Zigler Woodbury, Pa.: Jennifer Johnstown, Pa., Feb. 6 Paris, Ohio, Dec. 16 Ordinations Greensburg, Pa.: James Keyser, Randy Keyser Francis, Raymond, 91, Savage, Allan T., 79, Lititz, Gettins, Sylvia Logan, Roswell, N.M., Feb. 11 Pa., Feb. 11 Carr, Jeffery W. , Shen. Dist. Reid Maust, Christine Anniversaries Fry, Fred, 71, Lititz, Pa., Seng, Chester, 90, (Bridgewater, Va.), Feb. 1 Maust Feb. 11 Milledgeville, Ill., March Neff, John, Shen . Dist. Blackburn, Don and Clara, Hempfield, Manheim, Pa.: Gelburd, Mildred H., 85, 27, 2008 (Grottoes, Va.), Sept. 2 Greensburg, Pa., 50 Deanna Duffy, Lydia New Market, Va., Feb. 28 Sherrick, Meda, 98, West Wilges, Shawn A., S. Ohio Davis, Carl, Sr. and Joan, Fisher, Morgan Rice, Grossnickle, Essie B., 94, Salem, Ohio, Jan. 19 Dist. (Gratis, Ohio), Jan. Greensburg, Pa., 50 Carrie Ziegler Union Bridge, Md., Feb. 3 Smith, Gene, 77, 4 Ghrist, Ray and Loraine, HIS Way, Mills River, N. C.: Hackathorn, Clifford, 80, Milledgeville, Ill. , Sept. 6 Mammoth, Pa., 55 Severiano Pizarro, Miguel Prairie City, Iowa, Jan. 9 Snoeberger, Pauline, 97, Pastoral Layman, John and Marian, Cervante, Rolando Hart, Maurice, 84, North New Enterprise, Pa., Feb. Charlottesville, Va., 55 Placements Ramirez, Angel Huntingdon, Pa., Feb. 20 16 McKinnell, James and Letha, Guananga, Oscar Otero, Hess, Anna, 88, Camp Hill, Steele, Hazel, 89, Woodbury, Gordon, Michael Wade, pas- Midlothian, Va., 50 Veronica Guzman, Jesus Pa., March 2 Pa., Feb. 4 tor, Midway, Moon, Richard and Lois, Ramirez, Grecia Ramirez, Hile, Richard, 88, Troutman, Dennis)., 60, Surgoinsville, Tenn., Feb. Youngstown, Pa., 55 Martha Mendieta, Rene Shippensburg, Pa., Feb. Hopewell, Pa., Feb. 21 4 Rounds, Ellis and Betty, Vega, Jennifer Trejo, 17 Van Horn, R. Maxine, 89, Graeber, Phillip John, pas- Alliance, Ohio, 60 Magaly Soto Suarez, Hoffer, Nora, 96, New Enterprise, Pa., Feb. tor, Erwin, Tenn., Feb. 8 Smith, A. Harrison and Alberto Rafael Mendez, Elizabethtown, Pa., Feb. 18 Hinton, William Jefferson, Eleanor, Uniontown, Pa., Leticia Portilla, Valentine 17 Wampler, Arnold, 85, Sr., pastor, Bethlehenf, 65 Castellanos, Lourdes Hollinger, Robert B., 59, Lebanon, Pa., Feb. 20 Boones Mill, Va., Feb. 1 Thompson, Galen and Arnbrocio, Llaria Martinez Elizabethtown, Pa., Aug. 1 Wampler, Robert Eugene, Kelly, John Stuart, from Connie, Zanesville, Ohio, Ivarra, Carlos Martinez Holsopple, Donald K., 61, 77, Falls Church, Va., Jan. interim to pastor, Trinity, 50 Borralles Greensburg, Pa., Feb. 10 17 Troutville, Va., Feb. 1 Wartluft, Donald and Maple Grove, Norton, Kan.: Holtry, Ross, 90, Weaver, Homer, 84, Tipp Mishler, Cheryl Jean, associ- Emogene, Alliance, Ohio, Shannon Douglas, Kyle Shippensburg, Pa., March City, Ohio, Feb. 27 ate pastor, Topeka, Kan., 60 Douglas 9 Weber, Leora Firestone, 8 I, Feb. 15 Milledgeville, Ill.: Jason Deaths Hoover, Samuel Glenn, 89, Waynesboro, Pa., Dec. 7 Shockey, Howard D., pastor, Brubaker, Hillary Grove, Plattsburg, Mo., March 1 Weimer, Eva, 80, Modesto, Girard, 111., Feb. 15 Gaye Page, Traci Page, Andes, Connie S., 66, Houston, Elsie, 76, Calif., Oct. 15 Weaver, R Edward, from Denver Baughman, Reid Lawrence, Kan., March 2 Greenwood, Del., Feb. 5 Whitman, Alma, 84, interim to pastor, Three Phillips Appl, Eva Lee Kindig, 89, Kauffman, Rosita Rodriguez, Middleburg, Fla., Feb. 16 Springs, Blain, Pa., Jan. 4 Messenger May 2009 II For the birds

s I write this, a robin is banging into my office we may find ourselves with only a stump remaining. A window two or three times each minute. As hundreds of thousands of dollars are being shed by He leaves his perch on a nearby tree, makes a run at vari­ releasing denominational staff, the denomination is consid­ ous parts of the window, bounces off, and returns to the ering how to raise millions to care for two large properties tree. After a brief break to clear his head (Do robins see and their buildings. Many districts and congregat ions are "birdies" flying around when they're dazed?), the persistent weighed down by the same property-driven discussions. Is it little fellow tries again. time to rethink the proverbial "edifice complex"-our build­ He's had no hint of success for ing-centric approach to doing church? hours now, yet he tries the same There may be other ways we can do things more efficient­ thing repeatedly. If he keeps it up ly. A USA Today story said some children are moving back much longer, I'll begin to suspect that in with their parents- or vice-versa-to save money as jobs he's Brethren. vanish. Could congregations near each other share space to The recent cutbacks occurring for our save money and magnify their witness? Could our denomi­ denomination and all the concern they nation partner with other like-minded ones to accomplish have sparked are reminders that the some of the ministries we feel are essential to the work of ways we have been trying to do things Christ? Or perhaps the church needs to evolve into a more for some time now are obsolete. We horizontal, grass-roots model where every member takes continue to rely on the structures greater responsibility for its ministry and witness. we've known, because we do know Whatever the answers, some creative thinking is needed. them and because they have mostly Today's landscape calls for radical re-imagining and re­ served us well in their time. But the world is quickly changing. visioning. That should come naturally to a movement that The immediacy of this current economic crisis should pass arose from the waves of the Radical Reformation. It seems, in time as the stock market and other financial systems sta­ however, that as other groups move toward the new center bilize. The larger trends, however, and the cracks in our that Anabaptism and especially Pietism once occupied, national way of life that this crisis has exposed are going to Brethren may be drifting outward. be with us for the long-term. Perhaps a more apt metaphor for our current situation comes Those trends are compounded when thrust on a church from the first of the Harry Potter films. For those who follow structure already in decline. Institutional church as we have them, you may recall young Harry standing before the Mirror of Erised in a dusty corner of his WHATEVER THE ANSWERS, SOME CREATIVE THINKING IS school. Orphaned when he was a baby, Harry looks into the mirror NEEDED. TODAY'S LANDSCAPE CALLS FOR RADICAL and sees himself flanked by his RE-IMAGINING AND RE-VISIONING. THAT SHOULD parents, their arms around him COME NATURALLY TO A MOVEMENT THAT AROSE FROM and faces beaming with pride. He returns again and again. THE WAVES OF THE RADICAL REFORMATION. The school's headmaster explains that the mirror " shows known it is likely unsustainable. It has a marvelous legacy us nothing more or less than the deepest, most desperate and continues to do some good things. It is, however, a desire of our hearts," and warns that some have wasted Model-T Ford in a world of spaceships. It's not just a away, just gazing into the mirror with obsessive longing. Brethren problem, of course; every long-running, "mainline" We, too, may long for things to be different; or rather, we denomination is confronting similar realities. long for them to be the same again. We want a return to the The response, as each wave hits, has been to whittle away comfortable days when everyone went to church on Sunday programs and staff. To be fair, many of the decision-makers mornings and our structures hummed easily. We wish for have little choice as options fade. But one accompanying the relevance we once knew. risk is that we whittle down to toothpicks that can't function It's been quiet at the window for several minutes now. with any impact. Another is that congregations and mem­ Perhaps the robin has given up his headache-inducing bers who value those programs will cut back on giving, endeavor and found a new way. May we find the grace and adding to the spiral. Like Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree, courage to do the same.- Ed. ~

COMING IN JUNE: A consideration of demographics and the church, the ministry of interim ministry, immigration issues, modern-day slavery, Bible study on Hebrews, and more. ·

■ Messeogec May 2009

Join Our Quiet Ministry

The oldest existing Brethren home was established in 1889 when one district responded to the need for a faith-based community to care for older adults. Since then, 20 more Brethren homes have been established, all of which came out of congregational and district ministries. Twenty-one retirement centers serving more than 7,000 residents, employing more than 3,000 people, and caring for countless other families associated with the homes, makes this ministry one of the largest and longest undertaken by the Church of the Brethren. And in true Brethren tradition, this vibrant ministry is done in a quiet, unassuming fashion.

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

Brethren Retirement Centers Brethren Hillcrest Homes Cross Keys Village/The Brethren Home Community The Palms of Sebring La Verne , Calif. - (909) 593-4917 New Oxford, Pa. - (888) 624-2161 Sebring, Fla. - (863) 385-0161 Brethren Home Community Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village Peter Becker Community Windber, Pa. - (814) 467-5505 Boonsboro, Md. - (301) 733-6284 Harleysville, Pa. - (215) 256-9501 Brethren Retirement Community Garden Terrace & Garden Terrace West Pinecrest Community Greenville, Ohio - (937) 547-8000 Wenatchee, Wash. - (509) 663-2154 Mount Morris, Ill . - (815) 734-4103 Brethren Village Good Shepherd Home Pleasant Hill Village Lancaster, Pa. - (800) 367-9899 Fostoria , Ohio - (419) 937-1801 Girard , Ill. - (217) 627-2181 Bridgewater Retirement Community Lebanon Valley Brethren Home Spurgeon Manor Bridgewater, Va. - (800) 419-9129 Palmyra, Pa. - (717) 838-5406 Dal las Center, Iowa - (515) 992-3735 Casa de Modesto Northaven Retirement Res. and Assisted Living Timbercrest Senior Living Community Modesto, Calif. - (209) 529-4950 Seattle, Wash. - (206) 365-3020 North Manchester, Ind. - (260) 982-2118 The Cedars The Palms Estates of Highlands County The Village at Morrisons Cove McPherson , Kan. - (620) 241-0919 Lorida, Fla. - (863) 655-1909 Martinsburg, Pa. - (814) 793-2104

m Fellowship of For more information about the Fellowship of Brethren Homes ~ Brethren Homes call (800) 323-8039 or visit www.brethren.org.