National Older Adult Conference, September 4–8, 2017, Lake Junaluska, NC
The National Older Adult Conference is a A week of inspiration for those 50+ Spirit- lled gathering of adults who love Registration opens February 2017 learning and discerning together, exploring God’s call for their lives and living out that call www.brethren.org/NOAC by sharing their energy, insight, and legacy with [email protected] Church of the Brethren MessengerMarch 2017 www.brethren.org their families, communities, and the world. (800) 323-8039 x306
Why did Jesus National Older Adult Conference, September 4–8, 2017,LIKE US Lake ON Junaluska,FACEBOOK! NC have to die? The National Older Adult Conference is a A week of inspiration for those 50+ Spirit- lled gathering of adults who love Registration opens February 2017 learning and discerning together, exploring God’s call for their lives and living out that call www.brethren.org/NOAC by sharing their energy, insight, and legacy with [email protected] their families, communities, and the world. (800) 323-8039 x306
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! Up on a rooftop 6 Salvation 12 A vital conversation 14 From a tithe, a new church grows 18 COB charitable trust ad2_Layout 1 3/16/14 8:00 PM Page 1
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How? With a charitable remainder trust. Charitable remainder trusts can increase your monthly income, reduce capital gains taxes, and provide an upfront Federal income tax deduction today, all while supporting ministries you love.
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Charitable remainder trusts can transform assets that produce little or no income into assets that work for you throughout the life of the trust. In fact, gifts of appreciated assets (stocks, bonds, farmland, Call John Hipps or other real estate) may provide more benefits than a cash gift! Director of Donor Relations for the Church of the Brethren You can make a difference across the nation and around the world at (800) 323-8039 ext. 354 or through the ministries of the Church of the Brethren. Call now to e-mail [email protected] learn how you can continue the work of Jesus through a charitable Please consult your tax advisor remainder trust. about your specific situation. Church of the Brethren
MessengerMessengerPublisher: Wendy McFadden Associate editor: Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford Web editor: Jan Fischer Bachman Design: The Concept Mill Contributing editors: Eric Bishop, Sandy Bosserman, Dana Cassell, Daniel D’Oleo, Emmett Eldred, Tim Harvey, Bob Neff
March 2017 Vol.166 No. 2 www.brethren.org/messenger
Up on a rooftop 6 The Bible and interpretation by Steven Schweitzer
Why did Jesus have to die? 9 Nonviolent atonement and restorative justice departments by J. Denny Weaver
rm 2 F o the Publisher Salvation is like a seashore journey 3 In Touch by Doris Cline Egge 5 The Exchange 12 17 Reflections 20 media review A vital conversation 21 h Yout & Young Adults An interview with Stan Dueck 22 bible study 14 by Walt Wiltschek 25 wsi Ne l ne digest 27 Letters 30 Turning Points 32 Potluck From a tithe, a new church grows 18 by Ellen K. Layman Correction: A reference to the church's statement on "Separate No More" Lighting a candle of hope should have dated it 2007 rather than 1997 (January/February, p. 5). 24 Stories from the Haiti Medical Project by Paul Ullom-Minnich
Cover photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford
Flickr.com / Vassilis Londos Kendra Harbeck 6 12 24 From the Publisher
once heard someone declare, “I’m Christian first, American How to reach us second, and Brethren third.” IThat severing of “Christian” and “Brethren” would have been shocking Messenger to those who founded the Brethren movement more than 300 years ago. 1451 Dundee Avenue They suffered significantly for pursuing their peculiarly Brethren under- Elgin, IL 60120 standing of Christianity. Subscriptions: At that time, religion was decided by the ruler of the region; disagreeing with Diane Stroyeck the local religion was a state offense. In the area of Germany where the Breth- [email protected] Phone: 800-323-8039 ext. 327 ren movement took root, the official religion was the Fax: 847-742-1407 Reformed Church. Pietists and Anabaptists choosing to gather in small groups were hauled into court and Advertising: Karen Stocking punished. Martin Lucas, for example, was expelled in [email protected] 1709, as was his wife. Their house was sold, and their Phone: 800-323-8039 ext. 308 children were handed over to guardians. Fax: 847-742-1407 What were the crimes of these sober Christians? Editorial: In an interrogation in Heidelberg, Martin Lucas and [email protected] John Diehl explained that the Pietists “love foremost Phone: 800-323-8039 ext. 326 Fax: 847-742-1407 God and their neighbor as themselves, even their enemies, and are obliged to feed them, and give them Subscription rates: Wendy McFadden $17.50 individual rate Publisher to eat and to drink.” - $32 for 2 years Andrew Boni, another conscientious objector to the $14.50 gift rate state, wrote this to the mayor of Basel in 1706: “If disobeying the orders of men $14.50 church club rate means opposing God’s ordinances, then the apostles also disobeyed.” (Two - $27 for 2 years years later he was one of the eight baptized in Schwarzenau in an act of civil $ 1.25 student (per month)
disobedience that marked the beginning of the Church of the Brethren.) If you move, clip address label and But here is a fascinating story from Mannheim. When one government official send with new address to Messenger seized the Pietists and sentenced them to hard labor “without trial or hearing,” Subscriptions, at the above address. the punishment failed because of the great sympathy that the Reformed subjects Allow at least five weeks for address change. showed to the Pietists. “They have defended the Pietists’ teachings, and said that
nothing could be found deserving punishment in such pious Christians.” In fact, For digital Messenger go to the Reformed folks gathered at the prison and spent the day listening to their www.brethren.org/accessmessenger.
preaching. Thus, a government that was trying to maintain power by promoting Visit Messenger online at enmity was thwarted by Christian goodwill. You can read all about it in chapter 1 www.brethren.org/messenger. of Donald F. Durnbaugh’s European Origins of the Brethren. The early Brethren would never have called themselves political. They simply remained steadfast to their understanding of God’s Word. Likewise, the Re- formed subjects who protected the so-called heretics were probably not trying to be political either, but “unashamedly proclaimed and made this their own cause.” By sheer numbers they kept the civil leaders from carrying out an unjust decree. The intertwining of government and religion produces an unholy alliance, whatever the century, and those who pledge their loyalty to God must be vigi- Messenger is the official publication of the Church of the Brethren. Member of the Associated Church Press. lant about competing claims. If we have forgotten how to discern the differ- Biblical quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are ence, we can revisit our Brethren history and Acts 5:29. from the New Revised Standard Version. Copyright © February 2017, Church of the Brethren.
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Printed on recycled paper (20% post consumer) 2 Messenger March 2017 InTouch Jonathan Ogburn
Art for Nigeria
onathan “Pogu” Ogburn has begun a project called “Art for Nigeria” to benefit the Nigeria Crisis Response. Impetus for the artwork was the abduction of schoolgirls from Chibok, which “resonated with Jme, because to me Chibok is a place I once knew as a child,” he wrote. “My parents, Howard and Carolee Ogburn, came to Nigeria as missionaries for the Church of the Brethren Mission in 1963. I went to Nigeria at age 3 months. We moved to the small, remote town of Chibok soon after, with my three older sisters. There I was given the Chibok name Pogu, liter- ally ‘boy with three older sisters.’ We later moved to other northeastern Nigerian towns. My parents and I left Nigeria in 1984, having lived in Nigeria the whole time excepting furloughs stateside. “Although I left Nigeria many years ago the experience colored my life. . . . Nigeria has given me so much, I hope to give back. Using memories and sometimes old photos by CBM missionaries I have drawn pictures detailing life in remote, northeastern Nigeria.” Ogburn is making the artwork available as note cards and prints. Half of the money earned is pledged to the Ni- Jonathan Ogburn Jonathan Ogburn geria Crisis Fund. Contact Jonathan Ogburn, 584 Oleander Ln., Sylva NC 28779.
Church land supports charity
In 1954, Hope Church of the members. His crops are usually corn Ministries, and Lakewood Community Brethren in Freeport, Mich., pur- and soy beans. After his rental expense, Council—which are local agencies, chased an 80-acre farm adjacent taxes, and other expenses are paid, and also the Global Food Initiative and to the church property. Members of the a portion of the profit is set aside for Church World Service. No profits are church, many of whom were farmers, camper scholarships, seminar regis- used for operating expenses or mainte- worked the land, sowing and harvest- trations, and gas money for members nance and upkeep of the parsonage or ing the crops. who travel to disaster projects. The the church building. As time went on, there were fewer rest is given to charities that feed the In the past few years, the church has and fewer farmers in the church, and hungry. Recipients have included God’s realized between $4,500 and $5,000 for now the land is rented to one of the Kitchen, DeGage Ministries, Heartside charity each year. —B. Jean Bergy
Messenger March 2017 3 InTouch
Worship lifts up Chibok schoolgirls Lisa Houff
A service of worship at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren lifted up the suffering of the school- girls abducted from Chibok. This event was prompted by Emmert and Esther Bittinger, who commissioned John Barr to compose a choral work to honor the girls. The result was “Two Psalms: Captivity and Deliverance” for mixed choir, timpani, congregation, and organ, based on Psalm 137, “Babylon streams received our tears,” and Psalm 27, “The Lord God is my light.” The piece was per- formed by the Sanctus Choir, conducted by Curtis Nolley, and accompanied by Michael Overman, timpanist, and John Barr, organist. Peggy Faw Gish gave a presentation about her experience in Nigeria. Annual Conference secretary James Beckwith spoke for children’s worship. A poignant bulletin cover was created from a painting by artist Brian Meyer of First Church of the Brethren in San Diego, Calif., depicting two girls in front of the Chibok School, surrounded by names of the abducted girls. A recording of the anthem and Gish’s comments can be found at www.bwcob.org.—Shannon Puffenbarger
Hottle Fund promotes community connections
he reach of gifts made to congrega- a new microscope for work in Kenya. With increasing tions from the Hottle Fund of Northern incidents of cholera, a working microscope is essential to TOhio District is being felt near and far, and is identifying the illness and ensuring proper treatment. The bearing fruit. Having extra money offers churches new remainder of the money was given to a mission in India. opportunities, and opens new doors in communities. Brook Park Community Church of the Brethren is using Several years ago, the district received a very generous the gifts for general maintenance and repairs to its facili- bequest from the estate of Dwight Hottle. By action of the ties, including new paint and carpet in the nursery. district board and district conference, $2,000 was given to Eden Church of the Brethren applied the money each congregation in 2016. toward needed repairs to its buildings. The congregation For a small congregation like Marion Church of the Breth- installed new long-lasting steel roofs on the church, par- ren, the Hottle Fund has allowed the congregation to par- sonage, and picnic pavilion. ticipate in more outreach into the community. The church Woodworth Church of the Brethren has been consider- is able to offer a free community brunch each month, create ing maintenance and repair options, such as replacing car- school kits for domestic violence and homeless shelters, pet or replacing the church sign when a road is widened. provide personal kits for a food pantry and blankets for the Outreach to children is a priority for the East Nimishil- homeless community dinner, and make consistent donations len and Akron Springfield congregations. East Nimishil- to Heifer International. The church also has been able to len’s annual Apple Dumpling Fest and Craft Show offer make repairs to its sidewalks and parking lot. children from the area an introduction to Christ and the “Ten local acts of kindness” is the goal of New Philadel- true meaning of Christmas. Akron Springfield supported phia First Church of the Brethren, using money received the Back to School Blast program that provides book bags from the fund. The congregation has been working with for elementary students and a scholarship fund that al- T4C to identify families in need in the area. A first gift lows children to attend camp at Inspiration Hills. was used to help a friend of the congregation purchase —Staci Williams
Do you have district or congregational stories that might be of interest to Messenger? Short items with a photo are best. Send them to Messenger, c/o In Touch, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 or [email protected].
4 Messenger March 2017 C h e ry l B r u m b a u g h The Exchange - C
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“Overall, the world’s favorite Bible verse in 2016 was Romans 8:28: ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’” —“The Favorite Bible Verses of 88 Nations,” Christianity Today, January 2017.
“And beware the power of Jesus’ name—for hackers. A too-popular [password] choice is ‘jesus,’ or variants. . . . You want a password to be unguessable.” —Stephen Smith’s warning not to use john316 or other popular Bible verses as passwords, in Christianity Today.
Top most-read Bible verses
ccording to BibleGateway.com—a Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the LORD with all your website offering searchable Bible 6 heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Atranslations for online reading—the site’s most popular blogpost continues to be a list of the 100 most- Proverbs 3:6: “In all your ways acknowledge read Bible verses. The list was first compiled in 2009 from 7 him, and he will make your paths straight.” 25 million Bible passage searches in which visitors to the site looked at three or fewer verses at one time. Here are the Romans 12:2: “Do not conform any longer to top 12 (in the New International Version): 8 the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, 1 his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him pleasing and perfect will.” shall not perish but have eternal life.” Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about Jeremiah 29:11: “’For I know the plans I have for 9 anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, 2 you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go and make Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God 10 disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name 3 works for the good of those who love him, who have of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” been called according to his purpose.” Ephesians 2:8: “For it is by grace you have been Philippians 4:13: “I can do everything through him 11 saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, 4 who gives me strength.” it is the gift of God.”
Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the Galatians 5:22: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, 5 heavens and the earth.” 12 joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”
Messenger March 2017 5 Up on a rooftop
The Bible and interpretation
by Steven Schweitzer
he Church of the Brethren has placed interpretation in moving from one language to another. scripture at the center of its faith Even if we read it in the original languages, we must and practice. From the very beginning, make interpretive decisions about the meaning of words Tindividuals gathered together to read the Bible and and concepts from the ancient setting into our own. apply it to their lives in practical ways. We believe that All translation is interpretation. Whether the languages following Jesus faithfully must begin with the Bible, are ancient or modern, as readers of God’s Word we are especially the New Testament, in its understanding of constantly interpreting as we move from ancient texts Jesus’ life, teaching, and death (Annual Conference written millennia ago to individuals and communities in statement on “The New Testament as Our Rule of Faith very different cultural contexts than our own. How can we and Practice,” 1998). successfully bridge this gap between us and them, so that The Gospels and the letters of the New Testament we may follow Jesus faithfully? demonstrate how these early Christians tried to make sense There are a number of productive approaches that we of their newfound faith and its practical implications for may use, and I want to highlight a few, beginning with an living with others, both within the church and the wider example from Deuteronomy. world. While some things seem rather straightforward, “When you build a new house, you shall make a others are more complicated. Even 2 Peter 3:15-16 bluntly parapet for your roof; otherwise you might have blood- states that some things in Paul’s letters are “hard to under- guilt on your house, if anyone should fall from it” stand.” (Can I get an “amen”?) (Deuteronomy 22:8). We recognize that the Bible requires interpretation. In courses that I teach I often use this verse, buried in Most of us read it in translation (English, Spanish, or seemingly endless laws, to begin discussion of the relevance some other modern language) rather than in its original of the Old Testament for Christians. This verse is part of a languages, Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. There is always larger section of miscellaneous laws in Deuteronomy 21-22
6 Messenger March 2017 Terh p inciple behind this seemingly mundane command fits well with the actions and teachings of Jesus. . . . Who would have thought that architecture could be theological?
low protective wall or barrier at the edge of a balcony, roof, bridge, or the like.” The second question: “So, why do I need one on my roof, especially since no one is ever up there?” The answer comes from ancient Israelite architecture: Homes were constructed with flat roofs that were covered by a canopy intended as extra living space (see Judges 16:27; 2 Samuel 11:2, 16:22; Acts 10:9), especially with the first floor of the house including space for animals. This wall prevented someone from falling off the flat usable space, and thereby being injured or killed when hitting the ground below. This covering issues of stray domesticated livestock, clothing, design was common throughout ancient Near East cultures. crops, and sexual relationships. This section cannot simply This historical and cultural knowledge reveals a hu- be ignored by Christians, as is often done with regulations manitarian principle: People must maintain their property in the law involving animal sacrifice, ritual, or ceremony in such a way as to prevent someone else from getting (understood in the New Testament to be unnecessary now hurt. In our contemporary society, many communities in light of Christ’s death) and its restrictions about food have a similar ordinance requiring swimming pools to laws (understood to be no longer binding on Christians be surrounded by a fence to prevent accidental drown- according to several New Testament passages). There is ing. However, at least in North America, we do not have no overt reason to dismiss this law as irrelevant. So, how stipulations requiring parapets or short walls on rooftops. should we understand it? Why? Because we don’t typically have flat roofs used in First, we should try to understand the words being used this way. Our culture and biblical culture are not the same in the verse itself. The Hebrew word ma’akeh is translated when it comes to architecture. here as “parapet” (NRSV, NIV, NASB, ESV), “railing,” A third question: “Should Christians observe this com- (NLT), and “battlement” (KJV). It comes from a Hebrew mand?” Or put directly, “Should Christians build parapets root meaning “pressure” and this is the only place the word on their roofs?” I would say “no.” This command about is used in the Old Testament. parapets is a culturally conditioned regulation. So, a good first question after consulting multiple However, the reason for the law is worth pondering: translations and a Hebrew dictionary: “What is a parapet?” humanitarian concern for another’s wellbeing (or, their Wikipedia (the “source of all knowledge,” as I joke with shalom). So, if we are to be faithful to this command, we my students) states: “A parapet is a barrier which is an shouldn’t build a parapet on our roofs (simply doing what extension of the wall at the edge of a roof, terrace, balcony, the text seems to require, and rather clearly). Instead, the walkway or other structure.” Dictionary.com states: “any command requires us to live in ways that promote the well-
Messenger March 2017 7 Souldh Christians build parapets on their roofs? I would say no.
being of others or work against tion transcends this specific manifestation. their harm. This is also con- This is a simple (and not controversial, I hope) example, sistent with the commands to assist but it illustrates many of the approaches to interpretation wandering livestock to prevent them from being that we may use productively in attempting to understand hurt in preceding verses (Deuteronomy 22:1-4). more difficult or controversial topics and texts. Situating The command is culturally specific, but the principle is the biblical text in its ancient context, both historical and timeless. Our responsibility to be aware of how our actions literary, is extremely beneficial in helping to understand its and lives affect others is also consistent with Jesus’ teach- meaning for its ancient audience and also for contemporary ings. The principle behind this seemingly mundane com- readers. While knowing Hebrew and Greek is certainly mand fits well with the actions and teachings of Jesus, espe- helpful in reading the biblical texts, comparing multiple cially in the Sermon on the Mount, a text that Brethren have English (or Spanish, or other) translations can be a useful traditionally prioritized within the Gospels themselves. Who approach to understand the many possible ways of repre- would have thought that architecture could be theological? senting them in modern languages. Why did Jesus This example from Deuteronomy illustrates several of When we encounter things in the Bible that we do the productive means of interpreting the Bible. not fully comprehend or that pose questions, we should First, we read the text, taking seriously what it says and engage in the hard work of trying to make sense of such trying to understand the actual words being used. We complexities or ambiguities and to answer the questions identified terms in the text we did not understand or might being raised. We must not shy away from asking hard want to understand more fully, especially as it might affect questions of the Bible and of our faith. We should also how we interpret the command. We looked at definitions not be afraid of the answers that we find, even when they and occurrences in other parts of the Old Testament and challenge our preconceived ideas and require us to adapt used comparative evidence from other cultures to give to new information discovered as a result of the good ourselves some context. work of interpretation. This does not change the Bible, but Second, in addition to linguistics, we looked to historical it changes our understanding of it, and in the process we context (architecture in ancient Israel and the ancient Near may be transformed. East) for additional information. We noted some instances Annual Conference statements from 1979 (“Biblical in the Bible (both Old and New Testaments) that reflect a Inspiration and Authority”) and 1998 (“The New Testament similar understanding (that is, people using flat roofs). as Our Rule of Faith and Practice”) both emphasize the Third, we noticed the literary context of this verse, value of historical and literary approaches to interpreting placing it within a larger set of laws on various topics and the Bible, while recognizing the limits of such methods. recognizing the similarity in purpose to some of them. Both Our goals are to understand the inspired Word of God and the historical and the literary contexts allowed us to see a to gain insight in applying it to our lives, so that we may larger principle at work beyond the specific command. follow Jesus faithfully as a result. As we practice biblical Fourth, we looked for connections to other parts of scrip- interpretation together, I hope that we may be drawn closer ture, particularly the life and teachings of Jesus, that might to God and to one another rather than farther apart. aid us in interpretation. With all these things in mind, we made theological claims about this command, about how it Steven Schweitzer is academic dean and professor at Bethany Theologi- both is and is not relevant for Christians, especially those cal Seminary. He has provided leadership for Bible studies at recent Annual Conferences and spoken at district and continuing education events across the living in places without flat roofs such as North America, denomination. He and his family attend Cedar Grove Church of the Brethren in today. We concluded that the principle behind the stipula- Southern Ohio District.
8 Messenger March 2017 Cheryl Brumbaugh-CayfordCheryl
Why did Jesus have to die?
Nonviolent atonement and restorative justice by J. Denny Weaver
hy did Jesus have to die?” For cen- The first full version of this concept appeared in the book turies the church has used several different Why the God-Man, published in 1098 by Anselm, the Arch- concepts to answer this question, which bishop of Canterbury. The society Anselm knew was struc- underliesW what we call “atonement.” But these concepts are tured by feudalism and ruled by a feudal lord. In this system, problematic for peace churches, at least in part because they when an underling offended the lord, stability of the social are answering the wrong question. order depended on the ability of the ruler either to punish the It might be surprising that the most well-known answer offender or to require satisfaction. to this wrong question comes from a form of government In visualizing Jesus’ death as a debt payment to God, it is abandoned centuries ago, although a remnant still influences obvious that Anselm imagined God in the role of the ultimate our society. That well-known answer is that Jesus died in feudal lord. Anselm believed that human sin had disturbed order to satisfy a debt owed to God by sinful humanity, that is, the order of God’s universe. To restore order in creation, God to satisfy the penalty of death demanded by God’s law. This needed either to punish sinners or to receive satisfaction. concept is called “satisfaction” atonement. Consequently, God sent Jesus as the God-Man so that his
Messenger March 2017 9 infinite death could bear humankind’s punishment and, on against Samaritans, and raised the status of women. These ac- our behalf, supply the satisfaction God required. tions challenged the legitimacy of the religious authorities. If In this understanding of the atonement, the act of God people learned from Jesus to approach God directly and find prompts difficult questions like this one that a 5-year-old forgiveness, that would threaten the authority of the religious asked his mother after Sunday school: “Parents would leadership and the system of temple sacrifices they adminis- never put their child to death on a cross, right?” tered. They developed a plot to have him killed. Evil powers, We can find the better question and its answer in the represented by the religious leadership in Jerusalem and New Testament. When we read the story of Jesus in the above all by the Roman Empire, put him to death on a cross. Gospels, we realize that it says nothing about his death But after three days, God raised him from the dead. satisfying a debt owed to God or paying a penalty required This brief outline of the life of Jesus presents the story as by God’s law. Further, the satisfaction concept deals only one in which the powers of evil are confronted by Jesus’ life with Jesus’ death. It does not mention his life, and ignores and defeated by the resurrection. When we accept Jesus entirely the resurrection, the real climax of the story of Je- and live in his story, we participate in the salvation that sus. Lastly, it features a vengeful God, who has Jesus killed comes with his resurrection. Rather than asking only why to satisfy God’s own justice. This is a violent God for whom he died, the real question about Jesus is, “How do Jesus’ justice depends on violence and punishment. life, teaching, death, and resurrection save?” He saves by These images should disturb peace church people for living a life that makes God’s reign present, and his resur- several reasons. Let me explain. rection invites us to accept Jesus—and thus to join life in In the Gospels, we see that Jesus’ life, his actions and his the reign of God, both now and after we die. teaching, made present the reign of God. He healed on the In classic language, the atonement image that features Sabbath to show how it was being misused, challenged racism victory over evil and Satan through resurrection is called “Christus Victor,” which means Christ the Victor. In the early church, Christus Victor described a confrontation in the cosmos between God and Satan. However, I like to bring the confrontation down to earth. On one side I picture Jesus, who represents the reign of God, and on the other side Rome and the religious leadership, who repre- sent the powers of evil. Because my version uses the story of Jesus, I call it narrative Christus Victor. Think about the action of God in this way of looking at the atonement. God does not require death. On the con- trary, God acts to restore Jesus’ life. From the perspective of God’s action, narrative Christus Victor is a nonviolent atonement image. Humans performed the evil that killed Jesus and God acted to restore his life. Restoring life stands in sharp contrast to the role of God in satisfaction atone- flicker.com / Steven Pisano ment, where God needed a death and sent Jesus to be killed for the death required by God. To make clear the nonviolent role of God, I call this
Tonhis n violent God waits lovingly for God’s people to return. This is the image of nonviolent atonement. This is God’s restorative justice.
10 Messenger March 2017 flicker.com / Merlya li / Merlya flicker.com
en ve bEFORE the prodigal’s return, the father is waiting with open arms. He welcomes the changed son with a forgiveness without punishment.
“nonviolent atonement.” It is a concept that features salva- tery, but tells her, “Go your way, and from now on do not sin tion without violence by God. With this understanding, the again” (John 8.11). He does not punish Zacchaeus’ dishonesty. resurrection invites people to join in the reign of God with Instead, his welcome moves Zacchaeus to repay four times the Jesus as its Lord. amount of money that he gained illegally (Luke 19.8). Feudalism has long disappeared, but the atonement Restorative justice corresponds to nonviolent atonement. image based on feudalism is still common. And the idea Sinners are reconciled to God when they accept the invitation of satisfaction is alive and well under another name in the offered by the resurrection to join in the reign of God. Joining criminal justice system, in which the state has replaced the is actually taking up a new way of life, modeled on the life of feudal lord as the one who punishes or demands satisfac- Jesus. There is no punishment involved but, as with Zac- tion. Crimes are said to be against society or the state, and it chaeus, people who join the reign of God will want to restore is the state that punishes. At whatever level the trial occurs, wholeness and undo the harm of wrongs committed. from local to federal, the prosecuting attorney represents There is also a practical reason for supporting restor- the state. The idea of satisfaction is clearly visible in the ative justice: It is more effective than retributive justice. expectation that one who commits a crime must pay his or Restorative justice has been practiced at all levels, from her debt to society. Justice is said to be done when punish- justice circles in schools to programs under the jurisdiction ment has been handed out. This form of justice is called of a judge in criminal court. Multiple research studies show retributive justice, in that the punishment is retribution for that there are significantly fewer repeat offenders when the crime committed against the state. restorative justice is applied rather than merely seeking With retributive justice, nothing is done for the victim of punishment. the crime. Nothing is done to restore a broken relationship The entire discussion of nonviolent atonement, restor- or to restore harm done. Even when a fine is levied, it goes ative justice, and the image of God is demonstrated in the to the state and not to the victim of the crime. parable of the prodigal son. The father represents God, and the prodigal son stands in for sinful humankind. After wasting his inheritance, the son decides to return and offer he alternative to retributive justice is to work as a hired hand. This is repentance and taking on a restorative justice, which seeks to reconcile new life. But the father does not seek punishment. Instead, Tvictims and offenders. It does not pursue punishment of an even before the prodigal’s return, the father is waiting with offender apart from the victim. Rather, restorative justice open arms. He welcomes the changed son with a forgive- focuses on both. It stresses the needs of the victim and the ness without punishment. rehabilitation of the offender. As much as possible, the of- This nonviolent God waits lovingly for God’s people to fender brings about restoration. Restorative justice is not a return. This is the image of nonviolent atonement. This is way to let offenders off easy. It clearly calls offenders to be God’s restorative justice. responsible for their offenses, while also focusing on the needs of victims. J. Denny Weaver is professor emeritus of religion at Bluffton (Ohio) University. Restorative justice echoes the story of Jesus. When he Among his several books are The Nonviolent Atonement, 2nd revised and expanded edition (Eerdmans, 2011); The Nonviolent God (Eerdmans, 2013); heals, he pronounces forgiveness of sins without punishment and a popular version God Without Violence: Following a Nonviolent God in a (Luke 5:19). He does not punish the woman caught in adul- Violent World (Cascade Books, 2016).
Messenger March 2017 11 Salvation is like a seashore journey by Doris Cline Egge
return, “Did you go the distance?” here is an island in South Carolina that I ask the question because I understand what can hap- has been a favorite vacation spot for pen. A storm may come up. People along the way may dis- our family for many years. The beach that borders tract you. You may leave the direct path to dig for treasure theT Atlantic Ocean is not the prettiest nor smoothest beach buried in the sand or stop to watch the dolphins jump and ever, but for us it has a precious distinction. It offers up play in the water. Sea gulls, clouds, and distant shrimp boats each year interesting things such as sand dollars, sharks’ attract your attention, and your commitment to reach your teeth, sea shells, fossils, and always the possibility of goal is abandoned for another day. something we have never discovered before. Salvation is like that seashore journey. We have no guar- The beach ambles along a state park, a number of vaca- antees that we will stay on course regardless of our deter- tion condominiums, and some million-dollar homes, but mination to do so. Distractions are all around us. Paul says since the island is more than 50 percent conservancy there in Romans 7, “I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For are no huge developments, nor gated communities; the I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what island is still pristine. We think it is God’s country. I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do As we set out to walk the beach, our destination is a cove it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that a couple of miles along the sandy beach, not always the eas- when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand.” iest walking. On arrival, some streams converge. At low tide I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. you often can step across the shallow water. When the tide I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it. I decide not to is high one has to swim or wade across. On the other side do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they there is an extension of sandy beach. Beyond that is private are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep property, so when we get to the cove we have reached our within me and gets the better of me every time. It happens destination. so regularly it’s predictable. In almost 30 years I have arrived only three times. Mem- It is this predictability that Jesus talks about in Matthew bers of the family have reached the goal more often. Now I 25. Even the elect, he says, will be swayed by false prophets walk with difficulty, and I ask my children each time they and lose their way. We become so mesmerized by sin we
12 Messenger March 2017 Flickr.com / Tony Fischer
os d n o L s li si s a V / m o c r. k c li F
Orocusu f is that God is worthy of a lifetime of obedience and service from us because God is God.
Vernard Eller, a long-time professor at the University of La Verne in California, said, “We dare not be dogmatic about what God will do.” God has a plan not completely revealed to us. Some bases of that may not be aware when our sheep skin turns to goat hide. plan might be: We can aspire to salvation, but we can never claim it. God never stops loving us, so the fiery furnace is out Many will be surprised, Jesus says, and God will be our for many Christians. No loving parent would punish a child judge. We haven’t arrived until we have gone the distance. by burning even one finger, much less throw him in a fur- The good news is that we are on the journey together. nace to burn forever. Dick Gottshall, retired Church of the Brethren pastor, In God’s time all people will be restored to God, no told this story one Sunday when he preached at the Wil- matter how sinful they were in life, and God will take it liamson Road church: from there. Alexander Mack Sr. believed in and defined A woman was invited to a banquet at which she was to re- universal restoration for us in the Church of the Brethren. ceive an award. She was deeply troubled. She was a recover- Since it does matter how we behave, we will be held ing alcoholic, and she knew alcohol would be served. Might accountable in God’s own way. she risk her new job, her career even, if she attended and Our central focus as members of the faith community lacked the will to resist a cocktail? The very thought of what is not to claim salvation as a reward or something we have might occur distressed her for days, but she had to attend. earned. Rather we might say our focus is that God is worthy As she was ushered to her place at the table she saw im- of a lifetime of obedience and service from us because God mediately that the cocktail was there right in front of her. is God. She became so emotionally distraught she knew that she The reality of life after death is not in doubt, but the would have to leave the room. Her state was such that she details aren’t at all clear. Our time is better spent contem- could hardly rise from her chair as she excused herself. plating issues in which our involvement matters, like peace She found no solace in the restroom. Finally, she remem- and justice. We commit to go the distance until we reach bered the counselor in her recovery program who told her, the cove. “You may at times just have to get down on your knees and pray.” So she did, and eventually, at peace, she returned to Doris Cline Egge is a retired educator with 60 years of teaching experience, her table. She was relieved to find the cocktail was no lon- who wrapped up her career as a psychotherapist in private practice. She has served on the former General Board of the Church of the Brethren, chairing ger in front of her. She was sure God was at work in her life. the General Services Commission, and on the denomination’s Standing Com-
Messenger March 2017 13 Cheryl Brumbaugh-CayfordCheryl
Stan Dueck (left) with Craig Smith and Samuel Sarpiya. A vital conversation by Walt Wiltschek
Stan Dueck grew up in the Mennonite Brethren Church in thropology, and he helped rebuild the congregation from central California before finding his way to the Church of 30-some people to 150. It grew steadily and planted four the Brethren. Now director of transforming practices for the churches. It confirmed for me the capacity of congrega- Church of the Brethren, he has a passion for helping congre- tions is much greater than we imagine it to be. gations realize their potential. He was instrumental in creat- We limit ourselves. We put ourselves in boxes, and we ing the Vital Ministry Journey (VMJ) for congregations put our congregations in boxes, especially if they’re family seeking renewal. Recently he sat down with Walt Wiltschek churches. We have a hard time separating the values of our to talk about congregational revitalization efforts that excite core families from the values of the church. him—and offer continued hope for the church. Those events were significant in sparking my interest. Since then I’ve had training in congregational develop- What sparked your interest in this field? ment and my interest in organizational management and When I was in college, a professor said, “You’re a mem- systems has been part of it. ber at Zion Mennonite Brethren Church, aren’t you? Are those five men still running the church?” He had done his Where did the idea for Vital Ministry master’s thesis on that congregation. Those things spark an Journey originate? interest in how churches function, looking at the systems It started out of a conversation with Dave Steele [now dynamic and the family relational systems that are alive and general secretary of the Church of the Brethren], when well in Mennonite and Church of the Brethren cultures. he was district executive of Middle Pennsylvania, about a When [my wife] Julie and I got married, we went to a different approach to congregational vitality. But the first congregation that had gone through a devastating split and congregation that used VMJ was Newport, in Shenandoah decline. They hired a missionary who had a PhD in an- District. Duane Painter, the pastor, was a leader in the
14 Messenger March 2017 church at the time. The draft proposal was still on sheets What leads congregations to look at this issue? of paper when I got a call. Some are at that point because of a change or a conflict, Duane said, “We’re going through some changes.” or they see themselves in a rut. It can be a change in pasto- I said, “Hey, do you want to try something new?” ral ministry, or significant loss in terms of membership— Many said, “This will never work,” but 60 percent of maybe now we’re an older church feeling hopeless because their church participated in small groups. Just as many typically growing churches have young families. But that’s showed up for the follow-up gathering. They had involved a myth. According to the US Study of Congregational Life, kids down to middle school, and we had a “Keys to Congre- two out of five growing congregations do not have a high gational Vitality” session with lots of conversation. They level of children and youth involvement, and two out of talked about where they were going, what their future was— five growing congregations are pastored by women. We it was very encouraging for them and me as well. live our life as congregations shaped by assumptions, and After that, Duane asked the leadership to follow so part of this is conversations challenging assumptions through on key themes. They had people who would sit at about what it means to be the church. the back of the congregation. Some leaders became inten- tional about connecting with these people. That hospital- What are some of the tools you use? ity and friendship resulted in people bringing their friends. The core construct is built on reading scripture as a com- Both men’s and women’s groups were doing creative and munity, the model of Appreciative Inquiry, and work done energizing ministries for the church and community, and by Richard Boyatzis, Anthony Jack, and Ann Weems on in a matter of time they were growing and started new out- how people respond to change. Some people call it Ap- reach ministries. So they had some immediate success, and preciative Way. There’s a related model, SOAR (Strengths, Duane became a real advocate for Vital Ministry Journey. Opportunities, Aspirations, Results), helping congrega- It’s taken on its own life. Over a hundred congrega- tions discern a spiritual strategic plan. Philosophically tions have participated in some form, everything from they connect well with the Church of the Brethren and our small-group gatherings, to listening/focus groups built Anabaptist/Pietist sense. around key questions, to interviews, to community Out of our theological framework there is a sense that forums. It’s more successful than I anticipated. It’s by a really empowering presence of God’s Spirit we as also been much more organic—which I think is very Christians have the capacity to do incredible things. How Anabaptist/Pietist—than I anticipated. can we build upon the strengths of who we are? How can this process challenge us to think about our strengths? How would you define “vitality”? How might we use them in new ways? How might we To me vitality is a congregation that finds its spirit and dream about being the church in more healthy, vital ways? voice in a way that brings out that God-giving life presence within the congregation, and it flows out to the commu- What difference does the Anabaptist/Pietist nity. Vitality is significantly tapped when they, in a deep lens make in this process? spiritual way, connect to the Spirit of God. It changes the This is intentionally about involving and engaging the motivation to “what we’re called to do.” community. That’s why the small groups are so important. When that sense of call is not our driving motivation, I It’s much easier to change if you trust somebody. It’s much don’t think we have vital congregations. And you see chang- more difficult if there’s that reactionary fear—what am I es happen in congregations that become more aware of going to lose out of this change? Or what do I need to fight their community and needs. They make changes out of the against in this change? sense that this is how we can best do ministry with the gifts Building those relationships and having conversations we have. It’s a sense of who we are, but also a sense of God in safe places is important. Out of those small groups, trust calling us in living beyond who we think we are, as well. begins to surface and build. You can build a dynamic from
Valyit it is significantly tapped when they, in a deep spiritual way, connect to the Spirit of God. It changes the motivation to “what we’re called to do.”
Messenger March 2017 15 Stan Dueck with keynote speaker Mandy Smith at the most recent New Church Planting Conference.
is committed to staying, then what might it mean for the type of leadership they need, what they are able to do as pastoral leaders? Another congregation has done creative things and built
Cheryl Brumbaugh-CayfordCheryl ministries that have reached out into the community. From that the congregation has grown by 30 percent over the last few years. Is there a deepening spirituality within the congrega- tion? Is there growing hospitality, not just to each other but how does that extend out in mission? Is there a sense there that can create the change in positive directions for of multiplication: “Are we here to multiply disciples? What a congregation versus somebody saying, “This is what does that mean in terms of who we are and how we func- you need to do.” If they begin to sense it themselves, then tion?” Are small groups or other ways that people relate they’re open to it. to each other multiplying? You see that people want to be together, enter relationships and friendships, draw closer, How long does it take a congregation to move mature in their own spiritual walk but do it with others, as through this journey? well. Those are signs of multiplication that I’m looking for. It’s not intended to end, just as our discipleship is an ongo- You’re trying to help the congregation build new habits ing process. We want congregations to see themselves on a and practices—saying you’ll change is easy, but actually vital ministry journey of discernment and discipleship. So doing it is difficult. You start by changing some of the pat- it’s an ongoing process—not just, “We’ll do this thing for terns and practices, and that begins to reshape the think- six or twelve months,” and it comes to the end and we say, ing, and then the thinking reshapes the values, beliefs, and “OK, we checked this off.” culture so that it becomes internalized. Congregations have done multiple small groups, sur- veys, retreats, follow-up processes, and other things. It’s What else should people know? not one-size-fits-all. Some congregations are producing We don’t want congregations to do Vital Ministry Journey materials, creating resources out of their experiences. It’s just to do it, but to go into it with the idea of: “What is the evolving as an organic process that lives out of the vision critical question or key outcome that we want to realize of what it means to be the Church of the Brethren. as a church and that we sense God calling us to live into at this time?” I think that’s important to stress—at this How do you know it’s been successful? time. It’s not a once-and-done deal, but God is continually There are always going to be churches where it doesn’t calling us to be and to do something. You don’t need 100 click. But are leaders beginning to help the congregation percent approval. You just need a critical mass of people wrestle with assumptions, ask different questions, and im- who have the capacity to move the congregation into a plement ministries that move them into the community? positive direction. A congregation in Maryland went through the process. How do we call people out and use their gifts in service The question that kept coming up was: Did the church for both the church and the world, as living instruments of make the right decision 30 or 40 years ago by staying in God’s kingdom? We want people ultimately to see them- its current location? Had God called them to be there, and selves in that disciple-forming cycle of gathering, calling, what did that mean for them as a church? Part of that was forming, and sending.
this feeling that they were indeed to be there. It had an Walt Wiltschek, a former editor of Messenger, is news editor for the Men- impact on their call of pastoral leadership. If the church nonite Church USA.
Wante w congregations to see themselves on a vital ministry journey of discernment and discipleship. So it’s an ongoing process.
16 Messenger March 2017 Reflections
On the subject of quality and perfection
uring the years of my employment, the passage in Matthew 5:48 where Jesus is quoted as I worked for a pharmaceutical firm saying, “You therefore must be perfect as your Father in where my responsibilities were concerned Heaven is perfect.” I knew I wasn’t perfect but the com- Dwith quality assurance. One was the development of mandment seemed to be so absolute! training programs for operating-level employees on the Years later, in Barclay's Daily Bible Study Series, subject of product quality and how one could contribute to I learned that the original Greek word teleios is translated quality products. as “perfect” in seven translations. Barclay goes on to say In the course of discussion that an animal which is fit for use as a sacrifice to God is with a group of my associates on one without blemish—it is teleios. the subject of product quality, the Suppose in my house there is a screw loose, and I name of a prominent writer on the want to tighten and adjust this screw. I go out to subject was mentioned. He had re- the ironmonger and I buy a screwdriver. I find that cently published a paper in which the screwdriver exactly fits the grip of my hand; he described a quality product as it is neither too large nor too small, too rough nor one “fit for use.” too smooth. I lay the screwdriver on the slot of the For example, if one were to screw and I find that it exactly fits. I then turn the ask, “Which is the better qual- screw and the screw is fixed. In the Greek sense, ity car, the Volkswagon bug or a and especially in the New Testament sense, that Ernie Barr Cadillac?” one would immediately screwdriver is teleios, because it exactly fulfilled the answer, “The Cadillac, of course.” purpose for which I desired and bought it. So then But another person could ask, “What purpose is the car a man will be teleios if he fulfills the purpose for to serve?” If simplicity, reliability, and low-cost trans- which he was created. portation were important, the answer might likely be the VW. On the other hand, if it was intended that the owner Whether the screwdriver has a scarred handle or the of the vehicle ride in ultimate comfort, make an impres- shaft is a bit rusty or slightly bent is not important. A tool sion, and arrive in style, the Cadillac would clearly be the that serves the purpose for which it was made is “perfect” choice. It would all depend on what use the vehicle was in the New Testament sense. intended to satisfy—which car would be more “fit for use”? Fomyr m teenage years I had been deeply When one applies this definition of quality to phar- troubled by the passage in Matthew 5:48. maceuticals, one must realize that not every tablet coming off the manufacturing lines will be perfect in containing the What a relief I felt as I realized that I could be exact amount of active ingredient stated on the label. Some teleios without being “perfect”! My responsibility, then tablets will contain more and some less. Chemical analysis was to become useful—to become fit for use in the King- provides the information to control that variation and keep dom of God. it within effective limits. The manufacturer may then assure Ernie Barr is retired from his work in the pharmaceutical industry, and lives in North the user of product quality—of “fitness for use.” Manchester, Ind. He was on the former General Board of the Church of the Brethren From my teenage years I had been deeply troubled by from 1990 to 1995, and chaired the board in 1995.
Messenger March 2017 17 From a tithe, a new church
growsby Ellen K. Layman
hat happens if to the point that two Sunday morn- a truck driver ing services were needed to accom- opens his lunch- modate the crowd. He credits the box,W pulls out the real estate adver- growth to the congregation’s focus tisement he had tucked in there, and on salvation and a vibrant prayer life. begins to pray? “We have strong revivals. You might If the truck driver is Terry Jewell, say we’re retro: What doesn’t work at pastor of Knight’s Chapel Church of other places still works here.” the Brethren in Barboursville, Va., About the time Knight’s Chapel what unfolds is a fast-paced business was committing itself to tithing, a transaction (and spiritual affirmation) church building on Main Street was Terry Jewell that results in the opening of a new being vacated. Built in 1853, it is the preaching point for the Church of the oldest existing building in Gordons- ville and had been home to the Gor- Brethren in the Shenandoah District. Knight‘s Chapel in Barboursville, Va., On Nov. 20, 119 people attended is “a large church in a small building.” donsville Christian Church, affiliated the inaugural Church of the Brethren with the Disciples of Christ. That worship at Gordonsville Chapel, a tithe, why don’t congregations tithe? congregation was aging and declining church plant sponsored by Knight’s Knight’s Chapel accepted the in attendance; the decision to close Chapel. Attendance has remained challenge, setting aside 10 percent came about seven years ago. strong at Gordonsville and is averag- of its offerings to invest in ministries After last spring’s revival at Knight’s ing about 110 between the two loca- to further the kingdom of God. The Chapel, a parishioner showed Jewell tions only seven miles apart. Pastor congregation faced some physical an advertisement for the Gordonsville Jewell preaches at both every Sunday. limitations: A very small building on building. The price, once listed at about The fast pace of purchasing the a no-space-to-spare lot hemmed in $230,000, was now $149,000. church on the Main Street of Gor- by two graveyards left no room for The pace picked up. donsville, a railroad town steeped expansion. The Sunday school build- On a Thursday, he tucked the ad in Civil War history, contrasted ing was a storage shed often crowd- in his lunchbox. As he ate, he prayed: with the step-by-step faith Knight’s ed to the point of having children “God, what do we do with this?” The Chapel had demonstrated. Seven or sitting on the floor. There was no answer he heard was, “Call the real eight years ago, Jewell had asked the running water and no indoor facili- estate lady.” congregation to consider something ties. But, Jewell relates, the building He did and set up a Saturday ap- another pastor had raised with him: is “beautiful.” pointment to take his wife to inspect If churches encourage individuals to The congregation was growing the building. Because of a chance en-
Khtnig ’s Chapel accepted the challenge, setting aside 10 percent of its offerings to invest in ministries to further the kingdom of God.
18 Messenger March 2017 by Ellen K. Layman Terry Jewell
The first worship service at Gordonsville Chapel attracted 119 people, and attendance has remained strong.
counter with someone who saw them prayed, with Jewell declaring his At the first morning worship ser- with the real estate agent, Jewell desire that the building would remain vice, on Nov. 20, the realization of the knew he had to tell his congregation a house of worship. dream came with an added personal on Sunday that he was looking at the When it came time to make an touch for Jewell. Greetings from the vacant Gordonsville building. offer, Jewell was almost apologetic. district were brought by Charles Sim- Good thing he did, because on “We’ll offer $110,000 for the property mons, who had been Jewell’s men- Monday about 12:30 p.m. he learned and furnishings,” he recalls telling tor for the Education for a Shared that someone was about to make an the agent. “I know it’s worth more, Ministry (EFSM) program. “He’s got offer on the building. The real estate but $110,000 is what we have.” sweat equity in it here” because of agent advised him to get an inspec- The agent advised that the ne- that relationship, notes Jewell, and tion, estimate what repairs were gotiation might take a few months. he “is familiar with the struggles of needed, deduct that from the asking Later that day, however, she called small churches.” price, and make an offer. to say the offer had been accepted. District executive minister John But it was a really busy day at work. Jewell believes that “if you follow Jantzi sees the benefits of having Perhaps hesitantly, he asked his boss biblical principles” in your dealings another preaching point in Orange if he could take the afternoon off. Not with people, the end result will be the County. Not only does it “extend wit- only did his boss agree, he offered to right one. ness to an area not formerly served,” drive Jewell to the meeting with the The Knight’s Chapel congrega- but it also provides opportunity for agent and two contractors. Although tion pitched in to make the needed leadership development. the building was in great shape, some repairs. The hum of activity in the As the two congregations grow, he repairs were needed. The contractors once-vacant building attracted the at- notes, more people will be growing in suggested offering $110,000. tention of passers-by, some of whom leadership. Jewell likens the growth By mid-afternoon, Knight’s Cha- accepted the invitation to come to a “runaway horse, and we want to pel’s three trustees had joined the inside and see what was happening. go with it.” discussion, all agreeing that at their Gordonsville Chapel has a lot of the “Small churches are sometimes present location they were “a large amenities Knight’s Chapel lacks—a limited, but God’s going to show us church in a small building.” larger building with classrooms and the way. We’re learning.”
As he and the real estate agent indoor plumbing, Main Street visibil- Ellen K. Layman is communications assistant for the had done each time they met, they ity, and parking. Church of the Brethren’s Shenandoah District.
Messenger March 2017 19 MediaReview
A recipe of hope and encouragement
rian D. McLaren has written another church has participated ever since Constantine declared book that challenges Christians, Christianity to become the religion of the state. Sadly, it has particularly those of us in American churches, to too often been a history of a “warrior” religion. Even today, migrateB beyond the usual way of doing things. The three McLaren notes, there are many Christians who believe that sections of The Great Spiritual Migration give counsel on it is all right to kill people of other religions in the name of how we can move 1) “from a system of beliefs to a way Jesus because they can “justify it with a chapter and verse of life,” 2) “from a violent God of of the Bible.” domination to a nonviolent God of Calling us to move beyond a either a “literal” or a “lib- liberation,” and 3) “from an organized eral” reading of the Bible, McLaren argues for an “integral” church to an organizing church.” approach to our understanding of scripture and the Holy McLaren draws on his own spiri- One to which the Bible points. He takes his cue from the life tual journey, starting with his experi- and teachings of Jesus, who deconstructs the concept of a ence as an enthusiastic young Chris- wrathful, violent Supreme Being and “reveals a generous tian to his years as a pastor and finally God, a God whose power is manifest in gentleness, kind- to his current vocation as a writer ness, and love.” and activist in church renewal. In the In the final section of the book, “The Missional Mi- Ken Gibble face of declining church membership gration,” McLaren describes an emerging approach to in our country, he offers a recipe of religious life, one that emphasizes cooperation rather than hope and encouragement to Christians who are willing to competition, including working side by side with Jews, embrace migration toward a better way to be followers of Muslims, Buddhists, and those who are not affiliated with Jesus and “a better way to be human.” a particular religion. He has become convinced that the Of special interest to those of us in the “non-creedal” Holy Spirit has brought humanity to the point where, for Brethren fold is McLaren’s critique of a church history that the first time in history, we must “receive the differing has, for centuries, emphasized the necessity for its members gifts each tradition offers.” to hold “correct beliefs.” He reminds us that Jesus did not say, The Great Spiritual Migration is an excellent resource “This is my commandment, that you believe the right doc- for a discussion group or an adult Sunday school class. trines.” His “new commandment” was “to love one another Each chapter concludes with a page of “Contemplation, as I have loved you” (John 13:34). McLaren urges us to speak Conversation, and Action” that provides ideas for personal of confessions of love, rather than confessions of faith, begin- reflection and help for group leaders who want to provoke ning with “We love . . .” instead of “We believe. . . .” stimulating discussion. I found the three appendices to be What makes McLaren’s writing so appealing to those of helpful on a personal level, especially the one that offers us involved in the life of our congregations is his practical “Fourteen Precepts of Just and counsel for both worship and Christian service. A good ex- Generous Christianity.” ample of the former is his 10 simple, creative suggestions for rituals such as music, prayers, and even the receiving Ken Gibble, a retired Church of the Brethren of offerings. pastor, writes from Camp Hill, Pa. Read more In Part II, the author traces the violence in which the on his blog at www.kenslines.blogspot.com.
Ao b ut tHE book Title: The Great Spiritual Migration: How the World’s Largest Religion Is Seeking a Better Way To Be Christian. Author: Brian McLaren. Publisher: Convergent Books, 2016.
20 Messenger March 2017 Youth&YoungAdults
A recipe of hope Jan Fischer Bachman and encouragement Jan Fischer Bachman
‘This is how we church!’ by Jan Fischer Bachman
hat would be your idea of a perfect —The charity board members at our church have felt Christian gathering?” I asked youth encouraged by the increased support and participation of from my church, Oakton Church of the the congregation. BrethrenW in Vienna, Va. —Parents report that their children are coming home Adults bemoan the fact that youth increasingly leave the from Service Sunday quoting Bible verses, since the devo- church, or are unenthusiastic when they attend—but we tional often is just one verse rather than a whole passage, don’t always give them the chance to participate in design- and we sometimes repeat the verse during the service ing fellowship that is meaningful for them. time. At Oakton, youth said that they would like to have a What do the youth think? short Bible reading and then spend time together serving “I like Service Sunday because other weeks we talk others. Since our church includes board members for a lo- about our faith, but on Service Sunday we do it,” said one cal organization that helps people in need, we were able to youth. overcome the problem of charities being closed on Sunday. Another struggled to lift a mattress into a warehouse So for the past 15 months, junior and senior high youth and spontaneously created a new verb: “This is how we have spent an hour and a half on one Sunday morning a church!” month hauling furniture, unpacking boxes, sorting food My conclusion about this experience: To increase youth and clothing, making posters, or doing whatever is needed involvement in church, ask youth what holds meaning for to help neighbors in need. They return to church in time them and listen to their answers. for the worship service. Initially we split youth by age group. We noticed that individual youth preferred different tasks, so this year we
n are letting them choose their project sites. We also have a m h c a B added in fifth graders, at their request. r e
ch s i This initiative, which we call Service Sunday, has re- F n a sulted in the following: J —Higher attendance on Service Sundays. Youth who don’t come to Sunday school regularly make it to Service Sunday, even though it starts much earlier. We have also had a number of guests, usually ones in need of service hours for school! —More adults are involved with the youth. The facilities we travel to are not far away, but we need extra adult driv- ers and chaperones.
Messenger March 2017 21 BibleStudy
The pool of healing by Bob Bowman
he pool of Bethzatha, or Bethesda, was Jesus came by and his eye caught one man in particular. a place of healing. It seemed that every so At this point in the scripture story, I want to ask ques- often God would send an angel, a symbol of God’s tions. Why one person? Why only one when the porticoes Town presence, into that pool. The first to step into the God- were crowded with people needing attention? “Why him stirred water would find healing. The story is found in the and not me,” I ask because it is easier than asking, “Why me first verses of the Gospel of John, chapter 5. and not them?” For me, the pool of healing is Sunday morning worship. I don’t like the answers that come. The first temptation Sometimes, not often but sometimes, it seems to me that an is to say that Jesus knew that this one man, of all the crowd, angel, or the very presence of God, has descended into the deserved it most. Or, if not “deserved it,” then at least he gathered sisters and brothers in our worship. was the one who was most needy. But that answer falters I’d like to say that it was the sermon. Or some special when I remember that the world I live in does not work music or a moving hymn. But it is not that simple. The that way. It is rare when the most deserving or the most sermon can be excellent and the music emotional but the needy gets the richest blessing. angel is not there. Even with the best of Sunday morning It is also a temptation to say that it is simply a matter worship, we can never control the angel of God. Sometimes of chance. Some are chosen to be healed; others are not. it is there; more often not. But when it is, shivers go up my I don’t like that answer much, but it is one answer given spine and my breath comes short and I know that—at least in scripture. “The race is not to the swift nor the battle to for a moment—I am in the presence of the Holy. the strong,” says Ecclesiastes 9:11, “but time and chance That’s what the crowd waited for at the pool of Bethesda happen to them all.” Scripture also gives other answers, but in Jerusalem. The blind, the lame, the weak, the disheart- perhaps some questions simply cannot be fully answered ened, the chronically ill were all waiting for the angel of God. on this side of the Jordan.
22 Messenger March 2017 Flickr.com Scofield / Glenn Williams
Smeto imes, not often but sometimes, it seems to me that an angel, or the very presence of God, has descended into the gathered sisters and brothers.
It is not too strange, then, that the man refuses to an- swer the question of Jesus. Instead he says, “Sir, I have no one. I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up. While I am making my way, someone else always steps in front of me.” That “I have no one” pierces my heart. Is it really pos- sible that in his 38 years of illness there was not one friend, cousin, or neighbor whom he could count on? Was there truly no one? We remember one of God’s first observations in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good that a person should be lonely.” Throughout the New Testament Jesus is portrayed as a friend of the friendless and a helper of the person who has no earthly help. That’s why we sing the old song, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” The man whom Jesus saw had been ill for 38 years. We are Were this man’s illness and his loneliness related? not told the nature of the illness but, whatever it was, the man Did he lack friends because of his disability? Or was he ill draws my sympathy. Presumably, he was no longer a young because he had no friends? I said he refused to answer the man. One has to wonder what effect 38 years of debilitating question of Jesus about wanting to be well, but perhaps the illness has on a personality. I have friends who have lived man had more insight than I gave him credit for. He may longer than that with a disability but who have lived lives of have realized that if he had to choose between wellness and such abundant joy, optimism, love, and faith that their disabil- friendship, he would choose friendship. ity was eclipsed. On the other hand, I have known some who My pool of healing is Sunday morning worship. Granted, have allowed their illness or disability to define them. I want the angel stirs waters at other times and places. In nature to know more about the man whom Jesus saw. I sometimes feel God’s presence. Strangely, the death of Jesus asked him, “Do you want to get well?” It is only someone close often brings me to reflect on life so deeply three simple words in Greek. Surely it was obvious that that I feel the angel’s presence hovering near. But Sunday the man wanted to be well; that is why he was there at the morning worship is special. And what is very special are pool of Bethesda in the first place. Why did Jesus feel the those times when it is neither the powerful and moving need to ask? sermon, nor the brilliant and soaring music—as meaningful Perhaps Jesus wanted the man to articulate his own as these are—that causes the descent of the angel of God’s need. It is not as easy as it sounds to name one’s deepest presence. But a chance and fleeting conversation with a need. Sometimes we think a different job, different loca- friend at the door of the church building will cause me to tion, or different spouse would solve all our problems. step right down into that pool and the presence of God. What would “being well” mean for this man? What would An ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren, Bob Bowman is professor wellness look like for me? emeritus of religion at Manchester University in North Manchester, Ind.
Messenger March 2017 23 Lighting a candle of hope Stories from the Haiti Medical Project Kendra Harbeck by Paul Ullom-Minnich
r. Emmerson Pierre is one of the three Hurricane Matthew relief original doctors who started working for the Georgia Altenor is a church leader recently ordained to the D Haiti Medical Project in 2011. His first connection ministry in the growing Haitian Church of the Brethren with the Church of the Brethren was through a Brethren (l’Eglise des Freres Haitiens). She expressed such gratitude missionary at the orphanage where he grew up in Haiti’s at being able to respond for the church when Hurricane central plateau. He strongly believes in the role of the Matthew struck Haiti earlier this year. “It is such a blessing mobile clinic to bring health care to people who have never to be able to serve,” she said. had it before. When the hurricane struck, average rainfalls totaled about He recounts an incident in one remote village. After the 25 inches across the country. Some areas were flooded by dusty journey in the back of the clinic truck, the clinic team more than 40 inches. Tree-snapping winds destroyed build- arrived at a site they had visited only a couple of times. ings and crops. People already were crowding outside the tiny church, hop- Church members went in groups to areas hit hardest by ing to be one of the 150 who would be seen that day. the storm, surveying the damage in regions they’d never been One woman pushed a shy 5-year-old boy in front of her as before. A truck broke down on one of these trips, leaving that they crossed the dirt floor to where Dr. group stranded alongside the road. Even- Emmerson had placed his things at a tually they slept beneath the truck since it table. The boy couldn’t manage his own was the only sort of shelter available. bowel movements and had a history of “It’s not normal in our culture to have soiling himself. His mother had all but women out in the middle of the night,” given up. Altenor recounted. “But we were all “How long has this been going on?” working together helping people.” Dr. Emmerson asked. They pulled into towns where the “Ever since he was born.” homes had been flattened, and they went “Was he ever examined before?” the wreckage by wreckage, offering food, wa- doctor wondered. ter, and hygiene kits provided by Brethren “He’s never seen a doctor.” Disaster Ministries. Even the Haitian Since his birth, and through five congregation—whose members were all years of illness, she never had been affected by the storm, and whose incomes Paul Ullom Minnich able to afford medical care for her son. averaged $2 per day—contributed clothes After a brief exam, Dr. Emmerson and shoes from their families. discovered that the boy had been born Altenor told how people began pulling with a condition in which his rectum Dr. Emmerson Pierre treating a patient. clothes out of the mud to try and salvage never formed. His stool had been leak- scraps of normal Haitian life, with the ing out through a tear, or fistula, near the end of his colon. detergent supplied in the health kits. The young physician arranged for surgery to fix the defect at The people in these little towns were surprised by groups a charity hospital some distance away. coming from a church instead of a big relief organization. Months later, still in disbelief, the doctor told me this “Most churches in Haiti focus just on the wellbeing of their story. This is why the clinics are so important. Even if we get members,” she said. “We were reaching out to strangers.” to the village only once a year, for some it is their only oppor- Paul Ullom-Minnich is a physician from central Kansas, and a founding leader of tunity for medical care. These clinics light a candle of hope, the Church of the Brethren’s Haiti Medical Project. More information is at www. and that light draws thousands of patients a year. brethren.org/haiti-medical-project.
24 Messenger March 2017 NewslineDigest March 2017
Donita Keister and Roger Schrock top AC ballot
he denomination's ber. He has served the Church of the n Bethany Theological Standing Committee has Brethren as executive of World Min- Seminary Trustee, Colleges T released the 2017 Annual istries, as Africa representative, and as Celia Cook-Huffman (incumbent) of Conference ballot, which includes a missionary in Sudan, among other Huntingdon, Pa., Stone Church of the two nominees for moderator-elect and appointments. In a volunteer capacity, Brethren, Middle Pennsylvania District nominations for a number of other he has been a member of the Standing Shane Kirchner of McPherson, Kan., offices to be filled by the delegate body. Committee of Annual Conference and McPherson Church of the Brethren, The Standing Committee also has currently serves on the Mission Advi- Western Plains District chosen Liz Bidgood Enders as delegate sory Council. n Bethany Theological Seminary for the World Council of Churches and Following are nominees for other po- Trustee, Clergy Glenn Bollinger as alternate. sitions to be filled by election in 2017, Paul Brubaker (incumbent) of Ephrata, n Annual Conference listed by position: Pa., Middle Creek Church of the Breth- Moderator-elect n Annual Conference Secretary ren, Atlantic Northeast District On the ballot for the position of James M. Beckwith (incumbent) of Dana Cassell of Durham, N.C., Peace moderator-elect are Donita Keister of Lebanon, Pa., Annville Church of the Covenant Church of the Brethren, Mifflinburg, Pa., and J. Roger Schrock Brethren, Atlantic Northeast District Virlina District of McPherson, Kan. Paul Schrock of Indianapolis, Ind., n Brethren Benefit Trust Board Northview Church of the Brethren, Sara Huston Brenneman (incum- South/Central Indiana District bent) of Hershey, Pa., Harrisburg n Annual Conference Program First Church of the Brethren, Atlantic and Arrangements Committee Northeast District Jan Glass King of Martinsburg, Pa., Katherine Allen Haff of North Bedford Church of the Brethren, Manchester, Ind., Manchester Church Middle Pennsylvania District of the Brethren, South/Central Jan Orndorff of Woodstock, Va., Indiana District Sugar Grove Church of the Brethren, n On Earth Peace Board Shenandoah District Bobbi Dykema of Seattle, Wash., n Mission and Ministry Board, Olympic View Church of the Brethren, Donita Keister J. Roger Schrock Area 1 Pacific Northwest District. Audrey Hollenberg-Duffey of Hagers- Cheryl Thomas of Angola, Ind., Keister is an associate pastor at Buf- town, Md., Hagerstown Church of the Pleasant Chapel Church of the falo Valley Church of the Brethren in Brethren, Mid-Atlantic District Brethren, Northern Indiana District Southern Pennsylvania District. She Colin W. Scott of Harrisburg, Pa., n Pastoral Compensation and currently is a member of the denomi- Mechanicsburg Church of the Breth- Benefits Advisory Committee nation’s Mission and Ministry Board, ren, Southern Pennsylvania District Barbara Wise Lewczak of Minburn, and serves on the board’s executive n Mission and Ministry Board, Iowa, Stover Memorial Church of the committee, but will complete her term Area 2 Brethren, Northern Plains District. of service prior to the 2017 Annual Christina Singh of Freeport, Ill., Free- Daniel L. Rudy of Roanoke, Va., Conference. port Church of the Brethren, Illinois Ninth Street Church of the Brethren, Schrock is a member of McPherson and Wisconsin District Virlina District Church of the Brethren in Western Frances Townsend of Onekama, For more information about Plains District. He is a retired pastor Mich., Onekama Church of the Breth- the Annual Conference go to and former denominational staff mem- ren, Michigan District www.brethren.org/ac.
Post this page You are welcome to photocopy this page. For more Newsline stories and to subscribe to Newsline’s free e-mail news service go to www.brethren.org/news
Messenger March 2017 25 NewslineDigest
General secretary among 2,000 religious leaders signing letter supporting refugee resettlement National Junior High
n mid-January, general secretary David Steele on Conference to call youth behalf of the Church of the Brethren signed a letter to to a ‘greater cause’ IPresident Trump and members of Congress expressing support for refugee resettlement. The letter, which was signed by more than ational Junior High 2,000 religious leaders from across the country, was an initiative of Conference 2017 will invite the Interfaith Immigration Coalition. Nyouth and their advisors to consider The coalition is connected with Church World Service (CWS), Jonah’s story through the theme “Called for a a long-term partner organization of the Church of the Brethren and Greater Cause: Jonah’s Journey.” The confer- the denomination’s disaster ministries. ence will be held June 9-11 on the campus of “As religious leaders from a variety of backgrounds, we are called by Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. our sacred texts and faith traditions to love our neighbor, accompany The event will be enriched by worship speak- the vulnerable, and welcome the sojourner,” the letter said. “War, con- ers including Katie Heishman, Rudy Amaya, flict and persecution have forced people to leave their homes, creating and Jeff Carter. Kyle Remnant will coordinate more refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced people than at music. Worship will be coordinated by Rebekah any other time in history. More than 65 million people are currently Houff and Trent Smith. In addition to four displaced—the largest number in recorded history. celebrations of worship, there will be time for “This nation has an urgent moral responsibility to receive refugees learning during workshops, and time for play and asylum seekers who are in dire need of safety.” during recreation and evening activities. The letter added, among other points, that “The US Refugee Register at www.brethren.org/njhc. Resettlement program has been and should remain open to those of Through March 31, the cost is $175 per all nationalities and religions who face persecution on account of the person. After March 31, the cost for regular reasons enumerated under US law. We oppose any policy change that registration is $200 per person. Travel would prevent refugees from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, scholarships are available to those who live and Yemen, or individuals who practice Islam and other faiths from west of the Mississippi River. accessing the US refugee resettlement program.”
Young Adult Conference to address ‘Loving Neighbor’
“‘Teacher, which command- What do those words mean? How do include worship, music, Bible study, ment in the law is the I love God with all of my heart, soul, theological conversations, workshops, greatest?’ He said to him, and mind? Who is my neigh- recreation (including an optional canoe ‘You shall love the Lord your bor? Young adults are invited trip), and fellowship. Speakers include God with all your heart, and to join in conversation Emmett Eldred, Dennis Lohr, Wendy with all your soul, and with about Matthew 22:36-39 McFadden, and Monica Rice. all your mind.’ This is the and the idea of being a The registration fee of $125 ($150 af- greatest and first com- “Loving Neighbor” at ter April 30) includes food, lodging, and mandment. And a Young Adult Confer- programing. BVS scholarships and local second is like it: ‘You ence on May 26-28 at church scholarships are available by shall love your neigh- Camp Harmony, near contacting Paige Butzlaff at pbutzlaff@ bor as yourself’” Hooversville, Pa. brethren.org or 847-429-4389. Register (Matthew 22:36-39). The event will at www.brethren.org/yac.
26 Messenger March 2017 Letters
It ’s jUST so hopeful. From cover to cover there is hope written across the pages.
We are known by our deeds rules but took Jesus’ teachings as our allow us to select, based on our own guide. Those teachings are very clear prejudices, who we will treat well. One of the principal tenets of the as to our responsibility to others. We also are instructed to minister to Brethren faith has been that we are There are basic rules about treating the sick, care for the infirm, feed the known by our deeds. It isn’t enough others as we ourselves would like to hungry, and seek justice for those who to profess our faith; we have to live it. be treated. There aren’t caveats that are persecuted. Every decision we make and action we take need to be seen in light of their ef- fects on others and on our own souls. Send letters to [email protected] or Messenger, Attn: Letters, 1451 Dundee Ave., Even as a young person, I was Elgin, IL 60120. Please include hometown and phone number. Letters should be brief, struck by the profound meaning of clear, and respectful of the opinions of others, with strong differences handled in the having the New Testament as our spirit of Matthew 18. Preference is given to letters that respond directly to items in creed. We didn’t set up man-made Messenger. Anonymous letters will not be considered.
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Messenger March 2017 27 Letters
Imsk a a ing my fellow Brethren to be sources of light and healing in our communities and to stand for what is right. do not let fear and divisiveness rule.
When I was eight years old, I learned dinner, out of our large congregation us. I realized then that these kids were an important life lesson. My father only four or five families brought food different in other people’s eyes. I knew worked in a factory in addition to farm- to share. My father was furious and he that they were like me, it was just that ing full time. He worked with a Baptist had everyone go to our farm instead. they were city kids. But that fall when I minister and they became friends. Since The women prepared a feast with our went back to school with my skin dark my father was a deacon in Salamonie freezer and canning cellar playing major brown from working outside and my Church of the Brethren, he suggested a roles. straight hair permed into tight curls, I pulpit exchange with his friend’s church I was excited to have these city kids had a new nickname, “N---.” in Marion, Ind. to show around the farm and play with. A difference in the amount of mela- The Baptist church came with their The color of their skin wasn’t even a nin in our skin and differences in cul- choir and minister. He was a fiery consideration. After the meal, we were ture should be opportunities to broaden preacher and the choir was great. When out in the front yard playing. Cars began our understanding of the world, not we went downstairs to have a carry-in driving by and people were yelling at reasons to fear or demean. We must
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28 Messenger March 2017 stand against this kind of ignorance and hate. I am asking my fellow Brethren to be sources of light and healing in our communities and to stand for what is right. Please do not let fear and divi- siveness rule. We have come far, but have more work to do.
Carol Glover Durham, N.H.
Hopeful from cover to cover
Regarding the January/February Messenger, this is a home run. It’s just so hopeful. From cover to cover there is hope written across the pages. Congratulations to all who put the Messenger together.
David S. Young Ephrata, Pa.
A great year
This last year of Messenger has been great. The themed issues, Bob Bowman’s Bible studies, Wendy McFadden’s bold invitations, and the editorial team are all working well. We didn’t debate, this time, about whether or not we would renew. Where are you Thank you for this important ministry. headed?
Dylan and Laura Dell-Haro We’re all walking along a nancial path Beatrice, Neb. – with goals and challenges unique to each of us. The key is to gure out our next steps, and how they t with our faith and values.
classifieds You don’t have to take this journey alone. Everence® is here to walk along- Remembering Muted Voices: Conscience, side you, so you can meet tomorrow’s Dissent, Resistance and Civil Liberties in opportunities with con dence. It’s one World War I through today. Centennial inter- way we’re doing better together. national conference at National World War I Muse- um and Memorial, Kansas City, October 19-22, 2017. (800) 348-7468 Need Brethren stories of struggle, conscience and everence.com courage acting in events that shape war and peace today. What can we learn from these examples for acts of conscience as disciples in a trouble world Banking | Investing | Retirement | Financial Planning | Insurance | Charitable Giving today? Call for Papers - Proposals by 3/20/2017. Everence offers credit union services that are federally insured by NCUA. Investments and other More information: theworldwar.org/mutedvoices or products are not NCUA or otherwise federally insured, may involve loss of principal and have no email [email protected] credit union guarantee. All products are not available in all states.
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Messenger March 2017 29
TurningPoints
Send information for Goshen City, Goshen, Ind.: Mckenzie Saddison, Ethan Tyler Billet, Michael Jared High, Jesse High, Turning Points to Diane Rebekah Houff Bickel, David Rodriguez, Cleaver, Olivia Cleaver, James Martin, Isaiah Stroyeck, 1451 Dundee Ave, Green Hill, Salem, Va.: Brooke Rodriguez Caleb Grim Alspaugh, Caleb Elgin, IL 60120; Charlotte Johnson, Leo Midland, Va.: Kayleigh Plymouth, Ind.: Tom Anders, Fahnestock 800-323-8039, ext. 327; Johnson Alford, Taylor Alford, Rachel Anders, Ann Williamson Road, Roanoke, [email protected]. Green Tree, Oaks, Pa.: Kathy Gillian Tochney Anders, Taylor Pruiett, Va.: Terri Luzynski, Information must be Bieski, Katie Blain, Al Mill Creek, Port Republic, Sally Smith, Carol Nye Stephen Vassar complete in order to be pub- Funke, Eric Pyne, Deanna Va.: Kathy Ipok, Carol Pottstown, Pa.: Addie Youse Woodbury, Pa.: Kayla lished. Information older Robbins, Abby Simon, Griffith Ridgeway Community, Ritchey, Caitlin Curfman, than one year cannot be Emma Smith, Jenna Yeager Mohican, West Salem, Ohio: Harrisburg, Pa.: Micah Ben Parker, Shelby Over, published. Grossnickle, Myersville, Md.: Megan Hottel, James Bidgood Enders, Ryan Lauren Over, Aaron Brenda White, Emily Reichard, Bob Brazis, Griffin, Kristiana Griffin Shawley, Benjamin Gable New members White, Deborah Pugh, Brenda Brazis, Kim Ott, Roaring Spring, Pa.: Dylan Wyomissing, Pa.: Darlene Dunn, Nancy May, Melissa Blue Ridge, Va.: David Donald Pugh, Jonathan Larry Crebs, Michelle Butler, Eliana Eicher, Stief, Brian Felker, Jill Beckwith, Becky Fitzgerald, Cornell, Jenna Grossnickle, Denny, Karen Nunez, Ariadne Madden, Miranda Fleker, Deborah Smith, Clara Orange Declan Kehlbeck, Manuel Nunez, Caroline Madden, Abigail Garber, Dorothy Smith Cerro Gordo, Ill.: Michelle Catherine Mahoney, Shadburn, Dan Shadburn, Norma Jean Stiffier, Paul York Center, Lombard, Ill.: West Michele Riggs, Cameron Mid White, Roger White, Longenecker, Bill Taylor Hisey Pierson, Anna Chambersburg, Pa.: Bill Wells Helen Smith, Kate Hagstrom, Georgia Lee Hisey Pierson, Willy Abbott, Eric Brandt, Faith Hanover, Pa.: Sandy Avery, Johnson, Bob Ballou, Hagstrom, David Hagstrom Hisey Pierson Brandt, Andrew Brindle, Stephen Hershberger, Tamala Ballou, Evan Rossville, Ind.: Candy Dawna Brindle, Makenna Nancy Mummert, Bonita Brazis, Noah Brazis, Silverthorn, Jerry Brindle, Linda Hawbaker, Sexton Samuel Brazis, Jamie Silverthorn Wedding Ashley Helman, Rachel Harrisonburg, Va.: Lee Firebaugh, Heidi Topp, Rummel, Windber, Pa.: Mark Noble, Landen Noble, Kinsey, Sandy Kinsey Allie Stoltz, Dylan Stoltz, Weaver, Judy Weaver, anniversaries Randy L. Hockenberry, Heidelberg, Myerstown, Pa.: Nathan Stoltz, Westley Amanda Weaver, Connie Barkdoll, Stanley and Hazel, Kaitlynn Kylor, Kendra Leroy Miller, Eileen Miller, Stoltz, Karen Anderson, Wyandt, Karen Ruffner, Kearneysville, W.Va., 66 McMullen, Cindy Pyles, Carlissa Heisey Tim Anderson, Kelly John Karlinsey Berg, Clarence and Marg, Joe Pyles, Debbie Stouffer, Hollidaysburg, Pa.: Gary Roberts, Todd Roberts, Snake Spring Valley, Everett, Hanover, Pa., 70 Jere Stouffer Drenning, Cindy Drenning Kim Tanner, Bill Sulzer, Pa.: Joel England, Kendall Berwager, John and Bonnie, Chiques, Manheim, Pa.: Kokomo, Ind.: Tim Swisher, Maria Sulzer Ferguson England, Crystal East Berlin, Pa., 55 Kevin Becker, Dawn Camille Swisher, Tim Monroeville, Pa.: Mary Ellen Imler, Valerie Smith, Boose, Raymond and Mary Becker, Lauren Becker, Buckley, Linda Buckley Cartia Arissah Mickey, Gabriel Beth, Martinsburg, Pa., 70 Thomas Gingrich, Caleb Lakewood, Millbury, Ohio: Mount Wilson, Lebanon, Pa.: Weicht, Sylvia Weicht, Bowe, Forrest and Jeannine, Wise, Kim Wise Bob Purney, Kathleen Phyllis Buck Denny Whitcomb Roanoke, Va., 65 Evergreen, Stanardsville, Va.: Purney Nappanee, Ind.: Howard Spring Creek, Hershey, Pa.: Burkholder, Bruce and Jean, Bobby Graves, Barbara Lebanon, Pa.: McKenzie Losee, Ryan Miller, Heidi Nancy Gamber, Sofia Harrisonburg, Va., 50 Graves Clay, Harold Gingrich, Miller, Emily Roy, Jack Howe, Alexander Snyder, Fife, Dick and Sharon, Eversole, New Lebanon, Jordyn Kenney, Leslie Yoder, Betty Yoder, Greg Cara Snyder Galveston, Ind., 50 Ohio: Emma Simonton McKinney Gessinger, Hanna Miller, Sunrise, Harrisonburg, Va.: Hancock, John and Sandra, Faith Community, New Middle Creek, Lititz, Pa.: Shawn Miller Diane Bowman, Kelly Vinton, Va., 50 Oxford, Pa.: Anna Peirce, Jarrett Miller, Seneca New Fairview, York, Pa.: Burns, LaDonna Burns Kensinger, George E. and Ronald Strausbaugh, Breisch, Bryan Fahnestock, Jeremy Sprenkle, Adam Waynesboro, Pa.: Phyllis Dona K., Martinsburg, Phyllis Strausbaugh Alex Gladhill, Seth Beach, Christian Lehman, Hammaker, Roy Leckron, Pa., 66 Fraternity, Winston Salem, Graybill, Noelle Rohrer, Darren Sciortino, Levi Audrey Smith, Bill Smith, Kline, Dale and Audrey, N.C.: Daryl Crews, Kathie Madison Saylor, Caitlyn Lehman, Kendra Eveler, Payton Sampson, Logan Myersville, Md., 55 Crews Ackley, Joanne Lefever, Daniel Eveler, Joel Sampson Kover, Virgil and Floy, Freeport, Ill.: Greg Spengler, Willis Lefever Deardorff, Shawn Cleaver, West Goshen, Goshen, Ind.: Lancaster, Pa., 67 Janis Spengler, Sherri Middlebury, Ind.: Jerry Musa Mambula, Sarah Jim Long, Cherrill Long, Lauterbach, Melvin and Vernetti Hydorn, Betty Hydorn, Mambula, Dale Blocher, Donna Howell, David Joyce, Bartonville, Ill., 50 Friendship, Linthicum, Md.: Mary Jackson, Ramsey Grace Blocher, Jack Holderman, Randy Lockhart, Frank and Ellen, Jason Gonzales, Evan Smith, Tommie Smith, Joe Deardorff, Samuel Pressler, Linda Pressler Staunton, Va., 50 Butler, George Davis, Tyler Saddison, Stephen Deardorff, Faith Ilyes, White Oak, Manheim, Pa.: Long, Robert and Sharon, Davis Saddison, Sierra Petterson, Shane Ilyes, Natalie Billet, Leah Patches, Kiera Zook, New Oxford, Pa., 50
30 Messenger March 2017
Mangus, Galen and Wanda, Carmichael, Robert, 76, Koons, Lorraine, 92, Rule, Myrna, 87, Kokomo, Tenn.), Oct. 16 North Liberty, Ind., 65 Plymouth, Ind., Feb. 12, Chambersburg, Pa., Jan. 11 Ind., Jan. 7, 2016 Markham, Glen and Sue, 2016 Kornbau, George F., 88, Shinn, Dolores, 82, Licensed Roanoke, Va., 55 Coffman, H. McKinley, 83, Lisbon, Ohio, Dec. 18 Boyertown, Pa., Nov. 18 Self, Phillip, Southeastern Negley, John and Beverly, New Windsor, Md., Dec. 1 Landes, Alice, 97, Showalter, Clarence, 95, Dist. (Hawthorne, Johnson Hagerstown, Md., Oct. 1 Boonsboro, Md., 55 Coulter, Nina, 75, Enid, Harrisonburg, Va., Jan. 8 City, Tenn.), Jan. 1 Potter, Sherman and Loleta, Okla., Dec. 12 Landes, Olen B., 99, Shumaker, Terry, 72, Boonsboro, Md., 50 Dipert, Rebecca, 70, Harrisonburg, Va., Dec. 14 Indianapolis, Ind., Jan. 14 Placements Smallwood, Wayne and Ruth, Plymouth, Ind., May 28 Lehman, Thelma, 87, Smith, Bob, 88, Bridgewater, Davidson, Kenneth W., Knoxville, Md., 55 Dugger, Atsie Lee, 85, McPherson, Kan., Jan. 1 Va., Nov. 13 Minister of Visitation, Sonafrank, John and Pat, Olathe, Kan., Oct. 29 Long, Linda, 68, Bealton, Va., Stewart, Deborah, 63, Newton, Kan., Nov. 1 Kokomo, Ind., 55 Eberly, Wilda Widdowson, Nov. 2 Fairborn, Ohio, Aug. 9 Grossnickle, Karen, pastor, Stevens, Ray and Ruth, 84, Palmyra, Pa., Jan. 14 Martin, Isaac S., 52, Stoner, Jean, 84, New Harmony, Myersville, Hollsopple, Pa., 55 Eichelberger, Eugene, Newmanstown, Pa., Cumberland, Pa., Nov. 25 Md., Jan. 1 Stockslager, Robert and 95, Chambersburg, Pa., Oct. 31 Uhrig, Damon, 90, Troy, Ishman, Daniel R., pastor, Betty, Hanover, Pa., 50 Dec. 29 Merkey, Vernon, 88, Cedar Ohio, Dec. 2 Monroeville, Pa., Dec. 4 Wright, Owen and Pat, Fahnestock, A. Charlene, 67, Rapids, Iowa, Dec. 11 Walker, Ross E., 95, Cottage Grove, Ore., 60 Manheim, Pa., July 1 Messick, Virginia Long, 94, Somerset, Pa., Dec. 24 Leddy, Harvey Stephen, pas- Floyd, Marcia, 62, Kokomo, Midland, Va., Feb. 19, Weaver, Cynthia S., 54, tor, Roanoke, Williamson Deaths Ind., Feb. 10, 2016 2016 Staunton, Va., Dec. 22 Road, Va., Jan. 1 Weidman, Jay R., Sr., 90, Light, Samuel T., pastor, New Abshire, Helen, 96, Vinton, Foster, Janet E., 93, Michael, Charles, 91, Campbelltown, Pa., Dec. 3 Bethel, Chatham, Va., Jan. 1 Va., July 25 Harrisonburg, Va., Nov. 26 Kokomo, Ind., Nov. 5 Wenger, Kathryn Long, 84, Mantz, Shelvie, pastor, Aker, Mary Edel, 84, Garner, Glenn S., 92, Miller, Bonnie Diehl, 93, Bethel, Pa., Dec. 7 Palmyra Fellowship, Plymouth, Ind., Sept. 10 Bridgewater, Va., Oct. 15 Harrisonburg, Va., Aug. 10 Williams, Lois Evelyn Hall, Edinburg, Va., June 1 Albright, W. David, 93, Gaunt, Telsfor A. (Les), Miller, Miriam, 88, 94, Eddyville, Iowa, Dec. 2 McCaffrey, Johnathan Duke, McPherson, Kan., Dec. 11 Sr., 85, Johnstown, Pa., Lancaster, Pa., Nov. 30 Wooldridge, Cathryn, 95, from interim pastor to pas- Baker, Roy (Judd), 79, June 10 Neil, John William (Bill), 82, Vinton, Va., Dec. 10 tor, Oak Hill, Edinburg, Boswell, Pa., Oct. 24 Gray, John Garland, 86, Rockwood, Pa., June 11 Va., Jan. 1 Balsbaugh, Jesse, 59, Wirtz, Va., Nov. 4 Noll, Richard L., Sr., 80, West Ordained Messler, Brian, pastor, Wernersville, Pa., Nov. 29 Hershey, John, 93, Lititz, Pa., Milton, Ohio, Nov. 29 Ephrata, Pa., Nov. 14 Bard, Helen Smith, 101, June 14 Perry, Carolyn Hedrick Finet, Angela, Mid-Atl. Dist. Nogle, Joel, from pastor, Chambersburg, Pa., Dec. 1 Hix, Marilyn Long, 77, (Suzanne), 80, Muncie, (Nokesville, Va.), Jan. 15 Martinsburg, Memorial, Bashore, Shirley A. Eiler, 81, Plymouth, Ind., March 1, Ind., June 26 Foster, Dean, N. Ohio Dist. Pa., to pastor, Leesport, Pa., Nov. 28 2016 Pletcher, Norma, 89, Elkhart, (Black River, Spencer, Basinger, Dale Cleo, 93, Holsinger, William, 60, New Ind., Jan. 8 Ohio), Dec. 11 Chambersburg, Pa., Jan. 8 Linville, Va., May 14 Enterprise, Pa., Dec. 31 Pullins, Mary Martin, 83, Harbaugh, Britnee, Mid-Atl. Self, Phillip, pastor, Baughman, Clarence Richard, Holtry, Dorothy, 88, Greenville, Ohio, Nov. 20 Dist. (Brownsville, Hawthorne, Johnson City, 86, Glenford, Ohio, Dec. 9 Orrstown, Pa., Dec. 4 Raines, Jackson (Jack), Sr., Knoxville, Md.), Jan. 7 Tenn., Jan. 1 Bell, Jennifer, 66, New Castle, Jackson, Andrew B., Jr., 88, McGaheysville, Va., Ross, Matthew, Atl. N. E. Shaver, B. Eugene, pastor, Ind., June 1 86, Pleasant Hill, Ohio, Nov. 4 Dist. (Hanoverdale, Mount Carmel, Franklin, Bohlander, Thomas, 83, Nov. 12 Reinhard, Gerhard, 85, Hummelstown, Pa.), W.Va., and Bethlehem Pleasant Hill, Ohio, Jones, Robert A., 89, Colum- Bethel, Pa., Dec. 6 Dec. 11 Fellowship, Brandywine, Dec. 12 biana, Ohio, Nov. 28 Rice, Mavis Thomason, 87, W.Va., June 1 Boyd, Willard R., 83, Joseph, Mary Deal, 102, Martinsville, Va., Dec. 4 Commissioned Simmons, Brian N., from Ligonier, Pa., Oct. 23 Onekama, Mich., Jan. 4 Ritchey, Donald, 86, North Eley, William, N. Ohio Dist. pastor, Roxbury, Bright, Donna Condon, 63, Kefauver, Mary, 83, Manchester, Ind., Dec. 6 (Chippewa, Creston, Johnstown, Pa., to pastor, South Bend, Ind., Dec. 5 Knoxville, Md., Dec. 8 Ritchey, Paul Raymond, 82, Ohio), Oct. 16 Tire Hill, Pa., Jan. 1 Brightbill, Nancy, 58, Kenyon, E. Louise, 91, Martinsburg, Pa., Dec. 9 Griffith, Charles Randy, Vaught, Terry, from interim Newport, Tenn., Oct. 4 Monroeville, Pa., Oct. 15 Rogers, Kenneth, 78, Southeastern Dist. (Erwin, pastor to pastor, Paradise, Bucher, Ruth S., 90, Lititz, Kirk, Frances Louise Via Lebanon, Pa., Nov. 19 Johnson City, Tenn.), Smithville, Ohio, Jan. 1 Pa., Dec. 31 Cline, 86, Fishersville, Va., Rohrer, Irene S., 98, Nov. 12 Vaught, Vassie A., Jr., from Carmichael, Betty Jane, 89, Jan. 9 Manheim, Pa., Nov. 1 Gutierrez, Libia, interim pastor to pastor, Parker City, Ind., Feb. 5, Kline, Virginia, 92, Warm Root, Bernice, 79, Wooster, Southeastern Dist. (Betel Mount Airy, First, Cana, 2016 Springs, Va., Oct. 22 Ohio, March 23, 2016 International, Morristown, Va., Jan. 8
Messenger March 2017 31 Potluck
Caterpillar soup ll things new! Sure beats the alternative: Last summer, my son married. This was a much- stale, repetitive life. anticipated wedding, and you would think this new begin- But newness is not instantaneous. It depends ning would be a season of pure and unadulterated joy. Aon endings. And so a question: Have you ended anything? Largely, it was. But ramping up to the wedding day, I also For the most part, we view endings as bad. But endings experienced a fair measure of grief mingled with my joy. are just a natural part of the rhythm of life. We don’t com- Peter and I had been close for years, and I feared things prehend the normalcy of endings, because endings neces- would now be different. sitate loss, and loss stinks. I stewed about this right up to the wedding. Before walk- So we resist endings. But remember, you can’t get new- ing out with him to begin the ceremony, I could contain ness without loss. Vital life is dependent on releasing some my fear no longer. Turning to Peter, literally right before aspect of what we’ve always known. we processed, I blurted out, “You’ll still call me, won’t you? Jesus teaches this: “Listen care- We’ll still be close?” fully: Unless a grain of wheat is bur- He assured me, “Of course, Dad!” ied in the ground, dead to the world, We proceeded on, and now beyond, with my amped it is never any more than a grain of anxiety for naught; I not only gained a cherished daughter, wheat” (John 12:24, The Message). I gained a reshaped, more differentiated son. So too for our lives. Unless we There are understandable reasons why we avoid the are willing to become “dead to the “soup” of life. But if we’re attentive, we’ll awaken to a world,” entering into necessary end- counterintuitive discovery that endings and loss can result, Paul Mundey ings, we never advance. in God’s time, in a reshaped reality—which is good. A few years ago, Scientific American described the devel- On occasion, God times confirmation of his goodness in opmental process of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Most the near term; your son turns and says, “Of course, Dad.” But of us fixate on the outcome: the butterfly. But a butterfly more often, God times the confirmation of his goodness in
glorus io life does not occur for us unless disintegration happens, as we allow life to “get soupy” on occasion.
would never emerge if the caterpillar were not willing to “die the far term, requiring patience, perseverance, and trust. to self,” disintegrating into a protein-rich soup—caterpillar In between, hard honesty is required, as we trust God soup—that fuels “the rapid cell division required to form for goodness. But acknowledge that it’s a process, requir- the . . . features of an adult butterfly or moth.” ing “caterpillar soup” and the necessity of living with some A glorious butterfly occurs only if disintegration happens, gooeyness for a season. From the gooeyness, God does if caterpillar soup is allowed to take place. In like manner, promise goodness, if we just give God some time—the time glorious life does not occur for us unless disintegration hap- of our life. pens, as we allow life to “get soupy” on occasion. Paul Mundey is a visiting scholar at Princeton Theological Seminary. He pastored Where does life need to get soupy for you? Where do Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren for 20 years, after serving as director of endings need to occur? evangelism and congregational growth for the Church of the Brethren.
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