Skip to main content

Full text of "Messenger (1994)"

See other formats 


I 



Digitized by the Internet Archive 

in 2011 with funding from 

LYRASIS members and Sloan Foundation 



http://www.archive.org/details/messenger1994143111thom 








C2^ 



g )^ ^^ 



v^A.-ec( - 



Qo^An ^ //'^^-^d^^i^ . Xr? ^ ^J. iP-'ci^ cri ^ " 



g^f ^'f.Ap-' 'fJ-9Q> 




2^^ 



From time to time, readers send me little curiosities from 
Messenger's past. Sometimes it is an issue of The Gospel 
Messenger from the 1880s. Sometimes it is an obituary or other 
item from an early issue, which someone clipped and tucked 
away in a family Bible. Sometimes it is a handwritten note from 
the pen of one of my long-gone predecessors. 

For several years now. I have had this receipt that 

was sent to me by 
John Bollinger of 
Grabill. Ind. The 
subscriber named on 
the receipt was 
Charles Shiffler. 
According to brother 
Bollinger, Charles 
Shiffler was a member 
of a pioneer family of 
Naperville, 111. He also 
was the grandfather of 
John Bollinger's wife. The Shifflers, Erbs, Frys, and others were 
among the founders of Naperville congregation (see May 1993, 
page 5). 

But what really attracted my attention was the amount of 
money listed on the receipt. For $1.50, Charles Shiffler received 
The Gospel Messenger for one year. 

Think for a moment. Nowadays, everything you buy makes a 
big jump in price from one year to the next. What you buy for 
$10 today likely will cost $15 by this time next year. So it's 
rather remarkable that a year of Messenger has risen in cost only 
from $1.50 to $12.50 . . . in a century! 

Readers back in Grover Cleveland's time. Brethren in Bill 
Clinton's time, receiving their denominational publication and 
finding out what the Brethren are doing . . . and for such a 
bargain. We are pleased that we can continue to offer that 
bargain. Our New Year's wish, however, is that more Brethren 
would take advantage of that bargain. 

Do you know someone who is not taking Messenger? Give a 
little encouragement to subscribe. Or subscribe for that person. 
The magazine that sold for $1.50 a year in 1893 is still "must 
reading" for every Brethren, at $12.50 a year, in 1994. 



COMING NEXT MONTH: A look ahead to the 1994 
Annual Conference, with a preview highlighted by a profile 
of moderator Earl K. Ziegler. 




Editor 

Kermon Thomasson 

Managing Editor 

EhcB. Bishop 

Editorial Assistants 

Paula Sokody. Margaret Woolgrove 

Production, Advertising 

Paul Stocksdale 

Subscriptions 

Norma Nieto 

Promotion 

Kenneth L, Gibble 

Publisher 

Dale E. Minnich 



District Messenger representatives: 

Atlantic Northeast. Ron Luiz; Atlantic 
Southeast. Ruby Raymer; IllinoisAVisci 
Gail Clark; Northern Indiana. Leona 
Holderread; South/Central Indiana, Mai 
Miller; Michigan. Marie Willoughby; 
Mid-Atlantic. Ann Fouts; Missouri/ Ark 
Mary McGowan; Northern Plains, Faitt 
Strom; Northern Ohio. Sherry Sampson 
Southern Ohio, Shirley Petry; Oregon/ 
Washington. Marguerite Shamberger; 
Pacific Southwest, Randy Miller; Middle 
Pennsylvania. Ruth Fisher; Southern 
Pennsylvania, ElmerQ. Gleim; Wester 
Pennsylvania, Jay Christner; Shenando; 
Jerry Brunk; Southern Plains. Esther St^| 
Virlina. David & Hettie Webster; Wesi i 
Plains, Dean Hummer; West Marva. 
Winoma Spurgeon. 

Messenger is the oJTicial publication o( ( 
Church of the Brethren. Entered as sect I 
class matter Aug. 20. 191 8. under Act c 
Congress of Oct. 17. 1917. Filing date. 
1 , 1 984. Messenger is a m 1 
of the Associated Church 1 
and a subscriber to Religic 
News Service and Ecumer \ 
Press Service. Biblical 
quotations, unless otherwi 
indicated, are from the New Revised 
Standard Version. 

Subscription rates: $12.50 individu 
rate, $ 1 0.50church group plan. $ 10.50 t 
subscriptions. Student rate 75C an issu f 
you move, clip address label and send I 
new address to Messenger Subscriptio 
1451 DundeeAve. , Elgin, IL 60120.A \ 
at least five weeks for address change. 
Messenger is owned and published 
limes a year by the Genera! Services C i- 
mission. Church of the Brethren Genei 
Board. Second-class postage paid at El . 
III., and at additional mailing office, Ja « 
1 994. Copyright 1 994, Church ofthe 
Brethren General Board. ISSN0026-0: 

POSTMASTER: Sendaddresschai ! 
Messenger, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin. 
60120. 



1^ 




Chicago First and Goshen City: 

A day camp deals with diversity 1 1 

A conversation in 1988 has led to the development of a joint day 
camp between a city church and a rural church. Karen B. Kurtz 
describes the ongoing benefits that accrue when Brethren of 
different cultural backgrounds explore and celebrate their diversity. 

Chicago Brethren captured the dream 14 

Margaret Woolgrove tells how Chicago First Church of the 
Brethren is capturing Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream and how it 
propels their witness against apartheid in South Africa. 



n Touch 2 
Zlose to Home 4 
jiJews 6 
Vorldwide 10 
'oetry 1 5 
tepping Stones 20 
'lixed Reviews 23 
I rom the 

General Secretary 
'ontius' Puddle 27 
i -etters 30 
urning Points 3 1 
ditorial 32 



25 



Dry Run: A river runs through it 16 

The creek in Dry Run, Pa., has its ups and downs with full banks in 
the spring and a slow trickle in the summer. Don Fitzkee tells how 
Dry Run Church of the Brethren, like the creek, has gone from near 
death to revitalization. 

A summer on the mountain top 1 8 

Jeff Carter describes what happened to him when he set out on a 
tour of Brethren camps to spread the light of peace. 

Meat loaf evangelism: What's your recipe? 21 

Frank Ramirez says that sometimes we approach evangelism the 
way we approach meat loaf: We want it only the way we grew up 
with it. 

Healing faith 24 

The distinction between sick-making faith (faith healing) and 
healthy-minded faith (healing faith) is described by Richard J. 
Landrum. 



jl redits: 

9 )ver: Grant Heilman 

■i 11-12: Mark A. Kurtz 

" Janet Tubbs 

. op: art by John Gelsavage 

^ ight: Wendy McFadden 

4 eft: Irene ShuU-Reynolds 

;« eft, 24: Religious News Service 

<S leddSchrock 

: Church World Service 
jj left, 15 left: Joan Gerig 
j( right, 1 5 right: Margaret Woolgrove 
H. Armstrong Roberts 
David Radcliff 




Marqitita Jones of 
Chicago (III. I First 
Church of the Brethren 
playfully shows the 
photographer her "dean 
hands " as she pauses 
during a crafts project at 
an innovative day camp. 
Turn to page 1 1 for the 
stor/. 



January 1994 Messenger 1 




Taking the plunge 

River wading probably 
wasn't on John Tubbs' 

resume before last summer, 
but after three months on a 
pastoral exchange in Nigeria, 



study, and doing house-to- 
house and hospital visits. 
Janet participated in the 
Garkida women's fellowship 
and helped John in his 
duties. 
John found the Nigerians 




A highlight for John 

Tubbs during his 

Nigeria stay was 

assisting Garkida 

pastor Abraham Wuta 

Tizhe in baptizing 

new converts in the 

Hawal river. John is 

pastor of Rocky Ford 

(Colo.) Church of the 

Brethren. 



"In Touch " profiles Brethren we 
would like you to meet. Send 
story ideas and photos (black 
and white, if possible) to ' In 
7"o«f/i. " Messenger. 1451 
Dundee Ave.. Elgin. IL 60120. 



it most certainly could be. No 
baptistries necessary; just 
come on down to the water's 
edge and step right in. 

John, accompanied by his 
wife. Janet, was the first US 
Church of the Brethren 
pastor to visit the Church of 
the Brethren in Nigeria (Ek- 
klesiyar i'anuwa a Nigeria — 
EYN) in the pastoral 
exchange program, which 
already has brought two 
Nigerian pastors to the States. 

The exchange was more of 
a pastoral intervisitation than 
a pastoring stint in one 
congregation. In the course 
of the Tubbs' three-month 
stay in Nigeria, they visited 
25 EYN churches. 

John took on many 
pastoral duties while in 
Garkida, including leading 
prayer meetings and Bible 



very gracious hosts, and 
described his assisting a 
pastor with a baptismal 
service at Ghung as "a 
privilege." 

Another high point of his 
experience was preaching at 
the dedication of a church 
building for a congregation 
that had been started as a 
"preaching point" by Stover 
Kulpin 1961. 

John's participation in this 
service gave him the sense of 
having a tie with one of the 
pioneer Brethren missionar- 
ies of EYN's history. 

The real purpose of the 
pastoral exchange program, 
as John sees it, is "building 
relationships between the US 
church and the Nigerian 
church (and of) going and 
being among the people." 
— Margaret Woolgrove 



Seat of learning 

You can't beat "hands-on" 
learning, so when Janice 
Shaw-Morgan was teaching 
her fifth-graders about self- 
sufficiency in colonial 
America, she set each of 
them to making a chair. 

The children quickly 
gained an appreciation of the 
colonists making do with 
what they had. "Back then," 
said one pupil, "they had no 
table saws. And it's not easy 
to cut wood without one." 

The children designed 
their own chairs, first 
building a cardboard scale 
model. Janice supplied most 
of the wood, and parents 
helped out in class. 

The finished products, 
ranging from three-legged 
stools to arm chairs, showed 
a high degree of creativity. 
Explained Janice, "We took 
the viewpoint of furniture as 
art, so the kids could try 
anything they wanted to." 

Janice, a member of San 
Diego (Calif.) Church of the 
Brethren, felt her goal was 
met, and some of her pupils 
were so pleased with their 
work that they decided to use 
their new chairs. Rachel 




Aquino, who decorated her 
high-back chair with 
strawberry-patterned seat 
cushions, said, "I'm going to 
sit on mine the rest of the 
year." 

Janice's pupils planned to 
try soap-making next. 
Clearly the pioneer spirit is 
alive and well in California. 



2 Messenger Januan' 1994 




Margaret and Stanley Nowak 



You had to be there 

Two Who Were There 
(Wayne State University 
Press, 1989) is the biography 
of a man not only deeply 
convicted of his beliefs, but 
also convicted for them. "He 
. . . may not have much in 
his feet, but he certainly has 
a lot in his head" is how 
Margaret Collingwood 
(Nowak) described the man 
who was soon to become her 
husband, after their first 
dance together in 1931. 

That "horrible dancer" was 
Stanley Nowak, a Polish 
immigrant who worked 
unflinchingly in the 1930s 
and '40s as a labor organizer 
and later as a 10-year 
member of the Michigan 
state senate. Stanley's 
association with the Ameri- 
can Committee for the 
Protection of the Foreign 
Bom, and other supposedly 
"subversive" organizations 
led to denaturalization and 
deportation proceedings 
being filed against him in the 
heyday of McCarthyism and 
the Walters-McCarren Act. 
These proceedings were not 
revoked until 1958, when a 
US Supreme Court decision 
finally cleared the charges. 

Margaret, the author of the 
book that documents this 



struggle, and a member of 
the Church of the Brethren 
all her life, tells how in the 
1930s she became sure that 
God was directing her "into a 
new pathway of service in 
keeping with . . . Brethren 
traditions." 

She went through a period 
of disenchantment with the 
church in the 1930s, believ- 
ing that ". . . instead of 
seeking God in the ceremo- 
nies and rituals of the 
church, one would find what 
we call God in a dynamic 
way in the struggle for 
human needs and human 
dignity, which . . . was the 
truest form of worship." 

Margaret came back to the 
church in the 1940s when 
she saw the acts of service 
that the Church of the 
Brethren was doing all over 
the world during and after 
the war, and she has been an 
active member ever since. 
She and Stanley still 
attend Trinity Church of 
the Brethren in Detroit, 
Mich., when their health 
permits. 

Margaret is now 85 years 
old and Stanley is 90. And 
although Stanley's dancing 
may not have improved, one 
suspects that it matters less 
these days. — Margaret 

WOOLGROVE 



Names in the news 

Mildred ("Millie") 
Eisemann, a member of 
Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the 
Brethren, has received the 
Harry C. Robinson Sr. 
Humanitarian Award from 
the Lancaster County Human 
Relations Council. Among 
her many community 
services, she has worked in 
Brethren Disaster Relief and 
Cooperative Disaster Child 
Care. 

• Wilfred E. Nolen, a 
member of Highland Avenue 
Church of the Brethren, in 
Elgin, 111., has received an 




Wilfred E. Nolen 

Outstanding Service Award 
from Bridgewater College. In 
recognizing him, the college 
noted his work as executive 
secretary of Brethren Benefit 
Trust, which oversees the 
denomination's pension 
plan, and the Brethren 
Medical Plan, a self-insur- 
ance program. 

• Aldene Ecker, a member 
of Highland Avenue Church 
of the Brethren, in Elgin, 111., 
was presented with the 1993 
Maurine Withers Award for 
a lifetime of achievement in 



the mental Health Field. The 
award came from the Elgin- 
based Ecker Center for 
Mental Health, which the 
award recipient founded. He 
is retired now, and lives in 
Fairfield, Tenn., where he 
continues to promote mental 
wellness. 

• Ron Cox, of Kiawah 
Island, S.C, retired from a 
career in computer systems, 
had an exhibit of his wood 
art and crafts creations at 
Bridgewater College, the 
first half of December. The 
late-blooming artist has won 
several awards for his work 
at South Carolina art shows. 

• Galen Young, a member 
of Drexel Hill Church of the 
Brethren, in Philadelphia, 
Pa., has received a Distin- 
guished Service certificate 
from the American Osteo- 
pathic Association, in 
recognition of his outstand- 
ing service to the profession. 

• Cecil Fike, a member of 
Faithful Servant Fellowship, 
in Atlanta, Ga., and director 
of pastoral care at Kenniston 
Hospital, in Atlanta, has 
been honored as Chaplain of 
the Year by the Georgia 
Society of Hospital Chap- 
lains. 

• Kathy Harkins, admin- 
istrator of The Palms of 
Sebring (Fla.) retirement 
home, has been named 
Administrator of the Year by 
the Florida Dietary Managers 
Association. 



Remembered 

Von Hall, 64, died October 
25, in Ames, Iowa. He 
served as an agricultural 
missionary in Nigeria (1957- 
1975) and in Niger (1975- 
1976). 



January 1994 Messenger 3 




Behind the red door 

"Come to the white church 
with the red door" is the 
invitation issued by Stafford 
Frederick, pastor of the 49- 
member Olathe (Kan.) 
Church of the Brethren (see 
February 1990, page 3). 
Olathe Church of the 




It's easy to give 

directions for finding 

the Church of the 

Brethren in Olathe, 

Kan. Just tell the 

seeker to look for the 

church with the 

bright red door. 



"Close to Home" highlights 
nevvs of congregations, districts, 
colleges, homes, and other local and 
regional life. Send story ideas and 
photos fbluck cmd while, if possible) 
to ' 'Close to Home. ' ' Messenger, 
145 J Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. 



Brethren, at the corner of 
Elm and Pine, is the only 
church in town with a red 
red door. It even may be the 
only Church of the Brethren 
meetinghouse in the denomi- 
nation that has a red door. 

The frame church was 
constructed as a rectangular 
building in 1893. For 40 
years, entry was made 
through two doors on the 
Pine Street side. Women 
entered through one door and 
men through the other. The 
sexes were separated inside 
as well. 

This Brethren tradition, 
along with prayer coverings, 
lined hymns, and a meal 
with old-time recipes, was 
observed October 2-3 during 
the congregation's centennial 
celebration. A woman who 
arrived late for the Sunday 
service on October 3 un- 



knowingly came in through 
the men's door and would 
have sat in the wrong 
section, but the brothers 
pointed out the error to her. 
In 1954, a vestibule with 
two large windows and an 
exterior cross was added to 
the building, on the Elm 
Street side. The old double 
doors that had 
segregated the sexes 
were eliminated, and 
a single entrance was 
created on the Pine 
Street side of the 
vestibule. 

That door and the 
outside cross were 
painted brown until 
25 years ago, when 
then pastor Truman 
Reinoehl repainted 
them. "After the first 
stroke of the brush, I 
realized that the color 
was more red than I 
had expected," recalls 
Truman. "But I already had 
the paint, so I finished the 
door and then painted the 
cross." 

People liked the effect, so 
the door and cross have 
remained bright red ever 
since. "I can be feeling like 
Grumpy the dwarf (from the 
movie "Snow White"), but 
the sight of that door gives 
me a spiritual uplift," says 
Lois Williford, a long-time 
Olathe member. 

In preparation for the 
centennial, the church was 
repainted white, and a fresh 
coat of bright red enamel was 
put on the door and cross. 
One former member re- 
sponded to his invitation to 
the celebration by asking, "Is 
the door still red?" 

Entering its second 
century, Olathe is consider- 
ing building an addition to 



its 100-person-capacity 
sanctuary or relocating to 
another church building. But 
whatever decision it makes, 
one thing is understood: The 
trademark red door stays 
red. — Irene Shull-Reynolds 



Irene Shull-Reynolds is a free- 
lance writer from Lawrence, Kan. 



Companeros en Cristo 

Shenandoah Distict has 
begun a new global mission 
project, "Compafieros en 
Cristo" ("Partners in 
Christ"). 

The project has three parts, 
the first of which is "Partners 
with Puerto Rico." The 
district already has begun 
giving financial support for 
the associate district execu- 
tive for the Puerto Rico area 
of Atlantic Southeast 
District. Visits between 
Shenandoah District and 
Puerto Rico have begun. In 




Shenandoah gives financial 
support for Puerto Rico 
executive Pedro Brull. 

the second part of the new 
outreach ("Project Global 
Village"), David and Adela 
See (members of the fall 
1993 Brethren Volunteer 



4 Messenger January 1 994 



Service unit) are working for 
two years in Honduras. The 
district provides $12,000 to 
support the Sees. 

The third part of the 
project places emphasis on a 
Hispanic ministry in 
Shenandoah District, with 
there likely being a ministry 
begun in the Harrisonburg, 
Va., area. 

Compafieros en Cristo is 
part of Shenandoah District's 
Vision for the "90s cam- 
paign. 



Campus comments 

The University of La 
Verne's 1993-1994 under- 
graduate enrollment 
of 1 ,066 on the main campus 
is the highest in the school's 
102-year history. ULV's total 
enrollment is 5,300. 

• The world-renowned 
AIDS Quilt, an enormous 




creation of 1 ,920 panels 
sewn together in groups of 
eight to create 12-foot 
squares, is tentatively 
scheduled for display at 
Elizabethtown College in 
March. The quilt, first 
displayed in Washington, 
D.C., will feature in an AIDS 
Awareness Week at the 
college. 

• Bridgewater College, at 
its October 23 homecoming. 



Pleasant Dale Church 

of the Brethren, near 

Fincastle, Va., 

dedicated a "Peace 

Pole" on Peace 

Sunday, October 24. 

The pole was a gift 

from Kermon Carter, 

a son of pastor Karen 

S. Carter. A guest 

speaker was Jeremy 

Rhoades (at center, in 

white coat), president 

of Virlina District 

Youth Cabinet. 



showcased the publication of 
the college's centennial 
history, Bridgewater Col- 
lege: The First Hundred 
Years. 1880-1980. The 
history was written by 
Francis F. Wayland, a 1930 
graduate of the college. 

• The University of La 
Verne has one of the most 
ethnically diverse student 
bodies in the nation. The 
percentage of minority 
students in ULV's under- 
graduate program is twice 
the average in other colleges 
and universities in Califor- 
nia, and three times the 
national average in higher 
education. 

• McPherson College 
students participated in a 
"hunger banquet" November 
16, sponsored by the school's 
Peace Awareness group. By 
random drawing, the 
participants were served 
meals that represented 
different levels of income 
around the world, from rich 
to poor. Proceeds from the 
"banquet" and from students 
fasting November 16-17 
went to Oxfam America, an 
agency that funds self-help 
development and disaster 
relief in Africa, Asia, the 




Americas, and the Carib- 
bean. These fundraisers were 
part of a larger observance of 
events designed to raise 
social consciousness about 
hunger and the homeless (see 
next item). 

• Several McPherson 
College students took an 
"urban plunge" November 



20-2 1 , immersing themselves 
for 48 hours in the life of 
homeless people in Wichita, 
Kan. The students dressed in 
old clothes, panhandled, ate 
out of dumpsters, slept 
outside, and talked with 
homeless people in order to 
experience what it is like to 
be without a home. 



Let's celebrate 


Commission executive Joan 




Deeter as guest speaker. 


Everett (Pa.) Church of the 


• Eden (N.C.) Church of 


Brethren celebrated its 100th 


the Brethren dedicated its 


anniversary November 7, 


new education wing October 


with former pastor Earl 


17. Its present building was 


Hostetter as guest speaker. 


dedicated in 1949. 


• Roanoke (Va.) First 


• Oak Grove Church of 


Church of the Brethren 


the Brethren, Roanoke, Va., 


completed its series of 


marked its 85th anniversary 


centennial celebrations 


October 10 with an "old- 


October 16, with former 


fashioned Sunday" celebra- 


pastor Earl Mitchell as guest 


tion. Former pastor 


speaker. 


Lawrence Rice was the guest 


• Poages Mill Church of 


speaker. 


the Brethren, Roanoke, Va., 


• Olathe (Kan.) Church of 


dedicated its renovated 


the Brethren celebrated its 


sanctuary October 3. 


"100-year-plus" anniverary 


• Williamson Road 


October 2-3. 


Church of the Brethren, 


• Drexel Hill Church of 


Roanoke, Va., celebrated its 


the Brethren, Philadelphia, 


45th anniversary October 10- 


Pa., recently celebrated its 


13, with World Ministries 


40th anniversary. 



January 1994 Messenger 5 



i 





Because the news pages include news from various 
Church of the Brethren organizations and move- 
ments, the activities reported on may represent a 
variety of viewpoints. These pages also report on 
other natioani and international news relevant to 
Brethren. Information in news articles does not 
necessarily represent the opinions of Messenger or 
the Church of the Brethren. 



'Jubilee: God's Good News' 
introduction, training planned 

Jubilee: God's Good News, a new 
children's curriculum, will be available 
to congregations in September 1994 
from Brethren Press. In preparation, 
introduction and teacher training events 
have been scheduled. 

A training event for 50 people 
from across the denomina- 
tion will be held at the 
General Offices in Elgin, 
111., next month. These leaders 
will train Sunday school teachers 
throughout the denomination in 
over 80 training sessions held from 
February through August. During 
the workshops, the leaders will 
explain the material and how to 
teach it effectively to the children. 
The Jubilee curriculum is designed 
for children age 2 through grade 8. 
Although it is Sunday school mate- 
rial, it is also designed to help 
parents, teachers, and congregations. 
Along with the Church of the Breth- 
ren, other denominations participating 
in Jubilee include Brethren in Christ, 
Mennonite Brethren Church, General 
Conference Mennonite Church, Menno- 
nite Church, and Friends United 
Meeting. 

Jubilee promotion includes advertise- 
ments in Messenger, and in the publica- 
tions of the other sponsoring denomina- 
tions. 

Jubilee will be available to congrega- 
tions in September. September 25 is 
declared Jubilee Celebration Sunday. 

The training workshops are scheduled 
in all of the districts: Atlantic Northeast, 
April 30, May 19, June 5; Atlantic 
Southeast, March 19, April 30, May 14; 
Idaho (including western Montana), 
April 23, 24; Illinois and Wisconsin, 
April 30, May 14; Northern Indiana, 
April 19, May 12, 24; South/Central 
Indiana, April 16, 24, May 7; Michigan, 
February 26, March 12; Mid- Atlantic, 
March 5, 12, April 16, 23; Missouri/ 
Arkansas, May 21, 22; Northern Plains, 



February 19, 26, March 12, April 30; 
Northern Ohio, March 5, 26, April 16, 
May 14; Southern Ohio, February 26, 
27; Oregon and Washington, April 30, 
May 1, 21, 22; Pacific Southwest, Feb. 
25, 26, March 12, May 13, 14; Middle 
Pennsylvania, May 12, 19; Southern 
Pennsylvania, March 19, 26, April 30, 
June 4; Western Pennsylvania, May 14; 
Shenandoah, March 5, 12, 19; South- 
eastern, February 27, March 13, April 

23, 30, May 21; Southern Plains, April 
30, May 1 ; Virlina, March 6, 20, April 

24, 30, May 1,15, 22; Western Plains, 
March 12, 26, April 16, 24, 30, June 11 
18, August 12; West Marva, May 15. 



Calendar 

Cooperative Disaster Child Care Workshops: 

January 2 1 -22, First Presbyterian Church, 
Miami, Okla. [For information call Alice 
McDowell, (918) 542-3388]; February 25-26, 
Rochester, N.Y.[FurtherdetailsfromCDCC, 
(410) 635-8734]; March 1 1-12, Lanark, III. 
[For information call Marian Patterson; (815) 
225-7279]. 

Church of the Brethren Association of 
Christian Educators conference. Camp Bethel, 
Fincastle, Va., April 15-17. [Contact Doris 
Quarles, P.O. Box 56, Daleville. VA 24083; 
(703) 992-2465]. 

Health Tour of Russia, April 25-May 1 1 [con- 
tact Association of Brethren Caregivers, 1 45 1 
Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; (800) 323- 
8039]. I 

I 
National Work Camps. Rio Piedras, P.R., 

June 4-12 (young adult); Cherokee, N.C., June 
20-26 (senior high/youth); Indianapolis, Ind.. 
July 6-10 (junior high); Harrisburg, Pa., Aug. : 
3-7 (junior high); Dominican Republic, Aug. 4- 1 
1 7 (BRF: senior high/youth); New Windsor, 
Md., Aug.8- 1 2 (junior high); Tidewater, Va., 
Aug. 17-21 (junior high). [For more informa- 
tion and registration forms, contact Wendi 
Hutchinson, 1 994 Workcamp Coordinator, I 
1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120]. ; 

Church Visit to Brazil: South and North Meet i 
a "Tunker" Way, July 10-28, sponsored by 
Latin America/Carribean Office. [Further 
details from Latin America/Carribean Office, 
Church of the Brethren General Office, 145 1 
Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; (800) 323- 
8039]. 



6 Messenger January 1994 



1992 attendance for worship, 
church school show increase 

An analysis of statistics by congrega- 
tions for 1992 showed major gains in 
average worship attendance and 
average church school attendance in 
the Church of the Brethren. 

Total membership had a minor 
decline for the year. 

The compilation of reports of 
congregations by Olden Mitchell, a 
consultant for the Evangelism office, 
shows a net decrease of 1 20 mem- 
bers — the smallest decline in about 25 
years. Eleven of the 23 districts had net 
increases in membership for 1992. 
Virlina had the largest gain, with 384 
members. Shenadoah had a net gain of 



205 members, and Middle Pennsylvania 
had 140. 

Southern Pennsylvania had the highest 
net loss, with 241 members and Mid- 
Atlantic had the next highest with 134. 

According to the study, the average 
worship attendance increased in 16 
districts and as a whole grew by nearly 
2,400. Only six of the districts saw a 
decline in the average church school 
attendance, and the average was up 
nearly 1,400. 

In his remarks, Mitchell said "Many 
Brethren are not aware of how many 
small churches, and small districts, we 
have. It's something to think about when 
we're planning curriculums." 

The report shows that 26. 2 percent of 
Brethren congregations have 25 or less 



in Sunday school classes on an average 
Sunday, and 14.4 percent of the 
congregations average 25 or less in 
Sunday worship services. 

The report also observed that "10 
congregations had net gains in 1992 of 
at least 15 in both worship and church 
school; 20 more churches had a gain of 
at least 15 in worship attendance, and 
six others had a gain of at least 15 in 
church school attendance." 

It also noted that 45 congregations 
had a decrease in worship and/or 
Sunday school. 

Mount Lebanon Fellowship, in 
Barboursville, Va., had the largest gain 
in membership, with 170, and 
Meyersdale (Pa.) showed the greatest 
net loss with 213. 



ICC General Board approves 
fiedia violence paper 

'he National Council of Churches 
^CC) General Board during its meet- 
igs in November in Baltimore, Md., 
pproved a media violence paper by a 
ote of 145-0-0. The statement, "Vio- 
;nce in Electronic Media and Film," is 
n update from the original statement 
dopted in 1986. 
The paper states that no single 
ause is responsible for media violence, 
ut that "all of us share the blame." 
'he policy also states that all parties 
must recognize their responsibility" 
nd be committed to control media 
iolence. 

In adopting the media violence paper, 
le originating body of the Education, 
'ommunication, and Discipleship Unit 
lans to increase its communications 
/ith such bodies as the Motion Picture 
association of America, the National 
association of Theatre Owners, and the 
Vhite House, as well as other govem- 
lent agencies. 

While the statement hopes to control 
ledia violence, it respects the First 
amendment. "We commit ourselves to 
i'ork through government and with 



industry to find ways to respect free 
expression while abhorring and selec- 
tively limiting media violence, the moral 
equivalent of a harmful substance." 

The Church of the Brethren Communi- 
cations Team is offering a resource 
packet on media violence. The resources 
include Annual Conference statements 
and queries regarding violence and the 
media, the revised NCC paper, updates 
on Brethren activity concerning the 
issue, and an issue of Media & Values on 
media violence. The packet costs $5 and 
is available through the communications 
department. 



District, General Board, EYN 
announce staff changes 

Richard M. Hanley begins serving 
April 1 as district executive for Western 
Plains District. Hanley is currently 
serving as executive of West Marva 
District. Hanley has previously served 
as pastor for the Myersdale and Mon- 
roeville congregations in Western 
Pennsylvania District. He will take over 
this position from Kent Naylor, who is 
serving as the interim executive. 



Orlando Redekopp begins a two-year 
assignment on January 2 as the half-time 
director of the Urban Ministry program 
with Parish Ministries Commission. 
Redekopp, who will continue his 
pastorate at Chicago (111.) First Church 
of the Brethren on a half-time basis, 
comes to this position with experience 
both overseas and in underprivileged 
parts of the United States. Redekopp 
makes his home in Chicago, with his 
wife, Joan Gerig, and their daughter, 
Tasara. 

Joe Schmid began work as an agricul- 
tural consultant for the Nigerian church, 
Ekklesiyar Yanuwa Nigeria (EYN), in 
late October last year. Schmid is from 
New Plymouth, Idaho, where he and his 
wife, Ilo, operate a multi-family farm. 
The Schmids have previously worked 
overseas in Tanzania, Guatemala, and 
Yemen. 



Richard M. Hanley Orlando Redekopp 




January 1994 Messenger? 



Program of accompaniment 
initiated in southern Sudan 

Later this month the first group of 
persons in the Sudan Accompaniment 
Program will begin the initial phase of 
training in preparation for a period of 
service in Sudan. 

The Church of the Brethren is 
recruiting persons to work in war-torn 
southern Sudan in a new peace minis- 
try. This initiative is part of a larger 
program in Sudan that includes 
strengthening the churches and pro- 
viding relief and development assis- 
tance to individuals and communities 
in southern Sudan. "In relation to our 
peace heritage, this program is a logi- 
cal next step, which builds on our his- 
toric rejection of war and efforts at hu- 
manitarian relief," said David Radcliff, 
director of denominational peace wit- 
ness. The initiative, which is being 
jointly coordinated by Radcliff and 
Mervin Keeney, representative for Africa 
and the Middle East, comes in response 
to a call from the New Sudan Council of 
Churches (NSCC), and purports to: 

1. Be in accompaniment with the 
people of southern Sudan in the midst 
of a devastating civil war. 



2. Provide a visible international 
presence in communities. 

3. Monitor and report on infractions 
of agreements between contending 
parties of the conflict. 

4. Provide on-site coordination of 
relief shipments, English language 
lessons, or other services as needed in 
the community in which volunteers are 
placed. 

A commitment of between three 
months and one year is being sought 
from applicants. The following qualifi- 
cations are essential: The ability to live 
and work in a different culture; the 
ability to deal with conflict construc- 
tively; a commitment to Christian non- 
violence; good physical health; and 
flexibility and adaptability to difficult 
circumstances. 

Training prior to arrival in Sudan 
will include nonviolent responses to 
violence and basic mediation; initial 
introduction to Sudanese history, cul- 
ture and present reality; media skills, 
including photography; and working 
with groups, including forming support 
groups in the face of conflict. 

Persons interested in participating, 
should contact the office of denomina- 
tional peace witness (800) 323-8039. 




A Brethren program of accompaniment in southern Sudan will place members 
side by side with fellow Sudanese Christians in a proactive peace witness. 



Disaster Fund grants issued 
to Burundi refugees, Cuba 

A grant of $10,000 has been issued by 
the Emergency Disaster Fund to assist 
Church World Service and the Protestant 
Council of Rwanda in the distribution of 
medicine, blankets, clothing, food, and 
other essentials. More than 200,000 
refugees, mainly women, children, and 
elderly people have fled from Burundi tc 
Rwanda after a military coup overthrew 
the country's five-month-old democratic 
government on October 20, leaving the 
country subject to ethnic fighting. The 
refugees, mostly traveling on foot and 
without food or possessions, face 
starvation or death with the onset of the 
rainy season. 

A grant of $ 1 2.000 has been allocated 
for the provision of medical supplies to 
Cuba. The grant was directed toward 
requests for medical supplies from the 
Cuban Ecumenical Council (via Church 
World Service) through the end of 1993, 

Flood disaster work in Ottumwa, 
Iowa, is scheduled to continue through 
April. Over the winter months, volun- 
teers are involved mainly in indoor 
work. Housing is in Ottumwa Church C| 

the Brethren. 

I 



First Young Adult Travei Team 
to visit Brethren congregtions 

The Young Adult Travel Team will 
begin its first year in the fall of 1994. 

The team plans to travel to congrega- 
tions from September to mid-December 
During its five-day visits with congregc 
tions, the team will talk about peace an 
Brethren history and culture. 

The team was founded by a few 
Brethren Volunteer Service workers, , 
three of which are on this year's team. 
The team is sponsored by On Earth 
Peace, Youth and Young Adult Ministi 
Denomination Peace Witness, and the 
Brethren Historical Committee. 



8 Messenger January 1994 



Group announces frustration 
with denomination name 

At the close of a conference in Minne- 
apolis, Minn., in early November, titled 
"RE-imagining," 20 women and one 
man from the Church of the Brethren 
stood before about 2,000 delegates to 
tell something of their struggle and 
direction regarding the name of the 
denomination, and presented what 
they called a new name for the 
denomination — the "Church of 
Reconciliation." 

A statement presented at the confer- 
ence said in part "This name was 
conceived by the Holy Spirit in an 
incredible meeting last evening. It 
reflects our heritage as one of the 
historic peace churches. It speaks of 
an ongoing process that is necessary 
for justice as well as peace. It 
proclaims the vision toward which men 
and women have worked in our 
denomination since our beginnings in 
Germany." 



The Re-imagining conference was 
designed to celebrate the midpoint of the 
World Council of Churches" Decade of 
Solidarity with Women. The 1988 
Annual Conference voted to support the 
WCC movement. 

"The group struggled in its desire not 
to cause offense and/or alienation," said 
Debbie Roberts, coordinator of the 
Church of the Brethren program for 
women. She made it clear that the 
participants were not disassociating 
themselves from, or denying their 
commitment to, the denomination. 

Annual Conference moderator Earl 
Ziegler, upon being informed of the 
action, observed that the steps taken did 
not represent the denomination in any 
official capacity, and that it (the action) 
departed from the normal procedure of 
the query process for initiating business 
items. "We encourage members to use 
the procedures that are available for 
effecting change within the church," he 
said. 

The group's statement also indicated 



that, for 20 years, efforts had been 
made to achieve a name change for the 
Church of the Brethren that includes 
women. 

The most recent effort was a request 
that had been placed before Standing 
Committee in 1992. At the 1993 
Annual Conference in Indianapolis, a 
subcommittee reported to Standing 
Committee a process and timetable for 
addressing the matter of a name change 
leading up to 2008, the 300th anniver- 
sary of the denomination and the 100th 
year since the name "Church of the 
Brethren" became official. 

Standing Committee received the 
report, thanked the committee for its 
work, and, according to the minutes, 
dismissed the committee "with the 
knowledge that discussion will con- 
tinue." 

In its discussion. Standing Commit- 
tee struggled with and acknowledged 
that the original question had not been 
presented through the designated 
process. 



NCC general board addresses 
violence, installs president 

^t it's fall meeting, the National Council 
of Churches (NCC) general board re- 
sponded to media violence, and installed 
a new president and president-elect. 
! The board passed statements on media 
jKiolence (see page 7), and global 
communication. The "Global Communi- 
';ation for Justice" policy statement is 
iesigned to increase the understanding 
)f church and secular constituencies 
ibout the critical issues of international 
':ommunication in today's world, and to 
ormulate positions and policies on 
ntemational communication from a 
rhristian perspective. 

Gordon Sommers and Melvin Talbert 
vere installed as president and presi- 
lent-elect of the NCC, respectively. 
Sommers, head of communion of the 



Moravian Church in America, will serve 
a two-year term as president through 
1995. He is the first Moravian to serve in 
this NCC post. 

Talbert, a United Methodist bishop, 
will serve as president-elect through 
1995 and as president in 1996-97. 

The NCC board also approved a 1994 
consolidated planning budget of more 
than $49 million; observed the midpoint 
of the Ecumenical Decade of the 
Churches in Solidarity with Women; and 
gave first (preliminary) readings to pol- 
icy statements titled "Human Rights: The 
Fulfillment of Life in the Social Order," 
and "An Invitation to Evangelism: Jesus 
Christ and God's Reign." Member 
churches will study the papers and give 
feedback prior to next year's meeting. 

Church of the Brethren general secre- 
tary Donald Miller is a member of the 
Executive Coordinating Committee. 



Models of hope, inspiration for 
rural ministry addressed 

A conference on rural ministry led by 
Shantilal Bhagat, Church of the Brethren 
staff for Eco-Justice and Rural Concerns, 
drew 93 participants to discuss models of 
rural ministry. 

The conference provided models of 
hope and inspiration for rural life as well 
as community building. Senator Bob 
Kerrey (D-Neb.) offered his vision for 
rural America in an address. 

"This conference provided me with a 
better understanding of the demograph- 
ics and the social and economic issues 
confronting the heartland region," said 
Bhagat. "With declining national staffs 
as well as increasing needs in rural 
areas, collaborative efforts become even 
more vital to strengthening rural 
ministries." 

January 1994 Messenger 9 




More than 3,000 Korean Americans have left the Christian 
Reformed Church to form a new denomination. The six congregations 
have decided to leave the church principally because the denomina- 
tion is on the verge of opening the ordained ministry to women, said a 
Religious News Service report. 

Leonard Hofman, general secretary for the Christian Reformed 
Church, acknowledged the congregation's decision to leave, but noted 
that 20 congregations composed of mostly Korean Americans have 
expressed interest in joining the denomination. These congregations 
are located in California, Florida, the Pacific Northwest, Texas, New 
York, and the Midwest. 

At its synod meeting in June, the Christian Reformed Church 
took the first step toward a policy change that would open the 
ministry to women. The decision will be finalized by a vote at the 
1994 Synod. 

An estimated 350,000 Columbians have sought refuge in 
Ecuador and Venezuela as a result of violence against civilians as 
either a direct action by the government or action sanctioned by it. In 
the capital city of Bogota, the Ecumenical Network has provided 
transitional shelter, and medical and legal assistance. It has also 
helped people leave the country, when necessary. 

Within Peru, more than a million people are believed to have been 
uprooted, and approximately 10,000 Peruvians have moved to Chile 
to escape violence. The war against Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) 
has wiped out many rural towns, forcing the people of the area to flee 
to Lima and other cites. 

The Network of Fellowship and Solidarity Columbia-Ecuador, a 
Church World Service supported initiative, has coordinated efforts 
among churches. The network connects people and resources from 
Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and beyond. 

In a letter to President Clinton, leaders of the National 
Council of Churches (NCC) expressed "concern about levels of foreign 
aid resources for humanitarian and development assistance for the 
world's poor. . . ." 

The letter, signed by the heads of 12 denominations, including 
Church of the Brethren general secretary Donald Miller, said that the 
NCC was "encouraged by signs of commitment within (the Clinton) 
administration to reform the Agency for International Development so 
that its mission and operations more clearly focus on sustainable 
development involving and benefitting the poor." At the same time, 
the church leaders warned that major cuts in last year's foreign 
humanitarian aid "will undermine seriously any reforms intended to 
support self-development of the world's poor" if left unresolved. "We 
urge you to take steps to assure adequate funding for development 
and humanitarian programs" in the coming fiscal year, the letter 
concluded. 

According to a recent World Council of Churches 

(WCC) report, poverty is a major cause of HIV transmission; women 
are especially vulnerable to HIV/AIDS; and "blame, shame, and fear" 
are the most common reactions to the disease. The report was the 

1 Messenger January 1994 




Child refugees from Iran and Afghanistan receive free 
primary education from the host government ofAhangaran. 

result of a WCC-sponsored research program on AIDS carried out in 
communities in Uganda, Tanzania, and Zaire. The report was 
discussed in September at an international conference in Uganda that 
was attended by 95 health workers and delegates of Christian health 
associations, church health care programs, supporting agencies, 
regional and national ecumenical bodies, and international organiza- 
tions involved in AIDS control. Participants in the conference were 
divided on whether condom use or abstinence before marriage and 
faithfulness to one partner were the answer to containing the epi- 
demic. Data collected by the study indicated that sexual activity 
begins early in all three countries, and that women's economic 
dependence on and sexual subordination to men makes them 
vulnerable to HIV infection. 

In a November testimony before the Ways and Means 

Committee of the US House of Representatives, a staff executive of 
the United Methodist Church's social-action agency called for a $2-a- 
pack tax increase on cigarettes. 

Calling tobacco "the No. 1 killer" in the United States, Jane Hull 
Han/ey declared, 'Tobacco alone kills 419,000 persons in the United 
States every year, more than 10 times the number who die from 
gunshot wounds." 

An assistant secretary of the denomination's Board of Church and 
Society, Harvey spoke as co-chaira/oman of the Interreligious 
Coalition on Smoking OR Health, a group still in its formative stages. 
The coalition is a cooperative effort of 15 religious organizations. 

Han/ey accused tobacco interests of targeting the young. She said 
90 percent of all new smokers are younger than 20; 50 percent are 
younger than 15; and 25 percent are younger than 12. 

Using figures compiled under the previous administration, she 
said that, of the 3,000 US young people who become regular smokers 
each day, "we can expect that 30 will be murdered, 60 will die in traffic 
accidents, and 750 will be killed by smoking-related diseases." 

The coalition supports the $2-a-pack tax 1o counteract tobacco 
advertising aimed at getting children hooked on one of the world's 
most addictive drugs," Harvey said. 



Chicago First and Goshen City: 
A day camp deals with diversity 



De. 



'enominational, district, and 
some congregational leaders 
dream and talk about the benefits 
that could come from congrega- 
tions exchanging visits and 
engaging in joint projects. 

Often a congregation that is 
isolated from contacts with other 
parts of the denomination imag- 
ines that it is "Brethren " to its 
very core, and everything it 
practices and all its programs are 
what every other congregation is 
doing (or is supposed to be doing). 

Then, by chance, this smug, self 
satisfied congregation hears about 
something going .on in another 
part of the Brethren world — 
something that doesn't fit the 
pattern it imagines, in its narrow- 
ness, is the true Brethren way — 
and it is shocked and outraged. 
Those people over there, it 
concludes, are way off the mark. If 
they don 't or won 't hew to the line, 
they are fit only to be drummed out 
of the denomination. Everybody 
must be like us, or they aren 7 
being true Brethren. 

So, in their dreaming, the 
leaders see congregations getting 
to know each other intentionally, 
rather than by chance, and 
mutually learning that there is 
diversity in the ranks, great and 
healthy diversity, and no one 
congregation represents the essence 
of what it is to be Brethren. 

With that in mind, read what two 
very different Church of the 
Brethren congregations are doing 
to live out that dream. 



by Karen B. Kurtz 

It began with a conversation at the 1988 
Annual Conference in St. Louis. Lois 
Myers, a member of Goshen (Ind.) City 
Church of the Brethren, was talking with 
Lois Snyder, a member of Chicago (111.) 
First Church of the Brethren. Experi- 
ences and dreams were tossed back and 
forth, and an idea was born. The idea 
developed into a joint day camp venture 
between the two congregations — 



separated physically by only 125 miles, 
but separated by seeming light years in 
terms of culture and race. Goshen City is 
rural and white. Chicago First is an 
inner-city church made up mostly of 
African Americans. Children ages 8 to 
12 would come together in a day camp 
experience that celebrated diversity and 
enhanced multicultural appreciation and 
understanding. 

Goshen City's ministers envisioned a 
program similar to the "Fresh Air Fund," 



Marcus Fox and Jean Williams, members of Chicago First Church of the Brethren, 
provide supervision for children of both congregations in a day camp craft project. 




January 1994 Messenger 11 




For Lois Myers, chairwoman of Goshen City 's day camp committee, "solving 
problems and enjoying successes" are a way of reaching the exchange program 's 
goal of developing understanding between people of different cultures. 



but with an expanded multicultural and 
intergenerational day camp emphasis. 

"We were reluctant at first," said 
Gloria Williams, minister of outreach 
and youth director of Chicago First. 
"We wondered how the children would 
react — prejudice is still there in the 
hearts and minds of many people — 
going from an all-black neighborhood to 
a white community that no blacks live in. 
We worried how the neighbors would 
feel." 

But Chicago First's witness commis- 
sion overcame its hesitancy and unani- 
mously endorsed the day camp idea. 

During August 1989, 15 children, four 
youths, and three adults from Chicago 
First attended Goshen City's day camp. 
By 1993 the program had swelled to 23 
Chicago First children and 23 Goshen 
City children, plus numerous junior 
leaders who are 13 to 17 years old, and 
adults. Most day campers repeat the 
program each year. 

Goshen City and Chicago First share 
the cost of the program. 

"As the kids left to return to Chicago 
that first year, we knew we wanted to 
continue the program," recalls Michelle 
Blough, one of the day camp's initial 
organizers. "It was our first venture 
relating with a sister church, but 
Chicago First members felt it was a leap 
of faith to bring a busload of energetic 
kids down to Goshen. And after learning 
to know each person individually that 

12 Messenger January 1994 



first year, we feel we must continue it." 
The day camp committee at Chicago 
First operates under the congregation's 
witness commission, which has two 
members. Goshen City's day camp 
committee has eight members and 
operates under the nurture commission. 
The committee also invites a youth 
member to join it. 



G 



•hicago First children work all year in 
the congregation's New Horizons 
program to earn the opportunity to go to 
Goshen City's day camp, although some 
children who are new to New Horizons 
get to go just for the cross-cultural 
experience. While Chicago First parents 
must attend one Sunday worship service 
a month, children must attend more 
regularly. They work in two community 
service projects a month, remain 
accountable for their behavior, check in- 
with positive report cards from school, 
and attend three Sunday school classes a 
month. 

"The children must be accountable 
with their attendance, said Gloria 
Williams. "They are eager to participate 
in New Horizons, because the church is 
our entertainment for both children and 
teens after five o'clock." 

The dynamic New Horizons clips right 
along. Winter and spring evenings bustle 
with activity. On Tuesdays parents tutor 
children one-to-one in educational 



fundamentals. The 40-member New 
Horizons children's choir fills Chicago 
First church with song on Wednesdays. 
The children publish a monthly newslel 
ter that is put together on Wednesday 
nights and later is distributed in the 
community. Thursdays are for youth cli 
activities. Both community and church 
members teach arts and trades to 60 
youths. 

"All of our committee members are 
strongly interested in developing deepei 
understanding between people of other 
cultures," says Lois Myers. "They see tl 
work of solving problems and enjoying 
successes as a way to reach that goal." 

"The most rewarding thing for me," 
says Gloria Williams, "is seeing childre 
work at their cross-cultural experiences 
in a positive way. The children need 
experiences being around two cultures. 
They need to see that we love people fo: 
what they are in the name of the Lord." 

There were kinks in the day camp 
program to be worked out. "At first, the 
parents at Goshen City needed the 
confidence to accept the day camp," say 
Gloria. "We had to decide which 
children would go with us to Goshen. Il 
was hard to choose. Some children had 
to wait until the second year." 

By the end of the first year, Goshen 
City's committee was confident and 
better organized. For example, Katherii 
Longcor, a grandmother with time-teste 
family recipes, now organizes the 
kitchen staff and provides menus with 
appropriate food amounts. 

The day camp curriculum contains 
subjects such as "Caring for God's 
Creation," "Conflict Resolution," and 
"Lifestyles of Faithfulness." Activities 
vary from year to year. 

Two strong components provide 
stability in the program. Generally, the 
morning schedule follows this order: 
After the campers have worship, a Bibli 
study follows. Then there is a presenta- 
tion or crafts to make and do. Children 
also write down thoughts and feelings i 
a daily journal. 



Goshen City's pastor attends day camp 
fevery day. This year pastor John 
Tomlonson decorated a cardboard story 
^ox, then each evening invited a child to 
take it home overnight. At home, the 
child put a small surprise inside the box. 
Next morning, John told a spur of the 
moment Bible story to the group when 
^e surprise was revealed. 

"Our deacons presented Brethren 
traditions of feetwashing and anointing," 
said Michelle Blough. "Afterward, we 
held our own anointing and feetwashing 
services. Then our pastor anointed each 
adult, and we, in turn anointed each 
bhild. It was such a powerful experience 
that just recalling it gives me goose 
bumps." 



Lc 



ois Myers echoed Michelle's senti- 
ments. "As we worked with the elements 
of communion, we truly had heaven in 
Goshen City classrooms." 

Resource people from outside often 
nrich the presentations. With the theme 
of "Hands and Feet," a chiropractor 
showed chicken bones to the campers. 
After they observed the intricacies of the 
bones, a discussion focused on God's 
creation and how people affect it. An 
African American postal administrator 
led day campers in a discussion about 
making wise choices and setting goals, 
describing his experiences growing up 
black in a white town. A Nigerian 
student from Bethany Seminary pre- 
sented an overview of the Church of the 
Brethren in Nigeria from his cultural 
perspective. Other meaningful presenta- 
tions have included sessions on Black 
history and conflict resolution. 

The afternoon component contains 
field trips around Elkhart County — 
visiting museums, parks, and zoos, 
touring Menno-Hof (a Mennonite and 
Amish information center), visiting a 
dairy farm, and taking wagon rides on an 
Amish farm. Other activities include 
roller skating, swimming, and bowling. 
Day campers have also visited a Brethren 



camp — Camp Mack — and hiked its 
nature trails. 

When day camp week is over, each 
church evaluates the program. The 
witness commission from Chicago First 
and the day camp committee from 
Goshen City process an evaluation 
during a weekend joint meeting. Al- 
though organizers concur that improve- 
ments are necessary, both churches 
believe that these joint ventures have 
enriched the lives of all participants and 
leaders and enhanced cross-cultural 
friendships. 

"The day camp program is beautiful," 
says Gloria Williams. "We're learning 
from each other. More children are now 
involved. The experiences have brought 
families from the west side of Chicago 
and Goshen together, just like godpar- 
ents. Our children go to each other's 
home, they spend weekends together, 
and they come together for programs. 
It's just wonderful." 

"Day camp has matured to the extent 
that we don't see so many tears when the 
children depart for Chicago," observes 
Lois Myers. "The first few years they all 
cried a lot. That has lessened now. We 
think the children recognize our continu- 
ing friendship." 



As 



LS enthusiasm for day camp built, 
spin-offs developed. There is an annual 
"May Tea" at Chicago First, similar to a 
harvest homecoming event. The congre- 
gation hosts a guest speaker, provides 
singing groups, and holds a reception for 
members and friends around the inner- 
city community. Goshen City members 
are invited. The funds that are raised go 
toward summer programs at Chicago 
First. 

About 1 5 women from both congrega- 
tions have participated in several 
women's exchanges. When the group 
meets at Goshen City, it arranges 
flowers, picnics at Camp Mack, or tours 
the Old Bag Factory (a local tourist 
attraction). The women have knotted 25 



comforters for Chicago First members 
and needy families in the community. 
While in Chicago, the group has 
created Christmas crafts and done other 
things. Each event includes devotions 
and lunch. 

Five pastoral pulpit exchanges have 
occurred between the two congregations. 
Both pastors usually travel with adult 
singers and musicians, who contribute to 
an uplifting worship service. 

There also are weekend exchanges 
between both youth groups. In April, 
Goshen City youth travel to Chicago 
First, where they stay overnight. They 
enjoy a cross-cultural experience in 
Chicago visiting Garfield Park Conser- 
vatory, riding the El (the subway), seeing 
where the homeless sleep, enjoying 
musical vendors on city sidewalks, and 
eating dinner in Chinatown. 

A reciprocal visit comes in July, when 
Chicago First youth travel to Goshen and 
stay overnight in the church. They have 
visited a Fort Wayne zoo, gone swim- 
ming, and played miniature golf. Twenty 
youth are involved in both programs. 

"As children grow up, there is a 
definite need to expand our emphasis 
into more youth programs," says 
Michelle Blough. "The children them- 
selves want to continue their friendships 
with us. We are developing a joint 
camping retreat for families to meet this 
need. 

"In addition," says Michelle, "Goshen 
City's scholarship committee hopes to 
establish matching scholarships for 
Chicago First students who want to 
attend a Brethren college." 

A long way from a chance conversa- 
tion in St. Louis in 1988, this venture 
between Chicago First and Goshen City 
demonstrates the ongoing benefits that 
accrue when Brethren congregations of 
different cultural backgrounds get 
together to explore and celebrate 
their diversity. 



Al. 



Karen B. Kurt:., of Goshen. Ind.. is a partner in 
Kurtz Lens and Pen. which provides writing, 
editing, and photography .senices. 



January 1994 Messenger 13 




by Margaret Woolgrove 

Mention the name Martin Luther King 
Jr. in most any circle today, and voices 
will hush and heads bow in reverent 
homage to a man who is remembered for 
his dream of a free, unfettered nation of 
Americans. 

What is less often remembered today, 
is the fact that in the 1960s, at the height 
of the movement for civil rights in the 
United States, King was viewed by many 
as a communistic radical who was 
attempting to subvert the "justice" of the 
nation; an individual whose voice and 
message needed to be silenced at any 
cost — even the cost of death. 

It has been 25 years since the assassi- 
nation of King; 25 years in which we 
have become all too complacent about 
racism in the world. 

On January 17, we celebrate Martin 
Luther King Day. This is a day not only 
of remembrance and thanksgiving for 
what has passed, but also a time of re- 
envisioning for the future. Thirty years 
ago King had a dream; that dream is as 
relevant today as it was then. The 
celebration of King's life and legacy is a 
way of celebrating the continuing 
movement of God in human affairs. 

At Chicago (111.) First Church of the 
Brethren, the capturing of King's dream 
has taken the form of witnessing against 
the system of racial apartheid that still 
prevails in South Africa. To the mem- 
bers of Chicago First, Martin Luther 
King Day is a time to take to the streets 
with banners and sing out for their lives- 

14 Messenger January 1994 



Chicago Brethren 
captured the dream 



and for the lives of their brothers and 
sisters in South Africa. 

The "Sing Out Against Apartheid" 
rally has been taking place for five years. 
But what began as a six-hour silent vigil 
in 1988 turned into a one-hour 
"singathon" by default rather than by 
design, according to Joan Gerig, the 
organizer of the event and a member of 
Chicago First. "We were 'standing for 
the truth' in a six-hour silent vigil 
outside the South African embassy in 
downtown Chicago. An hour or so into 
our vigil the youth arrived with banners 
and started to sing. As soon as I heard 
the singing I began working out a way to 
incorporate this witness into future 
vigils. So really it was their 'spoiling' 
the vigil that began the annual 'Sing 
Out'" 

This year the day has special signifi- 
cance, marking as it does the start of 
"Keeping the Watch," a vigil of prayer 
that will continue from King's birthday 
(observed), January 17, through April 
27, the date set for the first ever non- 
racial elections in South Africa. 

There will be 18 million new South 
African voters heading to the polls on 
April 27, of whom 65 percent are not 
literate. In addition to the estimated 
200,000 educators that will be needed, 
there is a need for election monitors at 
the 8,000 polling stations throughout the 
country. There are fears among the black 
population that the ballot will not be 
secret, that intimidation will be used on 
election day, that violence will over- 
shadow the election, and that there will 
not be neutral monitoring at the polls. 

This is obviously a very fragile time, 
and "Keeping the Watch" is calling on 
churches to choose a week or month in 
which individuals sign up for a specific 
date to pray for South Africa, so that the 
country will be bathed in prayer. Prayer 
requests include free and fair elections; 
tolerance and understanding for other 



points of view; an end to violence; 
informed international support; and 
abidance by the outcome of the electioii 

Praying for South Africa is an initia- 
tive that was started by the Brethren la 
year at Annual Conference, with 
churches signing up on a prayer roster 
that continued through April. The neec 
for prayerful support and action has 
never been greater than now. 

In 1965, King called for a 'swift and 
unstinting' response to suffering in 
South Africa. In calling for freedom ai 
justice in the democratic process in 
South Africa, the vision of King is 
remembered, and the dream gets 
one step closer to becoming reality. 







Above, left: Chicago First member 
Bryan Staffer remembers Martin 
Luther King Jr. Below: A plaque behi 
Dejuan Riley commemorates King's 
1967 sermon at Chicago First church 
Opposite: Joseph Esther and Dejuan 
Riley witness against apartheid. 




Impression 

by Luke Azinger 

Born slave in 1817, 

Forced to work with Trade of Caulking. 

In the year of 1838. 

With free man's contract, to Massachusetts he 
escaped. 
Employed by "The Liberator," 
Found that he was an incredible orator. 

Away from slave life 

Spoke often about unfair strife. 
Forced onto blacks unjustifiably 
Whites felt they had supremacy. 

Nonviolent resistance 

Aided cause to his persistence. 
Published of life past. 
Bondage is unfair, it should not last. 

Also fought for 
Black enlistment in Civil War. 
Douglass" life shows 
Great impression on Dr. Martin Luther King goals. 

Luke Azinger is a member of Highland Avenue Church 
of the Brethren. Elgin. III., and a first-year student at the 
University of Iowa. This piece on Frederick Douglass won 
first place in a Martin Luther King Jr. writing contest. 



m 




Church of f/ie 

brethren 

fgnepiKP 



"•«>««« Or 



"wwua,, 











^mm^ 




*-^'^'iO>' 









Lartia remembers 

In 1967 Martin Luther King spoke at 
Chicago (111.) First Church of the 
Brethren. Lartia Burton, now a great- 
great-grandmother, was there, and 
recalls the elation of that day. "It was so 
exciting to be there," she recalls. "The 
street was so busy that cars couldn't get 
through. He held two mass meetings at 
Chicago First, taping his sermons and 
sending them abroad. 

"We were a mainly black community 
even then. In 1960, when I moved in, 
there were only four black families in the 
neighborhood. Then when the seminary 
(Bethany) moved out in 1963, many of 
the students and professors left too. We 
didn't really want them to go. We didn't 
want the neighborhood to go down, just 
like the white folks today, worrying 
about the wrong kind of people moving 
in next door. But what could we do? 

"Things are different now. People are 
still working for "civil rights,' but 
they're doing it as individuals, not as a 
mass movement. The problems have 
changed too, and the gang activities are 
real bad. There are too many freedoms 
and not enough choices. So young people 
get into drugs and destroy themselves, 
and when you holler, they just tune you 
out." — Margaret Woolgrove 



January 1 994 Messenger 1 5 



Dry Run: 





By Don Fitzkee 

Dry Run has its ups and downs. During 
the spring and winter this little wet- 
weather stream in Franklin County's 
Path Valley runs bank-full. But during 
the long, hot days of summer Dry Run 
slows to a trickle, leaving large sections 
of exposed creek bed. 

Dry Run Church of the Brethren, 
founded in 1953 in the sleepy village of 
the same name, has gone through some 
dry spells of its own over the years. But 
these days, thanks to the support of 
Southern Pennsylvania District's Church 
Development and Revitalization Com- 
mission and co-pastors Harold Yeager 
and Roy Fahnestock, a river runs 
through this revitalized congregation. 

Located about six miles north of the 
Willow Grove exit of the Pennsylvania 
Turnpike, Dry Run sits in the midst of a 
sparsely populated valley of about 6,000 
people, where good jobs are scarce, and 
average income is relatively low. 

Just five years ago it looked like the 
Dry Run church would have to close its 
doors. Attendance at the biweekly 
services in a run-down former school- 
house had dwindled to around 10, and 
few could see any potential for growth in 
a village of 350 people, many of whom 
were residents on fixed incomes at the 
town's three small, privately-owned 
personal care homes for the elderly. 

The church building itself — the only 
one in town — was in danger of collaps- 
ing. One long-time member facetiously 
comments, "The people who went to 
church in the old building must have had 
a lot of faith." When representatives 
from the district examined the building 
in 1988, says Harold, "their advice was 
get out of there as fast as possible before 
it falls on you." 

The Dry Run members heeded that 
advice, but instead of closing the church 
or relocating outside of town, the church 
in consultation with the district, decided 
its ministry was in Dry Run. "The 'right' 



thing to do would have been to get out of 
town," says member Bill Swailes, but the 
50 or more residents of the town's homes 
would have been left behind. So the 
church stayed. 

The Revitalization Commission 
persuaded Harold, a free minister in a 
Brethren congregation about 25 miles 
from Dry Run, to join Roy Fahnestock, 
who had been caretaker pastor of the 
church for more than 20 years. Harold, 
who had held various church leadership 

'This church has a 

purpose. We aren 't 

just meeting to meet 

and to collect 

enough money to give 

to the preachers. ' 

positions in the district and denomina- 
tion, agreed to serve for 18 months to 
determine what potential existed for 
meaningful ministry in Dry Run. 

In the spring of 1989, the old building 
was demolished, and work began on a 
new brick meetinghouse on the same 
site, funded by a $52,000 capital grant 
from the district. Meanwhile the church 
began to grow as it met rent-free for 
nearly two years across the street in 
Gloria Doyle's Gold 'n' Gray Home. 

The congregation moved into its new 
building in October 1991 with an 
average attendance of 30. By January 
1992, that figure had increased to 50. 
Three hundred attended the April 1992 
building dedication, and the church 
continued to grow modestly under the 
leadership of pastors Yeager and 
Fahnestock. By the fall of 1993, atten- 
dance averaged in the 70s, with a high ol 
90. "The question now," says Roy, "is 
which Sunday are we going to hit a 
hundred?" 

Roy credits Harold for much of the 



1 6 Messenger January 1 994 



river runs through it 



jrowth. "Harold's been excellent," he 
says, "i would say some of the growth — 
Tiuch of it — I give Brother Harold credit 
For." Music leader Fred Keener, who 
attended another church before coming 
fo Dry Run, and who directs community 
:horal groups, agrees: "Harold is an 
ncourager. Put three exclamation points 
behind that. He has a knack for finding 
what people are good at and making 
:hem do it." The first Sunday that Fred 
attended, Harold spotted him in the 
:ongregation and called him forward to 
fead singing. He has been music director 
ver since. 

Bonnie Goshorn also appreciates 
Harold's gift for encouragement. "Harold 
|tnakes you feel confident," she says. "He 
always has something good to say about 
you that makes you feel good about 
yourself." 

Roy had baptized Bonnie and her 
husband, "Hop," years ago, but they had 
fallen away from the church during the 
growing-up of their five children. After 
several visits from Harold, they came 
back, and now attend regularly. Since 
returning, their daughters, ages 18, 16, 
10, have made decisions for Christ and 
been baptized, along with the fiances of 
the two older daughters. Says Bonnie, 
'Going here, you just get a good feeling. 
The people are so friendly." 

Bill Swailes, a dairy farmer, who 
joined the church a year and a half ago, 
and who how serves as trustee, agrees. 
"It's a difference between getting up and 
jhaving to go to church," says Bill, "and 
not wanting to leave (to go home)." He 
notes that many people hang around 
after the service to visit, which he 
believes is a sign of a healthy congrega- 
tion. 

Bill and his wife, Anna, left a church 
that suffered a split to come to Dry Run. 
"To me, joining this church was like a 
homecoming," says Anna, who teaches 
Sunday school and serves as church 
treasurer. "There's really a sense of 
family here." 



That sense of family is clearly visible 
from the minute the church opens its 
doors. Pastor Roy, plain-coated and 
bearded, greets Harold with a holy kiss. 
Harold gives enthusiastic bear hugs as he 
greets his brothers and sisters. During a 
short Sunday school opening, superin- 
tendent Paul Shearer calls on the 
members of the congregation to raise 
their Bibles high, and nearly everyone 
present has a Bible to wave in the air as 
the congregation sings a chorus. 

Worship includes time for singing 
"Happy Birthday" to people who are 
celebrating their special day during the 
month. Pastor Harold gives small 
birthday cakes to each celebrant as the 
congregation sings. When the volunteer 
Ladies Choir gathers around the piano, 
care is taken to wheel Annie, a resident 
of one of the town's homes, up front on 
the church's office chair so she can sing 
along. The congregation sings "I'm so 
glad I'm a part of the family of God," 
and really means it. The last Sunday of 
each month, 40 or more people stay after 
church for a carry-in dinner and fellow- 
ship. 



Re 



k.oy and Harold have been sharing the 
pastoral responsibilities at Dry Run, with 
Roy preaching and visiting the first two 
weeks of each month, and Harold the last 
two. Both work fulltime: Harold is an 
elementary school principal, and Roy is a 
farmer and general manager for a fuel 
distributor. In addition, they receive 
modest support from the district, with 
the congregation paying their ministry 
expenses. 

While Harold may be the more 
charismatic of the two pastors, he and 
Roy balance each other well. Harold says 
that while he is brash and tends to act 
quickly, Roy is more deliberate and 
encourages him to think things through. 
"Roy has been a real blessing to me," 
says Harold. 

Leadership has been one key to the 



church's growth, says district executive 
Warren Eshbach. Harold and Roy have 
been able to form an effective team. "If 
Harold hadn't come, it wouldn't have 
happened," says Bill Swailes. "He's 
poured every spare moment into the 
church." Harold admits, "If I were a 
candle, I'd be burning toward the short 
end by now." He already has stayed three 
years beyond his initial 18-month 
commitment. 

The church's future depends largely on 
new leaders being called and trained. 
The congregation recently called a 
deacon, and a church board was formed 
in April 1992. Groundwork is being laid 
to call a minister from within the 
congregation to provide additional 
leadership. 

Harold believes the congregation is 
moving toward being self-supporting. 
Giving has been good, he says. The 
congregation recently gave $500 to the 
Church of the Brethren Emergency 
Disaster Fund, and this June will send its 
first delegate ever to Annual Conference. 

While the residents of the personal 
care homes in Dry Run have been the 
focus of the church's ministry, the 
congregation is considering starting a 
day care center. The church's choice to 
remain in Dry Run, says Bill Swailes, 
"makes a statement" that the church is 
there to serve the community. "This 
church has a purpose," says Bill. "We 
have something to do. We aren't just 
meeting to meet and to collect enough 
money to give to the preachers." 

Dry Run — the creek — will probably 
run dry again this summer. But the Dry 
Run church intends to be there year- 
round, offering living water to the 
community it serves. 



M. 



Don Filzkee. ofRheems. Pa., is a licensed 
minister in Chiques Church of the Brethren, 
Manheim, Pa., where he will be ordained on 
February 6. He served as an editorial assistant on 
the Messenger staff, 1986-1988. Presently he is a 
member of the denomination 's General Board. 

January 1994 Messenger 17 



A summer on the mountain top 




M 



Jeff Carter (right) and his friend Andy Brunk atop California's Mount Grayback. 
Actually the whole summer was, in a way, spent on a mountain top. 



by Jeff Carter 



I see myself as a struggler — one who 
grapples with life's questions and works 
through situations to a finish. I gain new 
awareness of who I am through question- 
ing and struggling. 

I struggled in sixth grade with Mrs. 
Marks' science class. I always managed 
to add one too many volts of power to 
those litde light bulbs, causing them to 
bum out. My mind was not into studying 
that year, because, at the same time I was 
struggling with science class, my closest 
friend, my grandfather, was struggling 
with cancer . . . and losing. I watched a 
big, strong man determined to win the 
fight slowly and painfully lose. After he 
died, I learned that although my grandfa- 
ther was not physically with me, he had 
left me a precious gift that would last a 
lifetime. He left me the gifts of love, 
kindness, and generosity, which he 
taught me by example. 

I want "to be there" for people, as my 
grandfather was for me, empowering 
people to believe in themselves and see 
their special God-given gifts. My 
grandfather provided one of the lights of 
hope that guides me on life's journey. 

The Church of the Brethren National 
Peace Team spent the 1993 summer 
spreading the light of peace to six camps 
and four states. On Amtrak, we traveled 

18 Messenger January 1994 



countless miles across the West, and we 
made many wonderful new friends. My 
goal was to spread peace. In the process I 
learned what peace is. 

At Camp Mack, in Indiana, during a 
junior-high camp, we held a love feast at 
a campfire. At first we wondered if the 
kids would pick up on the significance of 
the service and be interested in the 
church heritage, and whether they could 
sit still that long. We started the service 
by having the kids take off their shoes, 
telling them they were walking on holy 
ground (Exod. 3:5). Jessica, gifted at 
leading guided imagery — a form of 
relaxation — lead the group off to have 
some quiet meditation. While the kids 
were gone. Drew and I took all their 
shoes and formed a cross, standing 
lighted candles between some of the 
shoes. The kids returned to the campfire 
quiet and curious. They sat facing the 
cross as the sun sank behind the horizon. 
The kids then washed each other's hands 
while they sang camp songs. 



T. 



-he intensity of the hand- washing 
surprised me. For many participants it 
was their first time, so the hand-washing 
service was done with an intense 
reverence that brought the kids closer 
together. They formed a circle around 
the cross of shoes. It was great to see the 



group turn into family, with kids holding 
hands and supporting each other. 

I had thought that the time of the 
bread and cup could be a time of recom- 
mitment of faith. That was my mistake. 
Many of the kids had not been baptized, 
so this was the beginning for them in 
their commitment to their faith. One by 
one, campers dipped small pieces of 
bread in grape juice and ate it. 

I marveled at the maturity and 
seriousness they exhibited in their 
commitment. By the end of the service, 
there were many tears. 

As we were praying, a breeze began, 
blowing out four candles. Earlier it had 
been illustrated that the cross was made 
of two beams — the vertical beam 
representing God's love coming down to 
us, and the horizontal beam representing 
our love going to the world. After a 
couple of rounds of the song "Sanctuary" 
and a lot of hugs, one camper observed 
that the wind had blown out the candles 
on the horizontal beam of our cross of 
shoes, while the vertical beam still 
burned brightly. Wow! We closed almost 
every camp with this service, and no two 
were the same. 

While we sat around the campfire one 
chilly July night in the mountains of 
Idaho, a discussion broke out among the 
kids about God and what God thinks of 
our actions. What does true discipleship 



mean? How can we call ourselves 
Christians when we still sin? Although I 
was several years older than these kids, I 
could relate to the questions of faith. We 
talked the night away. 

There was a boy with many of the 
same struggles I had in high school who 
didn't believe in himself. He didn't 
believe that he could make a difference. 
"I have done so many wrong things, how 
could God accept me?" he asked. 

We spent the better part of what was 
left of the night discussing God's grace, 
and how we must work toward disciple- 
ship. While I was trying to give insight 
from my own life struggles, I suddenly 
started to feel as if I were talking to a 
mirror. It was I who also needed the 
confidence and who needed to believe in 
myself. I can be an instrument of Christ 
only if I can accept the challenge 100 
percent. 1 saw Christ working in that boy 
for me. He was my mirror. Now I could 
remember that I must be a doer and live 
out my faith. Together we can make the 
difference. 

While we were at camp La Verne, in 
California, we took the youth camp on 
an overnight hike. We hiked five miles 
to Dry Lake in the San Greggomio 
Mountains, set up camp and went to bed. 
At 3 o'clock the next morning, six of us 



started a five-mile hike to the top of 
Grayback Mountain. As we approached 
the steep slope of the mountain we found 
the trail blocked by about six fget of ice. 
The area to the left was straight down 
hundreds of feet, and the area to the 
right was straight up hundreds of feet, so 
we went over the ice, venturing up the 
mountain without a trail. 



A, 



Lt one point, we were going straight 
up the side of the mountain, holding on 
to some mountain laurel so we wouldn't 
fall down the face. I felt as if I had been 
transplanted into a National Geographic 
special. As we crested the mountain, the 
sun blazed across the horizon. To the left 
was the morning, while on the right 
Palm Springs still lay in the night. 

The courage and physical strength to 
accomplish the climb brought an 
overwhelming feeling of satisfaction. We 
made it to the top and saw the creation of 
a new day. The hike home was exhaust- 
ing, but having been 1 1 ,499 feet up that 
morning and having hiked 15 miles 
before noon, I discovered a determina- 
tion and inner strength in both myself 
and the other team members that I 
hadn't realized we possessed. We 
became even more committed to telling 



Peace team members Andy Brunk, Jessica Eller, Jennifer Ungemach, and Jeff 
Carter spent last summer visiting Brethren camps to "spread the light of peace. " 




people that peace begins with our faith in 
God and ourselves. If we believe, we can 
accomplish anything. 

Spiritually, the summer experience 
taught me that although I may some- 
times stumble in my discipleship, I also 
have my moments of success. Each week 
since my peace team trip, I have 
recommited myself to follow in Christ's 
steps. When working with young adults, 
I could tell them what I wanted them to 
see and believe. But if I wasn't living it, 
my words meant nothing. Saying I am a 
Christian does not mean that life is a bed 
of roses, but I learned that if we live our 
life in discipleship, our mistakes and 
struggles make us stronger and don't 
tear us down. It is important to be honest 
about our struggles as Christians. I saw 
young and old alike making their faith 
real and living, and I am blessed to have 
had them a part of my life even for a 
short time. 

At times, this summer's experience 
reminded me of my first bike ride — long 
ago and like a dream. And at other 
times, when I read of the hatred and 
violence in our world, 1 am full of energy 
(inspired by the youth) and aware that I 
am to make a difference. 

The summer was spent working with 
three other young people: Andy Brunk of 
Weyers Cave, Va.; Jennifer Ungemach of 
Palmyra. Pa.; and Jessica Eller of Merritt 
Island, Fla. As I look back to the 
summer, I appreciate them more and 
more. We were very different in our 
experiences and theology, yet the ideas 
of God's love and peace transcended the 
differences and united us. 

I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 13:4- 
13, a favorite passage of mine: Love is 
patient, love is kind. We learned that 
God is the love in our lives and we are 
called to share that love. We must have 
God in every action. In so doing, we 
spread the strong message of peace — 
God's love. My goal now is to relight 
those candles on the cross of 
shoes, one by one. 

Jeff Carter of Westminster. Md.. who recently 
completed a year of Brethren Volunteer Ser\'ice in 
the Church of the Brethren Washington Office, has 
become associate pastor of Florin Church of the 
Brethren. Mount Joy, Pa. 

January 1994 Messenger 19 



by Robin 
Wentworth Mayer 



Stepping Stones is a column offering 
suggestions, perspectives, and 
opinions — snapshots of life — that we 
hope are helpful to readers in their 
Christian journey. As the writer said 
in her first installment. "Remember, 
when it comes to managing life 's 
difficulties, we don 't need to walk on 
water We just need to learn where 
the stepping stones are. " 




STONES 



If you want to find out who 
your true friends are. send 
your Christmas cards out 
late. 

I am one of those moder- 
ately compulsive people who 
have their shopping done by 
Hallowe'en and their 
Christmas cards in the mail 
the day after Thanksgiving. 

This past year was differ- 
ent, however. Because of a 
year full of major life 
upheavals, Christmas was 
only a week away when I 
began frantically licking 
envelopes. With a little luck, 
my cards reached their 
respective destinations by 
New Year's. 

I noticed that I didn't 
receive as many cards as in 
Christmases past. "Aha!" 
said I, "All these years I 
thought my old friends 
stayed in touch out of loyalty, 
when all along it was 
apparently just reciprocity." 

Social scientists have 
advanced what is called the 
"social exchange theory," 
which assumes that individu- 
als engage in a system of 
mental bookkeeping, 
continually appraising a 
relationship in terms of the 
flow of rewards and relative 
costs. So in view of my 
illustration, the "social 
exchange theory" might 
translate into behavior as 
follows: 

"Let's see, we better get a 
card out to the Millers; they 
sent us one. Don't forget the 
Bowmans; they always have 
something for us. And Mrs. 



Gibble gave us those cookies, 
so we need to take her 
something." 

Sound familiar? My 
college friends and distant 
cousins aren't the only ones 
who allow reciprocity to 
regulate their Christmas lists 
and relationships. You and I 
do too, to some degree, at 
least. 

So the most constructive 
way I know to incorporate 
this principle of reciprocity 
into our interactions with 
others is to be on the 
initiating end of it — to be 
proactive, rather than 
reactive. 

When we do this, first of 
all we claim our choices free 
from the pressure of others' 
expectations. On a personal 
level, this promotes indepen- 
dence, builds self-confidence, 
and enhances decision- 
making skills — all important 
qualities for effective 
leadership. 

Secondly, we position 
ourselves to impact others in 
a positive, motivating, way. 
For example, in the dynam- 
ics of group therapy, we see a 
lot of valuable interaction 
bom out of reciprocity. As 
one person opens up, others 
are encouraged to do 
likewise. Trust develops, 
understanding expands, 
intimacy evolves, and growth 
results. 

You can see how placing 
yourself on the initiating end 
of reciprocity in relationships 
has both individual and 
corporate advantages. And 



this is nothing new, by the 
way. A long time ago, Jesus, 
while speaking to a large 
crowd on a hillside, advised 
his listeners that whatever 
we wanted others to do for 
us, we should do so for them 
(Matt. 7:12). 

Traditionally, the church 
has distilled this teaching 
down to a rule, and has 
tended to teach it in a rather 
flat, linear, dogmatic 
fashion. And while this 
principle certainly "works" 
as a moral standard for 
behavior, that application 
limits its impact and dilutes 
its power. 

Jesus understood reciproc- 
ity. He knew that "doing 
unto others" would have the 
very rich potential of setting 
off a chain reaction of love, 
joy, peace, patience, kind- 
ness, goodness, faithfulness, 
and self-control — all the 
building blocks for peace on 
earth and good will toward 
men. 

Which brings me back to 
Christmas cards. 

If reciprocity indeed holds 
true, I suspect my long- 
distance friends, after 
receiving my delinquent 
greetings, will reinstate my 
name on their Christmas 
card lists. 

I'll let you know. 



M. 



Robin Wentworth Mayer, of 
Edwardsburg. Mich., is pastor of 
Pleasant Valley Church of the 
Brethren. Middlebury. Ind. She 
operates Stepping Stones Counseling 
out of Waterford (Ind.) 
Community' church. 



20 Messenger January 1994 



Meat loaf evangelism: 
What's your recipe? 



by Frank Ramirez 

I grew up loving meat loaf. Some folks 
are surprised and assume that, as a 
Ramirez, I ate an endless round of tacos, 
enchiladas, and burritos. We ate those 
all the time, to be sure, and I still look 
forward to home and my mother's mole, 
menudo. and eggs with chorizo. But we 
also ate spaghetti, casseroles, fried 
chicken, and (of course) meat loaf. 

We weren't poor, mind you. but there 
were 10 of us to feed, and every day my 
sister Mary Ann would take a look at the 
pound of defrosting hamburger, turn to 
my mother and say, "Well, what miracle 
are we going to work today?" 

Meat loaf is like spaghetti. Everyone 
makes it differently, and everyone makes 
it good. Nevertheless, our meat loaf was 
probably like yours. It was more a bread 
loaf. I'm not complaining. I like it with 
lots of bread. I prefer it with lots of 
bread. And eggs. And onions. And 
whatever. 

But it doesn't have to have lots of 
bread to be meat loaf. Read the chapter 
on meat loaf in Robert Fulghum's book 
Uh-Oh. Anything goes when it comes to 
meat loaf. I have never met a meat loaf 
at a Brethren potluck that I didn't like. 

Just because I grew up eating a dish a 
particular way doesn't mean it has to be 
made that way forever. But you wouldn't 
know that, talking to some people. The 
way a dish was cooked in their childhood 
is the only way to prepare it. 

Now I started talking about food 
because I am Brethren and I know we 
Brethren think with our stomachs first. 
And I want to tell you that the way we 
sometimes approach evangelism is the 
way we approach meat loaf. We only 
want it the way we grew up with it. 

One of the primary ways we Brethren 
used to accomplish church growth was to 
have lots of kids. The advantage to this 
method was it meant we didn't have to 
knock on any doors, and it guaranteed 
we were all related to each other. 




Like meat loaf, 

evangelism doesn Y 

always have 

to be done 

the same ol ' way. 

Moreover, we didn't move around 
much. Since families stayed put. their 
children ended up going to the same 
church they grew up in. 

In addition, we were located where all 
the people were — in the countryside. 

But we don't have lots of kids any- 
more. Folks move around a lot more than 
they used to, and families get spread 
across several states. And all the people 
have moved to the cities. 

Nevertheless, we expect our churches 
to maintain themselves with little effort 
over the course of time. 

In the movie "Field of Dreams," the 
hero, an Iowa com farmer, is told by a 
voice, "If you build it, they will come." 
Even though there seems no use for it at 
the time, he clears a portion of his fields 
and builds a baseball diamond, complete 
with stands. His faithfulness is rewarded 
by the arrival of players, fans, and more. 



A church that hopes to grow could do 
worse than use this "Field of Dreams" 
approach. Nurseries need to be made, 
maintained, and staffed even if there are 
no children in the church at the moment. 
Sunday school teachers and youth 
leaders need to be recruited and trained, 
ready to go. Teams of greeters must be 
prepared so that no visitor goes unno- 
ticed. 

One congregation not too far from my 
own built an elevator for handicapped 
people. The next Sunday. God sent 
wheelchaired souls to that church. That's 
how it works. As Ross Perot says, "It's as 
simple as that." 

Many churches, however, follow a tail- 
swallowing train of logic. We never had 
to worry about handicap accessibility (or 
nursery, or a youth group) because "No 
one has ever attended that needed it." 
The flip side of that has to be "No one 
has ever attended because there isn't any 
handicap accessibility." 

You see, God is faithful to us. He 
sends visitors to churches. The problem 
is, most churches send them right back. 

A growing church makes no assump- 
tions. The church I currently serve 
changes its time of worship in the 
summer. One day I lamented aloud that I 
had forgotten to include the time change 
in the bulletin. "No problem," said one 
long-time member. "Everyone knows 
the time always changes this time of 
year." 

The problem is, eveiyone didn't 
already know. Some folks lose touch, 
newer members never hear of the time 
change, and even long-time worshipers 
forget. Assumptions are dangerous. Ask 
yourself: "What assumptions does my 
church make?" 

The bulletin must be worded as if this 
were the first Sunday it had ever been 
produced. Take nothing for granted. 
Prayers, responses, choruses that 
"everyone" knows make newcomers feel 
like outsiders. 

How user-friendly is your church? Do 

January 1994 Messenger 21 



you have the new Hymnal yet? Church 
growth expert Bill Eamons, at a recent 
Evangelism Leaders Academy, pointed 
out that music is the most important 
factor in the lives of those groups we 
want to reach with the gospel. Music is 
everywhere, on the radio, on television in 
the form of music videos and commer- 
cials, in elevators, at the workplace, and 
in restaurants. But when we go to church 
we take a time machine back to the 18th 
and 19th centuries. 

When it comes to church music, 
whether you prefer the classical hymns, 
the 19th-century gospel hymns, the 
liturgical hymns, or the maudlin hymns, 
you are likely to hallow your preference 
with the phrase "the old hymns of the 
church." We need to sing our personal 
favorites a little less often, and explore 
new sounds and new rhythms. For the 
salvation of others, mind you. 

Is your congregation still using the 
King James Version (KJV) of the 
Scriptures? If so, half the sermon time is 
spent by the preacher explaining 
Shakespearean English. 

The King James, or Authorized 
Version, was assembled because a 
modern English translation was needed 
for the people of the early 17th century. 
It was one translation among many, a 
veritable flurry of scriptures published in 
that era. It was not the most popular 
version of its era. 

Nor is it the best translation. The 
translation did not have the benefit of 
nearly 400 years of archaeological 
discoveries and advances in linguistics 
that have allowed modem translators to 
present God's Word as it was delivered. 
Remember, in order to be authentic, 
scripture must be in modem English. 
(King James' English was modern in his 
time.) 

The message of the New Testament 
was so important, and the need to spread 
it so urgent, that it was revealed in the 
Koine Greek, which is the equivalent of 
business English, the sort spoken in the 
marketplace by those for whom it is often 
a second language. It was the world 
language of its day, an unadorned tongue 
designed above all to communicate. 

Use a modem translation in your 

22 Messenger January 1994 



church, preferably the New Intemational 
Version (NIV) or the New Revised 
Standard Version (NRSV). After all, 
would you rather hear "The noise thereof 
sheweth conceming it, the cattle also 
conceming the vapour" (Job 36:33 KJV), 
or "His thunder announces the coming 
storm; even the cattle make known its 
approach" (same verse, NIV)? 

The hardest thing for a growing 
church to build is an open heart. God 
sends broken people. He sends divorced 
people, emotionally or developmentally 
disabled people, single parents, dysfunc- 
tional families, wild kids, noisy babies, 
disrupters, and dreamers. A growing 
church recognizes that God is the judge, 
not us, that some of us wear our sins on 
the outside, and others hide them behind 
whitewashed walls. A growing church 
confesses that not one of us is worthy of 
the free gift of salvation on our own 
merits anyway. 



Y, 



Let some people dare to ask, "Can you 
imagine the nerve of So-and-So coming 
to church in her condition?" 

The most profound church growth 
saying I have read came not from a 
Christian book but from a "Dear Abby" 
column. Abby once wrote, "A church is a 
hospital for sinners, not a museum for 
saints." We are all sinners, no matter 
how you look at it. We don't look down 
our noses at someone else. 

Can we reach people where they are? 
Growing churches can. When Paul, in 
the book of Acts, preaches in Athens, he 
proclaims the resurrection to a body of 
sophisticated Greeks who knew nothing 
of the Old Testament scriptures. He 
couldn't count on them to know Moses 
from Adam. What did Paul do? He 
quoted from a local poet, praised the 
Athenians' worship of the unknown god, 
and made converts without mentioning 
the name of Jesus! But rest assured, as 
time went by, those converts came to 
know Jesus personally. 

Explain things. To my mind, 
feetwashing is the essential Brethren rite. 
It is also frightening to our young people 
and to newcomers. As spring approaches 
I preach on feetwashing at least four 



times. I explain and describe it. I make 
personal phone contacts to encourage 
attendance. 

Do that, then stand back and watch the 
change. Don't be surprised if your love 
feast and feetwashing becomes the 
Spirit-filled, talky, singy praise-fest it 
ought to be. 

We are living in an age in which 
people do not know Jesus, do not know 
the church, and have nothing in common 
with those raised in the church. But they 
are hurting, and they need God, and us, 
badly, whether they know it or not, 
whether we want them or not. 

In the end we should admit we are, 
after all, not gathered to please ourselves 
but to praise God, and confess Jesus 
Christ as the Risen Lord. We are not 
coming to a smorgasbord of our favorite 
dainties. This is not a cafeteria. We're 
here to serve others, not ourselves. 
Newcomers always come first. 

How do we leam to act like a growing 
church? There are several programs 
sponsored by the Church of the Brethren 
to help us make meat loaf differently, 
taking the tastes of others into account. 
One of these is Passing on the Promise, 
and an integral part of the program is the 
Evangelism Leaders Academy. There are 
now six academies each summer, 
scattered across the United States, and 
people attend from all over, including 
some from other denominations. 

There is no need to be a user-friendly 
church. Use obscure translations. Speak 
in code. Avoid greeting newcomers. Do 
things the same way. Don't cater to 
others. 

And you can still grow, provided you 
follow this bit of advice: Have lots of 
kids. 

And don't forget to keep them on a 
leash, because they'll start attending 
their friends' church as soon as they get 
their driver's license. 

So what's it going to be? Meat loaf the 
way you've always eaten it, or made a 
different way at the next big carry-in? 
Church the way you've always 
known it, or God's church? 



Frank Ramirez is pastor of Elkhart Valley 
Church of the Brethren. Elkhart, Ind. 



Religious 
addiction 
can be 
overcome 



by Jay B. Warner 



Mixed Reviews critiques books, films, 
and other products of the entertain- 
ment media that speak to Brethren 
living out their faith. The reviews are 
not to be taken as Messenger 's 
endorsement, necessarily. Rather, we 
present them as helpful infontuition 
for readers who encounter the 
subjects they treat. 




REVIEWS 



There are a couple of things 
that it seems Hke the world 
just doesn't need any more 
of. One is the identification 
of another form of addiction 
and abuse. The second is a 
12-step recovery program for 
that addiction based on the 
Alcoholics Anonymous 
system. Yet, this is what you 
get when you read Leo 
Booth's book. When God 
becomes a Drug: Breaking 
the Chains of Religious 
Addiction and Abuse (St. 
Martin's Press, 1991; 288 
pages; $18.95). 

It is tempting to put some 
label on this Episcopalian 
priest who is a recovering 
alcoholic, and dismiss the 
entire work as irrelevant. It 
is tempting to say that 
religion cannot be abused. It 
is tempting to claim that this 
doesn't happen with Breth- 
ren. But we must not. 

The disease of addiction is 
not a virus or a germ, it is "a 
physical, mental, and 
emotional reaction that 
occurs in response to alcohol, 
drugs, co-dependency, or 
other compulsive behavior." 
Food is essential for life; it is 
good. Yet many people suffer 
from anorexia, purging, or 
some other eating disorder. 
Regardless of whether their 
problem is one of eating too 
much or too little, they suffer 
from a food addiction. 

Likewise, spirituality 
(God) is essential for a 
healthy life; it is good. Yet 
many people use the acces- 
sory items of religion — 
rituals, dogma, and scriptural 



texts — to reinforce a dys- 
functional message. They 
suffer from a religious 
addiction. And, just as an 
anorexic suffers from a food 
addiction, so too an atheist 
may suffer from a religious 
addiction. 

I do not know if Leo Booth 
ever heard of the Church of 
the Brethren. I doubt that he 
is familiar with Schwarze- 
nau, Germany, in 1708. And 
yet his themes sound 
amazingly similar to those 
expressed by the Brethren 
founders. In his book 
European Origins of the 
Brethren, Donald Durnbaugh 
notes that the organized 
religions of that day main- 
tained the dogmatic crust of 
the faith, but had lost all the 
"dynamic Christianity" 
(spirituality). 

When God Becomes a 
Drug identifies what abusive 
religious addiction looks like 
as opposed to healthy 
spirituality. A few symptoms 
of religious addiction might 
include, but are not limited 
to: "inability to think, doubt, 
or question information and 
authority," "magical think- 
ing that God will fix you," 
"scrupulosity — rigid obses- 
sive adherence to rules, codes 
of ethics, or guidelines," and 
"uncompromising, judgmen- 
tal attitudes." 

Religious abuse often may 
be accompanied by other 
addictions that are more 
commonly identified. It may 
include the physical abuse of 
family members while 
quoting scripture; sexual 



abuse; emotional abuse; or 
transferring rage about one's 
self onto another person. It 
may include many eating 
disorders. Often, the other 
problems are treated with 
little or no regard given to 
the religious addiction. If the 
other abuse is really a 
symptom of the religious 
addiction, people may tend to 
relapse into their old 
behaviors or simply transfer 
their abusive behaviors into a 
new addiction. 

There is a lot of biblical 
support for the ideas of 
spirituality and religiosity as 
defined in this book. Most 
biblical scholars could easily 
cite scriptures in defense of 
the author. However, since 
religious addicts often quote 
or proof-text scriptural 
passages for justification or 
denial of their problems, 
there are no references to 
specific Bible verses given. 

I agree with the vast 
majority of the concepts and 
ideas presented in this book. 
I do have a few theological 
differences with Leo Booth. 

I am not a religious addict, 
yet this book often hit close 
to my heart. It is well 
written, insightful, and 
challenging. When God 
Becomes a Drug: Breaking 
the Chains of Religious 
Addiction and Abuse may be 
useful to everyone who is 
concerned about spirituality, 
whether they are pastors, 
therapists, or laity. 



Ai. 



Jay B. Warner is a member of 
Monitor Church of the Brethren, 
near McPherson. Kan. 



January 1994 Messenger 23 



Healing faith 

'Healing faith still moves in our hearts and 
lives in this alienated and fractured world for 
our own wholeness and the healing of all creation. 



by Richard J. Landrum 

The woman who was healed only 
touched the fringe of Jesus" cloak (Matt. 
9:20-26). She had been suffering from 
hemorrhages for 12 years. How many 
times she'd consulted with physicians 
and priests, we can only guess. You 
think she'd have given up by now, but 
she said to herself, "If only I touch his 
cloak, I will be made well." And she was 
healed. It was nothing Jesus did. He was 
on his way somewhere else. Jesus hadn't 
even noticed her until she reached out 
and touched his cloak. Turning and 
seeing her, Jesus said, "Take heart, 
daughter; your faith has made you well." 
So it was not what Jesus did, but what 
she did that made the difference. 

Julie did the same thing. She believed 
she could be healed. She refused to give 

Then suddenly a ^ 

woman who had 

been suffering from 

hemorrhages for 12 

years came up 

behind him and 

touched the fringe 

of his cloak, for she 

said to herself, "If I 

only touch his 

cloak, I will be 

made well, " Jesus 

turned, and seeing 

her he said, "Take 

heart, daughter; 

your faith has made 

you well." And 

instantly the woman 

was made well 

(Matt. 9:20-22). 



up. She was referred to me by a clinical 
psychologist. Her therapist believed she 
needed pastoral care and that she could 
benefit by working with both a man and 
woman. Her therapist was female. 

In the first session, Julie said, "I am a 
spiritually bruised person who needs a 
spiritual guide." I soon discovered just 
how bruised she was. She was abused as 
a child. She married, divorced, and 
remarried an abusive man. She was 
struggling with depression. She was a 
survivor of cancer. And now she was in 
an experimental program for an incur- 
able disea.se — advanced progressive 
scleroderma. The skin gets hard. The 
joints and muscles stiffen. Eventually the 
loss of body movement and function 
makes the person bedfast, waiting for a 
slow death. 

She had been under treatment for one 



year in a three-year program when she 
started seeing me. She was very sick and 
depressed. We sorted through many 
issues having to do with her story of 
abuse, illness and recovery, and depres- 
sion. What gave her strength to keep 
fighting was her faith. She believed that 
God had something for her to do other 
than suffering and dying. So we talked a 
lot about the possible meanings of her 
struggle. This was a real live theological 
conversation coming out of the pain and 
joy of a life reaching out for hope and 
healing. It was no sterile creed in a booki 
After two years, Julie's chronic disease 
went into remission. The symptoms 
abated. She thanked me for two years of 
support, but it was her faith in God that 
kept her fighting, reaching, enduring, 
believing in her own healing. It wasn't 
even her chemotherapy. A few weeks 



btli 

-.0 

m 



it ill 
tiiliii 

k<i 

ik\ 

jilopi 

tsic 

liiiti 

fei 

Ha 



24 Messenger January 1994 







p 

I to 
k 
M 

XI 

lai 
i 
tot 

i>nf 
itial 

IS, 



ter closing our sessions, Julie was back 
my study confused and amazed by the 
iblished results of her chemotherapy. 
le had been in the control group taking 
placebo. That is, she had no medicine, 
St glucose, and yet she went into 
mission. 

What is even more astounding is that 
le had signed a paper with each 
jection, saying that she understood the 
sks and side affects of treatment. And 
ich time she was injected she developed 

t symptoms — low energy, nausea, low 
ite-cell count, resulting in infections 
id frequent use of antibiotics. Julie 
veloped the symptoms of a chemical 
at she was not taking but believed she 
as taking, which is called the "placebo" 
feet. 

"Placebo" comes from Latin, meaning 
please. The patient is pleased by being 
ovided what she believes is medica- 
3n. Even Julie's physician did not 
low who of his patients were on the 
acebo and who were on the medication 
;ing tested. As it turned out, neither the 
acebo nor the medication proved to be 
fective in the treatment of scleroderma. 
But Julie's taking sugar made herself 
1 ck with the side effects because she 
j dieved she would get sick. And she got 
ell because she believed she would, 
th Julie and I believed God was the 
aler through her faith to reach out to 
lany people and sources for healing. 
lie is a miracle story. I get goose 
mps when I think of the power of her 
ith in God. 

Surgeon Bemie Siegel creates quite a 
[ir these days with his innovative 
atment plan after surgery. "Patients 
ho get well when they're not supposed 
are not having accidents or miracles 
spontaneous remissions," he says. 
hey're having self-induced healing." 
Well, such belief seems miraculous to 
le, depending on one's definition of 
liracle. What one believes is what faith 



A Brethren business network 

Are business people welcome in the Church of the Brethren? As I travel around 
the denomination, I find that business people at times do not feel welcome. Our 
teaching about simplicity and against the idolatry of money can make business 
people feel out of place. Yet when money is needed for a favorite cause, the 
church turns to the very people who have been made to feel uncomfortable. 
Furthermore, the worship and the fellowship seldom give counsel or support for 
the difficult ethical decisions a business person faces day by day. How can we be 
true to the gospel without systematically driving a wedge between what happens 
on Sunday and what happens on other days of the week? 

A significant meeting was held at Bethany Seminary in 1992 to address this 
very question. Attended by Brethren business people, college business teachers, 
and seminary staff, the consultation asked about the relationship between the 
Brethren understanding of the gospel and the practice of business. 

Without question, faith radically affects the practice of business. Many 
historians credit the birth of modern business to the rise of Protestantism in 
16th-century Europe. Historically, Brethren have been known as innovative and 
trustworthy business people. A Dunker's word was as good as his bond. A 
Dunker never cheated in business. How are Brethren convictions put into 
practice today? 

The Bethany meeting concluded that business people ought to be encouraged 
to meet together to form a Brethren business network. Such a network might 
have four functions — local fellowship and discussion, churchwide support, 
special projects, and leadership training. 

A local fellowship not only allows Brethren business people to know one 
another, but also offers an opportunity for discussion of ethical issues faced in 
the practice of business today. Such a group is beginning to meet in the 
Harrisonburg/Bridgewater, Va., area. At least three other groups are in the 
formative stage in other regions. 

Churchwide support can come through national meetings. Brethren business 
people plan to meet at an Annual Conference insight session this summer. They 
also hope to gather at the annual meeting of the Mennonite Economic Develop- 
ment Association (MEDA). 

Brethren business people might become interested in special projects. In the 
1940s, Brethren farmers helped to create Heifer Project, Christian Rural Over- 
seas Program (CROP), and Church World Service (CWS). Today rural, urban, 
and third-world problems cry out for Brethren business imagination. 

Bethany Seminary's interest is primarily in leadership training. Some Breth- 
ren are active in the Institute for Servant Leadership headquartered in India- 
napolis. They promote a concept of leadership as servant, coupled with shared 
authority rather than hierarchy and domination. Servant leadership sounds 
familiar to Brethren ears. 

A Brethren business network can have a powerful influence in the church. We 
have many worthy examples to follow in our history. Not only might business 
people feel more welcome, but they may lead us in bringing the gospel to our 
age. — Donald E. Miller 

Donald E. Miller is general secretary of the Church of the Brethren. 



is all about. Comparable to the woman 
whose faith made her well in the story 
from Matthew's gospel, Julie's faith 
made her sick and made her well. All 



healing is from God. We only alter the 
conditions to make healing more or less 
probable. 
So what are you and I doing to make 

January 1994 Messenger 25 



ourselves — sick, or well? William James 
raised this question in his book Varieties 
of Religious Experience. He observed 
that some people's faith is healthy 
minded as contrasted to the sick soul or 
divided self. 

Some faith is a belief in despair, 
marked by hopelessness, preoccupation 
with evil, anguish, and failure. Some 
faith is harsh toward the self, which may 

A =^ 



be projected on others, too. Such faith 
often believes in a fierce and vengeful 
God. It is a sick-making faith in which 
one believes the self and all that sur- 
rounds the self into alienation and 
sickness, so that what one believes tends 
to come true. One refuses to take 
responsibility for one's own life, casting 
everything on God, either in a kind of 
fatalism that God made me this way, or 



^ 



It's a combination of the more 

reasonable cost and the element 

of service that makes MAA 

attractive ... 

Donald Munn, MAA Member 
Middlebury, IN. 



Are you paying too much for your insurance? 
Are you receiving the service you deserve? 

Call ' 

1-800-255-1243 

for your FREE video 

ft«duE«d by Dave Sogeitbtrger 



Insurance protection exclusively for Brethren 

churches, homes, farms, camps, small businesses, 

renters and mobile home owners. 

For a quote or more information, call our toll free number 

or FAX: 1-800-238-7535 



Mutual Aid Association Church of the Brethren Route 1 Abilene, Kansas 674 1 



^ 



in a kind of fantasy that God will fix it. 
So the person does not do anything for 
one's own healing, or may even resist 1 
treatment, or do things that make one 
sicker. 

Sick-making faith is often seen in the 
person who prays and may even go to th( 
doctor for medication, but refuses to 
exercise or change habits that make one 
unhealthy. So it's not a matter of being 
religious or not religious. Some very 
religious people hold poisonous attitudes 
Theirs is toxic faith. 

Healthy-minded faith is not toxic. It 
invests in love, mercy, and a good God 
whose creation is good in spite of the 
pain and evil in life. The prayers and 
behaviors of people with this faith link 
with hope. And hope propels them to 
cooperate with whatever and whoever 
makes for wholeness in life. What we 
believe is a force for being sick or well. 

Bemie Siegel's work with cancer 
patients confirms that the best medical 
treatment is only as effective as the 
patient's unconscious mind allows. So hi 
uses methods to reinforce positive 
feelings such as hope and love to believe 
in one's own healing. We know that ' 
many physical illnesses have emotional 
and spiritual dimensions. We also know 
that during periods of great stress we are 
more susceptible to illness. 



Jrayer is a way to bring into conscious- 
ness the power of faith, a way of releas- 
ing the forces of healing within and 
between us, and cooperating fully with 
medical and holistic ways that foster the 
conditions for God's healing. Like 
Julie's determined faith that God has 
something better for her than 
scleroderma, abuse, and depression, and 
like the woman who reached out to touc 
the fringe of Jesus' cloak, our faith may' 
move us to reach toward wholeness. 
Without such faith, we slowly destroy 
ourselves. 

So James, the brother of our Lord 
Jesus, knowing the stories of those who 
reached out to Jesus, wrote to the early 
church (Jas. 5:13-16): "Are any among 
you suffering? They should pray." That 
means pray for yourself, but then James 
adds, "Are any of you sick? They shouh! 



26 Messenger January 1994 



;all for the elders . . . and pray over them 

. . The prayer of faith will save the 
iick." Prayer is not limited to a person in 
solation, but recommended as a way to 
;ome together with others. James 
relieves that such corporate prayer "is 
powerful and effective" (see also Matt. 
18:20). 

When they come together to pray they 
io it in a hands-on way. They anoint the 
iick person with oil. People were also 
inointed for special ministries and 
special needs. To be anointed reminded 
he early church of the very presence of 
he Anointed-One, the Christ, Jesus 
limself, present with them and through 
hem as they touched one another with 
»entle hands of love and faith. 

In the service of anointing today, a few 
irops of oil are applied on the forehead, 
-lands of faithful friends are placed on 
he suffering friend. The person to be 
inointed has been offered a chance to 
mburden anything that might be 
:luttering life or blocking healing. 

"Confess your sins to one another," 
fames wrote (Jas. 5:16). Let go and let 
jod! And then we pray for forgiveness 
ind strengthening of faith for healing, 
)ecause, James wrote, "The prayer of 
"aith will save the sick, and the Lord will 
aise them up" (Jas. 5:15). Of course, 
;alvation is promised by the cross of 
'esus, and the raising up ultimately must 
)ecome the resurrection after death. 
\nointing does not guarantee complete 
ecovery or even any recovery. But 
lealing does come in the opening up of 
he channels of power through prayer 
hat clears up guilt and strengthens faith 
br healing. 

It is helpful to distinguish between 
lealing faith and faith healing. Healing 
'aith is a healthy-minded, holistic 
eaching out and opening up of one's self 
o the power of faith for healing. Faith- 
lealing is the practice and/or methods to 
ise faith for healing. Sometimes those 
who practice are not healthy-minded and 
heir methods are questionable. Some- 
imes they are sick-minded, operating 
Jut of a divided soul and even sick- 
Tiaking faith. Sometimes faith-healers 
ire no more than con artists. 

In the film "Leap of Faith," Steve 
Martin plays the role of the con artist 



QV-v 



Pontius' Puddle 



NOTICE: Church and dislrkl newslellers Ihat reprint "Ponlius ' Puddle " from 
Messenger musi pay $10 for each use Io Joel Kauffmuim. Ill Curler Road. 
Goshen. IN 46526. 



MC0t*tr9tf,K^\o*y (5, 

PSMt*5 WHIf H BOOVCS 
00 THE WEtABt^S O^ 
yooR tHURcM PRE.Ft«' 




MOST Of^ THE WEEK, 

THE cooKaoox ^»^o 

THE tHEtttSOOK W. 



w:^^ 




Take Hold of Your Future... 



...One Step at a Time. 



McPherson College 

McPherson, Kansas 67460 • (316) 241-0731 



^Bfe >i 


r ^^^^^^^^^^^^H 






.<Jy 


I^^^BH 




■Hp 


^^^^^^9 




PP|K^.-» 


^^^^Bl^^gf^ l^HI 




K T*^^- 


i|^H9k^v^B 


„Si , i , : 


k 


tSEinH 



"Th^ size of the McPherson College community is such that people don 't get lost in the 
shuffle. We appreciate the student-faculty ratio and expect Mark will get individual 
attention and support when he needs it. The Christian atmosphere adds a concern both 
for the whole person and the value of each person as an individual. " 

Chuck and Shirley Boyer 
La Verne Church of the Brethren, La Verne, California 



Scholarships/Grants* 

Church of the Brethren Awards - Up to $1 ,000 per year 

Brethren Volunteer Service Grants - Up to $500 per year 

Children of Alumni Grants - Up to $500 per year 

Church-Matching Grants - Up to $500 per year 

Dependents of Persons in Church Professions - Up to $1,000 per year 



* Awards are available for up to four years provided studenis remain eligible. 
Some awards are based on financial need and availability- of .funds. 



McPherson College welcomes all applicants 

regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or physical or emotional disability. 



January 1994 Messenger 27 



"CHALLENGING AND 
PROVOCATIVE."* 

'A compelling biblical call for 
the unconditional abolition of 



pnsons. 



MARK OLSON 



"A fundamental and compre- 
hensive critique of not oruy 
prisons but also the ideology 
and history undergirding 
them.' —HOWARD ZEHR 

"There is more than scholar- 
ship here. Moving anecdotes 
drawn from Griffith's minis- 
terial involvement with Chris- 
tian communities and his ex- 
perience as both a prisoner 
and a robbery victim enhance 
his arguments.' 

— LIBRARY JOURNAL* 



Jesus said he had come to 
roclaim release to prisoners, 
n The Fall of the Prison Lee 
Griffith makes what Jesus 
meant altogether clear. Now 
it is for us who have ears." 

— WILL D.CAMPBELL 



OF THE 

PRISON 



Biblical Perspectives 
on Prison Abolition 

Lee 
Griffith 

ISBN 0-8028-0670-8 
Paper, %\ 9.99 



At your bookstore, or 
call 800-253-7521 
FAX 616-459-6540 
,WM. B. EERDMANS 
V PUBUSHING Ca 

255 JEFFERSON AVE. S,E. / GRAND RAPrDS, MiCH. 49503 



c: 



who himself comes from an abusive 
childhood story, and now is a faith- 
healer playing out in his own negative, 
hurtful story by exploiting others. Yet 
there is in his story a trace of hope, a 
search for the wholeness he promises 
others. Deep in the faith-healer's heart is 
a hope for healing faith for himself and 
for the suckers he cons as he rakes in 
their money in the revival tent in a little 
Kansas town caught in a drought. 

Poor farmers and their families cannot 
afford to be conned in hard times. The 
sheriff exposes the faith healer's abusive 
and criminal background. All the lies he 
preaches do not turn the crowds away. 
The preacher admits to everything, and 
wins the crowd again to him as a 
repentant sinner. So great is the farmers' 
need for healing faith that they believe 
the word of the phony preacher, even 
though he has conned every dollar he 
can out of them in the big show tent. 

'What no one counted on was a teenage 
boy's faith in God and a place in the con 



Word from the moderator 

Simultaneous with the "Prayer on the 
Plains" Gathering the last weekend of 
February at McPherson College (see 
December, pages 8, 26), a Brethren "Day 
of Prayer" will be observed on Sunday. 
February 27, when each church will be 
challenged to undergird our denomina- 
tional leaders and global ministries in 
prayer. 

Water has always been primary in our 
immersion baptisms and our feetwashing. 
The Conference theme, "Come! Drink the 
Living Water!" focuses on the continuing 
invitation to the source of life in Jesus 
Christ. To capture the theme, a waterfall/ 
stream will be created at Annual Confer- 
ence. Conferencegoers are invited to bring 
a quart of water from home, preferably 
from the baptistry or stream where 
baptisms occur. Water also will be brought 
from the Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee, 
the Eder River, and Wissahickon Creek. 
Earl K. Ziegler 

1994 Annual Conference moderator 



artist's heart. Steve Martin's shady 
character feels compassion for this boy. 
The phony evangelist tries to keep the 
boy from coming forward in the tent and 
being disillusioned. (Or is part of his 
motive to keep from being exposed as a 
phony?) But the boy will not be dis- 
suaded. His faith is strong. He risks 
loosing his grip on the crutches, first one 
crutch, but he seizes the railing to keep 
from falling as he lets go of the other 
crutch. Slowly, he discovers that he can 
walk. He trades his crutch for a new 
freedom discovered only by faith. The 
faith-healer is astonished and is himself 
healed of soul with the healing of the boy. 

Faith-healing is only a method. It may 
be a magic act, a good show, built on 
cynical and disappointing faith that 
exploits people and offers false hope, but 
not necessarily. Faith-healing also may 
be people genuinely, but with question 
and struggle, reaching out on the 
mysterious edge between despair and 
hope, brokenness and wholeness, illness 
and wellness, death and life, reaching 
out for the fringe of Jesus' cloak, trying 
to touch one another with love, even 
touching the healing hand of God, who 
is the power and source of all healing 
and wholeness. 

So even the faith-healer, who both 
cons and hopes for the sick, who doubts 
while believing, may discover the 
wondrous power of God. Healing faith 
still moves in our hearts and lives in this 
alienated and fractured world for our 
own wholeness and the healing of all 
creation. 

Do not our hearts long, and our bodies 
ache? Does not the whole creation groani 
for healing faith? Believe it. Reach for it. 
And test faith to see if there is any health 
in it. Test it by a careful inventory of our 
whole life purpose and practice, by our 
souls' sincere desire, by our basic 
attitude, and our lifestyle to examine if 
there is any health in us. Toxic faith 
splinters, breaks, fractures, divides, and 
makes us sick. Healing faith asks, "Whai | 
are we doing to encourage and FTT. 

enhance our own wellness?" llT^ 



Richard J. Landnim is pastor of Wenatchee 
(Wash.) Brethren-Baptist Church United. 



28 Messenger January 1994 



Serry. 

May Be Her Only Hope 



This Guatemalan woman weaves beautiful, brightly 
colored cotton fabric, a Mayan cultural tradition 
passed down from mother to daughter 
for centuries. Her only hope of / 

retaining this culture and 
her livelihood is You. 

SeRRV offers more than 
2000 Handmade crafts 
from 40 developing 
countries, all made by 
artisans who receive 
fair payment for 
their labors. 



Write or call now for your free 
1993/1994 Catalog from Serrv 
Handcrafts 1-800-423-0071. 

O 




Serrv 

Self-Help Handcrafts 
500 Main Sffeet 
P.O. Box 365 
New Windsor, MD 
21776-0365 



SERRV is a non-profit 
program of the Church 
of the Brethren and a mem- 
ber of the International 
Federation of 
Alternative Trade. 



BRF 



POWERFUL WITNESSING 
One of the things about Pentecost 
was the power associated with that 
occasion. Jesus told His followers they 
would receive power after the Spirit 
came upon them (Acts 1:8). There 
would be power to witness effectively- 
Sometimes well-meaning Christians 
drive people away instead of drawing 
them to the Christ. They become 
preachy, self-elevating, condemnatory, 
proof-texting individuals who "turn off" 
more prospects than they "turn on." 
Being empowered by the Holy Spirit to 
witness effectively may require only a 
few well-directed sentences to arouse 
the interest of a non-believer. Those 
few words, coupled with a kindly 
approach will go a long way in 
conveying the message of Christ's love 
arMJ redemption. 

-by Paul W. Brubakor (excerpted trom the Bread 
Basket page of the BRF Witness, Vol 19 No 5|. 
To be included on our mailing list "for free 
materials, write to; Brethren Revival Fellowship, 
Route 10, Box 201 -N, York, PA 17404. 

Stop by the BRF Display at Annual 
Conference for tickets to the Friday 
evening dinner meeting and/or the 
Saturday noon luncheon. There will be 
a BRF Insight Session Wednesday of 
Conference week at 9 P.M. 



A call for poets 

I was inspired by Eugene Roop's call for 
poets "who free us to cry — to cry about 
pernicious sin and persistent pain" and 
"who help us not only to cry but to hope 
by reaching through the scheming and 
violence of the present, to imagine 



From the 

Office of Human Resources 

Volunteer Positions Available: 

HEALTH CARE, Castaiier, P.R. 
Doctors: Surgeon.s, Internists 

6 month minimum. 
Nurses: Must speak Spanish. 

6 month minimum. 

ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT: 
Elgin, 111.; Inventory, etc. 
Needed January 24-February 
18, 1994 

PC SUPPORT/PROGRAMMER: 

Support person for personal 
computers and mid-range computer 
users at Brethren Service Center, 
New Windsor, Md. 

1-year assignment, but will accept 
someone to work during summer. 

For prompt consideration call 
Barbara Greenwald (800) 323-8039 



God's future" (see "Bible Helps for 
Pastoral Search Committees," Novem- 
ber, page 22). 

I see the present church in great need 
of confession and repentance, turning 
back to God to receive his love and 
forgiveness, and passing his love and 
forgiveness on to others, especially those 
who have offended us. 

God, through Jesus Christ, is the only 
one who can mend our brokenness and 
bring us together in unity with all our 
brothers and sisters. 

Belh Nonemaker 
Harrisburg, Pa. 



The opinions expressed here are not necessarily 
those of the magazine. Readers should receive them 
in the same spirit with which differing opinions are 
expressed in face-to-face conversations. 

Letters should be brief concise, and respectfifl of 
the opinions of others. Preference is given to letters 
that respond directly to items read in the magazine. 

We are willing to withhold the name of a writer 
only when, in our editorial judgment, it is 
warranted. We will not consider any letter that 
comes to us unsigned. Whether or not we print the 
letter, the writer 's name is kept in strictest 
confidence. 

Address letters to Messenger Editor. 1451 
Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. 



CLASSIFIED ADS 



ANNOUNCING-1994 Sebring (Fla.) Bible Conference. 
Jan. 23, Sunday evening to Jan. 30 Sunday morning. 
Speaker Fred Swartz to feature New Testament ttirougti 
studies and sermons. Bible study to be held 10 a.m., 
I^/Ionday-Friday. Youth and family night on Wednesday. 
Bethany Seminary luncheon at noon, Thursday. If you're 
planning to come to Florida, come at this time for an 
experience of enrichment and reunion. 

H/IEDICAL— Busy family practice available in beautiful 
Shenandoah Valley, Va. Strong Brethren/IVlennonite com- 
munity. Tel. John T. Click IVID (703) 896-1361 . or William J. 
Hotchkiss MD (703) 896-1351 evenings and weekends. 
Write Glick-Hotchkiss Clinic, P.O. Box 397, Broadway, VA 
22815. 

TRAVEL— Tourto Annual Conference includes Shenandoah 
Valley; Gatlinburg, Smoky Ivlountains, Nashville, Grand Ole 
Opry Park, Heifer Project Farm, and Blue Grass country of 
Kentucky. For info, write to: J. Kenneth Kreider, 1300 
Sheaffer Rd., Elizabethtown, PA 17022. 

TRAVEL-lsrael/Egypt Holiday. Wendell & Joan Bohrer, 
Fred & Nancy Swartz host a tour to Israel and Egypt. Aug. 
8-1 8, 1 994. 1 1 day tour includes travel to Jerusalem, the old 
city, Dead Sea, Megiddo, Galilee, Cana, Mt. Carmel, Ml 
Nebo, Cairo, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Tomb of King Tut. 

30 Messenger January 1994 



For information write: Wendell & Joan Bohrer, 8520 Royal 
l^eadow Dr., Indianapolis, IN 4621 7. Tel. (317) 882-5067, or 
Fred & Nancy Swartz, 1 0047 Nokesville Rd.. IVIanassas, VA 
221 10. Tel. (703)369-3947. 

TRAVEL— Photo safari to world-renowned big game parks 
of Kenya and Tanzania, July 22-Aug. 7, 1 994. Tour Nairobi, 
IVlombasa, Tree Lodge, IVIari Ivlara, Serengetl, and Africa's 
"Garden of Eden." For info, write to J. Kenneth Kreider, 1300 
Sheaffer Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. 

TRAVEL— Russia Health Care Tour rescheduled April 25- 
May 1 1 . Some openings available. Clyde & Kathy Weaver; 
Jay & June Gibble will host this Association of Brethren 
Caregivers tour of 6 Russian cities. Visit hospitals, clinics, 
alternative medicine centers, and individual homes; tour 
museums, cultural centers, art galleries, Kremlin; celebrate 
Russian Orthodox Easter. For info, call Jay Gibble (800) 
323-8039. 

TRAVEL— Greece and Turkey. April 26-l\/lay 7, 1 994. Fly to 
Athens; follow steps of Paul; see Acropolis, Parthenon, 
IVlars Hill, Corinth. Optional tour to Delphi. 7-day cruise to 
spectacularGreek Islands and exoticTurkey. Visit Santorini, 
Crete, Rhodes (island of roses), Patmos where John was 
inspired, Ephesus renowned for architectural beauty, and 
where Paul lived and preached, and Istanbul, where East 



meets West. Contact: Dale & Gladys Hylton, 1 1 5Greenawall 
Road, Lenhartsville, PA 19534, tel. (215) 756-6109. 

WANTED— Suburban Denver, Prince of Peace Church oi 
the Brethren seeks experienced pastor with proven recorc 
of church growth, renewal, w/ strengths in worship, spiritua 
leadership. Capableof providing pastoral care forcongrega 
tion. Supportive and financially strong congregation in ecO' 
nomically growing community. Great challenge, in a beau ' 
tiful setting. Beginning two-year contract, excellent $45,00C| 
a year, plus package. Send inquiries and profile to IVIr. Lynr 
Clannin, 2222 S. Holland St., Lakewood, CO 80227. Tel( 
(303) 985-5737. I 



WANTED— Camp manager or couple to manage Camp; 
Colorado in Pike National Forest. 40 minutes from Denve( 
or Colorado Springs. From H/lemorial Day to Labor Da; 
1994. Camp located on 85 forested acres. Features swim' 
ming pool, hiking trails, 6 dorms, dining hall, recreation bidg 
Camp has 4 wks. of Brethren-sponsored camps and ii 
rented remainder of season to Brethren churches and famil; 
reunion groups. Duties incl. purchasing supplies, cleaning 
and repairing camp. Altitude of camp is 7,500 ft. Applicant: 
should be in good physical shape. Salary $1,000 a month 
Incl. 2-bdrm. cabin, utilities. Interested parties contact Roi 
Achilles, Rt. 1 , Box 143, Quintet, KS 67752. Tel, (913) 754 
2322. 



Ill 




ew 
embers 

Ton, S/C Ind.: Angela Dee 
Stapleton 

cadia, S/C Ind.: Pat Sherwood 

aver Creek, Shen.: Bob, Kim & 
Michael Healy. Joviah Morris, 
Gail Miller, Adam Pequignol, 
Angle Rhodes, Dana Suter, 
Emi ly Simmons. Adam & Zach 
Wampler 

rkey, W. Pa. : Jonathon 
Crissman, Berkey & Elva 
Knavel, Tom & Twyla Jarvis, 
Paco & Paiti Sanchez, Rodger 
& Shirley Thomas 

thany, Mid-All.: Cordelia & 
Norman Legates, Al vin Outten, 
Lawrence Reynolds, Michelle 
Tucker 

thiehem, Virlina: Timothy 
Anderson. Katy Flora 

le Ridge, Virlina: Sherman & 
Velvet Cable 

stine, S. Ohio: John Baker, 
Brandon Harrison, Sarah Jones, 
Beverly & Linda Seidel 

dorus, S. Pa.: Jessica Brant, 
CarlaOrwick 

nnels Creek, S . Ohio: Amy 
Bamhart, Jim & Kay Flora, 
Dan & Libbie Hastings, Ben. 
Betti & Sara Penry. Rick, 
Richard & Peggy Stiver, Leona 
& Richard Vest 

y Run, S. Pa.: Robert & Gloria 
Bowles, Juanita Controus. 
Henry Donaldson. William 
Fertney.Lydia Flora, Timothy 
Garland, Heather. Lori & Robin 
Goshom, Teresa Huerta. 
Chrislina& Doug Johnson. 
Virginia Schuchman, Joseph 
Swackhammer, Shiela Swailes, 
Donna Zeigler 

slwood, N. Ohio: Wendell & 
Georgia Tobias 

"St Chicago, lll.AVis.: Monique 
Bates. Mary Britton, Kim 
Burkholder, Louie Herrera. 
Bemice Howze, Dawn 
Kaufman-Frey. China Perry. 
DeJuan Riley, Frances Rucker, 
Vercena Stewart, LaToya 
StotTer, Temetrice Williams, 
Sally Willoughby 

)wer Hill, Mid-All.: Greg & 
Linda Cook, John Duvall 

irber's, Shen.: Richard & Teresa 
Brown, Erich Gautcher, Jerry & 
Mary Lee Heatwole, Brenda & 
Randy Moyer^ 

•eenville.S. Ohio: Mary Hart. 
Lois & Toss Henderson. 
LucilleO'Neill 

illidaysburg, Mid. Pa.: Bonnie 
&Jeff!mler, Joseph Robeson 

)koino, S/C Ind.: Martha & 
Norman Cory 

1 Verne, Pac.S.W.: Cliff & 
Marian Bmbaker 

aple Grove, N. Ind.: Dale & 
Phyllis Newcomer 

cPherson, W. Plains: Sandra 
Eisele. Laura Harding. Ray & 
JayneJames. Amber Jauken, 
Charla Kingery, Cameron 
Mahler, Mia Miller, Jenny 
Stover, Miles & Doris Tyler, 



John & Deb Wagoner, Shelly 
Ware, Trisha Young 

Mechanic Grove, Atl. N.E.: Lisa 
Holzhauer 

Moler Avenue, Mid-Atl.: Margaret 
Fink. Jim & Sandy Long. 
Janice & Keith Martin, Joyce 
Sencindiver. Evelyn Thompson 

Mount Joy, W. Pa. : Jonnee, Randy 
& Susan Averly, Robert & 
Sandy Brown, Flora Bungard, 
Ryan Craig, Kelly Harbarger, 
David & Melissa Logan, Clara 
& Tom McCabe, Christopher 
& Jennifer Miller, Kathy 
Miner, Jason & John Myers, 
Lee Nicholson, Amy Prinkey, 
Erin & Heather Pritts, Alisa & 
Andrew Scott, Robert Seder, 
Stephanie Sheele, Molly & 
Nicole Swartz, Laurie 
Underwood 

Mount Bethel, Shen.: Juanita & 
Riley Smith 

Nappanee, N. Ind.: Darlene 
Childers. Cassie Hart, Jana, 
Sam & Marsha Johnson, Hazel 
Shepherd 



Wedding 
Anniversaries 

Ankerbrandt, Donald and Janet, 

Waynesboro, Pa., 50 
Atkins, Charles and Lena, 

Johnstown, Pa.. 50 
Barkdoll, Edwin and Helen. 

Waynesboro, Pa.. 60 
Base, Lester and Alene, Akron, 

Ohio, 50 
Bouder, David and Edna, 

Lancaster,Pa.,60 
Brandt, Fred and Jeanne. Palmyra, 

Pa., 50 
Dunkle, Edward and Erma, 

Johnstown, Pa., 71 
Ekroth, Richard and Helen, 

Palmyra, Pa., 50 
Evans, Tom and Rose, 

Wyomissing, Pa.. 50 
Hagaman, Pauline and Perry. Troy. 

Ohio, 60 
Hanawalt,DwightandImogene, 

La Verne, Calif., 50 
Hartman,Galen and Dorothy, 

Annville, Pa., 60 
Kelly,Jamesand Mary. Johnstown, 

Pa., 60 
Mclntyre, Everett and Mable, East 

Freedom, Pa., 50 
Ober, Jay and Margaret, Manheim, 

Pa.. 50 
Over,Ralph and Mary, Lancaster, 

Pa., 60 
Pedigo, Herman and Mary, Akron, 

Ohio, 65 
Rieley, John and Lois. Tharton. 

Va.,60 
Rousselow, Virgil and Mary Helen. 

Waterloo, Iowa, 50 
Saylor,Eli and Rhoda, 

Elizabethtown, Pa., 60 
Shank, George and Lillian, 

Johnstown, Pa., 73 
Snider, Dan and Treva, Nappanee, 

Ind., 65 
Walter, Clair and Catherine, 

Claysburg,Pa.,65 



Weaver, Lee and Hazel, 
Johnstown, Pa., 50 



Deaths 

Anderson,Merle, 9 1 , Fullerton, 

Calif,Oct, 14, 1993 
Babcock, Madaline, 90, Long 

Beach, Calif, Sept. 25, 1993 
Ballard, Maude, 92, Mount Morris, 

111. March 11, 1993 
Ballard, Myrtle, 9 1 , Dixon, HI.. 

Nov. 24, 1993 
Barnhart, Janet. 73, Waynesboro, 

Pa., Sept. 15,1993 
Baugher, Milton, 97, New Oxford, 

Pa..Oct. 13, 1993 
Beckman,Gerald,78. Morgan- 
town. W.Va.. Feb. 5, 1993 
Bennett, Webster, 73, Clearville, 

Pa., Aug. 15,1993 
Bittinger, Ida, 82, Cross Keys, Pa., 

Sept. 2. 1993 
Bittinger, Cecil. 80. Cuyahoga 

Falls, Ohio.Sept. 21, 1993 
Blough, Telford, 88. Hollsopple, 

Pa.,Julyl7, 1993 
Bollen, Rolland, 86, Byron, 111,, 

March 27. 1993 
Boots, Marion, La Verne, Calif, 

Oct. 16. 1993 
Borneman, Augusta, 94. Leaf 

River.in..Jan.4. 1993 
Bosserman,Quinter, 75, Peace 

Valley. Mo., Oct. 12. 1993 
Boyd, Henry. 91 . Sebnng. Fla.. 

Sept. 19. 1993 
Boyer, Melvin, 79, New Freedom, 

Pa., Oct. 26. 1993 
Caracofe,Zola, 85, Bridgewater, 

Va.. April 26, 1993 
Chapman, Floyd, 79, Flora, Ind., 

Sept. 23, 1993 
CIaycomb,Kathryn.72.Claysburg. 

Pa., May, 15, 1993 
Cline.Paul. 83. Dayton, Va., April 

7,1993 
Cline, Wilda, 96, Daylon, Va.. Aug. 

6.1993 
Conner, Charles, 66. Martinsburg. 

W.Va., July 20. 1993 
Curtis, Minnie. 80, Sinking Spring. 

Pa.. Sept. 2 1.1993 
Davis, Rozella, 8 1 , Troy, Ohio. Jan. 

26,1993 
Deaver, Mildred. 80. Cicero, Ind.. 

Sept. 9, 1993 
Dierdorff,Richard, 75. Huntington. 

W.Va., Dec. 18. 1993 
Domer, Harold. 77. Sugarcreek, 

OhicJunel 1.1993 
Dunham, Benny. 58. Inwood. 

W.Va., Oct' 3 1,1993 
Eggleston, Tate, 101. Buena Vista, 

Va., Oct. 2 1.1993 
Eiler, Ernest, 84, Noblesville. Ind.. 

Nov. 2, 1993 
Elwell, Ancel, 86, Bristol, Ind.. 

Aug. 16. 1993 
Feathers, Orpha, 76, Claysburg, 

Pa..Aug. 16, 1993 
Forney, Ruth, 90, La Verne, Calif.. 

Sept. 2 1.1993 
Foster.Harry, 77, Rocky Mount. 

Va.,June I. 1993 
Foulke.Grace, 69, Quakertown, 

Pa..July29, 1993 
Gainer, Norma, 79, Lebanon, Pa., 

Oct. 14, 1993 



Garber, Jacob, 9 1 , Bridgewater, 

Va.,Feb. 10. 1993 
Garber, Daniel, 85, Polo. 111.. Sept. 

2.1993 
Geiman, Robert. 76. Chambers- 
burg, Pa., April 17, 1993 
Getty, John. 77. Covina, Calif.. 

Oct. 8, 1993 
Gibble, Harry, 79, Denver, Pa., 

Oct. 26. 1993 
Harman, Leona, 78, Harman, 

W.Va..Oct. 10. 1993 
Hensley, Sylvia, 75, Dayton, Va.. 

March 3, 1993 
Hess, Pauline, 92, Waynesboro, 

Pa.. Sept. 14. 1993 
HofTman, May. 90. Windber, Pa.. 

Oct. 5. 1993 
Hoover, Lowell . 64. Wakarusa. 

Ind.. Sept, 7. 1993 
Huffman, Emery, 83, Mc Veytown, 

Pa., Oct. 6. 1993 
KaufTman, Hilda, 83, Clarksville, 

Mich..Oci. 12. 1993 
Keith, John. 59. Curryville. Pa,. 

Sept. 17.1993 
Kenney, Speed. 8 1 , Spring Grove, 

Pa.. Oct. 19, 199.3 
King, Violet. 88. Goshen, Ind., 

Oct. 30. 1993 
Kipp, Ruth, 78, Neffsville, Pa., 

Dec. 22. 1993 
Kline, Lester, 7 1 , Chambersburg, 

Pa.. May 22, 1993 
Kramer, Alda, 83. Chambersburg. 

Pa.. Jan. 3 1.1993 
Leasel, Lucille, 84, Sturgis, Mich.. 

Oct. 5. 199.3 
Lehman, Milton, 92, York County, 

Pa..Oct. 15, 1993 
Lehman, Pauline, 92, Defiance, 

Ohio.Sept. 27. 1993 
Long, Genevieve. 85. Mount 

Morris, 111.. Nov, 24, 1993 
Longnecker,Samuel, 77, Bridge- 
water, Va„ June 18, 1993 
Maggart, Elizabeth, 78, Syracuse, 

Ind,, June 3. 1993 
Mattix, Maxine. 76. Pasadena, 

Calif. Sept. 4, 1993 
McCIintock,Clarence, 92, Arcadia, 

Ind., Aug. 5, 1993 
McCullen, William, 66. Bosweil. 

Pa., Feb. 3. 1993 
McGill, Eva Marie, 84, 

Noblesville. Ind.. Aug. 6. 1993 
McKinney, Theodore, 68, Union 

Bridge, Md.. Oct. 2 1.1993 
McNett, Alice. 85. Mount Morris, 

111., April 7, 1993 
Mendorff, Mary. 67. Upper 

Mariboro.Md„Ocl.28. 1993 
Millhouse, Don. 60. Troy, Ohio, 

May, 11,1993 
Moler, Jane, 79, Martinsburg. 

W,Va„Sept. 18. 1993 
Moomaw, Edison, 8 1 , Sugarcreek, 

Ohio.Aug. 19. 1993 
Morgan, Brent, Silver Spring, Md., 

Aug. 1 1 . 1993 
Mullins, Tex, 84, Phoenix, Ariz.. 

Aug. 3. 1993 
Myers, Geraldine, 86, Troy, Ohio, 

Oct. 1 6. 1 993 
Nagle, Mary. 73, Dover, Pa., Oct. 

11.1993 
Neff, Iva, 87. Milford, Ind.. Au2. 

30,1993 
Neideigh, Glenn, 74, Prairie City. 

Iowa, Aug. 2. 1993 



Newcomer, Bemedette, 73, Udell, 

Iowa, July 22, 1993 
Ogden, Agnes, 80, UnionviUe, 

Iowa, Nov. 1,1993 
Ogden, Richard, 69, UnionviUe, 

Iowa, July 6, 1993 
Peterson, Alfred, 65. Hollsopple, 

Pa., Aug, 1,1993 
Plum, Helen, 87, Mount Morris, 

111., March 10, 1993 
Powell, Ralph, 8 1 , Troy, Ohio, Jan. 

14.1993 
Pryor, Devoda, 8 1 , Mont Alto, Pa., 

Sept, 12, 1993 
Reber, Christine, 76, Palmyra, Pa., 

Aug. 29, 1993 
Reynolds, Guy, 88, Des Moines, 

lowa,Oct,25. 1993 
Rife, Alice. 84. Greenville. Ohio. 

July 18, 1993 
Rimmer, Marge. 74. Mount 

Morris. III.. April 4, 1993 
Ritchey, Delmer. 86, New 

Enterprise. Pa., July 6, 1993 
Royer,Lester.63. Virden. IlL.Oct, 

8,1993 
Royer, Elsie May, 86, Virden, 111., 

Sept. 10, 1993 
Rush, Cloyd. 78, Ashland, Ohio, 

Sept. 24, 1993 
Samsel, Ethel, 90. Oregon. 111., 

Sept, 18. 1993 
Schildl, Madeline, 85, York, Pa., 

Sept, 26. 1993 
Shenk, Sylva, 89, New Oxford, Pa., 

Aug. 2 1. 1993 
Simmons, Dora. 101, Bridgewater, 

Va. April 25. 1993 
Smeltzer, Clyde, 79. Middlebury, 

Ind .April 25. 1993 
Smith, Iva, 93, Holland, Ohio. 

Sept. 9. 1993 
Smith, Richard. 66. Milford. Ind.. 

Oct, 10. 1993 
Snowberger, Rosalie, 79, Waynes- 
boro, Pa., Aug. 2 1 . 1 993 
Stahl, Anna. 83. Hollsopple, Pa., 

July6, 1993 
Stambaugh, Sterling, 86, Spring 

Grove, Pa, Oct. 13.1993 
Stone.Opal. 8 1 , Altoona. Pa,, Oct, 

8,1993 
Straka, Frank, 93, McPherson, 

Kan,. Nov. 3. 1993 
Stutzman, Eliza. 86. Hollsopple, 

Pa. Feb, 2. 1993 
Swank, Letha, Greenville. Ohio, 

Sept. 26. 1993 
Thompson,Charles.64, Martins- 
burg, W.Va.. Aug. 14. 1993 
Trent, Llovd, 76, Flora, Ind., Sept. 

21.1993 
Tune, Ruth, 96, Harrisburg. Pa., 

Aug. 23. 1993 
WampIer,Cecil. 56. Mount 

Crawford. Va,. Sept. 17.1993 
Wampler, Alvin, 68, Dania, Fla.. 

July 29. 1993 
Warden, Earl. 88. Bloomery. 

Tenn..Oct, 12. 1993 
Weaver, Emmert. 76. Windber, 

Pa.. Sept. 10, 1993 
Whitmer, Rose. 93, Churchville, 

Va..Ocl.23. 1993 
Wilfong, Clinton, 52. Weyers 

Cave. Va.. Oct. 23, 1993 
Ziegler, Rhoda. 87. Manheim, Pa., 

Oct. 1, 1993 
Zimmerman, Carl. 83, Blue Ridge, 

Va,.July21. 1993 



January 1994 Messenger 31 




Running away from history 



In late November a candidate for president of 
Germany discovered how costly it is to forget 
history. Steffen Heitmann was forced to withdraw 
from the presidential race after he made speeches 
implying that Germany had paid enough penance for 
World War II. He urged Germans to stop brooding 
about the Nazi era and instead to view the Holocaust 
and the murder of six million Jews as just one of 
numerous horrible events in history. 

Here in this country we also have our problems 
with forgetting history (assuming that we ever knew 
it). In the matter of the struggle of African Ameri- 
cans for their rights and for acceptance, for example, 
"European Americans" often raise objections to the 
actions and attitudes of African Americans as if a 
history of wrongs perpetrated upon that community 
had never occurred. 

Nothing gets my dander up faster than to hear 
whites speak of "reverse racism" when they are 
grumbling about acts of hostility by blacks against 
whites, or are disparaging blacks for claiming 
special privileges for themselves. "Isn't what they 
are doing now as bad as what we used to do to 
them?" the grumblers ask? 

Such excuse-makers remind me of the boy who 
had been in a fight with another boy and was asked 
how the fight began. "It all started," he explained, 
"when that bad boy hit me back." 

The answer to the grumblers' question is "No." 
The "bad" that whites have done to blacks, going 
back hundreds of years, was done to the blacks not 
for any wrong they had done, but from a desire of 
whites to enslave them (with all the wrong that 
entails) and more recently to protect the ability of 
whites to deprive black citizens of their voting 
rights, their access to educational institutions, and 
their entry into the economy except at the lowest and 
most menial levels. The "bad" that blacks do to 
whites is the result of those centuries of oppression 
and more recent decades of discrimination. The fight 
didn't start "when that boy hit me back." 

One has to make a distinction between the 
ideological hostility of the oppressors and the 
experience-based hostility of the oppressed. Not to 
make that distinction is to twist history and to 
conveniently forget the wrongs done to African 
Americans on this continent for almost 400 years. 
To equate the crusade to right the wrongs of those 
four centuries with the actions that produced the 
wrongs is to twist history even further. 

There may be those reading my words who will 
counter with "But two wrongs don't make a right; if 
it was wrong to treat blacks unfairly, it is wrong to 

32 Messenger January 1994 



give blacks preference and thereby treat whites 
unfairly." That's another way of forgetting and 
rewriting history. The catch word here is the word 
"unfairly." It wrongly suggests two more or less 
equal parties to the quarrel. When the deck has been 
stacked against the one party for centuries, it doesn't 
equalize things for that party to be told that now he 
is free to enter the game and take his chances. 

Suppose one does enter the game, take one's 
chances, and succeed to the extent that one is 
prosperous and isn't adding to the welfare burden of 
one's fellow tax-payers? Has equality been achieved? 
Can race be a serious disadvantage to those who are 
otherwise well positioned in the society? A 1991 
broadcast of the ABC-TV program "PrimeTime 
Live" demonstrated that it can be and is. A camera 
crew followed two young men of equal education, 
cultural sophistication, and level of apparent 
affluence around a city in which neither man was 
known. One man was white, the other black; that 
was all the difference between them. 

But that small difference meant everything. In 
every encounter in the city, the black man was 
treated with suspicion, irritation, disrespect, and 
contempt ... by salesmen, store employees, rental 
agents, landlords, employment agencies, cabbies and 
ordinary citizens. In every way possible, he was 
made to feel inferior and unwanted. 

The young black man concluded from his ordeal 
that it didn't matter if he walked down the street 
well dressed in suit and tie, "someone will make 
determinations about you, determinations that affect 
the quality of your life." 

Racism is a cultural fact, and although its effects 
may to some extent be diminished by socio-economic 
variables, those effects still will be great enough to 
warrant this nation's attention and thus the continu- 
ation of policies that tilt the field in favor of African 
Americans, unfairly as that may sound to those who 
run away from history. 



JT^or Christians, and specifically for those in the 
Church of the Brethren who are white, there is a 
further responsibility beyond that carried by the 
secular world. The 1991 report of the Committee on 
Brethren and Black Americans described Brethren 
shortcomings by painting what it called "a picture 
that is bleak indeed." It is a picture that we as 
individuals, as congregations, and as districts can 
brighten ... if we have the concern, the conscience, 
the will . . . and a good memory of our history 
lessons. — K.T. 



Youth can 
come to the 
edge this 
summer 
with your 
help! 



Youth groups are selling Messenger subscriptioris to raise 
money for the 1994 National Youth Conference. For details 
contact your youth advisor or Messenger representative, or 
call the Messenger subscription office. 




The Simple Life. It's Not Simdiy Black And White. 







A blessing to others. A natural leader. A woman of compassion and 

wisdom. Anna Mow's contagious laughter, zest for life and unselfish 

nature exemplified her life of serving, sharing, giving and receiving 

love. She directed others to Christ, she nurtured their souls. Anna 

Mow had strong convictions and the courage to live them out. She 

served in India from 1923-40, taught at Bethany Biblical Seminary from 

1940-58, authored ten books, and provided leadership for several 

National Youth Conferences. A 1918 Manchester graduate, Anna 

Mow was among the rare and remarkable. 



MANCHESTER COLLEGE 
TRADITION 



Jennifer Terry is another rare and remarkable Manchester student. 

She, too, is a natural leader, a woman of compassion with a desire 

to serve others. Jennifer, who is a senior biology/chemistry major, 

also has strong convictions and the courage to live them out. In 

1992, Jennifer worked six weeks at a medical clinic compound on 

the coast of Haiti where she reached out to people in nutrition 

centers, worked with youth in the church, and helped the medical 

team in surgery. Sometime, Jennifer hopes to head back to Haiti, 

knowing that when she's serving others, she is the one who is blessed. 

VALUES * GLOBAL AWARENESS * FAITH * ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 

LEARNING * ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS * COMMUNITY 

PEACE & JUSTICE * STEWARDSHIP * SERVICE 

Write or call to receive more information on Manchester programs or stewardship opportunities, to refer 
prospective students, or to let us know if you are planning a special campus visit. 

Manchester College does not discnminate on Ihe basis of marital status, sex. religion, race, color, national or ethnic origin, or 
handicap in the administration of its educational policies, recruitment and admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, employment 
practices, and athletic or other college sponsored programs. 

MANCHESTER , ^ ^ 

COLLEGE MANCHESTER COLLEGE • North Manchester, IN 46962 • (219) 982- 5000 




] 




Moderator Earl Ziegler: 

Watching things grow 




Since we began having Brethren Volunteer Service journahsts 
on the Messenger staff in 1974, we have had men and women, 
youth and senior citizens, married persons and singles. We have 
had not only Brethren journalists, but also Methodists and 
Presbyterians. With our most recent recruit, we have still more 
variety. Margaret Woolgrove, who began work with us in 
October, is a Quaker from Scotland. 

She comes from a rural home in an area of 
southern Scotland known as the Borders. After 
graduating from St. Andrews University, she was 
awarded a fellowship to spend a "theological 
reflection year" at Earlham School of Religion, 
in Richmond. Ind. 

Three years ago, while attending a Church 
and Peace conference in Paris, Margaret met a 
conference participant from Germany who 
suggested she check out Brethren Volunteer 
Service. That came to mind again in 1993, after 
she went to Earlham, met several Church of the 
Brethren students, and came across a BVS 
promotion packet. Interested in journalism, she noted the 
Messenger position in the project booklet, and . . . well . . . you 
can guess the rest of the story. 

Margaret says, "Don't hold me to it," but after her year with 
us, she may go back to school, in England, for her Ph.D., 
leading to a teaching career in the area of history and theology. 
Speaking of theology, Margaret, as a Quaker, finds listening 
to sermons a novel experience as she gets acquainted with the 
Brethren. Facing the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren 
congregation from her position in the choir, she is learning to 
effect an appearance of rapt attention to the pastor's theological 
discourses. 

What she really likes about the Brethren is the feetwashing 
tradition. "That has a lot of power," she says. 

Read Margaret's articles this month on pages 4, 10, 16, and 
18 to see for yourself how rapidly she has become immersed in 
the Brethren world. 



'^^UA/^^^iS^'^/^^ 



COMING NEXT MONTH: A cluster of articles describes 
development ministries of the Church of the Brethren around the 
world. 



February 1994 




Editor 

Kermon Thomasson 

Managing Editor 

Eric B. Bishop 

Editorial assistant 

Paula Sokody, Margaret Woolgrove 

Production, Advertising 

Paul Stocksdale 

Subscriptions 

Norma Nieto 

Promotion 

Kenneth L. Gibble 

Publisher 

Dale E. Minnich 



District Messenger representatives: 

Atlantic Norttieast. Ron Lutz; Atlantic 
Southeast. Ruby Raymer; IllinoisAVisC( 
Gail Clark: Northern Indiana. Leon 
Holdenread; South/Central Indiana. Mai 
Miller: Michigan, Marie Willoughby; 
Mid-Atlantic, Ann Fonts: Missouri/Ark 
Mary McGowan: Northern Plains, Faith 
Strom: Nonhem Ohio. Sherry Sampson 
Southern Ohio, Shirley Retry: Oregon/ | 
Washington, Marguerite Shamberger: 
Pacific Southwest, Randy Miller: Midd' 
Pennsylvania. Ruth Fisher: Southern 
Pennsylvania, ElmerQ. Gleim: Wester 
Pennsylvania. Jay Christner: Shenando. 
Jerry Brunk: Southern Plains. Mary Ami 
Dell: Virlina, David & Hettie Webster:, 
Western Plains, Dean Hummer; West N 
Winoma Spurgeon, 

Messenger is the official publication ofi 
Church of the Brethren. Entered as secc 
class matter Aug. 20, 1 9 1 8. under Act c' 
Congress of Oct. 17. 1917, Filingdate, I 
1 , i 984. Messenger is a mi 
^ oftheAssociatedChurchI 
r\ and a subscriber to Religio 
News Service and Ecumen 
Press Service, Biblical 
quotations, unless otherwiji 
indicated, are from the New Revised 
Standard Version, 

Subscription rates: $ 1 2 



50individu: 
rate, $10,50church group plan, $10,50, 
subscriptions. Student rate 75e an issuet 
you move, clip address label and send \ 
new address to MessengerSubscriptior 
1451 DundeeAve,, Elgin. IL60i:0.A 
at least five weeks for address change. 

Messenger is owned and published I* 
times a year by the General Services C( 
mission. Church of the Brethren Gener. 
Board, Second-class postage paid at EI| 
111,, and at additional mailing office, 
February 1 994. Copyright 1994,Churcl 
theBrethren General Board. ISSN0026 

POSTMASTER: Send address chan 
Messenger, 1451 Dundee Ave,, Elgin. 
60120 



I 




)uch 2 

; to Home 4 

i 6 

Idwide 9 

ithe 

eneral Secretary 

ping Stones 26 

TS 27 

ius' Puddle 27 

lions 28 

ling Points 3 1 

jrial 32 



24 



ts: 

, 1, 12-14: Tim Frye 

Eric Bishop 

Brethren Historical Library 

id Archives 

:r right: Scott McAlpine 

Carol Stark 

t: Art by Kermon Thomasson 

Kay Jones 

by Rosanna McFadden 

: Bishop 

: Margaret Woolgrove 

lil Grout 

m DeForest 

hn Tubbs 



Spending Thanksgiving building bridges 1 

Margaret Woolgrove, in a Special Report on the 1993 Young 
Adult Conference, tells how the participants built bridges 
between people and cultures. 

Earl Ziegler likes to watch things grow 1 2 

Whether it's the vegetables in his garden or the congregations 
he serves, the farmboy in Earl Ziegler likes to see growth. Don 
Fitzkee profiles the 1994 Annual Conference moderator. 

Join us for a Journey 1 6 

The Accompaniment Program asks Brethren to be in Christian 
solidarity with the people of southern Sudan. Margaret 
Woolgrove explains how this is the "next logical step for us as 
a peace church." 

Treasure in an earthen vessel 1 8 

Digging a well was the answer in over 3,000 other cases, but 
for the Nigerian village of Ganji, something different was 
needed. Story by Margaret Woolgrove. 

Ode to a working well 20 

The well in Zimbabwe is a world away from the one Howard E. 
Royer pumped water from as an Ohio farmboy, but he sees both 
as contributors to personal wellness. 

When the door is closed 22 

We use doors to keep people out, or to keep ourselves in. 
Kenneth L. Gibble tells how Jesus used the image of doors to 
make a point — a point also illustrated by an old Sunday school 
song. 




Cover story: A man who 

plants a third of an acre of 
his garden in cauliflower is 
serious about growth. Don 
Fitzkee ably shows that 
Earl Ziegler is as serious 
about growth in the Church 
of the Brethren as he is 
about his garden produce. 
Turn to page 12 for the 
story. 



February 1994 Messenger 1 



Inkli 



Reviving a tradition 

Linda Timmons had no idea 
a year ago that she would be 
running a gift shop before 
the year was out. But last fall 
there she was, pairing with 




Linda Timmons and 

Don Miller cut the 

ribbon to reopen the 

Elgin gift shop. 



"In Touch " profiles Brethren we 
would like you to meet. Send 
story ideas and photos (black 
and white, if possible) to "In 
ToHc/i. ■' Messenger, 1 45 1 
Dundee Ave.. Elgin. IL 60120. 



general secretary Don Miller 
to cut the ribbon and open a 
gift shop off the lobby of the 
Church of the Brethren 
General Offices in Elgin, 111. 
When the building opened 
in 1959, there was a book 
and gift shop in this spot, but 
it fell on hard times several 
years ago. It ambitiously 
moved up Dundee Avenue to 
a building all to itself, but 



didn't make a go of it. After 
that, it sporadically operated 
in a far corner of the ware- 
house section of the General 
Offices. 

A feeling persisted that a 
gift shop still belonged where 
it had started out — 
in the glass-walled 
room off the lobby. 
Loyal customers 
from better times 

» asked for it. Return- 
ing visitors to the 
headquarters missed 
it. Along came 
Linda. 

Her husband, 
Glenn, had taken a 
staff position in 
,' Elgin, and Linda, 

having left her work 
' in Dayton, Ohio, as 
a reading specialist, 
— had found herself, 
on short notice, in a 
new location with no 
job outside the 
home. Directors of 
program volunteers 
Carol and Jon Hoke 
recruited her for the 
gift shop, and there 
she was on October 
27, cutting the 
■a^ ribbon. 
^ "It's a dream in 
process," says Linda. 
"I want to make it a 
warm and inviting 
place for visitors to 
the building. The 
Brethren Press books and 
materials and the SERRV 
craft items from around the 
world give visitors a quick 
impression of what Church 
of the Brethren ministry is 
about." 

As she turned from her 
interview to engage shoppers 
in conversation, it seemed 
clear that the dream is on its 
way to reality. 



"Mr. Excitement" 

His Uncle Jim calls him "Mr. 
Excitement." As soon as he 
gets out of the car on Sunday 
morning at English Prairie 
Church of the Brethren (near 
Brighton, Ind.), Tim Yoder 
runs inside to greet whoever 
is there. 

"I really like church," says 
this 31 -year-old church 




enthusiast. "And the people 
here make me feel good 
when I come in. I enjoy the 
Bible lessons and Sunday 
school, too." 

Tim lives at a halfway 
house in LaGrange, Ind., and 
works nearby at the School 
of Opportunity. There he 
puts wires in sleeves for 
industries outside the school. 
Just as he does at church, 
Tim makes many friends at 
work. Three evenings a 
week, he studies goals- 
setting at the halfway house. 

Then there are the many 
sports activities — basketball, ' 
horseshoes, golf, bowling, 
and snowmobiling. And, 
back at church, Tim sings 
and plays the guitar. 

Tim is a very busy person, 
which is understandable, 
being "Mr. Excitement." 

I 

This story is adapted from 
information supplied by Tim Voder's 
uncle. James E. Tomlonson. 
Southern Ohio District Executive. 



2 Messenger February 1994 



A tardy "ordination" 

It was worth coming back for 
. . . maybe. Sarah Major 
(1808-1884) showed up at 
last fall's Atlantic Northeast 
District meeting, and in the 
elation that her appearance 
stirred, the district conferred 
on her the ordination that 
was denied her, as a woman, 
in her lifetime. 

For the district board 
report, Jean Moyer, of 
Elizabethtown, Pa., played 
the role of the famous 1 9th- 
century preacher, coming 
back to ask questions about 
the state of the church today. 

In a burst of inspiration 
afterward, Stanley Earhart, 
chairman of the district 
ministry commis 
sion, "asked for 
the privi- 
lege," called 
"Sarah" 
back, and 
conferred 
"posthu- 
mous 
ordina- 
tion" on 
her. The 
real 

Sarah, born 
near Phila- 
delphia, began 
her preaching 
ministry in the area 
of what is now Atlantic 
Northeast District. 

In her day, Sarah, while 
becoming a preacher so 
famous that she addressed a 
"standing room only" crowd 
at the 1878 Annual Meeting, 
was denied ordination by that 
body. The rationale? The 
1834 Annual Meeting 
decreed, "Concerning a 
sister's preaching: Not 
approved of, (considering) 
such sister being in danger, 




not only (of) exposing her 
own state of grace to tempta- 
tion, but also causing 
temptations, discord, and 
disputes among other 
members." 

James Quinter, editor of 
The Gospel Messenger in the 
1880s, remembered of Sarah 
that "though she had 
considerable prejudice to 
contend with . . . such was 
her modesty, her humility, 
her discretion, and her 
exemplary life, that as she 
was known, she was loved. 
Generally . . . wherever she 
went once to preach, she was 
invited to repeat her visit." 

The question remains 
whether Sarah Major would 
have been impressed by 
her posthumous 
honoring. In 
1835, she 
defended her 
right to 
preach, 
ordained 
or not, by 
stating, 
"God 
always 
gave his 
gifts freely 
where they 
were willing 
to use them, 
and I believe in 
Christ Jesus male 
and female are one. . . . 
Everyone should do as much 
as they can to glorify God 
with the different gifts of the 
Spirit of God." 

Opined Stanley Earhart, 
"Our 'ordination' at the 
district meeting probably 
would have been more 
effective if it had had the 
benefit of some forethought." 
Some forethought might 
have been of benefit back at 
the 1834 meeting, as well. 




Harry Brubaker created this miniature of the Mock 
meetinghouse, the oldest log church in the denomination. 



History in miniature 

Although the Mock meeting- 
house stands near New Paris, 
Pa., it also sits in Harry 
Brubaker' s basement. 
Harry built a miniature 
version of the meetinghouse 
to commemorate the oldest 
known log Church of the 
Brethren meetinghouse still 
standing. He displayed the 
replica at the Middle 
Pennsylvania District 
Brethren Heritage Fair last 
September. 

Harry, a member and 
retired minister of Roaring 



Spring (Pa.) First Church of 
the Brethren, recreated the 
Mock meetinghouse for a 
couple of reasons. He enjoys 
building log cabin minia- 
tures. 

Also, Harry's wife, Velma, 
is a descendent of Christian 
and Mary Mock, the donors 
of the land on which the 
Mock meetinghouse is built. 
Many of Harry's creations 
can be seen in his home — 
furniture, toys, and other log 
buildings. He has found a 
good way to bring talent and 
heritage together. — Paula 

SOKODY 



Names in tlie news 

LeRoy Weddle, member of 
McPherson (Kan.) Church of 
the Brethren, and CEO for 
The Cedars, in McPherson, 
has been elected to the House 
of Delegates of the American 
Association of Homes for the 
Aging. 

• Kay Sponseller, a 
member of North Winona 
Church of the Brethren, near 
Warsaw, Ind., and a teacher 
at Manchester High School, 
in North Manchester, Ind., 



was named the 1993 Warren 
K. and Helen Yeager Garner 




Teacher of the Year at 
Manchester College. 



February 1 994 Messenger 3 




Sweet harmony 

Give the Ku Klux Klan 
credit for one thing: It 
motivated a move toward 
Christian unity in one 
Pennsylvania town. 

Ephrata, Pa., in 1988 
instituted a Unity Week in 



caring and sharing, not , 
condemning and criticism." 

So, for six years, Ephrata 
Church of the Brethren and 
Bright Side Baptist church 
have participated in annual 
pulpit and choir exchanges. 

Bright Side is predomi- 
nantly African American and 




Dawn Harmon, choir 

director for Bright 

Side Baptist church 

directs the combined 

Ephrata and Bright 

Side choir on Unity 

Sunday. 



"Close to Home" highlights 
news of congregations, districts, 
colleges, homes, and other local and 
regional life. Send story ideas and 
photos (black and white, if possible) 
to "Close to Home, "Messenger, 
J451 Dundee Ave.. Elgin, IL 60120. 



response to a need to 
demonstrate that the town 
stood for more than the Ku 
Klux Klan, for which it had 
gained some notoriety. "We 
were very disappointed that 
our community would have 
to be represented in such a 
way," says Darvin Boyd, 
moderator of Ephrata 
Church of the Brethren. "We 
wanted to show in a positive 
way that this wasn't how we 
felt. We wanted to show 



What a deal! 

Now here's a car dealer you 
can trust! Jacob B. Hershey, 
a member of York (Pa.) 
First Church of the Breth- 
ren, and president of Penn- 
sylvania Auto Dealer's 
Exchange (PADE), found a 
good way to help flood 
victims in the Midwest. 
Jacob established his 
auctions in 1957, and now 
has a business that attracts 



urban, whilst Ephrata is still 
mainly white and rural. But 
despite the differences, the 
two groups have enjoyed 
their exchange experiences. 

Says Darvin, "It has served 
a very important role in 
helping us appreciate that we 
are all brothers and sisters in 
Christ, and that the color of 
one's skin has nothing to do 
with the mind and the 
heart." — Margaret 

WOOLGROVE 



dealers and fleet owners from 
45 states and 10 countries. 

PADE donated $5 for 
every vehicle registered and 
another $5 for very vehicle 
sold on one of the regular 
"dealer only" auctions it 
holds. From the fund drive, 
$12,305 was raised, which 
was donated, through 
Southern Pennsylvania 
District, to the denom- 
ination's Emergency Disaster 
Fund. 



History at Happy Corner 

Grades 3-6 of the Sunday 
school at Happy Corner 

Church of the Brethren, 
Clayton, Ohio, took to heart 
the question, "Whatza 
Wissahickon?" (That's the 
title of the new Brethren 
Press curriculum materials.) 

The children visited the 
Brethren Historical Center in 
the old Happy Corner 
Meetinghouse as part of their 
history series. They learned 
about old traditions by filing 
in silently and boys sitting on 
one side of the room and 
girls on the other. 

After a lesson on Brethren 
service ideals, the children 
put their offering in a 
traditional "poor box," 
money that would go toward 
a service project of their 
choosing. 

Other reminders of 
Brethren heritage were the 




The "poor box" was a 
fixture in early Church of 
the Brethren meetinghouses. 

old pews, tum-of-the-century 
photos of Annual Meeting, 
black bonnets, feetwashing 
basins, love feast bowls and 
pitchers, and old Bibles. 

And whatza Wissahickon? 
Whether you know the 
answer or not, you're up a 
creek. 



4 Messenger February 1994 







"Caring Friends" are: seated: Emily Kaltenstein, May 
McAfee, Ruth Aldrich, Hiram Bower. Standing: Robert 
Duncan (chairman), Betty Malenke (associate pastor), Carl 
Elliott, Nettie Elliott, Rhea Griffinger, Jane Dotterer, 
Virginia Moye, Thelma Strickler, Eleanor Bower. 



A satellite out there 

It's not a new NASA 
spacecraft orbiting the earth, 
even though the news was of 
a satelhte launching. 
Bethany Seminary inaugu- 
rated a new model of 
theological education 
October 3, with the "launch- 
ing" of its Susquehanna 
Valley satellite on the 
campus of Elizabethtown 
College, in Pennsylvania. 

Pastor Jimmy Ross of 
Lititz (Pa.) Church of the 
Brethren gave an address 
titled "A Treasure and an 
Earthen Vessel." Bethany's 
president. Gene Roop, and its 
dean, Rick Gardner, also 
participated. Director of 
studies John David Bowman 
was installed. 

The initial session, with 22 
students, was held October 4, 
with Dale Brown teaching a 
course called "Brethren in 
Historical and Theological 
Perspectives." Other courses 
are offered in the winter and 
spring quarters. 



What friends are for 

The Faith Community of 
the Brethren Home, a new 

congregation established in 
The Brethren Home and 
Cross Keys Village, New 
Oxford, Pa., sponsors a 
ministry called "Caring 
Friends." These volunteers 
sit with nursing residents 
who are dying. 

The volunteers are trained 
to provide care that is 
meaningful and comforting. 
Associate pastor Betty 
Malenke, coordinator of 
"Caring Friends," says that 
the ministry has been well 
received by the home. 




Front: Kyle Helfrich, Mark Hyndman, Ryan Kreider, 
Natalie Bowie, Lindsay Burkett, Middle: Christopher 
Burkett, Luke Sherman, Kelly Campbell. Back: Zack 
VanEmon, Andrew Helfrich, Shiloh Sherman, Melissa 
Hyndman, Jane Zumbrun (teacher). 



Gifts of the heart 

Jane Zumbrun, youth teacher 
at Columbia City (Ind.) 
Church of the Brethren, got 
an idea from reading 
stewardship material from 
denominational headquarters 
and introduced her students 
to the gift of giving. 
During last summer's 



Midwest floods disaster, the 
youth practiced that gift. 
Each chose a card that 
displayed a need on it for 
flood victims. The youth 
group sent health kits, 
bedding kits, food staples, 
kitchen utensils, and clean- 
up kits to Church World 
Service for its "Gifts of the 
Heart" program. 



This and that 

Reversing a tradition, the 
Kid's Club of Stone Church 
of the Brethren, Buena Vista, 
Va., treated instead of 
tricked last Hallowe'en. They 
raked leaves for homebound 
members of the congrega- 
tion. On a later visit, they 
brought gifts of fruit and 
sang hymns. Kid's Club 
focuses on Bible study, 
service projects, choral 
music, and drama. 

• The youth of Osage 
Church of the Brethren, near 
McCune, Kan., held a benefit 
auction last November to 
help a family that had 
numerous medical bills not 
covered by insurance. 

• Meetinghouse, a 
Mennonite life center, 
museum, library, and 
archives, in Harleysville, Pa., 
is carrying an exhibit on the 
Church of the Brethren, 
titled "Those of Like Pre- 
cious Faith." The exhibit 
runs through April 30. 
Meetinghouse is located at 
565 Yoder Road, in 
Harleysville. Hours are 10-5, 
Tuesday-Saturday; and 2-5, 
Sunday. For information, call 
(215) 256-3020. 



Let's celebrate 

Osage Church of the 
Brethren, near McCune, 
Kan., celebrated its 1 15th 
anniversary November 21. 
• Three Springs Church 
of the Brethren, near Blain, 
Pa., began celebrating its 
150th anniversary January 
16 with a slide presentation 
and ice cream party. On 
February 27 the celebration 
continues with a "talent 
night." 



February 1994 Messenger 5 





The logo for the 1994 Annual 

Conference in Witchita, Kan., was 

developed by Rosanna McFadden of 

Indianapolis, Ind. 



Native American paper heads 
Annual Conference business 

Among key items on the agenda for the 
1994 Annual Conference in Wichita, 
Kan., is the unfinished business of the 
paper on Native Americans, "Commu- 
nity: A Tribe of Many Feathers." 
When presented as a study paper in 
1993, this item sparked 
considerable debate over 
what critics saw in the 
paper as affirmation of 
Native 

/ .\/iAr\\£, /j^.^,/^ American 
.<-\^\^\l\t\^^ i 1^^ "'^gious 

elements that 
ncompatible with 
the teachings of Christ. 

New business includes 
two queries from Illinois 
and Wisconsin District, on 
"Acceptance and Implementation of the 
Americans with Disabilities Act" and the 
"Simple Life." 




Earl Ziegler 



David M. Bibbee 



1 V ». Lt_- Nai 

"^^^- y^ / were incompati 



In pre-Conference meetings. Standing 
Committee will hear reports from its 
subcommittee on Sexuality and Leader- 
ship in the Church, and its committee 
that is reviewing the 1992 Ethics in 
Ministry Relations paper. 

The theme of this year's Conference ii 
"Come! Drink the Living Water," taken 
from John 7:37-38. The logo was desigr 
ed by Rosanna McFadden of Indianapo- 
lis, Ind. She also has done logos for 
Annual Conference in 1987, 1991, and 
1992. 

Earl Ziegler, Annual Conference 
moderator, will preside over the busines 
sessions and preach at Tuesday 
evening's service. 

Other Conference speakers are David 
M. Bibbee, pastor of Elkhart (Ind.) City 
Church of the Brethren, on Wednesday; 
Rebecca Baile Crouse, co-pastor of 
Antioch Church of the Brethren near 



El decreto sobre los Indigenas Norte Americanos 
encabeza los topicos de la Conferencia 



Because the news pages include news from various 
Church of the Brethren organizations and move- 
ments, the activities reported on may represent a 
variety' of viewpoints. These pages also report on 
other national and international news relevant to 
Brethren. Information in news articles does not 
necessarily represent the opinions o/ MESSENGER or 
the Church of the Brethren. 



Entre los puntos importantes en la 
agenda de la Conferencia Anual de 
1994 que se lie vara a cabo en Wichita, 
Kan., esta el decreto sobre los Indig- 
enas Norte Americanos: "Comunidad: 
Una Tribu de Muchas Plumas" que aun 
no ha sido terminado. Cuando este se 
presento como un simple papel de 
estudio en 1993, se inicio un gran 
debate sobre lo que los criticos 
consideraban una afirmacion de los 
elementos religiosos de los Indigenas 
Norte Americanos que no estaban de 
acuerdo con las enseiianzas de Cristo. 

Los asuntos nuevos incluyen dos 
querellas del Distrito IllinoisAViscon- 
sin sobre "La Aceptacion e Implemen- 
tacion del Acto de Americanos Inca- 
pacitados" y "La Vida Simple." 

En reuniones preparatorias a la 
Conferencia el comite oira reportes del 



subcomite sobre la Sexualidad y 
Liderazgo en la Iglesia, y del comite qui 
esta revisando el documento de 1992 
sobre Etica en Relaciones Ministeriales. 

El tema de la Conferencia de este aiio 
es "Ven y Bebe del Agua Viva" que 
viene de Juan 7:37-38. El logo fue 
diseiiado por Rosanna McFadden de 
Indianapolis, Ind. quien tambien diseiio 
el logo para las Conferencias Anuales d 
1987, 1991 y 1992. 

El Moderador de la Conferencia 
Anual, Earl Ziegler, presidira las 
sesiones y predicara en el culto del 
martes por la noche. ' 

Otros invitados para hablar son Davie! 
M. Bibee, pastor de la Iglesia de los i 
Hermanos Elkhart City, Ind., el 
miercoles; Rebecca Baile Crouse, co- 
pastora de la Iglesia de los Hermanos 
Antioch cerca de Rocky Mount, Va., el 



6 Messenger February 1 994 




tecca Baile Crouse 



Tyrone Pitts 



;ky Mount, Va., on Thursday; Tyrone 
s, general secretary of the Progres- 
: National Baptist Convention in 
shington, D.C., on Saturday; and S. 
n Hershey, a former General Board 
irwoman from Florin Church of the 
thren in Mount Joy, Pa., on Sunday. 
The Gathering," a drama, will be pre- 
ted on Friday. The Saturday evening 
gram will feature "Acappella," a na- 
lally known male quartet. Youth/ 
Ling Adult Ministries and Annual 
iference are sponsoring the concert, 
'aul Roth, pastor of Highland Avenue 
arch of the Brethren, Elgin, 111., is 
sic coordinator for Conference. Wor- 
D leaders are Judy Mills Reimer, 1994 
derator-elect, on Tuesday; Laura Sew- 
a retired India missionary, from 
ice Church of the Brethren, Portland, 
!., on Wednesday; Milton Garcia, 
tor of Castaiier (P.R.) Church of the 



ves; Tyrone Pitts, secretario general 
la Convencion Nacional Bautista 
igresiva en Washington D.C., el 
ado; y S. Joan Hershey, pasada 
sidenta de la Junta General de la 
;sia de los Hermanos Florin en Mount 
, Pa., el domingo. 

il viemes se presentara el drama "The 
thering." El programa del sabado por 
loche presentara "Acapella" un 
irteto de varones conocidos nacional- 
nte. Este concierto es patrocinado por 
oficinas de Ministerios Juveniles y la 
tiferencia Anual. 

'aul Roth, pastor de la Iglesia de los 
rmanos Highland Avenue en Elgin, 
, sera el coordinador de musica. Otros 
:res de culto son Judy Mills Reimer, 
deradora electa para 1994 el martes. 
ara Sewell, misionera retirada de la 
lia, de la Iglesia de los Hermanos 
tland. Ore., el miercoles. Milton Gar- 
, pastor de la Iglesia de los Hermanos 
Castaiier, P.R., el jueves. Gail 




Brethren^ on 
5. Joan Hershey Thursday; Gail 

Erisman Valeta, 
pastor of Buckeye Church of the Breth- 
ren near Abilene, Kan., on Friday; and 
Phyllis Kingery Ruff, Peace Church of 
the Brethren, Council Bluffs, Iowa, on 
Saturday. Worship leader for Sunday is 
Stafford Frederick, pastor of Olathe 
(Kan.) Church of the Brethren. 

Business sessions, worship services, 
exhibits, and age-group activities will be 
held at the Century II Convention Cen- 
ter. Some meetings will be held across 
the street from the convention center at 
the Ramada Inn. 

Packets of information about regis- 
tration, accommodations, transporta- 
tion, and special events will be mailed 
to all churches and registered delegates 
in March. Conference booklets will 
be available in May. For these items 
and other information, contact the 
Annual Conference Office, 1451 Dundee 
Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. 



Erisman Valeta pastora de la Iglesia de 
los Hermanos Buckeye cerca de Abi- 
lene, Kan., el viemes. Phyllis Kingery 
Ruff de la Iglesia de los Hermanos 
Peace en Council Bluffs, Iowa, el 
sabado. Stafford Frederick, pastor de la 
Iglesia de los Hermanos Olathe en 
Kansas, presidira el culto del domingo. 

Sesiones, cultos, exhibiciones y acti- 
vidades para grupos de diferentes eda- 
des se llevaran a cabo en el Centro de 
Convencion Century II. Algunas reu- 
niones tendran lugar al frente del cen- 
tro de convencion, en el Ramada Inn. 

Paquetes de Informacion sobre la 
registracion, alojamiento, transporta- 
cion y eventos especiales seran envia- 
dos en Marzo a todas las iglesias y del- 
egados registrados. Folletos sobre la 
Conferencia estaran disponibles en 
Mayo. Para mas informacion comuni- 
quese con la Oficina de la Conferencia 
Anual, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 
60120. 



Emergency aid granted to 
Midwest states, Armenia 

A grant of $25,000 has been allocated 
from the Emergency Disaster Fund to 
assist with the ongoing recovery efforts 
in Midwest states from earlier flooding. 

The funds will be used for volunteer 
maintenance, expenses related to 
rebuilding projects, small grants to some 
of the Interfaith recovery groups, and a 
shipment of hay for farmers. 

A grant of $20,000 has been given in 
response to an appeal from Church 
World Service to assist war refugees 
and other displaced persons in Ar- 
menia. As winter sets in, it will become 
increasingly difficult to reach the 
refugees, many of whom already are 
suffering from disease and frostbite. 
The grant will be used to help over- 
come shortages of food, clothing, 
medicines, and heating fuel. 



Calendar 

Environment, Development, and Peace: 

Exploring Connections in Undergraduate 
Education, Bethel College, Kan. .February 1 8- 
20. [Contact Karen Klassen Harder, Bethel 
College, 300 Ea,st 27th, N. Newton, KS 67 1 1 7, 
(316) 283-2500] 

Cooperative Disaster Child Care Worksliops: 

February 25-26, Rochester, N.Y. [Further 
details from CDCC, (410) 635-8734]; March 
1 1-12, Lanark, III. [For more information call 
Marian Patterson, (815) 225-7279]. 

"Prayer on tlie Plains" gathering for lay people, 
McPherson College campus, February 25-27. 
[Contact Gary Flory, McPherson College, 
McPherson, KS 67460, (316) 241-0731]. 

Church of the Brethren Association of 
Christian Educators' conference. Camp 

Bethel, Fincastle, Va.. April 15-17. [Contact 
Doris Quarles, P.O.Box 56, Daleville. VA 
24083, (703) 992-2465]. 

Church Visit to Brazil: South and North Meet in 
a Tunker' Way, July 10-28. sponsored by Lat- 
in America/Carri bean Office. [Further details 
from Latin America/Carri bean Office, Chruch 
of the Brethren General Offices, 1451 Dundee 
Ave., Elgin, IL 60120: (800) 323-8039]. 



February 1 994 Messenger 7 



Historic Peace Churches 
gather, discuss role of UN 

Some 32 representatives from the three 
Historic Peace Churches, the Church of 
the Brethren, Mennonite Churches, and 
the Society of Friends (Quakers), and the 
Fellowship of Reconciliation met in a 
two-day consulta- 
tion in December to 
reflect on the paci- 
fist response to con- 
flicts in which mili- 
taries are function- 
ing as humanitarian 
agencies and UN 
peacekeeping forces 
are becoming more 
militarized. 

Several questions 
served as foci for the 
group. Do they 
support United 
Nations peacekeep- 
ing forces, and if so 
by what criteria and 
methods do they 
carry out their 
goals? Are embar- 
goes and sanctions to be endorsed? How 
can diplomacy be more effective? What 
has active nonviolence in Europe, South 
Africa, and elsewhere taught us about 
dealing with conflict and violence? 

While no clear statement emerged 
from the consultation, the meeting repre- 
sented an important beginning as paci- 

Benefit Trust board discusses 
medical plans, investments 

Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) held its 
fall board meetings in November at 
Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, and made 
several investment-related actions. 

The BBT board made two decisions 
concerning the Brethren Medical Plan. 
Premium medical rates were set for the 
agencies on the January to December 
premium year. On average, this is a 6 
percent increase for the 1 1 Brethren 

8 Messenger February 1994 



fists face new and challenging situations 
in the world. There was discussion on the 
role of the UN as peacekeepers vs. 
peacemakers. It also included working at 
conflict resolution as prevention instead 
of as a reaction to crisis. 

"The heritage of the peace churches is 
ready to launch into the mainstream of 




Celia Cook Huffman and Robert Johansen were two of the 
representatives of the Church of the Brethren at the Historic 
Peace Churches conference in December. 



Christianity — and the nation depends on 
it," said Walter Wink, a professor at 
Auburn Theological Seminary. 

Representatives from the Church of the 
Brethren were Lamar Gibble, Robert 
Johansen, Julie Garber, Cliff Kindy, Joan 
Deeter, Lauree Hersch Meyer, Tim 
McElwee, and Celia Cook Huffman. 



Medical Plan groups on this plan. The 
groups on the July to June plan will 
receive adjusted premiums in July 1994. 

The board received an update on the 
debate over an alternative medical plan. 
Constituents have urged the BBT to pro- 
vide a plan in spite of the 1993 Annual 
Conference action to the contrary. 

The board agreed to rescind its policy 
prohibiting investments in companies 
doing business in South Africa, and it af- 
firmed taking a more proactive role pur- 
suing investment options in community 



Brethren volunteer joins peac€ 
team in Balkan region 

Vic Ullom, a Brethren Volunteer Service 
worker, began training this month to 
participate on the Balkan Peace Team. 

The team is an international project 
that aims to establish a permanent 
presence of international volunteers in 
crisis areas of the former Yugoslavia, 
to work for nonviolent conflict resolutio: 
and the protection of human rights. 

Ullom, a member of the Wiley (Colo. 
Church of the Brethren, is one of four tC| 
begin the training. Following the initial 
training, the team will go to Zagreb for 
language training. 

He has been working at Casa del Puel 
lo, an Hispanic adult education center ii 
Washington, D.C. since completion of 
his BVS orientation in October. 

The goals of the team, as stated in the 
Agreement for Service, are to "seek to | 
identify possibilities for dialogue be- 
tween the different groups; serve as a 
channel of independent and nonpartisai 
information from the regions, reflecting 
all points of view; contribute team-men 
bers" skills for the benefits of all citizer 
for instance by offering workshops in 
mediation and nonviolent conflict resol 
ution, or by giving language classes; arl 
act as third-party observers at the scene 
of incidents or potential flashpoints." 

Teams will be placed in "little pock 
ets" where people are being pushed 
around because they are a minority. 



redevelopment, social justice, preserva- 
tion, and reclamation of environment. 
In other business, the board approve^ 
rebidding the Medical Plan Stop Loss 
and Life Insurance components of the 
current contract with Provident, and 
exploring legal possibility and financiii 
feasibility of becoming self-insured fon 
the life component; and hired a secon 
investment manager. Amhold and S. 
Bleichroeder Capital was selected as a 
additional investment manager for BBi 
equities, effective January 1, 1994. 



PA announces peace 
gram for grandparents 

idparents for Peace is the newest 
Tarn from On Earth Peace Assembly 
PA). It was founded for grandparents 
icourage their grandchildren to seek 
st's message about peace. 
EPA asks that grandparents make a 
mitment of $30 a month for three 
s to OEPA's Peace Academy. Along 

the financial contribution, they are 
asked to supply OEPA with the 
dchildren's names, addresses, phone 
bers, and ages. 

return, OEPA and The Peace 
lemy will provide a Peace Academy 
tend for each grandchild free of 
ge. They will also notify the grand- 
Iren with an invitation to a Peace 



Academy experience, give the sponsors a 
Grandparents for Peace sweatshirt, and 
place their names on a sponsors' Grand- 
parents for Peace plaque in The Peace 
Place at the Brethren Service Center. 

According to Tom Hurst, OEPA 
director, "OEPA is now providing 
grandparents in the Church of the 
Brethren an opportunity to pass along 
the gift of faith — the opportunity for 
grandchildren to explore, out of a faith 
context, the teaching of Jesus, who 
provides to all of us an example of how 
to live a peaceful life." 

OEPA hopes to invite over 1 ,000 
grandchildren through the grandparents' 
contributions within the three-year 
committment. 

For more information, contact On 
Earth Peace Assembly, Brethren Service 



Center, P.O. Box 188, 500 Main Street, 
New Windsor, MD 21776-0188; tel. 
(410) 635-8704. 

Atlantic Northeast executive 
announces resignation 

Robert Kettering has announced his 
resignation as associate executive of 
Atlantic Northeast District, effective 

March 1. Ketter- 



Rnheri Kettering 




ing has served on 
the district staff 
since 1987. His 
future plans are 
not certain, but he 
and his family will 
continue to live in 
Manheim, Pa. 




ira Nazombe, a public policy advocate, began work 

ary 1 as director of world community for tfie National Council of 
ches. In her position, she will provide leadership for programs 
joiicies related to critical global concerns, such as human rights, 
lationa! affairs, and other emerging international issues that the 
cil would seek to address. The Office of World Community 
)ines the functions of the former International Affairs, Human 
ts, and Intermedia offices. 

.eaders from six historic African American denomina- 
representing 13 million people gathered in December at the 
;k Church Environmental Justice Summit." The leaders pressed 
loint that long before the ecological movement became a pop- 
high-profile issue, environmental injustice was a reality for the US 
an American community." 

rhe church leaders challenged Vice President Al Gore, who 
ided along with Shantilal Bhagat, Church of the Brethren staff for 
Justice and Rural concerns, to stand with them "against the 
!s that are ripping the heavens and raping the earth ... in the 
3 of progress, prosperity, and pride." 
Do-convening the summit were six historic black denominations: 
Urican Methodist Episcopal Church, African fvlethodist Episcopal 
Church, Christian l\^ethodist Episcopal Church, National Baptist 
/ention, USA, Inc., National Baptist Convention of America, and 
iressive National Baptist Convention. 
Some of the summit goals were to explore the bridge issues that 



link the black church to environmental issues, e.g., health, poverty, 
racism, unemployment; to explore the links between economic and 
environmental justice; to establish and provide seed grants to support 
a Black Church Network on Environmental Justice that can work 
closely with the National Religious Partnership for the Environment; 
to sensitize the scientific and environmental communities to environ- 
mental justice issues; and to demonstrate the links between global 
warming, ozone depletion, deforestation, and justice issues. 

Representatives of Guatemala's civil sector, guerrilla 

leaders, and diplomatic observers from five countries met late 
last year in a historic first encounter arranged by Lutheran World 
Federation (LWF). 

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Rigoberta f^enchu attended as a 
special guest. She stated her conviction that Guatemala's internal 
conflict merits the same international attention as was given to the 
Israeli-Palestinian accords. 

LWF, the National Council of Churches (NCC), Latin American 
Council of Churches, and World Council of Churches co-sponsored 
the meeting, with participation by the Evangelical Council of Churches 
in Guatemala and the Roman Catholic Church in Guatemala. 

Civil sector representatives included churches, unions, the 
University of San Carlos (the rector), the Widows Association, the 
Journalism Association, Maya Indians, and human rights groups. 

Diplomatic observers present were from Nonway, Spain, Mexico, 
the US, and Venezuela. 

Febraary 1994 Messenger 9 




spending Thanksgiving building bridges 



by Margaret Woolgrove 

"In Brazil," said Onaldo Periera, "we 
think all Americans are a Madonna or a 
Michael Jackson. We see them with their 
great wealth, and assume that everybody 
has the same. It is only after meeting 
ordinary Americans that we realize this 
is not true." 

The theme of the 1993 Young Aduh 
Conference was "Building Bridges . . . 
Between People and Cultures," and the 
112 young adults who met at Camp 
Mack (Milford, Ind.) over Thanksgiving 
were given ample opportunities to put 
this theme into practice. The group came 
from places as far apart as California and 
Pennsylvania, Illinois and Texas, El 
Salvador and Brazil, with an additional 
international flavor added by the 
presence of Brethren Volunteer Service 
workers from England and Scotland and 
a Japanese exchange student from 
Manchester College. 

In introducing the first session, 
Deanna Brown (chaplain at Manchester 
College) spoke from the context of her 
own failures at bridge-building, person- 
ally and within the church, and chal- 
lenged the group to look at their modes 
of expression and communication with 
one another. This was particularly 
relevant for a group that included 10 

A ceremonial "water 

blessing" was part of 

the closing worship of 

the conference, an 

international 

gathering of 112 

young adult Brethren 

who worked at 

"building bridges . . . 

between people and 

cultures. " 



participants from El Salvador, Nicara- 
gua, and Brazil, who spoke Spanish or 
Portuguese as their first language, and 
(for some) very little English. Reliance 
on a translator, or on an improvised form 
of sign language was often the only way 
of bridging the language gap between 
participants, and the laughter that was 
shared — despite the barriers of language 
and culture — was rich and life-giving. 



On 



'naldo Periera spoke movingly of his 
sometimes painful transition into North 
American culture on his first extended 
visit here. He told of the different value 
that is given to personal relationships in 
the United States. In his first weeks in 
the US, when he needed to speak to a 
friend, the friend was too busy. Cultural 
barriers and their potential bridges were 
subjects with which many of the group 
identified, having traveled or lived 
overseas themselves. 

Onaldo told a story about a member of 
the Church of the Brethren from the US 
who had gone to Brazil to learn more 
about the culture and the people there. 
"She brought with her lots of dollars, so 
we rented a car and set out for our 
destination. I had not traveled much 
within my country before, and soon we 
were lost. At first, she was in control; if 



we encountered trouble or hardship, 
there were always enough dollars to 
rescue us. One day we realized that aU 
the dollars were gone, and my friend 
broke down and wept. 'What shall we do 
now that we have no more dollars? How 
can we survive?' 

"But something happened that day tha; 
changed her. She lost her control, and 
we became equals, struggling together 
alongside the people of Brazil. Ameri- 
cans like to take their comforts, their 
small bits of America with them when 
they travel, but if you go some place with 
medicine and traveler's checks and the 
telephone number of the American 
Embassy, you are not traveling with the 
people; you are watching them from a 
position of power and superiority. The 
challenge we face is to go to another 
country and let go of all of our controls." 

Deanna Brown spoke of the need for 
inner "grounding." She told of two 
friends of hers, Linny and Ron. "Linny ii 
always giving things to people. For her 
40th birthday she was given a brand- 
new, shiny red convertible. It was just 
what she'd always wanted. For two days 
she drove around town showing it off to 
all of her friends. Then one day she 
turned up at racquetball practice without 
her new car. When we asked what had 
happened to it, Linny told us that she 




1 Messenger February 1994 



d loaned the car to her 18-yeaf-old 
ighbor to drive to the beach. We 
sped in disbelief, but for Linny, it didn't 
itter. She was the kind of person who, 
you told her you liked her sweater, 
)uld take it off and give it to you. 
"Ron, on the other hand, always 
smed to be trying to show how worthy 
was. When he won a game of racquet- 
11, he wouldn't just shake the hands of 
5 opponents and wish them better luck 
xt time, but instead, he would start 
itiquing their game, telling them where 
jy had gone wrong, and how to 
iprove for next time. 
"Now, if I were to show you a picture 
two people, one with arms tightly 
Ided across the chest, and the other 
th arms outspread, you would probably 
sume that the one with the folded arms 
Ron, and the one with the outstretched 
nns, Linny, but in reality it is the other 
ly around. Linny' s strength comes 
)m within, and is dependent on who 
e is and not on what she owns. She 
In't mind loaning her shiny red car 
cause she knew that her self-worth 
isn't dependent on the car staying 
iny or new. Ron is the one with the 
len arms. He has no faith in himself or 
God's love for him, and so he seeks 
proval from outside himself." 
Onaldo used the analogy of coming 
rough a storm to speak of the need for 
ounding. "In Brazil one time we had a 
g storm. The wind blew and the rain 
me down for days and days. It washed 
y house and everything we owned 
iwn the hillside. It washed the plants 
d trees away. All except one. This one 
as the smallest, most spindly tree of 
em all, and yet it survived. I was so 
fiazed by this that I dug the tree up, 
id discovered that underneath the roots 
as a huge rock. The tree had not been 
/ept away because it had grounded 
;elf around the rock. We too should be 
ce the tree, and be grounded not in 
liat we have, but in who we are." 
Workshops on areas such as the 



Ksppnii 




i 


11^ t ^^ 




^jM 




H^ ^^^HHHHjjj^^^^H 


1 




BH 


1 



Worship was enhanced when participants from Central America provided songs and 
music: Jorge Gonzales, from El Salvador, and Nicaraguans Eddy Moncada, 
Mendelson Davila (with guitar), Karla Bonilla, and Guilermo Eugarrios. 



Church of the Brethren in Brazil, 
liberation theology, the political and 
economic situation of El Salvador/ 
Nicaragua, and life transitions enabled 
participants to take an in-depth look at 
these subjects, in smaller groups. For the 
workshops on Brazil, Nicaragua, and El 
Salvador, it was the English speakers 
who wore the translation equipment, and 
not the international visitors. For many 
participants, this was a learning experi- 
ence in itself, for they became dependent 
on the translation of others. 



D> 



'uring the traditional last-night 
"talent show," the participants learned 
that jokes can be cross-cultural, that 
poetry is virtually impossible to translate, 
and that the most universal language of 
all is laughter. They laughed together 
almost as much as they sang together, 
singing in Spanish, Portuguese, Swahili, 
and English with enthusiasm and rich 
harmony. 



The whole weekend was punctuated 
with worship — planned and unplanned. 
During one morning's worship, Juanita 
Guardado and Jorge Gonzalez expressed 
their grief over the death of their brother 
Alvaro Rivas in a drowning accident last 
June, during a workcamp in El Salvador 
(August/September, page 25). A candle 
was lit for Alvaro and passed from one to 
another in remembrance of his life, with 
the realization that his death had built a 
bridge between the two cultures, binding 
the group together in death, but also in 
life. Alvaro' s candle will stay in North 
America, and a candle from the Young 
Adult Conference was sent back with 
Jorge and Juanita to demonstrate the ties 
of friendship they have with young 
adults here. 

The candle symbolized the healing 
power of the light of God, and water was 
used to demonstrate the cleansing and 
renewing of the Holy Spirit, especially 
during the feetwashing on our last 
morning together. 



Ai. 



February 1 994 Messenger 1 1 



Earl Ziegler likes U 



By Don Fitzkee 

Some years ago Earl Ziegler tended a 
third-of-an-acre patch of cauliflower in 
addition to tending his flock at the 
Mechanic Grove congregations from 
Sunday to Sunday. Both grew very well. 

He has since scaled down his cauli- 
flower patch, but still plants a big garden 
each year. His wife, Vivian, who does all 
the freezing and canning, says, "It's still 
too big. Every year I plead with him to 
plant less, but I don't get anywhere." 

"That's the farmboy in me," Earl 
responds. "I just like to watch things 
grow." 

Whether it's gardens or churches, the 
1994 Annual Conference moderator and 
pastor of Lampeter Church of the 
Brethren in southern Lancaster County, 
Pa., seems to have a knack for growing 
things. 

"I've seen Earl as one of the most 
successful pastors in the denomination in 
terms of growing the church and calling 
forth leadership," says Bob Kettering, 
who served for three years with Earl as 
associate executive of Atlantic Northeast 
District. It must be the farmboy in him. 

Earl Ziegler grew up on a farm in 
Lebanon County, Pa., with his six 
brothers and sisters. His parents were 
deacons in the Richland congregation, 
before moving to the nearby Heidelberg 
church when Earl was 17. 

"I call the Heidelberg church my home 
church because I was both licensed and 
ordained there," says Earl, "but my 
formative, nurturing time was at 
Richland." 

At age 12, Earl went forward at a 
revival meeting to accept Christ as his 
Savior. "I still remember my baptism as 
a very meaningful moment," says Earl. 
"The thing that I remember is that I 
really felt a sense of that forgiveness of 
sin." Earl also remembers the snow- 
covered ground, the January cold, and 
his mother carefully stuffing his clothes 

1 2 Messenger February 1994 



with newspapers to insulate him 
against the frigid stream water. 

Before long, members of the 
church began to notice Earl's gifts. 
When Earl was about 16, Richland 
elder Michael Kurtz asked him to 
teach Sunday school, and a head 
chorister invited him to lead congre- 
gational singing one evening. "I 
dove right in, foolishly," says Earl. 
"But somebody saw those gifts." 

The congregation also saw gifts for 
ministry, and encouraged Earl in 
that direction. He recalls, "I was 
oscillating between being a medical 
doctor and a minister. It was the 
influence of my home congregation 
that I think tipped the scale." 

The lesson on calling wasn't lost 
on Earl. He took it with him and has 
challenged others ever since. Don 
Hollinger, who served as Earl's 
associate pastor at Mechanic Grove, 
recalls. "He was constantly seeking 
out, calling, and challenging people. 
And he did that with me in ministry. 
He challenged me to enter areas I 
never had before." 

Sherry Eshelman, a member at the 
Lampeter church, also sees in Earl 
an ability to call forth gifts. "He has 
a real knack for getting people to do 
things," she says, "even when they're not 
sure they want to do them." Earl chal- 
lenged Sherry to tell a children's story 
when she didn't think she could, and she 
blossomed into a creative storyteller. 

Xhere are many pastors in this 
district," adds Bob Kettering, "who name 
Earl as a key person in their pursuing a 
call to ministry." Don Hollinger, who 
now pastors the Indian Creek church, 
near Harleysville, Pa., remembers Earl as 
one who nurtured his call. "Earl has 
taught me more of the practicality of 
pastoral ministry," says Don, "than any 
seminary ever could have taught me." 




Although it was more acceptable to 
wait for the congregation to call, Earl 
volunteered for the ministry at age 18, 
was licensed, and began studies in 
secondary education at Elizabethtown 
College. He met his wife-to-be, Vivian, 
there. In 1951, they graduated in the 
spring, married in August, and went 
directly to Bethany Seminary. 

After Earl's graduation in 1954, he 
and Vivian spent the next six years 
pastoring the Woodbury congregation, i 
Middle Pennsylvania. The congregation 
grew during Earl's tenure, and in 1960 
divided into three churches — Woodbury 
Curryville, and Holsinger. In the 
transition period. Earl preached three 
times a Sunday and looked after a 



P 



i 



B 



i 



atch things grow 




Whether it's cauliflower or congregations, 
Earl Ziegler has a knack for making them grow. 



imbined membership of about 700. 
By then the Black Rock church, in 
)uthem Pennsylvania, was ready to hire 
i first salaried pastor, and chose Earl, 
irtly because he grew up with the free 
inistry and understood the dynamics of 
congregation moving from a free to a 
laried ministry. After a 10-and-a-half 
!ar stint at Black Rock, Earl in 1970 
cepted the call to Mechanic Grove, 
here he pastored until 1983. 
All the churches Earl led had two 
ings in common: "Every parish I've 
id has been terrific people," says Earl, 
nd every one grew numerically. 
Worship attendance at Mechanic 
rove swelled from around 230 to 400 
iring Earl's tenure. The story had been 



similar at Black Rock. 

"I think the key to growth," says 
Earl, "was that people knew that I 
cared about them." He attributes 
much of the growth to building 
personal relationships with people. 

"I talk with people about 
salvation and about their relation- 
ship with Christ," says Earl, "but 
not in the typical way that you 
would think. I've got to learn to 
know people first. I don't go into a 
house and ask 'Are you saved?' I 
want to know people first. Then if 
you know people, it seems to me 
you earn the right to do that. It's 
not saying the right words, or 
button-holing or approaching. No, 
it's that personal relationship that 
brings integrity." 

Earl was reluctant to leave 
pastoral ministry, but he eventually 
accepted the call to become Atlantic 
Northeast District executive, a 
position he held from 1983 to 1989. 
Since then he has pastored 
Lampeter, an active congregation 
that was planted by the Mechanic 
Grove church during his time there. 
Lampeter has been very supportive of its 
pastor/moderator. Not only has the 
congregation freed him for half of the 
Sundays this year, but each week a 
family lifts the moderator up in prayer. 



Whi 



'hile the congregation is Earl's first 
love, he also has been active in district, 
denominational, and ecumenical 
ministries. He was district moderator in 
each of the three districts where he 
pastored, including twice in Middle 
Pennsylvania, and was a trustee at 
Elizabethtown College for 1 8 years. 
Earl served two terms on Annual 
Conference Standing Committee, was a 



member of the 1964 study committee on 
Divorce and Remarriage and the L991 
Denominational Structure Committee. 
From 1976 to 1980, he was on the 
General Board, chairing the Parish 
Ministries Commission his final year. He 
was pastor-in-residence at Bethany 
Seminary in 1982. Most recently Earl 
helped denominational staff Paul 
Mundey envision the Passing on the 
Promise program and was a teacher in 
the "Friend to Friend" video series. 

"I think you'd have to say he's very 
Brethren, but not lacking in ecumenical 
interests," says Stanley Earhart, who has 
worked with Earl in a number of 
capacities over the years and is presently 
moderator at Lampeter. Earl has chaired 
several local ministeriums, served on the 
governing board of the Pennsylvania 
Council of Churches, and fulfilled a 
three-year appointment to the National 
Council of Churches Commission on 
Marriage and Family. Currently he is on 
the Lancaster Board of the Samaritan 
Center, a nationwide Christian counsel- 
ing organization. 

Several of Earl's ecumenical involve- 
ments have grown out of his interest in 
family ministry. "Family has always 
been important in my background," he 
says. "I came from a large family, a 
strong family, with loads of cousins." 
Over the years. Earl picked up snatches 
of training in family ministry, and 
eventually earned his Doctor of Ministry 
degree from Lancaster Theological 
Seminary with a concentration in 
marriage enrichment. He and Vivian led 
many marriage enrichment weekends 
through the years. During his Woodbury 
pastorate. Earl wrote the first sex 
education curriculum for Northern 
Bedford High School and was later 
recognized by Elizabethtown College for 
this achievement in Christian education. 

February 1 994 Messenger 1 3 



But family matters have never been 
merely an academic or professional 
pursuit for Earl and Vivian. In addition 
to congregations and cauliflower. Earl 
and Vivian have grown a lot of kids. 
They are parents of six grown children 
and have 10 grandchildren. 

"We have four that we say are home- 
made," says Earl, and two adopted Asian 
daughters. In addition, the Zieglers have 
invited several other children into their 
homes over the years for periods as long 
as three years. All told, a dozen or so 
children of various ethnic backgrounds 
call Earl and Vivian "Mom" and "Dad." 

"We've had a very colorful family and 
a family that changed through the 
years," says Earl. "And that, I think, has 
had a real impact on me." 

One way his family shaped Earl was 
by sensitizing him to other ethnic 
groups. Jan Kensinger, who served six 
years as associate district executive with 
Earl, recalls, "He had a lot of excitement 
and enthusiasm for bringing persons of 
different ethnicities into the life of the 
district and denomination. He was really 
aggressive in pursuing those interests 
during his tenure." 

On his office wall. Earl displays a 
plaque from the Dominican Brethren, 
expressing appreciation for his support. 
Earl became aware of the church- 
planting efforts of the Dominican 
Brethren during a 1989 trip to Puerto 
Rico. Excited about what he heard. Earl 
promised to raise $15,000 to build a 
church in Los Toros. He eventually 
facilitated the 1990 Annual Conference 
query from Atlantic Northeast District 
that led the church to support church- 
planting in the Dominican Republic. 
"That's why I got the plaque," he says. "I 
came at a time when they were discour- 
aged, and I gave them a boost." 

Accompanying his interest in ethnic 
ministry and overseas outreach is Earl's 
passion for travel. The Zieglers' family 
room shelves are stuffed with boxes of 
slides from the more than 40 countries 
Earl and Vivian have visited, many of 
them by organizing and hosting group 
trips. Jan Kensinger recalls that Earl 
loved to entertain his colleagues in his 
home. "Usually it was a set-up," she says 

14 Messenger February 1994 




Earl's wife, Vivian, gives him a hundred or so sermon illustrations as a Christmai 
gift each year. The compilation is handily indexed for his convenience. 



with a smile, "so he could show us slides 
of his last trip!" 

Earl's aggressiveness in supporting 
ministry in the Dominican Republic is 
indicative of his working style. "One of 
the things about Earl," says Don 
Hollinger, "and this could be looked on 
as a negative, but I look on it as a 
positive — when he got a vision in his 
mind he was riveted to that vision. He 
put his all into it. Some thought that 
looked pushy, but I always saw it as a 
strength." 



Be 



►ob Kettering echoes those senti- 
ments: "He's a tireless worker and an 
assertive leader. His assertive style is not 
always appreciated by everybody, but 
people with vision know where they're 
going and how to get there." 

Earl says his life philosophy is 
borrowed from Africa explorer and 
missionary David Livingstone, who said 
"I will go anywhere, provided it be 
forward." Earl's pace corroborates his 
fidelity to that philosophy, says long- 
time friend Joan Hershey. "He has one 
gear, and that's forward and fast." 

Jan Kensinger recalls that one of the 
hazards of working with Earl in a small 
district office was "having to hang onto 
your papers when he walked by your 
desk because he created a big gust of 
wind in his enthusiasm to get where he 
was going." 



Earl says he comes by his frenetic p; 
honestly. "If you knew my dad and m> 
mother, my dad never walked anywhe 
He always ran. And my mother was th 
same way; she never quit." 

Sherry Eshelman, who once tried 
unsuccessfully to follow Earl to a 
meeting, testifies that he doesn't slow 
down when he gets behind the wheel c 
car either. "I used to say to him that I 
know God is his co-pilot," says Sherry 
"because he flies when he drives!" 
Noting that six-time Conference mode 
tor Otho Winger also had a reputation 
for speed (See "Otho Winger: He Live 
'With the Throttle Wide Open,'" Octo 
1989), Stanley Earhart deadpans, "Eai 
drives pretty fast. I don't know if that' 
what it takes to be moderator or not." 

Jan recalls that the first trick Earl 
taught new district executive Allen 
Hansen was how to save time by cuttii 
across the Wendy's parking lot to get i 
the district office. 

Along with Earl's desire to save tim 
is a keen interest in saving money. Bol 
Kettering describes him as frugal. "Or 
thing that stands out in my mind," say 
Jan Kensinger, "is his living out of a 
simple life. For him it really was a 
lifestyle by choice and by practice." 

Jan recalls that Earl didn't feel it 
necessary to go out for lunch on his 
birthday, according to the custom in tl 
district office. "He was very serious," 
says Jan. "He said he we didn't need t< 




e of Earl's special interests has been the growing church in the Dominican 
mblic. He is shown here with Pedro Brull, Santos Mota, and Jorge Toledo. 



out to lunch. We could carry lunch 
' Earl persuaded his colleagues to 
h bring his own lunch, and he 
ught a baloney sandwich. "It was just 
ypical of Earl," says Jan. "He was 
y happy with a baloney sandwich for 
birthday." 

iarl says one reason he moves so fast 
[lat there are so many things he enjoys 
ng. "I've always enjoyed everything 
: done," says Earl. "I never had a day 
; I had to go to work that I felt I 
n't want to go. That maybe sounds 
; it's not true, but it really is true." 
1 addition to gardening and travel, he 

Vivian enjoy music together. In 
rs past, they often sang together at 
Idings. More recently they have 
Formed lighthearted musical pro- 
ms for senior adults. While at Black 
;k. Earl directed an area Brethren 
I's chorus, and during his Mechanic 
ive pastorate he led an interdenomi- 
onal men's group from churches in 
them Lancaster County. 
1 music, family, gardening, and 
listry, Vivian has been Earl's quiet 
xiex. "She's not a noisy person," says 
1, "but very supportive and creative in 
own way. I often ask her, 'What do 

think about this idea?' She's the 
ing ground to help me not go too far 

way or another." 

>ne way Vivian has quietly supported 
1 over the years is by compiling an 
sual card catalog. Vivian, who served 



as a school librarian for over 20 years 
before retiring last year, has given Earl 
an annual Christmas present of four-by- 
six cards, covered with topically ar- 
ranged quips and clippings that she 
gleans from her readings. 

"He used to always come on a Sunday 
morning when he was ready to go out the 
door and say, 'Now what's a good 
illustration for this?'" Vivian recalls. 
"Well, I didn't have it off the top of my 
head." So she began collecting illustra- 
tions and gives Earl a hundred or so 
cards each year. He calls them "the best 
Christmas gift I've gotten for the last 25 
years." 



X-/arl has emphasized two related 
themes in his moderator's travels. The 
church needs to deal with its conflicts 
and center its life in Jesus Christ. "When 
our centering is in Jesus Christ and we 
really know what that means," says Earl, 
"I think you and I can discuss anything 
and not be angry with each other. We 
may not agree, but we can be brothers. 
That's basically been my theme." 

Those themes grew out of Earl's 
experience at last year's Annual Confer- 
ence. "We all went to Annual Confer- 
ence a bit apprehensive, scared, con- 
fused, irritated, but we came away again 
experiencing the power of prayer and the 
Holy Spirit." 

Earl hopes to continue an emphasis on 



prayer through the "Prayer on the 
Plains" gathering that he has called for 
the last Sunday in February. The day will 
be designated "Brethren Day of Prayer" 
so that those who can't be at McPherson 
College can still lift up the church. 

Earl says he senses hope in the church 
as he travels around the Brotherhood. "I 
think many people feel that we're 
turning a comer as a denomination, 
moving more toward outreach, and more 
toward being concemed about other 
persons out there rather than simply 
keeping our own store in operation." The 
church, he says, is excited about new 
ministries in the Dominican Republic 
and South Korea. 

But Earl believes the church has a 
long way to go in including ethnic 
Brethren. "There's a real fmstration in 
the Hispanic and Korean communities in 
the Church of the Brethren that they're 
second-class citizens," he says, "that we 
like them as long as they do what we 
want them to do. I think that's true. We 
haven't empowered them, and I don't 
know why. 1 really want this year to lift 
up the opportunities for ministry to the 
multicultural groups, to invite them to 
impact us, because they have a lot to 
give us." 

Earl believes mission work among 
Koreans and Hispanics in the US and 
abroad will not only help the church to 
grow but will "extend our ministries far 
beyond ourselves into other cultures." 

Whenever you become ingrown, when 
you tum yourself inward. Earl believes, 
you are heading for disaster. "A living 
organism is out there reproducing itself. 
When you stop growing you begin to die, 
and I think that's what was happening in 
the denomination. 

"The whole evangelism bit, the whole 
mission thing, is just part of me. We 
need to go into all the world." 

Whether it be congregations, denomi- 
nations, or cauliflower. Earl just 
likes to watch things grow. 



Ai. 



Don Fitzkee. ofRheems. Pa., is a licensed 
minister in Chiques Church of the Brethren. 
Manheim. Pa., where he is being ordained on 
February 6. He ser\ed as an editorial assistant on 
the Messenger staff. 1986-1988. Presently he is a 
member of the denomination's General Board. 

February 1 994 Messenger 1 5 



Join us for a journey 



by Margaret Woolgrove 

For many people in Sudan, the daily diet 
consists of one small cup of red beans 
cooked in a little oil. The beans are eaten 
slowly, picked out one by one and 
methodically chewed. It would take too 
much energy to eat them faster. Dis- 
tended stomachs and emaciated bodies 
are the sure indications of the ravages of 
famine and starvation among these 
people. 

In the civil war that has ravaged Sudan 
for 28 of the 38 years since independence 
was granted, the people of southern 
Sudan have lost virtually everything. In 
the past 10 years alone, at least 1.3 
million Sudanese have died from war- 
induced violence or famine. That's the 
equivalent of over 350 people dying each 
day of the year for those 10 years. That is 

15 people an hour, on the hour, every 
hour for those 10 years. 

The figures are startling, but death is 
not the only toll that has been taken on 
the people of southern Sudan. As well as 
losing family and loved ones, the 
Sudanese have lost their homes, their 
cattle, and their livelihood. And the 
infrastructure of southern Sudan has only 
worsened in the years since indepen- 
dence. There are no real schools, very few 
hospitals, and roads so potholed that in 
the rainy seasons they turn into virtually 
impassable swamps of mud. 

The civil war situation has worsened in 
the past two years with the outbreak of 
factional fighting among the rebel troops 
of the south (the Sudan People's Libera- 
tion Army, SPLA). Some of the differ- 
ences between the main factions run very 
deep, and often have as much to do with 
ancient tribal animosity as with current 
issues of democracy and leadership. 
However, the factional fighting is being 
used to the full advantage of the (north- 
em) government, which is sitting back 
and biding its time, aware that a house 
divided against itself cannot stand. 

A tentative ceasefire was negotiated 
between the SPLA factions in October 
1993, a ceasefire which, at the time of 

16 Messenger February 1994 



writing, was holding. If peace is to be 
achieved within Sudan, it is crucial that 
the southern Sudanese factions come to a 
stable solution for themselves, for until 
this happens, they remain vulnerable and 
weak. 

Terrible atrocities and human rights 
violations have occurred on both sides of 
the conflict, with the result that the 
majority of the population live in daily 
fear for their lives and the lives of those 
around them. 

At least 80 percent of the southern 
population has been displaced at least 
once over the past 10 years, with current 
estimates of at least five million Sudanese 
internally displaced, while 300,000 are 
refugees in neighboring countries. 



vJudan is a bloodbath every bit as bad 
as that in Somalia or Bosnia- 
Herzegovina, and yet, according to Jim 
Kunder, head of the US Agency for 
Intemadonal Development's office of 
foreign disaster assistance, Sudan is "the 
most silent of the major humanitarian 
crises around the world today." 

"Psycho-sclerosis" is the term that was 
coined to describe the condition of a 
hardening of the mind and heart that 
afflicts each of us at some point after 
hearing about a disaster in our 
neighbor's backyard. Only in this 
instance the "neighbor" is Sudan, and 
the backyard happens to be a few 
thousand miles away. 

"We are suffering here because we are 
Christians," Rebekah Lueth told a 
Brethren delegation in Sudan last 
January. "You have left us here to be 
killed during 37 years of fighting. Is it 
because we are black people?" (See 
"Sudan: We Will Remember," May 
1993.) 

John Jones, a member of the Church of 
the Brethren from Myrtle Point, Ore., 
still speaks of the empowerment he felt 
on returning from the January 1993 
Brethren visit to Sudan. "Many people 
want to do something, but they just feel 
so helpless," he says. "My faith has 



been strengthened so much by being 
there, and just seeing how much faith 
and hope these people have in the mid 
of their suffering. They have a commi 
ment to Christ that involves truly livir 
out the gospel, truly living out the 
Christ. I have a great faith now, and a 
determination to continue to struggle 1 
these people. I refuse to let the over- 
whelming size of the country's problei 
make me powerless any longer. These 
people have a story that needs to be 
heard." 

It is in part the faith of the people 
which has led John to his decision to 
take part in the Church of the Brethre 
"Accompaniment Program," jointly 
coodinated by David Radcliff, office o: 
denominational peace witness, and M( 
Keeney, Africa/Middle East office. 

"Two images remain in my mind," 
said John. "Both images are of a moth 
and child. The first is of a mother sitti 
with her child on the steps of a Cathol 
cathedral. Three months previously, b 
had been on the verge of death, but no 
although the child's hair is still red fn 
malnutrition, they are alive and well. 
They smile at me. 

"The second image is from Aswa, ai 
a hospital with 60 beds that serves a 
catchment area for 700,000 people. Tl 
day we visited, the one doctor and teai 
of support staff were caring for 380 
patients. In addition, there were hun- 
dreds of outpatients who made the dai: 
trek to the 'outpatient ward' in an 
adjacent dirt field to receive a moment 
care and treatment. In that hospital ar( 
another mother and child, sitting on tl 
floor. The conditions are terrible. In th 
next door room we hear the cries of a 
man who is being operated on without 
anaesthetic. The woman's child is ver 
emaciated, with a hugely distended bei 
Neither mother nor child has the enerj 
to do more than look up at us as we 
arrive. 

"But this mother is the Madonna, ar 
her child is the Christ child. The 
difference that has been made for the 
first mother by just a little bit of huma 



in aid, is the difference between life 
death. For me, it was proof that what 
io, no matter how small, does count, 
world has so much pain that it is 
I to see the changes when they 
3en. But they do happen, and relief 
; get there. Without it, the first 
her and child would not be alive 

■y-" 



It is urgent that we stand by the southern 
Sudanese in a time when not only individual 
lives but the very existense of a people is at risk. 




isplaced Sudanese mother and 
dren, needing someone to 
nmpany them in their plight. 

Iruly I tell you, just as you did it to 
least of these . . . you did it to me" 
lit. 25:40). 

or John Jones, the decision to take 
; in the accompaniment program was 
dling. "Their struggle is my struggle, 
r family is my family. I cannot turn 
back on my family when they are in 
d." 



John is one of a group of Brethren who 
have taken up the challenge that has 
been laid out by the Accompaniment 
Program to go and walk alongside the 
Sudanese people in their journey toward 
peace. 

This journey will be no picnic, a point 
that is stressed by David Radcliff and 
Merv Keeney. "We have been in accom- 
paniment with the people of Sudan since 
1980," says David. "But this is a 
different phase to that accompaniment. It 
is a very direct type of accompaniment, 
which places people in communities to 
stand by the people of Sudan who are at 
risk. There is a heaviness about asking 
people to take on this kind of a risk, and 
a sense that we are calling people to the 
edge. 

"This takes more courage than going 
into battle fully armed. The only 'arms' 
we will take will be those of our Chris- 
tian convictions." 

Louise and Phil Rieman, Brethren 
workers in Sudan, survived a bombing 
raid last year. After the initial attack, 
Phil found one woman blown apart as 
another lay dying. He could do nothing 
for her but hold her hand and pray. 

The program asks its participants to go 
to Sudan in Christian solidarity, and 
share the burden of these suffering 
people. In the case of the continuance of 
a ceasefire between the SPLA factions, 
participants in the program will have an 
important role to play as an international 
presence encouraging the maintenance of 
such agreements. The leaders of Sudan 
care a great deal about how they are 
perceived by the international commu- 
nity, so this presence could be crucial. 

"We are very clear that an agreement 
will have to be made with the rebel 
forces before we send anyone into the 
South, to ensure that the role and the 
person will be respected," stated Merv 
Keeney. "We have no guarantees that 
these people will be safe, but we cannot 
send them unless we know that their 



position is respected by the various 
factions involved. 

"What we do know," continues Merv, 
"is that the leaders of the factions have 
used international forums before and so 
we know that they are open to the idea of 
an international presence monitoring the 
peace process." 

The first accompaniment team was 
made up entirely of Brethren applicants, 
who will be sent out, when the time is 
right, in pairs to monitor the current 
ceasefire. 

"The work we will be doing is known 
as 'interpositioning,'" according to John 
Jones. "This means that internationals 
are put in positions between the two 
factions, to promote the peace. As well 
as monitoring the peace, and sending out 
reports on the keeping or violating of the 
peace agreements, we will be doing 
needed things like educating the chil- 
dren, and administering simple medical 
needs. It is a ministry that looks to all 
the needs of the people, and not just at a 
clinical monitoring of the peace." 

Mary Mason, a nurse from Sebring 
(Fla.) Church of the Brethren, left in 
February for a two-year period in Sudan 
as part of a three-person health care 
team. This team is going to the back 
country of Sudan to look for the esti- 
mated thousands of Sudanese who have 
been wandering with nothing but leaves 
to eat for months or years, without being 
discovered by relief agencies. 

"There is an inherent risk for partici- 
pants in taking on this ministry of 
accompaniment," says David Radcliff, 
"and yet it seems like the logical next 
step for us as a peace church, to respond 
to the needs of our Christian brothers 
and sisters. There is a certain readiness 
in the denomination, and also in Sudan, 
for this type of work to begin. The people 
of southern Sudan have placed tremen- 
dous hope in the church, and they 
trust that together we can make a 
difference." 



Ai. 



February 1994 Messenger 17 



Treasure in an earthen vessel 



by Margaret Woolgrove 

"I find myself in the middle of January 
with one village that I hoped would be 
motivated to build a dam, not at all really 
serious," wrote Nigeria field-worker 
Dave Whitten. "We had scheduled an 
introductory meeting with them, (but) 
only the chief, the pastor of the church, 
and a handful of men showed up. A very 
small percentage of the total population 
of the community. I'm worried that it 
might be difficult to find that 'model' 
village and have something to show for it 
before it rains. I do have a couple more 
leads I'm following up on, so we shall 
see. As with all community development, 
the community needs to come to terms 
with its own needs and to address it in a 
cooperative way. Somehow the knowl- 
edge of our advisory skills needs to 
precede our actual coming. . . . I'm 
discouraged, but not defeated." 

The Church of the Brethren self-help 
well-digging project began some 20 
years ago to help villages in Nigeria find 
better water supplies, (see "Water From a 
Thousand Wells," October 1984.) Since 
1978 more than 3,000 wells have been 
built, but there are still many communi- 
ties in the area that suffer because of 
inadequate water supplies. The self-help 
well-digging project is designed to help 
the villages help themselves, according 
to Dave, who has been working in 
Nigeria at the invitation of Ekklesiyar 
Yanuwa a Nigeria (EYN — the Church of 
the Brethren in Nigeria) since January 
1992. By providing ideas, organization, 
and sometimes tools, the program acts 
as a catalyst to get the people of the 
village working together to find better 
drinking water. 



The depth of water tables can be a 
problem, as can the fact that water tables 
around the world are being depleted 
faster than they are being renewed. 
These two facts have added an interest- 
ing conundrum to the problem of 
providing renewable water resources to 
the people of northern Nigeria. So far the 
program has concentrated mainly on 
well-digging, but with the input provided 
by Dave Whitten, a new emphasis has 
been added — the dam. 



G 



lanji is a village in this region that 
already had two hand-dug wells and a 
government bore hole, but which could 
not get enough water during the dry 
season to fill the needs of the village. In 
March 1993, the well-digging program 
received a request from the village to 
assist it in deepening one of its wells. 
After analyzing the situation of the 
village, Dave suggested that a better 
solution to the problem might be an 
earthen dam. "At first there was much 
skepticism, but after a series of discus- 
sions and small models made in the sand 
(the villagers) soon understood and 
became generally interested." 

March 29 was the date set to begin 
construction. "We arrived with all our 
equipment only to discover (that) no one 
(had) shown up for work except the 
chief. The chief said for us to be patient, 
but after two hours, only a handful was 
present. At this it was obvious that 
people were not ready, and that we could 
not start work until the village was really 
supportive of the project. I tried to make 
them aware that this was their project, 
and only through their efforts could it be 
successful." 



Later that week, Dave received a lette 
from the chief stating that the people 
were ready to begin work. "The follow- 
ing week we showed up and found 20 
men ready for work. We began." 

Three weeks later, the dam was near 
completion. "Since a dam is in place, I 
would say the project has been a suc- 
cess," wrote Dave. "In terms of commu- 
nity development it has been less 
successful. Average daily work atten- 
dance has been less than 30 percent of 
the male population (and) no women 
have showed up for work even when we 
have suggested it." 

Throughout the work, the presence of 
Dave and his team was needed to keep 
the work going, even though the people 
in the village knew what to do, and had 
the tools to do it. 

The dam at Ganji is now at full 
capacity, with excess water passing 
through the spillway. The water is being 
used by individual villagers. One of the 
advantages of a dam is that the filled 
reservoir serves to "charge up" the 
surrounding water table, thus enabling 
the building of a strategically placed 
shallow well nearby to collect clean 
water for drinking. This also helps to 
minimize the incidence of waterbome 
diseases that often are prevalent in 
surface collection water, especially when 
the source is shared with animals. 

The dam-building project was a 
success also as a model to encourage 
other villages besides Ganji to try the 
dam idea. "We have had a lot of people 
coming to see the site and have had 
requests from villages also seeking 
similar projects." Dave and his team 
have plans to build further dams at I i* 
the start of this year's dry season. I * 



1 8 Messenger February 1994 



r 

Left: David Whitten and Stephen Zoaka survey the 
dam site. The presense of the team was an 
important impetus for villagers' participation. 

Lower left: At the initial meeting, Ganji villagers 
voiced much skepticism about the dam proposal. 

Below: The project took three weeks. Now Ganji 
has a year-round reservoir of fresh water. 




'anji's dam was a success not only in ensuring 
year-round water supply (including a shallow well 
mrbyfor drinking water), but it also was a success 
I providing a model to encourage other villages. 



February 1 994 Messenger 1 9 



Ode to a working well 



by Howard E. Royer 

One of my earliest love/hate relation- 
ships was with an iron pump. 

1 loved what it could do — draw water 
from a 90-foot depth to refresh the living 
creatures and plants on our west-central 
Ohio farm. And to endow us with the 
best tasting thirst-quencher to be found 
anywhere. It was always cool, always 
free, always there. 

Yet I loathed the old pump. Mainly, I 
guess, because the stock tank beside it 
always seemed empty, no matter how 
often it was filled. I have yet to figure out 
where in the Bible or clan tradition it is 
ordained that the youngest family 
member keep the trough full. What a 
waste of one's formative years, going 
hand to handle with a pump. Of course 
never in my wildest fancy did I foresee 
the day when grown-ups would pay big 
money to work machines eliciting 
essentially the same motion, and the 
same boredom, all in the interest of 
physical and mental well-being. 

Upon reaching my teen years, I was 
given a reprieve. With the conniving of a 
doting grandmother and a supportive 
uncle who felt my time might better be 
applied elsewhere, a motor and jack were 
wired to the pump, and the handle 
disengaged. 

Generally my father was not enamored 
with time-saving devices, but on this one 
he relented. I loved it. A flick of the 
switch, and I could be on to other things. 



The horses and cows loved it; never 
before had the water level in the tank 
been maintained so high. But what really 
turned the barnyard crowd on was the 
times I neglected to turn the switch off — 
overflowing the tank and drenching the 
terrain around it. Having soft, cool mud 
to stand in on a summer day, in the 
shade of two enormous maples, was 
about as close to cow heaven as four- 
legged critters could come on a farm 
landlocked without creek or pond. 



Xhese were the images my mind 
replayed as I traveled in southern Africa 
to cover drought conditions. In the 
highlands of eastern Zimbabwe, not far 
from the Mozambique border, I saw 
scores of pumps not unlike that one at 
my boyhood home. Sometimes the 
pumps were surrounded by long queues 
of containers, signaling situations in 
which the water table was perilously low 
and users would have to check back 
hours later. Other places, the water 
flowed freely and there were no queues 
at all. 

Under the aegis of Christian Care, the 
service arm of the Zimbabwe churches 
and a partner agency of Church World 
Service, some 175 wells are being dug or 
bored across Zimbabwe's northeastern 
highlands, above Nyanga. Available with 
the wells, if the villagers are interested, 
are "laundromats" — a concrete bulwark 
with compartments for soaking and 



rubbing clothes at the well site — and 
community toilets that utilize the latest 
technology in public sanitation. 

Most impressive was the "handing 
over" ceremony in the village of 
Nyamahumba, at which the Christian 
Care staff turned over the ownership an( 
maintenance of the newly completed 
"Manda 2" well to the village water 
committee that it had mobilized and 
trained. Present for the event, besides th 
committee members, were the pump 
installation crew, the cementing and 
fencing crew, neighborhood children, 
and those most impacted by the well — 
the mothers of Nyamahumba. 

The women were exuberant: No longe 
would they need dig into a dry river bed 
in search of a pool of muddy water. No 
longer would they need transport water 
up to three hours a day. No longer woult 
they need boil every drop of water their 
household consumed. Ecstasy over a 
well — their own well. 

The singing and dancing at 
Nyamahumba prodded me to reassess th 
place of a pump in my own experience. 
At last it dawned on me how much our 
well had contributed to my personal 
wellness, and to that of our entire famib 
and farm. Would that every home or 
village on earth was so blessed. 

A working well — an ode to health, FTj 
to life, to joy! I — 



Howard E. Royer is director of interpretation o 
the General Services Commission staff. 



20 Messenger February 1994 




: / watched the children of Nyamahumba celebrate 
eir new well, it dawned on me how much the well at 
^ boyhood home in Ohio had contributed to my 
rsonal wellness, and to that of our entire family. 



Febmaiy 1994 Messenger 21 



When 
the door 
is closed 

by Kenneth L. Gibble 

We noticed the doors. In the Italian 
neighborhood of South Philadelphia, 
people live in row houses, many of them 
virtual look-alikes in size and exterior 
appearance. All except for the doors. 

My wife and I were fascinated by these 
doors when we took a walk during a visit 
to Philadelphia. Some doors were 
painted in bright colors. Some boasted 
impressive-looking brass knockers. 
Other doors were made mostly of glass. 
Still others featured elaborate grillwork. 
Obviously an expensive door was a status 
symbol in this neighborhood. 

Doors. Why do they exist? What is 
their purpose? To let people enter and 
leave a building. Or, to say it another 
way, doors exist to let people in and to 
keep people out. 

Mosdy, I think, to keep them out. 
Nowadays. Some of us can remember a 
time when doors were kept closed for 
other reasons. Living as we did in a rural 
area, my family usually didn't bother 
locking the doors to our house. There 
didn't seem to be a need for it. Only 
when we went away on an extended trip 
did we lock up. 

Doors were meant to be kept closed for 
reasons of sanitation and heat conserva- 
tion. Doors kept out summer flies and 
winter drafts. In fact, my mother had an 
expression she used when one of us 
children came into the house and left the 
back door open. "Were you born in a 
sawmill?" she would ask. I often 
wondered where that expression came 
from. Was it because sawmills have no 
doors? Anyway, we got the message: Go 
back and close the door. 

I haven't heard anyone ask "Were you 
bom in a sawmill?" for a long time. 

22 Messenger February 1994 



Probably because we don't let doors 
stand open anymore. Doors are closed 
and securely locked these days, not 
mostly to keep out the flies or the cold, 
but to keep out intruders, strangers who 
might come in and do us harm. Or at 
least to keep out our fear of such things 
happening. 

Jesus talked about doors. Luke's 
gospel tells us that as Jesus was going to 
Jerusalem he stopped at the towns and 
villages along the way to teach the 
people. On one of those occasions, 
someone asked him, "Lord, will only a 
few be saved" (Luke 13:22)? 

What an interesting question.. What 
prompted it, 1 wonder. No doubt it was 
an inference the questioner made from 
what he had heard Jesus teaching. And, 
in fact, a review of what comes just 
before this passage in Luke reveals that 
Jesus had been making some rather 
harsh statements about greed and 
hypocrisy and injustice. He had espe- 
cially lambasted the Pharisees, who were 
held in high regard for their knowledge 
and scupulous observance of the law. 

Maybe the one who asked Jesus the 
question about only a few being saved 
was getting worried. If the Pharisees are 
in trouble, this person may have thought, 
what hope is there for someone like me? 
"Lord, will only a few be saved?" 

Typically, Jesus gives an indirect 
answer to this question. "Strive to enter 
through the narrow door," he says, "for 
many, I tell you, will try to enter and will 
not be able." Why won't they be able to 
enter? Jesus doesn't say. Perhaps because 
their egos are so inflated they can't 
squeeze through or because they have 
overindulged their appetites for food, for 
wealth, for power. 

Jesus asked his listeners how they 
would feel if they found themselves 
locked outside the house, pounding on 
the door, crying, "Lord, open to us," and 
the answer came through the closed 



door: "I don't know where you come 
from." But Lord, they say, "We ate an; 
drank with you, and you taught in oui] 
streets." And the answer comes back, 
"Go away from me, all you evildoers.'] 
What will you feel like, asked Jesusl 
when you see the door opened not onl oj 
the revered saints of old, but to people 
your own day, people from all over th« 
world, people who speak strange 
languages and dress in odd-looking 
clothes, who don't live in nice neighb 
hoods, who don't keep themselves 

There are some door 

that I cannot open 

for myself or for 

others. And I have 

learned that many 

times, when the door 

closed, it is firmly 

barred from my side 



' 



washed and combed according to 
middle-class standards? How will youn 
feel, Jesus asked, when you see peoplei 
like that welcomed in and you are 
thrown out? 

Well, Jesus, we won't feel very gooc 
about that, is what his listeners probab; 
thought. We won't feel good at all. Bu 
why are you saying this to us, Jesus? 
They probably wondered. And you anc 
also may wonder why Jesus talks abou, 
the door being closed. 

What closed doors have you known' 
Can you remember a teacher locking t 
door because you were late to class? A' 
door shut against you because of age, 
gender, appearance, sexual orientatior 
disability? A relationship that ended 
because someone locked the door of hi 



: 



eart against you? 

Closed doors often cause great pain. 
\nd so naturally we may wonder why 
esus talked about the door being closed. 
;houldn't the door to God, to the 
ingdom, to the church, always be open? 

Ideally, yes. But there are times when 
'he only thing that can bring us to our 
jenses is a door closed against us. 

In the movie "The Field," a murder 
as been committed in a small, ingrown 
(Hsh community. In his desire to own a 
ield, a farmer has killed a man, an 
utsider, who threatened to take the field 
way from him. Sunday comes, and the 
eople all gather in the church for mass. 
he priest stands up and says to the 
-eople: 

"Three days ago in this parish a man 
k'as murdered. The police have been 
sking questions, and everywhere they 
o, they are met with silence, silence of a 
lightening and evil kind, silence that 
Totects a murderer. 

"Among you is a murderer, and 
lirough your silence you share in his 
,;uilt. You're all murderers. Do not defile 
Ills church with your shame. Today I 
n\\ lock the gates of this church. The 
lell will be silent. Confessions will not 
'6 heard. And so it will be till justice is 
one." 

The priest pauses, then steps out from 
■ehind the pulpit and raises his arms. 
You're all trespassing in the house of 
jod. Get out," he shouts. "Get out!" 
alently the people leave the church till 
11 are outside, and the priest locks the 
ate. 

As I watched this dramatic scene I 
sked myself if the priest had done the 
ight thing. And I wondered if I would 
iiave had the courage to do what he did 
n his place. One thing was clear to me. 
lis action accomplished what just 
nother sermon about right and wrong 
ould never have done. There are times 
vhen the only thing that can bring us to 



our senses is a door closed against us. 
But not closed forever. The priest said 



that the church would be closed until 
justice was done. When Jesus talked 



It's a combination of the more 

reasonable cost and the element 

of service that makes MAA 



attractive ... 



Donald Munn. MAA Member 
Middlebury, IN. 



Are you paying too much for your insurance? 
Are you receiving the service you deserve? 



Call 

1-800-255-1243 

for your FREE video 

Prdduced by Dav« SoUeabtrger 



Insurance protection exclusively for Brethren 

churches, homes, farms, camps, small businesses, 

renters and mobile home owners. 

For a quote or more information, call our toll free number 

or FAX: 1-800-238-7535 



Mutual Aid Association Church of the Brethren Route 1 Abilene, Kansas 67410 



/^ 



February 1994 Messenger 23 





Always expecting a disaster 

Last September I asked Donna Derr, our director of disaster response, if she 
could arrange for my wife and me to take part in the disaster response to the 
Midwest floods. She agreed and assigned us to a project in Ottumwa, Iowa. 

Our weekend with the Ottumwa project made me keenly aware of the remark- 
able service that Brethren give in the disaster response program. The Ottumwa 
church had converted Sunday school rooms to provide bedrooms and bath 
facilities for volunteer workers. Dozens of volunteers came to this and other 
locations in the Midwest. Volunteers are invited by district disaster coordinators, 
who are assisted by regional and congregational coordinators. 

As of this writing, we have given $80,000 to Midwest flood relief in addition 
to the work of the volunteers. When we have our own volunteers, the money 
supports their work. In Ottumwa, the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
(FEMA) provided grants, often sufficient to buy building materials. The volun- 
teer labor thereby was able to give renewed housing at no cost to the owners. 

The Cooperative Disaster Child Care program trains volunteers to be ready to 
care for children during the traumatic time of a disaster. Child care can be the 
greatest need of a family at such a time. 

We Brethren are able to provide immediate service at the time of a disaster 
because we maintain a disaster fund with a floating balance of about $600,000. 
When the disaster strikes, we can appropriate the funds immediately, even as we 
appeal to the churches for contributions, thus avoiding a paralyzing lag time. 

The fund is kept up by the response of individuals and churches to appeals at 
the time of disaster. Brethren are enormously generous. The major contribution 
to the disaster fund comes from a growing number of district disaster relief 
auctions, including those in Atlantic Northeast and Southern Pennsylvania, Mid- 
Atlantic, and Shenandoah. These auctions contributed a half-million dollars to 
the Emergency Disaster Fund in 1993. Almost everything is donated to the 
auction and then sold for the benefit of disaster victims. Sometimes the same 
item is sold a number of times, with each buyer returning it for resale. One 
heifer is reported to have been sold 20 times. A quilt can bring as much as 
$10,000. The organizers of these auctions are as important to our disaster 
response as are the volunteers, project directors, and district coordinators. The 
8,000 or so people who attend the Atlantic Northeast/Southern Pennsylvania 
auction make it one of the largest events in the life of the church. 

When we cannot send volunteers, we work through Church World Service to 
bring relief assistance to victims of disaster around the world. This work of 
Church World Service accounts for about 80 percent of the budget of the 
National Council of Churches. Brethren were prominent among the founders of 
CWS, and we currently furnish about 10 percent of denominational contribution, 
an amount well beyond our proportionate size. The worldwide work of Brethren 
disaster response could not be carried out without the assistance of Church 
World Service and the National Council of Churches. 

The disaster response is a remarkable witness to the message of the Church of 
the Brethren. By always expecting a disaster, we are ready to assist the victims 
when it comes. — Donald E. Miller 

Donald E. Miller is general secretary of the Church of the Brethren. 



about a closed door, there is no indica- 
tion that the door would remain closed. 
On another occasion, he told his listen- 
ers: "Ask, and it will be given you; 

24 Messenger February 1994 



search, and you will find; knock, and the 
door will be opened for you" (Matt. 7:7). 

The door will be opened if it's up to 
the Holy One. 



But the painful truth is that nearly 
every time a closed door separates us 
from God, it is you and I who have 
closed it. Why do we keep it closed? Lots 
of reasons — our pride; our fear of having 
to change; our inability to believe that 
God can ever accept us, love us. There 
are as many reasons for keeping the dooi 
closed as there are people who choose to 
do it. 

One of my Sunday school teachers 
showed us children a picture of Jesus 
knocking at a big wooden door and told 
us that the door was really the door to 
our hearts. "Your heart," she said to eacl 
of us in the class, "and yours and yours.' 
And then she taught us a song, most of 
which I don't remember, except for the 
chorus: 

"You must open the door; you must 
open the door. 

If Jesus comes in, he will save you 
from sin, 

But you must open the door." 

There was a time, when I got a bit 
older, that I was amused as I recalled 
that unsophisticated lesson of Sunday 
school. Both the song and my teacher's 
words seemed much too simplistic. 

I've gotten still older since then and, I 
hope, a bit wiser. There are some doors 
that I cannot open for myself or for 
others. I can pray for them to be opened, 
and that itself is worth having faith for. 
But I've learned that many times, when 
the door is closed, it is firmly barred 
from my side. 

Then my prayer is for the courage, the 
grace, to open the door. And from time 
to time that song I learned in Sunday 
school teases its way into my brain. I 
even find myself humming it occasion- 
ally. 

"If Jesus comes in, he will save you 
from sin, 

but you must open the door." 

It's a good song to sing every now anc 
then, a song worth adding to your [Ti, 
repertoire. !_-. 

Kenneth L. Gibble is co-pastor of Arlington (Va. 
Church of the Brethren, a freelance writer, and 
promotion consultant for Messenger. 



I 



FirrURE USHER 





Jubilee, 

God's Good News. 

A children's Sunday school curriculum. 






Contact: Brethren Press 1 800 441-3712 



by Robin 
Wentworth Mayer 



Stepping Stones is a column offering 
suggestions, perspectives, and 
opinions — snapshots of life — that we 
hope are helpful to readers in their 
Christian journey. As the writer said 
in her first installment. "Remember, 
when it comes to managing life 's 
difficulties, we don 't need to walk on 
water. We just need to learn where 
the stepping stones are. " 




STONES 



It started on Saturday night 
... the tightness in my 
throat and the congestion in 
my head. By Sunday morn- 
ing it was agony to swallow. 
The chilling in my bones and 
the throbbing behind my eyes 
told me I had a fever before 
the thermometer did. 

I wanted to crawl back in 
bed. "Ordinary people," I 
told myself, '"could crawl 
back in bed on Sunday 
morning." But not pastors. I 
mean, how can church 
happen without the 
preacher? The show must go 
on, right? 

So I took some aspirin, 
stuffed my purse with throat 
lozenges and tissues, picked 
up my cross, and set my face 
toward the east. 

I got through it, of course. 
Perhaps with less energy 
than usual, but passable. Few 
even suspected. 

By the time I finished 
leading Bible study that 
evening, I knew it was strep. 
Two days later, the throat 
culture confirmed it. "By the 
way," my doctor said before I 
hung up the phone, "strep is 
highly contagious. Stay away 
from people until you've 
been on the medication for 
24 hours." 

"Highly contagious. Stay 
away from people." The 
words rang in my ears like 
an indictment as my mind 
flooded with images of all 
the hands I had shaken 
following worship after 
coughing into my own hand. 



I looked up "strep infec- 
tion." There, down at the 
bottom of the page, were the 
words: "Possible complica- 
tions: rheumatic fever . . . 
serious effects if left un- 
treated . . . permanent heart 
damage . . . most susceptible 
are children and elderly." 

I thought of the dozens of 
people I had put at risk 
because of my determination 
to "minister." 

The point here is not to 
give a refresher course on 
strep throat. The point is 
to state a principle that I 
have taught to hundreds of 
others, but have never had 
hit me so squarely between 
the eyes: 

If I do not take care of 
myself, I risk hurting others. 

It's true. Run the whole 
gamut of behavior choices 
and you won't find an 
exception. 

Take the mother who 
deprives herself of sleep, 
baking elaborately decorated 
cookies in order to impress 
her son's fellow pre- 
schoolers (who could be just 
as happy with Oreos). The 
next day, she is inefficient at 
work, insensitive to her kids, 
and irritable with her 
husband. By not taking care 
of herself, she winds up 
hurting others. 

Consider the man who 
notices blood in his stool but 
fails to get to the doctor to 
have it checked out. "I can't 
afford to lose the time at 
work. The doctor makes you 



wait for hours. And besides, I 
don't get sick leave, and my 
family can't get by without 
my paycheck." So by the 
time the colon cancer is 
diagnosed, it has spread too 
far to fight. Looks like his 
wife and kids will have to 
learn to get by without his 
paycheck after all. 

He didn't take care of 
himself, and others got hurt. 

And what about the untold 
numbers who ignore emo- 
tional and relational need? 
"Counseling is expensive!" 
they rationalize. "So are 
caskets," says my dear friend 
who lost her sister to suicide. 
"Not as expensive as di- 
vorces," say the multitudes 
who go on to learn the hard 
way. 

No matter how strong the 
commitment, no matter how 
pure the motive, no matter 
how noble the call, for 
Christians, the bottom line is 
that our bodies, our selves, 
are not our own. We have 
been bought with a price. We 
honor God when we take 
care of ourselves ( 1 Cor. 
7:20). 

That's not selfishness; 
that's stewardship. Because 
if we do not take care of 
ourselves, somebody I xf 
else is going to get hurt, i ' 



Robin Wentworth Mayer, of 
Edwardsburg, Mich., is pastor of 
Pleasant Valley Church of the 
Brethren, Middlebury, Ind. She 
operates Stepping Stones Counseling 
out ofWaterford (Ind.) Community 
Church. 



26 Messenger February 1994 



■or more of Murray 

lurray L. Wagner's letter cautioning us 
) do more than "preserve ourselves as a 
lemorial to our European past" (Letters, 
)ecember) is the most relevant statement 
have seen in a letter to the editor. I 
/ould like to read him more often. 

Marianne Michael 
Iowa City. Iowa 

)on't just stand there 

1 the July 1994 editorial ("Power, That 
bonder-working Power"), the editor is 
oncemed that while serving as a 
lissionary in Nigeria, he was a "have" 
mong the "have nets." 

There is a saying, "Just because we 
an't do everything is no reason to do 
othing." We cannot take the position 
lat we only will take up mission work 
mong the disenfranchised if they are 
irst empowered equally with us. 

As a former political revolutionary, I 
nd this difficult to admit. The apostles 
f Christ worked in an age when many 
eople, including Christians, were 
:gally slaves. If we can imagine being a 
dtness under those conditions, then 
/orking with the impoverished and 
isenfranchised should not be so 
aunting. 

John F. Mortimer 
San Diego. Calif. 

(I find Onaldo Pereira 's story [page 
0, this issue] about his wealthy Ameri- 
an friend running out of dollars in 
'razil very helpful as I continue to 
rapple with the point I apparently 
vied to convey to reader John 
iortimer. — Ed.) 



he opinions expressed here are not necessarily 
lose of the magazine. Readers should receive them 
I the same spirit with which differing opinions are 
xpressed in face-to-face conversations. 
Letters should be brief, concise, and respectful of 
le opinions of others. Preference is given to letters 
lat respond directly to items read in the magazine. 
We are willing to withhold the name of a writer 
nly when, in our editorial judgment, it is 
•arranted. We will not consider any letter that 
omes to us unsigned. Whether or not we print the 
^tter. the writer's name is kept in strictest 
onfidence. 

Address letters to Messenger Editor. 1451 
Dundee Ave.. Elgin. IL 60120. 



Pontius' Puddle 



NOTICE: Church and district newsletters that reprint "Pontius' Puddle" from 
Messenger must pay $10 for each use to Joel Kauffmann. til Carter Road, 
Goshen. IN 46526. 



THOSE WrtO WRKC 
THIH&-S K*?Pe»l 




THOlt WHO CR>TltrXE 
WHAT MA?PEM5 




THOSE WHO WOMPER 
WHAT HAP^EkJEP 



THETrtRLE Types OF CMORCH NVEWBERS 
I ^ S 




Take Hold of Your Future... 



...One Step at a Time. 



McPherson College 

McPherson, Kansas 67460 • (316) 241-0731 




Delbert and Ann Ebersole 
(with Val. left, and Kimberly. right) 



"Hearing about 
McPherson College from 
older kids at church camp 
influenced Kim to come to 
McPherson College. She 
never really wanted to look 
anywhere else. It's a 
friendly, safe place wliere 
she can learn, and the 
Christian orientation gives 
us peace of mind, knowing 
she 'II be well looked after. 
We felt like we were 
leaving Kim with family. " 

Delbert and Ann Ebersole 

First Church of the Brethren, 

Wichita, KS 



j:iii.3a£-:i^e.-£^Sg*lJ 



Scholarships/Grants* 

Church of the Brethren Awards - Up to $1,000 per year 

Brethren Volunteer Service Grants - Up to $500 per year 

Children of Alumni Grants - Up to $500 per year 

Church-Matching Grants - Up to $500 per year 

Dependents of Persons in Church Professions - Up to $1,000 per year 



"'^Awards are avaitdbte^for up to four years'provi^ed students remain etigWi 
Some awards are based on financial need and availability of funds. 



McPherson College welcomes all applicants 

regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or physical or emotional disability. 




February 1 994 Messenger 27 



MORIES 

[SIGNS 

A BETHANY REUNION 

All Bethany Bible School, Training School, 
Seminary, and Academy alumni(ae) and 
former faculty and staff are invited to this 
historic event! The Memories and Visions 
all-class reunion will be a time of remem- 
bering, re-connecting, envisioning, and say- 
ing farewell to the Chicago area. 

Reserve these dates— 
you won't want to miss it! 

April 10-12, 1994 

on the Oak Brook, Illinois campus. 

Registration brochures are available. 

J\ For more information contact: 
^> Debbie Eisenbise, (708)620-2217. 

Bethany Theological Seminary 

Butterfield & Meyers Rds. 
Oak Broolc, Illinois 60521 




On the need to keep searchiE! 



Tom Deal 



Preach to the 
intellectuals 



The word "intellectual" conjures up an 
image of someone who uses words that 
only dictionary-writers understand and 
who has a job that doesn't make one's 
hands dirty. 
For me. however, intellectuals are not 

To hold in respect and fellowship those in the 
church with whom we agree or disagree is a 
characteristic of the Church of the Brethren. It is to 
the continuation of this value, and to an open and 
probing forum, that "Opinions" are invited from 
readers. 

We do not acknowledge our receipt of obvious 
"Opinions" pieces, and can print only a sampling 
of what we receive. All "Opinions' are edited for 
publication. 



Bridgewater Village, a christian 

retirement community serving persons o£ 



all faiths, offers you: 'OverUO spacious, single-story -cottage" 

"^ homes and 28 apartments in Hearthstone 

Manor all designed for independent living 
• A choice of affordable, refundable 



//-' 



We think it's 
wonderful here... 
you zuill too!'' 




life-lease or monthly rental options 
•On-site assisted living and nursing care 

• Resident Service Coordinator on staff 

• Experienced maintenance staff to 
quickly handle the headaches associated 
vi\ih homeownership 

• Easy access to local services, transportation 
scheduled 

• Real estate taxes paid by Bridgev^^ater Village 

• Planned activities and the opportunity to 
take advantage of academic, volunteer, and 
cultural activities available in the area ^x^ 

• And much, much more! 1 ~ [ 



For detailed information, write to 
Bridgewater Village 

315 North Second Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812 
or call collect 703-828-2550. 

Name 



VILLAGE RESIDENTS 



Address_ 
City 



State 



Zip_ 



I 



those people with college and universit 
degrees, with diplomas displayed | 

prominently on office walls entitling 
them to respect. Nor are intellectuals ' 
those who know by heart the names of 
all the great works of literature, art, an( 
music of Euro- American culture. 

Diplomas and titles of cultural 
masterpieces represent education we ca 
"throw around" when we want to 
impress dinner guests and potential in- 
laws. Being an intellectual is quite 
different from being an expert at "Trivi 
Pursuit" or having a skill that comman 
a high social status. 

For me, intellectuals are those peopk 
of whatever station in life, who have th' 
daring to test the boundaries of ideas — 
their own and those of society. Church I 
intellectuals are people who are always 
pushing against the frontier of their 
inherited faith in the hope that God wil 
widen their horizon of belief. Church ' 
intellectuals do not believe they can 
storm "the gates of heaven" and forcibl 
take new spiritual knowledge. But they 
live in hope that God is infinite and 
always open to new disclosures. The 
living Creator is always free to make a 
revelation. 

A church intellectual is a person whc 
sees the Bible and other great spiritual 
writings not as final destinations of a 
questing trail, to be accepted forever, bi 



Child Psychiatry 

"Live your life over again"... uix a chance, take 
a trip, call us about working in our child and ado- 
lescent program. We are a full service psycliiatric 
facility with almost 50 years experience. We are 
ready to grow and reach into new areas but need 
your help. 

We are looking for a psychiatrist who has 
good clinical credentials, but who doesn't have to 
go everywhere with a hot water bottle, a rain 
coat and a parachute. We are 70 miles from the 
Washington/Baltimore area. We are surrounded 
by wide, rich valley farms and cool blue 
mountains. 

Take a chance and give us a call. The com- 
pensation is more than you could possibly 
imagine. Minorities and people of differing 
physical abilities are encouraged to apply. 
Contact David Rutherford, Chief Executive 
Officer, Brook Lane Psychiatric Center, P.O. 
Box 1945, Hagerstown, Maryland 21742-1945 
(1-800-342-2992). 



28 Messenger February 1994 



; forks in the road, to be mulled over, 
"pminders that a faith choice needs to be 
1 iiade to move ahead until one reaches 
\ inother fork. 

oi ; Sometimes, through our historical 
)i pagination, we enter into the lives of 
iible characters and are stirred by their 
Ixperience. We clearly see God at work 
jji their day. Do we now think that all of 
le reflection and wrestling is done, and 
faith can cheaply be handed to us from 
ur spiritual ancestors? 
No. We are always spiritual immi- 
rants. We never get the luxury of being 
econd-generation believers. 
Church intellectuals are those who see 
leing spiritually fed" as only a step 



^ord From The Moderator 

A hymn stanza challenges our life 
igether as the Church of the Brethren: 
"Not alone we conquer, 

not alone we fall; 
In each loss or triumph, 
lose or triumph all. 
Bound by God's far purpose 

in one living whole. 
Move we on together 
to the shining goal!" 
In the midst of conflict and differences, 
/e must keep our eyes on the goal, 
linistering in the name of Jesus Christ, 
,ur Lord and Savior. The current discus- 
ions involving human sexuality, name- 
hange of the denomination, the 
hristology of the Brethren, and other 
isues solicit passionate responses. 
A respectful and redemptive relation- 
hip among the sisters and brothers is 
racial to our ability to hear one another 
nd the Holy Spirit. Our primary mission 
i to be the body of Christ together to a 
esperate world. Let's not get out of focus! 
As we submit to Christ as Lord and 
avior, we can together strain forward "to 
le shining goal." Then, as Paul the 
postle observes in Acts 15:28, it will have 
seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us." 
Earl K. Ziegler 
1994 Annual Conference Moderator 



toward being hungry again. For these 
people, paradoxically, having a spiritual 
hunger created, in dialog with another, is 
a way of being fed. 

So, the vital question for our denomi- 
nation at this point in history is: Who 
will address this constituency in the 



patchwork of Brethren? Who has the 
ability to stir the longing of these 
questing hearts to even deeper longings? 
Granted, this is not the only group in our 
church; but it is one group that also 
needs leadership and nurture. 
Preaching to intellectuals involves 



THE 



• ^ AND i 




A determined man. Practical, vigorous, and service 

oriented. A 1917 Manchester graduate, Dan West was 

highly respected for his leadership roles, youth work, 

peace education, and service projects. His trip to Spain 

in 1937-38 led to the organization of Heifer Project 

International, through which millions of animals have 

been sent to help alleviate hunger. Indeed, Dan West 

personifies the rare and remarkable. 



MANCHESTER COLLEGE 
TRADITION 



Matt Guynn has the leadership qualities, the spark, 

and the commitment of the rare and remarkable. 

When Matt sees a need, he works for change. A peace 

studies major at Manchester, he worked last summer 

for On Earth Peace Assembly in New Windsor, and has 

been named to the Youth Peace Travel Team that visits 

Brethren camps and churches each summer. Matt plans 

to study in Ecuador next fall in preparation for work with 

Spanish speaking people. 



VALUES * GLOBAL AWARENESS * FAITH * ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 
* LEARNING * ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS * COMMUNITY 
PEACE & JUSTICE * STEWARDSHIP * SERVICE 

Write or call to receive more information on Manchester programs or stewardship opportunities, to 
refer prospective students, or to let us know if you are planning a special campus visit. 

Manchester College does not discriminate on ttie basis of marital status, sex. religion, race, 
color, national or ettinic origin, or tiandicap in ttie administration of its educational policies, 
recmitment and admissions policies, sctiolarsfiip and loan programs, employment practices. 
and attiletic or ottier college sponsored programs. 




MANCHESTER 

COLLEGE 



• North Manchester, IN 46962 • (219) 982- 5000 



Febraary 1994 Messenger 29 



Educators and Concerned 
Parents, plan to attend: 

"Education 
of the Public" 

a forum at Annual 
Conference in Wichita, Kan. 

Tuesday, June 28, 1994 

9:00 am — 4:00 pm 

Registration: $25 (Lunch included) 

Keynote Speal<er, discussion, 

luncheon workshops. 

See your pastor for registration forms. 

Sponsored by "Education of the Public" 
Committee, Parish Ministries 




From the 

Office of Human Resources 

DIRECTOR, Pastoral Ministry 

Full-time position in Elgin. 
We are looking for someone: 

• ordained in the Church of the Brethren 

• with at least a Master of Divinity 

• with at least 5 years ministry 

• skilled communicator who is able to work 
with district executives and nurture a supportive 
relationship with districts, congregational leaders, 
& ministers. 

Position available by July 15, 1994. 

COORDINATOR, Consulting/Resourcing 

Half-time, fle.xible location, one year. 
We are looking for someone: 

• with knowledge of evangelism and 
congregational growth 

• experience in consulting techniques & 
organizational planning 

• organizational & administrative skills 

• business degree or commensurate experience 
Position available by Marcli 1. 1994. 
For prompt consideration call Barbara 

Greenwald (800) 323-8039 




Study guide 



Did you know that every month 
Messenger publishes a study 
guide to the magazine? It 
contains helpful questions to 
guide thinking and discussion, 
and suggestions on the guide's 
use. 

• Use it in Sunday school. 

• Use it in discussion groups. 

• Use it for your personal 
study of issues facing the 
church. 

• Use it as a bulletin board 
item to recruit new subscrib- 
ers to Messenger. 

Order your free monthly single copy of 
Messenger Study Guide by sending 
your name, address, and name of 
congregation to MESSENGER STUDY 
Guide, 1451 Dundee Ave.. Elgin, IL 
60120. Your guide will he mailed to 
you each month ahead of 
Messenger's arrival. 



risks and will sometimes bring criticism 
upon the preacher's head (we need only 
to think of the biblical prophets and our 
Master to see what can happen to those 
who introduce new ideas), not because 
anyone is mean-tempered, but because 
all of us are apprehensive about moving 
beyond what we thought was settled. 

It is tempting for pastors to preach 
only comforting sermons that confirm 
what we already believe, rather than to 
disclose the creative edges they have in 
their own thinking, encouraging parish- 
ioners to chew on that for a whole week 
or more so they can integrate it into thai 
own lives. 

Who will preach to the intellectuals, 
those who are excited more by learning 
how to think, and the adventure of 
exploring, than by having "FYI" (for 
your information) sermons doled out to 
them each week? 

As the Church of the Brethren 
continues to frame its higher educationa 
programs and institutions, it must be far 
less concerned about pastoral training 
and pastoral placement and more 
interested in issuing the call for [7/ 
spiritual courage. ' — 

Tom Deal is pastor of York Center Church ofth 
Brethren. Lombard, III. 



CLASSIFIED ADS 



TRAVEL— Israel/Egypt Holiday. Wendell & Joan Bohrer, 
Fred & Nancy Swartz host a tour to Israel and Egypt. Aug. 
8-1 8, 1 994. 1 1 day tour includes travel to Jerusalem, the old 
city, Dead Sea, Megiddo, Galilee, Cana, Mt. Carmel, Mt. 
Nebo, Cairo, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Tomb of King Tut. 
For information wnte; Wendell & Joan Bohrer, 8520 Royal 
Meadow Dr., Indianapolis, IN 4621 7. Tel. (317) 882-5067, or 
Fred & Nancy Swartz, 1 0047 Nokesville Rd., Manassas, VA 
22110. Tel. (703)369-3947. 

TRAVEL— Photo safari to world renowned big game parks 
of Kenya and Tanzania, July 22-Aug. 7, '94. Tour Nairobi, 
Mombasa, Tree Lodge, Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Africa's 
"Garden of Eden." For info, write to J. Kenneth Kreider, 1 300 
Sheaffer Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. 

TRAVEL— Tour to Conference includes Shenandoah 
Valley.Gatlinburg, Smoky Mountains, Nashville, Grand Ole 
Opry Park, Heifer Project Farm, and Blue Grass country of 
Kentucky. For info, write to: J. Kenneth Kreider, 1300 
Sheaffer Rd., Elizabethtown, PA 17022. 

30 Messenger February 1994 



TRAVEL— Greece and Turkey. April 26-May 7, 1994. Fly 
to Athens; follow steps of Paul: see Acropolis, Parthenon, 
Mars Hill, Corinth. Optional tour to Delphi. 7-day cruise to 
spectacularGreek Islands and exotic Turkey. Visit Santorini, 
Crete. Rhodes (island of roses), Patmos where John was 
inspired, Ephesus renowned for architectural beauty, and 
where Paul lived and preached, and Istanbul, where East 
meets West. Contact: Dale & Gladys Hylton, 115 
Greenawalt Road, Lenhartsville, PA 19534. Tel. (215) 
756-6109. 

WANTED— Suburban Denver, Prince of Peace Church of 
the Brethren seeks experienced pastor with proven record 
of church growth, renewal, w/ strengths in worship, spiritual 
leadership. Capable of providing pastoral careforcongrega- 
tion. Supportive and financially strong congregation in eco- 
nomically growing community. Great challenge, in a beau- 
tiful setting. Beginning two-year contract, excellent $45,000 
a year, plus package. Send inquiries and profile to Mr. Lynn 
Clannin, 2222 S. Holland St., Lakewood, CO 80227. Tel. 
(303) 985-5737. 



WANTED— Camp manager or couple to manage Can 
Colorado in Pike National Forest. 40 minutes from Denv 
or Colorado Springs. From Memorial Day to Labor D 
1 994, Camp located on 85 forested acres. Features swii 
ming pool, hiking trails, 6 dorms, dining hall, recreatii 
bidg. Camp has 4 wks. of Brethren-sponsored camps ai 
is rented remainder of season to Brethren churches a 
family reunion groups. Duties incl. purchasing supplie 
cleaning, and repairing camp. Altitude of camp is 7,500 1 
Applicants should be in good physical shape. Sale 
$1,000 a month. Incl. 2-bdrm. cabin, utilities. Interest 
parties contact Ron Achilles, Rt. 1, Box 143, Quinter, I 
67752. Tel. (913)754-2322. i 



WANTED— 'Handyman' couple to buy a 4-apartment co 
plex: attractive, furnished. Near lake, library, post offit 
banks, stores, hospital. Church of the Brethren across t 
street. Reasonably priced. Will finance. Contact: Stor 
Apts., 344 Oak Ave, Sebring, FL 33870. Tel. (813) 3(' 
6863. 




ew 
lembers 

achdalcW. Pa.: Betty Marker. 

Edna Otto 
ithel, N. Ind.: ArleneCory 
andts, S. Pa.: Candace 

Gochenauer 
'oadwater,Mo./Ark.: Peggy 

Hampton 
Lsh Creek, Mid-Atl.: Jenny & 

Matt Brunk, Alma & Robert 

Green, Thelma Halliburton, 

Diana Himes 
•est Manor, N. Ind.: John Case. 

Ken & Vicki Fritz. Mark & 

Elaine Shafer. John & Kristi 

Summers, Bonnie Swiatkowski 
khart Valley, N. Ind.: Megan 

Hershberger 
(hrata, Atl N.E.: Karen & Rick 

Eschenwald, Lisa Pole. 

Shannon Steffy 
■een Tree, Atl. N.E.: John & 

Denise Kittredge. David & 

Robin Midgley, Gail Schlachta 
'eencastle, S. Pa.: Edward & 

Naomi Hundburger. Harold 

McKibben. Rodger& 

SheenaPoe 
ttle Swatara, Atl. N.E. : Nathan 

Dombach. Katie Gardner, 

Lauren Groff, Dale & Denyse 

Haupt. Brenda Sue Hershey. 

Michele & Scot Snyder, Emma 

Ziegler 
iwer Claar, M. Pa.: Daniel 

Ebersole 
Bck Memorial, S. Ohio: J, 

Brooks Walters, Mark & Heidi 

Shover 
Iddle Creek, Atl. N.E.: Brian 

and Laurie Black, Jessica Lapp, 

Melissa Nolt, Anna Pelger. 

Roger & Sylvia Sweigart 
Idland, Mid-Atl. : John & 

Maxine Ebersherger 
Idway, Atl. N.E.; Timothy 

Adams, Jessica Horst. Shawn 

Krumbine. Anthony Leffler, 

Darol & Tammy Saylor, Amy 

& Chad Showers, Grant & 

Helen Weber 
twFairview,S.Pa.: Eugene 

Stremmel 
irthview, S/C Ind.: Lori & Scott 

Douglas. Nancy Fitzsimons. 

Kendra Sousley 
lie Creek, S/C Ind.: Toby 

Gardner, Ron Gaze, Judy 

Gensinger, Fred Halt. Othel & 

Ivis Holderread. Rob La wton. 

Joyce & William Mason, Carol 

Pontius. Ronald & Sheila 

Renz. Helen & Richard 

Sumpter 
neGlen, M. Pa,: Bessie Bonk 
easant Hill, S. Ohio: Lee Adams, 

Jerry Buckingham. Nancy & 

DaieDenman, J.P. 

Shellenberger. Nick Swartz 
Jin Creek, W. Pa.: Margaret 

Berry 
itsdam, S. Ohio: Connie 

Carpenter, Kay Humphrey, Jim 

Kinsey. Jennifer Wright 
)anoke, S. Plains: Pam Chaisson, 

Rene Daniel, Debbie. Stanley 

&Daquari Patrick 
>cky Ford, W. Plains: Laura 

Brubaker. Kellen & Quinn 

Cutsforth, Mike & Teri Jumey, 



Don, Michelle. Nick & Shane 

Lewis, Marion Portner. Nick & 

Russel VanDyk 
San Diego, Pac.S.W: Ruth 

Jacobsen. Liz & Dan Laughlin. 

Meiinda & Roberta Mcintosh, 

Stephanie Washburn 
Spring Mount, M. Pa.: Anita & 

John Heichel. Marjorie Pressler 
Syracuse, N. Ind.: RussCramerer. 

Amy Dull, Larry & Deb 

Peterson 
Tire Hill, W. Pa.: Clinton & Sonya 

Sabo, Samantha BiMetdeaux 
Trinity, S.E.: Janice & Chad Davis, 

Tina Halterman. Donald & 

Mary Jean Hicks. David 

Shelton. Mae Spangler 
Tyrone, M. Pa.: Linda Felzer, 

Robert & Carol Spicer 
Union Center, N. Ind.: Casey, 

Billy & Cory Giles. Lucas 

Walters 
Waynesboro, Shen. : Harold & June 

Colvin, Rick & Tammy 

McKibben 
Weltz, Mid-Atl. : Janice Eckstine. 

Dean & Sheila Mouk 
Williamson Road, Virlina: Sarah 

Rubush, Fred Steffey 



Wedding 
Anniversaries 

Andrews, Edwin and Glenna. 

Nappanee,Ind..50 
Brown, Samuel and Ethel, 

Lewistown,Pa..55 
Clapper, Marion and Kathryn, 

Hollidaysburg,Pa..50 
Croy, Meri and Phyllis, Wakarusa, 

Ind.. 50 
Flora, Clifford and Louise, 

Elkhart. Ind.. 55 
Fraley , Harold and Goldie. Kansas 

City. Mo.. 55 
Kimmel, Edwin and Julia, 

Shelocta, Pa., 50 
Mellinger, Paul and Ruth. Elkhart, 

Ind.. 50 
Metzger, LaRue and Ethel, 

Mechanicsburg, Pa., 50 
Mishler,Everett and Kathryn, 

Goshen, Ind., 55 
Pippenger, Harold and Irene. 

Nappanee. Ind.,60 
Smith, Bill and Ava, Bassett. 

Va.,60 
Uhrig, John and Mary, Greenville, 

Ohio. 70 



Licensing/ 
Ordination 

Clapper, Darreil Lynn, licensed 

Sept.2I, 1993,CloverCreek, 

M.Pa. 
Cox,Norma. licensed Nov. 6. 1993, 

Wiley. W. Plains 
Eichelberger, Todd Evans, 

licensed Sept.21. 1993, 

Bedford. M. Pa. 
Hubble, James, licensed Nov. 6, 

1993. Bethel Nebraska. W. 

Plains 
Knepper, Nancy Fike. licensed 

Oct. 9, i 993, New Covenant, 

Atl. S.E. 
Koehn, Elsie, licensed July 16, 

1 993, Pleasant Plains. S. Plains 



Pagan, Nelson Perez, licensed July. 

1992. Rio Prieto, Atl. S.E. 
Pagan,Zulma Rivera Cruz, 

licensedJuly. 1992, Rio Prieto, 

Atl. S.E. 
Jones, Phillip Lynn, ordained July, 

1992. Antioch, Virlina 
Mumma, Emily Jean, ordained 

Oct. 9. 1993. St. Petersburg, ' 

Atl. S.E. 
Queener, Richard L., ordination 

reaffirmed Oct., 1993, Salem, 

N. Plains 
Vaught, Terry Lynn, ordained Oct. 

23.1993,Logansport/ 

Pittsburgh. S/C Ind. 
Whetzel, Bobby, ordained Oct. 26, 

1 993. Community Mission, 
Shen. 

Hooks, Eric Lee. licensed Nov. 7. 
1993, Plum Creek, W. Pa. 



Pastoral 
Placements 

Archer, Alice, from secularto 

Mount Pleasant, N. Ind. 
Bailey, Daniel, from secularto 

Sipesville.W. Pa. 
Barragan,Jose Martin, from 

student to Dodge City. W. 

Plains 
Black, David, from Mill Creek. 

Shen., to Shrewsbury. S. Pa. 
Black, Larry, from Maple Grove. 

W. Pa., to Beachdale, W. Pa. 
Blow, Albert, from other 

denomination to Imperial 

Heights. Pac.S.W. 
Branson, Merrill C, from Paint 

Creek. W. Plains, to Lena/ 

Yellow Creek, 111,/Wis. 
Brumbaugh, Lillian, from secular 

to West Branch, lil./Wis. 
Bunch, Christopher J , . from student 

to Bachelor Run/Flora, S/C Ind. 
Cavaness, Ryan, Nocona, S. Plains, 

from interim to part-time 
Dean, Vernon, Oak Grove. 111./ 

Wis., to Panther Creek, III./ 

Wis. 
Finney,Ronald, from associate 

district executive, N. Ind., 

10 district executive, 

S/C Ind. 
Finney, Harriet, from Plymouth. N. 

Ind, to district executive. 

S/C Ind. 
Galay,Ken. from secularto 

Beaverton.Mich. 
Harness, Leah O.. from Nettle 

Creek. S/C Ind.. to Sandy 

Creek, W.Marva 
Hubble, James, from secular to 

Bethel Nebraska, W. Plains 
Hughes, Robert, Cedar Grove/ 

Brandywine. Shen., from 

interim to part-time 
Dyes, Charles, from New Fairview, 

S. Pa., to Springfield. Atl. N.E. 
Kipp, Judith, from General Board 

staff to Ridgeway Community. 

Atl. N.E. 
Mason, Kenneth R., from Maple 

Grove, Ill./Wis., to Maple 

Grove/Stanley, Ill./Wis. 
McClendon, James, Pasadena. Pac. 

S.W., from interim to part-time 
McKinney, David, from secularto 

Cherry Grove. W. Marva 
Rogers, Clifford, from secularto 



BeaverCreek/Ewing. S.E. 
Schmidt, John. Pampa, S. Plains. 

from interim to part-time 
Schneiders, Tony, from Salem 

Community. W. Plains, to 

Walnut. N. Ind. 
Shelton, Steven, from secularto 

Sunfield. Mich. 
Thomas, Rodger J.. Berkey, W. 

Pa., from secular to associate 



Deaths 

Altland, Larry, 29. Spring Grove. 

Pa..Nov. 17, 1993 
Anderson, Vergie, 93, New 

Oxford, Pa.. Sept. 8, 1993 
Anderson, Ted, 72, Twin Falls, 

Ida.,Aug. 19, 1993 
Arnold. Levi. 92, Elldiart, Ind., 

Nov. 16, 1993 
Ayers, Samuel, 65, Woodbury. Pa.. 

Nov. 13, 1993 
Baughman, Nora. 95. Bremen, 

Ind., Oct. 16.1993 
Bell,Elsie, 85. Syracuse. Ind., Feb. 

25.1993 
Bestwick, Ruth, 79, Sabetha, Kan., 

Sept. 13. 1993 
Bicknese, Jennie, 84. Worthington, 

Minn., Nov. 26, 1993 
Blough,J.Willard.78. 

Waynesboro, Pa., Aug. 9, 1993 
Bowman, Merlyn, 80. Canton. 111., 

Sept. 20. 1993 
Boyd, Eaton. 47. Harrisonburg. Va.. 

Aug. 17. 1993 
Brunk, Homer. 87. McPherson. 

Kan., Sept. 4. 1993 
Caldwell, Mary Jane. 63, York, Pa., 

Nov. 19, 1993 
Carlson, Andrew, 78, Glendora. 

Calif., Nov. 8, 1993 
Christenson, Richard, 80, 

Kingsley. Iowa. Sept. 17. 1993 
Cole, Viola. 75, Uniontown, Pa., 

Aug. 30, 1993 
Dice, Charles, 67, Saint Thomas. 

Pa.. Nov. 7, 1993 
Dooms,John, 84, Waynesboro, Pa.. 

Aug. 29, 1993 
Dotterer, Stanley. 78, New Oxford. 

Pa., Aug. 20. 1993 
Eaton, Helen, 89, Rora. Ind., Sept. 

11.1993 
Eichelberger, Paul. 77, York. Pa., 

Dec. 5, 1993 
Elicker, John, 80, Hanover, Pa., 

Aug. 4. 1993 
Freece, Rita. 67. Phoenixville, Pa., 

Oct. 25. 1993 
Funderburg, Virginia. 84, New 

Cariisle, Ohio. Nov. 20, 1993 
Gibbel, Harry, 100. Denver. Pa.. 

Oct. 25, 1993 
Gindlesperger, Clarabelle, 79, 

Windber.Pa..Sept.6. 1993 
Ginger, Kenneth, 86, Greenville. 

Ohio.Oct. 19, 1993 
Goon, Rowland, 97. South Bend, 

Ind.. Aug. 7, 1993 
Gordon, Bonnie. 60. Elkhart, Ind., 

Aug. 17. 1993 
Hall, Elmer, 77, Shippensburg, Pa,. 

Sept. 10. 1993 
Hall, Theodora. 87, Greenville, 

Ohio. Oct. 20, 1993 
Hamilton, Lucille, 62. Elkhart. 

lnd..July3. 1993 
Harnley,Mary, 82, Lancaster, Pa., 

Nov. 4. 1993 



Harris, Luella, 75, Camp Hill, Pa.. 

Oct.31,1993 
Hawbaker, David. 85. Saint 

Thamas,Pa.,Oct.31.1993 
Heisey, Andrew. 2 months. 

Lancaster. Pa.. Nov. 1 . 1 993 
Jewell, Edward, 46, East Freedom. 

Pa., Sept. 22. 1993 
Kaltenbaugh, Mary. 85, 

Davidsville,Pa.,July!7, 1993 
Kline, Elva, 85. Manassas, Va., 

Nov. 15, 1993 
Lehman, Mable. 82, South Bend, 

Ind..Oct.30, 1993 
Liskey, Perry, 88, Palmyra, Pa.. 

Aug. 28. 1993 
Marker, Edgar, 84, Waynesboro, 

Pa., March 19. 1993 
Meyer, Harry. 59, Annville. Pa.. 

Sept. 12. 1993 
Miller, Dale, 56. Spry. Pa.. Nov. 

15. 1993 
Mishler, Uretha, 93. Wakarusa. 

Ind., July 29. 1993 
Nickey, Fannie, 85, East Berlin. 

Pa..Nov. 18. 1993 
Ober,Jane. 78.Lititz. Pa.,Nov. 16, 

1993 
Peterson,Mabei. 86, Cando, N.D.. 

Aug. 27. 1993 
Ridinger, Ida, 94. Bassetl. Va.. 

Aug. 8. 1 993 
Rigler,Thelma, 92, Wakarusa, 

Ind.,July 15.1993 
Sallade, Eari. 82, York. Pa., Sept. 

7. 1993 
Shafer, Wilbur. 79. Otlowa. Ohio. 

Sept. 24, 1993 
Shellenberger, David, 89, 

Harrisburg.Pa-.Oct. 17, 1993 
Shockey, Virgie. Smithsburg, Pa.. 

May 12, 1993 
Shronk, Donald, 66. Mont Clare. 

Pa., Nov. 7. 1993 
Shroyer, Emma, 69. Tire Hill, Pa., 

July9, 1993 
Simpson, Fleta. 97, Famham. Va.. 

Dec. 5, 1993 
Smalley, Eva. 84, Beaver. Iowa, 

Nov. 10, 1993 
Smyser, Willard, 62. York. Pa., 

Nov. 16, 1993 
Stambaugh, Mary. 80. Union 

Bridge, Md.. Nov. 14.1993 
Suttle, Bernard, 79. Renlon, Wash., 

Oct. 15, 1993 
Swinger, Myrtle. 75. Dexter, Mo.. 

Nov. 5, 1993 
Swinger, Hubert, 82, Essex, Mo., 

Oct. 2 1,1993 
Todd, Walter. 32. Washington. 

D.CSepl. 10, 1993 
Vaughn, Helen. 89. Vermont, 111., 

Nov. 19, 1993 
Voth,Martha, 84, North Newton, 

Pa.,Apr. 13, 1993 
Wagner, Ivan, 8 1 . Continental, 

Ohio.July 1.1993 
Weber, Kenneth, 80. McPherson. 

Kan.. Sept. 6. 1993 
West, Caroline, 88, Uniontown. 

Pa.. Aug. 22. 1993 
Wetzel, Earl, 77, Westminster, 

Md.. Nov. 23, 1993 
Whitacre, Howard. 87. Mechanics- 
burg. Pa.. Nov. 9. 1 993 
Wiles, Leata. 85, Uniontown. Pa.. 

Aug. 8. 1993 
Wise, Martha. 95. Dallas Center. 

Iowa, Aug. 25. 1993 
Zuver, Martha, 63, Palmyra, Pa.. 

Sept. 3. 1993 



FebiTjary 1994 Messenger 31 



iW 




Curling up with a catalog 



A thoughtful used-book dealer down in Virginia, 
knowing that his customer who giddy-headedly 
orders all those expensive old books about southern 
mountain life and lore is, in real life, a sober-sided 
Brethren editor, sent me at Christmastime, "with his 
compliments," a 1926 catalog from the Brethren 
Publishing House. 

If you have ever pored with fascination over one of 
those reprints of a tum-of-the-century Sears, 
Roebuck catalog, you know the spirit in which I 
received this gem from the Brethren past. 
And, as I fondled my treasure, I became aware of 
what a commentary the catalog provided on the 
Church of the Brethren of its day. Much of what it 
said about the Brethren of 1926 fits comfortably with 
our perception of the Brethren of 1994. And, 
uncomfortably, I detected what I believe are signs of 
the Brethren being led astray in 1926, signs that 
strengthen the case of the breakaway Dunkard 
Brethren of about that time. 

One sign that the forerunners of today's Brethren 
Press were avant-garde is the note on the inside front 
cover of the catalog. "That hard day spent shopping 
in the city," Publishing House marketing chirped, 
"can often be eliminated by ordering from a catalog 
in the quiet of your own home." Sounds like 1994, 
but wouldn't the folks at 22 South State Street be 
astonished to see the plethora of slick catalogs that 
spill out of our mailboxes today! 

The Brethren Revival Fellowship will be grieved 
to learn that in 1926, "Elgin" already had betrayed 
its trust in the tried and true King James Version of 
the Bible and was touting the virtues of something 
called the American Standard Bible. The King 
James Version, the catalog points out with the charm 
of Eden's serpent, "was made in 1611, and in the 
300 years since then words have changed in mean- 
ing, and grammatical usage has changed. And in 
that period, many of the oldest manuscripts known 
have been discovered. Much progress in the study of 
oriental languages has been made." See what I 
mean about being led astray? 

One item in the 1926 catalog has a counterpart in 
1994: There was a new hymnal hot off the press! 
Created for the ages to come, it contained 742 hymns 
and the innovation of 80 pages of responsive 
readings. Witnessing to changing times, the Publish- 
ing House provided two versions of the new hym- 
nal — one with shaped notes and one with round. 

Another catalog item would be familiar to today's 
Brethren Press customers: That continuing best- 
seller of 1994 — the Inglenook Cook Book, with 

32 Messenger February 1994 



model Anna Evans daintily taste-testing her Dunker 
cuisine on the cover — was already a quarter-century 
old in 1926. 

Former Gospel Messenger editor D.L. Miller 
warranted a photograph on page 1 2 of the catalog. 
His numerous book titles were still good sellers, 
apparently. I have never understood how this 
predecessor of mine managed to be editor of the 
denominational magazine and still find time for 
lengthy world travel, followed up by lengthy books 
about that travel — books such as Girdling the Globe, 
which stirred so many Brethren to speed away, speed 
away on missions of light. It's a sad commentary on 
our present time (or the quality of editors today) that 
the best I have managed is a wimpish 32-page 
booklet about a trip to Nigeria. Ah, to emulate 
brother Miller and his girdling of the globe, produc- 
ing my own titles such as Corseting the Continents. 
But I digress. 

Here's a 1926 Brethren Publishing House title that 
poses a question just as relevant for 1994 as for 
1926: The Simple Life: Will We Maintain It? by 
Otho Winger. That Brethren in 1926 already were 
looking for a loophole is suggested by the title of a 
companion volume: Is Simplicity Consistent With the 
Christian Life? by Mary Polk Ellenberger. 

What were Brethren notions about peace, nonvio- 
lence, and racial equality in 1926? Today's peace 
activists and the folks who wrote the 1992 Annual 
Conference study paper on Native Americans will be 
intrigued by this title from the catalog's selections of 
"worthwhile stories" for children: The Patrol of the 
Sun Dance Trail. It's about the Northwest Mounted 
Police dealing with the threat of an Indian uprising. 
Corporal Cameron, the book's hero, helps the 
Mounties "in breaking up the plans of the redskins." 
If it's any consolation, a little farther on the catalog 
lists Prudence of the Parsonage, "a bright, jolly little 
story of wholesome family life." 

There is a lot of practical stuff in the catalog, mind 
you. How about a post card that Sunday school 
teachers could send to truants, which carries this 
subtle message: "All felt bad when we noticed your 
absence from our Sunday school class last Sunday. 
Please don't let that happen again." 

Or, how about rubber baptismal pants "made high 
enough to come up well under the arms." Certainly 
they are a sign that Brethren were getting into deep 
water in 1926. And if the catalog reflected its 
customers and their values, how come Brethren 
sociologists aren't studying this telltale data? I 
would, myself, but I'd rather girdle the globe. — K.T. 




COME TO THE 



Claim the call, claim the 

blessing as hundreds of 

teens gather from around 

the nation to celebrate our 

joy in Christ! We are out to make 

a difference. The exciting speakers 

and planned activities will empower us 

to achieve our goals. This coming July is 

going to be a blast, as we worship and 

meet new people, so tell^ 

your friends and 

sign-up. Come join the 

action as we dare to 
"Come to the Edge." 
See you there! 



The NYC office is sponsoring a new attendance campaign. We're ciiallenging every 

congregation to send more youth to NYC in 1994, 40% more than they sent in 1990. 

It is a big challenge, but one we feel involves your church in the NYC theme, "Come 

to the Edge, Claim the Call. " Join us in the challenge. 



Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 

Please send your registration to: Sliawn Replogle, NYC 
Coordinator, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120, (708) 742-5100 




Church of the Brethren 

^th'ANNUAL CONFERENCE 




ME 



John 7:37-58 



SPEAKERS" 

i 

Earl K. Zieglei 

David M. Bibbee 

Rebecca Baile Crouse 

Tyron S. Pitt! 

S. Joan Hershe\ 

Drama "Tlie Catliering* 



"Acappella' 
Saturday night concert 



JUNE 28 - JULY 3, 1994 
WICHITA, KANSAS 



Logo design artist, Rosanna McFadden, Indianapolis, Indiana 



^LUNTEER HELPERS 

I am volunteering my help with conference tasks, I have marked 

telow. I have numbered them In order of preference. 

I plan to arrive at Conference on June 



-Brethren Press Book Exhibit 

-Registration (computer experience required) 

-Usher (business and general sessions) 

-Child care services 

-Children's activities (age 6-11) 

-Youth activities 

-Messengers (Conference business sessions) 

-Tellers(Conference business sessions) 

-Information/mail desk 

-Ticket sales 

-SERRV Exhibit 



Please circle 
approximate age 

Name 



16-22 

40-50 



22-30 
50-60 



30-40 
60-1- 



St./RFD . 
City 



. State - 



-Zip. 



Telephone No. 



Additional volunteers may indicate on a separate sheet their 
interest In serving. 



PROGRAM BOOKLET 
(Available in May) 

Please send the following: 



-copies at S7.00 each of the 1994 Annual Conference 

Booklet (regular binding) 
-Copies at S10.50 each of the 1994 Annual Conference 

Booklet (spiral binding) 
-1994 Annual conference Information packet 

(Add $1 .00 for postage and handling) 



Name- 



St./RFD- 



Clty- 



. State- 



.2lp- 



Amount remitted S - 



(Delegates sending the delegate authorization form and registra- 
tion fee will automatically receive one program booklet without 
further cost.) 

Information about Conference programs and reservation forms 
may be obtained by contacting your pastor or write: 



Annual Conference Manager 

1451 Dundee Avenue 

Elgin, Illinois 60120 




read for today 

and tomorrow 





Nothing keeps us on our toes like receiving new members to our 
Communication Team. And when they are young and energetic, 
well, we old-timers alternate between feeling the weight of our 
years and the shot in the arm of "new blood." 

Paula Sokody has been with us now since last summer, and 
two other young people have joined us since she came. So it's 
time to introduce this editorial assistant whose 
name you have been seeing in our staff box here 
to the right. 

Paula, who falls in that category of "young and 
energetic," didn't have to uproot herself to join 
our staff; she is a native Elginite. Reflecting her 
youth, she is a 1993 college graduate and is 
getting married in May. She got a rather unor- 
thodox orientation to her job: Managing editor 
Eric Bishop, to whom she reports, was on a 
reassignment to the Washington Office last 
summer and fall, so it was not until Paula had 
attended General Board meeting at New 
Windsor, Md., in mid-October and returned that 
she had a "boss" in 
residence. She made a 
good beginning in 
spite of that. 

Attesting to the 
confidence we have in 
her abilities, Paula 
soon had added to her 
news responsibilities 
that of producing 
"Newsline." Tele- 
phone (410) 635-8738 
any time of the day or night and you can hear Paula giving an 
update of Brethren news. 

By now you see that I am using this introduction of Paula 
Sokody to once again remind readers of this source of Brethren 
news that's as close as your telephone. No need to wait and read 
news as "history" in the monthly Messenger when you can 
receive today's news as "news" on your phone. Of course you get 
a fuller version of news in the magazine, to say nothing of all 
the other features. So keep reading . . . and keep phoning in to 
hear t>auia. 




Newsline 

(410) 635-8738 



24-hour headline news from the Church of the Brethien. 
Messages updated by Thursday morning each week. 
For more infonnadon, contact the Communication Team, 
1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; (800) 323-8039. 




COMING NEXT MONTH: Word about the upcoming National 
Youth Conference (NYC) and National Older Adult Conference 
(NOAC). 



Editor 

Kermon Thomasson 

Managing Editor 

Eric B. Bishop 

Editorial assistants 

Paula Sokody, Margaret Woolgrove 

Production, Advertising 

Paul Stocksdale 

Subscriptions 

Norma Nieto 

Promotion 

Kenneth L. Gibble 

Publisher 

Dale E. Minnich 



District Messenger representatives: 

Atlantic Northeast. Ron Lutz; Atlantic 
Southeast. Ruby Raymer; IllinoisAViscoi 
Gail Clark; Northern Indiana. Leona 
Holderread; South/Central Indiana. Marj 
Miller: Michigan, Marie Willoughby; 
Mid-Atlantic. Ann Fouls; Missouri/Arka : 
Mary McGowan; Northern Plains, Faith | 
Strom; Northern Ohio, Sherry Sampson;^ 
Southern Ohio, Shirley Retry; Oregon/ I 
Washington, Marguerite Shamberger; i 
Pacific Southwest, Randy Miller; Middii 
Pennsylvania. Ruth Fisher; Southern f 
Pennsylvania. Elmer Q. Gleim; Western [ 
Pennsylvania. Jay Christner; Shenandoal ) 
Jerry Brunk; Southern Plains. Mary Annf 
Dell; Virlina, David &Hetiie Webster; 
Western Plains, Dean Hummer; West M I 
Winoma Spurgeon. 

I" 
Messenger is the official publication of J 
Church of the Brethren. Entered as seco | 
class matter Aug. 20, 1918, under Act qI; 
Congress of Oct. 17, 1917. Filing date,lj 
I, 1984. Messenger is a met 
y^ of the Associated Church P R 
1^ and a subscriber to Religioi ! 
— News Service and Ecumen 
Press Service. Biblical 
quotations, unless otherwis I 
indicated, are from the New Revised 
Standard Version. 

Subscription rates; $I2.50individu2}l 
rate, $ I0.50church group plan, $ 10.50 1| 
subscriptions. Student rate 75c an issue 
you move, clip address label and send v|P 
new address to Messenger Subscription \ 
145 1 Dundee Ave.. Elgin. IL 60120. AlV] 
at least five weeks for address change. 
Messenger is owned and published I 
limes a year by the General Services Ct ■ 
mission. Church of the Brethren Genen 
Board. Second-class postage paid at El^ , 
III., and at additional mailing office, M; i 
1994. Copyright 1994, Church of the 
Brethren General Board. ISSN0026-03.'i 

POSTMASTER: Send address chai 
Messenger, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, 
60120. 



p 




I 



16 



n Touch 2 
;^lose to Home 
slews 6 
iVorldwide 9 
Stepping Stones 
''rom the 

General Secretary 
^lixed Reviews 24 
.etters 26 
'ontius' Puddle 
Fuming Points 
Editorial 32 



22 



29 
31 



>edits: 

-over: Phil Grout, John Tubbs 

K Wallowitch 

i: Kermon Thomasson 

I left: George Keeler 

'; Pat Wright 

I left: Barbara Greenwald 

1 right, 15: Alan Boleyn 

0: Michael Fryer, Chicago Tribune 
1: Merv Keeney 

2 top: Phil Grout 

2 bottom: John Tubbs 
3: H. Lamar Gibble 
.7: Wilbur Brumbaugh 
19: National Gallery of Art 



'A daring and hopeful vision' 10 

Approximately 300 Brethren, Mennonites, and Quakers 
brought in the new year at a peacemaker congress. A Special 
Report by Margaret Woolgrove tells what>they discussed. 

Bread for today and tomorrow: Brethren 
development ministries around the world 1 1 

Through One Great Hour of Sharing, Brethren reach out with 
the immediate life-saving bread for the day and the develop- 
ment assistance that looks toward tomorrow. A cluster of 
articles by Yvonne Dilling, Mervin Keeney, and Lamar Gibble 
tell of Brethren development assistance in different areas of the 
world. Introduction by Joan Deeter. 

Can we have hope for Haiti? 15 

Connie Walsh's BVS assignment in Haiti was "tough, at once 
both challenging and exciting, and also gruelingly difficult." 
Interview by Margaret Woolgrove. 

John D. Metzler Sr.: He went into all 
the world 17 

John D. Metzler Sr. had all the credentials of a full-blown 
Brethren hero. Kermon Thomasson pays tribute to the founder 
of CROP. 

Buy why was he resurrected? 18 

The mere fact that Jesus returned is dramatic, and confirming 
the fact that it is indeed Jesus is a time-consuming interest of 
the disciples. James Benedict wonders that no one asked why 
he returned. 

What the old Brethren said about 
anointing 20 

Anointing for healing has a central place in Brethren faith and 
practice. Galen R. Hackman researches the Old Brethren's 
statements to find relevance for today. 



Cover story: Clean water 
supplies in Nigeria are just 
one facet of the worldwide 
program of development 
ministries that Brethren 
support. Turn to page 1 1 
for the story. 




March 1994 Messenger 1 




Hooked on SOS kits 

The wise men from the East 
opened their treasure chests 
and presented the infant 
Jesus with their most 
valuable gifts — gold. 




Andrew Young's 

enthusiasm led Drexel 

Hill church to 

increase its 

production of SOS 

kits for Sudan. 



"In Touch" profiles Brethren we 
would like you lo meet. Send 
story ideas and photos (Mack 
and white, if possible) to "In 
Touch." Messenger, 1451 
Dundee Ave.. Elgin. IL 60120. 



frankincense, and myrrh. 
This past Christmas, 
Brethren were asked to give 
three very different, but 
equally valuable gifts — salt, 
soap, and a towel. These 



Keen to learn 

People trying to avoid the 
winter cold of Pennsylvania 
usually head south to 
Florida, or some such clime, 
but not so Travis Frye, of 
Martinsburg, Pa., who is now 
two months into a six-month 
sojourn in Poland. 



were bundled into "SOS 
kits," to be sent to the needy 
in Sudan. 
For Andrew Young, a 

special needs youth from 
Drexel Hill (Pa.) Church of 
the Brethren, the pictures 
showing how to assemble the 
SOS kits (December, page 
18) were all it took to get 
him motivated in the 
congregation. 

"Our son has limited 
verbal abilities," says 
Andrew's dad, David Young, 
"but as soon a he saw those 
kits, he was hooked. Helping 
people in Sudan was his way 
of responding to God's love." 

Drexel Hill is a small 
congregation. "We set 
ourselves a target of 20 kits," 
says David. "But the congre- 
gation was so moved by 
Andrew's involvement and 
motivation, that by Christ- 
mas Eve, we had closer to 
50." 

David was as touched by 
his son's action as was the 
congregation. "I was really 
proud of Andrew when I saw 
him with his beaming face, 
sitting up there with the SOS 
kits on Christmas Eve. For 
me, going out and buying the 
salt, soap, and towels really 
made my Christmas. It 
brought back what the day is 
really about." — Margaret 

WOOLGROVE 



Seventeen-year-old Travis 
is a member of Roaring 
Spring Church of the 
Brethren and one of six 
students from his high school 
Future Farmers of America 
(FFA) chapter who are 
taking part in an exchange 
program funded by the 
United States Information 



Agency (USIA). 

Although Travis does not 
live on a farm, he has spent 
time working on a neighbor- 
ing dairy farm near 
Martinsburg. He is raising a 
steer for the 1994 Blair 
County Livestock Show and 
Sale. 

In school Travis partici- 
pates in FFA and the 
Fellowship of Christian 
Athletes, and is a member of 
the school's swim team. 

At Roaring Spring church, 
he is active in the youth 
group, has done hurricane 
relief work in Florida, and 
has participated in a Breth- 
ren youth work camp in West 
Virginia. 

In Poland, Travis will live 
and work with the Stanislaw 
Kaczor family on its 43-acre 
dairy farm 60 miles south of 
Warsaw. 

"I am excited about the 
exchange, and also am very 




Travis Frye 

keen to learn about the 
religion, government, 
customs, and politics of 
Poland." said Travis before 
embarking on his trip. "I'm 
sure the memories will last 
me a lifetime." — Margaret 

WoOLGROVE 



2 Messenger March 1994 




Lisa Pierce, of McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren, plays Sunshine the Clown, as 
Shombia and Edith Conda make paper crafts at an Alternative Christmas Fair. 



lust clowning around 

^isa Pierce is a soft-spoken 
voman from Minneapolis, 
vlinn., but meet her when 
;he"s not got her nose in her 
)ooks at United Theological 
seminary in the Twin Cities, 
md she'll probably be 
:lowning around. 

That's what Lisa was 
loing at the Alternative Toy 
^air that was organized by 
brethren and Mennonite 
;hurches with Christian 
Peacemaker Teams (CPT) in 
^linneapolis last fall. 

The fair emphasized the 
;ale of toys and games that 
incourage nonviolence, 
:ooperation, tolerance and 
:reativity among children. 
'For many people, safety is a 
;onsideration in choosing 
oys for children," said Jane 
Vliller, a staff person with 
HPT, "but few shoppers 
hink about the risk of 
)uying toys that glamorize 
/iolence." 

Activities throughout the 
'air included crafts, puppet 
naking, cooperative games 
tnd meeting Sunshine the 
Z!lown. 

"I was introduced to 



clowning by the campus 
minister at McPherson 
College when I was a student 
there," says Lisa. "While at 
McPherson I clowned at 
Church of the Brethren 
regional youth conferences, 
as well as at worship 
services, both at college and 
at McPherson Church of the 
Brethren. 

"Clowning is about 
playfulness and being 
joyful," says Lisa. "It's a very 
different way to experience 
being with people and to 
relay a message. Children of 
all ages relate well to it. 

"Being a clown is about 
being vulnerable with people. 
This allows them to see their 
own child within, and so 
makes them more open to 
hearing a message. To be 
childlike is to be joyful; the 
irony is that so many toys are 
violent and promote killing, 
not joyfulness. 

"Clowning is the most fun 
thing I've ever done. It 
seems to give people a spirit 
of hopefulness, of looking 
toward the future in a very 
positive way. It is a joy to be 
able to do that." — Margaret 

WOOLGROVE 



Names in the news 

Olga and Mario Serrano, 

co-pastors of Principe de Paz 
Church of the Brethren, in 
Santa Ana, Calif., have 
accepted the call to return to 
their native Ecuador, to serve 
in Quito with World Radio 
Missionary Fellowship in a 
Bible teaching ministry. 

• Jessica Shuman, a 
member of Conewago 
Church of the Brethren, in 
Hershey, Pa., began a term of 
service in January with 
Youth Evangelism Service, a 
program of the Eastern 
Mennonite Board of Mis- 
sions and Charities. She 
serves in France in street and 
youth ministries and other 
community outreach. 

• Alvin Fishburn, a 
member of Lone Star (Kan.) 
Church of the Brethren, 
whose work in soil conserva- 
tion was noted in Messenger 
(January 1993, page 3), has 
been awarded a conservation 
medal from the Daughters of 
the American Revolution. 

• Hiram J. Frysinger, 
Palmyra, Pa., a long-time 
minister in Big Swatara 
Church of the Brethren, has 



received an Educate for 
Service award from the 
Elizabethtown College 
Alumni Association. 



Remembered 

A. Stauffer Curry, 80, died 
January 14, in New Oxford, 
Pa. He was executive 
secretary of the National 
Service Board for Religious 
Objectors, 1949-1955. 
Afterward, he served in 
different positions on the 




A. Shniffer Ciiriy 

national staff of the Church 
of the Brethren, including 
that of editor of church 
school publications. 

He was the only person 
who served in four different 
Annual Conference offices, 
and was the last surviving 
moderator who served more 
than one term (1955, 1965). 
Besides the moderatorship, 
he served in the Annual 
Conference offices of reading 
clerk, secretary, and alterate 
moderator. 

• Rosa Page Welch, 92, 
died January 26 in Port 
Gibson, Miss. A nationally 
known mezzo-soprano, she 
was a former member of the 
General Board and served as 
a missionary in Nigeria, 
1961-63. 



March 1994 Messenger 3 




« 




Tales of smokejumping 

There was a day when just 
about every Brethren knew 
what CPS stood for — 
Civilian Public Service. 
During World War II many 
Church of the Brethren 
conscientious objectors 



Mont., that Asa Mundell 
decided to put them into 
book form. 

Last September, Asa, who 
lives in Beaverton, Ore., 
published Static Lines and 
Canopies, a collection of 146 
stories from CPS Unit 103 as 
told by its members. 




*71S^* r-<?v»*v. 



Artist Tom Summers, 

one of the members of 

CPS Unit 103, 

provided the 

illustrations for Asa 

MundelVs book. 



served in CPS in lieu of 
military service. 

Now the dwindling 
number of former CPSers 
keeps alive the memory of 
those days through reunions 
and the retelling of CPS 
adventures. One of the units 
that holds reunions is CPS 
Unit 103, Missoula, Mon- 
tana, whose work was 
"smokejumping" — parachut- 
ing into remote areas to fight 
forest fires. 

So many stories have been 
told and retold during the 
gatherings at Seeley Lake, 



Readers of the book 
expecting to find accounts of 
fighting fire will be disap- 
pointed at the few references 
to that subject. Obviously 
when old smokejumpers get 
together, it's more fun to tell 
about the misadventures of 
parachute training, of 
rattlesnakes in sleeping bags, 
and grizzly bears met on the 
trail. 

For copies of Asa's book, 
contact him at 5420 S.W. 
Erickson Ave., Beaverton, 
OR 97005; tel. (503) 646- 
2733. The book sells for $13. 



"Close to Home" highlights 
news of congregations, districts, 
colleges, homes, and other local and 
regional life. Send story ideas and 
photos (black and white, if possible) 
to ' 'Close to Home.' ' Messenger, 
1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. 



Educating about abuse 

"For the sake of the Chil- 
dren: A Child Abuse 
Workshop," a one-day event 
sponsored by Tyrone (Pa.) 
Church of the Brethren, 
attracted 83 participants. 

The workshop was 
designed to be primarily 
informational, educating 



people about the availability 
of resources in the commu- 
nity such as counseling 
services and professionals in 
legal help and mental health. 
The workshop designers also 
hoped to tighten networks 
among the social welfare 
agencies, schools, law 
enforcement bodies, and the 
church, so that they can work 



together to help children and 
their parents in situations of 
child abuse. 

"Organizing the workshop 
was frustrating at the 
beginning," says Tyrone's 
pastor, John Nalley. "Infor- 
mation was hard to get hold 
of. Sexual abuse is a big 
issue, but one that often is 
ignored within the church. 
Some pastors told me to 
forget about it and the 
trouble would go away." 

Part of the workshop's 
emphasis focused on teach- 
ing children about "safe 
touch," strangers, and whom 
to report "bad things" to. 
This focus was provided by a 
clowning presentation from 
Blair County Children and 
Youth Services. 

"This subject was taboo in 




Tyrone church has people 
dealing with child abuse. 

schools before," says John, 
"but since our workshop, all 
four elementary schools in 
the area have decided to 
incorporate the clowning 
presentation into their 
curriculum. 

With the support of 
Middle Pennsylvania 
District's nurture commis- 
sion chairwoman, Roberta 
Coldren, at least three more 
workshops are planned. 
— M argaretWoolgrove 



4 Messenger March 1 994 



This and that 

Meadow Branch Church of 
the Brethren, near 
Westminster, Md., has 
adopted a local elementary 
Nchool as part of its witness 
program. Each week a 
teacher and a staff person are 




recognized by the congrega- 
tion. Apples, doughnuts, and 
other goodies are presented 
to the school teachers and 
staff during the year. 
Members of the congregation 
are asked to pray for these 
workers. Last November 
Meadow Branch hosted a 
potpie "Appreciation 
Dinner" for the teachers and 
staff on one of their in- 
service work days. 

Pastor Melvin Fike invites 
inquiries from congregations 
(that are interested in the 
Jj Meadow Branch witness 
project as a model. He can be 
contacted at 8 1 8 Old 
Taneytown Rd., Westmin- 
ster. MD 21158; tel. (410) 
848-7478 or 848-7263. 

• Conestoga Church of the 
Brethren, in Leola, Pa., 
began construction in 
December on a $ 1 .5 million 
expansion and renovation 
project, scheduled for 
completion in September. 
The project includes renova- 
tion of the church's educa- 
tion wing and the addition of 
a sanctuary, fellowship area 
and kitchen, administrative 
offices, library, and numer- 



ous rooms to support the 
Conestoga programs. 

Organized in 1724, 
Conestoga is the third oldest 
congregation in the denomi- 
nation. 

• Twenty people attended 
the opening service at Lake 
Charles (La.) Community 
Church of the Brethren on 
December 26. Lake Charles 
is mentored by nearby 
Roanoke (La.) Church of the 
Brethren (see "Crawfish 
Brethren," November 1991) 
as well as Chiques Church 
of the Brethren, in Manheim, 
Pa. 

Lake Charles pastor 
Manny Diaz was encouraged 
by the opening turnout, 
remaining upbeat about the 
fledgling church's prospects 
while admitting that "the 
work has been slower and 
harder than expected." 



Campus comments 

Juniata College has 

launched its biggest funding 
campaign in history. The 
$30-million effort is called 
"Transformations: The 
Campaign for Juniata." Said 
Juniata's president. Bob 
Neff, "We face a challenge to 
ensure for future generations 
of students access to Juniata 
and the kinds of experiences 
that prepare them for a world 
far different from the world 
we faced even five years ago." 

• Robert M. McKinney, 
upon his death in 1992, left 
Bridgewater College 
virtually his entire estate. 
First estimated at $8 million, 
the McKinney bequest has 
turned out to total 
$10,543,249.15. The money 
has been placed in the 




Dave Whitten and his crew never lack for requests to help 
villages create safe and lasting supplies of drinking water. 



More earthen vessels 

In last month's Messenger, 
we told about a project in 
Ekklesiyar Yanuwa a 
Nigeria to build a dam and 
create a reservoir for the 
village of Ganji ("Treasure in 
an Earthen Vessel"). From 
Nigeria, Brethren worker 
Dave Whitten writes, "We 
have started work on a 



college's endowment fund. 
• Elizabethtown College 

has received a $50,000 grant 
to support a study of the 
pressures on Brethren, 
Mennonite, and Amish 
groups in Pennsylvania's 
Lancaster County to modern- 
ize between 1880 and 1990. 
Don Kraybill, director of the 
college's Young Center for 
the Study of Anabaptist and 
Pietist Groups, will direct the 
study, which began in 
January and will conclude by 
July 1995. Carl Bowman, 
chairman of the sociology 
department at Bridgewater 
College, will collaborate 
with Don Kraybill. Their 
research will result in a 
book-length manuscript. 



second dam, and received 
requests for dams from six 
more villages. Along with 
those are requests for 
ferrous-cement water storage 
tanks to be built. We have 
two trained workers to 
handle these tanks now. 
With countless requests for 
cementing village-dug wells, 
we expect to continue being 
busy." 



Let's celebrate 

Lone Star Church of the 
Brethren, near Lawrence, 
Kan., will celebrate its 75th 
anniversary June 26. Former 
pastor Leland Wilson will be 
the guest speaker. Brethren 
on their way that weekend to 
Annual Conference in 
Wichita are invited to attend. 

• Salem Church of the 
Brethren, in Lenox, Iowa, 
celebrated its 90th anniver- 
sary this past September 12. 
Former pastor Leland Grove 
was the guest speaker. John 
Colyn, author of Corn Cob 
and Skunk Skins, taught the 
Sunday school class. A 
potluck dinner followed the 
worship service. 



March 1 994 Messenger 5 



1 




Bridgewater and Manchester 
announce new presidents 

Within one month, both Bridgewater and 
Manchesler Colleges appointed new 
presidents. Phillip Stone will become 
president at Bridgewater on August 1. 
Parker Marden will enter office at 
Manchester on June 1. 

Phillip Stone is a Harrisonburg, Va. 
attorney and graduate of Bridgewater. 
He served as moderator at the 1991 
Annual Conference in Portland, Ore. 
Currently, Stone is on the Bridgewater 
board as vice chairman for educational 




The two newest presidents of Brethren 

colleges: Phillip Stone (left) will head 

Bridgewater (Va.) College, and Parker 

Marden (right) will head Manchester 

College, North Manchester, Ind. 



Because the neM'S pages include news from various 
Church of the Brethren organizations and move- 
ments, the activities reported on may represent a 
variety of viewpoints. These pages also report on 
other national and international news relevant to 
Brethren. Information in news articles does not 
necessarily represent the opinions o/ Messenger or 
the Church of the Brethren. 



policy and campus life. 

Stone is the seventh president since 
Bridgewater was founded in 1880. He 
succeeds Wayne F. Geisert, who retires 
in July after 30 years as president. 

"I have accepted the board's offer, fully 
recognizing the challenge a new presi- 
dent will face in attempting to meet the 
standard set by Dr. Geisert," said Stone. 

"I appreciate what Bridgewater 
College has become through his tireless 
efforts and careful management. At the 
same time, I am excited to be given the 
opportunity to help Bridgewater College 
continue to seek its full potential." 

Stone graduated from Bridgewater 
cum laude in 1965 with a degree in 
economics. He attended the University of 
Chicago School of Economics and 
received his law degree from Virginia 



School of Law in 1970. That year, he 
also joined the law firm of Wharton, 
Aldhizer & Weaver and is remaining a 
senior partner until April 30. 

Stone is a member of First Church of 
the Brethren in Harrisonburg. He was a 
general board member, serving as chair 
in 1986-87, as well as the first attorney 
to serve as Conference moderator. 

Stone has been honored with a num- 
ber of awards. He was named the Natior 
al Churchman of the Year in 1987 by 
Religious Heritage of America. In 1982, 
Stone was recognized as Bridgewater's 
Distinguished Young Alumnus. He also 
received an honorary doctorate in 
Humane Letters from Bridgewater in 
1991 when he gave the commencement 
address. 

On January 14, Manchester College 
announced Parker Marden as its 

Calendar 

Cooperative Disaster Child Care Workshops: 

March 1 1-12, Lanark, III. [For more informa- 
tion call Marian Patterson, (815) 225-7279]. 

Bethanv Alumni Event: "Memories and 
Visions," April 1 0- 1 2, Oak Brook, 111. [Contact 
Debbie Eisenbise. (708) 620-2217]. 

Church of the Brethren Association of 
Christian Educators' conference. Camp 
Bethel. Fincastle. Va., April 15-17. [Contact I 
Doris Quarles, P.O.Box 56, Daleville, VA I 
24083, (703) 992-2465], , 

1994 Regional Youth Conferences at 

Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, Pa.. 
April 16-17; BridgewaterCollege, Bridgewater. 
Va., April 16-17; Manchester College, North 
Manchester, Ind., April 22-24; McPherson 
College, McPherson, Kan.. April 28-May 1 . 
[Contact district youth advisors or the Youth 
Ministries Office, (800) 323-8039], 

1994 National Youth Conference at Colorado 

State University, Fort Collins, Colo., July 26- 
3 1 . Final deadline for pre-registrations is May 
1 5. [Contact Shawn Replogle, NYC Coordina- 
tor, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60 120] 

Church Visit to Brazil: "South and North Meet I 
in a 'Tunker' Way," July 10-28. sponsored by i 
Latin America/Caribbean Office. [Contact Latin 
America/Carribean Office, (800) 323-8039]. 



6 Messenger March 1994 



h president. Currently, Marden is the 
n of Beloit College. He is also the 
2 president for academic affairs at 
Wisconsin college, a position he has 
i since 1988. 

harden is a sociologist with an 
lergraduate degree from Bates College 
^ewiston, Maine, and a master's and 
torate from Brown University in 
vidence, R.I. 

le has held positions at several uni- 
sities before accepting the position at 
nchester. Before he worked at Beloit, 
rden held a number of positions at St. 
vrence University in New York from 
'5-1988. He has also taught at 
vrence University in Wisconsin and 
Tiell University, in New York. 
It is Manchester College's long 
lition of concern for peace and justice 
: is so appealing to me," said Marden. 



"Manchester's mission statement clearly 
points out its focus on international 
consciousness, ethnic and cultural plur- 
alism, and a worth of each individual. 

"Those are consistent with my own 
values and with what I think colleges 
need to do these days. That's the reason 
I'm so interested in Manchester." 

Marden and his wife, Ann, have two 
children, ages 28 and 25. 



Southern Sudanese church 
bombed during mass 

The New Sudan Council of Churches 
(NSCC) announced that on December 
28, 12 bombs were dropped on a church 
in southem Sudan by a government of 
Sudan bomber. 



There were no .serious injuries, but 
many of the homes in the village of 
Chukudum were destroyed. Bishop 
Paride Taban was celebrating mass in 
the church when it was attacked. A 
second bomber dropped bombs on a 
village near Narus where the bishop was 
also expected. 

Bishop Paride Taban is the bishop of 
the Catholic Diocese of Torit and 
Chairman of the New Sudan Council of 
Churches. 

The NSCC stated "Such attacks bear 
no relationship to the conduct of the war 
and can only have the purpose of 
terrorizing and killing innocent civil- 
ians." In its protest against the unpro- 
voked bombings, the NSCC also stated, 
"In particular we are disturbed at what 
appears to be a consistent attempt to 
murder Bishop Paride Taban." 



alifornia earthquake initiates 
uick Brethren response 

ssponse for aid and assistance came 
imediately following the January 
irthquake in southem California. 
Two congregations near the epicenter 
' the 6.6 magnitude earthquake served 
shelter for families and people whose 
)mes were damaged. The Panorama 
ity congregation housed more than 30 
milies. Also in Panorama City, the 
ang Nam congregation of mostly Kor- 
m membership, also provided shelter 
T displaced people, and cooked meals 
at were served to people in the area. 
Within one week of the quake, 31 
ooperative Disaster Child Care 
orkers were placed in seven disaster 
)plication centers. The Disaster Relief 
"fice responded with an initial grant of 
JO.OOO for material aid. 
A 24-hour emergency hotline, (800) 
53-3000, was set up to receive 
^nations. Items requested include 
apers, bottled water in nonglass 
mtainers, tents, and flashlights and 
itteries. 




I 



Neighbors of the Panorama City Church of the Brethren and victims of the 
earthquake that struck southern California in January camp out in the church's 
yard. Following the quake, more than 30 families found shelter at the church. 

March 1994 Messenger 7 



Initial Standing Committee 
ballot ready for Wichita 

The Standing Committee ballot for 
Annual Conference in Wichita, Kan., 
June 28-July 3, has been selected by the 
Nominating Committee. 

Candidates for moderator-elect are H. 
Fred Bemhard, Arcanum, Ohio: Joel D. 
Kline, Fort Wayne, Ind.: J. Benton 
Rhoades, Claremont, Calif.; and Albert 
Sauls, Harrisburg, Pa. 

Nominees for Annual Conference 
Program and Arrangements Committee 
are Michael L. Hostetter, Richmond, 
Va.: J. Wayne Judd, Elizabethtown, 
Pa.; Frank Ramirez, Elkhart, Ind.; and 
David A. Yingling, Roanoke, Va. 

Candidates for an at-large General 
Board position, five-year term, are 
Phyllis W. Davis, North Liberty, Ind.; 
David Fitz, York, Pa.; Sharon 
Hutchison, McVeytown, Pa.; Kathryn 
Ludwick, Burlington, W.Va.; MaryAnn 
Ludwick, Doylestown, Ohio; Terry 
Shumaker, Buena Vista, Va.; John 
Thomas, Guthrie, Okla.; and Joyce A. 
Stoltzfus, Derwood, Md. 

Candidates for Atlantic Northeast 
District representative to the Board are 
Jefferson C. Crosby, Lancaster, Pa.; 
Thomas Keller, Newmanstown, Pa.; 
Jean Moyer, Elizabethtown, Pa.; and 
Tracy Wenger Sadd, Manheim, Pa. For 
Northern Plains: Paula Picard Bowser, 



District, General Board 
announce staff changes 

Terry Hatfield has resigned from his 
position as executive of Northern Indi- 
ana District, effective April 19. after 
seven years of service. On May 1 he will 
be begin a pastorate with Prince of Peace 
church in Denver, Colo. 

Guinevere Grier, from Arlington, 
Texas, began February 1 as the coordina- 
tor, Lafiya Task Group Ministry position 
with the General Board in cooperation 

8 Messenger March 1994 



Ankeny, Iowa; LaDonna Kruschwitz 
Brunk, Eldora, Iowa; Ruth Davidson 
Clark, Froid, Mont.; and Glennis 
Simmons Walker, Reading, Minn. 
For OregonAVashington: Patrick 
Anderson, Maple Valley, Wash.; 
Ernest J. Bolz, Tonasket, Wash.; Shel 
Eller, Portland, Ore.; and Robert 
McKellip, Pomona, Calif. 

Candidates for the Pastoral Compen- 
sation and Benefits Advisory Commit- 
tee are Ronald D. Beachley, 
Davidsville, Pa.; Harriet Finney, North 
Manchester. Ind.; Allen T. Hansell, 
Harrisburg, Pa.; and Ronald D. Petry, 
Ellicott City, Md. 

For the Committee on Inter-church 
Relations, the candidates are J. Michael 
Fike, Morgantown, W.Va.; Don Flora, 
La Verne, Calif.; Marianne Rhoades 
Pittman, Blacksburg, Va.; and Jane 
Marchant Wood, Boones Mill, Va. 

Brethren Benefit Trust candidates 
are Cheryl Ottemoeller Ingold, 
Fresno, Calif.; Carol Bowers, Seattle, 
Wash.; Ann Murray Reid, Roanoke, 
Va.; and Maria UIIom-Minnich, 
Wichita, Kan. 

For Bethany Seminary elector 
representing the colleges, nominees 
are Doris E. Coppock, McPherson, 
Kan.; Eldon Eugene Fahs, North 
Manchester, Ind.; Judy Georges, 
Claremont, Calif.; and Dorothy Keller, 
North Manchester, Ind. 



with the Association of Brethren Care- 
givers (ABC). She comes to this position 
with 10 years of pastoral care and coun- 
seling experience in a variety of settings. 



Terry Hatfield 



Guinevere Grier 




Emergency grants issued to 
California, Florida, Haiti 

In the aftermath of the Los Angeles 
earthquake in January, a grant of 
$20,000 has been approved by the 
Emergency Disaster Fund. The monies 
will be used to support Cooperative 
Disaster Child Care (CDCC) efforts, am 
material aid for churches. 

A grant of $13,000 has been given by 
the Emergency Disaster Fund to cover 
final expenses related to Hurricane 
Andrew in Louisiana and Florida. This 
project, which started over a year ago. ii 
in its closing stages. 

The Emergency Disaster Fund has 
allocated $10,000 for Haiti, in response 
to the economic uncertainty created by 
increasing political unrest and violence 
there. The monies will be divided 
between the Haiti Twinning Parish 
Program, for its work in providing 
humanitarian relief and grassroots 
development, and the National Coalitio 
for Haitian Refugees to assist with the , 
provision of medical and security needs, 
of victims of human rights abuses. i 

A grant of $7,000 has been allocated 
to cover continuing exigencies in the 
former USSR. The money will go towai 
food and clothing shipments. 



Three Brethren named as 
CWS disaster consultants 

Among 44 newly trained Disaster 
Resource Consultants for Church Worl 
Service are three Brethren. 

Shirley Norman of Markleysburg is 
Pennsylvania representative, and Glen 
and Helen Kinsel of Roanoke are the 
Virginia representatives. 

Disaster Resource Consultants are 
appointed for two-year terms and work 
year-round to educate communities to 
prevent human-caused disasters like ci 
disorder and environmental disasters. 
They also advocate for measures to les 
sen the effect of disasters where possit-' 



iller signs on to NCC letter to 
esident concerning violence 

neral secretary Donald Miller joined 
tional Council of Churches general 
Tetary Joan Brown Campbell and 
;sident-elect Gordon L. Sommers in a 
:er to President Clinton concerning the 
ilence in America, 
rhe letter, which commended the 
isident on his speech in Memphis, 
nn., concerning violence, was signed 
over 40 ecumenical leaders. The letter 
o stated several initiatives churches 
/e taken to combat violence in the 
nmunity including the Congress of 



National Black Churches" working at 
formulating responses to violence in the 
communities, and the NCC's recent 
statement condemning graphic media 
violence. 

"Religious community anti-violence 
initiatives revolve around several con- 
sistent themes," the letter stated. One of 
the themes is "Continuing to proclaim, 
teach, and call our people to practice the 
ethical value and virtues which provide 
the basis for real community and a 
morally fulfilling life. The battle against 
violence begins in each of our hearts and 
lives. Religious faith offers vital moral 
resources for replacing fear and violence 



with hope and reconciliation in our 
homes, communities, and nation." 

The letter also stated the goal of 
"protecting America's children from the 
epidemic of violence by effective, respon- 
sive, equitable law enforcement, and 
by providing our young people with 
options for healthy development through 
private action and public policies that 
promote ample education, strong social 
programs, and real job opportunities." 

Other objectives in the letter included 
stopping the increasing numbers of 
guns, monitoring media violence, and 
installing anti-violence coalitions in 
communities. 



or 



innonlte groups in Mexico and North America will 

list the Mennonite church in Cuba following the recommendation of 
even-member delegation that visited the island nation in November 
i December. The delegation was made up of representatives from 

Mennonite Church in Mexico, Franconia Mennonite Conference, 
nnonite Central Committee (MCC), and Mennonite Board of 
;sions. 

The groups will provide transportation for a Cuban pastoral couple 
they can visit the nine Mennonite groups scattered throughout he 
> Villas province. They will also assist with exchanges among 
ban and other Latin American Mennonites. 

Church Women United (CWU), a national ecumenical 
vement of Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and other 
ristian women, has been sued for the amount of $2 million by a 
rwegian fish processing company based in New Bedford, Mass. 
3 suit was brought in reaction to Church Women United's letter- 
ting campaign questioning Frionor's unjust treatment of female 
ployees. CWU joined with a number of other organizations in 
louncing a proposed contract "that would potentially discriminate 
jinst Frionor's largely female workforce by allowing older women to 
replaced by younger, less expensive workers," said a news 
Base. 

A campaign to highlight human rights violations in 

i United States was initiated in December by the World Council of 
urches (WCC) and National Council of Churches (NCC). 
The two organizations aim to raise the level of awareness about 
:ism and other abuses by looking at the issue in the context of 
jrnational human rights law. The campaign's emphasis will initially 



be on education— helping the churches and communities to see and 
understand the problems. This fall, the WCC will organize interna- 
tional ecumenical teams of church leaders and human rights experts 
to visit seven US sites (New York, N.Y., Chicago, III., Pine Ridge, 
S.D., El Paso, Texas, Birmingham, Ala., and Miami, Fla.) where local 
groups will present the human rights violations they have documented 
in their communities. From this documentation, a brief will be 
prepared for presentation to the UN Human Rights Commission. 

Under a new tederal law that took effect January 1 , 
people making lump-sum contributions of $250 or more to a church or 
other charity may no longer use a canceled check as a receipt when 
filing their federal taxes, according to a Religious News Service news 
release. 

People must now obtain a detailed receipt from the church or 
charity stating the amount and nature of the donation. The Internal 
Revenue Service says the law will close a loophole and put a stop to 
donor fraud that costs the federal government almost $100 million a 
year in lost revenue. 

Church World Service (CWS), reported that from 

October 1992 through September 1993, nearly 8,000 refugees were 
resettled in the United States from five different regions of the world. 

East Asia had the highest number of resettled refugees with 2,775 
while eastern Europe followed with 2,370. Africa had 1,108, the Near 
East 1,102, and Latin America 505. CWS also reported that 1,481 
Cubans and 340 Haitians were resettled in the US under the Cuban/ 
Haitian Primary Secondary Resettlement Program. 

CWS is a ministry unit of the Church World Service and Witness 
unit of the National Council of Churches. 

March 1 994 Messenger 9 




'A Daring and Hopeful Vision' 



by Margaret Woolgrove 

'"Listen to me,' Jesus says, which simply 
means to be obedient to the gift that is 
within you."" For many of those who 
heard Michael Banks" message at the 
Peacemaker Congress in Chicago over 
the New Year weekend, the gift of which 
he spoke was the gift of being a peace- 
maker in a troubled and violent world. 
And for many people, that troubled and 
violent world is not nearly so much "out 
there"" as it is right here, in our own 
backyards, on our own streets, and even 
in our own homes. 

In a series of plenaries and 40 work- 
shop options, the 300 participants at the 
conference were invited to explore 
"Christian Alternatives to a Culture of 
Violence."" 

In the opening session. Banks, a 
Mennonite pastor from the Bronx, N.Y., 
called on conference participants to 
"dream their dreams and vision their 
visions'": to "lift the ceiling and push out 
the walls."" Although the conference had 



been organized by the three Historic 
Peace Churches (Brethren, Quaker, and 
Mennonite), in the guises of Christian 
Peacemaker Teams (CPT) and New Call 
to Peacemaking. Banks told the 
conferencegoers not to be bound by the 
labels of denominationalism or anything 
else. "Peacemaking mustn"t become a 
clique. We need to include the meat- 
eaters too!" Banks continued, "Denomi- 
nations are just a method in the way: the 
way is Jesus Christ," with the goal being 
justice and freedom from oppression. 

In the period of open worship that 
followed this talk, Marti Matthews, a 
Quaker, spoke of the gentleness that 
must be employed when attempting to 
determine what justice is for other 
peoples. "In peacemaking we need to 
listen very hard to what others really 
want. If we do not, then our attempts at 
being peacemakers can end up doing 
violence to others." 

Julie Garber, editor for Brethren Press, 
picked up on this theme when she 
cautioned the group not to see its vision 



Church of the Brethren members Tom Wagner (far left) of Muskegon, Mich., and 
Dale Brown (far right) of Lombard, III., stand with other participants of the 
Peacemaker Congress in a protest of war toys at a Chicago toy store in January. 




of human rights necessarily as a univer- 
sal vision. She spoke of the need to be 
"fully human" in whatever one does for 
God. In addressing the "Daring and 
Hopeful Vision" of Christian Peace- 
maker Teams, Garber said it was by 
living into one's own humanity and 
thereby enabling others to live into theirs 
that the vision of CPT was rooted. 

"We have no credibility in the world 
out there if we're not working on the 
humanization of our own society," she 
said, stressing that the humanization of 
the First World is only going to happen 
with a divestment of power. This starts at, 
an individual level by divesting of the 
symbols and rhetoric that have been usedj 
by one group to gain subjugation over 
another, for example, through language 
or religious symbols. 

"Sometimes the very thing you're 
afraid of is the very thing you are being 
called to do,"" said Bill Wylie Kellerman 
in Sunday"s plenary. "Getting your fears 
out into the open frees them to be used in, 
the service of the Holy Spirit."' 

On New Year's Day, 150 conference 
participants put the theory of nonviolent 
action into practice in a demonstration 
against war toys at a local Toys-R-Us 
store in Chicago. This was the first CPT- 
initiated public prayer witness to receive 
full national and local media coverage. 
The witness began with a time of prayer 
and continued with singing and 
leatleting, both inside and outside the 
store. A 20-minute teach-in on the effect 
of violent toys on children took place 
inside the store while stickers warning olj 
the damaging "health" risks of violent 
toys were stuck onto the packages 
containing them. 

The congress ended as it began, with 
worship combining the traditions of 
Mennonite, Quaker and Brethren. Per- 
haps less in keeping with many people's 
images of these three "Puritan" 
churches, was the spontaneous move- 
ment and clapping which broke out with 
the singing of the last song, "We shall gc 
out with joy, and be led forth 
in peace. . . ." 



f 
I 

li 

i 
a 



* 



Ail 



10 Messenger March 1994 




read for today 

and tomorrow 



Brethren development ministries around the world 



ly Joan Deeter 

'e Brethren are proud of our history of 
itending a cup of cold water to brothers 
id sisters in the name of Jesus Christ. 
'e believe that our faith is 
vealed in the manner of 
ir giving. In 1994, we 
•lebrate 50 years of 
sponse to human need 
rough the Brethren 
;rvice Center at New 
'indsor, Md. And as we 
ark this anniversary, we 
ijoy recalling the variety 
aid that has been 
ocessed through that 
cility. We remember the 
rly years at New Windsor 
hen tons of material aid 
"re shipped to European 
luntries devastated by 
orld War II. We rejoice 
at the ministry continues 
ith recent gifts of love to 
|issia and Sudan, and to 
btims of floods in the US. 
'Brethren quickly 
spond to urgent need. 
at Brethren have extended 
ring beyond the public 
!:ention of today's 
adline. As Dan West 
■ gan Heifer Project to multiply the 
ildren fed, so Brethren with others 
ve sought to equip persons to carry 
>ponsibility for meeting their own 
eds. Refugees are resettled and assisted 
becoming .self-sufficient in a new 
:ation. Wells are dug in Nigeria to 
ovide not just a cup of cold water, but 
ars of available supply. Months after a 



disaster, volunteers will be on the site, 
helping to make repairs or replace 
destroyed housing. 

Around the world there are urgent 
needs. There are also men and women 



Most of us recognize that were we the 
hungry and homeless we would long for 
a new start beyond the necessary 
immediate aid. 
Through One Great Hour of Sharing 



Brethren work to turn recipients of our giving into 

strengthened partners who can join us in bringing life 

to all the world's peoples. 




^^^ 



m 



m 



•I 




1993 Annual Conference moderator Chuck Boyer, Joan Deeter, and then World Ministries 
chairwoman Ingrid Rogers discussed development ministries with David Malafa, chairman of 
Ekklesiyar Yanuwa a Nigeria (EYN) in a February 1993 meeting in Nigeria. 



eager to be partners in finding long-term 
solutions to the problems that plague 
them. Hebrews 13:3 encourages us to 
think of those who suffer desperate 
need as though we shared their fate. 
"Remember those who are in prison, as 
though you were in prison with them; 
those who are being tortured, as though 
you yourselves were being tortured." 



we reach out with the immediate life- 
saving bread for the day and the develop 
ment assistance that looks toward 
tomorrow. We turn recipients into 
strengthened partners who can join 
us in bringing life to all the 
world's peoples. 

Joan Deeter is associare general secretary for 
the World Ministries Commission. 

March 1 994 Messenger 1 1 



Ai. 



Dread for toda 
and tomorrow 



latin Aiiierira/iari[ 

An alternative to 'distorted developmer 



by Yvonne K. Dilling 

As I walk through a village, an acquain- 
tance hails me and invites me in for 
coffee. I accept, and enjoy the good 
company and strong, sweet coffee. Our 
conversation is only marred by the TV/ 
VCR blaring in the cement living room. A 
half-hour into our visit, I ask to use the 
bathroom. My host casually replies, "Just 
go out back . . . anywhere." 

To visit a village in Latin America or 
the Caribbean today is to be overwhelmed 
by this sort of contradiction — a VCR. but 



no toilet, not even a latrine. "'Underdevel- 
opment" is not an adequate term to 
describe such areas. I prefer the term 
"distorted development." The technologi- 
cal era has surpassed the industrialized 
era, bringing the latest products into sight 
of the people least able to afford them. At 
the same time these people are not 
provided the services North Americans 
take for granted, such as indoor plumbing. 
Several new Brethren congregations in 
the Dominican Republic are located in a 
province that is a good example of 
(continued on page 14) 




Refugees dream of a restaurant 



by Mervin Keeney 

Jesus" ministry included both preaching 
and healing. He multiplied the loaves and 
fishes for those who were hungry. And he 
directed us to respond to the needs of the 
hungry and thirsty, the sick and impris- 
oned, as though we were ministering to 
Christ himself. The gospel message 
weaves together a concern for physical and 
spiritual wholeness. 

Following Christ's example. Brethren 
have built schools, dug wells, and devel- 
oped health programs while establishing 
churches. We believe our spiritual 
wholeness is linked with sharing our 
resources, or taking action, to enable 
another's physical wholeness. We recog- 
nize that the church is not an international 
aid organization, and may not have 
sufficient resources to meet every need, but 
we know that we cannot ignore hunger 
and suffering surrounding us and still call 
ourselves the body of Christ. 

Soon after the first service under the 
tamarind tree in Garkida in 1923, a school 
was established as a part of the Nigeria 
mission program. Over the years, Brethren 

12 Messenger March 1994 



mission efforts in Nigeria, Sudan, and 
elsewhere have emphasized education, 
health care, wells and water programs, 
and other development activities alongside 
evangelism, church planting, and theo- 
logical education. We understand this 
ministry combination as reflecting the 
example of Christ. 

Ongoing development ministries in 
parmership with the Nigerian church 
include the widely recognized rural health 
program; the rural development program, 
which includes both agriculture and wells 
programs (see February, page 1 8, high- 
lighting the new dams component); and 
the Technical School at Garkida. Middle 
East development efforts have included 
health services and education. 

In the desperate war and drought 
context of Sudan, development is espe- 
cially difficult because the people have 
been forced away from the basic means of 
production and self-support — fields and 
cattle herds. 

Phil and Louise Rieman serve as 
community development facilitators in 
southern Sudan. One of the tasks of the 
Riemans is to nurture and encourage local 



initiatives to respond to the needs express 
by the community. Despite the war and 
destruction in southern Sudan, there are 
many able leaders and committed indivic 
als whose spirit flourishes amidst the 
suffering. Phil tells of one women's grou 

"Early in our stay in Kaya, we met 
Anglina, an active and outgoing lay won 
at the Roman Catholic church just down 
hill from our house. 

"Later, Louie and I met with Anglina a 
the Catholic women's group and Nancy 
Hinga, our Kenyan NSCC (New Sudan 
Council of Churches) co-worker. I saw thf 
enthusiasm they all had meeting together ] 
sisters in Christ, brainstorrning, envisionii 
and planning what they could do to help 
themselves and those around them. What; 
heard was a group of women with many 
good ideas about how they could, with a li 
of support, become more self-reliant. 

"Louie and Nancy are dynamic co- J 
workers with lots of charisma that draw; i6 
best out of jjeople and empowers them tc 
creatively and imaginatively act on their 
dreams. And it happened that day. The 
women discussed their dreams of startin i 
guest house/restaurant, of cooperative 





've: Youth in the Dominican Republic. 

]ht: Father Spiridon (right), the director of 

the project at Anosino, stands in front of 

the entrance to the monastery. 

'ow: Nigerian Stephen Zoaka surveys a 
dam project near Ganji . 




"dening, of raising funds for education of 
ciiildren, and having their own grinding 
II to serve the community. 
'Within a month and a half the war 
ced the evacuation of Kaya, wounding the 
;ams but not killing them. Nancy, Louie, 
1 1 have met with Anglina now in the 
ugee camp. Being refugees has only 
wed the women down, not stopped them, 
lybe the next time we visit we can 
at their little restaurant." 



M. 



Another 'heifer project' 
... in the wilderness 



by H. Lamar Gibble 

Although it was only November, the 
Russian winter had begun. The day was 
crisp and clear. Birchwood, field, and 
stream were covered with snow and ice. 
Ornately trimmed wooden houses formed a 
village along the crumbling wall of a 



V:!^ 



Vervin Keeney is Africa and Middle East 
resenrarive on the World Ministries Commission 
f. 




monastery. By the decaying monastery gate 
a chapel in the process of restoration was 
our first stop for brief prayers. Inside the 
walls, even greater deterioration, destruc- 
tion, and clutter awaited us. And this was to 
be the center for the dairy development 
project that has received the blessing of 
Patriarch Alexy? 

Before the 1917 Russian 
Revolution, the Russian Orthodox 
Monastery of Saints Boris and 
Gleb in the Wildemess of Anosino 
was very important to the commu- 
nity. It encompassed thousands of 
hectares of agricultural land, 
forest, and meadow. Its monastic 
community was counted in the 
hundreds. Central in its walled 
compound stood a great church, 
surrounded by buildings dedicated 
not only to liturgical celebration 
and shelter for the religious 
community, but also to agriculture, 
food storage, education, and 
culture. After the Revolution, 
especially during the Stalinist 
period, the monastic community 
was decimated. Bombing during 
World War II almost destroyed the 
main church and most of the 
surrounding buildings. The 
monastery compound largely lay in 
ruins, and was cluttered with 
materials left by its last user, a 
state construction company. 
But a few years ago, this 
monastery, along with many 
i I others, was returned to the church 
m J by the state. Retumed were the 

primary monastery grounds within 
the walls and slightly over 100 
hectares (250 acres) of the original 
thousands. An order of Russian 
Orthodox nuns retumed to the 
property to begin rebuilding and 
cultivating the land for their 
sustenance. Their living space and 

March 1994 Messenger 13 



B 



read for today 
and tomorrow 



the chapel by the gate were restored first. 
At my visit there were 22 sisters in the 
community. 

They had cultivated about five hectares 
of vegetables, mostly potatoes, to provide 
for their food and to support some of the 
needy in their village. Several cows, a 
horse, and chickens occupied one of the 
large cattle sheds that survived the history 
of war and decay. Now the new vision and 
hope of the sisters of this convent and of 
the Russian Orthodox Church are that this 
historic monastery may become a center 
for dairy herd development, supplying 
pure bred or improved dairy cattle to other 
agricultural development projects being 
initiated by the church on agricultural 
lands returned for their use. 

I was convinced that this is a worthy 
project. But the needed dairy breeding 
stock and agriculture machinery and 
equipment will be costly. Development of 
this project alone initially will require 
$207,700. The Church of the Brethren, 
along with the cooperating denominations 
of the National Council of Churches, is 
committed to this project. Development 
funds are pooled by these denominations 
along with the money raised for this 
purpose through Church World Service 
direct appeals and CROP walks. 

The project in the Wilderness of 
Anosino is one of four major agricultural 
development projects supported by US 
churches. Two others, one near Smolensk 
and one in Siberia, are also projects of the 
Russian Orthodox Church. The other one 
is sponsored by the Russian Baptists and is 
in the Ryazan region, about 400 kilome- 
ters south of Moscow. The total estimated 
current cost to bring these projects and 
dreams to fruition is $657,700. 1 give 20 
percent of my time on behalf of the ecu- 
menical community relating to these agri- 
cultural development projects in Russia. 

TTie Church of the Brethren in most of 
its history of overseas witness and work 
has had food production and agricultural 
development as part of its agenda. It was 
true in all of its mission programs. It was 
reflected in programs such as Heifer 
Project. It continues in our agricultural 

14 Messenger March 1994 



exchange programs with Poland and 
China. And it is reflected in a significant 
way by our current participation in and 
support of these agricultural development 
programs in Russia. Food is basic to life. 
As Jesus" feeding of the five thousand 
illustrates, physical and spiritual needs 
cannot be artificially separated. In the face 
of food shortages and hunger, emergency 



food must be provided. But as quickly as 
possible such programs must be supple- 
mented and replaced by sustainable food 
production programs such as the one 
underway in the Wilderness of 
Anosino. 



Ai 



H. Lamar Gihhle is representative for Europe 

and Asia/peace and international affairs on the 
World Ministries staff. 



DILLING. continued fi-om page 12. 
distorted development. The development 
hopes of the 1960s and '70s died, and as 
the global economic system went through 
convulsions in the '80s, economic life 
became desperate in villages such as the 
one I described. In this particular prov- 
ince, well-meaning people and agencies 
"helped" in erratic ways that lack a 
consistent contact and involvement in 
these villages. A welfare mentality 
developed. People came to expect that if 
they waited long enough, "someone else 
would come along to help." 

Those same persons are most suscep- 
tible to the latest products that technology 
has produced. So it is commonplace today 
to find a VCR in a house with no plumb- 
ing, among people who do not understand 
why plumbing is necessary for community 
health. 

Thankfully, not all the villagers are 
sitting around waiting. Miguelina Arias is 
a member of the Church of the Brethren in 
the Dominican Republic, living in 
Magueyal, a village that epitomizes 
distorted development. Miguelina is a 
teacher in the public school there, and a 
life-long resident. She only left for a few 
years to get her teaching certificate. She is 
bright, skilled, and energetic. Many people 
ask her why she doesn't apply to teach in 
the capital city, where she could earn 
much more. Her firm answer is that she 
loves the people of her village and wants 
to help them better their lives. 

Miguelina was the first to ask me last 
summer if the church in the US could help 
her village construct a community 
building that would house a pre-school. 
There might be funds, I said. We then 
talked about community projects — what 



makes them work or fail. In a general way 
we came to the topic of philosophy and 
criteria for good community projects. I 
explained that the Brethren practice 
community collaboration. "We do not do 
alone what we can do better in collabora- 
tion with others," I said. 

That was in June. In August, 
Miguelina's pastor, Daneri, reported to mi 
that they had formed a community 
coalition including the farmers associa- 
tion, the housewives club of the Catholic 
church, the school teachers, and the 
Church of the Brethren. 

I contacted a grassroots community 
education group, GAAPs in Santo 
Domingo, and asked it to visit the village 
for me, to assess the viability of the group 
and project, and explain our application 
forms. A month later, a long, positive 
report came, confirming there was a core 
group representing three or four commu- 
nity organizations, all of them weak, but 
with good potential as a coalition. 
Although the group was in its early 
development stages, it had good capabili- 
ties ... if provided with the right training 
CAAPs offered to provide technical 
assistance to the group, whose first step 
would be a community workshop on how 
to do community projects, including how 
to motivate broad participation. 

A recent visit to Magueyal gave me 
hope for something better than "distorted 
development" for the Dominican 
Republic, and hope that the Church of thi 
Brethren can continue to do its small par 
to give lives a sense of dignity for the [Ti! 
glory of God and our neighbor's good. I — 

Yvonne K. Dilling is Latin AmericalCarihbean 
representative on the World Ministries Commissio 
Staff. 



i 



Can we have hope for Haiti? 



)y Margaret Woolgrove 

There seems to be so little in Haiti to be 
opeful about anymore,'" said Connie 
Valsh, a Brethren Volunteer Service 
/orker who has been on assignment in 
laiti for the past year, "but probably the 
lost uplifting thing that has happened to 
le in my time here was on a visit I took 
ut to a small rural community center 
ist year. These people had so little, but 
efore I left, the leader of the community 
ame and gave me two small eggs that 
is hens had laid. I think that those two 
ggs were the most important gift that 
've received in my whole life." 

Living and working in the poorest 
ountry in the Western Hemisphere, 
/here one out of five children die before 
le age of five, and life expectancy is 54 
ears, is a challenge not everyone is 
repared to face. Connie arrived in Haiti 
anuary last year, 16 months after the 
lilitary coup that ousted Haiti's first 
emocratically elected president from 
ower. The ensuing 12 months have 
een tough, at once both challenging and 
xciting, and also gruelingly difficult. 

"The hardest thing I have done during 
ly year in Haiti," said Connie, "is stand 
y and watch Izmery die." Antoine 
zmery, the leading financial backer of 
'resident Aristide, was shot by the 
lilitary in broad daylight in September 
ist year (November, page 6). "There 
/ere a lot of internationals at the church 
ervice that day," Connie continued, 
and I can't help but think that if we had 
een more organized, we could have 
one something to prevent his death." 

The memory of that day remains very 
irm in Connie's mind. 

"Just over a month later, Guy Malary, 
le minister for justice from Aristide's 
overnment, was shot outside that same 
hurch. If the military can get away with 
lis type of killing in broad daylight, is it 
ny wonder that the people no longer 
;el safe in the streets or in their 
omes?" 

j Connie's first assignment in Haiti was 
/ith a hospice in Port-au-Prince, the 
apital city. "In the United States, a 
;0spice is a place that looks after the 




Connie Walsh, Yvonne Dilling {World Ministries staff for Latin America/ 
Caribbean), and Cinny Poppen plan a February "Emergency Delegation to Haiti." 



dying," said Connie, "but the hospice 
where I worked in Haiti was more like 
an international house of hospitality. It 
hosted a lot of delegations as well as 
housing a clinic, a water distribution 
center for the city, and a school sponsor- 
ship program." 

Connie worked at the hospice for six 
months while she developed her lan- 
guage skills. The language spoken in 
Haiti is Creole, which draws upon 
French, Spanish, and African languages, 
a living testimony to the cultural 
heritage of these people. Once she had 
gained a proficiency in Creole, Connie 
began working part-time at the National 
Coalition for Haitian Refugees (NCHR), 
interviewing Haitians who come to the 
center for help. It is to this work that 
Connie returned at the end of January. 

The Church of the Brethren Emer- 
gency Disaster Fund has allocated 
$10,000 to be sent to Haiti, half of which 
will be put in a victims' fund for needy 
political asylum seekers. 

Haiti has ties with the Church of the 
Brethren that go back more than 25 
years. Numerous volunteers have been 
placed in Haiti during this time, and in 
the late 1970s a "covenant relationship" 
was forged with the Eglise Baptiste des 
Cities in Port-au-Prince. In 1987, the 
Church of the Brethren General Board 
passed a resolution calling for "prayerful 



support for all the churches of Haiti that 
are seeking to be a voice for justice, 
morality, and democracy in their 
country." The need for prayerful support 
for Haiti is as great now as it was then. 

"There are so many issues in the world 
clamoring for attention that it is hard to 
remain focused on just one or two," said 
Cinny Poppen, who spent three months 
working with the Washington Office on 
Haiti before Christmas, and who headed 
up a Brethren delegation to Haiti in 
February. "But if there was ever a time 
when the people of Haiti needed support 
from church people, that time is now." 
There are a number of things that the 
Brethren can do for Haiti, according to 
Cinny: 

1 ) Pray for justice and peace for the 
Haitian people; 

2) Keep informed about the political, 
economic, and social situation; 

3) Write letters to Congress asking for 
the imposition and enforcement of strong 
sanctions against the military regime, 
including the withholding of visas for 
military personnel; 

4) Visit Haiti, and accompany the 
Haitian people in their struggle for 
freedom and justice; 

5) Send money to the National 
Coalition for Haitian Refugees (NCHR) 
to be'put toward its Victims' Fund 

6) Pray some more. 



/ii. 



March 1994 Messenger 15 



by Robin 
Wentworth Mayer 



Stepping Stones is a column offering 
suggestions, peispectives. and 
opinions — snapshots of life — that we 
hope are helpful to readers in their 
Christian journey. As the writer said 
in hei- first installment. "Remember, 
when it comes to managing life's 
difficulties, we don't need to walk on 
water. We just need to learn where 
the stepping stones are." 




STONiS 



At the risk of sounding like a 
parent, I have to say that the 
fashion philosophy today 
leaves me a bit bewildered: 
What's old is new; what's 
wrong side out is in; what's 
torn is together; what's faded 
is sharp; and what's frayed is 
fine. 

The people who market 
these things are no dummies. 
They know that mom types 
take one look at tom, faded 
garments on the rack with 
premium price tags and say: 
"Fifty dollars for that? No 
way! It looks like somebody 
ruined it in the wash and 
returned it!" So they include 
a plausible disclaimer, like 
this one off my son's new 
jeans: "UNEVEN WASH is 
a specialized process that is 
exclusive to PIGMENT 
SHADES. The irregularities 
are part of the desired look 
creating an individual and 
personal garment." 

So we fall for it, saying: 
"Oh, I get it. It's supposed to 
look that way." And, voila! 
The imperfections are now a 
status symbol. 

I wish people came with 
such disclaimers: 

"The baldness trait on the 
Monroe Men creates a 
smooth sheen on a head 
designed for thinking. 
Extraneous hair would be an 
unwelcome distraction." 

"Hefty thighs are the 
female trademark of the 



Klonawski Klan. The 
additional packaging on this 
woman is part of a carefully 
cultivated image and 
broadens the impact of her 
appeal." 

"The large nose you see on 
the attached person is a 
family heirloom that has 
been handed down from 
generation to generation. It 
adds dimension to a face 
otherwise monotonous with 
unbroken regularity." 

"The fact that the men and 
women in this age group 
wear some of their years 
around their middles is a 
trademark of 'LATTER 
DAYS DESIGNS.' The 
deviation of shape is 
intentional and designed to 
give a look that is uniquely 
yours." 

I think Michael Jackson is 
one of the most pathetic 
human beings alive. For all 
his undeniable talent, for all 
his money, for all his fame, 
he obviously cannot come to 
grips with what he considers 
to be his physical imperfec- 
tions. I've lost track of how 
many cosmetic surgeries he 
has undergone to alter his 
appearance. But 12 years ago 
he was a handsome young 
man. Today he has the 
plastic, surrealistic look of a 
mannequin. 

On the other, healthier, 
hand, my hat is off to the 
marketing genius of the 



Wal-Mart corporation for 
using its employees and 
families in its advertisements 
to display merchandise. I 
don't know about you, but I 
like opening the newspaper 
to see models who look like 
people instead of some 
adolescent's fantasy-come- 
to-life. 

With a little clever 
marketing that precipitates a 
change of perspective, 
imperfections in today's top 
brand-name clothing are 
elevated from flaws to 
fashion statements. 

So it would stand to reason 
that if we would be willing 
to change our perspective 
regarding the physical 
appearance of our fellow 
human beings, "imperfec- 
tions" would cease to be a 
source of shame and rejec- 
tion, and could be embraced 
for the spice of life that 
variety brings. 

Maybe what I'm 
proposing is a bit ambitious 
and un-realistic. But if it's 
working for Guess, Bugle 
Boy, and Wal-Mart, why 
not for real people 
as well? 



Ai. 



Robin Wentworth Mayer, of 
Edwardsburg. Mich., is pastor of 
Pleasant Valley Church of the 
Brethren. Middlebury. Ind. She 
operates Stepping Stones Counseling 
out ofWateiford (Ind.i Community 
Church. 



16 Messenger March 1994 



J 



John D. Metzler Sr.: 

He went into all the world 



by Kermon Thomas son 

\fter the death of 95-year-old John D. 
VIetzler Sr. this past December 20, I 
jhoned a 70-year-old Brethren minister 
ivho, I recollected, had worked with 
lohn in the late 1940s. To my surprise, 
vvhen 1 mentioned John's death, he 
-eplied, "You know, I wasn't aware he 
ivas still alive." 

I think John Metzler would have been 
jmused by that reply, and taken some 
satisfaction in the significance of it, for 
ivhile he had all the credentials of a full- 
Mown Brethren "hero," he was a modest 
nan. His name was never the household 
tvord that that of his contemporary, Dan 
West of Heifer Project, was. And he 
ivorked shoulder to shoulder with M.R. 
Zigler in establishing the Brethren 
Service Center in New Windsor, Md. 
But, unlike M.R., John was not, in his 
)0s, still before the public, crusading for 
lis latest cause. John's heyday was the 
1940s, '50s, and early '60s. His most 
"ecent years were spent in quiet retire- 
ment in the Northwest. (He died in 
Beaverton, Ore.) 

And, like my minister friend, many, 
Tiany people — Brethren and others — 
ivho participate in annual CROP walks, 
Jo not even know that this now totally 
ecumenical organization was begun by a 
Church of the Brethren relief worker — 
lohn D. Metzler Sr. 

Before CROP, John (and his wife, 
Margaret) had been busy in service 
projects. He opened a service center in 
Nappanee, Ind., during World War II, as 
an outgrowth of a collection system to 
provide food for Civilian Public Service 
(CPS) camps. (CPSers were conscien- 
tious objectors to war, who performed 
public service in lieu of military ser- 
vice.) Soon afterward, John worked with 
M.R. Zigler to buy for the Brethren 
Service Committee the old Blue Ridge 
College campus in New Windsor, Md., 
and to begin that center. 

Meanwhile, as director of material aid 
for the Church of the Brethren, John 



worked closely with several organiza- 
tions that combined in 1946 to form 
Church World Service (CWS), today an 
arm of the National Council of 
Churches. 

In 1947, however, began the organiza- 
tion that, more than any other, is 
associated with the name of John D. 
Metzler Sr. That was CROP (Christian 
Rural Overseas Program). 

John told about those beginnings in 
his own words in a 1977 Messenger 
article: 

"One of the early requests for food 
came from the Netherlands, which had 
sent a purchasing commission to the 




United States to buy wheat. We asked 
the Dutch representative if his company 
would be willing to pay the shipping 
costs if we were to gather together 
carloads of wheat throughout the US. He 
was glad to arrange that; so the Church 
of the Brethren, along with the Evangeli- 
cal and Reformed Church and, in some 
cases, Mennonites, began developing 
gifts of carloads of wheat for the 
Netherlands. Soon their needs were 
provided for otherwise, but this experi- 
ence was the germ of the idea that later 
developed into CROP." 

CROP began with a $5,000 grant from 
the Brethren Service Committee, and set 



up shop in a few rooms at Bethany 
Seminary, in Chicago, with a couple of 
salaried employees and volunteer help. 
In 1952, the offices moved to Elkhart, 
Ind., where they have been ever since. 
Under John's leadership, CROP col- 
lected commodities from Brethren 
farmers and others and loaded them onto 
Friendship Trains and Friendship Food 
Ships. This was in the days before 
government subsidies were available to 
voluntary agencies. CROP continues 
today as the community hunger appeal 
of Church World Service. 

With CROP firmly established, John 
moved on, becoming a staff member of 
the World Council of Churches, head- 
quartered in Geneva, Switzerland. There 
John set up organizations to distribute 
surplus commodities in western Europe 
and in some eastern European countries. 
In 1962, he became secretary for Europe 
and the Middle East at the CWS office 
in New York. 

John's later years were spent in Idaho, 
in Church of the Brethren district work 
and in ecumenical service. 

John saw his work in helping feed the 
world's hungry as central to the gospel. 
Nearly 20 years ago, he said, "When you 
approach the problem of world hunger, 
whether it is in local communities or 
among food-deficient people in the 
famine areas of the world, you also must 
work at a whole complex of related 
problems. So I see meeting hunger needs 
not as an end in itself, but it is the best 
handle I know of to work with some of 
the basic problems of the world. Far 
better for me than theology." 

Messenger writer Ken Morse wrote of 
John and Margaret Metzler in 1977: 
"They are ... in every sense of the 
word. Christian world citizens. Wher- 
ever they have lived — Nappanee, New 
Windsor, New York, Geneva, or 
Athens — they have demonstrated the 
immediate pragmatic response of 
persons who know what it is to take up 
great commissions and go into 
all the world." 



Ai. 



March 1994 Messenger 17 



But why was he resurrected? 



by James Benedict 

My wife tells me it's because I'm rapidly 
approaching middle age, but I know 
better. I've been doing it since . . . since 
. . . well, as long as I can remember, 
actually. I walk out of a room, then 
return in a few moments, only to forget 
why I've come back. My wife finds it 
very amusing, especially on the morn- 
ings when I hurry about to get to the 
office, walk halfway over to the church, 
stop and come back, only to stand in the 
doorway with a puzzled look on my face. 

She grins and asks, "You don't have a 
clue, do you?" 

Unable to confess the truth, I counter 
her accusation. "No, no," I say. "It's 
coming to me. Just give me a minute." 

She knows I'm lying. But fortunately 
she is gracious, and when she is aware of 
what it is I've come back for (which is 
most of the time) she helps me out. She 
hands me my cup of coffee, or notes, or 
books, or a scrap of paper with a mes- 
sage and a telephone number on it, and 
she asks, "Is this it?" 

There is nothing for me to do but to 
say, "Thanks," and hurry to the office, 
not only to get to work, but also to get 
beyond earshot of her giggling. Not that 
I begrudge her the right to giggle; I 
recognize the humor in the situation and, 
after all, she does help me figure out why 
I've returned. When she's not around, 
there are times I never figure it out and 
have to continue on to my original 
destination still wondering why I 
backtracked. 

I got to thinking about this as I read 
the gospel accounts of the resurrection. 
Jesus returns from the grave, obviously 
for some very important reason. But 
within the narratives, nobody asks about 
it. Nobody asks, "Why?" The mere fact 
that he returns is dramatic, and confirm- 
ing the fact that it is indeed Jesus is a 
time-consuming interest of the disciples. 
Once they are convinced that it (5 their 
dearly departed teacher, there is a lot of 
fear, joy, and worship, but still no one 
asks, "Why?" 

To me, that is the most important 

18 Messenger March 1994 



question to ask about the resurrection — 
not if it really happened, or how it 
happened, but why. For what purpose? 
For what reason did Jesus return? I could 
go on and on arguing that Jesus was in 
fact raised from the dead, but there 
would be no point in trying to convince 
people if they were left not knowing the 
reason he was raised from the dead. Why 
did he come back? 

The Bible seems to be more interested 
in answering the "why" question than in 
proving the historicity of the event or 
explaining how it took place. Certainly 
there is some concern with the other 
issues. The mention of the empty tomb 
and descriptions of the conspiracy to 
suppress the witness of the guards at the 
tomb are attempts to deal with those who 
would deny the resurrection. But the 

Through the 

resurrection, death 

is not permitted 

to define the 
significance of life. 

deeper concern of each of the gospel 
writers is for us to understand what the 
resurrection means. 

In Matthew's account, the two Marys 
are on their way to the tomb when an 
earthquake is prompted by the descent of 
an angel. The guards at the tomb faint 
from terror, but the women listen as the 
angel instructs them. "Do not be afraid," 
he says. "I know you are looking for 
Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; 
for he has been raised, as he said. Come 
see the place where he lay. Then go 
quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has 
been raised from the dead, and indeed is 
going ahead of you to Galilee; there you 
will see him"'(Matt. 28:5-7). 

The angel invites them to take a quick 
look at the fact of the resurrection: 
"Come see the place where he lay," but 
insists that they not dwell on Jesus' 
absence from the tomb. Instead, the 
women are given a task, a mission. They 



are to carry a message to the disciples. 
Jesus has come back to meet with his 
disciples in Galilee. 

No sooner do the women turn and 
begin running to fulfill their mission 
than they are met suddenly by the risen 
Christ. He greets them, and they fall 
before him in worship. But Jesus does 
not invite them to continue to cling to 
him as a way of verifying that he is 
indeed risen. Rather, he reaffirms the 
mission they've been given: "Go and tell 
my brothers to go to Galilee; there they 
will see me" (Matt. 28:10). 

In Galilee we find out why Jesus came 
back. Jesus came back to gather his 
followers, to confirm his authority, to 
send them forth to bring others into the 
community of disciples, and finally to 
promise his presence with them always. 
In short, Jesus returns to reign as Lord. 

That is what the resurrection means: 
Jesus is Lord. Jesus is the one who calls 
the shots. Jesus is in charge. Because he 
triumphed over all the forces of evil, 
even what Paul calls "the final enemy" — 
death, he is the one who has the power to 
shape our destiny. Our lives are not to be 
ordered by the power of death, but by the 
will of the One who has overcome death. 

By the means of the resurrection, 
death is put in its proper place. It ceases 
to be a rival lord. The resurrection tells 
us to stop exaggerating the significance < 
of death, to stop making more of it '. 

than it is. 

Sometimes we are overly intimidated ! 
by death. We are like little children, 
lying in bed before they go to sleep, who 
see a shadow on the wall. And before 
very long, with the help of their imagina . 
tions, that shadow becomes a make- 
believe monster. And then, because of 
their childish fears, it becomes a real 
monster, able to terrify them to the point 
that they leave their beds. They become 
so frightened by the shadow monster tha 
they go downstairs, in spite of the fact 
that they were told not to. 

Death is more than a shadow, but it is 
not a terror that should cause us to 
disobey our God. Death is a reality, but 
not the fact; it is true that we all must 




'Resurrection." an enj^raving hy Pieter Bruegel the Elder (1525'.'-1569) 



lie, but that is not the ultimate truth 
ibout us. The ultimate truth is that we 
)elong to God and may know life in all 
ts fullness by trusting in Jesus Christ. 
That is why we sing hallelujahs on 
laster, because death is circumscribed. It 
s as if death marks a line to indicate the 
;nd of life, but God, by means of the 



resurrection, takes out his marker and 
draws a circle around death, making it 
only a part of life — only an interruption, 
not the end. Death is not allowed to rule. 
Death is not permitted to define the 
significance of a life. 

It is important to remember that truth 
as you stand at the side of a grave or a 



deathbed. Neither the fact of death or the 
circumstances surrounding it are any 
indication of the genuine value of the life 
lived. When I stand near the body of 
someone who has been prematurely 
taken, I know because of the resurrection 
that this does not mean that person's life 
was less valuable or less important than 
others. When I witness slow deteriora- 
tion and the indignity of the loss of 
personality as a prelude to death, the 
resurrection assures me that it is not a 
reflection of that person's worth in the 
eyes of God. 

Death must come, and it comes in 
many forms, most of which we would not 
choose if we were given the privilege of 
choice. But over every death, Jesus 
Christ reigns as Lord by means of his 
resurrection, and by means of God's 
promise that we shall someday share in 
his resurrection. Jesus Christ reigns — 
not death. Jesus Christ determines the 
value of a life — not death. And because 
Jesus Christ reigns, he is the one from 
whom we should take our cues regarding 
how life is to be lived. 

In the sporting goods department of a 
discount store, I saw a T-shirt with the 
slogan "Fishing isn't a matter of life and 
death — it's more important than that!" 

It was supposed to be funny, but it .set 
me to thinking. It may not be true of 
fishing, but it is true of Jesus Christ as 
Lord. The resurrection declares that his 
lordship isn't simply a matter of earthly 
life and death; it's more important than 
that. Death especially pales in signifi- 
cance next to the authority of Jesus 
Christ. Death's power is negligible by 
comparison. 

At Easter we celebrate our relationship 
with the one who is greater than death, a 
relationship of trust and hope. We 
celebrate his promise to be with us 
always, even when we come face to face 
with death, be it that of loved ones or our 
own. And we commit ourselves to 
ordering our lives by his will in acknowl- 



M. 



edgment that Jesus Christ is Lord 
indeed. 

James BeneJic! is paslor of Troy lOliio) Church 
oftlie Bretlircn. 

March 1994 Messenger 19 



What the Old Brethren! 
said about anointing 



by Galen R. Hackman 

Anointing for healing historically has 
held a central place in Brethren faith and 
practice. Because of its centrality in our 
heritage, it also has held special attrac- 
tion for me. Part of my interest in the 



PROCEEDINGS 



—OF THE- 







I) 



"^y:.-. 




^4^4^(r-4^^\^ 



^ 



^^^:^ 




—OF THE— 



Brethren 



'Great wisdom may 

be embodied in 

the counsel 

of previous 

generations/ 



service is caused by my coming into the 
ministry during a time when the neo- 
pentecostal movement was spilling over 
into the church. I have gained many 
insights from my charismatic sisters and 
brothers, but also have seen the impor- 
tance of being biblical and balanced in 
ministry, especially in dealing with the 
more supernatural demonstrations of 
God's presence, such as healing. 

During the course of my 20 years in 
ministry, I have worked alongside a 
variety of church leaders from different 
backgrounds, both in the United States 
and Nigeria. At times, I have assisted 
others in the anointing service. In such 



settings, I usually feel more comfortable 
with the others leading and me follow- 
ing. And as I follow, I watch and learn. 

This has led to some interesting 
experiences and observations. I have 
noticed differences of practice and belief 
regarding anointing, some of which 
made me uncomfortable. I often have 
worked at the meaning and practice of 
anointing from a biblical standpoint, 
preaching and teaching from James 5 
and other related passages. But recently. 
I followed another approach and ex- 
plored how the Brethren of the early 
1900s and before responded to some of 
the situations I experienced while 
participating in the anointing service. 

In order to get a better sense for when 
the Brethren have been on the topic, I 
read the Annual Conference minutes, 
1778-1909, for every possible reference. 
I did not consider the 1963 statement orl 
anointing. I wanted to discover the "Olc 
Brethren" position and find relevance fc 
today. ' 

First, some Brethren approach the rit«f 
of anointing almost as if it were a sort o' 
"magic." One time while I was a guest ] 
preacher, the minister asked me to assis 
in an anointing. I wholeheartedly agreei' 
The brother got out his oil, which he 
quickly pointed out was mixed with 
spices exactly as prescribed by the Old 
Testament. I thought that was pretty 
neat, and the oil smelled nice. But the 
minister also produced a little card on 
which was printed a blessing that, he 
said, had to be prayed over the oil in 
order to consecrate it. Otherwise, the 
anointing would not work. Now I was 
uncomfortable. 

Another angle on the "magic" idea 
comes out when we insist that the word 
spoken during the anointing follow soir 
prescribed formula. I was taught the 
"FISH" acronym — Forgiveness of sins, 
Increase of faith. Strengthening and 
Healing of the body. The acronym is 



20 Messenger March 1994 



eful in helping one to remember what 
pray about when anointing, but should 
suggest a fixed formula? 
How did the Old Brethren react? S.S. 
ough warned against seeing any 
ecial power in the oil (Studies in 
jctrine and Devotion, page 170) and 
hough the Annual Conference minutes 
827, 1, and 1860, 6) did set down 
ecific words to be used while the oil 
IS being applied to the sick person, the 
60 minute concludes with "or as the 
)rd may give utterance." This suggests 
it the Brethren were open regarding 
; exact words spoken when the oil is 
plied. 

Second, the importance of "confessing 
lur faults one to another" is a central 
;me for the Old Brethren, giving 
idence to their understanding of the 
dy of Christ as community (Blough, 
ge 170; Annual Conference, 1869, 9). 
lave at times been uncomfortable, 
wever, with the suggestion that if 
aling did not occur (at least not as 
visioned by the one anointing) then 
; person anointed must not have made 
'ull confession of sin. Although the 
5a is present in Blough (page 170), 
It James, by mentioning confession, 
s in mind individual, personal sins in 
i earlier minutes (1869, 9) the concern 
more toward sins against a sister or 
other in the church. The emphasis on 
nfession then falls on confessing to 
e another with a view toward the 
:onciliation of relationships horizon- 
ly, which ultimately affects one's 
rtical relationship with God as well. 
lis is very different from the emphasis 
)ften have observed, or made myself, in 
; anointing service. 
Also related to this is Blough 's 
mment (page 170) that both the one 
ointed and the one anointing need to 
ve faith in the service. This moves one 
fay from the idea that the faith of one 
rson (that is, the elder anointing) can 




.4iiciiiiiiig tkr Sick in Ibc IVame of the liord. 

Theological Writings on Various Subjects (by Peter Nead, 1850) 
carries this somber depiction of Old Brethren anointing the sick. 



somehow "force" God to comply. Rather, 
the emphasis is on the faith of the 
community as the members together 
discern God's will. Again, I gave had 
some uncomfortable moments when 



elders prayed in a commanding tone, 
implying that they somehow could move 
the hand of God by their own faith. 
Certainly, strong faith on the part of one 
person can affect positively the outcome 

March 1994 Messenger 21 




No more of this 



Recently, Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders declared that violence is a leading 
cause of death in the United States. Then she challenged the churches to do more 
than they have been, to be in the streets actively countering the violence of our 
time. Similarly the attorney general has spoken against violence, and both have 
been joined by President Clinton. Violence has become a primary political issue 
in the United States. 

The good news of the gospel is that the reign of God is at hand, and the 
violence has been overcome, even though it has not disappeared. The angels 
announced Jesus' birth to the shepherds with the blessing, "On Earth 
peace, "(Luke 2:14). At the time of Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane a disciple struck 
off the ear of a servant of the high priest. But Jesus said, "No more of this!" and 
healed the man (Luke 22:51). 

The early church resisted and overturned many of the violent practices of the 
Roman Empire. In the 20th century, hard-won traditions limiting violence have 
been shockingly abandoned. Two world wars have destroyed millions of innocent 
people. The practice of saturation bombing and the threat of atomic warfare have 
overshadowed concern for the innocent. Holocaust and genocide kill everyone 
indiscriminately. Far from being considered innocent, children are often the 
primary objects of violence. Drive-by shootings share with the shelling of 
Sarajevo the killing of anyone. Violence is celebrated in the mass media with 
disgusting regularity. We live in a time in which the mythology that "violence is 
king" is increasingly accepted. 

The proclamation at the center of the church is that the Prince of Peace is 
king. The disciples were slow to believe Jesus was not a conquering destroyer, a 
terminator. The New Testament teaches that the cause of destroying one another 
comes from the human heart. One must be at peace with God and with oneself in 
order to be at peace with one's neighbor. Reconciliation to God through Christ is 
the beginning of peace. However, in order to be reconciled to God, one must first 
go and be reconciled to one's neighbor, (Matt. 5:24). We who are reconciled to 
God in Christ carry the ministry of reconciliation, (2 Corin. 5:18). 

The violence of our time has many causes and no quick and easy solutions. 
Poverty, broken families, drugs, guns, declining morality, pent-up anger, 
lawlessness, and media hype join together in a downward spiral. Jesus" words, 
"No more of this!" are for us. 

We need a discipline of prayer for forgiveness and peace, seeking God's will 
for our communities. Even as we pray, we may actively be engaged in reconcilia- 
tion, addressing the causes of violence. Our churches can be a resource for 
strengthening family life. Churches can work with other churches, community 
leaders, and indeed those involved in violence. Churches can act together with 
other groups, including schools and police to forge community solidarity where 
it is not. We can oppose the easy access to guns, and together we can insist that 
the quality of mass media be improved. Prayer and peacemaking belong to one 
another. The love of God begins in worship, but worship includes being recon- 
ciled to one's neighbor by hearing Jesus" words at Gethsemane, "No more of 
this!" — Donald E. Miller 

Donald E. Miller is general secretary of the Church of the Brethren. 



of a anointing service, but only when 
that faith is an encouraging force that 
energizes the faith of others, and 
together the will of God (as opposed to 

22 Messenger March 1994 



the will of people) is actively sought. 
Third, another disquieting feeling 
develops whenever 1 hear persons 
making bold promises during the 



anointing. Usually this relates to the 
specific way in which God is going to 
heal the sick person. Most often, the one 
making the promise has only one frame 
of reference for healing — physical. In 
other words, if the person's physical 
infirmity does not vanish, then healing 
has not occurred. 

The Old Brethren were careful not to 
make bold promises about God answer- 
ing the prayer of faith in the anointing. 
In the Brethren tract on this subject (in 
the Brethren's Tract and Pamphlets 
series) the unidentified writer says, 
"While the sick may not know fully the 
particular kind of raising up the Lord | 
will grant him. yet he can be certain it 
will be that kind which will be best for 
him" (page 2 of tract no. 276). I really | 
like that statement because it helps me 
remember that there are many kinds of 
healing, the ultimate of which is death 
itself. No more sickness; no more 
sorrow. What could be better than 
that? Blough also is careful to stipulate 
that God may answer the prayer in a 
variety of ways that includes "delaying, 
modifying, or even denying the healing' 
(page 171). 

Fourth, concerning the use of medicini 
after being anointed, although at first thi 
Brethren advised against this (Annual i 
Conference minutes 1812, 1), presum- | 
ably because it implied a lack of faith ini 
the anointing, they later reversed that 
position (Annual Conference 1860, 5). 
By 1919, Blough fully allows for the ust 
of medicine, so long as the Lord "does 
not definitely direct otherwise," indicat- 
ing that such need not "interfere with o 
faith in the anointing" (page 172). The 
early prohibitions against mixing 
medicine with the anointing need also li 
be viewed against the backdrop of wher 
progress in medical science was during 
the time of those pronouncements. 

Fifth, the most frequently repeated 
query to Annual Meeting related to soni 
aspect of the question of who was 
authorized to do the anointing. One 
might think that today this issue is a 
mute question. I know of a colleague, 
however, who insists that only ordaine^ 



rs (in the official sense of the word) 
illowed to anoint. Consequently, 
being ordained to the ministry, he 
refused to officiate in an anointing 
ice because he was not yet an elder. 
; the congregation called in "elders" 
I neighboring congregations to 
ially ordain him as an elder. 
1 the other hand, in many of our 
negations that are served by full- 
pastors, the laity (not a good word 
brethren to use) believe that only the 
jr can lead in an anointing. 



1 the point of who can anoint, the 
hren were quite clear: It is good for 
ilders to lead, but if none is present, 
sters of the first or second degree 

would be "licensed" or "ordained," 
ual Conference minutes through 
') and finally that anyone "duly 
Drized by the church" may officiate 
1 anointing (1890, 21; 1893). This 
IS to allow for deacons and other 
3ns. selected by the congregation, to 
inister an anointing, 
xth, I have been in situations where 
n-Christian has requested the 
nting. In these situations my 
;agues have responded differently — 
: in favor and others opposed. The 
Brethren seem to be in agreement 
the anointing should not be adminis- 
1 to nonmembers or to those excom- 
icated (Annual Conference minutes 
lis topic; J.H. Moore, New Testament 
rines. page 153). What is not clear 
nether nonmembers would equate 
y to non-Christians, or (as I suspect) 
Brethren meant non-Brethren. What 
5ar, however, is the Brethren 
em to use the ordinances carefully, 

much holiness, and not to cheapen 
1 by indiscriminate use. With our 
basis on inclusiveness today, that's a 
sage we could stand to hear. 
:venth, when word gets out in the 
munity of faith that Sally (or Joe) is 
g to be anointed, I often have heard 
low believer respond with, "Is she 
he) that sick?" Too often we have 
;loped the idea that the anointing 



functions as the Brethren "last rites." On 
the other hand, some anoint for things 
not much more troubling than the 
common cold. Again we turn to the Old 
Brethren and discover that they too 
worked at this concern. When asked by 
query (Annual Conference minutes, 
1852, 20) whether a brother or sister 
who is "up and about" should be 
anointed. Conference counseled that the 
anointing should be reserved for "those 
who are sick or in a decline of life." 
Although we may argue here that there 
are sicknesses other than physical that 
result in a "decline of life," we still 
cannot avoid the counsel to reserve the 
anointing for the more serious situations 
one faces in life. However, the counsel 
still does not necessarily equate to a "last 
rites" mentality. 

By exploring what the Old Brethren 
said about anointing I do not wish to 



suggest that these forebears were 
unconditionally correct. To even suggest 
that flies in the face of the Brethren's 
openness to new truth as it breaks forth 
from the Word. I would suggest, how- 
ever, that great wisdom may be embod- 
ied in the counsel of previous genera- 
tions, and we are richer when 
we listen to that counsel and see 
how it may relate and apply to the 
present age. 



M. 



Galen R. Hiickman. a recent Nigeria missionary, 
is pastor ofConewago Church of the Brethren. 
Hershex. Pa. 



Anyone interested in a reading list of Brethren 
authors on anointing and a detailed index to 
Annual Conference minutes on the subject may 
obtain one by writing toMESSENGER. A stamped, 
self-addressed envelope will be appreciated. 



Money Talks! 



Are you and your investment 
dollars saying the same thing? 




M M A 



If you're seeking investments in enterprises that help to 
improve - rather than destroy - the world around you, 
MMA Praxis Mutual Funds were created for you. 

With MMA Praxis, your money will be invested in 
companies that seek to enhance Christian values of 
peace, justice, and the quaUty of human life. 

So for a mutual fund that talks the same language 
you do, you need to hear more about MMA Praxis. 

For a free information liit, 

see your MMA counselor or call today 

1-800-9-PRAXIS 



Immediately available in Calif., Fla., Ind.. 111., Iowa, Kan., Md., Mich., Neb., 
Ohio, Pa., and Va. 

For more complete information including charges and expenses, call 
1-800-9-PRAXis to receive a prospectus. Please read the prospectus 
carefully before you invest or send money. 



March 1994 Messenger 23 




REVIEWS 



A story of 
love, faith, 
and doubt 

by Kenneth L. Gibble 



Mixed Re\ieH-s critiques books. fUms. 
and other products of the entertain- 
ment media that speak lo Brethren 
Irving out their faith. The miens are 
not to he taken as Messenger'j 
eadonement . necessarily. Rather, ve 
present them as helf^ ir^ormation 
for readers who encounter the 
subjects they treat. 



What a rare and wonderful 

exf)erience — to go to the 
theater and see a movie in 
which Chiistianitv is neither 
caricatured nor ridiculed, but 
treated w ith respect, a movie 
that shows mature adults 
WTestling w ith faith and 
doubt and love. The movie is 
"Shadowlands." 

Newspaper ads for the film 
call it a "tear-jerker." 
apparent!} in hopes of luring 
to the box office people who 
enjoy sappy, sentimental 
lo\e stories with haul-out- 
the-hankies endings. Nor- 
mally you can't drag me to a 
tear-jerker. I went to see 
"Shadowlands" because the 
reviews in the newspaper 
said it told the true-life storv 
of the relationship between 
Joy Gresham and C.S. 
Lewis, the British writer 
whose books on Christian 
themes (the Namia 
chronicles. Mere Christian- 
ity. The Problem of Pain. 
and others ) have left their 
impact on countless people. 

My acquaintance with 
Lewis began back in the 
early 1960s when I read an 
article about him in Hori- 
zons, a publication for 
Brethren youth. Not long 
afterward. I came across one 
of Lewis' books in the 
library . At that critical point 
in my faith development. 
Lewis' clear-headed thinking 
on such matters as prayer. 
salvation, and suffering 



helped me wade through 
some murky waters. 

So 1 was intrigued to see 
how "Shadow lands" showed 
Lewis dealing with life 
experiences that seriously 
challenged his owti faith. 
Yes. I was among many in 
the crowded theater 
(crowded on a weekday 
afternoon! » who shed tears at 
the conclusion of 
"Shadowlands. " But the tears 
were not the result of cheap 
emotional manipulation by 
the movie-makers. The\ 
came instead as we w atched 
a man whose intellectual 
understanding of the mean- 
ing of suffering w as tested in 
the crucible of real love and 
real loss. 

If all this sounds like a 
very heavv' and drearv 
movie-going experience. I 
can assure you it is not. 
There are moments of 
delicious humor, especially 
as the imf)etuous American. 
Joy Gresham (played b> 
Debra Winger), skewers the 
smffed-shirt professors at 
Oxford. There is romance, as 
the relationship between 
Lewis and Gresham blos- 
soms from friendship into 
deeply committed love. 
There is beauty, as the 
counny side and cathedrals of 
England are given a promi- 
nent place in the film. 

What I found particularly 
refreshing about 
"Shadowlands" was the 



respectful attention paid to 
themes usualh reserved for 
discussion at church. We 
hear Lewis (superbly 
portrayed by Anthony 
Hopkins) say things such as: 
"Pain is God's megaphone to 
rouse a deaf world": "God 
doesn't want us to be happy: 
God w ants us to grow up"; 
and "Prayer doesn't change 
God. it changes me." And 
we w atch the famous 
Christian ajxilogist roar his 
disgust at the attempts of 
well-meaning friends to 
assuage his grief with the 
pious cliche: "It's all for the 
best." Clearly, this is a 
movie that isn't afraid to ask 
questions and to offer some 
answers about the deepest 
concerns of the human heart. 
I have a suggestion. If the 
movie is still playing in your 
local theater, round up some 
friends or your discussion 
group at church and go see 
it. Or. when "Shadowlands " 
comes to your video store, 
rent it and invite the group to 
watch it in your home. I 
predict that after you've 
laughed together and cried 
together, you will have 
one of the best discussions 
about love and doubt 
and faith that you've 
ever had. 



} 



<4^ 



Kenneth L. Gibble is co-pastor of 
Arlington i\'a.l Church of the 
Brethren, and promotion consultant 
forMESSESOESL. 



24 Messenger Maicfa 1994 



il 



FUTURE CUSTODIAN 




M3( 



Jubilee, 

God's Good News. 

A children's Sunday school curriculxun. 



Contact: Brethren Press 1 800 441-3712 



I tore out the editorial 

I appreciated the January editorial 
("Running Away From History") so 
much that I tore it out and sent it to the 
Southern Poverty Law Center in Mont- 
gomery, Ala., which I have supported for 
several years. 

This center has a team of lawyers that 
prosecutes Ku Klux Klan members. 



"skinheads," etc., who harass, even 
murder, African Americans and mem- 
bers of other minorities. It asks people 
all over the country to send it articles 
from periodicals that have bearing on its 
work. 

I also sent the center an article from 
our Hays (Kan.) Daily News regarding 
the demonstration by the Ku Klux Klan 



Ifs a combination of the more 

reasonable cost and the element 

of service that makes MAA 



attractive ... 



Donald Munn, MAA Member 
Middlebury, IN. 



Are you paying too much for your insurance? 
Are you receiving the service you deserve? 

' Call ' 

1-800-255-1243 

for your FREE video 

Produced bj Dave SoB«i>berger 



Insurance protection exclusively for Brethren 

churches, homes, farms, camps, small businesses, 

renters and mobile home owners. 

For a quote or more information, call our toll free number 

or FAX: 1-800-238-7535 



Mutual Aid Association Church of the Brettiren Route 1 Abilene, Kansas 67410 



/U 



in Topeka on Martin Luther King Jr. 
Day, as well as the editorial in the same 
issue denouncing the Klan and urging 
tolerance on the part of all, for all. 

I led devotions for my church circle or 
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and used 
the Messenger editorial. I also used a 
historical pamphlet from Germantown 
Brick Church of the Brethren, near 
Rocky Mount, Va. The pamphlet tells 
about an African American mother and 
daughter who were members at Brick 
church but were treated very differently 
at love feast — put at a table to them- 
selves, off to one side. I hope that I 
Brethren who feel that way read the i 
January editorial. 

Maiy Jo Jamiso, 
Qidnler. Kar, 



No sacl(clotli and ashes 

I see no need for getting out the sack- 
cloth and ashes with the editor over our I 
collective past or future guilt or that of ' 
our ancestors or contemporaries. (See 
January editorial. "Running Away From 
History.") ! 

As long as we aren't presently biased 
against our brothers and sisters, black oi 
white, or in our dealings, there is no 
need to carry guilt about the past or 
future injustices. Let's get on, rather, 
with peace of mind, behaving in our 
daily lives as Christ would have it. 

Dale MilU 
Hanisburg. Pi' 



No preferential treatment 

I'm concerned about the statement abouil 
African Americans in the January 
editorial "When the deck has been 
stacked against the one party for centu 
ries, it doesn't equalize things for that 
party to be told that now he is free to 
enter the game and take his chances." 

The editor seems to believe that 
retribution must be made for all the evil 
done against African Americans. 
Nothing can "pay back" for the horrors 
of slavery. It's like saying that Jews 
deserve full restitution for the Holocaus' 



26 Messenger March 1994 



re, but how do you give back to 6 
Uion people their lives? 
Preferential treatment of any race is 
t the answer. Only when all people 
ve the same opportunities will there be 
uality. Walking around with a chip on 
ur shoulder and a "You-owe-me" 
itude only strengthens the existing 
rriers. 

Teresa Zumhrun 
Lawrenceville . III. 



long, and would not relieve us from 
being asked, "Church of the Whatl" 
Let's keep the same initials, with 
"Church of the Believers." Maybe that 
would inspire the Latter Day Saints and 
Presbyterians to get rid of their funny- 
sounding names. 

Dean Farringer 
Denver. Colo. 



Take Hold of Your Future... 



Speaking for a new century 

I speak as one drawn into the denomina- 
tion of my ancestors by reading the 
great witness of its past. Many of the 
great ones recognized and adapted to 
the future as it unfolded. But some of 
the divisions of the 19th century might 
have been avoided by more charity 
and less stiff-necked insistence on 



...One Step at a Time. 



brthy of the name? 

ouldn't it be wonderful to be worthy of 
: name "Church of the Reconciliation" 
inuary, page 9, "Group Announces 
ustration With Denomination Name")? 
At this time, however, when so many 
our Church of the Brethren members 
11 ridicule and hate the homosexuals in 
jir midst instead of welcoming them as 
)d"s sons and daughters, the name 
'hurch of Reconciliation" would be 
pocritical. 

Shirley D. Hamilton 
Conifer. Colo. 



hurch of the Whatl 

!garding a group of sisters "naming" 
I denomination the "Church of 
iconciliation" (January, page 9), 
obably most of us have been asked why 
; hold to a denominational name that 
me people judge to be out of touch 
th the times. I suspect that motivation 
r change, rather than coming from 
irest over an archaic name, comes from 
ibarrassment at being a small, unfa- 
iliar denomination, especially in the 
est and South. 

The present concern about our name 
ay be the result of many years of failure 
interpret adequately and with convic- 
)n what "Brethren" means. (To me, it 
an inclusive word meaning brothers 
id sisters in Christ, the family of faith.) 
the name has become out-of-date, it 
ay be so because we failed to keep it 
irrent and constantly in public use. 
The name the Minneapolis group 
lose, "Church of Reconciliation," is too 



McPherson College 

McPherson, Kansas 67460 • (316) 241-0731 




Phil and Kaly Stover 
(with Jenny, center) 



McPherson College provides 
a natural progression in the 
Christian lifestyle that we 
liave nurtured in our liome, as 
well as a quality academic 
environment within which 
lifelong decisions will be 
made. Jenny enjoys tlw 
opportunity to renew Brethren 
friendships fivm camps and 
conferences and to develop 
new relationships in a small 
campus, church, and 
community setting. " 

Phil and Katy Stover 

(both Class of '72) 

Quinter Church of the 

Brethren, Quinter, KS 



i 



Scholarships/Grants* 

Church of the Brethren Awards - Up to $1,000 per year 

Brethren Volunteer Service Grants - Up to $500 per year 

Children of Alumni Grants - Up to $500 per year 

Church-Matching Grants - Up to $500 per year 

Dependents of Persons in Church Professions - Up to $1,000 per year 



*Awards are available for up to four years provided students remain eligible. 
Some awards are based on financial need and availability of funds. 



McPherson College welcomes all applicants 

regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or physical or emotional disability. 



March 1994 Messenger 27 




procedures. 

I grieve for those who feel put down or 
left out by people who do not follow 
procedures, or who may feel that nothing 
good can come from ignoring proce- 
dures. I also grieve for those who are so 
frustrated or left out that they feel they 
cannot follow procedures. 

Nevertheless, it was gratifying to read 



of the consideration of a name-change 
leading up to the denomination's 300th 
anniversary (January, page 9, "Group 
Announces Frustration With Denomina- 
tion Name"). 

Whatever the correctness of the 
procedures, the name "Church of 
Reconciliation" is a wonderful one, 
speaking for a new century of something 




UNIVERSITY STUDY IN: 

Athens, Greece 
Barcelona, Spain 
Dalian, China 
Quito, Ecuador 
Strasbourg or Nancy, France 
Marburg, Germany 
Cheltenham, England 
Sapporo, Japan 

For More Information: 
Brethren Colleges Abroad -1 
Box 184, Manchester Colllege 
North Manchester, IN 46962-0365 
(219) 982-5238 or 982-5025 

S|>oiisofe(l l)y Ihe BCA Consotltutn Bridgewalet 
College, VA, Elizahelhlowti College, PA; 
Jutiiiil.i t -olleye. PA. Manchester College. IN, 
NttPlietsoii College, KS, Uiuuetsily ol 
La Verne. CA 



that is absolutely central to the Christia 
message in the 21st century. (See John 
3:17; Gal. 3:28; Matt. 5:23-24; and 
1 John 3:18-20.) 

Sarah Quinter Malo 
State College. F 

(Some Brethren, after reading the 
January Messenger news item "Group 
Announces Frustration With Denomina 
tion Name" and accounts of the 
Minneapolis conference in other 
publications, have inquired if 
" something' s coming to Conference 
about changing our name." The answei 
is no. there is no business item before 
Annual Conference regarding a denom 
national name-change. — Ed.) 



Word From The Moderate 

I asked President Gene Roop of Bethan; 
Seminary for some thoughts on the 
leadership crisis in our denomination. 

"Not long ago a junior-high student 
phoned me. She wanted to know about 
leadership-a class assignment, not just 
curiosity. 

"Brethren traditionally describe the 
ideal leader as a servant. I am not alwaj 
sure what we mean by that. At our won 
it means the leader will do as I expect. 
Sometimes, we recognize, a servant 
leader is called to enhance the life of thi 
whole community, even when that may 
vary from my preferences. At our best, 
we recognize that leader as a servant of 
Christ, whose will transcends our issue; 
and time. 

"Bethany Seminary has been commis 
sioned to help train leadership for the 
next generation. We will do our best. \^ 
need the church to nurture its leaders a: 
carefully as we expect them to nurture 
us." I 

Pray for our seminary, our leaders, on 
pastors. 

EarlK. Ziegler 

1994 Annual Conference Moderator 



28 Messenger March 1994 



A^ Pontius' Puddle 



NOTICE: Church and district newsletters that reprint "Pontius' Puddle" from 
Messenger must pay $10 fnr each use to Joel Kauffhiann, 111 Carter Road, 
Goshen. IN 465Jft 



Misunderstanding Islam 

don't doubt that our Brethren in Sudan 
re making a strong witness for peace in 

very difficult situation. But I was 
roubled by the last sentence of Carolyn 
Ichrock's December article, "Experienc- 
ig God's Grace in Sudan." 

She likely did not intend to imply that 
11 Islamic regimes are repressive, but an 
ninitiated person might infer that. And, 
nfortunately, most people in the US are 
ninitiated regarding Islam. For ex- 
mple, most Islamic leaders have 
ondemned the death threat against 
alman Rushdie for his novel Satanic 
'erses, but our news media have been 
atisfied to leave the impression that the 
eath threat is the "voice of Islam." 

I hope that Messenger will educate 
Irethren about the various faces of 
slam. Better understanding of the 
slamic world is crucial to world peace. 

{Esther Ho 
""" 

tE-lmagining made me glad! 

!\ "The Sound of Music," the mother 
uperior sang of novice Maria, "I'd like 
3 say a word in her behalf: Maria makes 
le laugh!" Regarding the RE-Imagining 
onference in Minneapolis last Novem- 
er (January, page 9) and paraphrasing 
le mother superior's line, I'd like to say 

word in it's behalf: RE-Imagining 
lade me glad\ 

RE-Imagining asked us participants to 
reatively think anew about issues that 
oncem us as Christians. What would 
le world be like, for example, if every 
t'oman could look in the mirror and love 
erself as a person made in God's 
mage? How might the Jesus whom some 
vfrican Americans imagine become 
lore meaningful to people of every 
olor? What differences would we 
nvision within a church that recognizes 
tself as part of an interdependent world 
ommunity? RE-Imagining asked people 
f faith to renew their faith. 

RE-Imagining not only challenged us 
O new ways of thinking; it also brought 
le back to my Church of the Brethren 




THE 



' ^ AND t 




e^l^^f^^^Mi^^iic 



Committed to the church? Definitely. Self-disciplined? 

All the way. Compassionate, appreciative, and eager? 

Of course. Chris Michael, a 1974 Manchester 

graduate, is director ofYouth/Young Adult Ministries 

at Elgin's General Offices. Her boundless energy 

and insatiable desire to make a tangible difference 

in the lives of our young people mark Chris as one 

of the rare and remarkable. 



MANCHESTER COLLEGE 
TRADITION 



Lori Pippenger is a go-getter. Respectful and 

caring, Lori's optimism evolves from her faith in 

God, her recent travels to third world countries, 

and her cherished relationships vnth family and 

friends. A fifth year senior at Manchester, Lori 

models Christ's love as a student, camp counselor. 

Peace Choir member, and Campus Ministry Board 

leader. She is, indeed, amongthe rare and remarkable. 



VALUES * GLOBAL AWARENESS * FAITH * ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 

* LEARNING * ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS * COMMUNITY 

PEACE & JUSTICE * STEWARDSHIP * SERVICE 

Write or call to receive more information on Manchester programs or stewardship 
opportunities, to refer prospective students, or to let us know if you are planning a special 
campus visit. 

Manchester College does not discriminate on ttie basis of marital status, sex, 
religion, race, color, national or ettinic origin, or haridicap in the administration of its 
educational policies, recruitment and admissions policies, scholarship and loan 
programs, employment practices, and athletic or other college sponsored programs. 




MANCHESTER 

COLLEGE 



North Manchester, IN 46962 • (219) 982- 5000 



March 1994 Messenger 29 



heritage. At the inspiration of present 
and former Brethren leaders, I have 
picketed on behalf of racial integration. I 



BRF 

BIBLICAL AUTHORITY 
"It was not the intention of our 
foreparents, when they decided not to 
adopt a formal creed, and spoke about 
being open to new light, that the new 
light would be receiving revelation 
beyond what God gave in the Bible, or 
that the new light meant to receive new 
understandings that contradicted the 
Scriptures. For our Anabaptist 

ancestors it was new light that would 
breal( forth out of God's holy WordI It 
was new insight, new illumination, new 
perspective- out of the Scriptures, not 
apart from the Scriptures. We have no 
creed but the New Testament, but we 
do have a creed . The New Testament 
is our creed, and as we receive it by 
faith and meditate upon it, new light 
continues to burst upon us." 

--sxcBrpted ffom the BRF Whnass, Vol 14, No 4, 

entitled "Misconceptions about the Bible's 

inspiration," Readers may receive a free copy, or 

may be added to our mailing list, by writing to: 

BRETHREN REVIVAL FELLOWSHIP 

Route 10, Box 201 -N 

York, PA 17404 

All readers are welcome to attend a BRF 
sponsored Training Day at the Brandt's 
Church of the Brethren (near 
Mercersburg, PA) on March 26, 1 994. 



have witnessed against the Vietnam War 
and Desert Storm. I have stood in silent 
vigil on the anniverary of Hiroshima. I 



To subscribe to 




call (800) 323-8039^ Ext. 247. 
Ask for Norma 



From the 

Office of Human Resources 

DIRECTOR, 

NEW CHURCH DEVELOPMENT 
Half-time position. 
Eli;iii location preferred. 

We are looking for someone who: 

• has administrative and management 
skills 

• has an M. Div. degree or equivalent, 
with at least 2 years experience, 
preferably in work with new churches 

• understands Church of the Brethren 
history and polity 

• communicates at a professional level 
and relates well with people 

Po.sition available July J. 1994. 

For prompt consideration call 
Barbara Greenwald (800) 323-8039 



have advocated on behalf of individuals 
who are physically challenged. RE- 
Imagining reminded me that injustice 
still exists in this world, and that part ol 
my role as a church leader is to support 
the oppressed. 

Finally, RE-Imagining was just plain 
fun! Four women's choirs surrounded 
the huge ballroom in which we met. Tw 
artists painted a mural during the 
speeches. Colorful quilts and other 
fabrics decorated our tables. Simple, 
tasteful "dance" movements enhanced 
our worship. Old friends and new frienc 
graced the crowded halls. In short, like 
Maria's uplifting spirit, the spirit of RE 
Imagining made me laughl 

Jean L. Hendric, 
Lawrence. Ka 



The opinions expressed here are not necessarily 
those of the magazine. Readers should receive thei 
in the same spirit with which differing opinions an 
expressed in face-to-face conversations. 

Letters should he brief concise, and respectful o 
the opinions of others. Preference is given to letter 
that respond directly to items read in the magazini 

We are willing to withhold the name of a writer 
only when, in our editorial judgment, it is 
warranted. We will not consider any letter that 
comes to us unsigned. Whether or not we print tlie 
letter, the writer's name is kept in strictest 
confidence. i 

Address letters to Messenger Editor. 1451 I 
Dundee Ave.. Elgin. IL 60120. 1 



CLASSIFIED ADS 



EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR— Tri-county ecumenical agency. 
Administrative, managerial, supervisory experience required. 
Masters degree preferred. Strong Christian commitment 
required. Ability to work with churches, government and 
community agencies. Send resume stating minimum salary 
requirement by March 15: Search Committee, Christian 
Churches United, 900 S. Arlington Ave.. Room 1 28, Harris- 
burg, PA 17109. 

MUSIC— Assistant professor of music to teach applied 
voice, choral ensembles, sight singing, ear training, and 
music education methods. Doctorate required. Apply by 
March 1 5, 1 994; position begins August 1 994. McPherson 
College is a liberal arts college of 500 related to the Church 
of the Brethren. Send application, audition tape, and curricu- 
lum vitae to Dr. Dale Goldsmith, Vice President for Aca- 
demic Services, McPherson College, P.O. Box 1402, 
McPherson, KS 67460. McPherson College is an equal 
opportunity employer by choice. 

TRAVEL— Israel/Egypt Holiday. Wendell & Joan Bohrer, 
Fred & Nancy Swartz host a tour to Israel and Egypt. Aug. 
8-18,1 994. 1 1 day tour includes travel to Jerusalem, the old 

30 Messenger March 1994 



city. Dead Sea, Megiddo, Galilee, Cana, Mt. Carmel, Mt. 
Nebo, Cairo, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Tomb of King Tut. 
For information write; Wendell & Joan Bohrer, 8520 Royal 
Meadow Dr., Indianapolis, IN 4621 7. Tel. (317) 882-5067, or 
Fred & Nancy Swartz, 1 0047 Nokesville Rd., Manassas, VA 
221 10. Tel. (703)369-3947. 

TRAVEL— Tour to Annual Conference includes Shenandoah 
Valley.Gallinburg, Smoky Mountains, Nashville, Grand Ole 
Opry Park, Heifer Project Farm, and Blue Grass country of 
Kentucky. For info, write to; J. Kenneth Kreider, 1300 
Sheaffer Rd., Elizabethtown, PA 17022. 

TRAVEL— Brethren Service Center's 50th Anniversary 
Committee is hosting a European Tour, July 31 -August 1 4, 
1994. Glenn & Helen Kinsel, tour leaders. Visit former and 
current Church of the Brethren and Heifer Project persons 
and sites. Arrangements are being made to include time with 
persons involved in Brethren Volunteer Service, the Polish 
Agriculture Exchange, and Student Exchange Program. 
Geneva, Stuttgart/Miedelsbach, Marburg, Schriesheim, 
Schwarzenau, Kassel, Berlin, Skierniewice, Krakow, and 
Vienna are all on the list of stopping places. For info, contact 



Terri Meushaw, Brethren Service Center, 500 Main Strei 
New Windsor, MD 21 776-01 88. Tel. (41 0) 635-871 6, 

WANTED— Camp manager or couple to manage Can 
Colorado in Pike National Forest. 40 minutes from Denv 
or Colorado Springs. From Memorial Day to Labor D. 
1994. Camp located on 85 forested acres. Features swii 
ming pool, hiking trails, 6 dorms, dining hall, recreation bid 
Camp has 4 wks, of Brethren-sponsored camps and 
rented remainder of season to Brethren churches and fam 
reunion groups. Duties incl. purchasing supplies, cleanin 
and repairing camp. Altitude of camp is 7,500 ft. Applicar 
should be in good physical shape. Salary $1 ,000 a mom 
Incl. 2-bdrm. cabin, utilities. Interested parties contact Ri 
Achilles, Rt. 1 , Box 1 43, Quinter, KS 67752, Tel, (913) 7E 
2322. 

WANTED— "Handyman" couple to buy a4-apartment co 
plex; attractive, furnished. Near lake, library, post offic 
banks, stores, hospital. Church of the Brethren across t 
street. Reasonably priced. Will finance. Contact; Stor 
Apts., 344 Oak Ave, Sebring, FL 33870. Tel. (813) 3f 
6863. 




w 
imbers 

lelor Run, S/CInd.: Hazel 

Coy, Debbie Hood. Joe Slaie. 
OliveZehring 

lelt, Virlina: Robert Cramer. 
Mallie Franklin, Del & Sharon 
Mills 

alo Valley, S. Pa.: Justin & 
Brenda Bobb, Audrey Fiske, 
Diane Heintzelman, Rebecca 
Keister. Tonya Richard, 
faniniy Sholley, Andrea Spaid. 
lenniterSlyers 
orus,S. Pa: Michael & Lisa 
Brenneman. Becky Innerst, 
Stuart & Terri Keefer, Suzanne 
Keeney.LeoKeim 
it Manor, N. Ind.: John Case, 
Ken& Vicki Fritz, Mark & 
Elaine Shafer. Bonnie 
Swiatkowski,John&Kristi 
Summers 

ibethtown, Atl. N.E.; Manha 
Beahm, Howard & Kathy 
Ha Idem an. Barbara Moris, 
Carol Welsh, David 
Willoughby 

iartCity,'s/C Ind.: Steve & 
Anne Cauble. Mindy Elliot, 
BelhLynley.PamWoif 
tien, N. Ind.: Charles & 
Corabelle Dickison 
rnsey, S/C Ind.: Scott & Kim 
Lear 

over. S. Pa.: Alan. Lona, Alina 
&Tara Bridenbaugh, 
Krislopher Rusinko, Clair 
Hewin 

idaysburg, M. Pa.: Raymond 
& Mary Boose 

tsdale, S, Pa.: Scott Baldwm. 
Celeste Sheaffer, Stacy Smith. 
Becky & Joseph Thumma 
'erne, Pac. S.W.: Greg Emrick, 
Ian Gratz, Kathryn Kunz. Ellen 
Sherberth, Dena Sjol. Trisha 
Fyler 

rty Mills, S/C Ind.: Steve 
pripe. HeatherGrady, Esta 
bullett. Bill & Stacy 
-echliiner, Kriss, Darlene, 
Donna & Joey Little, Anne 
jvlyers, Philip Spann 
Ite Vista, Virlina: Jenna 
amison 

janee, N. Ind.: Jen Mishler, 
^gela Riggs 

Carlisle, S. Ohio: Orville & 
/ema Rose. Richard & Lisa 
Ipoits 

a, S. Ohio: Sheri Heniser, Jane 
liser, Lori Jessee, Lisa & Lori 
-avey, Angela & Anthony 
■layer, Lee & Ruth Perkins, 
irian Putnam, Kern Schneider. 
■Iso Vada, LeAnn & William 
Valker 

:e of Peace, W. Plains: Ben & 
ill Clannin. David & 
^ilodyne Clapper. Viola 
(einy. Ron Laue. Dana Pringle. 
eterSamland. Rick Slater. 
lary Thedford. Betty Thomas, 
osier& Leonard Weiner 
meUW. Pa.: Douglas & 
snniferChizmar. Michael 



Hinton, Elizabeth Homer. 

Linda Hubbard, Krystal Jury, 

Joshua Moore. Shannon Nihoff, 

Sara Stahl, Amanda, Evelyn & 

Michael Trachok 
Santa Ana, Pac. S.W.: Travis & 

Joan McMasters 
Scalp Level, W. Pa.: Diane, Jill & 

Tracey Deyamiin. Bemie 

Kiser. Linda Null, Cristie 

Weaver 
South Bay, Pac. S.W.: lole Brown, 

Patti Levenson, Bill Lusenhop. 

Steve. Kelly & Hollie Schatz. 

Jason & Judy Stanley. James. 

Kelly & Nancy Sierra 
University Park, Mid-Atl.: Dan 

Garrett. Joe Zigas 
Waynesboro, S. Pa, : Richard & 

Pauline Carl, Donna Ford, Ada 

& Roy Leckron 
West Richmond, Virlina: Bonnie 

& Kevin Keithly. Jim & Letha 

McKinnell. Jane. Warren & 

Susan Winterson 
West Eel River, S/C Ind,: Michael 

& Rhonda Hagg. Charlotte & 

Ronald Feller. Linda & Roger 

Hamilton, Amber Hariman 
Westminster, Mid-All.: Kun 

Bowman. Rebecca Davis, Carl 

Fruendel, Heather Hope. 

MicheleSchaeffer 
White Oak,Atl.N.E.: Daniel 

Bollinger. Christiana Cater. 

Calvin & Timothy Martin, 

Nathan Minnich 



Wedding 
Anniversaries 

Baker, Harold and Betty, West 

Milton, Ohio, 55 
Bewser,Glaird and Violet, 

Windber.Pa..50 
Cassell, Irving and Elsie, Bassett. 

Va.,55 
Debsen, Rey and Eva. windber. Pa.. 

55 
Fake, Sylvester and Esther, Bethel, 

Pa., 60 
Gillespie, William and Salena, 

Siver Lake, Ind., 55 
Gorrell, Ray and Marjory, 

Beavercreek. Ohio. 50 
Holderread, Bob and Helen, North 

Liberty, Ind.. 50 
Jackson, Frank and Charma, 

Beavercreek. Ohio. 60 
Kirkdorffer,JuniorandMarjorie, 

Elkhart, Ind.. 50 
Krug, Dodie and Lyie, La Verne, 

Calif.. 50 
Lulz. Russell and Lucille, West 

Milton. Ohio. 60 
Manges, George and Florence, 

Windber, Pa., 55 
Manges, Harold and Arlene, 

Windber, Pa.. 55 
Pepp, Louis and Olga, Windber. 

Pa.. 55 
Scritchfield, James and Evelyn. 

Bedford. Pa., 50 
Shawhan, William and Catherine, 

Beavercreek, Ohio, 50 
Webster, Walter and Louise. 

Springfield, Va., 50 



Licensing/ , 

Ordination 

Button-Harrison, Mary Jane, 

ordained April 24, 1993. 

Ankeny.N. Plains 
Davis, Grelchen. ordained Sept. 18, 

1993. West Richmond, Virlina 
Golden, Wilburt, ordination 

recognized Sept. 1 1. 1993. 

Baltimore First. Mid. All. 
Kemerly, Thomas R.. licensed 

Nov. 23, 1993, Fall Creek. 

S/C Ind. 
McClelland, Golda P.. ordination 

recognized Nov. 14, 1993, 

Myersville. Mid-Atl. 
Powell, Douglas Alfred, ordination 

recognized Nov. 2, 1993. 

Liberty Tabernacle. All. N.E. 
Quinn, Jack, licensed Sept. 22, 

1993, Trinity.S. Ohio 
Thompson, Margaret, ordained July 

10. 1993. Messiah. Mo./Ark. 
Whalen, Steven D.. licensed 

June 12, 1993,Freeburg. 

N.Ohio 



Pastoral 
Placements 

Betz, Russell, from other 

denomination to Phoenix First, 

Pac.S.W. 
Carter,JeffreyW., from Brethren 

Volunteer Service to Florin, 

Atl. N.E. 
Christine, Michael, from secularto 

Maple Grove, W. Pa. 
Cosner, Randy, from Danville. W. 

Marva. to Briery Branch. Shen. 
Fischer, Wilbur L.. from Walnut. 

N.Ind..toClaysburg,M.Pa. 
Foster,John, from Forest Chapel. 

Shen.. to Bethel. Shen. 
Jones, Douglas, from Copper Hill, 

Virlina. to Bassett, Virlina 
Kemerly, Thomas R.. from other 

denomination to Upper Fall 

Creek. S/C Ind. 
Mosorjak,Gary. from secularto 

Montgomery. W. Pa. 
Petry, Joyce, from Olivet, S. Ohio, 

to Keyser. W. Marva 
Pfeiffer,Roben,PainierCreek,S. 

Ohio, from interim to pastor 
White, Paul W.. from Staunton. 

Shen., to Trinity, Virlina 



Deaths 

Andress, Stella. 72. Columbiana, 

Ohio.Sepi, i:, 1993 
Arnold, Levi. 92. Elkhan. Ind.. 

Nov. 16. 199.1 
Athey, Howard. 92. Boonesboro, 

Md.. April 18.1993 
Baum, Golda. 95. La Veme, Calif.. 

Dec. 3, 1993 
Beachley, Donovan. 95, Hagers- 

town. Md.. Nov. 23. 1993 
Beard, Edna. 88. Smilhsburg. Md.. 

Jan. 15. 1993 
Bostetter, Martin. 92. Hagersiown, 

Md..Oct. 11.1993 
Bowman. Merlyn. 80, Canton, 



Ohio. Sept. 20. 1993 
Brandt, Ira, 93, Mc Allisterville, 

Pa., Dec. 26, 1993 
Brubaker.Chester,83.Virden,Ill.. 

Nov. 11.1993 
Burkett. Jessie. 88. Wilmington. 

Del.. Nov. 30, 1993 
Burkholder,Harr>.87. 

Columbiana, Ohio. Oct. 12, 

1993 
Callahan. Elroe, 60, Callaway , Va. . 

July 12. 1993 
Chambers, Julia. 91 . Hagerstown. 

Md..Mar. 25, 1993 
Davis.Roy. 82, La Veme, Calif., 

Nov. 2 1,1993 
Deibert, I rene, 86, Boonesboro, 

Md..Mar. 18. 1993 
Dzurke. Michael. 8 1 , Windber, Pa.. 

Jan. 16.1993 
Eichelberger, Paul, 66, York, Pa.. 

Dec, 5. 1993 
Eisenhart, Verrion. 83, Dover, Pa.. 

Dec. 12. 1993 
Fuller, Violet. 70. Windber. Pa.. 

Nov. 5. 1993 
Funderburg, Gladys. 90. New 

Carlisle.Ohio.Nov. 17. 1993 
Graybill, Joseph. 89, Manheim, 

Pa.. Oct. 23, 1993 
Grove, Mary. 83. Dallas Center. 

Iowa. Dec. 24. 1993 
Hamilton, Lucille. 62, Elkhart. 

Ind. July 3. 1993 
Hancock, Mabel. 70. Bassett. Va.. 

Oct. 25. 1993 
Hallowell, Orlena. 95 . San Diego. 

Calif.Jan. 13. 1993 
Hartman. Russell. 86. Dallastown. 

Pa.. Dec. 16,1993 
Helsel, Nelson, 8 1 , Windber, Pa.. 

Oct. 9, 1993 
Henly, Vera. 84. Columbiana. 

Ohio.Dec. 14. 1993 
Hershey, Clayton. 93. Manheim. 

Pa..'Sept.29. 1993 
Hodges, Ella Mae. 1(W. Vinton. 

Va.. April 10.1993 
Holt, Elbest. 89, Callaway, Va.. 

April 14. 1993 
Hunter, Audrey. 73. Windber. Pa.. 

July 24. 1993 
Huston, Mariha. 80. Beavercreek. 

Ohio. Sept. 14.1993 
Joy, Dorothy. 87. South Whitley, 

' Ind., Nov. 7. 1993 
Kaufman, Mary, 84, Hooversville, 

Pa..Dec. 16, 1993 
Keith, Leonard. Mansfield, Mo.. 

Dec. 13. 1993 
Kight, David. 38. Baltimore. Md.. 

Nov. 30. 1993 
Kingery. Pauline. 78. Rocky 

Mount. Va.. Dec. 25. 1993 
Koogler. Jonas, 85, Beavercreek, 

Ohio, Dec. 11.1993 
Landis, Margaret. 89. Hagersiown. 

Md., Mar. 24. 1993 
Lindsay, Bertha. 86. Hagerstown. 

Md.,Oct. 20. 1993 
Marker, Edgar. 84. Waynesboro, 

Pa.. March 19.1993 
Martin, Edna. 90. Boonesboro. 

Md.,May 13, 1993 
Martin, Magdalene, 78, Greenville, 

Ohio, Dec. 29. 1993 
McCoy, Mary. 92. Hagerstown. 

Md.. June 18. 1993 



Metzler, John D.. 95, Portland. 

Ore. Dec. 20. 1993 
Miller.Cora. 1 04, Cerro Gordo, 

III.. Oct. 29. 1993 
MilIer,Richard, 84.Fairbom,Ohio, 

Nov. 15. 1993 
Morgan, Brent. Silver Spring. Md.. 

Aug. 11,1993 
Morrison, Mildred, 82. Boones- 
boro. Md.. Jan. 18.1993 
Mundey, Eston. 79. Hagerstown. 

Md'. July 23. 1993 
Nunley, Lively. 95. Callaway, Va., 

Feb. 12. 1993 
Osborne, David. 77. North 

Wilkesboro.N.C..Nov.25. 

1993 
Patterson, Naomi. 84. Oitumwa. 

Iowa. Oct. 15.1993 
Pearson,Gladys.95. Flora. Ind., 

Dec. 16. 1993 
Fenny,Orville.8I.GardenCity, 

Mo.. Dec. 6. 1993 
Peters, Mary. 89. Hagerstown. Ind., 

Aug. 3 1.1993 
Petre, Beulah. 84. Maugansville, 

Md.. Oct. 26. 1993 
Petticoffer, Amon, 82. Manheim, 

Pa.. Dec. 22. 1993 
Pfluger, Marjorie. 69. Mariinsville. 

Va..May5. 1993 
Pommert, Stanley. 8 1 . Nonh 

Liberty.Ind..Aug. 13. 1993 
Pursell, Arthur. 83. New Oxford, 

Pa., Dec. 29. 1993 
Rife, Esther. 76. Silver Lake. Ind.. 

Nov. 19.1993 
Royer, Laura. 96. Greenville. Ohio. 

Nov.. 1993 
Rummel, Edith. 56. Robinson. Pa., 

Nov. 19. 1993 
Seese, Theda, 9 1 , Windber. Pa. . 

Oct. 23. 1993 
Sepesy, Andrew. 66. Virden. III.. 

Nov. 23. 1993 
Shaffer, Harris. 83. Uniontown. 

Pa.. Dec. 13.1993 
Sheila barger,Jeanneite. 74. 

Beavercreek. Ohio. Feb. 10. 

1993 
Shilling, Richard. 78. Hagerstown, 

Md..Sepl. 14. 1993 
Shockey, Virgie. Smithsburg, Md., 

May 12.1993 
Sloan, Marjory. 79. Columbiana. 

Ohio. Oct. 8. 1993 
Smith, Rachel. 90. Virden. 111.. Oct. 

31.1993 
Snowberger, Rhoda. 92, Waynes- 
boro, Pa.. Nov. 30. 1993 
Spangler, Audrey. 7 1 . Windber. 

Pa., June 28, 1993 
Stanley, Beulah, 96, San Dimas, 

Calif, Nov. 22. 1993 
Statler. Herren. 83. Windber. Pa., 

March 3. 1993 
Striebig,Raymond. 94. New 

Oxford. Pa.. Dec. 2 1.1993 
Towne, Phi lip. 92. Laguna Beach. 

Calif., Dec. 10,1993 
Vincent, Chas, 82, Columbiana. 

Ohio.OcI. 14. 1993 
Wentz, Levere. 75. York. Pa.. Dec. 

21.1993 
Whitaker.Paul. 7 1 .Ogleiown, Pa.. 

Feb. 18. 1993 
Young. Velda. 75. La Veme. 

Calif., Dec. 9. 1993 



March 1994 Messenger 31 



Who, me a millionaire? 

I became a millionaire the other day. Or so it first 
appeared when I opened a fat envelope of material 
that broke the news to me. A Post-it note, looking 
very personal, was the first thing that caught my 
attention. At first glance, the note seemed to make it 
a sure thing that I already had won a million dollars. 

Usually I throw these letters into the trash without 
reading further, but this one looked a little different 
from the ones I get from Publishers Clearing House 
and Reader' s Digest, so I examined it some more. 
The material was an assortment of exciting, breath- 
less news, designed to appear as if the sender kept 
adding new things each time he started to close the 
envelope. Little notes and enclosures were tucked 
among larger pieces of paper and fell out like 
makeshift bookmarks as I shuffled the packet. 

I never could quite figure out what all I needed to 
do, nor what the deal was about. But the fine print 
that I encountered here and there made the "instant 
millionaire" expectation grow dimmer and dimmer. 
Actually, hundreds of other folks had gotten a little 
Post-it note like mine, my would-be benefactor 
finally happened to mention. And, oh, I would be 
receiving some sort of "package of material" (the 
contents of which were never explained, but I 
suspected I was to end up buying something expen- 
sive) and respond to it as my next step. And here 
was a little thing to fill out, and there was a stamp to 
attach in another place. About that time, I threw the 
whole thing in the trash, weary with the burden of 
being a millionaire even before the first check came 
in. 

Of course you know and I know that what I had 
received was just another gimmick to hook me into 
spending money while gambling that I would win 
something for nothing. 

Gambling. It's everywhere. I can't pay for my gas 
at the service station without waiting in line behind 
a bunch of people buying lottery tickets. Elgin, 111., 
where I reside and work, is building a riverboat 
casino in its moribund downtown area. The town's 
leaders and a majority of the voters are confident it 
will bring nothing but good. 

Americans legally gambled away $30 billion 
dollars in 1992, according to a Wall Street Journal 
article. Thirty-four states and the District of Colum- 
bia have lotteries. State governments take the lead in 
deluding citizens into gambling through the lotter- 
ies. TV screens are full of their slick commercials 
making gambling through lotteries sound like 
innocent fun. But what's the difference between 

32 Messenger March 1994 



States promoting lotteries to bring in revenue and 
promoting booze and tobacco for the revenue they 
produce? 

The really outrageous thing about lotteries is that 
their advertising targets poorer areas. A Boston 
Globe article called it "Robin Hood in reverse." The 
same article stated that more lottery tickets were sold 
in poorer communities, in part, because those areas 
have more outlets selling tickets. 

Poorer communities receive less of the lottery's 
profits, the Globe reported. In 1992, some poorer 
towns received 14 percent on their ticket sales. 
Several well-to-do communities received 160 percent 
of their lottery sales. 

States are pulling in money from the very people 
they are charged to help. And doing it in a way that 
wastes the money they make. One public policy 
advocate states that it costs one to 1.5 cents to collect 
one dollar of revenue from taxes, but it costs 34 cents 
to gain one dollar of lottery income. 

Realistically, I don't expect any public outrage to 
turn the tide of gambling that has flooded us. I do 
take small (really small) comfort, as a history 
student, in the knowledge that the lottery craze has 
swept through the country twice before — during the 
Revolution and in the early 1800s. One of my 
Virginia heroes, Thomas Jefferson, tainted his 
reputation by trying to launch a lottery to save 
himself from bankruptcy right at the end of his life. 

Aside from the usual fraud and scandals, satura- 
tion of the market (no lottery could make a profit) 
was the main cause that those two lottery waves 
eventually flowed back. 



Wi, 



lile we are waiting for ebb tide, we can profit- 
ably take a look at a position paper on gambling 
adopted by the 1986 Annual Conference {1986 
Annual Conference Minutes, page 308). The paper 
cites numerous biblical passages inveighing against 
gambling and gives suggestions for Brethren to 
follow in resisting the evil. 

We all would do well to endorse the conclusion the 
Conference paper makes: "We believe that gambling 
violates Christ's teachings regarding stewardship 
and mutual responsibility. We believe that for a 
government to promote gambling is immoral and 
violates its obligation to protect the best interest of 
its citizens. Therefore, we oppose the legalization of 
and participation in any form of gambling." 

Maybe memorize it too. — K.T. 



"/ believe it is of 

utmost importance 

that the Church of 

the Brethren have a 

denominational 

seminary in which 

we can train pastors. 

Bethany Seminary 

offers biblical 

instruction^ pastoral 

care trainingy and 

theological inquiryy 

interwoven with 

Brethren heritage 

and valueSy that are 

vital to the ongoing 

life of our church" 



Chris Michael is staff for 

youth/young adult ministiy on 

the General Board staff. 



I 








T«^« JM 











If you hear the Cally 
give us a call. 



Bethany Theological Seminary 

Butterfield and Meyers Roads 
Oak Brook, IL 60521 

708/620-2200 






)itter civil war in Bosnia, 
md you_bound up my wounds ; 

displaced by floe 

n the Midwest US 

homeless and w- 

you rescued me, 

helter and foe 

ugh Sudan 

and Ken] 

o care f 

go , and 

ovided a 

ve me hope 




- %-• N»X 



Matthew 25 revisited. Jesus reminds us in 
Matthew 25 that as we help people in need, we are 
helping him. In today's world, Jesus may say to us: 

/ was caught in the crossfire of a bitter civil war in 
far-off Bosnia, and you bound up my wounds; 

I was displaced by floods in the Midwest USA, 
homeless and without food, and you rescued me; 

I was wandering through Sudan and Ethiopia 
and Kenya with no one to care for me and no place 
to go, and you took me in, provided a home for me 
and gave me hope. 



These are stories in which Church of the Breth- 
ren relief, disaster, development, and reconciliation 
ministries are directly engaged. The 
stories are told in the 1994 One Great 
Hour of Sharing video provided each 
congregation. 

View and discuss these stories. 
Praise God that the spirit of Matthew d/NE 
25 is alive in the church today. CtREAT 

Continue — in the name and "L-T/^T TT? rW 

spirit of Christ— to give help, CtJA T?TlVTr 

to give hope, to give life. pJrLri_L\liN v 




I 




. has been raised; 

he is not here. Look, ^ere 

is the place they laidnm 



Mark 16:6 





It is just a coincidence that tliis issue of Messenger highlighting 
the upcoming National Youth Conference is coming out in 
April, when the very first national youth director, Chauncey 
Shamberger. celebrates his 100th birthday. 

How did the Church of the Brethren youth movement begin? 
Chauncey remembers that it was in 1919 that I.V. Funderberg, 
chairman of the Christian Workers Board (this 
was in pre-General Board days, when many 
boards were headquartered in Elgin, 111.) said to 
him, "See what you can do for the youth of the 
church." And he did. 

"i had no idea what to do," recalls Chauncey, 
"other than to give youth recognition and the 
feeling that they were part of the church." Given 
the title of youth director, he had a rolltop desk 
in one corner of a room at 22 South State Street, 
in Elgin. His salary was $100 a month, often 
paid weeks late. 

Chauncey made a good beginning for youth 
ministry. Youth fellowship groups were set up in 
almost every congregation across the denomination. Chauncey 
inspired many youth to develop into leaders. One of his earliest 
proteges, Raymond Peters, went on to become the first general 
secretary of the General Brotherhood Board, when it was 
established in 1947. Chauncey also pioneered the Brethren 
camping movement. 

As his 100th birthday approaches, Chauncey still lives 
independently and writes frequently to Messenger. The letters 
always are worth reading, filled with pungent observations about 
the present state of the church. We think it would be a fine idea 
for each of our readers to send Chauncey a card for his April 27 
birthday. His address is 1 130 Allumbaugh St., No. 213, Boise, 
ID 83704. Tel. (208)327-1213. 



auA/nt<^'^/^^ 



COMING NEXT MONTH: A final preview of Annual Confer- 
ence, highlighting the Native American paper. Note: This will 
be a combined May/June issue, mailed in mid-May. 



April 1994 




Editor 

Kermon Thomasson 

Managing Editor 

Eric B. Bishop 

Editorial assistants 

Paula Sokody, Margaret Woolgrove 

Production, Advertising 

Paul Stocksdale 

Subscriptions 

Norma Nieto 

Promotion 

Kenneth L. Gibble 

Publisher 

Dale E. Minnich 



District Messenger representatives: 

Atlanlic Northeast, Ron Lutz: Atlantic 
Southeast. Ruby Raymer: lllinoisAViscoL 
Kresion Lipscomb; Northern Indiana. Li 
Holderread: South/Central Indiana, Mar 
Miller; Michigan. Marie Willoughby: 
Mid- Atlantic. Ann Fouts; Missouri/Ark. 
Mary McGowan; Northern Plains. Faith 
Strom; Northern Ohio. Sherry Sampson 
Southern Ohio, Jack Kline; Oregon/ 
Washington. Marguerite Shamberger; 
Pacific Southwest. Randy Miller; Middl 
Pennsylvania, Ruth Fisher; Southern 
Pennsylvania. ElmerQ.Gleim; Westen 
Pennsylvania. Jay Christner; Shenandu.i 
Jerry Brunk; Southern Plains. Mary Am 
Dell; Virlina. David & Heitie Webster; 
Western Plains. Dean Hummer; West N 
WinomaSpurgeon. I 

Messenger is the official publication ol 

Church of the Brethren. Entered asseci 

class matter Aug. 20. 191 S. under Act o 

Congress of Oct. 17. 1917. Filing date. 

I 1 , 1 984. Messenger is a mt 

l/^ ofthe Associated Church pl 

y^ and a subscriber to Religio 

jrj News Service and Ecumen 

I ! PressService. Biblical 

I quotations, unless olherwi 

indicated, are from the New Revised 
Standard Version. 

Subscription rates: S 1 2.50 individu; 
rate, S 1 0.50 church group plan, $ 1 0.50 
subscriptions. Student rate 75c an issue 
you move, clip address label and send v' 
new address to Messenger Subscription 
1 45 i Dundee Ave.. Elgin, IL 60 1 20. A! 
at least five weeks for address change. 

Messenger is owned and published I 
times a year by the General Services C( 
mission. Church of the Brethren Genen 
Board. Second-class postage paid at Elj 
111., and at additional mailing office, Af 
1 994. Copyright 1994,Churchofthe 
BrethrenGeneral Board. ISSN0026-03: 

POSTMASTER: Send address Chan 
Messenger, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, 
60120. ^ 




Touch 2 

jse to Home 4 

ws 6 

jrldwide 10 

;pping Stones 1 1 

etry 20 

9in the 

General Secretary 

linions 26 

tiers 28 

ntius' Puddle 29 

rning Points 3 1 

itorial 32 



22 



!dits: 

/er. 1,9, 12. 13 right. 14-15, 

8-19: Alan Boleyn 

/er background: Phil Brodatz 

ide front cover: Dorris Murdock 

:fl: Art by Christopher Raschka 

inter: George Keeler 

)p: Barbara Slagenweit 

ottom: Karen S. Carter 

)ave Sollenberger 

Caren Neff 

iVorid Council of Churches 

far left: Barbara Greenwald 

Religious News Service 



'The dependable one' 12 

A self-confessed "B & BB," Shawn Replogle is hoping that 
Brethren youth this year will discover the larger church for 
themselves. Margaret Woolgrove profiles the 1994 National 
Youth Conference coordinator. 

National Youth Conference: 
'The most powerful event' 14 

Shawn Replogle reports that this summer when over 3,000 
youth attend NYC, "it will be life changing. Barriers will fall, 
and calls will be given . . . and heard" at what he calls the most 
powerful event in the church. 

Facing our last enemy 1 6 

Jesus expresses the truth that many of us are too afraid to 
admit. Ryan Ahlgrim presents a view of the many sides of 
death — peaceful, good, and cruel. 

A mug of remembrance 1 8 

Pete Haynes asks, "Isn't it strange how material objects can 
become vessels containing a larger meaning?" The story of his 
coffee mugs explains how. 

What's the difference? 2 1 

Just how much leeway do we have for diversity within our 
denomination? And beyond that, what about people whose 
religious tradition is outside Christianity? Donald E. Fancher 
and Gregg A. Wilhelm present their thinking on these two 
questions. 




Cover story: Akin 
Boleyn 's symbolic photo 
of the empty tomb is 
stark^ust stones and a 
piece of cloth. But on 
the Sunday following 
Jesus ' death and burial, 
that 's all that was 
there — that and an 
angel. The angel said. 
"He has been raised: he 
is not here. " And on 
that we base our faith. 
{See page 16.) 



April 1 994 Messenger 1 




h 



A career takes off 

When Christopher Raschka 

recently received two 
prestigious book awards, it 
was just another step up the 




Chris Raschka wrote 

and illustrated Yo! 

Yes?, which carries 

colorful pictures and a 

sparse text of only 

34 words. 



"In Touch " profiles Brethren we 
would like you to meet. Send 
story ideas and photos (black 
and white, if possible) to ' 'In 
Touch. " Messenger, 1451 
Dundee Ave., Elgin. IL 60120. 



ladder for this fast-moving 
author and illustrator. Chris 
has received a Caldecott 
Honor Award and the 
UNICEF Ezra Jack Keats 
National Award. 

"From the time Chris was 
a little boy, he was always 
drawing and painting," 
recalls his mother, Hedda 
Durnbaugh, of James Creek, 
Pa. The writing part appar- 
ently comes naturally, since 
both mother Hedda and 
father Don, are noted 
Brethren authors. 

But throughout Chris' 
college years he pursued a 
career in medicine. It took a 
few years of working with 
children in social services to 



change Chris" mind on his 
career direction. He discov- 
ered his gift for writing and 
illustrating books for 
children. 

After illustrating other 
authors" works, he wrote and 
illustrated his first book, R 
and fl. published by Breth- 
ren Press (1990). Since then 
he has written and illustrated 
another Brethren Press book, 
Benjamin Brady's Backyard 
Bag (1991). 




Chris Raschka 

Yo! Yes? (Orchard Books, 
1993) is the story of a 
budding friendship between 
an African American boy 
and a white boy who meet by 
chance in the street. 

Chris lives and works in 
Manhattan, where he tries 
out his book ideas on school 
children, especially those in 
the classes taught by his 
wife, Lydie, at a local 
Montessori school. 



Bertha in Bible lands 

Viola Whitehead published 
a little book a couple of years 
ago titled Stories of Days 
Long Gone in the Acme 
School. The stories in it were 
written by Viola" s mother. 
Brethren writer Bertha 



Miller Neher (August/ 
September 1992, page 33). 

Viola, who now is 93, has 
come out with another book 
of her mother's stories. My 
Biblical Tour. It gives 
Bertha" s account of her trip 
to Egypt. Palestine, and Italy 
in 1927. Readers who have 
made recent tours will be 
interested not only in this 
1927 description of Middle 
Eastern lands and people, but 
also in the way one traveled 
to that area nearly 70 years 
ago. 

The earlier book com- 
prised reprints of stories 
from various Brethren 
publications. The contents of 
this new book, however, have 
never been published before. 

Copies of My Biblical Tour 
may be ordered for $5 from 
Viola, Box 501, Timbercrest 
Home, North Manchester, IN 
46962-0501. 



Active in Angel Fire 

Nan Nielson, a member of 
Onekama (Mich.) Church of 
the Brethren, and an 
Onekema summer resident. 




Nan Nielson 

spends the rest of the year in 
Angel Fire, N.M., a ski 
resort area. 

There, four years ago, she 
helped to found the United 



2 Messenger April 1994 



Church of Angel Fire, a 
community church of 40 
members, from several 
denominations. Nan serves 
on the church's outreach 
committee and her daughter. 



Motivated by the kids 

New Year is a time when 
many people make new 
starts, and Greg 
Buckwaiter, of Hempfield 
Church of the Brethren, in 
East Petersburg, Pa., is no 
exception. On January 15, 
Greg left for Somalia to take 
up his new position as the 
:ountry director for 
International Medical 
Corps' (IMC) 
emergency medical 
relief program. 

Greg, who spent his 
first years out of 
:ollege as a Peace 
Corps volunteer in 
Liberia, says he enjoys 
"the challenge of 
international work," 
and that, for him, 
'Somalia is the 
intense version of that 
:hallenge you get 
when you work in 
developing countries." 

The IMC relief project in 
Somalia is one of a number 
of relief projects coordinated 
by the agency in developing 
countries to provide health 
care and health training 
programs. IMC operates 
independent of politics. "Its 
sole function is to rebuild the 
health care system (of a 
country) in a self-help kind 
of way," says Greg. 

In addition to his time in 
the Peace Corps, Greg has 
worked as a public health 
computer specialist with the 



Annie, is active in the 
children's group. 

Through Nan's efforts, the 
Angel Fire church has 
attracted the attention of 
Western Plains District. 



US Committee for Scientific 
Cooperation with Vietnam at 
the National Institute for 
Hygiene and Epidemiology 
in Hanoi. While working 
there he wrote Knowledge. 
Attitude, Beliefs, and 
Practices on AIDS for the 
urban population of Viet- 
nam, which is now being 
translated into Vietnamese. 




Greg Buckwalter works in Somalia 
to ensure its children 's future. 



As country director for 
Somali, Greg will oversee 
the IMC's goals of providing 
medical training and care. 
"One day I might be negoti- 
ating with the town elders to 
open up a clinic; the next day 
I might be sitting in a United 
Nations security briefing." 

Greg says, "The ones who 
always have kept me going 
in tough situations are the 
little kids. My motivation is 
to see that kids have another 
day to become something . . . 
someday." 



Tied up in knots 

Everett Detrow, of Welty 
Church of the Brethren, in 
Smithsburg, Md., doesn't let 
his age (80) or ill health keep 
him from his favorite 
pastime. 

Since he retired at age 62, 
he has pieced comforters for 
Welty's women's fellowship, 
and he still turns up at their 




Everett Detrow measures his 
speed in knots as he works 
on comforters at Welty. 

monthly meetings to help 
knot the group's comforters. 

The completed comforters 
are donated to the Brethren 
Service Center, in New 
Windsor, Md.; to the district 
disaster auction; and to local 
welfare organizations and 
needy families. 

Everett attributes to his 
mother his enjoyment of 
knotting comforters. He 
often helped her with her 
comforter-making, and just 
kept on piecing and knotting 
on his own. 



Names in the news 

Two Bridgewater College 
officials were recognized 
during Black History Month 



(February) for their contribu- 
tions to the local African 
American community. The 
awards were presented by 
Shenandoah Valley Hit, a 
weekly newspaper for the 
Valley's African Americans. 
Bridgewater' s president, 
Wayne Geisert, received a 
Community Service Award. 
Carlyle Whitelow, assistant 
professor of physical educa- 
tion and men's tennis coach, 
received a Collegiate 
Educational Award. 

• Ernie Doering, a 
member of Parker Ford (Pa.) 
Church of the Brethren, has 
begun a three-year assign- 
ment in Bangladesh, through 
Mennonite Central Commit- 
tee. He is working as an 
appropriate technologist. 



Remembered 

Clyde E. Weaver, 69, died 
March 2, in Elgin, 111. He 
served on the General Board 




Clyde E. Weaver 

Staff, 1969-1986, most of 
those years in the position of 
Brethren Press marketing 
director. In his retirement, he 
gave much time to cultural 
exchanges between Ameri- 
cans and Russians and to 
serving as a volunteer 
arbitrator with the Better 
Business Bureau. 



April 1994 Messenger 3 




fl 




Mack: The musical 

Did Maria von Trapp 
resemble the portrayal of her 
in the musical "The Sound of 
Music"? Would Alexander 
Mack recognize himself in 
"Tunker Tales"? 

Probably not. But then. 



history, as in 

"Oh, Peter Becker's 

work is weaving. 
Which Conrad Beissel 

wants to learn; 
If hermit's life he's 

achieving. 
Some greenbacks he 

must earn." 



as depicted in "Tunker 
Tales," sounds astonishingly 
like our Annual Conference 
of today: 

"Papers, queries, and 

reports. 
Numerous exhibits. 
Insight sessions of all 
sorts. 




The cast for Beacon 

Heights ' performance 

of '^Tunker Tales" 

wore broadbrims, 

bonnets, and other 

plain garb from an 

uncertain period in 

Dunker history. 



"Close 10 Home " highlights 
news of congregations, districts, 
colleges, homes, and other local and 
regional life. Send story ideas and 
photos {black and white, if possible} 
to ' Close to Home. ' ' Messenger, 
1451 Dundee Ave.. Elgin, IL 60120. 



musicals, by definition, are 
intended to entertain and 
amuse. And usually this end 
is achieved at the consider- 
able expense of historical 
accuracy. 

Lorele Yager, of Beacon 
Heights Church of the 
Brethren, in Fort Wayne, 
Ind., refers to her "Tunker 
Tales" as a "lighthearted 
retracing of some events in 
the lives of the Brethren. . . ." 
The musical was written to 
be performed by the junior- 
high youth of Beacon 
Heights, with likely the 
ulterior motive of piquing 
their interest in more serious 
study of the denomination's 
history. 

Opening last fall at Beacon 
Heights, "Tunker Tales" 
breezily deals with the 
characters of early Brethren 



"Tunker Tales" has 1 3 
scenes, which cover Brethren 
history from Schwarzenau, 
Germany, in 1711 to the first 
Annual Meeting, in Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1742. 

That first Annual Meeting, 



Sunrise Center 

Troy (Ohio) Church of the 
Brethren got into adult day 
care because its church's 
newly installed elevator and 
handicapped-accessible 
entrance and restrooms made 
it an ideal site for a commu- 
nity group looking for a 
location. 

Sunrise Adult Care Center 
opened in 1991 and now has 
19 clients, providing exer- 
cise, music therapy, social 



And ice cream without 

limits." 
Could "Tunker Tales" be J 
telling us that it's all right to 
take a lighthearted approach 
to current Brethren doings, 
as well as Brethren history? 



time, crafts, games, field 
trips, and health checks 
among its programs. 

Two members of the Troy 
congregation serve on the 
board, and members serve 
the center as volunteers. The 
church youth help with 
fundraising and socialize 
with the clients. Congrega- 
tions that are interested in 
starting such a ministry are 
invited to contact the Troy 
church, 1431 West Main St.7 
Troy, OH 45373. 



4 Messenger April 1994 




tave Frederick, Dennie Brumbaugh, and Gregg toor didn 't let a deep snowfall thwart 
teir plan to barbecue chicken on outdoor grills for Curryville's Bethany fundraiser. 



linistry in miniature 

iuring their Children's 
.ctivity Time (ChAT), the 
lildren of Pleasant Dale 



person, a feat made difficult 
by snow and ice storm. The 
valentine project was an 
outgrowth of a challenge to 
find creative ways to pass on 




auren McClung and Brittney Funderburk hand-delivered 
alentines to jail trusty Robert Tolley and deputy Ila Kerns. 

'hurch of the Brethren, near God's love. 



incastle, Va., made 45 
alentines for inmates at 
lotetourt (pronounced Botty- 
ot) County Jail. They then 
elivered their creations in 



Considering Jesus' 
emphasis on prisoners and 
little children, .this project 
was a "way" grounded 
solidly in scripture. 



Barbecue weather 

While other people in 
Pennsylvania were roasting 
their toes before indoor 
fireplaces, the members of 
Curry ville (Pa.) Church of 
the Brethren were braving 
the January weather to roast 
chicken on an outdoor 
barbecue grill. 

"It really wasn't all that 
cold," said Tammy Hinish, 



Let's celebrate 

Sugar Run Church of the 
Brethren, near Mount Union, 
Pa., will celebrate its 120th 
anniversary September 18. 
The church is requesting 
photos depicting Sugar Run 
history. 

• Maple Grove Church of 
the Brethren, near Salix, Pa., 
celebrated its centennial 
January 23, with former 
pastor Chalmer Dilling as 
guest speaker. 

• Parker Ford (Pa.) 
Church of the Brethren 
completed on October 3 1 , 
1993, a month-long celebra- 



one of the cooks of the day. 
"The temperature had been 
below zero all week, so we 
were worried about how 
things would turn out. But 
that day was really nice; it 
was like a miracle." 

The idea of putting on a 
fundraising barbecue grew 
from a sermon that was 
preached on the need to press 
on toward goals, with the 
upcoming move of Bethany 
Seminary being cited as one 
such goal. 

"We found out that for 
$100 we could buy a brick 
for Bethany that would have 
our name on it and also help 
finance the seminary's move 
to Richmond," says Tammy. 

During the barbecue day, 
340 chicken halves were 
sold, as well as applesauce, 
rolls, and baked potatoes, 
netting over $700. 

Curryville, heady with this 
year's success, is toying with 
the idea of another such 
fundraiser in '95 . . . and 
hoping for better weather. 
— Margaret Woolgrove 



tion of its 1 50th anniversary, 
with Peter Marshall Jr. as 
guest speaker that day. Other 
celebration activities in- 
cluded the publication of a 
cook book and the creation of 
an hour-long video on the 
congregation's history. 

• Washington (DC.) City 
Church of the Brethren 
burned the mortgage for its 
education building December 
5, 1993. The congregation 
will celebrate its centennial 
later this year. 

• Paint Creek Church of 
the Brethren, near Redfield, 
Kan., will celebrate its 125th 
anniversary May 1 . 



April 1994 Messenger 5 



i 




Dominican Republic Brethren 
hold third annual assembly 

January 19-22 saw 148 delegates 
gathered for the third annual assembly of 
the Church of the Brethren in the 




Mendelson Ddvila, 

from Nicaragua, 

introduced new 

music to assembly 

participants. 

Miguelina Arias 

serves the assembly 

and board as 

secretary, and 

Guillermo 

Encarnacion is 

moderator. 




Because the news pages include news from various 
Church of the Brethren organizations and move- 
ments, the activities reported on may represent a 
variety of viewpoints. These pages also report on 
other national and international news relevant to 
Brethren. Information in news articles does not 
necessarily represent the opinions ofMESSENGER or 
the Church of the Brethren. 



Dominican Republic. The delegates 
came from all 10 of the Dominican 
congregations, as well as from the 
United States. 

The assembly was "marked by a 
hopeful and energetic spirit," according 
to Yvonne Dilling, Latin America and 
Caribbean representative on the General 
Board staff, with one full day dedicated 
to workshops, and a day and a half to 
business. 



The main business items of the 
assembly were proposals to change the 
bylaws. After much discussion on the 
role of moderator in the church, a 
unanimous decision was made to follow 
the US pattern of having a moderator- 
elect. Guillermo Encarnacion, a Domini- 
can native, now pastor of Alfa y Omega 
Church of the Brethren in Lancaster, Pa 
was elected to serve a further two-year 
term as moderator, with Luis M. 
Ogando, as moderator-elect. Ogando wil 
take on the duties of moderator in 1996. 
The church board membership was 
decreased in order to save administrativfj 
funds, but has maintained lay and I 

pastoral input from all 1 congregations 

Joan Deeter, executive of the World 
Ministries Commission of the General 
Board, noted in this, her second year of 
participation in the assembly, her "great' 
joy in the leadership skills demonstrated* 
among these new Brethren, and in their 
intense involvement in the business 
issues before the assembly." 

The workshops were a highlight for 
many participants, with Gilbert Romero, 
pastor of Bella Vista Church of the 
Brethren in Los Angeles, Calif., discuss* 
ing pressures faced by a teenager; and 
Mendelson Davila of Mision Cristiana, 
Nicaragua, teaching worship renewal 
and liturgy from the New Song Move- 
ment in Latin America. 

Evening worships were led by Jorge 
Rivera, pastor of Crista Nuestra Paz 
(Christ our Peace) Church of the 
Brethren, in Yahuecas, P.R.; Luis M. 
Ogando, 1993 chairman of the Domini- 
can board; and Earl Ziegler, Annual 
Conference moderator. Each worship 
leader brought a different emphasis to 
the assembly theme, "Building in the 
Name of the Lord." 

Reports showed that major achieve- 
ments were made in the Dominican 
church's goal of internal strengthening 
this year, although membership only 
increased by a small margin. 

"In many ways," said Dilling, "the 
assembly reminded me of our stateside 
Annual Conference, with its spirit of 
family and the deeply moving worship 
services. It was a time of mutual edifica 
tion for all involved." 






6 Messenger April 1994 







'ethren Volunteer Service Unit 210 completed orientation in Orlando, Fla., 
nuary 9-29. Members are (front row) Larry Davis Jr., Paula Bishop, Gretchen 
ihner, Staci Toback, Shay Warren, Shawn Kirchner; (second row) Suzanne 
hnson, Mary Mason, Chris Brown; (third row) Emily Zielinski (BVS orientation 
sistant), Troy Reimer, Deana Gilmore, Krisanne Vaillancourt, Amy Loser, Crystal 
sher, Peter Neilson (BVS recruitment assistant); (fourth row) Bob Patalano, May 
talano, Lisa Vassady, Tammy Krause Riddle (BVS orientation coordinator), David 
irroll, Brenda Retry, Abe Turany, Barbara Zander, Jeff Faus; (fifth row) Jeff 
illagher, Brett Murner, Norman Geibler. (See page 31 for project assignments.) 



eneral Board hires experts 
I discover Brethren image 

hat are the common threads that tie 
lurch of the Brethren members 
gether? What is the mix, the balance, 
at makes Brethren beliefs and practices 
viting to others? 

These are the questions being re- 
arched in a General Board media 
itreach project. From now until mid- 
ay, interviews and focus group 
scussions are being conducted in 
rious parts of the country by 
)mmunicorp, an Atlanta-based 
immunications consultants group, to 
ovide insight into recommendations to 
: shaped later this year. 
"In many ways still 'a people apart,' 
"ethren habitually advertise their belief 
rough 'the manner of their living' 
ther than through wholesale evange- 
:m," observes Patti Crane, Communi- 
>rp vice-president. Recounting the story 
Jesus approaching the disciples who 



had spent the night fishing without 
success. Crane asks, "To people who have 
fished all night and caught nothing, what 
can the Church of the Brethren offer?" 

"Meeting the evangelism challenge of 
the '90s means learning how to present 
not merely a compelling nationwide 
image but an appealing local one," 
Crane advises. 

Communicorp's experience in research 
and communications activity has focused 
primarily on institutions of higher 
education, among them Bridgewater, 
Hesston, Lebanon Valley, and Calvin 
colleges, Shenandoah and Le Sierra 
universities, and the School of the Art 
Institute of Chicago. 

The Church of the Brethren study is 
part of the denomination's Goals for the 
'90s objective on evangelism and commu- 
nication. Once the findings are in, 
several months will be given to creating 
and testing pilot resources. Materials for 
churchwide use are projected for the fall 
of 1995. — -Howard Royer 



Prayer for renewal focus of 
gathering at McPherson 

A "Prayer on the Plains" gathering for 
lay persons, held at McPherson College 
February 25-27, focused on the Goals for 
the '90s call for renewal through 
scriptures and reflections of the readings. 
The weekend was devoted to prayer for 
the denomination and the upcoming 
Annual Conference in Wichita, Kan., 
June 28-July 3. 

Annual Conference Moderator Earl 
Ziegler led the gathering. He also invited 
congregations unable to attend to use 
February 27 as a day of prayer. 

Along with Ziegler, Moderator-elect 
Judy Mills Reimer, General Board 
Chairman David Wine, General Secre- 
tary Donald Miller, and approximately 
50 Brethren from around the denomina- 
tion attended the conference. 



Calendar 

Bethany Alumni Event: "Memories and 
Visions," April 10-12, Oak Brook, 111 [Contact 
Debbie Eisenbise, (708) 620-22 1 7], 

Peace Seminar: "Rights and the Way of Christ" 
with John Alexander, April 12, at Bethany 
Seminary, Oak Brook, 111. [Contact Tom 
Longenecker, (708) 620-2243). 

Church of the Brethren Association of 
Christian Educators conference. Camp 
Bethel, Finca.stle, Va., April 15-17. [Contact 
Doris Quarles, (703) 992-2465]. 

1994 Regional Youth Conferences at 

Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, Pa., 
April 16-17; Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, 
Va., April 16-17; Manchester College, North 
Manchester, Ind, April 22-24; McPherson 
College, McPherson, Kan., April 28-May I , 
[Contact district youth advi.sors or the Youth 
Ministry Office, (800) 323-8039). 

1994 National Youth Conference at Colorado 
State University, Fort Collin.s, Colo.. July 26- 
3 1 . Final deadline for preregistralions is May 
15. [Contact Shawn Replogle, NYC Coordina- 
tor, 1451 DundeeAve, Elgin, IL 60120). 

Church Visit to Brazil: "South and North Meet 
in a 'Tunker' Way," July 10-28, spon.sored by 
Latin America/Carribean Office. [Contact Latin 
America/Caribbean Office, (800) 323-8039). 



April 1 994 Messenger 7 



Violence a stepchild of 
apartheid says WCC 

"The apartheid monster is about to die, 
but it has spawned some hideously 
deformed stepchildren, the worst of 
which is violence," said M. Stanley 
Mogoba, presiding bishop of the Meth- 
odist Church in South Africa, concern- 
ing racism and violence. 

At the World Council of Churches 
(WCC) Central Committee's World 
Assembly in Johannesburg, South 
Africa, January 20-28, Church of the 
Brethren General Secretary Donald 
Miller and two other committee mem- 
bers drafted a proposal for a program to 
overcome violence, (see page 22.) 

After an improved redraft was com- 
pleted, the statement was first adopted by 
the Peace, Justice, and Integrity of 
Creation unit of the assembly then 
unanimously adopted by the total body. 

The statement was written to overcome 
violence in general, but with a specific 
focus on violence against women, said 
Miller. This is in collaboration with the 
Ecumenical Decade of Churches in 
Solidarity with Women. The assembly 
was shown a video that focused violence 
against women, which Miller described 
as "horrifying." 

"In recent years, however, the con- 
spiracy of silence surrounding (violence 
against women) has been broken. The 
victims, women, are beginning to 
disclose the situations in which they 
have struggled for a long time, often 
unable to share pain and anger with 
anyone," stated WCC General Secretary 
Konrad Raiser. 

The WCC's Central Committee 
welcomed as full members three new 
churches to the council — the Episcopal 
Church of Burundi, the Episcopal 
Church of Rwanda, and the Orthodox 
Autocephalous Church of Albania. 

Committee members voiced both 
concern and acceptance over the possi- 
bility of the Roman Catholic Church 
joining the WCC. Although the Roman 
Catholic Church is not a member of the 
WCC, it has worked cooperatively on 
many WCC projects in the past. The 
Roman Catholic Church has no immedi- 

8 Messenger April 1994 




Donald E. Miller, , 
Church of the 
Brethren general 
secretary (second 
from right), serves 
on the WCC Central 
Committee. He and 
two other members ; 
got a proposal i 

accepted to create a 
program to 
overcome violence. 



ate plans to join the WCC, but it did not 
rule out the possibility. 

The 50th General Assembly will be 
held in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 1998. 
Amsterdam, Netherlands, the site of the 
first General Assembly in 1948, was also 
considered. 

After Harare was selected by a sizable 
majority of the voting Central Commit- 
tee, General Secretary Konrad Raiser 
stated that he would look into concerns 
voiced by the committee about reports of 
substantial human rights violations in 
Harare. 

"Now Is the Time: Repent and 
Rejoice" is the proposed theme for the 
1998 conference, under the main theme 
of "Jubilee: Now Is the Day of the Lord." 
A leader in the Russian Orthodox 
Church claimed that his people could not 
rejoice in their present situation. After 
several proposed themes were offered, 
the Executive Committee agreed to bring 
a final proposal to the next meeting of 
the Central Committee, in Nashville, 
Tenn., in September 1995. 

This was the first WCC World 
Assembly held in South Africa. The site 
was chosen to underscore support for this 
month's non-racial elections in South 
Africa, the first of their kind. 

"(The WCC) identified the world's 
greatest evil as racism and waged a 
relentless campaign against it," stated 
Mogoba in the opening service. "As we 
approach the first free general elections 
in South Africa, we know we could not 
have come this far without the program." 

The World Council of Churches 



consists of 322 member churches from 
100 countries. The Central Committee 
has 150 representatives. Donald Miller 
was one of the 1 50 delegates to attend 
the assembly, which is held every seven 
years. — Paula Sokody 



1994 holds many activities for 
Church of the Brethren youth 

Brethren youth can become more 
involved in their church through the 
many events that have been planned for 
them for 1994. 

Youth newsletter. Bantu is a new 
newsletter for Brethren youth. The title 
of the newsletter is said to come from ar 
African word combining youth and 
communication. The purpose of the 
newsletter is to encourage communi- 
cation among Brethren youth. 

Several youth initiated the newsletter 
after meeting at the Christian Citizen- 
ship Seminar a year ago. Elizabeth 
Abraham of the Lenexa (Kan.) Church 
of the Brethren is the editor. 

Bantu is sponsored by the Youth and 
Young Adult Ministry office. Althoughl 
the office pays printing and mailing 
expenses, the youth design and write thdj 
newsletter themselves. 

A mailing list is being compiled, andi 
inquiries can be made to: Elizabeth 
Abraham, 8010 Widmer, Lenexa, KS 
66215. 

1994 Youth Peace Travel Team. Th 
members of the fourth Youth Peace Trav 



» 



"earn have been announced. The team 
ricludes Matt Guynn of Indianapolis, 
nd.; Brian Krushwitz of Grundy Center, 
owa; Becki Lovett of Troy, Ohio; and 
^honda Mellinger of Manheim, Pa. 

The training session will be held June 
-11 in southern Illinois, where the 
■avel team will begin its tour. It will 
isit camps in the Midwest and West, as 
/ell as stopping at Annual Conference 
nd National Youth Conference. 

The goals of the team are to teach 
ampers about peace and the Brethren 
ole in peacekeeping history. The team is 
ponsored by the peace consultant, 
)utdoor Ministry, On Earth Peace 
assembly, and Youth Ministry. 

National Youth Sunday. The 1994 
Jationai Youth Sunday is set for May 1. 
"he theme is "Come to the Edge, Claim 
he Call." The theme, taken from 
Lphesians 4: 1, is also the theme of this 
ear's National Youth Conference, 
/laterials from the Youth and Young 
Vdult Ministry office were sent to 
hurches to prepare for this day. 

National Youth Conference. The 
late of speakers for the July 26-3 1 
National Youth Conference has been 
onfirmed. Susan Boyer, pastor of 
/lanchester Church of the Brethren in 
Jorth Manchester, Ind., is the Tuesday 
vening speaker. Shawn Replogle, NYC 
oordinator and Brethren Volunteer 
iervice worker, speaks on Wednesday 
noming; Phill Carlos Archbold, 
issociate pastor of Brooklyn (N.Y.) 
Ihurch of the Brethren, on Wednesday 
:vening; youth speech contest winners, 
)n Thursday morning; Paul Mundey, 
lenominational director of Evangelism, 
m Thursday evening; and Chris 
Michael, denominational director of 
fouth and Young Adult Ministry, on 
^riday morning. A drama with National 
fouth Conference participants, will be 
)resented on Friday evening. Millard 
■'uller, director for Habitat for Humanity 
nternational, will speak on Saturday 
noming; Christy Waltersdorff, associate 
)astor of Westminster (Md.) Church of 
he Brethren, on Saturday evening; and 
David Radcliff, denominational director 
)f Peace Witness and Korean Ministry, 
m Sunday morning. 



During the week, conference partici- 
pants will have the opportunity to help in 
a service project with Habitat for 
Humanity. This year's service project is 
building a house for the Fort Collins. 
Colo, community, where the conference 
is being held. The house will be built on 
jacks and moved to its permanent 
location upon completion. 

National Workcamps. The National 
Youth Workcamps are scheduled from 
June through August. The young adult 
camp is in Rio Piedras, P.R., June 4-12. 
The senior high/youth camps are in 
Cherokee, N.C., June 20-26. and 
Dominican Republic with Brethren 
Revival Fellowship, August 4-17. The 
junior-high camps are in Indianapolis, 
Ind., July 6-10; Harrisburg, Pa., August 
3-7; New Windsor, Md., Augu.st 8-12; 
and Tidewater, Va., August 17-21. 
For registration, contact the Youth and 
Young Adult Ministry office. 



Stewardship relationship 
forged with Heifer Project 

In recognition of the close historical ties 
and present close relationship between 
the two organizations, the Church of the 
Brethren General Board and Heifer 
Project International (HPI) are entering a 
fundraising partnership for the initial 
five-year period, 1994-1998. This 
partnership is considered an ongoing 
relationship, and is launched during 
Heifer Project's 50th anniversary year. 

Gifts received through the partnership 
project will be shared equally between 
the General Board and HPI. Unless 
specifically designated, such gifts will 
be considered undesignated for the work 
of the respective organization. 

The initial promotion theme will be 
"Fill the Ark." HPI is developing 
materials for this theme, which can be 
used by participating families and 
congregations in the home setting. These 
materials will be available for congrega- 
tions at Annual Conference this June. 

The launch date set for congregational 
promotion is October 9, at the start of 
HPI's Anniversary Celebration Month. 



Shantilal Bhagat compiles 
NCC environmental packet 

Shantilal Bhagat, Church of the Brethren 
director of Eco-justice Concerns, has 
compiled a packet of materials that 
concentrates on the church's role in 
saving the environment. The packet is 
called "God's Earth Our Home." 

Bhagat hopes that congregations will 
take a "local focus." He sees many 
communities that call themselves 
healthy, but really aren't. 

"A community is healthy not only 
when the people are healthy, but also 
when the environment is healthy," said 
Bhagat. "Humans don't consider 
themselves as part of nature. Biblically, 
we were created from the earth, from 
nature." 

The packet includes information to 
help congregations make a difference in 
their community, as well as their church. 

Bhagat coordinated the packet on 
behalf of the Environmental and Eco- 
nomic Justice/Hunger Working Group of 
the National Council of Churches. 
Besides compiling the packet, Bhagat 
edited and authored some of the content. 

Bhagat was interested in such a project 
for the Church of Brethren for many 




Slumtilal BIh 



years but lacked funding for it. The NCC 
eco-justice task force decided to do the 
packet last May, and Bhagat began the 
writing in October. 

Bhagat' s next step is to select and 
encourage 50-100 Church of the Breth- 
ren congregations as model eco-justice 
congregations. Packets are being sent to 
churches this spring. 

April 1994 Messenger 9 




Robert Kettering 



John Cassel 



Pedro Bruit 



S. Joan Hershey 



General Board and Bethany 
announce staff changes 

Robert Kettering is serving as consult- 
ant for the Parish Ministries Commission 
of the General Board for the period from 
March 1 through August 30, 1994. 
Kettering will develop the training and 
networking components of the Andrew 
Center, which officially opened in 
March. He also will be working with 
new church development in the denomi- 
nation. Kettering is working out of his 
home in Manheim, Pa. 

John Cassel has resigned as dean of 
students and director of field education 
for Bethany Theological Seminary. 
Cassel, who had served on Bethany's 
staff since 1975, ended his term of 
service in March. He has accepted a 



position with the Illinois Association of 
School Boards as field director. 

Pedro Brull resigned February 1 1 as 
executive minister for Puerto Rico in 
Atlantic Southeast District. Brull had 
served in this position since June 1993 
and served as a volunteer in this position 
from 1987 to 1992. 

S. Joan Hershey has accepted the 
Andrew Center coordinator, consulting/ 
resourcing position. She previously has 
served on the General Board ( 1 986- 
1991; chairwoman 1990-1991). the 
Korea Advisory Committee, and the 
Atlantic Northeast District Reorganiza- 
tion task group. She also has served as 
administrative director of Passing on the 
Promise. She entered this half-time 
position on March 1 and is working out 
of her home in Mount Joy, Pa. 



Redekopp serves as monitor 
for South Africa elections 

Orlando Redekopp, pastor of Chicago 
(111.) First Church of the Brethren and 
General Board director of Urban Minis- 
try, will serve as a monitor for South 
Africa's first non-racial elections on 
April 27. 

He will be part of the Ecumenical 
Monitoring Program for South Africa 
(EMPSA), a joint effort by the South 
African Council of Churches, the 
Southern African Catholic Bishops' 
Conference, and the World Council of 
Churches. He will serve in South Africa 
from April 5-May 6. 

Redekopp spent three years working in 
southern Africa. He worked with South 
Africa refugees in Botswana for two-and- 
a-half years, and spent the remaining 
time in South Africa doing research and 
writing on forced removals. He served as 
an officer and board member of Syn- 
apses, a grass-roots, interfaith, peace I 
action network located in Chicago, for I 
six years (1987-1993). \ 

The Church of the Brethren Southern 
Africa Committee disbanded earlier this 
year after funding was cut by the Gen- 
eral Board as part of its 1994 budget 
reduction. 




Religious News Service (RNS) has been sold to Newhouse 
News Service by the United Methodist Reporter. Newhouse, a 
subsidary of Advance Publications, plans to move RNS from New 
York to Washington by July 31. Messenger is a regular user of RNS 
releases. 

South Africa's first non-racial free elections will be held 

on April 27. Konrad Raiser, general secretary of the World Council of 
Churches, urged the council's Central Committee (see page 8) to 
remember South Africa at this time. 

"Many will find it hard to accept that the enemy of yesterday 
should have become the political partner of today without any clear 
acknowledgment of the price to be paid for reconciliation," stated 
Raiser. 

The Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) national staff 

who attended the November 1993 RE-lmagining Conference in 

10 Mes.senger April 1994 



Minneapolis (January, page 9) drafted a letter stating their position 
regarding the controversial event. The 26 staff members who signed 
the letter are under attack from Tlie Presbyterian Layman, which 
presented their names to the larger church and called for them to bej 
released from their positions in the church. 

An excerpt from the letter read: "We grieve over the damage 
The Presbyterian Layman is doing to this church and to those of us 
who are involved by their blatant misrepresentation in their reporting 
of this event. We are concerned about the larger implications such an 
attack has on all of us as we seek to be faithful in our respective 
ministries." 

The VISN/ACTS Channel became the Faith & Values Channel 
on January 1 . The 5-year-old cable channel changed its name in hope 
of being recognized easier by watchers. "We needed a name that is 
viewer-friendly, a name that clearly says who we are, what we are 
about, and can help viewers find the channel." 



by Robin 
Wentworth Mayer 



Stepping Stones is a column offering 
suggestions, perspectives, and 
opinions — snapshots of life — thai we 
hope are helpful to readers in their 
Christian journey. As the writer said 
in her first installment. "Remember, 
when it comes to managing life 's 
difficulties, we don 7 need to walk on 
water. We just need to learn where 
the stepping stones are, " 




STONES 



The first spring day (not to 
be confused with the first day 
of spring) always takes me by 
surprise. Just about the time 
the winter clouds begin to 
feel like a shroud around my 
soul, suddenly spring is here, 
thumbing it's nose at the 
date on the calendar. 

Without warning, after 
months of damp, gray, 
shivery, bone-chilling cold, 
crocuses peek through, birds 
chirp, joggers molt their 
winter skin, and the kids 
crawl out of hibernation. 

Sometimes I wonder if 
kids migrate with the birds to 
warmer climates during the 
winter. It seems like an 
eternity passes without my 
seeing them out and about. 
But let the mercury creep up 
to 60 degrees, and they're 
back in full force, complete 
with bicycles, kites, jump 
ropes, Frisbees, and skate- 
boards. They're a bit pale 
from being "underground," 
and their eyes haven't quite 
lost that glazed look from 
marathon sessions of 
Nintendo, but by and large 
they're healthy. 

But different, somehow. 
"What is it?" I wondered on 
that first warm day, as I 
encountered one old young 
friend after another. "They're 
the same kids, same houses, 
same voices, same smiles. 
H'mmm, a little bigger 
perhaps. . . . 

"That's it! They're bigger. 
They've grown during the 
past few months. They've 



changed. And what's more, 
they're wearing last year's 
clothes." 

In the fall, kids are seldom 
caught unprepared for the 
first cool day, because 
autumn is officially ushered 
in by the beginning of the 
school year. And since most 
kids have been outfitted for 
it, when the temperature 
drops below freezing, they're 
ready . . . from color coordi- 
nated stocking-capped head 
to brand-new booted toe. 

But with spring, it's 
different. We never know for 
sure when it will happen, 
and most parents haven't 
sufficiently recovered from 
Christmas shopping to have 
been scavenging stores for 
spring clothes. Consequently 
that first warm breath of 
seasonal promise sends the 
kids digging through their 
closets for something from 
last season to wear. 

The only problem is that 
last year's clamdiggers are 
this year's bermudas, last 
year's baggy shorts are this 
year's second skin, last year's 
T-shirt is this year's crop top, 
and last year's swim suit is, 
well, too revealing for any- 
thing but a hand-me-down! 

The kids have grown. And 
their clothes don't fit 
anymore. 

Are you wearing some- 
thing you've outgrown? Take 
an "attitude inventory" and 
see how things fit. 

Is that old grudge getting a 
bit tight around the collar? 



Did you know the length of 
that grievance is all wrong 
for this season? Has anyone 
told you that the color of 
prejudice doesn't suit you at 
all? Is the pettiness you're 
sporting about to split at the 
seams? 

Those critical comments 
are so small they're exposing 
far more than modesty 
permits. And surely you're 
finding last year's snobbery 
too constricting for comfort. 

Is it time to put on 
compassion and understand- 
ing? Is the narrowness of 
your mind beginning to 
restrict your freedom? Are 
you still wearing something 
you've outgrown? 

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul 
says: "When I was a child, 1 
spoke like a child, I thought 
like a child, I reasoned like a 
child. When 1 became an 
adult, 1 put an end to 
childish ways." 

Fortunately, most of the 
kids wearing last year's 
summer wardrobe will have 
the good sense to pester their 
parents into getting clothes 
for them that fit. When 
something is too small, it 
limits freedom. 

What about you? Are there 



Ai. 



any childish things you 
need to lay aside? 



Robin Wentw(}rth Mayer, of 
Edwardsburg. Mich., is pastor of 
Pleasant Valley Church of the 
Brethren, Middlehury, Ind. She 
operates Stepping Stones Counseling 
out ofWalerford (hid.) Community 
Church. 



April 1994 Messenger 11 



#• 

X 



vJhawn Replogle is a self-confessed "B 
& B B," a term that he explains as 
standing for being "born and bred 
Brethren." Being a Replogle on one side 
and an Eller on the other, he has a 
confession that is well considered. 

Six months after Shawn was bom, his 
family moved from North Manchester. 
Ind., to Berea, Ky. In the family's eight 
years in Kentucky, Shawn "almost became 
a Methodist," there being no Church of 
the Brethren congregations nearby. 

Before this happened, however, the 
Replogle family moved on to Elgin, 111. 
There, five years later, "on Palm Sunday, 
1983," Shawn recalls, he "was 
baptized at Highland Avenue Church of 
the Brethren." 

This memory and 
attention for detail is 
typical, attests Jeff 
Carter, Shawn's best friend from their 
days together at Bridgewater College. 
(See "A Summer on a Mountain Top," 
by Jeff Carter, January, page 18.) In their 
friendship, Jeff calls Shawn "the depend- 
able one." 

Together they started the Bridgewater 
soccer team, which now is accredited by 
the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic 
Association). "We started playing 
together the winter of our sophomore 
year," says Jeff. "We kicked ball every 
day that winter, through sleet and snow 
and sunshine. Shawn has a great 
listening ear, and we talked about a lot of 
things while we played. We both had the 
same dream, and in the spring we began 
the work of forming a soccer team." 

This was a point at which Shawn's 
organizational skills came into play. Jeff 
did the up-front work of fundraising 
and public speaking, while Shawn 
plugged away behind the scenes. "He 
was the backbone of the whole enter- 
prise," says Jeff. 

Behind the scenes. That's where 
Shawn Replogle enjoys being. And there 
are many scenes to be behind as he 
serves this year as coordinator of the 
Church of the Brethren National Youth 
Conference (see accompanying story). 

12 Messenger April 1994 




The dependable 



Over 3,000 Brethren 
youth are depending 
on Shawn Replogle to 
pull off what he calls 
'the most powerful 
event in the church. ' 

by Margaret Woolgrove 

Being a "behind the scenes" operator 
has its pitfalls. If Shawn became another 
year older for every time he has had 
"Happy Birthday" sung to him in the 
past year, he would look a great many 
years older than his actual 24. He 
exhibited so much embarrassment at 
being serenaded by the National Youth 
Cabinet on his 1993 birthday that it 
ensured his being sung to at any and all 
youth events thereafter. Singing "Happy 
Birthday" to Shawn has become a part of 
every youth gathering he attends. 

Helping bring organized soccer to 



Bridgewater was not the only formative 
experience Shawn had in college. There 
also were his acting, which he did "just 
for the fun of it," and his work with the 
college newspaper. The Talon. 

"I had my own Talon column in my 
senior year," says Shawn, "called 'Rep's 
Review.' The idea in the beginning was 
that 1 would write about an issue from 
one perspective, and another columnist 
would tackle it from the opposite 
viewpoint. But the other guy decided he 
wanted to write poetry instead, so I was 
left to do basically what I wanted." 

As a political science major with peace 
studies and economics minors, Shawn 
prepared himself for the "real world" 

_ after college. But he i 

/'^f^ /^A wasn't clear about 

1^1 J__£L y where his career 
was heading after 
graduation came and the "real world" 
loomed. So he decided it was a good timei 
to spend a year in Brethren Volunteer 
Service (BVS). 

"Not knowing where I was going after 
college was half the reason for going intoi 
BVS," Shawn admits, "but the other half 
was wanting to serve." 

Two years later, he still is not sure 
about his career direction, so he hopes 
that a year at Bethany Theological 
Seminary will help to clarify things. 
"I'm really looking forward to getting to 
Richmond (Ind.), and being on a school 
campus again," he says. Shawn has two 
particularly good feelings about going to 
Bethany this fall: "One is that I'm just 
happy to be going to Bethany, after 
thinking about it for quite a while. And 
I'm glad I know where I'm going after 
National Youth Conference so that I 
don't have to think about it right now. I 
have enough on my mind in the run-up 
to NYC that one less thing to think about 
makes a big difference." 

Shawn attended National Youth 
Conference in 1986 as a participant from 
the Bridgewater congregation, his family : 
having moved to Virginia in 1984. "That 
was when I was a sophomore in high 
school, and NYC was still being held at 



:stes Park," he says. 

Aside from remembering NYC '86 as 
iking place "a very long time ago," 
hawn also has memories of the Andy 
nd Terry Murray concert, meeting "a lot 
f people — especially on the bus ride 
ut," and "sitting on (his) pillow." 
idividual, personalized pillows are an 
lYC tradition. Shawn's pillow was 
lade to look like a bunch of bananas, 
[though he's not quite sure why, "since 
ananas aren't symbolic of Virginia." 

For Shawn, that 1986 NYC was his 



first encounter with the larger church. 
"That was a scene I hadn't been exposed 
to before," he points out. "That made a 
big impression on me, and 1 hope that 
the youth who attend this year's NYC 
will, like me, discover the larger church 
for themselves." 

Shawn is a bit leery of the recognition 
that is coming his way in Brethren 
circles as the coordinator of NYC. "At 
Annual Conference in 1985, 1 shared a 
room with Brian Harley, who was 
coordinating NYC for 1986. I was really 



awed to be staying in the same room 
with him. It's funny to remember that 
awe, now that I'm in the position Brian 
had then." 

Shawn is not new to coordinating. He 
was the coordinator of Brethren Youth 
Workcamps last summer, during his first 
year of BVS, so moving on to the 
position of NYC coordinator was a 
logical step. "I had a lot of fun with the 
workcamps," says Shawn, "and traveling 
thousands of miles by Greyhound bus 
(continued on page 15) 



[s a Bridgewater student, Shawn helped organize the 
ollege's first soccer team, now accredited by the 
/CAA. Organizational skills stand him in good stead 
s he coordinates myriad details to ensure a successful 
National Youth Conference for the church. 




April 1994 Messenger 13 



National Youth Conference: The most powerl 



by Shawn Replogle 

Four years ago, 3,300 youth and advisors 
gathered for a power-filled event — the 
Church of the Brethren National Youth 
Conference (NYC). Among them were 
Matt Luker of Hartville (Ohio) Church of 
the Brethren and Eddie Edmonds of 
Williamson Road Church of the Breth- 
ren, in Roanoke, Va. 

Before Matt went to NYC, he wasn't 
interested in what the conference had to 
offer, especially since he thought the 
money he was using for the trip would 
make a nice down payment on a car. 
"My parents didn't like the choices I was 
making, and we got into several argu- 
ments about it. They said 'You're going 
to NYC, even if we have to chain you to 
the seat,' and that was it. I was on my 
way to Colorado." 

Matt spent the early part of NYC in 
his room, wishing he weren't there. "I 
thought it was all stupid, so I didn't 
participate much. Eventually, I went to a 
worship or two, and by the end of the 
week I realized I was liking it!" 

By the time closing worship arrived, 
Matt's turn-around at NYC was almost 
complete. "On that last evening, with 
Deanna Brown's message of healing, 
and the anointing service, I realized 
the change of heart I had experienced 
during the week, and my recommitment 
to Christ. I still have the piece of cloth 
we were given that symbolized the 
brokenness in our lives. It now symbol- 
izes the moment that God planted the 
seeds in my life for service to him. It's 
survived three backpacks and is now on 
my briefcase." 

At age 18, Matt became the associate 
pastor of the Hartville congregation. "I 
didn't think I'd be going into ministry. 
NYC planted the seeds that really 
changed my life." 

Eddie and his wife, Alice, were asked 
to attend the 1990 NYC as advisors 
for their youth group. At that time, 
Eddie was working at a Ford dealership, 
with no idea that his life would soon 
take a turn. 

14 Messenger April 1994 



"NYC was a deeply, spiritually 
moving event in our lives. Soon after- 
ward, Alice and I began talking about 
the ministry." 

Back in his home church following 
NYC, Eddie began discussions with his 
congregation and district about 
being licensed to the ministry. 
He also enrolled in the 
TRaining In Ministry (TRIM) 
program. "I was called into 
an interim pastorate because 
of the decisions I'd made at 
NYC. Soon afterward, I was 
released from Ford and had 
more time for the pastorate. I 
thought it was God freeing 
me from my other responsi- 
bilities so that I could do what 
I had been called to do." It 
wasn't long before Eddie had 
his own full-time pastorate, in 
Moler Avenue Church of the 
Brethren, Martinsburg, W. Va. 

These are not uncommon 
stories about National Youth 
Conference. The National 
Youth Cabinet designed the 
NYC "94 theme "Come to 
the Edge, Claim the Call," 
hoping to create the same 
kind of atmosphere that 
touched Matt and Eddie in 
1990. The cabinet had two 
particular challenges in mind. 
It wanted to challenge youth 
to have the faith in God to 
push them to their perceived 
limits and then be challenged 
to go one step farther, to 
take their faith so seriously 
that they were willing to 
risk for it. And it hoped that 
they would listen to God's 
call in their lives, to discern 
what gift or talent they 
each possessed, and how it fit into the 
body of Christ. 

For 1994, the National Youth Cabinet 
and I have set a clear challenge before 
ourselves to create a National Youth 
Conference that is different from 



other conferences, but one that also 
challenges participants to take their life i 
in Christ seriously and actively live their' 
faith out in the world. 

Participants will be challenged by i. 
top-notch speakers. Youth will have 




The hallways of the General Offices of the 
denomination currently are festooned with a fast- 
growing red plastic chain that Shawn uses as his 
NYC registration gauge, one link for each NYCer. 



the opportunity to speak at worship 
services, to sing in the NYC choir, to 
play in the NYC band, to perform drama 
during worship, to perform clowning 
skits, to lead worship throughout the 
week, and to exhibit other gifts in the 



nt' 




iitional NYC talent show, 
vdult participants will have the 
)ortunity to improve their youth 
listry skills. Workshops developed 
cifically for advisors will be offered, 
luding two workshops led by Thorn 
I Joani Schultz, executives of Group 
gazine. As workshop leaders, 
y will bring a combined 40 years of 
ith ministry experience to their 
sentations. 

'articipants will have Bible study 
norning devotions, led by Richard 
5rematen, pastor of Germantown 
arch of the Brethren, in Philadelphia. 
;re also will be biblically based 
rkshops and two daily worships. 
LS at past National Youth Confer- 
es, there will be opportunities for 
Ith to serve others. The NYC '94 
vice Project will be the construction 
1 home right on the campus of 
orado State University. Following its 
(ipletion at the end of the week, the 
ise will be moved to its permanent 
ition. Youth and adults will complete 
1 project with their time, labor, and 
incial support. 

rnd all of these, plus many other 
nts, take place in just five days, 
those who are not convinced that 
C is the most power-filled and 
verful event in the Church of the 
:thren, I have a challenge: Get 
olved with your youth group, help its 
mbers raise funds to come to Colo- 
0, and then come with them. That's 
It, join us at NYC and see for 
irself. After the week, you will see a 
'erence in your youth . . . and in 
irself. 

'his summer, over 3,000 youth and 
eral hundred advisors will "come to 
edge" in Colorado. Over 100 NYC 
■f will help them on their journey. It 
1 be life-changing. Barriers will fall, 
I calls will be given . . . and heard. It 
1 be the most powerful 
nt in the church. Just ask Matt 
Eddie. 

hawn Replogle is coordinator of the 1994 
•oiial Youth Conference. 



M. 



WOOLGROVE/ from page 13 

was certainly a memorable experience." 

One story that Shawn enjoys telling 
from his workcamp coordinator summer 
is about having the van he was driving 
stopped and searched at the Mexican 
border. "I think we would have been all 
right if I hadn't just before then led all 
three vans the wrong way up a one-way 
street," he says, laughing at the memory. 
"That, added to the fact that I hadn't 
shaved for a couple of days and had 
answered 'SC instead of 'Yes' when 
asked if I was an American citizen was 
probably what made the border guards 
suspicious. My Spanish is virtually 
nonexistent, but after 
I said 'accidente' and 
'iglesia' (church) a 



Shawn 's supervisor, 

Chris Michael, 

praises him for his 

"commitment to 

doing things well. " 



few times, they let us 
go. The youth in the 
van just laughed at 
me." 

A friend who was in BVS orientation 
with Shawn in 1992 remembers him best 
for the devotion he led on the last night 
of the experience. Shawn tells what he 
did: "I gave everyone in the group a 
marble. The marbles were close to 
perfect, but each one had an imperfection 
in it. The imperfection in each of the 
marbles was to remind us that none of us 
is perfect, but we need to keep on 
striving toward this goal." 

"He really has a vision for where NYC 
and youth ministry is going," says 
another friend about Shawn. "He is 
dedicated to exposing the youth to new 
experiences, and really wants them to 
grow through the event." 

Many people who know or work with 



Shawn use that word "dedicated" to 
describe him. For Chris Michael, who 
supervises him in her post as director of 
Youth and Young Adult Ministry, the 
thing that most impresses her about 
Shawn is his "really strong organiza- 
tional skills and his commitment to 
doing things well. 

"I know that NYC had a profound 
effect on him in 1986, and he really 
wants to make sure that this 1994 
generation of Brethren youth has the 
same opportunity to be so affected." 

"For me," says Shawn, "my two years 
in BVS have entailed a sacrifice of time 
and money, but I have grown a great 




deal through the experience. I just hope 
that the youth at NYC can gain some- 
thing of that same spirit during the week 
in Fort Collins, and that it will change 
their lives in some way." 

This expressed hope, says Jeff Carter, 
is typical of Shawn. "He has a very 
pragmatic view of religion. It is some- 
thing to be used and lived, not just set 
around and talked about. Shawn has a 
good sense of tradition and heritage in 
Brethren symbols without getting caught 
up in the rituals." 

For those who believe that BVS is a 
launching pad for leadership in the 
Church of the Brethren, they might do 
well to keep their eyes peeled for 
Shawn Replogle' s lift-off. 



Ai. 



April 1994 Messenger 15 



Facing our last enemy 

Jesus expresses the truth that many of us are too 

afraid to admit: Death is abandonment. And if death 

is the end, we Christians should grieve most of all. 



by Ryan Ahlgrim 

One of the most terrifying verses in the 
Bible is Jesus' screamed question from 
the cross. "My God, My God, why have 
you forsaken me?" According to Mark 
15:34, these are the last words Jesus ever 
says. His last word is an agony, an 
abandonment at the point of death. 
Anyone who ever doubted that Jesus was 
a human being like the rest of us needs 
only to read that one sentence. Or one 
can look back to his final evening in the 
Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus 
cried out in a distressful prayer to God, 
"Father, remove this cup from me" 
(Mark 14:36). It is clear from Mark's 
Gospel that Jesus did not want to die. 
Quite frankly, death terrified him just as 
it terrifies us. 

These words of Jesus from the cross 
and in the garden always have been for 
me the most poignant words he ever 
spoke. I am drawn to him when I hear 
him cry to God in the face of death, 
because he says what I am afraid to say. 
The horror of death is not minimized or 
denied. Jesus — both human and God- 
filled — honestly grapples with a terror of 
death. 

But is there not also a peaceful side to 
death, a gentle acceptance and embrace? 
Yes, and this good side of death is not 
too hard to see. For one thing, death 
makes life important. Since we are here 
for only a short time, it matters what we 
do and how we use our days. We set 
goals and priorities, and our decisions 
have added importance. Also, death is a 
part of life. One needs only to look at the 
world of nature to see how everything is 
in a continuous cycle of death and life. 
That which dies becomes the soil for that 
which will live. Death makes more life 
possible. 

16 Messenger April 1994 



A member of our congregation died 
and was cremated. One evening as the 
sun was setting, his family and friends 
scattered his ashes in a field at the family 
farm. As I walked out to that field, 
crickets were jumping and chirping in 
the tall grass. I was struck by how alive 
creation was, how alive the ground was. 
And we were adding our brother's ashes 
to that ground. 

If it were not for death this would 
become an old stale world. We would 
stop having children, because if we did 
not die, the world would soon be full. 
And so we would have no choice but to 
cease creating new human life with all 
its fresh energy, vision, and hope. 

So death does have a good side, and 
occasionally people even welcome it. As 
a volunteer hospital chaplain, I some- 
times met elderly people who truly were 
ready to die, not because of pain and 
loneliness, but because life had been full 
and long, and now they desired rest. To 
see this is to see something beautiful. 

J3 ut there is another side to death — the 
cruel side. Death does not usually come 
at the most desired and peaceful time; it 
usually is an unwanted invader. One 
night I was called to the hospital to be 
with a young mother. Her 15-year-old 
son was having a heart attack. We 
prayed intensely and continuously. And 
then the doctor came to us and said the 
son was dead. The mother became 
hysterical with grief, and well she should 
have. Death had been very cruel. 

It is true that death makes life impor- 
tant, but paradoxically, it also makes life 
meaningless. What do any of our actions 
or accomplishments matter if death 
claims us all? If we just eat, work, love, 
and then die, what is the point? As 



Ecclesiastes tells us, if death is the last 
word, life is meaningless. 

And finally, the crudest aspect of 
death is that we as individuals cease to 
exist. The human race may go on for a 
while longer, but it goes on without us. 
We may be partially remembered for a 
generation or so, but we ourselves have 
no memory and no life. Every unique 
smile, thought, and act of sharing and 
love eventually will die. We will all 
cease to exist. 

This is the most terrifying face of J 
death. No wonder Paul calls it "the last i 
enemy" (1 Cor. 15:26). There are many 
things that work against God, tearing i 
down life and love, but the worst is 1 
death. | 

So is death good or evil? I suppose it is 
both, although its evil side usually and , 
eventually overwhelms the good. It is 1 
necessary and it makes new life possible, 
but it also is terribly frightening, cruel, 
and unfair, robbing us of hope, love, and 
meaning. 

So Jesus expresses the truth that many 
of us are too afraid to admit: Death is 
abandonment. And if death is the end, 
we Christians should grieve most of all. 
The apostle Paul pulls no punches when 
he says, "If for this life only we have 
hoped in Christ, we are of all people 
most to be pitied" (1 Cor. 15:19). Not 
just because we are obliterated in 
death — that's tragic enough — but 
because our faith as Christians would 
then be quite wrong. We believe love has 
the last word, but if Jesus is rotting away 
in a tomb then polifics and power and 
execution have the last word. If Jesus is 
dead, and if we all likewise simply die, 
then our whole life is misguided. 

Mark does not end his Gospel with 
Jesus" final cry of abandonment. Rather, 
he tells us that three women go to Jesus' 




omb early on Sunday. With his death, 
heir faith is shattered, and all they can 
lo now is properly bury him by putting 
ipices around his decaying corpse. But 
A'hen they arrive at the tomb, the stone is 
"died back. They look inside and a 



young man says to them, "He has been 
raised; he is not here. Look, there is the 
place they laid him. But go, tell his 
disciples and Peter that he is going ahead 
of you to Galilee" (Mark 16:6-7). The 
women run out of the tomb and say 



nothing to anyone because they are afraid. 

That is how Mark ends his Gospel: 
Jesus is not seen and Jesus does not 
speak, and the women simply run away 
afraid. Everything is stark. Even the 
message of hope, "He has been raised," 
is merely one word in Greek. Why does 
Mark end his story so abruptly? Maybe 
because the resurrection of Jesus is too 
great and too far beyond our understand- 
ing for elaboration. We cannot compre- 
hend it or explain it. It just is. 

I am drawn to Mark's stark portrait of 
Easter morning because it does not brush 
away death so easily. Human doubt and 
fear remain. The terror of death and the 
mystery of resurrection are left in a 
trembling half-light, in hope and silence. 
The resurrection is never seen or 
explained, and maybe not even believed 
in. 

The Gospel of Mark does not end in 
joy like Matthew, Luke, and John. It 
ends with hope that is muted by fear and 
confusion and the unanswered question: 
Will the women break their silence and 
find the faith to say, "He is risen"? We 
are the women, and only we can answer 
that question. As we face our last enemy, 
death, we decide whether to break the 
terrible silence and say in faith, it I 
He IS risen. i 1 

Ryan Ahlgrim is pastor of PeoriaNartli 
Meimonite Church, in Peoria. III. 

{Readers who turn to Mark's Gospel 
as they follow Ryan Ahlgrim 's article 
will note that there are verses 16:9-20, 
describing an appearance of Jesus with 
the disciples after his resurrection. 
These verses were not part of the 
original text of Mark, however. What is 
left of the original ends, as writer 
Ahlgrim states, with the three women 
fleeing the empty tomb in fear. — Ed.) 

April 1994 Messenger 17 



A mug of remembrance 



by Pete Haynes 





Xt was just an ordinary coffee mug, a 
Christmas gift from my sister, many 
years ago. At times it served its intended 
purpose. At times it also functioned as a 
pencil holder, a paperweight, a paint- 
brush dipper, a measuring cup, as well as 
a container for whatever needed contain- 



ing. Frequently it wasn't used at all — 
lost amid the clutter of a desk or shelf. 
As 1 grew older, the mug started to carry 
meaning. When I drank from it. I 
remembered the one who gave it to me. I 
thought of my family and my roots. I 
appreciated the comfott of unconditional 



18 Messenger April 1994 



i 



ove and support that no one can take 
iway. 

There was another ordinary coffee 
nug, discovered on the shore of a 
;lacier-fed lake in the Yukon. Its 
liscovery was a part of an adventurous 
ummer in Alaska. The previous year 
lad been a rough one — a time of 
nourning the dead; of dealing with other 
etbacks; and, in the process, discovering 
I darker side of my personality. Those 
wo months in Alaska were for healing, 
n the context of a new challenge. Life 
legan again. Afterward, whenever I 
Irank from this mug. I remembered the 
ummer of '84, and was reminded that 
lew life can sprout from yesterday's 
ishes. 

So, two ordinary mugs came to sit on 
ny desk — one of roots and comfort, the 
ither of beginnings and challenge. They 
lecame a barometer of my day. When I 
elt insecure, I drank from the one. 
Vhen 1 felt adventurous. I drank from 
he other. Sometimes I imbibed of risk 
vhen I craved comfort, remembering 
hat healing comes not by withdrawal but 
ly a leap of faith. On other occasions 1 
ipped of my roots when in a gung ho 
nood, knowing that to fly, one needs a 
)lace from which to leap. 

Isn't it strange how material objects 
:an become vessels containing a larger 
neaning? Stranger yet, after my chal- 
enge mug fell and broke, I still kept it in 
)lain view. It functioned beyond its 
:apability as a container. 

Then came Mary. She is a member of 
he crew that regularly cleans my office, 
rhese energetic workers do an excellent 
ob. Mary once told me she likes every- 
hing about the organization she works 
or but its name. She doesn't appreciate 
he term "retarded citizens." 

One day, when I was away, Mary 
iccidentally knocked the challenge mug 

the floor. A week later, she handed me 

1 new mug she had searched for and 
)ought on her own. No amount of 
lersuasion could convince her to keep 



the mug. She was not responsible for the 
other mug breaking, I told her. But one 
doesn't return a gift. So Mary's generos- 
ity provided me with a new 
challenge mug. 

In some ways, it signified a 
greater risk to me than a trip 
to Alaska. You see, Mary is an 
adventurer, stepping forth by 
faith into this world with 
greater gusto than I. 

This story does not end 
here. When two friends of 
mine decided to give three 
years of their lives to volunteer 
mission work in the Carib- 
bean, I gave them my old 
comfort mug and my new 
challenge mug. "Drink from 
them together," I said, "and 
remember your roots here, as 
well as our encouragement to fly." On a 
recent furlough, they gave me a new 
challenge mug. with "Ja- 
maica" written across the 
bottom. I now drink from it 
often. 

These are just ordinary 
coffee mugs. Yet they are so 
much more. I need to find one 
for my friend Mary, to give as 
a gift, not an obligation. 

How could I tell her I gave 
away what she had first given 
me? Isn't that the nature of a 
gift, though, to be passed on? 
Like comfort, it cannot be held 
too closely, otherwise the 
healing of life's hurts cannot 
happen. Like a challenge, it 
risks breakage, but it never 
forgets the giver. 

And Jesus took a cup ... or was it a 
mug? "This is my blood of the covenant, 
which is poured out for many," he said 
to his disciples that fateful evening. 
"When you drink from it, 
remember. . . ." 

Pete Haynes is pastor of Long Green Valley 
Church of the Brethren, in Glen Arm, Md. 




sL - *-* R' s -' .1 -6 



r 




Ai. 



April 1994 Messenger 19 



Cups 



by Carol Joy Bowman 

Delicate crystal goblets sparkling with light, 
polished silver chalices rich in tradition, 
handmade earthen vessels, 
carved calabashes, 
clinking tin bowls, 
patched buckets, 
rusty dippers, 
cupped hands . . . 

The people of God drink . . . and remember: 

They remember the one at the well — a Gentile — and a woman 
whom He accepted without pause. 

They remember that in Him there is no Jew, no Gentile; 
no male, no female; 

no black, no white; 

no "us," no "them." 

They remember that in Christ 
we are all the People of God. 

The People of God drink, 
and remember, 
and their cups are filled. 



CarnI Jny Bowman is a member of 
Simnyslope Church of the Brethren, in 
Wenalchee. Wash., and a former vice- 
chairwoman of the Church of the 
Brethren General Board. She is 
administrative assistant for a regional 
office of the United Church of Christ. 



20 Messenger April 1994 




What's the difference? 



Several scriptures 

appear to make our 

path to salvation 

truly a 'narrow way. ' 

Just how much leeway 

do we have for 

diversity within our 

denomination ? And 

beyond that, what 

about people whose 

religious tradition is 

outside Christianity? 

Two Brethren writers 

present their own 

thinking on these 

two questions. 



by Donald E. Fancher 

I come from a strange family. We are not 
all alike. My dad was short and slight. 
He rarely spoke much. When provoked, 
he had a fiery temper. 

Mom always had to fight her weight. 
She spoke German until she went to 
school. Even late in her life, when she 
got excited, she used English words, but 
German word order. 

Mom and Dad did not agree on 
politics. One was a die-hard Democrat, 
and the other one . . . wasn't. 

I have one sibling — a younger brother. 
As we get older we look more and more 
alike. But we are quite different. I live 
comfortably. My brother is, as we used to 
say, "well off." Politically, he is some- 
where to the right of Barry Goldwater. 
He insists I am somewhere to the left of 
George McGovern. 

I come from a strange family. But we 
are a family. We recognize the differ- 
ences. These differences sometimes 
cause us pain. But. by and large, we take 
pleasure in them. We are a family. 

When I struggle with the differences I 
see within the church, it helps me to use 
the analogy of "family." I am sometimes 
surprised and pained by the differences I 
see. But those with whom I differ I 
cannot toss out of the church any more 
than I can toss my brother out of the 
family. 

Certainly the differences we experi- 
ence within the church family are real. 
Some of the differences are superficial; 
but some of the differences are deep. 

Sometimes, of course, the differences 
result from our inability to hear the faith 
expressed in ways that do not correspond 
with the ways we articulate it. None of 
our words completely encompass or 
completely depict God. And words that 
could do that would be words about an 
idol. I find it helpful to remember that 
whenever I talk about God, I have to use 
metaphor and analogy. 

When I talk about God, I am forced to 
(continued on page 22) 



by Gregg A. Wilhelm 

Last December, On Earth Peace 
Assembly organized a day-long 
seminar on peacemaking from different 
religious perspectives. Representatives 
from the Jewish, Buddhist, Islamic, 
and Baha'i faiths traveled to the Breth- 
ren Service Center in New Windsor, 
Md., to present their traditions" views on 
peace. The seminar's purpose was for 
members of a historic peace church to 
learn more about other faiths in hope of 
taking a very small step toward harmony 
in a religiously pluralistic world. It was 
not meant to be an opportunity to 
proselytize. 

One member of a local Church of the 
Brethren congregation requested and was 
granted time to speak on behalf of the 
Christian faith. Fair enough, although 
the point of the day was to introduce us 
already familiar with Christianity to 
other traditions of peacemaking, perhaps 
dispelling some misconceptions along 
the way. Unfortunately, the brother's 
speech had little to do with Christian 
pacifism and love of neighbors who may 
not be just like us. His diatribe — gently 
and passionately delivered — boiled down 
to a proclamation of Jesus Christ as the 
sole savior of humankind. Only in 
Christianity, he said, did God reach out 
to humanity, whereas these other inferior 
religions strive to reach out to God. This 
fundamental difference bestows upon 
Christianity a "truth" apparently 
unattainable by other faiths. The problem 
with other traditions is that they have not 
accepted these facts and real peace will 
not be realized until they do so. 

I appreciated the speaker's courage 
and conviction, but the whole scene was 
embarrassing. Four people are invited to 
present their deeply rooted beliefs and 
then are made to feel uncomfortable for 
holding those beliefs. It's like saying 
"Thanks for sharing — not!" or "Aren't 
these poor misguided religions cute?" 
Such entrenched positions are just the 
(continued on page 23) 

April 1994 Messenger 21 






A program to overcome violence 

One of my responsibilities as general secretary is to represent the Church of the 
Brethren on the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches. The 
Church of the Brethren was one of the founding churches of the World Council 
at the First World Assembly in Amsterdam in 1948. World Assemblies are held 
every seven years; the next, and eighth, will be in 1998. Between world assem- 
blies the Council is governed by a Central Committee of 150 members. Many 
churches cannot be represented since there are nearly 322 member churches with 
a collective total of 400 million members. Previously M. R. Zigler, Norman 
Baugher, and Robert W. Neff have represented the Brethren on the Central 
Committee. 

As I write (in January), I am seated in the Eskom Conference Center midway 
between Johannesburg and Pretoria, South Africa, where the current Central 
Committee meeting is being held. The atmosphere in South Africa is electric 
with the anticipation of the elections of April 27. These elections will bring in a 
totally new government whose primary task will be to dismantle apartheid. You 
can imagine the anticipation with as many as 20 political parties taking part in 
the campaign for election. However, there also is the everpresent threat of 
violence disrupting the process. 

A group of us visited the townships. These are areas around the central cities 
such as Johannesburg and Capetown where "African" and "colored" people have 
settled by the hundreds of thousands. Squatters come from rural areas seeking 
employment and housing. Under apartheid they were restricted to the township 
areas. Some of the townships are reasonably livable; others are absolutely 
squalid. Moderate to extreme poverty prevails. We soon discovered that after 
apartheid it will be very difficult for conditions to change: Economic, social, and 
psychological realities will tend to hold old patterns in place. 

In a presentation by the South Africa Council of Churches, the Central 
Committee learned of the continuing violence in South Africa. The many kinds 
of violence include indiscriminate slaughter, village raids, attacks on demonstra- 
tors, assassinations, train and taxi murders, drive-by shootings, house-burnings, 
kidnappings, and street wars. Following this ominous litany. Bishop Desmond 
Tutu addressed us to say that the killing in South Africa would be much greater 
without the witness of the churches. Consider the violence that has accompanied 
radical change in other places and times, for example the Emancipation Procla- 
mation and the accompanying Civil War in the United States. 

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Central Committee meetings is the 
worship. Hymns and prayers in many languages make it a contemporary Pente- 
cost. At the opening worship, the preacher thanked the World Council for its 
Program to Combat Racism, which helped to mold world opinion in opposition 
to apartheid in South Africa. He then called for a program to overcome violence 
around the world. 

A Program to Overcome Violence! A British Quaker, a Canadian Quaker, and 
I were moved to ask the Central Committee for such a program. This is the 
message of the Friends and the Brethren at our best. Our proposal was adopted 
by unanimous vote. — Donald E. Miller 

Donald E. Miller is general secretary of the Church of the Brethren. 



i^'.^^.^^>'i^ awiiiii^feiu-i- .%»;vr» 



FANCHER/from page 21 
use the language of this world — this 
space-time continuum. I may say, "God 
is a shelter in the storm." That conveys 

22 Messenger April 1994 



something profoundly true about the 
experience of many of us. But, of course, 
I do not mean that God is a tent, or a 
tree, or a snug harbor. I may say, "Jesus 



Christ is the good shepherd." I am not 
talking about his ability to keep a bunch 
of four-legged woollies from coming to 
grief. I am talking about his care for folk 
like me, who sometimes seem to have the 
intellects and contrariness of merinos. 
Even when I confess my faith in "God, 
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit," I am, in a 
real sense, using the language of 
metaphor and analogy. 

There are some images — some 
metaphors and analogies — that speak 
very strongly to some of us. These same 
images may sound meaningless to 
others. 

The fact that language used by another: 
does not strike fire in my life and heart 
does not make it meaningless language. 
It does not mean that the one who uses 
language that does not jibe with my 
experience is dim-witted. It means that 
our life journeys have molded us in ways 
that enable us to find meaning, and to 
express meaning, in different ways. 

The Brethren tradition, which I 
increasingly have come to cherish, has 
said that no one way of expressing the 
faith is held to be normative. No one way 
of speaking of God, or of Christ, is the 
one acceptable way. We have said that 
the New Testament is our only creed. 
And immediately I am forced to recog- 
nize that this sacred book also speaks of i 
God in images, in analogies, and in 
metaphors. The words always point 
beyond themselves to God, the reality at i 
the heart of our existence. 



W 



re have said that we will not use the 
historic creeds as tests of faith. We 
may — or may not — find meaning in 
those ancient texts. We may — or may 
not — find that the imagery captured in 
the creeds expresses the reality of God asl 
we experience it in the body of Christ. Irii 
any case, we will not require of our 
brothers and sisters conformity to any 
expression of faith — even one that is 
precious to us. 

We are a family. We are a faith familyil 
with wide differences. We cannot read 
others out of the family without reading ! 
ourselves out of it in the same action. 

We Brethren who live in Pacific 
Southwest District are acutely aware of 
the diversity within our faith family. 
Some of the diversity has been with us 



[ 



Dr a long time. Some of us are urban 
oik, some are from small towns, and 
thers have their roots in the soil. Some 
if us are very "well off financially, 
thers are in very straitened circum- 
tances; most of us are somewhere in 
etween. Some of us trace our roots in 
le Church of the Brethren through 
everal generations. Others of us 
leasure our roots in the Church of the 
Irethren in months or even weeks. Some 
f us are labeled "liberal;" others are 
tamped "conservative." Many of us 
5sist all such labels. 

In recent years, our diversity has 
ecome more pronounced. One of the 
lore visible forms of our diversity is the 
thnic variety. In addition to African 
American, Korean American, Anglo, 
nd Hispanic congregations, we have a 
ongregation whose pastor's heritage is 
1 the Philippines. 

This diversity could lead to hostility 
nd schism. It could lead to the religious 
quivalent of hate crimes. But pluralism 
eed not lead to this. If our diversity is 
3cognized as the treasure that it is, it 
an lead to the enriching of us all. 

Pluralism in the church does not mean 
lat we try to put it all into a pot, stir it 
agether, and get religious stew. Plural- 
im in the church means that we all 
2tain the integrity of the faith as we 
xperience it, articulate it, and live it out. 
African Americans are not required to 
•ehave as staid white folk. Folk whose 
xperience of Jesus is expressed prima- 
ily in terms of a model for human life 
leed not feel alienated from folk whose 
xperience of Jesus is expressed prima- 
ily in terms of Savior and Redeemer, 
■oik whose favorite hymns are predomi- 
lantly revivalist need not feel they do not 
hare the faith with those who delight in 
he music of the new Hymnal. We can 
sam from each other. We may find 
lements in each other that challenge 
nd enrich us. 

We may even find that out of our 
lifferences comes a vitality we all need. 
)ut of our diversity we may come to a 
espect for each other. Out of our 
liversity we may discover that we are 
me family — a strange family, to be 
ure, but one family of God. 



Ai, 



WILHELM. from page 21 
kind of barriers we Christians should be 
trying to scale for a richer understanding 
of the things that make for peace. 

One audience member did rise to 
announce that the views expressed were 
not representative of the entire Church of 
the Brethren or of Christianity generally. 
But I am not concerned about the 
impressions of the four panelists. They 
all were confident, educated authorities 
of their respective faiths with solid 
credentials — a rabbi, a learned Zen 
instructor and psychotherapist, an imam, 
an international scholar. Two teach at an 
ecumenical institute where they encoun- 
ter the diversity of faith everyday. No, 1 
am much more concerned about the 
Church of the Brethren. 



A 



Donald E. Fancher is pastor of Long Beach 
Calif.) First Church of the Brethren. 



first Step in overcoming what I 
believe is a narrowness in our perspec- 
tive is accepting the relativity of reli- 
gious expression. People have a bound- 
less capacity for expressing the mystery 
of the divine. The Christian story — and 
the Anabaptist story within it — are 
chapters and subplots in the universal 
narrative of humanity's longing for 
communion among ourselves and with 
God. We must recognize that, as human 
expressions, all religions are incomplete 
stories incapable of embodying all that is 
God and all that makes for relationship 
between God and humanity. As commit- 
ted as I am to Jesus Christ as Savior and 
as a model for my pacifism, I am not 
willing to limit God's own creativity 
to Jesus Christ as God's only "point 
of contact" with humanity. I am not 
secure enough in my understanding of 
the human-divine relationship or 
egotistical enough to confine God's 
agency in and through Jesus Christ alone 
to judge non-Christians as somehow less 
adequate. 

The Church of the Brethren histori- 
cally has demonstrated an abundance of 
creativity in its pastoral application. If a 
pluralistic approach toward peacemaking 
is truly desired, perhaps more creativity 
should be spent toward explaining it 
theologically. In his book The Myth of 
Christian Uniqueness, theologian Paul 
Knitter writes that "a theological self- 
understanding informed by modern 
historical consciousness can provide an 



Kyou don't belong to 

a credit union, now's 

the time to join! 




Today's economy is a 
challenge, and most of us need 
every advantage we can get to 
make our money go further. 
Credit unions make a big differ- 
ence for more than 62 million 
members world-wide, offering 
lower rates on loans and higher 
rates on savings. 

As America's only not-for- 
profit, member-owned financial 
cooperafives, credit unions have 
earned their unique status by 
providing competitive products, 
unbiased information, and 
unmatched personal service. 

Find out for yourself. Turn 
over a new leaf and join 
Brethren Employees' Credit 
Union and learn why "members 
make the difference." 

Eligible persons: anyone who 
receives pay from any Church of 
the Brethren agency (employees of 
retirement homes, colleges, 
churches, General Board, etc. 
BECLJ members' immediate 
family are also eligible.). Contact 
us for more information. 

Brethren Employees' 

Credit Union 
1451 Dundee Avenue 
Elgin, Illinois 60120 
Phone: 708-742-5100 

Better rates. 

Better service. 

Better join! 



April 1 994 Messenger 23 



interpretation of Christian faith that 
will — without destroying or undercutting 
the fundamental significance of the 
central symbols of God and Christ for 
the orientation of life — enable Christians 
to give other religious traditions their 
full integrity and meaning, neither 
patronizing nor otherwise demeaning 
them." 

Christians are afraid that recognizing 
other expressions of faith — admitting the 



Take Hold of Your Future... 



relevance of other religions — somehow 
undermines their own convictions. This 
is clearly not the case. Unfortunately, 
Christians sometimes convert their zeal 
into hatred, closed-mindedness, and 
exclusivity. Such transformation is a 
hypocritical exhibition of the Christian 
message of love. 

Living in this world and hoping for 
any progress toward global peace is a 
difficult ambition not without challenges 



...One Step at a Time. 



McPherson College 

McPherson, Kansas 67460 • (316) 241-0731 




The Martins 

Carolyn '96 (seated), 

Dick '68, Marge "67 and Steve 

(standing, "left to right) 



"We 've always been pleased 
that as a 3rd grader Carolyn 
announced she wanted to 
attend McPherson College. 
She never wavered from that 
decision, and now, as a sopho- 
more, we feel she is receiving 
a topnotch education and 
establishing lifelong fiiend- 
ships while expanding her 
Christian faith. " 



Dick & Marge Martin 

Ottawa Church of the Brethren, 

Ottawa, KS 



Scholarships/Grants* 

Church of the Brethren Awards - Up to $1,000 per year 

Brethren Volunteer Service Grants - Up to $500 per year 

Children of Alumni Grants - Up to $500 per year 

Church-Matching Grants - Up to $500 per year 

Dependents of Persons in Church Professions - Up to $1,000 per year 



'Awards are available for up lo four years provided students remain eligible. 
Some awards are based on financial need and availability offiinds. 



McPherson College welcomes all applicants 

regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or physical or emotional disability 



to our own ways of thinking and believ- 
ing. I am not suggesting that we dilute 
our faith in Jesus Christ as Savior or 
alter our confessional language or be 
timid in sharing our message with non- 
Christians; these are essential elements 
of our faith and ministry. I also am not 
denying the possibility of God radically 
and uniquely breaking into history 
through the person of Jesus Christ. But 
when venturing out into a religiously 
ornate world we need to carry an attitude 
of love and compassion, not one of 
conversion and condemnation. Even if 
we refuse to embrace other religions, we 
must nevertheless appreciate them for 
their value to their adherents while 
communicating graciously with different 
believers as cohabitants of this same 
God-created earth. 

In another book. Knitter suggests the 
development of a global systematic 
theology that aims to present Christian 
beliefs in a coherent way, intelligible 
and, to some degree, true and meaning- 
ful for persons of other faiths. Likewise, 
other theologians — the Jew, the Baha'i, 
the Buddhist, the Muslim — must present 
their faith claims in a way meaningful 
for us. This is the beginning of a 
legitimate theological dialog of plural- 
ism. Effective dialog must be based on 
personal religious experience and firm 
truth claims, but while recognizing the 
possible truth in all religions. There alsoi 
must be an openness to conversion, not 
the proselytizing type, but a two-way 
conversion among all participants in 
dialog toward a better understanding of 
God"s truth. 

The attitude expressed by the brother 
at the New Windsor seminar, however, is 
symptomatic of the problems that keep 
wounds across the religions from 
healing. It is a hindrance to authentic 
interfaith dialog. These are the kinds of 
wounds that perpetuate war and vio- 
lence. We as a community of Christian 
believers should be more sensitive to 
these tensions and more creative in 
our responses to other faiths. 



• 



Mi 



Gregg A. Wilhelm. a member of Woodberry 
Church of the Brethren, in Baltimore, Md.. is an 
assistant editor at Johns Hopkins University Press, 
in Baltimore. He is receiving an M.A. degree from 
the Ecumenical Institute at St. Mary's Seminary, in 
Baltimore, this spring. 



24 Messenger April 1994 



FUTURE SUNDAY 
SCHOOL TEACHER 




Jubilee, 

God's Good News. 

A children's Sunday school curriculum. 



Contact: Brethren Press 1 800 441-3712 



Pursue your investment 
goals without giving up 
your ethical beliefs. 



With MMA Praxis Mutual Funds, you can enjoy the financial benefits of stock 
and bond market investments without compromising your personal values. 

That's because MMA Praxis operates under socially responsible guidelines in 
which your money is invested according to Christian values of peace, justice, 
and the quality of human Ufe. 

If socially responsible investing is important to you, MMA Praxis is worth 
investigating. 

For a free information kit, see your MMA counselor or call today 

1-800-9-PRAXIS 



Immediately available in Calif., Colo., Fla., Ind., 111., Iowa, Kan., Md., Mich., Neb., 
N.Y., Ohio, Pa.,andVa. 

For more complete information including charges anil expenses, call 1-800- 
9-PRAXis to receive a prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before 
you invest or send money. 





MMA 



Bridgewater Village, a christian 

retirement community serving persons o£ 
all faiths, offers you: 



//I 



We think it's 
wonderful here... 
t/ow zvill too!'' 




Over 140 spacious, single-story "cottage" 
homes and 28 apartments in Hearthstone 
Manor all designed for independent living 

• A choice of affordable, refundable 
life-lease or monthly rental options 

• On-site assisted living and nursing care 

• Resident Service Coordinator on staff 
•Experienced maintenance staff to 

quickly handle the headaches associated 
with homeownership 

• Easy access to local services, transportation 
scheduled 

•Real estate taxes paid by Bridgewater Village 
•Planned activities and the opportunity to 
take advantage of academic, volunteer, and 
cultural activities available in the area ^x^ 

• And much, much more! 1 — [ 



For detailed information, write to 
Bridgewater Village 

315 North Second Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812 
or call collect 703-828-2550. 

Name 



Address_ 

City 

State 



VILLAGE RESIDENTS 



26 Messenger April 1994 



Zip_ 



On identifyir^ 



Olden D. Mitchell 

Keep focus on 
personal/social 

A few phrases in the December 1993 
editorial ("What Is It About New 
Windsor?") stood out as I read it — "the 
identity and mission of the Church of the 
Brethren," "the irresistible essence of 
what it is to be Brethren," and "tell the 
world what being Brethren is all about." 

The editorial provided an accurate 
picture of the Church of the Brethren for 
the past 50 years. The center of the life, 
the ministry, the mission of the Brethren 
for that period has been New Windsor, 
not Elgin. To see in clear perspective 
these 50 years in Brethren life, we need 
to focus on the previous 50 years. 

In the picture of these years — 1890- 
1940 — two broad strokes stand out in the 
portrait of the life of the church. With a 
great vision of reaching the world for 
Christ, the Brethren began mission work 
in India, China, and Nigeria. 

The second broad stroke is reaching 
America for Christ, with great evangelis- 
tic fervor in almost every congregation. 
During these 50 years. Brethren mem- 
bership increased from about 61,000 to 
177,000 — an increase of about 300 
percent. The deep concern for the lost 
moved the entire denomination to 
prayerful evangelistic concern. 

Running through Brethren life from 
1890 to 1940 was the primary concern to 
"reach the lost" at home and abroad. The 
gospel was personal. 

During the next 50 years, beginning 
around 1940, the mission and life of the 
Church of the Brethren was focused on 
Brethren Service, with New Windsor as 
the center. Brethren concern, time, and 
money found many avenues of ministry 
to a suffering, needy world. In those 
years the gospel was social. 

Also, during those 50 years, the world 
mission of the Brethren in India, China, 
and Nigeria largely came to an end. 
Evangelism and church growth ceased to 
be on the Brethren agenda. And along 



r mission 



vith a decline of about 50.000 in church 
nembership there was an even greater 
lecline in worship and church school 
ittendance. 

How do we articulate and identify the 
nission of the Church of the Brethren? 
\s we begin another 50-year period of 
)ur history, who and what are the 
brethren? What broad strokes will paint 
he true portrait of the future of this body 
)f Christ's followers? 

In the past decade and more, some 
;pecial efforts have been made to again 
)ut the "personar" back into the Brethren 
;xperience of the gospel. Passing on the 
'romise has received strong support 
icross the Brotherhood. But there does 
lot seem to be much excitement in our 
:ongregations about evangelism, and 
;ven less personal concern to seek, find, 
ind restore "the lost." 

If we are to capture the "essence of 
vhat it is to be Brethren" now and into 
he next century, we need to go back to 
Brethren beginnings. We need to study 
he New Testament in small groups as 
ve seek to know and follow the mind of 
Christ. We need a new commitment to 
'esus as "the way, the truth, and the 
ife." 

The Lord of the Church calls all 
bllowers to "go make disciples." He also 
isks, "Why do you call me "Lord. Lord.' 
md do not do what I tell you?" (Luke 
3:46.) His own ministry was clearly 
jummarized in Matthew 9:35-38. For 
lim, the gospel, as he taught it, and as 
le lived it, was both personal and social, 
it the same time, all the time. 

This is "what being Brethren is all 
ibout," following Jesus in understanding 
ind in living the total gospel. 

The key concern now, as in the two 
previous 50-year periods in the life of the 
rhurch of the Brethren, is leadership. 
»Vho or where are the leaders of the 
-hurch who can inspire the multitude of 
Brethren with enthusiasm and excite- 
nent, with fire and fervor — so essential 
f the Brethren are to fulfill their 
nission? 



Ai. 



Olden D. Mitchell, of Elkhart. Ind., is a retired 
?hurch of the Brethren minister. 




as we relocate our 
main campus to 
Richmond, Indiana to 
be in affiliation with 
Earlham School of 
Religion 



as we expand to offer courses at our new Susquehanna Valley Satel- 
lite in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania 

▲ as we continue to prepare people for Christian ministry and to 

educate those called as witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the 
cities and communities of the world 

j4 Bethany Theological Seminary, the graduate school of theology of the 
% Church of the Brethren, invites men and women of all races, nations, and 
W confessions to join us. For more information write or call: BTS, Butterfield 
\ and Meyers Rds., Oak Brook, IL 60521 • [708>620-2204. 



Whither the 
Anabaptist Vision? 

New Directions for a New Century 



June 13-16, 1994 



Plenary Speakers: Nadine Pence Frantz, 

Phyllis Pellman Good, Stanley Hauerwas, 

Albert N. Keim, John D. Roth and Paul Toews 

More than three dozen other presenters including: 

Dale Aukerman, Dale W. Brown, Donald F. Dumbaugh, 

Donald Fitzkee, and Dale R. Stoffer 

For complete program and registration write or call 

The Young Center 

Elizabethtown College 

Elizabethtown, PA 17022 

717-361-1470 



April 1 994 Messenger 27 



BRF not hung up on KJV 

Please read pages 8-9, 12-13 of Vol. 24, 
No. 1, BRF Witness C'The New Bible 
Translations: Are They Necessary?") and 
refrain from accusing the Brethren 
Revival Fellowship (BRF) of being a 
"King James Version-only group, as 
implied in the February editorial 
("Curling up with a Catalog"). 



With this reference to the BRF, 
Messenger continues to misrepresent the 
group to the magazine's readers. Instead 
of that, deal with the issues, please. 

Craig Alan Myers 
Columbia City. Ind. 

{On page 8 of the BRF Witness 
referred to above, writer Galen R. 
Hackman writes: "[T]he need for a new 



==N 



It's a combination of the more 

reasonable cost and the element 

of service that makes MAA 



attractive ... 



Donald Munn, MAA Member 
Middlebury, IN. 



Are you paying too much for your insurance? 
Are you receiving the service you deserve? 



Call 

1-800-255-1243 

for your FREE video 

Produced bj Dave Soleobtrger 



Insurance protection exclusively for Brethren 

churches, homes, farms, camps, small businesses, 

renters and mobile home owners. 

For a quote or more information, call our toll free number 

or FAX: 1-800-238-7535 



Mutual Aid Association Church of the Brethren Route 1 Abilene, Kansas 674 1 



^ 



translation of the Bible into English 
becomes clear when the following two 
truths are recognized: First, we must 
ever remember that language changes. 
Second, there have been significant 
advances made in the area of biblical 
scholarship. " 

On pages 12-13, he writes: "The 
Living Bible cannot be surpassed for 
gaining an overall understanding of a 
large section of the Bible. . . . For public 
reading and exposition, the New 
International Version is my choice, 
because of its clarity, accuracy, and 
excellent English. When doing critical, 
e.xegetical work on a passage, it is hard 
to beat the literal nature of the New 
American Standard Bible. And if it is 
beauty and poetry and cadence that you I 
prefer, then the time-honored King 
James Version is the best. " — Ed.) 



• There is a paragraph in the February 
editorial that 1 don't understand. Either I 
am misreading the sentence that men- 
tions the Brethren Revival Fellowship, oi 
else the editor has made a colossal 
mistake. 

The BRF is not grieved that many 
have "betrayed (their) trust in the tried 
and true King James Version (KJV) of 
the Bible." In fact, we nearly always use 
translations other than the KJV in our 
publications, and Messenger reprinted 
major portions of BRF Witness, Vol. 24, 
No. 1, in its August 1989 issue. That 
issue of BRF Witness attempted to 
explain why the new translations are 
necessary. 

Our next issue of BRF Witness uses 
the New Revised Standard Version 
(NRSV) throughout the editorial and the 



The opinions expressed here are not necessarily 
those of the magazine. Readers should receive then^ 
in the same spirit with which differing opinions are 
expressed in face-to-face conversations. 

letters should be brief, concise, and respectful ojl 
the opinions of others. Preference is given to letter! 
that respond directly to items read in the magazine 

We are willing to withhold the name of a writer 
only when, in our editorial judgment, it is 
warranted. We will not consider any letter that 
comes to us unsigned. Whether or not we print the 
letter, the writer's name is kept in strictest 
confidence. 

Address letters to Messenger Editor. 1451 
Dundee Ave.. Elgin. IL 60120. 



28 Messenger April 1994 



k 



Jew International Version (NIV) in tiie 
najor article. Already in Vol. 14, No. 4 
1979), we asserted that it is not the 
Cing James Version of the Bible that is 
inspired"; we hold strongly to the belief 
hat "the Bible is free from error in the 
iriginal autographs." 

Our view of the Bible is derived from 
tie attitude of scripture toward itself, the 
sstimony of Jesus regarding the Scrip- 
ures, the evidences uncovered by 
rcheologists, etc., and not from a belief 
hat the KJV has some kind of word-for- 
vord magic that makes it the Word of 
3od. 

Harold S. Martin 
York. Pa. 

• I was surprised by the February 
iditorial's reference to the Brethren 
Revival Fellowship and the King James 
/ersion of the Bible. 

Some Brethren who identify with the 
BRF may hold solely to the KJV, but it is 
ny impression that many BRFers agree 
vith the 1979 "Biblical Inspiration and 
Authority" paper of Annual Conference, 
vhere it states that the position of one 
;roup of Brethren is that the "Bible is 
vithout error in the original autographs, 
ind any conflicts within the text are only 
leeming discrepancies due to our own 
ack of understanding. The King James 
/ersion is not the only English transla- 
ion considered reliable. Scripture 
passages are studied in light of their 
;ontext, the laws of grammar, and the 
"orm of biblical writing they represent. 
Fhe total Bible is uniquely inspired and 
las the highest authority for life" 
Annual Conference Minutes, 1975- 
1979. page 560). 

! In a June 1985 Messenger interview, 
jhen Annual Conference moderator and 
BRF vice-chairman Jim Myer said, "I 
ike the King James Version. . . . But I 
[im not hung up on it. ... I have many of 
he new versions of the Bible and I use 
hem in my studies." 

With so many translations available, it 
s important to select a reliable version, 
'ersonally, the King James Version is 
ny own favorite. But I also like the New 
nternational Version, the New Ameri- 
an Standard Bible, and the New King 
ames Version. 

All this notwithstanding, 1 enjoyed the 



Qt 



Pontius' Puddle 



NOTICE: Church and district newsletters titat reprint "Pontius' Puddle" from 
Messenger must pay $10 for each use to Joel Kauffmann. Ill Carter Road. 
Goshen. IN 46526. 



DETECTOR 



; 



DETEtTOR 



I'M josr PACwua- 

\r POR PRpTECTloK. 








THE 



AN D J 






Communicating good news. That's rare. So is 

Dave Sollenberger's style. A 1975 graduate, 

Dave creatively writes, records, and narrates 

stories with a positive influence. The result? 

Videos which encompass our common values. 

Dave develops programs for nonprofit 

organizations that give hope and spread joy. 

In today's world, that's remarkable. 



MANCHESTER COLLEGE 
TRADITION 



Jeanne Eichenaur motivates, communicates, 

leads. A senior studying English and 

communication, Jeanne embraces Manchester 

College values of social justice and peace. What 

are her dreams? To travel globally, teach, or 

work for the church as an advocate for change. . .to 

be a voice for the people. Aspiring? Certainly! 

Rare and remarkable? Indeed! 



VALUES * GLOBAL AWARENESS * FAITH * ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 

* LEARNING * ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS * COMMUNITY 

PEACE & JUSTICE * STEWARDSHIP * SERVICE 

Write or call to receive more information on Manchester programs or stewardship 
opportunities, to refer prospective students, or to let us know if you are planning a special 
campus visit. 

Manchester College does not discriminate on the basis of marital status, sex. 
religion, race, color, national or ethnic origin, or handicap in the administration of Its 
educational policies, recruitment and admissions policies, scfiolarship and loan 
programs, employment practices, and athletic or other college sponsoreo programs. 



MANCHESTER 

COLLEGE 



• North Manchester, IN 46962 • (219) 982- 5000 



April 1994 Messenger 29 



L 



Word From The Moderator 

The family names of Rivera, Garcia, Jo, 
Goretzici, Raftovich, Kwan, Espinoza, 
Kyerematen on Brethren lists reflect an 
expanding multi-cultural tapestry. What 
a blessing and challenge! 

In January and February, I participated 
in church life in the Dominican Republic 
and Puerto Rico. Beautiful people, 
contagious faith, spirited singing, 
growing churches are phrases that 
describe Brethren there. The challenge 
remains, however, for quality training, 
orientation for pastors, understanding 
the denominational processes, and 
growing faithful disciples. Are we 
listening? 

We invite, but do we include them, 
empower them, and allow them to enrich 
our lives with their gifts? Are we able to 
say with an open spirit and open arms, 
"Come! Drink the Living Water"? Look 
around your church. Any additional 
color or language? Any new expressions 
in your worship services? Any new 
names on the roster? 

Earl K. Ziegler 

1994 Annual Conference Moderator 



To subscribe to 




call (800) 323-8039WExt.247 
Ask for Norma 



From the 

Office of Human Resources 

DISTRICT EXECUTIVE. 
WEST IVIARVA DISTRICT 
Full time position in Oakland. Md. 

Seeking individual with; 

• good administrative skills; 

• ability to give general oversight of 
planning and implementing district 
work; 

• ability to relate to people of differing 
positions and cultures. 

Posiliiin avaiicMe (ifler June I. 1994. 

COORDINATOR, 
BVS ORIENTATION 

Full time position in Elgin. 
Seeking individual: 

• to organizing orientation schedule; 

• to counsel volunteers; 

• to secure facilities & leaders. 

• BVS experience and pastoral 
skills preferred. 

Position m'tiilable in Auj^ust. 1994. 

For prompt consideration call 
Barbara Greenwald (800) 323-8039 



glimpse at the 1926 Brethren Publishing 
House catalog provided by the February 
editorial. 

Dean Garrett 
West Alexandria, Ohio 

• As one born and raised in a moderate 
to conservative Church of the Brethren 
congregation, I heard the teachings of 
ministers of both liberal and conservative 
persuasions. Bible scholars such as Jim 
Myer, Harold Martin, and Olen Landes 
(all members of the Brethren Revival 
Fellowship) introduced me to the 
wonders of the many versions of the 
Scriptures. It was exciting to hear these 
men quote from several versions in order 
to reveal the true meaning of the text. 

It saddens me to once again be 
reminded that many in our denomination 
(some proclaiming themselves to hold 
the most loving, caring, and open view 
of theology) have yet to understand and 
respect those who hold a more conserva- 
tive view. One of the BRF's most 
important purposes is to bridge the gulf 
between liberal and conservative 
Brethren. It always has encouraged those 
disillusioned with "Elgin" to remain in 
the denomination and help make it 
strong. 

Donita Keister 
Mijflinburg, Pa. 



CLASSIFIED ADS 



TOUR— Australia and New Zealand with Bridgewater Col- 
lege President Wayne F.Geisert. 17-day tour Cairns, Sydney, 
Canberra, Melbourne, Chnstchurch, Queenstown, Mt. Cook, 
Auckland, and Rotorua. Leaves September 17, Returns 
October 3. Cost (roundtrip airfare frow west coast, first- 
class accommodations, 23 meals, and entertainment) $3,295 
per person, double occupancy. Optional excursion available 
to Fiji. For info, brochure, write: Australia/New Zealand 
Tour, c/o Wayne F. Geisert, Bridgewater College, 
Bridgewater, VA 22812-1599. Tel. (703) 828-2501, ext. 
1300. 

TRAVEL— Tour Japan June 12-21 ;AlpineTourin Germany, 
Austria & Switzerland June 16-July 1; Spain and Portugal 
July 22-Aug. 5; Great Britain Aug. 9-26; China and Hong 
Kong Oct. 5-1 8; MusicalTourto Vienna, Austria& Budapest, 
Hungary: Christmastime in Switzerland & Germany Nov. 
28-Dec. 6; Christmastime in Bavana Dec. 5-13. Hosted 
through Juniata College. For further info, contact: Gateway 
Travel Center Inc., 606 Mifflin Street, Huntingdon, PA 
16652-0595, Tel. (800) 322-5080. 

TRAVEL— Join baseball delegation to Nicaragua, June 1 1 - 
23, 1994. Play or cheer as we meet with our third-world 
brothers and sisters in beautiful Bocana de Paiwas. Tom 

30 Messenger April 1994 



and Marlene Zerger, former Witness for Peace coordina- 
tors, extend this invitation to serve, share, and witness. 
Donations of baseball gloves, children's shoes, and money 
gratefully accepted. Total cost $1 200. $1 00 deposit. Dead- 
line for registration Apnl 15. Call (313) 565-3015, ASAP. 

TRAVEL— Israel/Egypt Holiday. Wendell & Joan Bohrer, 
Fred & Nancy Swartz host a tour to Israel and Egypt. Aug. 
8-1 8, 1 994. 1 1 -day tour includes travel to Jerusalem, the old 
city. Dead Sea, Megiddo, Galilee, Cana, Mt. Carmel, Mt. 
Nebo, Cairo, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Tomb of King Tut. 
For info, write: Wendell & Joan Bohrer, 8520 Royal Meadow 
Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46217. Tel. (317) 882-5067, or Fred & 
Nancy Swartz, 1 0047 Nokesville Rd., Manassas, VA 221 1 0. 
Tel. (703) 369-3947. 

TRAVEL— Brethren Service Center's 50th Anniversary 
Committee is hosting a European Tour, July 31 -August 1 4, 
1994. Glenn & Helen Kinsel, tour leaders. Visit former and 
current Church of the Brethren and Heifer Project persons 
and sites. Visit persons involved in Brethren Volunteer 
Service, the Polish Agriculture Exchange, and Student 
Exchange Program. Geneva, Stuttgart/Miedelsbach, 
Marburg, Schriesheim, Schwarzenau, Kassel, Berlin, 
Skierniewice, Krakow, and Vienna are stopping places. For 



info, contact Terri Meushaw, Brethren Service Center, 500 
Main Street, New Windsor, MD 21776-01 88. Tel. (41 0) 635- 
8716. 

WANTED— Applications sought for a quarter-time paid po- 
sition as Pacific Southwest District youth coordinator. Send 
names or inquiries to: Phyllis Eller, Pac. S. W. District office. 
Box 2 1 9, La Verne, CA 91 750, or call (909) 593-2554. Salary 
will be negotiated depending on qualifications and experi- 
ence. Interviews begin in April. Employment projected to 
begin this summer. 

WANTED— Camp manager or couple to manage Camp 
Colorado in Pike National Forest. 40 min. from Denver oi 
Colorado Springs. From Memorial Day to Labor Day 1994 
Camp located on 85 forested acres. Features swimminc 
pool, hiking trails, 6 dorms, dining hall, recreation bidg 
Camp has 4 wks, of Brethren-sponsored camps and i; 
rented remainder of season to Brethren churches and family 
reunion groups. Duties incl. purchasing supplies, cleaning 
and repairing camp. Altitude of camp is 7,500 ft. Applicant! 
should be in good physical shape. Salary $1,000 < 
month. Incl. 2-bdrm. cabin, utilities. Interested partie; 
contact Ron Achilles, Rt. 1, Box 143, Quinter, KS 67752 
Tel. (913)754-2322. 




embers 

nville. All. N.E,: Matthew 
Bowers, Dick & Ruth Dielz, 
Ashley Ebersolo, Jodi Good. 
Ben Hackman, Annie Lefever, 
Gary Rosborough.Col!een 
Sholly 

kersHeld Community, Pac. 
S.W.:DianaHale 

icon Heights, N. Ind.: Joshua 
Snyder 

le River, N. !nd.: Darbi 
Eamhart, AdamGeiger.Jolene 
Gipe. Rex Hartman, Elijuy 
Kreider, Deanna Perry, Rick. 
Rohin. Emily & Philip 
Plasterer, Joel Targgart 

)ok$ide, W. Marva: Carl. Sheila 
&. Melissa Elliott, Jessica 
Shatter, Joyce Simmons 

ena Vista, Shen.; LoisColTinan. 
Dorothy & Roy Humphries 

nkertown, S. Pa.: Herman & 
Doris Benner. Justin French. 
JelT&, Trudy Hoke, Ben 
Weaver 

rlisle, S. Pa.: Shannon Stansbury 

nter, N. Ohio: Kelly Jones. 
Laura Vickers 

rist Our Shepherd, S/C Ind.: 
Michael Dodge 

rryville, M. Pa.: Slacey Beach, 
David Benter, Carl Crumrine, 
Julie Mellott. Michelle 
Sollenberger, HeatherWalter 

yton,Shen.: Betty &Manin 
Cline, Jessica Crawford. M icah 
Reish. Jordan Shirkey 

Bxel Hill, All. N.E.: Dawn 
Carol an 

hrata,Atl. N.E,: Laura & 
Matthew Buckwalter. Heidi 
Enck. Matthew Eshelman, 
Vanessa Gill. Drew Haller. 
Seth Schnupp. Matthew 
Stradling. David Yohn 

eenmount,Shen.: Debbie Dean, 
John & Sherry Hagerman. 
Michelle. Susan. Shane & 
Weldon Layman. Steve & 
Vickie Lohr. Ashley Ludholtz, 
Brian. Cherie, Harold & Sharon 
Smith 

e€nsburg,W. Pa.rNadine 
Browntleld. James & Grace 
D'Amico. Terry Marshall. 
Lynn Novitsky. Shanda Parsley, 
Sara Shincovich. Kristen 
Teacher, Ti tfany Weyandt 

rshey/Spring Creek, Atl. N.E.: 
Aubrey Greer, Roger Ingold. 
JessicaJohnson, Nichole 
Poling 

lUins Road, Virlina: Mark & 
Penny Booth, Levi & Beulah 
Craft. Vivian Haymaker. Nick 
Bono. Mitzi. Heather, Jessica 
& Samantha Newbill. Beniia & 
Beth Noffsinger. Ryan Poff. 
Willis Wiley 

ncaster, Atl. N.E.: Clyde & 
Dorothy Cassel. Robert, 
Emilie. Jay. Melia& Sean 
Dell. Roy Garber. Esther 
Gibble. Doris Kant, Violet 
Sacra, Russel &: Dora 
Shoizberger, Cheryl Smoicer, 



DanaStatler 
MapleGrove. N. Ohio: Kathy. 

Kristy&KimberlyKeillor. 

Denise Kettering. Glenn. 

Molly, Sara & Erin Smith 
Memorial, M. Pa.: ErinChirdon. 

Matl Gray. Amanda Hileman. 

Virginia& Glenn Holsinger, 

Nicole Smith 
Middle Creek, Atl. N.E.: Ashley 

Bollinger 
Monitor, W. Plains: Leah & Linda 

Friesen. Travis Hawkinson. 

Sarah Hoffman 
New Covenant, S. Ohio: Susan 

Field. Verne & Kathy 

Leininger. Don Schantz. 

Jennifer Tolle 
Nokesville,Mid-Atl.:Rashad 

Bland, Brently&Vicki 

Dahmer, Alice Lund, Amanda, 

Lynn & Valerie Messenger. 

Michael Madill. PauiaTackett 
Paradise, N. Ohio: Jessica Hartzler 
Pasadena, Pac. S.W.: David & 

Calene Williams. Scott Ford 
PineGrove, Atl. N.E.: Richard 

Hoffman, Shannon Lehman, 

Kenneth Wolfe 
Pomona, Pac. S,W,: Alice Abbot. 

Glen & Florence Crago 
Reading, All. N.E.: Felix, Lydia. 

Raquel & Enimanual Acevedo. 

Pat Gauit. Lynn Geisi. Anna 

Hartman. Bertha Hironimus 
Salkum Community, Ore. /Wash.: 

Kem Eben, Boney & Dayle 

Fletcher, Margaret Francy 
Trinity, Virlina: J. W., Jeremy & 

Suzanne Rhoades, Shirley 

Trimbley, Robin Wade 
Trinity, W. Plains: Wilda Berry. 

JuanitaGermann 
Upper Fall Creek, S/C Ind.: Tom 

& Maria Kemerly 
Wakemans Grove, Shen.: Jennifer 

Barb. Catherine & Leroy Cline. 

ToddCrowder, Sharon Foltz, 

Terry Garrison, Jennifer 

Looman,Tom Myrtle, Zachary 

Payne, Brett & Justin 

Wightman. Adam. Keith. Kevin 

& Susan Zircle, Ethel Utiey 
Waterford,Pac. S.W.:Tere.sa 

Myers 
West Alexandria, S. Ohio: Chris 

Dull, Julie Fraley. Mandy & 

Pat Shockey. Adina Simpson 



210th BVS 
Orientation Unit 

(Orientation completed 
January 29, 1994) 
Bishop, Paula. Atlanta. Ga.; to 

Interfaith Conference of 

Metropolitan Washington. D.C. 
Brown,Christopher. Roanoke. Va.; 

to Lahman/Sollenberger Video. 

Annville.Pa. 
Carroll, David. Lewistown. Pa.; to 

Near Eastside Multi Service 

Center. Indianapolis, Ind. 
Davis, Larry. Ebensburg, Pa.; toTri 

City Homeless Coalition, 

Fremont. Calif. 
Faus,Jeffrey.Manheim, Pa.;to 

Tree.s for Life. Wichita, Kan. 



Fisher, Crystal . Cedar Rapids, 

Iowa; to Holy Family Service 

Binh Center, Weslaco. Tex. 
Gallagher, Jeff. Modesto, Cal i i. . 

toCanip Harmony. 

Hooversville.Pa, 
Geibler, Norman. Halberstadt, 

Germany; to Washington City 

Church of the Brethren, 

Washington, D.C. 
Gilmore. Deana, Ashland, Ohio; 

to The Lehman Center. 

York. Pa, 
Johnson, Suzanne, Toronto. 

Canada:toQueen Louis Home, 

St. Croix, Virgin Islands 
Kirchner, Shawn. Waterloo, Iowa; 

toGould Farm. Monterey. 

Mass. 
Kuhner,Grelchen, Bremerton, 

Wash,;toLARAP.ElPaso. 

Tex. 
Loser,Amy.Elizabethtown.Pa,;to 

Comfort House, McAllen, Tex, 
Mason, Mary. Sebring, Fla.; to 

New SudanCouncil of 

Churches, Nairobi, Kenya 
Murner, Brett. Wellington, Ohio; 

to Iowa Peace Network, Des 

Moines, Iowa 
Patalano, Robert. Ashland. Ohio; 

to Flat Creek Church of the 

Brethren. B ig Creek. Ky. 
Patalano, May. Ashland. Ohio; to 

Flat Creek Church of the 

Brethren. BigCreek.Ky. 
Petry, Brenda. Walkerton. Ind.; to 

Casa de Esperanza de los 

Nifios, Houston, Tex. 
Reimer, Troy. Good view. Va.;to 

Journey of Hope. Griffin, Ga. 
Toback, Staci, Newington. Conn.; 

to International Fellowshipof 

Reconciliation, Alkmaar. 

Netherlands 
Turnay, Abraham. Akron. Ohio; to 

Woodland Altars. Peebles. 

Ohio 
Vaillancourt, Krisanne. 

Kensington. Conn,; to NW 

Treep Ian ters/Farm workers, 

Woodbum,Ore. 
Vassady, Lisa. Lancaster. Pa.; to 

Trees for Life, Wichita, Kan. 
Warren, Shay, Encino, Calif.; to 

Inspiration Cafe, Chicago, 111. 
Zander, Barbara. Westminster, 

Md.; to Prodigals House. 

Winston-Salem. N.C. 



Licensing/ 
Ordination 

Carlson, Melinda. licensed Jan. 8. 

l994.Trinity. Virlina 
Dixon, Robert H.. ordained Jan. 8, 

l994.Kokomo,S/Clnd. 
Hostetler, Bruce Alan, ordained 

Jan. 19. 1994. Manchester, 

S/C Ind. 
Ilyes,CharlesL.. ordained Jan. 15. 

1994, NewFairview. S.Pa. 
Johnson, Anthony Leo. licensed 

Jan. 8. 1994,Brick, Virlina 
Markey, Dale L., ordained Jan. 15, 

1994, NewFairview. S. Pa. 
Thacker, Robert W., licensed Sept. 

7, 1993,Jennersville.At!.N.E. 



Pastoral 
Placements 

Bartholomew, John, from Peru. 

S/Clnd.. to Mohican. N.Ohio 
Bowman, Dale, from Covington. S, 

Ohi o. to Copper H i 1 1 . V i rl i na 
Carl, Edward, from Uniontown, 

W.Pa..toGoshenCity, 

N. Ind. 
Gresh, Ken, trom seminary to 

Arcadia. S/C Ind. 
Hardenbrook.James. trom other 

denommation to Nampa, Idaho 
Hatfield, Terry, from district 

executive. N. Ind.. to Denver 

Pnnceot Peace, W, Plains 
Keiper,John, trom Stonerstown. 

M. Pa., to LowerClaar, M. Pa. 
Keller. Kevin, trom secularto 

ColumbiaCity. N. Ind. 
Longanecker, Arlan, from Ridge, 

S. Pa., to Baltic, N, Ohio 
Miller, David, from Manassas, 

Mid-Atl.. to Roanoke First, 

Virlina 
Payne, Russell, from Blissville, N. 

Ind-.toCoulson, Virlina 
Quintrell, Gregory. Meadow Mills. 

Shen., to Ligonier, W. Pa. 



Wedding 
Anniversaries 

Benner, Lawrence and Elsie, 

McAlisterville,Pa.,5() 
Brubaker, Elberl and Helen, 

Gratis, Ohio. 50 
Buirley.Clifford and Sarah, Troy. 

Ohio. 50 
Campbell, Henry and Jeanne. 

Kokomo. Ind..50 
Clay, Vernon and Josephine. 

"Hartville.Ohio.55 
Deardorff, Everett and Helen. 

Hartville.0hio.60 
Espigh, Paul and Catherine. 

McVeytown.Pa..65 
Gorden, Israel and Edwina, 

Goshen. Ind., 65 
Hoffer, Victor and Mabel. Palmyra. 

Pa., 65 
Jordan, Fred and Clara. Salem, 

Va.,65 
Keenan, Harold and Helen. 

Onalaska.Wash..60 
Lehigh, Roy and Ruth, Lititz, 

Pa., 60 
Mackey, Wilbur and Florence, 

Chambersburg. Pa.. 50 
McCort, Francis and Elizabeth. 

HartviIle.Ohio.50 
Myers, Roy and Evelyn. Jacobus, 

Pa.. 50 
Page, Clarence and Betty. 

McAlislerville.Pa..50 
Slough, Mildred and Carl. Troy. 

Ohio, 60 
Snyder, Maurice and Lois, North 

Canton, Ohio. 55 
Sumey, Frances and Lewis. 

Uniontown, Pa., 60 
Uhrig, John and Mary, Greenville, 

Ohio. 70 
Wilson, Alexander and Helen, 

Melbourne. Fla.. 55 
Zumbnim.Milford and Margaret, 

ColuTnbiaCiiv.Ind..55 



Deaths 

Altland. David. 72. York. Pa.. Jan. 

1.1,1994 
Angelo, Dominic. S9. Fricdens. Pa.. 

Jan. X. 1994 
Bashor,Carolyn. 86. 

McAlistervillc.Pa..Scpt. 

14.199.^ 
Beach, Howard. X6. Murtinsburg. 

Pa. Oct. 15. 1993 
Blickenstaff, Harry, 86, La Verne, 

Calit-.Jan. 17. 1994 
Bowers, Margaret. 8.3. Lewisiown. 

Pa.. Oct. 20. 199.3 
Dressier, Edna. 76. Danville, Pa.. 

Nov. 16. 199.3 
Eshelman.Almeda. I I l.Hartville. 

Ohio. Dec. 10, 1993 
Fiscus. Esther, 85, Birdshoro. Pa., 

Nov. 12. 1993 
Flory, Ralph. 90. Oswego, III., 

Nov. 29, 1993 
Flory, Lueila. 88. Oswego. 111.. 

Nov. 14. 1993 
Gill, Herbert, S3, Martinsburg, Pa., 

Dec. 10,1993 
Hagen. Helen. 64. Parkeshurg. Pa., 

Jan. 6. 1994 
Barter, Harold. 74. Purdy. Mo.. 

Dec. .30. 1993 
Hively,Gerald. 68. ColumbiaCity. 

lnd..Julyl2. 1993 
Hollinger, Allen. 79, Neffsville, 

Pa.. Jan. 14. 1994 
Hood, Leo. 63. West Lawn. Pa.. 

Nov. 15,1993 
Kimmel, Evelyn, 82. Albion. Ind.. 

Jan. 12.1994 
Kroh, Pearl, 90. New Oxford. Pa.. 

Jan. 20. 1994 
Lee,Josephine. 62, Wilmington, 

Del.. Jan. 8. 1994 
Lichvar, Elda. 75. Boswell. Pa., 

Oct. 29, 1993 
Lozier,Harry,92, Warsaw. Ind., 

Jan. 2, 1994 
Martin, Louise. 8 1 , Warsaw, Ind., 

Sept. 24. 1 993 
Martin, Furman. 75. Warsaw. Ind., 

Dec. 2. 1993 
Merkey, Ernest, 84. York. Pu,. 

Dec. 29. 1993 
Metzler, L.C.. 72. Martinsburg, 

Pa., Nov. .30. 1993 
Miller, Ada. 70. York. Pa.. Jan. 1 0. 

1994 
Minnich, Iva. S3. Greenville, Ohio. 

Oct. 23, 1993 
More, George. 70. Churuhu.sco. 

Ind-.Sept. 1.3. 1993 
Myers, Frances. 83. York. Pa.. Jan. 

14.1994 
Phillips, Marie. 95, Mount Penn. 

Pa.. Dec. 7, 1993 
Pope, Joanne. 63, Roaring Spring. 

Pa.,July 13. 1994 
Royer, Freda. 88, Kimmell. Ind.. 

Dec. 19.1993 
Ryan. Larue. 69. Danville. Pa.. 

June 9. 1993 
Sampson, Charies. 80. Lima. Ohio. 

Oct. 1.1993 
Schlegel, Robert. 69. Thomasville, 

Pa.. Dec 31, 1993 
Shank, Neva. 74. East Berlin. Pa.. 

Jan. 8, 1994 
Swartz, Hilda, 93, McAlislervilie, 

Pa.. Oct. 9, 1993 

April 1994 Messenger 31 




Considering the scenic route 



Probably no other painting has been such a rich 
source of inspiration for poHtical cartoonists as 
Grant Wood's "American Gothic," that depiction of 
the stern farmer, pitchfork in hand, and his forbid- 
ding daughter (often mistaken for his wife) standing 
before their Gothic-style farmhouse. 

I predict that among journalists, the "new infor- 
mation superhighway" will provide just as rich a 
source of inspiration for allusions to the highway 
image. So many possibilities — Sunday drivers, fast 
lanes, exit ramps, pot holes, road blocks, detours . . . 
on and on. 

In case you've lately been traveling only the "back 
roads" (See what I mean?), the "new information 
superhighway" means that before long, virtually all 
the information in the world will be readily and 
instantly available to us via personal computers 
(PCs), modem-accessed phone lines, and other yet- 
to-be perfected items of hardware and software. 
Communicating cheaply and efficiently with anyone 
in the world will be a snap. Barriers to information 
will come tumbling down. Anything you want to 
know, anyone you want to reach, will be available to 
you. 

Remember the time around 20 years ago. when 
Citizen Band (CB) radio was all the rage? You were 
made to believe that everyone was going to get a CB. 
Going to get one because they were not a luxury, but 
a necessity of life. Every vehicle needed one. They 
were fun to have, too. Just go yak, yak, yak on your 
CB to someone else with a CB who was as 
enamoured with his new toy as you were with yours. 

Think of the fun that old CB users can have out on 
the new information superhighway! 

Just because we can do something, does that mean 
we should do something? One newspaper columnist 
writes, "The new information superhighway is likely 
to become clogged with Sunday drivers (See what I 
mean?) — people with nothing better to do than 
cruise around gaping out the window. They'll get on 
the highway because they can, but if what . . . (the) 
futurists have in mind is some idealized new world, 
that vision is likely not to happen. The high-tech 
Sunday drivers will access information 24 hours a 
day, and yak back and forth as if on tlber-optic 
desktop CB radios, and probably have a fine time 
doing it. But it will be little more than idle recre- 
ation." 

I haven't seen the new information superhighway 

32 Messenger April 1994 



yet, but I have inklings of what it can be like. Every 
morning when I come into my office at work, the 
first thing I do is turn on my PC, the marvelous 
piece of technology that enables me to crank out 
editorials and other writings so much more effi- 
ciently than I used to produce with pencils, yellow 
legal pads, and typewriters. 

Just as I was getting used to my PC, and appreciat- 
ing it. our office technology advanced a step, and I 
was added to the "network." Now I have to type in a 
password to get into my PC, and before I am able to 
start using it, I must deal with any messages on my 
screen that other members of the General Board staff 
have put there to engage my attention. 

So far 1 have found that to be an annoyance, rather 
than a help. It's like not being able to unlock my 
front door at home and go in until I stand outside 
and read all the junk mail in my mailbox. 

A cold chill ran over me the other day when an old 
friend asked me if I was on the E-mail ("electronic 
mail") network yet; he'd like to begin communicat- 
ing with me that way. 

What nags at me is the unsettling suspicion that 
electronic mail, the new information superhighway, 
television, and all the other "newer, better, faster" 
ways we have devised for communication are 
affecting us in negative ways that we don't perceive. 
It's like upsetting the ecology of the world without 
being aware of it, while making what we think are 
advances, all for the good, in producing more food 
and other products. 



/\s I 



Christians we put much emphasis on the way 
we communicate, the way we touch each other's life. 
Our Lord taught and communicated through face-to- 
face encounters. And even much of that teaching 
was done through simple stories. We Brethren make 
much of witnessing to our faith through acts of 
service, "patient acts of kindness," offering our cup 
of cold water . . . reaching out and touching. 

What adjustments, what losses, will we encounter 
in the coming age of disembodied communication 
along the information superhighway? 

These questions add to my stress as I see the traffic 
signs alerting me to the new information superhigh- 
way entrance ramp just ahead. Will it get me where 
I'm going faster and more safely? Or would I have 
done well to take the scenic route? — K.T. 



r~2 



V < y • • J. o - :,. .- 




[^i: ^Sudian. Tools and eeeSsr 
^ j^or those dieplaced. - 




United States. Hous/n^ 
for homeless families. 



It's astounding how far 20 goes, 



K'orth 



given in the name of Christ. 



GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS FUND 

Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgui, IL 60120-1694 




CoDw celebrate with brothers and sisters 
in Christ from around the nation. 



I 4 





Learn of new and effective resources for 
you and your congregation. 



1994 EVANGELISM 
LEADERS ACADEMY 

Practical Mo M Con M 



• Open to laity and pastors alike 

• Six locations coast to coast 

• Conveniently scheduled during the 
summer months 

• 94 speakers include Amanda Grimmc 
John Ortberg, William Easum and 
Tim Timmons 



Experience wonderftd fellowship and 
inspiration. 



Coll Today for A free Bmhun 

cjrt. m 





'de Evangelism 
Leaders Acaden 
IS a multi-denomM 
tional training evm 
sponsored by The 
Andrew Center a 
ministry of the Church' 
of the Brethren 




.^^. — CR< 

WHAT NATIVE AMEJ^ANrBELIEVE 









.'v^^lv 






^^, 




Putting together for this issue the cluster of articles on Native 
Americans has been an interesting experience for those of us 
selecting the articles and designing the pages. We have con- 
tacted numerous persons, pored over books from the public 
library, gone through old photos and files in the Brethren 
Historical Library and Archives, sent a writer/photographer to 
Lybrook Navajo Mission in New Mexico, 
and made too many technical decisions, 
large and small, to even think about. 

When the components finally fell into 
place, we had something that only generally 
resembled the original concept. We had 
more text that we had first envisioned. One 
of our writers was not the one we started 
with. One article grew out of what had been 
intended to be a mere sidebar. We regretted 
we had less space for photos than we had 
planned, and had to forego using some 
great photos we had on hand. 

On top of all that, we were using our 
computer more than ever in our layout and 
design work (work quite beyond the 
capacities of the editor, I should add, and so 
left to our skilled production assistant, Paul 
Stocksdale). 

We were pleased with our results, and hope that our readers 
are receptive to this pre-Conference highlighting of the paper 
"Community: A Tribe of Many Feathers." 

But when our Messenger cluster was all ready for the 
printer, 1 read through the Conference paper again and realized 
that none of what we had done could substitute for Brethren 
reading that paper itself It is our hope that everyone heading for 
Wichita, especially the delegates, will thoroughly digest the 
paper found in the Conference booklet. It's good reading, and we 
should have a meaningfiil debate. 



a^ll^i^^'n<shJ^^/^^ 





COMING NEXT MONTH: A look at Haiti, where Brethren 
workers witness the oppression wracking that country. 



Editor 

Kermon Thomasson 

Managing Editor 

Eric B. Bishop 

Editorial assistants 

Paula Sokody, Margaret Woolgrove 

Production, Advertising 

Paul Stocksdale 

Subscriptions 

Norma Nieto 

Promotion 

Kenneth L Gibble 

Publisher 

Dale E. Minnich 



District Messenger representatives: 

Atlantic Northeast. Ron Lutz; Atlantic 
Southeast. Ruby Raymer; Illinois/Wiscons 
Kreston Lipscomb; Northern Indiana, Leoi 
Holderread; South'Central Indiana. Maijoi 
Miller: Michigan, Marie Willoughby; 
Mid-Atlantic. Ann Fouts; Missouri/ Arkam 
Mary McGowan; Northern Plains. Faith 
Strom: Northern Ohio. Sherry Sampson; 
Southern Ohio. Jack Kline: Oregon/ 
Washington. Marguerite Shamberger: 
Pacific Southwest. Randy Miller; Middle ' 
Pennsylvania, Ruth Fisher; Southern 
Pennsylvania, ElmerQ. Gleim; Western 
Pennsylvania. Jay Christner; Shenandoah, ' 
Jerry Brunk; Southern Plains. Mary Ann 
Dell; Virlina. David & Hetlie Webster; 
Western Plains. Dean Hummer; West Maj 
Winoma Spurgeon. 

Messenger is the official publication of th 
Church of the Brethren. Entered as secom 
class matter Aug. 20. 191 8. under .Act of 
Congress of Oct 17. 1917. Filing date. N(l 
1 . 1 984. Messenger is a mem 
A^ ' of the Associated Church Pre 
't^ and a subscriber to Religious 
News Ser\ice and Ecumenic 
Press Ser\ ice. Biblical 
quotations, unless otherwise 
indicated, are from the New Revised 
Standard Version. 

Subscription rates: SI 2.50 individual '■ 
rate. S 1 0.50 church group plan. S 1 0.50 gi. 
subscriptions- Student rate 75^ an issue. 1: 
you move, clip address label and send wii, 
new address to Messenger Subscriptions, 
145 1 Dundee Ave.. Elgin, IL 60 120. Allc 
at least five weeks for address change. 

Messenger is owned and published 1 1 
times a year by the General Services Con ' 
mission. Church of the Brethren General 
Board. Second-class postage paid at Elgii 
111., and at additional mailing office. May 
June 1 994. Copyright 1994. Church of th 
Brethren General Board. ISSN 0026-0355 
POSTMASTER: Send address change 
Messenger, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, II 
60120. 



P 



1 




« 



Touch 2 
ose to Home 4 
;ws 6 
orldwide 1 
lecial Report 1 1 
om the 

General Secretarj' 
epping Stones 36 
mtius' Puddle 41 
!tters 42 
irning Points 47 
iitorial 48 



34 



edits: 

ver. 1. 2 right. 14. 16-26: George 
eeler 

iide front cover: An by Frederic 
emington 

ight: Zink Photography 
R. Douglas Jones 
op right: Lois Baldwin 
lottom: Wilbur Brumbaugh 
33: Eric B. Bishop 
right: Kenneth A. MacLord 
: H. .Armstrong Roberts 
: Phyllis H. Grain 
: Canadian Government Travel 
Bureau 



Annual Conference Preview 12 

We give highlights of the upcoming week ^n Wichita. 

Sacred Ground: What 

Native Americans believe 16 

Ron Pazola compares and contrasts the beliefs of Native 
Americans with what the missionaries told them. Sidebar by 
David Radcliff: "Community: A tribe of many feathers." 

Lybrook and its changing roles 20 

George Keeler describes changes at Lybrook Navajo Mission 
since its 1953 opening. Sidebar: A Lybrook chronology. 

The health care cure: An ethical dilemma 26 

Joel K. Thompson paints a shocking picture of health care in 
the United States. Sidebar by Robert E. Faus: "Bringing 
health care ethics home." 

Tithing: A response to grace 29 

Wayne J. Eberly puts tithing into a context that removes it from 
the status of a religious tax. 

Responding to a blue-light special 30 

Phyllis H. Grain knew she was in for trouble when she saw the 
state trooper's brake lights come on. 

Growing old: Is the best yet to be? 32 

Paul M. Robinson tells how to make the best of it, even if the 
best has abeady passed. Sidebar by Hubert R. Newcomer: 
"Applying 'Oil of 01" Age."' 

The voice of the mountains 37 

Harold S. Martin lifts up our eyes unto the hills. 



Cover story: Since 
Annual Conference has 
on Us agenda the paper 
on Native Americans 
"Community: A Tribe of 
Many Feathers. " we 
thought it timely to 
present a cluster of 
articles on the subject 
(page 16). The winsome 
face of Navajo child 
Wendiline Begay (in an 
Easter 1994 photo at 
Tok 'ahookaadij and 
church elder Frank 
Chavez (cover) are the 
work of photographer/ 
writer George Keeler. 




May June 1 994 Messenger 1 



Ill 



rr 




The good doctor 

"I may be a doctor, but I'm 
not one who's good for 
anything," says Jesse Ziegler 
in mock despair. "My 
mother-in-law always 
wondered how she ended up 




When Jesse Ziegler 

was a faculty 

member at Bethany 

Seminary, he never 

thought he 'd wind 

up teaching at a 

school of medicine. 



"In Touch " profiles Brethren we 
would like you to meet. Send 
story ideas and photos (black 
and white, if possible) to "In 
Touch. " Messenger. 1451 
Dundee Ave.. Elgin, IL 60120. 



having three sons-in-law 
with doctorates and none of 
them in medicine. No doubt 
she would have been pleased 
that one of us eventually 
ended up in medical school." 

That one is Jesse, who has 
been working at Wright State 
University Medical School, 
in Dayton, Ohio, since his 
retirement in 1980. 

The field of community 
health may seem like a 
radical shift for an ordained 
minister to have taken at age 
68, but Jesse is quick to 
explain the logic behind it. 
"My masters and doctorate 
were in psychology and 
psychotherapy, and it was 



psychopathology and mental 
hygiene that I taught, both at 
Bethany Theological 
Seminary and Yale Divinity 
School." 

Jesse worked for 21 years 
as an administrator with the 
Association of Theological 
Schools (the accrediting 
agency of theological schools 
in the US and Canada), right 
up to his official retirement 
in 1980. 

"It was at this point," says 
Jesse, "that Wright State 
University approached me 
about coming on board with 
its medical faculty in the 
department of community 
health, and a year later that 
United Theological Seminary 
asked me to join its faculty as 
an interprofessional educa- 
tor. 

"I started at Wright State 
on a half-time salary, and 
since then I've worked my 
way down to a dollar a year, 
to where I am now, as an 
unpaid volunteer about five 
days a week." 

Over the last 14 years, 
Jesse has pioneered courses 
that bring together caregivers 
of all kinds into a common 
forum where they address 
issues of loss and death. 

Recently, Jesse helped to 
organize a day-long sympo- 
sium on an interprofessional 
approach to cancer. "We got 
25 clergy, 25 physicians, and 
25 nurses together to look at 
interprofessional responses to 
patients with cancer. The 
feedback was very positive." 

Jesse takes a broad view of 
grief, seeing its relevance in 
situations of loss, illness, 
accidents, and death. This 
makes his input particularly 
valuable in the medical 
setting, where people are 
faced every day with losses 



other than, but also includ- 
ing, cancer. 

"I hadn't thought that I 
would end up teaching at a 
school of medicine, but it has 
been a very rewarding 
experience," Jesse says. In 
June last year, he received a 
citation from Wright State in 
honor of the work he has 
done in his field. 

"I think for a minister of 
religion to be acknowledged 
for his pastoral work as well 
as his academic work by a 
state university is remark- 
able," says Jesse's daughter, 
Harriet, a journalist in 
Melbourne, Australia. 

"I enjoy teaching," says 
Jesse. "It's as simple as that. 
Doing this work is what 
keeps me alive." — Margaret 

WOOLGROVE 



Making history popular 

History is one of those 
subjects that traditionally 
gets bad press. For many 
people, it is taken for granted I 
to be boring. 

But Paul Jewell doesn't 
think so, and neither do the 




PaulJewell 



people in Kansas City, Kan., 
who flock to the history class 
he founded 20 years ago. His 
weekly class on the "History 



2 Messenger May/June 1994 



and Culture of Wyandotte 
County" has grown in 
popularity through the years, 
outliving Paul's tenure on 
the faculty of Kansas City 
Kansas Community College. 

The retired professor, who 
is a member of Kansas City 
(Kan.) First Church of the 
Brethren, still stays involved. 
And for all his passion for 
history, he has an eye, as 
well, for the future. In the 
last session of the 1994 
course, May 14, Paul was to 
lead the class in a discussion 
on "Wyandotte County in the 
Year 2000." 

Paul, who currently is 
writing a history of the 
community college, says one 
of the secrets of the success 
of his course was the 
involvement of people from 
the county. "We used people 
who have either lived the 
history of the county or have 
expertise in the field. I had 
over 200 different speakers." 



Names in the news 

Hedda Durnbaugh, a 

member of Huntingdon (Pa.) 
Stone Church of the Breth- 
ren, and the author of The 
German Hymnody of the 
Brethren. 1720-1903, was in 
Lillehammer, Norway, for a 
worship celebration of the 
Lutheran Church of Norway, 
just prior to the opening of 
the Winter Olympics. Her 
English translation of an 
Olympic hymn by Norway's 
leading hymn-writer, Svein 
Ellingsen, was used at the 
celebration. 

• Donald F. Durnbaugh, a 
member of Huntingdon (Pa.) 
Stone Church of the Breth- 
ren, and the denomination's 



Speech! Speech! 

A cow-kissing contest may 
not have much in common 
with speech-writing, but both 
are activities in which youth 
are involving themselves in 
preparation for National 
Youth Conference (NYC) in 
July. 

Mac Bair, of Westminster, 
Md., and Kristi Rittle, of 
Oswego, 111., are the two 
winners of the NYC speech 
contest, writing on the topic 
"The Role of Youth in the 
Life of the Church." 

Mac, a high school 
sophomore, has had experi- 
ence with public speaking 
through his 4-H Club 
activity, so he is not nervous 
about presenting his message 
to 3,500 other youth at NYC. 

JCristi, a high school 
senior, is worried about 
whether people will be open 
to what she has to say. "It's a 
very personal message," she 
says, "but it has broader 
themes that apply to all the 
youth in the church." 

At Hanover (Pa.) Church 



foremost historian, partici- 
pated in the second interna- 
tional conference on the 
Holocaust, held at Humboldt 
University in Berlin, Ger- 
many, in March. He pre- 
sented a paper titled "The 
Suppression of the Rhon- 
bruderhof by National 
Socialist Authorities on April 
14, 1937." 

• Todd Wenger, a 
member of Mechanic Grove 
Church of the Brethren, 
Quarryville, Pa., has begun a 
three-year assignment in 
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, 
through Mennonite Central 




Mac Bair 

of the Brethren, Mac is 
president of his youth group 
and involved otherwise in the 
congregation. "There are 1 1 
youth going to NYC from 
Hanover," he says, "and 
we've done a lot of different 
things to raise travel money." 

The "cow-kissing" contest 
is the most unusual thing. 
Mac explains: "Several 
names were put forward as 
'candidates,' and then on the 
polling day, the person with 
the most money in his box 
had to kiss a cow. We raised 
a lot of money." 

Kristi is co-president of 
her youth group at Highland 
Avenue Church of the 



Committee. He is serving as a 
young-offender reconciliation 
worker. He recently com- 
pleted a term of Brethren 
Volunteer Service in the 
Church of the Brethren 
Washington Office. 

• Russell Bixler, a 
Pittsburgh-based Church of 
the Brethren TV preacher, 
was featured in a March 
Giiideposts magazine story, 
"A Place by the Fire." 

• David J. Bachman, a 
member of Woodberry 
Church of the Brethren, 
Baltimore, Md., has received 
the 1993 Perioperative 



Kristi Rittle 

Brethren, in Elgin, 111. Also 
she directs children's choirs 
and occasionally sings solos 
at church. 

"I like to try new things," 
she says, explaining her 
motivation for entering the 
speech contest. "I wanted to 
do something my parents 
could be proud of, as well as 
something I believed in." 

Kristi graduates from high 
school May 28 and will 
begin music studies at 
Millikan University this fall. 
Mac continues to play 
baseball and volleyball and 
says that he hopes someday 
to teach biology and chemis- 
try . — Margaret Woolgrove 



Clinical Nurse Educator 
Award, recognizing his work 
in that field. He is a clinical 
educator at Union Memorial 
Hospital, in Baltimore. 
• Melanie May, of 
Rochester, N.Y., a former 
Church of the Brethren 
executive, has received a 
First Decade Award from 
Harvard Divinity School, 
recognizing her as one who 
in pursuit of her vocation has 
been "an inspiration and 
encouragement to all 
[Harvard Divinity School] 
graduates to rededicate 
themselves. . . ." 



May /June 1 994 Messenger 3 




1) 




A cup in remembrance 

The stained-glass window 
was a bit dated. It depicted 
the famous Brethren Service 
symbol that appeared on 
little wooden offering cups 
on many a Brethren family's 
eating table in the 1940s. 
The church in which the 




At Bassett church, 

a 50-year-old 

symbol has been 

imbued with new 

meaning for service 

in today's world. 



"Close to Home " highlights 
news of congregations, districts, 
colleges, homes, and other local and 
regional life. Send story ideas and 
photos {black and white, if possible) 
to ■ 'Close to Home, ' ' Messenger. 
1451 Dundee Ave.. Elgin, IL 60120. 



window was installed 
became dated too . . . and 
inadequate. When the 
Bassett (Va.) Church of the 
Brethren moved to a new 
facility 10 years ago, it left 
behind the old church and 
the window. 

At the urging of Gamett 
Phibbs, who was pastor at 
the time of the window's 
installation, the segment of 
window depicting the 
Brethren Service cup has 
been retrieved, rededicated. 



and imbued with new 
symbolism. Long-time 
Bassett members Bill and 
Ava Smith, and Clyde 
Carter, a VirUna pastor who 
grew up in the Bassett 
congregation, also were 
instrumental in reacquiring 
the treasured piece of 
memorabilia. 

The window segment has 
been framed in wood by 
Bassett member and crafts- 
man Cecil France. On 
February 6, it was rededi- 
cated during a service 
marking the congregation's 
10th year in its new facility. 

Gamett Phibbs was on 
hand, and related how long- 
time Brethren Service 
executive W. Harold Row 
had told him years ago that, 
so far as he knew, the Bassett 
window was the only one of 
its kind in the denomination. 

Virlina District executive 
David Shumate, speaker for 
the day. challenged the 
congregation to "celebrate 
[its] rich past, but build a 
new vision for the future." 
Bassett's witness commission 
plans to begin a new out- 
reach program by year's end, 
employing rather than 
retiring the church's living 
symbol of Christian love and 
service, renewing the 
perennnial message of a cup 
of cold water given in 
Christ's name. 

After its dedication, the 
framed window segment was 
sent for display at the 
General Offices in Elgin. 111., 
in recognition of the past 
ministry of many people 
across the denomination and 
to challenge current and 
future generations to a life of 
service. — R. Douglas Jones 

R. Douglas Jones is pastor of 
Bassett (Va.) Church of the Brethren. 



Singular justice 

The man found guilty of 
vehicular homicide in the 
death of Don Tennis, of 
Lititz (Pa.) Church of the 
Brethren, was ordered to 
donate $5,000 to the Don 
Tennis Memorial Fund the 
congregation had set up. 

During pre-sentence 
investigation, Don's widow, 
Edith, went to work to see 
that the justice meted out was 
appropriate. "We tried to 
convey what our loss was 
and what the impact had 
been on the community," she 
said. 

But the prospect of 
successfully persuading the 
prosecutor of the case was 
not bright. So it was with 
much surprise and joy that 
the Tennis family heard the 
judge's sentence. 

The Don Tennis Memorial 
Fund, to which thousands of 
dollars from other sources 
already had been given, will 
be used for capital improve- 
ment at the church. 



Campus comments 

Ron Kraybill, who has taught 
at the University of Cape 
Town (South Africa) since 
1989, was a recent visiting 
scholar at Elizabethtown 
College's Young Center. At 
Cape Town, he trains South 
Africans in conflict resolu- 
tion and peace-keeping. 
During his time at the Young 
Center, he worked on a 
training manual on conflict 
resolution skills, based on 
South African case studies he 
had collected. 

• At the University of La 
Verne's Fasnacht Chair of 



4 Messenger May /June 1 994 



Religion 1994 Lectures in 
April. Sylvester Laudermill, 
director of music at Long 
Beach Holy Trinity AME 
Church, spoke on "Music 
and the African American 
Church Experience." A 
related concert followed. 

• Bridgewater College is 
building a 75,000-square- 



foot science center, at a cost 
of $10 million. 

Groundbreaking was April 
8, on Founder's Day. Classes 
are projected to first be held 
in the new center in January 
1996. 

• McPherson College 
used a coffeehouse evening 
to kick off a drive to collect ^ 




Bridgewater College 's new science center 




In Jamaica, Manchester College soccer players helped to 
build a new dormitory at Maranatha School for the Deaf. 



"Sundries for Sudan." For 
two weeks salt, soap, and 
towels were collected to send 
for relief in Sudan, a country 
devastated by civil war. 

• The Manchester 
College soccer team spent 12 



Schwarzenau update 

The Alexander Mack 
Museum in Schwarzenau, 
Germany, is attracting 
a number of visitors, both 
German and American, 
according to Brethren 
historian Donald F. 
Dumbaugh, who recently 
visited there. 

The museum wants slides 
and photos of Schwarzenau 
from Brethren visitors to the 
village. While many of the 
photos likely will be from the 
post-Worid War II era, 
earlier photos are also of 
interest to the museum 
curators. They especially 
want photos of the Brethren 
workcamp that was held in 
Schwarzenau around 1948- 
1949. 

Anyone with slides or 
photos to donate should send 
them, with detailed identifi- 
cation, to Alexander Mack 
Museum, Am Kohhuecken 




Tlie Talmilhle (i'alley Mill) in Schriesheim, Germany 



6, 59317BadBerleburg/ 
Schwarzenau, GERMANY. 
Another Alexander Mack 
site, an old mill in 
Schriesheim, is also in the 
news. The Talmilhle (Valley 
Mill), once owned by Mack's 
father, is reported to be 
available for purchase in a 
few years, with the current 
owners interested in selling it 



to descendants, according to 
an item in the April 1994 
Mennonite Family History. 
The Schriesheim mill is 
not to be confused with an 
old mill in Schwarzenau that 
erroneously has been linked 
to Alexander Mack. That 
mill, in recent years, has 
been remodeled as a resi- 
dence. 



days in Jamaica this past 
winter, helping build a 
dormitory at the Maranatha 
School for the Deaf. Another 
group of Manchester students 
spent spring break at a 
Habitat for Humanity 
workcamp in Morehead City, 
N.C., building low-cost 
housing for needy people. 



Let's celebrate 

Cando (N.D.) Church of the 
Brethren will observe its 
centennial June 11-12. 
Gulled by agents of the Great 
Northern Railroad, Brethren 
began settling in the Cando 
area in late 1893. Eventually 
there were about 30 congre- 
gations in the state. But 
agricultural depression and 
drought decimated the ranks. 
Today Cando is one of only 
three North Dakota Church 
of the Brethren congrega- 
tions. 

• Tyrone (Pa.) Church of 
the Brethren will mark its 
centennial June 17-19. 
Brethren historian Don 
Dumbaugh will speak on 
June 17, and Middle Penn- 
sylvania District executive 
Randy Yoder will speak on 
June 19. A picnic will close 
the celebration. 



May /June 1994 Messenger 5 



I« 



Bethany signs agreement 
for Oak Brook property 

The trustees of Bethany Theological 
Seminary authorized President Gene 
Roop to sign an agreement leading to the 
sale of its Oak Brook property. 
The agreement was signed with James 




Participants in the Memories and 

Visions alumni event in April at 

Bethany Theological Seminary view 

historical photographs showing all four 

Bethany locations and photographs of 

former students, faculty, and 

administrators. 



Because the news pages include news from various 
Church of the Brethren organizations and move- 
ments, the activities reported on may represent a 
variety of viewpoints. These pages also report on 
other national and international news relevant to 
Brethren. Information in news articles does not 
necessarily represent the opinions o/Messenoer or 
the Church of the Brethren. 



6 Messenger May/June 1994 



Aiello, a Pittsburgh, Pa., developer who 
anticipates using the property for retail 
sales. 

"Although a formal agreement has 
been signed, closing is still several 
months away," said Roop. "Various 
matters need to be settled before the 
closing date and price can be finalized." 

Though the board anticipates that the 
negotiations will result in a reasonable 
price, that price will be significantly 
lower than speculation in the 1980s led 
many to expect. 

Roop said, "Bethany will always need 
to be very careful with its resources and 
rely on the church as its primary source 
of support." 

When the Oak Brook land sale be- 
comes final, the money from the transac- 



tion will be used to retire Bethany's debt. 
The remainder will be placed in endow- 
ment. 

Among issues still pending that could 
affect closing and the final price are 
engineering survey results regarding 
flood plain and water retention. 

Also at its spring meeting the board 
approved a budget for the 1 994-95 fiscal 
year, approved a graduating class of 28 
students, established an endowment fund 
for faculty enrichment, and heard reports 
on this summer's move of the seminary 
to Richmond, Ind. 

A total budget of $1,306,266 was 
approved by the board for the next fiscal 
year, beginning July 1994. A list of 28 
students was approved for the June 5 
graduation, including six candidates for : 
the master of arts in theology degree, 2 1 
master of divinity candidates, and one 
certificate of achievement in theological ■ 
studies. This year's graduation marks thi 
final ceremony on the Oak Brook, 111., 
campus. 

In other business, the Perry Rohrer 
Faculty Enrichment Fund was proposed i 
by the board to provide annual grants to 
faculty for special professional growth 
experiences, writing or research projectsi 
The board heard a report from Joe 
Mason that the physical move to Rich- 
mond will take place the first week of 
August. 



Calendar 

Evangelism Leaders Academies: June 13-16, 
Warner Southern College, Lake Wales, Fla.; 
July 11-14, Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kan.; 
July 1 8-2 1 , Manchester College. North Man- 
chester, Ind.; July 25-28, Eastern Mennonite 
College, Harrisonburg, Va.; August 1 -4, Uni- 
versity of La Verne, La Verne, Calif; August 
8-11, Warner Pacific College, Portland, Ore. 
[For information call the Andrew Center, (800) 
774-3360]. 

National Workcamps: Young adult, June 4-12, 
Rio Piedras, P.R.; sr. high, June 20-26, Chero- 
kee, N.C.; August 4-17, Dominican Republic; 
jr. high. July 6-10, Indianapolis, Ind.; August 
3-7, Harrisburg, Pa. ; August 8- 1 2, New Wind- 
sor, Md. ; and August 17-21, Tidewater, Va. 



General Board spring actions 
include Hebron, South Africa 

Actions taken by the Church of the 
Brethren General Board at its spring 
meeting, March 6-7, include a state- 
ment on the February 25 massacre in 
Hebron, suspension of economic sanc- 
tions against South Africa, and amend- 
ments for a paper on Native Ameri- 
icans. 

"We join the world in shock and 
grief at the senseless killing of more 
than 50 Palestinians and the wounding 
of more than 200 others at worship in 
the Shrine of Abraham Mosque ... by 
one or more Israeli settlers," the 
statement says. "As a community of 
faith we find the time and place of the 
assauh to be particularly appalling. 
Such horrific acts prompt us to refocus 
on the injustices, the roots of violence, 
which exist in the region. 

"As US citizens, we feel the weight 
of responsibility to press our govem- 
Iment to hold Israel accountable for 
policies that tend to foment violence 
and inadequately protect civilians — 
both Palestinian and settler — under its 
control. . . . We further call for the US 
government to take an active role in the 
peace process and to encourage 
negotiations about settlements being 
made a priority." 

The board's action on South Africa 
"reaffirms its stand against the injus- 
tices of apartheid and earlier encour- 
agements to seek peaceful means to 
create a representative and humane 
system of government in that context; 
suspends the economic sanctions, 
divestiture, and boycott components of 
its previous actions regarding South 
Africa; and encourages investment in 
South Africa and implementation of the 
'Code of Conduct for Business Operat- 
ing in South Africa' adopted by the 
South African Council of Churches." 

The board also recommended that 
Annual Conference suspend 1986 and 



1 989 Annual Conference policy 
statements that call for divestiture. 

The board also approved an amended 
paper on Native Americans, Communi- 
ty: A Tribe of Many Feathers, to send 
to Armual Conference., for final 
adoption (See page 17). 

Community: A Tribe of Many Feath- 
ers explains differences in cultural and 
spiritual traditions, reviews the history 
of Brethren involvement with Native 
Americans, and calls the church to 
confession and repentance. 

An amendment in the paper states as 
an affirmation, "We confess Christ as 
God's son and as the one who reveals 
God and God's will to humankind. 
While our confession should not de- 
mean or in any way violate others, we 
do invite all people to follow Christ in 
the way of Christian discipleship." This 
comes from a concern over the nature 
of the spirituality referred to in the 
original paper. 

The board approved a study of "Post 
Cold War Peacemaking" by allowing 
the intercommission Peace Team to 
give further discernment to issues that 
have arisen since the end of the Cold 
War. Issues and questions the team will 
study include 1 ) What is the role of the 
church in international peacemaking 
initiatives? 2) Should the church sup- 
port the use of military means in pur- 
suit of humanitarian goals? 3) To what 
extent should the church support en- 
forcement of peacemaking and peace- 
keeping norms by the UN, other inter- 
national organizations, and national 
governments? 4) How can the church 
best support ethically responsible forms 
of engaging in and resolving conflicts? 

In other business, the board approved 
a budget parameter of $6,450,000 for 
1995; a program review and evaluation 
of its Parish Ministries and General 
Services Coimnissions; and recommen- 
dations for implementation of the 
Global Structure Paper passed at the 
1993 Aimual Conference. 



Professor files law suit against 
Chicago Theological Seminary 

Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS) 
professor and Church of the Brethren 
member Graydon Snyder has filed a law 
suit against the seminary. 

Snyder charges that the seminary and 
its student-faculty sexual harassment 
task force damaged his good name and 
reputation in a memo announcing he had 
been placed on probation for his alleged 
verbal sexual harassment, according to 
an article in the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Snyder says that although he "still 
finds it inappropriate to resolve conflicts 
in the courts, in this case [I] found no 
other way to bring CTS to the conference 
table." 

In March 1993, a letter was distributed 
to all 250 students, faculty, and staff of 
the seminary reporting that Snyder had 
been put on probation for engaging in 
verbal conduct of a sexual nature. 

The incident in question occurred in 
1992 when a female student of Snyder's 
supposedly became offended by a story 
from the Talmud he told to his class 
explaining the differences between 
biblical intent and action. 



Editor receives awards from 
RPRC for editorial writing 

Kermon Thomasson, editor of Messen- 
ger, received two awards from the 
Religious Public Relations Council 
(RPRC) at its April 7-10 convention in 
Birmingham, Ala. 

An "Award of Excellence" was given 
for Thomasson 's February 1993 edito- 
rial, "To the Shores of Mogadishu." In 
the editorial, he supported sending US 
Marines to help feed starving people in 
Somalia. 

"When Push Comes to Shove," the 
April 1993 editorial, won an "Award of 
Merit" from the ecumenical organiza- 
tion. This editorial was used to defend 
the February editorial. 

May /June 1994 Messenger 7 



16 participants trained for 
accompaniment in Sudan 

In response to a call from the New Sudan 
Council of Churches (NSCC), the offices 
of Africa/Middle East and Denomina- 
tional Peace Witness trained 16 people 
for the Sudan Accompaniment program, 
March 17-22. 

The goal of the program is to prepare 
people to work with Sudanese Christians 
at the grassroots level to bring peace in 
their war-torn country. 

The unit is made up of 1 6 people. 
Twelve members of the team are Breth- 
ren. Two of the members. Tammy 
Krause Riddle and John Jones, traveled 
to Sudan on study tours within the last 
year. Brethren staff David Radcliff and 
Merv Keeney also have previously 
visited Sudan. 

The training included sessions on the 
history of Sudan, nonviolent response to 
conflict, dealing with cultural differ- 



ences, background on Islam, survival 
skills, communication and media skills, 
and dealing with trauma. 

David Radcliff, director of Denomina- 
tional Peace Witness, stated that the 
team spent most of its time on nonvio- 
lence training. "We aren't teaching them 
to get involved with protests or marches. 
We'll teach them how to respond in a 
peacefiil way to the violence they may 
encounter." 

The accompaniment team, if and 
when called, will be divided into groups 
of three and paired with three NSCC 
team members to live in villages to 
show their solidarity with the people 
of Sudan. The teams will coordinate 
relief efforts, teach English, and 
monitor cease-fire agreements. Partici- 
pants have made a committment to 
serve three months to one year. The 
date for sending an initial group will 
depend on the political and military 
situation. 



Participants in Sudan Accompaniment training program: (Front row) Tammy 
Krause Riddle, Emily Zielinski. (Second row) Carol Hoke (staff), Olive Collier, 
Shirley Bowers, Sara Swartz, Jeannette Grove. (Third row) David Radcliff, Harry 
Rhoades, Jon Hoke (staff), Anne Penman, Don Collier, David Nancarrow, Buzz 
Bowers, Kyle Hall, Cinny Poppen, John Jones, Leland Grove, Merv Keeney (staff). 




Emergency grants issued foi 
California, Russia, Soutlieas 

A grant of $25,000 from the Emergen' 
Disaster Fund was allocated to assist t 
victims of the California earthquake. 
These monies were used for shipping 
Gift of the Heart Kits and assisting wi 
Cooperative Disaster Child Care Oper 
tions, as well as helping families in th 
Kang Nam and New Hope congregatic 
who experienced damage and loss. 

A grant of S20,000 has been given t 
the Russian Agricultural Develoment 
Projects, earmarked for work in 
Smolensk and Siberia and for the 
"Patriarchal Farm" project. 

An allocation of $10,000 has been 
made in response to the tornadoes and 
storms that swept through portions of 
Southeast at the end of March. Funds 
were used to cover the cost of a Coope 
tive Disaster Child Care team that wai 
sent to Piedmont, Ala., in early April, 
well as the cost of a disaster response 
assessment team and repair work in th 
affected area. 

A grant of $10,000 has been allocati 
to the National Youth Cabinet fi-om th 
Global Food Crisis Fund to facilitate t 
building of a Habitat for Humanity hoi 
on the campus of Colorado State Univ 
sity during the 1994 National Youth 
Conference (April, page 14). 

An allocation of $2,000 was given fi 
rebuilding two homes in the West Bar 
and Gaza Strip, and $1,500 in respons 
to the March 23 gasline explosion in 
New Jersey, which displaced over 100 
families. In addition, $500 was given i 
response to flooding fi'om winter ice 
storms and melting snow in West Vir- 
ginia and Kentucky. 

An additional $5,000 grant was give 
to Haiti in February, in response to the 
ongoing struggle there. The money is 
used by groups working on human rigl 
issues in the countryside and those hel 
ing Haitians in the Dominican Republ: 

The following was given to close pre 
jects: Haiti, $3,378.21; Nicaragua, $7C 
Typhoon Flo (Philippines), $544.24. 



8 Messenger May /June 1 994 



'ethren attend consultation 
promote biblical literacy 

ere was a touch of irony to the speech 
'en by Renita J. Weems, professor of 
d Testament at Vanderbilt University, 
len she spoke to the Consultation on 
blical Literacy, March 1 1, in Nash- 
le, Tenn. 

fwelve members of the Church of 
'. Brethren were in attendance as 
legates to the consultation, sponsored 
the Bible Translation and Utiliza- 
n unit of the National Council of 
urches. 

Dne hundred and thirty delegates from 
denominations in the US and Canada 
i come together to explore the ques- 
n, "What Happens to the Church, to 
urch Members, and to Mission When 
) Bible is No Longer Read, Under- 
od. Acted Upon?" 
^Veems, an economist before she 
:ame an ordained elder in the Afri- 
1 Methodist Episcopal Church, 
5gested that the best way to promote 
jlical Literacy might not have any- 
ng to do with promoting more Bible 
iding. 

'Reading and formal study were 
vileges and luxuries for the mass of 
jple eking out a living," she said, 
eligious instruction was an oral event, 
ne in community, not in print, and 
ne within the context of worship." 
Delegates experienced scripture, 
ough Bible reading, hearing, acting, 
ging, and movement during the three- 
Y event. Several different schemes for 
iding scripture, including more than 
s year-long plan, were presented 
ring a resource fair, 
rhe Church of the Brethren delegates 
irked out preliminary plans to increase 
)lical literacy among Brethren 
ough existing programs and the 
coming Jubilee curriculum to be 
iated this fall. 

rhe conference was fiinded by profits 
im the New Revised Standard Version 
the Bible, and by the individual 
nominations. — Frank Ramirez 



Ear! Hostetter 



John Tomlonson Donald R. Michaelsen /j^,. p jjmine: 




J. Rogers Fike 



David Longenecker 



Tammv Krause Riddle 



Guinevere Grier 



Districts, General Board 
announce staff changes 

Earl Hostetter and John Tomlonson 

have agreed to serve as executives for 
Northern Indiana District, each on a 
half-time basis. Hostetter is serving as 
interim executive for pastoral care, with 
duties including the pastoral placement 
process and care for pastors and families. 
Tomlonson is serving as executive for 
administration, and is functioning as pri- 
mary executive for the district board and 
its program, and as coordinator of the 
staff 

J. Rogers Fike has been appointed to 
serve as interim executive of West Marva 
District on a part-time basis. Fike served 
as executive in West Marva from 1969 to 
1978. In order to take this position, Fike 
is taking a leave of absence from his 
responsibilities as a member of General 
Board. He will resume these responsibili- 
ties in October. 

David Longeneclier began March 1 5 



Basketball player killed at 
tournament in California 

Sulu Palega, a 2 1 -year-old member of 
the San Francisco Brethren basketball 
team, was killed March 19 during a 
Church of the Brethren basketball 
tournament in Modesto, Calif 

Palega was walking with friends from 
a restaurant to his motel when he was 
killed in a drive-by shooting, a victim of 
apparent mistaken identity. Three bay- 
area men, unrelated to the tournament. 



as interim associate executive in Atlantic 
Northeast District. He will fill this posi- 
tion on a three-fourths time basis until 
the end of December. Longenecker has a 
family counseling background. He and 
his family live in Brownstown, Pa., and 
are members of Lititz Church of the 
Brethren. 

Donald R. Michaelsen has resigned 
as director of congregational support, 
effective June 14. He begins June 16 with 
the division of evangelism of the Board 
of Homeland Ministries of the United 
Church of Christ. 

Roy P. Jiminez resigned April 1 5 as 
director of Hispanic Ministry, a position 
he has held since 1990. 

Tammy Krause Riddle has resigned 
as coordinator of Brethren Volunteer 
Service Orientation, a position she has 
held since July 1992, effective September 
6. Her future plans are indefinite. 

Guinevere Grier resigned March 1 
as coordinator of Lafiya Ministry for 
personal and professional reasons. 



were later arrested and two were charged 
with the killing. 

The annual basketball tournament, in 
its 2 1 St year, has as its purpose to build 
fellowship among the scattered Church 
of the Brethren congregations of Pacific 
Southwest District. 

Palega had played in the tournament 
for four years, and was well known 
among its Brethren fans. Dealing with 
the senseless killing was particularly 
difficult for a peace church, said 
Modesto pastor Bonnie Kline Smeltzer. 

May /June 1994 Messenger 9 




The National Council of Churches appealed to the Czech 
president and suspended two of its employees following a case of 
international fraud connected to a Prague-based bank. The fraud 
could cost the NCC $8 million, earmarked for health insurance 
premiums for retired employees. The NCC is seeking to recover the 
money. According to authorities with the National Council of Churches 
(NCC), the investment was made by an employee who did not follow 
normal procedures. NCC General Secretary Joan Brown Campbell has 
asked the president of the Czech Republic to return the funds since 
they were invested without the knowledge or approval of the correct 
authorities. 

The General Conference Mennonite Church (GCMC) 
and the Mennonite Church (MC) are looking toward becoming one 
denomination by the year 2003. The General Board of GCMC 
unanimously accepted recommendations from the Integration Explora- 
tion Committee at its Council of Commissions, March 11-15. The MC 
General Board voted on the recommendation in late April. 

The Church of England ordained 32 women in a March 
12 ceremony. Over 1,200 women are expected to be ordained as 
priests this year. The bishop who ordained the women in the historic 
ceremony, Barry Rogerson, is also a member of the World Council of 
Churches' central committee. The ordination of women has been under 
formal debate in England's state church for over 20 years. 

A statement presented by women in the United Methodist 
Church stated that they believe critics of last fall's ecumenical RE- 
Imagining conference in Minneapolis are "creating a climate of witch- 
hunting." The women involved with the conference believe critics are 
giving a negative impression of the conference and ignoring the 
positive aspects. The highly criticized issue of lesbianism was 
mentioned in the statement, reading, "engaging in verbal violence 
against lesbians reveals the homophobia in the church, and denigrates 
the rich contributions that homosexual persons have made to the 
church through the centuries." 

According to Ecumenical Press Service, eight women presented 
the statement, with 800 women endorsing it. The women made this 
statement at a press conference concerning International Women's 
Day on March 8. 

The Presbyterian General Assembly Council's staff 

revised its 1995 budget downward by $1 .9 million to allocate for the 
member donations they believe will be withheld in protest of the RE- 
Imagining conference. The controversial conference was fueled by a 
letter sent to the denomination by the 26 staff members involved with 
last fall's conference in Minneapolis. The Presbyterians donated 
$66,000 of the $400,000 conference budget. The funds came from the 
Presbyterian Bicentennial Fund. 

As of the end of March, 1 85 of the 1 1 ,500 Presbyterian congrega- 
tions have announced a possible protest move. According to available 
budget figures, the 185 churches gave large sums of money to the 
PCUSA in the last few years. James D. Brown, executive director of 
the General Assembly Council's staff leadership team, stated about the 
possible boycott, "I am not convinced that a boycott of every ministry 
carried out at the denominational level can be justified either biblically 



or theologically. After all, we are a family and families stick together 
through thick and thin — " 

Although the Presbyterian church plans its General Assembly tc 
focus on new "mission initiatives," the backlash against the RE- 
Imagining conference looks to surround the 206th meeting. The 
General Assembly is planned for June 10-17 in Wichita, Kan. Many 
letters are prompting the Assembly to investigate the controversial 
conference that 400 Presbyterians, including more than 20 staff 
members, attended. 

The General Assembly also will cover such areas as missions ir 
Africa, racial violence, intercity ministry, church development and 
redevelopment, volunteers, and spiritual renewal. Over 40 missionai 
will be commissioned at the General Assembly. 

Thousands of people, including priests and nuns 

were killed in April in fighting in Rwanda after the African country's 
president was killed in a plane crash, along with the president of 
Burundi, in the Rwandan capital of Kigali. 

Following the deaths, according to reports from Ecumenical Pre 
Service, Kigali descended into chaos with presidential guards and tf 
police killing the Rwandan prime minister. United Nations personnel 
and thousands of civilians. 

The Anglican Church in Nigeria has declared "null and 
void" the ordination of three women by Herbert Haruna, the Anglicar 
Bishop of Kwara. Disciplinary action is being taken against Haruna, 
who has rejected the annulment as unwarranted, and said that he n' 
protest to the Church of England. 

An invitation for US Surgeon General Joyceiyn Eiders 
address the Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Chu 
June 3 in Lakeland has been withdrawn. 

Mike Russell, press secretary for the surgeon general, told Unitf 
Methodist News Service the invitation had been accepted in Octobe 
but was rescinded in March. 

He said United Methodist Bishop H. Hasbrouck Hughes of 
Lakeland, Fla., expressed concern to Elders that a group of individu 
had threatened to walk out or disrupt the annual conference if she 
spoke. Russell said Elders, who "isn't afraid to confront controversy 
didn't want to "embarrass" the bishop. 

Elders, a United Methodist, has drawn sharp criticism from aero 
the country, particularly because of her outspoken views about birth 
control and the legalization of drugs. 

She said the media have failed to report that she is a strong 
proponent of abstinence as a preferred method of birth control, 
especially among youth. "I always talk about abstinence," she said. 

In December she created a stir when a group of journalists in 
Washington asked her if the government should study whether 
legalizing drugs would reduce crime. 'They asked if it should be 
studied and I said yes. I still feel that way," Elders said. 

She said she believes drug use would decline, although not 
immediately, if drugs were legalized. "But I think we would get rid o 
some crime" related to drugs, she said. 

"And we could help treat many of the hard-core users, and 
eventually the use would go down," she added. She stressed that n 
method of controlling abuse should be left out of consideration. 



10 Messenger May /June 1994 




Hispanic leaders explore new directions 



y Eric B. Bishop 

ley came together not knowing what to 
pact — Hispanic leaders and represen- 
ives of Hispanic Churches of the 
ethren — at a consultation April 18-20 
Indianapolis, Ind. 

What they found in their time together 
is a meeting with a 
ry "spiritual tone 
d the ability to come 
'ay with a sense of 
ity," said Guillermo 
camacion, one of 
; participants, and 
stor of Alpha and 
nega Fellowship in 
ncaster. Pa. 
\bout 30 people 

ended the consultation, including 
enn Timmons, associate general 
;retary for the Parish Ministries 
immission, Berwyn Oltman, 
^cutive of Atlantic Southeast District, 
d retired minister Phyllis Carter, 
10 served as facilitator for the meet- 
;s. 

[n one of two actions of the group, 
camacion, who is also moderator of 
! Church of the Brethren in the 
•minican Republic, was asked to 
■ve as Hispanic consultant, on an 
erim basis for two years, replacing 
ly Jimenez, who resigned in March, 
rhe other action of the group was to 
me a Hispanic Steering Committee, 
e committee, which hopes to meet 
ee times a year, will work over the 
xt two years with a Hispanic consult- 
t at developing a working plan for 
Jological education, raising financial 
Dport from Hispanic congregations, 
d networking Hispanic churches. 
(Another assignment of the committee 
to create a fimctional structure for the 
spanic movement. In 1996, it will 
ve a Hispanic Assembly to revise its 



bylaws and present possible new direc- 
tions for Hispanic ministries. 

Members of the newly chosen 
steering committee are Vincent Rivera, 
pastor, Iglesia Evangelica La Nueva 
Jerusalen, Summit, 111.; Olga Serrano, 
co-pastor, Principe De Paz, Santa 
Ana, Calif; Gustavo Jimenez, member. 



'7/ (the resignations) created some 

kind of emptiness among the Hispanics, 

and everyone came to the meeting with a 

lot of expectations, not knowing if they 

were good or bad." 



Alpha and Omega, Lancaster, Pa.; 
Milton Garcia, pastor, Castaiier, P.R.; 
and Gilbert Romero, pastor, Bella Vista, 
Los Angeles, Calif Phyllis Carter will 
serve as a spiritual advisor for the 
committee. 

k3ome of the concerns of the group and 
the Hispanic churches (churches whose 
first language is Spanish) are the same 
as other churches in the denomination — 
concerns such as homosexuality and the 
Lordship of Jesus Christ. 

"Our religious background was with 
the Catholic church where everything is 
black and white," said Encamacion. 
"But in the Church of the Brethren there 
are areas of gray." 

Late last year, three Church of the 
Brethren congregations. La Mision De 
Jesiis, McFarland, Calif; a new church 
development in Dodge City, Kan.; and 
Centro Cristiano Vida Abundante, 
Levittown, P.R., withdrew fi"om the 
denomination. The reasons for the 
withdrawal were the concerns about 
homosexuality in the church and 



objection to a controversial ordination in 
Pacific Southwest District. 

According to Encamacion, the last 
three months have been difficult for the 
Hispanic churches because of resigna- 
tions of three key people (Luis Bustillo, 
pastor of La Mision De Jesus, Pedro 
Brull, executive minister for Atlantic 

Southeast District, and 
Roy Jimenez) who 
were considered to be 
among the key 
leadership. "It (the 
resignations) created 
some kind of empti- 
ness among the 
Hispanics, and 
everyone came to the 
meeting with a lot of 
expectations, not knowing if they were 
good or bad. 

"We were afraid if we didn't do 
something, the rumors (e.g., homosexu- 
ality) would be harmfiil to the Hispanic 
community," Encamacion said. "This 
gathering was good because we had the 
majority of Hispanic pastors here." 

The consultation included, among 
other things, a presentation on "The 
Brethren Views on the Humanity and 
Divinity of Jesus," a session on "Breth- 
ren Polity and Policies," a "History of the 
Hispanic Ministry in the Church of the 
Brethren," an assessment of current 
situation and needs, and time for prayer 
and worship. 

According to Timmons, a lot of 
healing took place at the consultation, 
and it provided an opportunity for the 
participants to come together and talk 
among themselves. 

The group asked Encamacion to 
immediately begin visiting Hispanic 
churches to "talk to pastors and congre- 
gations explaining the good feeling at 
the meeting, and to explore the \tt I 
possibilities" for the future. I J 



May /June 1 994 Messenger 1 1 




Wichita 



Brethren will experience a week of 
worship, work, and reunion when they 
meet June 28-July 3 in Wichita, Kan. for 
the 208th Annual Conference. 

"Come! Drink the Living Water" is 
the theme for the 1 994 Conference, led 
by Moderator Earl K. Ziegler, pastor of 
Lampeter (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. 
Business sessions and worship will be 
held in the Century U Convention 
Center. 

Conferencegoers will be able to 
experience a wide array of offerings — 
from music and speakers, to exhibits and 
meals. This preview presents highlights 
of the week's events. More information 
is available from the Annual Conference 
Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 
60120; (800) 323-8039. Information 
packets have been distributed to all 
congregations. 



New business 

Two queries from IllinoisAVisconsin 
district and a recommendation from the 
General Board are the new business 
items. 

Acceptance and Implementation of 
the Americans with Disabilities Act 
originated with the Highland Avenue 
congregation, Elgin, 111., asking Confer 
ence to accept the guidelines of the 
Americans with Disabilities Act to alio' 
persons with disabilities to participate 
fully in the life of the denomination. 

Simple Life originated with the 
Springfield (111.) First Church and asks 
Conference to name a committee to stu( 
ways to reemphasize the Brethren 
fradition of the simple life and to discei 
its full meaning for our time. 

The third item of new business come 



24-hour reporting of 
Conference news 

From June 26-July 3, the 
Church of the Brethren 
telephone Newsline, (410) 
635-8738. will feature 
daily updates on Annual 
Conference events and 
business. 

Newsline currently 
provides weekly updates on 
Brethren news, with new 
messages posted Thursday 
mornings. Newsline 's 
recorded message can be 
reached 24 hours a day, 
seven days a week. 

1 2 Messenger May /June 1 994 



Worship 



Tuesday evening: Annual Conference 
Moderator Earl K. Ziegler's topic will be 
"Come to the River of Life," based on 




Thursday evening: Rebecca Baile I 
Crouse's sermon will be "Breaking the' 
Rules — for Christ's Sake," based on 
John 4. She is co-pastor of Antioch 
Church of the Brethren, Rocky Mount, 
Va. 

Friday evening: Western Plains 
District will present the drama "Tl 
Gathering," based on Matthew 
Vj+h£' / '- ^ 27:24 and John 13. 



\^0^ 



John 7:37-38 and Revelation 22:17. 
Wednesday evening: David Bibbee, pas- 
tor of Elkhart (Ind.) City Church of the 
Brethren will preach on "Dear Me," 
based on Matthew 3:13-17 and Mark 
1:9-11. 



Saturday evening: 

Tyrone Pitts, general 
secretary of the Progressi-i 
National Baptist Convention, will 
preach on "Providing Living 
Waters to a Dying World," based 
on Mark 9:41. 
Sunday Morning: S. Joan Hershey's 
sermon is on "Abundant Water . . . But 
Many are Still Thirsty," based on Isaial 
58:1 lb (NIV). She is coordinator of 
consulting and resourcing for the 
Andrew Center. 



Annual Conference Preview 



■om the General Board, asking Confer- 
tice to suspend 1986 and 1989 Annual 
Conference policy statements calling for 
ivestiture in South Africa. 



Jnfinished business 

^Community: A Tribe of Many Feath- 

rs tops the business agenda this year, 
"he paper explains differences in 
ultural and spiritual traditions, reviews 
le history of Brethren involvement with 
Jative Americans, and calls the church 
3 confession and repentance. 



/leal Events 

breakfasts: Tickets are $7.50. Wednes- 
ay: On Earth Peace Assembly. Thurs- 
ay: Brethren Press. Friday: People of 
le Covenant, Evangelical Prayer, 
Washington Office Network. Saturday: 
In Earth Peace Assembly, 
Luncheons: Tickets are $9.25. 
Wednesday: Discipleship and Reconcili- 
tion Committee ($5), Ecumenical, 
association of Brethren Caregivers 
ecognition. Outdoor Ministries Asso- 
iation. Program for Women/Global 
/omen's Project. Thursday: Older 
.dult, HIV/AIDS Network, Brethren 
Dumal Association, CoBace, Associa- 
on for the Arts lunch and guided tour 
f the Wichita Art Museum (cost for the 
)ur and transportation is $6, and lunch 
n your own will be available in the 
luseum cafeteria.). Urban Ministries. 
'riday: AACB, Church and persons 
'ith Disabilities, Congregational 
leacons. Brethren Volunteer Service 
;ack lunch), Andrew Center, Womaen's 
'aucus. Youth Advisors. Saturday: 
iridgewater College, Elizabethtown 
■oUege, Juniata College, University of 
a Verne, Manchester College, 




H. Fred Bemhard 



Joel D. Kline 



J. Benton Rhoades 



Albert Sauls 



Candidates for moderator-elect 

H. Fred Bernhard, of Arcanum, Ohio (Southern Ohio), is currently pastor of Oak- 
land Church of the Brethren, district TRIM coordinator, and a member of the Brethren 
Benefit Trust board. Bemhard has served as district moderator, a member of the 
district board. Annual Conference Standing Committee (including chairman of 
Nominating Committee), Annual Conference head teller and messenger, speaker, 
devotions leader, AIM design team, and as a member of the General Board. 

His vision is "that Brethren be so excited about God's love for us in Christ that we 
rally ourselves in unity to share the gospel with all." Yiis priority is "that Brethren 
affirm the primary task of sharing the Good News by being a people who welcome 
others as God in Christ welcomed us." 

Joel D. Kline, of Fort Wayne, Ind. (Northern Indiana), is pastor of Beacon Heights 
Church of the Brethren. He is currently on the district board and ethics committee, and 
serves as Brethren Journal Association secretary. He has served as district moderator 
and commission chair. Annual Conference worship leader, study committee chairman, 
minister's association chairman, AIM trainer, community ministerium chairman, 
homeless shelter board secretary, and chairman of the church and society division of 
the Associated Churches of Fort Wayne, Ind. 

His vision is "that the church be called to take seriously being the body of Christ." 
His priority is "to celebrate the varied callings of the church, embracing both evange- 
lism and justice making, spiritual growth and church planting, personal healing and 
reconciliation." 

J. Benton Rhoades, of Claremont, Calif (Pacific Southwest), is a member of La 
Verne Church of the Brethren. He is a retired church executive and former pastor, and 
has served as sanctuary committee chairman, district work camp director, small group 
staff, a missionary. Mission 12 staff, evangelist, ecumenical youth movement of North 
America chairman, and Agricultural Missions executive director. He has served on 
Aimual Conference study committees, and the Committee on Interchurch Relations. 

His vision is "that our church be an inclusive Bible-centered community." His 
priority is "that our focus be justice and peacemaking." 

Albert Sauls of Manheim, Pa. (Atlantic Northeast), is pastor of East Fairview 
Church of the Brethren. He has served as district moderator and board chair. Annual 
Conference speaker. Ministers' Association past president, and as area representative 
to other denominations. He has also served on the ministry commission, evangelism 
committee, youth services board. Vision for the 90s, hymnal feasibility committee, 
community service club, and mental health board. 

His vision is "to bring truth and justice to the present age." His priority is "to set 
clear goals for the Church of the Brethren and work in harmony with one another in 
light of differing points of view." 



McPherson College, Deaf Ministry, 
African American Brethren. 

Dinners: Tickets are $11. Wednesday: 
Church Growth and Evangelism. 



Thursday: Messenger, Outdoor Minis- 
tries Association (dinner and campfire). 
Friday: Committee on Higher Education, 
Hispanic Ministries, World Ministries. 

May /June 1 994 Messenger 13 




Wichita 




Pre-Conference 
meetings 

The Association of Brethren Caregivers 
(ABC) meetings begin with a fellowship 
dinner in McPherson, Kan., on Saturday 
evening, June 25. This is part of the 
Brethren Home's Retreat which takes 
place Saturday through Monday, and 
includes sessions on Lafiya ministry and 
Health Care Reform. 

ABC-planned events continue on 
Monday afternoon in Wichita with the 
start of the Brethren Benefit Trust/ 
Ministers/Caregivers Conference. The 
theme of this year's conference will be, 
"From Ethics to Action: Making 
Healthcare Choices." Five different 
speakers will address the issues sur- 
rounding this topic in sessions that 
continue through Tuesday afternoon. 
ABC holds its annual business lun- 
cheon Tuesday. 

Paul Boll and Lana Norris will preside 
over the breakfast meeting of the 
Association of Brethren/Mennonite 
Older Adult Ministry. 
The Health/Caregiving Festival 
rounds off the ABC pre-conference 
events, offering a healthy food menu, 
entertainment and family fun for all 
conferencegoers. 

Richard D. Doll will be the keynote 
speaker for the Forum on Public 
Education on Tuesday, looking at 
"Crises in Public Education" and how 



The "Tree of Life" that 
displayed 3,650 new mem- 
bers in the Church of the 
Brethren at the 1993 
Conference in Indianapo- 
lis, Ind, will also be plant- 
ed in Wichita for churches 
to place leaves to show new 
members. 



the Church of the Brethren should 
respond. Workshops on conflict resolu- 
tion, the role of the local church in 
public education, cultural diversity and 
the role of television in changing famil 
values will also be offered. 

Two training workshops are being 
jointly offered by Ministry of Recon- 
ciliation and On Earth Peace Assem- 
bly. The first will be led by Margo E. 
Maris on "Attending and Healing the 
Whole System when Abuse of Power 
Happens," and the second will have the 
leadership of Jim and Susan Vogt in 
examining "Families Making Peace: 
What are the Ingredients?" Both 
workshops take place over Monday and 
Tuesday. 

Wendy Wright, a writer who teaches 
at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb 
will be the guest speaker at the Womer 
in Ministry brunch on Monday. 

On Tuesday morning the Association 
of Brethren/Mennonite Older 
Adult Ministry will hold a breakfast 
meeting. 

Standing Committee will meet 
Saturday through Tuesday afternoon. 
Standing Committee will hear reports 
from the review committee of the 1992 
Ethics in Ministry paper and the sub- 
committee on sexuality and leadership 
concerns. The members will also be 
looking at a process for developing a 
congregational ethics paper. 

The General Board meets Tuesday 
afternoon at 1. 



Music 



"Acappella," a nationally known male 
quartet, headlines Annual Conference 
with a Saturday evening performance. 
The concert, co-sponsored by the Youth/ 
Young Adult Ministries program and 
Annual Conference, will begin at 9 p.m. 
following worship. 



1 4 Messenger May/June 1994 



Annual Conference Preview 



The Conference choir will sing in 
'orship on Wednesday, Thursday, Sat- 
rday, and Sunday. Donald R. Frederick 
f McPherson, Kan., is choir director. 
Irace Groff of Palmyra, Pa., is the Con- 
;rence organist, and Karen Cakerice of 
Idora, Iowa, is the Conference pianist. 

Congregational singing will precede 
ich worship session, beginning at 7 
ich evening Tuesday through Thursday. 

will begin at 6:50 p.m. on Friday, and 
:45 p.m. on Saturday with a children's 
Dncert. This years music coordinator 

Paul Roth, pastor of Highland Avenue 
hurch of the Brethren, Elgin, 111. 

Four early evening concerts are 



offered during Conference week. All 
concerts are at 6:00-6:45 p.m. at the 
Century II Theater. Hyun Joo Yun, a 
vocal soloist from Seoul, South Korea, 
will perform on Wednesday. Califomias: 
Classical and Contemporary will 
perform Thursday. Judy Chadwick and 
Jean Hendricks will perform on duo 
Steinway pianos on Friday. The 
McPherson College Chamber Singers 
will perform on Saturday. 

A one-hour recital featuring the 
WurliTzer theater pipe organ is arranged 
for Thursday at noon in the exhibit hall. 
This is one of five WurliTzers still 
operating in the country. 



Conference tidbits. . . 




Volunteers are needed in program areas and activities 
planned for Conference participants. Contact the 
Annual Conference office for further information. 

• McPherson College will host an afternoon open 

house on Sunday, July 3. The college will provide tours of the campus and visits 
with students, faculty, and staff. 

• Joan Brown Campbell, general secretary of the National Council of Churches 
(NCC) will be the featured speaker at the Ecumenical Luncheon. She will speak on 
"The Urban Crisis and the Churches' response." Campbell will also speak at a 
Wednesday insight session titled "The Plight of the City." 

• A hearing will be held on Tuesday evening at 9 on the "Community: A Tribe of 
Many Feathers" paper prior to the opening business session. Also, the Pastoral 
Compensation and Benefits Committee, and Ministerial Leadership Committee will 
hold forums Tuesday night. 

• A series of Bible study electives will be held each morning from 7:30 to 8:30, 
Wednesday through Saturday, and each evening from 9 to 10, Tuesday through 
Friday. 

• There will be approximately 54 insight sessions held Wednesday, Thursday, and 
Friday nights. 

• The worship leaders for Conference are: Judy Mills Reimer, 1994 moderator- 
elect on Tuesday evening; Laura Sewell, a retired India missionary, from Peace 
Church of the Brethren, Portland, Ore., on Wednesday evening; Milton Garcia, 
pastor of Castaner (P.R.) Church of the Brethren, on Thursday evening; Gail 
Erisman Valeta, pastor of Buckeye Church of the Brethren near Abilene, Kan., on 
Friday evening; Phyllis Kingery Ruff, Peace Church of the Brethren, Council 
Bluffs, Iowa, on Saturday evening; and Stafford Frederick, pastor of Olathe (Kan.) 
Church of the Brethren, on Sunday. 



Housing, food, & travel 

There are 1 1 hotels in the Wichita area 
arranged for Conference housing. The 
Ramada at Broadview is the official 
Conference hotel. There will be free 
shuttle service between the convention 
center. Friends University, and hotels not 
in walking distance. Prices begin at $41 
per night (one person, one bed). 

Arrangements can also be made for 
housing at Friends University, and at two 
campgrounds near Wichita. 

Food service will be available daily at 
concession stands in the convention 
center, and Wednesday through Saturday 
through cash buffets for lunch and 
dinner. 

Airfare discounts have been arranged 
with United Airlines and TWA. To make 
arrangements with United, call (800) 
521-4041 and refer to i.d. number 
543NP. For the TWA discount, call 
(800) 325-4933 and refer to profile 
number VI 3661. 

There is access to limousines and 
taxis for travel between the airport and 
hotels. 



May/June 1994 Messenger 15 




SACRED CROUND: WH 



by Ron Pazola 



As many modem indigenous people try to get in touch 
with their traditional ways, so many non-Native 
^ Americans are beginning to discover the social, 
spiritual, environmental, and educational contributions that 
Native Americans have made. As magic and mystery continue 
to be lost in a culture that becomes exceedingly objectified, 
computerized, specialized, and compartment- 
alized; as organized religion continues to lose 
its hold over many of its followers; as people 
continue to become disassociated from God, 
nature, community, and themselves; and as 
Native American prophecies about the de- 
struction of the environment seem on the 
brink of becoming reality. Native American 
spirituality takes on added importance. 

But what can non-Native American 
Christians learn from Native Americans? Is 
the spirituality of Native Americans that 
different from the spirituality of Western 
Christians? Can indigenous people teach 
Westerners anything that they don't already 
know from the teachings of the church and 
the readings of scripture? 

Part of the problem in Western culture is 
that it is riddled with dualities. Good 
versus evil, body versus spirit, sacred versus 
profane are some of the common distinc- 
tions that have dominated Western thought 
for centuries. 

But for the early indigenous people of 
North America and many modem Native Americans there are 
no dualities. All of life is one. There is a unity to all creation. 
All life is interconnected like the web of a spider: To hurt one 
living creature is to hurt all living creatures, and to pluck a 
flower is to frouble a star. As Joseph Epes Brown points out in 
his book The Spiritual Legacy of the American Native Ameri- 
can, there is no Native American word for religion because 
they do not view religion as a category divorced from society. 
Their entire world is a sacred place fdled with wonder and 
awe. The mystery of God is everywhere — in the rising sun and 
beyond the early morning mist, on the vast plains and in the 
dense forests, under a star-filled sky and beneath the light of a 
constantly changing moon. 

Although every Native American nation has a distinct 
spirituality, there are some common threads in all Native 
American spiritualities. Referring to the world as Grandmother 
Earth, most Native Americans look at their physical surround- 
ings as a living being. All things are alive, and spirituality 

16 Messenger May/June 1994 



There is no Native 
American word for 
religion because they 
DO not view relicion 

as a category 

divorced from society. 

Their entire world is a 

sacred place filled 
with wonder and awe. 



^^v*^^ 




is sought through intimate communion with the natural wor 
Unlike many who look at the world as either a sophisticated 
machine or a commodity to be used and thrown away, 
traditional Native Americans experience the earth as a 
moving, breathing entity that is holy and life-giving. They sha 
a notion of cosmic harmony, in which humans, animals, 

plants, and the physical earth cooperate wi 
the supematural to bring about a balanced 
harmonious universe. 

As Paula Gunn Allen emphasizes in The 
Sacred Hoop, "The notion that nature is son 
where over there while humanity is over he 
or that a great hierarchical ladder of being 
exists on which ground and trees occupy a 
very low mng, animals a slightly higher or 
and man [never woman] — especially 'civi- 
lized' man — a very high one indeed is 
antithetical to tribal thought." And, she 
continues, "The American Native America 
sees all creatures as relatives [and in fribal 
systems relationships are central], as offspi 
of the Great Mystery, as co-creators, as 
children of the mother, and as necessary pe 
of an ordered, balanced and living whole." 
Animals are especially revered by fradi- 
tional Native Americans. (Just as there was 
sharp differentiation between divinity and 
humans for early Native Americans, so, too 
there was no clear distinction between hum 
and animals.) Because animals were create( 
before humans, animals are looked upon as guides and teachi 
of human beings, and in a sense as their superiors because 
animals frequently act in the role of agent for the Creator. 

Cmcial to understanding Native American spirituality is 
the realization that traditionally Native Americans view spac 
as spherical and time as cyclical, while Westemers perceive 
space as linear and time as sequential. Westem time has a 
beginning and an end; Native Americans understand time as 
an etemally recurring cycle of events and years. 

As Native Americans communicate with the four direc- 
tions, they travel around a circle and eventually come back t( 
where they started, benefiting from the knowledge and feelir 
received on the joumey. The process then begins anew like t 
day, the seasons, and the cycles of the moon. 

That is why the circle is an especially powerfiil symbol 
for Native Americans. At the center of the circle is the hum 
person. To lose sight of this sacred center is to lose sight of 
one's humanness. In his classic book Black Elk Speaks, 



^TIVE AMERICANS BELIEVE 



hn G. Neihardt quotes Black Elk, the famous Sioux medi- 
le man, who is lamenting the fact that his people must now 
e in square houses: 

Everything the Power of the World does is done in a 
circle. The sky is round, and I have heard that the earth is 
round like a ball, and so are all the stars. The wind, in its 
greatest power, whirls. Birds make their nest in circles, for 
theirs is the same religion as ours. The sun 
comes forth and goes down again in a circle. 
The moon does the same, and both are round. 
Even the seasons form a great circle in their 
changing, and always come back to where they 
were. The life of a man is a circle from 
childhood to childhood, and so it is in every- 
thing where power moves. Our teepees were 
round like the nest of birds, and these were 
always set in a circle, the nation's hoop, a nest 
for many nests, where the Great Spirit meant for 
us to hatch our children. 

Although differences exist between Native American and 
estem spirituality, there are many similarities. 

"It's important to remember that Native American and 
n-Native Christians worship the same God," says Father 
m Hascall, O.F.M., Cap., pastor 
the Keweenaw Reservation and 
! West Central Diocese of 
irquette in the Upper Peninsula of 
ichigan and an Ojibwa 
hippewa) medicine man and 
est. "We can teach [non-Native 
nericans] to pray from the 
irituality of the land based on the 
spels, which can't change." 

For Hascall and his Ojibwa 
Dple, spirituality is based on 
ationship with the family, which 
strengthened through sacrifice, 
/hen I take cedar and sage and use 
;m in my ceremony, they're my 
nily. They sacrifice themselves to 
Ip me to pray," he says. As Christ 
ide every sin his own when he 
:rificed himself on the cross, 
iscall explains, the Ojibwa make 
:rifices so that the entire family 
ti benefit. The strengths of the 
nily thus allow each person to deal 
th hardships that Native Am- 




ericans have had to grapple with for thousands of years, he says. 

Sacrifice manifests itself in such ceremonies as the sun 
dance, the main ritual of Plains Native Americans such as the 
Sioux, the Cheyenne, and the Shoshone. 

A sacred event offered each year in midsummer, the sun 
dance is a prayer of thanksgiving, petition, regeneration, and 
restoration. It has nothing to do with the worship of the sun as 
some critics have erroneously observed. A 
large, circular open-frame lodge is ritually 
constructed in imitation of the world's 
creation with a sacred cottonwood tree in the 
center that links sky and earth. There are 
four days of intense dancing, together with 
flesh offerings and piercings of some of the 
dancers' chest and back muscles with 
wooden skewers. 

Although outsiders may cringe at these 
rites. Native Americans do not regard the 
piercings as self-inflicted torture but as the 
offering of one's self to the Creator — much like Christ on the 
cross. Many compare the sacrifices of the sun dance to the 
sacrifice of the Catholic Mass, which ritualistically repeats 
Christ's death on the cross. Just as all of humankind was saved 



i 



ATRIBE 
OF MANY FEATHERS 

by David Radcliff 



A' 



lone, white wolf crossed the road, 
caught in the headlights of our car. 
We were in New Mexico in December 
1 992 for the first meeting of the commit- 
tee selected to write a paper on the 
church and Native Americans. Snow was 
in the air and on the ground as our group 
went out by car for supper one night 
during those meetings. That was when 
we glimpsed this beautiful ephemeral 
creature. According to Indian lore, 
Yahola Simms told us, seeing a white 
wolf is a good sign. Aware of the 
challenge that lay ahead of us in writing 



our paper, we were happy for any 
indication that our work might succeed. 
The stimulus for writing a paper such 
as this came from several quarters. 
Youth in attendance at the 1 992 
Christian Citizenship Seminar, spon- 
sored by the Washington Office and 
Youth and Young Adult Ministry office, 
were brought to a new awareness of the 
historical and current situation of 
Native Americans. They concluded their 
experience by calling on the denomina- 
tion to develop a new, updated statement 
related to the concerns of Native 



I 



May /June 1994 Messenger 1 7 




, by Christ's sacrificial act, so the larger community benefits 
from the rigors and sacrificial elements of the sun dance. 

The traditional ritual of the vision quest also involves 
sacrifice. For three of four days, a person goes off to a secluded 
place to communicate with the spirits to gain direction and 
purpose. Through fasting, praying, enduring the elements, and 
experiencing solitude, the person has an opportunity for direct 
contact with the supernatural. 

During the vision quest, someone may experience a dream 
or vision from which is received spiritual knowledge and 
power that can later be used to help the larger community. 
(Although Christians don't profess that Christ went on a vision 
quest per se, the gospels tell of Christ's fasting for 40 days and 
nights in the desert before he began his public life. From his 
desert experience, Christ was able to overcome the devil's 
temptations and to gain the strength necessary to begin his 
public ministry.) 

Unlike the typical Western thought that views suffering as 
a problem that has to be explained and justified, traditional 



Native American thought sees hardship and pain as the norma 
part of the cycle of life. For Native Americans, life is best whei 
things are difficult because people learn humility and depen- 
dence upon God. Most Native Americans believe that when lif 
is too good, people become complacent, think too highly of 
themselves, and stop trying to improve. 

Thus, traditional Native Americans rarely view death as a 
punishment or something to be feared. For them, it is a natural 
process that all living things must encounter to begin life anew 

As Old Testament Hebrews called their God Yahweh — often 
translated as "I am who I am" — tribes such as the Lakota Siou 
call God Wakan-Tanka — the "Great Mysterious" or the "Holies 
of Everything." According to Sioux beliefs, Wakan-Tanka, 
Tunkashila — or Grandfather — and the spirit powers form a 
trinity similar to the Christian Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 
Tunkashila is only slightly less "powerfial" than Wakan-Tanka 

The creation myths of the Plains Native Americans are 
amazingly similar to the creation accounts found in Genesis. 
One Sioux creation myth parallels the Adam and Eve story. 



Americans. Later that 
summer, Ethelene Wilson 
and her son Ben, who had 
attended the seminar along 
with six other Native 
Americans from the Navajo 
community of Lybrook, in 
New Mexico, took part in 
the General Board's "live 
report" at Annual Confer- 
ence. They reiterated the call 
for a new statement. 

The General Board took 
up the challenge at its 
October meeting, naming a 
committee to draft a state- 
ment for eventual consider- 
ation by Annual Conference. 

These calls came, of 
course, in 1992, the 500th anniversary 
of Columbus' arrival in the western 
hemisphere. The last two words of 
that sentence tell us something about 
the impact of the series of events that 
began to unfold in the year 1492. This 
is the "western" hemisphere because 
it is to the west of Europe, seen then 
and now as a kind of global reference 
point by which other parts of the 
globe are named. What words might 
one substitute for "western hemi- 
sphere?" "New World?" New to whom? 
"The Americas?" named thus by the 




The Native American Study Committee — (front) Erin 
Anspaugh, Ben Wilson, Ethelene Wilson; (back) Yahola 
Simms, David Hendricks, David Radcliff (staff liason). 



Europeans. So, simply to pass this anni- 
versary was itself an occasion to pause 
and reflect on the profound changes 
ushered in by that seaman's voyage. 
Our committee of six faced several 
challenges. We were a "mixed" group of 
people of European and Native Ameri- 
can background. My own tendencies are 
to be optimistic about the possibilities for 
human community in any situation. 
Here, however, we needed to quickly 
learn about each other and to work with 
each other's distinctive characteristics 
and perspectives. What are our reasons 



for being here? What do periods 
of silence mean to different one! 
of us? Why are some more 
comfortable with eye contact? 
What are the often unspoken bu 
always present influences on oui 
deliberation of our own persona 
histories and history of our 
respective peoples? What do we 
do with words such as "Indian?' 
The challenge of relating to one 
another with respect and 
compassion was the first one we 
needed to face. 

We knew that the paper 
needed to speak for both groups 
and, even more, for the whole 
church. The "we" of the paper 
needed to represent all the color; 
and voices of the church. We knew that 
there would be some in the church who 
would analyze the paper in great detail, 
on the lookout for hints of "New Age" 
influence or for some other belittling of 
the Christian witness. Several of the 
responses we received from congrega- 
tions and individuals in the fall of 1 993 
made us feel that we had not been clear 
enough and had left room for such 
accusations at several points in the 
paper. In revisions presented to the 
March 1 994 meeting of the General 
Board, we sfrove for greater clarity; the 



18 Messenger May/June 1994 



According to the Sioux, at one time people dwelled beneath the 
earth. Like Adam and Eve, who wanted to be like God by 
partaking from the fruit of the tree of knowledge, Wazi, the 
chief of these underground people, and Kanka, 
his wife, wanted to obtain the power of the gods. 
A spirit by the name of Inktomi promised to give 
them the power if they would help him make 
humans look foolish. 

Once Wazi and Kanka had this much desired 
power they knew they would no longer need 
Inktomi, so they asked for the power first. Inktomi 
knew what was in their hearts and forced them to 
live in the world above where they and all their descendants 
would live in shame, while Inktomi continued to make fools of 
humankind. 

And flood stories are found in both the Old Testament and 
Sioux mythology. As creation was bom anew in the story of 
Noah and the ark, the Sioux people, according to one version, 
were bom from a great flood, which visited the Western Plains 




and drowned the original people there. A bald eagle flew by 
and a beautiful woman grabbed onto its feet. The eagle carried 
the woman to a great tree on a cliff above the water. Upon the 
cliff the woman gave birth to twins. And it was these 
twins who would eventually form the Sioux Nation. 
Native Americans have left a legacy for the 
peoples of the world. Respect for life, awe and 
wonder for God's creation, stewardship for the 
environment, appreciation for sacred time and 
sacred place, acknowledgment of the unity and 
interconnectedness of the earth and earth's crea- 
tures are values that Native Americans 
have practiced for thousands of years. 



Ai. 



Ron Pazola is a freelance writer living in Chicago. III. 

This article is an excerpt from a longer one by Ron Pazola that appeared in 
US Catholic, Februaiy 1994. It is printed here with permission. 

The accompanying photographs of scenes near the Lybrook Mission in New 
Mexico were taken by George Keeler. 



board told us we had achieved this. 

We also felt a special obligation to 
represent the feelings and Christian 
convictions of the members of Tok'a- 
hookaadi fellowship in New Mexico, 
as this is the only congregation within 
the denomination of primarily Native 
American (Navajo) membership. We 
didn't want to say things to misrepre- 
sent them, while taking care to 
address whatever concems they might 
wish to bring before the church. 
Reports from Tok'ahookaadi are that 
the group has grown in recent months, 
at least in part due to the feeling that, 
in the writing of this paper, the 
denomination once more has turned 
its attention to them. (See page 20) 

We hope that the paper has achieved 
several goals. While its primary 
purpose is not to be a statement on the 
nature or purpose of Christ, we hope 
that throughout the paper there rings 
an affirmation of the power of Christ 
in human history. It is through Christ 
that we can reach out to one another 
across any human boundary; it is be- 
cause of Christ's passion for justice 
and peace that the paper calls for these 
to be expressed in human relationships. 

We hope that the paper likewise 
affirms human life in all its God- 
given diversity. Religious fervor too 



often has been the mask behind which 
have hidden the evils of racism, imperi- 
alism, greed, and plain hatred. We have 
tried to say clearly that God loves all 
people, and would have us love, respect, 
and work alongside them for justice, 
regardless of their religious loyalties or 
racial origins. 

The paper names the church as a com- 
munity of disciples who share a common 
salvation, who worship a common God, 
and who make a common commitment to 
Jesus. Yet the members of this commu- 
nity have many different ways of 
expressing their Christian faith, based on 
cultural and personal differences. 

While there is not a section titled 
"repentance," the committee believes 
that a call to recognifion of past and 
present injustices and thus to a spirit of 
confrition is implicit in the paper. The 
feelings of the Native American mem- 
bers of the committee come through in 
the telling of history and the recollection 
of the mistrust built up over the past 500 
years. The committee believes that to 
read and ponder this history is itself 
something of an act of repentance. 

Our committee also hopes that the 
paper can lay the basis for a new 
beginning in the relationships of people 
within the Church of the Brethren, as 
well as with others beyond our denomi- 



nation. Among the "Recommendations" 
is a series of suggestions for improving 
communication and in general for 
building a deeper fellowship with one 
another. We hope that the paper as a 
whole points us in this same direction, as 
we believe that this is the most important 
result that could come of the lengthy 
process of studying and adopting this as 
a statement of our denomination. 

At many points during the work of our 
committee, we experienced what we 
hope the church as a whole may experi- 
ence in the days ahead. We came 
together from different worlds, as it 
were, to walk on a common joumey. We 
leamed to appreciate one another's 
peculiarities as valuable assets in the 
quest to write a statement that might be 
of service to the church. We laughed at 
and with one another, and together felt 
the pain of listening to voices who 
challenged or even condemned our 
efforts. We enter this last stage of our 
work together feeling love for one 
another and for the church, and a 
burning desire that, in the words 
of Jesus, "we may all be one." 



M. 



W 



David Radcliffis director of Denominational 
Peace Witness on the World Ministries Commission 
staff. He sen'es as staff liaison to the committee that 
drafted the paper "Community: A Tribe of Many 
Feathers. " 



May/June 1 994 Messenger 1 9 



LYBIi< 



• !• 



K AND n 



by George Keeler 

Lybrook, the Church of the Brethren's 
witness in Navajoland, is just 100 miles 
northwest of Albuquerque, the largest 
city in New Mexico. But the area seems as remote 
as if the journey were only possible by time travel. 
At 7,200 feet. Lybrook is centered on a stretch of 
North America's highest landscape. It is a starkly 
beautiful land of sage, canyons, rainbow-colored 
mesas, and towering wind-shaped monuments. It 
is home, also, to the largest Native American 
tribe in the United States, the Navajo. Getting to 
Lybrook, situated on the edge of the reservation, 
means stepping into the culture of another nation. 
And it is a nation beset with challenges that set it 
apart in late 20th-century society. 

The Church of the Brethren Lybrook Navajo 
Mission opened in 1953 under the leadership 
of Ernest and Olivia Ikenberry. Quickly, the 
two organized a high-quality private school, a 
medical clinic that saw an average of 100 
patients a month, an Alcoholics Anonymous 
program (which proved to be one of the most 
active in Navajoland), regular Christian 
worship services, and a Sunday school. 

Four years later, there was a regular atten- 
dance of 70 persons in church services, in 

addition to Navajo reading 
classes to translate the Bible, 
many baptisms, vacation Bible 
school for children, organized 
child care, overnight camp- 
outs for the youth groups, 
summer camp activities for 
children, fellowship groups 
for women and young adults, 
and outpost work for 
teaching reading in the 
home. By then, the mission 
land had grown to 59 acres. 
The private school grew, 
but mission directors 




pushed to have the education of children taken 
over by Rio Arriba County and the state of New 
Mexico. In 1963, a public school opened its 
doors to Navajo children. A preschool program 
took up residence in the old school building, 
and the mission continued to bustle with 
activity. Children were constantly on the grounds, 
playing basketball — the favorite sport of the 
Navajo — long into the evening hours, aided by 
powerful court lights. 

In the late 1970s and '80s, the mission focus 
changed. The government, which once pushed 
social services to the churches, reversed its policy. 
The medical clinic was taken over by the govern- 
ment and moved. Other programs were lost as 
both the govenmient and the Church of the 
Brethren General Board faced budget problems in 
the 1980s. Nevertheless, one bright spot in the 
mid-1980s was the construction of the long-awaited 
chapel. The Navajo renamed their new church 
Tok'ahookaadi, after an ever-flowing spring on 
the property (Messenger, January 1985, page 9). 

Then the lights of the mission went out, 
literally, in 1991 and it was dark for six months 
before Leola Allen and her husband, Ernie Conry.. 
took up residence as a pastoral couple, unlocked 
the chain across the driveway and turned the 
lights back on December 1 that year. 

Leola is tough and persevering, with wisdom 
that comes from getting your hands dirty and 
feeling sweat bead on your brow from hard work 
and making things happen. Ernie is no stranger 
to tough challenges either, having served as a 
policeman for 1 years in Iowa. During the schoo 
year, he teaches fifth grade at an Indian school in 
Gallup, and with the support of a Peace Corps 
Fellowship, works on his master's degree through 
the University of New Mexico. He makes the 1 14- 
mile drive back to Lybrook on weekends. 

Upon graduation from seminary, Leola served 
a 7-year stint at Kingsley (Iowa) United Church | 
of Christ/Church of the Brethren congregation, j 
Following were two years in the Peace Corps in 



!J 



i 



20 Messenger May /June 1994 



HANGING ROLES 



the Dominican Republic. Then Western Plains 
■District contacted the couple about heading 
iLybrook. They accepted. Together, with the 
help of a Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) 
married couple from New York, Tom 
Cunningham and June Bayard, this team has 
restarted the engine of the mission. 

But should it still be called a mission? The 
road sign was changed before Leola's 
tenure as pastor to read Lybrook Community 
Ministries. "Mission is an all-inclusive term," 
says Leola. "At the moment, we are the 
Tok'ahookaadi Fellowship of the Church of the 
Brethren. We'll build from there." 

And she is, indeed, remaking Lybrook into 
what it can be, rather than what it is. The old 
'dilapidated church/school/cafeteria house has 
ibeen razed; so has the dirt and log hogan that 
visiting youth groups once slept in. The other 
old school/social hall building is scheduled to 
be razed, too. The new metal one-room church 
building serves now as the worship area, 
Sunday school room, meeting hall, and social 
'hall. An adjacent building is undergoing 
complete renovation and will open soon as a 
fellowship hall, kitchen, and meeting area. 
Lybrook is reshaping its physical plant and its 
mission focus. 

"I've spent two years 'dejunking' the 
physical plant," says Leola. "There was junk 
and trash everywhere when we arrived." When 
the hanta virus scare started last year in the 
four-comers area, where the church is located. 



JTl ■■ — 1 <W.y 

Lybrook t 



CHURCH 
iof 'fhe BRETHREN! 



Leola sped up the timetable. "We had bags of 
ancient grain and other perishable goods, 
which should have been distributed to the 
people, stored in the old buildings. They 
attracted rodents and were disposed of immedi- 
ately." Other items that were remotely salvage- 
able were given away. 

Fortunately, the entire area escaped harm 
from the virus, thought to be spread by the deer 
mouse. One case was reported last year in 
Cuba, 40 miles away, and another in 
Farmington, 60 miles away. "We have im- 
proved the sanitation conditions here so that the 
virus is not a threat," says Ernie. 

Maintaining a positive public-relations 
image is important for the mission management 
team because it relies heavily on volunteer 
support for this church in Western Plains 
District. "Quinter Church of the Brethren, our 
'sister church,' has been very supportive," says 
Leola. "We need the help. People with open 
hearts are welcomed. I take Christian help 
wherever I can get it." 

The main volunteer project now is the 
renovation of the fellowship hall/kitchen. The 
BVS couple has been diligently working on the 
project, but it is almost overwhelming for one 
or two people. Drywall still needs to be installed 
in spots, and wiring and plumbing work re- 
mains. When it is finished, it will be the largest 
such building in the area. The church building 
holds that distinction, too, and is often utilized 
for funerals and other community events. 

With the physical plant improvements 
underway, Leola is implementing an ever- 
expanding offering of summer programs. 
Besides regular church services every Sunday, 
and children's Sunday school, she plans to re- 
establish an alcohol support group, conduct 
vacation Bible school, contract SERRV Self- 
Help Handcrafts to sell Navajo crafts, and start 
a summer junior-high recreation program. In 
order to do the last, the basketball court is high 
on her repair list. The concrete has crumbled to 
the consistency of gravel, and the hoops are 
missing. "When you let a place go down, it is 
unbelievable how much you have to do to bring 



j^*^«*- 



ag Q g ^ In November, 
mw^^ the General 
Brotherhood Board 
approved a ministry to the 
Navajo and authorized the 
purchase of a mission at 
Lybrook, in New Mexico, 
on the edge of the Navajo 
reservation. 



1953 



In September, 
Lybrook 
Navajo Mission opened, 
under the leadership of 
Ernest and Olivia Ikenberry. 
Regular church worship and 
Sunday school were started, 
and a one-room school 
opened. 



1954 



Thirty-four 
Navajos 



enrolled in the first annual 
vacation Bible school. A 
244-foot well was drilled at a 
cost of$l,200. When no 
water was found, an even 
costlier 1 ,000-foot well was 
drilled. 



By now. four 
Brethren 



1955 

Volunteer Service workers 
augmented the Lybrook 
staff There were club pro- 
grams for children, young 
adults, and women. 



1956 



The mission 
added 55 acres 
of land to its four-acre site. 
Two houses were purchsed 
for use as a clinic and a 
residence. William Hayes 
began as business manager 
and supervisor of volunteers. 
His wife, Bemice, a 
registered nurse, supervised 
medical work. 



1957 



Mabel Hesuse 
began trans- 
lating church sermons into 
Navajo, Jackson Yazzie 
became the first Navajo staff 
leader, teaching Sunday 
school, leading Bible study, 
and conducting worship in 
Navajo. In September, Galen 
and Ruth Snell succeeded the 
Ikenberrys as mission 
directors. 



May/June 1 994 Messenger 21 



1958 



The education 
program ex- 
panded to a two-room 
school, with classes through 
sixth grade, taught by Mary 
Miller and Mildred Myer. 

^ Q ^ Q Ten Navajo 
m^^W Christians and 
the mission staff participated 
in love feast. The mission 
purchased two four-room 
cottages from government 
surplus for use as staff 
residences. 

(g f% > ^^ Edith Merkey 
IVOWjoinedthe 
teaching staff An Alcoholics 
Anonymous chapter was 
formed, with Navajo leader- 
ship. It quickly became well 
known throughout 
Navajoland. 



'tQJL't Two Navajo 
i W^9 I young women 
from the mission attended 
college, one at McPherson 
and one at La Verne. Ruth 
Dibert, a registered nurse, 
took over the clinic and 
health program. 

^Q> ^ Jerry and 
■ W%9M Berkley Davis 
succeeded the Snells as 
directors. Two Navajo staff 
members. Andrew Hesuse 
and Frank Chavez, took 
schooling in preparation for 
service at Lybrook. Five 
Navajos were part-time staff 
members. 



<g n JL ) ^^^ county be- 
' ▼w^ gan providing 
elementary education for all 
children in the mission area. 
The two mission teachers 
fransferred to the new county 
system. The mission con- 
tinued "pre-first" classes, to 
help teach Navajo children 
English. 

ag Q > jt The mission 
' <r 0*W continued a 4-H 
Club program and Christian 
education classes with the 
public school children. 

22 Messenger May/June 1994 



it back," Leola sighs. 

Outreach programs in place include general 
education equivalency tutoring, performed by 
Tom and June; and a Navajo drop-in center, 
located in their BVS house. Tom and June play 
on the Church basketball team and are popular 
with the youth, who visit them at all hours. 
"We're having a great time here," says Tom. 
"For the Navajo, it is a tough existence. This is 
a culture rich in time and poor in resources." 




It was the memory of the mission and its 
positive impact on the Navajo community that 
drove Mary Thompson, a Navajo, to petition 
Western Plains District in person for its 
reopening. Mary, mother to six children and 
four foster children, holds great power in the 
community. "In this matriarchal society," says 
Leola, "Mary is one of the members who is the 
glue. She is the spiritual head of the church." 

The Church of the Brethren presence in 
Lybrook is important for community members. 



"There is a great sense of tradition. The Navajc 
went to school and church here. The medical 
clinic was here. They have also lived with 
Church of the Brethren families around the 
country as foster children." 

"This church belongs to us," says Frank 
Chavez, a long-time member with memories oi 
the glory days of the mission. "Something was 
broken here, but now we are fixing it." 

In the late 1960s, Frank was the only full- 
time Navajo staff member, assisting in visita- 
tion, services, and maintenance. "I pray every 
morning, every day for the future of this 
church," he says clutching Diyin God Bizaad 
(the Holy Bible in Navajo) close to his chest. 
"We need to make our children understand the 
importance of going to church," he quietly 
adds, his finger resting on 2 Timothy:3. 

Indeed, the church's future lies in its 
children. And children are everywhere. On 
Easter morning 1 994, more than 20 cut out 
Easter symbols from construction paper while 

'This church belongs to 
us/' SAYS Frank Chavez, a 
lon<;time member with 
memories of the clory da 
of the mission. ''somethih 
was broken here, but nov 
we are fixinc it." 

listening to the hymns and sermons of Leola's 
service. The church atmosphere is relaxed — the 
doors open for the children to come and go. 
Coming to Tok'ahookaadi is flm — a chance to 
be with friends and participate in a Sunday 
school lesson led by Ernie. 

After church, sports equipment — in-line 
skates, basketballs — come out. The Church of 
the Brethren compound provides a substance 
not found on the reservation — concrete. Pent- 
up energy is released on the concrete sidewalks 
and even in the church building itself, as 
children bring to church their toys that can onlj 
be used on hardtop. Younger children play on 
the merry-go-round, swings, and teeter-totters 
left from the private school days of the mission. 

Leola takes in stride all the children racing 
around her. "This church belongs to God and 




The Church of the 
Brethren compound 
provides a substance 
not found on the 
reservation —concrete. 
*ent"up enercy is released 
on the concrete side- 
walks and in the church 
fildinc itself, as children 
(rinc their toys that can 
3nly be used on hardtop. 

le people," she comments, adding, "When the 
illowship hall is finished, it will help." 

The key to working with the older youth has 
een basketball. For the youth, their free time 
;volves around the sport. The Church of the 
rethren team is in the middle of its league 
'ith three wins and three loses. Bleachers are 
lied at basketball games in the local school 
ym. But no one seems to care what the score 
. This is non-competitive basketball. Youth 
id adult mixed teams are playing for the sheer 
»y of it. "You see differences," says Tom. "It's 
ke being in another country." 

For the youth, there is not much to do out 
here. Bowling and movies are 60 miles 
ivay. The Church is sponsoring a Softball team 
lis spring. Video nights are planned. Some of 
le youth will attend National Youth Confer- 
ice in July. Last year, Ernie took a youth 
roup to the Church of the Brethren Christian 
itizenship Seminar. 

Leola and her congregation have put 
Dnsiderable energy into softening the starkness 
f the steel church building. "I want the inside 
I look like the people who worship here," she 
lys. "I want people who worship here to feel 
imfortable. This is a Navajo Church of the 
rethren." Genuine Navajo rugs, woven by 
lary Thompson, adorn the pulpit. Scripture is 
;ad in both English and Navajo. Melodies of 
ymns are familiar, even if the words are not. 
'dazing Grace," "What a Friend We Have in 
jsus," and "Sweet Hour of Prayer" are all sung 
I Navajo. Most of the congregation is bilingual 




1965 



Jerry Davis 
was suc- 
ceeded by Myrl Weyant as 
mission director. 



in Navajo and English. Mary Thompson 
usually serves as song leader on the piano. 
Sometimes her husband accompanies hymns on 
the electric bass guitar, while a daughter leads 
the singing. 

The people who worship here are relaxed, 
comfortable, and subdued. Many of the young 
women come in sweats; young boys and old 
men wear baseball caps. A few of the older 
women come in more traditional Navajo 
dresses. Leona dresses up for the occasion and 
wears turquoise and silver jewelry — a gift from 
the women of the congregation. That is a 
symbolic act for her; Tok'ahookaadi women 
often wear similar jewelry, and the presentation 
of the gift was an invitation to join them. Leola 
explains her jewelry: "The Navajo have a 
saying, 'Walk in beauty, the beauty way. Beauty 
is above me and beauty is below me.' The 
Navajo decorate everything. I am told that the 
Lord created turquoise and silver to appreciate 
and to enjoy." 

Navajo baskets are used to collect the 
offering, which on Easter Sunday totals $6.37 
from the 40-plus people in attendance, some of 



1966 



The Office of 

Navajo Econ- 
omic Opportunity took 
over the "pre-first" school 
program, using the mission 
facihties. The mission pur- 
chased a government surplus 
building to use as a shop. 
The Student Intercultural 
Program (SIP) was begun, 
with Navajo students hving 
with Anglo families across 
the country while attending 
school. 



1968 



Total church 
membership 



was 48, excluding staff. The 
Navajo Christian Association 
and the four missions of the 
area were holding joint 
evangelisic meetings. 

^ Q > Q Navajo Henry 
1 w ^9 w Hesuse was 
licensed to the ministry and 
became full-time pastor of 
the Lybrook Navajo Church 
Fellowship. Alvin Blough 
succeeded Myrl Weyant as 
mission director. 



a|Qw^^ Elmer Fike 
^wt ^^ became 
mission director, but was 
non-resident, living in 
Flagstaff Ariz. He also was 
coordinator of Brethren 
American Indian Ministries. 
Having a non-resident 
director was designed to 
encourage Lybrook Navajos 
to develop and depend on 
their own leadership. 

<g A7<# Henry Hesuse 
1 V • ^ left the Lybrook 
pastorate and was succeeded 
by Billy Lewis. Land was 
secured by lease at Nageezi 
for building a new church 
facility. 

<g079 In response to 
tWm^a petition from 
Lybrook, the Lybrook- 
Nageezi Church of the 
Brethren Fellowship was 
recognized. 

May /June 1994 Messenger 23 



h^W 



For the larger 
community, the church 
possesses a vital life" 

CiViNC ELEMENT— WATER. 

Running; water is 

nonexistent on the 

reservation. . . . purinc 

THE DAY, Navajo drive 

many miles in their 

dusty pickup trucks to 

purchase the delicious, 

naturally soft water 

(500 <;allons for $1.35). 




Life for H 
nature an 
try to fit i 
to conqui 



^ ^ w jt The Lybrook 
■ <r #"■' Mission pro- 
gram, except for evangelism, 
worship. Christian nurture, 
and Christian service, was 
made a separate ministry 
under the SHARE program 
of the World Ministries 
Commission. The function of 
Lybrook Community 
Ministries, as the mission 
was renamed, was to assist 
the Navajo people develop 
self-help projects that would 
uplift and benefit them. The 
mission buildings were used 
for crafts classes, adult 
education, and mechanics 
training. 

'tQ^C In a painful 
mW 9 ^ period of tran- 
sition, aggravated by mis- 
understandings over the 
intent and pace of indigeniz- 
ation, Russell Kiester was 
called to be interim 
development pastor of the 
Lybrook fellowship. He also 
served as administrator of 
community SHARE grants. 



m 



M 



1981 



The SHARE 
program term- 
inated, and Russell Kiester's 
role changed to place more 
emphasis on pastoral tasks. 
Management of the Lybrook 
property and direction of its 
program was transferred to 
Western Plains District. 

24 Messenger May/June 1994 



m 



M 



whom drove 30 miles on dirt roads to reach the 
church. "That money, most in change, repre- 
sents as much to my congregation as families 
that put in $100 bills," says Leola. "Many of 
our families are very poor. Tok'ahookaadi 
Church is not self-sufficient." 

The unemployment rate is high. "There are 
not a lot of jobs around here," notes Ernie. "The 
unemployment rate hovers around 40 percent." 
Many members of the congregation are em- 
ployed, though, working as auto mechanics, 
mechanics for oil and gas companies, and as 
nurses and artists. Some are sheep herders. 

Navajo culture does not encourage the 
accumulation of wealth. "They don't want to be 
rich, just survive," says June. 

On her first Thanksgiving at the church, 
Leola plaimed a traditional all-church dinner. 
"One person volunteered to bring the turkey. 
But the turkey didn't show up." Leola retreated 
to her kitchen. The only meat she found was in 
leftover sloppy-joe mix, which she quickly 
heated up. 

"I apologized to the congregation," says 
Leola, and "they answered, 'But nobody is 
leaving here hungry.'" 

"They don't blame or pass judgment here," 
adds June. "What is, is. There is no judgment 
or assessment, just open honesty." 

Leola's second Thanksgiving, with a "grand 
and glorious feast," went more smoothly. "I 
now know things about who is responsible and 
who is not," she nods, laughing at the Pilgrim 
Thanksgiving symbolism of her congregation 
joining with Anglos at the dinner table. 




The Tok'ahookaadi 
congregation looks 
forward to Leola's 
seasonal celebrations — 
Easter, May Day, back- 
to-school hot dog roast, 
Octoberfest (non- 
alcoholic), love feast, 
and Christmas. A 
potluck dinner is held 
after every church 

service. Food baskets are distributed every 
Sunday to needy families, with the four staff 
members providing the bulk of the food. 

The Navajo made all the ornaments for las 
year's Christmas tree. Church artists already 
are working on a life-size nativity scene that 
will be displayed at the Highway 44 entrance 
next Christmas. Baby Jesus will be in a cradl 
board, with Navajo-dressed figures sporting 
traditional hair styles. The wise men will be 
cowboys on horseback — two Hispanics 
and an Anglo. 

"We are on oiu" way to being fully alive 
without the formal organization of a church. 
We are a living part of the Church of Jesus 
Christ," says Leola. "My motto around here i 
'The difficult we do immediately. The impos 
sible takes longer.' 

"The people who worship here are serious 
about their relationship with Jesus Christ. I 
know it in my heart. They know it in their 
hearts. I see it in their selection of gospel 
hymns. I hear it in their prayers and commui 
cation with me. It is, 'Jesus who saves; Jesus 



JCANS IS ONE OF HARMONY WITH 
CS THAT SURROUND THEM. ThEY 
nJRE AND TO UNDERSTAND^ NOT 
ULE. 




A'hom we rely on; Jesus who will protect us.' 
We are a Christ-centered church." 

For the larger community, the church 
Dossesses a vital life-giving element — water. 
Running water is nonexistent on the reserva- 
;ion. So are electricity and phones. The Church 
Df the Brethren, which is blessed with electric- 
ity and phones, also has one of the few working 
wells in the area. During the day, Navajo drive 

Visit Tok'ahookaadi 

Brethren are invited to visit Tok'ahookaadi and the 
Lybrook ministry the week after Annual Conference, 
July 5-10. 

Special activities, July 5-6, are a Navajo craft 
exhibit and sale featuring items made by 
Tok'ahookaadi members; tours/hikes featuring 
geological formations and ancient Native American 
ruins; and Native American/Southwest meals. Also, 
there is an Anasazi Pageant in Farmington, July 7. 

Camper and motor-home hookups are available, 
plus motel rooms and Lybrook housing. 

For more information call David Radcliff at (800) 
323-8039. 



many miles in their dusty 
pickup trucks to purchase the 
delicious, naturally soft water 
(500 gallons for $1.35). The 
transaction is done on the honor 
system: Money is deposited in 
a slotted coffee can that sits on 
the parsonage's porch wall. 

Other challenges persist for 
the Navajo. They are a people 
caught between two cultures, 
and the frustration erupts with 
alcoholism and early deaths. As 
Ernie walks through the fresh 
graves in the Church of the 
Brethren cemetery, he notes 
that more than half of the 
people died of alcohol-related 
accidents or illnesses. 

"Families will say, 'We wish 
the alcohol was not there,'" 
says Tom. "The school drop- 
out rate also is high. Many 
people just don't make it. Look 
at the ages on the gravestones." 

The government doesn't 
seem to be effective in easing 
the pain of the Navajo, either. 
A new hospital was opened in 
Shiprock, 90 miles away; then 
the government ran out of 
money to staff it. 
Back at Lybrook, meanwhile, they finally got 
the basketball hoop up Sunday, April 1 7, and 
the church basketball team is practicing late into 
the night on its own broken concrete court for 
the upcoming championship tournament. The 
ball bounces erratically on the concrete, but it 
does so equally for both teams. 

Leola promised that on her next trip into 
Bloomfield, 50 miles distant, she would buy the 
group a ball pump. "Now we need a volleyball 
net. Then they reminded me the tetherball is 
missing. I'll get one of those, too. We are 
coming. In the words of St. Paul, we're running 
the good race over here. We're in process at 
Lybrook, My goal is to be the Church of Jesus 
Christ, to follow Matthew 25. My ultimate goal 
is to become unemployed, with Navajo as 
directors, or to at least have a partnership with 
Navajo leaders. We are moving in that direc- 
tion, but it will not happen overnight. 
We need to bring this place alive." 



M. 



m 



M 



m 



M 



m 



M 



I^OI" Plains District 
granted fellowship status to 
Lybrook. chartering it as 
Tok'ahookaadi on October 
28. The General Board 
designated an 1 1 -acre 
section of the mission land 
for the building of a new 
church facility. 

HQOJL In a budget 
I *^00 crisis, the 
General Board discontinued 
funding that cared for property 
upkeep and pastoral support. 
Pastor Russell Kiester 
terminated. The fellowship 
ceased meeting regularly. 
Two Navajo couples. Mary 
and James Thompson and 
Arlene and Eugene Arviso. 
worked at keeping the group 
firnctioning. 



1987 



Catherine Dell, 
a Wesleyan 
Holiness minister, began 
work in August as pastor at 
Tok'ahookaadi, serving imtil 
June 1991. 



<g A Q A Quinter ( Kan. ) 
■<^OT Church of the 
Brethren entered into a 
"sister church" relationship 
with Tok'ahookaadi. Quinter 
helped with summer youth 
programs and other 
ministries. The district 
named a Lybrook Support 
Committee. 



1991 



George Keeler. associate professor of journalism at the 
University of La Verne, is a member of La Verne (Calif.) 
Church of the Brethren. 



Leola Allen and 
her husband, 
Ernie Conry, came to Tok'a- 
hookaadi in December as a 
pastoral couple. 

«g A A >| Tok'ahookaadi 
I ▼ W*9 has a one- 
room church building that 
serves as sanctuary, Sunday 
school room, and fellowship 
hall. An adjacent building is 
being renovated for use as 
fellowship hall and kitchen. 
A BVS couple. Tom Cun- 
ningham and June Bayard, 
also serves the ministry at 
Lybrook. Pastor Leola Allen 
continues to expand the 
Lybrook ministry and to 
rejuvenate old programs. 
— Keeimon Thomasson 

May/June 1994 Messenger 25 



Scan the first 10 chapters of the 
book of Mark. It's amazing. 
Immediately following the 
baptism of Jesus, the 
ministry of healing 
begins. An unclean 
spirit is subdued in 
the synagogue; 
Peter's mother-in- 
law is healed of 
fever; Peter's house 
becomes a clinic 
for healing both 
chronic and 
communicable 
diseases; and syn- 
agogues in Galilee 
see quieting of 
demons. 

Then the leper, a paralytic, a withered 
hand, the sick by the seaside, the 
demonic Legion, Janus' daughter, the 
woman with a 12-year blood-flow 
problem, those too sick to walk carried 
on pallets, the Greek woman's child, the 
deaf and speech-impaired man in the 
Decapolis. the blind man at Bethsaida, 
epilepsy, and a blind beggar named 
Bartimaeus. 

Jesus came healing, Mark says, 
because his was a new teaching, a new 
authority. But it wasn't just Jesus. The 
disciples also anointed with oil and 
healed many as they traveled from one 
village to another. 

The ministry of Jesus, the new 
teaching, the new authority, was directly 
linked to wholeness of mind and body. 
The early church understood and never 
questioned the ministry of healing. 
Through the years, the church assumed it 
must create an atmosphere of hospitality 
if there was to be wholeness. It was in 
the nature of things that the church 
would create hospitals. Health care is not 
simply to be left to government, nor is it 
a political issue outside the concern of 
the church. It is at the heart of faith. It is 
to be valued. It is a ministry into which 
we are baptized. 

So individual Christians and the 
community of faith (the church) should 
be very much concerned when the health 
care system we have created in this 

26 Messenger May /June 1994 



The 

health 

care 

cure: 

An ethical dilemma 



by Joel K. Thompson 

If health care is not at 
a point of trauma, it 

does seem to be 

experiencing stress. 

And whatever the cure, 

we will be required to 

make tough choices. 

country is itself afflicted with a chronic 
illness, or as some would suggest, a 
catastrophic terminal one. 

Health care in this country now 
consumes over 1 6 percent of state and 
local tax revenues. Since 1986, private 
businesses have spent as much on health 
care as they earned in after-tax profits. In 
all, we are spending over 14 percent of 
our gross national product on health, 
over S817 billion. Among the 24 
industrialized nations making up the 
Organization for Economic Cooperation 
and Development, the United States 
spends over two times more on health 
care per capita than any other member, 
yet it ranks 2 1 st in infant mortality and 
16th in female life expectancy of those 
24 nations. 

A man living in Harlem, N.Y., has a 
life expectancy shorter than one bom in 
Bangladesh — one of the four poorest 
countries of the world. Our infant 



mortality rate is equal to a third- world 
Caribbean country. Thirty-five million 
members of our community are not 

insured for health 
care. Thousands 
more are 
underinsured. 
Each year, $70 to 
$80 billion of our 
health care cost 
can be attributed 
to fraud — that is, 
such things as 
shaping the diag- 
nosis or treatment 
to fit reimburse- 
ment provisions, 
ordering unneces- 
sary tests, and 
billing for services not provided. 

The Rand Corporation in Santa 
Monica, Calif, believes it has clear 
evidence that nearly a third of carotid 
artery operations are inappropriate and 
that 14 percent of by-pass operations are 
unnecessary. A San Diego study indi- 
cates that 40 percent of angiograms were 
done on patients not needing such a 
procedure. A Value Health Science study 
found unnecessary usage of certain 
procedures — hysterectomy (27 percent), 
carpal tunnel syndrome ( 1 7 percent), 
tonsillectomy (16 percent), laminectomy 
(14 percent), upper gastrointestinal X- 
ray studies (30 percent), pre-operative 
lab tests (60 percent), and cesarean 
births (50 percent). 

Speaking of cesarean births, 30 | 

percent of the births in our country are , 
now by C-section. In some states, these | 
"scheduled births" are now at 43.7 | 

percent; in other states they are as low as 
12.7 percent. Does this mean there are 
differences in the women of these states, 
or is it the way medicine is practiced? 
John Weimberg's studies show it is the 
latter. He found that the probability of a 
child living in Stowe, Vt., having a 
tonsillectomy by age 15 was 70 percent. 
If the child lived in Waterbury, it was 
about 1 percent. He then discovered 
that 50 percent of the men in Portland, 
Maine, had prostate surgery by age 85, 
in Bangor, it was 10 percent. In Iowa, 

J. 
f 

1 



i studies showed, heart surgery was 

times as high in Des Moines as in 
kva City. 

The bill for unnecessary operations, 
;imated at 25 percent, is $135 billion 
nually. Twenty-five percent of all 
rgeries are done to correct problems of 
jvious surgeries. 

A study out of Seattle reveals that 53 
rcent of all hospitals stays are not 
cessary. Twenty-four percent of 
tients shouldn't have been admitted, 
hat is most significant about this last 
:ure is that 1.3 million of us suffer 
expected, disabling injuries in 
spitals each year. These are called 
rogenic injuries (adverse events). They 
ppen to one of every 25 admissions, 
d result in 198,000 deaths annually, 
at is four times the number who die 
our highways. The number is so large 
;re is a Journal of the International 
idy for the Prevention of Iatrogenic 
implications. These numbers do not 
;lude hospital infections, which, by the 
ly, are the biggest epidemic in the US 
lay. Not AIDS, not hepatitis, not TB, 
t hospital infections. 
An Auburn University pharmacist 
imates that hospitals make two-or 
ee-percent medication errors. In a 
0-bed hospital, if we could assume full 
cupancy, that would be 60 to 90 drug 
ors a day. Some hospitals are thought 
have as high as an 11 -percent medica- 
n error rate. 

All these statistics are just the tip of 
; iceberg. We have no really good 
stem to insure long-term care for those 
our community who need it. And 
:e pharmaceutical costs: It's a crazy 
5tem. Ativan, an anti-anxiety drug 
ide by Wyeth, costs 702 percent more 
re than in Canada; Reglan. a gas- 
intestinal drug by A. H. Robins is 545 
rcent more expensive here; Tylenol 
th codeine from McNeil Pharmaceuti- 

1 is 484 percent more; Valium, a 
>che Biomedical Labs product, is 434 
rcent more. 

If health care is not at a point of 
uma, it does seem to be experiencing 
ess. And whatever the cure, we will be 
quired to make tough choices that are 



influenced by values. And that implies 
that we have some difficult ethics issues 
awaiting us. 

The way professional 

health care services are provided 

is clearly a value issue. 

Our routine practices give us away. In 
Joliet, 111., there is an institution that 
takes people's clothes when they are 
admitted. Each person is then assigned a 
number, turns over all valuables, is 
assigned a stranger as a roommate, has 
family visits restricted, and is forced to 
live according to the institution's 
schedule designated for eating, sleeping, 
and exercising. What have I described? 
The state prison? Or St. Joseph Hospital? 

A Chicago hospital with 876 beds, a 
teaching institution, still has in its nurs- 
ing performance standards the phrase 
"no more that three medication errors 
per year." That, of course, is for each 
nurse. Strange. I often wanted to ask 
"What is the accepted baby-drop rate in 
the nursery?" Isn't it time we expect as 
much from our health care providers as 
we do from those who make our cars? 
Anything less than zero defects is 
unacceptable. 

Even our language gives us away. We 
have "waiting rooms" for patients — 
those who should be patient with us, the 
providers. 

And when a ventilator patient meets 
the cardiovascular and brain-wave 
protocols for death, a family should not 
be held hostage for another day while a 
physician demands a second EEG, for 
which he will receive a reading fee. 

An institution should not allow a solo 
OB/GYNE practitioner to run a 47- 
percent cesarean birth rate in order to 
schedule births at three separate hospi- 
tals in an orderly manner. 

Determining to whom we will 
provide services is a value issue. 

We are very much a pick-and-choose 
society. We are afraid to provide access 
to everyone because we say we will then 
have to ration our resources. We prefer 
to ration them as we do now — to those 
able to pay. We are still trying to dis- 



tinguish between deserving and unde- 
serving. We simply do not think of us all 
being in anything together. I would 
think, however, that the church would be 
the first to say that everyone should have 
the right to basic health care. 

But after basic access, there are still 
value questions. Who determines that the 
governor of Pennsylvania receives a 
heart/lung transplant within hours of 
going on the transplant waiting list, 
while others are by-passed? Does a 
family have the right or responsibility to 
insist on doing everything possible to 
preserve the life of a comatose teenager? 
At whose expense? On what basis does a 
state legislature cut its support for pre- 
natal care while continuing to provide 
dollars for a liver transplant for post-65- 
year-old alcoholics? 

The way we make health care 
decisions is a value issue. 

The Church of the Brethren has always 
understood this issue. It is one of creative 
tension between the beliefs held by the 
community of faith and an individual's 
choice made in the awesome presence of 
God. As a health care practitioner, is it 
permissible to force upon our patients 
our beliefs and practices? When I was a 
hospital administrator, I had to deal with 
patients and their families when their 
wishes were not honored by employees. 
An example is a man with terminal 
cancer who had filed all the appropriate 
documents with the hospital regarding 
his wishes on the use of heroic measures. 
His chart had a valid DNR (Do Not 
Resuscitate) protocol in it, and yet when 
he coded in the radiology department, a 
doctor and nurse "brought him back." 
Another example: A young medical 
intern was present when his wife 
delivered an infant with major congeni- 
tal disabilities that required numerous 
technological support systems to main- 
tain survivability. He requested that no 
support be started, but was overruled by 
the official team in attendance. Over the 
next week it was the hospital ethics 
committee, along with the medical team, 
the family, and its parish priest who 
resolved the issue. 

May /June 1994 Messenger 27 



Bringing health care ethics home 

Health and health care are hot topics for everyone these days, from the White 
House to White Branch, from Washington to Wenatchee. As the debate over a 
national health plan grows more intense, some very real ethical issues are often 
overlooked or underplayed, especially within the church. 

Health care ethics can be brought home by raising a few simple questions: 

Would it be possible to find a congregation anywhere whose members, 
whether individual or families, do not find themselves confronting hard choices 
on health-related matters almost routinely? 

What portion of a pastor's time is spent providing pastoral care in times of 
illness or personal need? 

How much of a small congregation's budget does it take (if it can afford it at 
all) to provide insurance for the pastor and family? 

If life can be extended well into the 80s and 90s through advancements in 
medicine and drugs, what are the benefits and costs of such prolonged life? 

How many tough ethical decisions does a retirement home adminisfrator and 
board have to make in a year's time? 

What dilemmas does a trauma unit chaplain of a community hospital face in 
just one night shift? 

Questions such as these led representatives of the Association of Brethren 
Caregivers, Brethren Benefit Trust, and the Ministers Association to plan a joint 
conference on the theme "From Ethics to Action: Making Health Care Choices 
for You, Your Family, and Your Church." 

The ministers/caregivers conference is set for June 27-28 in Wichita, Kan. 
Sessions will begin on Monday afternoon at 3 p.m. and continue through 
Tuesday afternoon, concluding before the Annual Conference worship service on 
Tuesday evening. 

The keynote speaker for the conference, David Hilton, a former missionary 
doctor with the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, and now serving as a church 
health consultant in Atlanta, Ga., will address "Critical Health/Caregiving Issues 
Needing our Attention." 

Margaret R. McLean, adjunct lecturer in the department of religious studies 
and an associate for applied ethics at Santa Clara University, in California, will 
focus on "Critical Caring: The Church and Health/Caregiving Ethics." 

The article by Joel K. Thompson in this Messenger is a brief version of his 
address at the conference "The Health Care Cure: An Ethical Dilemma." He is 
director of benefits for Brethren Benefit Trust and a former hospital adminisfra- 
tor and church executive. 

Laurence J. O'Connell, president of Park Ridge Center, a center for the study 
of health, faith, and ethics, in Chicago, will speak about "The Challenge of the 
Church in Health/Caregiving Ethics." 

Another feature of the conference will be a roundtable discussion on represen- 
tative cases dealing with difficult decisions. The moderator for the roundtable 
will be Tana Dumbaugh, nurse educator at the College of Lake County, in 
Illinois, and past president of the Association of Brethren Caregivers. 

The conference is billed for ministers and caregivers. With that description, 
everyone should be included and welcome . . . just as surely as everyone is 
included in facing difficult health care choices. — Robert E. Faus 

Robert E. Faus is director of Pastoral Ministry on the Parish Ministries Commission staff. 



What if I demand continued treat- 
ment, even if useless? Should the 
physician give a $3,500-injection of yet 
another chemotherapy miracle drug just 
two hours before I die? Should I be told 

28 Messenger May /June 1994 



"no" by the community? Can a person 
choose "passive" euthanasia and then 
seek comfort from family and friends 
and the church? When does "passive" 
become "assisted"? Who will decide 



these issues? If not the church, 
others will. 

The way we determine what is 

health care's proper share of the 

resource pie is also an ethical issue, 

a value decision. 

As was mentioned earlier, during the 
1980s, health care spending increased 
1 1 1 percent; more than 14 percent of the 
GNP is for health care. There are other 
issues in our society — such as education, 
a crumbling infrastructure, a fragile 
environment, housing, and the homeless. 
And the irony is that resources not spent 
on these issues can cause an increase in 
the use of resources for health care. 

If good health is, as defined by the 
World Health Organization, "not simply 
the absence of illness, but rather the pre- 
sence of well being," then there are other 
demons in our society that are Legion. 

At least 7.7 million Americans live in 
poverty, and we know that those in 
poverty usually do not seek out medical 
treatment except as a last resort. And 
there is usually a correlation between 
poverty and poor pre-natal care. Low- 
weight babies have increased in the 
1980s by three percent and neo-natal 
intensive care costs have skyrocketed. 

Guns are killing our children at a 
murderous rate. There has been an 11- 
percent increase from 1984 to 1992 in 
such deaths. If guns were polio, we 
would not tolerate them in our midst. 
Guns are a public health care issue 
according to the American Academy of I 
Pediatrics, along with drugs, alcohol, 
AIDS, pregnancy, and car crashes. ^ 

The health care issue (for the church, i! 
it's proper to say the health care minis- 
t?y) is our calling, our ministry. We musi 
provide the leadership in our society to 
reorder our priorities, Such reordering iS 
going to gore everyone's ox, at least a 
little. But it will be less painful if we 
dust off what was once a key American I 
value, and is still the Christian ethic, ant 
accept that it is a good thing to give to 
the less fortunate, to aid those in need, 
especially if you have a whole lot 
more than they do. 

Joel K. Thompson is director of benefits for 
Brethren Benefit Trust. 









iTithing: A response to grace 



by Wayne J. Eberly 

iLoving, someone has observed, is easy in 
(the abstract, but hard in the concrete. 
(Unfortunately, only the latter kind of 
'love is worth anything. How would you 
feel upon receiving this note: 

f'My own true love, 

i Words cannot describe my love for 
'ou! I would climb the highest mountain 
look into your eyes so blue. I would 
jswim the swiftest river for one word 
from your divine lips. 



iP.S. I'll be over Saturday night 
idoesn't rain." 



if it 



What, you may ask, does this have to 
Jo with tithing: Perhaps nothing, 
Derhaps everything. It all depends 
pn how concretely we under- 
stand the love of God to be. 
■ It's all too easy to say that 
God is a spirit whose nature 
s love. This can be a quick 
"oute to practical atheism, this 
llih characterization of an 
ibstract concept. It is also contrary to 
he biblical picture of God. In both 
-lebrew and Christian scripture, the love 
bf God reveals itself in concrete experi- 
;nces and invites visible responses from 
hose who have eyes to see and ears to 
iiear. 

The first expression of God's love is 
;reation. The whole of creation is the 
result of God's reaching out, speaking 
lis Word and letting that Word take 
jnaterial form. The biblical faith is that 
)ur lives and all that surrounds us are 
xpressions of God's love that we can 
eel, see, hear, taste, and smell. 

A second expression of the divine love 
s a call to relationship that we name the 
fovenant. It is a declaration that God 
!:ontinues to be involved in the affairs of 
lis creation. It is an invitation to become 
reative partners with God. 

This covenant was understood in 
' jlifferent ways by God's people. Some- 
imes it appeared simply as a statement 



of God's unmerited grace, as ih the 
promise to Noah following the flood, or 
in Jesus 's teaching that the rain blesses 
the just and unjust equally. At other 
times the covenant is seen as a condi- 
tional relationship, defining the kind of 
response that will bring God's people 
into the fulfillment of the promises of 
creation. 

The New Testament or New Covenant 
carries the story a step further. God's 
Word to all of creation is good news. The 
point of it all is life, abundant life, life 
heaped up and overflowing with God's 
gifts. The new covenant is not a way to 
get a greater share of God's gifts, 
because those already have been given. 
The new covenant is an invitation to find 
fiillness of life by helping God fulfill the 




God who gives. Giving is always tied to 
our receiving. Hilbert Berger, a steward- 
ship consultant, reminds us, "God never 
asks us to give anything that God has not 
already given us." This applies to time, 
abilities, and the material world. All of 
these are necessary to life. 

Some persons feel uncomfortable when 
the talk about giving turns to specifics. 
The nature of giving, however, is such 
that we not only need to form the 
intention to give but deliberate on the 
size and meaning of our gift. It is true 
that Jesus did not, in so many words, 
advocate or dismiss the tithe. In the only 
specific reference, he seemed to place it 
in the context of one's total response to 
God — part of the covenant commitment. 

Thinking of the tithe in this way 

removes it from the status of 
a religious tax and makes 
it part of our ongoing 
discussion of 



vision 

of creation — 
a world in which love 
controls the lives of the descen- 
dants of Adam and Eve. 

And so we come to what it means to 
love God. There are many places 
in scripture where love is mentioned. For 
our present purpose, however, John 3:16 
is sufficient. "For God so loved 
the world . . . ," we read, "that he gave 
his only son." In this one concrete 
human/divine life there is both action on 
our behalf and example for our response. 
Loving and giving are virtually synony- 
mous. 

This is the point at which we too often 
get sidetracked. If we think of loving in 
abstract terms we tend also to see giving 
abstractly. So we need continually to go 
to the roots of our faith which lie in the 



how much God has blessed us 
and how much we can pass on 
to continue the work of love that 
God's grace has begun in us. In 
this kind of consideration, tithing 
becomes a part of our continuing 
efforts to grow into the fullness of 
the stature of Christ. Tithing takes its 
place alongside other spiritual 
disciplines that are part of our 
response to God's call. 



Ai. 



Wayne J. Eberly is director of Stewardship 
Education on the General Services Commission 

staff. 

May/June 1994 Messenger 29 



Responding to 
a blue-light special 

The blue lights flashing behind 
me were announcing to the world: 
'Another so-called Supermom 
bites the dust. ' 




I 



by Phyllis H. Grain 



quailed when I saw 
the state trooper in the oncom- 
ing traffic lane. I didn't have to look at 
my speedometer to know that I was 
driving more than 25 miles over the 
speed limit. I checked my rearview 
mirror, praying not to see brake lights. 
Rats! No such luck! 

I already was having "that kind of 
morning." I had hit the "snooze" button 
on the alarm clock two times too many. I 
couldn't get my hair dry enough to style. 
There wasn't enough time to cook 
pancakes for the family, and there wasn't 
any milk for cold cereal. The clothes I 
had laid out for my five-year- 



old son weren't the 
clothes he wanted to wear to 
school. My 15-year-old daughter needed 
money for a field trip, but I had forgotter 
to stop by the bank and cash a check the 
day before. I was running late for a 
meeting in Greenville. S.C, which was 
45 miles away, and I had 30 minutes to 
get there. And now the blue lights 
flashing behind me were announcing to i 
the world: "Another so-called Supermon 
bites the dust." 

I pulled into a restaurant parking lot. 
To my surprise, the trooper did not pull 
up behind me in the usual "speeding 
ticket" position. Instead, he pulled 
around me to the right . . . very slowly 
. . . and then parked on my left with his 
window even with mine. 

I lowered my window and, in my mos' 



30 Messenger May /June 1994 



essed-are-the-meek voice, said, "Good 
oming, sir." I forced a smile and 
mmented on the beautiful morning, 
le trooper did not smile. He did not 
knowledge that it even was morning, 
uch less a beautiful one. He wrote on a 
d in his hand what I prayed was not a 
ceding ticket. 

Finally, he made eye contact with me 
d gruffly asked, "What does your tag 
san?" 

"My . . . my tog?" I asked, forgetting 
amentarily that I had a vanity license 
ate that reads "BRETHREN." Watch- 
g the flashing blue lights reflect off my 
ndshield, I thought, "This had better 
good." 

Should I speak of Schwarzenau and 
jrmantown. Pietists and Anabaptists, 
exander Mack and M.R. Zigler? The 
tual seconds seemed like long minutes 
fore I began my answer to the waiting 
)oper. 

"The Brethren ... the Church of the 
ethren ... is my denomination. It 
gan in Germany nearly 300 years ago. 
lere is only one Church of the Brethren 
ngregation here in South Carolina . . . 
small church in Travelers Rest, about 
1 minutes from here. Have you ever 
ard of our denomination . . . ?" 
The trooper answered sharply, "No." 
I considered switching to the tack "We 
; kind of like the Baptists," but went 
1 in my original direction: "My 
ngregation is back near Tryon (just 
er the border in North Carolina). It is 
small congregation of about 100 
smbers. We Brethren are Protestants 
d one of the historic peace churches 
nscientiously opposing war." 
I caught myself. "Just great, Phyllis," I 
ought, "This guy probably is a Viet- 
m vet." The trooper appeared to be 



growing impatient, so I hurried on to 
finish my capsulizing of Brethren beliefs 
in layman terms. 

"We Brethren consider the New 
Testament to be our creed. The word 
'brethren' is used in the New Testament 
as an affectionate way of referring to one 
another as brothers and sisters in 
Christ." I had a feeling that this hadn't 
come out just right, but maybe it sounded 
good to the trooper, so I went on. "We 
are into service and living out Christ's 
teachings on human relationships. For 
example, our Brethren Disaster Relief 
team spent a year in Charleston helping 
clean up and rebuild after Hurricane 
Hugo came through. Maybe you are 
familiar with the Matthew passage "As 
you did it to one of the least of these . . . 
you did it to me?" 



Tt 



he trooper nodded, and I continued. 
"1 put 'BRETHREN' on my license plate 
for two reasons. I believe the Church of 
the Brethren is one of the best kept 
secrets in the world and I want people to 
see my license plate and wonder 'What 
does that mean?" Maybe they will ask me 
or take the time to find out. And I want 
everyone who sees my plate to know that 
in a time when we focus on our differ- 
ences more than on our similarities, we 
need a reminder that we are all God's 
children . . . brothers and sisters . . . 
Brethren." 

The trooper got out of his car, walked 
to the rear of mine, and looked at my 
license plate again. He came back to my 
window and asked, "Y'all think y'all 
gonna be the first up at the rapture?" 

I didn't catch his joke. I said, "Well, 
no. We haven't ever concerned ourselves 
with how many or in what order folks 



will be beamed up." 

I thought grimly, "Well, we haven 't. 
We're too busy writing letters to Messen- 
ger fussing among ourselves about 
whether our name is inclusive enough." 

Then the trooper pointed out that at 
the top of my license plate is the North 
Carolina boast "First in Flight," with a 
silhouette of the Wright brothers' 
airplane. "Oh! 'First in Flight: Breth- 
ren.' Now I get it!" Well, that's a secure 
retirement thought. 1 laughed weakly. 

A hint of a smile appeared on the 
trooper's face. He said, "I didn't have my 
radar on." 

"Oh! You didn Y?" I gasped audibly, 
whispering inaudibly, "Thank you, God." 

The trooper went on. "I turned around 
and followed you because you looked so 
incredibly guilty." 

I thought, "That wasn't guilt. It was 
sheer, unadulterated fear — fear of a 
speeding ticket and higher insurance 
rates." 

The trooper's final comment was more 
of a rhetorical question: "How about 
slowing down so none of us meets our 
Maker prematurely?" 

As the blue lights finally stopped 
flashing, and the trooper pulled away, I 
responded, "Yes, sir. I will try to do 
that," hedging with "try" instead of 
"promise." 

Driving on to my meeting ... a bit 
more slowly than before ... I pondered 
that word "Brethren." In response to 
another rhetorial question posed years 
ago, "Would a rose by any other name 
smell as sweet?" Somehow, I 
don't think so. 



Phyllis H. Grain is a member of Mill Creek 
Church of the Brethren, near Tryon. N. C. She is 
coordinator of instruction for a school district in 
Spartanburg. S.C. 

May/June 1 994 Messenger 31 



Growing old: Is the best yet to be? 

/ don 't know of I am getting old, but I am aging. In spite of this, I want 
my life to be meaningful and useful as long as God gives me breath. 



by Paul M. Robinson 

When does a person become old? 
Popular opinion regards anyone who has 
lived the biblical fourscore years as being 
old. I recently celebrated my 80th 
birthday, but I don't feel old. I know that 
I have lived a long time, but that does 
not make me feel really different from 
the way I felt at 60. 

I have known people who seemed old 
at 25, and others who seemed remark- 
ably young at 95. We are coming to 
realize that old age is not just a matter of 
years, but of attitudes and perspectives 
that help to determine what life will be 
like for that ever increasing group of 
citizens whom we euphemistically refer 
to as "older adults." 

Unfortunately, too many of us are 
launched into this inevitable process 
with very little preparation or reflection. 
We just grow older day by day with little 
thought for the direction in which our 
older years are leading us. Some of our 
churches, including my own, have 
developed significantly helpful programs 
for older adults, providing counsel and 
support for the aging process. Because 
growing old graceftilly is such a chal- 
lenging and potentially rewarding 
experience, I am offering a few sugges- 
tions for meeting the challenge and 
enhancing the potential for rewards. 

Plan for the future 

This seems so obvious. Yet it is amazing 
to discover how many people are totally 
unprepared for the changes that develop 
in the aging process. We are taught to be 
economically provident in younger years 
so that we will be financially secure in 
old age. But too often little thought is 
given to the emotional and psychological 
security that is important in changing 
life situations. 

Retirement from employment can be a 
great blessing. It provides freedom from 

32 Messenger May/June 1994 



a work commitment schedule that has 
dominated most of our life. It allows us 
to pursue hobbies and special interests 
for which there was little time in 
working years. But for some people, 
retirement is a traumatic and devastating 



experience. They no longer feel sup- 
ported by the significant relationships 
that their employment provided. They 
begin to lose their sense of identity as 
they see others doing the work that was 
once so significant for them. In retire- 



Applying 'Oil ( 



by Hubert R. Newcomer 

There is a commercial product called 
"Oil of Olay." If you don't know about it, 
you don't see magazine ads or watch TV 
commercials. Oil of Olay claims to work 
wonders for you in retaining your youth. 
This lotion will keep your skin soft and 
smooth and supple; it will wipe away the 
wrinkles. After all, who doesn't want to 
stay young? So much for those claims. 

A learning from the Church of the 
Brethren first National Older Adult 
Conference (NO AC) in 1992 revealed 
that most older adults are quite satisfied, 
thank you, to be the age they are. The 
more than 600 people who shared in that 
Lake Junaluska experience were a living 
example of what Betty Friedan in her 
book The Fountain of Age refers to as 
"vital aging." 

They had no need for "Oil of Olay" to 
keep them young. The "Oil of OF Age" 
kept them vital as the years passed. 
And NO AC at Lake Jxmaluska in the 
foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains 
was an exciting application of that 
vitalizing "oil." 

"Oil of or Age" is an attitude, an 
attitude that can honestly say "yes" to 
our years as we grow older. While 
society in general, and too often the 
medical community in particular, tends to 
see our years after 50 as a degenerative 
"disease" plunging us downhill to-ward 



death, that was not evident among those 
first NOACers. Rather, there was an air 
of gratitude and anticipation about God's 
gift of life in older years. 

In some ways, it was like "old home 
week." People whose paths had crossed 
in various ways over the years, and 
others whose paths were crossing for the 
first time, found joy in being together. 
Greetings and embraces were epidemic 
that week. The readiness to think deep 
thoughts, an eagerness for new learn- 
ings, and laughter and play were 
stimulated by the plaimed and unplannec 
activities of those four days. From i 

meeting each new morning in ways j 
special to the spiritual yearnings of each ' 
person, to the evening time of total groujj 
worship and late evening activities and 
conversation, the days were filled with 
options for study/discussion groups, 
recreation activities, lectures, crafts, 
visiting and resting as needed. Oh yes, 
and don't forget those times of breaking; 
bread together buffet-style, morning, 
noon, and evening. 



c 



'crtainly most older adults enjoy 
being in intergenerational settings. The^ 
delight especially in children. But at 
NOAC there was expressed appreciatioi 
for being together that week with peers,, 
testifying to common experiences, joys, 
concerns, dreams, and hopes. Hearing 



;nt years, filling our free time with 
tivities that may take on new meaning 
r us, such as volunteer service in 
mmunity agencies or church, the 
rsuit of creative hobbies, or learning 
w skills becomes not only desirable. 



['Age' 



i insights and absorbing the feelings of 
jsenters, many of whom were of their 
m age group, was not only challenging 
NOACers but also inspiring and 
art-warming. Listening to Paul M. 
)binson say, "There have been times 
len I have felt like a has-been, but 
rtainly not this week," struck a chord 
understanding for many. Or to hear 
)ward Uhrig comment, "This has been 
I greatest experience of my life," 
cumented something of the depth of 
iritual and emotional involvement 
ared by others. Or to listen to presenter 
izabeth Welch, author of Learning to 
■ 85 and a member of a jazz band back 
me, pound out on the piano "When the 
)11 is Called Up Yonder" was to put 
ver the hill" out of one's vocabulary. 
That first NO AC was a venture into 
; unknown. The planners needed to 
termine what would be an appropriate 
:ation/setting for that kind of gather- 
l- They needed to guess at how many 
ople would respond to an event that 
d never happened before in the Church 
the Brethren. They needed to plan a 
[ledule and a program that would make 
ople want to be there. They needed to 
list leadership that would meet the 
:erests of those they hoped would 
end. And it was a venture into the yet- 
■be for those 62 1 brave souls who 
iistered for that first NO AC. They had 
' one to ask what such a conference 




"Oil ofOl'Age" seems to have been applied heavily on these dance- 
floor participants at NOAC 1. Enthusiasm for the conference was so 
great that NOAC 2 was scheduled for only two years later. 



was like or if it would be worth their 
time and money. 

But the planners planned, the regis- 
trants registered, and they came together 
by car, by bus, by train, by plane for a 
week not soon to be forgotten. It was 
observed there that if the average age of 
those attending was 70, NOAC had 
brought together more than 43,000 years 
of wisdom and experience, to say 
nothing of the years of such obvious 
older adult vitality. 



Wh 



hile most of us find some consider- 
able satisfaction in having someone say 
to us, "You surely don't look that old," 
and we may have second thoughts about 
being referred to as "the elderly," still 
the "Oil ofOl'Age" keeps us happy with 
and grateful for the years that we are 
being given. The hundreds of evaluations 
that were turned in at the end of the first 
NOAC were not without some helpfiil 
suggestions and concerns, but they were 
overwhelmingly positive about what had 
happened that week. When responding 
to the question of how often NOAC 



should be held, with some structured 
hint of every four years, many evalua- 
tive comments were "I want to come to 
the next one and I may not be able to 
wait four years." So the next one is 
coming this year, 1 994, two years after 
the first one. 

What to expect of NOAC 2? Ask 
someone who attended NOAC 1 . 
Obviously, there will be some differ- 
ences in terms of program, leadership, 
and schedule, but there will be more of 
the same in terms of motivation, 
values, renewal, challenge, interest, 
and vitality. As was true with the first 
NOAC, it will be true also with NOAC 
2 that the atmosphere and beauty of 
Lake Junaluska will greatly enhance 
the experience. 

What of the "Oil ofOl'Age"? ft 
works! ft is an attitude about growing 
older, ft is helpfiil to start using \it 
it when you are young. I 



Hubert R. Newcomer, who with his wife, Alice, 
co-directed NOAC I, is a member of Manchester 
Church of the Brethren, North Manchester, Ind. 
He retired in 19S8 as executive director of The 
Palms ofSebring (Fla.) retirement community. 



May /June 1994 Messenger 33 





Unified or not? 



People sometimes ask me if Brethren Vision for the '90s (BV'90s) is part of the 
unified budget of the General Board. If you answer this question "Yes" or "No," 
the answer is misleading. Brethren Vision for the '90s includes a broad group of 
new program initiatives called for by our people and affirmed by Annual 
Conference as the denominational goals for the 1990s. Money given to Brethren 
Vision for the '90s goes only to those new program initiatives. In this sense, 
BV'90s is not a part of the unified budget. 

On the other hand, a number of BV'90s money goes directly into the unified 
budget. In this sense, BV'90s is a part of the unified budget. Put it this way: 
Brethren Vision for the '90s is a broad group of new initiatives that support and 
expand the ongoing programs of the church, that is, the unified budget. Those 
who give to BV'90s know that they are supporting the new initiatives called for 
by Annual Conference, but they also know that they are supporting and strength- 
ening ongoing programs of the church. 

Let me illustrate: Annual Conference has called for an emphasis on evange- 
lism and mission. We already had an evangelism program, but BV'90s added 
$900,000 over a five-year period from 1991 through 1996. We already had 
programs in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. BV'90s enables us to add 
$450,000 to new work on those three continents. 

Annual Conference called for a stronger focus on youth and family life. We 
had an existing youth program, but we were able to add $372,000 to it over a 
five-year period. The enthusiastic response to this year's National Youth Confer- 
ence is one result of our expanded youth program. We also were able to start a 
new program in family ministry, which we did not have before. 

Annual Conference asked for more emphasis on Bible and heritage. We 
already produce church school curriculum and other heritage materials, but over 
five years we have been able to add $109,000 to that effort. One result is the new 
Jubilee curriculum for children. We have been able to add $96,000 to congrega- 
tional resourcing, and $ 1 09,000 to support of the Germantown church in 
Philadelphia as a heritage center. 

Ministry training has received $ 1 76,000 it would not have had already. We 
have been able to re-establish Urban Ministry with $108,000, a program that had 
been dropped from the unified budget. 

These illustrations show how Brethren Vision for the '90s has supported and 
expanded the existing programs of the unified budget. Readers may be aware 
that the General Board needed to reduce existing programs by some $400,000 in 
1994. This is not caused by BV'90s, for without it the reductions would have 
been greater. These reductions result from flat giving from the congregations to 
the General Board over the past seven years while insurance and other costs have 
been increasing about $200,000 a year. The result is reduction in programs 
supported by the unified budget. 

BV'90s overlaps the unified budget, supporting it while bringing new initia- 
tives called for by the denomination. Is BV'90s a designated fund and therefore 
separate from the unified budget? Yes it is. Does Brethren Vision for the '90s 
support the unified budget? Indeed it does. — Donald E. Miller 

Donald E. Miller is general secretary of the Church of the Brethren. 



but necessary as life takes on new shapes 
and directions. 

My wife, Mary, and I have found it 
helpfiil to have both short-range and 
long-range plans for our fiiture. When I 

34 Messenger May/June 1994 



retired from the presidency of Bethany 
Theological Seminary, it seemed right to 
accept the pastorate of a congregation. 
Again upon retirement, the next step was 
a brief interim pastorate. When health 



became a factor in our plarming, we 
moved to a climate more friendly to our I 
needs and disabilities. The next step wil]| 
be a move to a retirement home. But 
each decision was made in the light of 
current needs, leaving open future 
choices as our changing situation would \ 
determine. f 

Expect and accept changes 

Life is a succession of changing experi- 
ences that are bound to continue as we 
grow older. It is natural for us to becoms 
comfortable in what we have adjusted to 
so that we would like everything to 
remain as it is as the years go by. But, 
realistically, we know that aging brings 
with it new and different circumstances n 
with which we must cope. Sometimes, 
these are related to diminishing good 
health or even serious illness. We often 
must face the death of a spouse or close 
friends. We may find it necessary to 
move from familiar and friendly sur 
roundings to a new and strange enviroi 
ment. Older age most certainly brings 
with it lessened energy and the inabilitji 
to perform ordinary tasks in a manner t 
which we are accustomed. 

This sometimes creates frustration anl 
even depression. Personality changes 
may be noted by family and friends, for 
as we grow older, little idiosyncrasies 
that characterize our behavior become 
more pronounced, and sometimes creat, ^ 
problems for those around us. 

Moreover, we must learn to cope wit 
unanticipated changes that will com- 
pletely alter our expectations for the 
fiiture. When a serious infection in myj f|i ■ 
foot became life-threatening, and I was 
told that it would be necessary to 
amputate my leg, I thought of somethii 
I had recently read, "Life is what happe 
while you are making other plans." Fo 
years, I had been saying from the pulp 
"You cannot always choose the circum 
stances that will affect your life, but yc 
can control your response to them." N( 
I was forced to practice what I preache 

I could easily have given in to my 
disability, and been confined to a whef 
chair, or I could determine to live my i 



iSi| 



tw 



:«i 



for 
lie 







, tenders oJWOAC 1 enjoyed "being together . . . with peers, testifying to common experiences, 
\ IS, concerns, dreams, and hopes. " NOAC 2 promises to be just as rewarding an experience. 



1 normally as possible in spite of my 
J ability. Without becoming either stoic 
3'whimpering, it is possible to face 
lexpected and challenging circum- 
mces with Christian grace and 
>titude, in the assurance that God's 
I ce will be sufficient for us, whatever 
3 needs may be. To claim the divine 
3 mise for strength and guidance is to 

I ;t our future, whatever it may hold, to 
-is loving care. 

Be grateful for life, and use your 
maining years in productive ways. 

V first prayer in the morning is one of 
ptitude for the gift of another day. So 
eg as we are given life, we should use 
)i days in ways that will fulfill God's 
"pose for us. Gratitude is always an 
1) ropriate response to every age of 
kelopment. But in older years it 
« omes even more important, not just as 
cognition of God's sustaining 

II cies, but as a cathartic renewal of our 



own energies. If in old age, some parts of 
our bodies do not work as well as when 
they were younger, we should be gratefiil 
for the ones that do. 

Age brings with it an accumulation of 
wisdom and experience too often 
overlooked in the life of the church. On 
the other hand, older people sometimes 
feel that they have spent their lives in 
activities that should now be taken over 
by younger people. To overlook the 
contribution that older people can make 
within the church is a serious mistake. 
But it is equally wrong for those of us in 
our "golden years" to feel that age has 
made us exempt from the claims of 
Christ upon our lives. There is no age 
limit for Christian service. 

Accept the next great 
adventure in life — death 

Death is a natural consequence of life. 
Yet, we rarely talk about it, much less 
prepare ourselves for it. As we grow 



older, most of us have less fear of death. 
It may be God's way of preparing us for 
this final change in our earthly pilgrim- 
age. It should not be difficult for Chris- 
tians to trust this last unknown frontier 
to a loving God. Whatever heaven will 
be like, we know that God is there with 
the Savior we have served for a lifetime 
and we will be with them in a glad 
eternity. 

So when do we get old? I really don't 
know. I do know that I am aging. In 
spite of this, I want my life to be mean- 
ingful and useful as long as God gives 
me breath. With poet Robert Browning, 
would say, "Grow old along with me." 
And if "the best is yet to be" sounds 
unrealistic, let us, together 
make it the best that it can be. 



/it 



Paul M. Robinson ser\'ed as president of Bethany 
Theological Seminary 1952-1975. Afterward he 
ser\'ed in the pastorate until complete retirement. 
He is a member ofSebring (Fla.) Church of the 
Brethren. 

May/June 1994 Messenger 35 



by Robin 
Wentworth Mayer 



Stepping Stones is a column offering 
suggestions, perspecthes. and 
opinions — snapshots of life — that we 
hope are helpful to readers in their 
Christian journey . As the writer said 
in her first installment, "Remember, 
when it comes to managing life s 
difficulties, we don 't need to walk on 
water. We just need to learn where 
the stepping stones are. " 




STONES 



I gave the doctor my most 
convincing "You've got to be 
craz)!" look and said: 
"You're going to break the 
bone in my foot, put me in a 
cast to my knee, and make 
me walk on crutches for sLx 
weeks for the sake of a toe 
that's a little crooked?!" 

So he ran through it again. 
He showed me the X-ray, 
explained how the toe had 
healed wrong from a 
previous surgery, told me 
horror stories of how neglect 
could lead to crippling 
arthritis, and warned me that 
if I put any weight on that 
foot I'd have the same 
problem again. He called in 
his partner, who glanced at 
the X-ray and said all the 
same things. 

So I put my affairs in order 
and went imder the knife. 

I thought I was prepared. I 
had the idea that my Ufe 
would be just "business as 
usual," except that I'd be on 
crutches. No big deal, right? 

Wrong! 

I didn't know what a cast 
could do to one's balance. I 
didn't know the maddening 
frustration of not being able 
to carry even the smallest 
item. I didn't know the sheer 
terror of staring at a stretch 
of slippery sidewalk between 
me and the door. 

After just one day on 
crutches I began hurting in 
places where I didn't even 
know I had places! My 
biceps, triceps, and just-let- 



me-die-ceps all groaned in 
protest from the unfamiliar 
work. 

As I struggled with the 
crutches, literally counting 
the days imtil I would be rid 
of them, I realized that my 
situation was a living 
allegory for the broader 
spectrum of any recovery 
process. 

Some things have to be 
broken in order to heal. 

From the alcoholic who 
"bottoms out," to the 
womanizer whose wife 
finally says "no more," and 
leaves, to the cut-throat 
executive who loses every- 
thing, to the sinner who 
prostrates himself before God 
crying "Wretched man that I 
am!"(Rom. 1:24) — some 
things have to be broken in 
order to heal. 

For different reasons, all of 
us have learned to cope in 
less than perfect ways. And 
we have crooked places. 
Sometimes those crooked 
places do not interfere with 
our day-to-day fimctioning. 
And some of them become a 
center of dysfunction 
requiring that a whole 
lifestyle revolve around 
them. 

Some things have to be 
broken in order to heal. 

And in the recovery 
process, we fmd, as I foimd 
with my crutches, the second- 
ary effects of recovery can be 
just as difficult, if not more 
so, than the primary problem. 



Take, for example, the 
workaholic dad who realizes 
he has neglected his family 
too long and rejoins them. 
That is a good thing. 
However, he is likely to 
discover a wife and children 
who have developed a 
routine that works fine 
without him and that is 
disrupted by his involvement. 

Or consider the woman 
who pursues some personal 
goals that have long been 
"on hold." Again, it's a good 
thing. But the side effect may 
be a husband who feels 
neglected that his shirts 
aren't always ironed and 
resentfiil that supper's not 
always on the table on time. 

Growth, recovery, and 
healing are all good things, 
and are always good things. 
But just as the crutches, 
although necessary to protect 
my foot, brought pain to my 
arms and shoulders, so the 
process of recovery can stress 
and stretch relationships. 

But you know what? After 
I made it through the initial 
adjustment period, my arms 
were strong enough to 
support me ache-free. 

Which you'll find holds 
true in other healing 
processes as well. 



/HJ 



Robin Wentworth Mayer, of 
Edwardsburg, Mich., is pastor of 
Pleasant Valley Church of the 
Brethren. Middlebury. Ind. She 
operates Stepping Stones Counseling J) 
out ofWaterford (Ind.) Community 
Church. 



36 Messenger May/June 1994 



The voice of 
the mountains 

by Harold S. Martin 





-."i^ '' 




n 



r rom spring to early fall, many 
families spend some time in the moun- 
tains, enjojing the cool air and admiring 
the surrounding beauty. From the earliest 
days, believers have said along with the 
psalmist David. "I will lift up my eyes 
unto the hills." There is something about 
hills and mountains that fascinate us. 
Jesus seems to have liked the moimtains: 

Jesus grew up in the hill coimtry of 
Galilee. 

It was to a mountain that he some- 
times went to pray. 

It was on a hillside that he preached 
the Sermon on the Mount. 

It was on "a high mountain" that he 
was transfigured. 



It was on the hill of Mount Calvary 
that Jesus died. 

Mountains have a prominent place in 
the accounts gi\en in the Bible. Great 
events of Bible times are often associated 
with moimtains. 

On a mountain, the ark rested after the 
flood. 

On Mount Moriah. Abraham prepared 
to offer up Isaac as a sacrifice. 

On Mount Sinai, the Ten Command- 
ments were gi\en to Moses. 

On Moimt Carmel. Elijah overcame 
the prophets of Baal. 

On Mount Gilboa. Saul and Jonathan 
fell in battle. 

On Moimt Nebo, Moses looked out 




■^1 



ft^WC^F'^'. 



..^;k 




over the Promised Land. 

On Mount Calvary, Jesus died for our 
sins. 

From the Mount of Olives, Jesus 
ascended to heaven. 

The psalmist says, "As the mountains 
surround Jerusalem, so the Lord sur- 



Take Hold of Your Future... 



roimds his people" (Psa. 125:2). There is 
a minor distinction between hills and 
mountains. Geologists define a moun- 
tainous area as one that lies at least 
2,000 feet above its surroundings. The 
land surface has steep slopes and deep 
valleys, and usually a variety of plant 



...One Step at a Time. 



McPherson College 

McPherson, Kansas 67460 • (316) 241-0731 




"Lara chose McPherson College 
based on the field she wants to go 
into - special education fi)r children 
with learning disabilities. We feel 
her college experience has taught 
her a lot about independence, and 
it's been a good blend ofenjoytnent 
and cliallenges. " 

Pastor Roger and Mildred Hai'ding 

Cherry Grove 

Church of the Brethren. 

Lanark, IL 



Mildred and Roger Harding 
(with Lara '97) 



Scholarships/Grants* 

Church of the Brethren Awards - Up to $1 .000 per year 

Brethren Volunteer Service Grants - Up to $500 per year 

Children of Alumni Grants - Up to $500 per year 

Church-Matching Grants - Up to $500 per year 

Dependents of Persons in Church Professions - Up to $1,000 per year 

*Awards are available for up to four years provided students remain eligible. 
Some awards are based on financial need and availability of funds. 



McPherson College welcomes all applicants 

regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or physical or emotional disability. 



38 Messenger May/June 1994 



life. Hills generally are elevations less 
than 2,000 feet high. Mountains have 
some significant lessons to teach us. 

Mountains become 
beneficial servants of humanity 

Mountains influence rainfall. As the air 
rises, it cools and expands, and fi-e- 
quently rain falls. Thus mountains are 
related to climate and crop productivity. 

Mountains become the source of 
rivers, and rivers are a source of beauty 
and refreshment. Every river and stream 
from the tiniest brook to the mighty 




: 



Amazon owes its movement to the 
mountains and the higher elevations of 
earth. The mountains cause the air 
currents to rise and cool. The excess 
moisture drops as rain, and then the rair' 
water and melting snow form streams 
that rush into the valleys below. There- 
fore we can say that the mountain is at 
work in the valley below where the 
people live, and where little homesteads 
cluster about the countryside with its 
green pastures and its quiet waters. If 
there were no mountains, and if all the 
earth were a flat surface, the land areas 
would become a dull, marshy wilderness" 
Mountains are simply a part of God's 
good creation, and one more evidence oil 
the wisdom of the Creator. 

Mountains call forth lofty aspirations' 

The voice of the mountains is a constant^ 
invitation to climb. We were driving 
along one of the highways just northwes' 
of Harrisburg, Pa., one Sunday morning, 
on the way to a church service, and I sai 
to our 1 0-year-old daughter, "Look at 
that high mountain over there." And 
almost before I had finished the sen- 



(! 



nee, she said, "Let's climb it!" There is 
imething about the strength and 
ajesty of mountains that makes us want 
aspire to greater things. The very 
mosphere of the Alpine heights is like 
tonic that makes us yearn to rise higher, 
le tremendous mountains are a reminder 
"God's strength and stability, and these 
lalities overwhelm the soul, and make 
1 want to display the same characteristics. 
The strength and stability and height 
"the mountains should challenge us to 
; strong, and to reach for new heights. 
le hymnwriter says, "I'm pressing on 
e upward way, new heights I'm 
lining every day; still praying as I 
iward bound, 'Lord plant my feet on 
gher ground.'" It should be the aim of 
ch of us to live above the world and to 
ale new heights as we continue on in 
ejoumey of life. 

Mountains are a place 
to extend one's vision 

OSes climbed Mount Nebo and God 
ive him a vision of the Promised Land, 
euteronomy 34: 1 says, "Then Moses 
ent up fi^om the plains of Moab to 
ount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which 
opposite Jericho, and the Lord showed 
m the whole land." From a mountain, 
OSes was given a vision of the land of 
maan. 

No one will ever accomplish much 
ithout a vision. The book of Proverbs 
minds us that "Where there is no 
sion, the people perish" (Prov. 29:18, 
JV). Many people who read the 
issage in Proverbs think that "the 
sion" means one must look into the 
ture and plan big things. But the 
ebrew word translated as "vision" in 
overbs 29 is primarily a reference to 
he will of God" as expressed in his 
'ord. The vision about which the 
overb speaks is the act of getting a 
)od clear look at God's Word. If God's 
'ord is not kept constantly in view (if 
ir vision of Bible truth is limited), we 
ion break loose from allegiance to it, 
id spiritually we perish. 
When we get to the top of a high 
ountain, we can really see around — 
id just so, when we get into the study of 



At the Messenger Dinner, we aren't 
promising a rose garden . . . 



. . . just the author who made 
that line famous. 



Joanne Greenberg, author of 
I Never Promised Youa Rose 
GardeniNAL-Dutton, 1989), 
and other novels and stories, is 
the speaker for our annual 
Messenger dinner. Hear how 
JoanneGreenberg'sfaithis 
reflected in her writings. 




CINN 



June 30, 1994 
Wichita, Kan. 

Tickets available at Annual 
Conference ticket sales in Wichita 



Money Talks ! 



Are you and your investment 
dollars saying the same thing? 




M M A 



If you're seeking investments in enterprises that help to 
improve - rather than destroy - the worid around you, 
MMA Praxis Mutual Funds were created for you. 

With MMA Praxis, your money will be invested in 
companies that seek to enhance Christian values of 
peace, justice, and the quahty of human Me. 

So for a mutual fund that talks the same language 
you do, you need to hear more about MMA Praxis. 

For a free in formation kit, 

see your MMA counselor or call today 

1-800-9-PRAXIS 



Available in Calif., Colo., Fla., Ind., 111., Iowa, Kan., Md., Mich., Mo., Neb., 
N.Y.Ohio, Ore.Pa., andVa. 

For more complete information including charges and expenses, call 
1-800-9-PRAXis to receive a prospectus. Please read tlie prospectus 
carefully lief ore you invest or send money. 



May/June 1994 Messenger 39 



the Word of God, our vision becomes 
enlarged, and we are able to probe more 
of the wonders of God's truth. Getting up 
into the mountains and looking around 
should remind us of the need to get into 
the Word of God and enlarge our vision 
of heavenly truth. Where there is no 
vision (no frequent viewing of the Word 
of God) — people become indifferent. 



soft, pleasure-seeking, and self-centered. 
Where there is no vision there is no 
accomplishment. 

Mountains are symbols of 
calamities of life's journey 

Jesus spoke of obstacles and difficulties 
in life as "mountains" which can only be 
removed by faith. He said, "If you have 



I 



=^ 



Ifs a combination of the more 

reasonable cost and the element 

of service that makes MAA 

attractive ... 

Donald Munn, MAA Member 
Middlebury, IN. 



Are you paying too much for your insurance? 
Are you receiving the service you deserve? 

Call ' 

1.800-255-1243 

for your FREE video 

Produced bj Dave SoBeoIxa-gof 



Insurance protection exclusively for Brethren 

churches, homes, farms, camps, small businesses, 

renters and mobile home owners. 

For a quote or more information, call our toll free number 

or FAX: 1-800-238-7535 



Mutual Aid Association Church of the Brethren Route 1 Abilene, Kansas 67410 



^ 



faith the size of a grain of mustard seed,- 
you will say to this mountain, 'Move 
from here to there,' and it will move" 
(Matt. 17:20). 

According to a magazine advertisement,: 
the United States Steel Company manu- 
factures giant machines called "earth 
movers." It has produced a huge vehicle 
"The Big Dipper," which stands 20 stories 
high, has the world's longest shovel, and 
can scoop up huge quantities of dirt and ■ 
shale (and even solid rock) in a relatively, 
short time. The company claim to be able 
to move mountains with it. 

There are physical mountains such as 
we see in the Rockies and in the Appala-i 
chians, but there are also spiritual 
mountains. There is, for example, the 
mountain of disappointment. We are 
moving ahead with plans for the fiiture, 
when suddenly there is a death in the 
family, strife in the home, or a lingering 
illness that forces a change in plans. 
There is also the mountain of defeat. 
Sometimes when faced with the chal- 
lenge to move ahead in some new 
venture, we have dreams of being 
successfiil, but things don't turn out the 
way we had hoped. All of us face 
mountains frequently in our experience 
of life. Jesus says that his followers are t(| 
face them with a grain of faith, believing 
that God is working things for our 
welfare. We are to be convinced that he 
sincerely cares for us. Absolutely nothinji 
can overtake us apart from the Lord's 
permission. God has everything under 
control. Nothing can harm us beyond 
God's plan. We are constantly under tha 
shadow of the Almighty. 

Mountains bring us face to 
face with the great beyond 

The mountain rises above the bounds 
and limits of the inhabited areas of eartb| 
and in a sense, brings us face to face 
with the great beyond. We can't see whaj 
is on the other side of the mountain. We 
either have to accept what someone who 
has been there tells us, or wait until we 
get there ourselves. 

Our family has several times stayed in 
a small cabin at the 1 0,000-foot level om 
the west side of the Continental Divide 
in central Colorado. To see the towns or 



40 Messenger May /June 1994 



e east side of the Divide we had to 
imb another few thousand feet. The 
St year we were there, some of our sons 
imbed to the top of the Divide and saw 
s beautiful town of St. Elmo on the 
her side. Several years later, I made it 
the top of the Divide and saw St. Elmo 
ith my own eyes. Standing on the top 
that mountain and looking at the other 
ie, was one of the high points of my 
e. I no longer had to rely on what 
meone told me; I saw the beauty of it 
ith my own eyes. From the top of that 
Duntain the mind began to wonder 
lat it must be like in the eternal world, 
irely the half has not been told us. 
From the top of a mountain one can 
e things that can never be seen in the 
lley. That is why we have often heard 
2 phrase "a mountain top experi- 
ce" — perhaps in connection with some 
me Bible study sessions, a revival 
;eting, or a weekend Bible conference, 
lese are times when we get new 
impses of God's creative power and a 
w zeal for being more carefiil about 
ir daily Christian walk. 
There is an awe about the massive 
ountains that brings deep emotion to 
s human spirit. How puny each of us 
ems beside the everlasting hills. How 
lall we are when compared to the 
eatness of God's creation. The Creator 
nply spoke the word and all the 
liverse came into being, and Revelation 
14-16 says that some day God is going 
speak the word again (this time in 
dgment), and mountains and islands 
ill be moved out of their places. People 
ill become terrified and will cry to the 
ountains, and say "Fall on us and hide 
from the face of the one seated on the 
rone and from the wrath of the Lamb." 
irely it is the part of wisdom to prepare 
)w for that great day. We learn in 
jhesians 2:12-13 that, by virtue of the 
oning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the 
oss, all believers have access to the 
)ly presence of Almighty God — the one 
ho made the mountains and who 
eated humans in his own image. 



Ai. 



Harold S. Martin is a free minister sending 
easant Hill Church of the Brethren, near Spring 
■ove. Pa., and is editor ofBKF Witness, a 
blication of Brethren Revival Fellowship. 



Qt 



Pontius' Puddle 



NOTICE: Church and district newsletters that reprint "Pontius ' Puddle " from 
Messenger must pay $10 for each use to Joel Kaufftnann, 111 Carter Road. 
Goshen. IN 46526. 




I've &OT MOTHlMfr A&■^^^isr 
THE B>9.UCftU COMtEPTS OP 
WELLNESS ANO UOLlSTit 

HEfcLTu. I'^^ josr 

^FR^lC> TtAEY'Ll- 
CONVE BETWEEN ^Ae 
AMP THE PEOPLE 
r SPEND WOSTOP 
^AV TifAC With-- 



\^^ 



tAV DOCTOR I therapist; 

^LlERItVST, TWe (JU^iSE-S 
f>.TTHE (iuvsllC., W 

CrtlROP^fktTOB. , 

TrtE STAPF OP 

THE UOtM- 




THE 



IRan^ 





John 



ttartso«g^ 




^"'^yEberly 



AND 



Combine an analytical, curious mind with a love 

to learn. Add sensitivity and commitment to 

basic values of church and family traditions. 

The mixture's of a rare and remarkable man 

like John Hartsough, '69 MC physics graduate, 

veterinarian, BVSer, and fourth generation on 

the family farm. His driving force? Motivating, 

educating, and sustaining roots and wings for 

the next generation. 



MANCHESTER COLLEGE 
TRADITION 



Andy Eberly is quiet but effective. Sensitive 
but rational. His appreciation of family 
support and Biblical teachings makes him 
among the rare and remarkable. A senior 
physics major, track co-captain, and Campus 
Ministry Board co-chair, Andy's leadership roles 
and problem solving skills point to purpose and 
direction. His plans? Law school and 
opportunities to help the less fortunate. 



VALUES * GLOBAL AWARENESS * FAITH * ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 

* LEARNING * ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS * COMMUNITY 

PEACE & JUSTICE * STEWARDSHIP * SERVICE 

Write or call to receive more information on Manchester programs or stewardship 
opportunities, to refer prospective students, or to let us know^ if you are planning a special 

Manchester College does not discriminate on the basis of marital status, sex, 
religion, race, color, national or ethnic origin, or handicap in the administration of its 
educational policies, recruitment and admissions policies, scholarship and loan 
programs, employment practices, and athletic or other college sponsored programs. 



campus visit. 



MANCHESTER 

COLLEGE 



• North Manchester, IN 46962 • (219) 982- 5000 



May/June 1994 Messenger 41 



Juniata 



COLLEGE 



Chaplain 

Juniata College, a co-educational, lib- 
eral arts college in beautiful central 
Pennsylvania, invites applications 
and nominations for the position of 
chaplain. This is a full-time, ten- 
month position reporting to the presi- 
dent and working closely with the 
student services staff. 

The successful candidate should 
be ordained in a Protestant denomi- 
nation and be able to communicate 
effectively on intellectual, spiritual, 
and emotional levels to the college 
community. Ecumenical and inter- 
faith work experience, preferably on 
a college campus, is strongly de- 
sired. 

Responsibilities include coordinat- 
ing all campus worship and religious 
programming; assuring regular pro- 
gramming of faith development for 
students, including Bible study, dis- 
cussion groups, etc.; supervising the 
campus ministry staff, advising the 
campus ministry board in coopera- 
tion with the Catholic campus 
minster; and assuring staff support 
for all other religious clubs and orga- 
nizations on campus. The chaplain 
will provide pastoral care and be an 
advocate for ethics, justice, and 
peace. The chaplain will continue to 
enhance and maintain Juniata's rela- 
tionships with the Church of the 
Brethren at all levels, the Huntingdon 
area churches, and the Coalition for 
Christian Outreach, and assume pri- 
mary responsibility for the Church- 
College Relations Council. 

Nominations and applications with 
resume and three references should 
be submitted to Mrs. Barbara M. 
Rowe, Director of Personnel Ser- 
vices, Juniata College, Huntingdon, 
PA 1 6652, no later than June 1 , 1 994. 

Juniata College is an Equal Oppor- 
tunity Employer and encourages ap- 
plications from women and ethnic mi- 
norities. 




Wilhelm and pluralism 

Gregg Wilhelm, in "What's the Differ- 
ence?" (April, page 21), seemed greatly 
concerned about and ashamed of the 
brother whose message "boiled down to a 
proclamation of Jesus Christ as the sole 
savior of humankind." The thrust of the 
article seemed to be the embracing of all 
religions. 

Ecumenism, in many instances, is a 
good thing. But when it comes to 
salvation, we cannot be compromising 
and pluralistic. 

We reach a point where there must be 
absolutes. Jesus said, "No one comes to 
the father except through me" (John 14:6). 

We should live at peace with all 
people, but our first responsibility is to 
live at peace with God. To do so, we 
cannot compromise God's standards as 
given in his Word. 

Teresa Zumbrum 
Lawrenceville. III. 

• It should be noted that Gregg 
Wilhelm, writing about pluralism in the 
April Messenger, uses no scriptural 
references in his arguments against the 
uniqueness of Jesus Christ as the Savior 
of the world. 

His words are a strange mixture of 
human philosophy and religious imagi- 
nation, but they are without biblical 
basis. John 14:6 and Acts 4:12 clearly 
tell why we must be narrow on the point 
of Jesus' imiqueness. 

Being narrow on this point, however, 
still does not give us the right to be ugly 
toward those in other religions. 

James F. Myer 
Lititz. Pa. 

The opinions expressed here are not necessarily 
those of the magazine. Readers should receive them 
in the same spirit with which differing opinions are 
expressed in face-to-face conversations. 

Letters should be brief, concise, and respectful of 
the opinions of others. Preference is given to letters 
that respond directly to items read in the magazine. 

We are willing to withhold the name of a writer 
only when, in our editorial judgment, it is 
warranted. We will not consider any letter that 
comes to us unsigned. Whether or not we print the 
letter, the writer 's name is kept in strictest 
confidence. 

.Address letters to Messenger Editor, 1451 
Dundee Ave.. Elgin, IL 60120. 



• I appreciated Gregg Wilhelm's 
response to the On Earth Peace Assem- 
bly (OEPA) seminar held last December. 
Every OEPA meeting I have attended 
has been excellent. The one on peace- 
making from different religious perspec- 
tives was no exception. 

For many Brethren, knowledge of 
our peace position is like a foreign 
language. We don't understand it and 
we don't care. 

Wilhelm's observation that 
Christians sometimes convert their zeal t 
into hatred is accurate. In our progress 
toward global peace, we need all the 
help we can get. 

David B. Knige 
Lebanon, Pc 



Ministry in a mine field 

I was heartened by General Secretary 
Don Miller's column, "No More of This 
(March, page 22). I was overjoyed when 
he said that churches can oppose easy 
access to guns. Excuse me. Someone's a 
my door. 

Thanks for your patience. That was 
our flower chairwoman, threatening ' 
to leave the church because someone 
left some wedding flowers for the 
communion table last Sunday without 
first checking with her to see if it was 
all right. 

Where was I? Oh, yes, I was over- 
joyed. And, of course, Don Miller made 
a really cogent point when he suggestec 
that we can insist that the quality of 
mass media be . . . Excuse me again. 
There's the phone. 

I really am sorry. A choir member isi 
upset by the "stupidity" of the choir 
director search committee. It seems tha 
one of his children had an adolescent 
bout of jealousy over the new choir 
director. It's either ax the new choir 
director or several members of his famj 
will leave. Take your pick. 

The colimin speaks of the senseless 
violence represented in our society witj 
"disgusting regularity." It may be just 
he says: "Hard-won traditions limiting 
violence have been shockingly aban 
doned." This is embarrassing. Would 



k 



!( 



42 Messenger May/June 1 994 



I 



Serry. 

May Be Her Only Hope 



rhis Guatemalan woman weaves beautiful, brightly 
colored cotton fabric, a Mayan cultural tradition 
issed down from mother to daughter 
)r centuries. Her only hope of 
:taining this culture and 
:r livelihood is You. 

ERRV offers more than 
900 Handmade crafts 
cm 40 developing 
juntries, all made by 
lisans who receive 
lir payment for 
leir labors. 



Please call Sheila Buttner at 

1-800-723-3712 now 

to see how your congregation 
can become involved in this 

important part of our World 

Ministries Program. 




SERRV Handcrafts 
500 Main Street 
New Windsor, MD 
21776-0365 

SERRV is a 
non-profit program 
of the Church of the 

Brethren and a 

member of the 

International 

Federation of 
Alternative Trade. 



The 21st 

NORTH AMERICAN CONFERENCE 

ON 

CHRISTIAN PHILANTHROPY 



Building the 
Church Yet to Be— 
Stewardship for the 

2 1 St Century 



U 



September 21-24, 1994 

Adam's Mark Hotel 
Indianapolis, Indiana 

Robert Wuthnow Eunice Poethig 

Keynote Speaker Bible Study Leader 

Robert Wood Lynn 

Plenary Session 

Biblical/theological presentations 
and practical seminars. 

Contact your denominational 
stewardship office or 

Ecumenical Center for Stewardship Studies 

1100 W. 42nd Street, Suite 225 

Indianapolis, IN 46208 

Phone: 317-926-3525 




you excuse me just one more time? 
Someone's at my door again. 

Thanks. The church board chairperson 
really let me have it. How dare I write a 
letter to the newspaper supporting a 
peace rally in the town square? I am 
supposed to be the pastor of this church, 
not misrepresent it like that. This will be 
dealt with at the next church board 
meeting. 

So, I couldn't agree more with the 
general secretary. 'Violence is celebrated 
in our time. As I leave the pastoral 
ministry, however. I have a lingering 
question: Afiter denying easy access to 
guns and challenging the violence of the 
media, will someone then have the 
courage to look at the mine field we call 
the church? 

Jesus has spoken. And his words "No 



more of this" maybe are especially for 
the church. 

Michael Morra 
Lafayette. Im 



Jesus didn't dread death 

How sad that Ryan Ahlgrim, in "Facing 
Our Last Enemy" (April, page 16), 
presents death as "terribly frightening, 
cruel, and unfair, robbing us of hope, 
love, and meaning." 

To one who believes in God's prom- 
ises, death is a blessed relief, the 
entrance to heaven. The "cup" that Jesu 
dreaded was not death, but the pro- 
longed, agonizing pain of crucifixion. 

As believers, let us have no fear of 
death, but center our interest on serving! 



In ^eautlfuCCentrdJ^[orida 

lmk'pm(knt Living •!Assisied Living' 

•SloikdO^lursijig Care 

"A Caring Retirement Community" 



Transportation Service 
Social and Recreational Programs 
Laundry Service 
Barber/Beautician on Premises 
Guest Meals 



Cable Ready 



Special Outings 
Religious Services 
Rehabilitative 

Programs 
Library 





Affiliated with Florida Brethren Homes, Inc. 

*The Assisted Living Facility does not provide complex 24-hour nursing care. 



A home where you have friends. 

Come live with us! 

1-800-248-2681 (in FL) 

813-385-0161 or 813-382-4440 

The Palms of Sebring, 
725 So. Pine Street, Sebring, FL 33870 _ 

I'm interested in 

□ Skilled Nursing Care 

□ Assisted LivingQ Independent Living 

Name 

Address 

Phone 



44 Messenger May /June 1994 



Word From The Moderator 



Lord each day that is given to us 
e, before we are called to be with him 
;r there. 

Viola N. Whitehead 
North Manchester, Ind 



eading not guilty 

garding the January editorial on 
ism, how long must we feel the guilt 
a wrong that was committed by our 
efathers 400 years ago? 
4any of our Christian brothers own 
1 enjoy the wealth of the land that was 
en from Native Americans by force 
1 without compensation. The bottom 
; is that we Christians took the land 
^ood faith and homesteaded it. We 
;d the blacks and enslaved the redmen 
reservations. Fifty years ago we 
ght the Germans and Japanese to 



keep the world free. That our nations are 
friendly today does not mean that we 
forgot history. Rather, we forgot the 
hatred and held out a hand of friendship. 

If the editor is sincere in wanting to 
tilt the field in favor of African Ameri- 
cans, I challenge him to step down and 
elevate an African American to his 
position. That would tilt the field and 
make history that is not easy to run away 
from. 

Words come easy to a word merchant, 
but where is the sacrifice? 

James Denlinger 
Kettering, Ohio 



We depended on Shawn 

The article "The Dependable One" 
(April, page 12) so aptly describes 
Shawn Replogle and confirms what 



The Wichita Annual Conference is 
rapidly approaching. Brethren will 
gather from around the world. Delegates 
from churches will grapple with issues. 
Families, some on vacation, will partici- 
pate in the Big Meeting. 

Controversies rage among us, often 
sidetracking us from the priority mission 
of the church. While our differences may 
be borne out of theological and cultural 
diversities, the call to harmony in Christ 
always must be clear. The rallying focus 
should be as the Portland Annual 
Conference paper expresses, "that Jesus 
Christ is the Son of God, Savior of the 
world, and head of the church." 

Jurgen Moltmann stated it thus: "The 
nearer we come to Christ, the nearer we 
come together." Let us approach Wichita 
prayerfully resolved to share the love, 
respect, and Christlikeness with all of 
God's children. 

Earl K. Ziegler 
1994 Annual Conference Moderator 




(?: 






c 

R 



The Brethren Hom. 

^^ffordable m etirement Uhoices 



S 
S 



Secure, comfortable retirement in a not for 
profit Christian community. Accredited by the 
Continuing Care Accreditation Commission of the 
American Association of Homes for the Aging. A 
beautiful 200 acre campus close to shopping and 
recreation. Priority health care. Medicare/ 
Medicaid approved. Call to schedule a tour. 

(717) 624-2161 
2990 Carlisle Pike 
P.O. Box 128 
^ New Oxford, PA 1 7350 

Cross Keys Village 





E 
Y 
S 



I 
L 

L 
A 
G 

E 



Please send information: 

□ Cottages / Apts. □ Personal Care 

Name 



□ Nursing Care 



Address, 
City 



State 



-Zip_ 



M 5/94 



May /June 1994 Messenger 45 



BRF 



A BRF CORNER 

Brethren Revival Fellowship is a 
loyal conservative concern movement 
within the Church of the Brethren. The 
goal is to encourage faithfulness to the 
simple biblicism expoused by our 
Anabaptist forebears. 

BRF's Articles of Incorporation say 
that the Fellowship "shall bear witness 
to the truth as set forth in the Bible (as 
historically Interpreted by the Church of 
the Brethren) with unswerving loyalty to 
Jesus Christ and the trustworthiness of 
Scripture." 

The BRF Articles of Incorporation 
continue by stressing that 
"Uncompromising integrity and love for 
the brethren (expressed through respect 
for those who may differ) shall be 
maintained in the witness of BRF. It 
shall always be recognized however, 
that love and respect for those who 
may differ, does not preclude vigorous 
challenge to viewpoints represented." 

BRF plans to purchase space in 
Messenger five or six times each year 
and furnish a "BRF Corner." For more 
information about BRF, write to: 

BRETHREN REVIVAL FELLOWSHIP 

Route 10, Box 201 -N 

York, PA 17404 




many of us in Bridgewater already knew 
about this talented young man. 

Shawn was involved in the life of the 
church and college and was a summer 



From the 

Office of Human Resources 

Officer, Planned Giving (Far Southeast) 
Quarter-time position working in Atlantic 
Southeast District. 

Officer, Planned Giving (Far West) 

Half-time position working with Oregon/ 
Washington. Idaho, and Pacific Southwest 
Districts. 

• It would be helpful to live in the 
general geographical area for either 
postion; 

• Requires someone who can relate 
well to people, develop deferred and 
special gifts support for General Board 
programs, and assist donors with their 
financial gift planning. 

Positions available on July 1. 1994. 
For prompt consideration call 
Barbara Greenwald (800) 323-8039 



employee of mine in the college book 
store in his student days. We could 
depend on him to perform his duties 
superbly. 

It is gratifying to know that Shawn 
will enter seminary this fall. The church 
will benefit fi"om his training, dedication 
and commitment to his faith. 

Leon W. Rhode. 
Bridgewater, Va 



"Yow!"forRaschka 

"Yow!" As a volunteer in the local 
public library, I had the pleasure to put 
Christopher Raschka's Yo! Yes? (April,) 
page 2) on the shelf for our children to 
enjoy. 

The children at Hope Church of the 
Brethren in Freeport, Mich., also have 
heard the stories R andMand Benjamin 
Brody 's Backyard Bag. We like Chris 
Raschka's work. 

Sarah Anne Milk 
Lake Odessa, Mid 



CLASSIFIED ADS 



ARTISTS— if you are interested in any media or area (art, 
music, drama, dance, film, etc.), AACB (Association for the 
Arts in the Church of the Brethren) would appreciate receiv- 
ing your application before or during Annual Conference in 
Wichita. For further info, write: Joyce Parker, Secretary of 
AACB, 1293 Laurel Drive, West Salem, OH 44287 

FOR SALE— Private, licensed residential care home in 
McPherson, Kan. Nice income potential for caring people. 
The clean home has private rooms for four residents and 
separate living suite for the caregivers. All-brick home 
features newer roof, garden area, and mature trees. All 
surrounded by a quiet neighborhood with a view of the lake 
and nearby park. The home is located near the Church of the 
Brethren and McPherson College. For more info, write: 
Kathy Ball, Sheets/Adams Realtors, 1020 North Main, 
McPherson, KS 67460. Tel.: (316) 241-3648. 

FOR SALE— "Our Family Books" by Mason. John Mason & 
Man/ Ann Millet of Virginia— ^ 986; Ziegler Family Record 
(Revised)— 1990; Shank Family Recorcl-^B92■, Michael 
Miller Family Record— ]993; John Wampler & Magdalena 
Garber-m progress; John H. Gather Family Record— m 
progress; Nicholas Garber Family Record— m progress. 
Please write for prices and more information. Send long 
SASE. Floyd R. Mason, 11 5 E. Rainbow Drive, Bridgewater, 
VA22812. 

TOUR— Australia and New Zealand with Bridgewater Col- 
lege President WayneF.Geisert.17-daytourCairns, Sydney, 
Canberra, Melbourne, Christchurch, Queenstown , Mt. Cook, 

46 Messenger May/June 1994 



Auckland, and Rotooia. Leaves September 17. Returns 
October 3. Cost (roundtrip airfare frow west coast, first- 
class accommodations, 23 meals, and entertainment) $3,295 
per person, double occupancy. Optional excursion available 
to Fiji. For info, brochure, write: Australia/New Zealand 
Tour, c/o Wayne F. Geisert, Bridgewater College, 
Bridgewater, VA 22812-1599. Tel. (703) 828-2501, ext. 
1300. 

TRAVEL— Tour Japan June 12-21; Alpine Tour in Germany, 
Austria & Switzerland June 16-July 1; Spain and Portugal 
July 22-Aug. 5; Great Britain Aug. 9-26; China and Hong 
Kong Oct. 5-18; Musical Tourto Vienna, Austria & Budapest, 
Hungary Nov. 7-16; Christmastime in Switzerland & Ger- 
many Nov. 28-Dec. 6; Christmastime in Bavaria Dec. 5-13. 
Hosted through Juniata College. For further info, contact: 
Gateway Travel Center Inc., 606 Mifflin Street, Huntingdon, 
PA 16652-0595. Tel. (800) 322-5080. 

TRAVEL— Israel/Egypt Holiday. Wendell & Joan Bohrer, 
Fred & Nancy Swartz host a tour to Israel and Egypt. Aug. 
8-1 8, 1 994. 1 1 -day tour includes travel to Jerusalem, the old 
city. Dead Sea, Megiddo, Galilee, Cana, Mt. Carmel, Mt. 
Nebo, Cairo, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Tomb of King Tut. 
For info, write: Wendell & Joan Bohrer, 8520 Royal Meadow 
Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46217. Tel. (317) 882-5067, or Fred & 
Nancy Swartz, 1 0047 Nokesville Rd., Manassas, VA221 1 0. 
Tel. (703) 369-3947. 

TRAVEL— Spain, Portugal & Morocco with Becky and David 
Waas. Sixteen days of memorable & rich experiences; visit 



cultural centers in one of the most fascinating areas of tH 
worid with a merging of Islamic, Christian & Jewish Iraq 
tions. Visit the Alhambra in Granada, the Great Cathedrali 
Seville, Medinas of Fez & Rabat; also Madrid, Lisba 
Tangier, and others. October 5-20, 1994. For informatio 
contact Becky and David Waas, 207 Damron Drive, Nop 
Manchester, IN 46962. Tel. (219) 982-4687. 

WANTED— Applications sought for a quarter-time paid pi 
sition as Pacific Southwest District youth coordinator. Seij 
names or inquiries to: Phyllis Eller, Pac. S.W. District offic 
Box21 9, La Verne, CA 91 750, orcall (909) 593-2554. Salai 
will be negotiated depending on qualifications and expaj 
ence. Interviews begin in April. Employment projectedi 
begin this summer. 

WANTED— Poems for a tribute to poet Bill Stafford, Al 
prose, short reflections, or stories. Also photos of poei 
writers with Stafford. Need by Aug. 31. Contact Mc 
Mitchell, 5650 Abbey Dr., Apt. 4-A, Lisle, IL 60532 



WANTED— Mature married couple as full-time manage; 
of an 8-bed emergency shelter (vacated 9-4 daily), li 
cated 20 minutes northeast of US Capital in suburb; 
liflaryland. No alcohol permitted. References requiri 
Must be sensitive to needs of the homeless and be able 
exert proper control. Benefits: free housing (entire fi 
floor, including 2 bedrooms), utilities, and one moii 
vacation. Send resumes and references to: Help-by-Phoii 
Ltd., Box 324, Riverdale, MP 20738, or call the hotlinal 
5 EST (301) 699-9009. 




iw Members 

elope V^alley, S. Plains: 
Charles, Dorothy & Denise 
Durkee. Lu & John Germer 
crsneld.Pac.S.W.: Polly 
Fenwick 

r Creek, S. Ohio: Jonathan 
Adams, Kelly Sizemore, Vicki 
Ullery 

^'erton, Mich . : Marlin Yager 
ilehem, Virlina: Kim Webster 
Creek, S. Plains: Travis 
Beason, Laresa Pick, David 
Gaut, Lawrence & Patricia 
Harmon, Rormie Hickman, 
Lonnie & Dorothy Howard. Jon 
Mutschelknaus 

li Creek, Mid-Atl.: Matthew & 
Jenny Brunk, Alma& Robert 
Green, Thelma Halliburton, 
Diana Himes, Miriam Moore 
ool, Mo./Ark.: Stephanie& 
Timothy Sanders 
mbersburg. S. Pa.: Andrew 
Bard, Tricia Daugherty, Laura 
Deardorff, Bryan Graham, 
Robin Hambright, Alan 
Meyers, Marah Ritchey, Todd 
Shreiner. Brian Stoner, Alice 
Snyder, Erick Wenger 
jues, Atl.N.E.: Jason 
Binder. Michelle Ebersole, 
Lindsey Geib 

1st Our Shepherd. S/C Ind.: 
Kay Plasterer, Andrew Fry 
orus, S.Pa.: RickPitzer 
iville, Viriina: Dan & Cindy 
Bamum-Steggerda. Karen 
Shelton. David & Dorothy 
Shumate 

: Cocalico, Atl. N.E.: James 
Adkins. Glenn & Marie 
Eidemiller. Dayna Long. Faye 
& Shawn Martin, Scott & 
Kelly Weaver 

m, S, Ohio: Roger& Barbara 
Curry. Steve & Pam George, 
Penny GifJin, Melissa Harper, 
Lisa Heim, Max Howard. 
Robert & Helen Jones, Richard 
& Jean Lewis, Deb Lottes, 
David Maddox, Tammy Miller, 
David, Kris & Sara Preston, 
Jerry Price, Jessica Reed, 
Penny Rich 

ibethtown, Atl.N.E: Martha 
Beahm. Arl Haas, Howards 
Kathy Haldeman, Carol Welsh, 
David Willoughby 
lart Valley, N Ind.: 
ChnstopherCharlwood 
mantown Brick, Virlina: 
Justin & Karen Altice, 
Matthew Angle. Beth Bowman, 
Kyle & Taimer Spencer 
ricane Creek, III. AVis.: 
Matthew, Sara, Erin & Rachel 
Dooly 

'erne. Pac.S.W.: Don & 
Esther Wickert 

caster. Atl. N.E.: Jerry Brown, 
Donna Buckwalter, Clyde & 
Dorothy Cassel, Robert & 
Emilie Dell, Curtis & Anna 
Dubble, Emily Fuchs, Roy 
Garber, EstherGibble, Audrey 
Groff, David, Donna & 
Michelle Hernandez, Joseph & 
Ethel Howe, Richard & 
PriscillaHurter, George Illig, 
Dorothy Kaetz, Doris Kant. 



Scott Keebler, Grace Leath, 
Jeff & Sue Miley, Loren & 
Eleanor Nedrow, Daryl & Ruth 
Parmer. Violet Sacra. Leslie & 
Lois Shallenberger, Doug 
Shank, Russell & Dora 
Shotzberger, Gregg 
Shulenberger, Cheryl Smoker, 
Mike, Brian & Mary Snyder, 
Dana Statler. Linda & Andy 
Zubko 

Lima (Elm Street). N. Ohio: Erica 
Rumer 

Lincoln. W. Plains: Brian Christy 

Lititz, Atl. N.E.: Thomas Badorf. 
Michael & Nicholas Blose, 
Nathan Brumbach. Kirsten 
Crosby. Robert & Wendy 
Diller. Nancy Ervvin. Berk 
Gerdes. Ethan Gibbel. Kevin & 
Betty Kelly. Karl Krieg. Marian 
Leister, David & Karen 
Longenecker, Sonya Martin, 
Kendra Renn, Nicholas Rowe, 
Dean & Jeanne Small. Mark & 
Mary Stuckey, Heather Tennis, 
Joshua Walton, Rebecca 
WilliatTTS 

Maple Grove, N. Ind.: Virgil & 
Linda Gingerich, Jack & 
John da Scheffers 



Deaths 

Andrews, Michelle, 27, Shippens- 

burg.Pa..Jan.21.1994 
Arnold, Robin. 38. Kaleva. Mich.. 

Feb. 4. 1994 
Aungst, Charles. 9 1 , Leamersville. 

Pa..Oct. 15, 1993 
Bankus, Miriam. 77, Lancaster, 

Pa..Feb. 13. 1994 
Barnhart, Enmia, 99, Lafayette, 

Ind., July 2. 1993 
Boerner, Robert, 95, Waynesboro, 

Pa.,Jan. 16. 1994 
Boettler, Gladys. Massillon, Ohio, 

Feb. 2, 1994 
Book, Margaret. 83. La Verne. 

Calif.Marchl 1.1994 
Bower, Harry. 86. Harrisburg, Pa.. 

Dec. 18. 1993 
Brandt, Katie. 94. Lancaster, Pa., 

Dec. 23, 1993 
Bright, Clara, 70, Ashland. Ohio, 

Jan. 24. 1994 
Brown, Trent. 88, Lexington, Va., 

Jan. 5. 1994 
Brown, Susie. 89. Fincastle. Va., 

May 26, 1993 
Brubaker, Harold, 86, Pomona, 

Calif, Nov. 2. 1993 
Brumbaugh, Ruth, Saxton, Pa.. 

Jan. 26. 1994 
Chittick, Ethel. 89, Rossville, Ind., 

Jan. 18. 1994 
Cline, Dorothy. 90. Roanoke. Va.. 

Jan. 29. 1994 
Cline. William, 54. Palmyra, Pa., 

Feb. 11.1994 
CofTman, Eva. 88. Kalona. Iowa, 

Jan. 9, 1994 
Collins, Mary. Harrisonburg, Va.. 

Jan. 2, 1993 
Collins, Ada, 75, Elizabethtown, 

Pa.. Aug. 13,1993 
Cottrell, Evelyn, 89, Long Beach, 

Calif, Nov.20. 1993 
Craun, Merrill. 73. Linville. Va., 

Feb. 1,1993 
Daughtry, Bertha, 76. Reading. 



Pa. Feb, 1.1994 
Diehl, Robert. 78, Greensburg, Pa., 

Aug. 22, 1993 
Ditterline. Mae. 80. Quakertown. 

Pa..Jan. 13. 1994 
Eash. Wilbur. 89. McPherson. 

Kan, Jan. 1.1994 
Edris,Paul.64.York.Pa., 

Jan. 5. 1994 
Eisele, Bertha, 86, Lincoln, Neb.. 

Nov. 14. 1993 
Eisenbise, Viola. 96, Palmyra, Pa., 

June 1, 1993 
Eller, Fannie, 94, Bridgewater, Va., 

Jan. 5. 1994 
Fahrney, Joann. 60, Chambersburg, 

Pa.. Sept. 4. 1993 
Feathers, Warren. 8 1 . Claysburg. 

Pa.,Feb. 24. 1994 
Fenninger, Milton. 8 1 . Ephrata. 

Pa, Dec. 29. 1993 
Fike, Dorothy, 75 , E I izabethtown, 

Pa.,Sept. 15. 1993 
Firebaugh, Joe. SO. Troutville, 

Va.. Sept. 1.1993 
Fisher, Lena. 89. West Alexandria. 

Ohio, Sept. 20, 1993 
Flora, Bemadine. 7 1 , Quinter, 

Kan., Jan. 28. 1994 
Forbes, Le Roy. 8 1 , Custer. Mich., 

Jan 23, 1994 
Forney, Hulda, 9 1 , Elizabethtown. 

Pa., July 9, 1993 
Foster. Charies. 60. Boones Mill. 

Va..Feb. 14. 1994 
Fruitt. Floyd. 89, North 

Manchester, Ind.. Jan. 1 1 , 1 994 
Fyack. Clarence. 83. Golden City, 

Mo.. Jan. 28. 1994 
Gallagher, Howard, 82, 

Uniontown, Pa..Jan. 7, 1994 
Givler. Esther. 8 1 . Ephrata. Pa., 

Aug. 17.1993 
Graybill, Edna. 94, Binghamton, 

N.Y..Feb.2. 1994 
Green. Ethel. 97. Thuimont, Md.. 

Jan. 3. 1994 
Greeting. Estella, 90, Greenville, 

Ohio, Jan. 3 1, 1994 
Grubb. Sara. 9 1 , Pahnyia, Pa,, 

Feb. 3. 1994 
Hamilton. Wayne, 77, Oakland, 

Md.,Jan. 15, 1994 
Harman. Catherine, 85, 

Fredericksburg, Va.. Jan. 16, 

1994 
Harrington, Charles, 76, 

Wakanisa, Ind.. Dec. 30. 1993 
Harris, Charlotte. 83. Fallbrook, 

Calif, Sept. 9. 1993 
Harvey, Lucy. 82. Somerset. Pa.. 

Jan. 11.1994 
Helser, Carl. 74. Rushville. Ohio. 

Dec. 23, 1993 
Herder, Richard. 70, Bakersfield, 

Calif.Nov. 11,1993 
Hochstetler, Viola. 82. Ashland, 

Ohio, Jan. 30. 1994 
Hochstetler, Pauline. 78. 

Smithville, Ohio, May 22, 1 993 
Hocking, Mary, 65, Ephrata, Pa.. 

Nov. 2 1.1993 
Hoffer, Arlin. 74, Palmyra. Pa.. 

Nov. 28. 1993 
Holderread. Andrew. 89. Dover. 

Pa, Feb. 3, 1994 
Hollinger, Robert, 64, Adamstown, 

Pa.,Apr. 15, 1993 
Hoover, Ethel, 89, Chambersburg, 

Pa., Jan. 8, 1994 
Horn, Eva, 98, Danville, Ohio. 

Feb. 2. 1994 



Horner. Charles, 9 1 , La Verne, 

Calif,Ocl. 15, 1993 
Howe. Anna, 66, Ephrata, Pa.. Sept. 

28.1993 
Huffman. Sophia. 66. Lewistown. 

Pa.. Jan. 3. 1994 
Irvin, Paul. 84, Lititz, Pa., Jan. 27, 

1994 
Jacobsen. Ruth. 85. San Diego. 

Calif, Dec. 1,1993 
Jarhoe. Norman, 66, Phoenix, 

Ariz.. Jan. 16.1994 
Johnson. William. Bridgewater, 

Va..Sept. 13.1993 
Kettering, Mable. 95. Palmyra, 

Pa.. Dec. 6. 1993 
Kindred, Marvel. 88, La Verne, 

Calif, Feb.21, 1994 
King, Jennie, 83, East Canton, 

Ohio, Dec. 24, 1993 
Kintzel, Paul. 82. Pine Grove. Pa.. 

Dec. 17. 1993 
Kinzie, Genevieve. 95, Troutville, 

Va.. July 11. 1993 
Lambert, Doris. 69. Wakarusa. 

Ind., Jan. 11,1994 
Lav7, Orian, 69, Louisville, Ohio, 

Nov. 5. 1993 
Leight, Jay, 78, Chambersburg, Pa.. 

Jan. 4, 1994 
Lerew, Almeda. 9 1 . New Oxford. 

Pa.. Jan. 2 1.1994 
Lohrer, John. 25. Palmyra. Pa.. Jan. 

18,1994 
Lolling, Neva, 57, McPherson, 

Kan.Jan. 10. 1994 
Lynn, Delia, 75, Williamsburg, Pa., 

Jan. 24. 1994 
Lyon, Ruth. 66. La Verne, Calif, 

Feb. 14. 1994 
Marshall, Joyce. 45. Uniontown, 

Pa. Dec. 28. 1993 
McNallv, Wilfred. 67, Denver, Pa.. 

Sept. 28, 1993 
Meckley, Ada, 89, Elizabethtown, 

Pa..'May20,1993 
Meloy, Ernest, 96, Goshen, Ind., 

Jan. 15, 1994 
Meredith, Betty, 67, Akron, Ind.. 

Dec. 10. 1993 
Meyer, Gladys. 93, Mount Morris, 

Ill..Jan. 14, 1994 
Miller, Lillie, 87, St. John. Kan.. 

Jan. 15. 1994 
Miller. William. 8 1 . Claremont. 

Calif. Dec. 30, 1 993 
Miller. Lucy. 74. Phoenix, Ariz.. 

Feb. 15. 1994 
Nevin, Mary, 85, Heath, Ohio, Dec. 

10.1993 
Nies. Joseph. 83, Rienholds, Pa., 

Nov.20. 1993 
Nuckols, Herbert. 82. Buena Vista. 

Va.. Jan. 2 1.1994 
Orr, Bryan. 73. Thomville, Ohio, 

Sept 2 1,1993 
Osborne. Virgin! a. 86, Troutville, 

Va.. Dec. 5. 1993 
Parson. Robert. 74, Reading. Pa., 

Jan. 3. 1994 
Pifer. Irene. 95. New Oxford. Pa.. 

Jan.21.1994 
Rader. Roland, 9 1 , Fincastle, Va.. 

Sept. 13. 1993 
Riegel, Beulah, 86, West 

Alexandria, Ohio, Nov. 1. 1993 
Robinson. Robert. 59, Harrison- 
burg, Va.. Jan. 22, 1 994 
Root. E.W.. 96. La Verne. Calif, 

July 19, 1993 
Roth, Agnes, 96, Rossville, Ind,, 

Feb. 6. 1994 



Roth, Kenneth, 6 1 , Boiling Springs, 

Pa.,Jan. 13. 1994 
Schlegel, Robert. 69, New Oxford, 

Pa., Dec. 31. 1993 
Schrantz, Elizabeth, 92, Hartville, 

Ohio, Oct. 3 1.1993 
Schrock, June. 77. York. Pa.. Jan. 

21,1994 
Schwenk,Anna, 100,Carlisle.Pa., 

Dec. 7. 1993 
Sensebaugh, Ada. 93. Mineral 

Point. Pa.. Dec. 13. 1993 
Shank, Russell. 78. Lancaster. Pa.. 

Sept. 29. 1993 
Shaver. Lucille. 83. Somerset. Pa., 

Jan. 13. 1994 
Shawver.Nevin. 74. Lewistown, 

Pa..Jan.5, 1994 
Shearer, Ralph. 78. Waynesboro, 

Pa.. Jan. 25. 1994 
Shoenfelt, Janet, 65, Hollidaysburg, 

Pa.. Jan. 30. 1994 
Simmons, Bob. 78. West 

Alexandria, Ohio, Oct. 2. 1993 
Slabach. Lottie. 92. McPherson. 

Kan.,Julyl3, 1993 
Slater. Miriam, 81, North 

Manchester, Ind.. Jan. 18, 1994 
Smiley. Charles, Bridgewater. Va., 

Sept, 12. 1993 
Smith, Vera, 94, La Verne, Calif, 

Nov. 13. 1993 
Sollenberger, Jacob. 70. 

Curryville,Pa.,Jan.24, 1994 
Spaw. Etta. 9 1 . Uniontown. Pa., 

Jan. 17. 1994 
Stanley. Beulah. 96. San Dimas, 

Calif. Nov.22, 1993 
Strapel, James, 80, Windber, Pa., 

Jan, 16.1994 
Studebaker, Mabel, 85, Green- 
ville, Ohio, Aug. 20, 1993 
Stump. Edith, 93, Goshen, Ind., 

Jan. 16. 1994 
Sutherland, Truett. 76. Long 

Beach.Calif.Jan. 14. 1994 
Troutman, Herman. 7 1 . West 

Carrollton. Ohio. Nov. 1 1. 1993 
Turner. Leila. Bridgewater, Va.. 

Apr. 28. 1993 
Waggoner, Paul. 82. Winona Lake, 

lnd..Jan.8. 1994 
Walford, Irene. 9 1 . Palmyra, Pa. , 

Jan. 27. 1994 
Walker, James. 76. West 

Alexandria. Ohio. Apr, 8. 1 993 
Warner. Delbert. Columbia City, 

Ind,, Jan. 20. 1994 
Waybright, Bob. 7 1 . Weyers Cave. 

Va.. Jan. 30. 1994 
Weaver, Gladys. 83. Martinsburg, 

Pa.. Nov. 8. 1993 
Welch, Ernie. 90, Long Beach, 

Calif, Sept, 30, 1993 
Werner, Henry, 74, New Oxford. 

Pa.. Dec. 25. 1993 
Whitacre. Effie. 92. Lancaster. Pa., 

June 11. 1993 
Wickersham, Eugene. 7 1 , Newark, 

Del., Nov. 23, 1993 
Wilhelm. Myrtle, 92, McPherson, 

Kan..Nov.9, 1993 
Williams, Ann. 82, La Verne, 

Calif,Julyl2,1993 
Wine, Mollie, 99, Harrisonburg, 

Va..JulylI.1993 
Winter, Amy, 87, York, Pa.. Jan. 

19.1994 
Withaar, Mildred. 59, Montgom- 
ery, 111.. Dec. 29. 1993 
Yopp, Cora. 85, Boones Mill, Va,, 

Feb.21. 1994 

May/June 1994 Messenger 47 



irial 



Who'll write the book on followership? 



I reallv must have needed that $100 I was offered for 
serving as leader of my congregation's Boy Scout 
troop for two weeks of summer camping. Otherwise, 
I would have backed out of the deal long before 
leaving for Camp Powhatan. "You're really going to 
earn your money, boy" was the theme of all the 
remarks 1 heard after 1 agreed to the deal. Appar- 
ently the Scouts had made life miserable for the 
leaders of previous summers. 1 got the idea that 
turning to me, a fresh college graduate, had been 
done in desperation. 

But off we went, and, in my innocence as a leader, 
I simply played it by ear. To my pleasant surprise, 
everything went well. Swimmingly, in fact. 1 never 
had a prank played on me. My Scouts had a great 
two weeks, and so did I. At the boys insistence, 
which wasn't necessary, 1 accompanied them again 
the following summer. Same resuhs. 

That was over 35 years ago, and I have often 
reminisced about the experience, analyzed it, and 
tried to figure out the secret of my leadership of 
those rambunctious boys. I have never succeeded. If I 
could figure it out, I'd get me a patent on it. Thou- 
sands of Scout leaders, maybe even church camp 
leaders, would pay me big bucks to use my formula. 

I thought about my leadership experience again 
recently, as 1 read an April 1994 Atlantic Monthly 
essay by Garry Wills, "What Makes a Good Leader?" 
I recommend it for reading by our Annual Confer- 
ence Committee on Ministerial Leadership. Even 
though the committee is about ready, I hear, to hand 
around a tentative report for feedback, it may not be 
too late to study one more item of input. 

Garry Wills describes two unacceptable forms of 
leadership and assures the reader that we don't have 
to be stuck with either of them. The two forms are 
"the leader who dictates to others and the one who 
truckles to them." He goes on to say why neither is 
an acceptable alternative: "If leaders dictate, by what 
authority do they take away people's right to direct 
their own lives? If they truckle, who needs or 
respects such weathervanes?" 

The successftil leader. Wills says, "is one who 
mobilizes others toward a goal shared by leader and 
followers." By the time he reached this point of 
definition, he had completed his list of the three 
essential elements in leadership. "Most literature on 
leadership," Wills says, "is unitarian, but life is 
trinitarian. One-legged and two-legged chairs do 
not, of themselves, stand. Leaders, followers, and 
goals make up the three equally necessary supports 
of leadership." 

Now Wills is talking about political leadership, of 

48 Messenger May /June 1 994 



course, citing Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. 
Roosevelt as prime examples of leaders who really 
understood how to lead. They did not "just vaguely 
affect others," but took "others toward the object of 
their joint quest." 

But couldn't the things Wills says about political 
leadership also apply to leadership in the church? In 
1990, Annual Conference formed this "blue ribbon" 
Committee on Ministerial Leadership, and every- 
where I hear the cry that what the Church of the 
Brethren needs is good leadership. 

And for the last two decades we have had estab- 
lished goals . . . Goals for the '80s, Goals for the 
'90s. I have some doubts about the extent to which 
the individual Brethren member feels personal 
ownership of the goals, but I can't easily fault the 
process by which the goals were determined: Each 
congregation across the denomination had a chance 
to discuss goal options and give input. Technically, 
the goals truly are denominationwide ones. 



B, 



>ut Garry Wills makes a point that leads me to 
wonder if we don't need something besides Goals for 
the '90s and a Committee on Ministerial Leadership. 
He writes, "We have thousands of books on leader- 
ship, none on followership. I have heard college 
presidents tell their student bodies that schools are 
meant to train leaders. I have never heard anyone 
profess to train followers. The idea seems to be a 
world in which everyone is a leader — but who would 
be left for them to be leading?" 

Good question. 

Wills goes on to say, "We have long lists of the 
leader's requisites — determination, focus, a clear 
goal, a sense of priorities, and so on. We easily 
forget the first and all-encompassing need — 
followers." 

I see I'm painting my way into a comer here, 
occupied by me, a chicken, and an egg. But if, as 
Wills says, you can't have leaders without followers 
(and shared goals), hadn't we better be naming a 
"blue ribbon" Committee on Denominational 
Followers? 

Which came first, the dearth of ministerial 
leaders, or the sad state of a denominational mem- 
bership which, by and large, has very little under- 
standing of what the denomination is, what it stands 
for, what its Anabaptist heritage is . . . what it means 
to be Brethren? 

I don't know the answer, but if that first book on 
followership ever gets printed, it should be "must" 
reading for all Brethren. — K.T. 



FUTURE MODERATOR 



>• 





Jubilee, 

God's Good News. 

A children's Sunday school curriculvun. 



Contact: Brethren Press 1 800 441-3712 



Church of the Brethren 

mth ANNUAL CONFERENCE 



ME 




CONFERENCE SPEAKERS? 

Earl K. Ziegler 
David M. Bibbee 
Rebecca Baile Grouse 
Tyrone Pitts 
S. Joan Hershey 
Drama "The Gathering" 






Gwen Bobb 

handles 

genealogy 

inquiries at 

the Brethren 

Historical 

Library and 

Archives. 



It was Gwendolyn Bobb who put me onto the Henry Adolph 
story (page 12). Being a history and genealogy buff, I don't 
need much of an excuse to visit the Brethren Historical Library 
and Archives (BHLA). It was there that Gwen, a long-time 
volunteer in the library who does genealogy searches for 
inquirers, tipped me off that "'Henry Adolph; Coverlet Weaver" 
was a good story needing to be told. From there 
it was just a short step to assigning it to Irene S. 
Reynolds, a frequent Messenger writer, who 
lives in Lawrence, Kan., right in Henry Adolph 
territory. 

Before beginning her work in the library, 
Gwen served on the General Board staff for 20 
years (1959-1979). For many years she has 
served as executive director of the Fellowship of 
Brethren Genealogists. BHLA has a large 
collection of files and books on Brethren 
genealogy, and for a fee inquirers can obtain 
infoiTTiation from the collection, researched by 
Gwen. Call (800) 323-8039 or write to BHLA, 
1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. Send a stamped, self- 
addressed envelope to receive a helpful 16-page booklet. Guide 
to Research in Brethren Family Histoiy. 

The 500-member Fellowship of Brethren Genealogists is 
always looking for new members. One advantage of member- 
ship is the privilege of free answers to inquiries sent to Gwen! 
{Uncomplicated inquiries, that is!) At Annual Conference in 
Wichita, interested people should visit the fellowship's exhibit 
booth and attend its annual meeting on Thursday, at 9 p.m. (see 
Conference booklet, page 20). 

On another note, the May/June Messenger marked two 
innovations in its production: We began transmitting the 
camera-ready pages to George Printing in Aurora, 111., via 
computer disk, by-passing the process of pasting up camera- 
ready boards here in Elgin. And, after a long period of feasibil- 
ity study (and waiting for the price to be right), we now are 
printing Messenger on 100-percent recycled paper. Brethren 
environmentalists, take note! 



^iM^f9t^py^^^^/n'^^^aya'^My 



Printed on 

100-percent 

recycled paper. 

® 



COMING NEXT MONTH: An expanded issue of Messenger, 
reporting on Annual Conference in Wichita. 



Editor 

Kermon Thomasson 

Managing Editor 

Eric B- Bishop 

Editorial assistants 

Paula Wilding, Margaret Woolgrove 

Production, Advertising 

Paul Stocksdale 

Subscriptions 

Norma Nieto 

Promotion 

Kenneth L. Gibble 

Publisher 

Dale E, Minnich 



District Messenger representatives: 

Atlantic Northeast. Ron Lutz; Atlantic 
Southeast. Ruby Raymer; lUinois/ 
Wisconsin. Kreston Lipscomb; Northern 
Indiana, Leona Holderread; South/Central 
Indiana. Marjorie Miller; Michigan. Marie 
Willoughby; Mid-Atlantic. Ann Fouts; 
Missouri/Arkansas, Mary McGowan; 
Northern Plains. Faith Strom; Northern 
Ohio. Sherry Sampson; Southern Ohio, 
Jack Kline; Oregon/Washington, Margueritfl IKtO 
Shamberger; Pacific Southwest. Randy 
Miller; Middle Pennsylvania, Ruth Fisher; 
Southern Pennsylvania. Elmer Q. Gleim; 
Western Pennsylvania. Jay Christner; 
Shenandoah. Jerry Brunk; Southern Plains 
Mary Ann Dell; Virlina. David & Hettie 
Webster; Western Plains. Dean Hummer; 
West Marva, Winoma Spurgeon. 



Messenger is the official publication of the 
Church of the Brethren. Entered as secondl ffiDS'f 



class matter Aug. 20. 1918. under Act of t ■ . 
Congress of Oct. 17, 1917. Filmg date. *' 

brjaj 




Congress ot Oct. 17, 1917. Filmg 

Nov. 1. 1984. Messenger is a ' 
member of the Associated 
Church Press and a subscriber i 
to Religious News Service andl 
Ecumenical Press Service. 
Biblical quotations, unless 
otherwise indicated, are from the New 
Revised Standard Version. 

Subscription rates: SI 2.50 individual , 
rate, $10.50 church group plan, $10.50 gii 
subscriptions. Student rate 750 an issue. U 
you move, clip address label and send witl^ ihji^ 



new address to Messenger Subscriptions, 
1451 Dundee Ave.. Elgin. IL 60120. Allow 
at least five weeks for address change. 

Messenger is owned and published 1 1 
times a year by the General Services Com 
mission. Church of the Brethren General 
Board. Second-class postage paid at Elgin 
111., and at additional mailing office. July 
1994. Copyright 1994. Church of the 
Brethren General Board. ISSN 0026-0355. 

POSTMASTER: Send address changes 
to Messenger, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, 
IL 60120. 



kch 



ik\( 



NDlbe 



f.\Ddrft 






*«n» 




1 Touch 2 
lose to Home 4 
ews 6 
Worldwide 9 
pecial Report 10 
rem the 

General Secretary 
tepping Stones 27 
etters 28 
ontius' Puddle 30 
urning Points 3 1 
ditorial 32 



16 



redits: 

)ver: Andrew Holbrooke 
side front cover: Barbara Greenwald 
;22-24: Karen S. Carter 
'bottom: Susan Lind 
Diane Schmachtenberger 
^30ttom: Shenandoah Journal 
I John Minnich 
I Synapses 
!-ll: Eric B. Bishop 

Judy Sweets 

15: Brethren Historical Library & 
^chives 
-18, 19 right: Photo Oikoumene 

left: Margaret Woolgrove 



Henry Adolph: Master weaver 12 

With her story of immigrant coverlet weaver Henry Adolph, 
Irene S. Reynolds highlights an era of history when the 
Brethren were joining other Americans in moving to the 
Midwest and Great Plains. 



Remembering the exchange 14 

George Dolnikowski recalls the bridge of understanding built 
between a Christian church in America and a Christian church 
in Russia in 1963 with the Russian Orthodox-Church of the 
Brethren exchange. 



Overwhelmed by injustice 17 

For Haitians, their country has become a prison. They are not 
welcomed anywhere as refugees and have nowhere to go to 
start a new life. Margaret Woolgrove chronicles a Brethren 
visit to Haiti and tells of the injustices Haitians must endure. 
Sidebars by Woolgrove and Yvonne K. Dilling. 



Eglise des Freres Haitiens: The church 
of contagious joy 22 

Karen S. Carter finds in the Miami (Fla.) Haitian Brethren 
not a despairing group of refugees, but a joyous, dynamic 
congregation that could well serve as a role model for the 
denomination. 




Cover story: Raynald, an 
1 1-year-old member of 
Miami 's Eglise des 
Freres Haitiens. captures 
the essence of his 
congregation when he 
says the thing he likes 
best about his church is 
"the way people love 
each other. " Read about 
that unique Church of 
the Brethren 
congregation and the 
country from which its 
members came in our 
special cluster of articles 
on Haiti, beginning on 
page 17. 



July 1994 Messenger 1 



uTo 




Previewing a career 

For Melissa Bollinger, of 

Lewiston (Minn.) Church of 
the Brethren, a high school 
Youth Service Class gave 




Melissa Bollinger 

hopes that her work 

as a high school 

student in a health 

care center will 

lead to a career 

helping people with 

disabilities. 



"In Touch "profiles Brethren 
we would like you to meet. Send 
story ideas and photos (black and 
white, if possible) to "In Touch. " 
Messenger, 1451 Dundee Ave.. 
Elgin. IL 60120. 



her the opportunity to work 
at a local health care center 
on school time. 

For her efforts there and 
throughout her rural Minne- 
sota community, Melissa, a 
high school senior, was 
awarded the top community 
service award by the 
Winona area Chamber of 
Commerce. 

Melissa, who has long 
been interested in working 
with the mentally handi- 
capped, hopes to spend this 
summer as she did the last, 
working in Rochester, 
Minn., as an adaptive 
recreational assistant in a 
park and recreation program 



for people with handicaps. 

"I hadn't worked with the 
elderly much before taking 
this class," said Melissa, 
"and I really enjoyed the 
opportunity." Melissa and a 
number of other students 
spent time four days a week 
with residents of Whitewater 
Health Care Center. 

"We did different things 
with them. Wednesday was 
Bingo, Thursday was crafts, 
and Friday was manicures. 
The ladies really enjoyed 
getting manicures. It made 
them feel pampered." 

In addition to her work in 
the local community, 
Melissa is involved with the 
Lewistown church. The 
church is not a large one, but 
there are about 1 5 youth in 
the youth group, of which 
Melissa currently is vice- 
president. 

Like youth groups 
throughout the denomina- 
tion, the youth at Lewiston 
are gearing up for National 
Youth Conference later this 
month. After that, Melissa 
will be going to Bethel 
College in St. Paul with hope 
of eventually working in a 
group home for adults with 
disabilities. — Margaret 

WOOLGROVE 



Names in tlie news 

Norman N. Glick, a 

member of Empire (Calif.) 
Church of the Brethren, has 
had a local school named 
for him, honoring his 10 
years as a school district 
trustee and his 38 years on 
the Stanislaus County Board 
of Education. 

• Margaret Lininger, a 
member of La Verne (Calif.) 



Church of the Brethren, has 
received the annual 
Women's History Month 
Award from her local Beta 
Mu chapter of Delta Kappa 
Gamma, an international 
society of women educators. 
The award cited her contri- 
butions to education and 
community volunteer work. 
She is a retired elementary 
school teacher. 

• Chester Fisher, pastor 
of Mount Hermon Church 
of the Brethren, near 
Bassett, Va., spent time 
recently in the Dominican 
Republic as a building 
consultant, visiting six of the 
eight Church of the Brethren 
groups there and checking 
the condition of their church 
buildings. He has had 
experience building 
churches in Haiti (June 
1993, page 4; August/ 
September 1993, page 4). 

• Dwayne Yost, director 
of Kentucky Mountain 
Housing and a member of 
Flat Creek Church of the 
Brethren, near Manchester, 
Ky., has received the 1993 
Dorothy J. Williams Life- 
time Achievement Award 
from the Kentucky Housing 
Corporation. 

• Ed Poling, pastor of 
Carlisle (Pa.) Church of the 
Brethren, ran 40 miles on 
April 30, from his home in 
Carlisle to Camp Eder near 
Fairfield, Pa., raising $3,200 
from supporters. The money 
was given to Camp Eder. He 
has been a runner since the 
early 1980s, most recently 
raising $3,500 for new- 
church development while 
running the JFK ultra- 
marathon in Maryland 
(March 1993, page 2). 

• Donald B. Kraybill has 
been named the Carl W. 



2 Messenger July 1994 




These ecumenical friends reunited on Crete: Tiny Apostolov 
(Netherlands), Athanasis Anagnostov (Australia), Janet and 
Galen Heckman (USA), and Martin Gross (Germany). 



Celebrating on Crete 

Last summer, two Church of 
the Brethren members from 
Richmond, Va., traveled to 
Greece's island of Crete for 
a special anniverary reunion. 
It had been 25 years since 
their World Council of 
Churches (WCC) ecumeni- 
cal team was gathered on 
Crete to work at various 
service projects. 

Galen and Janet 
Heckman, of West Rich- 



Zeigler professor of religion 
and history at Elizabethtown 
College. He has taught at 
Elizabethtown since 1971, 
and is the author of numer- 
ous books, including The 
Upside-down Kingdom, 
which won the National 
Religious Book Award in 
1979. 

• Carmen Brubaker. a 
member of Chiques Church 
of the Brethren, Manheim, 
Pa., is touring the Southeast 
for four weeks this summer 
with the Young Continentals, 
a Cliristian musical group. 
Members of the group are 
youth from 1 2 to 16 years 
old. 



mond Church of the Breth- 
ren, Brethren Volunteer 
Service workers seconded to 
the 1960s WCC team, were 
reunited with the other team 
members to reminisce, 
update each other, visit 
project sites, discover the 
impact of their work of a 
quarter-century ago, and 
greet church leaders of the 
island. Among the officials 
who met with them was the 
Archbishop of Crete, 
Timothious. 



A mission for the deaf 

"I want to help other deaf 
young adults have the 




confidence and opportunity 
to know that there is a 
mission for each of them," 
says Jan Eisemann Hoffer, 
who, with her husband, Jeff 
Hoffer, will be establishing 
the Lancaster Service 
Adventure unit at their home 
in Millersville, Pa., in 
August. 

Service Adventure is a 10- 
and-a-half-month program 
for young adults aged 18-20. 
The Lancaster Service 
Adventure Unit is designed 
specifically for deaf young 
adults, and is sponsored by 
First Deaf Mennonite 
Church of Lancaster, Pa. 

"All young adults need a 
nurturing environment to 
deal with the many issues of 
their lives," says Jeff, "but 
deaf young persons rarely 
live in a setting where they 
can communicate freely and 
openly. We hope Service 
Adventure will provide just 
such a setting." 

Jan and Jeff have 
struggled in order to ftilfill 
their sense of mission and 
purpose in life. "We have 
experienced frustration and 
pain in the hearing world 
because of inadequate 
accessibility and communi- 
cation," says Jan. "We want 



Jan Eisemann 
Hoffer (shown here 
with daughter 
Laura) will begin 
working with deaf 
young adults in a 
special ministry in 
Millersville, Pa. 
She and her 
husband, Jeff, will 
operate the 
Lancaster Service 
Adventure unit. 



to find ways to break 
through the isolation, to 
provide resources, and to 
help others develop pride 
and delight in the deaf 
culture." 

Jan grew up in Ephrata 
(Pa.) Church of the Breth- 
ren. "Lots of kids there 
volunteered for service. I 
asked God, 'How can I serve 
you?' When I realized how 
many deaf people there are, 
I wanted very much to work 
with deaf people. I had a 
strong sense of mission for 
the deaf, but also a real 
vision to be a missionary 
overseas." 

Jan was on the verge of 
deciding that there was no 
place for her to serve that 
matched her vision, when 
she heard of an opening with 
Brethren Volunteer Service 
(BVS) to teach deaf children 
in Haiti, a position which 
she held for two years. 

"My work since then," 
she says, "has grown out 
of my sense of mission, 
which received such 
affirmation when God led 
me to that BVS assignment 
in Haiti. Now I want to help 
other deaf young adults 
have the confidence and 
opportunity to know that 
there is a mission for each 
of them." 



Remembered 

Harold D. Fasnacht, 86, 

died May 1 7 in La Verne, 
Calif He was president of 
the University of La Verne 
(then La Verne College), 
1948-1968. After his 
retirement he served the 
school as director of planned 
giving. 



July 1994 Messengers 





A church reaches out 

"For everything there is a 
season" (Eccl. 3:1), and for 
Northern Colorado Church 
of the Brethren, in Windsor, 
this past winter season was 
a time to hold conflict 
resolution workshops. Over 



was "The Family as Team." 
The 24 participants used 
intergenerational play 
techniques as an analogy for 
successful relationship- 
building, gaining skills for 
improving family relation- 
ships. 
A weekend-long "Conflict 




David Miller, Mary 

Faulhaber, Ruth 

Amor, and Michael 

Faulhaber were 

participants in the 

"Family as a 

Team" workshop. 



"Close to Home " highlights 
news of congregations, districts, 
colleges, homes, and other local 
and regional life. Send story ideas 
and photos (black and white, if 
possible) to ' 'Close to Home, ' ' 
Messenger, 1451 Dundee Ave.. 
Elgin. IL 60120. 



the first three months of 
1994, this 62-member 
congregation organized and 
ran a series of workshops 
covering aspects from 
internal conflict and family 
relationships to mediation 
training and commimication 
skills. 

The workshops were 
inspired by a presentation 
Diane Schmachtenberger 
gave on conflict resolution 
training she had attended at 
the 1994 Annual Confer- 
ence. "Three members of the 
congregation approached me 
independently expressing 
interest in training," says 
Diane. "The four of us soon 
became a steering commit- 
tee for offering workshops to 
our church and corrmiunity." 

The workshop that 
attracted the most people 



Resolution Training" was 
led by Gary Flory of 
McPherson College, who 
used role play to teach the 
mediation skills. 

The steering committee 
was pleased that the work- 
shops brought the church 
together in a new way. "I've 
been attending this church 
for four years," says Diane, 
"and it was the first time 
since I've been here that we 
really reached out to the 
whole community. We have 
been greatly strengthened 
through working together." 

Thus encouraged, the 
committee is planning 
follow-up practical applica- 
tion of the mediation 
training skills, as well as 
marriage encounter and 
reconciliation training. 
— Margaret Woolgrove 



Campus comments 

McPherson College had as 

its May 22 commencement 
speaker Wayne Geisert, 
president of Bridgewater 
College. Before beginning 
his 30-year career at 
Bridgewater, Geisert had 
been dean of McPherson. He 
retires from the Bridgewater 
presidency at the end of 
July. 

• Juniata College cel- 
ebrated Earth Day April 22 
with the announcement of a 
new academic program in 
environmental studies. The 
new, interdisciplinary 
program will complement 
existing programs in 
Juniata's core strengths in 
the social sciences, humani- 
ties, and natural sciences. 

• The Amish and the State 
(Johns Hopkins University 
Press), a reference book 
edited by Elizabethtown 
College professor Don 
Kraybill, has been selected 
as one of the "outstanding 
academic books of 1993" by 
Choice, a monthly review 
service published by the 
Association of College and 
Research Libraries. 

• A Helping Hands Day, 
May 7, was sponsored by 
Manchester College 
students to raise money for 
bringing two Bosnian 
students to the US. For a 
donation, students did house 
and yard work. The college 
is working with the National 
Fellowship of Reconciliation 
(FOR) in its Bosnian 
outreach. 

• A 3 -day display of The 
Names Project AIDS 
Memorial Quilt was held at 
Elizabethtown College 
March 25-27. The 520 
panels on display were part 



4 Messenger July 1 994 



r 




Elizabethtown students read personal tributes featured on 
the 520 quilts displayed during AIDS Awareness Week. 



of more than 26,240 units 
that make up the entire 
AIDS Memorial Quilt. The 
display was part of AIDS 
Awareness Week observed 
by the college. 

• Bridgewater College 
celebrated the 40th anniver- 
sary of its Reuel B. Pritchett 
Museum May 26. Pritchett 
(1884-1974) was a colorful 
Brethren minister from 
Tennessee, noted for his 
flowing beard, Dunker garb, 
and pithy language. He also 
was a well-known raconteur 
and collector. The museum 
he established at Bridge- 
water reflects his eclectic 
approach to collecting. 



This and that 

Wakemans Grove Church 
of the Brethren, near 
Edinburg, Va., calls its 
youth club the "mid-week 
miracle" because it provides 
the congregation so many 
opportunities for service. It 
is credited with attracting 
new members and Sunday 
school participants. The 
youth group has a four-part 
program of Bible study, 
activities/recreation. 



fellowship/supper, and 
service/choir or worship 
training. The club, in 
operation since 1980, has an 
attendance of about 35 to 50. 

• "Close to Home" scans 
the district newsletters and 
reports new trends in the 
denomination. A recent 
Southern Plains newsletter 
noted that Frogville Church 
of the Brethren in Fort 
Towson, Okla., and Waka 
(Texas) Church of the 
Brethren had held their 
annual Groundhog Supper. 
In our November 1991 issue 
we reported on another 
trend-setting Southern Plains 
congregation — Roanoke 
(La.), which hosted a church 
supper featuring as its piece 
de resistance that Cajun 
delicacy, crawfish. 

• The aimual beef-canning 
project of Southern Penn- 
sylvania and Mid-Atlantic 
districts was held in April, 
yielding 4,272 cans of broth 
and 15,611 cans of meat 
chunks. About 390 volun- 
teers were involved. 

• The April issue of 
Pennsylvania Mennonite 
Heritage highlights Brethren 
and Mennonite hymnology. 
It contains four reviews of 
the new Hymnal, introduced 



to the Church of the Breth- 
ren in 1992, and available 
from Brethren Press. 

• Bridgewater (Va.) 
Church of the Brethren 
sponsored members Joan 
Mangum and Esther 
Bittinger on a Heifer Project 
International (HPI) tour to 
Honduras in January. The 
tour covered the work of 
HPI in Honduras, taking the 
60 visitors to several 
development projects. The 
Bridgewater pair, represent- 
ing the children of their 
congregation, presented the 
community of El Sitio with 
a goat named "CoB." 

• A new history of 
Southern Ohio District is 



Sanctuary denied 

Dayton (Va.) Church of the 
Brethren closed its doors 
against this refugee seeking 
sanctuary from a nearby 
turkey processing plant. 
Presumably the bird lacked 
a convincing story of 
oppression. 




being prepared, with 1995 as 
the target date for publica- 
tion, 200 years after the first 
congregation of the Church 
of the Brethren in southern 
Ohio was organized. The 
district maintains a histori- 
cal center at Happy Corner 
Church of the Brethren, 
Clayton, Ohio, which is 
open to visitors by appoint- 
ment (see February, page 4). 

• Providence Church of 
the Brethren, in Royersford, 
Pa., is the new congregation 
combining the members of 
Mingo and Royersford 
congregations. Kenneth 
Bomberger is the coordinat- 
ing pastor. 



Let's celebrate 

Hanover (Pa.) Church of the 
Brethren will celebrate the 
25th anniversary of the 
dedication of its meeting- 
house November 13. Don 
Miller, general secretary of 
the Church of the Brethren, 
will be the guest speaker. 

• Mount Union Church of 
the Brethren, Bent Moun- 
tain, Va., marked its 100th 
anniversary June 12 with 
worship, dinner, singing, 
and a dedication service. 
Rocks with paintings on 
them depicting the church in 
1894 and 1994 were on sale 
to mark the occasion. 

• East Fairview Church of 
the Brethren, Manheim, Pa., 
observed its 100th anniver- 
sary March 13, with Kenneth 
L. Gibble as speaker. A new 
fellowship hall and gym 
were dedicated. 

• Pampa (Texas) Church 
of the Brethren celebrated 
its centennial June 12. 



July 1 994 Messenger 5 



Iws 



'^o*' i « 




■ •■ ■* •- 


-va" . '^^ V, "'• ' • , '.. 


:♦" •* r^\\, 


r-W* .2- V.-;rv'"-: 


' ^^ 


*^--^5i ij •^v-^'^- 







Children from Atlantic 

Northeast and Southern 

Pennsylvania Districts pour 

water into a basin to symbolize 

the centrality of water for 

cleansing, new birth, renewal, 

and empowerment during 

a jointly sponsored Pentecost 

service in Hershey Arena 

in May. 



Because the news pages include news from 
various Church of the Brethren organizations and 
move-ments. the activities reported on may 
represent a variety of viewpoints. These pages also 
report on other national and international news 
relevant to Brethren. Information in news articles 
does not necessarily represent the opinions of 
Messenger or the Church of the Brethren. 



Augsburger, 400-voice choir 
inspire thousands in Hershey 

About 4,000 Brethren from Atlantic 
Northeast and Southern Pennsylvania 
Districts experienced a taste of Pente- 
cost at a May 1 5 renewal service at the 
Hershey Park Arena. 

Jointly sponsored by the two districts, 
the event was conceived by the Atlantic 
Northeast District 
Spiritual Renewal 
Team, which has 
planned renewal 
services around a 
Pentecost theme for 
the past four years. 

The evening 
worship featured 
Washington D.C.- 
based Mennonite 
pastor and evange- 
list Myron Augs- 
burger, who serves 
as president of the 
Christian College 
Coalition; a 440- 
voice choir direct- 
ed by Bethany 
Seminary's Nancy 
Faus; and a 45- 
piece orchestra led 
by Southern Pennsylvania District 
executive Warren Eshbach. 

Christian composer Ken Medema 
provided a pre-service concert and dur- 
ing the service led a children's choir in 
"Lord, Listen to Your Children." Child- 
ren from the two districts poured pints 
of water from their churches' baptismal 
pools into a basin to symbolize the 
centrality of water for cleansing, new 
birth, renewal, and empowerment. 
Included among the children was 
Holly Bell, a member of the Mohler 
congregation, near Ephrata, Pa., who 
brought some of the water in which she 
was baptized earlier in the day. 

The Lebanon (Pa.) congregation's 
Kerry Hurst, who gave her testimony 
during the service, was inspired by the 
number attending. "Just looking out, I 



couldn't believe there were that many 
people there," she said. "And the 
music — it was breath-taking when the 
choir got up. It felt heavenly." 

While the worship itself was emotion 
ally uplifting, Augsburger refiised to 
define spirituality as mere emotional 
experience. "Spirituality in the New 
Testament," he said, "means you and I 
live and walk with the Master." 

Augsburger called on the church to 
affirm God's purposes, appropriate 
God's power, and acknowledge God's 
presence in individual lives. 

"The greatest movement in the world 
is the kingdom of God," he said. "And 
church is part of that kingdom." | 

Following Augsburger' s invitation 

to renew commitments to Christ, 

i 

Atlantic Northeast District's associate 
executive Jan Kensinger led a short 
commissioning service for 300 or 
more youth and adults from the two 
districts who will attend National Youf 
Conference. 

The evening offering of $9,386.39 i 
supported the Susqueharma Valley | 
Satellite of Bethany Theological 
Seminary and the Bethany Academy, 
based in Elizabethtown and jointly 
sponsored by Atlantic Northeast and ' 
Southern Pennsylvania Districts. The 
considerable cost of the event was 
underwritten by 79 Brethren businesses 
and individuals. — Don Fitzkee i 



Calendar 



National Older Adult Conference (NOAC II): 
September 12-16, Lake Junaluska, N.C. [For 
information contact Association of Brethren 
Caregivers, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 
60120; (800) 323-8039]. 

Annual Brethren Disaster Relief Auction: 

September 23-24, Lebanon (Pa.) Fair- 
grounds. 

By the Manner of Their Living: Reflections 
on Brethren Lifestyles: 1994 Young Adult 
Conference, November 24-26, Camp Eder, 
Fairfield, Pa. [For information contact Young 
Adult Conference, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, 
IL 60120; (800) 323-8039]. 



6 Messenger July 1 994 





^^k|^'' k 


■V*^^^r' •'^^^Sy'^^^^ ^ ^"^v^ ^^H 




( ^l^^^^^^l 


MHHrjT'^B^^RywlH 


m^in 


^iH 


^^^^^P^L ' C9^BHp^vv^^Hk^^^^I 


yi 


^P^ ^^"^H 


Bf^^^^^^^^^^^^^H^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^mH^^^Rr 



Irethren Volunteer Service Unit 211 completed orientation in La Feria, 
exas, April 24. Members are (front row) Maria Lehner, Jeni Fabian, Kathleen 
chang, Eric Goubeaux, Gerhard Hoffmann; (back row) Emily Zielinski (orientation 
ssistant), Denise Rohrer, Yolanda Jansen, Katherine Kennedy, Laura Austin, 
'hristian Rimsche, Tammy Krause Riddle (orientation coordinator), Tilmann Rave. 
See page 31 for project assignments.) 



)istrict, Board, Benefit Trust 
nnounce staff changes 

!ene F. Hipskind has been appointed 
3 executive of Pacific Southwest 
•istrict, effective September 1 . Hips- 
ind is presently serving as pastor of 
!ew Carlisle (Ohio) Church in Southern 
ihio District. He will replace Glenn 
tanford who is serving as interim 
^ecutive. 

Peter J. Leddy Sr., will begin as 
<ecutive for West Marva District on 
(Sptember 1 . He has pastored Faith 
id Milledgeville congregations in 
linoisAVisconsin District and Red 
ill and Troutville congregations in 
iirlina District. Leddy will replace 



interim executive J. Rogers Fike. 

Sara Speicher began as associate 
director, health and caregiving with the 
Association of Brethren Caregivers on 
June 9. Speicher has spent time in BVS 
and worked in the various offices of the 
World Ministries Commission in Elgin, 
111. She also worked on the "God's 
Earth Our Home" packet prepared by 
the Eco- Justice office. 

Jerry Rodeffer, has resigned as 
treasurer of Brethren Benefit Trust and 
director of the Brethren Foundation 
effective July 8. He and his family 
will be moving to Seattle, Wash. Rodef- 
fer' s professional plans include pursuing 
opportunities in both investment 
management and dairying. 



Gene F. Hipskind 



Peter J. Leddv Sr. 



Sara Speicher 



Jerry Rodeffer 




Study anaylzes 1992 Brethren 
congregational giving 

A study conducted by Olden Mitchell 
analyzes 1992 giving to congregations 
by church members. 

Total reported giving for 1 992 was 
$67,049,809. 

A total of 954 congregations/fellow- 
ships reported their giving. Of those 
reporting, 3 1 churches gave less than 
$100 per member and six gave less than 
$25 per member. Thirty-five churches 
gave more than $ 1 ,000 per member. 
Five of these were in Michigan District, 
five in Pacific Southwest, and four in 
Atlantic Northeast. Three gave more 
than $3,000 per member. The break- 
down showed the highest range was 
$300-399 with 185 churches listed. 

Districts with the largest per-member 
giving were Michigan, $667; Pacific 
Southwest, $655; Atlantic Northeast, 
$651; and Northern Indiana, $639. 

The four districts with the smallest 
per member giving for the year were 
West Marva, $248; Missouri/Arkansas, 
$297; Southeastern, $318; and Western 
Permsylvania, $326. 

"It is likely that factors other than the 
economy and size of the church account 
for the level of giving per member," 
said Mitchell in his report. "It could be 
helpful to discover these factors in 
lifting the level of giving for the entire 
Church of the Brethren." 

The majority of churches with the 
highest per-member giving were under 
100 members each. But others were in 
the 200-member range, and some with 
over 400 members gave above $ 1 ,000 
per member. 

Mitchell observed that the economy 
may account for some of the difference 
between the districts with the highest 
and lowest per-member giving. 

In one district, one church's giving 
per-member was 236 times that of 
another in that district. In another dis- 
trict, of two rural churches in the same 
area, the per-member giving of one was 
about 1 00 times that of the other. 



July 1994 Messenger? 



Consultants complete initial 
review of the Brethren 

The initial review and reflection paper 
on a study of the Church of the * 

Brethren has been completed by 
Communicorp, an Atlanta-based 
communications consultants group 
(see April, page 7). 

Communicorp conducted focus 
group meetings with eight congrega- 
tions in Illinois, California, North 
Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, 
the General Offices, and Illinois/ 
Wisconsin District. It will continue to 
hold focus groups, and were to meet 
with individuals and district executives 
at Annual Conference. 

"We believe the Brethren are doing 
a great many things right. . . . But the 
Church of the Brethren — like any 
organization — also has its frailties," 
the paper said. 

The focus groups discussed a variety 
of areas, including heritage, plain 
dress, rituals such as love feast and 
feet washing, programs, including 
overseas and domestic, leadership, and 
growth of the denomination. 

"We wholeheartedly commend the 
Church of the Brethren for its service 
ministry, a crucial distinguishing 



Brethren respond to SOS kit 
request for southern Sudan 

About 12,700 SOS kits for Sudan were 
received in New Windsor, Md., by early 
May from Brethren responding to the 
campaign. (See "SOS for Sudan," 
December 1993, page 18.) 

The kits, packed in 577 boxes, filled 
two 20-foot sea containers and were 
shipped by sea to Kenya. From there 
they were trucked into Sudan or north- 
em Uganda. The first shipment was 
distributed to Sudanese in June. 

"We believe the blessings of giving 
are already being felt among many who 

8 Messenger July 1 994 



feature of the denomination," the 
report said. "But as the church contin- 
ues its valuable work with outreach, 
both nationally and worldwide, admin- 
istrators must redouble their efforts to 
bolster the delicate but essential net- 
work of Brethren congregations." 

The study is part of the Goals for the 
'90s objective on evangelism and 
communication. Recommendations 
from the findings are to be shaped 
later this year. Once final findings are 
in, pilot resources will be created and 
tested with churchwide use projected 
for the fall of 1995. 

The 66-page report concluded with 
four positioning points: The Church of 
the Brethren, "continuing its centuries- 
old tradition, stands in clear contrast 
to — not in competition with — other 
Protestant denominations; distin- 
guishes itself not as an abstract way of 
believing, but as a way of living, 
conveyed fi^om one person to another; 
patterns its daily living after the life of 
Jesus — a life of humble service and 
unconditional love; and as a compas- 
sionate alternative in a world of 
increasing violence, complexity, and 
alienation, the Brethren way of living 
incorporates peace, simplicity, and 
togetherness." 



participated, and before long these 
packages, expressing our caring and 
concern, will be in the hands of those 
who need them," said Merv Keeney, 
Africa/Middle East representative, in a 
May letter to participants. 

About two dozen kits were handed out 
to Sudanese in a symbolic gesture 
during the February Hunger for Peace 
Tour. 

The SOS kit project was selected to 
be among the service options for this 
month's National Youth Conference in 
Colorado. 

The SOS kit campaign will continue 
through the end of August. 



Brethren participate in trip to 
IVIiddle East on peace missioi 

From May 11 to 23 Brethren traveled 
the Middle East with Christian Peace- 
maker Teams (CPT), a project of Men 
nonite and Church of the Brethren cor 
gregations. The purpose was to "learn 
about the present state of the peace pr 
cess in the Middle East, and to explor 
how a church connected international 
nonviolent presence could support anc 
hasten that process." 

The trip was timed so that the grouf 
was in Palestinian areas of the West 
Bank and Gaza during the transfer of 
power from Israel to the Palestinian 
Liberation Organization. The develop 
ment of these autonomous regions in 1 
occupied territories "represents a new 
era for the Holy Lands," said CPT, bu 
with it comes the worry "that autonon 
will result in new forms of excessive 
control or intervention from Israel." 

The team's first major dialog in the 
region was in Hebron at the Ibrahim 
Mosque, where more than 40 Palestin- 
ians were massacred by an American- 
bom Jewish settler in Febmary. Since 
then the mosque has been closed to be 
Muslims and Jews, who share it as a 
common place of worship. According 
team members, "Israeli Defense Force 
soldiers are posted on all the streets 
leading up to the mosque, as well as o 
some rooftops of adjacent buildings." 

The peacemaker team had a chance 
encounter with members of TIPH (Tei 
porary Intemational Presence in Heb- 
ron), official intemational observers 
who have been appointed to Hebron ir 
the wake of a worldwide call for im- 
proved security for Palestinians. The 
TIPH representative urged the group t 
"tell the world what's going on in 
Hebron. The military presence is 
everywhere." 

The team also spent time exploring 
the possibility of rebuilding homes in 
the occupied territories. Many of these 
homes were destroyed during the 
military occupation of the territories. 



lergency disaster funds 
>ued to Midwest, Haiti, Cuba 

>25,000 grant from the Emergency 
;aster Fund has been allocated to as- 
with ongoing flood recovery in the 
Jwest. The money will support work 
Richmond, Mo., and facilitate the re- 
nse in areas with renewed flooding, 
in allocation of $20,000 has been 
de for Haiti. The money will be used 



for medicines, blankets and layettes for 
persons in poor communities, to provide 
legal assistance for those incarcerated in 
Haiti, as well as transportation and 
financing for small businesses and legal 
assistance for Haitians who have fled to 
the Dominican Republic. 

A grant of $15,000 has been allocated 
to Cuba in response to an ongoing 
need for medicines in that country. 
The money will be used to cover costs 



of medicines that will go directly to 
churches with whom the Brethren have 
partnerships, and for shipping costs. 
An allocation of $10,000 has been 
given in response to the plight of 
displaced persons from Rwanda who 
have fled to neighboring Tanzania, 
Zaire, Uganda, and Burundi. The fiinds 
will be used for emergency relief 
assistance such as blankets and medi- 
cines. 




)C-6 cargo plane carried nearly 30,000 pounds of food, 

jicines, hospital sheets, soap, school and health kits to Cuba on 

il 28, completing a two-year Church World Service comprehensive 

^ram of humanitarian aid. 

CWS had a license from the US Commerce Department to send 

0,000 worth of aid during the two-year period that ended April 30. 

/lay, the Commerce Department granted a two-year extension of 

license. 

The April shipment brought the two-year cumulative total to 

,356 pounds (97.68 tons) with a declared value of nearly $4.5 

ion. Goods were sent in a total of 27 shipments. 

The aid program is in response to specific needs identified by the 

)an Ecumenical Council. All shipments were sent directly to the 

)an Ecumenical Council, which was responsible for the receipt and 

ribution within the context of the license. 

The April shipment included 1 ,417 pounds of medicines donated 

he Church of the Brethren, and 100 cartons (4,940 pounds) of 

ned meat donated by the t^ennonite Central Committee. 

Church World Service further donated 230 pounds of medicines, 

30 pounds of hospital sheets, 100 cartons (3,900 pounds) of baby 

ittes, 75 cartons (5,700 pounds) of school kits, 150 cartons (9,450 

nds) of health kits and 20 cartons (1,620 pounds) of soap. 

The declared value of the shipment was $127,526.95. 

The full membership of the committee charged to raise 

I million for the lakovos Endowment for Faith and Order has been 

ned. Melanie May is the Church of the Brethren's representative on 

committee. 

The fund, a joint project of the National Council of Churches and 

World Council of Churches, was named in honor of Archbishop 

)vos of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South 

erica, known for his longstanding commitment to the goals of 

menism and the work of Faith and Order. 

Three former US Presidents serve as honorary co-cfiairs of the 

imittee: Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. Reflecting 




Mary Scott, a member of Chicago (III.) First Church of the 
Brethren was among the Americans joining with South Af- 
ricans in celebrating the country's first democratic election. 

the ecumenical mission of the Faith and Order movement, the lakovos 
Endowment Committee is composed of laypersons and clergy from a 
broad spectrum of confessions and professions. Eighteen commun- 
ions are represented on the committee. 

Three members of Congress — Senator Paul S. Sarbanes and 
Representatives Lee H. Hamilton and Olympia J. Snowe — have been 
named to the lakovos Endowment Committee. 

Income from the endowment will be used in equal proportions to 
support the Faith and Order work of the two councils. While Christians 
in large numbers believe in and seek Christian unity, the churches 
remain divided over tenets of faith and forms of structure and worship. 
The goal of Faith and Order is to promote a deeper understanding of 
those elements that bind all Christians in a common faith while working 
to resolve the issues that divide them, including issues of race, class, 
gender, nationality, and culture. 

The endowment will be used to convene theologians and church 
leaders around unity issues; train younger theologians for ecumenical 
leadership; bring theologians into direct engagement with church life; 
encourage studies around church-uniting and church-dividing social 
issues, peace and justice; and insure adequate staffing for Faith and 
Order work in both councils. 

July 1 994 Messenger 9 




Among the suffering is joy 

The challenges of war — death, starvation, displacement — 
have not shaken the southern Sudanese s faith in God. 



by Eric B. Bishop 

On the Hunger for Peace Tour in Febru- 
ary, I, along with the seven other 
members of the tour, witnessed the 
suffering and pain as a result of the 
current 1 1-year civil war. But what I 
had heard about and not seen before the 
trip was the joy people can find in life 
and the strength of the faith they put in 
God and Christ. 

In some places, Sudanese begin wor- 
ship as early as 6 a.m. and the churches 
are so crowded that people have to sit 
outside. These early services are held to 
avoid the bombing raids of the Sudanese 
government — and to show their commit- 

Even the children in southern Sudan 
openly express their belief in Christ. 




ment to the faith they have accepted. 

I accepted what I saw as a chal- 
lenge — a challenge to a stronger faith. 
How do I stand by and watch as people 
die needlessly? What is the answer? My 
prayers are not only for the Sudanese, 
but for myself I pray for an answer on 
how I or we can provide a tangible end 
to the war. One of the hardest things to 
grapple with is that there is no quick 
and easy way to end this conflict. It's 
going to take time and reconciliation 
and healing. Not our normal North 
American/European way of wanting to 
snap our fingers and end the conflict. 

Over and over again we heard from 
Sudanese we visited with that there is 
no desire for the US military to inter- 
vene. There are those, of course, who 
would like to receive arms assistance, 
and honestly, watching the life people 
live and seeing the struggle they're 
going through made my mind wonder 
and ask "What if . . .?" The reality is 
that if we do something, people are 
going to die, and if we do nothing, 
people are going to die. 

While the church struggles in south- 
em Sudan, it struggles with its mem- 



bers, displaced and on the move. 
However, unlike that of her counterpa 
in the US, the emphasis of the church, 
instead of being put on ends of the 
political spectrum or denominational 
competition, is on being one in Christ- 
the body with Christ as the head. 

The Sudanese are a biblical people. 
Those we met talked about their faith 
and the references to Sudan in the Bib 

"Woe to the land of whirring wings 
along the rivers of Cush. which sends 
envoys by sea in papyrus boats over tl 
water. Go, swift messengers, to a peof 
tall and smooth-skinned, to a people 
feared far and wide, an aggressive 
nation of strange speech, whose land i 
divided by rivers" (Isa. 18:1-2, NIV). 

More than once, when we visited w 
displaced Sudanese or Sudanese refu- 
gees in Uganda, the same question, 
"What keeps you going?" received tht 
same answer, "God." 

The war in Sudan seems simplistic ( 
the surface, Muslims versus Christian:' 
but in reality it is multifaceted and 
extremely complex. Many of the 
Sudanese we visited with, ate with, ar 
worshiped with told us they could live 



Despite the suffering, the Sudanese are capable of finding joy in their lives, and 
these children sing for members of the Hunger for Peace tour. 



*l ^,^|.1%#. 



10 Messenger July 1994 




longside their Muslim brothers and 
isters. The war is also about economics 
nd power. But to make peace a reality, 
le southern Sudanese feel there needs 
) be "true peace" in Sudan — peace 

ith justice. 

While there are the obvious results of 
'ar — death, starvation, displacement — 
iere is also joy among the Sudanese — a 
ly in Christ. They display it in their 

orship and their music, and their 
iDspitality to guests from halfway 
|ound the world. 

I The beat of the drums and the music 
jf songs resounded right through the 
J3dy, the bones, and into the soul. As 
le sat in the village of Longu, groups of 
jiildren and youth paraded through, 
jnging and dancing. It was during this 
ine of celebration that Roger Schrock 

aned over and said, "This is the joy." 
\ It was unimaginable prior to the trip 

Sudan that there could be such joy 



among the suffering of 
Sudanese. Yet, as we went to 
churches, and villages and 
camps, the Sudanese constantly 
provided us with warmth and 
hospitality. 

There is joy in seeing the 
hope and sacrifice of people in 
a country where there's war 
and death, violence and 
oppression. A place where, 
despite the lack of a monetary 
economy or jobs as we know 
them, the people gather to 
worship Christ and to offer 
what little they have. My eyes 
widened not only to see the 
congregation we worshiped 
with in Nimule not only take 
up an offering, but to see the 
small baskets and bags stuffed 
nearly beyond capacity. I had 
to ask myself, "Where did these 




The horrors of the current civil war will leave not 
only physical scars, as on this young boy, but 
also mental and emotional scars. 



ducation is very important to the Sudanese. These children from a refugee camp 
irticipate in building their school by carrying bricks to the building site. 




people get their money?" 

No matter the amount of joy. there's 
still a war going on, and the people 
there are doing their best to survive. 

There's another realization for me 
that in the US the vast majority of us 
usually don't need to put our faith to the 
ultimate test on a daily basis — the test 
of life or death, of survival. The church 
in southern Sudan is "the church." 
There are different denominations, but 
together they work as the body of Christ. 

One of the most frustrating parts of 
the trip was being asked by the Sudan- 
ese why they were forgotten and why 
the world would not come to their aid. 

As the archdeacon of the Episcopal 
church in Nimule surmised, "Maybe the 
white man has decided to see that the 
black man must go out of this world. If 
we are all in Christ and we are people of 
God all, we must share this world 
together." 



M. 



July 1994 Messenger 1 1 



Henry Adolph: Master weaver 



by Irene S. Reynolds 

His name sounds Germanic enough to 
be Brethren, and his occupation of 
weaver puts him in good company, too. 
After all, early Brethren leader Peter 
Becker and many other immigrants from 
Europe were weavers, an honorable 
Dunker trade. But that land of origin — 
France — has an off-Brethren ring to it. 
Ah, but Henry Adolph was from Alsace, 
a region of France on the German 
border, an area that has been the object 
of a tug-of-war between France and 
Germany through the centuries. France 
possessed Alsace in Henry's time, but 
has lost and regained it since. 

The hands of Henry Adolph were 
skilled at the loom, and he had an 
artist's eye for design and color. But he 
struggled with the English language all 
the years he lived in America. That 
language problem did not, however, 
prevent him — and his brothers George 
and Charles — from producing a legacy 
of woven coverlets that are treasured by 
today's historians, artists, and craft- 
workers. 

In 1835, at the age of 20, Henry, son 
of Alsatian German parents Peter and 
Elizabeth Ruch Adolph, immigrated to 
America. 

Pauline Montgomery, in her article 
"The Weavers," {Indiana Coverlet 
Weavers and Their Coverlets, Hoosier 
Press, Indianapolis, 1974), speculates 
that Henry may have taken up weaving 
in Germantown, Ohio, a way-station for 
a number of Indiana-bound weavers and 
a center of weaving activity. 

Most professional weavers in the mid- 
1800s were men. Coverlet styles include 
jacquard and overshot patterns. The 
jacquard coverlets Adolph wove were 
made on a loom with a special attach- 
ment named for automatic-pattern loom- 
maker Joseph Jacquard. Most jacquard 
coverlets have a border design and a 
"signature block" that includes the 
maker's name, date, and location, and 
often the client's name. 

The 1 840 records show that Henry 
Adolph satisfied the Wayne County, 

1 2 Messenger July 1 994 



Ind., court to the facts: "He had been a 
resident of the United States more than 
five years, of the state of Indiana more 
than one year, and had behaved himself 
as a man of good moral character." He 
swore to "support the Constitution of 
the United States and forever renounce 
all allegiance to Louis Philippe, King of 
France." 

Other records confirm that on January 
28, 1841, Benjamin Bowman, minister 
of Nettle Creek Church of the Brethren, 
south of Hagerstown, Ind., performed 
the marriage ceremony of Henry Adolph 
and Elizabeth Klein (or Cline) in Wayne 
County. Adolph was also baptized into 
the Dunker faith in the Nettle Creek 
congregation. 



B, 



►y the time Henry and Elizabeth were 
married, Henry was a master of the craft 
of weaving. His marriage gave him 
another very valuable asset — a 
Lancaster County, Pa. -bom wife who 
could assist him over the language 
barrier that hampered many immigrants 
from Germany. 

Soon after his marriage, Henry moved 
to the eastern Indiana village of Cam- 
bridge City, located at the intersection 
of the National Road and the projected 
Whitewater Canal. There, for a time, he 
wove with John Wissler, who was 
already established in nearby Milton. 



And in 1843, Henry's brothers, 
Charles and George, came by ship to 
New Orleans and went directly to 
Wayne County, Ind. 

While most weavers produced eithe 
single or double jacquards, the eviden 
indicates Adolph was proficient in bol 
A Wissler coverlet of 1 840, woven 
while Henry was still working with 
Wissler, is a double jacquard identical 
in pattern and border to one marked, " 
Adolph, Douglas County, Kansas, 
1866." After Adolph and Wissler split 
Wissler's offerings were usually only 
single jacquard. 

In 1 844 Wissler moved from a farm 
south of Milton into the village. Henr 
set up his own weaving shop in Cam- 
bridge City, two miles north. His 
brother George worked with him, whi 
brother Charles set up his loom in 
nearby Williamsburg. 

Henry's coverlets show craftsmansh 
in weaving and magnificent sensitivity 
to design and color. His double jac- 
quards are often colored blue and whil 
in patterns and borders customarily 
produced by Scottish weavers. 

Most of Henry's coverlets are wovei 
in broad stripes of color, using sunburi 
medallions or variations of the "Four 
Roses" pattern. His borders most ofter 
use designs of bird and shrub, shrub 
rose, or the swag and tassel. 

The Adolph dye-pot was important i 




\m 



Henry Adolph '$ 
coverlets carry 
traditional patten 
such as the 
sunburst medallio 
His borders featui 
birds, shrubs, and 
buildings. The 
signature block oi 
this coverlet readi 
"Made by H. 
Adolph, Walnut 
Grove, Mo., 1881. 





try sat for this photo portrait in 
>5. He died in 1907, at age 92. 

ducing attractive coverlets, and 
labeth may have been Henry's dyer. 
; shades of turkey and scarlet red, 
re blue, and sage green were splen- 
, but many of the roses were in a soft 
;nder pink few other weavers were 
; to produce. 

>ne of the Adolph's neighbors 
arted, "The Adolphs talked very 
chy." Henry signed his signature in 
Itch" (German) when he sold his 
abridge City lots in 1847. He 
ears to have mastered writing his 
le in English five years later when 
iold the remaining two lots, 
iut his struggle with the vagaries of 
English language continued, 
ntgomery's article reports Hamilton 
inty was woven into his coverlets as 
imildon," "Hamelton," and even 
imeldon." He modified the past tense 
he verb "weave" to "wov." 
1 the 1 850s, Henry moved his family 
owa, and on to Missouri. Elmer 
toy Craik, in his book The History of 
Church of the Brethren in Kansas 
es the Henry Adolph expelled from 
le County, Mo., drove through with 



an ox team to Douglas County. Many 
Church of the Brethren families left 
Missouri for Kansas over the slavery 
question. Marie Adolph Pemberton says 
that Henry was a close friend of Dunker 
Jacob Ulrich, also from Wayne County, 
Ind., who settled south of Lawrence in 
1856. In those troubled days before the 
Civil War, Ulrich knew John Brown, the 
abolitionist of later Harpers Ferry fame. 
In 1863, during the war, Ulrich's house 
and farm were burned by the notorious 
Quantrill's raiders. 

The August 16, 1866, issue of The 
Lawrence Daily Tribune, Lawrence, 
Kan., reports: "H. Adolph of Clinton, 
called in to our office yesterday, to 
exhibit a most beautiful specimen of his 
handiwork, a bedspread or coverlet . . . 
and will be exhibiting several specimens 
of his manufactures at the approaching 
State Fair." 

A two-story frame house in Clinton, 
Kan., a small town west of the anti- 
slavery border town of Lawrence, was 
home for the Adolphs after they left 
Missouri, where Henry's first wife, 
Elizabeth, died in 1859. In 1860 Adolph 
married Nancy Studdard of Dade 
County, Mo. 



He 



Lenry lived and worked in Clinton, 
Kan., for 20 years. According to Judy 
Sweets of the Elizabeth M. Watkins 
Community Museum in Lawrence, 
Henry Adolph was one of only a half 
dozen weavers who produced the 
jacquard coverlets west of the Missis- 
sippi River. 

"He could weave one a day and he 
usually charged from five to ten 
dollars," says Sweets, "but I noticed he 
also would trade. In exchange for at 
least one coverlet, records show he 
received a yearling calf." 

The last known coverlet woven by 
Henry is dated 1885. Sweets says that 
his Douglas County coverlets are 
important because they represent the 
last days of a handweaving industry that 
began in the eastern US in the 1830s. 

Today's Adolph family believes the 



industrialized manufacture of coverlets 
caused both Henry and Charles, who 
had moved to Franklin County, Kan., to 
switch to weaving carpets. Brother 
George and a nephew were attacked and 
killed by bushwhackers in 1866. While 
on a trip from Lawrence to Missouri for 
supplies, their bodies, team of horses, 
and wagon were burned. 

Henry and Nancy Adolph moved back 
to Missouri and lived in Walnut Grove 
for 26 years before Henry's death from 
pneumonia on February 14, 1907, only 
four days before his 92nd birthday. 

His obituary in the Walnut Grove 
Tribune, on Wednesday, February 20, 
1907, reported that "Uncle Henry" was 
survived by his wife, Nancy; one 
daughter fi-om among his nine children, 
Mary Ann Winters of Lone Star, Kan.; 
and a brother Charles, who had come 
from Centropolis, Kan., a week before 
his brother died. Charles died in 1913. 

Adolph coverlets are in museums 
throughout the Midwest. The Indianapo- 
lis Children's Museum has two made by 
each of the brothers. The Kansas 
History Museum has four Henry Adolph 
coverlets and one woven by a brother- 
in-law, John Klein. Henry Adolph 
coverlets are included in an exhibit, 
"Rare and Historic Coverlets" at the 
Elizabeth M. Watkins Community 
Museum in Lawrence, Kan., that runs 
through October this year. 

Adolph coverlets are displayed by 
family members at their annual reunion 
the first Sunday in August. Descendants 
gather in the red schoolhouse on the left 
side of the road four miles north of 
Council Grove, Kan., some 90 miles 
northeast of Wichita. 

Today when Brethren think of 
coverlets, they likely picture the 
colorfijl quilts made at Annual Confer- 
ence, mainly by women. But 150 years 
ago Brethren coverlets were woven on 
looms, mainly by men. And proud is the 
museum that has one on exhibit, parti- 
cularly if woven into a signature 
block is the name "H. Adolph." 



M. 



Irene S. Reynolds is a freelance writer from 
Lawrence, Kan. 

July 1994 Messenger 13 



Remembering 
the exchange 




Lydia Popandopulo, 

personal secretary to the 

supreme head of the Russian 

Orthodox church, made 

warm friends with Roderick 

Miller at the Miller farm 

near Bridgewater, Va. The 

Millers were among many 

Brethren families who 

helped give the visiting 

Soviets a cross section of life 

in the denomination. 



By George Dolnikowski 

George Dolnikowski was one of thou- 
sands of "displaced persons" resettled 
in the United States after World War II 
by the Brethren Service Commission. A 
new book by Brethren Press, This I 
Remember, documents the unusual 
encounter after 1949 of this Russian 
intellectual — buffeted by personal 
tragedies following the Bolshevik 
Revolution and painful existence for 
vears as a prisoner-of-war in Nazi 
Germany — with faculty and students on 
the campus of Juniata College. 

The following is an excerpt from 
that book, describing the author 's 
experience as interpreter during the 
Church of the Brethren/Russian 
Orthodox exchange of 1963. 

* ♦ • » 
The purposes of the Russian Orthodox- 
Brethren exchange in 1963 were: "To 
establish a bridge of understanding 
between a Christian church in America 
and a Christian church in Russia. To 
provide opportunity for the Church of 
the Brethren and the Orthodox Church 
of Russia to informally express concerns 
and viewpoints on reconciliation and 
international peace on the basis of 
Christian brotherhood and with a 
nonpolitical emphasis. To emphasize a 
people-to-people program in contrast to 
an exchange of high level officials." I 
served as the official interpreter for this 
program and very much enjoyed being 
in the position where 1 could help others 
arrive at an understanding. 

Many things impressed the Russian 
priests. They began to realize how 
strong American religious life is, not 
only on its own, but also as recognized 
by the government. When they first 
came, the Russians were allowed only 
25 miles of free movement. But when 



the Church of the Brethren promised 
Washington that it would be responsibli 
for the group, the State Department 
gave them permission to go anywhere. 

The Russians were impressed by 
actions of the Church of the Brethren 
against war, as I had been when I 
arrived in the United States. 

They discovered differences in our 
religious services, especially when it 
came to singing. In Russia only the 
choir sings, but here the entire congre- 
gation sings. 

They were inspired by the vesper 
service by the lake at Camp Alexander 
Mack. There was preaching, singing, 
and a mutual feeling of peace. One of 
the priests said, "Wouldn't it be nice to 
live like we are here in this camp?" 

The Russians were surprised that the 
Brethren knew each other no matter 
where they were. One priest even asked 
me if it was prearranged to make them 
believe that the Brethren are very 
friendly to each other. But when I told 
him about the history of the Brethren, 
when I told him that often 10 percent oi 
the membership attends Annual Confer- 
ence, he began to understand. 

The Russians were impressed with 
Bethany Seminary and with the General 
Offices in Elgin. They were impressed 
with the fiiendliness and the genuine 
concern for the well-being of the priests 
and the Russian Orthodox Church. 

The staff of Millersville (Pa.) College 
tried to impress the Russians with their 
technology. They showed off their 
electronics, and the Russians just said, 
"Oh, we have that." But on the way 
back fi"om the physics lab, one priest 
spotted something on the wall and aske( 
what it was. I told him it was a pencil 
sharpener. The priest called the other 
priests over to look at it. I pulled out a 
pencil and sharpened it. We spent 30 



14 Messenger July 1994 




Top: Archpriest Eugen 
Ambartzumov, dean of a 
Leningrad (now St. 
Petersburg) cathedral, had 
ice cream cones explained 
to him by Church of the 
Brethren member Roy 
Forney. 

Far left: Church of the 
Brethren general secretary 
Norman Baugher presented a 
1 763 Sauer Bible to Father 
Juvenali, head of the 
delegation from the Russian 
Orthodox Church. 

Left: The Russian Orthodox 
Church, on a 1967 visit, 
presented the Brethren 
with an icon. The Brethren, 
in exchange, gave the visitors 
a large Brethren Service 
cup. 

Below: The Russian Orthodox 
visitors appreciated the 
peaceful scene on the shores 
of Lake Waubee, at Indiana's 
Camp Alexander Mack. 




July 1994 Messenger 15 




Call leaders and support them 

The call for leadership often is heard in the church. Different kinds of things 
likely are being asked for by different persons. Many are aware of our need for 
pastoral leadership. At any given time, 70 to 80 congregations are seeking 
pastors. We have not been able to train enough pastors to fill current pastoral 
vacancies. 

But the call for leadership may refer to the fact that church school teachers 
often are hard to find. For that matter, church board positions and other congre- 
gational assignments often are difficult to fill. Our institutions complain about 
not having enough Brethren to choose fi^om for executive and other positions. 

Or the call for leadership may refer to the need to have accepted leadership 
positions be more visionary and assertive. Perhaps people feel that there is no 
single authority or no single place where complaints can be lodged. We 
remember with nostalgia the visionaries of a previous time. 

We in our day, however, are different from previous generations. We have 
different expectations of leaders. For one thing, we don't want any one person 
to have too much authority, and so positions are clearly limited. Too often we 
withhold support fi-om leaders because of a variety of personal expectations. 
Gone is the simple devotion we gave to leaders of another generation. 

We also want everyone to have an opportunity to serve. This results in brief 
terms, however, and in frequent replacement by new people. Church board 
members rotate frequently. We now have limited terms for deacons. Lengthy 
pastorates are the exception rather than the rule. None of us is ready to return to 
the pattern of a previous generation. We value our democratic procedures. 
However we must recognize that there is a price to pay. We no longer have the 
long-term positions that gave us a sense of leadership. 

We also distribute leadership. There are various committees with defined 
responsibilities. No one person can speak for all. The resuh is a pattern of 
distributed leadership. 

An important step toward strengthening leadership is to broaden our use of 
calling. We traditionally called leaders from our midst by laying hands upon 
them. More recently we have depended upon a person's itmer sense of God's 
call or upon the election process. Our practice of discerning the leaders in our 
midst and then calling them out has served us well in the past. A few of our 
congregations are "calling congregations," and they give us many of our 
leaders. All of our congregation should be "calling congregations." 

Calling out leadership depends upon discernment of God's will. And, in turn, 
discernment comes as we worship together, study the Scriptures together, pray 
together, converse together, and fellowship together in the spirit and power of 
Jesus Christ. In such discernment, God leads us to call out leadership. In the 
same manner, we will become more evangelistic in calling others to join with us. 

Such discernment converts a contemporary attitude that will not permit 
strong leadership. All of us, rather, are to pray for and support the leaders we 
have chosen, even though we don't always agree with them. When we call out 
and support leadership we will have it. — Donald E. Miller 

Donald E. Miller is general secretary of the Church of the Brethren. 



minutes looking at and talking about the 
pencil sharpener! Before the delegation 
left the country, every priest received, 
in addition to all kinds of other presents, 

16 Messenger July 1994 



a pencil sharpener. 

Throughout the encounter many 
people asked the Russian visitors, "Are 
you communists? Are you spies? Are 



you trying to undermine our security 
here? Are you really Christians?" 

The best answer was given by one 
priest: "In 1935, my church was 
destroyed and I was sent to Siberia. 
After 14 years of hard labor, I returned 
to rebuild my church. I am in charge of 
it now. What do you think?" Answers 
like that were helpful to Americans in 
understanding what it means to be a 
member of the Orthodox Church in 
Russia. Americans take freedom, civil 
or religious, for granted. The Russians « 
had to fight for them. \ 

After the exchange was over, while 
flying home, I wrote the following lines 
A Russian priest 

while touring the United States 
was asked 

After his after-diimer speech: 
"How do you like America 

and how do you find our food?" 
Pondering for a moment, 

the priest began 

with a quiver in his voice: 
"I lived through nine hundred days, 

each day a year, 
in the besieged city of Leningrad. 

Eight hundred thousand died 
of sheer starvation. 

In order to survive 
we ate free roots, cats, dogs, 
and rats . . . 

And now, 
beholding the richness and variety of 
sustenance 

upon this table. 
What can I say? 

And still, I must confess 
I am hungry for a bowl of borsch 

and a piece of real Russian rye 
bread." 

In our times, experiences such as 
these should be supported. It is through 
efforts like these that people can bring 
themselves to understanding, 
working through the conflicts. 



M. 



George Dolnikowski is professor emeritus of 
Russian and German studies at Juniata College, 
and a founding member of Juniata 's Peace and 
Conflict Studies Committee. 



1ISSI0N 1994 



ANNUAL REPORT CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN GENERAL BOARD 




/ chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear 
fruit and that your fruit should abide.— John 15:16 RSV 



Phil Grout 




What is it to which God caiis the Church of the Brethren? Par- 
ticularly in the years remaining in this decade and in this 
miilenium? 

As I reflect on the Brethren understanding of the Gospel over al- 
most three centuries, I sense that at this time God is calling our 
denomination to fruit-bearing In quite specific ways: 

□ to grow In membership. In disclpleship. In diversity, 

□ to widen participation In ministry and leadership, 

Q to address violence and injustice at every level of society, 

□ to become better stewards of all God's creation. 

Our churchwide Goals for the '90s support us In these tasks. 
Together we seek to embrace mission and evangelism, to apply 
biblical faith and heritage, to undergird family and youth, to 
pursue peace and service, to cultivate leadership and renewal. It 
Is around these goals that we in the Church of the 
Brethren center our labors to "go and bear fruit." 

And as we go, we recognize that It Is as we come 
to know Christ's love that we become a people for 
others. It Is as we take on Christ's suffering and 
peace that our mission Is given vitality. It Is as we 
enter into Christ's joy that our witness endures. 

Cheap grace receives the love of God and reveals 
no consequence. Costly grace brings the fruit of 
love to bear In relationships with one another and 
with those beyond our own. Cheap grace pro- 
duces fruit that is worthless. Costly grace bears fruit 
that abides. 

I offer this report with thanks that we are partners In frult-bearing 
and partners In the grace of God. 

Donald E. Miller 

General Secretary, Church of the Brethren 



« 



Cover photo. Haiti: Praying in a most 
beleaguered land. © J 994 Andrew Holbrooke 




Mission is 
reiationstnip. 
Belnind service 
projects, ex- 
change pro- 
grams, and 
materiai aid 
sinipments are 
persons affirming 
persons in tlie 
name of Clirist. 
Ricl< Traugliber, 
center, of Oal<- 
iey, iii., witt^ 
new friends at 
Reynosa, Mexi- 
co, worl<camp. 




Shawn Replogle 



Mission is disci- 
pieship. Despite 
ttnreots and pres- 
sures. Pastor Onaido 
Pereira and tine 
young church in Rio 
Verde, Brazil, have 
conducted fre- 
quent baptisms, 
erected their first 
meetinghouse, co- 
ordinated a city- 
wide campaign 
against hunger, and 
licensed five mem- 
bers to the ministry. 




Derich Rodriguez 




MISSION BREAKTHROUGHS 



IT IS A THING OF WONDER' 



A mission understanding 
of the gospel regards new 
life, new birtti, new be- 
ginnings, "a new heaven 
and a new earth," hope, 
joy, even surprise, as 
watchwords. These 
themes and images affirm 
God's unconditional will to 
gather up and renew all 
things in Christ. 

The church in Nigeria uses 
the wonderful Hausa ex- 
pression Abin mamaki: "It 
is a thing of wonder." For 
Brethren, wonder may be 
found in introducing a new 
curriculum for children or 
receiving new members; in 
risking acts of mission or 
service; in striving together 
toward wholeness; in 
managing and performing 
tasks well. 

To live in mission is to live 
with buoyant expectancy 
that God will do wonders 




To prepare for the September 1994 lau 
of thie new curriculum Jubilee: God's 
Good News, more than 90 training eve 
were conducted by the Church of the 
Brethren. The broadly graded materia 
for age two through grade eight, inclu 
sets of story figures. The curriculum wo 
produced by four denominations roote 
the believer's church perspective. 




First Church Chicago is one of several 
congregations hosting the new Lafiya 
whole-person ministry. A handbook and 
two videotapes help guide the program, 
which was tested in 10 congregations be- 
fore being offered to the church at large. 




1 993 was a big year for short-term 
volunteers. More than 1,400 
Brethren Disaster Response workers 
served on projects in eight states. 
Almost 300 junior highs, senior 
highs, and young adults partici- 
pated in eight worl<camps. Seen 
here is Alan Edwards, Tryon, N.C., 
at a Miami, Flo., workcomp. 



Shawn Replogle 



Signaling the beginnings of the Andrew 
Center for evangelism and congregational 
growth, Rosanna McFadden and Pat 
Helman created a Tree of Life for the 
Indianapolis Annual Conference. By 
week's end the tree bore 3,650 leaves, 
each with the name of a person reached 
for Christ by a Brethren congregation. 





Howard Rnyer 

In a nationwide study of financial 
management practices by reli- 
gious organizations, the Church 
of the Brethren General Board 
was rated No. 1 . Financial 
managers shown here are, from 
the left, Brenda Reish, Judy 
Keyser, Darryl Deardorff, and Ken 
Shisler. The extensive study was 
funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. 



Groundwork continues to be laid in 
Korea for the launching of the 
Church of the Brethren. Field 
director Dan Kim is cultivating new 
ministries through education, 
service, and church development. 



David Radclijf 



MISSION MILESTONES 



MARKERS ALONG THE BRETHREN WAY 



In a church almost three 
centuries old, anniver- 
saries abound. One of the 
most significant in 1994 is 
the centennial of an An- 
nual Conference action 
authorizing the sending of 
a mission team to India. 
This decision officially 
marked the opening of 
foreign missions in the 
Church of the Brethren. 

Fifty years later, the 
advent of the Brethren 
Service Center made visi- 
ble aspects of mission that 
Brethren had long prac- 
ticed: relief, development, 
service, and reconciliation. 

Still older milestones pre- 
vail: in 1993, 250 years 
since the printing at Ger- 
mantown of the first 
foreign-language Bible in 
the colonies, and in 1994, 
250 years since the pub- 
lishing of the first Brethren 
hymnal in America. 



50 years. The Brethren Service Center at New 
Windsor, Md., began in 1944 as a relief operation in 
response to the devastation of Worid War il. In 
hosting a broad range of peace and service minis- 
tries through the decades, the center has come to 
symbolize a way of life in which service and self- 
giving are central. Beyond camera range in the 
aerial view below are mammoth warehouse facilities 
where medicines, clothing, and equipment are 
stored for emergency shipment around the world. 






100 years. In a spring 1994 visit 
honoring the centennial of Breth- 
ren work in India, Church of the 
Brethren leaders officiated at 
dedications in several Church of 
North India congregations. 
Moderator Earl Ziegler lays the 
cornerstone for a new home for 
the Vagalkhod church, whose 
members are gathered beside 
the old structure. 



250 years. Two 

years into Hymnal: 
A Worship Book, the 
denomination 
marks the 250th 
anniversary of the 
first Brethren hymnal 
in America— Das 
kleine Davidische 
Psalterspiel. 
Published at 
Germantown, Pa., 
in 1 744, the work 
appeared in 
numerous editions 
for more than a 
century. 




Phil Grout 



MISSION PARTNERS 



JUST DO IT — COOPER ATI VELY 



Whether training for 
evangelism, digging wells, 
publishing Bible studies, 
championing the environ- 
ment, marketing hand- 
crafts, or extending the 
church. Brethren approach 
mission by working across 
denominational boundaries 
as well as within. 

Some 1,100 congrega- 
tions, 23 districts, sister 
churches in several lands, 
task groups, and inter- 
church coalitions engage 
in mission collaboratively. 
Each act of mission is 
carried out on behalf of the 
whole body of Christ. 

The slogan of a much- 
advertised athletic 
corporation is "Just do 
it." The motto also 
befits Brethren, given 
the Brethren impulse 
for creative, hands-on 
action. Only the 
Brethren version 
reads: "Just do 
it— cooperatively, if 
you can." 



Ayuba Jalaba Ulea is 
general secretary of 
one of fhe fastest 
growing churct^es in 
the world, Ekklesiyar 
Yan'uwa a Nigeria. 
The Nigerian Brethren 
now number nnore 
than 85,000 mennbers 
in 215 congregations. 




Gearing up for a year of 
racial justice hearings and 
human rights advocacy in 
the US are the National 
Council of Churches' Joseph 
Agne, the Church of the 
Brethren's Orlando Rede- 
kopp, and the World Council 
of Churches' Deborah 
Robinson. 



Alan Boleyn 




Ludovic St. Fleur, a Haitian boat 
person, pastors a fast-growing 
congregation in Miami composed 
largely of boat people and thieir 
families. Thie pastor received his 
thieological training ttirougti 
Education for a Shiared Ministry. 



The first woman pastor in the 
Dominican Republic is 
Diomira Beriguete, a former 
street preacher and mother 
of three. She is past vice 
choir of the Dominican Re- 
public church board. 



A basketmoker in India is among artisans in 
40 countries who through SERRV find a 
global market for their handcrafts. Key 
also to the SERRV operation ore 3,000 con- 
gregations that handle SERRV sales. 




Buzz Bowers 



MISSION PRIORITIES 



GOALS FOR THE '90s 



We, the Church of the 
Brethren, seek to lead a 
life worthy of the calling to 
which we have been called 
(Eph. 4:1), 

. . . going into all the world 
to make disciples (Matt. 
28:19), 

. . . teaching all that is 
commanded (Matt. 28:20), 

. . . maintaining the unity 
of the spirit in the bond of 
peace (Eph. 4:3), 

. . . letting the oppressed 
go free and breaking every 
yoke (Isa. 58:6), 

. . . calling one another 
according to the measure 
of Christ's gift (Eph 4:7), 

... for the equipping of 
the saints for the work of 
ministry, for building up the 
body of Christ (Eph. 4:12). 

—1989 Annual Conference 






Service and Peace 
Sudan, after 1 2 yei 
of civil war and l.J 
million deaths, is a 
focal point of Bretf 
presence and adv 
cy. Phil and Louise 
Rieman confer wit! 
Sudanese friend. 



Scripture and Heritage. 
Children at Annual Con 
ference experienced tb 
traditions of distinct gort 
and the feetw/ashing sei 
vice. The activities are 
port of a children's cur- 
riculum titled Whatza 
Wissahickon? 



dn 



Phil Grout 



Evangelism and Wit- 
ness. Paul Mundey 
and associates in the 
Andrew Center assist 
local churches in re- 
sponding to the 1992 
Annual Conference 
"Call to Evangelistic 
Outreach." 



Phil Croul 



Renewal and 
Ministry. Over- 
tures in this area 
include colls to 
a disciplined 
prayer life, re- 
cognition of the 
spiritual gifts of 
sisters and 
brothers, and 
the calling of 
candidates to 
the pastoral 
ministry. 





Shawn Rephgle 



Family and Youth. 
Developments include 
restaffing of the Family 
Ministry portfolio, 
seminars on dealing 
with charges of sexual 
abuse, and expansion 
of the network of bi- 
lingual Disaster Child- 
care givers. 



Phd Grout 



MISSION PRAYER 



GRANT ME THE GRACE OF A TREE 

"••nrii -itfiTimiMiiiii— 




JL 




Church of the Brethren 
General Board 
1451 Dundee 'enue 
Elgin, IL 60120 



GOD 

Grant me the grace of a tree 

Who ber^ds in the storm but does not break 

Who seeks deeply for its source of strength 

Who stretches out its arms for light 

Who shelters the homeless 

feeds the hungry 

comforts the laborer 

preserves the land 
Who stands silent through the night 
And is first to hear the songs of the morning, 
—Wilbur E. Brumbaugh 



David RadcHjf 





.±±z 

Overwhelmed by injustice 

How can Brethren witness as peacemakers in a 
land where speaking out is not tolerated? 



by Margaret Woolgrove 

We had been told to expect the worst. 
Haiti would be hot and uncomfortable, 
there would be few opportunities to 
wash or do laundry, running water 
would be infrequent, and we would 
probably be without electricity for most 
of our trip. •> 

So we were surprised when we 
walked into the low-lying one-story 
concrete building that was to be our 
home for our 1 0-day stay in Port-au- 
Prince. The first thing I noticed upon 
crossing the threshold was how bless- 
edly cool it was after the rush of tropical 
heat that had swept over me as I stepped 
off the plane. The house was filled with 
an atmosphere of calm serenity. In 



Haiti, finding such an atmosphere is as 
rare as it is treasured. 

The call to travel to Haiti in February 
as part of a 1 0-member Brethren 
delegation came in the words of the 
Gospel of Matthew, "I was in prison and 
you came to me" (Matt. 25:36). "Unlike 
the Europeans who came to this land 
fleeing repression," said Yvonne 
Dilling, representative for Latin 
America and the Caribbean, "the 
Haitian people have nowhere else to go 
to start a new life. They are not even 
welcomed as refugees. For them, their 
country has become a prison. We went 
to visit them in the spirit of the gospel, 
and of the Savior we all follow." 

To those of us fi^om the so-called First 
World, the inconveniences of living in 



July 1 994 Messenger 1 7 



4 



countries less economically advantaged 
than our own can seem burdensome and 
time-wasting. The women (and often the 
children) in such a culture spend the 
majority of their time finding food and 
carrying water, from a standpipe or well 
if they can afford it, or from ditches and 
rivers. Time in Haiti is measured not by 
weeks or months, but by how many days 
it has been since it has rained. When 
we arrived, Haiti had been without rain 
for 58 days. When the rains finally 
came, four days into our stay, the 
sounds of rejoicing in the street contin- 
ued into the night. 

When there had been electricity the 
night before, we usually had enough 
water in the tank on the roof to take 
short, cold showers at least once a day. 
In a country with daytime temperatures 
between 90 and 100 degrees, and streets 
filled with dust, we felt lucky to have 
this privilege. 

Our privileges were in fact numerous, 
although many of them were things that 
we normally would have taken for 
(continued on page 20) 




La Gonave: 

Haiti in 
microcosm 

In Haiti the early hours of dawn are 
often the most pleasant, with the sun 
just creeping over the horizon and 
temperatures that are warm but not 
suffocating. At 6 a.m., five days into 
our stay, six members of our group, plus 
a translator, a driver and a cameraman, 
piled into a pick-up truck for the ride to 
Montrouis, some 40 miles up the coast 
from Port-au-Prince. Not exactly the 
tap-tap experience, but then, tap-taps 
don't tend to hit speeds of 80 miles per 
hour while dodging potholes in the 
roads. (Tap-taps are the brightly colored 
public taxi-cabs that fill the streets of 
Port-au-Prince, often carrying 20 or 
more passengers in a space which we in 
the US would deem suitable for perhaps 

18 Messenger July 1994 



six or eight people.) 

We arrived in Montrouis, an hour 
later, amid the bustle of a market day. A 
boat from La Gonave (the small island 
to which we were heading) had just 
arrived, and goats, their legs bound 
together to prevent them from strug- 
gling, were being slung onto the roof of 
a tap-tap for the ride into town. We 
were carried through the surf on the 
shoulders of young men to a small, 
wooden boat. A two-hour voyage took 
us to our island destination. 

La Gonave is small and mountainous, 
with a population of 10,000. There are 
14 vehicles on the island, most owned 
by Christian mission projects. For the 
majority of the population, the only 
modes of fransportation are mules or 
walking. 

La Gonave is a microcosm of every- 
thing that goes on in mainland Haiti, 
only usually to a greater extreme. Food 
and materials are all more expensive, 
because of transportation costs. 



Charcoal is the primary source of fuel 
for cooking in Haiti. The ecological 
effects of charcoal-burning have been 
devastating to the country, a point 
attested to by the barrermess of the 
mountains. Haiti, like many places in 
the world, was once a lush, and densely; 
forested land. On La Gonave, we 
probably could have counted on two 
hands the number of trees we saw that 
were larger than a scrub bush. One of 
the leaders with whom we met said that 
even 20 years ago the island was 
covered with mango trees. "Then the 
American government came in and 
ordered that we slaughter all of our pigs 
because of swine fever. We have a 
proverb about the cat that eats his own 
paws to survive; this is how it was here 
Creole pigs were our livelihood, and 
without them, people started cutting 
down trees to make charcoal to sell. In 
20 more years it will be a desert." 

We met with community organizers 
and farmer groups in three different 



i-«*t ;■ !Xi (t 




vposite page: More and more Haitians are going hungry as 
e international embargo makes life almost unbearable for the 
'untry's poor while hardly affecting the ruling elite. 

bove: Yvonne Billing and Don Linden discuss the benefits of 
eifer Project with a community organizer on the island of La 
onave (see story below). 

ght: Haiti's poor champion their exiled president. The poster 
'lis for people to mobilize for President Aristide's return. 




llages up in the mountains, and I was 
ruck by the truism of the Haitian 
overb "What the eye doesn't see 
>esn't move the heart." Up in these 
ountains, a two-hour, pothole-filled 
le from Anse-a-Galet, the island's 
apital village," we met with ordinary 
iople, eking out ordinary existences in 
r from ordinary circumstances. 



Wh, 



hen you are one voice and you 
ill, people don't hear you," Pierre 
essal, a village leader, explained. "But 
hen you are many, people listen. This 
why we organized." Community 
ganizing began on the island in the 
id- 1980s. "We were called commu- 
sts," Pierre recalled. "The government 
sumed that because we were working 
ith the poor we wanted to get rid of 
e rich. Eventually it started to believe 
our work, and stopped thinking that 
e were communists." 
The islanders have organized with the 



help of Sen'ice Chretien, the Haitian 
offshoot of Church World Service. The 
community organizers (animators) on 
La Gonave are part of a group called 
APLAG (peasant animators on La 
Gonave), which meets in general 
assembly four times a year and in five 
local committees once a month. "When 
we see a problem in the community, we 
come together to try to solve it," said 
Pierre. 

The ecological crisis in Haiti has been 
created by deforestation combined with 
overpopulation and high-intensity 
farming methods. The reality of this 
crisis is readily apparent in rural areas, 
where dependence on the land is high. 
"When the field gives nothing, then 
cattle (animals) are the only hope," said 
a village leader we visited. La Gonave 
is the only place in Haiti where Heifer 
Project is operating, and the importance 
of its presence in the communities that 
we visited was obvious. "The Bible says 
that we must not live only in the spirit, 



but also in action. This is what Heifer 
Project is doing." 

We asked how things had been since 
the coup of September 1991. The 
country doesn't produce enough, we 
were told. "It is a strain on the commu- 
nity, and malnutrition is a big problem. 
If God doesn't do something, we will 
die. We don't have any leaders who are 
helping. Only God can. Before the coup, 
we used to gather together, now FRAPH 
(the paramilitary presence) is every- 
where, and people are scared to take 
part. None have been killed yet in our 
village, but that is only because God is 
present here with us. 

"In the United States you have the 
Statue of Liberty, which guarantees 
freedom from persecution for all. Here 
in Haiti we have the neg marron 
blowing on the conch shell to call the 
Haitians to freedom. The neg marron 
now calls on the rest of the world to 
hear Haiti's cry for fi-eedom." 
— Margaret Woolgrove 

July 1994 Messenger 19 



Brethren in Haiti: A long story 

Many different individuals and personalities played a part in the early involve- 
ment of the Brethren in Haiti. What follows is an attempt to clarify this history 
while recognizing the limitations of doing so in such a short article. 

Brethren have had ties with the Haitian people for more than 30 years, 
mostly through individuals supporting various independent mission groups, but 
also through the denominational placement of volunteers in Haiti since the 
early 1960s. 

In 1 964 Aide-Aux-Enfants was founded by Luc Neree, a Protestant pastor 
in Haiti's capital city, Port-au-Prince. Aide-Aux-Enfants began as a feeding 
program for malnourished children, and eventually expanded to include an 
outpatient clinic and the Ecole Pasteur Neree, a primary school which 
opened in 1972 (see "Haiti's Theological Warrior . . . and the Brethren," 
September 1982). 

The Brethren came to know Pastor Neree through John Barwick, a Church of 
the Brethren member who worked for Church World Service in Haiti, 1 962- 
1964. The General Board supported Aide-Aux-Enfants from 1969 until the end 
of 1990, and in 1980 a covenantal relationship was established with Neree 's 
church, Eglise Baptiste des Cites and Aide-Aux-Enfants. From the mid-1980s, 
the Board worked closely in cooperation with Child Rescue Services (Ohio) 
and the Children's Aid Society (Pa.), to support Aide-Aux-Enfants. Some 
Brethren individuals and congregations continued to support Aides-Aux- 
Enfants independently after General Board funding ended in 1991. 

The decision to stop fiinding Aide-Aux-Enfants came after several years of 
continued requests from the Latin America/Caribbean Office for financial 
statements, with no financial accountability being offered. 

In 1990. Pastor Neree's health declined, and his son took over the ministries. 
Shortly afterward, word came through the Neree's newsletter that the Aide- 
Aux-Enfants ministry was shutting down. 

The October 1 990 newsletter stated that a decision had been made to "close 
down Aide-Aux-Enfants' ministry to street children." It went on to say that "we 
are faced with our inability to help those in need. We dare not nourish criminal 
elements, and there is real danger for our staff ... in refusing to feed them as 
well as the small and the weak." 

In February 1 992 Luc Neree died. Mona Lou Teeter, who spent a number of 
years as a Brethren worker at Aides-Aux-Enfants, said that Luc Neree's 
memorial service was attended by "7,000 to 8,000 persons or more ... a 
disciplined and structured pageant . . . beginning at 6 a.m. and lasting until 
noon. ... He was one of a kind, that is for sure." — Margaret Woolgrove 



(continued from page 18) 
granted, such as eating three meals a 
day. Everywhere we went we were met 
by people with outstretched hands, 
telling us in Creole and broken English 
that they had not eaten for two days, 
and asking for a few gourdes for bread. 
A Haitian dollar (five gourdes) is about 
equal to 37 US cents; a gourde about 
seven cents. 

Officially, apart from a short break 
last year, Haiti has been embargoed by 

20 Messenger July 1994 



the international community since the 
September 1991 military coup d'etat 
that overthrew Jean-Bertrand Aristide, 
the democratically elected president. 
Realistically, the embargo has never 
been fully enforced, and while the 
people with whom we spoke reiterated 
their willingness to suffer the effects of 
the embargo in order to win back 
democracy in their country, it is the 
poorest sector of Haiti's society, the 85 
percent living in desperate poverty, that 



is being hit the hardest by it. 

People told us that it was as if the 
embargo had been put through a strainer 
to ensure that only the poorest people 
were affected by it. "It is a game," a 
women's group told us, "to help the 
elite get back the money they lost in 
supporting the coup." 

By the time we arrived, it officially 
had been 58 days since there had been 
gasoline in the country. But the number 
of cars on the road increased rapidly 
after a tanker of humanitarian aid gas 
came in, with the price dropping from 
30 to 17 Haitian dollars almost over- 
night. During the 10 days that we were 
in Haiti, road traffic virtually doubled. 
On a 10-minute drive through Port-au- 
Prince we counted 30 places selling 
black-market gas on the street. The 
Dominican Republic turns a blind eye to 

Ten Brethren visited Haiti this past 
February to study its deplorable 
political situation firsthand. Front: 
Robin Dessalines, Ludovic St. Fleur, 
Margaret Woolgrove, Emily Zielinski, 
Brian Stevens. Back: Yvonne Dilling, 
Josette Perard (translator), Cinny 
Poppen, David Webster, Sharon 
Helbert, Don Linden, Haitian driver. 




jntraband flowing across its border to 
id from Haiti, and there are million- 
res being made through black-market 
afficking on both sides of the border. 
The children of the oligarchy living in 
;cluded villas in Petion-Ville have no 
;ea of the poverty and turmoil of their 
mntry. They are driven to their private 
;hools each morning in air-conditioned 
irs, returning at night to their homes 
1 the hill. From the roof of the house 
here our group was staying we got a 
)od view of the city, and we saw that 
;tion-Ville had electricity every night, 
id at regular hours. Where we were 
aying, we never knew if the electricity 
ould come on at 3 a.m., 6 a.m., 3 p.m., 
• at all. 

We met with many of the leaders of 
e popular movement in Haiti, and over 
id over were told stories of the 
pression of Lavalas (the popular 
ovement that is seeking the return of 
esident Aristide to the country) 
ipporters. We heard of a man who now 
called "115 Lashes," in reference to 
e beating he received from FRAPH 
le neo-fascist paramilitary supporters 
' the de facto government) after 
;ing accused of making pro-Aristide 
(continued on page 25) 




Haiti's freedom: What it would take 

r 

by Yvonne K. Dilling 

To say "President Aristide," or "Lavalas party" (supporters of Aristide) on the 
streets of Haiti today is to commit suicide, because the old Duvalier regime has 
again extended its tentacles to every neighborhood and work place. The 
gestapo-like organization FRAPH and military attaches (Haiti's version of the 
Central American paramilitary death squads) control the innocent civilian 
population through brute force. One Protestant pastor said, "If I say something 
in my sermon as bland as the Christian duty is to not cheat or coerce others, I 
spend the next week hiding from the FRAPH people in our neighborhood, so, 
no, I can't take the risk to speak to your group." Power today is the rule of a 
mob by terrorism. 

In the post Cold War era, one would expect other democracies to see this 
easily and speak and act prophetically, realizing that one democracy threatened 
is all democracies threatened. One would expect the churches to speak on 
behalf of the God of life against the forces of death. 

But the statements and actions by the US administration have been lukewarm 
at best, deceitflil at worst. US trade increased 50 percent during the embargo 
last year, according to the US Department of Commerce statistics. And 62 US 
companies are directly benefiting from the embargo. And the majority of 
conservative Protestant missions can't see the forest for the trees. They justify 
not speaking out on behalf of democracy and a return of Haiti's president, 
saying Aristide is Catholic, and soft on voodoo. 

The shame of the US policy is revealed every time a statement is produced 
that omits reference to President Aristide's return, or determination to enforce 
the embargo. Do we truly want the seemingly endless refugee flotilla stopped? 
It's quite easy. Haitians don't want to come to the US, or go to nearby coun- 
tries; they want their president back. Our own Brethren pastor in the Dominican 
Republic (DR) who, along with his congregation, has suffered abominations by 
being of mixed Haitian-Dominican descent, told me last December, "My 
congregation is going to stay in the DR until our president returns, because 
without him, there is no hope for the poor." 

As Christians, we are susceptible to the pain of the poverty, destitution, and 
violence, and we want to help in some way. I am reminded of Jesus' lament to 
the good religious people of his day, "You know how to interpret the appear- 
ance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the time" (Matt. 16:3). 

It's not the prevailing situation that should overwhelm us, it's the fact that it 
need not be so, and is worsening as we read this, by weak, misguided, ill- 
advised steps that governments and international organizations have taken. 
Only a simple word need be spoken to Dominican authorities — saying their US 
aid will be cut if they don't enforce the embargo — and the border will be 
sealed. That's all it took to get Mexico and Venezuela to cease trading with 
Cuba. A simple word to the thugs who overthrew the Aristide government — 
that power sharing is not an option, and that US trade will be fully cut until 
they leave — and the thugs would understand. 

Haiti does not need a military invasion; it needs some honest, straightforward 
treatment in the arena of democratic nations. Short of that, we as Christians are 
called upon to offer a civilian invasion, and stand by the victims, bear 
witness to their testimony, read the signs of the times, and act. 



Ai. 



Yvonne K. Dilling is representative for Latin America and the Caribbean on the General Board 
staff. 



July 1 994 Messenger 21 



Eglise des Freres Haitiens: 

The church of contagious joy 



by Karen S. Carter 

He came by boat. It is a painful 
memory — riding a sailboat crowded 
with over 70 passengers, tossed on the 
waves at the beginning of the hurricane 
season, going without drinking water for 
five of the 20 days of the voyage. All 
those on the boat had left behind family 
and friends, home 
and possessions, life 
as they knew it. 
Without visas or 
knowledge of 
English, most 
without marketable 
skills, they came in 
search of survival. 

That was during 
the Carter presi- 
dency, and the 
Haitian refiigee 
situation was not 
nearly as tough then 
as now. Even then, 
however, illegal 
immigrants were 
detained by immigra- 
tion authorities. 
Through the diligent 
assistance of a police 
official, Ludovic St. 
Fleur, one of the boat 
people, was released 
from prison after 
only 10 days. Three 
months later he 
found work. The year 
was 1979. 

In 1980, the 
Church of the 
Brethren Annual 
Conference adopted 
the "World Mission 
Philosophy and 
Program" statement. 
It called on congre- 
gations to be inten- 
tional about their 
mission, train and 

22 Messenger July 1994 



send out lay leaders, and increase their 
efforts in working with minorities — 
Hispanics, African Americans, Native 
Americans. Social justice and mutuality 
in mission were high on the church's 
agenda in those days. 

Members of Miami (Fla.) First 
Church of the Brethren, already a multi- 
ethnic congregation, decided to concen- 



The Haitian Church of the Brethren congregation in Miami radiates such 
contagious joy that its biggest problem is how to handle the overflow crowd. 



E.GLI5E0E5 






HAITIENS 







trate on the Haitian refugee community 
and were looking for a Haitian person to( 
train and work with them. When they 
met Ludovic St. Fleur, one man's call to^ 
ministry through a personal vision 
connected with a church's search and 
hope for a leader. A few months later, 
Ludovic was called as pastor to a 
fledgling Haitian church that had been 
left in a state of 
confusion and 
disintegration by its 
earlier leader. Under 
Ludovic's self-giving 
shepherding and 
engaging witness, thei 
church rapidly grew, 
It was recognized by , 
the Church of the 
Brethren as a 
fellowship in 1983 
and as a congregatior 
of over 100 members 
in October of last 
year. 

Ludovic was first i! 
attracted to the 
Miami Brethren 
because of their 
outgoing concern fori 
the poorest of the 
poor. Their ministry I 
to the whole of life 
made infinite sense 
to him and confirmee* 
his own vision. He 
began to worship 
with them. The love 
feast with its feet- 
washing service left i 
deep impression on 
him. "Jesus took a 
towel," he reflects, 
"and he girded 
himself and he knelt 
and washed the 
disciples' feet. This 
is my model for 
Christian ministry." 
Ludovic St. FleuTr 



: 



i 



ne of the few ethnic minority 
sons whom the Brethren have invited 
lecome pastor and then trained 
ipletely through Education for a 
red Ministry (EFSM). Eagerly he 
lied Brethren history and theology 
1 Everett Fasnacht, a retired India 
sionary. "Brother Everett put all his 
; and energy into my preparation for 
istry and taught me the Church of 
Brethren story." Ludovic identified 
1 the 1 8th-century Brethren boat 
pie who came to Pennsylvania from 
ope to find freedom. He understands 
present suffering of his flock, Eglise 
Freres Haitiens, whose refugee 
erience he shares, 
he neighborhood in which the 
tian Brethren have their place of 
ship is not the kind a tourist would 
z out. Their meeting house is part of 
rpet shop that has been converted 
a sanctuary. They have no Sunday 
)ol materials, no chalk boards, not 
1 walls or dividers around their class 
ns on which to post pictures or 
sages. Yet the life that is exuded by 
group of believers is so conta- 
isly joyous, their love so genuine, 
visitors readily feel accepted and 
uded as part of the church family, 
wonder their Sunday worship 
idance is almost double that of their 
nbership. Between 150 and 190 
pie occupy all the pews from front to 
, sit on extra chairs moved into the 
:er aisle after Sunday school, listen 
[1 the adjacent room through the 
n doorway, and stand in the back 
mse there are no more seats, 
rhe Church of the Brethren has so 
;h to offer," the pastor observes. "It 
ainful to realize that we are almost 
le point where we just cannot invite 
more people." 

xploration is under way with 
intic Southeast District to purchase a 
rch building vacated because of the 
lie changes in the community. It 
lid allow the Haitian Brethren to 




Ludovic identifies with 18th-century Brethren pioneers, who, like him, were boat 
people, seeking freedom. Antoinette, a newly arrived refugee, has been taken into 
the St. Fleur home. Christian hospitality is a hallmark of the Haitian Brethren. 



grow and to have facilities for Sunday 
school. No longer would the children 
have to carry their chairs outside and 
hold their classes in the inhospitable 
atmosphere of an open entrance porch 
with an abandoned car as a backdrop. In 
this new church, fellowship meals and 
love feast could be prepared in a real 
kitchen, instead of in a makeshift 
fashion in the cemented back yard or the 
pastor's apartment above the sanctuary. 
Wedding receptions would no longer 
have to move to rented space in a 
Baptist church. 



B. 



►ut how can a congregation of 
refiigees come up with $700,000? Some 
members work for minimum wages. 
Others are unemployed. Many still are 
undocumented and cannot legally obtain 
work. The problem requires a solution 
beyond the resources of Eglise des 
Freres Haitiens. 

The Brethren Revival Fellowship has 
been helpful to its Haitian brothers and 
sisters. It paid the pastor's transporta- 
tion to attend the Brethren Bible 
Institute in Pennsylvania three different 
years, provided a large van for picking 
up people who could not otherwise 
attend church meetings, and has 
promised large sums toward an adequate 
building for the congregation. 

Being with the Haitian Brethren and 
living among them, even for only a 
short period, is an experience that is 



bound to expand one's understanding, 
shuffle one's priorities, and challenge 
one's preconceived ideas. Traditionally, 
in Haitian history, leadership means 
personal power. The Haitian pastor, 
immaculately dressed, expecting to be 
waited on and deferred to is as far from 
Ludovic St. Fleur as one can get. With 
the Suffering Servant as his model for 
ministry, Ludovic is unassuming, 
always in the background, slipping into 
a meeting unnoticed, encouraging and 
enabling leadership, giving attention to 
others' comfort, being infinitely 
available to those in need. 

And the needs are not only physical. 
"Everybody in this congregation is 
suffering," Ludovic explains, "because 
everybody has someone who got killed 
in Haiti or is in hiding, someone who is 
the victim of the violence there. 
Because we are one family in Christ, we 
are all victims." 

He hopes that the Brethren will 
continue to sponsor awareness raising 
trips to Haiti to learn first hand what life 
is like, tell others, write to legislators in 
Washington, do the work of advocacy. 
"We have to!" he urges. "It is a matter 
of justice. We have to work for change. 
My people are more than a slave nation! 
As Christians, we cannot take political 
sides, but we have an obligation to state 
what is right and wrong, and support the 
'weaker parts' of the family, those who 
are suffering." 

Some Haitian Brethren who have the 

July 1994 Messenger 23 




Space is a such a premium in the church facility that three Sunday school classes 
meet simultaneously in the sanctuary. Most of the sisters wear head coverings. 



green card have traveled back to visit 
family members. "Don't mention 
anything political when you are there," 
Delouse warns. (His 19-year-old cousin 
was shot recently.) "Don't use any buzz 
words (such as justice, education, 
hunger, human rights). Open your eyes! 
See everything, hear everything, and 
keep your mouth shut until you get 
back." 

Ludovic's style of mutual ministry, 
his willingness to serve, and the joy that 
he radiates are contagious. Therefore his 
congregation has no lack of leadership. 
Women and men and youth share the 
load of teaching, and do it gladly. 
Myma, a 1 7-year-old who was baptized 
two years ago, explains it this way: 
"There is so much love. That's why we 
learn so much." Three persons with 
some biblical training (one through 
EFSM) serve as assistants to the pastor 
and preach in his absence. Every 
disciple is called to be a minister. 

During the Friday evening Bible 
studies, about half the time is spent in 
presenting the text by the pastor, the 
other half in questions and discussion. 
"That's my favorite part," 1 1-year-old 

24 Messenger July 1994 



Raynald says, listening with interest. "I 
like it when people ask questions, or 
even joke sometimes in their discussion. 
That's how we all learn." 

"We search for the answers together," 
the pastor commented. "When we 
cannot resolve a question, I encourage 
everyone to think about it and study it at 
home, and we share our findings next 
time." 



Oharing is the key to Ludovic's 
ministry. From a young age, all mem- 
bers of the congregation participate. 
During weekly prayer meetings, persons 
are encouraged to talk about their need 
or hurt with their faith community. "It's 
not for you to just sit there and not do 
anything and cry," Raynald stresses 
emphatically. Mature for his age, he has 
been allowed to participate in the youth 
activities. "On Mondays, the pastor 
picks us up and we visit the homes with 
special needs," Raynald continues. 
"When we arrive we sing a song or two, 
then we ask about the concern, and we 
pray together." What Raynald likes best 
about his church is "the way people love 



each other." 

For Roselanne, an 1 8-year-old high 
school graduate, love feast holds a 
special place: "The deacons visit and 
admonish people to be reconciled to one 
another, to talk through their misgivings 
and hurts. On the evening of love feast 
the opportunity for reconciliation is 
given again. I have seen a lot of recon- 
ciling going on before love feast as 
brothers and sisters confessed to one 
another and asked forgiveness." It is an 
important model for her. 

To others, the secret to their enthusi 
astic growth is hospitality. "Hospitality 
and beyond," Ludovic calls it. The 
pastor's family keeps an open door for 
anyone who does not have a place to 
stay. Little Stephen and his mother 
came to them directly from the hospital 
shortly after his birth because they 
could not return to the refugee camp. 
Soon thereafter, his mother disappearec 
and abandoned the child. Now Stephen 
is four and growing up in the pastor's 
home; Ludovic's daughter considers 
him her brother. 

Antoinette arrived at the St. Fleur 
home straight from the refiigee camp. 
She had met Elisabeth St. Fleur before 
Elisabeth had left Haiti about a dozen 
years ago. When she gave Elisabeth's 
name to the agency seeking sponsors, 
Elisabeth was contacted. "We signed fo 
her, of course. What can you do?" 
Undocumented, 27 years old, illiterate 
(62 percent of Haitians are illiterate), 
speaking only Creole, without any 
marketable skills! This sort of hospitaln 
ity is a big risk for the church. 

It is also the secret to survival. One 
family makes the way for the next. 
There is a strong network of support, 
often based on distant family ties, but 
not limited to that. The church helps oi 
with food and clothing, contacting 
social agencies and trying to find a 
place to stay. 

Hard to describe in a few words, 
impossible to capture in short vignettes 
one has to experience it first hand, this 
joyful community. "That's my church," 
Elisabeth says with obvious pride. 

"See how they love one another." 

i 

Karen S. Carter, an ordained minister, is a I 
member ofDaleville (Va.) Church of the Brethrei 



M 



(continued from page 21) 
mments to the police. 
The repression in Haiti is subtle. On 
I surface, except for the nighttime 
nfire in many parts of the city, life 
peared to be going on as normal, 
iing the poorest country in the western 
misphere, Haiti has definite economic 
d social problems, but only after 
ilding up some level of trust with 
tsiders can Haitian people speak of 
; repression that they are enduring, 
'ou cannot use diabolic means to gain 
wer and then turn around and try to 

blessings with it," we were told at 
; Organization for Peace and Justice. 
The de facto government has success- 
lly carried out a campaign of terror in 
liti, and the murder of two of 
istide's most prominent supporters 
it year has compounded the fear of the 
ople. If people as well known and 
iportant as these can be murdered, 
lat protection is there for leaders of 
I popular resistance? 
At a peace and justice agency in Port- 
-Prince we heard how people are 
bject to arrest at any time, and for any 
ison, although more likely for a 
litical than a criminal offense. "You 
n be arrested at home, at work, at 
|ht or in the day, with no principles 
d no law. As soon as you're arrested 
;n you are tortured. In reality we are a 
untry occupied by its own army." 
This organization does work to help 
ilitical prisoners, and we asked how 
sy it was to get into the prisons. "Oh, 
; can get in any time," we were told, 
ith obvious sarcasm. "In most coun- 
es," he said, "prisons are made to 
ntain criminals. Here, the prisons are 
r the people who want to stop vio- 
ice, while the criminals run free." 
This helps to explain why 400,000 of 
liti's 1.5 million population are in 
ding. The people we met with were 
ger to tell their stories and to enlist 
ir support in the struggle to restore 
mocracy to Haiti, but virtually 
erywhere we went, people asked us 
>t to use their names. The man who 
oke to us from the platform for the 
)pular movement introduced himself 

"Mr. A." It is hard to imagine what it 
ust be like to live in daily fear for 



one's life. "We don't wake up with any 
expectations for the day," said a human- 
rights worker in Port-au-Prince, "but 
each day that we survive, we thank God." 

One of our group members, Don 
Linden, of Genesis Fellowship in 
Putney, Vt., described his cultural shock 
upon returning to the United States. 
"One of the hardest things," he said, 



"was having half a dozen people ask me 
if I had a 'good trip.' A good trip 
implies something different from what 
we experienced. I was overwhelmed by 
the huge disparities between the US and 
Haiti, not just in terms of wealth, but 
also in terms of freedom and safety." 
For many of the delegates, the fiill 
impact of the visit is only being felt now 



THE 



AN D # 





^edStudebaWet 




Jon Scb 



rock 



To live a life with purpose, that was Ted 

Studebaker's goal, a '67 graduate of Manchester 

College. Gentle, humble, sincere, determined, 

Ted followed Jesus' example. He loved all people, 

even his enemies. He returned good for evil. 

Alternative service in Vietnam, his love of its 

culture and land, his mission in life and 

untimely death symbolize this rare and 

remarkable man of peace. .^''" 



MANCHESTER COLLEGE 
TRADITION 



Having lived in Nigeria and Sudan, Jon 

Schrock, a senior at Manchester, exhibits 

global perspective. He respects cultural 

differences and values the need to resolve 

conflicts nonviolently. Open to direction, Jon 

plans to work with BVS, perhaps in Cairo. 

Fluent in Arabic, Jon's absorbing mind, his 

reflective nature, and his devotion to peace may 

be his calling among the rare and remarkable. 



VALUES * GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE * FAITH * ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 

* LEARNING * ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS * COMMUNFTY 

PEACE & JUSTICE * STEWARDSHIP * SERVICE 

Write or call to receive more information on Manchester programs or stewardship 
opportunities, to refer prospective students, or to let us know If you are planning a special 
campus visit. 

Manchester College does not discriminate on the basis of marital status, sex. 
religion, race, color, national or ethnic origin, or handicap in the administration of its 
educational policies, recruitment and admissions policies, scholarship and loan 
■»«■ A "Vr/^T-TT^^TT^U programs, employment practices, and athletic or other college sponsored programs. 

coSge • North Manchester, IN 46962 • (2 19) 982-5000 



July 1994 Messenger 25 



Bridgewater Village, a christian 

retirement community serving persons oL 
all faiths, offers you: 



"We think it's 

wonderful here... 

you zvill too!'' 




Over 140 spacious, single-story "cottage" 
homes and 28 apartments in Hearthstone 
Manor all designed for independent living 

♦ A choice of affordable, refundable 
life-lease or monthly rental options 

•On-site assisted living and nursing care 

• Resident Service Coordinator on staff 
•Experienced maintenance staff to 

quickly handle the headaches associated 
with homeownership 

• Easy access to local services, transportation 
scheduled 

• Real estate taxes paid by Bridgewater Village 
•Planned activities and the opportunity to 

take advantage of academic, volunteer, and 
cultural activities available in the area ^^v^ 

• And much, much more! I — I 



For detailed information, write to 
Bridgewater Village 

315 North Second Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812 
or call collect 703-828-2550. 

Name 



Address_ 

City 

State 



VILLAGE RESIDENTS 



Zip_ 



Pursue your investment 
goals without giving up 
your ethical beliefs. 



With MMA Praxis Mutual Funds, you can enjoy the financial benefits of stock 
and bond market investments without compromising your personal values. 

That's because MMA Praxis operates under socially responsible guidelines in 
which your money is invested according to Christian values of peace, justice, 
and the quahty of human Ufe. 

If socially responsible investing is important to you, MMA Praxis is worth 
investigating. 

For a free information kit, see four tl/IIVIA counselor or call today 

1-800-9-PRAXIS 



Immediately available in Calif., Colo., Fla., Ind., 111., Iowa, Kan., Md., Mich., Neb., 
N.Y., Ohio, Pa.,andVa. 

For more complete information inciuding cliarges and expenses, call i-SOO- 
9-PllAxis to receive a prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before 
you invest or send money. 




MMA 



that they have returned to their "ordi- 
nary" lives. "It's like being at a crash 
site," Don said. "When you get to the 
site of the accident you just do what has 
to be done. It's only when it's all over 
that you realize the horror of the tragedy 
you've just witnessed." 

Yvonne Dilling said that for her, the 
difference was in actually visiting a 
place rather than just reading about it. 
"It was important for us to visit, to 
make personal contact, and to have the 
Haitian people touch our hearts. This 
was the most important thing, because 
it's only after being changed on the 
inside that we are motivated to work for 
change on the outside." 

A few hours spent one afternoon 
feeding and holding babies at an 
orphanage run by the Sisters of Charity 
gave added impact to the message we 
heard from religious and political 
leaders. For each of us there was an 
event or a moment that will be long 
remembered, encouraging us to act. 

For David Webster of Monte Vista 
Church of the Brethren in Calloway, 
Va., it was the pregnant woman outside 
the cathedral on our first Sunday in 
Port-au-Prince, balancing a child on one 
hip and begging for money for food 
with her free hand. 

One of the most important things for 
Yvonne Dilling was the presence in our 
delegation of two members of the 
Haitian congregation, Eglise des Freres 
Haitiens, in Miami. "Having two Haitian 
Brethren with us gave us a deeper 
understanding of the situation. It meant 
a great deal to their home congregation 
to know that the church cares about the 
struggle for democracy in Haiti." 

We spoke with a priest in a rural area 
who had been told by the police that his 
homilies were too political. In reply, 
Pere Jean told them that they obviously 
weren't reading the same Bible as he 
was. "I have a place (the church) where 
I can talk to the people, and where the 
people listen," he told us. "This gives 
me an advantage in raising critical 
consciousness, which is vital in our 
struggle. If you don't speak out then 
you are supporting what is happening. 
You have to speak out, in the 
name of God." 



M. 



26 Messenger July 1 994 



mm 



jy Robin 
/Ventworth Mayer 



itepping Stones is a column offer- 
ng suggestions, perspectives, and 
'pinions — snapshots of life — that we 
tope are helpful to readers in their 
Christian journey. As the writer said 
n her first installment. "Remember. 
I'hen it comes to managing life 's 
Hfficulties. we don V need to walk on 
voter. We just need to learn where 
he stepping stones are. " 



My son burst in from school 
one day and exclaimed, 
"Mom! I got sent to the 
principal's office!" 

My heart expanded to my 
throat and my knees turned 
to water. The principal's 
office? In an instant the 
years rolled back as I relived 
my own transgressions. 

Second grade: My little 
boyfi-iend and I learned that 
the older kids had nick- 
named the sixth-grade 
teacher, an obese man, 
"Gorgeous George." Since 
we thought that was hysteri- 
cally fiinny, one day at 
recess we stood a ways 
behind him and chanted: 
"Gorgeous George sittin' in 
a tree . . . ." 

He was amazingly agile 
for a man of his girth. In no 
time, Randy and I were 
apprehended and taken 
inside, where we found 
ourselves sitting in the 
principal's office, scared 
silly. 

Seventh grade math class: 
None of us liked Miss 
Walters. She was very pretty 
and very mean tempered. 
She also spoke with an 
affected southern accent, 
which the parents found 
charming but which we kids 
used as another reason not to 
take her seriously. 

I entered class one day, sat 
down, pulled out my comb, 
and began repairing the 
damage from phys. ed. class. 
Hair-combing in class was 
taboo, and I knew it. But 
since the bell had not yet 



rung, I believed a little 
primping was "legal." Miss 
Walters felt otherwise. 

"Rahbin, come up heah 
and put tha'at in the 
tra'ash." 

Basically I was a coopera- 
tive kid. 1 made decent 
grades. I usually obeyed 
rules. I got along well with 
my peers. It's just that my 
mouth occasionally got me 
into trouble. So 1 said to 
Miss Walters: "I'll put it up, 
but I won't throw it away." 

"Go to the principal's 
office ri'ight no'ow!" 

Eighth grade English 
class: I always thought that 
Mrs. Schwartz didn't like 
me. Looking back now, I 
still think she didn't like me. 

The entire class was in the 
library. Permy Hill and I 
were talking . . . along with 
the other 30 students. Mrs. 
Schwartz appeared from 
nowhere and flicked me on 
the cheek with her pencil: 
"You two apologize right 
now for talking!" Penny 
immediately said "I'm sorry." 
/said, "I'll apologize if you 
make everybody else here 
apologize too." (See what I 
mean about my mouth?) 

Mrs. Schwartz ripped off a 
pass and hissed through 
clenched teeth: "Take this to 
the principal's office!" 

Senior year: My high 
school band was on it's way 
to becoming a real power- 
house in state competition. I 
was in the Flag Corps and 
we had a junior captain who 
was very talented, very 



perfectionistic, and a little 
abusive with her authority. 

One cold, damp, autumn 
day — when the pressure was 
on for homecoming — the 
"pep talk" of the captain of 
the corps consisted of her 
screaming: "You're just not 
working hard enough. If we 
don't place first it will be 
your fault!" In the room that 
grew silent as a tomb the pin 
that dropped was my voice 
saying: "Trisha, go to hell." 

I'm not proud of that. It's 
the only time in my life I've 
actually said those words to 
another. 

Anyway, you guessed it: 
The principal's office. 

So upon hearing my son's 
news of being sent to the 
principal's office, 1 sat down 
and drew him closer: "Tell 
me about it. Honey." 

And Jameson, his face 
bursting with pride, held up 
a crumpled certificate signed 
by his principal: "Because of 
you, our school is a better 
place. You have proven that 
one student can make a 
difference. I applaud your 
actions and look forward to 
even more great things from 
you in the future." 

I guess things change 
after all. 

And sometimes, even 
for the better. 



Ai\ 



Robin Wentworlh Mayer, of 
Edwardsburg. Mich., is pastor of 
Pleasant Valley Church of the 
Brethren, Middlebuiy, Ind. She 
operates Stepping Stones Counsel- 
ing out of Waterford (Ind.) 
Community' Church. 



July 1994 Messenger 27 



Name-change suggestions 

I have mixed feelings about changing 
the name of the denomination (see 
"Group Announces Frustration with 
Denomination Name," January, page 9). 

We are known historically as the 
Church of the Brethren. Along with the 
Quakers and Mennonites, Brethren are 



known as one of the Historic Peace 
Churches. To drop the name "Brethren" 
would cause the loss of our historical 
identity. 

The suggested name "Church of 
Reconciliation" might associate us with 
a group having a similar name. 

Could we compromise and be the 
"Church of the Brothers and Sisters?" 



tr 



Ifs a combination of the more 

reasonable cost and the element 

of service that makes MAA 

attractive ... 

Donald Munn, MAA Member 

Middlebury, IN. 



Are you paying too much for your insurance? 
Are you receiving the service you deserve? 

Call ^ 

1-800-255-1243 

for your FREE video 

fc Rfoduc«d by Dave Soieaberger 



Insurance protection exclusively for Brethren 

churches, homes, farms, camps, small businesses, 

renters and mobile home owners. 

For a quote or more information, call our toll free number 

or FAX: 1-800-238-7535 



Mutual Aid Association Church of the Brethren Route 1 Abilene, Kansas 67410 



^ 



There are groups with longer names 
than that, such as the Church of Jesus 
Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Yvonne S. Jame 
Elgin, B. 

• I like "Church of Reconciliation" as a 
new name for our denomination to 
consider. It certainly does not remind 
me of the exclusiveness my gender feel 
when hearing "Church of the Brethren.' 
"Brethren" no longer is an inclusive 
word. Af^er reading Paul's charge to tht 
church in 2 Corinthians 5:17-20, 1 
recommend that we make name-changaj 
our priority. The year 2008 is too long , 
to wait for a new name. 

Ginny Whittt 
Bridgewater, Vi 



Raising an issue 



The April letters have an almost 
apologetic tone regarding the use of the 
King James Version (KJV) of the Bible 

The Bible verse from the New 
Revised Standard Version (NRSV) on 
that issue's cover demonstrates the nee' 
to stand by the KJV as an accurate 
translation of God's holy Word. 

"He has been raised" suggests that 
someone, maybe God, maybe Satan, 
raised Jesus; maybe Jesus raised 
himself. John 10:18 has Jesus saying h' 
has the power to lay down his life andi 
the power to take it up again. 

"He has been raised" leaves one 
wondering whether Jesus really had tb 
power or was merely spouting empty 



The opinions expressed here are not necessarily | 
those of the magazine. Readers should receive th 
in the same spirit with which differing opinions 
expressed in face-to-face conversations. . 

Letters should be brief, concise, and respect/Ul l\ 
the opinions of others. Preference is given to lettt' 
that respond directly to items read in the magaziii 

We are willing to withhold the name of a writer- 
only when, in our editorial judgment, it is 
warranted. We wilt not consider any letter that 
comes to us unsigned. Whether or not we print th 
letter, the writer 's name is kept in strictest 
confidence. 

Address letters to MESSENGER £</iror. 1451 
Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. 



: 



28 Messenger July 1994 



e to his followers. 

he KJV leaves no doubt in my mind 
ch was the case. He is risen, indeed. 
James Hankinson 
Hampton. N.J. 



ing the wrong metaphor 

en I read the April "Stepping 
nes," I was offended in the first 
igraph by Robin Mayer's use of a 
ie term to describe spring defying 
calendar. 

laybe I am too thin-skinned, too 
sitive, but I felt the same way 30 
rs ago when a pretty, fresh-scrubbed 
d used a crude term to protest racial 
cks on civil rights marchers, 
layer could have had spring "make a 
:" at the calendar date, "stick its 
gue out," or, with childlike exuber- 
e, say "Nyah! Nyah! Nyah!" 

Jobie E. Riley 
Elizabethtown, Pa. 



iristianity is no 'subplot' 

;reat deal of what's wrong within the 
irch of the Brethren is that few 
iple know, understand, believe, and 
ctice the ideals of early Brethren. We 
e watered down our witness (walk- 
in the way of Christ) until we are 
; like everybody else. 
Mostly we have what Donald E. 
icher (April, page 21) calls a "reli- 
us stew." Yet it is the Brethren's 
que beliefs and practices that have 
acted other ethnic groups, 
agree with Fancher that cultural 
ersity can be a treasure enriching our 
ristian life, but I reject Gregg A. 
Ihelm's concepts (April, page 21). 
J Christian story is not a "subplot." 
be Christian is to believe that Jesus 
s God incarnate, the total revelation 
God's nature. Jesus is the way, the 
th, and the life. "No one comes to the 
her except through me" (John 14:6). 
do not accept that my religion is 
led on a "human expression." If I 
ieve that, then I deny that the Bible 
he inspired Word of God and the 



authority for my life. To deny either of 
these does "dilute" my Christian belief 
until it is worthless. These are two basic 
beliefs I cannot compromise. 

Rosella J. Combs 
Tipp City, Ohio 

• Gregg Wilhelm criticized a Brethren 
member who spoke about the unique- 



ness of Jesus Christ at a seminar on 
peacemaking from different religous 
perspectives. Wilhelm said that "the 
brother's speech had little to do with 
Christian pacifism and love of neighbors 
who may not be just like us." 

On the contrary, the speech has 
everything to do with those issues. Jesus 
proclaimed, "I am the way and the truth 




ICAL STUDIES 



The Bible 



A timeless 
story 




told in a 



timely way 



featuring Brethren writers 
talking about the Bible in Brethren life 



Group and individual subscriptions $1. 75 per quarter. 

plus shipping and handling. 

Brethren Press 

1451 Dundee Avenue • Elgin, IL 60120-1694 

800-441-3712 




July 1994 Messenger 29 



To subscribe to 




call (800) 323-8039^Ext. 247. 
Ask for Norma 



From the 

Office of Human Resources 

STEWARDSHIP EDUCATION 

This position has been expanded to full- 
time with an Elgin location. 

This position assistscongregations with 
stewardship teaching and enlisting re- 
sources of time, talent and financial sup- 
port for congregational ministries. 

The preferred individual will: 

• communicate at a professional level, 
be an effective motivator, relate well 
with people. 

• have administrative & management 
skills. 

• have an M.Div degree or equivalent. 
Prefer two years experience with con- 
gregational teaching and practice. 

Positions available on July 1, 1994. 

For prompt consideration call Barbara 
Greenwald (800) 323-8039 



and the life. No one comes to the Father 
except through me" (John 14:6, NIV). 

We can dialog with people from other 
religious perspectives about peacemak- 
ing all we want, but the only way there 
will ever be any true and lasting peace 
on earth is for followers of Christ to 
proclaim that the only way to peace 
goes right through Jesus. 

Jesus is much more than simply a 

Pontius' Puddle 



THE B^^ Mt\^S IS TK^T 
IS SATOR^TE^.Ts WITH 

A^TEW-dLOCrCrlUGr PAT 

TMAT CAN CAUSE HEART 
ATT^ttCS. ^\^Z G-OOD MEWS 
IS, frlVEK THE RlS\MfrT\C>e 
OC ViOi-EMte IM PILI^, 
rt'? ST|l-l_Tl4E SAPESTi 
THiMGr \MTKE: THEAXev.- 




model for peacemaking. "He himself is ■ 
our peace" (Eph. 2:14, NIV). 

Jamie Baker 
Bridgewater. Va. 



Handling our 'birthright' 

We haven't lost the "birthright" in 
Bethany Seminary's moving to Rich- 
mond, Ind., we are affirming it. 

Sure, it felt like loss at the "last 
reunion" at Bethany in Oak Brook, 111., 
in April (May/June, page 6). But the 
assumption that we know, in our brief 
span, what the birthright really is must 
be abandoned. 

The heart of the church's leadership ' 
training, like the ancient God-of-the- 
Mountain, must not be limited to my 
perception or that of my generation. All 
history is on the move; God is in the 
vanguard, and the faithful people will 
be on the move too, even as of old, fron 
Abraham to A.C. Wieand, to the 
successive generation, even to a strange 
land, where the wind of God's spirit 
leads — to build a new temple and lead 
the people forward. 

Alan Kieffabt 
Denton, Mi 



CLASSIFIED ADS 



FOR SALE— "Our Family Books" by Mason. John Mason 
& Mary Ann Miller ot Wrg/n/a— 1986; Ziegler Family 
Record (Revised)— 1990: Shank Family flecorcf— 1992; 
Michael Miller Family flecorcf— 1993; John Wampler & 
Magdalena Garter— m progress; John H. Garber Family 
Record— m progress; Nicholas Garber Family Record— \n 
progress. Please write for prices and more information. 
Send long SASE. Floyd R. Mason, 1 1 5 E. Rainbow Drive, 
Bridgewater, VA 22812. 

TRAVEL— Australia and New Zealand with Bridgewater 
College President Wayne F. Geisert. 17-day tour Cairns, 
Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Christchurcfi, Queenstown, 
Mt. Cook, Auckland, and Rotorua. Leaves September 17. 
Returns October 3. Cost (roundtrip airfare from west 
coast, first-class accommodations, 23 meals, and enter- 
tainment) $3,295 per person, double occupancy. Optional 
excursion available to Fiji, For info, brochure, write; Aus- 
tralia/l\lew Zealand Tour, c/o Wayne F. Geisert, Bridgewater 
College, Bridgewater, VA 22812-1599, Tel. (703) 828- 
2501, ext, 1300. 

TRAVEL— Rome/Athens, Jan. 18-25, 1995 with hosts 
Herb and Jeanne Smith of McPherson College. Tour 
includes; Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Cata- 
combs, Forum, Pompeii & Naples (optional), Parthenon, 
Corinth, 3-Greek island cruise. Cost; $1,810 includes 
transportation, breakfasts/table d'hotedinners, first class 
hotels. For information; Herb/Jeanne Smith, McPherson 

30 Messenger July 1994 



College, McPherson, KS 67460, Phone; (316) 241- 
0742, ext. 1 244, or (316) 241 -71 28. Summer address; 
26 Mount Lebanon Dr., Lebanon, PA 17042. Phone; 
(717)273-9503. 

TRAVEL— Tour Japan, June 12-21; Alpine Tour in Ger- 
many, Austria & Switzerland, June 16-July 1; Spain and 
Portugal, July 22-Aug. 5; Great Britain, Aug. 9-26; China 
and Hong Kong, Oct. 5-18; MusicalTourto Vienna, Austria 
& Budapest, Hungary, Nov, 7-16; Christmastime in Swit- 
zerland & Germany, Nov. 28-Dec. 6; Christmastime in 
Bavaria, Dec. 5-13. Hosted through Juniata College. For 
further info, contact; Gateway Travel Center Inc., 606 
Mifflin Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652-0595. Tel. (800) 322- 
5080. 

WANTED— Poems for a tribute to poet Bill Stafford. Also 
prose, short reflections, or stories. Also photos of poets/ 
writers with Stafford. Need by Aug. 31. Contact Mark 
Mitchell, 5650 Abbey Dr., Apt. 4-A, Lisle, IL 60532 

WANTED— Mature married couple as full-time managers 
of an 8-bed emergency shelter (vacated 9-4 daily). Lo- 
cated 20 minutes northeast of US Capital in suburban 
Maryland. No alcohol permitted. References required. 
Must be sensitive to needs of the homeless and be able 
to exert propercontrol. Benefits; free housing (entire first 
floor, including 2 bedrooms), utilities, and one month 
vacation. Send resumes and references to; Help-by- 



Phone, Ltd., Box 324, Riverdale, MD 20738, or call tl' 
hotline 9-5 EST (301) 699-9009. 

WANTED— Addresses ortips for locating these BVSersi 
Unit 47, June 1960; Virginia Campbell, Judy HawkiP 
Linda Tweddell, Barbara Summy Milam, Richard Ay(i 
Richard Ernst, Lester Miley, Terry J. Snider. Need t* 
planning 35th anniversary newsletter/reunion. Responrf 
Glen Draper, R. 2, Box 299, Eldora, lA 50627, 

WANTED— Volunteer Camp Managers. Camp Ithjel, (, 
lando (Fla.) seeks volunteer couple to assist camp diteC' 
with management of year-round outdoor ministry prograi 
Responsibilities vary from office work to food servicel 
general maintenance. Stipend and housing in furnish: 
cottage (kitchen & laundry provided). Three Church oft 
Brethren congregations within 20 minutes. Come try-< 
the Florida setting. For information contact Mike Ni 
Camp Ithiel, P.O, Box 165, Gotha, FL 34734. Tel. (4( 
293-3481. 

WANTED— RV volunteers. Do you have a camper, 
wheel, or RV and want to serve the church? Camp Itt 
needs seasonal volunteers to lend talents and skills to 
year-round camping ministry. Hookups provided at 
charge. Twenty minutes from Orlando. Weekly bible sti 
and worship services on site. Come try the warm wif' 
climate. For more information write to; P.O. Box 1 
Gotha, FL 34734. 




w Members 

och, Virlina; Leanne 
Bowman. Debbie Brubaker, 
lamie & Deanna Knox. 
Vlartha Stilton 
gewfller, Shen.: Eliza 
\uckerman. David & Grace 
5rightbill, Margaret Dean, 
(ennie Draper, Josh Eye. 
lolene Flory, Katie Grove, 
Cen Klamut, Shannon 
^cNett, John Metzler, Andy 
vliracle. Beth Murray, Blake 
'ennington. Gary & Cheryl 
latliff. Myron & Jackie 
lummei. Matt & Scott 
itevens, Emily Wampler 
la Vista. Shen.: Susan Wyant 
rata, Atl. N.E.: Cindy Boyd. 
^eide Ellmaker. Bridgett 
^eckman. Lanie & Jamie 
hosier, Shannah Maimer, 
Elizabeth White 
sole, S. Ohio: Leighanne 
!)inlinger. Debbie Jones 
over, S. Pa.: Sharon Slothour 
pfield, Atl. N.E.: Ross 
Boxlan, Elizabeth Bradley. 
Jean Connelly, Paul Dum, 
Cerri Eshleman. Randy Zurin 
idaysburg, M. Pa.: Brent & 
^'endy Faust, Rita Murphy 
;er, W. Plains: Gair Bridges, 
Daniel Butler. Bonnie Hogle, 
■ames Pieschke. Galen Smith. 
*4atthew Tobias 
ison City, S.E.: Mary Kinnick 
omo, S/C Ind.: Thomas & 
A/^innie Davis, Keith & Chris 
Cirtley, Marilyn Moore, 
Crystal Ringeisen, Mary Walls 
Jrte, N. Ind.: Shirley Beam, 
vlelissa & Ron BonDurant. 
Michael Johnson, Natasha 
'axson, Chris & Walter 
Sims. Joyce Stephens, Ethel 
A^ayland 

assas, Mid-Atl.: Jamie & 
'atty Baisden. Heather & 
Michael Byrne, Shawna Carl, 
!^arla, Jason & Michael 
Cline, Jamie Murphy. 
Vndrea Parilak. Diane & 
'erry Patterson 
or, Mid-Atl.: Cheryl & Lori 
Baker. Holly & Gary 
Durboraw 

le Spring, W. Pa.: Norma 
Bothwell 

herson, W. Plains: Clarence 
Brown. Lyllis Frantz, Wilmer 
-ehman 

dow Branch, Mid-Atl.: 
David & Paula Poling 
lorial, M. Pa.: Vesta Furry, 
Stephen & Suzanne McNally. 
Cathleen & Floyd Mitchell, 
'eggy Ritchey 

die Creek, Atl. N.E.: Ashley 
Bollinger. Derrick Frank, 
lobert McClellan, Drew 
Vlinnich, James Nolt 
rstown, Atl. N.E.: Paul 
Brugger. Lori Harvey. Joel 
Coffer, Bonnie Lackey, 
Sherry Rhoads. Carey 
Seldomridge. Rose & Wally 
iValmer. Shawn Weiler 
Carlisle, S. Ohio; Justin 
Ooggett. Charlene Flora, 



Molly Schock, Kent Stamper 

Nokesville, Mid-Atl.: Benjamin 
Bear, Byron Clark, Carolyn 
Hill. Heather & Matthew 
Nelson 

North Winona, N. Ind.: Ben & 
Curt Barkey, Jennifer 
Dilling. Brian Rogers, Jason 
Torrence 

Northview, S/C Ind.: Walt 
Fitzsimons. Bob Moore 

Oakland, S. Ohio: Micah 
Coblentz, Claudia & Linn 
Conway. Sam & Toni Custer. 
Valliejo Deeter. Debra & Jeff 
Hittle. C.W. Johnston, Leah 
Jones, Chris Kolb, Randy & 
Terri Kress, Ryan Lutz, Kristi 
Simon, Jeffery, Jeremy & 
Joshua Swabb 

Palmyra. Atl. N.E.: Robert & 
Joelie Dudley. Charlotte 
Hughes, Paul & Edith 
Hunsicker, Carol Kettering 

Parker Ford, Atl N.E.: Bryan 
Haydt, Nathan Hess, Lyrm 
Huzard, Donald Trauger, 
Cynthia. James & Jennifer 
Valerio. Elisa Wiherin, Julie 
& Tammy Yeager 

Peru, S/C Ind.: Cari, Sandra & 
Tiffany Calfee. Wanda Duncan, 
Sidey Hall, Lucy & Mac 
Martin, Charles Miller, Jayme 
Saylor. Kristi Shaffer, Bonnie 
Sullivan, Margaret Wiese 

Plumcreek, W. Pa.: Dale 

Longwell. Scott & Dermis Orr 

Plymouth, N. Ind.: Kari & Julia 
King, James & Shonna Lyon 

Pomona Fellowship, Pac. S.W.: 
Candace & Crystal Cook, 
Rob McKellip. Stan & 
Phyllis Wright 

Prairie City, N. Plains: Andrew 
Elrod. Jill Hopkins, Adam 
Jones. Andrew Power, 
Amanda Smith 

Prince of Peace, W. Plains: 

Thomas Champion. Albert & 
Hazel Guyer. Gladys Holbeach 

Roanoke, S. Plains: Steven & 
Carol Blanchard, Ken Daniel. 
Wade & Melissa Le Gros. 
Daquari & Daphne Patrick, 
Katie Wenzel 

Sebring, Atl. S.E.: Irene Bopp, 
Phyllis Frisbie. Wilbur 
Gump. Prince Mack, James 
& Judy Marine, Arthur & 
Frances McDaniel, Virgil & 
Ann Sisk 

Spring Run, M. Pa.: Scott 
Bollinger, Brenda Fike, 
Sarah Ort, Karen Rhodes, 
Henry & Esther Sechrist. 
John & Meloney Specht 

Stevens Hill, Atl. N.E.: James 
KJlbum 

Stone, Shen.: Shiriey & W.T. 
Bruffey, Barry. Kathy, Nikki 
& Travis Wyant 

Stone, M. Pa.: Sharon Benson, 
Joseph Cofftnan, Adam Furry, 
Scott & Pamela Grugan. Sam 
& Katy Reist, Christine 
Shuck, Joanne Thurston- 
Griswold. Jonathan Wyrick 

Trinity, S.E.: Billy, Brandy. 
Bryon & Lorri Goebel. Ben 
& Judy Johnson, Christopher 



Shaver 
Trotwood. S. Ohio: Nathan 

Chambers. Kimberly Eblin. 

Christopher Fitze, Christina. 

Dennis & Melissa Hawley, 

Shellie Heller. Matthew 

McLaughlin. Mark Medlar. 

Carl Schaeffer, Scott Snyder 
(Jniontown, W. Pa.: Nicole 

Hyjurick 
Waynesboro, S. Pa.: Ronald 

Bower 
Welty, Mid-Atl.: Kathy. Nelson, 

Rachel, Allen & Jason 

Eckstine, Heather Gifft 
West Goshen, N. Ind.: Jeffery 

Fackler 
Westminster, Mid-Atl.: Jordan 

Blevins. Michael & Laura 

Cleveland, Rachel Lindsay. 

Bridget & Ester Marchio. 

Rachel Rinehart, Lauren Scott 
Wilmington, Atl. N.E.: Heather 

& Randal Fisher. Matthew 

Hershberger, Aaron Kinsey. 

Melissa McLeod, Edward 

Olkowski 
Yellow Creek, N. Ind.: Cathy & 

Dave Fox. Paul Grosse. 

Angie McCramer. Melissa 

Mitchel. Edd Shepherd 
York, S. Pa.: Penny Kohler, 

Rachelle & Tiffany Minehart 

211th BVS 
Orientation Unit 

(orientation completed April 23) 

Austin, Laura, Tucson. Ariz.; to 
be placed 

Fabian, Jennifer, Leesport, Pa.; to 
Deborah's Place, Chicago, III. 

Goubeaux. Eric. Dayton, Ohio; 
to Catholic Worker House, 
San Antonio, Texas 

Hoffman, Gerhard. Pfullendori, 
Germany; to Catholic Worker 
House. San Antonio, Texas 

Jansen, Yolanda, Amsterdam. 
Netherlands; to Inspiration 
Cafe, Chicago. 111. 

Kennedy, Katherine, Winston- 
Salem, N.C.; to Casa de 
Esperanza de los Ninos, 
Houston, Texas 

Lehner. Maria. Neuss. Germany; 
to Casa de Modesto, 
Modesto. Calif 

Rave, Tilmann, Munchen, 
Germany; to Bread and 
Roses, Olympia. Wash. 

Rimsche, Christian, Werl, 

Germany; to Pesticide Action 
Network. San Francisco. CaUf. 

Rohrer, Denise, North 

Manchester, Ind.; to be placed 

Smith, Gordon, Asheville. N.C.; 
to Streetbeat Youth Project, 
Belfast, Northern Ireland 

Tchang, Kathleen. Saskatoon, 
Canada; to Pakrac 
Reconstruction Project, 
Pakrac, Croatia 



Wedding 
Anniversaries 

Anglemyer, Paul and Marilynn. 
Forest, Ohio, 55 



Benedict, Harold and Edith. 

Vermontville, Mich.. 60 
Brinkmeier, Reuben and Arlene, 

Pead City, III.. 55 
Brubaker, Daniel and Amy. 

Ephrata. Pa., 60 
Butzer, David and Mary, Akron, 

Pa.. 60 
Carper, Jerry and Eva, 

Coopersburg. Pa., 50 
Carr, Wayne and Jane. Sebring, 

Fla., 60 
Coffey, Jim and Ivy. Weyers 

Cave, Va., 50 
Cramer, Leland and Ruth, 

Bridgewater, Va., 50 
Davis, Thomas and Winnie, 

Kokomo. Ind.. 70 
Dixon, Fred and Martha, Akron, 

Ohio, 50 
Dohner. Ward and Miriam. West 

Alexander, Ohio, 60 
Filbrun, George and Virginia, 

Brookville. Ohio. 50 
Flory, Glen and Esther. 

Mcpherson, Kan., 65 
Funkhouser, Alvin and Maxine, 

Bridgewater, Va., 50 
Geiger, Mabel and Emanuel. 

Churubusco. Ind., 65 
Godfrey, Sterling and Katie, 

Dallastown, Pa.. 71 
Graffis, Lucile and Homer. 

North Manchester. Ind., 60 
Harshbarger, John and Alma, 

Weyers Cave, Va.. 60 
Hartleroad, Robert and Betty, 

Peru, Ind., 50 
Haworth, Paul and Virginia. 

Lorida. Fla., 55 
Hollen, Francis and Vera. 

Bridgewater, Va., 50 
Houff, James and Mary, 

Champaign, ill.. 50 
Kinzie, Galen and Clarice, North 

Manchester, Ind., 60 
Kissell, Dale and Miriam, 

Troutwood, Ohio, 50 
Landes, Gerald and Evagene. 

Arcadia, Ind.. 60 
Lehigh, Roy and Ruth, Lititz. 

Pa.. 60 
McFrey, William and Joyce, 

Moreno Valley, Calif, 50 
Miller, Thomas and Naomi, 

Huntingdon, Pa., 50 
Miller, Dan and Liza, Greenville. 

Ohio. 65 
Neterer, George and Frances, 

Hollidaysburg. Pa., 50 
Nicholas, Carlyle and Winifred. 

Bridgewater, Va.. 50 
Perrill, Louis and Ruth, 

Beavercreek, Ohio. 50 
Pullin. Harold and Irma, 

Waterloo. Iowa, 60 
Royer, Jerry and Ruth, Virden, 

111.. 55 
Seltzer, Harry and Claudia, 

Reading, Pa., 50 
Sbank, Elery and Ruth. Polo. 

III.. 60 
Shifflett, Sam and Geraldine. 

Weyers Cave, Va.. 50 
Sites, Virgil and Celesta, North 

Manchester, Ind., 55 
Stauffer, Robert and Hazel, Polo, 

III., 55 
Stover. Glenn and Catharine, 

Waynesboro, Pa., 60 
Targgart, Glenn and June, 



Albion. Ind.. 50 
Taylor, Harry and Erma, 

Copemish. Mich.. 55 
Tritt, Wayne and Esther. York, 

Pa.. 50 
Vance, Balford and Helen, 

Dayton. Ohio. 50 
Wheeler, Wayne and Ellen, New 

Philadelphia, Ohio. 50 



Deaths 

Arner, Myrtle. 85. Sebring. Fla., 

Mar. 16, 1^94 
Bagshaw, Anna, 88. Bridge- 
water. Va.. Jan. 21, 1994 
Baker, James. 75, Martinsburg, 

Pa., Mar. 9, 1994 
Brandt, Amos, 92, Palmyra. Pa., 

Mar. 19. 1994 
Callihan, Clark. 84. Martinsburg, 

Pa.. Jan, 25, 1994 
Claypool, Mary, 78. Sebring. 

Via., Oct. 15. 1993 
Coiner, Esther, 77, Bridgewater, 

Va., Jan. 4. 1994 
Frederick. Gene, 62. Dola, Ohio. 

July 13. 1993 
Galle-Williams, Opal, 80. 

Houston, Tex,. Mar. 24, 1994 
Hamman, Ruth. 88, East Lansing. 

Mich. Dec, 27. 1993 
Keiser. Ruth, 88, Lakeville, Ind., 

Apr. 3. 1994 
Kensinger. Leon, 82. Martins- 
burg. Pa.. Mar. 9. 1994 
Kipe, Lester. 66. Waynesboro. 

Pa.. Apr. 12. 1994 
Knop, Kenneth. 81. Denver, 

Colo., Jan. 4, 1994 
Leuenberger, Pauline, 86. Lima, 

Ohio, Mar. 31, 1994 
Lineweaver. Gary, 49. Harrison- 
burg. Va.. Dec. IS, 1993 
McKimmy, Ottamar. 95. Gladwin, 

Mich." Mar, 23. 1994 
Middlekauff, Hilda. 79. Sebring, 

Fla., April 16. 1994 
Miller, Ray. 89. Martinsburg, 

Pa.. Feb. 2, 1994 
Mishler, Rowina, 94, Greenville. 

Ohio. Mar. 26, 1994 
Moon, Iva, 99. South Bend. Ind., 

Mar. 6, 1994 
Naff, Ruth, 86, Roanoke, Va.. 

Mar. 25, 1994 
Parrish, Roy, 89. Denver. Colo.. 

Jan. 13. 1994 
Pitsenbarger, Alice, 84. Harrison- 
burg. Va.. Mar. 13, 1994 
Pore, Verne, 69, Sarasota, Fla.. 

Aug. 3. 1993 
Racop. Shirley. 50. Kjiox, Ind.. 

Feb. IS. 1994 
Reeves, Bruce, 39. Bridgewater. 

Va.. Feb. 18, 1994 
Rhodes, Leonard. 84, Martins- 
burg, Pa., Feb. 17. 1994 
Snyder, Victor, 81. Sebring, Fla., 

Mar. 5. 1994 
Stevens, William. 73. Vinton. 

Va., Mar. 9. 1994 
Stuart, Viola, 85. Sebring, Fla., 

Apr. 7, 1994 
Wagner. Mary, 78, Martinsburg, 

Pa., Jan. 25, 1994 
Werdenhoff. Ursula. 94, 

Sebring. Fla.. Nov. 1. 1993 
Working, Ruth. 92. Hagerstown, 

Md., Apr. 11. 1994 

July 1994 Messenger 31 




No unsaved Harrys need apply 



I had heard good things about Miami's Eglise des 
Freres Haitiens (Haitian Church of the Brethren) 
before I assigned an article on it (see page 22). My 
rationale for including its story in the cluster of 
articles related to Haiti was to demonstrate to the 
Brethren that Haiti is not just another country, "out 
there somewhere," making political headlines, but 
one to which we claim a special tie, through having 
a Haitian congregation in our midst. 

I had substantiated for me all the good things 1 
had heard when I talked with the article's author by 
phone upon her return and later received her 
manuscript. Karen Carter was enthusiastic about 
Eglise des Freres Haitiens and its pastor, Ludovic 
St. Fleur. 

In her article. Carter speaks of the pastor's "self- 
giving shepherding and engaging witness," and 
quotes his explanation of his ministry: "Jesus took a 
towel and he girded himself and he knelt and 
washed the disciples' feet. This is my model for 
Christian ministry." 

Says Carter, "With the Suffering Servant as his 
model for ministry, Ludovic is unassuming, always 
in the background, slipping into a meeting urmo- 
ticed, encouraging and enabling leadership, giving 
attention to others' comfort, being infinitely 
available to those in need." 

"Everybody in this congregation is suffering," the 
pastor explained to Carter, "because everybody has 
someone who got killed in Haiti or is in hiding, 
someone who is the victim of the violence there." 

Everybody is suffering. "Yet," writes Carter, "the 
life that is exuded by this group of believers is so 
contagiously joyous, their love so geniune. . . ." 

"Joy" was the buzzword for Eric Bishop, also, in 
describing the southern Sudanese Christians, 
wracked by violence, oppression, displacement, 
hunger, and disease (see page 10). Joy? If they ain't 
suffering, ain't nobody suffering. As with the 
Haitians, "everybody is suffering," yet Bishop 
writes that, surprisingly, joy marks the life of the 
Christians he visited in Sudan. 

While these stories were being processed for 
Messenger, I read a newspaper article that fasci- 
nated me, titled "True Believer." It told about a 
Wheaton, 111., man who "is very rich and very 
religious." 

Because in Wheaton "there's an environment 
that's basically hostile to [his] values," Robert Van 

32 Messenger July 1994 



Kampen is moving to western Michigan, overlook- 
ing the lake. There he is building a $3.3 million 
house. Under a tennis court he is building a 7,200- 
square-foot vault to protect his collection of rare 
biblical manuscripts, books, and Bibles, including a 
Gutenberg. 

Van Kampen is so gripped by the biblical 
prophecies about "last days" that he spends most of 
his time poring over the Scriptures and has written a 
522-page book, The Sign (Crossway Books, 1992), 
stating his interpretation of them. (Among his 
learnings: Adolph Hitler is most likely the person to 
be resurrected as the Antichrist, signaling the 
beginning of the end.) Says the author of his 8-year 
writing project, "There are so many nuts running 
around, crazies predicting when the end of the 
world will be, [that] I decided the Bible had to have 
an understandable view." 

The Sign is a best-seller. About 65,000 copies 
have been sold so far. Says Alan Johnson, a 
Wheaton College professor, of the book, "It 
fits squarely into the context of conservative 
evangelical thought shared by 13 to 15 million 
Christians. . . ." 

Van Kampen had started his own church in 
Illinois. To be happy in Michigan, he is building 
another church there, Grace Church, a $1.5-million 
project. He had buih the Illinois church "so family 
members could practice their faith exactly as they 
believed it." The same holds true for the church in 
Michigan. "We already have the constitution for the 
church, which I wrote," he says. 



kJo, who will fill the pews of Grace Church? Van 
Kampen clarifies that matter, saying, "We're not 
trying to bring in the unsaved Harry and then beat 
him in the head with the Bible. We're trying to 
build churches with people who have a profound 
love of the Word of God." 

I had Robert Van Kampen figured out as soon as I 
read where he was building his new house. For all 
his claims to mastery of the Bible, he is building his 
house on a sand dune. Apparently he overlooked 
Matthew 7:26 in his scrutiny of the Scriptures. 

I don't know about you, but when Der Fiihrer 
comes marching back, swastika-emblazoned flags 
aflutter, I'm putting my money not on Grace 
Church but on Eglise des Freres Haitiens. — K.T. 



FUTURE PASTOR 





Jubilee, 

God's Good News. 

15 A children's Sunday school curriculum. 



Contact: Brethren Press 1 800 441-3712 



Mc 


Ph 


e 


r 


1 

S O I 


SB 






H 


^^^^E 



Discover the meaning 
of commitment 



^to your own beliefs 



^to the world through service 



^to others in lifelong 




*Awards are available for up to four years provided studel 
eligible. Some awards are based on financial need and av. 
of funds. 

To discover more about McPherson Col 
write or call collect: 

McPherson College 
P.O. Box 1402 
McPherson, KS 67460 
(316) 241-0731 

McPherson College does not discriminate on the basis of | 
religion, sex, color, national origin, or physical/emotiona 




As I write this column, I am adding the last element to this 
issue before it goes to press. The August issue, except for 
Annual Conference coverage, was put together before we left 
for Wichita. Since the day we returned, we have been busy 
writing our summary of Annual Conference, selecting photos, 
and laying out pages 1 1-27. 

I had my worst moment at the Wichita airport as I left from 
Conference. I was carrying 34 rolls of exposed film home by 
hand. As I approached airport security, I suddenly noticed that 
the bag of film wasn't in my hand anymore. Resisting panic, I 
retraced my steps to the airport's news/gift shop, where I had 
laid down the bag while paying for my purchases. All the time 
I had the troubling vision of 17 pages of Conference coverage 
all dreary, gray text ... no photos! My knees are still weak. 

Because the issue had to wait for the Conference summary, it 
comes to you later than other issues of the year. Because of 
that, the September issue is stepping on August's heels. We 
have to have September done two weeks from today. Mean- 
while four members of our Communication Team will be gone 
to National Youth Conference (NYC) over one of those weeks. 

And, speaking of NYC, while I am trying to concentrate on 
putting August to bed today, the first contingent of N YC-bound 
youth (three church groups from Western Pennysylvania) has 
arrived in Elgin, and is spending the morning touring the 
offices. So it's a matter of working at my PC a few minutes, 
then stopping to speak about Messenger to a tour cluster, back 
to my PC, back to the next tour cluster, and so on. It's not too 
good for concentration. 

That's why this column is what it is — just a glimpse into life 
and work here at the General Offices. The work never stops; 
the events of the church's life march on; we scramble to keep 
up. And it's good for our denomination's youth to see what 
really goes on in "Elgin." We are caught with our sleeves 
rolled up and our hands busy. We hope the glimpse that 
NYCers catch of us is complementary to their experience at 
Fort Collins. Who knows what inspiration individuals among 
them may gain? 1 recall my own first visit to Elgin as a youth 
and the insights and inspiration it provided. So I must put my 
best foot forward ... if I can get it out from under my PC. 



Printed on 

100-percent 

recycled paper. 





COMING NEXT MONTH: An expanded, four-color Messen- 
ger — a special issue devoted to the concerns to be addressed at 
the United Nation's International Conference on Population 
and Development (September 5-13, in Cairo). 



Editor 

Kermon Thomasson 

Managing Editor 

Eric B. Bishop 

Editorial assistants 

Paula Wilding, Margaret Woolgrove 

Production, Advertising 

Paul Stocksdale 

Subscriptions 

Vicki Roche 

Promotion 

Kenneth L. Gibble 

Publisher 

Dale E. Minnich 



District Messenger representatives: 

Atlantic Northeast. Ron Lutz; Atlantic 
Southeast. Ruby Raymer; Illinois/ 
Wisconsin, Kreston Lipscomb; Northern 
Indiana. Leona Holderread; South/Central 
Indiana, Marjorie Miller; Michigan. Mariei 
Willoughby; Mid-Atlantic, Ann Fouts; 
Missouri/Arkansas. Mary McGowan; 
Northern Plains. Faith Strom; Northern 
Ohio, Sherry Sampson; Southern Ohio. 
Jack Kline; OregonAVashington, Marguerit*' 
Shamberger; Pacific Southwest. Randy 
Miller; Middle Pennsylvania, Ruth Fisher;i 
Southern Pennsylvania. Elmer Q. Gleim; 
Western Pennsylvania, Jay Christner; 
Shenandoah. Jerry Brunk; Southern Plains' 
Mary Ann Dell; Virlina. David & Hettie 
Webster; Western Plains. Dean Hummer; 
West Marva, Winoma Spurgeon. 

Messenger is the official publication of tb' 
Church of the Brethren. Entered as second 
class matter Aug. 20, 1918, under Act of ; 
Congress of Oct. 17, 1917. Filing date, 

Nov. 1 , 1984. Messenger is a ■ 
member of the Associated 
Church Press and a subscribeif 
to Religious News Service ani) 
Ecumenical Press Service. 
Biblical quotations, unless 
otherwise indicated, are from the New 
Revised Standard Version. 

Subscription rates: $12.50 individual) 
rate, $10.50 church group plan, $10.50 gl 
subscriptions. Student rate 15i an issue, 
you move, clip address label and send wij 
new address to Messenger Subscriptions,) 
1451 Dundee Ave.. Elgin. IL 60120. Allo1| 
at least five weeks for address change. 

Messenger is owned and published 11 ; 
times a year by the General Ser\'ices Cor' 
mission. Church of the Brethren General! 
Board. Second-class postage paid at Elgil 
III., and at additional mailing office. Au^ 
gust 1994. Copyright 1994, Church of tKl 
Brethren General Board. ISSN 0026-035;'r 
POSTMASTER: Send address chang((| 
to Messenger. 1451 Dundee Ave., ElginjI 
IL 60120. 





s 



Touch 2 
lose to Home 4 
jws 6 
orldwide 9 
)ecial Report 10 
litorial 27 
epping Stones 28 
•om the 

General Secretary 
pinions 34 
jtters 37 
mtius' Puddle 37 
[irning Points 39 



30 



'edits: 

iver, 1,4 bottom, 1 1-26: George 

Ceeler 

op: David Radcliff 

jottom left: Suellen Shively 

3ottom second from left: Eric Bishop 

5ottom right, 10: Margaret Woolgrove 

Joyce Smit 

top, 26 top: Paul Stocksdale 

; Wallowitch 



The Lord's supper: Not just a memorial 10 

Margaret Woolgrove's Special Report highlights the 11th 
Believer's Church conference, where 115 participants dis- 
cussed "Believer's Church Perspectives of the Lord's Supper.' 



Living water at Wichita '94 1 1 

A complete summary of Annual Conference business, high- 
lights, and the presence of living water. Photographs by 
George Keeler. 



Seek the peace of the city 29 

The peace of the city seems so distant in our age of increasing 
tribalism, nationalism, and sectarian violence. Scott Holland 
takes issue with theologians who advocate a retreat from the 
public square into separate, so-called faithful communities. 




Cover story: A child 
pouring her bottle of 
water into the fountain 
symbolizing "living 
water " speaks to the 
need to involve our 
children early on in the 
life of the church. 
Participation in Annual 
Conference is one of the 
great opportunities for 
nurturing our children 's 
spiritual life . . . and for 
nurturing our own. See 
pages 11-27 for how 
nurturing took place at 
Wichita '94. 



August 1994 Messenger 1 



Ill 



rr 




White House greetings 

Not many people can say, "I 
got my White House job 
through an ad in my church 
newsletter." But, honestly, 
that's how Carolyn Yates 
Seidel did it. 

She read in the newslettter 
of Oakton Church of the 




Carolyn Seidel is 

friends with Socks, 

the First Kitty of the 

land, one of the 

relationships she 

enjoys in her White 

House job. 

"In Touch" profiles Brethren 
we would like you lo meet. Send 
story ideas and photos (black and 
white, if possible) to "In Touch. " 
Messenger, 1451 Dundee Ave., 
Elgin. IL 60120. 



Brethren, in Vienna, Va., 
that church groups were 
needed to volunteer in the 
White House Greetings 
Office. Oakton didn't have a 
group to volunteer, but 
Carolyn called anyway, 
offering her services as an 
individual. The office was 
eager for help, and wel- 
comed her. 

Since July 1993, Carolyn 
has worked one day a week 



at the White House, prima- 
rily addressing birthday 
cards to people 80 or older, 
and wedding anniversary 
cards to couples married 50 
years or longer. 

Because the White 
House's immense volume of 
mail (four times that of the 
Bush years) requires so 
much personal attention, 
about 50 volunteers work 
daily to open and address 
mail. Another 15 volunteers 
answer the White House 
"Comment Line" telephone. 
The mail typically consists 
of requests to send greetings 
for occasions such as 
birthdays, anniversaries, 
births, weddings, retire- 
ments, and Eagle Scout 
accomplishments. 

Carolyn enjoys numerous 
perks in her job — a White 
House Christmas tour 
separate from the general 
public, occasional Saturday 
tours of the West Wing, 
watching on the lawn as the 
president boards his helicop- 
ter, and occasional good-will 
visits from Socks, the First 
Kitty. "I take my camera 
every week," Carolyn says. 
"You never know what's 
going to happen." 

The best perk for Carolyn, 
however, is the enjoyment 
she gets from her work. "I 
especially love the card 
requests we get from people 
for their parents," she says. 
"It's neat to read all the 
wonderful things they say 
about them. People are 
surprised and excited to 
receive a greeting from the 
White House, and I feel that 
I have brightened someone's 
day." — Lisa Houff 

Lisa Houff is a member of 
Oakton Church of the Brethren, 
Vienna, Va. 



Keeping count 

Summarizing a person's 
career carmot be done with 
numbers alone. But in 
Warren Kissinger's case, 
numbers do help tell the 
story of the 25 years he 
spent cataloging religious 
books at the Library of 
Congress. Traveling to work 
from his home in 
Hyattsville, Md., Warren 
logged 30,000 miles on his 
bicycle, the equivalent of 10 
trips across the United 
States. Recently retired, 
Warren is a member of 
University Park Church of 
the Brethren, in Hyattsville. 

His work as a cataloger 
primarily was assigning 
subject headings and Library 
of Congress numbers to 
125,000 titles. Warren sees a 
trend in religious publication 
away from heavy theological 
writing. "The big names — 
Tillich, Barth, Niebuhr — are 
gone. These days, most 





Warren Kissinger 

religious writing is aimed at 
the general reader, espe- 
cially in the field of spiritu- 
ality." What he finds 



2 Messenger August 1994 



distressing about many 
recent religious books is an 
emphasis on financial and 
personal success. "So much 
of the current approach to 
religious faith is 'What's in 
it for me'?'" he observes. 

More than a cataloger of 
books, Warren also has been 
an editor and a writer. Three 
of his four books are 
companions to research on 
the life and teachings of 
Jesus. His fourth. The 
Buggies Still Run, is a fond 
tribute to his native 
Lancaster County, Pa. In his 
1 years as editor of the 
quarterly journal Brethren 
Life and Thought. Warren 
kept up with historical and 
contemporary writings about 
the Church of the Brethren. 

Warren is planning some 
personal history exploration. 
During a forthcoming visit 
to France he hopes to retrace 
the footsteps his father took 
as an American soldier in 
World War I. A Lutheran 
who joined the Church of 
the Brethren late in life, 
Warren's father left his son 
a legacy of trying to under- 
stand the tension felt by 
those who love their coun- 
try, but are committed as 
Christ's followers to the way 
of peace. Warren has begun 
research for a book that will 
include personal testimonies 
of soldiers repelled by the 
horrors of warfare. 

More books to be studied, 
more miles to be traveled, 
more words to be written. 
The numbers continue to 
add up for Warren 
Kissinger. — Kenneth L. 

GiBBLE 

Kenneth L. Gibble is co-pastor of 
Arlington (Va.) Church of the 
Brethren, and promotion consultant 
for Messenger. 




Harry Diehl claims he cured himself of arthritis. 



Doctor cures himself 

It could be said that Harry 
W. Diehl was just following 
the proverb that Jesus 
quoted in Luke 4:23: 
"Doctor, cure yourself" 
After studying the crippling 
disease of arthritis for 60 
years, first at the National 
Institutes of Health (NIH), in 
Bethesda, Md., and then at 
his own laboratory in 
Rockville, Md., Harry 
believes he, himself, is proof 
that a cure has been found. 

Harry, who is 84, had the 
results of his work published 
in the March 1994 issue of 
the Journal of Pharmaceuti- 
cal Sciences. 

The Swiss albino mice 
used at NIH are immune to 
arthritis. Harry isolated the 
substance in their bodies that 
keeps them immune, Cetyl 
Myristoleate. After treating 
and curing non-immune rats 
of the disease, he bathed his 
own arthritis-wracked joints 
with the substance in 1 99 1 . 

"I could hardly walk," 



Harry says, "so I said, 'I'm 
going to try it.' And in about 
three months my arthritis 
was all gone." 

He hasn't had joint pain 
since then, and the treatment 



Names in the news 

Ed Cable, of Landisville, 
Pa., becomes vice president 
and treasurer of Manchester 




Ed Cable 

College this month. He is 
vice chairman of the 
Brethren Benefit Trust board 
and also chairman of its 



seems also to have cleared 
up his life-long bronchitis 
and headaches, with no 
apparent side effects. 

Harry's wife, Charlyn, 
also was treated with the 
substance. "It hurt so bad, I 
could hardly sew," she 
testifies, "and now I hardly 
notice it." 

A Brethren originally 
from the Shenandoah Valley 
community of McGay- 
heysville, Harry has been a 
member of Flower Hill 
Church of the Brethren, 
Gaithersburg, Md., since 1952. 

He hopes that publication 
of his work will lead to 
ftirther research and to more 
widespread use of his 
curative. "It's my gift to 
humanity," he says. — Karen 

DiNSENBACHER 

Karen Dinsenbacher. of 
DerH'Ood, Md. . is a staff writer for 
The Journal & Express newspapers 
in Fairfax. Va. 



Investment Committee. 

• Christina Furry, a 

member of Mount Olivet 
Church of the Brethren, near 
Newport, Pa., is serving in 
Australia this surruner as a 
People to People Ambassa- 
dor. 

• The family of Mark and 
Jane Flora Swick went 
from three members to 
seven on April 27, when 
Jane gave birth to quadru- 
plets Rachel Ellen, 
Rebekah Joy, Elizabeth 
Marie, and Hannah Jane. 
Mark is pastor of Liberty 
Mills (Ind.) Church of the 
Brethren, and Jane formerly 
pastored the Eel River 
congregation, near Silver 
Lake, Ind. The quads have 
an older brother, Micah. 



August 1994 Messenger 3 




to 




Partners with Caimito 

For two years Bremen (Ind.) 
Church of the Brethren has 
been raising money to help 
the Christian Community 
Center in Caimito, P.R. 
(see "Cristo Vive en 




"Close to Home " highlights 
news of congregations, districts, 
colleges, homes, and other local 
and regional life. Send story ideas 
and photos (black and white, if 
possible) to ' 'Close to Home. ' ' 
Messenger, 1451 Dundee Ave., 
Elgin, IL 60120. 



Bremen Brethren lay tile in 
Caimito 's community center. 



Energizing encounters 

At the 1991 Annual Confer- 
ence, the Committee on 
Interchurch Relations (CIR) 
encouraged congregations to 
build relationships with 
African American churches. 
West Milton (Ohio) Church 
of the Brethren responded 
by creating ties with 
Richard's Chapel church, in 
nearby Troy. 

The first shared experi- 
ence was a 1992 Bible 
school. Each congregation 
has gone to the other's 
church for Sunday worship. 
On special occasions each 
congregation has invited the 
other over. Richard's Chapel 



Puerto Rico," October 1992, 
page 20). 

Bremen set a goal of 
$9,400 to give to the 
General Board fiind, 
designated for Puerto Rico. 
In addition, $2,000 in 
Christmas offerings was 
personally delivered to the 
Caimito center by six 
Bremen members. The 
group also took along 
playground equipment, 
bedding, kitchen items, toys, 
and books. While in Caimito 
for two weeks, the Bremen 
visitors built a handicapped- 
accessible entrance for the 
center. 

Now Bremen has estab- 
lished a Small Animal 
Project, purchasing chick- 
ens, rabbits, and goats to 
give to needy families in the 
Caimito area. 

"Working together on our 
mission project brings us 
renewal, unity, peace, and 
purpose," says Bremen 
pastor Tom Hostetler. 



came to West Milton for 
1993 Thanksgiving love 
feast; West Milton paid a 
return call for Richard's 
Chapel's "Christmas Around 
the World," last December. 



Blanl(ets and hiay bales 

Church World Service 
(CWS) has recognized 
Bunkertown Church of the 
Brethren, in McAlisterville, 
Pa., as the leading congrega- 
tion in the CWS Blanket 
Program since 1984. 

Since that year, total 
donations of $37,522 to the 
blanket fund have made 



Bunkertown the champion 
blanket-donating church in 
CWS's Eastern and Central 
Pennsylvania Region. 
Bunkertovra was the highest 
donor church in the US for 
1993, with $5,969 given for 
blankets. 

Bunkertown designates 
each November as Blanket 
Fund Month, and encourages 
its members to reach and 
surpass a challenge goal 
approved in a congrega- 
tional business meeting. 

Bunkertown doesn't 
concentrate on just blankets 
for the needy. In two 
shipments last winter, 
Bunkertown, along with 
Faith Community Church 
of the Brethren in New 
Oxford, Pa., donated three 
railroad carloads of hay 
(over 2,700 bales — 52 tons) 
to Iowa farmers who had 
lost hay to last summer's 
flood. 



Can't we tall(? 

A long-running dispute 
between Caterpillar, Inc., 
and the United Auto Work- 




Chris Bowman 

ers (UAW) union has led 
Peoria (111.) Church of the 
Brethren to offer the two 
parties reconciliation 
services. 



4 Messenger August 1994 



Peoria pastor Chris 
Bowman emphasizes that 
the church is not taking 
sides in the dispute, nor is 
the offer focused on getting 
a contract. 

Rather, he says, the goal is 
to get both sides to talk and 
to treat each other as 
Christians, getting them to 
"step back and say, 'How 
can I work toward reconcili- 
ation in this process, even 
with people I'm diametri- 
cally opposed to?'" 

Chris believes that 
whether or not Caterpillar 
ind the UAW achieve a 
contract, the way they are 
dealing with their dispute is 
tiarmful to employees and 
Ihe community. "People are 
torn up," he says. 

"We're asking Christians 
:o ground their actions in 
:heir faith. Christians often 
Drofess Christianity, but they 
ground their actions in either 
economics or politics." 

At press time, neither 
[Caterpillar nor the UAW 
lad done more than express 
;autious interest in the 
Peoria proposal, which 
ncludes engaging reconcili- 
ition experts from either the 
Baker Institute in Pennsylva- 
lia or the Lombard (111.) 
VIennonite Peace Center. 



Dampus comments 

Dne of Bridgewater 

College's oldest traditions, 
he annual Spiritual Life 
Institute, was held March 
15-17, led by Evanston, 111., 
Presbyterian pastor David S. 
Handley. Guest speakers 
ilso included Church of the 
Brethren members Merle 
Crouse, Miller Davis, Beth 




Marc Rittle (seated), Pat Crowdis, and Jenny Stover are 
serving as McPherson College's summer camp interns. 



Sollenberger-Morphew. and 
Rick Gardner. 

• Manchester College 

celebrated Black History 
Month (February) with a 
series of events focusing on 
"A Heritage of Excellence." 
Activities included a gospel 
music concert featuring a 
240-voice choir, story- 
telling, speakers, a soul-food 
fest, and a diversity work- 
shop. 

• Three McPherson 
College students now are 
serving as summer camp 
interns, visiting Church of 
the Brethren camps in 10 
states, from Colorado to 
Virginia. Each intern serves 
as a resource person for a 
week at each camp, makes 
presentations about the 
college, and leads activities 
and Bible study. This 
summer's interns are Marc 
Rittle, from Highland 
Avenue Church of the 
Brethren, Elgin, III.; Jenny 
Stover, Quinter (Kan.) 
Church of the Brethren; and 
Pat Crowdis, Bethany 



Brethren in Christ congrega- 
tion, Thomas, Okla. 
• Elizabethtown College 



and the State Museum of 
Pennsylvania are holding an 
8-week field school in 
historical archaeology this 
summer at the Ephrata (Pa.) 
Cloister. Students are 
training in excavation 
techniques, record-keeping, 
mapping, informant inter- 
view, artifact identification, 
processing, cataloging, and 
classiiying. The Ephrata 
Community — the builder of 
the Cloister complex — was a 
religious society that broke 
away from the Brethren in 
1732. The multi-year 
research project at the 
Cloister is designed to 
discover and mark the 
location of original struc- 
tures, determine their age 
and function, and interpret 
lifestyles of the community 
members. 



Let's celebrate 


Burkittsville, Md., celebrated 




its 80th anniversary April 24, 


Carlisle (Pa.) Church of the 


evoking the 1914 scene as 


Brethren celebrated the 80th 


much as possible in the day's 


anniversary of its chartering 


activities. Noted historian 


June 12. Former pastor 


and former pastor Austin 


Warren Kissinger and 


Cooper helped with his 


Brethren historian Don 


recollections to enhance the 


Dumbaugh were speakers. 


illusionof old times. 


• Richland Valley Church 


• Four Mile Church of the 


of the Brethren, near 


Brethren, near Richmond, 


Mossyrock, Wash., is 


Ind., will celebrate 185 


marking its 75th anniversary 


years of fellowship Septem- 


August 12. In connection 


ber 25. 


with the event. Rose McGee, 


• Bradford (Ohio) Church 


of the congregation, wants 


of the Brethren held a 


copies of the book Shepherd 


groundbreaking April 10 for 


of the Cowlitz (Brethren 


its new building project. 


Press, 1957), which covers 


• Cedar Grove Church of 


the founding of Richland 


the Brethren, New Paris, 


Valley. Contact her at 487 


Ohio, as part of its year-long 


Mossyrock Road E, 


100th anniversary obser- 


Mossyrock, WA 98564. 


vance, celebrated the 


• Pleasant View Church 


completion of its building 


of the Brethren, near 


construction June 26. 



August 1994 Messenger 5 




BIBLE STUDIES 



Because the news pages include news from 
various Church of the Brethren organizations and 
movements, the activities reported on may 
represent a variety of viewpoints. These pages also 
report on other national and international news 
relevant to Brethren. Information in news articles 
does not necessarily represent the opinions of 
Messenger or the Church of the Brethren. 



New youth curriculum 
planned for fall 1995 

A new youth curriculum will be 
launched in the fall of 1 995 by Brethren 
Press and Faith & Life Press (of the 
General Conference Mennonite Church). 

This decision follows the withdrawal 
last May of Mennonite Publishing 
House (MPH; affiliated with the 
Mennonite Church) from the Anabaptist 
Curriculum Publishing Council (ACPC). 
ACPC has published the Foundation 
Series Youth curriculum for 15 years. 

MPH, which represents some 60 
percent of the current market, cited 

financial 
losses and 
announced 
plans to produce its 
own youth curriculum. 
"We were disap- 
pointed that MPH withdrew from 
the partnership," said Wendy 
McFadden, director of Brethren Press. 
"But we felt we had to work out 
another way to provide Anabaptist 
curriculum for Brethren youth, so we 
have developed a new partnership with 
Faith & Life Press. 

"Both of our publishing houses are 
sensing that the time is right for a new 
emphasis here. Throughout the training 
events for Jubilee: God 's Good News, 
the number-one question has been, 'Now 
when will there be something new for 
the youth?' " 

The 1995 curriculum will see the 
elimination of separate student work- 
books or leaflets; teachers' guides will 
include reproducible sheets. While two 
electives will be produced each quarter, 
the material will be undated and earlier 
electives will be available to choose from 
as well. 

"The design of this new curriculimi 
responds to concerns and suggestions 
voiced by youth ministers and teachers," 
says Chris Michael, director of Youth 
and Young Adult Ministries for the 
General Board. "Today's churches 
want shorter units, more active material. 



a strong Bible focus, relevant topics — 
and definitely no student pieces." 

In addition to the new curriculum, the 
package of youth materials will include 
YouthGidde, a quarterly resource for 
youth leaders and teachers that will be 
produced as a newsletter; and With, an 
Anabaptist magazine for youth. Informa- 
tion was introduced at National Youth 
Conference, where Brethren Press held a 
series of focus groups to receive input. 

Seven denominations are currently in 
conversation with the publishers regard- 
ing the new materials, including Friends 
United Meeting, and General Conferenci| 
of Mennonite Brethren Churches in 
Canada and the US. 

McFadden noted that Foundation 
Series Youth (now called Youth Bible 
Studies and Electives) will continue 
through summer 1995. The publishing 
partners for that curriculum have been 
Mennonite Publishing House, Faith 
& Life Press, Evangel Press, and 
Brethren Press. Evangel Press, 
affiliated with the Brethren in Christ 
Church, shifted last spring from coop- 
erative publisher to cooperative user 
status. 



Calendar 

Evangelism Leaders Academy: August 8-11, 
Warner Pacific College, Portland, Ore. [For 
information call the Andrew Center; (800) 
774-3360]. 






( 
S 



Bethany Opening Convocation: 7:30 p.m 
September 8. Nicarry Chapel, Bethany 
Center, National Road West, Richmond, Ind-i 

ii 



^ 



National Older Adult Conference (NOAC II) 
September 12-16. Lake Junaluska, N.C. [For 
information contact Association of Brethren ' 
Caregivers, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 
60120; (800) 323-8039]. 



Annual Brethren Disaster Relief Auction: 

September 23-24, Lebanon County (Pa.) 
Fairgrounds. 

Dedication of the Bethany Center: 2 p.m., 
October 30, Bethany Center, National Road j 
West, Richmond, Ind. 



6 Messenger August 1994 



S8 
is 



ingress, President opt to 
iep draft registration system 

May, an amendment in the US House 
Representatives to end the Selective 
rvice System was voted down after 
jsident CHnton sent a letter support- 
;it. 

rhe amendment, introduced by Ron 
;llums, D-Calif, would have ended 
; requirement for 1 8-year-old males to 
;ister with the system. The same day 
; amendment was introduced, Clinton 
It the letter citing three reasons for 
ntinuing registration, "It is a low-cost 
lurance policy against unforeseen 
eats; ending it would send the wrong 
paal to potential enemies; and it links 
! all-volunteer military with society at 
ge." 

Both patriotism and Clinton's position 
Te highlighted during the debate in 
; House. Five of the six floor speeches 
posing the amendment cited Clinton's 
ter. 

'It seemed the prospects in 1 994 for 
ding the draft and Selective Service 
;re quite promising," said Tim 
;Elwee, director of the Church of 
; Brethren Washington Office. "But 
! were shocked and disappointed 
len, after having initially commended 
! Pentagon report. President Clinton 
^ed the continuation of the draft 
jistration and selective service." 
In a related vote, a resolution passed 
the House, which, if adopted by the 
nate, would recommend that National 
ience Foundation grants not be 
jvided to colleges and universities 
It do not allow military recruiters on 
tnpus. This would affect many relig- 
is colleges, including several of the 
ethren-affiliated colleges, and all 34 
iw York state universities along with 
out 94 other colleges and universities. 
■'We are convinced that, if not for 
isons of sheer logic perhaps out of 
ipect for religious and conscientious 
jection to war, military conscription 
d its bureaucracies will one day come 
an end," said McElwee. 



PV: 't^t/^\ 






7 



Members of the 1994 Youth Peace Travel Team Brian Kruschwitz, Grundy Center, 
Iowa; Rhonda Mellinger, Manheim, Pa.; Matt Guynn, Indianapolis, Ind.; and 
Becki Lovett, Troy, Ohio, traveled this summer doing peace education and 
empowerment with youth and junior highs for two weeks at Camp Emmanuel, 
Camp Colorado, and Camp Pine Lake, and one week at Ivester Church of the 
Brethren, Grundy Center, Iowa. 



General Board announces 
staff appointments, changes 

Eric Bishop has resigned as managing 
editor of Messenger and director of 
News Services, effective August 12. 
Bishop will be moving to California in 
the fall to begin his work as assistant 
professor of journalism at the University 
of La Verne in La Verne, Calif. 

Jan Eller and Jim Kinsey began as 
co-directors of Pastoral Ministry on July 
1 1 . This is an interim placement, and 
both Eller and Kinsey will continue to 
be employed as district executives on a 
part-time basis. 

Todd Reish began as coordinator of 
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) 
Orientation on July 12. Previously 
employed as a case worker with Big 
Brothers/Big Sisters of the Fox Valley 
in Elgin, 111., Reish has a B.S. in 
psychology from Manchester College 
and former experience in BVS. 

Guillermo Encarnacion is the 
interim director of Hispanic Ministry for 



a two-year period. Encarnacion is pastor 
of Alpha and Omega Fellowship in 
Lancaster, Pa., and is moderator of the 
Church of the Brethren in the Domini- 
can Republic. He will work from his 
office in Lancaster. 

Helen Constable has taken on a staff- 
level volunteer position as coordinator 
of Congregational Resourcing. Con- 
stable will provide resourcing for 
congregations and districts, plan follow- 
up to Jubilee Time, work with Brethren 
Press exhibits at district conferences, 
provide a liaison to Church of the 
Brethren Association of Christian 
Educators (CoBACE), and carry out 
other resourcing responsibilities. 



Helen Constable 



Guillermo Encarnacion 




Eric Bishop 



Jan Eller 



Jim Kinsey 



Todd Reish 




Messenger August 1 994 7 



Bethany graduates 27 in final 
Oak Brool( campus ceremony 

In June, 27 students graduated from 
Bethany Theological Seminary. The 
commencement was the last ceremony 
held on its Oak Brook, 111., campus. 

Four students received Master of Arts 
in Theology degrees: 

Samuel Dante Dali, Kulp Bible 
College, Mubi, Nigeria, will complete 
his undergraduate education at 
McPherson College and return to 
Nigeria upon assignment. 

Paul Daniel Dominguez attends York 
Center Church of the Brethren, 
Lombard, 111. 

Deborah Wuerfel Eggum, 
Evangelican Covenant Church, Hins- 
dale, 111., will enter older adult ministry. 

Samuel G. Spire is a member of 
French Broad Church of the Brethren, 
Dandridge, Tenn. 

One student received a Certificate of 
Achievement in Theological Studies: 

John Crumley, Beaver Creek Church 
of the Brethren, Knoxville, Tenn., will 
enter lay ministry at Douglas Park 
Church of the Brethren, Chicago, 111. 

Twenty-two students earned Master of 
Divinity degrees: 

Gregory Beach will pastor Dunnings 
Creek Church of the Brethren, New 
Paris, Pa. 

Joan Butler Carlson, St. Isaac 
Jogues Catholic Church, Hinsdale, 111., 
will enter a hospital chaplaincy. 

Cesar M. Cortez, York Center 
Church of the Brethren, Lombard, 111., 
will work with World Radio Mission 
Fellowship, in Ecuador. 

Young Pil Chang, Love Church of 
Chicago, 111., will enter the pastoral 
ministry. 

Dena Eileen Gilbert is a member of 
the La Verne (Calif.) Church of the 
Brethren. 

Dale Gish is lay pastor with Reba 
Place Church of the Brethren, Evanston, 
111. 

Nancy Bess Waters Griffy, is associ- 

8 Messenger August 1994 




The 1994 Bethany Theological Seminary graduates are (front row) John Crumley, . 
Paul Dominguez, Dena Eileen Gilbert, Mark D. Jargstorf, Festus E. Oke; (second 
row) Greg Beach, Jae II Suh, Judy Mills Reimer, Samuel Dante Dali, Marilyn 
Lerch Scott, Jean Keith, Lori Powell; (third row) Cesar M. Cortez, Young Pil 
Chang, Karen J. Lease, Michelle L.B. Grimm, Ratnawati Hadiwirawan, Thomas 
Longenecker; (fourth row) Samuel G. Spire, Earl Stovall, Deborah Eggum, Carol 
L. Mayernick, Sara Marie Shields-Priddy, Joan Butler Carlson. 



ate pastor of Grace United Methodist 
Church, Decatur, 111. 

Michelle L.B. Grimm is a member of 
Indian Creek Church of the Brethren, 
Harleysville, Pa. 

Ranta Hadiwirawan is a member of 
Franklin Grove (111.) Church of the 
Brethren. 

Mark D. Jargstorf is a member of 
First United Church of Christ, Forest 
Park, 111. 

Jean Keith will co-pastor Douglas 
Park Church of the Brethren, Chicago, 
111. 

Karen J. Lease, of both Union Bridge 
(Md.) Church of the Brethren and York 
Center Church of the Brethren, 
Lombard, 111., will continue ministry in 
occupational therapy. 

Thomas Longenecker, Florin Church 
of the Brethren, Mount Joy, Pa., will 
work with Hillcrest Homes, La Verne, 
Calif 

Carol L. Mayernick will become a 
chaplain at Saint Joseph's Hospital, 
Bloomington, 111. 



Festus E. Oke, is a member of 
North Liberty (Ind.) Church of the 
Brethren. 

Lori Annette Powell will be associ- 
ate pastor First Congregational 
Church, United Church of Christ, 
Naperville, 111. 

Judy Mills Reimer, Williamson 
Road Church of the Brethren, Roanoke 
Va., is the 1994-95 Church of the 
Brethren Annual Conference moderator 

Marilyn Lerch Scott, First Church o 
the Brethren, Harrisonburg, Va., is 
pastor of Naperville (111.) Church of th( 
Brethren. 

Sara Marie Shields-Priddy is a 
member of Lombard (111.) Mennonite 
Church. 

Earl F. Stovall will pastor New 
Enterprise (Pa.) Church of the Brethren 

Jae II Suh, Korean World Mission 
Church, Reseda, Calif, will pastor Fuli 
Gospel Las Vegas (Nev.) Church. 

John "Woody" G. Woodford is a 
member of Outlook (Wash.) Church oii 
the Brethren. 






tewardship, Baltimore First 
stablish Hayes memorial 

altimore (Md.) First Church of the 
rethren, in cooperation with the 
ewardship Office of the Church of the 
rethren General Board, has initiated 
e William A. Hayes Memorial Fund. 
Hayes was elected as the first African 
merican moderator for the 1988 Ann- 
il Conference, and was pastor at Balti- 
ore First church prior to his death. 



The fund, to be administered by the 
Ministry Endowment Fund, will be used 
for scholarships for "African American 
students who seek to be equipped for 
the work of ministry." Its establishment 
was announced at the Urban Ministries 
Luncheon at Annual Conference. 

Contributions should be sent to the 
Stewardship Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., 
Elgin, IL 60120. Checks should contain 
the notation "William A. Hayes Memo- 
rial Fund." 



Emergency Disaster Fund 
grant issued for Rwanda 

An allocation of $25,000 has been given 
from the Emergency Disaster Fund in 
response to continuing violence in 
Rwanda. The money will be used for 
food, clothing, blankets, medical sup- 
plies, agricultural tools and seeds, water 
development, and crisis intervention, 
including an attempt to facilitate a 
peace and reconciliation program. 




an attempt to end debate, Pope John Paul ll said the priestly 
jination of women is not a topic for discussion. The pontiff relied on 
i teachings of Pope Paul VI and other predecessors in explaining 
ly the church cannot allow women priests. 

"In order that ail doubt may be removed regarding a matter of great 
portance, I declare that the Church has no authority whatsoever to 
nfer priestly ordination on women and that this judgment is to be 
finitively held by all the Church's faithful." 

The pope also rejected complaints of sexism in the church's 
iching pointing out that Christ did not choose the virgin Mary for 
nisterial priesthood. That fact, he said, "shows that the non-admis- 
in of women to priestly ordination cannot mean that women are of 
!ser dignity, nor can it be construed as discrimination against them." 

The World Council of Churches (wcc) intends to sponsor 

; participation of 100 women— 50 of them Chinese— at Forum 95, a 
nference to discuss progress on conditions for women, to be held in 
ijing in late August next year. 

Forum 95 will bring together thousands of women from women's 
)ups linked to non-governmental organizations around the world, and 
I overlap with the fourth United Nations Conference on Women, also 
ting place in Beijing. 

The forum will discuss advances for women in UN member states 
)und the world in the decade since 1985 when the third UN Confer- 
ee on Women drew up its report. 

Frank Winnermark of Lexington, Ky., began June i as 
ector of the National Council of Churches' (NCC) Office of Finance 
d Administration. 

making the appointment, Joan Brown Campbell, NCC general 
cretary, said Winnermark will bring "coherent and decisive leadership 
the management of the Council's financial and human resources." 
nnermark will serve during the interim until the new Quadrennium 
gins on January 1, 1996. He succeeds Robert Soong, who resigned 



following a troubled investment in the Bank of Bohemia in Prague. 

Winnermark faces the financial and administrative issues of the 
NCC, which is seeking the return of $8 million from the investment. 

He comes to the NCC at a time when the organization is moving to 
an important stage of a two-year Transformation Process. As a 
specialist in human resource development and management, he is 
expected to lead in the preparation of new position descriptions for all 
staff based on clearly defined policies. "Performance reviews need to 
be conducted at stated inten/als and need to be directly related to 
approved position descriptions," he said. 

American Baptist youth will read the entire Bible 

during their Aug. 8-14 national gathering in Estes Park, Colo. They will 
use four large-print New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bibles 
donated by the Committee on Bible Translation and Utilization of the 
National Council of Churches (NCC). 

The NCC committee also promised financial support to provide 
free NRSV New Testaments to the expected 2,500 participants in the 
youth gathering, which is meeting under the theme "VENTURE: 
Traveling With the Lord by Our Side." 

Young people will use the four large-print NRSV Bibles in a large- 
scale reading of the entire Bible at morning devotions and mealtimes, 
and during meetings. Representatives from every youth group 
attending the conference will be invited to participate, with readers 
signing their names and the dates in the Bibles. 

Using a large banner, they will mark their progress each evening, 
and the whole gathering will celebrate this affirmation of the Bible as 
the conference concludes. 

After the youth gathering, one Bible will be donated to the 
American Baptist Historical Society for its archives. Another will be 
given to the American Baptist Assembly at Green Lake, Wis. The two 
remaining Bibles will circulate through American Baptist regions, to be 
used, signed, and dated at rallies, camps, retreats, and regional youth 
conventions. 

Messenger August 1994 9 





The Lord's supper: Not just a memorial 



by Margaret Woolgrove 

"I don't know how to speak for a mob," 
said Bill Brackney, in trying to give a 
Canadian Baptist view of the Lord's 
supper, "but that's what I've been asked 
to do." 

In putting together a conference on 
"Believer's Church Perspectives of the 
Lord's Supper," it was inevitable that 
the crowd would be mob-like. 

From discussions on the "real presence" 
(and the "surreal" absence), sacraments 
and ordinances, the seeming substantiality 
of transubstantiation versus 
consubstantiation, some group 
consensus emerged, but there were 
always those who disagreed. 

This was the 1 1th Believer's 
Church conference, and the first 
one to take on the huge and 
potentially divisive subject of the 
Lord's supper. 

The term "Believer's Church" 
was coined by Max Weber who, 
according to Brethren historian 
Donald Dumbaugh, "wanted a 
descriptive term to identify radical 
Protestants who had distanced 
themselves from state-sponsored 
church establishments or other 
socially dominant ecclesiastical 
bodies" (Ser-vants of the Word, 
Brethren Press, 1990, page xvii). 

The 115 participants at this confer- 
ence, held on the campus of Ashland 
Theological Seminary in Ohio, came 
from more than 25 different denomina- 
tional groupings. They included Breth- 
ren (Church of the Brethren, Brethren 
Church, Grace Brethren, Dunkard 
Brethren, and Old German Baptist 
Brethren), Mennonites (General Confer- 
ence, Mennonite Church, and Menno- 
nite-Brethren), Methodists (Wesleyan 
ones, Free ones, and even United ones). 
Baptists, Southern Baptists, Presbyteri- 
ans, Catholics, Quakers, Moravians, 
Seventh-day Adventists, Christian 
Church, Church of God, and African 
Methodist Episcopals. 

On the whole. Believer's Churches 

10 Messenger August 1994 



Stress adult, or believer's, baptism. This 
is seen as an outward sign of an inward 
and voluntary commitment. This means 
that the Religious Society of Friends 
(Quakers) — who do not baptize — are 
also included in the designation. It was 
at Earlham School of Religion (the 
Quaker seminary in Richmond, Ind.) 
that the groundwork for the first 
Believer's Church conference, held in 
1967, was laid. 

The Believer's Church "title" is an 
umbrella that covers a broad scope of 
churches, diverse not only in theology, but 



■ 






^^^^Ek^ 








^^K . 


^^^^^H 


W^m^l r )^3^^^^| 




^S^^B^I 


■ 


IL^JH 


^^K, 


^m 


Fl 




^^- 




^ 1 




^^^r 


/■'M 


>^ ii 




r y 


z* 


& 




« 






i> ^ J^K 


:f 


jr> 



Jeff Bach, a Bethany Seminary professor, and Linda 

Fry, of the Juniata College library staff, were among the 

115 participants at the Believer's Church conference. 



also in culture and geographical location. 
There is no guiding body and no support- 
ing bureaucracy to the organization, and 
the conferences, which happen roughly 
every two years, are locally organized. 

From the foundational 1967 gathering 
on the "Concept of the Believer's 
Church," a list of affumations was drawn 
up. These included the Lordship of 
Christ, the authority of the Word, church 
membership regenerated by the Spirit, the 
covenant of believers, a need for perpetual 
restitution of the church, the necessity 
for a separation from the world, procla- 
mation and service to the world, and a 
non-organizational view of church unity. 

With the large numbers of Anabap- 
tists at this most recent gathering, 



considerable time was spent examining 
the Anabaptist tradition of feetwashing. 
The biblical precedent for this ritual act 
is found in John 13:5-14, and the 
mandate for its continued practice is 
more obvious than those given for watei 
baptism or eucharist (the Lord's supper), 

In the context of John's Gospel, 
according to J.C. Thomas, who spoke on 
the subject of feetwashing, baptism 
"would designate initial belief and 
fellowship with Jesus, while feetwashing 
would signify the continuance of that 
belief and fellowship." Thus, feetwashing 
"signifies the removal of sin that 
might accumulate as a result of 
life in this sinful world." 

For Brethren, both past 
and present, the issue has not 
been whether Christ is present 
in the elements, but whether 
Christ is present in the body of 
believers that makes up the 
church. Hence the importance of • 
Matthew 18:15 and the resolvingi 
of interpersonal disputes before 
the church body can come 
together for commmunion. 

Mennonite Myron 
Augsburger spoke on the "Imme- j 
diacy of Grace" in Friday J 

evening's opening worship. "The 
sacraments," he said, "represent 
the death of one's self, and new 
life in Christ. We Mennonites tend to 
think that when God got hold of us he 
got a bargain. All he had to do was dust 
us off and polish us up. But sin isn't jusi 
doing wrong things, it's having wrong 
attitudes, such as self-centeredness . . . 
God is overcoming evil not through 
exercising superior power, but through 
exercising the superior qualities of love, 
mercy, holiness, and grace . . . We are 
not our own. We are God's." 

For Believer's Churches, the Lord's 
supper is not just a memorial of a past 
event, but a powerfiil and evocative 
reminder of the imminence of Christ in 
the body of believers. It is a reminder 



not only to remember the past, 
but to live out of it. 



M^ 




Karagama Gadzama pours water from Nigeria's Hawal 
River into the fountain of unity that flanl<ed the stage 
and flowed throughout Conference weel<. For the 
third time since 1976, the Church of the Brethren 
gathered in Wichita's Century II convention center. 

4 



Living water 
at Wichita '94 

What was the Conference 
logo saying? Were we to 
find refreshment and 
renewal at Wichita, or were 
we to go out from Wichita 
inviting others to drink the 
living water? Or was it 
both? Ultimately, it was a 
question each of the 4,000 
participants at the 208th 
recorded Annual Conference 
had to answer alone. Here 
to consider in forming the 
answer, is what we witnessed 
said and done in Wichita, 
Kan.,June28-July3, 1994. 

—the Messenger staff 
photos by George Keeler 




Messenger August 1 994 1 1 




Leola Allen, pastor of 
Tok'ahookadi Church of 
the Brethren, and her 
husband, Ernie Conry, 
direct Lybrook Commu- 
nity Ministries, near 
Cuba, N.M. Lybrook is, 
at present, the only 
Native American project 
of General Board 
program. The project is 
supported by Western 
Plains District. (See 
IVIay/June, page 20, 
"Lybrook and Its 
Changing Role.") 



Yahola Simms, one of 
the Native American 
members of the study 
committee, defended 
the "Native American 
Justice" paper in a 
Tuesday evening hear- 
ing, referring often to 
learnings from his 
97-year-old grandmother. 
Said Simms, "To Indian 
people such as I, words 
are built on the air that 
sustains our life. We 
breathe In the air and 
we form words, and 
those words remain 
sacred to us." 



NATIVE AMERICANS 



Dealing with relationships 

Critics doubted paper was really 
referring to Jesus Christ 

"Community: A Tribe of Many Feathers," the 
statement relating the Church of the Brethren to 
Native Americans, was overwhelmingly 
adopted by Conference although the language 
of the paper, in several instances, still did not 
please the statement's critics. 

Prior to floor discussion, delegates accepted 
the substitute paper sent to Conference by the 
General Board. Based on feedback received 
during the past year, the committee that wrote 
the original paper, which was adopted in 1993 
as a study paper, submitted it as the proposed 
statement for adoption, with numerous changes 
calculated to ease its passage. The revised 
paper included a section with recommendations 
for families and individuals. 

More than a dozen people expressed con- 
cerns about and affirmations for the paper, and 
many more were in line at the microphones 
when a motion was made to move the previous 
question. Most of the paper's critics raised 
concerns regarding Christology and the relation 
of Native American traditions and Christian 
faith. 

General Board chairman David Wine 
introduced the paper as dealing primarily with 
relationships and justice, rather than formulat- 
ing a theological stance. "It notes our diversity 
and affirms our unity as a people of the ancient 



land we call America," said Wine. "This paper 
challenges the church to address the continuing 
injustice and misunderstandings that cause 
division." 

During a Tuesday evening hearing, and again 
on the floor of Conference, critics challenged 
the committee's assertion that the paper was 
not meant to be theological. "I heard the 
committee make claims not in line with 
reality," said Jamie Baker, pastor of Summit 
Church of the Brethren, near Bridgewater, Va. 
"The paper is shot through with Christology, 
and it is misleading and confusing." 

One of four attempts to amend the paper 
succeeded. That amendment, moved by Esther 
Moeller Ho, of Fellowship in Christ Church of 
the Brethren, Fremont, Calif., changed phrases 
such as "people of God" and "people of faith" 
to "Christian." 

Ethelene Wilson, a Native American 
(Navajo) committee member from the 
Tok'ahookadi Church of the Brethren, near 
Cuba, N.M., commented prior to floor discus- 
sion, "I hope what the paper accomplishes is 
that we will see a Native American pastor, 
leaders for our youth group, and Sunday school 
leaders." 

She added, "I pray that we will have good 
spiritual growth, and that one day we will have 
more of my people here (at Conference). 

"When you come to Lybrook (Lybrook 
Community Ministries, of which the 
Tok'ahookadi congregation is a part)," Wilson 
said, "come to worship God; don't come to 
study us. Come and respect us; don't prejudge 
us." — Eric B. Bishop 




12 Messenger August 1994 




live Report' youth-focused 

The General Board "Live Report" (which complements the 
written report in the Conference Booklet) had a clear focus on 
youth, with a singing quartet introducing various aspects of 
General Board program. The highlight of the report was a 
group of youth assembling on stage a symbolic house; 
during National Youth Conference in late July they would 
construct the real thing. The members of the quartet, JOYA 
(pronounced "Hoya") or Journey of Young Adults, are Brian 
Kruschwitz, LuAnne Harley, Barbara Sayler, and Shawn 
Kirschner. Accompanying them on drums in their "Live 
Report" performance, was Alan Boleyn, currently serving as a 
volunteer with the General Board's Communication Team. 



Messenger August 1 994 1 3 




Andy McKinnell, 
of Glen Rock, Pa., 
was just one of 
many dads at 
Wichita providing 
their l<ids with 
an early Annual 
Conference 
experience and 
(in this case), on 
the side, a lesson 
in first steps. Son 
Ian seemed to be 
catching on fast. 



SOUTH AFRICA 



Time for a new stance 

The South African people had 
asked for removal of sanctions 

Reflecting the recent peaceful dismantling of 
apartheid in South Africa and that country's 
free election in April, Annual Conference acted 
favorably on a new business item coming from 
the General Board, voting overwhelmingly to 
affirm the board's suspension of economic 
sanctions, divestiture, and boycott components 
previously enacted regarding South Africa, and 
to suspend previous Conference action regard- 
ing divestiture (1986) and its 1989 recommen- 
dations regarding boycott and economic 
sanctions. 

Merv Keeney, General Board staff for Africa 
and the Middle East, reminded Conference that 
the economic sanctions had been put in place at 
the request of the South African people and 
now were being removed also at their request. 

Statements remain in place that call for 
Brethren to work toward eliminating all forms 
of apartheid in South Africa, recognizing that 
the path toward a truly equal society will be a 
long one. — Margaret Woolgrove 



AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES 



Following the guidelines 

Delegates added a little punch to 
Standing Committee's suggestion 

The clock was running out on Saturday after- 
noon and delegates were getting restless when 
"Americans with Disabilities Act" reached the 
floor. The query (or, more accurately, the 
petition), from the Highland Avenue (Elgin, 
111.) congregation in IllinoisAVisconsin District, 
called on Conference "to consider accepting 
the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines 
for the Church of the Brethren and to urge our 
churches and institutions to begin study and 
implementation thereof. . . ." 

Standing Committee member Don Flory, 
Paris, 111., in presenting the query, noted that "if 
people aren't able (physically) to get into the 
church, they cannot worship or participate." 

Delegates were not satisified with the 



recommended answer from Standing Commit- 
tee, which would have had Conference merelv 
appreciating the concern and asking congrega 
tions to "ac? within the spirit of the Americans 
with Disabilities Act. . . ." Acting on a motion 
from the floor, delegates approved a substitute 
answer that was more forceful: "Annual 
Conference responds favorably to the petition 
and urges appropriate follow-through by . . 
congregations and institutions in behalf of 
persons with special needs. . . ." 

The Association of Brethren Caregivers 
(ABC) offers helpfiil information for congregi 
tions wanting to making their facilities more 
accessible to the physically disabled. — Paula 
S. Wilding 



SIMPLE LIVING 



Updating simple life rulej 



Why must the Brethren simple lif( 
be such a complex Issue for us? 

"Simple living is not simple," delegates 
were told in the discussion of the query 
"Simple Life." The query was adopted, with 
the goal of enabling Brethren "to discuss and 
encounter the Brethren testimony concerning 
the simple life." 

The query, in the form of a petition, was 
brought by the Springfield (111.) congregation, 
of Illinois/Wisconsin District, recognizing tl 
"cultural pressures against simple living are 
different for every generation, and the conte: 
porary age of competition, media proliferatioi 
and rapid technological change presents uniqi 
challenges to Christian simplicity." 

As the answer to the query instructed, a 
committee of three people, one from Bethany] 
Seminary (not yet named) and two appointed 
by Annual Conference (Fletcher Farrar Jr. and] 
Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm), was formed. It will 
examine how the church can witness to its 
testimony of simplicity in the current world, 
recognizing that while there is "not much 
emphasis on simple living in the church today 
the church can teach us much." An initial 
report, proposing program objectives, processj| 
and budget, will be presented to Conference ii 
1995. In 1996, Standing Committee will 
recommend future direction for the program, j 
— Margaret Woolgrove ! 



14 Messenger August 1994 



J 




Wichita 
wasn't all 
'business' 

Much of what happens 
at Conference is found 
beyond the business 
sessions. Just as 
conferencegoers pick 
and choose what to 
participate in, our 
photographers have to 
scramble to record a 
sampling of the many 
activites. 

Top: Dave Fouts and 
Sonja Johansen were 
among many young 
adults who joined in a 
work project, picking 
up trash in a Wichita 
park. 

Center: Rhoda Tarfa 
and Herkawa Malgwi 
came from Nigeria to 
represent Zumantar 
Matan Ekklesiyar 
Yanuwa a Nigeria 
(Womens's Fellowship 
of the Church of the 
Brethren in Nigeria). 
Guests of Global 
Women's Project, the 
pair spoke at insight 
sessions and a lun- 
cheon, as well as 
mixing informally with 
conferencegoers. 

Bottom: A hastily 
planned candlelight 
vigil was held 
Thursday night to 
call attention to the 
deteriorating situation 
in Haiti. 



Messenger August 1 994 1 5 




Wichita '94 offered 
a richi variety of 
"early evening 
concerts," that 
musical luxury that 
Brethren agonize 
over indulging in, 
competing as it 
does with the 
supper hour. Among 
this year's artists 
was vocalist Hyun 
Joo Yun, a former 
exchange student 
who lived with the 
family of moderator 
Earl Ziegler, and 
who now teaches 
vocal music at 
Seoul (South 
Korea) University. 
Other early evening 
concerts included 
a duo piano recital 
and a vocal 
ensemble. 



VIOLENCE 



Treat violence Jesus' way 

One proposed amendment would 
have excused self-defense 

Annual Conference adopted a "Statement on 
Violence in North America," added by Stand- 
ing Committee to the business agenda at 
Wichita. The statement deplores the increasing 
level of violence in North American communi- 
ties and countries. 

"Faithful disciples of the nonviolent ways of 
Jesus have acted as leaven in the society 
against the violent trends of every age," read 
the statement after it was amended to reflect 
the reality that the Christian church has not 
always been the witness it should have been 
against the use of violence in settling disputes. 

Brethren congregations and agencies are 
encouraged "to work with other Christians to 
find dramatic and effective ways to witness to 
the peace and reconciliation offered through 
Jesus Christ." 

The statement, noted presenter Paul 
Wampler, Manassas, Va., is similar to one 
released by the Council of Moderators and 
Secretaries of Anabaptist groups in early June, 
which was signed by Annual Conference 
moderator Earl Ziegler and general secretary 
Donald Miller. 

Delegates rejected two amendments proposed 
from the floor. The first, by Harold Bamett, 
pastor of the Mathias (W.Va.) congregation, 
which would have excused violence resorted to 
in "justifiable self-defense" went down to 
defeat amid cries of outrage ft'om defenders of 
the traditional nonviolence stance of the 
denomination. The second, by Tony 
Schneiders, Argos, Ind., would have inserted 
the words "abortion" and "assisted suicide" to 
the list of violent acts specifically condemned 
by the paper. — Eric B. Bishop 



ETHICS IN MINISTRY 



The committee assigned to review the 1 992 
"Ethics in Ministry Relations" statement 
brought a report to Standing Committee in 
Wichita. Committee members Donna Ritchey 
Martin, Pamela T. Leinauer, and Karen P. 
Miller have considered only section IV of the 
statement, the process for dealing with allega- 



tions of ministerial misconduct. Approval was 
given by Standing Committee for the review 
committee to continue its work and give its 
final report in 1995. Turned down was a 
recommendation fi^om the review committee 
that Standing Committee develop its own 
process to handle the appeal of cases of 
misconduct. — Paula S. Wilding 



MINISTERIAL LEADERSHIP 



The Aimual Conference Committee on Ministe- 
rial Leadership reported to Standing Committee 
that it will be ready to present the findings of 
its five-year study next year in Charlotte. A 
preliminary study report is being offered to 
various groups and individuals for feedback to 
help shape the final report. 

The committee, formed in 1990, is studying 
the calling of not only pastors, but the calling 
of congregational members to ministry training 
as well. The committee also is focusing on the 
mentoring system within the clergy. — Paula S. ' 
Wilding i 



CODE OF ETHICS 



As called for by the "Ethics in Ministry Rela- 
tions" statement adopted by Conference in 
1992, delegates at Wichita approved the 
formation of a study committee to develop a 
congregational code of ethics "whereby congre- 
gations may be called into accountability for 
unethical behavior." The elected committee — 
Phillip Stone, Fred Swartz, Carroll ("Kaydo") 
Petry, Paula Eikenberry Langdon, and Leah 
Oxley Harness — will make a progress report to 
Conference in 1995 and a final report in 
1996. — Margaret Woolgrove 



BIENNIAL CONSULTATION 



Conference approved a Standing Committee 
recommendation that the biennial consultation 
of denominational agencies and institutions 
initiated in 1 992 be changed to an every-five- ' 
years meeting. The consultation was called for 
by the Denominational Structure Corrmiittee 
paper of 1991, with the purpose of promoting 
greater cooperation among the agencies and 
institutions and of serving as a clearing house ' 
for scheduling, programming, and fund-raising 



16 Messenger August 1994 



Jl 





le change to meeting every five years reflects 
mcem for cutting travel expenses. Also, it 
as noted that the Brethren Benefit Trust 
ready holds a breakfast meeting each year at 
Dnference that includes representatives of the 
me agencies and institutions involved in the 
insultation and meets part of the need the 
insultation serves. — Kermon Thomasson 



HOMOSEXUALITY 



le 1994 round in the ongoing controversy 
'er homosexuality was shaped by two fac- 
rs — a report from Standing Committee to the 
:legate body and an outcry over the luncheon 
ogram of the Womaen's Caucus. 
Standing Committee last year established a 
ocess to hear concerns about homosexuality 
Dm the denomination. The learnings were 
ported on Wednesday, the first day of 
isiness. A poll of last year's Conference 
legates showed that 85 percent of that body 
vored the position on homosexuality taken by 
e 1983 Conference paper "Human Sexuality 
om a Christian Perspective." A majority of 
sponses received during the year since 
bstantiate the poll's findings. 
Standing Committee pointed out that "a 
:ong vocal minority (calls) for unconditional 
ceptance of homosexuality as a valid 
"estyle," while "an equally strong vocal 
inority (calls) for the conversion/transforma- 
m of homosexuals as the only acceptable 



response to homosexuals." 

Another finding was that many Brethren 
believe other pressing matters are being 
neglected while the denomination labors over 
the issue of homosexuality. Standing Commit- 
tee reported a "strong expression that it is time 
for the church to 'move on.'" 

The conclusion of Standing Committe was to 
reaffirm the 1983 paper, as it had last year. In 
addition, the committee urged congregations 
"to refrain from requesting additional policy 
statements at Annual Conference for the next 
five years." Meanwhile, a subcommittee will 
design and implement a plan that will facilitate 
ongoing dialog across the denomination, "with 
the greatest effort put into the district and 
congregational levels." 

The report of Standing Committee was 
accepted after several speeches from the floor. 
The speeches reflected more the polarized 
positions on homosexuality than the merits of 
the five-year moratorium on queries. 

At various points on the business agenda, 
speakers voiced outrage at Womaen's Caucus 
inviting Martin Rock, founder of Brethren/ 
Mennonite Council for Lesbian and Gay 
Concerns, to speak at its Conference luncheon. 
Most took the position that the caucus had 
violated Conference guidelines. After confer- 
ring, Standing Committee and Program and 
Arrangements Committee declared that 
Womaen's Caucus had not violated any 
guidelines. Rock spoke at the luncheon as 
scheduled. — Kermon Thomasson 



Left: Jamie Baker, 
pastor of Summit 
Church of 
the Brethren, near 
Bridgewater, Va., aired 
his grievance that a 
query on homosexuality 
from his congregation 
had failed to make it to 
Conference. His attempt 
to add it to the business 
agenda failed, as did 
others' attempts to have 
this Conference address 
the issue. 

Above: As a controver- 
sial book swells sales 
for its publisher, so 
does a controversial 
speaker reap promo- 
tional benefits for the 
host group. Womaen's 
Caucus enjoyed both a 
sell-out crowd for its 
Friday luncheon and the 
satisfaction of having 
Standing Committee and 
Program and Arrange- 
ments Committee 
declare the caucus was 
in bounds when it 
invited Martin Rock to 
speak. Rock, of Wash- 
ington, D.C., is the 
founder of Brethren/ 
Mennonite Council for 
Lesbian and Gay 
Concerns (BMC) and 
serves as the bete 
noire of those who 
oppose acceptance of 
homosexuals into the 
denomination. In his 
luncheon speech, he 
recounted his personal 
journey, involving 
rejection by family, 
employers, and the 
church. 



Messenger August 1 994 1 7 




Each moderator makes a 
mark one way or 
another — by adroit 
handling of controversy, 
careful application of 
rules of order, enthusi- 
astic playing out of a 
theme, or sometimes 
just letting Brethren be 
Brethren. Earl Ziegler 
may be best remem- 
bered for a well-orches- 
trated theme — living 
water — and for a stress 
on unity, supported by a 
strategy for playing the 
game with no end runs 
allowed. As the gavel 
was passed to Judy 
Mills Reimer, Brethren 
waited to see what 
would happen with next 
year's Conference held 
in Dixie and led by a 
moderator noted for her 
southern charm. 

1 8 Messenger August 1 994 



GENERAL BOARD 



The deteriorating situation in Haiti dominated 
General Board discussion and action at its 
Wichita meeting. The outcome was a resolution 
against US military intervention in Haiti. 

"We fear that a decision in favor of US 
military intervention may be imminent," the 
resolution says. "The gospel of Jesus Christ 
compels us as a historic peace church to oppose 
the use of any kind of military assault on Haiti 
and to urge the US and the United Nations to 
apply nonviolent, diplomatic, and judicial 
initiatives rather than attempt to restore 
democracy and human rights in Haiti through 
violent means." 

In another action, the board gave approval 
for the construction of a 30-unit retirement 
complex in New Windsor, Md. Construction on 
the independent-living facility will begin after 
the sale of 75 percent of the units. The complex 
will consist of four one-bedroom units and 26 
two-bedroom units. — Eric B. Bishop 



ELECTIONS 



Fred Bemhard, pastor of Oakland Church of the 
Brethren, near Gettysburg, Ohio, was elected 
moderator of the 1 996 Aimual Conference, 
which will meet in Cincinnati, in Bemhard's 
Southern Ohio District. Bemhard will serve 
until next July 2 as moderator-elect. 
He is a former member of the General Board, 



serving at one time as the board's vice- 
chairman. He is familiar to conferencegoers as 
the head messenger, a post he has held for 
many years. 

Judy Mills Reimer, the new moderator, has 
served as a General Board member, and for two 
years as its chairwoman. She has been a 
National Youth Cabinet advisor and a member 
of several study committees. An ordained 
minister, Reimer is a member of Williamson 
Road Church of the Brethren, in Roanoke, Va. 
She and her husband, George, operate Harris 
Office Furniture, in Roanoke. 

Newly elected to the General Board as at- 
large members are Phyllis Davis, North 
Liberty, Ind., and Terry Shumaker, Buena 
Vista, Va. Other new members represent 
districts — Tracy Sadd, Manheim, Pa. (Atlantic 
Northeast); Ruth Clark, Froid, Mont. (Northern 
Plains); and Ernest Bolz, Tonasket, Wash. 
(Oregon/Washington). 

The General Board underwent its annual 
reorganization at Wichita: 

New chairman is Ernest Barr, and new vice- 
chairwoman is Sandra Bosserman. Barr and 
Bosserman, along with the chairs of the three 
commissions and two at-large members — 
Donald Fitzkee and Roger Forry — make up the 
board's Executive Committee. 

Bosserman is chairwoman of the board's 
Goals and Budget Committee, which includes 
members of the Executive Committee and 
several ex officio members. 

General Services Commission: Katherine 
Hess (chairwoman), Sandra Bosserman, 




I 



Christopher Bowman, Phyllis Davis, Donald 
Fitzkee, Beth Middleton, Carl Myers, and 
Colleen Smith. 

Parish Ministries Commission: Phyllis 
Crain (chairwoman), Juan Figueroa. Roger 
Forry, Dorothy Gall, John Huffaker, Terry 
shumaker, Tracy Sadd, and Craig Smith. 

World Ministries Commission: Bonnie 
Smeltzer (chairwoman), Ernest Bolz, Ruth 
Clark, Rogers Fike, Wendell Flory, Lori 
•Cnepp, Steve Petcher, and Brian Rise. 

Other election results: Frank Ramirez, 
ilkhart, Ind., to the Annual Conference 
^rogram and Arrangements Committee; Ronald 
'etry, Ellicott City, Md., as district executive 
nember on the Pastoral Compensation and 
Benefits Advisory Committee; Jane Wood, 
Boones Mill, Va., to the Committee on Inter- 
;hurch Relations; Cheryl Ingold, Fresno, Calif, 
the Brethren Benefit Trust Board; and Eldon 
'ahs. North Manchester, Ind., to the Bethany 
Seminary Board. 

The four new members of Standing 
Committee's Nominating Committee are Scott 
3uffey, Westminster, Md.; Judy Epps, 
lunnells, Iowa; Richard Landrum, Wenatchee, 
^'ash.; and Linda McMurray, Damascus, Va. 
—Paula S. Wilding 





Fred Bernhard, pastor 
of Oakland Church of 
the Brethren, 
Gettysburg, Ohio, will 
serve as moderator of 
the 1996 Annual Confer- 
ence, in Cincinnati. 

General Board mem- 
bers serving on its 
Executive Committee 
are (front) Phyllis Crain 
(Parish Ministries 
chairwoman), Sandy 
Bosserman (General 
Board vice-chair- 
woman), Bonnie 
Smeltzer (World Minis- 
tries chairwoman), and 
(back) Ernie Barr 
(General Board chair- 
man), Don Fitzkee 
(member-at-large), 
Roger Forry (member- 
at-large), Kathy Hess 
(General Services 
chairwoman). 

Opposite page: General 
Board tapped for 
leadership positions 
Ernie Barr, Carmel, Ind. 
(chairman) and Sandy 
Bosserman, Peace 
Valley, Mo. (vice- 
chairwoman). 



I 



Messenger August 1994 19 




The Conference theme 
was highlighted In 
several ways during the 
week at Wichita. On 
opening night, basins of 
water were brought 
forward and poured into 
a fountain (see photo on 
page 11.) At week's end 
conferencegoers were 
invited to take a sample 
of the fountain's water 
back to their home 
congregations. 



CONFERENCE THEME 



The Annual Conference theme, "Come, Drink 
the Living Water" seemed especially fitting in 
the dry 100-degree Wichita weather. Even 
before the first worship service, the refreshing 
and life-giving qualities of water were evident 
as parched conferencegoers sought relief in 
pitchers of cool water. Participants were 
refreshed spiritually as they worshiped 
together, studied the Bible, and worked 
through issues of diversity. 

During the opening worship service, 
conferencegoers were given a cup of water and 
invited to partake of the symbol of the living 
water. Moderator Earl Ziegler challenged each 
one to drink Jesus' living water: "Possess his 
spirit of love and respect, enable yourselves to 
drink freely from the life-giving, life-changing 
and life-sustaining water, and be filled." 

At the conclusion of that first service, 
representatives from congregations came 
forward and poured containers of water into a 
fountain near the fi^ont of the stage. Hundreds 
of congregations brought water from their 
churches and communities. Also added was 
water from projects where Brethren workers 
have served. 




Symbolic of the growing diversity of the 
church, water fi-om five continents flowed 
together in the fountain. Water from places of 
Brethren mission work included India, South 
Korea, Puerto Rico, Nigeria, and Brazil. Also 
there was water from rivers and seas of Bible 
lands — the Red Sea, the Nile River, the Jordan 
River, and the Sea of Galilee. 

A vial of water from the Eder River in 
Germany was brought by Bob Roller, pastor of 
Fraternity Church of the Brethren, Winston- 
Salem, N.C. The Eder River is the location of 
the first Brethren baptisms, in 1708. The water 
was sent with greetings from Paul Lenz of 
Wedemark, Germany, who had served with 
Brethren Service workers after World War II. 
Brenda Wilkerson of Germantown Church of 
the Brethren, Philadelphia, Pa., brought water 
from Wissahickon Creek where the Brethren 
first baptized in America, in 1723. 

Judy Mills Reimer, moderator-elect, brought 
water from the Nile River, which she collected 
during the Hunger for Peace Tour to Sudan last 
winter. 

Throughout the week, activities centered 
around the Conference theme. Junior-high 
youth experienced the gift of water through 
watermelon-eating, and studied the symbol of 
water in the Brethren traditions of feetwashing 
and baptism. Morning and evening Bible 
studies led by various people also focused on 
water as a symbol of purity, life, witness, and 
renewal. 

As Brethren struggled with the challenges of 
diversity throughout the week, the fountain 
became a symbol of unity for the denomina- 
tion. 

Earl Ziegler noted that the water that was 
poured into the fountain was not all the same. 
"Some is salt. Some is well. Some is cisterfi. 
Some is from fresh springs." he said. "How- 
ever, all water is H^O. It may be different in 
many ways, but it is still all water." 

Brethren struggled with diversity of lan- 
guage, tradition, and theology in various ways 
during the week. By the end of Conference, 
however. Brethren affirmed those differences 
within the foundation of the love and faith of 
God. 

This unity within diversity was celebrated 
and refreshed throughout the week. On Sunday, 
participants took water from the fountain back 
to their home congregations — a tangible 
reminder of the living water that Jesus offers to 
all people. — Paul Stocksdale 



. 



20 Messenger August 1 994 




ftj 


Rui v'V 


/ iBi. 


'B?S^ 


F%V^ 


' .. ...iMm'^ 


■^^^>^'^^ 


t\m 


WW /^ 


"^ "'J%v 


\\y 


fcii v^- i 




iVv 


^smuntRP^ 


^^^^^^'' ^.tff'^ 


1 %" 


Li. 1 i# 






4^ 




1 




%f >J 


] 


H. ^■H 


-^ 



This year's Saturday 
night concert was 
performed by 
"Acapella," a male 
vocal quartet. The 
group proved popular 
with conference- 
goers, especially 
youth. Youth/Young 
Adult Ministries and 
Annual Conference 
co-sponsored the 
performance. 




IS ', 



■ y 




With fast-food 
restaurants blocks away 
in blistering heat, the 
convention center's 
concession stands did a 
booming business. 
These conferencegoers 
used the balcony railing 
as a makeshift table. It 
was a table with a view, 
however, providing a 
vantage point for 
watching the long line 
below snaking its way 
through the exhibit hall 
to food service, another 
booming business. 



Messenger August 1994 21 



Upper right: David 
Bibbee explored what 
happens when we "get 
down off the bank and 
into the water." 

Lower right: Earl Ziegler 
invited worshipers to 
"come to the river of 
life." 

Far right: Becky Crouse 
urged the showing of 
love to all of God's 
children, regardless of 
race or ethnicity. 




More than one worship 
service was marked by 
the congregation 
participating in symbolic 
acts. Darlene and 
Gordon Bucher of 
Hartville, Ohio, inflated 
their balloons in an 
exercise Becky Crouse 
used to illustrate the 
percentages of different 
color groups of the 
world's population. 




WORSHIP SERVICES 



Speakers at worship services during Conference 
week focused on the theme of "Come! Drink 
the Living Water." Declaring that "the closer 
we get to Christ, the closer we get to one 
another," moderator Earl Ziegler invited 
worshipers to "come to the river of life." 
Ziegler, pastor of Lampeter (Pa.) Church of the 
Brethren, illustrated how Christ as living water 
gives, sustains, and changes life. Commenting 
that "there is a well within each of us, a well 
from which we need to draw and share with 
others," he encouraged outreach near and far. 

Describing baptism as a "bath of 
belovedness," David Bibbee, pastor of Elkhart 
(Ind. ) City Church of the Brethren, in his 
Wednesday evening sermon, explored what 
happens when we "get down off the bank and 
into the water." Retelling the accounts of Jesus' 
baptism from Matthew and Mark, Bibbee 
pointed to baptism as the believer's "yes" to 






the most basic truth of our lives — that we are 
the beloved sons and daughters of God. This 
truth frees men and women from living lives 
marked by guilt and alienation. 

Jesus' encounter with the woman of Samarifl 
from Mark 4:4-24 provided the foundation for 
Rebecca Bade Crouse 's sermon on Thursday I 
evening. "Breaking the Rules ... for Christ's i 
Sake" explored how Jesus' behavior challenge' 
the religious traditions, racial prejudices, and ' 
social conventions of his time. Crouse, co- 
pastor of Antioch Church of the Brethren, nea'l 
Rocky Mount, Va., urged the telling of the 
good news of salvation to strangers, showing 
love to all of God's children regardless of racd 
or ethnicity, and welcoming into the family ol 
faith those whose spiritual journeys have beefil 
marked by failure. 

"The Gathering," was presented on Friday 
evening by members of the Hutchinson (Kan.) 
Church of the Brethren. This play powerfully 
illustrated in modem idiom the last supper 
scene in the upper room. The "Teacher," 



5 



ii 



22 Messenger August 1 994 



5 




traying Jesus, remained mute as his follow- 
told why they should be left in charge 
ing his impending absence. Gospel stories 
ivided content and character for each 
)stle's soliloquy. 

Tyrone Pitts, general secretary of the Pro- 
ssive National Baptist Convention, Inc., 
ike on the theme of "Providing Living 
iter to a Dying World." Drawing on the 
ount in Mark 9 of the disciples" inability to 
t out particularly difficult demons, he 
sned this to modem Christianity's impotence 
h the demons of today. Comparing the 
irch of today to stagnant water rather than 
ng water, Pitts declared that "our world 
fers from a crisis of faith" and "a schizo- 
enia of the soul." Contrasting the capacities 
t science and technology give us to cure 
'ironmental destruction, poverty, and urban 
lence with the reality of the world, Pitts 
illenged Brethren to formulate new values, 
urday evening worshipers were urged to 
tinguish between culture and Christ as a 



prelude to transforming and changing today's 
society. 

On Sunday morning, Joan Hershey, General 
Board staff in evangelism, illustrated the theme 
"Abundant Water . . . but Many Are Still 
Thirsty," tracing many scriptural references to 
water. Stating that "Jesus placed an incredible 
value on the lost; do you?" Hershey pressed for 
a church that offers the living water to others. 
No longer can our congregations depend on the 
old ways of growth, in which the birth rate 
filled church buildings, society created a 
supportive environment for church activities, 
and people stayed in one area for a lifetime. 
Reminding her hearers that "structure and 
organization can't give life," Hershey urged 
Brethren to move boldly into the ftiture. 
Receiving the water is not enough; we must not 
have "sat, soaked, and soured," but, rather, 
have "sat, sipped, and (been) sent (forth)." 
— David Shumate 

David Shumate is the executive of Virlina District. 



Top left "The Gathering, " 
was performed by men 
from the Hutchinson 
(Kan.) congregation. 

Lower left: Tyrone Pitts 
challenged Brethren to 
form new values. 

Above: Joan Hershey 
pressed for a church 
that offers living water 
to others. 



Messenger August 1 994 23 



i 


r 

f 


I 

1 

t 




■ 


- .._.> --. 


i 




'^^^Hi 





Brethren practi- 
cality was demon- 
strated by this 
conferencegoer 
seen pulling her 
two sleeping 
youngsters in a 
wagon. No need for 
Conference child- 
care services here! 



Joel Thompson, director 
of benefits for Brethren 
Benefit Trust, and 
Laurence J. O'Connell 
held a panel discussion 
during the joint meeting 
of the Ministers Asso- 
ciation and Assocation 
of Brethren Caregivers. 



ABC/MINISTERS ASSOCIATION 



"Critical health and caregiving issues" was the 
focus of a joint Association of Brethren 
Caregivers and Ministers Association pre- 
Conference gathering. "Ethics is not opinion — 
not what I like or don't like — but ethics is 
making rationally defendable judgments about 
who we are and how we behave." Margaret R. 
McLean, teacher at the Center for Applied 
Ethics at Santa Clara (Calif) University, 
presented an overview of two ways of ap- 
proaching ethics. 

Ethics can be based on fixed, universal rules 
and principles that guide persons in making 
decisions. Ethics based on virtue places 
emphasis on "What kind of person should I be" 
rather than "What should I do?" 

"As Christians, we are called to critical 
caring," said McLean. Sickness and death are 
not the final word, not the worst things. Our 
failure to care is a greater vice than to permit 
and accept sickness and death. 

Church health consultant David Hilton 
challenged pastors and health care providers to 
be prophetic about "neglected ethical issues" in 
the health care debate. "As long as the market 
system and technology replace God on the 
throne as the supreme values of health in 
society, there will not be a just medical 
system." Hilton encouraged congregations to 
begin a Lafiya program, call members of 
Congress, write letters, and become informed 



about health-care issues. 

"In six or seven years, health care will be 
different for good or ill," according to 
Laurence J. O'Connell, president of Park Ridge , 
(111.) Center for the study of Health, Faith and 
Ethics. "The current discussion will be a 
defining moment of our national character and 
destiny. We are flirting with a colossal failure 
of nerve on health care, due to moral confii- 
sion." 

O'Connell, who served on President 
Clinton's Health Care Task Force, believes the \ 
church's role is to address the systemic crisis im 
values underlying the health-care debate. 
"Health care bought and sold contrasts greatly 
with the freely given ministrations of Jesus and 
his disciples." 

The church has a "platform for social 
engagement in values discussions," and the 
health care debate should be framed within 
values of "community individualism, compas- 
sion and justice vs. commercially driven 
system, and openness to pursue spiritual 
dimension of individuals within community." 

Each presentation was followed by a panel oi 
responders and complicated case studies 
discussed at length by persons representing the 
fields of ethics, medicine, psychology, pastoral i 
care, nursing, and law. 

McLean added, "If you feel paralyzed by thei 
complexity of these issues, take heart. Jesus 
heals paralytics!" — ^Ronald E. H. Faus 

Ronald E. H. Faus is pastor of Charlottesville (Va.) 
Church of the Brethren. 



24 Messenger August 1994 




NEWS BRIEFS 



leven new fellowships were welcomed into 
be Church of the Brethren at Wichita: Rogers 
Ark. ) Mennonite Church of the Brethren, 
jeorge Engle, pastor; Iglesia Evangelica 
.a Neuva Jerusalen, Summit, 111., Vincent 
[.ivera, pastor; Dover (Del.), Leland Wilson, 
lastor; Moreno Valley (Calif), David 
4cKellip, pastor; Principe de Paz, Santa Ana, 
^alif., Olga and Mario Serrano, co-pastors; 
Togville, Fort Towson, Okla., Bryce Hubbard, 
lastor; and Whitehouse (Texas), James 
Vashington, pastor. 

• The Outdoor Ministries Association (OMA) 
-kilometer RunAValk sounded almost like a 
epeat of 1993, with the same number of 
larticipants (38) and some of the same wirmers. 
'irst place went to Frances Bourne and Jerry 
>ouse, second to Karen Crouse and David 
Jrunk, and third to Rosanna McFadden and 
Iteve Middleton. More than $600 was raised, 

be divided between OMA and Trees for Life. 

• Chauncey Shamberger, 100, of Boise, Idaho, 
bunder of the Church of the Brethren camping 
irogram, was honored at Wichita as the first 
ecipient of the Four Horsemen for Leadership 
)evelopment Award, given by the Outdoor 
/linistries Association. The name "The Four 
lorsemen" was used by the four young men 
vho organized the first camps in the denomina- 
ion — Shamberger, Al Brightbill, Perry Rohrer, 
nd Dan West. 

• Usually the biggest crowds at Conference 
lock in for Saturday and Sunday, but that was 
lot the case for Wichita, which counted its 
lighest attendance the first evening (Tuesday), 
vith 3,225 at worship. Average attendance for 
he week was 2,938. Registration totaled 4,089, 
ncluding 939 delegates. That compared well 
vith 1982, when 4,234 Brethren registered for 
hat year's Conference in Wichita. 

• Conferencegoers donated 323 pints of 
)Iood in the annual blood drive. The blood was 
;iven to the Central Plains region Blood 
services of the American Red Cross. 

• Total worship service offerings at Wichita 
vere $48,064. Offerings last year were 
564,360, and the year before totaled $101,349. 



We worry about membership dropping, but this 
suggests the money will run out before the 
members do. . ^ 

• SERRV sales at Conference totaled 
$27,207 for the week. Brethren Press sales 
totaled over $66,000. One of its hottest items 
was a coffee mug bearing the Conference logo. 

• Esther Norris, co-pastor of Garden City 
(Kan.) Church of the Brethren, was elected to a 
three-year term as an officer of the Ministers 
Association. Paul Roth, pastor of Highland 
Avenue Church of the Brethren, Elgin, 111., 
heads the association. 

• Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren 
received the 15th annual Ecumenical Award at 
the Committee on Interchurch Relations 




Terrie Swartz, 
Manassas, Va., took time 
out from her work as a 
teller to be one of 323 
Brethren who donated 
blood for an area Red 
Cross blood bank during 
Conference week. 

Nancy Knepper, 
director of Outdoor 
Ministry presented the 
first "Four Horsemen" 
Award to 100-year-old 
Chauncey Shamberger, 
Boise, Idaho, founder of 
the Brethren camping 
program and the first 
director of Brethren 
youth ministry. Asked 
the secret for reaching 
the century mark, 
the still youthful 
Shamberger quipped, 
"You have to have been 
born a hundred years 
ago." 




Messenger August 1994 25 




Photo by Paul Stocksdale 

Photographer George 
Keeler stays on top of 
things at Conference, 
whether it's the quilt 
auction or any other 
activity. At the Univer- 
sity of La Verne he is Dr. 
Keeler and teaches 
journalism. Wichita is 
George's fifth consecu- 
tive Conference at which 
he has served Messenger 
as photographer. His 
work as photographer 
and writer with the 
magazine dates back to 
Richmond '77, when he 
served as a summer 
intern. His most recent 
article appeared in the 
May/June issue — "Lybrook 
and Its Changing Roles." 
George volunteers his 
service as Conference 
photographer. 

Conference depends 
heavily on volunteers. 
Quick work was made of 
stuffing delegate 
packets by a good 
turnout of them, includ- 
ing Ralph Royer (right), 
former Brethren worker 
in Nigeria (his birth- 
place), Niger, and 
Liberia. 

26 Messenger August 1994 



luncheon at Wichita. The congreg