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Digitized by the Internet Archive
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http://www.archive.org/details/messenger1997146111thom
1000.12.1
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Editor: Kermon Thomasson
Managing Editor: Nevin Dulabaum
Editorial Assistant: Paula Wilding
Production, Design: Paul Stocksdale
Subscriptions: Vicki Roche, Martha Cupp
Promotion: Linda Myers Swanson
Study Guide Writer: Willard Dulabaum
Publisher: Dale Minnich
On the cover:
Alexander
Mack's Bible,
tucked under his arm,
symbolizes the seriousness
with which the first Brethren
took scripture study. On
page 1 0, Chalmer Faw tells
what that led to.
From the Editor
In Touch
Close to Home
News
In Brief
Stepping Stones
Letters
Pontius' Puddle
Partners in Prayer
Turning Points
Editorial
Features
10 Taking the New Testament seriously
Plenty of other denominations do the same
things and hold the same beliefs that Brethren
do. So how are the Brethren unique? Chalmer
Faw searches the writings and examples of
Brethren founders to provide the answer.
12 Living dangerously in Guatemala
Kay Yanisch is an "Accompanier," providing a
physical presence in support of former
Guatemalan refugees as they resettle in their
home communities. Her role is one fraught
with danger, but, she says, "That's why I'm
here." Jeff Leard tells her story. Sidebar by
David Radcliff.
16 Facing the gray areas in dying
Guy Wampler questions Dr. Kevorkian's
qualifications as a consultant on dying. He also
points out the gray areas of end-of-life decision
making, where tough questions have to be
faced, and calls on us to be mutually supportive
as we consider the alternatives before making
the decisions.
18 Death becomes him: Dr. Kevorkian's
caricature of mercy
lulie Polter takes issue with Dr. Kevorkian's
brushing aside the Christian perspective in
making end-of-life decisions. Rather, she
contends, dying is a morally complex matter,
requiring the Christian to ponder many issues.
21 Let's give the Great Physician
a little help
lust as we are learning to take more
responsibility for our own health care, says
[ames Benedict, we should be accepting more
responsibility for our spiritual welfare.
22 Ending the Thirty Years War
In 1897, after three decades of turmoil in the
church. Annual Meeting was eager to establish i
voice of unity in the brotherhood. What it did
provides the story that historian James H.
Lehman unfolds, marking a centennial
celebration.
E
How to reach us
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Coming next month
We preview the upcoming
Annual Conference in Long
Beach and profile the modera-
tor, David Wine.
District Messenger representatives: Atl. N.E., Ron
Lutz; Atl. S^E,, Ruby Raymer; Ill./Wis., Kreston
Lipscomb; S/C Ind., Maijorie Miller; Mich., Ken Good;
Mid-Ad.. Ann Fours; Mo./.^k., Luci Landes; N. Plains.
Faiih Sirom; N. Ohio, Alice L. Driver; S. Ohio, Jack
Kline; Ore./Wash.. Marguerite Shamberger; Pac. S.W,
Randy Miller; M. Pa.. Eva Wampier; S. Pa , Elmer Q
Gleim; W. Pa, Jay Christner; Shen., Tim Harvey; 5.
Plains, Mary Ann Dell; Virlina, David & Hettie Webster;
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Messenger is the official publication of the 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. Member of the
Associated Church Press. Subscriber to Religion
News Service & Ecumenical Press Service. Biblical
quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from
the New Revised Standard Version, Messenger is
owned and published 11 times a year by the General
Services Commission, Church of the Brethren
General Board, Second-class postage paid at Elgin,
ill., and at additional mailing office, Nov. 1996.
Copyright 1996, Church of the Brethren General
Board, ISSN 0026-0355.
Postmaster: Send address changes to Messenger,
1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
Printed on recycled paper
At the October General Board meeting there was a striking
art exhibit in the Board room. Arranged on two walls were
L_ 40 watercolor paintings that covered Brethren history from
1708 to 1958.
Oldtimers recognized the images. They were the original art, by
Albert Winkler, done for a 1958 slide presentation titled "Come Up
Higher." The slide presentation, with a script by Gospel Messenger
editor Ken Morse, was done to cel-
ebrate the 250th anniversary of the
Church of the Brethren. Nowadays
we would produce a video, of course.
But like most of the things pro-
duced by today's technology, you
end up with something pretty and
slick, but you wonder what the
coming generations will make of
them as antiques. With this 1958
slide presentation, you can still pro-
ject the images (if you can find a
projector and screen). But you can
also admire the original paintings.
A video has no original art to pre-
serve and treasure.
Think of what e-mail is doing to the collecting of
famous people's letters. Can you picture future collec-
tors bidding high prices for someone's e-mail printouts?
Imagine those in expensive frames on a paneled wall.
Or consider the value today of something printed
on Christopher Sauer's press. Not only does it have his-
torical value, but the imprinted page itself puts you in touch with the
one who set the type and operated the press. A page from an old
hand-operated printing press records the three-dimensional impres-
sion of the lead type, and each page is slightly different from the
other. Compare such a page with a page of today's Messenger. We
haven't done Messenger with lead type since 1974.
The depiction here of the Christopher Sauer press, from the 1958
filmstrip art, ties in nicely with an anniversary being celebrated this
year — the centennial of Brethren Press. |im Lehman's story (on page
22) of the church taking ownership of the Brethren Publishing House
and moving to Elgin, 111., will interest our readers, especially those old
enough to remember that original Brethren Publishing House at 22
South State. Enjoy the story. May it whet your appetite for all the things
Brethren Press has planned for this centennial year.
Christopher Sauer's press is
one of the 40 scenes from
Brethren history depicted in
the 1958 filmstrip "Come
up Higher. "
January 1997 Messenger 1
Her heart's on her sleeve
Losing a husband and a sister to cancer
left Mary Jane Graybill with a feehng
of helplessness. What could she, one person,
do in the struggle to conquer cancer?
The answer came to Mary Jane, a member
of Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren,
Mary Jane Graybill models
the Arm Sunguard sleeve
she invented to protect bare
arms from harmful sun rays.
The cotton sleeves are held
up by elastic bands.
one day when she was golfing with a friend,
Jim Yerger. Jim had skin cancer. He said to
Mary, "I wish somebody would make a
sleeve so I wouldn't have to put my jacket
on and take it off off all the time."
"That's it!" thought Mary Jane. She and
Jim formed the company J's Specialties am
began producing the Arm Sunguard sleeve
a 100-percent combed cotton, cuffed sleev
with four rows of nonbinding elastic that fi
around the upper arm. The sleeve blocks
up to 97-percent of the sun's harmful
ultraviolet rays, a consultant
for the federal government
determined.
People who use the Arm
Sunguard sleeve can enjoy the
outdoors without using
creams, which wear off and
must be reapplied.
The sleeves are for anyone,
stresses Mary Jane. "Golfers,
motorcyclists and bicyclists,
gardeners, fishers, walkers,
boaters, campers, constructior
workers, truckers."
The Arm Sunguard sleeve
isn't any cottage industry. Mar
Jane advertises widely and has
had the sleeve on show at the
International PGA convention
in Las Vegas. Last June she was
a vendor at the Retreads
Motorcycle Club International
convention in Tennessee.
But monetary profit is not
the object for Mary Jane, who
oftens whips out sleeves from,
her golf bag and gives them to friends on
the golf course. Her biggest dividend is
the loss of that helpless feeling she had foi
so many years. "Now I feel good inside,
like I'm helping someone. That's what life
is all about."
In Touch stories wanted
Do you know someone
whose story should be in In
Touch? Send us a note about
the person, or a full-fledged
story, and include a sharp,
candid photo, preferably one
showing the subject in a set-
ting related to the story.
Remember, we are seeking
stories about Brethren who
are presently doing interest-
ing, noteworthy things. (The
December story about Phyllis
West and this month's story
about Mary Jane Graybill are
good examples.) Don't send
biographical sketches or trib-
utes. Stories should be short
(350 words maximum) and
pointed (Phyllis West saved
a life; Mary Jane Graybill
invented a sunguard
sleeve) . If you find a news-
paper story that is a natural
for In Touch, send us the
clipping (including publica
tion name and date).
Hint: Including a good
photo remarkably improves!
your story's chances of
making it into print.
Send your suggestions on
stories to Messenger, 1451
Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 6012G
2 Messenger January 1997
Catherine Emans, shown here with pastor Kevin Kessler.
erved 50 years as treasurer of the Canton church.
Reluctant acceptance
[
James in the news
losalyn Neuenschwander,
member of Pleasant Dale
Church of the Brethren,
lear Decatur, Ind., was
lamed Woman of the Year
ly the Business and Profes-
ional Women of Decatur.
She was commended for
successfully balancing her
work as vice president of a
bank, her civic and church
roles, and her family life.
• Ingrid Rogers, a
member of Manchester
Church of the Brethren,
North Manchester, Ind.,
and associate professor of
German at Manchester Col-
lege, has had her sixth book
published — Recollections of
East Germany: Biographical
Essays on Women Church
Leaders. It carries testi-
monies of women church
leaders who experienced the
changes of the 1989 Revolu-
tion that resulted in German
reunification.
• Ron Beachley, Western
Pennsylvania District execu-
tive, and Warren Eshbach,
standing Service Award
from Bridgewater College
at the annual President's
Dinner Nov. 1. He is a
retired medical doctor.
• Nadine Bowman, a
member of Manchester
Church of the Brethren,
North Manchester, Ind.,
and a resident of Timber-
crest Church of the Brethren
Home, has been named Vol-
unteer of the Year by the
Indiana Association of
Homes for the Aging.
n 1946, Catherine Emans reluctantly accepted the call
to be treasurer of Canton (111.) Church of the Brethren,
^ad she known it was for a term of 50 years, her reaction
night have been more than reluctance.
The Canton congregation honored Catherine Sept. 29
/ith a musical program, a 50-year gold service pin, and a
chocolate reception."
Catherine said that her work as treasurer "started out to
le simple, but became increasingly more complicated."
itill, she enjoyed the opportunity to serve her church.
But, having turned a reluctant acceptance into a 50-year
ommitment, Catherine registered reluctance once again
/hen asked if she would commit to the next 50 years.
—Kevin Kessler
Kevin Kessler is pastor of Canton (III.) Church of the Brethren.
District ministers Ron Beachley and Warren Eshbach post?
with Albert Meyers (right), executive director of PCC.
Southern Pennsylvania Dis-
trict executive, recendy
participated in the reorgani-
zation meeting of the
Pennsylvania Council of
Churches (PCC).
• Two members of
McPherson (Kan.) Church
of the Brethren, Kathy
Hackleman and Michele
McMillan, have been
named editor and news
editor, respectively, of the
town's newspaper. The
McPherson Sentinel.
• HoIIen G. Helbert, a
member of Harrisonburg
(Va.) First Church of the
Brethren, received an Out-
Remembered
Dorothy Brown Dennison,
80, died October 15. 1996.
in Oak Park, 111. She served
as a missionary nurse in
India, 1945-1953.
• Linford ]. Rotenberger,
80, died Sep. 10, 1996, in
Quakertown, Pa. He and the
late Hartman Rice were
cofounders of the Brethren
Revival Fellowship in 1959.
"In Touch" profiles Brethren we would
like you to meet. Send story ideas and
photos to "In Touch, "Messenger,
1451 Dundee Ave.. Elgin. IL 60120.
January 1997 Messenger 3
Early ecumenicity
Terrace View Union Church, near
Goode, Va., has a history of ecu-
menicity that goes back to its beginning.
In the early 1900s, the local Brethren,
Baptists, and Methodists had to travel
some distance to find a church. Two acres
of land were donated, money was raised,
and the union church was erected on a
A vintage photo shows the
Terrace View church in its
rural setting. After 77 years.
the building still serves two
groups — Church of the
Brethren and Baptist.
site with a good view of Virginia's famous
Peaks of Otter on the nearby Blue Ridge.
The church's dedication was held Aug.
29, 1920. The Methodists later left Ter-
race View (amiciably), but the Church of
the Brethren and the Baptists are still
sharing the church 77 years later.
Each month in the old days, there were
"Brethren Sundays" and "Baptist Sundays,
but both groups attended all services. The
morning offering went to the group whose
Sunday it was. Brethren and Baptist busi-
ness was handled separately, but Sunday
school, the building fund, youth, choir, and
other groups were jointly run.
In earlier years, when revivals were pop-
ular, there was a Brethren revival one year
and a Baptist revival the next. Candidates
for baptism just indicated to the preacher
which denomination they wished to join.
An outdoor baptistry fed by a stream had a.
controlled water level. Deep water was
needed for the "once backward" Baptists,
and shallow water for the "three times for
ward" Brethren.
At one baptism there was no Baptist mini
ister available. L.C. Coffman baptized
everyone, simply asking each person in
turn, "Which way?"
The same L.C. Coffman was the
Brethren pastor for six years, then became
a Baptist. He returned as the Baptist pasto;
for 10 years. Terrace View has much to
teach about ecumenicity!
Adapted from recollections of two men who grew up,
together in the Terrace View church: Hugh Whitten.
now a member of Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the
Brethren, and John Tyler (a Baptist), who is still a Ter
race View member.
I
I
Close to Home
stories wanted
Has your congregation
done something innovative
that other congregations
could use as inspiration or
model? Does it have a
unique ministry? Have
your children or youth
taken on a big project? Is
something special going
on at your district camp?
Has a special event
occurred in your congre-
gation or district?
If any of these apply to
you, send us a story and
photos, or contact us for
writer's guidelines. If
your newspaper has run a
story that seems a natural
for Close to Home, clip it
and send it in, including
the publication's name
and date.
Remember: Good sharp
photos (with caption
material) accompanying a
story are sure to catch the
editor's eye.
Send your suggestions
or stories to Messenger,
1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin,
IL 60120. Tel. (800)
323-8039.
Campus comments
Bethany Theological Semi-
nary has met all established
standards set for accredita-
tion by the Association of
Theological Schools and the
North Central Association,
and its accreditation is
expected to be reaffirmed for
1 0 years. And in a proposed
program, Bethany's Brethren
students will receive half of
their tuition through scholar-
ships and the other half from
an Alumni Covenant Grant.
The grant requires the
receiver, after graduation, to
pledge an annual gift toward
the grant fund.
4 Messenger January 1997
ichool kits assembled by Cunyville children included
lotebooks. pencils, crayons, erasers, and rulers.
\^senibling school kits
I'^/acation Bible school attenders from Curryville (Pa.)
' T Church of the Brethren and Martinsburg Mennonite
hurch recently assembled 209 schools kits, which they
ent to school children in Africa.
Daily offerings at the combined Bible school, plus dona-
ions from local businesses, paid for the materials. Women
Jlrom the two churches cut and sewed the bags. The chil-
Iren had the fun of stuffing the bags with pencils, crayons,
jiaper, and other school items.
'.et's celebrate
ilorgantown (W.Va.)
-hurch of the Brethren held
"Week of Renewal" Oct.
1-13 in celebration of its
l5th anniversary. West
/larva District executive
'eter Leddy led the Sunday
ervices, with other guest
peakers featured through-
lut the week.
• Yellow Creek Church
if the Brethren, near
Vakarusa, Ind., celebrated
ts 140th anniversary Oct.
17 during its Harvest Home,
artifacts from the church's
listory were displayed.
• Claysburg (Pa.)
Church of the Brethren held
homecoming Sept. 29 to
nark its 70th anniversary.
). Paul Green of Akron,
^a., was guest speaker.
Joan and Robert Heiny (center) present the Brubaker Fund
to moderator Ruby fohnson. board chairwoman Sandi
Boeger. and Live Oak co-pastors Pattie and Irven Stern.
• As part of last year's
85th anniversary celebra-
tion of Live Oak (Calif.)
Church of the Brethren,
five generations of descen-
dants of the founder and
first pastor of the congre-
gation joined to form the
WR. and Rosetta Landis
Brubaker Fund for Peace-
A chicken in every pot
Lakeview Church of the Brethren, in Brethren, Mich.,
Jbegan Lakeview Food Pantry as a ministry in 1991.
The pantry has been a success, with good cooperation
between the church and the community.
Recently a farmer donated 50 half-grown chickens to the
pantry. A church family volunteered to raise the roosters of
the flock to eating size. When the time came, the Brethren
High School agriculture class killed and picked the chickens.
Volunteers in the church continued the process
until the chickens were packaged and
frozen, ready for distribution.
The pullets of the flock were raised
by another Lakeview family. The hens
are now laying, with some eggs being
distributed by the pantry and others
being sold to raise funds for the pantry. --"«i""'"" "»«i«Hif
The chicken venture is just one example of the
cooperation between the community and Lakewood
church. A hog farmer donated a hog, already cut up and
frozen. A cattle farmer donated large quantities of ham-
burger. Potato farmers have donated part of their crop.
So far, the community's contribution has been food and
volunteers. For operating funds, Lakewood depends on a
simple system: a donation jar in the church and pantry.
In the pantry? Yes. In this happy situation, even the food
recipients like to give as well.
This and that
Lima (Ohio) Church of
the Brethren received the
city's Good Neighbor
Award Nov. 14. The con-
gregation was cited for
providing a meeting place
for the neighborhood asso-
ciation, serving breakfast
to volunteers on national
Make a Difference Day,
and improving the neigh-
borhood (26 members
collected trash from side-
walks and vacant lots on
Oct. 26).
making and Nurturing.
Live Oak owns and man-
ages the fund, with
investment returns being
used to support members
who work toward peaceful
resolution to social con-
flicts and/or to support
church-based community
outreach programs.
"Close to Home" highlights news of
congregations, districts, colleges, homes,
and other local and regional life. Send
story ideas and photos to "Close to
//oOTf, "Messenger, 1451 Dundee
Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
January 1997 Messenger 5
I
Church World Service turns 50;
hundreds join the celebration
A 50th birthday party for Church
World Service was thrown Nov. 1 3 in
Chicago by several hundred CWS sup-
porters and advocates, many who were
on hand for three days of meetings by
Desmond Tutu, speaking at
Church World Service's
Jubilee banquet, questioned
whether the gospel gets
heard by those who are rich.
successful, or powerful. "(A
person 's) value does not
depend on possessions or
achievement. " he said. "Tell
that to your nation. Go tell
them the good news. " Then
follow Jesus ' example of
seeking out the lost and the
troubled, he added.
News items are ititended to inform. They do not
necessarily represent the opinions o/"Messenger
or the General Board, and should not be considered
to be an endorsement or advertisement.
6 Messenger January 1997
the National Council of Churches'
General Assembly. About 300 people
participated in the Jubilee CROP Walk,
in honor of the 2,000 walks that are
scheduled each year nationwide.
Desmond Tutu, archbishop emeri-
tus of Cape Town, South Africa, de-
livered the keynote address that
evening to about 800 at the CWS Ju-
bilee banquet, including at least 12
Church of the Brethren NCC repre-
sentatives, staff, and laity.
Tutu credited the 33 denominations
of the NCC for helping overthrow
South Africa's former system of
apartheid through prayers and pres-
sure, and he called on these same de-
nominations to exert that same level
of energy to assist poor and undevel-
oped countries at ridding themselves
from crippling debt. Wouldn't it be
appropriate during this CWS Jubilee
for the International Monetary Fund
and World Bank to adopt the Jubilee
principle by forgiving the debt to
countries that met four conditions?
Tutu asked.
"Give the people the chance to be-
gin again," he added.
In addition to the CWS celebration
NCC delegates honored Joseph Cardi|!
nal Bernardin, Roman Catholic arch
bishop of Chicago, by naming him the I
recipient of a new award, presented to
a Bernardin aide the day prior to the i
cardinal's death. The "Joseph Cardinal
Bernardin Common Ground Award" '
will be awarded henceforth to honor \
people "whose lives have shown dedi- \
cation to the unity of people." {
Delegates heard the first reading of )
"No Barriers for Deaf People in
Churches," a proposed policy state-
ment that will return to the General
Assembly for second reading next No-
vember. They were told of an NCC
conference to be held in 1997 called
"Ecumenical Consultation on the Im-
plications of Homosexuality for Chris-
tian Unity"; and heard a report from a;
task force that is studying what it
means "to be church" for the NCC's
member denominations.
Delegates also supported strategies
to press Texaco and other companies
"to embrace the concept that public
accountability and assuming leader-
ship in diversity is good for corpo-
rate America"; and, in light of Cali-
fornia's recent Proposition 209,
which banned affirmative action,
voted to reaffirm the NCC's pro af-
firmative action policy.
Delegates also learned of Church
of the Brethren General Secretary
Donald Miller's retirement through a
notice in the daily newsheet. It said,
"Dr. Miller will be greatly missed.
NCC General Secretary Joan Brown
Campbell credits him with keeping
his communion's special witness to
peace very much alive in conference
calls among the heads of commu-
nions, in the Assembly, and in other
ecumenical settings. He has been a
gift to the ecumenical community."
— Nevin Dulabaum
thio congregation bans
ttendee from premises
he Medina (Ohio) Church of the
rethren on Nov. 10 banned one of
s attendees, Debi Easterday, from
ntering its facihty. The incident be-
an when Easterday arrived at the
(lurch and had a prepared congre-
ational statement read to her.
"The Medina Church of the Breth-
;n . . . welcomes those who sincerely
;ek to have or to strengthen their re-
itionship with the Lord and Savior
;sus Christ," the statement reads.
I Calendar
"Introduction to Preaching," offered by
Bethany Academy for Ministry Train-
ing. Ian. 6-10. Bethany Theological
Seminary. Richmond, Ind. [Contact
Kim Yaussy Albright. (800) 287-8822].
Nigeria workcamp. Ian. 1 1-Feb. 10
[Contact the Africa and Middle East
Office. General Offices. (800) 325-
8039].
Council of District Executives meeting,
Ian. 12-13 [Contact Karen Peterson
Miller, (301) 790-0402].
General Board Staff/District Execu-
tives consultation, Ian. 13-15, Lake
Geneva, Wis.
I Kirkridge Peacemaker Training for
young adults, sponsored by Fellow-
ship of Reconcilation. lanuary 13-23.
Bangor, Pa. [Contact FOR, P.O. Box
271, Nyack, NY 10960; fornatl(aiigc.
apc.org].
1997 Week of Prayer for Christian
Unity, Ian. 18-25 [Contact Graymoor
Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute,
(914) 424-3458].
Brethren Volunteer Service Unit 224
orientation, [an. 19-Feb. 7. Camp
Ithiel, Fla. [Contact BVS. General
Offices; CoB.BVS.parti(a)Ecunet.org].
Southern Africa study tour to Zim-
babwe and South Africa with On Earth
Peace Assembly and Association of
Brethren Caregivers. Ian. 24-Feb. 6
[Contact ABC. General Offices;
CoB.ABC.partiCg' Ecunet.Org].
It continues, "We regret that an in-
dividual has chosen to enter our
church and our worship service with
an agenda inconsistent with our
peaceful principles and method of
worship. The deepest desire of the
members of the Medina Church of the
Brethren is to gather for worship to
pray, sing, study the Bible, and to
praise Jesus Christ, without the fear of
harassment, threats or general chaos.
We have followed biblical principles as
outlined by our Creator in handling
difficult situations like this, and are
greatly saddened that despite our ini-
tial acceptance, love, generosity and
prayers, Debi remains unrepentant
and seeks to mock God. We are enti-
tled to worship free of encumbrances
and and fear according to the US
Constitution and desire a return to
peaceful and joyful worship services."
Easterday had attended the Medina
church sporadically for four years,
but is not a member. She is a pro-
fessed lesbian who recently married a
man who reportedly is planning to
undergo a sex change. According to
Tom Zuercher, executive of Northern
Ohio District, Easterday was not
banned because she is a lesbian. She
received the support and love of the
church until her agenda brought
chaos to the congregation and made
it necessary to ban her from the fel-
lowship, he said.
National AIDS quilt the focus
of BMC's sixth convention
About 200 supporters of Brethren
Mennonite Council celebrated the
organization's 20th anniversary in
Washington, D.C., Oct. 1 1-13, as
part of BMC's sixth convention. The
convention centered around the
theme "Piecing New Patterns from
Old Cloth," which tied into the na-
tional AIDS Memorial Quilt, which
was brought to Washington that
same weekend and displayed on the
Washington Mall.
Leadership for the weekend was
provided by Phi! Porter and Cynthia
Winton-Henry, founders of the
WING IT! performance ensemble.
The conference consisted of many
workshops that covered a variety of
subjects. Conference participants
also attended a tour of the National
Gallery of Art, a banquet to celebrate
BMC's anniversary, a charity auction
that raised $2,600 for BMC, and an
AIDS candlelight vigil on the Mall
that attracted about 150,000.
During the convention, BMC also
formed The College Network
(TCN), a group that will serve as
support for gay, lesbian, and bisexual
young adults.
1997 interfaith legislative
briefing to be held in April
Focusing on current and proposed
legislation as well as providing an
opportunity to develop skills in advo-
cacy and grassroots organization will
be the topic of the 27th Annual In-
terreligious Legislative Briefing in
Washington, D.C., April 6-9.
"This event will give the religious
community an opportunity to express
to the Clinton administration and to
the 105th Congress the urgent needs
of the poor and marginalized, as well
as the need for social and economic
justice, demilitarization, and envi-
ronmental healing," said Tim Kreps
of the Church of the Brethren Wash-
ington Office. "Attending the brief-
ing will give Brethren a chance to put
their faith into action, including the
chance to visit with their members of
Congress."
This year's Briefing is being orga-
nized by the Interfaith Impact Foun-
dation, the National Council of
Churches Washington Office, and
the Graymoor Ecumenical and Inter-
religious Institute. Brethren inter-
ested in attending the conference
should contact Kreps at (202) 546-
3202 or WashOfc(ffiAOL.Com.
January 1997 Messenger 7
General Board, Bethany
announce staff changes
James Replogle, director of Planned
Giving, resigned effective Dec. 3 1 .
Replogle served with the General
Board's Stewardship Team in that
position since 1989.
Donna Derr, director of Refugee/
Disaster Services, resigned from her
position effective Nov. 1 , citing per-
sonal reasons. Derr served in the of-
fice since 1981, and as its director for
the past nine years.
Orlando Redekopp, director of Ur-
ban Ministry, will end his General
Board employment because of termi-
nation due to the General Board's re-
design. Redekopp,
who served in the
position since
1994, also serves
as half-time pas-
tor of Chicago
(111.) First Church
of the Brethren.
Dan Kim, field
director for Ko-
rea Ministry since
1993, was termi-
nated effective
this month due to
redesign. Prior to
this, Kim served
as consultant for
domestic Korean
ministries.
Ron and Har-
riet Finney, co-
directors of Fam-
ily Ministry, were
terminated effec-
tive this month
due to redesign.
The Finneys, who ^^.^-^^ f,-,,,,^^
have served the
General Board since 1993, also serve
as co-executives for South/Central
Indiana District.
Linda Timmons, coordinator of
recruitment for Brethren Volunteer
Service, was terminated effective this
month due to redesign. Timmons has
held the position since 1995.
8 Messenger January 1997
Donna Forbes Steiner
Joe Mason was
named interim di-
rector of Refugee/
Disaster Services,
^^^^^^^ effective Dec. 5.
hhB^^I^^B^H Mason recently
^^^k^^^^H had served as in-
terim executive
for Northern
Plains District.
Donna Forbes
Steiner began
serving as At-
lantic Northeast
District interim
associate execu-
tive Ian. 1.
She has served
as a Brethren ministry consultant
and pastor, and has worked as an
educator.
Nancy Faus, professor and campus
minister of Bethany Theological Semi-
nary, Richmond, Ind., will retire June
30. Faus has served as campus minis-
ter since 1975 and as a full-time
Ron Finne\
instructor since 1978. «'
Darryl Deardorff, former Generall
Board treasurer and current Board
consultant, has been appointed di-
rector of Investments for Brethren
Benefit Trust, effective Jan. 1.
New eras begin for McPhersori
and Elizabethtown colleges
The era of new presidencies began at
two Church of the Brethren colleges
this fall, as Theodore Long was
installed as president of Elizabeth-
town (Pa.) College Sept. 1, and Gary
Dill installed as president of McPher-
son (Kan.) CoUege Dec. 1.
Theodore Long, 51, a member of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church of
America, is the 13th president of
Elizabethtown College.
Long most recently had served as
provost and vice president of acade-
mic affairs at Merrimack College,
North Andover, Mass. He is a gradu-
ate of Capital University, Columbus,
Ohio. He earned his graduate degree
from Duke University, and his doc-
torate from the University of Virginia.i
Prior to his appointment as the 12th
president of McPherson College, Gary
I
Theodore Long
Dill served as senior vice president
and a professor at Schreiner College,
Kerrville, Texas, where he had worked I
since 1991. During 1979-1984 Dill
served as an adjunct faculty member
at Bethany Theological Seminary.
He also has served as pastor of York
Center Church of the Brethren, Lom-
bard, 111., and Prince of Peace Church
of the Brethren, South Bend, Ind.
Ill
jilo news is the word from the committees chosen to select an
nterim and then a permanent general secretary. Kathy Hess,
ihairwoman of the General Board and of the Board's Executive
;ommittee, which is seeking an interim general secretary,
eported at the end of November that no one had been selected to
emporarily succeed Donald Miller upon his retirement Dec. 31 .
)onald Fitzl<ee, chairman of the search committee for a perma-
ent general secretary, stated that his committee did not have any
aformation to release. Until an interim is chosen. Dale Minnich,
issociate general secretary and executive of the General Services
Commission, will serve as acting general secretary.
Applications are being accepting by On Earth Peace Assem-
ily from high school graduates interested in serving as conflict
esolution program associates next summer. Four young adults
be chosen. Two associates will work at Shepherd's Spring,
iharpsburg, Md., and two associates at Gamp IViardela, Denton,
i/ld., resourcing camp staff, counselors, and campers on conflict
esolution and mediation skills. Applications must be received by
an. 15. Contact Tom Hurst, OEPA director at (410) 635-8705,
ir On. Earth. Peace. Assembly.parti@Ecunet. Org.
unds for National Youth Conference '98 participants
nay be raised through the help of SERRV International. Youth
vho sell handmade products of SERRV's artisans will earn 20
lercent toward NYC expenses. For more information, contact
;ERRV at (800) 723-3712 or at SERRV.parti@Ecunet.Org.
nding violence against women was the intent of an inter-
aith breakfast Harriet Finney, co-director of Family Ministry,
ttended in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 11.
"A Call to End Violence Against Women" was the theme of the
ireakfast hosted by the National Council of Churches, the Center
or the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence, and the
Jational Jewish Community Relations Advisory Council during
lomestic Violence Awareness Month. The event was held to
encourage and support (religious groups) in meeting this major
hallenge in our society, ending violence against women," Finney
aid. She added that attendees were told domestic violence is a
eligious issue that must be addressed by people of faith.
i total of 1 ,450 Brethren from 48 congregations had
igned a petition for the International Campaign to Ban Land
/lines, as of Nov. 20. "This is a significant response from our
ienomination regarding an important international issue," said
lavid Radcliff, director of Denominational Peace Witness, of this
tetition, which was sent to churches in the September Source.
*'wo seminars sponsored by Bethany Theological Seminary and
s Bethany Academy for Ministry Training are scheduled for early
997 at Bethany's Richmond (Ind.) campus. An Introduction to
Teaching course is scheduled for Jan. 6-10; an Advanced Pas-
Dral Seminar is scheduled for Feb. 24-28. For more information,
ontact Kim Yaussy Albright at (800) 287-8822.
WM.
^
.rP
I
V
finLl^ _-a
CivlUANi
:upa '""Ldersb
ml
ajx^'° ,.».'?-""
cbo
ogag
alex
iry*
pro
i
Over 35 CPS
participants
representing
Brethren,
Mennonites,
Quakers.
Methodists,
and Catho-
lics, attended
the Oct. 26
unveiling
and dedica-
tion service
of this mark-
er in Phila-
delphia.
More than 12,000 Brethren, Mennonite, Quaker, and other
conscientious objectors who served in Civilian Public Service
(CPS) from 1940-1947 were honored Oct. 26, when a marker
commemorating their service was unveiled outside the Friends
Center in Philadelphia. Although some Brethren thought it was
inappropriate for members to participate with conscription in any
manner, nearly 2,000 men — 1,1 19 from the Brethren denomina-
tions—were serving in Brethren CPS units by October 1945. The
Church of the Brethren donated more than $1 ,300,000 to the CPS
program, in addition to food and clothing. This program helped
lead to the founding of Brethren Volunteer Service in 1 948.
A Certificate of Merit was presented to the Brethren Service
Center, New Windsor, Md., in October by the Carroll County
Health Department Bureau of Environmental Health. The Center
was one of 93 facilities to receive the award, which is based on
"outstanding food handling practices and cleanliness."
Increasing service to the homeless will be the direct result
of a $25,000 Global Food Crisis grant to the Brethren Housing
Association, Harrisburg, Pa. The grant, approved Nov. 7, will
help provide low-cost traditional housing, counseling, case man-
agement, resources, and education.
Dealing with congregational conflict is the focus of a work-
shop scheduled for March 10-14 at Bethany Theological
Seminary, Richmond, Ind. The workshop, which is intended for
people with prior mediation or consulting experience, is co-
sponsored by Ministry of Reconciliation. For more information
and registration, call Kate Johnson at (410) 635-8706.
And finally, a Roman Catholic priest instructed his altar boys to
hand an apple to each woman who entered the church in a mini-
skirt as "a reminder of the original sin of Adam and Eve." The
priest began the campaign after several complaints concerning
the clothing worn by women in the church. {ENl}
January 1997 Messenger 9
This, then, is the ''Brethren
genius," the ability to take
the New Testament seriously
in a joyous giving of all
that we are and have.
BY Chalmer Faw
In these days of declining membership, we might well
ask ourselves, why have a Church of the Brethren
when there are so many other denominations believing
and doing virtually the same things that we do?
When it comes to peace witness and service, the Men-
nonites and Friends have been at it longer than we have, and
seem to be doing an acceptable job. Also in these fields there
are large denominations that have strong programs, so that
in the United Methodist Church and the United Church of
Christ, for example, there likely are more pacifists and ser-
vice workers totally than there are among the Brethren.
Nor are we the only "New Testament church" by any
means. Every Christian denomination claims to be rooted
in that document, from the Roman Catholics built on the
apostolate of Peter to the Lutherans and their justifica-
tion by faith alone, to the Calvinists emphasizing the
sovereignty of God, to the Pentecostal groups who outdo
us all in the gifts and work of the Holy Spirit.
In what then, if anything, are the Brethren unique?
The answer to this may be found in the writings and
examples of the founders of our denomination. A key word
for them was obedience, not so much more commands to
obey but a greater spirit of obedience. In his publication
Basic Questions, written in response to critic Eberhard
Ludwig Gruber, Alexander Mack asked, "Why should a
believer not wish to do the will of him in whom he believes?"
Implied in this question borne out in the lives of early
brothers and sisters was the conviction that there is noth-
ing too little or too big to do for the one who died for our
sins and won for us so great a salvation. For them it was
not a question of do I have to do this or that or of how
little can I get by with, but how much can I do to show
my love for God and his Son Jesus Christ?
Consequently, the early Brethren studied the Scriptures
conscientiously, immersing themselves in the Bible every
day to discover the best and the most they could do for the
Lord, joyfully seeking the maximum and not the minimum
of obedience. It was a little like two people in love asking
not "Do I have to kiss or hug my spouse to show my affec-
tion?" but rather "What are the thousand different little
10 Messenger January 1997
ways I can show my great love for my spouse?"
Take the matter of Christian baptism, for example. Every
denomination has it in some form. Even the Friends, who do
not use water, have a special work of the Spirit that serves as
baptism for them. Some groups sprinkle a little water;
others pour water. Many denominations have immersion in
water in one form or other, usually a single dip backwards.
But not the Brethren. They combed the Scriptures carefully,
comparing one text with another endlessly in their zeal to
discover all they could do to express their gratitude for the
salvation of which baptism is the seal and testimony.
Beginning with the Greek word baptizo which meant to
"dip" or "immerse," they found texts such as Acts 8:38— 39J
in which Philip and the Ethiopian went down "into the
water" and came up "out of the water" of baptism, and
Romans 6:4, in which the believer is "buried" with Christ infiii
baptism, and they were sure that the true New Testament
practice was immersion of some kind. Then they examined
lii
i
lent serious
1
y
Matthew 28:19 carefully and heard Jesus tell his disciples
3 baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of
le Holy Spirit," and, on the principle of doing the most
nd not the least, arrived at a threefold action, which they
ame to call "triune immersion."
Then, all Christian groups have ministries of prayer
3r healing as did their Lord before them. The early
brethren and related sects, however, searched the Scrip-
jres for all the commands to heal, and attempted to
nplement them in their lives, again on the principle of
oing the maximum with gratitude and joy.
They noted Christ's command in Matthew 10:8 to
cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, (and) cast
ut demons," and took healing seriously. And, true to their
lethod, they found texts in other parts of the New Testa-
lent to lay alongside this one, notably James 5:1 3-1 8, in
'hich the early church was commanded to anoint with oil
or healing. Having already learned from Mark 6:13 that
the first apostles used this method on one of their trips,
apparently at the command of the Lord, they were all the
more eager for the detailed instructions found in lames 5.
And from this came the rite of anointing for healing.
It was not, as among the Catholics, a form of "extreme
unction" for the dying only, but for all kinds of sickness.
They took great care to see that the congregation was rep-
resented through its "elders" or equivalents, followed to
the letter the part about the confession of sins within the
group, and practiced the prayer of faith that opened the
door for the Lord to perform the miracle of healing.
Still another area in which the early Brethren showed
their desire to do everything that the Lord had commanded
was that of holy communion. Here again all Christian
groups, with the exception of the Friends, had the celebra-
tion of the bread and the cup. But the Brethren and a few
kindred groups added to that the communal meal found in
1 Cor. 1 l:20ff and John 13, and the feetwashing instituted
by (esus in (ohn 13:1-17. In fact they discovered from a
close reading of verses 14—17 that lesus commanded us
three times to wash one another's feet and, being eager to
do all that the Lord wanted them to do, they did it without
question and found great joy in doing so.
The same spirit of following all the commands of
esus motivated the early Brethren in carrying the
^ospel to the whole world. In Matthew 28: 1 9-20, the
emphasis was on making disciples, baptizing, and then
teaching these converts to obey all of Christ's instructions,
that is, making the same kind of earnest, fervent believers
that the apostles were. This resulted in evangelizing by
much doctrinal preaching, a characteristic of the procla-
mation of the gospel by the early Brethren.
But in Luke— Acts and much of the Epistles, the key word
was "witnessing." and this was accomplished by first being.
then doing, and finally speaking, with follow-up and organi-
zation, leaving the results in the hands of the Holy Spirit. The
Brethren are a blend of these two approaches, along with a
strong emphasis on Matthew 25:3 1-46 that insofar as they
show love to the "least" of creation they show it unto Christ.
This, then, is the "Brethren genius," the ability to take
the New Testament seriously in a joyous giving of all that
we are and have in maximum fashion, ever on the lookout
for even more that we may find to do to show our appreci-
ation to God and Christ.
The problem is that this is Brethren at our best. At our
worst, we become legalistic and lose the spirit of the early
Brethren. Only a genuine recovery of that spirit as we
enter the 21st century will keep us alive. Without it, r7T~
we will be in deep trouble! l !
Chaliner Faw is a former professor at Bethany Theological Seminary
and Nigeria missionary. He lives in McPherson. Kan.
January 1997 Messenger 1 1
Kay Yanisch's job is to be a
physical presence showing
solidarity with and support
for former refugees as they
resettle their community in
Guatemala. "It is potentially
very dangerous," Kay admits,
"but that's why I'm here."
Living
dangerously
in Guatemala^
Story and Photos by Jeff Leard
Ills
It is a typical afternoon in the Ixcan region of
Guatemala. The rainy season is in force and all in
the little community of Los Angeles have taken
cover from the daily torrential storms. Smoke from
small cooking fires drifts lazily from the houses, juxta-
posed with the thick precipitation that has engulfed the
day. The constant chirping and buzzing of the jungle
ecosystem is muffled by the steady din of rain on corru-
gated tin roofs. Well-worn footpaths winding up and
down Guatemala's rugged slopes are gradually turned to
rivulets of mud.
Kay Yanisch of St. Paul. Minn., is a visitor in Los
Angeles — an invited guest — but today she is the host for
a game of cards among a few of the neighborhood chil-
dren. Set on a prominent hill in the community, her house
is a place where people know they are welcome and it is
the place where Kay does her best work — listening, sup-
1 2 Messenger January 1997
porting, and befriending a struggling community of
refugees from a brutal civil war.
Nearby, Cruza Lopez Perez sits inside her tiny broken
home and slowly unwinds the story of her family's journeyi
back to the community of Los Angeles. Her words describe ki
the brutality of a country that went to war against its own
people. It is the story of a mysterious and subjective
oppression — the reason for Kay's presence in Los Angeles
A tiny cooking fire is tended by Cruza's husband. He
stares blankly through the slats of the outer wall, scan
ning the obscured horizon for another betrayal in the
Guatemalan darkness. He is silent.
Cruza's 15-year-old daughter, Mikiela, is busy patting vo
tortillas. Her hands move without thought. The attention o ts,
her dark eyes is fixed intensely on her mother, whose
somber words are interrupted occasionally by the sounds a
Mikiela's tired baby, slung to her back in a lump of neatly 4;
/oven fabric, crimson red. Milciela sums up the fate of the
hild with a single sentence: "Another child born to suffer."
In the 1 970s the Guerrilla Army of the Poor (EGP)
ilently began organizing here in the Ixcan region. In
975, the Guatemalan Army also established a presence
n the region, and the two were soon locked into a bloody
ivil war. The Ixcan became well known as one of the
nost violent areas in Guatemala.
In 1982, the army began sweeping from village to village
n a series of massacres that were part of the government's
corched earth policy. Troops were deployed on the ground
nd in the air to destroy communities and massacre the
nhabitants, leaving nothing but destruction in their wake.
The scorched earth policy was implemented ruthlessly
n the Ixcan and the situation in Los Angeles became
mbearable when 350 people were locked inside a Catholic
hurch in the nearby community of Cuarto Pueblo and
ncinerated en masse. Troops began marching in the direc-
ion of Los Angeles the following day.
Cruza, her husband, and family of five children were on
heir way to church on the day of the massacre. Frightened
nd dismayed, they went back to their home, grabbed any-
hing they could carry, and began the lethal journey north.
Jke most of the other refugees, they headed for Mexico,
'ractically all of Los Angeles fled in the days to follow, and
he village was subsequently burned by the army.
Some of the families arrived in Mexico and were even-
ually placed in refugee communities. Others remained in
he jungle close to the Mexican border,
ften forming nomadic communities with
jither refugees. Still others fled to safer
)arts of the country and became displaced
nside Guatemala.
Lives were lost during the journey.
)0me of the people were spotted and killed
ly the army. Many more suffered and
lied from disease, hunger, and exhaus-
ion in the rugged countryside. Months
ind years of paranoid flight took its toll.
A decade after the Cuarto Pueblo mas-
acre, the confrontation began to simmer
lown, and in 1994 the situation around Los Angeles was
leemed safe enough for families to return. But the area is
till heavily militarized. Guerrilla camps are close by and
wo army posts are within a few hours walk of Los Ange-
es. Ostensibly the war is over, but the refugees in Los
^geles are not safe.
As part of the peace accords that ended the conflict,
efugees throughout Guatemala insisted on having interna-
The task of accompaniers
is to report human rights
abuses to the outside
world and to support
recent refugees as they
work through the process
of re-establishing broken
communities.
It distresses Kay that while she lives in ilie same physical
space as her Guatemalan neighbors, she cannot fully
experience their sense of insecurity and uncertain future.
tional people accompany them during the return to their
communities. The Church of the Brethren has become a part
of the process by sponsoring people such as Kay through the
program "Partners in Accompaniment: Guatemala" (see
sidebar). The task of accompaniers is to
report human rights abuses to the outside
world and to support recent refugees as
they work through the process of re-estab-
lishing broken communities.
The need for accompaniment is evi-
dent. The people of Los Angeles, like
most replaced communities, do not trust
the government, and with paramilitary
forces close at hand, Kay's presence is
believed to be essential. People in the
community question their safety if she is
gone for more than a few days.
In the aftermath of the conflict, Los Angeles is work-
ing hard at rebuilding itself. But the effects of more than
10 years of violence have been pervasive. "I think there's
a great deal of fear still," said Kay. "That's the reason a
lot of people didn't come back — because they were wor-
ried it was going to happen again. People don't talk
about their emotions much, but I think there's a lot of
domestic abuse — a lot of parents beating kids and a lot
January 1997 Messenger 1 3
Kay enjoys getting to know the people of Los Angeles and
mastering their traditional crafts, such as weaving.
of kids hitting dogs. People who have been stomped on
feel like they need to stomp on somebody else." The frus-
tration is palpable to Kay.
Resources to accomplish the rebuilding effort are
scarce. The community suffers from poverty and from
political repression, and the combined effects of the two
have severely hampered
reconstruction. Accord-
ing to Kay, the people
of Los Angeles have not
reached a state of
famine, but they are
poor and they are
extremely limited in
resources.
But Guatemalans
are very resourceful.
Houses are built out of
timber and vines from
the rain forest. Roofs
are made from thatch
or from sheet metal
that has been donated. Two harvests of corn and beans
each year offer an ample supply of food, but cultivating
the crops and processing the food is a painstaking proce-
dure. Lifetimes are spent planting the seeds, working the
14 Messenger January 1997
"People don't talk about
their emotions much,
but I think there's a lot
of domestic abuse — a lot
of parents beating kids
and a lot of kids hitting
dogs. People who have
been stomped on feel
like they need to stomp
on somebody else."
soil, picking the corn, grinding the corn, and patting it
into tortillas — the staple food of the country.
Los Angeles is also a difficult place to live. The neares-!
town is five hours away by foot. A road that was promised
by the government as part of the peace accords has been
delayed indefinitely. Most supplies are transported by
horseback, which virtually makes cash-crop agriculture
out of the question.
In the face of all this, the families of Los Angeles still
consider themselves lucky. "They've suffered a lot," said
Kay. "But at the same time there's a lot more hope for
them than for other people who are suffering from poverty]
in Guatemala: They have land. That's why they came
back. There was no land in Mexico, and these people are
so rooted in the land and in growing the milpa, the maize,
the frijoles, and the squash — their life stems from it. A
Mayan legend says that people are made of corn; it's the
most important symbol in the culture." It is a luxury to
have land on which to grow the precious staple.
Peace in Guatemala is tenuous, and there is always con- ^
cern that the people might be removed from the land once
again. After all, the Ixcan region is the most active area of
conflict in the country. Kay admits without hesitation that
the community is in a "potentially dangerous" situation.
True, there are few options for people who live in Los
Angeles, but for Kay it is a different story. She recognizes
the danger, but stays for the satisfaction of her work. "I
feel like I'm getting a lot more out of it than I'm putting
inio it," she said about the experience. "I am getting a lot
more out of it than I'm putting into it. The hardest part was
just making the decision to do something." Once she made: I'
the decision, she became quickly committed to the cause.
Kay remains unconcerned about her safety. "I don't live ; )'
in fear of the danger I'm in," she said. "I'm not naive
enough to believe that another attack won't happen here,
but in a lot of ways I feel safer now than I did locked up
tight in my apartment at home in the US. It is a potentially
very dangerous situation, and that's why I'm here — becausefii
these people are in danger.
"It's not right that they live in fear and it's not right
that they need this accompaniment — it's not fair. It's
such a simple thing for me to do. Yes, it's dangerous, and ii;
I've thought to myself, 'well, what if something happens
to me?' But a more important question is, 'what if some-
thing happens to all these people here?'"
The experience of living in the Ixcan region has been
instructive, and Kay has a new perspective on mortality.
"The people know life so much more than we know it
because they know it in all of its extremes," she said.
"They've been faced with death so much more and they
il(
It
ire so accepting of it as just another stage of life."
Every day Kay goes to a different house for meals. She
s immersed in the life and culture of the community, but
s a North American it has been difficult to relate to the
experience of oppression. "I've become comfortable here,
lut at the same time I'm not suffering," she said. "I go to
)eople's homes and I eat their food. I don't know the
truggles they've had in their lives ... or even in harvesting
he corn. I show up. There's food. It tastes great." She
ives in the same physical space with the community of Los
Uigeles, but does not share the history of a cruel past.
Her cultural frustration is bal-
mced by an immense respect for
he people. "Their stories are
ncredible, and their history is just
overwhelming."
As an accompanier, Kay's job
s to be a physical presence show-
ng solidarity with and support for
he former refugees as they reset-
le their community, but she plans
o continue her work in the US after
he leaves Los Angeles in April.
Her plan is to bring Central
i^merican issues to people's con-
ciousness by advocating for Los
Vngeles and other refugee com-
nunities and by spreading the word
ibout the oppression in Guatemala.
One of the most important things
hat anyone who has lived in this
;ulture can do is to share the strug-
;les that they've had with outside
leople. A lot of people wouldn't go
)ut and seek this information, but
f you can bring it to them and to
he people you know, then at least
ou are doing a little bit." It is important, she feels, to have
; local person talking about international issues and bring-
ng them to the attention of people in the US.
The experience of living among the people of Los
Uigeles has affected Kay deeply. She is passionate about
he situation in Guatemala, but knows that the challenge
ihead for her is formidable. "There's a difference between
;nowing and doing," she said. "The doing is the
iiardest part."
t^
]eff heard, a member of Clendale (Calif.) Church of the Brethren,
xently completed a year of Brethren Volunteer Service with the General
'■card's Office of Interpretation. He has begun a second assignment, sennng
s newsletter editor for the Middle East Council of Churches, in Cyprus.
Partners in Accompaniment
In response to requests by returning Guatemalan refugees
for international accompaniment, particularly from cit-
izens of the United States, the Church of the Brethren
began the Partners in Accompaniment project in late 1995.
The goal of the effort is to help assure the safety of
Guatemalans who have come back to their communities
after years in exile. Means of accomplishing this include
linking Brethren congregations with Guatemalan com-
munities for relationship-building and advocacy, recruiting
accompaniers to live in threatened
communities for terms of at least
three months, and encouraging
understanding of and support for
Guatemalans through workcamps
and learning tours.
Congregations wishing to
participate as partner communi-
ties are asked to learn about their
sister community and to be pre-
pared to respond should the
safety of that community be
threatened. Congregations may
also contribute to the support of
an accompanier at whatever level
is possible. Matching funds by
the Church of the Brethren Dis-
aster/Refugee office double the
impact of congregational gifts.
People interested in serving
as accompaniers need to be
fluent in Spanish, mentally and
spiritually mature, and in good
physical health. Training and
placement of accompaniers is
handled by the National Coordi-
Kay learns much of nating Office on Refugees and
Guatemalan life Displaced of Guatemala. Lisa
from the children }antzen of California is sched-
who dog her steps uled to be placed in the village of
through the village. La Providencia this month. Her
support will come from congre-
gations in the Midwest and on the west coast.
Further information is available from the General
Board's Latin America office or the office of Denomi-
national Peace Witness. — David Radcliff
David Radcliff is director of Denominational Peace Witness on the
General Board Staff
January 1997 Messenger 1 5
Facing
THE Gl? AY
AREAS IN
DYING
BY Guy wampler
While I was getting my hair cut, I asked a couple
of Catholics in the barber shop, "What do
Catholics believe about Dr. Kevorkian?"
Knowing a little bit about the Catholic opposition to sui-
cide, I expected them to denounce "Dr. Death" of Michigan.
To my surprise, they said, "It's difficult to say what Catholics
believe, because Catholics do not all think alike."
So I rephrased the question, "Well, what does your
church teach about assisted suicide? Is it a venial sin?"
"No," they answered in unison. "It is a mortal sin,
definitely a mortal sin."
I persisted, "Even though it is a mortal sin according
to your church, can you imagine any situation in which
you might condone physician-assisted suicide?"
"Yes," they replied together.
Both of these Catholics have been widows, although
one is married again. Both have been through the terminal
illness, suffering, and death of their husbands. They must
have learned from that experience. They asked, "When
there is no longer any hope of recovery, when pain is
excruciating or if sedation is so heavy it turns patients into
zombies, why prolong the agony?" They answered their
own question: "We would not do that to dogs. We would
put dogs to sleep. Isn't that more merciful?"
Both women professed to love their church — the sanc-
tuary, the worship, the sacraments. They claimed that they
take the teachings of the church as far as they can but that
the church is out of date. They said that the world changes
but the Catholic church stays the same for centuries. More-
over they contend that in their church most issues are black
and white, whereas in the everyday world in which we live
there are gray areas. They said that when they come to the
gray areas of life, about 90 percent of Catholics have an
understanding among themselves that they will exercise
their individual judgment.
I asked, "If you committed a mortal sin would you
confess it to your priest?"
They answered, "Yes, but that doesn't mean we'd
change our minds."
16 Messenger January 1997
I think there are
better people with
whom to consuh than
Dr. Kevorkian. He is
too casual about death,
too indifferent to the
preciousness of every
life. In the gray areas
at the end of life there
are alternatives to Dr.
Kevorkian that I would
find more acceptable.
This conversation in the barber shop about the teach-
ing of the church versus individual judgment had special
significance for me because the Church of the Brethren
now has an official statement against assisted suicide, anc
we need to decide how to apply that statement to our
individual lives. At Annual Conference in Cincinnati,
more than 1,000 delegates voted to adopt a statement
called "End-of-Life Decision-Making." One sentence
from that statement reads: "The active and intentional
taking of life including assisted suicide is unacceptable."
At first glance. Annual Conference appears to be as
black and white on this issue as the Catholic church. Of
course the words "mortal sin" do not appear, but the
word "unacceptable" is categorical. And Annual Confer-
ence is the highest authority on matters of faith and politj
in the Church of the Brethren.
On the other hand, Annual Conference statements are
not considered decrees, binding on all members. Our
church considers Annual Conference statements to be
eachings lo enlighten, not mandates to coerce the mem-
jers of the church. In other words, the Church of the
Brethren offers room for individual judgment when we
"ace the gray areas of Hfe. So we must think about this
•ecently adopted teaching of the church, interpret it, and
;onsider how it appHes to our daily lives.
I believe that every life is precious. |esus taught that
he hairs of our head are numbered. He taught that not a
sparrow falls to the ground unnoticed by God, and that
NQ are of much greater value than sparrows (Matt.
10:29-30). Every life is precious in the sight of God. I
lave a sense of reverence for life. Therefore, the active
ind intentional taking of life troubles me.
One of my cousins committed suicide last year. He was
\ respected member of his Church of the Brethren congre-
gation. He had a natural twinkle in his eyes. He had a
spirit of adventure. Years ago, he built an airplane and
earned how to fly it. He took us cousins up for a ride.
But this seemingly untroubled man left his home in the
early morning darkness and took his life. Our whole
family is still troubled. We don't fully understand the cir-
cumstances that led to the suicide. He did have heart
problems. Although his family didn't see the symptoms at
the time, apparently he was more depressed about his
health than they realized. 1 wonder if he kept his feelings
inside himself and faced them alone. I wonder if it would
have been good for him to express his despair rather than
bear that burden alone. I wonder if, had he sat down with
someone whom he respected to carefully consider all the
alternatives, he would have made a different choice.
His death was terribly tragic. I am glad for a church that
cautions against all forms of suicide. In our low moments,
we make bad decisions. In such moments we need the
teaching of the church to give us perspective. The church
teaches that every life is precious. Suicide horrifies me.
The Bible doesn't give a definitive answer to the
question of suicide. Remarkably, few suicides are
reported across the several millennia of biblical
history. The stories of these rare suicides are told without
condemnation or judgment.
1 Samuel 3 1 reports the suicide of King Saul. The
Israelites lost a battle to the Philistines. The king's three
sons, including the valiant Jonathan, were killed in
battle. The king was critically, but not fatally, wounded.
He instructed his armor-bearer to run a sword through
him — that is, to become his Dr. Kevorkian. The armor-
bearer refused the king. Then Saul fell upon his own
sword. He chose to die rather than to be dishonored and
humiliated by the enemy.
King Saul's suicide is never denounced in the Bible. To
the contrary, David's eulogy for King Saul is one of the
most moving and beautiful of all time. In that great poem
("How the mighty have fallen"), the king's life is remem-
bered and honored, and his death is lamented and grieved,
but his suicide is ignored (2 Sam. 1:17-27).
The only suicide in the New Testament is that of ludas
Iscariot, who hanged himself. His death is tragic. By
ending his life, he cut all possibility of reconciliation. By
ending his physical life, he ended his spiritual life also.
What a tragic ending to the life of one of the 1 2 disciples.
These two suicides, and a couple more, are reported in
the Bible without evaluation; none of them are assisted
suicides. The Bible gives no direct answer to our ques-
tions about Dr. Kevorkian.
Are there gray areas where we must use our own judg-
ment? Consider the story about Dan West. Glee Yoder's
book about him. Passing on tlie Gift, is an inspirational,
yet honest, biography. Dan West is one of the great
heroes in the Church of the Brethren during this century.
He founded Heifer Project, a multimillion-dollar interna-
tional agency for relief of hunger. He was a pioneer in
church camping in the 1920s, when summer camps were
first organized in the Church of the Brethren. He was a
January 1997 Messenger 17
key figure in the formation of Brethren Volunteer Service.
Dan West was a peace activist par excellence in the
Church of the Brethren.
When he was in his 70s, Dan's health began to fail . His
illness was diagnosed as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Six months
later, he could barely speak because his throat muscles were
paralyzed. Seven months later he couldn't swallow. A
doctor performed a gastrotomy to channel nourishment
directly into his stomach. He was placed in a nursing home.
A year later, Dan must have decided to die. On Janu-
ary 4, 1971, during a howling snowstorm, when the
temperature was below zero, he put an overcoat over his
pajamas and boots on his feet and took a walk outside
alone. He came back to the lobby coughing and sputter-
ing, nearly choking. He went out a second time and then
a third time on that bitterly cold night.
Pneumonia was the result. An oxygen tent was placed
over him. He kept working his way out of it. He wrote a
note "My life is no longer worth this cost." The doctor
recommended a tracheotomy. Dan declined.
On January 7, when his wife, Lucy, came to visit him
after work she noticed that he was not at the window as
usual, looking for her. She found him in his bed, near
death. He awoke enough to smile and to reach out to
squeeze her hand. Then within minutes he died. He must
have willed himself to live long enough to say good-bye.
When 1 read that story soon after it was published in
1978, I was troubled. I could hardly accept Dan West's
choice to deliberately hasten his death. I thought, "An
unheroic ending to the life of a great hero."
Now I am older. The passage of years diminishes one's
fear of death. Older people say to me, "I'm not afraid to
die. I just don't want to be there when it happens." In
other words, they aren't afraid of death, although they
may worry about the process of dying: "I don't want to
linger. I don't want to suffer. I don't want to become a
burden." But they don't fear death. They say serenely, "I'll
be ready when the good Lord calls. I'm ready to go home."
BY Julie Polter
For all the nihilistic posturing
in our culture, not many of us
really want to ponder the reality
of death, the nuts and bolts of how
and why and when. Least of all do we
want to think about the slow ways we
or those we love may die, the journeys
down long twisting tunnels of terminal
illness or disability or chronic pain.
These paths surely can be marked
with the noblest human moments of
the struggle with life and death. But
they are also inevitably filled with the
Death becomes him:
Kevorkian's caricature of mercy
On Kevorkian's terms, death is purely an individual
matter, only a concern if you're the one choosing
a physician's assistance in speeding up the process.
mundane ambiguity of suffering —
monotony spiked with agony; a
shifting, confusing blend of hope,
despair, perseverance, and surrender.
So maybe some breathe a sigh of
relief when Dr. Jack Kevorkian, the
retired, unlicensed Michigan pathol-
ogist who has assisted more than 40
people in committing suicide, brashly
smashes open the vacuum of cultural
denial. With press conferences,
videotapes, and general outrageous-
ness, he shoves death stage center
where you can't look away and he
claims that it's all much more simple
than doctors, lawyers, ethicists, or
theologians would have you think.
Dr. Jack explains it all: Suffering is
wrong, and the dignified choice is to
end it. An I.V. drip in a rusty van or
hotel room is nothing more and noth-
ing less than a courageous stand for
freedom and personal autonomy. The
law has nothing to do with it. Societal
standards have nothing to do with it.
The blessings and shadows of a dying
person's relationships with family and
friends have nothing to do with it.
Spirituality or organized religion cer-
tainly have nothing to do with it.
Whether you applaud Kevorkian or
are repulsed by him, you can perhaps
recognize the release and relief many
would find in seeing things from his
perspective. On Kevorkian's terms,
death is purely an individual matter,
only a concern if you're the one
choosing a physician's assistance in
speeding up the process. According
to The Washington Post, about 75
percent of the public supports the
idea of physician-assisted suicide.
But the stark clarity of Kevorkian's
"mercy and individual rights" road
show evaporates when you look at the
full record of who he has reported
18 Messenger January 1997
Dan West was 77 years old when he died. When a man
who has been a talker all his life can't say a word anymore,
when a man who enjoyed fresh vegetables from his garden
can't eat one spoonful anymore, when a man who traveled
to places around the world can't even get across town any-
more, when a man who loved his
little farm can't go home any more,
when a man who believed in recon-
ciliation and proclaimed the power
of love can't participate in normal,
healthy relationships anymore
because of physical infirmities, is
that life? When a man has no hope
for recovery and nothing in this life
to look forward to, why not squeeze ,-b^^^^
a hand, say good-bye, and journey on to the next life?
There is a gray area in the Annual Conference state-
ment. The gray area lies between two sentences: "The
active and intentional taking of life, including assisted sui
When someone has no hope for
recovery and nothing in this life
to look forward to, why not
squeeze a hand, say good-bye,
and journey on to the next life?
cide, is unacceptable When death approaches, relief of
pain and suffering is a higher value than simply prolonging
life." That second guideline is an interesting counterpoint
to the first. Simply prolonging life is not the ultimate value
when death approaches. Do you begin to see a gray area
that allows room for our individ-
ual judgment when we interpret
and apply our Annual Conference
statement?
What is assisted suicide (which
is unacceptable) and what is
simply prolonging life, which is
not the highest value? What is
taking a life, and what is allowing
" to die? Answer this question in
your mind: Suppose a person were put on a respirator
when he was unconscious, even though he had signed a
"living will" against using such heroic measures. Is
unplugging that respirator an assisted suicide, or is it just
assisting in committing suicide since
1990. A large majority have been
women; several have had the kind of
diseases usually associated with ques-
tions of euthanasia — terminal cancer
or severely debilitating conditions
such as Lou Gehrig's disease, accom-
panied by presumably untreatable
pain. But Kevorkian has been steadily
pushing the limit on what constitutes
"terminal" or "untreatable."
His "clients" include Rebecca
Badger, apparently severely disabled
by what had been diagnosed as multi-
ple sclerosis; an autopsy found no
physical evidence of the disease. Her
history included evidence of depres-
sion, chemical abuse, and alcoholism.
She had refused antidepressants and
was reportedly unhappy with a previ-
ous psychological consultation.
Kevorkian concedes that [udith
Curren, a 42-year-old nurse and
mother of two young children, was not
terminally ill; rather she didn't feel she
could continue bearing the pain and
exhaustion of chronic fatigue syn-
drome. Her psychiatrist husband was
at her side with Kevorkian when she
committed suicide.
That same husband had been twice
accused of assaulting her, with the
police paying a visit to their home just
three weeks before her death to arrest
him on a charge of domestic assault
and battery. As The Washington Post
editorial page asked, "Is it in any way
merciful, compassionate, or 'healing'
(a favorite word of Kevorkian fans) to
assist in the suicide of a middle-aged
woman who is tired and depressed
and married to a man whom she
recently accused of attacking her and
who then delivers her to Dr.
Kevorkian?"
Dying, like most things that
matter, is a morally complex
reality. Take a walk through a
cancer ward or hospice or intensive
care unit and it will be clear that
almost any patient's existence is itself
a dynamic interplay of body, emo-
tion, and (yes) spirit, enmeshed in a
medical establishment and medical
technology and a web (or snarl) of
personal relationships.
Kevorkian has caricatured the
Christian perspective resisting
euthanasia as nothing more than a
foolish claim that the body is sacred, a
claim academically or spiritually
removed from the physical reality of
severe illness and pain. But the truth is
that if we bring the whole of our faith
and ethical heritage forward, it pushes
us into deep engagement with the full
range of issues (biological, medical.
legal, relational, political, ethical) that
are at stake in questions of euthanasia.
A human being, made in the image
of God, does have infinite value in
our tradition. But if we see all life, all
creation as flowing from God (and,
eventually, back again), then we do
not claim solely the worth of an indi-
vidual life, but also the sanctity of an
individual's connection to the rest of
creation. Life is not just a heart beat
and brain waves, but relationships
and interdependence (both incarnate
and transcendent) among people and
the rest of the earth.
Engagement (both personal and at
the policy level) with the complexity of
these questions, and a pushing for
such full engagement by our society,
should be what people of faith are
about. This role is all the more key as
the Supreme Court hears two cases
this month that could fundamentally
change how the legal system deals with
physician-assisted suicide. There is too
much mystery inherent in death and
life for us to claim any simple answers;
there is too much sacred in life and
death not to fight for account- rvj-i
ability where the two intersect.
Iidie Poller writes for Sojourners magazine.
Reprinted with permission from Sojourners,
November- December. 1996. Sojourners, 2401
15th Street N.W.. Washington. DC 20009.
January 1997 Messenger 19
no longer interfering with the process of dying?
Or suppose a person on kidney dialysis becomes ter-
minally ill and refuses dialysis, and the result is a quick
death. Is that suicide?
My wife and I have signed a living will with durable
power of attorney that authorizes our care givers not to
force-feed us if we can't eat or drink and not to give us
blood transfusions, antibiotics, or any form of surgery if our
illness or injury is terminal or our
state of unconsciousness is perma-
nent. Is that acceptable?
Is refusing to swallow food or
drink after a totally incapacitating
stroke the taking of life or is it not
simply prolonging life?
Or suppose someone such as
Dan West refuses oxygen, is that
suicide? Or if someone who is ter-
minally ill walks out on a cold winter night and gets
pneumonia, what is that? Active or passive euthanasia? There
are ways to hasten death besides visiting Dr. Kevorkian.
In the age of high technology, the distinction between
active and passive euthanasia is blurred. What is the taking
of life and what is not simply prolonging life? Is that not a
gray area in which we have to exercise our own judgment?
It is easy for delegates to Conference to sit back and
vote for an idealistic statement without making the hard
decisions. A pastor back home and individuals facing gray
areas don't have that luxury. I wish Annual Conference
delegates would have wrestled more openly with the com-
plexity of end-of-hfe decision-making.
Dr. Kevorkian is spooky. He has little reverence for
life; he said that explicitly in a television interview. He has
assisted some 40 suicides. He has not been convicted of a
crime. Apparently, in each of the cases, the jury sensed
his compassion for his patients. In one recent case the ill-
ness was painful, but not necessarily terminal. That is a
different category of assisted suicide not yet tested in the
courts. I think there are better people with whom to con-
sult than Dr. Kevorkian. He is too casual about death, too
indifferent to the preciousness of every life. In the gray
areas at the end of life there are alternatives to Dr.
Kevorkian that I would find more acceptable.
Medical technology is a mixed blessing. Incredible
progress has been made within the last decade in the relief
of pain. Less sedation, applied more efficiently, offers a
patient less pain without existing in a mental fog. We can
be thankful for progress in the treatment of pain.
Reduced pain means that quality life can be extended for
many people to enjoy. On the other hand, in the age of
high technology, dying has become more difficult. Some
deaths would have been quick and easy a generation ago;
the same deaths can be postponed almost indefinitely
now. Despite many wonderful benefits, technology has
Every life is to be treasured,
preserved, and not relinquished
so long as the quality of life is
not so diminished that it is
hardly life anymore.
made decisions about dying more complex.
Life as portrayed in the New Testament is more than
breathing, more even than the absence of pain. Life is ani-
mation, relationships, and spiritual vitality. If prolonging
physical life was Jesus' most important goal, he would not
have chosen the cross. When Jesus says, "I am . . . the life"
(John 14:6), he is talking about more than breath or a
heartbeat or brain waves that can be detected only by the
most sensitive machines. He is talk-
ing about the abundant life, the life
of love. The cross did not prolong
his physical life nor that of his disci-
ples. But life is more than breathing.
That delightful New Testament
image, the "tree of life," means
more than mere survival. "Tree of .
life" means the nourished life, the
vibrant life. Another delightful
image, the "stream of life," means more than mere exis-
tence. I think of refreshment, of renewal, of serenity. The
New Testament concept "eternal life" means more than
longevity, more than perpetual misery. "Eternal life"
means life with spirit to it. It means the fuller joys of a
closer fellowship with God and neighbors. Such life is far
more than breathing. A lot of people who are walking
around are half dead already. They are physically alive but
spiritually dead. That kind of death, which is all around
us, is far more tragic than assisted suicide.
In this age of high technology, end-of-life decision-
making can become a difficult task. People of the faith
must offer support to those who must make such deci-
sions. We must be caring, open, willing to listen and talk
about life and about death, so that they can express their
despair with out having to bear that burden alone and con-
sider their alternatives before they have to make a choice.
We must remind each other that every life is precious.
Every life is to be treasured, preserved, and not relin-
quished so long as the quality of life is not so diminished
that it is hardly life anymore. We must encourage each
other with the assurance that, even in this age of high
technology, Jesus Christ is the Lord of both the living and
the dead, and that he goes with us through the valley of
the shadow of death. We must remind each other in the
words of Paul: "If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we
die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or
whether we die, we are the Lord's" (Rom. 14:8).
The key question then is not when do we die or even
how do we die, but how do we live? How do we spend
our lives? To live a long life is good, but, as Jesus clearly
shows, to live long is not so important as to live well.
"He is Alpha and Omega, he the Source, the
Ending" (Hymn 104).
Guy Wampler is senior pastor of Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the
Brethren, and a former Annual Conference moderator (1987).
M.
20 Messenger January 1997
Let's give
the Great Physician
a little help
iBY James Benedict
H
ealth care is changing in
America, and not everyone
likes it. As is typical with
change, the voices shouting the loudest
are those who are getting "pinched" by
the changes — those who are facing
more red tape, fewer choices, more
costs, or less income. Changing some-
thing as big and complex as our health
care system is impossible without some
squawking, even if the change is for
the better. We'll have to wait to see if
that's the case overall, but I do see at
least one area where recent changes in
health care seem to be an improve-
ment: the emphasis on people taking
greater responsibility for their own
health and well-being.
Accepting this is not always easy.
In the last months of my mother's
life, she and my father chose the
option of home care. I was surprised
when 1 visited to find that my father
had been taught by the home health
agency to carry out many aspects of
her care that I expected a nurse to
provide. He set up intravenous feed-
ings, gave injections through a port,
tested her blood sugar regularly, and
kept extensive records of her weight
and temperature.
My own initial reaction was "This
is too much. He can't be expected to
do all this. Why can't we have a nurse
for these tasks?" But to Dad's credit,
he wanted to handle it himself and, as
it turned out, he could. Mom proba-
bly got better care than she would
have with even the most caring full-
time professional nursing service.
I now realize my initial reaction
was off base. It is important for us all
to think about taking more responsi-
bility for our own health care. And 1
applaud the fact that more and more
people are.
As a pastor, I encourage the same
kind of change in our approach to
spiritual well being. Districts,
denominations, and set-apart leaders
are essential and they have an impor-
tant role to play. But we can all
benefit from an emphasis on taking a
larger share of responsibility for our
own spiritual health.
Individual Christians can take con-
trol of their spiritual diets, avoiding
too much violence, sexual titillation,
or glorification of material wealth in
the television programs we watch and
the books and magazines we read. We
can go to worship and Sunday school
regularly in order to feed on God's
We can all benefit
from an emphasis on
takjng a larger share of
responsibility for our
own spiritual health.
truth. We can stay away from places
and activities that we know cause us
to stumble. We can identify the habits
that limit our spiritual growth, and,
when necessary, take the initiative to
seek out help.
And Christians can do some self-
assessment. We can ask ourselves,
"Am I growing spiritually? Am I
stronger in my faith than I was a year
ago? If so, why? If not, why not?
What could I change to improve
myself spiritually?"
This approach will require a shift
in the way we look at ourselves and
at our churches. Old patterns of
dependency may prove hard to lay
aside. Even our language will have to
change. For example, perhaps
instead of coming to worship expect-
mg "to be fed," we will
have to start coming to
simply "eat." (And we
may even want to think
about sticking around afterward to
help "do the dishes.")
An emphasis on individuals accept-
ing more responsibility and taking
more initiative might strike some as
contrary to the Brethren emphasis on
community. But it has antecedents in
Brethren tradition. For instance, one
of the most worthy arguments
Brethren made against the introduc-
tion of Sunday schools was that they
might undermine the parents' sense
of responsibility for and their
involvement in their own children's
religious training. Of course, we
eventually got Sunday schools
anyway. The point is not to go back,
but to acknowledge that the losing
argument had some merit.
Another example of emphasis on
individual responsibility and initia-
tive comes from the practice of
anointing. Because early Brethren
were very literal in their reading of
scripture, the physical/spiritual
health care practice of anointing was
typically initiated only at the request
of the one who was sick. After all.
Brethren observed, the text reads,
"Are any among you sick? They
should call for the elders of the
church .. ."(Jas. 5:14).
It is time for all of us to think seri-
ously about accepting more respon-
sibility for our spiritual health. It is
time for us to become partners with
our pastors, our districts, and our
denomination. If we do, not only will
we likely become more healthy spiri-
tually, but our churches, districts,
and denomination will become more
efficient (that is, better stewards).
And the more efficient our institu-
tions are, the more lives will be j-tji
touched by the Great Physician, r^l
lames Benedict is pastor of Troy (Ohio)
Church of the Brethren.
January 1997 Messenger 21
In the three decades following
1850, more than 30 Brethren
publications exploded onto the
scene. While Brethren were starting
all these periodicals they were found-
ing colleges, launching a foreign
mission program, establishing Sunday
schools, and creating so much contro-
versy among themselves that splits
opened up between those who
abhorred change, those who were
open to it but at a moderate pace, and
those who said it wasn't coming fast
enough. Publishing was the engine
that drove all these changes.
As this activity settled down and the
Brethren began to organize it, the
central institutions we know today
began to form, starting with publish-
ing. In 1997 we celebrate the 100th
anniversary of that beginning when
the Brethren took ownership of the
Brethren Publishing House. Two
years later they moved it to Elgin, 111.,
and began what we know today as our
General Offices.
To begin the story we have to go back
to the early 1880s. By
1883, the three-way divi-
sion was behind the
Brethren. The middle
body that would become
the Church of the
Brethren was regroup-
ing. Many of those
30-plus publications had
failed or had been
merged into others, and
two main weekly papers
remained. One was pub-
lished in Mount Morris,
111., and was called The Brethren at
Work. The other was published in
Huntingdon, Pa., and was called
Primitive Christian. Both were pri-
vately owned. In 1883, Annual
Meeting advised the owners to con-
solidate the two ventures. They
agreed, and the Brethren's Publishing
Company was created, with offices in
both Illinois and Pennsylvania. The
two weeklies were merged into one,
named The Gospel Messenger which
continues to this day as Messenger.
Endiii!^
the Thirty
Years War
BY James H. Lehman
In 1897, after three decades of controversy,
confusion, divisions, and rancor. Annual
Meeting was eager to establish a voice of unity
in the brotherhood. Taking ownership of the
Brethren's Publishing Company and locating it
in just the right city were the girders for
building a bridge to the 20th century.
The men involved in this merger were
among the leaders in the brotherhood.
James Quinter on the Pennsylvania side,
long-time editor and educator was one
of the preeminent elders of the latter
half of the century. The Brumbaugh
brothers, H. B. and J. B., also Pennsyl-
vanians, were leaders in the early
education movement and founders of
Juniata College. Amick on the Illinois
side was a very able businessman and
leader in Northern Illinois District.
The other Illinoisan, D. L. Miller,
D.L Miller, a wheeler-dealer in the best
sense of the word, was the pivotal
figure in persuading the 1897 Annual
Meeting to take possession of the
Brethren's Publishing Company.
was the most interesting of the
group. Miller would be to the
decades at the turn of the century
what Quinter had been to the previ-
ous half-century. He had made his
money in the grocery business in
Polo, 111. Without training as writer,
editor, or publisher, he bought with
Amick the nearly defunct Brethren
at Work, and turned it into an inter-
esting and financially successful
publication. As the years passed, the
Illinois office would become the
stronger side of the merged com-
pany, because of Amick's business
acumen and Miller's gifts as busi-
nessman, promoter, apologist,
organizer, writer, and editor.
Miller's money also played a role,
both because it enabled him to fund
new ventures and because it freed
him from requiring
a salary.
This was the cast of
characters that ran the
Brethren's Publishing
Company as a private
stock company, and
reaped personal divi-
dends from its
profitability. But they
really saw themselves
as working for the
church and they
agreed to keep The
Gospel Messenger and the other books
and materials they published in line
with Annual Meeting, which wanted to
end the controversy and division of the
past 30 years and provide a voice of
unity in the brotherhood.
From the very beginning, though,
D. L. Miller thought the brotherhood
ought to own the Brethren's Publish-
ing Company. He proposed this as
early as the 1883 Annual Meeting,
when his minority report was turned
down by the delegates. Again in 1888
22 Messenger January 1997
land 1890, church ownership was
considered and rejected. Miller's
determination grew. After that 1890
Annual Meeting, the company was
reorganized and incorporated under
Illinois law, and Miller insisted on an
agreement that anytime the church
was ready to take over the stock it
should be surrendered at its par
value of $ 1 00 a share.
In 1893, the General Church Erec-
tion and Missionary Committee,
which supervised mission work, and
the Brethren's Book and Tract Work,
iwhich distributed books, pamphlets,
land other materials were consolidated
as the General Missionary and Tract
Committee (GM&TC). Miller was a
member of this new committee, as was
his brother-in-law Galen B. Royer.
In the Annual Meeting report
establishing the GM&TC, among the
stated purposes of the new committee
\\ ere the following: "to assist in . . .
publishing and distributing printed
matter . . . and, when suitable arrange-
ments can be made and wisdom
dictates, to own and control all the
publishing interests of the church."
Because of his interest in mission
and also because of his native curios-
ity. Miller began to travel abroad in
the early 1890s. After each trip, he
returned and wrote a book sprinkled
with strange and appealing photos of
faraway places. The rural, still largely
uneducated, stay-at-home Brethren
were fascinated by images of this
plaincoated, bearded elder in exotic
scenes, and his books became
Brethren bestsellers.
Despite these new ideas and
changes, the Brethren in the 1890s
still did not have a denominational
headquarters, still had no professional
staff, still had no church-owned pub-
lishing work, still had few central
institutions beyond the General Mis-
sionary and Tract Committee and a
few other nascent committees. But
this was about to change.
Already in 1894, the GM&TC had
a subcommittee on location looking
into a place for permanent offices.
Galen B. Royer occupied a corner of a large, cluttered room of the new publishing house
in Elgin, III. The framed 1901 poster on the wall shows 1877 Annual Meeting leaders
fames Quinter. D.P. Saylen and R.H. Miller Royer as D.L. Miller's brother-in-law
and fellow member of the General Missionary and Tract Committee, and as Brethren
Publishing House bookkeeper, played a key role in the drama of 1897-1899.
Chicago was considered and rejected
because of cost. The GM&TC was
temporarily lodged at Mount Morris.
This, of course, was where the
Brethren's Publishing Company was
and where D. L. Miller lived.
In May 1896, the GM&TC employed
elder Daniel Vaniman as "general trav-
eling secretary." The Brethren's
Publishing Company was
already using this same
Daniel Vaniman as its own
"traveling secretary," or
sales representative. As
early as March that year
it too was discussing
moving its offices.
Vaniman was well-
suited for the job of
traveling across the
brotherhood, promot-
ing the Publishing
Company's materials, rais-
ing money, and recruiting
missionaries for the GM&TC
He was a teacher, writer, church
worker, and Annual Meeting
moderator, known for his plain lan-
guage, clear thinking, and spare
writing style. He had helped set up
the committee structure that became
the GM&TC. As a fundraiser, he
could raise thousands of dollars
without using pressure.
So the elements for central institu-
Daniel
tions were forming — committees,
staff, funds, location, but Annual
Meeting was slow to act. The Brethren
were reluctant to assume ownership of
the publishing work because they were
not sure they could raise the money;
they were afraid it would be managed
poorly under the church; and they
wondered if the Publishing
Company's vaunted prof-
itability was real.
Finally, D. L. Miller
took matters into his
own hands. He wrote
about this many years
later: "In 1896, on
my return from my
trip around the world,
1 called bro. Vaniman
and suggested to him
a plan to turn over the
Publishing House to the
church without asking
the church for a dollar."
Miller agreed to set
Vaniman apart and turn over to the
General Missionary and Tract
Committee $26,000. Vaniman would
raise by donation the additional
$24,000 needed to buy the rest of the
stock at par ($ 1 00 per share) . In just
a few months Vaniman raised these
funds from more than 40 donors.
The donations were in the form of
annuities paying six percent interest
January 1997 Messenger 23
The Brethren Publishing House in Elgin was built in 1899. It would soon be enlarged
to more than three times this size, including a fourth floor. Proximity to a railway line
was important. The sign on the train station behind the building reads "West Elgin. "
The Publishing House property was sold when the Brethren moved to Dundee Avenue
in 1959. The old building burned in 1991. and the site is now occupied by a strip mall.
during the life of the donor and then
reverting to the church at the donor's
death. Like Miller, other stockholders
were among the donors, in effect
donating money to the church to buy
their own stock. Even stockholders
who were not donors were making a
contribution because the company was
paying large dividends and could have
commanded twice the per-share price.
At the meetings of the GM&TC
beginning on September 28, 1896,
arrangements for the transfer to the
church were made. A prospectus was
drawn up indicating the organiza-
tion, the leadership, even the salaries
of the "Publication Department" of
the GM&TC. An executive commit-
tee was named. Profits would be paid
to the GM&TC to support the
church's mission work.
A lengthy announcement was
placed in The Gospel Messenger for
October 10, 1896, reporting the
ownership plan, citing growing senti-
ment in favor of church ownership,
arguing that the cost of purchasing
the publishing company had been the
biggest obstacle, saying that "God
put it into the hearts of the owners
and others ... to make liberal dona-
tions of money and stock," and
justifying the action by quoting from
that 1893 Annual Meeting report.
On March 31, 1897, at the end of
the Brethren's Publishing Company's
fiscal year, the transfer was made. On
April 1, the GM&TC assumed own-
ership on behalf of the church. The
name would be Brethren Publishing
House. All this was accomplished two
months before Annual Meeting, with-
out the body's approval
Although the leaders of the
GM&TC thought the 1893 Annual
Meeting had given them the authority,
they were taking a risk — raising and
paying out money, establishing annu-
ities, and making the transfer legal.
What would they do if Annual Meet-
ing said no? The minutes and
accounts of these actions do not tell
us much. Church ownership had been
rejected before. Why not check it out
again with Annual Meeting? Why, if
the GM&TC thought it had been
given the authority in 1893, did it
wait three years to act? Maybe Miller
and others had a keen sense of timing.
Maybe they knew the time was right,
that "wisdom" now "dictated." Maybe
Miller knew he had put together an
offer the Brethren couldn't refuse.
But some of the members of the
GM&TC were not so confident. At
their meeting on May 3 1 , just before
Annual Meeting began, they made a
special request that Miller "explain
the transfer to Standing Committee
and Conference." But their anxieties
were groundless. Miller had read the
Brethren right. Galen B. Royer, look-
ing back 20 years later, wrote, "Some
entertained fears of objections
But in that large delegate body there
was but one dissenting vote." Look-
ing back himself from later years,
Miller wrote, "This delegate favored
the plan but his congregation had
instructed him to vote against it."
Now that the mission committee
and publishing company were one,
they turned their attention to the
question of location. Though the
needs of the Publishing House were
the first consideration, the location's
suitability for the GM&TC and other
church offices must have been on
their minds too. The mission com-
mittee's secretary, Galen B. Royer,
was one of the leaders of the search.
At its February 14, 1898, meeting,
the GM&TC decided to make
Chicago the "commercial center,"
meaning the offices and plant would
be near the city. This eliminated sev-
eral Indiana locations that had already
been under discussion: Muncie, Fort
Wayne, Lafayette, and Huntington.
The following cities remained under
consideration: Goshen, Elkhart, and
South Bend in Indiana, and Downers
Grove, Naperville, Polo, and Mount
Morris in Illinois.
By October, interest had shifted
to two Indiana cities not on the
earlier lists: Walkerton and
Plymouth. On October 12, members
of a GM&TC subcommittee visited
Walkerton and ruled it out. The next
day they went to Plymouth, a town of
4,200 located 85 miles from Chicago
on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne, &
Chicago Railroad, the Lake Erie &
Western Line, and the Vandalia Line.
They liked what they saw, and took
action to make it their site, subject to
the following conditions: "1. What
favors from the railroads, 2. Options
for plant sites, 3. Options for church
sites, 4. Social standing, 5. Relation
to adjoining congregations."
On October 18, this subcommittee
of the GM&TC made a proposition to
the city of Plymouth asking for the
following: " 1 . A bonus of $5,000 with
24 Messenger January 1997
pproved security . . . , 2. Electric light,
/ater, and sewage on the side of the
round " The proposal contained
wo further conditions: "This propo-
dtion shall be subject to the aid given
ly the Northern District of Indiana
nd the approval of the General Mis-
ionary and Tract Committee."
The leaders of Plymouth were
nterested in the Brethren. Joseph
Iwindell, of the Business Men's
association, wrote to Galen B. Royer
ater in the month saying, "The Com.
eels much encouraged and there is a
ery fair prospect of raising the
mount." In November, Royer
eceived a letter dated the 22nd from
). Frank Redd, who was secretary of
he Association and principal of the
ligh school, reading, "We have
ecured the subscription. It was a
evere struggle, but still the people
lave responded liberally, and with
he best of feeling. We will immedi-
itely proceed to put the subscription
n such a legal shape that it may be
ecured with approval by you. I will
vrite more fully in a few days."
The deal seemed a sure thing. But
esistance was developing. The district
vas willing to give $ 1 0,000 if the site
vere in Goshen, Elkhart, or South
iend, but not in Plymouth. Royer
nused in a communication to
jM&TC members, "If that is the sen-
iment of Northern Indiana, then I am
vondering if we had better locate in
he district whatever."
On January 10, 1899, the GM&TC
net at Mount Morris College. The
ninutes carry this cryptic note: "Loca-
ion of office was thoroughly discussed
ill forenoon." In the afternoon session,
he committee members tabled the
eport of the subcommittee that had
asited Plymouth. They turned their
nterest to an Illinois site and reaf-
irmed their decision that it should be
n Chicago's orbit, within 100 miles.
Then in the evening they took action
designed to get the process moving.
They appointed a new "investigat-
ng" committee of five men and gave it
ull authority: " 1 . To select a location,
I. To close the contract, 3. To raise the
necessary funds for location, building,
and moving of plant, 4. To turn same
over to the Executive Committee of
the Brethren Publishing House," to
whom special duties were given "to
erect building and move plant."
On lanuary 50, the investigating
committee met at the Windsor
Hotel in Chicago. It decided to
solicit donations and issue annuity
bonds and to borrow money for tempo-
rary operating funds. And then a city
never before mentioned in any corre-
spondence or minute suddenly came
into consideration. Minutes of that Jan-
uary 30 meeting were hastily scribbled
on small sheets of note paper. Even
though they were later copied into the
minute book, the originals were pre-
served and carefully glued into the
book. The notes read, "That we make
Elgin, 111., our first choice of location
and seek to secure a site there."
Since Elgin has now been our head-
quarters for nearly 100 years, and
especially since there presently are
discussions about moving the General
Offices somewhere else, it would be
helpful to know why church leaders
settled on Elgin. We know some of the
reasons: Like Plymouth, Ind., it had
railroads and was inside the 100-mile
radius of Chicago. It was near Mount
Morris, which would make moving
the Publishing House easier. It too
had businessmen who wanted to lure
new ventures to the city.
But Elgin's offer was not as good
as Plymouth's and there was no talk
of help from the district. And why
wasn't Elgin on those earlier lists?
The GM&TC and the Publishing
House had been planning this move
carefully, with much thought and
deliberate investigation. Now all of a
sudden they settled on a city they
had never investigated, and they con-
cluded the deal overnight.
And it was overnight. They met the
next day, Feb. 1, in Elgin, and made
the following offer to the city: "We
propose to give you $6,000 in cash
for the Fitzgerald property now
owned by Mr. Lord and erect a
building suitable for a printing plant
thereon, within nine months from
date on condition: 1st. That you give
us $3,000 as a cash bonus, 2nd. That
you secure a switch from the
Chicago & Northwestern Railway
Co. running along the east end of the
south half of said ground." On Feb-
ruary 2, in the Merchants Hotel on
Douglas Street, Joseph Amick and
Galen B. Royer closed the deal.
In April, Galen B. Royer moved his
family to Elgin, opening an office in
a private room belonging to William
Grote, business promoter, former
mayor, one of the men responsible
for the deal. During the summer, a
three-story brick building was
erected on the site, 22 South State
Street. By September 1899 it was
finished, and the printing plant, its
workers, and their families were
moved from Mount Morris. A new
congregation, the present Highland
Avenue Church of the Brethren, was
founded in October in a room at the
new offices. E. C. Alft, Elgin histo-
rian, wrote in his 1984 book Elgin:
An American History, "West side res-
idents grew accustomed to seeing the
newcomers' somber clothes, the
women in black bonnets and the men
in black hats with wide brims."
And so that's how the church took
ownership of its own publishing com-
pany 100 years ago, placed it in Elgin,
111., and planted the seed for our
denominational headquarters. After
letting the publishing work and the
many other initiatives it engendered
develop on their own, the church sud-
denly moved to accept them and
center them in an office site. This was
typical of the Brethren of that era —
deliberating long and carefully,
counting the cost, moving too slowly
for some, then taking sudden, deci-
sive, even bold action. They knew
how to take their time, and they rrr
knew when to act. r^
lames H. Lehman is a member of Highland
Avenue Church of the Brethren. Elgin. 111. He is
a historian, as well as a writer of children's
books. His most recent book is The Owl and
the Tuba.
January 1997 Messenger 25
If I were to
name one mistake
that Christians
maice more often
than any other
mistaice, it would
be to respond to
the pain of others
with "smiley face
theology."
STONES
by Robin Wentworth Mayer
I said I'd never do it.
I said it looked termi-
nally boring. I said it was an
activity that promoted nar-
cissism, not fitness. I said 1
preferred the open roads of
jogging to the sweat shops
of weight training.
In spite of all that, 1
joined a "fitness center"
hoping that an exercise
routine that required nei-
ther daylight nor decent
weather would better
accommodate my schedule.
There is a weight machine
called the Rotary Torture ... I
mean Rotary Torso. To use
it, you sit down, grasp the
handle, keep your arms and
bottom half stationary while
you use your inner and outer
oblique muscles (that's
"midriff bulge" in layman's
terms) to move the handle
from side to side as far as
possible.
When this is done properly,
the upper half of your body
moves in a steady sweep of
almost 180 degrees. This
means that if you don't keep
your eyes focused on a fixed
spot, you will get dizzy and
light-headed from a room
that appears to be swirling
by. The logical thing to look
at is the bar in front of your
face, since it moves with you.
Some joker long ago
decided to stick a "smiley
face" on that bar. Maybe
that sounds to you like a
nice touch. But for someone
sweating and struggling
through several dozen gru-
eling repetitions, a smiley
face seems to mock, rather
than encourage.
If I were to name one mis-
take that Christians make
more often than any other
mistake, it would be to
respond to the pain of others
with "smiley face theology":
"Your mother died?
Cheer up. She's with the
Lord now."
"You had a miscarriage?
'Well, at least you're young
enough to have another
baby."
"You didn't get the job?
lust remember that when
God closes a door he opens
a window."
"Your husband has
cancer? You know that God
doesn't give us anything we
can't handle."
"Your 'ex' just got mar-
ried? There'll be someone
for you too."
"Your son's been arrested?
Don't forget that all things
work together for the good
of those who love God."
I like the Living Bible's
rendering of Proverbs 25:20:
"Being happy-go-lucky
around a person whose heart
is heavy is as bad as stealing
his jacket in cold weather, or
rubbing salt in his wounds."
lust yesterday, I spoke with
a dear sister in my congrega-
tion who has had more
surgeries and debilitating
complications in the last 1 5
years than most people would
have in 1 5 lifetimes. She had
returned from the doctor.
who, predictably, had found
something else wrong. As she
talked, I listened. So deep is
her pain, so unrelenting is
her suffering, that I knew no
words adequate to alleviate
them. After a few minutes she
thanked me, said she always
felt better after talking to me,
and hung up.
It is very important to un-
derscore that I said ab-
solutely nothing of any con-
sequence to her. I bestowed
no words of wisdom. I ap-
plied no clinical expertise. I
quoted no scripture. I gave
no advice. I offered no solu-
tions. I just listened.
When people are suffering,
"smiley face theology" makes
a mockery of their pain.
They do not need someone
trying to "solve" their prob-
lems or "cheer them up."
They just need someone to
listen and to acknowledge
that their problems are real
and their pain is valid.
A few days ago at the gym
I sat down at the Rotary
Torso and realized I appar-
ently have a kindred spirit:
That smiley face had been
ripped off. Which
made me smile.
Ai.
Robin Wentworth Mayer is
pastor of Kokomo (Ind.) Church
of the Brethren.
Stepping Stones is a column offer-
ing 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 managittg life s diffi-
culties, we don 't need to walk on
water We just need to learn where the
stepping stones are. "
26 Messenger January 1997
"If the Board's energy is focused too
heavily on the life of congregations,
we may end up not sustaining them
or the vitality of the denomination.
Focusing on self-survival
\s a former general secretary and as
iomeone involved directly in the life
of the General Board during half of
ts history (1952-1977), I read about
•edesign and restructure with much
nterest (December, pages 6-9). The
Dctober actions, which begin to show
he shape of things to come, prompt
Tiy reflections and comments.
A staff approach that utilizes a core
staff at headquarters, with a few staff
clusters in regional centers, is innova-
tive. Success for that requires,
however, a high level of staff flexibility,
as well as maximum use of the latest
high-tech communications. Unless
there is full participation of all staff in
basic program thrusts, the motivation
that can be generated in a central staff
may be seriously diminished.
The unity or wholeness of the Gen-
eral Board's ministry may be weakened
by creating a somewhat independent
representative agency (a Mission Plan-
ning Committee) that secures its finan-
cial support from a designated
Emerging Missions Fund. This may
tend to reduce the level of motivation
for the total ministry of the Board.
I get the impression that the focus
of the three major areas (Program,
Leadership, and Finance) is primar-
ily on the life of the congregation.
(Remember that ministers and other
leaders of congregations are versed
in the nature of the church's mis-
sion.) Obviously, it is essential to
have vital congregations to sustain
our denominational life. But if the
Board's energy is focused too heavily
on the life of congregations, we may
end up not sustaining them or the
vitality of the denomination.
It is dangerous to pay too much
/(nTii^ctv Ccnlci^ ^cmlnai^s ^c^ 1997
The Andrew Center has planned a full schedule of seminars and teaching church events for 1997. Please note the
schedule below and plan to attend one in your area. Brochures will be sent to all pastors, witness and nurture com-
mittees of each congregation in the Church of the Brethren, and to pastors in each partner denomination.
For more information, call The Andrew Center's toll-free number, (800) 774-3360.
Seminars:
1. February 1, 1997
Fred Bernhard: "Hospitality and the Vital Church" - First
Mennonite Church, Upland, Calif.
2. April 5, 1997
Jim Moss:"Does Your Church Really Care?" - Boise, Idaho area
3. April 12, 1997
Jim Moss: "Does Your Church Really Care?" - Sunnyside
Church of the Brethren, New Creek, W. Va.
4. April 19, 1997
Paul Mundey: "Unlocking Church Doors: Ten Keys to Posi-
tive Change" - Lititz Mennonite Church, Lititz, Pa.
5. April 19, 1997
Fred Bernhard: "Hospitality and the Vital Church" - Clarence
Center, Akron Mennonite Church, Akron, N.Y
6. April 26, 1997
Steve Clapp: "Reaching Out to Young Families" - Prince of
Peace Church of the Brethren, Kettering, Ohio
7. May 3, 1997
Paul Mundey: "Unlocking Church Doors: Ten Keys to Posi-
tive Change" - Harrisonburg Mennonite Church,
Harrisonburg, Va.
8. September 20, 1997
Fred Bernhard: "Hospitality and the Vital Church" - Fred-
erick Church of the Brethren, Frederick, Md.
9. September 20, 1997
Steve Clapp: "Personal Faith Sharing" - Antelope Park
Church of the Brethren, Lincoln, Neb.
10. October 11, 1997
Steve Clapp: "Building Congregational Self-esteem and
Outreach" - Central Pennsylvania area
11. October 18, 1997
Steve Clapp: "Reaching Out to Young Families" - Battle
Creek Church of the Brethren, Battle Creek, Mich.
12. October 25, 1997
Fred Bernhard: "Hospitality and the Vital Church" -
Normal Mennonite Church, Normal, III.
13. November 8, 1997
Steve Clapp: "Building Congregational Self-esteem and
Outreach" - First Brethren Church, North Manchester, Ind.
14. November 8, 1997
Jim Moss: "Integrating New Members: - South Hutchinson
Mennonite Church, Hutchinson, Kan.
Teaching Churches:
I.February 1, 1997
"Reaching Baby Boomers" - Cape Christian Fellowship, Cape
Coral, Fla.
2. November 15, 1997
"Developing Neighborhood Ministries" - Belmont Mennonite
Church, Elkhart, Ind.
January 1997 Messenger 27
attention to self-survival. We need a
creative balance between the needs
of congregations and the needs of
the world.
The church exists "for the sake of
the world," not for "its own sake."
And there are plenty of problems "in
the world" to which the gospel speaks.
I hope this can be more evident as
the redesigning and restructuring of
the General Board goes forward.
S. Loren Bowman
La Verne, Calif.
A bright new format
Congratulations on Messenger's
bright new format observable in
Because You Need
Protection You Can
Count On
W hen a fire broke out at Elkhart City
Church of the Brethren in Elkhart, Indiana,
many members wondered how long it would
be before they could worship there again.
But they were about to experience a
wonderful surprise.
''Mutual Aid was right there when we
needed them," says Ted Noffsinger, who
supervised the reconstruction. "The approach
I saw was, 'We have a policyholder with a
problem. Let's do what we can, as fast as we
can, to get him back in business.'"
If that's the protection you 'd like to experience, then
you should know Mutual Aid Association also offers
homeowner's insurance at very competitive rates. To
find out more, return the bind-in card in this issue of
Messenger, or call us now.
1-800-255-1243
^
Mutual Aid Association
Church of the Brethren
3094 Jeep Rd • Abilene, KS 67410
Protection you can depend on from
Brethren you trust. Since 1885.
recent issues. Together with the con-
tinued solid content of articles, news,
and editorial comment, it makes an
attractive and stimulating package.
When compared to periodicals
of other denominations, it ranks
high — even superior to most. The
new makeup of the journal should
retain previous subscribers and at-
tract new ones.
Thank you for this improvement.
Don Durnbaugh
fames Creek. Pa.
(Thanks. We are happy to report
that subscriptions have increased
monthly since last spring. — Ed.)
Thoughts on infallibility
I truly believe that God's Word is
infallible. But is the Bible thereby
infallible? Were those who gave us
that book infallible in their under-
standing and interpretation of that
Word? Or were they only helpless
tools in God's hands?
I do not hold to either of these
extremes. I feel the same about the
infallibility of the early Christians
and their understanding of Christ's
life, works, and teaching.
I do not belittle those early saints. I
believe the Bible is our best source of
guidance for our sojourn here.
I also believe that God reveals his
will for us — individually and corpo-
rately — as we are able and willing to
receive it. No, I am not an unbe-
liever. I strongly believe that the
Bible is God inspired.
But if, in order to remain in good
The opinions expressed in Letters 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 conversatioru.
Letters should he 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, I L 60120.
28 Messenger January 1997
tanding, I were required to affirm a
lelief in the Bible's infallibiity, I
:ould not do so honestly. For me,
hat would be affirming a belief in
he infallibiility of the humans
involved in the transmission of the
)Ook.
Nor am I passing judgment on
)thers' beliefs. I am merely stating
ny position.
Emma B. Dillon
Greenville. Ohio
^ow sweet and sour
was excited by the October and
Niovember Messengers. David Rad-
iliff's article, "Trick or Treat?"
October, page 13) — although it
;ould have been deepened and
)roadened — is the first instance I
lave seen of a Christian publication
iealing with some of these negative
jffects and deeper cultural questions
hat impact Christian missionaries
md intercultural activities.
The two-part church burnings arti-
;le by Anthony Walton (October,
)age 16; November, page 12) was
;xcellent — sensitizing without being
lysterical.
I have often faulted Messenger for
)eing a little too sweet. Here's
loping it will carry more in-depth
irticles in the future. I am not of
'Our faith, but I continue to read
our magazine with interest, and its
ipecial slant is important in my life.
Joanne Greenberg
Golden. Colo.
(Joanne Greenberg. author of \
viever Promised You a Rose Garden
ind other novels and stories, spoke
It the 1994 Messenger Dinner in
Vichita. She is of the Jewish faith.
-Ed.)
! assume no responsibility
don't share Gerald Grouse's enthu-
siasm for Promise Keepers
November, page 20). And I don't
mderstand how he can conclude that
iphesians 5: 21-33 is "clearly . ..a
:all for husbands to assume respon-
Pontius' Puddle
Send payment for reprinting "Pontius' Puddle" from Messenger to
]oel Kaiiffmann. Ill Carter Road. Goshen. IN 46526. $25 for one
time use. $10 for second strip in same issue. $ 10 for congregations.
I HA.VE. THE. FEEUNGr
TMIS ^Aler^AT ^E A
TOOCrH KIT TO ASSE^ABl-E.
THE FIRSr
INSTRUCTION IS TO
.SAY A PRAYER!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7/8.
Statement of Ownership
Management and Circulation
(Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685)
Messenger
Publication No. 340-760
January 1, 1997
Publislned monthly
No. of issues publislied annually 1 1
Annual subscription price $16.50
1451 Dundee Ave., Kane County
Elgin, IL 60120
9. Names and addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor are:
Publisher Dale Minnich, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; Editor, Kermon
Thomasson, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; Managing Editor, Nevin
Dulabaum, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
10. Owner: Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin,
Kane County, Illinois.
1 1 . Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or
holding one percent or more of total amounts of bonds, mortgages or other
securities — none.
12. For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at special
rates — does not apply.
13. Publication name: Messenger.
14. Issue date for circulation date below: January 1997.
15. Extent and nature of circulation.
Average no. copies Actual no. copies of
each issue during single issue published
preceding 1 2 months nearest to filing date.
A. Total no. copies printed (Net Press Run)
B. Paid and/or requested circulation
1 . Sales through dealers, carriers, street
vendors, and counter sales
2. Mail subscription
C. Total paid and/or requested circulation
D. Free distribution by mail.
E. Free distribution outside of the mail.
F Total free distribution.
G. Total distribution
H. Copies not distributed
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0
0
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18,446
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169
141
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0
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883
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20,000
16. This statement of ownership will be printed in the October issue.
1 7. I certify that the statements furnished on this form are correct and complete.
Dale Minnich, Publisher
January 1997 Messenger 29
call (800) 525-80391^ ext. 247
Ask for Vicki.
Partners
in Prayer
Daily prayer guide:
Sunday: Your congregation's ministries
Monday: Annual Conference officers
Tuesday: General Board and staff
Wednesday: District executives,
Bethany Seminary, colleges
and university
Thursday: General Services
Friday: Parish Ministries
Saturday: World Ministries
January prayer concerns:
Congregation: New energy in the life
of the local church; Ecumenical
Sunday, fan. 19; Week of Prayer for
Christian Unity, Jan. 18-25.
Annual Conference: Nominating
Committee; Review and Evaluation
Committee; Moderator-elect Jimmy
Ross' trip to Nigeria, (an. 25-Feb. 10
(Merv Keeney, Bonnie Kline Smeltzer,
and Kathy Hess going, too).
General Board: Staff Consultation,
)an. 15-15.
Districts and Colleges: CODE, )an
12-13; January interim studies;
Academy for Ministry Training at
Bethany Seminary, |an 6-10.
General Services: Personnel issues
during "redesign."
Parish Ministries: ABC/OEPA spon-
sored trip to South Africa, Jan.
24-Feb. 6.
World Ministries: BVS unit 224 ori-
entation; SERRV study team — Bonnie
Kline Smeltzer, Rogers Fike, Charles
Layman, and Bob Chase.
30 Messenger January 1997
sibility for the spiritual well-being of
their wives."
My wife and I are accountable to
each other as life partners and as dis-
From the
Office of Human Resources
Kulp Bible College, Nigeria
Teacher, Begin mid- 1997
Are you sensing God's call to
ministry in Africa?
A seminary-trained instructor is
needed for this important church
leadership development institution
in Nigeria.
For more information call
Mervin Keeney.
Africa/ Middle East Representative
1-800-523-8039
ciples of Christ, but for me to
assume responsibility for her spiri-
tual well-being, or her for mine,
would be to treat each other as chil-
dren, unable to make decisions for
ourselves.
If Promise Keepers produces a
higher level of integrity and respon-
sibility in men, fine. Participation in
such a program, however, is not
equivalent to being Christian. I lis-
tened to a radio program of a rally in
which tens of thousands of men in a
stadium cheered the assertion of
authority over their wives. It sent a
chill down my spine.
There are plenty of us who are
committed to being disciples of
Christ, but who choose not to sub- ■
scribe to cultural stereotypes in
which men lead and women follow.
Lee Krdhenbiihl
Kalamazoo, Mich.
Classified Ads
FOR SALE
Condominium. One bedroom condominium fur-
nished, with a swimming pool. Located in Sebring, Fla.
For info., contact Isabel Mattingiy, 555 SE Lakeview,
Apt, 110, Sebring, FL 33870, Tel. (941) 385-0852,
Biography. ,4 Dunker Boy Becomes Ecumenical:
Adveiiiiires Toward Skituntx. The experiences of the
family of Bernard Nathan & Ella Baugher King, between
1930 & 1996, More than 200 pages of illuminating info,
concerning prominent educator-minister in life of the
Church of the Brethren. Covers historic & changing
period between World War I and present, Elmer Q,
Gleim, book editor Hard bound, maroon color, &
mdexed. Price S20, plus 11.25 mailing cost. Contact
Bernard N. King, 109-C Faith Drive, New Oxford, PA
17350, Tel, (717)624-4021.
INVITATION
Cincinnati Area— Stonelick Church of the Brethren
invites Brethren in Cincinnati area to worship. Located
on Rt, 727 at Stonelick State Park, east of 1-275 belt-
way, Milford exit. Contact Gene Grossnickle, tel. (513)
528-0002,
Shalom Church of the Brethren, a new & growing
fellowship in Durham, N,C,, invites Brethren moving
to Research Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel
Hill) to worship w/ us. Eager to provide moving assis-
tance (unloading, childcare, area info,) for those
relocating to area. For info,, contact: Fellowship, RO,
Box 15607, Durham, NC 27704, Tel, (919) 490-6422.
E-mail, ShalomCOB@AOL,COM,
TRAVEL
China adventure featuring Yangtze River cruise, Aug,
4-19, 1997, (S3, 189) Visit Narita in Japan. Shanghai,
Wuhan, Shashi, Badong, Wanxian, Chongquing, Xian
in China, Travel on cruise ship on the Yangtze River
stopping at various cities & ports. In Beijing, walk the
largest 'wonder of the worid — the Great Wall of China.
Also, visit Tian'Anmen Square, & much more, Wendell
& Joan Bohrer invite you to share this great experi-
ence w/ them. For info, & brochure, write: 8520 Royal
Meadow Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46217. Tel, or Fax.
(317) 882-5067,
European Heritage Tour, July 12-26, 1997. Visit
scenic sites of Anabaptist, Pietist & Brethren signifi-
cance in Switzeriand, France, Germany & Netheriands.
Sponsored by Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc., and the
Brethren Historical Committee, $2,490 from New York
(JFK). For complete brochure contact: Don Durn-
baugh, P,O.B. 484, James Creek, PA 16657, Tel./Fax.
(814) 658-3222.
Panama Canal Cruise— 15 days, Apr 20-May5,
1997, By air to Fort Lauderdale, then by Princess Cruise
Liner stopping at 3 ports en route to Panama Canal,
After the canal, visit 4 ports on Pacific Coast of Mexico
prior to sailing to San Diego & flying home. For details,
contact Dr Wayne F Geisert, Box 40, Bridgewater Col-
lege, Bridgewater, VA 22812. Tel, (540) 828-5494 or
(540) 433-I433, Inquire now— limited space.
Tour the People's Republic of China including 4-
day Yangtze River cruise to area where worid's largest
dam is being built; also visit Hong Kong. 16 days, June
24-July 9, 1997. Leave from & return to Los Angeles,
Calif For details, contact President Emeritus Wayne E
Geisert (or tour co-host, Dr Bradley K, Geisert), Box
40, Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, VA 22812. Tel.
(540) 828-5494 or (540) 433-1433. Inquire now-lim-
ited space,
WANTED
Seeking The Diaiy of John Kline. Send condition and
the price wanted to Bonita H, McNaull, 699, County
Rd, 1775, R #6, Ashland. OH 448O5,
[urniM foiiits
Jew
Members
<ote: Congregations are asked
3 submit only the names of
ctual new members ot the
enomination. Do not include
ames of people who have
merely transferred their metn-
ership from another Church of
le Brethren congregation.
igape. S. Ind.: Angie & Jeff
Underwood
!lover Creek, Mid. Pa. loshua
Banaszak; lamie Bechtel;
Annie. Ben, Debbie & fim
Byler; [im Caporuscio;
Shawn DilHng: Shana
Doutt: Amy & Lisa Estep;
Jim Eicher: Aaron Feather;
Bob Harrison; Kyle Krehl;
Mike Noel; Cherie Steele;
Tim Stone: Lance Ware-
ham; Leah Yingling; Allen
Zimmerman
ndependence, W. Plains;
Orville Springer
ivester, N. Plains; Rachel
Butler; Brenda Moats;
Cheryl. Dennis &|ames
lensen
ewiston, All. N.E.: Sheldon
lames Myer
xwiston, N. Plains; [enny &
loni Boynton
ogansport, S/C Ind.; Mike
Osborn
»Jorth Liberty, N. Ind.; Jason
Beyer. Andrew Holderread
'almyra, Atl. N.E.; Donald &
Patricia Strine
"arsons, W. Plains; Kenny
Cruse
Juakerlown, Atl. N.E.: Jen-
nifer Hunkle
ihalom, Virlina; Anna Bauer,
Matthew Brown, Jamie &
Jesse Moon
ipringfield, Atl. N.E.; Jarryd
Bauder, Jeanette Kramer,
Tammy Theobold
Jniontown, W. Pa.; Sarah
Martin, Jeff Smitley, Carl
Strube
Jniversity Park, Mid-Atl.:
Ivan Shellenbarger
Atst Cliarleston, S. Ohio;
Andrew Bowman, Glenda &
Gordon Tron
bedding
Anniversaries
^spacker, Clair and Emily,
Abbottstown, Pa., 60
3eck, James and Ethel,
Denver, Pa., 55
3erg, Clarence and Margaret,
Hanover, Pa., 50
iurkholder, Noah and Bertha,
Chambersburg, Pa., 50
Jurns, Robert and Doris,
Johnstown, Pa., 50
Jush, Warren and Hazel, Cur-
ryville. Pa., 65
Carter, B.L. and Zelma, Par-
sons, Kan., 60
-ohick, Eugene and Esther,
Carlisle, Pa., 50
Diediker, Cliff and Lois, Par-
sons, Kan., 55
Duling, Galen and Florena,
Scherr, W. Va., 50
Erb, Edwin and Dorothy,
Ephrata, Pa., 50
Fillmore, Donald and Pauline.
Live Oak, Calif., 50
Flood, Dale and Georgie,
Boring, Ore., 50
Gilbert, Emerson and Althea,
Reading, Pa., 50
Gortner, Harland and Hazel,
West Salem, Ohio, 55
Grogan, Herman and Eva,
Kansas City, Kan., 72
Hamsher. Eugene and Nadine,
Parsons, Kan., 60
Hanson, Arthur and Olive,
Hanover, Pa., 50
Hawk, Jess and Dora Lee,
Scherr, W Va., 50
lohansen, Charles and Vera.
Ridott, 111., 60
lohnson, Chalmer and Evelyn,
Gridley, Calif., 50
Kehr, Joseph and Nellie,
Wakarusa, Ind., 65
Lowe, Leonard and Viola,
Lorida, Fla., 61
Moore, Art and Genevieve,
Nampa, Idaho, 70
Pattee, Richard and Lois, Fort
Wayne, Ind., 50
Petrone, Charles and Cather-
ine, Phoenix, Ariz., 50
Purbaugh, Frank and Elaine,
Johnstown, Pa., 50
Shafer, Oren and Mildred,
Dupont, Ohio, 65
Simpson, Willard and Maxine,
Franklin Grove, 111., 50
Smith, Samuel and Mary,
Galveston, Ind., 50
Stutzman, Merle and Miriam,
Berlin, Pa., 56
Thomas, Donald and Erma
Joyce, Elgin, 111., 55
Wayne, Edward and Bernice,
West Reading, Pa., 54
Weaver, Homer and Helen,
Tipp City, Ohio, 50
Werner, Raymond and Carrie,
Spring Grove, Pa., 60
Wine, Tracy and Mary, Mount
Sidney, Va., 60
Worley, Laverne and Arlene,
Hanover, Pa., 50
Licensing/
Ordination
Airesman, Roydon, ordained
Aug. 2, 1 996, Winder, W. Pa.
Archer, Alice, ordained April
13, 1996, Mount Pleasant,
N. Ind.
Arnold, Patricia, licensed May
18, 1996, Reisterstown,
Mid-Atl.
Barley, Shirley, licensed May
18, 1996, Reisterstown,
Mid-Atl.
Beach, Gregory, ordained Jan.
6, 1996, Dunnings Creek,
Mid. Pa.
Benbow, Timothy, licensed
April 19, 1996, Valley View,
Pac. S.W.
Borsman, Kenneth, licensed
April 27, 1996, Pleasant
View, Virlina
Boyd, Mary Louise, licensed
May 1 1, 1996, Sebring, Atl.
S.E.
Broyles, Dewey, ordained luly
13, 1996, Spruce Run,
Virlina
Caplinger, Robert, ordained Jan.
15, 1996, Gratis, S.Ohio
Cavaness, Ryan, licensed
March 18, 1994, Nocona,
S. Plains
Christiansen, William,
ordained June 15, 1995,
Frankline Grove, III. /Wis.
Clapper, Steven, licensed May
9, 1996, Carson Valley,
Mid. Pa.
Coates, Earl, ordained Sept.
28. 1996, Hickory Grove,
S/C Ind.
Cookas, Katherie McKinlay,
licensed Aug. 14, 1996,
Open Circle, N. Plains
Croft, Eric, licensed March
12, 1996, Leakes Chapel,
Shen.
Crumley, Paul, ordained Aug.
27, 1996, Montezuma, Shen.
Dietz, Arnold, ordained April
13, 1996, Baugo, N. Ind.
Dodd, Paul, licensed Feb. 24,
1996, University Park,
Mid-Atl.
Ervin, Tavia, licensed Sept.
14, 1996, Springfield,
Ill./Wis.
Feathers, George, licensed June
4. 1996, Arbutus. W. Pa.
Godfrey, Geraldine Mae,
ordained July 20, 1996,
Codorus. S. Pa.
Gresh, Kenneth, ordained June
22, 1996, Arcadia, S/C Ind.
Griffith, Sam, licensed March
23, 1996, Erwin, S.E.
Krahenbiihl, Lee, licensed Aug.
16. 1996. Skyridge, Mich.
Lavin, Lisa Marie, licensed
Aug. 14, 1996, Open Circle,
N. Plains
Lovett, Diana, licensed April 29,
1996, Pleasant Hill S.Ohio
Lowry, James, licensed March
18, 1994, Thomas, S. Plains
Lowry, Joan, ordained Aug. 3,
1996, Thomas. S. Plains
Marthur, Sajor, licensed Sept.
14, 1996, York Center,
Ill./Wis.
McGlolhlin, Judith, ordained
Aug. 3, 1996, Freeport,
Ill./Wis.
Meeks, Gary, licensed Nov.
12, 1994. Deshler, N. Ohio
Miller, Christen, licensed Sept.
28, 1996, Manchester,
S/C Ind.
Miller, Steven, licensed June
22, 1996, Huntingdon,
S/C Ind.
Miner, Blaine, ordained April
27, 1996, Highland Avenue,
Ill./Wis.
Mitchell, Belita, licensed Sept.
16, 1996, Imperial Heights,
Pac. S.W.
Naff, Lee, ordained July 13,
1996, Cedar Bluff, Virlina
Naff, Robin, ordained July 13,
1996, Cedar Bluff, Virlina
Neff, Daniel, licensed June 6,
1996, Pleasant View, S. Pa.
Neubauer, Cathy, licensed
Feb. 24, 1996, Reistertown,
Mid-Atl.
Olvera, Victor, licensed Sept.
16, 1996, Waterford, Pac.
S.W.
Ort, David, licensed Sept. 17.
1996, Spring Run. Mid. Pa.
Osborne, Helen, licensed Feb.
7, 1996. Black Rock, S. Pa.
Patterson, Michael, licensed
Dec. 15, 1996, Ellisforde,
Ore. /Wash.
Power, Christopher, licensed
Aug. 25, 1996, Prairie City,
N. Plains
Ray, Mark, licensed March 19.
1996, Blue River, N. Ind.
Rice, Robert, ordained Dec. 2,
1995, New Salem. N. Ind.
Rieman, Kenneth, licensed
Sept. 28, 1996, Manches-
ter, S/C Ind.
Runkle, DwayneA.. licensed
June 6, 1996, Pleasant
View, S. Pa.
Scott, Clarence, licensed Aug.
20, 1996, Bethel Center,
S/C Ind.
Self, Kim, licensed March 23,
1996, Lake Charles, S. Plains
Snyder, Lisa Anne, licensed
Aug. 14, 1996, Open Circle,
N. Plains
Spangler, Joyce, ordained
May 1 1, 1996. Mount
Carmel, S.E.
Stouffer, Scott, licensed Sept.
14, 1996, York Center,
Ill./Wis.
Taylor, Mark, licensed Aug. 20.
1996, Pipe Creek. S/C Ind.
Thacker, Robert, ordained July
27, 1996, Jennersville, Atl.
N.E.
Townsend, Frances, ordained
June 22. 1996, Manchester,
S/C Ind.
Twigg, Charles, hcensed July
1996, Petersburg Memorial,
W. Marva
Vandermolen, David, licensed
June 15, 1996, East
Chippewa, N. Ohio
Wickline, Jerry Lynn, licensed
July 13, 1996, Pleasant
View, Virlina
Williams, Melvin, licensed July
27, 1996, Brake, W. Marva
Yates, Melinda, licensed April
27, 1996, Masons Cove,
Virlina
Deaths
Albright, Betty, Grundy
Center, Iowa, Aug. 12. 1996
Barnes, William, 66, Hunting-
ton, Ind., March 4, 1996
Beahm, Wanda, 43. Reming-
ton, Va., July 26, 1996
Becker, Thomas. 52, Dover,
Pa., Sept. 1996
Birman, Iva, 93, Lake Odessa,
Mich.. Oct. 10, 1996
Blank, Mildred, 80, Lancaster,
Pa., July 27, 1996
Bower, Evelyn, 82, Harris-
burg, Pa.. Sept, 5, 1996
Bowman, Elsie, 85, Goshen,
Ind., April 7, 1996
Bowman, Luther, 97, Floyd,
Va., Oct. 13, 1996
Boycr, Edwin, 75. Shelocta.
Pa., April 2, 1996
Bradshaw, Iris, 89, West
Milton, Ohio. Sept. 16. 1996
Brooks, Harlan, 88, Sterling,
Va., July 8. 1996
Brown, Herbert, 84, Nezpence,
Idaho, Aug. 25, 1996
Bucher, Cyrus, 83, Biglerville,
Pa., Aug. 23, 1996
Clary, Fay, 68, Cabool, Mo.,
April 21, 1996
Cotter, Rhea. Berlin. Pa., May
25, 1996
Craun, Charles, 69, Harrison-
burg, Va., Oct. 24, 1996
Earhart, Nina, 79, Nokesville,
Va., Sept. 7, 1996
Earon, Terry, 56, Martins-
burg, Pa., Oct. 11. 1996
Edris, Harold, 70, Hanover,
Pa.. Sept. 4, 1996
Eichelberger, Stewart, 97,
York. 111., Nov. 1 1996
Eshleman, Roy. 83, Akron,
Pa., April 17, 1996
Fasick, Hazel, 92, Greenville,
Ohio. July 22, 1996
Forbes, Thomas. 85, Rocky
Mount. Va., July 29, 1996
Frymyer, Naomi, 83, Hanover,
Pa.. Sept. 22. 1996
Gcttins, Elizabeth. 75, Greens-
burg, Pa.. Sept. 29. 1996
Grim, Elvera, 90, Hanover,
Pa.. July 27. 1996
Grove, Mildred, 84, Aurora,
Colo.. Sept. 26, 1996
Harman, Alvin, 88, Floyd, Va..
July 15, 1996
Harman, Eva, 95, Largo, Fla.,
Jan. 8. 1996
Hassinger, Mae, 94, Greens-
burg. Pa., June 2, 1996
Hawbaker, Aden, 76, Cham-
bersburg, Pa., July 28. 1996
Hertzog, Jacob, 79, Jeannette,
Pa., Sept. 24, 1996
Hinegardner, Benjamin, Math-
ias, W Va., March 19, 1996
Hite, Sarah, Roanoke, Ind.,
June 16, 1996
Hodgden, Marshall, 90, Hunt-
ington. Ind.. Oct. 25, 1995
Hodge, Dorothy, 94, Lincoln,
Neb.. Oct. 2, 1996
Hoffman, Chalmer, 92, St.
Petersburg. Fla., April 22,
1996
Honsaker, Clifford, Martins-
burg, W. Va., Sept. 22, 1996
Hoy, Viola, 96, St. Peterburg,
Fla., July 4, 1996
Keeny, Doris, 69, Glen Rock.
Pa.. Sept. 25. 1996
Keller, Edna, 99, Trotwood,
Ohio, Oct. 1996
Keller, Elsie. 89, Lancaster,
Pa., Jan. 29. 1996
Keller, Wilma, 77, Chambers-
burg, Pa., June 1, 1996
Kerr, John, 93. Sigourney,
Iowa, Sept. 26, 1996
January 1997 Messenger 31
If this is redesign, then why my deja ju?
In the course of shaping the article "Ending tiie
Thirty Years War" for this issue (page 22), I had sev-
eral conversations with the article's author, Jim
Lehman. We are both keenly interested in history, partic-
ularly Brethren history, and the 1997 centennial of
Brethren Press has occasioned our giving the past cen-
tury more attention than usual.
In one conversation, (im noted that in his research lead-
ing to the article and to a larger project — a booklet for
Brethren Press use in marking the centennial — he discov-
ered that before the emergence of denominational headquarters
in Elgin, 111., there were some people
working in a capacity that was tanta-
mount to being denominational staff.
Presently, the General Board is
proposing to disperse the bulk of the
denominational staff out among the dis-
tricts (December, pages 6—9), and we
are waiting with bated breath to learn
whether, in the redesign process, Elgin,
111., will continue to host our denomi-
national headquarters. So I quipped to
if history is repeating itself; a hundred years after the
time of which you speak, we soon may have staff out
there somewhere, but the Elgin headquarters created in
1899 will be abandoned." (im laughed and agreed.
Ruefully, I could wish that history would repeat itself,
as well, with Messenger's reception. A century ago, as
Annual Meeting assumed ownership of the Brethren Pub-
lishing House, the magazine was widely received across the
denomination. Today, while we hold our own, proportion-
ally, with dwindling membership (and, in fact, are presently
on an upswing in subscriptions), we are far from being the
widespread periodical we were at the turn of the century.
The repeating of history in my aforementioned quip is,
of course, only superficially a repetition. The Brethren of
1900 were different in many ways from Brethren of today.
The Church of the Brethren (the name adopted in 1908)
was consolidating after the three-way split of the early
1880s that separated us from the Old German Baptist
Brethren and The Brethren Church. (We were the moder-
ately conservative group, between the very conservative
and very progressive groups.) The new configuration, still
a very rural church, was widely scattered across the coun-
try in a time before up-to-date newspapers, much less
radio and television, and wholly dependent on print media
for information . . . not only for information about the
world, but about themselves. Consequently, the fledgling
Church of the Brethren looked to the newly adopted (by
Annual Meeting) magazine for definition and for guid-
ance. They hung onto the words of leaders such as D.L.
Miller. He was of rural background, but was also a suc-
32 Messenger January 1997
A century after the
Brethren hung onto
/■/;^ Messenger editor's
every word, the very
character of the Brethren
has changed.
n, "It sounds as
cessful businessman, a world traveler, and an articulate
writer. As editor, he told the Brethren who they were and
who they might become. He steered them into overseas
mission work and set the stage for the global witness and
involvement that would come years later as Brethren Ser-
vice. Brethren work would still be for the "glory of God,"
but "our neighbors' good" would be that of neighbors far
beyond the farm family across the fields.
A century after the Brethren hung onto the Messen-
ger editor's every word, the very character of the
Brethren has changed. The Brethren of the turn of the
century had, I perceive, what our just
retired general secretary, Don Miller,
says is so sorely lacking today: "the
unity of vision that is so important for
sensing and feeling a forward move-
ment" (December, page 13).
That forward movement of the
early 20th century began running out
of steam about 40 years ago. Many
reasons for that could be put forward,
and, as we like to note, the history of the mainline
denominations is running parallel to our own.
Acculturation, as such Brethren historians as Don
Durnbaugh, Carl Bowman, and Don Fitzkee have pointed
out, has taken its deadly toll of us. And in today's world,
the Brethren, like everyone else, get their information and
their notions more from television than from any other
source. Brethren in all our highly diverse congregations
are more and more setting their own course without
asking any central authority for compass bearings.
^nd this is the situation the redesigned General
Board will address, reaching out to the congrega-
.tions, spanning the communication gap that is
perceived by the Redesign Steering Committee. Messen-
ger, the flagship of General Board publications, will be
trimming its sails in light of all this, seeking to be effective
in this new reaching out. Under the proposals approved
by the General Board in October, Messenger will be
among those elements combined into "Brethren Press."
Brethren Press, in turn, will be supervised by the general
secretary. Which means that Messenger will be produced
at whatever central headquarters is decided upon.
Messenger back under Brethren Press? Brethren Press
is the successor to the Brethren Publishing House of 1899.
The Brethren Publishing House published The Gospel Mes-
senger. That really is history repeating itself.
The question that remains is whether Messenger read-
ers will now sit up and take notice, the way they did when
D.L. Miller was Gospel Messenger editor. For this answer I
need not wait with bated breath. — K.T.
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Church of the Brethren
I
I
T
Moderator
David Wine:
Keeping us in touch
in a time of transition
February 1997
Editor: Kermon Thomasson
Managing Editor: Nevin Dulabaum
Editorial Assistant: Paula Wilding
Production, Design: Paul Stocksdale
Subscriptions: Vicki Roche, Martha Cupp
Promotion: Linda Myers Swanson
Study Guide Writer: Willard Dulabaum
Publisher: Dale Minnlch
On the cover:
David Wine, in
the interview for
our cover story (page 12),
confided the secret of his
shyness. But he has not let
shyness interfere with the
role he perceives is his as
1997 Annual Conference
moderator.
Features
12 Out of Enders
What do you do when you are a shy person
and have to speak for an entire denomination?
Moderator David Wine's answer is to act like
an extrovert. And talking is one of the main
things he has us doing this year . . . for a very
good reason. Story by Kermon Thomasson.
16 Living up to a name
At first Berwyn L. Oltman wasn't sure his first
cousin David Wine had been named properly,
but now he has become convinced. Sidebar:
"Vintage Wines of old Virginia," by Kermon
Thomasson.
Nigerian Brethren have church
growth down pat
When it comes to church growth, the Brethren
in Nigeria can teach the Brethren in the United
States a thing or two. Glenn Mitchell checked it
out and tells us the Nigerians' secrets.
Farewell to Asia?
H. Lamar Gibble, who retires from the General
Board staff next month, has made his farewell visit
to Asia, but, he asks, must our denomination also
bid that condnent farewell?
f^
Departments
IJi^^ft
1
From the Editor
.■apj^^
2
In Touch
4
Close to Home
6
News
9
In Brief
10
Special Report
11
Stepping Stones
26
Opinions
27
Letters
29
f 30
Pontius' Puddle
Partners in Prayer
23
0 31
Turning Points
1 32
Editorial
I
How to reach us
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Coming next month
Redesign Steering Committee
member Tracy Wenger Sadd
discusses the theology and
philosophy behind the new
structure of the General Board.
District Messenger representatives: Atl, N.E., Ron
Luiz, Atl. S.E., Ruby Raymer; III./\Vis., Kreston
Lipscomb; S/C Ind.. Marjorie Miller; Mich., Ken Good;
Mid-Atl.. Ann Fouts; Mo./Ark.. Luci Landes; N. Plains,
Faith Strom; N. Ohio, Alice L. Driver; S. Ohio, Jack
Kline; Ore./Wa5h„ Marguerite Shamberger; Pac. S.W.
Randy Miller; M. Pa., Eva Wampler; S. Pa., Elmer Q.
Gleim;W. Pa.,JayChristner;Shen., Tim Harvey; S.
Plains, Mary Ann Dell; Viriina, David & Hettie Webster;
W Plains, Dean Hummer; W Marva, Winoma Spurgeon.
Messenger is the official publication of the Church
of the Brethren. Entered as second-class matter
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1917. Filing date, Nov 1, 1984. Member of the
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the New Revised Standard Version. Messenger is
owned and published 11 times a year by the General
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Copyright 1997, Church of the Brethren General
Board, ISSN 0026-0355.
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One of the fun things about working with the cluster of
articles on our Annual Conference moderator and his Wine
heritage was the selection of photos, old and new, to choose
from. A family member slyly slipped one informal photo of the new
moderator to me last July during the Cincinnati Conference. We
used it. Another relative assured me he had a photo of Grandpa
David Glick Wine, but failed to locate it as our deadline approached.
I had become rather anxious by the time a photo arrived in
the mail — the photo we
used on page 16. It was
sent by Leta Wine Smith,
a daughter of David Glick
Wine, living in nearby
Lisle, 111. The relative who
had earlier promised a por-
trait photo had frantically
contacted her, and she had
come through. Her hand-
written letter was as
interesting as the old
photo. She wrote:
"It's a miracle that I
could find this photograph. I am 90 years old and have a monu-
mental storage space of mementos awaiting separation and decisions
on which of my nieces and nephews is to receive which.
"I asked God to help me find the needed photograph, and
within five minutes I opened the box that had just one portrait
photograph among dozens of snapshots. Yes, I call it a miracle."
Leta is one of the seven daughters among the 1 3 Wine chil-
dren. In my last-minute anxiety I had asked the moderator
himself if he could dig up a photo of his grandpa. He over-
nighted his best effort — the family portrait (parents and 13
children) shown here.
And this ties in with an article on a different subject in this
month's Messenger. On page 20, Glenn Mitchell reveals one
secret of how Nigerian Brethren produce members in such high
numbers: They grow their own! Here in the United States, fam-
ilies with a dozen children weren't that uncommon back in the
heyday of our Church of the Brethren growth. Maybe the answer
to our present-day dwindling membership is simpler than our
church-growth experts have made it out to be!
Printed on recycled paper
February 1997 Messenger 1
Ill
rr
Paul Swartz helped Westside
Food Bank become one of
the largest in the country. It
distributes over 26 million
pounds of food a year to
hungry families in Phoenix,
Ariz., and the western half
of the state.
A big-time banker
If you want to find land or a new facility to expand your
services, Paul Swartz is the one to contact. A member
of Glendale (Ariz.) Church of the Brethren, Paul has
served on the board of Westside Food Bank for the past 23
years. In that time, he has helped the bank become one of
the largest in the country by leading
the acquiring of property and vehi-
cles that dramatically increases the
amount of food that can be
processed and distributed.
In 1973, the Glendale church was
one of the founders of the food
bank as a source of emergency food
for hungry families. In those days,
there was a great need for food, but
no organized way to meet that
need. Starting a food bank was the
obvious thing to do, says Paul.
Paul grew up in a family that
placed a high value on service. His
father supervised the construction
of the current building of the Glen-
dale church in 1947, and his
mother volunteered at farm labor
camps, making soap and distribut-
ing food and used clothing.
"There are many people who don't
have the ability or education to deal
with so many layers of government,"
explains Paul. "In today's informa-
tion society, lots of people fall
through the cracks. We provide one
of the basic needs of survival: food."
West Side Food Bank is success-
ful. Last year it distributed over 26 million pounds of food
to families in Phoenix and the western half of Arizona.
Over 300 nonprofit agencies receive food from it, and an-
other 100 agencies refer their clients to its programs.
Another program that Paul spearheaded was the acqui-
sition of trucks and trailers to transport excess produce
from fields and orchards. The produce is distributed to
hungry Arizona families through the food bank network.
"We saved seven to eight million pounds of produce last
year alone," says Paul.
West Side Food Bank, with Paul's leadership, has pro-
vided food and hope to thousands of hungry people. Says
Paul, "Until food banks can become a thing of the past,
we will continue to see that each person who comes to us
receives food for a hungry body and hope for a better
future." — Clay Myers -Bowman
Clay Myers-Bowman, of Fargo. N.D.. is a former editorial assistant on
the Messenger staff.
Names in the news
Enos Heisey, a member of
Spring Creek Church of the
Brethren in Hershey, Pa., at-
tended the 12th worldwide
conference of People to Peo-
ple International, in Newport
Beach, Calif. He is a member
of the organization's board of
trustees. People to People In-
ternational, founded by Presi-
dent Dwight Eisenhower in
1956, is dedicated to advanc-
ing international understand-
ing and friendship. The New-
port Beach meeting cele-
brated the 40th anniversary
of the group's founding.
• I.B. ("Jake") Hershey, a
member of West York Church
of the Brethren in York, Pa., has
been inducted into the National
Auto Auction Association Halli
of Fame. Selection was made
from among 250 auctions
worldwide. lake Hershey is
president of Pennsylvania Auto
Dealers' Exchange, Inc. near
Strinestown, Pa.
• Bob Kettering of Man-
heim. Pa., is chairman of the
Lancaster Living Board of
Directors. Lancaster Living is a
new quarterly publication sent
free to households in the Lan-
caster, Pa., area.
It is a spin-off
of a publica-
tion circulated in
Virginia's Shen-
andoah Valley by
Shalom Founda-
tion of Harrison-
burg, Va. Lan-
caster Living is
an inspiration, feel-good piece.
According to its editor, "the
magazine will contain only good
news — stories that leave people
with a positive feeling." Bob
Kettering is interim director of
Evangelism on the General
Board's Parish Ministries staff.
2 Messenger February 1997
f Martian attackers get
a Whitman sampler
In "Mars Attacks!" — a movie released in mid-
December — the fate of the world rests on one extraordi-
nary man. And the man is Slim Whitman, the singer with the
high tenor voice and the off-again-on-again popularity. . .who
also is a member of Jacksonville (Fla.) Church of the
[_ Brethren.
Slim himself does not appear in the movie, but the
distinctive high-pitched sound of his voice plays a pivotal
role in saving humankind from bloodthirsty Martians.
As the movie opened. Slim was waiting in his home in
Middleburg, Fla., listening hopefully for phone calls from
TV talk shows.
Now there may be hope [Slim hope, as it were) as well,
for the several hundred copies of Slim's biography, Mr.
Songman, packed away on skids in an Elgin, 111., warehouse.
Brethren Press published the book in 1982, but failed to make a
killing on a wave of Slim Whitmania that lapped weakly ashore at
the time. (See "Mr. Songman: In Brethren Circles, He's 'Brother
Slim,'" Messenger, January 1982.)
\ ministry in magic
Forrest Gordon watched a seminary
professor's magic act in 1972 and got
he idea for a ministry in magic that he has
provided ever since.
Using the stage name "Flash Gordon,"
le presents programs of magic for ban-
quets, parties, and other occasions, using a
•epertoire he has built over the past quarter
:entury. A member of Lost Creek Church
Df the Brethren near Mifflintown, Pa., and
•etired from the ministry. Flash is free to
vork his magic full-time. He figures he has
ione about 775 shows, traveling around
Pennsylvania and into other states. The
arthest afield he has performed is Cairo,
igypt, while visiting the Middle East.
The audiences that have enjoyed the
Tiagic shows include church groups. Boy
Scouts, fraternal organizations, nursing
lomes, and elementary schools. Flash is
ilso popular with the Juniata County (Pa.)
Association for Retarded Citizens.
The magic works with both children and
■idults. After all. Flash points out, "If you
;an fool kids, you can fool anybody."
Flash has had no formal training as a
Tiagician, but he has become sufficiently
"Flash Gordon" uses his dummy sidekick.
Benny, to pull off gags in his magic show.
expert that he is a member of the Fellow-
ship of Christian Magicians.
And as for the mystery of how he does
his tricks, he confides that there is nothing
magic about it. He depends on the same
thing all magicians do — the hand being
quicker than the eye.
Adapted from an article by Polly Davis Digon in the
Juniata Sentinel, Mifflintown. Pa.
Margaret Garner makes
afghans for refugees.
Adding warmth to a gift
Margaret Garner adds
warmth to her gifts to the
needy both physically and
figuratively. For the past six
years, this member of Lake-
wood (Ohio) Church of the
Brethren has been making
afghans for the denomina-
tion's Refugee Resettlement
program.
As her sight failed, Mar-
garet, who now is 90,
sought a service project that
didn't require keen eyes.
While visiting her daughter,
Eleanor Rowe, at the
Brethren Service Center in
New Windsor, Md., Mar-
garet got the idea of tying in
with the refugee program.
She now has made and
donated over 100 afghans
— gifts that warm both the
body and the heart.
Friends and neighbors who
know of Margaret's project
keep her supplied with yarn.
She also donates afghans to
church bazaars and gives
some directly as gifts.
— Kathleen Campanella
Kathleen Campanella is staff for
Public Information at the Brethren
Service Center in New Windsor. Md.
"In Touch" profiles Brethren we tuould
like you to meet. Send story ideas and
photos to "In Touch, "Messenger,
1451 Dundee Ave.. Elgin, IL 60120.
February 1997 Messenger 3
New in Koreatown
On November 3, Central Evangelical
Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles
dedicated its new church building, capping 1 7
years of ministry begun by pastor lohn Park.
The congregation first met in a room of a
driving school where pastor Park worked
as a teacher. Since 1985, the Korean
Brethren had been meeting in a house they
bought in Los Angeles' Koreatown and
remodeled for use as a church. Then, with
the help of the denomination's New Begin-
Central Evangelical
built Its new chinch
with help from the
New Beginnings
Fund. Former
Pacific Southwest
District co-executive
Irven Stern and
pastor John Park
(front center) stand
with newly installed
elders, deacon, and
"kwonsa. "
This and that
Bella Vista Church of the
Brethren in Los Angeles held
its second annual "Shut-in
with God" in October. Par-
ticipants spent the time in
fasting, prayer, preaching,
and singing. The event
ended with feetwashing, love
feast, and communion.
• Atlantic Northeast
District's Stewardship Com-
mission has appointed a
Haitian Building Committee
and authorized it to raise
funds to purchase a building
for the Haitian First Fellow-
ship in New York City. The
committee plans to raise up
nings Fund, they bought some adjacent
land and built the new church.
The dedication service included a sermon,
prayers, music, and history, as well as ordi-
nation and installation of three elders and a
deacon. Also installed were six "kwonsa" —
members of the women's auxiliary. A plaque
was presented to Pacific Southwest District
for its encouragement and help.
The women of the congregation dressed
in traditional Korean costumes for the
event. Over 20 floral arrangements from
community businesses and neighboring
churches decorated the sanctuary. The
day's singing was accompanied by a string
quintet. The Los Angeles Korean television
station presented a half-hour program on
the dedication.
The congregation follows a blend of Korean
traditions and Church of the Brethren prac-
tices and organization. One of the church
windows features feetwashing. Pastor Park
holds a D.Min. degree from Claremont
School of Theology. — Pattie Stern
Paltie Stern is co-pastor with her husband. Irven. of
Live Oak (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. The Sterns,
former Nigeria missionaries, were Pacific Southwest
District co-executives during most of Central Evangeli-
cal's history.
to $500,000. It is hoped that
the Haitian fellowship can be
in its new home by this fall.
• San Diego (Calif.) First
Church of the Brethren
hosted the sixth annual Kids
Peacefest in November. All
the entertainment related to
getting along with others,
building self-esteem, appre-
ciating diversity, and
expressing feelings in a
prosocial way. On sale at the
fest were peace-related toys
and items from SERRV. Free
was literature, including
Brethren resource pieces
promoting peacemaking.
The fest is a project of the
Children and Nonviolence
Committee of the San Diego
Peace Resource Center, of
which San Diego First is a
participant.
i
4 Messenger February 1997
Oakton pastor Kurt Borgmann led a "Buildingless Sunday"
service to support arson-destroyed black churches.
\ buildingless Sunday
On last fall's World Communion Day, Oakton Church
of the Brethren in Vienna, Va., held a "Buildingless
Sunday" as an expression of support for the congregations
(most of them African American) that have been lost in
jrson fires the past couple of years.
Oakton met outside in 55 -degree weather, moving chairs
rom the church to the parking lot. Some people brought
awn chairs from home; others brought blankets for seating.
The worship table held a basket containing charred
ivood and flowers, reminders of destruction and rebirth.
Prayers reflected on the walls of racial division in the US
and the unity in Christ with Christians of all races. Pastor
Kurt Borgmann spoke from Philippians 3:4—14 and from
lis personal experience in a Florida community where a
olack church was lost to fire. A special offering raised
$200 for the rebuilding of one of the burned churches.
A couple of weeks later, an Oakton member noted a
inews item about a black congregation in nearby Reston
losing its church bus to arson. Oakton then took up an
offering of $800 and presented it to that congregation.
Out of this grew plans for the two congregations to get to
know each other better. Funny thing was, Oakton had
been trying to figure out a way to initiate just such a rela-
tionship without it appearing artificial. This is the genuine
thing. — Keith Martin
Keilh Martin, a member of Oakton Church of the Brethren, is the con-
gregation 's peace coordinator
Campus comments
Elizabethtown College had
originally begun a fundrais-
ing campaign with a goal of
$20 million, but the first $15
million came in so readily
that the college has raised the
goal to $25 million. The cam-
paign motto is "Celebrating a
Century/Shaping the Next."
Of the $25 million amount,
$1 1 million is committed to
student scholarships. Eliza-
bethtown has been recog-
nized for the third year in a
row by U. S. News & World
Report magazine as one of
the top four regional liberal
arts colleges in the North.
• The fall lecture series at
Ashland Theological Semi-
nary featured lectures on
Anabaptism and Pietism by
Maple Grove participants were
(front) Linda Fry. worship
leader, and the Durnbaiighs.
Back: pastor John Ballinger and
Ashland Seminary professor
Dale Stoffer event coordinator
Brethren historian Don
Durnbaugh and on Brethren
hymnody history by Hedda
Durnbaugh. One of the
evening events was held at
nearby Maple Grove Church
of the Brethren, where the
drafting of the charter of
Ashland University (then
Ashland College) took place
Wendy and David Fisher
dedicated children Abrianna.
David, and Sarah.
A thrice-blessed event
Baby dedications are rou-
tine at Moxham Church of
the Brethren in Johnstown,
Pa. But the one held this
past September was un-
usual. Wendy and David
Fisher dedicated their
triplets, Sarah Laynette,
David (ames, and Abri-
anna Suzette. Pastor
(ames Houghton called it
a once-in-a-lifetime event.
in 1878. The lecture series
brought together members of
The Brethren Church and
the Church of the Brethren
to celebrate and contemplate
their common heritage.
Let's celebrate
Living Stone Church of the
Brethren, Cumberland,
Md., will celebrate its 75th
anniversary in October,
with the theme "Hallelujah!
Let the Praise Go "Round."
"Close to Home" highlights netvs of
congregations, districts, colleges, homes,
and other local and regional life. Send
story ideas and photos to "Close to
Home, "Messenger, 1451 Dundee
Ave., Elgin. IL 60120.
February 1997 Messenger 5
Counting the cost is not
a plea for stewardship;
rather it is a warning
about discipleship, said
Rosanna McFadden of
Goshen, Ind., designer
of the 1997 Annual
Conference logo.
News items are intended to inform. They do not
necessarily represent the opinions o/Messenger
or the General Board, and should not be considered
to be an endorsement or advertisement.
General Board's redesign tops
business for Long Beach
A full agenda of business awaits An-
nual Conference delegates in Long
Beach, according to the list of busi-
ness items released in December.
The General Board's redesign plan
will be presented to the delegates,
with many items expected to need
vote approval.
Northern Plains District is sending
a "Proposed relationship of Church
of the Brethren to the National Asso-
ciation of Evangelicals" query, which
would explore an ecumenical rela-
tionship with NAE.
Southern Pennsylvania District is
sending a query on domestic violence
after not finding a denominational
statement or study on this issue.
Oregon/Washington District is
sending a "Defining Ministry Limits
of Licensed Ministers" query, in
response to the 1996 Ministerial
Leadership paper.
Delegates also are expected to
address these unfinished business
items: the Human Genetic Engineering
and Fetal Tissue Use Statement; Office
of Deacon Statement; Report of
Review and Evaluation Committee;
Denominational Polity — Property and
Stewardship Issues Statement; The
New Testament as Our Rule of Faith
and Practice Statement; World Mission
Philosophy and Global Church Mission
Structure Statement; and Statement on
Child Exploitation.
Conference delegates also will be re-
minded of the 1996 Congregational
Structure query. That query was tabled
by Standing Committee until 1998 in
light of General Board's redesign.
Three business items addressed by
1996 Conference delegates called for
the creation of study committees.
Delegates elected Lowell Flory and
Ann Gephart Quay and the General
Board appointed William Eberly to
respond to the query "Denomina-
tional Polity for Real Property."
The query "Understanding the
New Testament as Rule of Faith and
Practice" asked Standing Committee
to prepare an interpretative state-
ment for Annual Conference ap-
proval. Standing Committee ap-
pointed Carl Bowman, Earle Fike,
and Carol Kussart to carry out this
assignment on its behalf.
Though delegates adopted the
"World Mission Philosophy and
Global Church Mission Structure"
query, the following committee was
appointed at the request of Standing
Committee to respond to the query:
Charles Bieber, Atlantic Northeast;
Bonnie Kline Smeltzer, Annual Con-
ference; Berwyn Oltman, Atlantic .
Southeast; David Radcliff, General
Board; and David Shumate, Virlina.
These committees will make in-
terim or final reports to the 1997 An
nual Conference.
The 1996 Standing Committee au-
thorized three studies to be carried
out on its behalf. A Standing Com-
mittee subcommittee was appointed
to review for the first time the role
and function of the Pastoral Com-
pensation and Benefits Advisory
Committee, a committee that was
formed in 1985. Appointed to carry
out the review of this committee
were Fred Bernhard, Robert Faus,
and Marlene Neher.
A second committee was formed to
develop a statement that will formally
integrate the free ministry into the de-
nomination's polity. Serving on this
committee are Samuel Cassell, Stanley
Earhart, and Connie Burk Davis.
The third committee, in coopera-
tion with the General Board, is ad-
dressing the issue of unfunded Con-
ference mandates.
All three committees are expected
to report to Standing Committee in
Long Beach, and any recommenda-
tions adopted will be forwarded to a
future Annual Conference for action.
Annual Conference information
packets will be distributed around
March 1 1. For additional informa-
tion, contact the Annual Conference
Office at (800) 323-8039 or
AnnualConf@AOL.Com.
6 Messenger February 1997
(aren Peterson Miller chosen
IS Interim general secretary
Caren Peterson Miller of Hagers-
own, Md., has been named interim
;eneral secretary for the Church of
the Brethren
General
Board.
Miller, 51,
began serving
in the Gen-
eral Board's
top adminis-
trative posi-
tion on Jan.
1. She is the
first woman
Karen Peterson Miller tn serve in
he position, even on an interim ba-
sis. Miller will serve in that position
jntil a permanent general secretary
!S named.
Miller has served as the General
Board's director of District Ministry
from her Maryland office since 1992.
She has been granted a leave of ab-
sence for up to one year while she
serves as the interim general secretary;
an interim director will be chosen to
fill her position during her leave.
"I believe in the work of a new de-
sign for the General Board and my
efforts in that direction will be to
work toward being as inclusive as it
can be with districts and congrega-
tions, developing working relation-
ships across the denomination,"
Miller said.
"I accepted the position so I can
assist with the process of moving re-
design forward and to work with
providing a sense of stability and di-
rection with the current staff and the
staff configuration in the future."
Miller previously served the Gen-
eral Board from 1987 to 1989 as edi-
tor of Study Resources, editing adult
and youth curriculum.
Miller was ordained in the Church
of the Brethren in 1987 at Christ
Church of the Brethren, Carol
Stream, 111. She earned a bachelor's
degree in elementary education at the
University of Wisconsin at Eau
Claire; a master's of education degree
at Loyola University, Chicago; and a
master's of divinity degree from
Bethany Theological Seminary, now
located in Richmond, Ind. She also
enrolled in a two-year program in
Spiritual Direction from the Church
of the Savior in Washington, D.C.
Miller served as pastor of Nurture
at Mountville (Pa.) Church of the
Brethren, 1991.
She also has served as associate
pastor of North Northfield (111.)
United Methodist Church.
She is married to Dean Miller, pas-
tor of Hagerstown (Md.) Church of
the Brethren.
With the selection of an interim
general secretary, the search commit-
tee chosen to select a permanent gen-
eral secretary has delayed its search.
That committee believes that by
postponing the search it can "ob-
serve how the General Board re-
design process unfolds," according
to Don Fitzkee, committee chairman.
The General Secretary Search
Committee plans to resume its work
in April following the General
Board's meetings, March 8—1 1.
SERRV fields over 600 calls
after national media focus
Over 600 phone inquiries and cata-
log requests to SERRV International
were the result of the Church of the
Brethren's alternative trade organi-
zation receiving coverage by two ma-
jor media outlets late last year.
In October, SERRV was high-
lighted in The Washington Post and
subsequently received 230 calls be-
cause of the article.
As of mid-December, over 400 calls
had been made to SERRV after it was
featured on National Public Radio's
"Morning Edition" on Dec. 9. More
than 210 calls were received within a
day of the programs airing.
The five-minute segment focused
on alternative forms of giving for the
Christmas season, and SERRV was
highlighted as an alternative trade
organization.
The segment, which was heard
twice during the drive-time program
on NPR's 469 stations, featured
Brian Backe, director of marketing.
"I think people are interested in the
concept of doing something different
this season," Backe said.
BBT reports substantial
growth in its investments
During the past 15 years, investments
managed by Brethren Benefit Trust
have grown from $25 million to $192
million. That is one significant piece
of news BBT Board members learned
at their fall meetings, Nov. 22-23, at
Morrisons Cove Retirement Commu-
nity, Martinsburg, Pa.
"This large pool of money allowed
BBT to structure an outstanding in-
vestment program by attracting top
quality managers to invest pension and
foundation funds," said Stan Morrow,
former director of Investments.
Morrow, who served BBT for 18
years and was director of Investments
since 1994, retired in December.
During his years with BBT he also
served as Legal Counsel and Benefits
Consultant, and helped institute the
self-insured medical plan, investment
fund options for pension accounts,
and the Brethren Foundation.
In other BBT news. Board members
approved the dispersement of
$132,000 in retirement supplements to
100 Equitable Annuity Plan annuitants.
Board members also approved a
search for an international invest-
ment manager, and preliminary work
on a "wellness initiative" for the
Brethren Medical Plan.
Other reports heard by Board mem-
bers dealt with the General Board's
redesign, preliminary considerations
on BBT's office location, and the In-
ter-Agency Council and its work.
February 1997 Messenger 7
The Andrew Center to host a
variety of workshops in '97
Many training and resourcing work-
shops are scheduled this year by The
Andrew Center:
•Hospitality and the Vital Church
—Feb. 1, Upland, Calif.; April 19,
Akron, N.Y.; Sept. 20, Frederick,
Md.; and Oct. 25, Normal, 111.
•Does Your Church Really Care? —
April 5, Boise, Idaho; and April 12,
New Creek, W.Va.
•Unlocking Church Doors: Ten
Keys to Positive Change — April 19,
Lititz, Pa.; and May 3, Harrisonburg,
Va.
Reaching Out to Young Families —
April 26, Kettering, Ohio; and Oct.
18, Battle Creek, Mich.
•Personal Faith Sharing — Sept.
20, Lincoln, Neb.
•Building Congregational Self-Es-
teem and Outreach — Oct. 1 1, Rock-
hill Furnace, Pa.; and Nov. 8, North
Manchester, Ind.
•Integrating New Members — Nov.
8, Hutchinson, Kan.
Reaching Baby Boomers — Feb. 1,
Cape Coral, Fla.
•Developing Neighborhood Min-
istries— Nov. 15, Elkhart, Ind.
•Business Leaders Sharing Christ
in the Market Place — April 17, Lan-
caster, Pa.
•Persons with the Gift of Evange-
lism— Oct. 31-Nov. 2, Lebanon, Pa.
•Pastors of Growing Churches —
Nov. 3-4, New Windsor, Md.
•New Life Assemblies: March 1,
Saint [acobs, Ontario; April 5, Cal-
gary, Alberta; April 6, Edmonton, Al-
berta; lune 6, Saskatchewan; and
June 7, Winnepeg, Manitoba.
•Learning Together How to Grow
a Church — March 14-15, Gran-
tham, Pa.; March 15, Ashland, Ohio.
•Evangelism Workshop — April
27-28, Martinsburg, Pa.
•Growth Strategies for Smaller
Churches — June 9-13, Ashland, Ohio.
•"Caring Ministries 2000" — Aug.
1 1-15, North Manchester, Ind.
For more information about any of
the 1997 events, contact The Andrew
Center at (800) 774-3360 or COB.
Evang.parti@Ecunet.Org.
Brethren communicators
invited to May conference
The 1997 Council on Church and
Media Convention is scheduled for
May 8-10 in Pittsburgh.
"Communication and Change" is in-
tended for Church of the Brethren,
Mennonite, and Brethren in Christ
communicators who work for denomi-
national agencies, homes, colleges or
university, or other affiliated organiza-
tions. During this conference. Church
of the Brethren communicators will
meet to network with each other and
to discuss communications issues.
For more information, contact Nevin
Dulabaum, Church of the Brethren di-
rector of News Services, at 800 323-
8039 or NevinCoB@AOL.Com.
Two directors named for the
redesigned organization
Dan and Wendy McFadden have been
named directors of Brethren Volun-
teer Service and Brethren Press,
respectively, for the redesigned Gen-
eral Board. They will assume those
positions if the Board's proposals are
approved by delegates at the 1 997
Annual Conference.
The General Board in October
approved these new positions and two
others for the redesigned organization,
so that the directors can be included in
the redesign process. A third director-
ship— Mission Partnerships — has yet
to be filled. An open search for the
fourth directorship — Mission Fund-
ing— was announced in December.
Although Dan and Wendy currently
serve as directors of BVS and
Brethren Press, those positions will
receive additional responsibilities in
the redesigned organization.
General Board and BBT
announce staff changes
Tim Sollenberger Morphew re-
signed as director of Congregational
Support, effective Dec. 31. Sollen-
berger Morphew had held that posi-
tion since January 1995. He now is
an outplacement counselor with a
Chicago firm.
Cheryl Cayford was named interiir
associate director of Association of
Brethren Caregivers, effective Jan. 1.
Cayford is a 1996 Bethany Theologi-
cal Seminary graduate and served as
Messenger's editorial assistant,
1988-1993, first as a BVSer and
then as a full-time employee.
Stan Morrow, director of invest-
ments for Brethren
Benefit Trust, re-
tired effective Dec.
3 1 . Morrow served
BBT in various ca-
pacities over 18
years, and helped
to develop the ben-
efit plans and the Tim Sollenberger
Brethren Foundation. Morphew
Cheryl Cayford
Stan Morrow
Calendar
"Reaching Baby Boomers," an Andrew
Center Teaching Event. Feb. 1. Cape
Christian Fellowship, Cape Coral. Fla.
[Contact The Andrew Center, (800)
774-3560].
Advanced Pastoral Seminar, sponsored
by Bethany Theological Seminary and
the Bethany Academy for Ministry
Training. Feb. 24-28 at Bethany Sem-
inary and Quaker Hill Conference
Center, Richmond. Ind. [Contact Kim
Yaussy Albright, (800) 285-8822. ext.
1820].
8 Messenger February 1997
■^-!^'*:i''f
Ib M
The disaster response project that was set up in response to
Hurricane iVlarilyn in 1995 closed on Nov, 23.
The rebuilding projects on St. John and St. Thomas, Virgin
Islands, began on Oct. 16, 1995, and ended on Nov. 23, 1996.
Cooperative Disaster Childcare workers served on St. Croix,
Virgin Islands, and in Puerto Rico for about three weeks, begin-
ning Sept. 25, 1995.
More than 1 00 people participated in the disaster response
efforts— 12 CDCC volunteers cared for 1,174 children, and
Brethren Disaster Response teams repaired and rebuilt homes.
The Seoul, South Korea, Church of the Brethren fellowship
served Thanksgiving dinner and held a worship service for 1 50
elderly Koreans on Nov. 17. "The program was part of an effort
to emphasize a Christian Thanksgiving holiday, as opposed to
the traditional Korean Thanksgiving observance held in late
August of each year," said David Radcliff, director of Korean
Ministry. Participating in the worship service and in serving the
dinner were former General Board field staff Dan Kim, Bethany
Seminary student Steve Brady, and members of the fellowship.
lA resource guide listing family-oriented books, videos,
and booklets was released in November by Harriet and Ron
Finney, former co-directors of the General Board's former Family
Ministry program. Subjects included in the guide include family
strengthening and enrichment; parenting; family life cycles; life
crisis; family worship; rituals and activities; single people and
lifestyles; older adult issues; sexuality; and addiction, abuse, and
violence in families.
This resource was sent to all congregations in December. For
additional copies contact Georgianna Schmidtke at (800) 323-
8039 or at Georgianna. Schmidtke. parti@Ecunet.Org.
The black church rebuilding project by the Church of the
Brethren in South Carolina, which was scheduled to begin late
fast fall, has been delayed. According to Glenn Kinsel, Refugee/
Disaster Services staff assistant, the rebuilding of Butler Chapel
African Methodist Episcopalian Church in Orangeburg was
slowed due to the need to obtain permits, negotiate contracts,
survey the land, and meet county regulations. The Butler Chapel
congregation has approved working drawings of the new building,
and Kinsel expects work to begin no later than early February.
;Orders for 1997 Peace Resources through Denominational
Peace Witness are being taken. Resources include papers,
newsletters, information on opportunities to be involved through
a peace witness, and skits and dramas. Contact David Radcliff at
(800) 323-8039, ext. 229.
*A big birthday party celebration is scheduled for the 200th
anniversary of John Kline's birth, June 1 3-1 7, at and around the
Linville Creek Church of the Brethren, Broadway, Va. Sponsored
by the Linville Creek congregation and Shenandoah District, the
celebration will feature six tours, including John Kline's home;
Twenty-two peop\e participated in Brethren Volunteer
Service Unit 223 orientation in Indianapolis. Ind.. Sept.
19-Oct. 5. Participants were: (front row) Ginger Bearden,
Megan Blinn, Hugh Billhimer. Kay Billhimer. Karen
Fackler. and Pauline de Jong. (Middle row) Sue Grubb
(BVS orientation assistant coordinator), Allison Schmidt,
Keith Rhoades. Michelle Williams, Patty Cleveland, Chris
Weller, Jean Morgan. Todd Reish (BVS orientation
coordinator), and Linda Timmons (BVS recruitment
coordinator). (Back row) Elaine Campbell. Ingrid
Bockstahler, Angela Shutak. Rhonda Narad. Keeley
Waddle, Emily Pope, and Pascal Durr (See page 51 for
assignments.)
1 5 exhibits; presentations; a dinner theater and puppet play; and
many other events for people of all ages.
The event is endorsed by the Brethren Historical Library and
Archives and the Brethren Historical Committee. A handful of
General Board programs will also participate.
The Elder John Kline Bicentennial Celebration planning com-
mittee sent a resource packet to all congregations in December
that includes registration information and event descriptions.
To request a packet, contact Shenandoah District at (540) 879-
2515 or Jim.Miller.parti@Ecunet.Org; or Linville Creek pastor
Paul Roth at (540) 896-5001 or Proth@Bridgewater.Edu.
The National Women's Council of Program for Women is
seeking two women to serve on the Council beginning in June
1 997. The council also is looking for input on whether to hold a
national event, assistance in producing a publication, and com-
ments and suggestions on the future of Program for Women. For
more information, contact Cynthia Mason at (814) 466-61 01 .
And finally, William Shakespeare was a closet Roman Catholic,
according to Margarita Stocker, fellow in English at St. Hilda's
College, Oxford, England. Stocker states that it was punishable to
be Roman Catholic during Shakespeare's day and that she is able
to prove her theory through the coded messages she found in
Shakespeare's play. Love's Labour's Lost. However, leading
Shakespeare scholar A.L. Rowse disagrees, stating that "Shake-
speare attended (Anglican) church services and left a regular
Protestant will. He was a theater person, and all theater people
were anti-Puritan." (Ecumenical News International)
February 1997 Messenger 9
Bridging gaps in Arizona
By Shawn Replogle
The 1996 Church of the Brethren
Young Aduh Conference, held Nov.
28-30, worked at bridging gaps in
many ways. For starters, the confer-
ence was the first of its kind to be
held west of the Mississippi River, at
Camp Pinerock in Prescott, Ariz.
In the past. Brethren young adults
from the West have had to make the
long trek eastward to the conference,
held annually over Thanksgiving. This
year eastern Brethren were invited to
travel the long distance — and travel
they did, with attendance at "East
Coast" levels — 106 participants.
The theme "Peace-ing It Together:
Word and Deed" was chosen to allow
participants to struggle with issues
dealing with inner and outer peace. In
small groups, participants discussed
the things that do not make for lasting
inner or outer peace — global con-
flicts, political strife, denominational
divisions, and personal brokenness.
Main sessions led by Chuck Boyer,
pastor of the La Verne (Calif.) Church
of the Brethren, focused on the com-
plexity of human beings and how that
relates to issues of peacemaking. Boyer
asked the young adults to identify the
perspectives from which they approach
issues of religion, such as peacemak-
ing. Acknowledging the ways in which
we each interpret the Scriptures, as
well as recognizing what matters most
to each of us as Christians, is an im-
portant starting point when engaging
people who have differing beliefs. In
the midst of our disagreements, it is
easy to recognize the complexity of be-
ing human and simply "getting along"
with one another.
"Chuck asked us to think about
the perspectives that we bring to
reading the Bible, whether radical,
evangelical, fundamental, or liberal,"
said Lisa Ebaugh, a BVSer from
Enjoying the fact that this year's
conference was held west of the
Mississippi are Jeremy Hoke, Andrea
Wells, and Matt Giiynn (above), who
soak in the Grand Canyon 's majestic
scenery. Friends Tina Rieman and
Elizabeth Farmer share a moment
together (top right). Chuck Boyer.
conference leader, addresses a
workshop (left).
Westminster, Md. "Obviously there
was a broad spectrum at the confer-
ence; but when it came to worshiping
God, from whatever perspective, you
could really feel the praise."
Attendees had many opportunities
to engage a variety of issues in work-
shops, and through diverse worship
experiences: a celebration of the con-
nections we share as human beings, a
traditional Brethren love feast ser-
vice, and a worship that included
personal stories about peacemaking
on global, local, and interpersonal
levels, and anointing.
As a way of bringing the conference
full circle from peacemaking skills to
inner peace, Boyer guided the group
through discussions of the creation
account in Genesis. Acknowledging
the varieties of ways that people in-
terpret this story, Boyer noted, "To
say that human beings are capable of
wrong things is to speak of the com-
plexity of human life."
Young adults are no strangers to the
divisions in the church, many experi-
encing the pain of such divisiveness
firsthand. But at the conference, par-
ticipants were given the opportunity to
discuss their pain from the past, speak
about the present, and look toward the
future in ways that will help
bridge gaps among us all.
Ai.
Shawn Replogle is a third year student at
Bethany Theological Seminary.
10 Messenger February 1997
My secret
indulgence
brought neither
shame nor
ridicule. Isn't it
funny hovu we
fool ourselves
into thinking
that the things
we do in secret
will not count
against us?
Stepping
STONES
by Robin Wentworth Mayer
Sunday, 10 a.m.: It was
my turn to help with
the once-a-month fellowship
break. I watched with
hungry eyes as the Young
Adult Class set out dozens
of picture-perfect, home-
baked cookies. Temptations
beckoned, but I prevailed.
Same day, noon: 1 joined
the Senior High Youth for
their meeting. The cookies
were back, and they had
only grown more lovely with
age. Enticing, but I resisted.
Later, 2 p.m.: I arrived
home, alone. I checked the
messages, changed clothes,
made a phone call, ate a
dozen cookies, let the dog
out, and read the paper.
Later, 4 p.m.: I left with
family for a church skating
party. At the skating rink I
ignored the cookies, as if
willpower somehow could
take on retroactive proper-
ties and expunge my
dastardly deed. Daintily I
nibbled on low-fat veggies.
Maybe no one would notice
the scarlet C on my chest.
No one did.
God did not zap me.
Friends did not forsake me.
My secret indulgence brought
neither shame nor ridicule.
Isn't it funny how we fool
ourselves into thinking that
the things we do in secret
will not count against us? As
long as no one knows ... as
long as no one else gets hurt
... as long as I don't cause
anyone else to stumble ... as
long as I keep my faith with
other commitments ... as
long as it's just this once.
The problem is, though,
as long as it remains hidden,
it is never "just this once."
"Then when lust has con-
ceived, it gives birth to sin;
and when sin is accom-
plished, it brings forth
death" (}as. 1:15, NAS).
A married woman
becomes enamored with
another man. Lust is con-
ceived. While they transgress
no physical boundaries, she
attaches emotionally the soul
that belongs to another. Sin
is accomplished. As a result
she no longer feels anything
for this husband to whom
she promised faithfulness. A
marriage dies.
A man becomes dissatisfied
with his work routine and
longs for the power and sta-
tus of his superiors. Lust is
conceived. He begins to re-
port luncheon meetings with
bogus clients and pads his ex-
pense account. Sin is accom-
plished. He is not as smart as
he thinks he is, so when his
infraction is discovered, he is
fired. A career dies.
A teenager resents his
parents' rules and envies his
friends who have no curfew.
Lust is conceived. So, one
night he lies to Mom and
Dad in order to sneak over
to a friend's older brother's
apartment. Sin is accom-
plished. They drink beer
and watch porno movies till
dawn. Innocence dies.
A person who has resolved
to lose weight begins to feel
cheated because others do
not have the same battle.
Lust is conceived. She main-
tains a front publicly, but in
secret makes choices that are
diametrically opposed to her
goals. Sin is accomplished.
It only takes a few such
offenses for her to feel like a
total failure. Hope dies.
Every time we begin to re-
sent something about our
current situation and angrily
tell ourselves: "I deserve bet-
ter!" we have allowed lust to
be conceived. After that,
choices contrary to our stan-
dards and commitments (sin,
that is) follow much more
easily. Then when sin is ac-
complished, something dies.
And it's not always a physi-
cal death. More often it's the
death of a relationship . . . the
death of wonder ... the death
of trust . . . the death of in-
tegrity. . . the death of a dream.
That's why fames also tells
us to "confess your sins to
one another ... so that you
may be healed" (Jas. 5:16,
NAS). Lust can only grow in
darkness. Sin can only pre-
vail in secrecy. Confession
brings them into the Light
where lust's power is neu-
tralized, and sin's appeal is
weakened. Which in turn
sets us free to make choices
that lead, not to death, r-rj-i
but to life. ^
Robin Wentu'orlh Mayer is
pastor of Kokomo (Ind.) Church
of the Brethren.
Stepping Stones is a column offer-
ing 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 diffi-
culties, we don 't need to walk on
water We just need to learn where the
stepping stones are. "
February 1997 Messenger 1 1
Out of
Enders
As a boy in Nebraska, David Wine resisted the calling
that his grandmother said was his. When he finally
accepted it, he set out on a path that has led him to
the denomination s highest elective office.
M<
BY Kermon Thomasson
-oderator David Wine is shy, very shy.
That will come as a surprise to many. Anyone who has
heard this tall, handsome man of sunny mien address the
"Bruth'n" (as he renders that word in an accent birthed on
the windswept northern Great Plains) in his glib, bright way
might argue the contrary.
David Wine acknowledges that he comes across as a
boisterous, glad-handing, back-slapping extrovert, exuding
high-spirited Brethren bonhomie. That's the way he wants
it. The image that overlays the real person protects the
shyness he reverts to when opportunity arises.
How has he come to perfect this outward
image? "I learn what's required of me, and I do
it," he explains simply, as if the line were as
well rehearsed as his act. "I have had to over-
come the desire to hide away from group
process and leading. I form my habits by rep-
etition until they seem to reflect whom I am."
But, despite the years of passing as an
extrovert, David insists, "I am still a shy boy,
a strong introvert. My strengths are reading,
hiking, and solitude. Most people don't real-
ize it."
Coming from Enders, Neb., gives a
clue to the shyness. Enders is modestly
tucked away in the southwest corner of the
state, with blank space all around it on the Rand McNally
Road Atlas map. Brethren meetings began there in a
vacant sod house in 1887, and the Pioneer congregation
was born (to be renamed Enders in 1917). The
founding Brethren were, like David Wine's
great-grandfather, pioneers from back east,
seeking farmland on the frontier.
David grew up on the farm operated by
his parents, Marlin and Lois Wine. David,
as a boy, did his share of the farm chores,
looking after the cattle and helping with the
hay. "I put in lots of tractor time," he says.
"Fencing ... all the usual."
Another clue to the shyness . . . and to the
need for privacy ... is David's present home,
400 acres of old prairie near Abilene, Kan. He
lives there in a stylishly rustic house set in a
35-acre grove of ancient oaks and walnuts.
Prairie fires set by Indians and lightning
kept the land denuded of large trees except
along the creek bottoms. David, an ardent
environmentalist, has planted 8,500 trees
and shrubs on his land, built ponds, and
restored 200 acres to pristine prairie grass-
land. His plantings are mostly oak, walnut,
cedar, osage orange, plums, and chokeber-
1 2 Messenger February 1997
ries. He has won a National Wildlife Habitat Conserva-
tion award for his work.
In earlier times, the Pawnee Indians made the area
their stomping grounds. In solitary hikes around his
acres, David enjoys picking up artifacts left by his Pawnee
predecessors. Getting away to his own land is, for David,
a restorative exercise.
Many moderators, he observes, cite their year in the
church's highest elective office as the highlight of their
career. "They thrive on it," he says. "They grow stronger
by it." But his year will never be that, he insists. "I can't
wait until July 6, 1997."
In order to find the strength to play the extrovert,
David has to first find time to pull away. "I have to find
time to rejuvenate my spirit. I often retreat right on my
own land. I can go out and sit by a stream for half a day,
all alone, just reflecting and thinking."
That revelation is in line with the covenant that David
made with the denomination in his inaugural remarks last
July. He stated that in the coming year, he would devote
himself to spiritual renewal through spending an hour a
day in prayer, a day a month in prayer, and a week in a
personal prayer retreat sometime during the year.
To the question of how that's working out, the mod-
erator laughs and replies, "Every day is a challenge. To
carry through with the commitment, to recommit myself:
That's a challenge."
Part of the challenge is just to find the time during a
busy day to draw away. "I have had to learn to be creative in
order to find the time each day to pray. Sometimes I'm in an
airplane seat. Sometimes I'm in a church sanctuary before I
preach." And, he adds, he has had help: "Many people, sen-
sitive to my need, have made sure I had a place to pray."
David is pleased with the response his prayer
covenant has sparked. "Literally hundreds of people have
written me about the prayer commitment and taken up
the same challenge. Whole congregations or church
boards, in some instances."
David has found more than one personal benefit from
his prayer regimen. His family — wife Jana, and teenage
daughters Jennifer and Tiffany — claim that his praying
has made him "nicer." He laughs, but acknowledges it's a
fact. "The prayer discipline provides a sense of balance,
of centering, of prioritizing. It does make me 'nicer.'"
If not for having to stop for prayer, David likely could
talk all day about the benefits of the discipline. "Prayer gives
me a sense of peace and inner-confidence. It's 'spiritual fit-
ness.' It's like jogging, in a way. You have to keep doing it.
If you break the routine, you have to rebuild the discipline.
The moderator enjoys nothing better than solitary ivalks as
time for prayer and reflection (facing page). He admits that
his wife, Jana, and daughters. Jennifer and Tiffany, say that
his increased prayer time this year lias made him "nicer. "
The apostle Paul emphasized spiritual fitness over physical
fitness. The spiritual side of us doesn't just happen."
Drawing away from the crowd to pray fits right in
with being shy. David tells a story on himself that demon-
strates just how shy he was as a boy. Once, in high
school, he was slated to give a speech before his FFA
(Future Farmers of America) group. On the morning of
the speech, he announced to his mother that he was ill
and needed to stay home in bed. A thermometer was pro-
duced to check this story out. David stuck the
thermometer under the water heater to produce the
"proof" of his claim. It worked. Tom Sawyer could not
have improved upon the trick.
David's grandfather was David G. Wine (1871-1950).
A pioneer Brethren minister in Nebraska, he won wide
renown (see next story). He died three years before the
future moderator was born, but his widow, Lottie Keller
Wine, lived on until 1973. Lottie used to tell her young
grandson, "You are going to be the next 'David Wine.'"
His shyness and typical kid's cussedness regarding
family observations prompted David to resist his grand-
mother's prediction. But it is significant, David points
February 1997 Messenger 13
out, that despite his shyness and
his resistance to filling the shoes
of his grandfather as his name-
sake, "whenever the other kids
and I played 'church,' I always
insisted on being the preacher!"
When high school was com-
pleted, David entered McPherson
College, in Kansas. Having
resisted the call to ministry that
his grandmother had proclaimed,
David, as a McPherson sopho-
more, began to feel the inexorable
pull toward ministry. And he
yielded. "I graduated in 1975
with a dual degree in education
and in philosophy and religion. I
did that because of my conviction
that the small church was critical
to denominational life, and I
wanted to serve a small church."
And as for the call to min-
istry, David is grateful that his
grandmother lived to see him
hcensed in 1973. "She took satisfaction in my fulfilling her
prediction; at least I was headed toward fulfilling it."
During his last year of college, David served as associate
pastor at Monitor Church of the Brethren, a small congre-
gation north of McPherson.
Upon college graduation, David took two steps that steered
him in the direction his career would take for the next 20 years
at least. He took the pastorate of Buckeye
Church of the Brethren, a small church 1 0
miles from Abilene, Kan. Across the rural
road intersection from Buckeye church are
the offices of Mutual Aid Association (MAA) .
a Brethren-based insurance company
founded in 1885. (See "Big Times in Buck-
eye: Celebrating a Century of Mutual Aid,"
by Kermon Thomasson, August 1985.) The
"I have to find time to
rejuvenate my spirit.
I often retreat right on
my own land.
I can go out and sit by
A deserted mining camp in the
Colorado Mountains is one of
David's favorite hiking destina-
tions. He hasn 't had many
getaway times this past year.
leadership, having served during
his college years on the planning
committee for the 1974 National
Youth Conference and on an
Annual Conference Alcohol
Study Committee.
Buckeye flourished under
David's leadership. It had from
1 5 to 20 people attending Sunday
services when he began. It had -
about 60 when he left. And the
growth was mainly among young
families. Mutual Aid also grew
during those years, doubling its
size, and becoming increasingly a
denominationwide ministry.
And ministry it is, accord-
ing to David. "The vision of
Mutual Aid is to serve and strengthen the Church of the
Brethren. It's a ministry that I am in."
It's a full-time ministry, too. In 1987, David resigned
as Buckeye pastor to take on additional leadership at
Mutual Aid. But he considered this merely a shift of min-
istry, not a removal from ministry. "It was only a move
from a congregational ministry to an organizational min-
istry," he clarifies.
Along with becoming president of
Mutual Aid Association, David moved
into deeper involvement in denomina-
tional life. At the 1989 Orlando Annual
Conference, he was elected to a five-year
term on the denomination's General
Board. Two years later he became chair-
man of the Board and served for three
company was looking for someone to develop a Stream J Or halj a day, years. Ayear after that he was elected
MAA across the denomination, and so it
hired the new Buckeye pastor. Since then,
David has worked himself up the MAA lead-
ership ladder — secretary/treasurer, vice ^^^^^^
president, and, since 1991, president.
When David became the Buckeye pastor, then West-
ern Plains District executive Wilbur Hoover steered him
to the new Education for a Shared Ministry (EFSM) pro-
gram launched by the General Board's Parish Ministries
Commission and Bethany Theological Seminary. In
November 1980, David graduated from EFSM and was
ordained all in one ceremony.
By then he had already cut his teeth in denominational
14 Messenger February 1997
all alone, just reflecting
and thinking."
Annual Conference moderator-elect, to
serve as moderator in 1996-1997. The
past decade has been busy for David.
The current redesigning and restruc-
turing of the General Board, to be acted
on this summer at Long Beach, likely will overshadow
everything else on the Annual Conference agenda, as it
already is doing for the denomination at large. David con-
siders this process to be his main challenge as moderator,
and it is dominating his year.
David sees a definite role for himself in the redesign
and restructuring as the highest elected official in the
denomination, even though, as moderator, he is only an
:David believes that the
different components of the
denomination need to contin-
uously communicate with one
lanotiier. A meeting of the
Mutual Aid Association Board
gives him a chance to talk
with Henry H. Gibbel (left)
of Pennsylvania and Wilfred
E. Nolen (center), president of
Brethren Benefit Trust.
ex officio member of the General Board. "When one
organizational component decides to redesign, the new
design can't help but impact the rest of church life," he
says. "It has a ripple effect, a domino effect."
That being the case, David sees the need for him to
work as moderator at fostering communication during
this crucial time. "The challenge is to make sure that all
the components are talking to each other — that they are
communicating."
David works intentionally at this. Several times, for
example, he has called together such agencies and people
as the Brethren Benefit Trust, Bethany
Seminary, the General Board chair- DuVld SCeS the flCed foT htfTl
woman, staff administrators, and Annual , 7 _7 ^ ^
n ( (f xu u u. to work as moderator at
Conrerence oiticers. These are brought ^t-v^»/y^w-^ ,,i-y^yyv^^,v^v^Kj, w-.-
together not as a formal group, but for foSterillg COmmUlllCatlOn
the purpose of communicating, iron
ing out differences, seeing the potential
sticky wickets before the ball has to
pass through them.
This has led to the moderator having
a higher profile than usual and a deeper
involvement that some other leaders
have questioned. David is aware of the
criticism around the denomination.
"People keep saying that I apparently
have an 'agenda' I want to accomplish.
But they misunderstand my purpose. And if they think I
am overstepping my stated duties, then they are not famil-
iar with those duties. The Manual of Organization and
Polity clearly calls for the moderator to serve the General
Board in a consultative capacity."
Eyebrows were raised when, at David's urging last
June, Program and Arrangements Committee hired consul-
tant Bentley Peters in a one-year-at-a-time contractual
agreement. The consultant, it was felt, was particularly
needed in this time of redesign and restructure, coupled
with the transition of general secretaries. Consultant Peters
works mainly with the Conference officers, as they, in turn,
work with the various agencies of the denomination.
David likes to refer to any present lack of clarity in the
steps toward restructuring as "muckiness." In the midst of
the "muckiness," our various components really need to
be communicating . . .networking. He bowed out of an
official visit to the church in Nigeria last month to avoid
taking time from his stateside travels. The farthest afield
he will travel is to the Caribbean later this month, attend-
ing the Annual Assembly of the Church of the Brethren in
Dominican Republic, then pushing on to visit Brethren
congregations in Puerto Rico.
David sees himself as a proactive moderator. "I am
spending more hours and days than most moderators at
working on communication." And not only is he the first
Baby Boomer moderator, he is the
first one to get out and cruise on the
Information Superhighway. "I am the
first moderator to give out an e-mail
address, a toll-free telephone
number, and a toll-free fax number to
the entire church," he points out.
during this crucial time of
redesign. "The challenge is Those, by the way, are (e-mail):
to 7na\e sure that all the
components are tallying to
each other — that they are
communicating. "
dwine@maabrethren.com; (tele-
phone): (800) 255-1243, ext. 11;
(fax) (800) 238-7535; and (mail)
3094 leep Road, Abilene, KS 67410.
Another first for the moderator is
his own newsletter, ModCob, which
has been mailed since September to
pastors, leaders, and denominational
employees. In it, David keeps Brethren informed about
and in dialog with the Annual Conference office.
The response to all these overtures toward communi-
cation has been "voluminous." And David claims he
answers every contact. "It takes two or three hours a day
to answer the responses I receive. I come back from a trip
and have 120-130 e-mail messages alone."
What kind of messages does a moderator receive? Most
of them, David says, are affirming. "Most people just want
to be in touch, to bring greetings, to express concerns. They
raise structural questions. They ask how they can get
involved. And some of the messages are issue-oriented."
David is not worried that he might be building a per-
sonal following. "It's not David Wine the people are
reaching out to. Brethren still want to hear from and be in
February 1997 Messenger 1 5
David grew up on an Enders, Neb. farm, starting early in
life to help his father. Marlin Wine, with the chores.
Living up
to a name
BY Berwyn L. Oltman
From the day that I received
the announcement of his birth,
I questioned the wisdom of his
parents giving him the name David.
Moderator David M. Wine is my first
cousin. He was born after I left our
home church and community, and I
knew him only as the mischievous
boy who was hanging around the
church or at family gatherings when
I was home on vacation. I am closer
to his father, my Uncle Marlin Wine,
who was my peace hero when he
served in Civilian Public Service
during World War II, and who was
always ready to discuss the deep
questions of Hfe with me.
The problem with the choice of
names was that my grandfather was
named David Wine, and I venerated
him. As the years go by, I am more
and more impressed with the spiritual
stature of my grandfather and am
increasingly proud of my heritage. I
miss having William Beahm around
touch with their moderator. They know the moderator is
the highest elected official in the denomination. The mod-
erator is somebody they can reach."
In a time when the Brethren are seen by some as join-
ing the rest of society in cynical despair over leadership,
David finds them maintaining a deep trust in the church.
That's why, he thinks, so many Brethren are reaching out
to the moderator this year. But David insists it has noth-
ing to do with him personally. "Other moderators have
told me I would see that people have an awe and rever-
ence for the moderator. And it is proving true."
As for the redesign of the General Board, David takes
comfort in his view that what may appear to be radical is
not that radical at all. Basic to the redesign is the idea that
the General Board's job is to serve the congregations.
That is a "major paradigm shift," David admits. But, he
goes on to point out, "in a sense, the redesign is getting
to greet me (as he did almost every
day at Bethany Biblical Seminary),
"Good morning, Berwyn Oltman,
grandson of elder D.G. Wine of
Enders, Neb." I have had the feeling
that no one could live up to the name
"David Wine." I have a brother David
and two other cousins have David for
a middle name, but there are different
surnames involved. I realize that our
moderator's maternal grandfather
was also a David — David Frantz, a
dedicated layman from eastern
Nebraska. But can there really be
16 Messenger February 1997
US back to our traditional way of doing ministry at the
local level. Thus what sounds radical isn't."
Expect David Wine to be upbeat in his state of the
denomination address at Long Beach. "I live with a
tremendous amount of hope and excitement for the Church
of the Brethren. Why? In periods of great change, we are
called back to what is important — to our foundation."
And the foundation, David declares, is (esus Christ.
Building on him, the Brethren, in their work and ministry,
have something special, unique, and needed to give. "For
example. Brethren have special gifts of stewardship and
management."
But in the midst of hope-filled talk, David throws in a
caution: "At some time we must rethink what it means to
be the church. It is not numbers and dollars that count. It
is more to faithfulness to the the teachings of Christ,
toward the stewardship of life in total."
David enjoins the Brethren not to measure their success
by the world's standards. He is intrigued that the present
Brethren membership, about 144,000, has a scriptural ring
to it. Revelation 7: 3-4 has 144,000 "servants of God"
being marked for salvation with a seal on their foreheads.
Rather than wringing our hands over our small mem-
bership, we should think positively, David says. "There is
a magnitude of possibilities with the numbers we do have.
I tell churches that the gospel began with 12 disciples. We
have 12 times 12.000 — 144,000. Now wouldn't lesus
consider that extravagant?"
David harks back to his growing up in the Enders
congregation in the far reaches of Nebraska. "Enders has
had 40 to 60 members steadily through the years. But just
start listing the ministries and people that have come out
of Enders and its ministry becomes large. As a denomina-
tion, we should measure our ministry that way."
And so we come back to where we began, in Enders,
Neb. There a shy farm boy in the 1950s heard his grand-
mother say he would be the next David Wine. So he
proved to be. And he has expanded the role. Grandfather
David G. Wine was affectionately known as the "Bishop of
Nebraska." The grandson's calling has taken him beyond
Nebraska to the denomination's highest office. Not bad
for a boy from the backwaters who is so shy.
Now the next David Wine really has his work rrpi
cut out for him. Cjjd
David Wine's grandparents, Lottie and
David G. Wine, played important roles
in his life. The "Bishop of Nebraska"
had a famous name to be lived up to.
another David Wine?
D.G. Wine was a patriarch. He and
my grandmother, Lottie M. Keller,
were parents of 13 children, all of
whom were strong willed and tal-
ented. D.G. Wine was a gentle,
loving father, always ready to listen
to his children. (An introduction to
his compassionate character is found
in the Brethren Press book /I Bonnet
For Virginia, by Evelyn Frantz). He
taught his family carefully. It took
only one stern look from his piercing
eyes or one word in his strong voice
to stop a disobedient act. That same
gift of discipline was used with
people who were mentally ill and
placed under his care. The strength
of leadership that he offered to his
family was also his gift to the church.
He was often referred to as the
"Bishop of Nebraska."
D.G. Wine was also a philosopher.
His keen, questioning mind was
involved in a life-long pursuit of
truth. Because of the death of his
mother when he was 1 3 years old, he
did not have the opportunity to com-
plete his formal education. He
compensated for this by reading
voraciously. (The story of his youth
is recorded in a booklet. Keeping the
Promise, written and published for
the family by Gladys Snavely Welch).
His library included almost every
book that was made available
through the Gish Fund. He once said
that he always read a book from
cover to cover, staying up all night if
necessary to complete what he had
started. He was ready to engage in
dialog about theological issues or
philosophical questions.
Paul Bechtold, who spent most of
his adult years as a college professor,
told me about a visit to the Wine
home when he was serving as a
pastor of the Bethel Church in
Nebraska. He was so hungry for
serious discussion that he had a
marathon conversation with D.G.
Wine at the dining room table at the
Wine home, beginning with a noon
meal and continuing through the
noon meal the next day. D.G.'s sons
left the table to continue the farm
work and to do chores, and the
daughters cleared the table and set it
for the next meals at appropriate
times while the two isolated preach-
ers voiced their lofty thoughts.
An important part of every family
gathering during my high school
years was the time when I could sit at
a footstool by Granddad's chair and
ask questions that were on my mind
or be stimulated by questions that he
would ask me.
In 1934, M.R. Zigler wrote to
D.G. Wine: "I want to express my
sincere thanks for the letters you
write me. I like to read them over
and over again. They are always
filled with things that make me
think. I hardly ever make an address
but that somehow some of your let-
February 1997 Messenger 17
ters come before me as great chal-
lenges to present my convictions
more fervently."
D.G. Wine was a pioneer, one of
many Brethren ministers who located
on the western frontier. Instead of
moving on west, he put down roots
and built a church. As a leader on the
District Mission Board, he also played
a part in planting other churches. He
gave direction to pastoral placement
and planning for funding of mission
churches. His version of the free min-
istry involved not only serving the
Church of the Brethren congregation
that he started, but also providing pas-
toral services to an entire county.
Quite often he would give instructions
to his sons about the work that needed
to be done on the farm, then hitch up
his team and head across the county to
conduct a funeral. At times the barber-
shop in the county seat town became
his pulpit. The conversations always
took on a different tenor when he
walked into the shop. For years he was
a favorite baccalaureate speaker at the
county high school.
At one time Granddad was a
Z^ prisoner. A Brethren family
^ ^Lseeking a new start responded
to his enthusiasm about the potential
of land in western Nebraska. D.G.
Wine was a master with words, and
his description of the land was proba-
Vintage Wines
of old Virginia
Moderator David Wine, a
product of the Great Plains,
sets great store by his Wine
heritage and makes pilgrimages back
to the family shrines in Virginia's
Shenandoah Valley. These are in the
Forestville area north of New Market.
The chief shrine is the old Wine
homestead, built by Michael Wine,
who, as a three-year-old, migrated
from Germany with his father,
George, in 1749. George Wine,
upon arriving at Philadelphia from
Rotterdam on the good ship Elliot.
signed in as Johann Gorg Wien and
settled among the Brethren in Penn-
sylvania. Michael moved down to the
Shenandoah Valley in the 1 780s and
was an early and active member of
the Flatrock congregation. That
congregation's exact date of organi-
zation is uncertain, but likely the
church had been established a few
years before Michael Wine arrived
from Pennsylvania about 1782.
Most Brethren congregations of
that time did not have meeting-
houses. Like many Brethren, Michael
Wine designed his house to be used
for rehgious gatherings. Hinged par-
titions were used instead of interior
walls, so that on meeting days the
partitions could be folded up and
hooked to the ceiling joists, creating
a large meeting room. The Wine
house, still standing today, was one
of four homes in which the Flatrock
Brethren met on a 16-week rotation
basis, until the first meetinghouse
was erected in 1841.
The 1 794 Annual Meeting was held
in the Wine house. In 1 800, Annual
Meeting was again held in the area,
but there are no records that specify
the exact location. Quite likely, how-
ever, that Annual Meeting was also
hosted by the Wine family.
While Annual Meeting usually was
held at Whitsuntide, the 1794 meet-
ing convened on October 20. (The
Old German Baptist Brethren still
hold their Annual Meeting at Whit-
suntide.)
The business before the 1 794
Annual Meeting included a discussion
of the "ban" (excommunication). The
Brethren agreed to continue invoking
the ban in extreme cases.
The ban may actually have been
invoked eventually in another 1 794
business item — dealing with the case
of maverick minister lohn Ham of
North Carolina, who was stirring up
controversy by his preaching of a
"strange doctrine" (universalism).
The case dragged on until 1800.
Ham and his followers were then
drummed out of the church.
The Wine family continued to be
prominent in the Flatrock church
until it pulled up stakes and migrated
to Nebraska in 1877. Moderator
David Wine's grandfather, David
Glick ("D.G.") Wine, was six years
old at the time of the move.
Six score years of life on the Great
Plains, in the extreme southwest
corner of Nebraska, have left their
18 Messenger February 1997
oly quite poetic. A year of drought
and crop failure prompted the
Drother to sue for "misrepresentation
af facts." Since the communication
had been by letter, the district court
onvicted D.G. Wine of mail fraud,
[n good Dunker fashion, he chose
not to have legal representation. He
simply responded to questions in a
straightforward way. No one in his
congregation offered to testify in his
behalf. When he was being hand-
le Wine house north of New
'arket. Va., shown here as it
jpeared in 1 908, hosted the
794 Annual Meeting, and
jssibly the 1800 event as well.
lark on the present-day Wines, but
le heritage of the Shenandoah
alley years and the ongoing values
f the Brethren have not diminished,
loderator David Wine comes to us
om the Nebraska prairies, but as
is periodic pilgrimages to Virginia
test, he cherishes his legacy estab-
ihed in the Brethren heartland back
ist. — Kermon Thomasson
cuffed to be transported to a state
prison, however, a neighboring
farmer who never attended church
services objected. "You are not going
to treat this honest man like a
common criminal. I will accompany
him on the train, and I can guarantee
you that he will not escape."
Ieaving his teenage sons in
charge of the farm and his wife
^ in charge of the young family
and the frustrating business deci-
sions. Granddad spent the next 18
months in prison. He was granted
liberty to spend time in the public
library, and enjoyed the luxury of
having hours to read and read. Cor-
respondence with his family from
those months provide poignant
expressions of faith and love. Grand-
dad once told me, "Those were some
of the most productive months of my
life for the development of my mind."
D.G. Wine was a progressive church-
man. The untimely death of his mother
prompted him to question some of the
traditional platitudes of preachers.
Prompted by the culture of the fron-
tier, he was forced to discern which of
the old Brethren values represented
timeless truths. His children have vivid
memories of the day when he had his
beard shaved off and came home to
face toddlers who cried because they
didn't recognize their daddy.
The church that he planted had not
only a piano but also an entire
orchestra. The Wine family orchestra
was featured at community events
and at district meetings. No wonder
Grandma Lottie was upset when she
heard a California preacher (during a
visit in 1922) preach against the use
of instrumental music in church. She
wrote to D.G.: "I have no desire to
discuss things like that where the
Bible does not say 'don't,' and it's up
to the different congregations and
circumstances as in our frontier
experiences . . .especially with men
like brother , who likely never
has labored in fields like ours and
others similar to it."
Today we would say that my grand-
parents planted a "seeker-sensitive"
church. It is only in recent years that I
realized the significance of an uncle's
statement when, as a senior in high
school, I joined the family in viewing
my grandfather's lifeless body laid out
in a coffin. He said, "We should put a
Bible in one hand and The Christian
Century in the other hand. Then it
would look just as if he had fallen
asleep while he was reading."
D.G. Wine was a prophetic
preacher. He spoke the truth with
conviction. His physical stature and
his booming voice and his concise
logic made his messages unforget-
table. He spoke without apology
about peace in a time of war, about
sacrifice in a time of affluence, about
hope in a time of depression and
drought, and about love and forgive-
ness when the popular mood was
that of hatred and revenge.
It was at the 1993 Annual Confer-
ence that I had to rethink my
thoughts about my cousin. As chair-
man of the General Board, David
Wine stood up to respond to a ques-
tion from the floor. He stood tall; he
was poised; he spoke forthrightly and
with conviction. 1 rode home from that
Conference with David's parents, and
stopped at the Abilene home. David
came to greet us, having replaced his
business suit with his farmer's clothes.
His voice was warm with affection and
friendliness. We talked briefly about
issues facing the church. Although this
David was born after our grandfather
died, he certainly is carrying on the
legacy, (ust as his grandfather led the
Church of the Brethren into the 20th
century, he is leading it into the 2 1 st
century. So now I can say with com-
plete sincerity, "Brother moderator,
you are truly living up to your rrri
name — David Wine." i J
Bernyn L. Oilman is executive of Atlantic
Southeast District.
February 1997 Messenger 19
Nigerian Brethren
have church growth
down pat
At a time when the Nigerian
economy is at a record low,
and most congregations
have little capital, EYN is
continuing to start new
worship centers and raise
new church buildings at an
astonishing rate.
Story and Photos by Glenn Mitchell
T> he people who worship at Mado are undergoing a
change. After six years as an Ekklesiyar Yanuwa a
Nigeria center for Christian Religious Instruction
(CRI), under the )os congregation, they are becoming
a congregation of their own. At the EYN Majalisa (Annual
Meeting) in April 1996, their request for congregational
status was granted. They are the 283rd congregation in
EYN. A total of 28 worshiping communities were given con-
gregational status at that Majalisa, which brings the current
number of congregations to 3 10. Also received were two
new Gundiimomi (districts), which now number 35.
As a US pastor working for seven months with the Jos
congregation of EYN and its pastor, Samuel Dali, while
on sabbatical from my congregation in Pennsylvania, I
had time to take a closer look at this pattern of growth.
(Samuel Dali's wife, Rebecca, was the subject of the
November 1996 Messenger cover story.)
Part of this growth comes from the large number of chil-
dren EYN families are bringing into the world. Families with
six children are not uncommon, and some simple math
quickly reveals the growth potential projected from such
birth patterns alone. EYN also seems to retain members well.
Much of the church growth that is occurring, especially in
the larger cities, is related to EYN members who have relo-
cated there and established an EYN presence in their new
setting. US Church of the Brethren boom years in member-
ship growth correlate as well to these two factors of high
birth rate and expansion into new areas.
What 1 have found more intriguing, however, and
what is a model worth noting, is EYN's approach to
20 Messenger February 1997
A drummer sets the beat for
hymn-singing at Mado
(facing page). The church
It Utane (right), under
construction last year, is
built of handmade blocks.
A zinc roof would be added.
The Mado church (lower
'ight) is already so crowded
"hat latecomers have to
stand at the windows.
;hurch planting. A worshiping community begins as a CRI
;enter. All congregations have CRIs or what are commonly
:alled preaching points or worship centers. What this
means practically is that every congregation is directly
invested and involved in growing the church. When a
request comes for a new CRI, from either people in a
given geographic area or the witness committee, the con-
gregation considers it, and, if it is approved, an evangelist
is appointed by the congregation to work with the new
:ommunity. The evangelist provides pastoral care and visi-
tation, and leads in the preaching on Sunday mornings.
Usually the evangelist has received some training, but is
act ordained. The most important qualities are a strong
personal faith and a high commitment to working with
the people to establish a growing faith community.
These centers for worship and instruction often begin by
meeting for worship under a tree or in a home, but as soon
as the congregation can afford it, a meeting house is built to
accommodate the worshipers. Although the first congrega-
tion established in a new area often draws heavily on exist-
ing EYN members living in the community, the preaching
points of that fellowship in turn pull membership from the
unchurched people of the area, which results in church growth
beyond those who were EYN members in other locations.
There are over 1,000 EYN CRIs in Nigeria. The Jos
congregation is not unusual among EYN churches in
vvorking with three preaching points at the same time. In
addition to Mado, there is a CRI on the outskirts of Jos, in
the community of Utane, and another one a 45-minute
drive into the bush in the community of Nitseng. Both of
these CRIs were started in 1993, and are good examples
of different aspects of development.
On the Nitseng site, a church building was erected
over two years ago and now has a worshiping community
of about 75 people. The focus of those from the Jos con-
gregation working with the Nitseng community over the
past year also has been on buying more land around the
meeting house for a parsonage and possibly a health
:linic, and the digging of a well to service the commu-
nity's present needs. In addition, several people from that
:ommunity are being sent to a community health training
program sponsored through EYN's Rural Health Pro-
gram. Those who are trained will return to their village to
assist the people in primary health care. Establishing a
strong concern for health care, especially in the rural
areas, goes far to legitimate a worshiping community's
presence in the village.
With the Utane CRI, the people moved into a new
church building last summer, following several years of
worship in the garage of one of their members. The Jos
Brethren have assisted paid carpenters in the construction
work — making and laying the mud blocks, filling in the
dirt subfloor, raising the rafters, nailing on the zinc roof,
and plastering the walls. Simon Sati, one of the |os mem-
bers helping with the project, exclaimed while shoveling
fill dirt, "It is good for us to be out here together, work-
ing side by side, laughing together, and having a good
time. We are all a part of what is happening here."
From the beginning, there is a strong incentive for each
February 1997 Messenger 21
CRI to become a congregation. Like
a child in the family during adolescent
years, there is the desire for freedom
and independence, for until it reaches
congregational status, the lines of
authority and accountability are clearly
back to the parent church. To receive
congregational recognition, a preach-
ing point must reach the following
levels of participation:
• 150 members
• 20,000 naira a year (at current
exchange rate, about $240).
In addition, the preaching point
must have:
• Approval of the sponsoring con-
gregation
• Ability to provide housing for a
pastor when one is appointed.
• An evangelist or leader.
Mado officially marked its pas-
sage to congregation last summer,
but already plans were under way for
shifting the Utane CRI to its congre-
gation, while "los No. 1 " congregation
continues with its other preaching
point at Nitseng and considers begin-
ning a couple of new CRIs in the
coming years.
For the los congregation, like other
congregations established in a new
area, there is the added incentive to
grow to the numbers that qualify it to
become its own gunduma (district),
which necessitates a minimum of six ^^^^^^^
congregations.
The story of congregational starts is similar in other
parts of Nigeria. I worshiped with the "Maiduguri No. 1"
congregation early in my EYN sojourn.
Its story is often cited as an example of the growth
potential that is being realized as EYN moves from the
rural areas into the city. In 1978, 12 people met in a home,
and officially began the EYN worshiping community in the
Maiduguri area. There are today over 3,000 worshiping in
two services on Sunday morning in "Maiduguri No. 1." Six
congregations, each with an attendance of over 500 mem-
bers, have been recognized in the area, and now form their
own Gunduma. The Maiduguri church currently has five
preaching points, with some of them moving quickly
toward congregational status.
This rapid growth does not indicate a chasing after
numbers per se nor a lessening of membership standards.
People desiring to join an EYN congregation typically
spend up to a year in classes. Three to six months of that
year are spent in a covenant class that looks at the ques-
22 Messenger February 1997
People desiring to join
an EYN congregation
typically spend up to a
year in classes. Three
to six months of that
year are spent in a
covenant class, then an
additional six months in
a baptism class.
The rough-hewn pulpit at Mado
bespeaks, in its stark beauty,
the simplicity of the gospel as
preached in EYN.
tion: "What does it mean to be a
Christian?" This time is spent in
Bible study and discussion around
the foundational tenants of the
faith. Another important goal of
these classes is teaching some edu-
cational basics missed in Nigerian
schools. Following the class, if a
person affirms, "Yes, I want to
become a Christian," there is par-
ticipation for an additional six
months in a baptism class that
looks at the question "What does it
mean to be a member of this con-
gregation?" Following completion
of these classes, the candidates are
recommended for baptism. In
1994, some 8,000 people were bap-
tized in EYN. In 1995, the number
was 12,000, bringing the total to
over 132,000 members. At the cur-
rent rate of growth, Ekklesiyar
Yanuwa a Nigeria will numerically
surpass US Church of the Brethren
membership in two to three years.
At a time when the Nigerian
economy is at a record low, and most
congregations have little capital to
work with, EYN is continuing to
start new worship centers and raise
new church buildings at an astonish-
ing rate. Clearly, one of the strengths
of the Ekklesiyar Yanuwa a Nigeria model for beginning new
congregations is rooting the accountability for church growth
in the sponsoring congregation. This accountability is possi-
ble because a significant part of the congregation's identity
and mission is invested in evangelism.
As Samuel Dali says, "The primary goal of the EYN
church, as it is in the minds of our members, is that once
you become a Christian, you bring someone else to the
church who is not a Christian. Our people know that evan-
gelism is the basic responsibility of the Christian — moving
from yourself to the other person who has not heard the
gospel — moving from your neighbor to your village."
In Mado, Utane, and Nitseng, the fruit of this com-
mitment born out of the los congregation is evident.
Welcoming the neighbor and helping to meet the needs of
the village, all in the name of Christ, is growing the
church in Nigeria.
Glenn Mitchell is pastor of University Baptist and Brethren Church in
State College. Pa. He spent a sabbatical in Nigeria in 1995-1996.
/it..
BY H. Lamar Gibble
X th
here it was on the shelf of the
Brethren Archives — Girdling
the Globe by D. L. Miller. I
hadn't thought about this book for
years. But "girdling the globe" was on
my mind while planning my farewell
administrative visit to Asia because
the least expensive travel would be a
round-the-world fare. No, it would
mot be a "girdling-the-globe" fare. It
appears as if "girdling" has fallen into
idisuse. Once again I held and perused
this book that had planted some
indelible memories on the impression-
able mind of my youth.
Other than the Bible, I grew up
with a limited number of books in my
home. This was a reality partly
because of expense but also partly
because "book learning" was not
highly valued in the Brethren congre-
gation of my boyhood. There were
two books at home, however, that I
do remember. One was a scary book
on the 1889 Johnstown flood, which
generated some of my youthful night-
mares. I don't remember its title. The
other book was the one plucked from
the archives shelf. Stories from this
book, along with the verbal pictures
of global exploits painted by Lowell
Thomas on his regular evening radio
news broadcasts, provoked the first
yearnings in my youthful mind and
soul to know and experience more in
Farewell
to Asia?
The harsh realities
of our day, indeed
of any era, compel us
to re-envision and
reformulate the
church's mission just
as was the case in our
first mission efforts in
Bulsar a century ago.
God's magnificent creation than that
which confined me then to a Pennsyl-
vania Dutch and Brethren cultural
and religious heritage.
While memory had dimmed on the
details of that book, I remembered a
major focus on India. What I had
forgotten was that brother Miller's
global tour, with a lengthy stop
related to the Brethren mission in
India, had taken place less than a
year after Wilbur and Mary Stover
and Bertha Ryan began the witness
and work in Bulsar. How could I
have ever dreamed as I read those
stories in my youth that 100 years
after that account was written I
would have the privilege of "girdling
the globe" on my last administrative
visit with our brothers and sisters in
India who continue that work and
witness begun a century ago?
This farewell visit to the church and
congregations of the Church of North
India again focused mainly on the
former Brethren areas. It was an
exhilarating experience as we met
with groups of pastors who gathered
everywhere we went to express
excitement about their ministry. In
Anklesvar, Bulsar, Vyara, and Surat,
large churches were filled with people
from the surrounding congregations
who had come to greet, garland,
thank, and convey good wishes on my
retirement. The new bishop of
Gujarat, V.M. Malaviya, wanted us to
know that the most rapidly growing
area of the church is now in South
Gujarat, where the Brethren had first
planted the Christian church, and
largely among tribal peoples. It is not
only Wilbur Stover's famous banyan
tree that still grows in South Gujarat.
But all is not well. In these areas
where I visited, as in much of India,
population is exploding beyond the
ability of the society to provide ade-
February 1997 Messenger 23
Lamar Gibble was garlanded at a
November 1996 farewell reception in
Bulsar (page 23). Over the 28 -years of
his World Ministries staff work, Gibble
has worked in many ecumenical and
international settings. At right: He
receives a medal from Poland's Minister
of Agriculture Stanislaw Zieba in 1987,
poses with Church of North India
bishops Paul Chauhan and Samuel
Joshua at the 1988 Annual Conference,
and participates in a World Council of
Churches Central Committee meeting in
1976. Below: Gibble works on the
China Agriculture Exchange with
members of the Chinese Ministry of
Agriculture in Elgin, III, in 1994.
quate food and shelter. The green
revolution brought increases in food
production, but that has now peaked.
Heavy use of irrigation and chemi-
cals to increase food production now
results in massive soil and water pol-
lution. In the Anklesvar area the air
reeks of chemical pollution out of
control, a situation exacerbated by
transnational corporations that
exploit minimal national restrictions.
Nor is the church immune to prob-
lems. Disputes and schism divide and
diminish its witness, particularly in
the area where the Brethren first
began the work. Litigation over prop-
erty drains the energies and coffers of
the diocese and the breakaway group.
Years of exposure to this schism have
convinced me that the central differ-
ences are not related to theology,
doctrine, or ordinances, but to issues
of property and power. Unfortu-
nately, some in our fellowship in the
US naively or intentionally provide
funds that support the schism, funds
that assist more in covering costs for
litigation than for ministry.
Consultations and meetings in Hong
Kong and Myanmar (Burma) revealed
a similar mix of pain and possibility.
In Hong Kong, the last vestiges of
colonial control will soon be gone, and
the territory will be returned to China.
Within a vital Christian community
there is awareness that the future will
possibly bring major changes. Some
anticipate new opportunities for wit-
ness, while others are fearful.
In Myanmar, Christians live under
a very repressive military regime. Pri-
vate conversations confirmed this
repression. We were prevented from
visiting with democratic movement
leader and Nobel Prize winner Aung
San Suu Kyi. At the Judson Baptist
church on the university campus,
where I was invited to bring greet-
ings by its pastor and president of
the Myanmar Council of Churches, it
was Student Sunday, and the theme
that the students had chosen was
from Revelation — envisioning "a
new heaven and a new earth." But
amid all these difficulties, there is
bold evidence of a vital Christian
church, hallmarked by cooperation
and unity — a church that longs for
fellowship and support from the
global Christian community.
Certainly a collage of Asia today
reflects pain and possibility. The
painful images include burgeoning
populations that exacerbate poverty,
starvation, and homelessness. They
include political and religious repres-
sion, widespread pollution and
ecological damage, a ravaging
HIV/ AIDS epidemic, refugee and dis-
placed populations, sexual exploitation
of women and children, and expand-
ing drug trafficking and addiction.
But scattered through this painful
collage are the images of possibility —
bold challenges for the witness and
service of a caring Christian commu-
nity. These images reveal a vibrant and
faithful church, usually a distinct reli-
gious minority, that is committed to
minister and serve and that longs for
links with the larger church to support
and sustain them in the struggle to be
faithful in this critical time.
24 Messenger February 1997
Reflecting now on Asia, I am over-
'vhelmed by how much has changed
l.ince brother Miller's globe-girdling
Experiences. His trip took more than
|i year; mine took three weeks. Now
!t takes about 1 5 hours to fly across
[he Pacific; then it took 1 7 days by
boat. But more than transportation
Imd technology has changed our
Ivorld. The Western colonial powers
po longer hold sway in Asia. New
political and economic centers have
eplaced them. And within Christen-
lom, most of the churches planted
during that colonial past have
;)ecome independent, often united,
ind are creatively and effectively in
mission in their respective social and
|;ultural contexts while facing the
.larsh realities just described.
It is well then to remember that the
larsh realities of our day, indeed of any
i;ra, compel us to re-envision and re-
brmulate the church's mission just as
vas the case in our first mission efforts
jn Bulsar a century ago. We sent and
ivent with evangelical fervor and found
massive human need in the midst of
I'amine, and the good news found its
lertile soil in orphanages, schools,
medical care, and hospitals; the harsh
ealities required nothing less than a
lolistic gospel. It is dangerous then to
)ecome arrogant and to delineate mis-
ion too sharply or self-confidently.
Some approximations of what the
nission of the church should be in our
lay are appropriate, but it is the gospel
responsibly and sensitively communi-
cated and appropriated in a particular
context that is crucial. And if we accept
Christ's life and ministry as a critical
part of a holistic gospel, the missionary
task of the church then becomes as
broad and deep as the exigencies of life
in our global community.
My understanding of the missionary
task of the church, formed during my
childhood and youth, focused heavily
on Matthew 28: 1 9-20. Now it is clear
to me that while evangelism is one of
the essentials of mission, it is not the
only one. Of as great importance is the
focus given as our Lord began his min-
istry ( Luke 4: 1 6-2 1 ) and in the parable
ofthegreatjudgment (Matt. 25:31-46).
As I traveled again through Asia, this
more holistic understanding of mission
was reinforced.
Being impacted again by the needs
and the opportunities for witness and
service in Asia, I find it implausible
that at a time when the membership
of the Church of the Brethren is
financially more wealthy than it has
ever been in its history we are seri-
ously considering further radical
reductions in our global witness.
Given the reductions now being seri-
ously considered by the General
Board, I recognize that this might
not only be my farewell to Asia but
also our denomination's farewell.
Will our brothers and sisters in Asia,
and other regions, understand? Will
Brethren be able in good conscience
to live with such decisions?
Discussion and debate about the
mission of the Church of (esus Christ
involves risks and dangers, unavoid-
able risks if we are to be responsible
and faithful witnesses as we face the
exigencies of the 21st century. There-
fore, recalling words of my favorite
missiologist, the late David Bosch
(Transforming Mission), I write of
these experiences and perspectives in
"bold humility." And, in "bold humil-
ity," Bosch goes on to say of the
mission of Christ in today's world:
"We know only in part, but we do
know. And we believe that the faith we
profess is both true and just, and
should be proclaimed. We do this,
however, not as judges or lawyers, but
as witnesses; not as soldiers, but as
envoys of peace; not as high-pressure
salespersons, but as ambassadors prj-
of the Servant Lord." Amen! i '
H. Lamar Gibble retires next month as
director of Peace and International Affairs
and representative for Europe and Asia on
the General Board's World Ministries staff.
He has served on the staff since 1969.
February 1997 Messenger 25
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inioas
On bypassing study committees
Dale W. Brown
Let's model
a new way
In the debate at Cincinnati on the
query "How Should Christian Faith Be
Expressed in Political Processes?" a
young sister in her teens bravely stood
before the microphone. She simply
asked, "What do Brethren believe
about the Christian Right?" The offi-
cers requested that she rephrase the
concern so that it spoke to the query.
She retreated, somewhat confused.
Fortunately, she was met with empa-
thetic and encouraging voices. And
whether or not she or the Conference
officers recognized it, she was very
much in order: She was raising the
same question as the query from the
Crest Manor congregation and
Northern Indiana District.
In the context of asking how Christ-
ian faith should be expressed in politi-
cal processes, the query sought clarity
as to whether current political move-
ments that claim a Christian identity
are consistent or inconsistent with
Brethren understandings of biblical
teachings about Christian discipleship
and the Lordship of Christ. Although
most Brethren would agree that
Christian beliefs can be misused by
people at any point along the political
spectrum, many Brethren, like our
young sister, are presently concerned
about the Christian Right.
Standing Committee recommend-
ed acceptance of the query at the
same time that it rejected the request
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.
for a study committee, saying a com-
mittee would cost a lot of money and
minds would not be changed. It did
encourage everyone to pray and
study, using resources available fromi
the General Board and the Washing-
ton Office, as well as Annual
Conference statements.
I reacted to the pessimism of
Standing Committee's representative
because I have heard many testi-
monies of minds having been
changed by Annual Conference
study committees on controversial
issues such as divorce and abortion.
In response to the delegate who
argued that a year's study would
extend months beyond the fall elec-
tions and be too late, I say that the
politics of the Christian Right will
continue even now that the 1996
elections are past.
Let's take seriously the action of
Conference to encourage congrega-
tions, districts, and individuals to
prayerfully study the concerns of the
query. Let's encourage interested par-
ties to read the query carefully, obtain
the suggested resources, and formu-
late written answers. I suggest that
those answers be sent to the Northern
Indiana District office (357 E. Marker
St., Nappanee, IN 46550 or
Herman.Kauffman.parti@ecunet.org)
and that concerned Northern Indiana
Brethren distill the material as a pos-
sible answer that could be processed
through Standing Committee and
Conference at Long Beach.
Not only the young sister but manyi
others as well will welcome the guid
ance of the church on how to apply
our faith and tradition to contempo-
rary political movements that identify
themselves as Christian. And this
process models a way to do Annual
Conference business without ri
funding study committees. L:
Dale W. Brown is a former Annual Conference
moderator, a member of Elizabethtown (Pa.)
Church of the Brethren, and a retired member of
the Bethany Theological Semmary faculty.
26 Messenger February 1997
lA
I
"Jesus called disciples away from the
world's economic models, not to those
models. He invited people to live in
mch a way that all of God's creation, especially the
People on the bottom, received the benefit of God's gifts.
rime for downward mobility
heading about the redesigning and
lownsizing of the General Board
December, pages 6-9), described in
uch stark terms, I feel that economic
!xpediency, more than Christian dis-
ipleship, is directing our efforts.
We Brethren, as individuals and as
denomination, have benefited from
ihe economic system that holds sway
n this society. The economy is
)iased to benefit the rich. The same
ystem leaves most of the world's
)eople destitute in its wake. The
•-hasm between wealth and poverty is
oing through an exponential
rowth. Should we in the church
idhere so tightly to this model?
esus called disciples away from
he world's economic models, not to
hose models. He invited people to
ive in such a way that all of God's
•.reation, especially the people on the
)ottom, received the benefit of God's
ifts. Have we recognized the signifi-
;ance of this and been willing to turn
jur lives around in order to partici-
^he opinions expressed in Letters are not necessar-
ly those of the magazine. Readers should receive
hem in the same spirit with which differing opin-
ons are expressed in face-to face conversations.
Letters should be brief concise, and respectfd of
he opinions of others. Preference is given to letters
hat 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 war-
anted. We will not consider any letter that comes
0 us unsigned. Whether or not we print the letter,
he writer's name is kept in strictest confidence.
Address letters to Messenger editor, 1451
OundeeAve., Elgin, IL 60120.
pate in God's new order?
Instead, it seems that standards of
profitability, institutional security,
and lowered labor costs are promi-
nent in our redesign decisions. We
support the increasing divide
between rich and poor. Is there
something about Jesus' invitation or
lesus' dying for the sake of the world
that runs contrary to our practices?
Upward mobility is the desired
mode for most of us. But if we are
concerned about biblical justice and
environmental sustainability, we, the
elite of the world, must be down-
wardly mobile. This should begin to
answer some of our troubling
choices between program and staff.
What if we chose the simple life
that results from giving up all we
have and following lesus to the salva-
tion of the world?
Cliff Kindy
North Manchester. Iiul.
We'll never be the same
Regarding reaction to the General
Board's financial troubles reported at
Annual Conference, I believe that if
someone told your congregation that
30-40 percent of the people were
going to lose their jobs if something
wasn't done, every one of the mem-
bers would do something.
There is no doubt in my mind that
if people at Conference had paid
attention to the reports and believed
what the reports were showing, they
would have done something to
change the reports.
None of us should think for a
minute that the irreplaceable work of
the General Board will continue to be
accomplished at its current level after
a 30- to 40-percent staff reduction.
Believe it, folks. The Church of the
Brethren will never be the same.
fackie Kallal
Indiana. Pa.
Jesus was an immigrant
How ironic for Donald B. Miller
(December, page 21)) to condemn
US immigration policy in the season
of celebrating our Lord's birth.
Shortly after lesus' birth, he and his
parents were immigrants (Matt.
2:14). The story might have been
different if Egypt had had a stricter
immigration policy.
Hebrews 13:2 (NAS) instructs us:
"Do not neglect to show hospitality
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February 1997 Messenger 27
ELDER JOHN KLINE
BICENTENNIAL
CELEBRATION
JUNE 13 -15, 1997
Elder John Kline's
200th Birthday
June 17, 1979 - June 15, 1864
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IdBsills CiaA B Shamandaah Dntriet
Choich ai Iha Brathnn
to strangers, for by this some have
entertained angels without knowing
it." The context is that of teaching
about God's kingdom. This calls us
to a higher standard, a higher loy-
alty. Faithfulness to God's kingdom
means we welcome strangers,
because that is what we once were
and, in some ways, we still are.
Levhicus 25:23 (NIV) tells us, "The
From the
Office of Human Resources
Staff Opening
DIRECTOR OF
MISSION FUNDING
This full time position will report
directly to the General Secretary. Loca-
tion at our central office is preferred.
This position will begin after |uly 1997.
Responsibilities
•Congregational support for the
Board mission and ministry.
•Coordinate planned giving and
direct gifts operations.
Qualifications
•Administration experience (5 years)
in Planned Giving, Direct Gifts and
congregational giving.
•Member of the Church of the
Brethren.
•Bachelor's degree.
•Graduate vi/ork in this field preferred.
For prompt consideration phone or write
to the address below by Feb. 28, 1 997.
Karen Norstrom, Office of Human
Resources, 1451 Dundee Avenue,
Elgin, IL 60120. (800) 323-8039.
land is mine, and you are but aliens
and my tenants."
Jeff Boshar
Ithaca. N.y
Calling the roll
Olden Mitchell's congregational sta-
tistics (December, page 10) set me
to thinking. The Frederick (Md.)
congregation lists 993 members, but
an attendance of 524 — a 469-personi
deficit. The Manchester congrega-
tion in North Manchester, Ind.,
reports a similar disparity — 757
members, but just over 320 in atten-
dance. Other congregations have
comparable figures.
What inembership classifications
(or lack thereoO are used by congre-
gations that have hundreds more
people as members than as attenders?
What happened to the denomina-
tional guidelines for classifying
inactive people as "separated mem-
bers" (no response or attendance fon
three consecutive years)?
And what about the number of
Annual Conference delegates (and
district delegates) that are allowed?
Without congregational integrity
regarding membership classification,)
churches may send a dispropor-
tionate number of delegates to
Conference. They, indeed, maybe
sending delegates according to their
membership, although "separated
members" are not to be included in
What does the Brethren Foundation offer?
• A large investment pool that attracts the best managers
• A diversified investment system that helps to improve performance
• A mandate requiring that investments reflect Brethren values
• An over-arching commitment to producing competitive returns
If you need a new stewardship strategy for your church's
funds, Brethren Foundation may be the answer.
800-746-1505
a ministry of the Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust
28 Messenger February 1997
Pontius' Puddle
Send payment for reprinting "Pontius Puddle" from Messenger to
]oel Kauffmann. Ill Carter Road. Goshen. IN 46526. $25 for one
[true use. $10 for second strip in same issue. $10 for congregations.
degate determination.
Under these circumstances, repre-
mtation is given at Annual Con-
^rence for thousands of nonexistent
sople. (Denominational member-
lip is over 140,000, but attendance
just over 80,000.)
With the majority of us being miss-
ig members, does even death separate
ople from membership? "When the
all is called up yonder," some people
lay have duel memberships!
Let's get realistic and responsible.
Kurt M. Snyder
Roann, Ind.
irop that stone
am amazed as I read Letters in Mes-
ENGER to see how many of us "have
o sin." lesus said, "Let anyone
mong you who is without sin be the
rst to throw a stone . . ." (John 8:7).
jid for those of us who follow (esus,
;t's stop throwing stones.
Olden D. Mitchell
North Manchester. Ind.
iood news for bad guys
lobin Wentworth Mayer did an excel-
nt job of creative writing to enhance
ur thoughts on war (December,
age 20).
War can't get rid of the "bad guys"
ecause all have sinned and fallen
hort of God's glory. Mayer states
orrectly that "(esus Christ is the
ood news for bad guys everywhere."
Christ gave himself for all of
umanity, especially for the bad who
now that there is hope in the
Redeemer of all mankind.
Earl Hammer
Waynesboro, Va.
tditorial short on truth
agree with the November editorial,
A God Without Tunnel Vision," as
ar as it goes. But it stops short of
slling the essential truth about the
ituation in Jerusalem and the
sraeli-occupied areas. Having spent
TrtOSC WlSWIktO TO
»,tte:mo a srniEAv ohi
PR<3<:lWWIK(& FAiTH iH
^ SEtoL^^^. ag-c,
PLEASE SEE tAE
AfTEerWE' SERVICE.
?
r^,
%
uWu
NErr WEEKEND, THE
THEy0OTHW\U.BE
\KM\ti(r ARETREftT
OlJSeX«MJO 0RU6S,
yW,UOWTOA,V0lC>
THEK,TH«r\3.
our women s
Retreat th»s
vear wili- focus
OiJ FArAIUES
(kJ CRISIS.
NO WOMOEH-THE:
CHORCH WASTWJOBLE
^AAV<I^(6• PROG-RESS.
EVERV T\^^E WE
KAVE A. F^OQLEW,
WE"RETREArr,"
Because You Need
Protection You Can
Count On
W hen a fire broke out at Elkhart City
Church of the Brethren in Elkhart, Indiana,
many members wondered how long it would
be before they could worship there again.
But they were about to experience a
wonderful surprise.
''Mutual Aid was right there when we
needed them," says Ted Noffsinger, who
supervised the reconstruction. "The approach
I saw was, 'We have a policyholder with a
problem. Let's do what we can, as fast as we
can, to get him back in business.'"
If that's the protection you 'd like to experience, then
you should know Mutual Aid Association also offers
homeowner's insurance at veiy competitive rates. To
find out more, return the bind-in card in this issue of
Messenger, or call us now.
1-800-255-1243
4%
Mutual Aid Association
Church of the Brethren
3094 Jeep Rd • Abilene, KS 67410
Protection you can depend on from
Brethren vou trust. Since 1885.
February 1997 Messenger 29
Partners
in Pra^
Daily prayer guide:
Sunday: Your congregation's ministries
Monday: Annual Conference officers
Tuesday: General Board and staff
Wednesday: District executives,
Bethany Seminary, colleges
and university
Thursday: General Services
Friday: Parish Ministries
Saturday: World Ministries
February prayer concerns:
Congregation: Children ministries;
Youth and Young Adult Ministries;
Women's Fellowship; Men's Fellowship.
Annual Conference: Study commit-
tees; moderator-elect Jimmy Ross'
trip to Nigeria, Jan. 25-Feb. 10;
Planning Coordinating Committee,
Elgin, Feb. 20-21; moderator David
Wine's trip to Dominican Republic
and Puerto Rico, Feb. 21-27.
General Board: Interim general sec-
retary Karen Peterson Miller,
providing leadership during redesign
and transition; Transition Team
(Kathy Hess, Glenn Timmons, Beth
Middleton, and Dorothy Gall); Gen-
eral Board staff.
Districts and Colleges: Advanced
Pastoral Seminar at Bethany Semi-
nary, Feb. 24-28; professors.
General Services: Communication
Team; Planned Giving Team.
Parish Ministries: Reaching Baby
Boomers, an Andrew Center training
event, Feb. 1; ABC co-sponsoring
with OEPA in South Africa Study
Tour, Jan. 24-Feb. 6.
World Ministries: Global missions
and ministries; Brethren Volunteer
Service.
30 Messenger February 1997
seven weeks tliis past summer in
Hebron with CJtristian Peacemaker
Teams, I am aware tJiat we are not
talking about a level playing field.
If we use the editorial's analogy.
From the
Office of District Ministry
Mid-Atl. District seeks
District Executive.
Qualifications
•Commitment & extensive experi-
ence in the Church of the Brethren.
•Administrative skills & experience.
•Interpersonal & communications
skills.
• Leadership experience in collabora-
tive planning & group dynamics.
• Pastoral experience & ordination
preferred.
Responsibilities
•Development of leaders to support
church growth.
•Placement of pastors.
• Oversight to planning, implement-
ing & evaluating district programs.
•Strong communications & net-
working throughout the district.
This full-time position is available Sept. 1,
1997. For more information contact:
Georgianna Schmidtke, Office of
District Ministry, (800) 323-8039.
I'l
we must have the parent in the car
take the side of only one of the fight- |ei
ing children, providing assistance foiie
only that child, and allowing that
child to bully the other child . . . pro-
fessing all the while to be neutral.
I am referring to the millions of
dollars a day in aid that the United
States gives to Israel, aid that makes
possible its oppressive occupation ofi
Palestinian areas. Examples of the
oppression are the frequent confisca-
tion of land for settlements, roads,
and alleged military purposes; the
demolition of Palestinian homes; the
closing of universities; the closing of
borders that prevents Palestinians
from going to their jobs in Israel and
from developing their own economic
base; and ongoing harassment by
Israeli settlers and soldiers.
For details about this situation,
contact Christian Peacemaker Teams,
PO. Box 6508, Chicago, IL 60680-
6508, or e-mail cpt@igc.org for
CPT's newsletter and news updates.
Another resource is the Washington
Report on Middle East Affairs, P.O.
Box 53062, Washington, DC 20009.
Esther Mohler Ho^
Hayward. Calif.
Classified Ads
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Adventures Toward Maturity. The experiences of the
family of Bernard Nathan & Ella Baugher King, between
1930 & 1996. More than 200 pages of illuminating info,
concerning prominent educator-minister in life of the
Church of the Brethren. Covers historic & changing
period between World War I and present. Elmer Q.
Gleim, book editor. Hard bound, maroon color, &
indexed. Price $20, plus $1.25 mailing cost. Contact
Bernard N. King, 109-C Faith Drive, New Oxford, PA
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Give a gift of hope! Give an arid Arkcessories is a
new shop that specializes in Noah's Ark gifts & col-
lectibles. Enjoy our unique selection of gifts for all
occasions. The shop is located at 333 N. Main, King-
man, KS 67068. Tel. (316) 532-1800. Stop by, or visit
our web site at www.arkgifts.com.
INVITATION
Shalom Church of the Brethren, a new & growing
fellowship in Durham, N.C., invites Brethren moving
to Research Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel
Hill) to worship w/ us. Eager to provide moving assis-
tance (unloading, childcare, area info.) for those
relocating to area. For info., contact: Fellowship, RO.
Box 15607, Durham, NC 27704. Tel. (919) 490-6^22
E-mail, ShalomCOB@AOL.COM.
TRAVEL
Travel to Annual Conference in Long Beach by air-
conditioned coach, June 23-July 15. Visit Bethany
Seminary, Salt Lake City Bryce, Zion, Yosemite & other
national parks. For info, write to: J, Kenneth Kreider,
1300 Sheaffer Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.
China adventure featuring Yangtze River cruise. Aug,
4-19, 1997. ($3,189) Visit Narita in Japan. Shanghai
Wuhan, Shashi, Badong, Wanxian, Chongquing, Xian in
China. Travel on cruise ship on Yangtze River stopping
at various cities & ports. In Beijing, walk the largest
'wonder of the worid'— the Great Wall of China. Also,
visit Tian'Anmen Square, & much more, Wendell & Joan
Bohrer imite you to share this great expeiience w/ them
For info, & brochure, write: 8520 Royal Meadow Dr.
Indianapolis, IN 46217, Tel. or Fax. (317) 882-5067.
European Heritage Tour, July 12-26, 1997, Visit scenic
sites of Anabaptist, Pietist, & Brethren significance in
Switzerland, France, Germany, & Netheriands. Spon
sored by Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc., and the Brethren
Historical Committee, $2,490 from New York QEK), For
complete brochure contact: Don Durnbaugh, RO.!
484, James Creek, PA 16657, Tel./Fax. (814) 658-3222,
irnii foints
ew
ilembers
jle: Congregations are asked
submit only the names of
tual new members of the
nomination. Do not include
mes of people who have
:rolv transferred their mem-
isliip from another Church of
_ riix'llircn congregation.
nrist the Servant, Atl. S.E.:
Liza Fultz, lune Hill, [ohn
& Phyllis Karns, Regina &
' Scott Kilhefner, Catherine
& Chester Lowe
'anor, Mid-Atl.: Richard Gos-
sard, Melvia Miller
aple Grove, N. Ohio: Nora
Fultz. Sam & Mary Keener,
Diana Massie, T). Wilkinson
idland, Mid-Atl.: ludy
Funkhouser. Tia Kimball.
Ray Roberts. Dottie & Tom
Williams
ainut Grove, W. Pa.: Stephen
Guydo: Benjamin, Sara,
Stephanie & Warren Herr
23rd BVS
•rientation Unit
iLL'inpleted orientation
in Indianapolis. Ind.,
i on Oct 12. 1996)
[garden, Irina, from New York,
N,"l ,. to Deerpark Road.
Bel last. Northern Ireland
illhimcr, Edith, from
I McPherson. Kan., to Gould
Farm, Monterey, Mass.
illhimer, Hugh, from
McPherson, Kan., to Gould
Farm, Monterey, Mass.
linn, Megan, from Conner.
Mont., to Kilcranny House.
Coleraine, Northern Ireland
Dckstahler, Ingrid, from
Teningen, Germany, to
Gould Farm, Monterey,
Mass.
ampbell, Elaine, from Thorn-
town. Ind.. to Multicultural
Resource Center. Belfast.
Northern Ireland
leveland, Patricia, from
Neward. Del., to Center for
Non-Violent Conflict, Nis,
Serbia
:e|ong. Pauline, from
Saskatchewan, Canada, to
Fellowship of Reconcilia-
tion, Alkmaar. Netherlands
lurr, Pascal, from Wiesloch,
Germany, to Catholic
Worker House. San Anto-
nio. Tex.
ackler, Karen, from Syracuse,
Ind., to Lend-A-Hand.
Walker, Ky.
(organ, Jean, from Omaha,
Neb., to Brethren Service
Center. New Windsor. Md.
arad, Rhonda, from Greens-
burg, Pa., to Tri-City
Homeless Coalition, Fre-
mont, Calif.
ippe. Emily, from York. Pa., to
Washington City Soup
Kitchen, Washington, D.C.
Rhodes, Keith, from Green-
ville, Ohio, to The Brethren
Home, New Oxford, Pa.
Schmidt, Allison, from York,
Pa., to Balkan Peace Team.
Minden, Germany
Shutak, Angela, from Green-
burg, Pa., to Catholic
Worker House. San Anto-
nio, Tex.
Waddle, Keeley, from Panora,
Iowa, to Friendship Day
Care, Hutchinson, Kan.
Weller, Christopher, from
Girald, III., to Karlovac
Committee for Human
Rights. Karlovac. Croatia
Williams, Michelle, from
Shawnee. Okla., to Bread
and Roses. Olympia. Wash.
Pastoral
Placements
Austen, Gordon, from other
denomination to LaPlace,
Ill./Wis.
Baker, Donald, from secular to
Chambersburg. S. Pa.
Bowser, Thomas, from secular
to Nokesville, Mid-Atl.
Bright, Richard, from Pine
Crest Manor, Ill./Wis., to
West Branch, Ill./Wis.
Brumbaugh, Alan, from Point,
M. Pa., to Bellwood. M. Pa.
Brumbaugh, Lillian, from
West Branch, Ill./Wis.. to
Community Mesa, Pac. S.W
Callahan, Wanda. Wawaka, N.
Ind., from interim to full-time
Croft, Eric, from secular to
Rileyville, Shen.
Deeter, leanne, from seminary
to Worthington, N. Plains
Dorsey, lanice, Downsville.
Mid-Atl., from interim to
full-time
Eisenbise, Debbie, from
Bethany Seminary staff to
Kalamazoo/Skyridge, Mich.
Elmore, Carolyn, from secular
to Midland, Mid-Atl.
Elmore, Kendal, from Green
Hill, Mid-Atl., to Midland.
Mid-Atl.
Fisher, Chester, from Mount
Hermon, Virlina, to Buena
Vista Stone, Shen.
Foster, Chris, from Cedar
Bluff, Virlina, to Vinton,
Virlina
Fowler, Michael, from Nappa-
nee. N. Ind., to Ephrata,
Atl. N.E.
Hall, Lloyd, from other
denomination to Bethel
Center. S/C Ind.
Hazen, Lisa, from Prince of
Peace, S. Ohio, to Beaver-
creek, S. Ohio
Hendricks, David, from Ouin-
ter, W. Plains, to Prince of
Peace, N. Ind.
Hewitt, Nancy, from secular to
Black Rock. S. Pa.
Holderread, John, from
Enid, S. Plains, to Big
Creek. S. Plains
Holland, Scott, Monroeville,
W. Pa. from interim to
full-time
Huffaker, Michael, from semi-
nary to Trotwood, S. Ohio
Krahenbtihl, Lee. from secular to
Kalamazoo/Skyridge, Mich.
Manges, |ohn, from secular to
Morrellville, W. Pa.
McClelland, George, from
secular to West Manchester,
S/C Ind.
McGlothlin, ludith, from sec-
ular to Freeport, Ill./Wis.
Mundey, Paul, from General
Board staff to Frederick,
Mid-Atl.
Noffsinger, Bruce, from
Hollins Road, Virlina, to
Blue Ridge Chapel, Shen.
Orndorff, Ian. from secular to
Trout Run, Shen.
Poole, Daniel, from Elizabeth-
town, Atl. N.E., to
Covington, S. Ohio
Reeves, Catherine, from
Mexico. S/C Ind.. to Cherry
Lane/Snake Spring, Mid. Pa.
Schwarze, Robert, Rossville,
S/C Ind., from interim to
full-time
Senger, Garold. from secular
to Hiner. Shen.
Shoemaker, E. B.. from Hiner.
Shen.. to Forest Chapel, Shen.
Simmons, Ben, from Swatara
Hill. Atl. N.E., from interim
to full-time
Smith, Rufus, from retired to
Johnson City First, S.E.
Stauffer, Paul, from Moxham,
W. Pa., to Bethany, Mid-Atl.
Thacker, Robert, from secular
to Greencastle, S. Pa.
Wiser, Tracy, from secular to
Harmony, Mid-Atl.
Deaths
Barnhart, Nevin, 55, Waynes-
boro. Pa., Oct. 5, 1996
Bauserman, Ethel, 90, Bridge-
water, Va., Sept. 17, 1996
Blocher, Kenneth, 91, Green-
ville, Ohio, Aug. 28. 1996
Block, Velda, 81, Dixon. III.,
Aug. 21. 1996
Bonitatibus, Irma. 88. Phila-
delphia, Pa,, Aug. 12. 1996
Books, Olive, 94, Modesto,
Calif., Oct. 26. 1996
Boyd, Esther. 92, Milledge-
ville. 111.. Aug. 6. 1996
Bucher, Cyrus, 83. Biglerville.
Pa.. Aug. 23, 1996
Caricofe, Orpha. 95. Bridge-
water, Va., Sept. 5. 1996
Cooper, Troy. 65, Continental.
Ohio. May 19. 1996
Courtney, Mary, 88, Canton,
111.. May 22, 1996
DeHart, Freeda. 74, Bassett.
Va.. May 18, 1996
Diehl, Robert, 66, Hager-
stown, Md., May 8, 1996
Early, Maxine. 71. Harrison-
burg. Va., Sept. 13. 1996
Fogle, Carrie, 86. Waynesboro,
Pa., Oct. 12. 1996
Frymyer, Naomi. 83, York. Pa..
Sept. 22, 1996
Gibble, Ira, 87, Palmyra, Pa.,
Sept. 19, 1996
Ginder, Menno, 89, Manheim,
Pa., Aug. 20. 1996
Green, Guira, 97, Wichita,
Kan., May 23, 1995
Grossnickle, lason, 25, Day-
ton. Ohio, May 23. 1996
Grote, Harold, 78. Sabetha,
Kan., luly 23, 1996
Groth, Margaret, Bridgewater.
Va., Sept. 3, 1996
Grubb, Luke, 89, Palmyra,
Pa., Sept, 19, 1996
Hackman, Naomi, 102, Lan-
caster, Pa.. Sept. 7, 1996
Hantz, Kathryn, 80. Colum-
biana, Ohio, Aug. 6, 1996
Hasselwander, Walter, 83,
Garber, Okla., July 24,
1996
Hosletter, lennie, 98,
Elizabethtown, Pa., Aug.
20, 1996
Jarrett, Fannie, 90, Bassett.
Va., July 5, 1996
Johnson, Audrey, Wichita,
Kan., Oct. 8. 1995
[unkermeier, Gene, 54,
Wichita. Kan.. Nov. 13,
1995
King, Frank, 81, Phoenix.
Ariz., Sept. 23. 1996
King, Harold, 80, Boones Mill,
Va., Aug. 4. 1996
Kiracofe, Erma. 93, Bridgewa-
ter, Va., Oct. 8, 1996
Kissinger, losephine. 88, Way-
nesboro, Pa., Sept. 7, 1996
Kreitzer, Mary, 93, Dayton.
Ohio, Sept. 28, 1996
Kuhar, lennie, 77, Vinden, 111.,
Aug. 13, 1996
Kulp, Mary, 76, Ephrata, Pa.,
March 2, 1996
Landes, Evagene, 82, Cicero,
Ind.. Aug. 18, 1996
Lantz, Charles, 93, Broadway,
Va., Aug. 24, 1996
Leatherman, Dorothy. 72,
Boise, Idaho, May 2, 1996
Leek, Mary, 103, McPherson,
Kan., Oct. 21, 1996
Ledbetter, Gladys, 85, Dixon,
III., Sept. 26, 1996
Lehman, Ada. 84. Pinellas
Park, Fla.. March 19. 1996
Lehman, Margaret, 91.
Canton. III., May 20, 1996
Lester, Minneah. 47, Peace
Valley, Mo., Sept. 19. 1996
MacFarland, Evelyn. 89, Scott-
ville, Mich.. )uly 18. 1996
Main, Lorene, 82, Lawrence-
ville. III., luly 4, 1996
Martin, Katie. 91, Lititz, Pa..
luly 12. 1996
Mason, Ida, 84. Elkhart. Ind..
luly 9, 1996
Mauzy, Carl, 77, Seneca
Rocks. W.Va., |uly 27. 1996
McCann, Douglas, 59. Greens-
burg. Pa., April 12, 1996
McGuffin, Lois, 83, Roanoke,
Va.. Oct. 2, 1996
Mentzer, Melvin, 88, Sebring.
Ohio, May 30, 1996
Miller, Raymond. 83. Treasure
Island. Fla., Oct. 21. 1996
Miller, Sophie, 96. Riverdale,
Md., April 21, 1996
Miller, Verna, 64. Johnstown,
Pa.. May 1996
Mock, Bly. 87, Wichita, Kan.,
April 7. 1995
Moyer, Virgil, 76. Indepen-
dence. Kan.. May 28. 1996
Mull, Martin, 79. Ephrata.
Pa., Aug. 1. 1996
Mumma, Esta, 76, Lititz, Pa.,
lune 26. 1996
Mummert, Sheldon. St. Peters-
burg. Fla,. Dec. 18, 1996
Mummey, Willis, San Diego,
Calif., Oct. 14, 1996
Myers, Harold, 95, Westmin-
ster, Md.. Oct. 30, 1996
Myers, Loretta, 71. Hunting-
ton, Ind.. Nov. 28, 1995
Naff, Wesley, 62, Boones Mill,
Va.. Aug. 2, 1996
Nichols, Cora, 84, Virden, III.,
Aug. 24, 1996
Nicholson, Mildred, 84. |ohn-
stown. Pa.. March 29, 1996
Nies, Raleigh, 91, Manheim,
Pa. Aug. 9. 1996
Ober, Mildred. 77, St. Peters-
burg. Fla., Sept. 17, 1996
Ohmart, Bernadine. 81.
McPherson, Kan., Oct. 3,
1996
Perry, lulie, 88, Modesto,
Calif.. Sept. 7, 1996
Phillips, Wilda, 94. Scottville.
Mich,. Aug. 7. 1996
Pickeral, Larry, 49. Washing-
ton. Iowa, Aug. 27. 1996
Poling, Lucy, 97. Lima. Ohio.
Oct. 20. 1996
Ramer, Lottie, 96, Shelocta,
Pa., Feb. 16. 1996
Reeves, Ernie, 69. Parsons,
Kan.. Sept. 13, 1996
Reiman, Claire, Berlin. Pa..
Feb. 5. 1996
Renner, Gladys, 89. Astoria,
III., Sept. 17, 1996
Ritchey, Arthur. 72. Bridge-
port. III.. Sept. 1. 1996
Rittle, lohn. 45. Montgomery,
III., lune 22, 1996
Rody, George, 82, Hunting-
don. Ind., Sept. 9. 1996
Rotenberger, Linford, 81,
Quakcrtown, Pa., Sept. 10,
1996
Salonen, lohn, 38. Kingsburg,
Cahf.. May 6. 1996
Sands, Melba. 79, North Man-
chester. Ind., Ian. 16. 1996
Sanford, LyIa. 88. Dixon, 111.,
Aug. 16. 1996
Saylor, Rhonda, 82. Elizabeth-
town, Pa., Aug. 9, 1996
Scott, Dorothy. 78. Wichita,
Kan.. Oct. 5, 1995
Seeders, Paul, 84. Martins-
burg. Pa.. March 27. 1996
Senger, Russell. 86. Mount
Solon. Va.. Nov. 6, 1996
Shirley, Lee. 50. Wichita.
Kan.. April 27. 1996
Show, lames. 60, Farmington,
Pa., Aug. 29, 1996
Simmons, Suzon, 40, Ephrata.
Pa., Aug. 8, 1996
Smith, Eleanora, 8, Chambers-
burg. Pa.. Aug. 23. 1996
February 1997 Messenger 31
Fear not the February funk
My deepest
soul-searching
comes in my birth
month; I'm sent
into a free-fall
Could it be that I was birth-marked by coming
into the world on a frigid February day, the drea-
riness of which deepened until the leaden skies
dropped 1 3 inches of snow on our Blue Ridge Mountains
hollow? Why else would I, so many years later, still lapse
into somber introspection whenever the elements in Feb-
ruary replicate the conditions of that day?
That master of gloomspeak, Edgar Allan Poe — though
January born — roamed with his Soul on "a night in the
lonesome October," and by ghostly firelight he distinctly
remembered the bleak December. But my
deepest soul-searching comes in my birth
month; Vm sent into a free-fall funk by
February. Could be that it's just winter's
discontent, but the romantic in me rea-
sons there's that other connection.
I was surfing my inner thoughts the
other day, while nursing a cup of coffee
and staring out at the snow, and chanced
to ponder this question: Why did the
great religions such as ludaism, Chris-
tianity, and Islam originate in barren funR UV rCurtiarV
desert lands? Did the climate have some- -^ '- -^ -^
thing to do with it? Could the shepherd
wanderer Abram as easily have been a Laplander with a
reindeer herd? Could Jesus have returned "filled with the
power of the Spirit" if he had spent 40 days shivering on
snow-capped Mount Hermon instead of sweating out 40
days in the heat of the wilderness?
They do have snow occasionally in the Holy Land.
Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, was remembered for killing a
lion "on a day when snow had fallen" (2 Sam. 23:20).
And Trypho was heading out on a relief mission, "but
that night a very heavy snow fell, and he did not go
because of the snow" (1 Mace. 13:22). But basically the
people of the Bible were shaped by desert conditions.
I was made keenly aware and appreciative of this
during my 13 -year missionary sojourn in Nigeria. The
land and its people were a fair approximation of their
scriptural counterparts. Bible scenes were part and
parcel of our daily life: Shepherds watched over their
flocks; sowers went out to sow; fields grew white unto
harvest; women went to the well; in the market we
encountered the lame, the halt, and the blind; and always
we suffered the little children — swarms of them.
Of course, I experienced no snowy Februarys in
Nigeria. But I managed to work into my schedule my
annual funk. In February in Nigeria, the hot season is
just around the corner, but usually the harmattan (thick
dust clouds from the Sahara) lingers, providing a relative
coolness. Thus, conditions were agreeable for me to take
solitary hikes into the surrounding wilderness. There I
could sit and brood as handily as if I were snowbound oii!|
the trackless prairies of Illinois. I kept my Februarys.
As I interviewed our Annual Conference moderator,
David Wine, for this month's cover story, it was all I
could do to keep my professional cool and not match his
stories of spiritual retreats and solitary strolls with anec-
dotes from my own experience. Vicariously, I clasped
him to my bosom as a kindred soul. I do resonate to his
expressed need for spiritual re-ener-
gizing gained through contemplation
and prayer . . . preferably far from the
madding crowd.
I confess I have not joined the
moderator in his covenanted setting
aside for prayer an hour a day and a
day a month, and spending a week
during the year in a personal prayer
retreat. I match his shyness and his
penchant for solitary contemplation,
but not his firm self-discipline. I'm
even leery of making public commit-
^^^"" ments, indulgently attributing my
avoidance to "keeping my options open."
But I do publicly endorse the moderator's challenge
for those with the jogger-like self-discipline it takes to
meet it. For those like me, whose spiritual and physical
sides are flabbier, I say seize, instead, those random
moments when you can get away to ponder life's great
questions and to commune with your Maker. Call it prayer
or call it contemplation; it's still good for your soul.
I
rather look forward to my February funk. It may
sound like wintertime depression, but it anticipates
.happier times to come, when one is wiser for one's i
wonderings. As poet John Greenleaf Whittier put it, [
The Night is mother of the Day,
The Winter of the Spring,
And ever upon old Decay,
The greenest mosses cling. j
I'm sure that Whittier had February in mind. It's just
that, like the word "orange," "February" is so hard for
poets to rhyme with anything. Otherwise he could have
been more specific in naming the mother of Spring.
So, in February I sink into this temporary torpor, con-
fident that I will rise from it rejuvenated in spirit — a wiser,
stronger man. — K.T.
32 Messenger February 1997
ne Bretnren Homes or tne Atlantic Nortneast District.
Freeaom To Live Your Lire On Your Terms.
t2l
Your lite, your dreams, your
hopes, your nome. fnese are lire's
important things. The retirement
communities or the Brethren
Homes orier a mil range or living
accomodations to suit your lirestyle
and your needs. All are located in
the beautirul southeastern region
or Pennsylvania, with easy access
to major metropolitan areas,
vacation sights, shopping centers
and tourist attractions.
MEMBERS OE:
• Pennsylvania Association or Non-Proiit
Homes for the Aging (PANPHA)
• American Association oi Homes ana
Services foi: the Aging (AAHSA)
K^cntiJiy of Cciumitnicnt
3001 Lititz Pike
P.O. Box 5093
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 569-2667
Lebanon \klley
Brethren Home
1 200 GruLt Street
Palmyra, PA 17078
(717) 838-5406
h
Peter
Becker
Community
800 Maple Avenue
Harleysville, PA 19438
(215) 256-9501
COUNT
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Please send the following:
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A^ >.■, ■
:4ii t
' r:
Cklc\}rey^
Pt^l^HF'V
h\« i
Editor: Kermon Thomasson
Managing Editor: Nevin Dulabaum
Editorial Assistant: Paula Wilding
Production, Design: Paul Stocksdale
Subscriptions: Vicki Roche, Martha Cupp
Promotion: Linda Myers Swanson
Study Guide Writer: Willard Dulabaum
Publisher: Dale Minnich
On the cover:
Engaging faces of
Sunday school
children at Highland Avenue
Church of the Brethren in
Elgin, 111., invite us to heed the
admonition of a special cluster
of March articles: Listen to the
voices of children.
1
From the Editor
2
In Touch
4
Close to Home
6
News
9
In Brief
23
Stepping Stones
26
Letters
27
Pontius' Puddle
30
Partners in Prayer
31
Turning Points
32
Editorial
Features
10 Listen to the voices of children
Four Brethren writers lay out what can be
done by way of "positive parenting" to
ensure that our children grow up feeling
loved and supported, ready and equipped to
find their place in society.
11 Children in the Bible
Harriet Finney cites many Bible stories
that demonstrate the important role of
children as full participants in the
community of faith.
12 Churches, children, and focus
What would church be without the
children? asks Judith Myers-Walls. Children
bring young families with them to church,
they are fun, and they are our future. But
they are much, much more.
16 Listening in our homes
Forget all those other things you thought
were most important as moms and dads,
write John and Deb Lahman. Nothing is
more important than parenting.
18 Where there's all work and no play
David Radcliff describes the plight of
children at risk all over the world, and
reminds us we have the capacity to work
for change.
20 Doing General Board ministries
in a new way
Tracy Wenger Sadd writes about the "new
design," and deals with the questions
people are asking.
22 Pressing toward the goal
Interim general secretary Karen Peterson
Miller introduces herself in her new
leadership role.
24 Open wide your hearts
Lisa Ebaugh, D. Miller Davis, Holly Peele,
and Kirby Leland tell stories of Brethren
operating in the servant mode.
From tie Eitor
How to reach us
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Coming next month
Glenn Timmons, Administra-
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Design Transition Team, tells
what we can accomplish with a
$4.7 General Board budget.
District Messenger representatives: Atl, N.E,, Ron
luc; Ad. S.E., Ruby Raymer; 111,/Wis., Kreston Upscomb;
S/C Ind,, Marjorie Miller; Mich,, Ken Good; Mid-Atl,.
Ann Fouts; Mo./Ark., Luci Landes; N. Plains, Faith
Strom; N. Ohio, Alice L. Driver; S. Ohio, Jack Kline;
Ore/Wash., Marguerite Shamberger; Pac. S.W., Randy
Miller; M. Pa., EvaWampler; S, Pa,, Elmer Q. Gleim;
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Messenger is the official publication of the Church
of the Brethren, Entered as second<lass matter Aug,
20, 1918, under Act of Congress of Oct, 17, 1917,
Filing date, Nov 1, 198^, Member of the Associated
Church Press, Subscriber to Religion News Service
& Ecumenical Press Service, Biblical quotations,
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Standard Version, Messenger is owned and publrshed
1 1 times a year by the General Services Commission,
Church of the Brethren General Board, Second-class
postage paid at Elgin, 111,, and at additional mailing
office, Feb, 1997, Copyright 1997, Church of the
Brethren General Board, ISSN 0026-0355,
Postmaster: Send address changes to Messenger,
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I have had two recent experiences with no apparent simi-
larities, but, looking back on them, I see that each one left
me with something of the same feeling.
Among numerous maintenance chores at the homeplace
in Virginia, my son and 1 burned a large brushpile. As the
flames quickly consumed the debris and grew into an inferno,
we remarked at the awesome power in it, and how easily we
had unleashed that power with the mere striking
of a match. One moment there was an inert pile
of brush, a welcoming haven for small wildlife.
The next moment it became a powerful source
of heat, so radiant we had to back away from it
and shield our faces. And nearby grass that we
had not thought flammable reacted like tinder.
More recently, as we prepared this March
Messenger, I got the idea of shooting photographs
of Sunday school students to produce cover art
for this issue focusing on children. Managing
editor Nevin Dulabaum, a capable photographer,
joined me in visiting a class of youngsters at our
own Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren.
When we entered the classroom, the children were
seated around a table, quietly working at some
project. The teacher's announcement of our purpose was like
a match touching off a brushpile fire. To achieve the desired
expressions, we provoked the children with silly questions. They
were more than cooperative. There was an explosion of energy.
I almost backed away from the unexpected uproar we created.
Now you catch the similarity between these two expe-
riences.
And what 1 gained from the photography experience was
a brand-new appreciation of the energy and potential of chil-
dren. What an awesome responsibility we have to nurture
and steer that energy so that the potential comes to fruition
not only when the children become adults, but right now,
while they are such delightful live wires. But I am stealing
thunder. Turn to pages 10—17 for the words of ones who say
it better than I.
Keith Sollenberger-
Morphew was among
the Highland Avenue
children serving as
magazine cover
models.
Printed on recycled paper
March 1997 Messenger 1
Ill
rr
College freshman
Kendra Flory has been
ringing bells in church
choirs since she was in
third grade.
Bells! Bells! Bells!
Kendra Flory is a handbellaholic. The 19-year-old
McPherson College freshman began playing hand-
bells in third grade at McPherson (Kan.) Church of the
Brethren. For the past two-and-a-half years she has been
solo-ringing, using two octaves and sometimes three.
Most of her repertoire is sacred music.
Three years ago a friend invited Kendra to watch a
handbell practice at McPherson's Trinity Lutheran church.
Kendra stepped in when one of the Trinity ringers couldn't
make a performance. The director asked her to continue,
and she did.
Kendra learned to ring for solos and duets, and now rings
in Trinity's adult choir, helps with a children's bell choir,
and plays for credit in Bethany
College's Handbell Ensemble.
Music surrounds Kendra. She
plays the piano and organ. In the
McPherson College Band and
Bethany College Brass Ensem-
ble, she plays the French horn.
She also sings in the McPherson
College Concert Choir.
When Kendra begins practic-
ing a new bell solo, she
memorizes the notes as quickly
as possible. "Once I have the
melody in 'muscle memory,' I
find it easier to work on the
movement, emotion, and grace
of the composition," she says.
Last summer, Kendra and her
sister, (anelle, who rings duets
with her, played a duet in
Omaha, Neb. Kendra rang the
solo "Joshua" for 800 ringers.
A year ago, the sisters per-
formed the Christmas duet
"Angels' Canon." "Janelle fol-
lows me in wearing a golden
halo," Kendra explains. "After
the accompaniment starts, I
steal it. We ham it up and snatch the halo back and forth
as we ring. She pretends anger when I am wearing the
halo at the end. She pulls another halo out, and we both
smile and bow."
Kendra has performed in many settings, including a
Bethany Seminary board meeting, a minister's ordination.
Trinity church's St. Lucia festival, and community bell
caroling.
"Where I ring doesn't matter. I love it everywhere," she
declares. — Irene S. Reynolds
Irene S. Reynolds is a freelance writer from Lawrence, Kan.
Names in the news
Gregg A. Wilhelm, a
member of Woodberry
Church of the Brethren, Bal-
timore, Md., heads a new
publishing company in Bal-
timore, Woodholme House
Publishers. He is the former
director of Baltimore's
Cathedral Foundation Press.
• Three members of Man-
chester Church of the
Brethren, North Manchester,
Ind., who also are professors
at Manchester College, have
been named to Who's Who
Among America's Teachers.
They are Ed Miller, Steve
Naragon, and Scott Strode.
• Gary A. Dill is being
inaugurated as president of
McPherson College on
Gary Dill
March 7. Featured speakci-
for the ceremony is Donald
F. Durnbaugh, Brethren
historian.
Seeing with the heart
Pamela Brown, a member
of Happy Corner Church of
the Brethren in Clayton,
Ohio, has second sight . . .
not that she is clairvoyant.
One day she observed a
clean-cut family in a restau-
2 Messenger March 1997
ant. She thought, "What a
ice family." But she
hanged her mind when the
ather i<ici<.ed his fidgety
ittle son and made him cry;
he father denied what he
lad done, so the mother
lapped the boy.
The next day, Pam
ibserved another family,
cruffy and apparently
ower-class. The long-
laired father projected the
tereotype of the macho
notorcyclist: leather jacket,
)oots, and wallet with req-
lisite chain. Pam recoiled,
s did other diners. But the
ouple drew pictures with
■heir children, hugged
jhem, told them they loved
ihem, and laughed a lot.
Fhey said a prayer over
heir meal.
At that point, Pam says,
he heard a voice: "judge
lot that ye be not judged"
Matt. 7:1, K|V). Now she
ries to see with more than
:ier eyes.
Her resolve was height-
;ned by an incident
involving her 18-year-old
;on, |ohn, who has Down's
;yndrome. Pam had been
mothered and embarrassed
oy |ohn' penchant for hug-
ging people. Recently, in a
oizza parlor, a man
ipproached John and Pam
ind offered to buy them
vhatever they wanted. Pam
declined. When Pam's par-
;nts came in to join |ohn
ind her, and ordered
drinks, the same man
umped up and offered to
Day for them.
After the meal, John ran
3ver and hugged the
stranger. "1 wanted the
door to open up and swal-
ow me," Pam says. Then
she saw that the stranger
Long Green Valley pastor Pete Haynes (fourth from left) got the idea of promoting his
church 's Crop walk not only as a fundraiser, but as a community-builder
Taking a walk together
Crop Walks are familiar to
most Brethren. But for
Long Green Valley Church
of the Brethren in Glen
Arm, Md., the one last fall
was special. Pastor Pete
Haynes, who coordinated
it, wanted not only to raise
money for hunger relief and
to raise awareness of
and another man at his table
were crying. The second
man asked fohn for a hug.
The mystery was solved
when the pair explained
that they had just lost a
sister with Down's Syn-
drome. Reaching out to
John helped them deal with
their grief.
"I now look at people
with my heart as well as
with my eyes," Pam says. "I
let God direct me instead of
letting society dictate to me
hunger needs, but to pro-
mote Christian community
in the congregation's
neighborhood.
Thus was kicked off the
First Annual (acksonville/
Long Green Crop Walk.
Nearly $8,000 was raised by
125 walkers (36 of them
from Long Green Valley).
Eight community churches
participated in the walk, held
what it thinks is right and
wrong."
With her new organ of
sight, Pam cherishes the
admonition of Luke
6:37-38: "Do not judge,
and you will not be judged;
do not condemn, and you
will not be condemned.
Forgive, and you will be
forgiven; give, and it will be
given to you."
Adapted from an article by
Pamela Brown in Happy Corner
church's newsletter. Good News.
along a scenic former rail-
road right-of-way. The walk
was so successful in getting
the church groups
acquainted that the second
annual walk has already
been planned for next fall.
Remembered
J. Calvin Bright, 82, died
Jan. 9, in Dayton, Ohio.
Pastor of East Dayton
Church of the Brethren at
the time of his death, he
was a missionary in China,
1947-1951.
• Clara B. Myer, 87,
died Dec. 16, 1996, in
Neffsville, Pa. She was a
missionary in Nigeria,
1946-1954.
"In Touch" profiles Brethren we would
like you to meet. Send story ideas and
photos to "In Touch, "Messenger,
1451 Dundee Ave.. Elgin. IL 60120.
March 1997 Messenger 3
Fairview pastor
Eric Fether rides
forth on Clinton
the donkey in the
church's first
annual Easter
parade.
Everyone loves a parade
When Fairview Church of the Brethren in
WiUiamsport, Pa., was thinking about Easter 1996,
the idea emerged to do something different: Stage a
parade on Palm Sunday.
Several values were in mind: Celebrate Jesus' ministry;
encourage believers to go public with their faith; promote
unity, cooperation, and fellowship among area churches;
and invite unchurched people to join in celebrating
Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
With little publicity beforehand, the parade took the
form of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. Neigh-
borhood people, caught by surprise, rushed to see what
the racket was about. Participants sang, shouted praises,
rang bells and shook tambourines, and strewed palm
branches. Fairview folks handed out 400 palm crosses, as
well as palm leaves, to spectators. One church youth
group performed a joyful, interpretative dance, waving
palm branches to Jewish music. Participants took time to
explain the meaning of the event to spectators who asked.
So successful was the parade that a second one, with
elaborations, is planned for this year's Palm Sunday.
Going international
Lower Miami Church of
the Brethren, near Dayton,
Ohio, has been, for some
time, racially integrated.
And it sponsored a Bosnian
family in 1995.
In 1996 a Rwandan
couple, Leonard Uwiringiy-
imana and his wife,
Francine, began attending
Lower Miami upon the
invitation of pastor Ron
McAdams. Leonard is a
Hutu and Francine is a
Tutsi; their tribes in
Rwanda have been at war
for the past few years.
On their first Sunday at
Lower Miami, Leonard and
Francine announced that
they were expecting 13
Rwandan refugees — mem-
bers of Leonard's family
who had fled from Rwanda
into Zaire. The couple
already had seven family
members in their apartment .
Lower Miami pitched in
and found housing and
other necessities for the
newcomers. They also
helped with English classes
and provided transportation
Since then, more refugees!
have arrived and now there
is a community of 38
Rwandans in Dayton.
A Dayton peace group
has taken on the cause of
the Rwandans. Last August
the Miami Valley Peace
Network held a Harvest of
Peace Day that featured the.
Rwandans. Working
through their congressional
representative, the peace
activists hope to spur Con-
gress to give greater
attention to the Rwandan
crisis. Their ultimate goal is
Rwandan peace accords
paralleling the Bosnian
peace accords arranged
earlier in Dayton.
This and that
Upper Conewago Church
of the Brethren near East
Berlin, Pa., planted a
"Lord's Acre" in corn last
summer, then spent a fall
day picking, shucking, cut-
ting, cooking, bagging, and
freezing 674 quarts of corn. j
The corn was donated to
the Bowery Mission in New
York City, which serves up
some 600 meals a day for
the city's hungry.
4 Messenger March 1997
'earning to do ministry
(untsdale Church of the
rethren in Carlisle, Pa.,
olds an after-school Bible
'lub meeting for neighbor
hiidren each Wednesday,
he children sing, work
n craft projects, eat
inner together, and then
ave a one-hour Bible
lass.
Pastor |an Custer, who
;aches the 4th-6th grades
roup, set as her goals to
;ach about ministry and to
ivolve the children in min-
try, as well. The children
tudied a book When Did
Ve See You?, focusing on
/latthew 25:35-45. The
tudy asks "Where do we
ee [esus suffering, and
low can we minister to
im?"
This led to the making of
quilt, which was given to
homeless child at Christ-
nas. The children created
heir own quilt blocks,
ising fabric markers. The
|uilt was put together with
he help of Sharon Swank,
Huntsdale member. The
inished product was pre-
ented to the congregation
)n Blanket Sunday and
ielivered to a homeless
belter.
The quilt was only one
ninistry project for the
:hildren. Other activities
ncluded making cards for
)eople in the hospital,
■ending Christmas cards to
)risoners, visiting the ill,
md making cookies for
;hut-ins.
Pastor Custer hopes that
his actual doing of ministry
vill be a first step for the
;hildren toward long lives
)f service to Christ and the
;hurch.
Phyllis and John Carter and Pat Helman worked with others
to create "A Quiet Place" at Indiana's Camp Mack.
Creating a quiet place
As a response to jesus' call
for solitude, prayer, and
rest, a new ministry in the
contemplative mode has
been established at Camp
Mack, which serves the
Indiana districts.
"A Quiet Place" is a small
retreat center that allows
individuals and groups to
experience new dimensions
of prayer and spirituality.
Huntsdale children Westly Gingrich, Natasha Sennett, Katy
Sheaffer. and James Clark, with quilt consultant Sharon
Swank and pastor Jan Custer, display the quilt made as a
ministry project.
The project has been facili-
tated by Phyllis Carter, an
Indiana minister and
former Annual Conference
moderator.
At Camp Mack, a small
house that once housed
camp directors and care-
takers had stood vacant for
some time. Its dark interior
was slowly transformed into
a light-filled space that
beckoned seekers into the
unlikely sanctuary. Up to
six people can be accom-
modated for overnight. The
Quiet Place's steering com-
mittee invites anyone
needing a place for silence
and solitude or asking for
spiritual direction to con-
tact it through Becky
Ball-Miller, executive direc-
tor of Camp Mack.
Campus comments
At Manchester College,
residents of Schwalm Hall
held a food drive at
Thanksgiving, benefiting
local people in need. Rais-
ing $740, the students
bought 69 turkeys, along
with vegetables, stuffing,
and gravy to go with them.
• Juniata College held
its sixth annual Martin
Luther King (r. convocation
on Ian. 13. Featured was a
dramatic performance.
"The Meeting," about a
confrontation between King
and Malcolm X.
"Close to Home" highlights news of
congregations, districts, colleges, homes,
and other local and regional life. Send
story ideas and photos to "Close to
Home, "Messenger, 1451 Dundee
Ave., Elgin, 11 60120.
March 1997 Messenger 5
ujicie tfcbur
hea.rf$
i
Contemporary China,
as depicted on these
faces and in the
background by river
boats and construction
cranes, is the centerpiece
of this year's "One Great
Hour of Sharing,"
scheduled for March 16.
News items are intended to inform. They do not
necessarily represent the opinions oyMESSENGER
or the General Board, and should not he considered
to be an endorsement or advertisement.
"Open Wide Your Hearts"
OGHS theme for 1997
China, once closed to church mission
efforts, now is a land open to Christ-
ian mission work.
"While Christians represent only a
small fraction of China's total popu-
lation, they are seen as the leaven in
the loaf, lifting up the needs of the
poor, holding governmental officials
accountable for quality of life con-
cerns, giving increasing attention to
stewardship of the earth, and infusing
spiritual values into national life."
That, according to One Great
Hour of Sharing printed materials, is
why OHGS — the largest of the three
annual theme offerings in the Church
of the Brethren — has chosen to focus
on China for this year's offering, us-
ing the theme "Open Wide Your
Hearts," based on 2 Cor. 6:13.
One Great Hour of Sharing, an
initiative supported by 1 1 denomina-
tions and ecumenical programs, in-
cluding the Church of the Brethren
and Church World Service, is sched-
uled for March 16. Contributions
fund hunger, development, and
refugee and disaster service min-
istries in 70 countries.
To prepare for the 48th annual
OGHS Sunday, congregations of the
participating denominations received
a sample packet of One Great Hour
of Sharing materials in January. In-
cluded in the packet are resource
guides in English and Spanish, a
theme poster, an offering bank, and
a general distribution folder.
Also in the packet is a children's
activity folder. The four-page folder
relates mission stories and activities
for children ages 5-10.
Global maps and stamps represent-
ing Church World Service projects
around the world in over 100 coun-
tries also are included.
Congregations may request the free
"Open Wide Your Hearts" video,
which relates the biblical calls from
God to the needs of the world today.
To request the video and accompany-
ing study guide, as well other materi
als, contact Howard Royer, director
of Interpretation, at (800) 323-
8039, ext. 260.
Identifiable contributions by
Church of the Brethren members to
OGHS exceed $250,000 annually.
Ballot for Conference-elected I
positions announced
The ballot for Annual Conference-
elected positions was announced in
January by the Annual Conference
office. Conference is scheduled for
July 1-6 in Long Beach, Calif.
In pre-Conference meetings. An-
nual Conference Standing Commit-
tee will select half of the nominees
for election by Annual Conference
delegates during a Conference busi-
ness session.
• Moderator-elect — Joan Deeter,
North Manchester, Ind.; Lowell
Flory, McPherson, Kan.; Joel Kline,
Fort Wayne, Ind.; and Craig Smith,
Eaton, Ohio.
• Annual Conference Secretary —
Elaine Gibbel, Lititz, Pa.; Lena Miller,
Westminster, Md.; Cathy Huffman,
Rocky Mount, Va.; and Mary Sue
Rosenberger, Greenville, Ohio.
• General Board, at-large — David
Gerber, Hanover, Pa.; Dale Gros-
bach, Gladstone, Mo.; Violet Hosier,
Penn Run, Pa.; Donald Parker, West
Salem, Ohio; Julianne Stout, Hager-
stown, Ind.; John Thomas, Guthrie,
Okla.; Christy Waltersdorff, Lom-
bard, III.; and Myrna Wheeler, San
Dimas, Calif.
• General Board, Idaho — Phyllis
Howard, Nampa; Edward Kerschen-
steiner, Boise; James Schmidt, Boise;
and Ethel Schulz, Nampa.
• General Board, Shenandoah —
Martha Barlow, Dayton, Va.; Shirley
Bruffey, Clifton Forge, Va.; J.D.
Glick, Harrisonburg, Va.; and Merlini
ShuU, Bridgewater, Va.
• General Board, Western
Plains — Donald Booz, McPherson,
6 Messenger March 1997
an.; Karen Calderon, Grand |unc-
on, Colo.; Christy Dowdy, Lincoln,
leb.; and Eugene Lichty, McPiier-
on, Kan.
• Program and Arrangements
!ommittee — Maria Abe, Akron,
)hio; Wendi Hutchinson, Goshen,
nd.; Becky Rhodes, Roanoke, Va.;
nd lane Shepard, Portland, Ore.
• Pastoral Compensation and Bene-
ts Advisory Committee (representing
linistry) — Scott Duffy, Westminster,
Id.; Kevin Daggett, Tryon, N.C.;
haron Hutchinson, Mount |oy. Pa.;
nd Janet Ober Miller, Redondo
leach, Calif.
• Pastoral Compensation and Ben-
fits Advisory Committee
representing district executives) —
Ion Beachley, Davidsville, Pa.; Gene
lipskind. La Verne, Calif.; Kenneth
iolderread, Elgin, 111.; and Sidney
ung, Nampa, Idaho.
Committee on Interchurch Rela-
is — Joe Loomis, Furnace, Pa.;
".dward Pugh, Dayton, Ohio; Ken
iCline Smeltzer, Modesto, Calif.; and
iarah Young, Akron, Ohio.
• Brethren Benefit Trust — Wayne
Calendar
General Board meetings, March 8-11,
General Offices, Elgin. 111. [Contact
General Secretary's Office, General
Offices, (800) 323-8039].
Association of Brethren Caregivers
Board meetings, March 21-22 [Con-
tact ABC, General Offices].
Christian Citizenship Seminar, April
5-10, New York City and Washington.
D.C. [Contact Youth and Young Adult
Ministry Office, General Offices].
Regional Youth Conferences, April
18-20, McPherson (Kan.) College:
April 19-20, Bridgewater (Va.) Col-
lege: April 25-27. Manchester
College. North Manchester, Ind.
[Contact Youth and Young Adult Min-
istry Office, General Offices].
Brethren Benefit Trust Board meetings,
April 19-20, Elgin, 111. [Contact BET,
(800 746-1505].
Fralin, Fremont, Calif.; Gregory
Geisert, Harrisonburg, Va.; Rosalyn
Neuenschwander, Decatur, Ind.; and
Philip Stover, Quinter, Kan.
• Bethany Theological Seminary
elector (representing the colleges) —
Eric Bishop, Upland, Calif.; Carl
Bowman, Verona, Va.; Stephen Olin
Mason, McPherson, Kan.; and Ron
Wyrick, Huntingdon, Pa.
• Bethany Theological Seminary
elector (representing the ministry) —
Debbie Eisenbise, Kalamazoo, Mich.;
Carroll Petry, North Manchester,
Ind.; Guy Wampler, Lancaster, Pa.;
Bev Weaver, Indianapolis, Ind.
General Board 1996 finances
better than first predicted
The General Board's Finance Office
reported in January that preliminary
General Board end-of-the-year finan-
cial figures are better than expected.
The figures were produced through
a first-run look at the books and prior
to the year-end audit, reported ludy
Keyser, General Board treasurer.
According to Keyser, congrega-
tional giving exceeded budget pro-
jections by $87,000 and direct gifts
exceeded budget projections by
$124,000, The Brethren Service
Center's Center Operations was ex-
pected to end the year with a
$16,250 deficit, but preliminary fig-
ures show it ended the year about
$40,000 in the black.
SERRV International and Brethren
Press both expected to end the year
with a slight surplus, but SERRV's
surplus is expected to be about
$100,000, while Brethren Press' is
estimated at $20,000. The Andrew
Center, which was budgeted to break
even, is expected to show a surplus
of about $16,000.
Overall, Keyser expects the Gen-
eral Board's budgeted deficit of
$268,130 to come in much lower
than that once final figures are deter-
mined.
"These numbers could not have
been achieved without much effort
and sacrifice on the part of the (Gen-
eral Board stafO, the Brethren Service
Center and our other locations,"
Keyser said. "The strong support from
our constituency lends a great feeling
of support during these times."
Redesign plan of the General
Board to be considered
Finally.
After two years of working on re-
designing itself, the Church of the
Brethren General Board this month
is expected to unveil its redesign
plans, take action on those plans,
and then, if approved, devise a plan
for taking its proposals for polity
changes to Annual Conference dele-
gates in July.
The redesign, or new design, which
officially began in March 1995, is ex-
pected to consume most of the
Board's time March 8-11, when it
meets in Elgin, 111. It is during those
meetings that the Board is expected
to respond to a host of proposals sub-
mitted by the Board's Redesign
Steering Committee, Transition
Team, and Administrative Council.
Information expected to be made
public during these meetings includes
the RSC's recommendation on the
locations of the Board's central of-
fices and staff who will be assigned to
work out of one of a handful of yet-
to-be-created areas; descriptions of
all General Board jobs that will be in-
corporated into the newly-designed
Board; and the names of salaried staff
asked to remain with the organiza-
tion. The retention of support staff
will follow the hiring of their respec-
tive supervisors.
General Board representatives as-
sume the Board's new design will go
into effect in |uly, but that is depen-
dent on the actions taken by General
Board members and Annual Confer-
ence delegates. — Nevin Dulabaum
March 1997 Messenger 7
Twenty-one Brethren help
construct a sanctuary in DR
From Feb. 22 through March 1,
Earl Ziegler, pastor of Lampeter
(Pa.) Church of the Brethren, and
20 other Brethren helped the Santo
Domingo congregation in the Do-
minican Republic build a new
sanctuary.
The Dominican Church Board
had identified the Santo Domingo
congregation's building project as
a priority and asked Ziegler for as-
sistance with the project. Ziegler,
who has been involved with other
Dominican church building pro-
jects, joined forces with the Gen-
eral Board to raise the funds
needed to construct the two-story,
600-seat sanctuary.
"We will be doing it with them,
not for them," Ziegler said of the
project that both Brethren from the
States and from the Dominican
Republic will participate in.
The $40,000 obtained to finance
the construction project was raised
through the donations of two con-
gregations and several individuals.
Earl Ziegler and a member of the
Church of the Brethren in the
Dominican Republic work on the
Santo Domingo church, one of
several that Ziegler has helped
build in the Dominican Republic
since 1990.
Deeter to retire as executive
of World Ministries Commision
loan Deeter, World Ministries Com-
mission Executive since 1992, has an-
nounced that
she will retire
on lune 20.
Deeter also
served the
General
Board as
Parish Min-
istries execu-
tive, from
loan Deeter jggg^^
1992. From 1982 to 1988, she pas-
tored West Manchester Church of the
Brethren, North Manchester, Ind.
Three coordinators named for
NYC, workcamps in 1998
Brian Yoder has been named coordi-
nator of the 1 998 National Youth
Conference, scheduled for August
1998, in Fort Collins, Colo. Yoder, a
senior at luniata College, is a mem-
ber of Stone Church of the Brethren,
Huntingdon, Pa.
)oy Struble has been named one of
two assistant NYC coordinators. Stru-
ble, a 1996 graduate of University of
Michigan, is a member of Lansing
(Mich.) Church of the Brethren.
The second assistant NYC coordina-
tor will be Emily Shonk, a member of
Manassas (Va.) Church of the
Brethren who is scheduled to graduate
from Bridgewater College this year .
She also will coordinate the 1998
Youth and Young Adult Ministry
workcamps.
General Board, one district
announce staff changes
Ron Finney in January was named
interim director of District Ministry,
replacing Karen
Miller, who be-
gan serving as
interim general
secretary, also
in [anuary.
Finney also
serves as co-ex-
ecutive in Ron Finnev
South/Central Indiana District with
his wife, Harriet.
Phil and Louie Rieman completed
their service to the General Board on
(an. 4. The Riemans had served as
mission interpreters in the US since
May; before that they worked for
about four years with the New Sudan
Council of Churches. They have ac-
cepted an interim team pastorate at
Wabash (Ind.) Church of the
Brethren.
Warren Eshbach has resigned as
executive of Southern Pennsylvania
District, effective April 30. He has
served in that position for 13 years.
He has accepted positions as pas-
toral care director of The Brethren
Home, New Oxford, Pa., and as dean
of Graduate Studies at Bethany The-
ological Seminary's Susquehanna
Valley Satellite, Elizabethtown, Pa.
Phil and Louie Rieman
Warren Eshbach
8 Messenger March 1997
The Global Mission Partnerships director for the redesign-
id General Board will be Mervin Keeney, representative to Africa
ind the Middle East, who was named in January. This new posi-
ion will begin in July, when the Board's new structure is
ixpected to go into effect.
Keeney's responsibilities will include administering and monitor-
ing the General Board's current and future global mission work.
Flooding in the Northwest US prompted Brethren assistance.
)isaster response coordinators in Pacific Southwest and Ore-
ion/ Washington districts in January were assessing the
:;ituation to take action if needed. Cooperative Disaster Child
^are volunteers set up child care centers from Jan. 4 to 1 1 in
yiodesto, Calif., and in Medford, Ore.
Brethren nationwide can aid those affected by constructing
Gift of the Heart" kits. To learn how to construct "Gift of the
;deart" kits, contact Church World Service at (219) 264-3102.
fhe 1997 Nigeria workcamp was canceled for American par-
icipants after they were denied visas by the Nigerian government,
"he workcamp was still held for six workcampers from Germany
ind Switzerland affiliated with the Swiss-based Basel Mission, the
;;hurch of the Brethren's mission partner in Nigeria. This situation
s similar to that of two Nigerian students from Ekklesiyar Yanuwa a
Nligeria (the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), who planned to
ittend Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., but were
Jenied visas by the US in 1 995 and 1 996.
Jubilee was rated the best children's curriculum in a
)hone poll last year of over 1 ,300 people in nine denominations.
iubliee, the children's Sunday school curriculum developed by
the Church of the Brethren, the Mennonites, and
Brethren in Christ, was rated "highest in cus-
tomer satisfaction and emerged as a model for
future curriculum planning," said Wendy McFad-
den, director of Brethren Press.
The survey was conducted for an ad hoc ecu-
menical publishing group, including Brethren Press,
hat is planning curriculum for the next century.
Jrethren were involved in several events organized by
:)hristian Peacemaker Teams this winter. The Christian Peace-
naker Congress was held Dec. 27-30 in Washington, D.C. The
;ongress, sponsored by CPT and New Call to Peacemaking, met
jnder the theme 'Joining the Nonviolent Struggle: Getting in the
A/ay." Brethren Art Gish of Athens, Ohio, served as a plenary
speaker. Over 200 participants concluded the congress by cir-
;ling the Pentagon and reading the following statement: "We
lave come to the Pentagon from across America to lament the
larvest of violence which our nation is reaping in the form of
inempioyment, hunger, poverty, homelessness, depression,
;rime, and despair."
CPT also held its fifth annual demonstration against violent
oys on New Year's Day in Chicago. Thirty Brethren, Mennonites,
and Quakers began the protest at the Art Institute and then
walked to a nearby Toys "R" Us, where they held a peaceful
protest. The protest was covered by the Chicago Tribune.
During a protest in January at the US Navy's Project ELF (ex-
tremely low frequency) facility in Ashland County, Wis., — a
government radio facility that communicates with submarines
that are at sea— 1 1 CPT members were arrested for protesting
with over 50 others. The protesters held a mock trial, charging
ELF with "crimes against humanity and the environment," ac-
cording to Gene Stoltzfus of CPT The protestors stated that ELF
should be "shut down," and then symbolically "closed" the sta-
tion by hanging closure signs on the outer fence of the facility,
while others attempted to climb the fence to place more signs
within the facility. The arrested protesters included Brethren
Cheryl Cayford, Elgin, III.; Kryss Chupp, Chicago, III.; Mark Frey,
North Newton, Kan.; and Cliff Kindy, North Manchester, Ind.
"It has been a great media year for us," said Brian Backe,
SERRV International marketing director, after he
appeared on Cable News Network (CNN) on Christ-
mas Day to promote SERRV in a seven-minute
segment on alternative giving. CNN contacted
Backe following SERRV's segment on National '^K^
Public Radio in November Backe showed several ^^^
SERRV crafts during the segment which was filmed at the CNN
studio in Washington, D.C.
Congregational peace coordinator training events are
being held this year Five districts are hosting the events, which
began with Middle Pennsylvania on Jan. 19. Other districts
involved are Northern Ohio — March 15; Southern Pennsylva-
nia—April 27; Pacific Southwest— May 16-18; and Western
Pennsylvania— June 7,
"Peace coordinators are selected by congregations to serve as
a peace resource person for the church, while also representing
ways to involve the congregation in various forms of peace wit-
ness," said David Radcliff, director of Denominational Peace
Witness. Participants will learn of resources and ideas for
peacemaking, the biblical and Brethren basis for peace, and
denominational action in peace.
A first-ever grant to North Korea of $35,000 grant from the
Global Food Crisis Fund was approved in January to assist in a
first-time effort at double cropping. The funds will help plant
wheat, barley, and rice on over 1,600 acres that will feed nearly
3,000 families for a year. The assistance is in response to flood-
ing in North Korea over the past two years because, according to
David Radcliff, director of Denominational Peace Witness, "Inter-
national agencies estimate that over three quarters of the
population is experiencing some form of malnutrition."
Radcliff was scheduled to visit North Korea in February with a
delegation that includes the Heifer Project International Asia
director. "With Brethren encouragement, HPI is actively exploring
projects in that country," Radcliff said.
March 1997 Messenger 9
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LcaK^^l^^cJ paKev%t)^%c) rk/LLi", a^%c^ LeaKk%iv%cj vol^at v^je cat^ do /^ o>^k cI^ukcI^g; to bK/v%cj ov^t
fine bert 1^ oi^K claiLcilKev% a^%cJl to t^eLp tl^er> ^/w%cj| tl^eiK pLace i^ ;oc/ety.
10 Messenger March 1997
liefer.
to j'Ue
vo/ce;
C^iWKeK% }v^ fUe SibLc
3Y Harriet Finney
he voices of children, while sometimes
seeming unnecessarily noisy and annoying
to parents, are nonetheless, often not
eally heard by adults, unless they are given
'oice by people who are more articulate and
lave greater power. In the Bible the voices of
■hildren speak to us through the stories,
hrough the commandments of God, and
hrough the words of (esus and the early
:hurch. What do we hear these voices
aying? How do they speak to us and to our
elationship with children today?
Isaac was definitely a "wanted" child (Gen.
18:21). In the book of Genesis we read that
he grief and shame of childlessness had pro-
oundly affected the lives of his parents,
Abraham and Sarah, from their personal rela-
ionship to their ability to trust in God's
promise that they would be the ancestors of a
■freat nation. For people living in that culture,
children, especially sons, brought not only
he joy of their immediate presence into a
amily, but also a certain status or prestige, a
Dromise of honor and assistance in old age,
and a heritage of hope for the future. The
conception and birth of Isaac was understood
;o be a special gift from God.
The voices of children speak to us, saying: I
am a unique child of God, to be loved and
/alued for who I am as well as for who I may
oecome.
Isaac was loved and valued. Yet there was
he expectation in the society in which this
'amily lived that the firstborn child would be
;acrificed because the gods demanded it.
Abraham was tested as he too heard God's
command to offer his son as a sacrifice. As
he sacrifice was about to be made, God
ipoke and Isaac's life was spared (Gen. 22).
In ludges 1 1 , there is another child whose
ife was ended at an early age because of her
"ather's vow to God that he would offer up
:he life of the first person who greeted him
vhen he returned home victoriously from
cattle. When lephthah came to his home and
vas excitedly welcomed by his daughter, who
lad planned to surprise him with a dance and
iong that she had created especially for the
occasion, his response to this exuberant
expression of love was to tear his clothes and
say, "Alas, my daughter! You have brought me
very low; you have become the cause of great
trouble to me. For I have opened my mouth
to the Lord, and I cannot take back my vow"
(Judg. 1 1:35). Thus, this young girl with
such a passion for living was left to mourn
the life she would never know because of
societal understandings and traditions.
The voices of children speak: Help us to
grow and mature without becoming entrapped
in the many expectations of our society that
may harm us. Guide us gently in what is right,
while encouraging us to live our own lives.
From the Law through the Prophets, in the
Psalms and in the gospel message of |esus, the
Bible reminds us that we are to show compas-
sion toward, and provide special care for people
who may be weaker or have special needs. The
ordinances that God commanded in Exodus
include these words: "You shall not abuse any
widow or orphan. If you do abuse them, when
they cry out to me, I will surely heed their cry"
(Exod. 22:22-23). The prophet Zechariah said,
"Do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the
alien, or the poor" (Zech. 6:10). And fames
said: "Religion that is pure and undefiled before
God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and
widows in their distress, and to keep oneself
unstained by the world" (|as. 1:27).
In the early years following Jesus' death
and resurrection, the church was a part of a
society dominated by the Roman Empire, in
which children were considered to be the
property of their father.
The epistles reflect that social reality, while
also encouraging Christians to follow Jesus'
example and teachings concerning children.
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for
this is right. . . .And fathers, do not provoke
your children to anger, but bring them up in
the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
(Eph. 6: 1 ,4). "Children, obey your parents in
everything, for this is your acceptable duty in
the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your chil-
dren, or they may lose heart" (Col. 3:20-21).
Titus 2:4 has words of instruction for mothers,
advising young women to love their children.
The voices of children speak: We need dis-
like vo/ce; of
cU'ilc\^e^ ;peak'.
Let v^; L/rte*^
a>%d LeaK^^ f^or^
yov^ abov^t tl^e
f^'ifU t^at h
yo^ aUo l);tet^
to v^i", KeaK ovK
LcaKK% A'o/^ ^(
a; uoeLL?
March 1997 Messenger 11
cU'id/e^ ;peak
to oil ^3yi»^'^-
I a/^ a yjv-,io^e
cKiW 0^ 6oot, to
be LoveoJ a^%ci
vaL^^ed! foy ^l^o
I ar> a; uoeLL ar
AaK vajI^o I /^ay
bcCor^C.
cipline and guidance as we learn and grow,
yet always with love and patience, and with
the understanding that we are still children.
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the
Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart, and with all your soul, and
with all your might. . . . Recite (these words) to
your children and talk about them . . ." (Deut.
6:4-6). Again and, again biblical passages give
us the message that children are to be included
in experiences of faith. Not only are they to be
taught, but also invited to participate in the
community of faith as it gathers to praise God,
to worship, to hear solemn words of com-
mandment, to remember and give thanks to
God, to participate in commemorative acts.
The understanding of a child about matters
of faith is not to be underestimated. Samuel's
call from God came when he was a young boy,
assisting the priest Eli in the temple. Jeremiah
was called to begin his prophesying when he
thought himself much too young. Mary was
undoubtedly barely more than a child when the
angel Gabriel appeared to her with the amazing
message that she would become the mother of
Jesus. And even she was astonished to find her
son in the temple at age 12, amazing the theolo-
gians and teachers there with his questions, his
perception and understanding.
Jesus himself spoke clearly on this matter.
"Let the little children come to me for
whoever does not receive the kingdom of God
as a little child will never enter it" (Mark
1 0: 1 4, 1 5). And he blessed the children.
The apostle Paul encouraged the Corinthi-
ans to be like children in one aspect of their
living, while being adult in another. "Brothers
and sisters, do not be children in your think-
ing; rather, be infants in evil (maliciousness),
but in thinking be adults" (1 Cor. 14:20).
Childlike behavior may take us from malicious
words and deeds.
The voices of children speak: Let us listen
and learn from you about the faith that is
yours. And will you also listen to us, hear our
questions and learn from us as well? Invite us
to be a vital part of the community of faith, so
that we can learn and worship and praise
God together.
LirteKN
fo.fUe
vo/cc;
.of
Cl^o^cUe
M.
Harriet Finney of North Manchester. Ind.. is co-executive of
South/Central Indiana District of the Church of the Brethren.
BY Judith A. Myers-Wall
Imagine a church with no children. Every
one in the church is 18 years old or older.
Imagine Sunday morning — worship ser-
vice, Sunday school hour, and fellowship
time. Imagine a potluck or carry-in dinner.
Imagine the church facilities. How would such
a church look, sound, and feel?
There would be some notable benefits for
this type of church. There would be no nurs-
ery expenses. Spaghetti dinners for National
Youth Conference would be unnecessary. No
one would need to be convinced to work in
the nursery or teach children's Sunday school.
Compared to churches with lots of children, it
would be quieter during the worship service,
and there would be fewer fingerprints in the
cake icing at the church meals. Pastors could
concentrate entirely on the sermons and other
adult activities instead of being distracted by
the children's story. Almost everyone in the
church would be a potential board member or
Annual Conference delegate.
For many people the picture of a childless
church is not a positive one. Many would say
that the benefits of reduced costs and increased
focus on adult needs and programs are not
worth the costs of losing the children's presence
in the church. But what are the benefits of chil-
dren's presence? If you would be concerned
about a childless church, would you be con-
cerned about families, the future, fun, or focus?
Families. Some people connect children
with church growth. Children and young fam-
ilies usually come as a package deal, and
young families could have a long life ahead of
them in a church. As a bonus, young families
may multiply themselves. Families with chil-
dren often look for churches with other young
families and with large and active child and
youth programs. So families with young chil-
dren may attract other families with young
children, helping the church grow.
This view may concentrate on the families. Iti
may see the children just as a side effect that
coincidentally accompanies the primary bene-
fit of bringing young families into the church.
Future. Other people may look at children
as a predictor of the future health of the
church. They see today's children as tomor-
12 Messenger March 1997
hid^e^^^ a^%cl foCyj^
ow's church members and leaders. In that
'lew, if today's church members are patient
md they tolerate the inconveniences and
idditional costs of children in the church now,
he investment will pay off in the future.
This view is represented by the many slogans
hat state "Children are our future." Again, the
:oncentration is not on the children as chil-
Iren, but on what they may become in the
C2^ Love it;claiLdKev%
future. A danger is that the emphasis on wait-
ing for the future may lead us to miss the
special gifts that children offer in the present.
Fun. Yet another group of people may espe-
cially value the entertainment provided by
children. A Christmas program with children
dressed as sheep, shepherds, wise men,
angels, Mary, and Joseph can't miss. And who
Basic move-
ment— rolling,
sitting, reach-
ing, crawling
The impor-
tance of commu-
nication, under-
standing and
speaking a few
words
Basic trust
and security
(2 to 5 years of age)
Using movements for
games and tasks
How to do things for
themselves (dressing,
eating, using the bath-
room)
Building vocabulary
and grammar
Building confidence
and independence
Learning by doing
Following rules be-
cause they get re-
warded
Provide a safe
and stimulating
nursery.
Childproof the
fellowship hall
and classrooms.
Celebrate baby
dedications.
Love the child
and the parents.
Provide activity packs
for use in worship ser-
vices.
Childproof any area
where the children
might go.
Include preschoolers
in a children's sermon,
but provide a nursery
for other times in the
service, if desired.
Arrange for parent-
ing classes for the
parents.
(6 to 12 years of age)
Developing more ad-
vanced movement skills
Doing most things for
themselves
Saying and understand-
ing almost everything;
sometimes experimenting
with adult language
Learning basic academic
skills (reading, writing,
arithmetic)
Understanding the things
they have experience with
Following rules because
they are the rules
Provide age-appropriate
activity packs for use in
worship services.
Provide choirs and op-
portunities for church pro-
grams.
Display art projects and
poetry or writing, or pro-
vide a column in the
church newsletter.
Include their ideas when
creating church profiles
and assessments.
Arrange for parenting
classes for the parents.
you'k>cj ac;loLe;cet^t;
(13 to 15 years of age)
Developing sports exper-
tise and performance skills
Interest in caring for
younger children
Learning with other
young adolescents and
with limited adult direction
Deciding some career
direction
Following rules based
on a black-and-white un-
derstanding of morality;
interest in world hunger,
peace, and other issues
Provide choirs and oppor-
tunities for contributions
to worship experiences.
Allow young adolescents
to help in the nursery.
Encourage participation
and leadership in service
projects.
Provide a column in the
church newsletter.
Ask for input regarding
church decisions, espe-
cially those that impact
young adolescents.
Provide a membership
class, celebrate baptism,
and offer alternative op-
portunities for those not
yet ready for baptism.
OWeK ac^oLerce^%t;
(16 to 18 years of age)
Preparing for adult roles
Developing intimate
friendships
Choosing which family
activities and commit-
ments to maintain
Making some commit-
ments to educational
and occupational
careers
Following rules based
on individual values and
the needs of others
Provide opportunities
for leadership in wor-
ship services,
sometimes providing
youth a service of their
own.
Consider one or more
youth positions on the
church board.
Ask for input regard-
ing church decisions.
Provide opportunities
for leadership in a vari-
ety of church activities.
Provide opportunities
for baptism for those
ready during high
school.
lUDlTH A.
Myers -Walls
March 1997 Messenger 13
Cl^'id^e^ arc
vaUabLe, ^^ot
ov%Ly becav^re
tiacy uoiLL /^ake
becav^i"© 0^ vajI^o
tl^cy aKc k%ovo.
can avoid smiling at a baby dedication or a
children's choir performance? Children can
be unbelievably cute and adorable and can
enliven even the driest situation. A danger
here is that we may not notice the wisdom
and messages carried by children while we
are smiling or laughing at their naive or pre-
cocious behavior.
A I of these views at their heart can be
very accurate and healthy in a church.
Children are an important aspect of
church growth; they could be an indicator of
the future health and direction of a church;
and they are fun and can brighten the worlds
of those around them. But Jesus proposed
another view of children. He encouraged us
to focus on them now, as children.
Focus. lesus said, "Let the little children
come to me; do not stop them" (Mark 10: 14).
He didn't say, "Let the little children come to
me, and bring their parents along because they
are the ones 1 really want to see." He also didn't
say, "Let the little children come to me, because
some day they will be important." Nor did he
say, "Let the little children come and perform
for me, because they are really cute." In fact,
Jesus went on to say something that apparently
was shocking in his time, and may still be
shocking in this time: "For it is to such as these
that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell
you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of
God as a little child will never enter it" (Mark
10: 14-15).
Any society or institution that does not care
for its children has a very limited future. But
Jesus made a different observation: Children
are valuable, not only because they will make
contributions in the future, but because of
who they are now. Children are important
because they are children, not only because
they are future adults. Yes, they have things
to learn from adults, but they also have things
to teach to adults. Adults are to become like
children if they are to enter the kingdom of
God. So if we are all to become like children,
we must learn to understand and emulate the
sense of wonder, hope, faith, love, and devo-
tion of children.
Childhood is an interesting time of life.
Everyone on earth is either currently a child or
has been one in the past. That means that
everyone on earth possesses a significant level
of expertise about childhood. We all know — or
at least once knew — what it is like to be a child.
Unfortunately, many of us either develop amne-
sia about this stage of our lives, or find it too
painful to remember, or forget how to remem-
ber. We bury our childhood wisdom in so much
adult thinking that we may need to dig through
several layers to recover that approach to life to
which Jesus called us.
Churches provide a wonderful opportunity
to tap into childhood wisdom that is not avail-
able to many people not involved in a church.
Churches challenge the age segregation that is
so pervasive in our society. Infants through
the elderly attend the same church together,
often sitting next to each other in the same
meetings. The opportunity is there to create a
rich union of the wisdom of infancy, child-
hood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle
age, and aging. But in order to build this
amalgamation of wisdom we need to welcome
all ages and then listen to each other and
understand what we are hearing.
How can we learn from children? Do we
line up children as teachers for adult Sunday
school classes instead of the other way around I
or make a 10-year-old church board chair?
Actually, those approaches would be examples
of using an adult focus, not a child focus.
Teaching a class or presiding over a meeting
are adult methods of sharing wisdom. In
order to learn from children, we need to enter
their world and participate in their approach
to teaching. It may help to think of three
steps: Learn about the culture of childhood;
listen to children; and walk with children.
Learn about the culture of childhood. At
several periods in history, children have been
viewed as small adults. They were given smaller
versions of adult clothes and expected to do the
same things as adults, except maybe a little
less. But children are different from adults, not
only in size, but also in how they view the
world, how they think and process informa-
tion, what they consider to be fun, and what
they dream about. Understanding children's
developmental stages can help adults as they
prepare activities for children and as they try to
understand and interpret messages from them.
It may be helpful to compare learning about I
children to learning about people in another
country or culture. In order to understand
any culture, it is important to explore the lan-
14 Messenger March 1997
^uage, learn about the customs, and observe
everyday life. As a traveler, one's goal is not
.0 change the people in the other culture, but
:o appreciate who they are and how they are
different. As travelers through the world of
:hildhood, we do not need to transform them
nto us, but just need to observe them closely
enough to learn how to communicate with
hem and interpret the wisdom and messages
:hey can share with us.
Listen to children. Listening to children is
the heart of communication with them.
• By listening to children we may learn
low they think and what they think is impor-
:ant. Listening also will communicate caring
and nurturance to the children more power-
fully than almost any other action. A
sometimes painful and sometimes affirming
aspect of listening is that it provides a mirror
:o our own actions: we hear our own words
in the children's voices, and we see the impli-
cations of our words and actions as
interpreted by children.
Responding to children can also help us
earn from them — if the focus is on the chil-
dren and not on our need to express our ideas.
Po find out if you truly understand something
and to get away from the jargon that often
abscures the concepts, try to explain that con-
cept to a young child. Tell a child what God is
or what Easter is all about. In this sense, when
we try to teach children, we may learn more
[han the children do. But that learning on our
part is most likely if we combine our responses
ivith effective listening.
Walk with children. We spend a lot of time
as adults doing things to or for children. We
arrange their schedules, we tie their shoes, and
vve remind them of rules. But if we are to enter
:he kingdom of God as young children, we
may need to do things with them. Isaiah drew
a picture of the wonders of the Messiah and
included the statement, "A litde child shall lead
them" (Isa. 1 1 :6). We need to trust the faith of
children enough to let them take the lead in
matters of faith sometimes, and to let them
ioin us as we make our faith journeys.
Children are integral members of our
churches, not only because they bring young
families with them to church, not only
oecause they are fun, and not only because
:hey will be members and leaders of the
future, but because of who they are now. If
we wait for children to be something more in
the future, we may miss who they are today.
Children can raise the windows of faith
development and open the door to the
kingdom of God.
M.
ludith A. Myers-Wall is associate professor of Child Devel-
opment and Family Studies at Purdue University, Lafayette,
Ind., and a member of Lafayette Church of the Brethren.
Reroufi^ce; o^s CMd^Qv^ ; /;;vye;
(For annotated bibliography, see 1996 edition of Family Ministry
Resources, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; (800) 323-8039.
Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Self-indulgent World, Glen
H.Stephen and (ane Nelson, 1989, Prima Publishing and
Communication, Rocklin, CaliL (916) 786-0426.
Serendipity Parenting Courses, Lyman Coleman, Serendipity,
Littleton, Colo., 1991.
Parenting Pre-schoolers: From Car Seats to Kindergarten.
Single Parenting: Flying Solo
Parenting Adolescents: Easing the Way to Adulthood
Blended Families: Yours, Mine, Ours
Learning Disabilities: Parenting the Misunderstood
Our Children At Risk, joint editorship, 1991. Augsburg Fortress,
Minneapolis, Minn.
Regarding Children. 1994, Herbert Anderson & Kenneth R. Mitchell.
Westminster/John Knox Press, Louisville, Ky.
Three Generations. Gary L. Mcintosh, 1995, Fleming H. Revell,
Grand Rapids, Mich.
A Growing Together Series. (Booklets), 1990, United Church
Press, Cleveland, Ohio.
Talking With Your Child About . ..SEXUALITY. R.K. Ostermiller.
Talking With Your Child About . ..FEELINGS. Kathryn Parker.
Talking With Your Child About . . . PRAYER. Myra A. Nagel.
Talking With Your Child About . . . WORSHIP Sandra Edwards.
Helping Teens Care, |ames McGinnis, 1991, Crossroad Publishing Co.,
New York, N.Y.
fust Between Father and Son. E. James Wilder, 1990, Intervarsity Press,
Downers Grove, 111.
Videos:
Parenting — Growing Up Together Series (V564R1 through V564R6),
Ecufilm 1985. Six videocassettes, 20-22 minutes each, study guide.
Roots to Grow. Wings to Fly: The Fundamentals of Christian Parenting,
1992, Bob Kraning, Christian Life Resources, Mesquite, Texas.
— Ron Finney
Ron Finney is co-e.xecutive of South/Central Indiana District and interim director of
District Ministry.
March 1997 Messenger 15
fo.fUe
vo/ce;
.of
Like a koLLck
coa;tGK K/c^e.
C^i/WKe^% are
pl^y/icaUy,
e/^ot/ot^ally,
a^vci ;p/K/tv^aLLy
cvei^y day.
A; tuir cjKovotK
paKei^t; are
cKaLLei^cjeci to
acilapt vyoitl^
BY John and Deb Lahman
fesus called the children to him and said. "Let
the children come to me and do not stop them,
because the kingdom of God belongs to such
as these" (Luke 18:16. TEV).
Parent: "As long as you live under this roof,
you'll do as I say!"
Parent: "No daughter of mine is going out in
public looking like that!"
Parent: "Don't talk to me like that!"
Child: "Nobody else's parents expect them
to be home by 1 1!"
Child: "You always say no!"
Child: "I don't care what you think of my
friends, you can't choose my friends
for me!"
Child: "You are the most old-fashioned
parents anyone has ever had!"
Statements like these can be heard around
many households — Brethren and non-
Brethren. What we may desire in the way of
love and communication in our families does
not always happen. In fact, communication in
love in a family takes a great deal of time and
effort. Communication in love is generated by
parents' focus, flexibility, and intentionality.
How hard is it to create the right environ-
ment for positive family interaction? What
ingredients are present in fostering positive
self-esteem in children? How do we maintain
a Christ-centered family life while dealing
with the culture that surrounds us?
While society assumes that parenting is
something everyone does naturally, children
are subjected to a variety of injustices. The
means to ensure that children's voices are
heard in their homes is parents receiving sup-
port from the church and encouragement to
enhance parenting skills. Here are some
strategies that give families tools to handle
the world around them.
Listening to the voices of children in our
homes requires making God the center of our
families. When mealtime and devotional time
are used for praying, reading scripture, and
discussing faith, children learn that our lives
are built on God's grace and love through the
life of lesus Christ.
Listening to the voices of children in our
homes means giving children opportunities
to express themselves. Best results are
achieved through intentional communication
strategies in which family members prioritize
time with one another. One strategy makes
use of a kitchen timer at the dinner table to
provide each family member equal time to
talk about the day, a problem, a friend, an
incident, or some other personal topic. With-
out the kitchen timer, there is the risk that
the conversation will center on only one or
two family members, leaving others to listen
without talking. Of course the timer does not
have to be used at every meal. The joy of
family conversation cannot be scripted. The
use of time shared equally on a regular basis,
however, helps families listen to the voices of
all, not just a few.
"If we had employed the timer at our
dinner table," one great-grandmother
remarked, "our youngest would have been
able to overcome his stuttering. At mealtime,
he could never get a word in edgewise."
Listening to the voices of children in our
homes requires clarity of communication and
understanding in the family unit. When order
is given to their worlds, children's day-to-day
lives gain predictability. Clarity is useful to
parents attempting to keep equilibrium in
their children's lives by providing a constant,
predictable routine. This framework helps
children have and expect secure environ-
ments on which they can depend.
Many parents operate in their own time
frames, expecting children to come and go
along with them. By clarifying family sched-
ules and activity plans in advance with the
children, parents are better able to win the
children's cooperation and support. Simi-
larly, parents must be flexible enough to
accommodate their children's plans, espe-
cially as the children grow into the teen years
and young adulthood.
Listening to the voices of children in our
homes requires parents who actively listen.
Often we catch ourselves in communication
with our children, without really focusing on
what they are saying or feeling, without really
engaging in eye-to-eye communication. Lis-
tening to children involves being very
16 Messenger March 1997
iintentional about actively hearing the words
jthat they speak. Also, active listening means
reading between the lines — picking up on the
ifeelings that may be indicated by tone of
jvoice or body posture.
Listening to the voices of children in our
ihomes means growing with children as they
mature. Parenting is like a roller coaster
ride. Children are growing physically, emo-
tionally, and spiritually every hour of every
day. As this growth is occurring, parents are
challenged to adapt with the children. What
a child needs as a 12-year-old sixth grader
in elementary school may be a great deal dif-
ferent from what that same child needs as a
13-year-old seventh grader in junior high
school. Parents must ride the roller coaster
with their children, through the peaks and
valleys that are created by this developmen-
tal process.
Listening to the voices of children in our
ihomes means praising children. Appreciating
children is one of the very best parenting
strategies available. The admonition to praise
children sounds simple, and is simple to do,
but difficult to do consistently. Are our most
common interactions with our children com-
plimentary and appreciative? Or are they
criticizing and condescending? For every
reprimand, do we offer also a pat on the back
either through words or actions?
Listening to the voices of children in our
ihomes means giving encouragement to chil-
dren. Encouragement shows confidence in
the children and helps them pursue other
challenges that may be encountered. Encour-
agement involves recognizing and building on
the strengths that are evident, while valuing
the children for their actions. Out of encour-
agement, young people begin to view
themselves as capable and their independence
is stimulated.
"If 1 were you, I'd be very proud of myself."
I'With this statement, parents can help chil-
dren feel good about their accomplishments.
If parents tell their children, "We are proud
of you," that suggests that the children's
actions or accomplishments are really for the
parents. Helping children feel pride in their
own actions and behavior helps them gain
confidence and strength.
Listening to the voices of children in our
homes is the most important ministry to
which parents are called. Balancing and
attaining life's necessities — such as occupa-
tions, community service, and congregational
life — is important, but nothing is more
important than the opportunity and responsi-
bility of parenting.
Giving our best to our children and grand-
children is the ultimate life ministry. In
thoughtfully guiding children through child-
hood, we give meaning to their lives and our
lives. As we are models of our own Christian
convictions, future generations and congre-
gations become the beneficiaries of our r7J~
devoted parenting efforts. i
cj/ve r^e2v^iv->'^ to
tl^eiK Liver a^^d
lohn and Deb Lahman are members of Glendale
(Ariz.) Church of the Brethren, lohn is a high school
guidance counselor and Deb is an elementary school
intervention specialist.
March 1997 Messenger 17
Where there's al
Dare we not feel a
certain amount of
shoc\ and anger
every tune we hear
of another child
somewhere in our
world 77 ot allowed
to be a child and
not allowed to
have a dream for
the future?
18 Messenger March 1997
BY David Radcliff
^ ^ ■ f I didn't work here, we'd go
I hungry." This short phrase,
^Lspoken by a child worker on a
tea estate in Kenya, sums up the situ-
ation of many of the world's 250
million working children. With few
economic resources, their parents
see little alternative to sending their
children to work.
And so they are sent to the fields to
prepare the ground or harvest the
crop or carry the produce to market.
Indeed, young people under 14 years
of age comprise 12 percent of the
workers on the world's agricultural
plantations.
Children in rural areas not working
in the field labor as domestic workers
or as child care providers for younger
siblings while parents are at work.
Often chafing at this task, a "real
job" is seen as a clear advancement.
Cities serve as a magnet for chil-
dren looking for "real" work.
Opportunities are as varied as an
entrepreneur's imagination — carpet
makers, street vendors, begging
operations, factories, prostitution.
"Real" work for "real" (though not
much) pay. Children earn from a few
cents to a few dollars a day, and
often for work that is dangerous or
debilitating. Factory fumes clog
young lungs. Hot metals are cast
inches away from young bodies.
Strangers force themselves on young
boys and girls in darkened rooms as
many as a dozen times a day (several
million children are trapped in the
global sex trade). Food, rent, or
reimbursement for damaged goods
come out of a child's earnings.
What parent would freely send a
child to work, especially the kind of
work that injures body and soul?
Few parents would choose such a
path for their child, although in some
cultures, there is less stigma attached
to children working than in others.
In most cases, economic necessity
drives child exploitation.
A recent report from the World
Bank conveys the cold, hard num-
bers. One quarter of the world's
people must survive on a dollar or
less per day. This makes difficult
choices arise where there should
have to be no choice at all.
For instance, can a child be sent to
school? Along with an extra monthly
expense of $6-8 for secondary school
tuition, there is also the loss of
income the child might have brought
to the family as a worker. Can the
family afford a net loss of perhaps
$ 1 5-20 per month in sending a child
to school? And sometimes school is
harder to justify because of poorly
trained teachers, lack of materials,
and an education that is not relevant
to the child's present or future needs.
Many parents long to give their chil-
dren the education they never had,
and statistics show how much an
education can mean to a child's
future. Alas, many children are not
able to live out their parents" dream,
but are consigned to follow in their
footsteps.
Are there ways that even poor par-
ents could avoid sending their child
to the field, factory, or brothel?
Often children are sent to work
because their family has had to take
out a loan to meet an unexpected
emergency. A lender will provide the
loan, often as little as $ 1 0, if the par-
ents will turn over a child to work off
the debt. This kind of "debt bondage"
can ensnare a child for years. If fami-
lies had access to small-scale loans
with reasonable repayment schedules,
they would not need to use their
child's working body as the repay-
ment coupon booklet.
Families around the world can also
fc^ork and no play
benefit from a better understanding
of the effects of a childhood spent
working. Boys and girls in the sex
trade bear permanent psychological
and relational scars. Those in facto-
ries often experience physical and
mental stunting. Children sent to
work far away from their families do
not form strong familial bonds and
learn the lessons of life from caring
adults. Child soldiers (as many as
200,000 around the world) suffer
emotional trauma for years from their
experiences in combat. As parents
and entire societies better understand
ithese risks for exploited children,
fthere can be a greater reluctance to
see children used in this way.
Another avenue for easing the
pressure to employ children is for
laws to be passed — and enforced
when passed — that make it illegal for
children to be exploited as workers.
Ironically, in many countries where
children make up a large percentage
of the work force, as many adults are
unemployed as children are
employed. Employers know that a
child can be paid less and will be
more compliant than an adult in the
same job. Recent reports have also
debunked the standard argument
that children are more adept at work
requiring dexterity — adults perform
just as well, but just aren't as cheap
or as submissive.
Of course this brings the question
a little closer home. In the global
marketplace, attempts to improve
profits can take direct aim at child
workers. If hiring children decreases
production costs, this in turn
increases earnings . . . which brings
smiles to corporate board rooms . . .
and bonuses to executives . . .and
gains in stock market prices . . .and
extra dividends for retirees heavily
invested in stocks . . . and ... we begin
to get the picture. Paying a child a
few cents for a day's work can do
wonders for the bottom line on a
corporate or personal ledger half a
world away.
But what is the true price of squan-
dering a child's life for better
earnings reports? What does it bode
for the world's coming generation
when so many children enter adult-
hood without the experience of a
healthy childhood? How will the
working children of today be pre-
pared for the world of tomorrow — a
world of information and communi-
cation? Are they not destined to be
left farther and farther behind?
For Christians, the questions
are even more pointed . . . and
have a prophetic ring. Dare we
enjoy cheaper products or larger
portfolio profits if these have come at
the expense of the health and future
of world's most vulnerable? What
have we done to combat the growing
child sex trade or to keep children
out of the world's armies? Our own
attitudes toward and tacit acceptance
of violence help create a climate
where these travesties continue.
Have we done all that we can to give
the world's children the opportuni-
ties to become what God created
them to become? We regularly thank
God for all our many blessings and
opportunities; is God any less intent
on blessing the lives of others —
especially those little ones?
I became acquainted with 13-year-
old Rosa Maria's family during a stay
in her village in Central America.
After getting to know them over the
course of several days, I asked to talk
with Rosa Maria. She seemed intelli-
gent and vivacious. I wanted to ask
her about her life and about her
hopes for the future.
A time was arranged, and our back-
yard interview took place amid the
clucking of wandering chickens. She
told me about the simple routines
that made up her day and the few
things she did for pleasure — such as
walking to the corner and listening
with friends to a transistor radio.
Then I asked Rosa Maria what she
wanted to do with her life, what her
hopes and dreams were for her
future. She paused for long enough
that 1 thought she hadn't understood
my pitiful Spanish. When I repeated
the question, she said that she had
indeed understood. Then she replied
that she hoped to join her father
working in the fields, or perhaps
work for one of the wealthier families
in town as a cook. I was shocked and
confounded, and thought, "This girl
doesn't have a dream!" Her father
told me the next day that even though
she was a good student and especially
adept in math and science, Rosa
Maria had had to drop out of school
the year before. They did not have the
necessary tuition for the next level.
I know now that my surprise was
at least in part due to my naivete,
and I have since come across many
similar stories. But dare we not feel a
certain amount of shock and anger
every time we hear of another child
somewhere in our world not allowed
to be a child and not allowed to have
a dream for the future? This is a
world that should be as unacceptable
to us as it certainly must be to our
God. This is also a world over which
these children have little control.
Unfortunately — for we stand under
judgment — or fortunately — for we
still have the capacity to work for
change — we cannot say the [Ti"
same thing. l —
David Radcliffis director of the General
Board's office of Denominational Peace Witness
and staff liaison to the Child Exploitation Study
Committee. The committee's revised paper will
be brought to the 1 997 Annual Conference.
March 1997 Messenger 19
A.. n.?.w design
for the General Board
First in a four-part series of information pieces
about the General Board's proposed new design.
Doing General Board ministrie
BY Tracy Wenger Sadd
Listening to people across the denomination
talk about Redesign, one hears a wide range
^ of thoughts. Some people believe that
Redesign will bring about the structure to end
all structures, while others ask questions in the
vein of "Can anything good come out of
Nazareth?" Many people's views range some-
where in between these two. But underneath this
wide divergence of thought and feeling lies a
foundational belief that something in this beloved
denomination is not working right. People
have lost confidence in the system. Some-
thing needs to change.
Some of the challenges the church faces
are uniquely Brethren. Others are common
to a number of denominations, and have
occurred because of changes in the culture
that have put the church under fire along
with most established institutions. An
increasingly secular culture has generated
significant interest among congregations
in the mission field just outside their front
door. Donors are no longer willing to simply
turn over their money to established insti-
tutions. They want to see, feel, and even
influence what their money is doing. The
church may celebrate these changes or
lament them, but the fact is that they are
the reality in which the Church of the Brethren exists, and
in which the General Board must carry out its work.
A financial crisis challenged the General Board to take
action in 1995. But the lack of funds was only a symptom
of the need for change, not the problem in and of itself.
As the Redesign Steering Committee listened to people
across the denomination, other symptoms emerged. The
denomination is facing a leadership crisis. While many
congregations are thriving, even more are struggling for
survival. General unrest is evident among the member-
ship. People feel disconnected: the church no longer
speaks to them in meaningful ways and it no longer lis-
tens to them when they speak. In some ways. Brethren
have not been faithful to their values. Brethren value
openness to the leading of the Spirit in community with
brothers and sisters, yet they have operated at many levels
of the system with top-down management. Brethren value
discerning or seeking the mind of Christ, yet have allowed
20 Messenger March 1997
Leaders at all levels
of the organization
in the new design
will carry on a
continuous two-way
communication
process — somewhat
like a loop — with
all parts of the
denomination.
church proceedings to be a legislative process,
complete with advocacy and partisan politics.
The financial crisis of the General Board
provides an opportunity to lay the blame for
all these symptoms at the feet of the General
Board. But it would be more accurate and
more efficacious to acknowledge the financial
troubles of the General Board as only one of
many symptoms that are a "wake-up call" for
all parts of the denomination. Although there
are thriving pockets within the denomination,
the responses of Brethren, as well as the 30-
year decline in membership and giving,
all suggest that the denominational
system called Church of the Brethren
has lost momentum, energy, signifi-
cance, and direction. Individual parts off
the body of Christ called Church of the
Brethren are thriving, but as a whole,
the church is not.
Many of these concerns go beyond
the scope of the General Board. But
some do rest with the General Board.
Through Redesign, the General Board
hopes to do its part by designing its newi
structure to empower constructive lead
ership to do General Board ministries inl
a new way. The new design of the Gen-
eral Board will not be a quick fix, but
rather a first step in a long-term process;
of fundamental change. Key to this process are a continu-
ous two-way communication process, a broad-based
participatory planning process, a new kind of denomina-
tional staff, and a mission planning council.
Leaders at all levels of the organization in the new
design will carry on a continuous two-way communica-
tion process — somewhat like a loop — with all parts of the
denomination. This continuous communication loop will
send a message, solicit input, listen and incorporate that
input, respond with a revised message, and continue the
process. This loop is not a public relations technique, a
planning strategy, or a method of gathering data from the
membership. It is hoped that it will be the beginning of a
rediscovery of what it means to discern, or to seek the
mind of Christ together — not at a meeting — but over
days, weeks, and months of study, prayer, and conversa-
tion at all levels of the church. In the end, what the ,
community comes up with in conversation together in the I
1 a new way
process should be far better than what leaders or mem-
oers could have come up with separately. It is in this
constantly looping communication that discernment may
happen, vision may be confirmed, identity may be shaped,
and mutual accountability may be encouraged. This con-
dnuous communication loop will be one step in getting to
ihe place where the church speaks to its members, the
members speak to the church, and the members speak to
;ach other in meaningful, faithful, and significant ways.
A nother goal of the new design is to establish an inte-
/% grated, broad-based participatory planning process
X ^Las part of the larger communication loop. Since
operating top-down at any level of the system goes against
Brethren values, the new design will encourage the min-
istry and mission of the General Board to spring directly
from the identity and faithfulness of congregations and
districts. The participatory planning process will give con-
gregations and districts a direct opportunity to shape the
General Board's program, along with mission partners,
the General Board, and Annual Conference. The priest-
hood of all believers suggests the prophetic voice can
come from any point in the denomination. Building a
process of program planning that is responsive to the
i/ision of churches and districts will be a mark of the ser-
vant leadership of the General Board, and will re-establish
a sense of involvement and participation of the member-
ship in the denomination's ministry.
Reflecting on Redesign, some have asked how some-
thing new can come out of the drastic cuts required to
operate from a balanced budget that is not dependent on
special fund-raising campaigns. One answer is by the
DOwer of the Holy Spirit. Another is the metaphor of
oruning, which teaches that less can ultimately lead to
more — more growth, more energy for the sustaining
[roots, more pleasant and proportionate appearance.
Others have suggested the "new" General Board
structure may not even last five years. It may not. The
Brethren are in some ways in the wilderness, and may be
for a while. The new design should be a tabernacle, not a
:emple; a beginning, not an end. This structure is for a
oarticular time in the life of the General Board and the
Church of the Brethren, not for the next 50 years.
Still others have said the new structure will not solve
ftll of the denomination's problems. That is indeed one of
:he few certainties in this complex and difficult time of
;hange. But the new structure, if given a chance, may
jpen a window of opportunity, setting up an environment
where continuing change can take place; where over time,
the community called Brethren can rebuild trust in lead-
ers, the system, and each other; where continuous
communication and participatory planning will help
members rediscover what it means to discern the mind of
Christ together; where members can affirm and reclaim
their unique identity, vision, and mission as one part of
the body of Christ. The commitment of every member is
needed to create such an environment in which spiritual
renewal and transformation can happen.
Many fear that in spite of all this. Redesign is just a
bunch of corporate, organizational stuff, in some ways, it
is, and to a certain degree there is nothing wrong with
that. For although the Church of the Brethren is definitely
the body of the living Christ on earth, it is at the same
time a very human institution. Is it so misguided to adapt
some ideas from those who are specialists in the field of
organizational life?
Moreover, many who have participated in the
Redesign process have not felt they were just doing a
bunch of corporate, organizational stuff. Many share the
hope in the midst of confusion expressed so well in the
words of former General Board chairman Ernie Barr.
These thoughts were part of his reflections after the
Sunday evening Board meeting in March 1995 when this
whole journey of Redesign began:
"My purpose in this somewhat detailed and, I hope,
not too lengthy narrative, is to describe what I am con-
vinced was an encounter with the Holy Spirit that Sunday
night as the Board met alone. Was there the rush of a
mighty wind? I didn't hear any. Were there tongues of
fire on the heads of Board members? I didn't see any.
Was there speaking in tongues? No, quite the contrary;
persons were extraordinarily articulate in English. Why
then do I say it was an experience of the Holy Spirit?
Have you ever had the feeling that you were working
'over your head' — that something had overtaken you,
that somehow things were really quite beyond your con-
trol, and that when it was all said and done, the result was
better than you had any right to expect?"
Through Redesign, the General Board is taking a step
of hope that the Holy Spirit, from this confusion and pain
that is in some ways beyond complete comprehension or
control, will bring about more than the General rT«~
Board and the church could even hope for. l —
Tracy Wenger Sadd, minister for Christian Nurture at Litit: (Pa.)
Church of the Brethren, is a member of the General Board and its
Redesign Steering Committee.
March 1997 Messenger 21
Pressing toward the goal
BY Karen Peterson Miller
"For surely I know the plans 1 have for
you, says the Lord, plans for your wel-
fare and not for harm, to give you a
future with hope. Then when you call
upon me and come and pray to me. I
will hear you. When you search for me,
you will find me; if you seek me with
all your heart, I will let you find me,
says the Lord, and I will restore your
fortunes and gather you from all the
nations and all the places where I have
driven you, says the Lord . . ." (Jer
29:11-14 NRSV).
While I was preparing tor
family members from Penn-
sylvania, Minnesota, and
Maryland to gather for Thanksgiving
at my home in Hagerstown, Md., a
phone call came from Kathy Hess,
chairwoman of the General Board.
My first thought was that she was
calling to check on the pulse of dis-
tricts and the Council of District
Executives concerning the redesign
process of the General Board. She
said, instead, "Karen, I am calling to
ask you to consider the position of
interim general secretary for a period
of up to one year." Very few times in
my life have left me speechless, but
this was one of them. Surprise and
terror filled my being. I replied that I
would need some time to pray and to
discern God's guidance as well as to
talk with my husband and family.
As I reflected on the call, I real-
ized that most of my opportunities
for providing leadership had come
as surprises. When 1 least antici-
pated or expected life to take a turn,
something emerged that called to
me, and I had to say simply yes. So,
once again I have said yes to a call
with responsibilities that are multi-
faceted — requiring the faith of an
Abraham, the laughter of a Sarah,
the trust of an Isaac, the protection
of a Miriam, the courage of a Debo-
rah, the hesed of a Ruth, and the
reckless spontaneity of a Peter. And
22 Messenger March 1997
there are other Bible heroes and
heroines whom I carry with me each
day as a reminder of God's presence
in my life.
As interim general secretary, I
have the privilege as well as the
responsibility of seeing the new
design emerge and evolve. Mindful
Karen Peterson Miller
of the General Board's vision state-
ment published in the August 1995
Messenger, I have some thoughts
about what we are going through to
make that vision reality.
Whether we are young or old, male
or female, child or adult, the loss of
the old scares us. We feel sad, angry,
hurt, betrayed, and threatened. It is
good to acknowledge the stress that
results from the loss of the old and to
remember that fear and apprehension
are part of our experience.
Even though the General Board has
been moving toward discerning the way
in which the vision might become a re-
ality, the truth is that nobody knows the
shape of the "new." That is why all of
us experience free-floating anxiety and
fear. None of us is good at living in the
"in-between times," and that is where
we all find ourselves as the spirit of
God awakens us to newness of life.
Yes, it is difficult to live with uncer-
tainty about that which is emerging and
evolving into newness. Some things
are exciting, however, and fill me with
hope in the midst of the anxiety and
fear that daily creep into my being:
• A committed and faithful Exec
utive Committee of the General
Board as it leads with intentionality,
clarity, and care;
• A General Board that takes seri-
ously the spiritual turning being
called for by the constituents;
• A General Board staff and sup-
port staff that serve faithfully and
tirelessly to meet deadlines while
trying to deal with the uncertainty of
future employment and to discern
God's leading in their lives;
• Congregations, pastors, districts,
and district staff that are experienc-
ing the transforming power of God;
• A desire and a genuine effort to
strengthen the relationship among
Annual Conference, the General
Board, and other partners;
• A growing awareness of the needl
for one another as we cope with a
world that is changing more rapidly
than any of us could have imagined.
I am committed to providing lead-
ership for the General Board and
staff during the in-between-times as
the new design continues to emerge
and evolve. It is my prayer that the
vision of the General Board v/ill be
embraced and accepted as we move
forward in our call to be faithful dis-
ciples in continuing the work of
Jesus. Peacefully. Simply. Together.
Let us remember and claim the
words of the apostle Paul:
"Not that I have already obtained this
or have already reached the goal: but I
press on to make it my own. because
Christ lesus has made me his own.
Beloved. I do not consider that I have
made it my own: but this one thing I do:
forgetting what lies behind and straining
forward to what lies ahead. I press on to-'
ward the goal for the prize of the heav-
enly call of God in Christ fesiis. Let those
of us then who are mature be of the same
mind: and if you think differently aboiii
anvthing. this too God will reveal jjl
toyoM"fPhil. 3:12-15, NRSV). ^
Karen Peterson Miller is interim general sec-
retary of the Church of the Brethren.
Many times in
Dur interactions
witii otiiers,
we interpret
tiieir beliavior
as some icind
I of statement
ibout ourselves.
STONES
by Robin Wentworth Mayer
I It was the weirdest sensa-
tion. I had pulled up to the
intersection and stopped.
While waiting for the light to
turn green, I glanced out the
passenger-side window. That
was when 1 saw it and felt the
adrenalin surge. My car was
slowly moving backward. I
ground my right foot onto
the already floored brakes
only to realize that the move-
ment didn't stop. Making a
mental note to have the
brakes fixed, 1 checked the
dashboard assuming that I
accidently shifted the car
into reverse — but no. The
little needle was firmly fixed
on "D."
"Why?" I wondered, "Am
I moving?" I looked out my
right window again and had
my answer.
I wasn't moving. The car
next to me was slowly mov-
ing forward to make a right
turn. All that panic wasted
over an optical illusion.
That incident left me feel-
ing silly. But it also left me
thinking. Many times in our
interactions with others, we
interpret their behavior as
some kind of statement
about ourselves.
I knew a young woman
who, coincidentally, began
dating a man with whom I
was acquainted. Though
never married, Deidre had
been through several disas-
trous relationships with men.
She had spent some signifi-
cant time and energy working
through that pain, and when
Larry called and invited her
to dinner, she felt "ready."
Larry was someone I did
not know well personally, but
his brother was a close friend
of mine. So, I knew a lot of
his family history, none of
which I divulged to Deidre.
After three dates (which
seemed nearly perfect to
Deidre) and a few engaging
telephone conversations,
Larry simply stopped call-
ing. No reasons, no excuses,
no good-byes, no closure.
And considering the casual
status of their friendship, I
am not sure anything more
was required.
Deidre didn't see it that
way, however. She fell apart.
"What is wrong with me? Lll
never have anyone. The first
decent guy I meet, and he
doesn't like me. What did I
do to turn him off? I just
don't have what it takes to
attract a quality man."
What Deidre didn't
understand though, was that
Larry's withdrawal from the
relationship had absolutely
nothing to do with her. It
had to do with him.
I had a vantage point that
gave me a glimpse of
Larry's struggles, Larry's
dissappointments, Larry's
insecurities, Larry's fears,
and Larry's hang-ups. The
waning of his interest in
Deidre was not in any way
an indictment oi her It was
a reflection of him and what
he was going through at
that point in his life.
Just like my incident in the
car, when I saw something
changing, I assumed / was
the one responsible. Deidre
realized something had
changed and assumed she
was somehow responsible.
This not only happens in
dating relationships; it hap-
pens in families, work
settings, and congrega-
tions. An adolescent may
become withdrawn, and a
parent immediately packs
for a guilt trip. A co-worker
may be irritable and short-
tempered, and we wonder
what we did to offend her.
A person at church may
neglect to inform or include
us, and we get our back up
assuming that "So-and-so
has something against me."
Sometimes another's
behavior toward us is a reac-
tion to something we have
said or done. But sometimes
it's not; it's entirely a functon
of his personal issues.
It is important to remem-
ber that our value is not
determined by another's
treatment of us. If someone
in our life does something
that is unpleasant or even
hurtful, we need to do
exactly what I did in my car
at the intersection: Check all
possible ways in which we
might be responsible. And
then, if everything is "in
gear," let go of the panic,
worry, anxiety, and guilt, and
give the other the free- rijr\
dom to move as needed, r^l
Robin Wentworth Mayer is
pastor of Kokomo (Ind.) Church
of the Brethren.
Stepping Stones is a cohimn offer-
ing suggestions, perspectives, and
opinions — snapshots of life — titat 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 diffi-
cuhies, we don 't need to walk on
water We just need to learn where the
stepping stones are. "
March 1997 Messenger 23
open wide your hearts
The Brethren are noted for their stress
on servanthood. For some, it comes so
naturally that they might ask in inno-
cence, like the righteous at the great
judgment, "Lord, when was it that we
saw you . . . ?" (Matt. 25:37). As we
prepare to open wide our hearts for
this month 's One Great Hour of
Sharing offering, we might consider a
few stories of Brethren operating in
the servant mode:
Helping the voiceless be heard.
Ostracized by her family when she
was a youth, Mary drifted into a life
of drugs and prostitution. But, sev-
eral months ago, when she learned
that a baby was on the way, she
decided to stop living on the streets.
I visited Mary the day her son was
born. It was heartwarming to watch
her interact with him. But she told
me she was afraid Health and Reha-
bilitative Services (HRS) would take
him away from her because of her
background.
HRS did just that, judging Mary an
unfit mother, despite her turn-
around. Then there followed the
routine custody hearing.
But Mary had friends. Cafe Joshua
serves homeless people committed to
attaining a better quality of life. We
went with Mary to court, where Mary,
the judge, and
HRS talked
things out. Cafe
Joshua empow-
ered Mary to
stand up for her
rights and to
have a say in a
decision affecting
her life. Mary
Lisa Ebaiigh ^^^ ^aby Destin
are now reunited, and are living in a
comprehensive drug treatment center.
It is thrilling to help a voiceless
person be heard. — Lisa Ebauch
Lisa Ebaugh is a Brethren Volunteer Service
worker serving with Cafe Joshua, West Palm
Beach. Fla.
24 Messenger March 1997
Thanks for remembering us.
The Brethren reached out to the
hungry people of |apan when World
War II ended. The church worked
through the Licensed Agencies for
Relief in Asia (LARA). Relief sup-
plies valued at $400 million in
today's money was sent to |apan.
Among the material aid the Brethren
sent were 25 purebred Holstein
bulls, shipped by the Brethren Ser-
vice Committee.
Last November, a 50th-anniversary
celebration of LARA was held in
Tokyo. I represented the Church of
the Brethren. I was amazed by the
deep gratitude expressed by the
Japanese for helping them 50 years
ago. How could they have forgotten
their suffering brought by the war
won by the Americans and their
allies? Yet, men and women who
were youngsters at the time thanked
me with tears in their eyes for our
Brethren help. Everyone wanted to
tell his personal memories.
As I basked in the glow of this
heartfelt gratitude, I wondered what
the Church of the Brethren is doing
today that might be celebrated so
heartily 50 years from now. Will we
faithfully continue the work of
jesus? — D. Miller Davis
D. Miller Davis is executive director of
Center Operations at the Brethren Service
Center in New Windsor, Md.
Miller Davis (right) accepted an award from LARA for the Church of the Brethn
Bringing light at Christmas. Last
spring, I was translator for a human-
itarian agency from England
distributing food, clothing, and
cleaning supplies to the needy in
Croatia. In one bombed house we
found a charming elderly couple
living in a makeshift room in the
basement. They were as fat and jolly
as Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tomo and
lelena had left a refugee camp to
return to the task of rehabilitating
their ruined home. Their dark little
room was furnished mainly with a
bed and some broken chairs. Yet they
exuded warmth and hospitality, in\it
ing us in and treating us to coffee
laced with rakija (homemade
schnapps made from plums). Their
exuberance overwhelmed us.
When we visited Tomo and [elena
again in October, we were met again
by the same warm hospitality. They
were making progress with restoring
iheir home. Some repairs had been
nade. The barn was rebuilt. They
lad some chici<ens. They had har-
ested a fruit crop. But, before we
eft, Tomo confided that there was
)ne thing he wished he had — a Httie
electric genera-
tor. With it, they
could have light,
as well as power
for the small
electrical tools
he hoped to
acquire.
The relief
workers from
England went
Holly Peele home, raised
money, and returned a week before
[Christmas with a generator. We
irrived giggling like kids as we
blayed our Santa Claus role. Tomo
ind lelena were surprised. They
ladn't expected to see us before
pring. "Oh, do come in out of the
;old!" they cried.
But things were different this time,
fomo had been ill. The winter was
larder than they had braced for. The
'iirty, crowded refugee camp seemed
jetter than this.
The generator we helped them set
■ip boosted their spirits. The room
became more cheerful with the elec-
ric light.
We dropped in next day expecting
in upbeat visit, but, instead, we
oined with our friends in bitter dis-
ippointment that the generator
vasn't working. We monkeyed
utilely with it all day, but agreed
hat it would have to be taken to
Zagreb for repairs.
As I write this, the generator is
iupposed to be repaired by tomor-
ow, and in a couple of weeks I am to
eturn it to Tomo and |elena. But this
ime I am not excited; 1 am scared.
The responsibility one holds after
aising another's hopes has never
)een more real to me. — Holly Peele
Holly Peele is a Brethren Volunteer Service
vorker serving in Zagreb. Croatia.
Juana Pab\o dispensed warm hospitality to Brethren workers in her simple kitchen.
Who was the servant? luana Pablo
was my hostess for several days during
a Church of the Brethren workcamp in
Guatemala. Juana's family is one of
many whose lives were disrupted by
civil war in that country. Life is still
very difficult for her people. While I
had gone to Guatemala in the
intended role of a servant, it was not
at all clear to me that I was playing
that role after my arrival.
What passed for Juana's kitchen was
a small entryway outside her house.
Her equipment was one clay pot for
cooking vegetables, two scorched
metal pots for boiling water and
making soup, and a tortilla griddle
made from a piece of tin. We ate from
a ragtag collection of white porcelain
bowls, tin cans, and plastic cups. A
gourd with a hole in the top held the
tortillas. The five-inch hole allowed
luana to push her fresh six-inch tor-
tillas in comfortably, and allowed the
rest of us room enough to get a hand
in to pluck the tortillas back out.
Juana rose daily at 4:30 a.m. to
begin her day's work. The corn for
the tortillas must be shelled and then
soaked properly before it is ground
by hand on a stone. Grinding takes
an hour each morning. Then the fire
must be started and the griddle pre-
pared.
Juana's system was to get a lead on
us of a half-dozen or so tortillas
before calling us to eat. From then
on, our hands reached into the gourd
to pull out tortillas, and Juana's
hands reached in to deposit fresh
ones. For the first 10 minutes of the
meal, it was nip and tuck between
the cook and the eaters.
While 1 could not help enjoying
Juana's tortillas, my heart hurt as 1
compared her world to mine. All this
hard work, the homes broken by vio-
lence, the hopes they had seen
shattered so many times. All the
material wealth for me back home,
all the ease and comfort, all the lux-
uries taken for granted that I had
only temporarily, voluntarily set
aside. I had come to serve among
Juana's people, yet she, in her simple
household tasks, was ministering to
me as if 1 had come as a guest rrr
of honor. — Kirby Leland r^'
Kirby Leland is a member of Ivester Church
of the Brethren. Grundy Center. Iowa. He par-
ticipated in a Church of the Brethren
workcamp in Guatemala this past November.
March 1997 Messenger 25
/ believe that how we die may say a lot
about how we have have lived, who
we are, and about our faithfulness to
God, life, and our Christian values.
How we die says a lot
I don't agree with Guy Wampler
("Facing the Gray Areas of Dying,"
January, page 16) that the kind of
death in which people walk around
physically alive but spiritually dead
"is far more tragic than assisted sui-
cide."
Quite to the contrary, those who
have not yet found spiritual hope for
their lives still can find it ... as long
as they are physically alive.
Many Christians might agree with
Wampler that "the key question then
is not when do we die . . . , but how
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do we live?" But I believe that how
we die may say a lot about how we
have have lived, who we are, and
about our faithfulness to God, life,
and our Christian values.
]ohn B. Huggett
Orlando, Fla.
Denying the Spirit's role
The January articles on death and
dying and Dr. Kevorkian are timely
and necessary. This issue is at the
heart of the struggle for the soul of
our despairing society.
One point, however: There is a
danger in writer Wampler's propos-
ing "gray areas" where we must use
our own judgment. This usually
means that whatever we want to
believe in this area is okay; God
doesn't give us definite answers here.
But lesus and Paul let us know that
God dispensed with the Law, the rule
book, and reveals the presence of the
Spirit, whom we must allow to influ-
ence and determine our "judgments"
in all facets of life.
Even those issues that Anabaptists
consider as "obvious" directives are
"interpreted" and are adjudged dif-
ferently by many. Our society as a
whole is not actively in tune with the
The opinions expressed in Letters 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 respectfd 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.
Spirit; from this comes the present
chaos.
The sin in Kevorkian's approach is
that it denies the Spirit's role by
means of an enlightened humanism.
Wayne Shirk).
Farmington, PcL
E.T., phone earth
i
The December 1995 editorial, "The
Lord God Made Them All," raised a
cosmic mega-question when it asked;
if "the poor joes out there on those
other planets are eligible for salva-
tion." I have believed for some time
that communication will be made
with "them" in the next century.
I also have concluded, sadly, that
the Christian community has barely
acknowledged the enormous import
of this extraordinary phenomenon.
As scientists shake themselves loose
from the restrictions of pure reason
to confess a sense of religious awe,
the church must stand with them on
common ground where both faith
and science are accepted as
resources in the search for God's
ultimate reality.
'We are in the position of the
Israelites, who were confronted with
an expanded revelation of God's love
for humanity, first through prophets
such as Jonah, and finally through
Jesus. The Jews who refused to
budge from an exclusive relationship
with God remained stuck in time,
while those who, like Peter and Paul,
accepted the new inclusiveness of
Christ's love for all human beings
were given entrance into a new
cosmic dimension of God's pur-
poses.
Edward Hubet
Philadelphia, Pa.
No place in church for gays
How long will the Church of the
Brethren fail to make a statement
about homosexuality?
Some people are born with attrac-
tions to the same gender; others are
26 Messenger March 1997
c.^ Pontius' Puddle
porn with a very strong sex drive;
nd still others could care less about
ex. Normal might be somewhere in
he middle.
But then again, what is normal?
['he Bible tells us that sin is sin, and
nust be repented. It also tells us that
ve must keep our bodies under sub-
ection — under control, resisting
irges or desires. We are to subdue
hose desires so that we do not sin
igainst God and our fellow man.
Outside of marriage, copulation by
1 male and a female is wrong and a
in. It may result in the conception
)f life that is a blessing from God,
)ut it is still wrong. Homosexual
elations violate the primary purpose
)f sexual relations and, in effect, tell
jod, "Man can do better than you
lid." This is idol worship, homosex-
lals worshiping their bodies and
iesires, rather than restraining
hemselves and worshiping God.
fhis is why it is called an abomina-
ion to God.
Homosexuals believe that the
;hurch should repent for having
jeliefs counter to theirs. But the
;hurch has not sinned, and need not
epent. When a homosexual sees the
;rror and repents, then there is room
or growth. Until there is repentance,
lowever, we can only pray for homo-
lexuals to see the error of this
ibominable lifestyle. There can be no
ellowship with practicing homosex-
lals because God has flat let them go
heir own way.
Practicing homosexuals can never
)e a part of the church of fesus
Christ because they don't believe
jod's Word or its promises of bless-
ng for obedience and its damnation
"or rebellion.
Church of the Brethren: Take a
stand.
David L. Powell
Longton. Kan.
(Actually, the Church of the
brethren does have a statement about
lomosexuality, in its 1983 Statement
''Human Sexuality From a Christian
THE 1?eVEREMP
Send payment for reprinting "Pontius' Puddle" from Messenger to
Joel Kaujfmartn, 111 Carter Road, Goshen, IN 46526. $25 for one
time use. SW for second strip in same issue. $10 for congregalii
I'VE FOOMD A SOREFIRE: WAV
roriLENtE PARI^HIOKlERS WHO
■rHlMKTk<EV KMOW WOW TO DO
Ky J08 BETTE.W.THM I DO...
Because You Need
Protection You Can
Count On
W hen a fire broke out at Elkhart City
Church of the Brethren in Elkhart, Indiana,
many members wondered how long it would
be before they could worship there again.
But they were about to experience a
wonderful surprise.
''Mutual Aid was right there when we
needed them," says Ted Noffsinger, who
supervised the reconstruction. "The approach
I saw was, 'We have a policyholder with a
problem. Let's do what we can, as fast as we
can, to get him back in business.'"
If that's the protection you 'd like to experience, then
you should know Mutual Aid Association also offers
homeowner's insurance at very competitive rates. To
find out more, return the bind-in card in this issue of
Messenger, or call us now.
1-800-255-1243
Al
Mutual Aid Association
Church of the Brethren
3094 Jeep Rd • Abilene, KS 67410
Protection you can depend on from
Brethren vou trust. Since 1885.
March 1997 Messenger 27
...^festyle, most people are
very concerned with their
lifestyle. This concern
becomes more important
as one grows older.
BRIDGEWATER
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
c^ridgewater Retirement Community, a 46-acre retirement
community, provides a lifestyle of convenience and comfort for those
over 55 years of age. Its location, across the street from Bridgewater
College, is just a short distance from area churches, banks, shops,
grocery stores and other community businesses. Accessibility to these
services, as well as recreational opportunities, are important aspects of
your active lifestyle.
rivacy and tranquility are also an integral part of your life. While
opportunities abound for you to participate in social activities with
your friends throughout Bridgewater Village, your new home allows
you the privacy you desire.
^^ur independent lifestyle is very important to you and to us. Every
effort is made by the staff of Bridgewater Village to provide you with
the environment and services that are necessary to maximize your
independence — in your choice of activities, endeavors, and pursuits.
A Christian community serving persons of all faiths.
It s a great place to live!
^ox more information call 1-800-419-9129 or 1-540-828-2550
or send coupon to: Bridgewater Retirement Community,
315 North Second Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812
Name
MES
Address
Citv
State
Zip
Phone
•Over 160 spacious,
single-family and
cluster cottage
homes with refund-
able life-leases or
monthly rental
options
•Twenty-eight
apartments in
Hearthstone Manor
•Affordable service
fees
• Real estate taxes
paid
•Maintenance staff
and resident
services coordinator
•Transportation
provided to
appointments
•Experienced,
well-trained staff
• Many opportunities
for planned or
individual activities
• Two-hundred-bed
licensed nursing
facility with fifty-
four adult care units
and
•Personal and
nursing care at
Bridgewater Home.
•Applications for
congregate living
waiting list now
being accepted.
iH
Perspective, " which lists seven "ways
he church can extend Christ-like
ovifort and grace to homosexual and
nsexual persons" /Annual Confer-
nce Minutes, 1980-1984, page
<SO].—Ed.)
i)enial doesn't kill God
n the current film "The Crucible,"
ohn Proctor cries out in frustration,
God is dead!" The film is about the
lalem witch trials, in which innocent
ind faithful Christians were hanged
)ecause their neighbors were more
villing to uncritically affirm cultural
ind religious authorities than to stand
ip for what is right. The denial of jus-
ice, in Proctor's view, killed God.
I felt shock, shame, and anger
ipon reading the lanuary Messen-
ER news item "Ohio Congregation
ians Attendee From Premises." I am
anconvinced that the main reason for
3ebi Easterday's banning was not
hat she is a lesbian (asserted by a
;hurch leader).
The Brethren peace stance encom-
passes much more than
;onscientious objection to war.
3eing about peace includes extend-
ng the biblical principle of
lospitality to all those who join us in
vorship. It is not for us to judge
mother to be outside the love and
;ompassion of God, no matter what
mr constitutional rights may be.
I remind the Medina congregation
hat Jesus was transformed in his
ministry by one, the Canaanite
Afoman, whom he tried to shame and
ihoo away. I ask Medina to consider
hat the Jesus it praises as Lord and
Savior was known to enter more than
3ne house of worship and cause
haos. And he was crucified by those
vho didn't like his agenda. I urge the
Medina members to reflect that,
vhile the US Constitution may,
ndeed, give them the right to ban
Oebi Easterday from the premises.
Elizabethtown ffi
COLLEGE
ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE invites applications for DIRECTOR OF ITS YOUNG
CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF ANABAPTIST AND PIETIST GROUPS.
The College, rated as one of the best northern liberal arts institutions by U.S. News and
World Report, offers its 1 ,525 students 38 major programs in traditional liberal arts and
professional fields. The Elizabethtown motto, "Educate for Service," expresses the
College's mission of linking the world of work with the world of the spirit to advance the
values of peace, justice and human dignity. Located in Pennsylvania's historic Lancaster
County, Elizabethtown enjoys outstanding quality of life and easy access to the major
metropolitan areas of Philadelphia, Washington and Baltimore.
The Young Center focuses its work on three areas: ( 1 ) fostering scholarly research and
publication on Anabaptist and Pietist themes; (2) interpreting to a broad public the cultural
heritage of Anabaptist and Pietist groups through conferences, lectures, workshops,
seminars, musical events, and other media; and (3) providing undergraduate courses at
Elizabethtown College in the field of the Center's interests.
Each applicant for the Young Center directorship should have a strong record of
scholarship (with Ph.D. degree preferred) in at least one branch of the study of groups
derived from historic Anabaptism and Pietism, and preferably have wide acquaintance with
scholars throughout the various branches. Also, the applicant must show evidence of
potential as an effective teacher of undergraduates in the College, the amount and field(s) of
teaching to be negotiated in light of the applicant's preparation and qualifications. The
Young Center attracts scholars for fellowships in residence, organizes or hosts a variety of
public programs, and has its own physical facility; so the applicant should show
entrepreneurial and administrative skills as well as scholarship. Personal compatibility with
key values of the Anabaptist and Pietist traditions will be an asset.
The position is year-round (twelve-month appointment), with excellent benefits and a
salary commensurate with the applicant's preparation. To apply, please submit a letter of
application; a resume; and names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references to
Martha A. Farver-Apgar, Director of Personnel, Elizabethtown College, One Alpha Drive,
Elizabethtown, PA 17022.
Evaluation of the applications will begin on February 15, 1997. AA/EO
^artlci potion
Dr. Wesley DeCoursey, chemistry professor
(1952-1986)
McPherson
College
McPherson
Kansas
316 241 0731
Dr. Shingo Kajinami, chemistry
professor (1986 - present)
March 1997 Messenger 29
call (800) 323-80391^ ext. 247
Ask for Vicki.
Partners
in Prayer
Daily prayer guide:
Sunday: Your congregation's ministries
Monday: Annual Conference officers
Tuesday: General Board and staff
Wednesday: District executives,
Bethany Seminary, colleges
and university
Thursday: General Services
Friday: Parish Ministries
Saturday: World Ministries
March prayer concerns:
Congregation: World Day of Prayer,
March 7; One Great Hour of Shar-
ing, March 16; Palm Sunday
Services, March 23; love feast and
communion, Maundy Thursday;
Easter celebrations, March 30.
Annual Conference: Duane Steiner,
executive director of Annual Confer-
ence; Program and Arrangements
Committee.
General Board: General Board
meeting, March 8-1 1; Transition
Team & new design of General
Board; Executive Committee of Gen-
eral Board meeting, March 6-7;
Newly called directors; Judy Keyser,
treasurer of General Board.
Districts and Colleges: Those trav-
eling to and from spring break.
General Services: Dale Minnich,
GSC executive.
Parish Ministries: Glenn Timmons,
PMC executive; Liz Bidgood and Greg
Enders, coordinators of 1997 summer
workcamps.
World Ministries: Joan Deeter, WMC
executive; David Radcliff, director of
Denominational Peace Witness.
30 Messenger March 1997
From the
Office of Human Resources
Needed regularly: part-time pastors
More than half of the Church of the
Brethren congregations call part-time
pastors to serve them. Have you con-
sidered relocating to serve? Or, in
retirement, have you considered serv-
ing one of these congregations?
Is yours a calling congregation?
Are you identifying and calling forth per-
sons with gifts for ministry? How long
has it been since you have called some-
one into the ministry of the church?
For more information, contact your district
executive, or co-director of Ministry, fames
Kinsey at (616) 364-8066.
they should ask what the gospel
requires of them. Finally, I recom-
mend that the Medina Brethren go
see "The Crucible." They may see
themselves mirrored and have a
change of heart.
To Debi Easterday, I affirm that
the Medina congregation has not
killed God by its actions toward her
God's love and the compassion of
Jesus are bigger than that. Like Johi
Proctor, may she find a circle of fail
and love that encourages her to
maintain her own integrity and sens
of who she is — a beloved daughter 1
God.
Phyllis A,Bi.
Berkeley, CaL
Classified Ads
INVITATION
Shalom Church of the Brethren, a new & grow-
ing fellowship in Durham, N.C., invites Bretiiren
moving to Research Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham,
Chapel Hill) to worship w/ us. Eager to provide
moving assistance (unloading, childcare, area info.)
for those relocating to area. For info., contact: Fel-
lowship, P.O. Box 15607, Durham, NC 27704. Tel. (919)
490-6422. E-mail, ShalomCOB@AOL.COM.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Business/Accounting. Tenure-track faculty posi-
tion. Preferred teaching areas somewhat flexible
depending on qualifications of candidate & load
shifts w/in dept. Successful candidate will have teach-
ing strength in reasonable selection of the following:
cost accounting, interm. accounting, auditing,
MIS/AIS, managerial finance, investments, micro-
economics, production management, marketing.
Skill in developmental advising & building mentor-
ing relationships w/ students required. Teaching
experience or personal educational background in
liberal arts setting preferred. Also, some practical
experience in the nonacademic business world. Insti-
tution is private liberal arts college w/ tradition in
accounting & CPA preparation, located in forward-
looking town w/ strong & diversified economic base.
Ph.D. encouraged; CPA preferred; iVI.Acc. or MBA
required. Send curriculum vitae, transcripts, & 3 ref
erence letters to: Dr Steven Gustafson, vice president
for academic services, McPherson College, PO. Box
1402, McPherson, KS 67460. Application materials
submitted by March 8, 1997, will receive full con-
sideration. Applications accepted until position filled.
Biology. Tenure-track faculty position for fall 1997.
Ph.D required. Broadly trained biologist needed to
teach courses in vertebrate anatomy & physiology,
cellular/molecular biology, genetics, & general biol-
ogy Must be committed to excellence in undergra
uate teaching, able to work cooperatively, & eager ji
advise/co-advise students fulfillingJr/Sr undergra
uate research requirements. McPherson College ii
small, liberal arts institution related to the Church ■
the Brethren. Send curriculum vitae, transcripts,.
3 reference letters to: Dr Steven Gustafson, vice pre
ident for academic services, McPherson Colleg
McPherson, KS 67460. Application materials subm;
ted by March 8, 1997, will receive full consideratiOi
Applications accepted until position filled.
TBIAVEL
Travel to Annual Conference in Long Bcai ii I
air-conditioned coach, June 23-July 15. Visit Beihai
Seminary, Salt Lake City, Bryce, Zion, Yosemitc
other national parks. For info, write to: J. Kenneij^
Kreider, 1300 Sheaffer Road, Elizabethtown, PA 1702
China adventure featuring Yangtze River cruis^
Aug. 4-19, 1997. ($3,189) Visit Narita in Japan. Shan;
hai, Wuhan, Shashi, Badong, Wanxian, Chongquin;
Xian in China. Travel on cruise ship on Yangtze Rivt
stopping at various cities & ports. In Beijing, walk th
largest "wonder of the world"— the Great Wall c
China. Also, visit Tian'Anmen Square, & much mon
Wendell & Joan Bohrer invite you to share this grei
experience w/ them. For info. & brochure, write: 852
Royal Meadow Dn, Indianapolis, IN 46217. Tel. or Fa:
(317) 882-5067.
European Heritage Tour, July 12-26, 1997. Vis
scenic sites of Anabaptist, Pietist, & Brethren signi;
icance in Switzerland, France, Germany & Netheriandi
Sponsored by Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc. and th
Brethren Historical Committee. J2,490 from Nei
York QFK), For complete brochure contact: Don Dun
baugh, PO.B. 484, James Creek, PA 16657. Tel./Faj
(814) 658-3222.
Eiiiiij Points
tlevi
'Members
■ ote: Congregations are asked
) submit only the names of
:tuai new members of the
enomination. Do not include
ames of people who have
lerely transferred their mem-
.ership from another Church of
le Brethren congregation.
gape, N. Ind.: Stacy Cause
rcadia. S/C Ind.: lason Lee
Young
uffalo Valley, S. Pa.: Heidi
Hunsberger, Danielle Keis-
ter, Brian & Mellissa Wert
abool. Mo. /Ark.: Eldon &
Kathlyn Coffman
hiques, Atl. N.E.: Elyse &
Kiniberly Brandt, Nathan
Gainer, Brian & leremy
Geib. Karen Gummel, Emily
Heistand, Annie Hickernell,
Kenton & Lori Peters, Amy
& Christopher Shelly
^onnels Creek, S. Ohio:
Rebekah Church, feff
Hainm. Katie Hasting.
Cindy Schilller
lizabelhlown, Atl. N.E.:
Duane & Lori Finley, David
& Karen Good. Kecia Gro-
hotolski, Daniel &
Kymberly Helwig, Tricia
Sollenberger
i.phrata, Atl. N.E.: Lloyd
Albright; Erla & Lew
Bowman; Lori Brotzman;
Calvin & Susan Buckwalter;
Amy & Brian Church: Mike
& Mona Fowler; Mike Lang;
Sandy Marchall; Amber,
Andrea & Megan Miley;
Steven & Lee Ann Ober-
holtzer; Tom Phillips;
Matthew Rissler; Linda Sick-
meier; Angle & Chris Sonon;
Rob Sowers; Mary Weist
reeburg, N. Ohio: Kassi,
Kristi Karlen, lames Rakes,
Adam & Beth Robertson,
[eremiah Zellers
ieiger, W. Pa.: Amanda
Angermeier. Mellisa Brant,
Linda Ellis, Lacey McCoy.
Sonya Pyle, Shanna Woods,
Ryan Yinkey
irottoes, Shen.: Elaine Ford,
Minnie Morris, Robin
Reardon
lartville, N. Ohio: Corey Clay;
lames Domer; Michael
Graber; Matthew Lonsway;
Linda Machamer; Kevin
Minner; Greg & lessica
Nelson; Gretchen, locelyn,
Michele & Todd Snyder;
Aaron Stowers; Anna Unkefer
lechanics Grove, Atl. N.E.:
Angela & Danielle Kreider,
Diana Hershey
liddle Creek, Atl. N.E.:
Kendra Bollinger, Kathy
Graver. Keith Horst, Holly
Long, Alyssa & Christofer
Neidermyer, Cayla Rohrcr,
Anthony Stoner, Daniel
Wagner
lonte Visia, Virlina: lulia Wray
lew Carlisle, S. Ohio: Lucy
Coe. Don Frantz, Tina
Semler, Chuck & Vickie
Siefke, Rcnee Wilson
New Paris, N. Ind.: Christopher
Clayton, Bryce Whitehead
Newlon, W. Plains: lanet Gies-
brecht, Pam Fields, Charles
& Barbara Riley, Carol &
Marty Ward
Rummel, W. Pa.: David Chi-
carell, Becky Dagostino,
Shane Hostetler
South Bay, Pac. S.W.: Marrisa
& Monica Prado, Erica
Schatz
Stevens Hill, Atl. N.E.: Gail &
lames Grob, Diana & Richard
Horetsky, |an & Richard
Repa, lane & |im White
Anniversaries
Albright, David and Anne.
McPherson, Kan., 50
Anderson, Rich and Doreen.
Champion. Pa., 50
Belcher, Harold and Geneva,
Fincastle, Va.. 50
Berkebile, Albert and Ruth,
Johnstown, Pa., 50
Bird, Charles and Norma,
Continental, Ohio, 50
Butterbaugh, Dean and Dar-
lene, Dixon, 111., 50
Dancy, Fred and Frances,
Sparta, N.C., 76
Erb, Samuel and Beulah,
Ephrata, Pa., 74
Erbaugh, Sam and Eileen,
Glendale. Ariz., 50
Etter, Franklin and Laverne,
Cloverdale. Ohio, 50
Fahnestock, Harold and Ver-
nice, Harrisburg, Pa., 50
Gardner, Frank and Grace.
Goshen. Ind., 50
Geary, Clyde and Charlotte,
Champion, Pa., 50
Geesaman, Mahlon and Mary,
Hummelstown, Pa., 50
Hoover, Raymond and Laura,
Goshen, Ind., 50
Igney, Thurl and Betty. New
Paris, Ind., 50
Jamison, Malcolm and Becky,
Roanoke, Va., 50
McCann, Ken and Wilma
Jean, Greensburg. Pa.. 50
Moore, lohn and Donna,
Greensburg, Pa., 50
Myers, Don and Martha,
Greensburg, Pa., 50
Oellig, Robert and Eleanor,
Hummelstown, Pa., 50
Rock, Leonard and Loua,
Troutville, Va., 50
Rummel, lames and Dorothy,
Paris, Ohio, 50
Sanner, Robert and Mildred,
Greensburg. Pa., 55
Shafer, Lester and Phyllis,
Cloverdale, Ohio. 50
Shickel, Marcel and Helen,
Harrisonburg, Va., 50
Smith, lohn and Mary, Har-
risonburg, Va., 50
Stormont, Robert and Helen,
Rockford, 111., 55
Tracy, Ralph and Erma, Conti-
nental, Ohio, 55
Wampler, Ray and leanne.
Grottoes. Va., 50
Webster, David and Hettie,
Callaway, Va., 50
Wise, George and Phyllis.
Dallas Center, Iowa. 50
Deaths
Atwood, Bertha A. 87. Luray.
Va.. Oct. 9, 1996
Baker, Hilda L. S., 85, Wood-
stock, Va., Nov. 8, 1996
Balslcy, Carolyn M., 61, Glen
Allen, Va., Nov. 14, 1996
Banzhof, Esther F.. 86, Lan-
caster, Pa., Sept. 24, 1996
Blough, losephine, 93. Eliza-
bethtown, Pa., Sept. 22, 1996
Boyers, Harry G.. 81. Port
Republic, Va., Nov. II, 1996
Brammer, Earnest, 80, Fulks
Run, Va., Sept. 30, 1996
Brubaker, Edyth B.. 87. Lan-
caster, Pa., Oct. 4. 1996
Brubaker, Nina T, 97, La
Verne. CaHL, Nov. 12, 1996
Cain, Ida R, 87, Moorefield,
W.Va.. Dec. 19, 1996
Clatlerbuck, Lois C, 72, Edin-
burg. Va., Dec. 21. 1996
Clincdinst [r.. Theodore E.,
70. New Market, Va., Dec.
17, 1996
Combs, Mildred B., 84, Baker,
W.Va.. Nov. 20, 1996
Cook, Rebecca C, 83. Edin-
burg, Va., Dec. 2, 1996
Dennett, Louise D.. 89, Lees-
burg, Va., Oct. 31, 1996
Dubble, CoraS., 82, Myer-
stown. Pa., Oct. 21, 1996
Edris, Marie E., 86, Palmyra,
Pa., Dec. 27, 1996
Eisenhower, Mildred. 83, Lan-
caster. Pa., Sept. 24, 1996
Fike, Lester, 99, West Goshen,
Ind., Dec. 19, 1996
Forney, Anna E., 95, Neffsville,
Pa., Oct. 27, 1996
Gainer, Maris H.. 89. Lan-
caster, Pa., Dec. 27, 1996
Gibble, Ella E., 84. Manheim,
Pa., Nov. 11, 1996
Gottlieb, Robert I., 71,
Ephrata, Pa.. Dec. 19, 1996
Grubb, Luke R., 89, Palmyra,
Pa., Sept. 19, 1996
Hedrick, Gladys L., 80. Frank-
lin, W.Va., Dec. 13, 1996
Heisey, Kreider M.,87, Myer-
stown, Pa.. Nov. 17, 1996
Hendrickson, Lucy, 94, Mod-
esto. Calif., Nov. 29. 1996
Hertzog, Raymond F.. 83,
Denver, Pa., Oct. 30, 1996
Hodge, Dora f., 77, Warm
Springs. Va., Dec. 16, 1996
Howdyshell, Cleta B.. 94.
Harrisonburg, Va., Dec. 16,
1996
Humphreys, Joseph L., 54,
Waynesboro, Va.. Oct. 24,
1996
Ikenberry, Effie E., 96, Lan-
caster, Pa., Nov. 2, 1996
Kenney, Eldridge W, 91,
Staunton, Va.. Dec. 29, 1996
Kimble, VaudaM.H., 79.
Scherr, W.Va., Nov. II, 1996
Kiracofe, Eleanor E., 71,
Waynesboro, Va., Dec. 15,
1996
Knicely, George R., 82.
Harrisonburg, Va., Dec. 27.
1996
Knupp, Roger W., 52. Fulks
Run, Va., Oct. 3, 1996
Koehler, Christian B., 93,
Lititz, Pa., Sept. 19. 1996
Krall, Ethel M., 77, Lebanon,
Pa., Oct. 23, 1996
Lee, Annie G., 66, Spring
Lake. N.C.. Nov. 15, 1996
Leffler, Georgiana E., 71,
Richland, Pa., Dec. 3, 1996
Lindamood, Charles D., 77,
Timberville, Va., Nov. 9.
1996
Licten, Elizabeth W., 93,
Moorefield, W.Va., Oct. 26,
1996
Long, Stella R H., 90,
Ephrata, Pa.. Sept. 29, 1996
Mason, Erika L., 60, Dayton,
Va., Nov. 1, 1996
Mauck, Catherine V, 74. Edin-
burg, Va., Nov. 24. 1996
May, Charles K., 84, Bridge-
water, Va.. Nov. 5, 1996
Motley, Vergie R.. 58, Rocky
Mount, Va., Nov. 18, 1996
Myer, Clara B., 87. Lancaster,
Pa.. Dec. 16. 1996
Myer, Paul Kurtz. 91. Ephrata,
Pa., Nov. 4, 1996
Neff, Wilmer E., 86, Mount
Crawford. Va., Sept. 26,
1996
Nissly, Ralph H., 81, Akron,
Pa., Nov. 10, 1996
Oberholtzer, Clair, 64, Lan-
caster. Pa., Sept. 29, 1996
Orebaugh, Charlotte R.. 89,
Broadway, Va., Nov. 20,
1996
Painter, Lisa A., 44, Luray,
Va.. Oct. 8, 1996
Peer, Vincent E., 80, Maur-
ertown, Va., Dec. 17, 1996
Phillips, William M., 78, Lan-
caster, Pa., Dec. 7, 1996
Polk, Glenn E., 75, Wood-
stock, Va., Oct. 8, 1996
Reid, Rosie K. S., 78, Alexan-
dria, Va., Dec. 12, 1996
Ritchie, [ohn W. 84, Fulks
Run, Va., Sept. 19. 1996
Robertson, Carrie C, 91, Warm
Springs, Va.. Nov. 7, 1996
Ross, Delmar E.. 81, Lan-
caster, Pa., Nov. 3. 1996
Sager, Preston L., 67, Broad-
way, Va., Dec. 23, 1996
Sampson, Walter L. 74, Stras-
burg, Va., Dec. 26, 1996
Sanger, Lillian R., 95, Bridge-
water. Va., Nov. 29, 1996
Scott, Charlena N., 87. Brandy-
wine, W.Va., Nov. 6, 1996
Shelly, lohn S., 80, Lititz, Pa.,
Oct. 30, 1996
Shifflett, Arthur R. 92, Grot-
toes, Va., Nov. 24, 1996
Shirkey, Ruth R., 85. Dayton.
Va.. Dec. 8. 1996
Shoemaker, Timmy R.
("Shoe"). 36, Edinburg.
Va., Oct. 17, 1996
Shue, lames I.. 50, Lititz. Pa.,
Oct. 4, 1996
Simmons, E. Glenn. 67. Har-
risonburg, Va., Oct. 29, 1996
Small, Ruth v., 97, Crimora,
Va., Dec. 9. 1996
Smith, Dallas S.. 76. Roaring
Gap, N.C., Dec. I, 1996
Smith, Robert. 73. Bassett,
Va., March 29, 1996
Smith, Vernice, Grundy
Center, Iowa, May 21, 1996
Snader, Barbara, 45, Waynes-
boro, Pa.. Oct. 2, 1996
Snavely, Martha G.. 81.
Annville, Pa., Dec. 24, 1996
Snyder, Emerson. 86. Colum-
biana. Ohio. Sept. 6. 1996
Sonafrank, Delia. 89. Nokes-
ville, Va.. Oct. 5. 1996
Sorizi Sr., Cornell ("Wayne").
75, Martinsburg. W.Va.,
Oct. 15. 1996
Spangler, Hazel. Berlin. Pa.,
April 3. 1996
Sparkes, Mary, 74. Colum-
biana. Ohio, April 22, 1996
Speicher, Genita B.. 85.
Wabash, Ind., May 10, 1996
Stauffer, Grace. 92, Ephrata,
Pa., Sept 1, 1996
Stephen, Carl, 82, Bel Air,
Md.. luly 23, 1996
Stevens, Clayton L. 100,
Bridgewater, Va., Sept. 20,
1996
Stirling, Stan, 50, Wichita,
Kan., Nov. 20, 1995
Stone, Lorene, 86, Sabetha,
Kan., luly 10, 1996
Stroop, leanette E., 68, Tim-
berville, Va., Dec. 23, 1996
Studebaker, Stanley, 90, Green-
ville, Ohio, Aug. 18, 1996
Stumpf, Jacob A.. 81. Rheems.
Pa., Nov. 21. 1996
Summers, Alfred F., 76, Har-
risonburg, Va.. Oct. 27. 1996
Suter, Hazel C, 78. Dayton,
Va., Oct. II, 1996
Sword, Charlie, Grundy Center,
Iowa. March 26. 1996
Taylor, Lucille, 91, Virden. 111..
Sept. 6. 1996
Truax, Floyd, 85, Needmore,
Pa., lune 15, 1996
Turner, Agnes L. 88. Bridge-
water. Va., Nov. 17, 1996
Turner, Hazel, 78, Greens-
burg, Pa., Oct. 14. 1996
Varnes, Eugene. 62, Canton,
III., Aug. 8, 1996
Vought, Anna, 90, Fort Wayne,
Ind.. Oct. 4, 1996
Walker, Mary W., 90, Ephrata.
Pa.. Dec, 16, 1996
Watt, Doris, 75, Lima, Ohio,
Sept. 2, 1996
Weaver, Everett, 72, Enid,
Okla., Aug. 25, 1996
Weaver, Grace, 90, Lancaster,
Pa.. May 3. 1996
Weaver, Linda |.. 55, Ephrata.
Pa.. Dec. 4, 1996
Wenger, Edwin A., 89,
Palmyra, Dec. 23, 1996
Weyandt, Archie, 54. New
Stanton. Pa., lune 12, 1996
Williams, Alice M.. 86,
Lebanon, Pa., Dec. 18. 1996
Wilt, Diana, 42, Windber, Pa.,
Aug. 13, 1996
Winand, Carl, 82, New
Oxford, Pa., Sept. 22, 1996
Wise, Levi, 87, Lancaster, Pa.,
luly 30, 1996
Wisler, Claude. 75, Col-
legeville. Pa., lune 14, 1996
Wisman, [ames O.. 67. Bridge-
water, Va., Dec. 8, 1996
Yoder, Alice. 84. Elkhart, Ind.,
Aug. 4 1996
York, Dora S., 76, Clearwater,
Fla., Dec. 14, 1996
Young, Robert, 83, Lititz, Pa.,
luly 27. 1996
Zimmerman, Marian, 75,
Dixon. III., Sept. 21, 1996
Zirkle, Sarah R G.. Tim-
berville. Va.. Dec. 21, 1996
March 1997 Messenger 31
And why not on Sunday?
of warfare as inevitable,
with Geneva conventions
(chivalry they called it,
bac\ in days of old when
kjiights were bold).
It had been a quiet Sunday morning at Waka Teach-
ers' College in Nigeria. The students were away on a
vacation break, and the campus was vacant except for
the missionaries serving as faculty and staff. Through the
screen door of my Brethren Volunteer Service lodgings, I
watched two missionary children coming down the
campus road. Ken and Sherri were six-year-old neigh-
bors, on their way home from Sunday school.
1 do not know what theological tenet had been the
focus of their class that day, but it is unlikely that it was the
subject of the noisy quarrel that was going on between Ken
and Sherri. Something more immediate j j l ' J
had put them at odds with each other. ^^^ OW uLinu aCCCptanCC
As they drew near the path leading
to Sherri's house, the acrimony inten-
sified. The pair seemed about to lock ^^ placatC OUr COnScicnCC
horns and go at it. Suddenly, Sherri
struck Ken a sharp blow and dashed
down the gravel path toward home. Ken
set up a wail of outrage. Thirsting for
revenge, he stooped to pick up a rock.
When Sherri looked back, she real-
ized that her legs might not save her; she
had figured on Ken chasing after her
futilely, but her enemy had turned to weapon technology
that could overcome the distance between them. As Ken
raised his arm, Sherri appealed for adherence to the rules
of civilized warfare. (Never mind that she had already vio-
lated one, herself: Don't hit and run.) She shouted back
over her shoulder, "Not on Sunday, Ken! Not on Sunday!"
But Ken believed the sabbath was made for man. Fie
on any Geneva conventions. Sherri pumped her legs
faster. The rock caught her between the shoulder blades.
Sherri's problem is a microcosm of the one facing
the International Red Cross, shocked by the killing of six
of its workers in Chechnya this past December. The Red
Cross is supposed to be allowed to do its humanitarian
work immune to the death and destruction going on
about it. But how do you explain the Geneva conventions
(designed to mitigate the ravages of war, and which regu-
lar armies had a self-interest in obeying) to warlords,
paramilitaries, and criminal gangs? Are rules of war even
relevant in today's conflicts?
To tell the truth, I have always thought "rules of war"
ludicrous to begin with — something of an oxymoron. I
don't get it. Being utterly opposed to war, and consider-
ing killing to be just about the ultimate sin, it puzzles me
that those who go to war believe they should pull their
punches — follow sportsman-like rules. I suppose it is
their way of denying the true horror of the direction they
have taken. I will never know . . . unless I become a sol-
dier. Battlefield stories of the soldier charitably holding
canteen to the thirsty lips of a dying enemy boggle my
mind. Running a bayonet through him would make mort
sense to me ... if war were right.
War has plenty of adherents — even enthusiasts,
plenty of people who believe that — for good or ill — war
has always been with us, and is a natural proclivity of the
species. Such is our war-studded history, that it is easy
even for a pacifist to resign himself to war's inevitability.
But, despite the seemingly impossible odds against
humankind ever reaching a point where it studied war no
more, I cling to the nagging suspicior
that war as a means of settling differ-
ences is not necessarily natural or
inevitable. That suspicion was height-
ened when I stumbled onto a
magazine article, "Are Apes Naughty
by Nature?" after 1 had already
chosen this editorial's subject. An
Emory University professor of pri-
mate behavior, Frans de Waal,
debunks what he calls "the old killer-
ape myth" and its dark implications
about human nature. Too long, he
argues, we have seen morality as a thin veneer that
human civilization spreads over blood-thirsty nature.
Great apes are no angels, de Waal admits; they do occa-
sionally kill one another. But he argues that makes it all
the more remarkable that most of the time they get along
reaching out to troop members in kindness.
Says de Waal, if we want to understand what in
nature makes us aggressive we have to understand our
equally deep instincts to get along.
A
1, that's the key phrase on which my hope clings:
"our equally deep instincts to get along." To effec
tively wage war, we humans have to teach our
soldiers to kill; deep instincts incline them away from
killing. Only the long centuries of accepting war and
killing keep us from following our honorable instincts. In
the struggle, in our blind acceptance, we placate our
conscience with Geneva conventions {chivalry they called
it, back in days of old when knights were bold) .
As long as we have the irony of "rules of war," as
long as we train killers, as long as we defy "our equally
deep instincts to get along," we will have the contradic-
tion of the "neutral" Red Cross hiring local toughs to
protect its workers and convoys . . . and wondering what
civilized warfare has come to.
And I'll keep pondering the question "And why not
on Sunday, Sherri?" — K.T.
32 Messenger March 1997
S3?<W^3ES?vlffl5^S^5?r52«S
This is your invitation to visit
Sebring Church of the Brethren
700 South Pine St., Sebring, FL 33870. Tel. (941) 385-1597
Cecil D. Hess, Pastor i
Ralph Z. Ebersole, Minister of Visitation
Located in beautiful south-central Florida, the church provides modern, handicapped-accessible facilities. The
congregation has a special ministry to winter residents, offering an annual Bible Conference, weekly Bible studies, bus
trips, golf outings, and much more. We invite your inquiries, and will offer assistance in finding accommodations.
The Sebring Men's Chorus originated as a male quartet, branching out to become a chorus under the leadership
of brother Perry Huffaker. The current director, John Bechtelheimer, has led the group for eight years. It provides
music for worship at Sebring, and also is in demand for local groups and functions. The year-round group is aug-
mented by a large number of men who participate during the winter season.
Sebring AAen's Chorus Row 1: Walter Gingrich, Harold Geib, Kenneth Grubb, Marvin Miller, Robert Cox, Cecil Hess
(pastor), William Hoover, Raymond Hoover, Jake Zigler, John Fike. Row 2: Dean Hollenberg, Wilbur Gump, David
Bollinger, Paul Weaver, Quinter Liskey, Wayne Carr, Harry Fake, Ralph Hollenberg, Emerson Davidson. Row 3: Charles
Rogers, Vernon Hoffman, Lowell Berger, John Gall, Retha Bechtelheimer (accompanist), John Bechtelheimer (director),
Ralph Ebersole (associate pastor), Galen Detwiler, Floyd Lilyquist. Not in photo: Don Carpenter, Robert Delk.
M
1 hi' \*nv
s
< f
IM
( Oiinc i
In northern Kenya, hand-held radios pur-
chased by the Church of the Brethren assure
that each cargo plane airlifting relief ship-
"meiitS-tntoTsouthern Sudan is fully loade^^*
The equipment enables Jimmy Anam, logis-
tics staff for the New Sudan Council of
Churches at Lokichokio, to gain access to free
air shipment for such items as the Church of
the Brethren SOS kits of salt, soap, and towels.
On-the-spot radio communication is but one
illustration of your One Great Hour of Sharing
gift at work. Your gift may also mean school kits,
blankets, tents, medicines, food, wells, refor-
estation, volunteers. Whatever, wherev-
er, the message is one and the **
same: hope from Christian sis-
ters and brothers who care.
Give help.
Give hope. Give life.
Give now through
One Great
Hour of Sharing.
.lilfSBS**?*-
Church of the Brethren April 1 997
I
f
m 'p^^ m>^^
,eacl
ouf \n
♦M^#
/,♦-.
Editor: Kermon Thomasson
Managing Editor: Nevin Dulabaum
Editorial Assistant: Paula Wilding
Subscriptions: Vicki Roche, Martha Cupp
Promotion: Linda Myers Swanson
Study Guide Writer: Willard Dulabaum
Publisher: Dale Minnich
0;
I ur cover story:
'Writes David
Radcliff, "This little
North Korean girl's ambiva-
lence about facing my camera
was okay with me. It seemed
emblematic of her country as a
whole — not quite sure what to
make of outsiders, yet not in a
position to keep the door so llrmly closed any longer." As for the cover
photo, Mrs. Ri Chang Suk of the Kumchon Cooperative feels the pinch of
the grain shortage — insufficient feed for her hens. Still she generously
included eggs in a snack she prepared for our photographer.
Features
12 North Korea: For Brethren, a land
of opportunity
David Radcliff, back from visiting a land
where few westerners are allowed to travel,
sees an opportunity there for Brethren to
reach out. Surprisingly, there are
similarities between North Koreans" values
and Christian values.
22 Going to Galilee
Ryan Ahlgrim says that going to Galilee is a
journey of faith that will last the rest of your
life.
24 The Thomas in us all
Thomas, the disciple who doubted |esus'
resurrection from the dead, speaks for us
all, says Pete Haynes. Deep within each of
us, the doubter dwells.
==1 26
28
Beyond a relief mentality
Dismissing the myths about hunger and
poverty, Jeff Boshart challenges each of us
to get busy doing something about the
reality of the problems.
Toward a shared vision for a
shared ministry
In the second of a series on the General
Board's new design, Glenn F. Timmons
describes how, in the new structure, the
focus is on congregations.
Departments
1
From the Editor
2
In Touch
4
Close to Home
6
News
11
In Brief
16
Special Report
21
Stepping Stones
31
Letters
32
Pontius' Puddle
34
Partners in Prayer
35
Turning Points
36
Editorial
tk Eiilor
How to reach us
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the above address. Allow at least
five weeks for address change.
Coming next month
A preview of what's coming
up at Annual Conference in
Long Beach, and a look at the
business agenda to be tackled
there.
District Messenger representatives: Atl. N.E., Ron
Lutz; Atl. S.E,, Rub\' Rajmer; Ill./Wis., Kreston Lipscomb;
S/C Ind,, Marjoric .Miller; Mich., Ken Good; Mid-All..
Ann Fouts; Mo./Ark., Luci Landes; N. Plains, Frances
Merkey; N. Ohio, Alice L. Driver; S. Ohio, Jack Kline;
Ore.AVash., Marguerite Shamberger; Pac. S.W., Randy
Miller: M. Pa.. Eva Wampler: S. Pa., Elmer Q. Gleim;
W Pa., Jay Chrismer; Shen., Tim Harvey; S.E., Donna
Shumate; S. Plains, Mary Ann Dell; Viriina, Jerry Naff;
W Plains, Dean Hummer; W Marva, Wmomn Spuigeon.
Messenger is the official publication of the 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. Member of the Associated
Church Press. Subscriber to Religion News Ser\'ice
& Ecumenical Press Service. Biblical quotations,
unless otherwise indicated, are from the New Revised
Standard Version. Messenger is owned and published
1 1 limes a year by the General Services Commission,
Church of the Brethren General Board. Second-class
postage paid at Elgin, II!., and at additional mailing
office. Feb. 199"'. Copyright 1997, Church of the
Brethren General Board. ISSN 0026-0355.
Postmaster: Send address changes to Messenger,
l45l Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
Printed on recycled paper
One Annual Conference almost overlaps another lor us on the
denominational staff. By February each year, we have handled
details for such things as exhibits, meal events, and insight sessions.
While folks out in the congregations are still thinking of Annual Con-
ference as an event several calendar pages away, we feel like we are
almost in Long Beach already.
Two members of our Messenger staff have, indeed, been in Long
Beach already. Promotion consultant Linda Myers Swanson and
managing editor Nevin Dulabaum
forsook the joys of winter in north-
ern Illinois to travel to Long Beach
in early February, reconnoitering
the convention center, hotels,
restaurants, and other amenities of
the city; drumming up advertising
business; and holding meetings with
representatives of nearby Brethren |
congregations to interpret our work |
and promote the magazine. %
We are always interested in find- z
ing out the location and condition
of the pressroom that is assigned to us in each host city's
convention center. We have no choice in the matter.
The location sometimes is right off the floor of the audi-
torium and near the presstable we occupy during business
sessions. Sometimes the pressroom is down corridors
and up escalators and around Robin Hood's barn from
the press table. We have enjoyed the luxury of a spacious pressroom
at Charlotte (1995), replete with a kitchenette, restroom, and floor-
to-ceiling glass wall overlooking the auditorium. And we have
weathered the disappointment of makeshift quarters in athletes'
locker rooms, replete with the fragrance of sweat-drenched uniforms
and wet towels (Richmond many years back comes to mind). The
pressroom reconnaissance report from Long Beach has me cautiously
optimistic.
These days of faltering giving to the General Board and the result-
ing straitened budget have us looking for sources of income that can
postpone the day of raising Messenger subscriptions. So one happy
outcome of the California trip was successful advertising solicita-
tion by Linda and Nevin. See the results on pages 17-20.
And be thinking Long Beach Conference. It will be here before
you know it.
Linda Myers Swanson and
Nevin Dulabaum took to the
top of a Long Beach hotel to
get this bird's-eye view of
the convention center.
April 1997 Messenger 1
uilo
Faith into music
Michael Hochstetler is a
member of Blue River
Church of the Brethren in
Columbia City, Ind., but
these days he spends most
of his time on the west
Michael Hochstetler
works in Tinseltown,
but his inidwesteni
Church of the
Brethren roots are still
much ill evidence.
2 Messenger April 1997
coast, in the music world.
And in his music, his
upbringing in the church is
much in evidence. His CD
Three Little Letters has
been out over a year now.
The hymns on the CD
range from traditional to
contemporary. Michael did
the arrangements and
orchestration. A pianist, he
adds his masterful touch to
each number.
After going to California,
Michael earned a degree in
computer programming
and piano performance
studies at California State
Northridge. He began
teaching piano there and is
still a teacher. He figures
that 80 percent of his stu-
dents come from "the
industry."
He has performed in
many places on the west
coast and had many experi-
ences in a variety of musical
settings. With composing
and arranging his first
loves, Michael hopes even-
tually to score films and
television shows.
Meanwhile, another CD
is in the works to demon-
strate this transplanted
Hoosier's virtuosity.
Names in the news
Warren Eshbach of New
Oxford, Pa., after leaving
his position as executive of
Southern Pennsylvania Dis-
trict April 30, will become
director of Pastoral Care at
The Brethren Home in New
Oxford. He also will serve
as dean of Graduate Stud-
ies for Bethany Seminary's
Susquehanna Valley Satel-
lite.
• Phillip Stone, presi-
dent of Bridgewater
College, was chosen in |an-
uary as president of the
Virginia Bar Association.
• Vernon Baker, a
member of Topeco Church
of the Brethren, near Floyd,
Va., received a commenda-
tion from General Electric
as one of a handful of the
nation's GE dealers with c
100-percent customer sat
isfaction record.
• Dympse Bowlin ]r., s
member of Peak Creek
Church of the Brethren,
Laurel Springs, N.C., has
received an Outstanding
Service Award from North
Carolina Association of
Court Counselors. He has
been a court counselor wit
the 23rd Judicial Court
District of North Carolina
since 1974.
• Fumitaka Matsuoka,
dean and vice president of
Pacific School of Religion,
presented the annual Reli-!
gious Heritage Lectures at
McPherson College Feb.
16—1 7, speaking on
"Toward Peoplehood: The
Pain and Promise of Racia
Pluralism."
• Donna Rhodes, minis
ter of Nurture at Stone
Church of the Brethren in
Huntingdon, Pa., has
authored her second book,.
More Little Stories for Littl
Children (Herald Press).
(See luly 1995, page 2.)
Crosses that inspire
What began as a single pro
ject for their small rural
church has become a part-
time ministry for |oe and
Betty Lou Skwierczynski
and Harold and Shirley
O'Dell — both couples
members of New Salem
Church of the Brethren
near Milford, Ind. They
now spend much of their
leisure time making and
distributing inspirational
pocket crosses.
When New Salem
e and Betty Lou Skwierczynski (seated) and Shirley and
arold O'Dell make inspirational crosses for giveaways.
ember Wayne Newcomb
ed last August, among his
;longings was a little
)uch with a cross stitched
1 the front and a message
eked inside. Wayne's
mily gave the pouch to
Iwin Meek, a member of
ew Salem's ministry com-
ission. Edwin was
lordinating a program
at encourages members
read through the Bible,
e asked Betty Lou
cwierczynski to make
ime of the crosses as
rards. That's when the
'o couples began their
OSS ministry.
Pretty soon they were
mding out crosses wher-
er they went. The first
2ek they gave away 200.
ley visited nursing homes
id gave a cross to every-
le they met. Soon they
sve traveling to area towns
id cities.
New Salem pastor Bob
ice asked for 500 crosses
1 a week's notice. He
anted to give 100 crosses
five other Brethren con-
■egations along with a
lallenge to distribute
em. Now the crosses are
aking their way across
country. A hundred crosses
were made for a man in Illi-
nois who has a prison
ministry. A New Salem
member carries crosses
with him on business trips
to California.
Although the four cross
makers are retirees, and
two are disabled, they take
no payment for the crosses
or any contributions for
materials. "Sometimes we
get a hug or a 'God bless
you,'" says Shirley. "Just
doing God's work is
enough," adds Betty Lou.
Joe explains, "I have a
feeling that if we accepted
money, the Lord would
shut us down."
Over 2,000 crosses have
been made so far, each with
an inspiring message
tucked inside. The crosses
carry an implicit message as
well. Says Betty Lou, "We
want others to know how
much God loves them, that
he died for them." — Deb
Peterson
Deb Peterson, a member of New
Salem Churcli of the Brethren near
Milford. Ind.. is a feature writer for
The Goshen News. Goshen. Ind..
from whose Jan. 4, 1997. edition
this story is adapted.
Learnings in Chicago
One of the lessons Erin
Flory learned during a Jan-
uary interterm study at the
Urban Life Center (LJLC)
in Chicago is the intertwin-
ing of the city's commun-
ities and the arts.
The McPherson (Kan.)
College sophomore braved
50-below-zero wind-chill
factors to tour Hispanic,
Asian, and African-Ameri-
can sections of the city, as
well as city museums. She
also frequented coffee-
houses where artists
congregate, attended jazz
concerts, and learned the
history of jazz and blues.
She watched a play about
gang violence, and even had
gang graffiti explained to
Erin Flory
her. ULC stresses gaining
work experience in an
urban environment, and
continual learning outside
the classroom.
Erin, a piano student
since preschool days, plays
the oboe, not only in the
newly formed McPherson
City Symphony, but also in
the Hutchinson Community
Symphony. She often pro-
vides accompaniment for
church and community
musical events. Her home
church is McPherson
Church of the Brethren.
Erin earned four college
credits in social studies at
ULC. Three days a week
she assisted a director at
Sherwood Conservatory of
Music in building a South-
side Chicago Youth
Symphony. She also helped
with sectionals and held
one-on-one technique ses-
sions with the younger
musicians.
"My ULC experience
confirmed my decision to
major in music perfor-
mance," says Erin. But
Chicago is not her kind of
town. "I enjoyed Chicago,"
she says, "but I don't want
to live in a city that big. In
fact the month there made
me really appreciate grow-
ing up and living in
McPherson, and made me
realize the opportunities
that a small town pro-
vides."— Irene S.
Reynolds.
Irene S. Reynolds is a freelance
writer from Lawrence. Kan.
Remembered
Martha Neiderhiser
Parker, 90, died February
25, in Greenville, Ohio. She
and her husband, Daryl
(died 1989), served as
medical missionaries in
China, 1932-1940,
1946-1949; in Puerto
Rico, 1944-1946; and in
Nigeria, 1968-1972.
"In Touch" profiles Brethren we would
like you to meet. Send story ideas and
photos to "In Touch, "Messenger,
1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
April 1997 Messenger 3
Eddie Donald and
Donna Anthony
added medallions with
a Brethren theme
when they created new
windows to
complement older ones
at fones Chapel.
Nothing generic here
When it comes to custom-
made stained-glass church
windows, it pays to have
in-house artists. That was
the case for lones Chapel
Church of the Brethren
near Martinsville, Va.,
when it decided to add two
new windows to supple-
ment its earlier stained-
glass windows, installed in
the sanctuary some 45
years ago.
A Jones Chapel member.
Donna Anthony, is co-
owner, with Eddie
Donald, of Foothills Art
Glass Company in Greer,
S.C. The pair donated
their work, since the win-
dows are a memorial to
Donna's grandmother
Ruth Thomason. The
family wanted to incorpo-
rate Brethren symbols, so
the medallions in the win-
dows depict the Alexander
Mack seal and the current
Church of the Brethren
logo.
There are still some clear
windows in the church, so
there is no telling where
this may end.
Creating a Web site
Elkhart (Ind.) City
Church of the Brethren
member Gary Arnold got
the idea of creating a
World Wide Web site for
his congregation after
hearing of other congrega-
tions with sites. When
CompuServe began offer-
ing free Web site space to
anyone holding an account
with the company, Gary
began investigating. He
surfed the Web to see what
other churches had done.
He downloaded software
and information about writ-
ing the programs, bought a
book on the programming
language, and set to work.
After scanning in some
photos and graphics, Gary
designed the pages for th(
Elkhart City site. At first
there were only four page
The homepage tells about
the church. Then there an
a Calendar of Events page
a Visitor page (an on-line
version of the congrega-
tion's newsletter. The
Visitor), and the Sermon
page (pastor David
Bibbee's weekly sermon).
The site is updated weekl}
usually on Monday mornin
The Web site went on-
line last July, and has beerj
enlarged and improved
since then. Additions
include a church history
page and a page providing
information about mem-
bers.
Elkhart City is the first
Church of the Brethren
congregation in Northern \
Indiana District to have a
Web site. For more infor-
mation from Gary, reach
him via the Internet at
71350. 510@compu-
serve.com. To visit Elkhart
City's Web site, point your
Web browser to http://our
world.compuserve.com/hc
me-pages/arnoldgl.
This and that
On April 20, Arlington
(Va.) Church of the
Brethren is hosting the thirc
annual hymn-sing using llu i
Harmonia Sacra shape- noti i
hymnbook. Phone (703) i
549-4239 for more infer- J
mation.
• This past Christmas, th
young people of County
Line Church of the Brethre:
near Champion, Pa., in a
project called Operation
Christmas Child, filled and
4 Messenger April 1997
ilie Barnhart responds to a letter from a Nicaraguan girl
ho had received a Christmas gift from County Line church.
ift-wrapped 52 shoe boxes
f gifts for needy children
Central America.
• Following its tradition,
a Verne (Calif.) Church
f the Brethren took up a
hristmas Eve offering to
■each beyond the congre-
ation and touch the needs
fthe world." At the 1996
hristmas Eve service,
2ople brought books (or
loney to buy books) to
agin a new library for a
ack church in South Car-
ina burned by arsonists,
iver 55 books and $1,000
ere collected.
elp's on the way
sounds almost too good
) be true, but there actu-
ly is a place where
loestring-budget
lurches can turn for
jmputers.
Enten Pfaltzgraff Eller,
3-pastor of Lafayette
nd.) Church of the
rethren, operates Eller
omputer Services on the
de. Becoming aware of
jsinesses and people
;eking constructive and
Dst-effective ways to dis-
3se of outdated
jmputers, he persuaded
the Lafayette congregation
to begin a Computer
Recycling Program. The
program started up last
fall.
Donors of computer
equipment receive a tax
deduction. Eller Computer
Services assembles the
donated equipment into
working systems, adding
new parts if needed. The
refurbished computers are
donated to such recipients
as schools in Africa, not-
for-profit agencies, small
churches, and low-income
church workers.
Anyone interested in
donating equipment or
seeking help may contact
the Computer Recycling
Program at EllerComp
(a AOL. Com, or (the old-
fashioned way) 1 107 S.
18th St., Lafayette, IN
47905: tel. (317) 474-5021.
Campus comments
At Bridgewater College,
Black History Month was
marked by a program Feb-
ruary 1 8 featuring the
Contemporary Gospel
Singers, a 60-voice choir
from nearby James Madi-
son University.
Let's celebrate
Allensville Church of the
Brethren near Martins-
burg, W.Va., celebrated its
75th anniversary Oct. 27,
1996.
• Westmont Church of
the Brethren in |ohnstown.
Pa., celebrated its centen-
nial Sept. 27-29, 1996,
under the theme of "May
All Who Come Behind Us
Find Us Faithful." Activi-
ties included an "old-time
revival," story-telling, and
a music program featuring
Westmont's "Crayon Box
Nancy Faus. Among the
exhibits was a quilt called
"The Crayon Box."
• Beaver Creek Church
of the Brethren in Hager-
stown, Md., marked its
sesquicentennial in
1996 with special events
and speakers.
• Imperial Heights
Church of the Brethren in
Los Angeles combined its
1997 centennial celebra-
tion with programs |an. 19
and Feb. 23 that honored
the contributions of
African-Americans to US
society. The |an. 19 pro-
gram paid tribute to
Martin Luther King Jr.
The Feb. 23 program, with
a Black History Month
focus, comprised drama,
instrumental music,
poetry, dance, and music
by local choirs.
• Root River Church of
the Brethren near Preston,
Minn., marked its 140th
anniversary Nov. 3, 1996.
Laminated bookmarks
bearing a depiction of the
church were among the
mementos of the occasion.
• Enders (Neb.) Church
of the Brethren, home
congregation of 1997
Annual Conference mod-
erator David Wine (see
February cover story), will
celebrate its 95th anniver-
sary Aug. 30—31.
• Harrisburg (Pa.) First
Church of the Brethren
celebrated its centennial
throughout 1996. A new
history of the congrega-
tion, written by Bethany
Seminary professor
Murray Wagner, is avail-
able for $10 (including
postage and handling)
from the church: 219
Hummel St., Harrisburg,
PA 17104.
"Close to Home" highlights news of
congregations, districts, colleges, homes,
and other local and regional life. Send
story ideas and photos to "Close to
Home, "Messenger, 1451 Dundee
Ave.. Elgin, IL 60120.
4„„,, ,„.,^ K/fT-c
General Board approves new
design, polity changes
The most extensive changes to the
Church of the Brethren General
Board since its creation in 1947 were
approved by the Board during its five
Paul Wampler, General Board
member, lights a "Candle of
Hope, " which is cupped in the
hands of Board member Terry
Shumaker. This candle and 1 1
others were lit as part of the
opening devotion service to the
Board's March meetings.
News items are intended to inform. They do not
necessarily represent the opinions o/"Messenger
or the General Board, and should not be considered
to be ayi endorsement or advertisement.
6 Messenger April 1997
days of spring meetings, March 7-1 1 .
Changes to the Board's composition,
ministries, budget, and personnel
(see pages 8—9) were among the ma-
jor decisions discussed at length and
ultimately approved. A decision re-
garding the location of the Board's
central functions was postponed un-
til March 1998.
Some of the changes approved by
the Board require modifying An-
nual Conference polity, which An-
nual Conference delegates will be
asked to do in July. Four major polity
changes include:
• reducing the General Board
from 25 to 20 members (15 district
and 5 at-large representatives).
• removing the General Board's
three commission structure (General
Services, Parish Ministries and
World Ministries) in favor of creat-
ing and utilizing ad hoc committees
and task teams when needed.
• transforming the current Admin-
istrative Council employee leadership
structure, which consists of a general
•p
secretary, a treasurer, and executive utd
of General Services, Parish Min-
istries and World Ministries
commissions, to a leadership team
design (see page 8).
• creating a Mission and Min-
istries Planning Council and
eliminating two other Annual Con-
ference-created committees. The
Mission and Ministries Planning
Council would replace the current
Planning and Coordinating and
Goals and Budget committees, withi
the General Board's Executive Com jd
mittee absorbing Goals and Budget; ii|
budget parameter development and
planning responsibilities.
The preamble of the document be-
ing sent to Conference delegates
containing the proposed changes in
eludes the General Board's vision
statement and its list of core func-
tions, two documents that guided th
Board as it developed its new design
A statement following the document
calls for an annual review of the new
General Board structure, at least for
several years.
In addition to the four proposed
polity changes, a key aspect of the
General Board's new design that doe
not need Annual Conference approv,
will be the development of three to
five area teams that will consist of
several "generalists" who will work
with congregations and districts in
the areas of worship planning, spiri-
tual formation, stewardship educa-
tion, and evangelism. Each team also
is expected to possess skills in urban
and ethnic ministries, and small-
church development. As of mid-
March, these team positions were stil
under development.
The 1 997 budget approved by the
Board calls for a balanced budget
with expenses and income of
$6,23 1 ,000. For 1 998, the Board ap-
proved an income parameter of
$5,391,000 and an expense parame-
ter of $5, 1 35,000, down $ 1 .9 million
from 1996. The $256,000 surplus the
Board expects to have in 1 998 will be
)\
iiused to replenish its main budget re-
serve, which currently is $1,487,000.
Other reserves include $ 1 ,088,000 in
a bequest quasi-endowment.
Though the $ 1 .9 million reduction
is less than the $2.5 million reduction
proposed by the Board's Redesign
Steering Committee, the Board dur-
ing its debate considered adding
$300,000 to the expense parameters,
funds that are targeted for a bequest
quasi-endowment. This proposal was
in addition to the $300,000 Goals
and Budget Committee added to the
original 1998 expense parameter of
$4,835,000 when it met just prior to
the start of the Board's meetings.
Lengthy debate ensued, with Board
members closely divided between fiscal
responsibility and increased ministries,
at least for the short-term. However,
the Board ultimately approved the
$5, 1 35,000 expense parameter.
Although a decision regarding the
future location of the Board's cen-
tralized functions was expected to be
made in March, Board members ap-
proved a proposal that calls for that
decision to be postponed for one year.
The reason for the postponement is
that the Board's Redesign Steering
Committee, which was charged with
preparing a location recommendation,
realized that location issues should be
addressed separately from organiza-
tional issues, said Chris Bowman,
Board member and RSC chair.
According to the RSC's location
■recommendation, the Board's pri-
mary task for the immediate future
"is the implementation of its re-
designed structure to involve the en-
tire church in its mission, to facilitate
the spiritual turning of the church we
believe is required, and to develop
new mission based on the discern-
ment of the entire church body."
Taking the RSC's recommenda-
tions with only one slight modifica-
tion, the Board approved forming a
Site Recommendation Committee, to
be composed of the general secretary
(or interim), two people appointed by
the General Board, one person ap-
pointed by Brethren Benefit Trust's
board and one member appointed by
the Annual Conference officers.
Brethren Benefit Trust and the An-
nual Conference Office are two ma-
jor tenants of the General Board-
owned General Offices in Elgin, III.
Though the Board mostly dealt with
issues surrounding its new design,
it also heard a proposal that was ap-
proved by its Executive Committee to
raise $75,000 for the Global Food
Crisis Fund to provide fertilizer, seed,
and planting materials for North Ko-
rea (see page 15). North Koreans
have suffered from food shortages for
nearly two years due to damaging
floods. Congregations will be asked to
participate in the project in April.
The Board received Annual Con-
ference Review and Evaluation
Committee's report on the General
Board. This report will be printed in
the Annual Conference Booklet, or is
available by calling the Annual Con-
ference Office at (800) 323-8039.
Parish Ministries Commission heard
Brethren Press' plan to develop a new
alternative adult curriculum to its
"Guide for Biblical Studies," which
will be available in the fall of 1998.
This new curriculum, to be published
jointly with Faith & Life Press, will
focus on life issues and "approaching
the Bible as a curriculum itself."
Brethren Press also reported its cen-
tennial celebration plans for this year.
Three publications are being pub-
lished in honor of its 100th
anniversary, and Brethren Press will
also celebrate the special year at its
Annual Conference breakfast.
The Board approved the seventh
draft of the "Deacon Ministry in the
Church of the Brethren," to be sent
for adoption this year by Annual
Conference. Commissioned by
Annual Conference in 1995, the
paper was drafted by Association of
Brethren Caregivers and forwarded
to the Board through Parish Min-
istries Commission. It is intended
Kathy Hess and Steve Petcher,
chairwoman and vice chairman of
the General Board, listen to debate
pertaining to the Board's planned
new design at its meetings in March.
"to revitalize the deacon ministry in
the church," said Jay Gibble, staff
liaison to the study committee.
The Board also heard a report the
joint Parish/World ministries paper,
"Statement on Child Exploitation,"
which will return to Annual Confer-
ence this year for approval following
a year of study.
The General Services Commission
also reported to the Board that it:
• approved a proposal that allows
Board employees to now receive their
retirement annuity through Brethren
Benefit Trust beginning at age 55
instead of 60. Retirees who are 55 and
who have at least 10 years of service
may also participate in the Board's
group insurance plan.
• heard an update on
WWW. Brethren. Org, the web site
that is being developed by Bethany
Theological Seminary, Brethren Ben-
efit Trust, Brethren Employees Credit
Union, and the General Board. The
site is scheduled to go online in lune.
• elected (eff Bach, assistant pro-
fessor and director of Peace Studies
at Bethany Theological Seminary, to
serve on the Brethren Historical
Committee. — Nevin Dulabaum and
Paula Wilding
April 1997 Messenger 7
General Board begins hiring
employees for its new design
During its March meetings, the Gen-
eral Board and its Transition Team
approved many personnel-related
changes, including the formation of
an interim Leadership Team for
Board employees. This team, which
replaces the five-member Administra-
tive Council, will become permanent
if proposed General Board polity
changes are approved by Annual
Conference delegates this summer.
The Leadership Team structure ap-
proved in mid-March consisted of
nine directors, and other salaried
staff members. Support staff posi-
tions had not yet been named.
• Executive director: executive
director, assistant, and coordinator
of Human Resources. The current
equivalent position — the general sec-
retary— is filled by Karen Peterson
Miller, who is serving a one-year
term as interim.
• Congregational Life Ministries:
director, Congregational Life Teams,
and coordinator of Youth and Young
Adult Ministries. Also announced
were Congregational Life Associate
volunteers. Glenn Timmons, execu-
tive for Parish Ministries, was named
director of this ministry in March.
• Ministry: director, coordinator
of District Ministry, coordinator of
Ministry Leadership Development.
An open search for the director is
underway.
• Brethren Press: director/pub-
lisher, editor of Publications, editor of
Study Resources and Books, staff for
Interpretation, Marketing manager.
News and Information editor, and
Business manager. Wendy McFadden
was named director/publisher of the
new Brethren Press in December.
• Funding: director. Salaried staff
positions yet to be determined. Ken
Neher, executive of Oregon/Wash-
ington District and a General Board
Planned Giving officer, in March was
named director.
• Global Mission Partnerships:
director, coordinator of Emergency
Response and Service Ministry, and
coordinator for Global Connections.
Mervin Keeney was named director
General Board member David M'lWer of Roanoke. Va., questions the future
role the Board will have with the Association of Brethren Caregivers, during
the Board's March meetings. During the meetings the Board voted to end its
funding of ABC and On Earth Peace Assembly personnel. The Board will be
in dialog with both organizations to define new working relationships.
in early January.
• Volunteer Service Ministries:
director, coordinator of Brethren Vol
unteer Service Orientation,
coordinator of Brethren Service in !
Europe, and coordinator of Recruit- ]
ment of Brethren Volunteer Service/ \
Short-term program. Dan McFadden i
was named director in December. i
• Finance, Central Resources: trea- 1
surer/director; controller at General
Offices, Elgin, III.; controller at
Brethren Service Center, New Wind-
sor, Md.; manager of Brethren
Historical Library and Archives; man-
ager of Buildings and Grounds
(Elgin); manager of Buildings and
Grounds (New Windsor); manager of!
Information Systems; and coordinatori
of New Windsor Conference Center.
Treasurer Judy Keyser in March was
named treasurer/director.
• Brethren Witness: This ministry
of peace, justice, care of creation,
and other Brethren values was cre-
ated by the Board in March. An open
search for its director is underway.
Several lists prepared by the Gen-
eral Board and its Transition
Team were released during and fol-
lowing the Board's meetings. One listi
included the job positions that will be
eliminated effective July 18 unless
otherwise noted (although some of
the responsibilities included in these
positions are being transferred to job
positions in the new organization).
Positions being eliminated are:
• director, District Ministry
• executive, General Services
• administrative assistant. General
Services
• editor, Messenger
• managing editor. Messenger/
director, News Services
• director, Stewardship Education
• executive, Parish Ministries
• administrative assistant. Parish
Ministries
• director. Congregational Nurture
• director, Hispanic Ministries
• co-directors. Ministry
• director, Ministry Training
8 Messenger April 1997
Members of the General Board's new Leadership Team include Dan McFadden.
Judy Keyser, Mervin Keeney, Karen Peterson Miller, Ken Neher, Wendy
McFadden, and Glenn Timmons. An open search is underway for two
'.additional members of this team not yet hired (see pages 32 and 34).
• director, New Church
Development
• director of Outdoor Ministries
• director, Korea (domestic)
• executive. World Ministries
• administrative assistant, World
Ministries/director, Mission
Interpretation
• representative for Africa and the
Middle East
• representative for Latin America
and the Caribbean
• director, Eco-Iustice Concerns/
director. Rural and Small Church
Concerns
• director, Denominational Peace
Witness
• executive director, Center
Operations
• director, Refugee/Disaster
Services
• director, Washington Office
• manager. Customer Service
• advisor. Congregational
Resourcing (for The Andrew Center)
• director, The Andrew Center
{goes into effect Dec. 31)
• employees. Association of
Brethren Caregivers and On Earth
Peace Assembly (their employment is
shifted to these agencies).
A list of names of people hired to
work in the new organization had
not been released as of mid-March,
as that process is expected to take
several months. However, a list of
full- and part-time employees whose
employment will be terminated July
18 (unless noted) was released.
These people will receive three
months severance.
• Shantilal Bhagat has served as
director of Eco-(ustice Concerns/
Rural Small Churches since 1987.
He has worked for the General
Board since 1968.
• Karen Carlson has served as
support staff for The Andrew Center
since 1991. Her employment will
conclude on Dec. 31.
• Rose Collins has served as sup-
port staff for the Office of
Interpretation since 1995.
• Martha Cupp, support staff for
Messenger, has served in this position
since 1995. Previously, Cupp worked
for Messenger from 1989 to 1993.
• lanice Eller has served as co-
director of Ministry since 1994.
• Guillermo Encarnacion has
served as director of Hispanic Min-
istry since 1994. Encarnacion will
continue his General Board work
with the Dominican Republic.
• Barbara Faga has served as sup-
port staff for The Andrew Center since
1988. She began her employment with
the General Board in 1986. Her
employment will conclude on Dec. 3 1 .
• Sheri Fecher has worked for
Yearbook since 1996. She will con-
clude her service on June 15.
• |une Gibble has served as direc-
tor of Congregational Nurture and
Worship since 1988. She previously
served the Board from 1977-1984.
• Jean Hendricks, director of Min-
istry Training, has served in this
position since 1991.
• Robert Kettering has served as
director of New Church Develop-
ment since 1994. Kettering currently
also serves as interim director of The
Andrew Center. Employment in that
position will end on Dec. 3 1 .
• lames Kinsey has served as co-
director of Ministry since 1994. He
will continue to serve as executive
for Michigan District.
• Dale Minnich has served as
associate general secretary and Gen-
eral Services Commission executive
since 1988. He has served the Gen-
eral Board since 1979.
• Marge Moeller has served as
support staff for Customer Service
since 1996. She has worked for the
General Board since 1987.
• [an Morse has served as Cus-
tomer Service manager since 1991.
She has served the General Board
since 1984.
• Karen Norstrom has served as
support staff for Human Resources
since 1995.
• Barbara Ober has served as
administrative assistant and director
of Mission Interpretation for World
Ministries Commission since 1985.
• Nina Roher has served as sup-
port staff in accounts receivable for
Finance since 1994.
• Roberta Rosser, support staff for
Congregational Nurture and Worship,
has served in this position since 1986.
• Linda Swanson has served as
support staff for Messenger since
1994. Previously, she served the
General Board from 1977 to 1992.
• Kermon Thomasson, editor of
Messenger, has held this position
since 1977. He has served the Gen-
eral Board since 1959.
• Paula Wilding has served as edi-
torial assistant for News Services
since 1993. — Nevin Dulabaum and
Paula Wilding
April 1997 Messenger 9
Brethren Service Center hosts
pastor of burnt church
Building bridges and tearing down
walls was the theme of the keynote
speech given by Patrick Mellerson,
pastor of Butler Chapel African
Methodist Episcopal Church, Or-
angeburg, S.C, at the Brethren Dis-
aster Response Leadership Confer-
ence, Feb. 15, at the New Windsor
(Md.) Conference Center.
The rebuilding of Butler Chapel
Church, which was destroyed by an
act of arson in April 1 996, will begin
this spring by Brethren volunteers.
In March, the Emergency Disaster
Fund allocated $20,000 to help fund
this project.
"This will show my community
that there are people across the
United States who don't care about
color or creed and are concerned
with the burnings," said Mellerson.
"When one church burns, we all feel
the flames."
Mellerson is the scheduled keynote
speaker at the Messenger dinner at
Annual Conference in Long Beach,
Calif. He also is scheduled to appear
in the General Board Live Report.
Committee asl(s for support
in pastoral insurance quest
At its January meeting, the Pastoral
Compensation and Benefits Advisory
Committee addressed a letter to ask-
ing Brethren to join it in encouraging
Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) to "seek
ways to slow the spiraling cost of
medical insurance while at the same
time preserving the values of mutual-
ity that have been incorporated in the
medical plan from its inception."
In light of the rising cost of medical
insurance, the committee asked the
denomination to remain with the
Brethren Medical Plan while BBT
looks at options to limit increases in
premiums, according to Jan Filer, in-
terim staff liaison to the committee.
Council of District Executives
(CODE) added its affirmation of the
statement in January, Filer added.
Conference attendees to
build second Habitat house
For the second consecutive year. An-
nual Conference attendees will have
the opportunity to blitz-build a house
during Conference week. Work on
the house is scheduled for June
28-July 4, with Sunday, June 30, off.
One hundred fifty volunteers are
being sought to build the house in co-
operation with Habitat for Humanity.
The land where the house will be
built was donated in February by the
Long Beach Housing Development
Company. The property is a 20-minute
walk from the Convention Center.
Habitat founder Millard Fuller will
take part in dedicating the house, as
well as serve as the Friday evening
Conference speaker.
General Board programs sponsor-
ing the project include The Andrew
Center, Brethren Volunteer Service,
News Services, and Refugee/Disas-
ter Services. The Emergency Disas-
ter Fund allocated $50,000 to pay
for materials.
For a registration flyer, contact |an
Thompson, 8151 E. Cactus Dr.,
Mesa, AZ 85208. Registration dead-
line is June 1.
Calendar
Earth Day, focusing on climate change,
April 22 [Contact Eco-|ustice Con-
cerns for resources and other related
materials, General Offices, (800) 323-
8039; SBhagat.parti@Ecunet.Org].
"...With Eyes of Faith" will be the theme of the 1998 National Youth
Conference, as chosen by the NYC '98 coordinators and the 1997-98
National Youth Cabinet when they met in Elgin, III., in February.
The NYC '98 coordinators cmd 1997-98 youth cabinet are: (front row)
Janelle Wilkinson, Karen Miller, Jaime Eller, and John Eshleman: (back
row) Ryan Bowers, Joy Struble, Janice Bowman, Emily Shonk, Chris
Douglas, Eric Bishop, Brian Yoder, and Matt Rittle.
Posters, brochures, a promotional video, and an NYC web site are
expected to be available in June.
10 Messenger April 1997
Id Krief
Young adults and young adult leaders are Invited to an ecu-
menical young adult ministry leadership training event. The event,
scheduled for May 22-25 in Atlanta, is co-sponsored by Youth and
Young Adult Ministry. For more information, contact Chris Douglas
lat (800) 323-8039 or CoB.Youth.parti@Ecunet. Org.
A 700-hour fast by two Brethren and three other Christian
Peacemaker Teams members was scheduled for March in
Hebron, the Middle East. Art Gish of Athens, Ohio, and Cliff
Kindy of North Manchester, Ind., were to join three other CPT
workers in the "Fast for Rebuilding." The 29-day fast was to be
held on behalf of the 700 Palestinian families "who are sched-
uled to lose their homes because their land is adjacent to Israeli
settlements or bypass roads," reported Janice Kulp Long of CPT.
The demolition of the homes by the Israeli government is in vio-
lation of the Oslo II Peace Accords, Long added.
Three Christian Peacemaker Teams delegations were an-
nounced in February. A delegation to Haiti, April 2-13, will work
on local violence reduction. A delegation to the Middle East, June
10-22, will work with the CPT team in Hebron on peacemaking.
A delegation to Chiapas, Mexico, is being planned, though dates
have not been announced. For more information, contact CPT at
(312) 455-1 199 or at CPT@lgc. Ape. Org.
Over $100,000 was allocated to eight projects by the
Emergency Disaster Fund during the first three months of 1 997.
Two grants totaling $36,000 were allocated to help people in
North Korea— $25,000 will help Church World Service purchase
and send barley to those in need due to flooding that has caused
food shortages in that country; $1 1 ,000 will assist in shipping
beef.
Other grants included: $20,000 — assistance for Brethren vol-
unteers and their related projects in the Balkans; $20,000— for
the Church of the Brethren rebuilding project of Butler Chapel,
Orangeburg, S.C; $10,000 — supplies and child care in response
to West Coast flooding; $1 0,000— relief supplies to Iglesia Cris-
tiana Pentecostal (the Church of the Brethren partner in Cuba)
following Hurricane Lily; $5,200— for Habitat for Humanity in
rebuilding two homes in the Phillipines destroyed by the 1991
eruption of Mount Pinatubo; and $5,000— food relief for mal-
nourished people in Kenya suffering from severe drought.
The Chemical Weapons Convention, which was signed last
fall by leaders from over 1 00 countries— including the United
States— bans the use, production, and possession of chemical
weapons. In order to become a member of the decision-making
body associated with the CWC, the United States Senate must
ratify the convention by April 29. According to Nathan Davis of
the Church of the Brethren Washington Office, the ratification
^'Ote is expected in the Senate by early April.
As a historic peace church, the Church of the Brethren has
sought to limit both the use and availability of arms. The church
las repeatedly declared that "all war is sin." More specifically, the
Twenty-two people participated in Brethren Volunteer
Service Unit 224 orientation. Jan. 19-Feb. 7, 1997, at
Camp Ithiel, Gotha, Fla. Participants included (front row):
Tilman Biittner, foe Laudermilch, Julie Moreau, Aaron
Durnbaugh, Angle Kreider. Curtis Bryant, and Sladana
Dankovic. (Middle row): Sue Grubb (BVS orientation
assistant), Natascha Hess, Mary Ann Albert, Beth Van
Order, Leslie Altic, fen Smith, Katie farvis, Michael
McCarthy, and Nate Hadju (BVS director's assistant).
(Back row): fason Larick, Todd Reish (BVS orientation
coordinator). Ole Nicolaisen, Mike Martin, Anya Neher,
and Charles Albert. (See page 55 for assignments.)
1 987 General Board resolution "In this Time of Terrible Belliger-
ence" calls upon the US government to reject chemical weapons
and to put "an end to research and weaponry for chemical war-
fare."
For more information, contact Davis at the Washington Office
at (21 2) 546-3202 or at WashOfc@AOL.Com.
Campaign finance reform was the topic of a letter drafted to
Congress by Karen Peterson Miller, interim general secretary for
the Church of the Brethren General Board, and about 20 other
religious leaders in February. "As religious leaders, we believe in
the government's role in seeking justice for all people and in
building the common good," the letter states. "Justice cannot be
achieved unless the rules governing the democratic process are
just and fair to all."
"To protect the value of our democracy, we must protect the
integrity of each individual's vote," said John Harvey, interim
Washington Office director. "As long as large amounts of money
and a very small number of people are controlling the political
process, public cynicism will continue to increase. Monied inter-
est should not supersede the common good. As the voice of
morality in the political debate, we as Christians must be active
in working toward effective campaign finance reform."
The Connecting Families Weekend Retreat for parents of les-
bian, gay, and bisexual children is scheduled for April 11-13 at
Laurelville (Pa.) Mennonite Church Center. For more information,
contact Brethren/Mennonite Council, (612) 305-0315; BMCoun-
cil@AOL.Com.
April 1997 Messenger 1 1
a larva o| oppoi^furviiy
I came home from North Korea
with hope. Many people there
seem ready for a neiv kind of
relationship with a people they
remember only as deliverers of
death and destruction.
A Pyongyang police officer c/Zrecfs "morning rush hour"
traffic. Few people own cars in North Korea, where
salaries average $100 a month.
Story and photos by
David Radcliff
ihe first thing I noticed was that I
|could hear them tallying. Across i
broad boulevard in the heart of North
Korea's capita! city of Pyongyang, I
could hear the conversations of
people on the other side of the street.
It gave me an eerie feeling — as if
some catastrophe had suddenly
brought on a regression to an earlier
time. Instead, it was simply the nearly
total lack of traffic or commercial
enterprise.
But in Pyongyang even the conver-
sation itself is disquieting; it is not tht
raucous chatter we associate with ;
urban life the world over. It is almost '
hushed — no evidence of laughter or
rowdiness, except for the play of a few
children in a concrete square. And \
this seems somehow out of place. It is!
as if a pall hangs over the land.
Warning: This story contains no
gripping photos of dying children.
Not that some North Koreans
haven't died; there are reports of
deaths from hunger among the very
young and very old. Most of the
people are gradually slowing down,
losing energy along with body mass.
Thanks to a very efficient food distri
bution system, however, everyone
goes down together. It's like a broad
shallow lake: Evaporation sucks the
moisture off its surface in a ruth-
lessly equitable manner. Each part
becomes shallower at the same rate;
but when the lake bed finally
appears, the lake is no more.
I had come to North Korea with a
small delegation of representatives of
Christian humanitarian organiza-
tions. Together, we were finding
ways to assist North Korea in
rebuilding after its devastating floods;
of the past two years. My own
agenda included following up on
food aid that the Church of the
Brethren had already provided,
assessing needs for further assis-
tance, and building a relationship
between our two peoples.
The people of North Korea are
1 2 Messenger April 1997
In the field behind Mrs. Ri Sung Sun, barley seed dunated by the Church of the Brethren was to be planted in
mid-March. Here on the Kumchon Cooperative, one-fifth of its 1,500 hectares was submerged by the floods.
Most of its oxen were swept away. A barley harvest this summer will be crucial to survival.
lealing with their food crisis in the best way they know
low — by turning to one another. One mistake outsiders
nake is to sometimes equate the Juche ideal of self-
eliance with the American style of personal autonomy
md independence. For the people of North Korea, it
neans that human beings within a certain society must
ely on themselves collectively to solve their problems,
leither depending on outsiders unnecessarily nor upon
ome higher being. Thus, a time of need becomes a time
if sharing and looking out for one another. "Even with a
heet of paper, two hold it better." According to this
Corean proverb, the smallest of tasks is worthy of cooper-
five effort; so much more so, then, the much larger task
if surviving a bone-rattling famine.
M'
Jorth Koreans from the city travel to visit their coun-
try relatives, confident that their kindred will be able
D assist them. This is because farmers receive their ration
mmediately following the harvest. Even though for the
last two years their portion has been been only 80 per-
ent of earlier years' ration, it is food in hand. For their
:rban counterparts, the monthly ration has been slowly
ecreasing, until it has now become less than a survival
ation.
The city folks take an article of clothing or some other
ousehold item with them to exchange. This is valued by
leir less materially blessed rural relatives, but the
xchange still can be seen as unequal. Someone is giving
p food.
I wondered how North Koreans really feel about their
heavily regimented lives. I got a chance to hold a lively
discussion in an unlikely setting — atop the Juche Tower, a
Pyongyang tourist stop. I asked my omnipresent govern-
ment representative, Mr. Kim Su Man, to step to the
other side of the tower so that the tour guide and I could
have a frank discussion. He good-naturedly obliged me. I
then asked the guide how she liked the North Korean
political and economic system. What about the lack of
freedom of speech, or the closed political process? "We
have our apartments provided," she replied, "along with
our monthly food ration. Health care and education are
provided by the government. There is no unemployment."
And she pointed out that 10 percent of the North Korean
congress are women, one of the highest percentages in
the world. "We are very grateful to our government for
these things. Why would we complain?"
"We are both willing to make trade-offs," I replied.
"You North Korean people give up some freedoms for
economic security and for other guaranteed benefits. In
America, we have opportunities to make our fortunes eco-
nomically and to participate in the political system. Of
course, many don't make it to the top of the economic
ladder, or anywhere near it. And money threatens to con-
sume our democratic system. But these are risks we are
willing to take.
"Perhaps the ideal system lies somewhere between us,"
I offered the guide as a concluding statement that perhaps
she and I could agree upon.
Lack of incentive is a big problem for North Korean
farmers and factory workers, however. A manager of a
April 1997 Messenger 13
German company running a clothing factory in Pyongyang
said tPiat the products produced there were of marginal
quality. "It's a human problem," he said. "The people just
come to work and labor like robots. There is no imagina-
tion or incentive for working harder or better. And the
conditions are deplorable — the worst I have seen any-
where. It is like there had been a war, or that this were the
past century. The buildings are unheated, and it is some-
times colder inside than outside. No one brings any food to
eat; I suppose because they don't have any. And mothers
have their babies strapped to their backs all day. Workers
only get one or two days off a month. And they must work
when there is electricity, which is often at night."
The company pays $2-3 a piece for the articles of cloth-
ing manufactured there. Payment goes to the government
via a Hong Kong intermediary. Workers may receive a
dollar or two a month for their labor — not including their
food allotment, apartment, and other perks, that is. The
items sell for $100-$300 a piece back in Germany.
It would be difficult to overstate the effect of the recent
floods upon the food supply in North Korea. In a country
where only 20 percent of the land is farmable, because of
the mountainous terrain, some 25 percent of available
crop land was flooded in 1995 and 1996. As a result, the
nation was left with an annual food shortage of some 1 .5
million tons. This year, the daily food ration has declined
from the normal level of 750 grams to 1 50-300 grams —
or about 700 calories a person; 400 grams is considered
essential for adequate nutrition. Birgitta Karlgren of the
World Food Program warned that the current food sup-
plies, even at this reduced ration, will run out by this
month or next.
How bad was the flooding? They say that on one day in
late summer 1995, 1.2 meters of rain fell. That's right:
over three feet.
In my flight out of North Korea, I sat beside Arthur
Holcombe of the United Nations Development Pro-
gram. He filled in other details for me. Livestock
production is down 75 percent since 1990. Many animals
were washed away; many of those that weren't were killed
for food, including breeding stock. It will be difficult to
recover animal production, given the lack of feed grain.
Prior to the floods, food production in North Korea had
already been decreasing by four percent annually. This was
due partly to a lack of incentives for increased production,
but perhaps more so to the breakup of the Soviet Union
and the increased openness of China to the outside world.
These two countries had been North Korea's primary
benefactors. Without their generosity, widespread short-
ages of fuel, equipment, and other essential commodities
such as medicine and fertilizer quickly developed. To make
the energy situation worse, many coal mines have been
flooded and thus taken out of production.
The international community has responded to North
Korea's crisis, although not to the extent needed. A recent
In a February snowfall, /anners bring in bundles of
cornstalks to be chopped by hand and stored in a primitive
silo. The denuded hillside in the background represents
widespread deforestation, and helps account for the floods
of the past two years.
$10-million food assistance grant from the United States
was an appropriate step, but in itself totals less than five
percent of the total aid needed in 1997, according to
Victor Hsu of the National Council of Churches' East
Asia office.
In the current year, there is a grain shortfall of some
2.5 million tons. The United Nations has begun to see
some signs of physical stunting among very young chil-
dren; they aren't growing normally. The North Koreans
are nervous, however, about direct assessments of the
health of their people. They say South Korea has used
such information in the past for propaganda purposes —
disparaging the North Korean governmental system.
On the way to the airport on the morning of my depar-
ture, Mr. Kim Choi Guk gave up his customary front scat
to sit by me in the back of the government-provided Mer-
cedes. Our relationship had been slowly warming each
day. Our North Korean hosts hadn't known quite what to
make of the Church of the Brethren. "I think that if you
keep coming here, we will become familiar with you," Mr
Kjm said. He and I talked about our families and about
the future. He joked that when he became a high-ranking
government official, he would personally invite me back.
Mr. Kim wondered if the Brethren had a particular
maxim. I asked him for the pen I had just given him. I
pointed out the text printed on the barrel: "Continuing
the Work of Jesus. Peacefully. Simply. Together." He
asked if Brethren lived in luxury. "Living simply in Ameri
can society is sometimes a challenge for us," I replied,
"but we work on it."
1 told Mr. Kim that there are many similarities between
North Korean values and Christian values — concern for
the well-being of others, willingness to share, and a
strong sense of community. He noted that Christianity
seemed to make sense.
He then turned more serious and reminded me of the
American troops amassed along the South Korean side oi
the border. He sees US support of South Korea as a one
sided policy, and reminded me that as long as this
1 4 Messenger April 1997
continues, there will be tension. I responded that we must
not go to war; the devastation for all the Korean people
would be enormous. And I felt a pang in my own heart at
the thought of this man and others 1 had met over the
past days being subject to another round of US bomb-
ing— this time surely worse than during the Korean War
of 1950-1953.
^
Ri Chong Sun is pastor of one of
the three Christian churches in
North Korea. North Korea's
Christian community numbers
about 10,000 members, the
majority belonging to house
churches.
A city dweller heads for the countryside
to ask farmer relatives for food to
supplement her meager ration.
here is much to yet overcome. The food situation will
only slowly improve, and this will take a combination
of outside assistance and North Korean willingness to try
new styles of production. Our relationship will likewise
take time to recover from the animosities of the past, still
amazingly fresh in our minds. And misunderstandings on
all sides could quickly lead to trouble.
Yet, I came home with more hope than I thought I
might. Some sectors of the North Korean government
seem open to new ideas. Many people seem ready for a
new kind of relationship with a people they remember
only as deliverers of death and destruction; a new
memory can slowly be created to replace the old.
In the smiles of a teenage band on the streets of
[Pyongyang, in the breaking of eggs together at Kumchon
Cooperative, in the exchange of greetings with Christian
sisters and brothers, and in an honest and frank conversa-
tion atop the luche Tower, there were signs that where we
have been is not where we have to continue to go.
May God take us to this new place together.
Ai.
David Radcliffis director of Denominational Peace Witness on the
World Ministries Commission staff.
_ypenirvg
7\)oi^fK Koreans
The Church of the Brethren has responded to the
needs of the North Korean people in a variety of
ways over the past 18 months. The Emergency
Disaster Fund has allotted a total of $66,000, and
$55,000 has been sent from the Global Food Crisis
Fund. Much of this assistance has been in response
to Church World Service appeals for rice ship-
ments. Part of the GFCF grants ($35,000) and EDF
grants ($25,000) supported the supplying of barley
seeds for a 1997 spring crop to precede the early
summer rice planting. This is the first time that
such double-cropping has been attempted in North
Korea. Two shipments of canned beef from South-
ern Pennsylvania/Mid-Atlantic districts' Beef
Canning Project have been made, and funds for
medical supplies were raised by Missouri/Arkansas
District.
Due in part to Brethren prompting, Robert Pelant
of Heifer Project International took part in the
February delegation to North Korea. Efforts are
being made to include other agencies in our
response to the North Korean crisis.
Last month, the General Board authorized a spe-
cial one-time offering to provide additional
assistance to North Korea. A goal of $75,000 was
set, with any funds raised to be sent through the
Global Food Crisis Fund. Congregations are encour-
aged to respond to this appeal by mid-April.
Depending on needs at that time, collected funds
will be used either to purchase corn seed and fer-
tilizer for the summer planting or additional rice
for immediate consumption.
We are seeking ways to build relationships
between Brethren and the North Koreans. Among
the ideas explored thus far are workcamps,
exchanges, and reciprocal choir visits. Progress
on such initiatives will be slow, as trust will need
to develop over time. — David Radcliff
April 1997 Messenger 1 5
Following Jesus' w^elcome of strangers
By Walt Wiltschek
The fellowship hall of Codorus
Church of the Brethren in Loganville,
Pa., took on the appearance of a Chi-
nese New Year celebration on Feb. 26.
Colorful paper artwork sat on ta-
bles or was carried proudly about the
room; people in various corners of
the room chatted excitedly; others
shared hugs with newfound friends.
This celebration marked not a new
year but a new beginning. The 39
Chinese men in the room had spent
more than 1,360 days in prison,
dreaming of this moment of freedom.
They received carnations, happily
tried on donated clothes, and re-
ceived other items to help them get a
new start on life. A sign outside the
church proclaimed "FREEDOM."
"There have been a lot of prayers
going up for this," said Grace
LeFever, a member of West York
Church of the Brethren. "We're all
celebrating and are just thrilled."
The detainees' saga started in June
1993, when the "Golden Venture"
freighter ran aground off of Queens,
New York.
The vessel carried nearly 300 pas-
sengers, 10 of whom died while
swimming ashore. Most had con-
tracted with smugglers to help them
in their quest for freedom.
Instead, they were sent to prisons;
110 to the York County (Pa.) prison.
There the immigrants stayed unno-
ticed until an article in a local paper
three months later focused on their
plight. An ecumenical vigil was
scheduled and a community group to
1 6 Messenger April 1997
help the detainees was born. "People
of the Golden Vision" included about
a dozen Brethren.
The group faithfully held weekly
vigils each Sunday, 183 in all. They
made visits and organized classes for
teaching English.
They kept contact with lawyers who
worked to represent the detainees
and to build asylum cases for them.
On Feb. 26, 12 days after President
Clinton announced their release was
imminent, it finally came true, al-
though each detainee will still need
to plead his case for asylum.
|oe Detrick, pastor of Codorus
Church of the Brethren, was among
those involved in the effort from its
early stages. He would often sing
and preach at the vigils, and he and
his family hosted several prisoners
who obtained earlier releases.
He rejoiced that People of the
Golden Vision's work had finally
achieved its goal. "We're feeling really
elated about their release," he said.
For Detrick, the People of the
Golden Vision's work reached to the
heart of the New Testament's message.
"From our vantage point, it follows
the biblical understanding of welcom-
ing the stranger and being a messen-
ger of God, and is consistent with our
church's standing of taking in people
who come to us," Detrick said.
"When Jesus talks about 'the least
of these,' there's power in that mes-
sage from Jesus, which literally
means when you have done it to oth-
ers ... you're really doing it to God."
LeFever learned about the Golden
Vision work when she went to see a
display of some of the detainees' pa-
per artwork, which has helped draw
national attention to their cause.
"Because Brethren have been in-
volved in many things like this, I im-
mediately said I need to be involved,
in whatever I can do," LeFever said.
Harriet and Ray Miller, members
of the Cordorus congregation, have
also been active in People of the
Golden Vision, with Harriet serving
as resettlement coordinator.
Arlene Miller, a French teacher and^
member of New Fairview Church of
the Brethren in York, along with
Jake, her husband, offered her ser-
vices when told the detainees were ini
need of an English teacher.
Arlene and Jake were among 21
families who had offered their homes
to the detainees until they are settled.
"Friendship House," a house pur-
chased by the Golden Vision group
and scheduled to open this month —
in part through a $25,000 donation
from Atlantic Northeast and Southern
Pennsylvania districts' Disaster Relief
Auction — will also help provide a
place for such resettlement efforts.
Detrick said work with refugees will
become an ongoing effort.
The weekly vigils, however, will
likely become monthly meetings, he
said. "We promised to meet until the
last one was free," Detrick said.
Through People of the Golden Vi-
sion's persistence, that long-
awaited moment finally came.
Ai.
Walt Wiltschek is a designer and a feature
writer for the York (Pa.) Daily Record. He is a
member of York First Church of the Brethren.
^tfigBeach '97
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Conference information packets
were released on March 1 1 ; to order
a packet, call the Annual Conference
office at (800) 323-8039. Additional
Conference information will be avail-
able in Messenger's May preview
issue, and in the Annual Conference
Booklet, set to be available by |une 1 .
Lodging in Long Beach is conve-
nient, with three hotels within
two minutes walking distance of the
Convention Center. Two other hotels
and one motor lodge are within 13
minutes of the Center. For hotel
reservations and rates, use the hotel
registration form included in the
Annual Conference packet.
Getting to Long Beach should be
hassle-free, regardless of how
people travel. Long Beach is located
less than an hour southeast of Los
Angeles, with interstate access. With
two major airports located within 30
minutes of Long Beach's downtown,
April 1997 Messenger 17
fc)ifigBeach '97
flying to southern California is a good choice.
If flying to Los Angeles is the option chosen, it is best to uti-
lize the $24 round-trip shuttle service the Annual Conference
office has arranged with SuperShuttle, the region's premier
airport shutde service, because having a vehicle in Long
Beach over the 4th of July weekend may present a challenge.
There are two premier Independence Day fireworks displays
in southern California: at Disneyland in nearby Anaheim, and
in Long Beach, off the stern of the Queen Mary, which is
located just across the harbor from the Convention Center.
Long Beach also boasts fireworks displays each Saturday
throughout summer following luly 4, meaning crowds of
more than 20,000 are expected to converge on Long Beach
the nights of July 4-5 for back-to-back evenings of fireworks.
Fortunately, the city boasts free tram and Runabout service
throughout the areas frequented by tourists. Additional public
transportation is available for traveling to communities nearby.
A variety of dining choices can be found within a 1 5-minute
walk from the Convention Center — from the food service
provided at the Convention Center to nearby buffets to many
novelty restaurants along historic Pine Avenue. And, at least
two of the hotels listed in the Conference packet plan on
offering a nightly ice cream bar.
m
ecreation during free time also will be possible. All of the
otels have excellent swimming pools and workout
The Long Beach Convention Center is a huge facility with
arena, and many meeting rooms. The center is located
harbor from the Queen Mary, one of Long Beach 's pren
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18 Messenger April 1997
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April 1997 Messenger 19
r\i
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rooms. As for the S'A-mile beach
from which the city derives its name,
the north end is located two blocks
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wide beach includes a paved path for
biking, jogging, walking, and roller-
blading. Two bicycle rental facilities
within a 1 0-minute walk of the Con-
vention Center make for a great
exercise option. — Nevin Dulabaum
and Linda Myers Swanson
King-size or double beds
Non-smoking rooms available
Patio swimming pool and whirlpool Mini-gym
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Use Annual Conference Hotel Request fonn for resen-ations
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A special Family Camp
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Lee Krahenbiihl- Songwriter &
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Peg Lehman - Folksinger &
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Debbie Eisenbise - Storyteller &
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Jan & John Long - Folksingers
For questions or more details contact:
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2301 Woodland Ave.
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(209) 523-1438 (w) 522-7865 (h)
20 Messenger April 1997
SteDDlIl!
Living is risicy
business, to be
sure. But talcing
calculated risks
is the only path
to growth.
STOniES
by Robin Wentworth Mayer
Skating is not new to
me. 1 grew up in the
church, and roller-skating
was one of the few recre-
ational activities that was
considered "wholesome."
(No one noticed how simi-
lar it was to dancing.)
So, once a month my
family used to go skating
with our regional church
group. And it was great
fun. My dad taught me to
skate backward, cross-over
around the corners, and
"hokey pokey" . . . without
missing a beat.
But recently, when I made
my once-a-year appearance
on the skating floor, during
our church's annual pil-
grimage to the roller rink, I
was surprised at how
wobbly I felt. What had
changed? Did a year's aging
make that much difference?
Was I heavier? Weaker?
Had something happened to
my sense of balance? Tenta-
tively, I skated a few laps. I
spent the rest of the after-
noon spectating. It was as I
watched the kids racing
around at breakneck speed
that 1 realized what they had
that I had lost:
They weren't afraid
of falling.
When I was in college, I
learned to downhill ski the
hard way — by ignoring the
beginners slope and heading
straight for the chair lift.
Before 1 could even stand
steady, I was barreling down
the hill. I was energetic,
resilient, and perhaps a little
stupid. Those first few times
down, I took more creative
spills than I could possibly
count. But you know what?
I learned to ski.
Eventually though, I
became reluctant to appear
foolish. I got tired of bumps
and bruises. I was embar-
rassed by my mistakes. And
I became afraid of falling.
One of the silent tragedies
of human experience is the
person who goes through
life as though the only item
on the agenda were to avoid
mistakes. It is silent because
there are no major failures
to draw attention. It is
tragic because failure-free
living is acquired at the
expense of growth and ful-
fillment.
In his book The Psychol-
ogy of Religion. Wayne E.
Oates discusses three
approaches to morality in
dealing with the choices,
temptations, and dreams of
life. He calls the first a
"morality of safety." This is
the approach that assumes
that a mistake, any mistake,
is the equivalent of the
"unforgivable sin." Thus the
best approach is to avoid
risks at all costs.
The second is the flip
side — a "morality of
neglect." Here, all caution
is thrown to the wind, and
potential problems are
denied. You can imagine the
resulting chaos.
Oates' third, and recom-
mended, approach is a
"morality of calculated
risk." This attitude assumes
that human life must be
tested under careful condi-
tions of freedom in the same
way that a ship has to be
given a shakedown cruise.
And by collaborating with
others in calculating the
risks of a situation we move
toward reality, responsibil-
ity, and fulfillment.
Take inventory of your
life. Are you forfeiting legit-
imate opportunities because
they also contain tempta-
tions? Have you aborted a
possibility because it
included a pitfall? Have
you declined a challenge for
fear of failure? Have you
thrown the baby out with
the bathwater?
Living is risky business,
to be sure. But taking cal-
culated risks is the only
path to growth. One of my
all-time favorite quotes is
from Charlie Shedd: "A
ship in harbor is safe . . .
but that is not what ships
are made for."
Like skating and skiing,
living can only be done well
when we get over our rTT"
fear of falling. I- —
Robin Wentworth Mayer is
pastor of Kokoino (Ind.) Church of
the Brethren.
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 man-
aging life's difficulties, we don't
need to walk on water We just need
to learn where the stepping stones
are. "
April 1997 Messenger 21
BY Ryan Ahlgrim
So they went out and fled from the
tomb, for terror and amazement
had seized them; and they said
nothing to anyone, for they were
afraid (Mark 16:8).
A little boy woke up one night
yrl during a thunderstorm. Terrified,
he went to his parents' room to sleep
with them. The mother tried to calm
his fears and send him back to his
bedroom by saying, "Don't be afraid.
Jesus is with you all the time."
The boy replied, "I know. But I
want somebody with skin on."
1 can identify with that little boy. I
believe fesus is with me all the time. I
believe his living spirit lives in me and
guides me and empowers me. But I
have to confess: I still fear the thun-
der. I fear the thunder of pain, of
being robbed, of sudden accident, of
cancer, and of the unknown. And
when I am afraid, I want somebody
with skin on. When the hammer of
22 Messenger April 1997
tragedy strikes in my world, and the
shadow of death passes too close, 1
wish I could see (esus. I wish I could
talk with him, and he with me. I wish I
could hold his hand and have him hold
my hand. Then maybe I wouldn't be
afraid.
But of course the problem is, fesus
isn't there with his skin on. I believe
he is risen. I believe he is with me and
in me. But I have never seen the risen
lesus. He has never been fully and
physically present. And if I am honest
with myself, that makes a difference.
My dilemma is similar to that of the
women at the end of Mark's Gospel.
They hear that Jesus is risen. They see
the empty tomb. They experience the
evidence. But Jesus himself they do
not see. And so they run from the
tomb trembling and afraid, and they
say nothing to anyone. I am in the
same boat: I hear the good news and I
experience the evidence of it, but Jesus
himself I do not see, and so I still
sometimes tremble inside.
The Gospel of Mark is a very odd
The Sea of Galilee
5^(7/ draws people
today, either to
view its tranquil
beauty or to ponder
events from fesus'
ministry and
resurrection.
Gospel. It is the only Gospel in which
no one ever sees the risen Jesus. The
early church was apparently troubled
by this fact, because it attached a new
ending based on the endings in
Matthew, Luke, and John, in which
fesus is seen and heard and touched.
But all of the earliest copies of Mark's
Gospel end with Jesus appearing to no
one. No one sees him with his skin on.
That makes the Gospel of Mark odd,
but it also makes it special for us. It is
a Gospel for all of us latter-day disci-
ples who hear the message, believe it
(or want to believe it), but never see
the risen Jesus.
And yet, we can see the risen Jesus.
The Gospel of Mark invites the disci-
ples to see the risen Jesus, but they
will first have to go on a journey. The
young man at the tomb tells the
women, "Go tell his disciples and
Peter that he is going ahead of you to
Galilee; there you will see him." Mark
seems to be saying, "Do you want to
see the risen Jesus? Do you want to
see him with his skin on? Then don't
^
just sit there. Go to Galilee. He's not
coming here. You have to go there."
That's another odd thing, because
Luke says the risen |esus appeared to
the disciples right there in [erusalem.
They didn't have to go anywhere.
They just had to stay put and wait.
John says the same thing. But not
Mark. Mark has a different message.
And maybe Mark has a different mes-
sage because Mark is speaking
specifically to us. He's saying, "To see
the risen Jesus you must go on a jour-
I ney, a journey to Galilee."
What does it mean to go to Galilee
! to meet the risen Jesus? For me, it
means going on the journey of faith,
committing myself to a journey that
will last the rest of my life. At the end
of Mark's Gospel, it is unclear
whether the disciples are actually
going to make that journey to Galilee.
Matthew says they do. But Mark does
not. And perhaps Mark leaves the
ending in doubt because we are the
disciples. It is up to us to decide
whether we are going to make that
journey to Galilee to see the risen
Jesus, and it is an open question
whether we will or will not go.
A lot of would-be disciples choose
not to make that journey. Some hear
the good news that Jesus lives, but in
their heart of hearts they decide not to
believe it. They decide God has not
conquered the things that make us
afraid. God has not conquered
random evil, human sin, and ultimate
death. And so these people stay at
home. Others hear the good news that
Jesus lives, and they romantically
believe it. But then they see how hard
the journey is, and they only pretend
to go. All of these people stay at home,
deciding to live for themselves, and
they try to ignore their fears through
various distractions.
But some people do go on the jour-
ney. It is not easy. It is long, rugged,
chilly at times, wet at times, there are
lots of obstacles, and there are times
when it is hard to tell which is the
right path. Some take the road alone,
but that is not wise. Most who go on
the journey, go with a band of other
pilgrims. That is what the church is: a
group of pilgrims traveling together
on our way to Galilee to see the
risen Jesus.
Together we lift the trees that have
fallen across the path. Together we
look for the right path to follow.
Together we build a fire and stay
warm. Together we sing as we jour-
ney, tell stories, share each other's
load, and make the way lighter and
What does it mean to go
to Galilee to meet the
risen Jesus? For me, it
means going on the
journey of faith,
committing myself to a
journey that will last
the rest of my life.
richer. It is a beautiful path to Galilee
for all of its difficulties. And many
times, as we are traveling on this jour-
ney of faith, a stranger will walk with
us and talk with us, and our hearts will
burn within us.
We stay on that path all of our life. It
is not that Galilee is so far away; actu-
ally, it is pretty close. But it takes a
lifetime to get there. Through the
years, your legs will become ever
stronger, and your body will learn to
ignore the chilly winds and rain. As
time goes by, the journey becomes
more meaningful, more joyful, and we
become more hopeful for the end.
And then, at some point that only
God knows (for many, it will be when
your hair is all gray and your body is
too tired to go farther), you will come
to a clearing and see a blue lake, vast
and calm, surrounded by hills. The
people living around there call it the
Sea of Galilee, and they will point out
a small, stone house near the shore.
You will go to the door and knock.
And when the door opens, then, then
you will see the risen Jesus — Jesus
with his skin on.
He will give you a big hug, kiss you
on the cheek, and say, "I'm so glad
you're here!" And you will look at him
and say, "You know, you look a lot
like that stranger who traveled with us
and talked with us and made our
hearts warm." Jesus will simply smile,
invite you in, and pull up a chair for
you at his dinner table.
There will be lots of people at that
table. How could there be so many
people around a table in such a small
house? I don't know, but everyone
who has made the journey before you
is there. Many of them you will
know — intimates whom you have
ached to see for many years. And
then Jesus will gird himself and serve
us. He will break the bread and pass
it, and then he will pass his cup,
and we will laugh together and sing
and celebrate with our Lord into
eternity.
^^,.
Ryan Ahlgrim is pastor of First Mennonite
Church in Indianapolis, hid.
April 1997 Messenger 23
The Thomas in us all
BY Pete Haynes
Do you ever catch yourself associ-
ating a character from the Bible
with someone you know by the same
name? That is what I have done with
the disciple Thomas.
The picture in my head that I have
of this man is the spit and image of
my cousin Tom. I first met Tom more
than 30 years ago, when my family
visited his home one summer. It was
past midnight when we arrived, and
my sleeping body was tucked into
bed next to Tom's. Our first sight of
each other was face to face early the
next morning. Tom, who was four or
five years old, remembers this more
clearly than I. To wake up and find a
stranger in bed with you certainly
would make an impression.
"Are you my cousin, Peter?" he
remembers asking.
"Un-huh," I answered. And we spent
that visit making a farm out of the
gravel driveway, playing with Tom's
toy tractors, trucks, and animals.
Tom's and my relationship did not
survive the transition out of this toy
farm stage. He battled with his adop-
tive parents and moved out early into
a so-so marriage. We rarely talked
after that. I never got invited into his
new life to play with his new toys.
The Tom I see when I think of him
now is the grown man whom I have
met only a few times — mussed-up
hair, dark eyes, stubbly chin,
disheveled clothes, dirty hands and
face, and the beginning of a pot
belly. From the few chats we have
had, I see him as an angry man, con-
fused about his family origins, and
full of doubt about himself, his
family, and his God.
For better or for worse, this is the
Thomas I see when I turn to the
Gospels. It probably is not a very
accurate picture of that original
Thomas, but it allows me to enter the
scripture in a personal way. Although
my cousin Tom and I share little in
common, deep down we are very
much alike.
The biggest hour for the disciple
Thomas is found only in [ohn's
Gospel (chapter 20). After Peter and
the beloved disciple verified Mary
Magdalene's discovery of the empty
tomb, she waited by it and was the
first person to see the risen Christ.
Then she went and announced to the
disciples, "I have seen the Lord."
One would expect that, after hear-
ing her announcement, the disciples
would all run to see for themselves.
Sad to say, men often find it difficult
to believe women. Thus it is signifi-
cant that in every account, the first
witnesses to the resurrection
were women.
Instead of moving with the excite-
ment of Mary Magdalene's
testimony, the disciples closed their
doors. Talk about a lack of enthusi-
asm! The greatest news in the world
is breaking, and they shut themselves
off from it. But that is what usually
happens. Fear: That's the reason
given. Fear. Not fear of lesus and
something wonderful happening. No.
Fear of "the lews," fear of what
others might be thinking or doing.
That usually is the reason we close
our doors as well. We are afraid of
what everybody else might think, or
say, or do. That doesn't matter,
though, for no closed door can keep
lesus out. He didn't force himself in
on the disciples; he just came and
stood among them. That is also how
it often is. lesus is there all the time;
we just don't have the eyes of faith to
see his presence.
lesus came to the disciples in that
closed room. "Peace be with you," he
said. This risen Christ is the embodi-
ment of God's peace. The marks of
reconciliation, the print of those nails
upon the cross, are visible to those
who would see. Fear changes to joy.
There in the stuffiness of that closed
24 Messenger April 1997
room, Jesus commissioned his disci-
ples to go forth, and gave them the
power to do so. "As the Father has sent
me, so I send you," he said. You are to
be my presence, my Father's presence,
in this world. You will embody God's
peace. The world will see you. The
marks of reconciliation will be visible
in your lives. The Father so loved the
world that he sent me, and so I send
you. Shine forth your light.
As lesus commissioned the disci-
ples, he empowered them. "Receive
the Holy Spirit," he said, having
breathed on them. The wind of his
breath blew open the doors of that
stuffy room just as surely as the wind
of God blew through the first
moments of creation. It breathed new
life into those disciples just as God
breathed the breath of life into that
lump of clay he fashioned and called
"Adam." And the Holy Spirit would be
the presence of lesus to them as they,
and all the disciples after them — to
this very day — would embody God's
forgiveness in this stuffy, dark, and
fearful world. What a night that must
have been!
Not everyone, however, experienced
Jesus' visit. Thomas had been absent.
Why? Who knows? No doubt he had
his reasons. Maybe he was the only
one caught up in the excitement of
Mary Magdalene's announcement,
and was out searching for the risen
Christ. Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe his
own depression and fear had led him
away from the others, and he was
drowning his sorrows in drink.
Maybe. Maybe not. The point is, we
are not told why Thomas wasn't
there, for, in many ways, he repre-
sents the doubter in us all, and it is up
to us to fill in the blanks.
As for me, I see my cousin Tom. It
just makes sense that he wouldn't be
there, as at all the family get-togethers
he has shied away from. No, Tom
would not have been there in that stuffy
room. And when the original Thomas
heard the news about Jesus appearing
to the others, he responded in the most
natural way — with doubt. "Unless I see
it, I ain't gonna believe it!"
In many ways, Thomas speaks for
us all. We can talk up a storm about
resurrection, but, deep down, the
doubter dwells. And that is as it
should be. If we are not aware of our
own doubt, we will live it unknow-
ingly. We will profess the right words,
but we will live as if they weren't true.
Alfred Tennyson wrote, "There lives
more faith in honest doubt, / Believe
me, than in half the creeds." And
Robert Browning put it this way: "You
call for faith; / I show you doubt, to
prove that faith exists. / The more of
doubt, the stronger faith, I say. / If
faith o'ercomes doubt."
Doubt is a part of faith. If there
were no doubt, there would be no
faith. Even so, a person can't really
live in doubt. Doubt overcomes the
soil out of which grows faith. Without
faith, the soil becomes as dust — life-
less and blown away by the wind. And
this is Thomas the disciple, as I see
Deep down in each of us, the
doubter dwells ... as it should.
If we are not aware of our
own doubt, we will live it
unknowinsly. We will profess
the right words, but we will
live as if they weren't true.
him, the doubter in us all. No doors
can shut out the risen Christ, how-
ever; neither can the dustiness of
doubt, although, again, he does not
force himself in.
A week after dusty Thomas confessed
his lack of faith in a "no see, no believe"
fashion, Jesus returned. Again the doors
were shut. "Peace be with you," he said
to them all. This time Thomas saw
Jesus. The risen Lord faced squarely
into the doubt of Thomas: "Put your
finger here and see my hands. Reach
out your hand and place it in my side."
The marks of reconciliation. Jesus
looked Thomas squarely in the eye. "Do
not doubt, but believe."
The dustiness and lifelessness in the
eyes of the doubter, who is every
doubter, is blown away by the pres-
ence of Jesus. The scripture doesn't
say so, but the breath of the Spirit
seems to blow across the page as we
read of this encounter between
Thomas and Jesus. It is as if black and
white were changed to color, as
Thomas the doubter became Thomas
the believer.
"My Lord and my God!" he con-
fessed— the high point of John's
Gospel, one of the highest confessions
of Jesus divinity in all four Gospels.
One commentator describes this
episode as if it were a play, with the
actors on a stage. At this moment in
the drama, it is as if the lights in the
theater come on, and people in the
audience can begin to see themselves
and others around them. With the
lights on, Jesus seems to turn and face
the audience — us — and bless it with
his attention. "Thomas believed me
because he saw me. Blessed are you
who have not seen and yet believe."
"Now faith is the assurance of
things hoped for, the conviction of
things not seen," wrote the author of
Hebrews (11 :1). As for Thomas the
disciple, scripture doesn't say that he
touched the wounds of Jesus. In fact,
there is some question as to whether
his confession of faith would have
been for real if he had. It wasn't so
much the meeting of his conditions
for faith that brought about Thomas'
confession of faith. Rather, it was the
gift of Christ's presence. Although
his physical presence is not something
we today can see, we may know it
by faith through the breath of his
Holy Spirit.
That wind still blows. "Seeing is
believing?" No. "Believing is seeing."
When we believe in the risen Christ,
we see that every morning is Easter
morning, every day is resurrection
day . . . whether it happens seven
days later or two millennia later.
Ai.
Pete Haynes is pastor of Long Green Valley
Church of the Brethren. Glen Arm. Md.
April 1997 Messenger 25
Beyond
BY Jeff Boshart
More and more these days, Amer-
icans hear of events happening
in places whose names are difficult to
pronounce, in countries they never
learned about in geography class. As
our knowledge of our world grows,
disturbing images of famine, warfare,
and natural disasters remind us that
increasingly we live in a global village.
In the process of our acquiring this
new knowledge, several myths have
found their way into our collective
body of information about the world.
There are two particularly widespread
myths:
• People are starving in this world
because there is not enough food.
• Overpopulation causes poverty.
According to figures from the
United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO), the world's per
capita food production levels continue
to rise each year at a rate faster than
the world's population growth rate. In
fact, as reported in The Economist for
Nov. 16, 1996, the world's population
growth rate is slowing. Basically,
there is enough food in the world to
feed everyone. So why then are some
people starving?
Are there people starving and
people living in poverty because of
overpopulation? Does overpopulation
cause poverty, as conventional
wisdom says? Those who believe this
often point to densely populated
places such as Africa or Central
America, and then firmly state the
cause of suffering: "'They' have too
many people." But if overpopulation
leads to poverty, then, according to
this line of reasoning, both |apan and
the Netherlands should be destitute.
But, in fact, these two very crowded
countries are among the wealthiest in
the world.
Having dismissed these two
26 Messenger April 1997
a relief mentality
modern myths, where do we turn? If
we have enough food in the world,
why are people starving? If overpop-
ulation does not cause poverty, what
then are the causes of poverty? The
answers to these two questions are
uncomfortable ones for most of us.
Clearly, we have a food distribu-
tion problem, not a food shortage.
The Church of the Brethren has a
long tradition of food relief pro-
grams, which, as the December 1996
Messenger article "Church World
Service at 50: The Trucks Still Roll"
states, is "something to celebrate,
indeed." The Disaster Relief Auc-
tions across the denomination are
also a wonderful part of our Brethren
heritage and witness. But even as we
buy a pie, a quilt, or a heifer at one
of these auctions, or donate money
to any of these fine programs, it still
is not enough. People continue to
starve in situations that have little to
do with earthquakes, tornadoes, hur-
ricanes, or floods.
Many of today's international relief
organizations were established right
after World War II, during the era of
European reconstruction under the
Marshall Plan. This effort, hailed as
a major success by many, has
become the model for many relief
efforts today. The idea is to move
massive amounts of supplies (such asi
clean water, food, medicine, and
clothing) from one place to another.
The assumption is that if people have
more things they will then be able to
pick themselves up, dust themselves
off, and move ahead to better times.
After over 50 years of a relief men-
tality toward dealing with poverty, we
find as we approach the 21st century
that we are living in a world in which
the division between rich and poor has
never been in greater contrast. Why?
There certainly is a place for relief
in situations in which all that is
needed is food, clean water, or medi-i
cine (for example, after natural i
disasters). But in many parts of the j
world, this approach has failed. Mas-i
sive hunger relief programs in Africa i
have, in many cases, caused more
harm than good. Huge amounts of ;
free foreign grain dumped upon the 1
markets of a country that is in the i
midst of drought and famine only
drive the prices lower for local grain, '
thus further depressing local 1
economies. In some cases, food- i
dumping destroys the incentive of j
farmers to produce. i
The picture is more complex in
poverty-stricken countries in which
some people have extravagant 1
standards of living and incredible |
power and control over the lives of
the poor.
Again, what are the causes of i
poverty? I would answer "Injustice,
and maybe a lack of education among
rich and poor alike." Some people
(leaders and laity) within the Church 1
of the Brethren would say this, but
then stop there without acknowledg-
ing the cause of injustice. 1
What is the cause of injustice? The
Bible presents sin as the root of all
the world's problems. Unfortunately, |
although many people within our 1
denomination do believe sin is the i
oot of the world's problems, they fail
0 acknowledge injustice or their roles
n either promoting injustice or doing
omething to change injustices.
Popular evangelists preach about
he need for a modern apologetic to
each today's world. In a world full of
lopelessness, how can we as Chris-
ians more effectively witness to the
lope that we have in lesus Christ as
ihe Savior of the world? How can we
jis Brethren be light to the world and a
j;.ity built on a hill when we cannot pay
ijur own ecclesiastical electricity bills,
jind our denominational infrastruc-
ture is being downsized? How can we
:is individual believers respond to
'hose people suffering in our own
i:ommunities and congregations?
In order to more effectively respond
o the needs of a hurting world, we
leed to move beyond a relief mental-
ity toward a consistent development
ihilosophy. Relief is short term and
:ompartmentalized, and often only
jiddresses material needs. Develop-
[nent, on the other hand, is long term,
Ineets the needs of the whole person,
:ind encourages change, responsibil-
•ty, and growth in individuals.
A professor in one of my university
;.:lasses encouraged each student to
;ome up with his own community
levelopment philosophy. I based mine
)n my experiences working for several
levelopment organizations. Readers
nay find it helpful as they search for
; reative ways of responding to Christ's
all to address both the physical needs
)f the world (Matt. 25:34-40), as well
IS the spiritual needs.
Some of my development experi-
ince was in Nigeria, with the work of
Ikklesiyar Yaniiwa a Nigeria (EYN —
he Church of the Brethren in
>ligeria). The EYN work incorporates
preading the gospel with health
vork, agriculture, literacy, well-dig-
(ing, and occupational training. I
have worked with Habitat for Human-
ity (long-term connection between
Habitat chapter members and the
recipients of houses, which can
involve aid in finding and keeping
jobs, or family mediation, while
encouraging church attendance). And
I have served with various team-ori-
ented missions organizations.
From these experiences has
emerged my development philosophy.
It can be adapted to communities in
distant lands or to the local church
There is a place for
relief in situations in
which all that is needed
is food, clean water, or
medicine. But in many
parts of the world, this
approach has failed.
and community as well.
• Any project that is undertaken
needs to be clearly Christian and con-
sistent with the teachings of Jesus in
the New Testament.
• If at all possible, the work in a
community should be connected to
the local church or a group of local
churches.
• Those involved in witnessing to
Christ's love in a community need to
be committed to working at their own
spiritual development — Bible study,
prayer, and accountability to Christ-
ian sisters and brothers.
• The input and priorities of those
who will benefit from a project or
program must be included in the
planning process. Without a sense of
ownership in a project, people rarely
stick with it very long.
• Working with others who have
diverse gifts and perspectives (people
such as clergy, business people, social
service workers, educators, and
youth) provides a strong resource
upon which to draw when faced with
difficult situations. Strong coalitions
provide a greater chance of success in
a project.
The present realities in our world,
our denomination, and in our own
lives did not simply happen. These
current realities are the result of
actions previously undertaken by indi-
viduals. And as individuals, we can
influence future realities by our
actions now. Through repentance
from sin, and through prayer, Bible
study, heightened awareness of how
our own actions affect others locally
and globally — in scriptural terms,
"calculating the cost" (Luke 14:28,
NAS) — we can move forward in the
building up of Christ's kingdom.
As Christians and as a denomina-
tion, we have a responsibility to "let
(our) light shine before others, so that
they may see (our) good works and
give glory to (our) Father in heaven"
(Matt. 5:16). We also are called to be
the salt that enhances the flavor of all
other good ingredients in the world
that God has given to us as stewards.
"Salt is good, but if it loses its salti-
ness, how can it be made salty again?
It is fit neither for the soil nor for the
manure pile; it is thrown out. He who
has ears to hear, let him hear'
(Luke 14: 34-35, NIV).
M.
leff Boshurt, born in Nigeria, is a member of
Lebanon (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. After
Brethren Volunteer Service with three projects,
he worked in development in Florida. Nigeria,
and Haiti. He is now a graduate student at Cor-
nell University, Ithaca, N.Y., in international
agriculture and rural development.
April 1997 Messenger 27
A new d e s i g n
fi
or the General Board ^"-'^-''/«---^«-----/-/~-«/'---
about the General Board's proposed new design.
Toward a shared vision fo
BY Glenn R Timmons
We are on the eve of a new century.
The 2 1 St century brings with it a
growing awareness of a new wave of changes
in our society and in the church. The Infor-
mation Age is following the Agrarian Age
and Industrial Age. This change has implica-
tions that the church is only beginning to
understand and explore.
In God's economy, the center, the locus for
Christian ministry and mission, is still
the congregation. This is not to say the
congregation does not have other part-
ners with whom to fulfill Christ's mission,
locally and globally. But the vitality and
health of one partner affects the effec-
tiveness of other partners. Growing
congregations are key to ministry and
mission beyond our membership. Some-
times the General Board becomes the
extended hands and feet of the congre-
gation around the world. At other times,
the General Board and the denomina-
tional partners give counsel and support,
identify and produce resources, teach
and train others, and help understand
the context in which ministry occurs.
In luly 1995, after becoming aware of
a serious, impending financial crisis, the
General Board began what has become
a redesign process. Two early steps in ••••••<
this process were the development of a
Vision Statement (August 1995, page 1 7) that points the
efforts of the General Board toward the congregations, and
a guiding document called Core Functions of the General
Board (November 1995, page 6).
At its March meeting, the General Board was to make
two important decisions. One would be on the 1998
budget parameters for the new organization of the Gen-
eral Board. By necessity, the parameters would be $2.5
million less than they were in 1996. The recommended
budget parameters had been set at $4.7 million. A second
decision of the General Board would be to adopt a recom-
28 Messenger April 1997
mended new organizational model for itself
While the General Board and its staff will be
smaller than it is now, the model will includ
all the core functions of the General Board,
as outlined in the documents named above.
Based upon the core functions of the Gen-
eral Board, here are the key features of the
new organization:
Participate with Annual Conference in the
discernment of God's leading, and assist
the Church of the Brethren with
the implementation of the work of
the body.
The focus is not on
how to capture the spirit
in the existing
denominational
structure, place, or
position, but on how our
hearts can be captured so
that the form and shape
of ministry emerges
within and through us.
While the General Board is an
administrative arm of Annual Con-
ference, the General Board is in
partnership with other denomina-
tional agencies or institutions.
Brethren Benefit Trust, Bethany
Theological Seminary, Association
of Brethren Caregivers, and On
Earth Peace Assembly are a few to bi
named with which the Board is a
partner. A partner seldom named is
the congregation.
In all of these partners, the domi-
nant model used for decision
making is that of Robert's Rules of
Order. While this model has served
• ••••• the church well, this core function
calls the General Board and Annual
Conference, if not other agencies, to engage in a prior
step to decision making. The call is to engage in a dis-
cernment process, discerning God's leading of the
church. True discernment demands of all Christians that
God's kingdom, not oneself, be the center of concern.
This process cannot be reduced to a simple procedure.
Those who have worked at it faithfully would be the first
to say they have yet to master it. It is elusive because it
presumes the will of God. What human really knows the
will of God? Discernment would use the tools of silence
(rather than speaking), questions (rather than pat
I shared ministry
nswers), dreams and imagination (even before reason),
'rayerful discernment would include that of putting one-
elf in a position so as to be able to hear what God has to
ay to us.
Another biblical metaphor for discernment comes from
he parable of the sower, in which our task is to clear
hose obstacles that prevent the scattered seed from
aking root. Discernment is seeing with sacred eyes that
vhich God would reveal. Or as Chuck Olsen writes, "Dis-
ernment is uncovering the decision — not making it."
I can only imagine the difference in mood and tone of
lur meetings and the decisions of our church council
neetings, particularly Annual Conference, if, as people of
aith, we engaged in prayerful discernment before,
luring, and after decision making. Discernment would
;et us beyond the most vocal speaker at the microphone
ir the astute parliamentarian, to leading with the question
if God's will, or the affect of our decision on each other.
Discernment reminds us that decisions come out of
lialog rather than monolog.
Lquip the church to make faithful disciples to continue
he work of Jesus — peacefully, simply, together —
ocally and around the world.
''rovide resources. A primary feature of the new organi-
ation will be the human resources of Congregational Life
earns. Working collaboratively with district personnel,
he General Board staff will have as a primary function to
ive assistance to congregations in "equipping the church
0 make faithful disciples." This assistance will be shaped
<y the needs of congregations. Each Congregational Life
earn, located in a geographical area, will work with dis-
rict executives in that area, bringing a variety of adaptive
kills and technical knowledge. Consultation will be
iffered, along with various forms of leadership training,
"he identification of resources and networking of congre-
ations with similar needs will be provided. It is
ecognized that we have widely varying kinds of congre-
ations — urban, ethnic, small membership, rural,
uburban, to name a few. Assistance will be given that fits
he need.
'aithful discipleship begins by asking several questions:
The sociological question: What is the makeup of the
city or community that we seek to serve? What are the
cultural trends of which we need to be aware?
The theological question: What is our call? What is the
mission of our congregation? What is our ministry
response?
The practical question: What resources do we have?
What do we need to fulfill our mission? What structure
will best fulfill our mission?
Congregational Life Teams will help congregations find
local, contextual answers to these and other questions.
Material resources will be available through a reshaped
Brethren Press — a combination of our current communi-
cation and publications units, customer service, and the
Yearbook. Curriculum options. Brethren-authored books,
Brethren publications, and a variety of resource materials
will be the main feature of Brethren Press. Mechanisms
will be created to disseminate congregationally generated
resources or other recommended materials.
Service ministries. Service ministries provide ways for
Brethren to act on their faith. Brethren Volunteer Service,
youth and young adult summer workcamps, summer
camps, Ministry Summer Service, Refugee/Disaster Ser-
vices and material aid are hands-on options for applying
one's faith. These primary experiences have proved to be
formative for young people, which, with reflective leader-
ship, become fertile ground for a call to ministry.
Coordinate mission opportunities. For congregations,
becoming physically, emotionally, and spiritually involved
in mission work beyond their membership is a mark of
vitality. Nothing is more potent than a congregation or
group of congregations that holds a shared vision. The
General Board will not only support the formation of such
congregations, but will assist in the coordination of global
mission opportunities. The coordinator of Global Mission
Partnerships will oversee our continued work in Africa,
Latin America, and the Caribbean. The Mission Planning
Council, a representative body made up of General Board,
Annual Conference, and district personnel, will discern
the necessary level of support for ongoing and new local
April 1997 Messenger 29
In short, the General Board is committed to the integrity of the love of
God and love of neighbor. Our mission reaches beyond our membership.
and global mission initiatives of congregations.
Facilitate a leadership development system. Leader-
ship development is another core function of the General
Board. The 1996 Annual Conference Ministerial Leader-
ship Statement calls for a five-year emphasis on the
calling, training, and support of people to pastoral min-
istry. Through a coordinator of Ministry, a Ministry Team
will be enlisted, which, along with districts, will develop a
coordinated system addressing the paper's recommenda-
tions. The Ministry Advisory Council, made up of General
Board, district, college, and seminary representatives, will
oversee this development and be reporting to Annual Con-
ference.
Incorporate the unique Brethren witness. A reconfig-
ured General Board position will be developed to resource
and assist individuals, congregations, and districts in
giving witness to Brethren beliefs and values. Peace, jus-
tice, and the care of creation are a part of our core values.
As a member of the core staff, the coordinator of Brethren
Witness will respond to local initiatives, while keeping
congregations informed of opportunities for the church's
witness to address public policy.
Model a process of fundraising. As an agent of Christian
stewardship, the General Board will follow a holistic theol-
ogy of stewardship that recovers the rich biblical meaning
of stewardship. Several questions come to mind: How can
we be immersed in these meanings that lead us to a deeper
commitment and excitement in our congregations? What
compelling vision, what learning experience, what reflec-
tive leadership, what structure or processes are required to
make the answers to these questions a part of our identity,
while funding the mission of the church? The coordinator
of Mission Funding, focusing on planned giving and con-
gregational stewardship resourcing, will be developing this
work.
Help build community. The strength of the church's wit-
ness comes when the body is captured by a shared vision
and is engaged in a shared ministry. The work of the Gen-
eral Board will be to help create an atmosphere in which
community can be formed, in which ideas are considered,
30 Messenger April 1997
stories are told, dreams are dreamed, support is given ano
received, focus is clarified, and mission is engaged.
Administer the General Board as Christian stewards ofi
human and physical resources.
With its focus on congregational life, the General Board
will assist the church in seeing that
• the good news of Jesus Christ is told,
• the Scriptures are taught, shaping discipleship,
• genuine community is formed, and care is extended,
• and Christian service is rendered, locally and globally
In short, the General Board is committed to the integrit;
of the love of God and love of neighbor. Our mission
reaches beyond our membership.
Addressing this mission always calls for the clarity of a
shared vision, for a shared ministry. It calls for discern-
ment before decision. It calls for empowerment, not
control. It calls for partnership, not competition. It calls
for a focus on mission, more than on the needs of the
organization. The focus is not on how to capture the spirii
in the existing denominational structure, place, or posi-
tion, but on how our hearts can be captured so that the
form and shape of ministry emerges within and through
us. The focus is on how, with sacred eyes, a people with a
particular heritage can give faithful witness to a f
shared vision and a shared ministry. '
Note: Although based on the Core Functions Statement o
the General Board, this article was written before the
Board's March 1997 meeting. Fhus, the essential shape of
how those functions are carried out. as well as terminology
and titles, may be different from what is indicated in this
article — Glenn F. Timmons
Glenn F. Timmons is executive of the Parish Ministries Commission,
and Administrative Council liaison to the Transition Team, which is
implementing the new design of the General Board.
11
The church is saying to people
contemplating suicide, "Everything will
be okay, "glossing over their serious
request with a "smiley face."
Suicide a rational decision?
As a psychiatric social worlcer in the
field of aging, I often have been faced
with people wanting to die . . . and
with some of them asking for help in
dying. I have told clients that my
Christian faith and my professional
ethics will not allow me to kill them.
For some who desired it, we pray for
God to bring their death today, but if
death did not come today, we prayed
for God's continuing presence and
strength. Prior to Dr. Kevorkian, 1
have helped a client write to the Hem-
lock society concerning suicide
methods.
Too many "gray areas" are not
touched by the Annual Conference
statement and the January Messenger
articles. Robin Wentworth Mayer's
statement about "smiley faces"
(January, page 26) applies here. The
Annual Conference statement tends to
have the church saying to people
contemplating suicide, "Everything
will be okay," and glossing over their
serious request with a "smiley face."
The church should say, instead, "We
do not believe in assisted suicide, but
you have the legal right to consider it."
(Legal right and faith often differ.)
The opinions expressed in Letters 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 respectfiil of the
) opinions of others. Preference is given to letters that respond
I directly to items read in the magazine.
We are willing to withhold the name of a writer
1 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
1 writer's name is kept in strictest confidence.
Address letters to Messenger editor, 1451 Dundee
Ave., Elgin. IL 60120.
The church needs to continue, "We
will be with you during your act, just
to indicate that God's strength and
presence are yours."
Prior to the point of a person carry-
ing out an assisted suicide, the church
should say to one facing this decision,
"You can call us and a support person
will be available to listen to you at any
time."
Suicide can be a rational decision.
People contemplating suicide are
facing an identity crisis. They see a
prolonged life as a destruction and
deterioration of the self. "Advanced"
medical technology often can prolong
life, even while disease is destroying
mind and body. The older people with
whom I have worked do not fear
death, but fear "being a burden and
losing themselves." It does not seem
rational that dying now with an intact
personality, compared to dying later
after much suffering and pain — dying
as a "vegetable" — is best.
Donald Flint
Sterling Heights. Mich.
What did Dan West mean?
Guy Wampler, in his [anuary article on
dying, mentions Dan West writing a
note saying, "My life is no longer
worth this cost."
At no point does Wampler refer to
the principle by which Dan West
lived — refusing to eat pie as long as
there were hungry people in the world.
Dan West believed in equity, that one
man's greed deprived another of
necessities.
Dan West died the way he lived,
but some are not catching his mean-
ing. In the Wampler quote, Dan West
meant that there were better ways to
spend money than to spend it on
Messenger is available
on tape for people who
are visually impaired.
Each double cassette
issue contains all articles,
letters, and the editorial.
Messenger-on-Tape is
a service of volunteers for
the Church and Persons
with Disabilities Network
(CPDN), a task group of
the Association of Brethren
Caregivers (ABC).
Recommended donation is
$10 (if you return the tapes
to be recycled) or $25 (if
you keep the tapes) .
To receive MeSSENGER-
ON-Tape, please send
your name, address,
phone number, and check
made payable to ABC to:
Association
of Brethren Caregivers
1451 Dundee Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120
April 1997 Messenger 31
Pontius' Puddle
Send payment for reprinting" Pontius' Puddle" from Messenger to
]oel Kauffmann, 111 Carter Road. Goshen, IN 46526. $25 for one
time use. $10 for second strip in same issue. $10 for congregations.
LIFE IS FRAUGHT WITH EMPTY PROMISES
THAT OFT LEAD US ASTRAY:
GET RICH QUICK. LOOK YOUNGER FAST
LOOSE TEN POUNDS THE EASY WAY,
MILITARY MIGHT GUARANTEES SAFETY
POLITICAL POWER ACHIEVES OUR ENDS,
SEXUAL PROWESS MAKES ONE POPULAR
THE RIGHT DEODORANT WINS FRIENDS.
IN CREATIVE COUNTERMEASURE, SO WHAT ASSURANCE CAN WE HAVE
GOD SENT TO EARTH HIS ONLY CHILD, THAT THIS PATH WILL AVERT DOOM?
PROCLAIMING COMPASSION FOR THE POOR, BEYOND GOLGOTHA GOD BESTOWED
TO THY ENEMY BE RECONCILED, THE PROMISE OF AN EMPTY TOMB!
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF
AND THE LORD WITH ALL THY HEART,
THEN PEACE PASSING UNDERSTANDING
AND ETERNAL LIFE WILL GOD IMPART,
Because You Need
Protection You Can
Count On
When a fire broke out at Elkhart City
Church of the Brethren in Elkhart, Indiana,
many members wondered how long it would
be before they could worship there again.
But they were about to experience a
wonderful surprise.
''Mutual Aid was right there when we
needed them," says Ted Noffsinger, who
supervised the reconstruction. "The approach
I saw was, 'We have a policyholder with a
problem. Let's do what we can, as fast as we
can, to get him back in business.'"
If that's the protection you 'd like to experience, then
you should know Mutual Aid Association also offers
homeowner's insurance at very competitive rates. To
find out more, return the bind-in card in this issue of
Messenger, or call us now.
1-800-255-1243
A\
Mutual Aid Association
Church of the Brethren
3094 Jeep Rd • Abilene, KS 67410
Protection you can depend on from
Brethren voii trust. Since 1885.
him. The point was not whether he
did or did not continue to find life
satisfying, but that the money
required to continue Hving was
morally wrong to him. That's what
Dan West meant.
Angela Henn Ver Ploeg
Columbus. Ohio
When is life not viable?
While Guy Wampler, in his January
article on dying, was writing hypo-
thetically, I am in the process of
deciding how much life-sustaining
assistance I will instruct my family
and doctors to provide.
Like Dan West, I have ALS, or
Lou Gehrig's disease. Which means
that before I die, I will be unable to
speak, eat, move, or breathe on my
own. Ten months after my diagnosis,
I can't dress myself, can't walk with-
out a walker, have difficulty
breathing, and choke easily on food
and fluid.
The day I learned I had ALS, I
gave the disease to God. Since then II
have been content and can say with
Paul, "I have learned, in whatever
state I am, to be content" (Phil.
4:11, RSV) and "I can do all things
through him who strengthens me"
(Phil. 4:13).
Having said that, however, it seems
incongruous to consider how much
From the
Office of Human Resources
Director of Ministry
SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
Team development and coordination in developing a system
to call, equip, and support people for ministenal leadership,
EXPERIENCE:
Five years experience in ministry, administration, or related
field,
LOCATION:
Central site preferred.
For prompt consideration send resume and cover
letter by May 15, 1 997 to Glenn F, Timmons
1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120,
32 Messenger April 1997
^.^festyle, most people are
very concerned with their
lifestyle. This concern
becomes more important
as one grows older.
BRIDGEWATER
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
c^ridgewater Retirement Community, a 46-acre retirement
community, provides a lifestyle of convenience and comfort for those
over 55 years of age. Its location, across the street from Bridgewater
College, is just a short distance from area churches, banks, shops,
grocery stores and other community businesses. Accessibility to these
services, as well as recreational opportunities, are important aspects of
your active lifestyle.
rivacy and tranquility are also an integral part of your life. While
opportunities abound for you to participate in social activities with
your friends throughout Bridgewater Village, your new home allows
you the privacy you desire.
^^ur independent lifestyle is very important to you and to us. Every
effort is made by the staff of Bridgewater Village to provide you with
the environment and services that are necessary to maximize your
independence — in your choice of activities, endeavors, and pursuits.
A Christian community serving persons oj all faiths.
It s a great place to ltT>e!
^ox more information call 1-800-419-9129 or 1-540-828-2550
or send coupon to: Bridgewater Retirement Community,
315 North Second Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812
Name
MES
Address
Citv
State
Zip
Phone
•Over 160 spacious,
single-family and
cluster cottage
homes with refund-
able life-leases or
monthly rental
options
•Twenty-eight
apartments in
Hearthstone Manor
•Affordable service
fees
•Real estate taxes
paid
• Maintenance staff
and resident
ser\ices coordinator
•Transportation
provided to
appointments
•Experienced,
well-trained staff
•Many opportunities
for planned or
individual activities
• Two-hundred-bed
licensed nursing
facility with fifty-
four adult care units
and
•Personal and
nursing care at
Bridgewater Home.
Applications for
congregate living
waiting list now
being accepted.
tij
call (800) 323-80391^ ext. 247
Ask for Vicki.
Partners
in Pra^
Daily prayer guide:
Sunday: Your congregation's ministries
Monday: Annual Conference officers
Tuesday: General Board and staff
Wednesday: District executives,
Bethany Seminary, colleges
and university
Thursday: General Services
Friday: Parish Ministries
Saturday: World Ministries
April prayer concerns:
Congregation: Music & worship
committees, Sunday school growth
Annual Conference: Moderator
David Wine, Standing Committee
General Board: Transition Team,
General Board new design, interim
general secretary Karen Peterson
Miller, Leadership Team
Districts and Colleges: Students
planning fall '97 schedules, seniors
seeking jobs, Bethany seniors await-
ing call to a church
General Services: Brethren Histori-
cal Library & Archives processing
material from retiring staff. Messen-
ger subscriptions staff, home page
development
Parish Ministries: 1997 Christian
Citizenship Seminar, 1998 NYC
preparations. Outdoor Ministries
World Ministries: Dominican
Republic ministries, Refugee/Disas-
ter Services
support I might want in continuing to
live, but it is a huge consideration for
me. When is my life no longer viable?
If I have a feeding tube inserted, it is
very difficult to have it removed. Do I
have a tracheotomy or use a breathing
machine? What is right for me and my
family?
As clearly as I received God's help
the day of the diagnosis, I haven't had
a definitive answer to these questions.
Do we humans muddle through this
dilemma knowing God granted us fres
will and knowing we will receive grace
if we try to work this through with
dependence on him?
Iiidy Tomloiiso)
Warrensburg, Mo
From the
Office of Human Resources
OFFICE MANAGER
On Earth Peace Assembly
SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
• Accounting background
• Experience with IBIVI computer systems,
mailing list and donor management software
• Full service office management skills
Competitive salary and full benefits package. Posi-
tion available on or about May 17, 1997.
Send resume and cover letter by April 1 5 to:
On Earth Peace Assembly
P.O.Box 125
New Windsor, MD 21776
From the
Office of Human Resources
Director of Brethren Witness
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
• Grounding in Brethren heritage, theology, and polity
• Ability to assist people and congregations in giving voice
and shape to Brethren beliefs, values, and witness.
EXPERIENCE:
Five years experience in administration and related field
LOCATION:
Central site preferred.
For prompt consideration send resume and cover
letter by May 1 5, 1 997, to Glenn F. Timmons,
1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
Classified Ads
INVITATION
Shalom Church of the Brethren, a new & growing
fellowship in Durham, N.C., invites Brethren moving
to Research Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel
Hill) to worship w/us. Eager to provide moving assis-
tance (unloading, childcare, area info.) for those
relocating to area. For info., contact: Fellowship, RO.
Bo.x 15607, Durham, NC 27704. Tel. (919) 490-6422. E-
mail, ShalomCOB(a)AOL.COM
TRAVEL
Travel to Annual Conference in Long Beach by air-
conditioned coach, June 23-July 15. Visit Bethany
Seminary; Salt Lake City; Bryce, Zion, Yosemite & other
national parks. For info, write to J. Kenneth Kreider,
1300 Sheaffer Rd., Eiizabethtown, FA 17022.
European Heritage Tour, July 12-26, 1997. Visit scenic
sites of Anabaptist, Pietist, & Brethren significance in
Switzerland, France, Germany, & Netherlands. Spon-
sored by Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc., & Brethren
Historical Committee. J2,490 from New York (JFIQ. For
complete brochure, contact Don Durnbaugh, RO.B.
484, James Creek, PA 16657, Tel./fax (814) 658-3222.
China adventure featuring Yangtze River cruise, Aug.
4-19, 1997. («,189) Visit Narita in Japan. Shanghaii
Wuhan, Shashi, Badong, Wanxian, Chongquing, Xian in
China. Travel on cruise ship on Yangtze River stopping
at various cities & ports. In Beijing, walk the largesi
"wonder of the world"— the Great Wall of China. Alsoi
visit Tian'Anmen Square, & much more. Wendell & Joar'
Bohrer invite you to share this great experience w,.
them. For info. & brochure, write; 8520 Royal Meadow
Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46217. Tel. or fax (317) 882-5067.'
POSITION AVAILABLE
Youth director for Mount Hermon Church of the
Brethren, Bassett, Va. Expectations: exp. in church
related activities; Brethren background; mature Chris-
tian; teach 3 Suns, a mo.; handle Wed. night programi
Christmas program, & Youth Sun.; attend Brethren
youth meetings in district and brotherhood; work with
nurture comm. Hours & salary to be negotiated. Con-!
tact: Alma Randall, 8291 Fairystone Park Hwy., Bassett,
VA 24055. Or tel. church: (540) 629-7163.
Church secretary for Manchester Church of the
Brethren, North Manchester, Ind. Full-time. Computet
work, receptionist, adm. duties. Should have acquain-
tance with & respect for Church of die Brethren. Send
resume to Andrew Rich, 606 N. Mill St., North Man-
chester, IN 46962.
34 Messenger April 1997
ruriiiiig Points
Mew
A/lembers
^otc: Congregations are asked
o submit only the names of
ictual new members of the
ienomination. Do not include
lames of people who have
nerely transferred their mem-
lership from another Church of
he Brethren congregation.
Vnnville, Atl. N.E.: Clifford &
Lucy Alwine, Ivy Alwine,
Biir&TessWathen. lanelle
Wampler. Ryan Weaver
Jear Creek, S. Ohio: Matthew
Fahrnbach, Ryan Eichel-
bcrcr, Gay Shock
Jeaver Creek, S. Ohio: Lisa
Hazen
$oones Mill, VirHna: lane &
Alvin Burgess
Bradford, S. Ohio: Larry &
Nancy Szilagyi, Karen
Hauck, Steve & Sharon
Root
Cape Coral, AtL S.E.: A1&
Abby Favicchia, Doug &
Gerry Tussey. Tom & Bar-
bara Kapla
Carlisle, S. Pa.: Bob & Millie
Smith, [ohn & Ethel Price.
Nancy Andrews
Chambersburg, S. Pa.: Don &
Ann Baker. Bill & Missy
Green, Audra Miller. Vivian
Fisher, Robert & Kim
Frazer, David Kreiger
Cherry Lane, Mid. Pa.: Violet
Pittman, Howard & Mildred
FIcegle, Travis Smith
Community, Pac. S.W.: Mil-
dred Trader. Shawn
Montgomery, Andrea &
Erika Celedon
Dayton, Shen: Walter & Fonda
Erdman. lames & Dorothy
Bryant. Melvin & Betty Lou
Myers
Oeshler, N. Ohio: )ames
Echman, Andrew Meeks.
Timothy Meeks, Tyler
Thompson
Ferrum, Virlina: Terri Hol-
comb
Florin, Atl. N.E.: Desiree
Mertz. Lauren Hostetter.
Michael Bridgman, Lindsey
Grove
Freeport, 111. /Wis.: Donna
Lizer; ludith, David. Dan.
& loe McGlothlin
^reen Tree, Atl. N.E.: lustin
Clark, Tracy Custer, Sharon
McClain, Shawn O'Neil,
Laurie Pavone. Casey
Slinkard, lustin Watkins
Highland Ave, 111. /Wis.: Ron
Parrott, Jennifer Myers.
Amy Feliciano, Rick Patzek,
Sue Novonty
Hollidaysburg. Mid. Pa.:
Keith Eldred. Fred
McCready
La Verne, Pac. S.W.: Marie
Blackstone. Michael Blick-
enstaff. Ethel Cripe. Melissa
Elcral. Scott Frick, Paige
Hanawalt, Margie Himes,
Valri Jacobs Adam Sjol.
Andy & jeanine Veje
■Lancaster, Atl. N.E.: Sharon
Armstrong, Stephanie
Auchey. Cindy Carter.
Cathy Eckman, Deb Eide-
miller, Nancy Eckert;
Gwen, lames, lennifer, &
Ralph Martin, lames
Stuckey. Esther Thomasco
Lima, N. Ohio: Robyn Botkin.
Beth Lozzio, lustin Martin.
Carmen Miller, Dave &
Patty Trusty. Al & Lori Sul-
livan, Lucille Stumbaugh
Linville Creek, Shen.: Lisa
Derrow. Barbara Glee,
Dave & Paula Kyger, Eldon
Layman. Betty Lohr, Ben &
lanet May. |erry Rainey,
Marvin Showalter
Logansport, S/C. Ind.: Kayla
Bailey
Maple Grove, N. Ohio:
Sharon Duncan. Helen
Eagle, Lin Keener, Shirley
Benner, Lawrence & Susan
Benner, Amy Horn, Jackie
Shanks
Maple Springs, W. Marva: iiil
Hauser, David Sisler.
Nicole & Lindsey Teets,
Robert Harsh
Mcpherson, W. Plains: Donna
& George Becker. Anne
Kirchner
Middlebury, N. Ind.: Tim &
Deb Barwick. Chuck &
Beth Bender, |ulie Bon-
trager; Coieen Carney. Lyle.
& Glenda Case. Orpha &
Forrest Flynn, Randy &
Michelle Grewe. Michael
Lee. Tim & Diane Lund,
LeRoy & Mabel Nisley,
Galen & Toni Pauls.
Charissa Pauls, Reg & Vicki
Platz. Greg Puckett, Glenn
& Vicki Raber, Phil & Jean-
nine Tom, Brian & Kari
Wrightsman, Darnell Zook
Mohican, N. Ohio: Brian &
Tammi Horst, Brian & Bon-
Janette Koontz, Craig &
Jennifer Tavanello, Ben
Bardett
Myersville, Mid. Atl.: Melvin
Blank
Naperviile, 111. /Wis.: Alwin &
Twinkle Christian; Shirin,
Chirage, Hamilton. & Rash-
min Christian; David.
Suhasini, Glen. & Jennifer
Das. Rita Khristy; Pravin,
Ramila, & Paritosh Patel,
William Thomas. Rachel
Vyas
Oakland, S. Ohio: Gretchen
& Mark Davis. Wavelene
Denniston. Lindsay Dona-
dio, Connie Ernst, Mitchell
Etter, Judy & Keith Fas-
nacht, |im & Sharon Fetter,
Steve Garber, Nan & Steve
Hottle, Lita & Ty House,
Kathy & Tom Jeffries,
Becky & Kevin Jenkinson,
Mike & Sharon Lehman.
Dan & Raney Nord.
Richard Shafer. Jennifer
Stickiey; Alyssa, Donna.
Gary. & Rachael Wagner
Panora, N. Plains: Carla
Knapp. Jessica Blome, fason
& Debi West. Dennis &
Darlene Arnold, Dick &
Nedra Justice, Dick &
Karen Doubleday. |erry &
Mary Evelsizer, Terry &
Linda Hatfield; Marsha,
Stacy, Mandy. & Shane
Pote, Beth Ferree, Hillory
Wofford. Gloria Searcy
Pittsburgh, W. Pa.: Marcia
Webb. Barbara Oxenreider
Pomona Fellowship, Pac.
S.W.: Mindy Schimmel
Ridgeway, Atl. N.E.: Ellen &
Karen Ditmer
Salem, S. Ohio: Ryan McCIel-
lan, Pam Feffey; James,
Tyner, Kellan & Sue
Wampler. Janett Wilges
Sugar Valley, S. Pa.: Scott &
Bonnie Owens. |ohn
Underkoffler. Clint &
Nicole Weaver, Justine
Jones
Union Center, N. Ind.: Bud &
Ruby Etsinger, Sr., Andy
Flickinger, Robert Gluck;
Anitra, April, & Addi Pot-
tenger, Jeri Yoder
Valley Pike, Shen.: Joshua &
Sarah Bauserman, Aaron
Bowers. Michea!
Gochenour. Jonalhon
Patton
Virden, Ill./Wis.: Rhonda
Cunningham. Lynn Jones.
Timothy |ones, Robert
Shroyer. Rita Werner,
Walnut Grove, W. Pa.: Violet
Berkebile. Ronald Brown.
Nichole Shutz
Waynesboro, S. Pa.: Stephen
& Genovieva Beattie, Susan
East, Sabine Renner
West Goshen, N. Ind.:
Kristina Miller, Justin
Stutsman. Clint Culp, Lisa
Sue Kamp
224th BVS Orienta-
tion Unit
(Completed orientation in
Orlando, Fla., Feb. 7. 1997)
Albert, Charles, from Warsaw,
Ind.. to World Friendship
Center, Nishi-ku
Hiroshima, lapan
Albert, Mary Ann, from
Warsaw, Ind., to World
Friendship Center, Nishi-ku
Hiroshima, lapan
Altic, Leslie, from Richmond
Va., to Casa de Esperanza
de los Ninos, Houston,
Texas
Bryant, Curtis, from Ander-
son, Ind., to Trees for Life,
Wichita. Kan.
Buttner, Tilman, from Soltau,
Germany, to Camphill Vil-
lage, Copake, N.Y.
Dankovic, Sladana, from
Yugoslavia, to Community
Family Life Services, Wash-
ington, D.C.
Durnbaugh, Aaron, from
Elgin, III., to Washington
City Church of the Brethren
Soup Kitchen, Washington.
DC.
Hcb, Natascha, from Welle,
Germany, to Cafe 458,
Decatur, Ga.
Jarvis, Katie, from Char-
lottesville, Va.. to
Bridgeway. Lakewood,
Colo.
Kreider, Angle, from Paradise,
Pa., to Camp Courageous,
Monticello, Iowa
Larick, lason, from La Verne,
Calf, to The Palms.
Sebring, Fla.
Laudermilch, |oe, from Har-
risburg. Pa., to Westside
Food Bank, Sun City, Ariz.
Martin, Mike, from Upland,
Calif, to Cafe 458,
Decatur, Ga.
McCarthy, Mike, from Betten-
dorf, Iowa, to Proyecto
Libertad, Harlingen, Texas
Moreau, Julie, from Taunton,
Mass.. to Inspiration Cafe,
Chicago, III.
Neher, Anya, from Aptos,
Calif., to Proyecto Libertad,
Harlingen, Texas
Nicolaisen, Ole, from Ham-
burg, Germany, to Su Casa
Catholic Worker, Chicago,
III.
Smith, |en, from Philadelphia,
Pa., to Kilcranny House,
Northern Ireland
Van Order, Beth, from York,
Pa., to Comfort House,
McAllen, Texas
Pastoral
Placements
Boyd, Mary, from Sebring, Atl.
S.E., to Venice, Atl. S.E.
Braun, |ohn, from other
denomination to Olympic
View, Ore. /Wash.
Diamond, Douglas, from sec-
ular to Hooversville, W. Pa.
Glover, Irving, from Shalom
Fellowship, Virlina, to
Mount Bethel, Virlina
Gresh, Kenneth, froin Arcadia,
S/C Ind.. to Dunnings
Creek, Mid. Pa.
Hammel, Daniel, from Maple
Springs, W. Marva. to
Raven Run. Mid. Pa.
Hufford, Lisa, from seminary
to Nappanee. N. Ind.
Kaucher, Howard, from retire-
ment to Schuylkill, Atl. N.E.
Kensinger, Janice, from assoc.
district executive to Faith
Community Brethren
Home, S. Pa.
Konopinski, Tom, from secu-
lar to Pleasant Valley, N.
Ind
McKellip, David, from
Moreno Valley, Pac. S.W.,
to Mountain View. Idaho
Mosorjak, Gary, from secular
to Locust Grove, W. Pa.
Riley, Richard, from secular to
Frostburg, W. Marva
Sink, Barry, from Moorefield.
W Marva, to Mount
Hermon, Virlina
Smith, Leonard, from other
denomination to Rouzervile,
S. Pa.
Spire, Sam, from seminary to
New Enterprise, Mid. Pa.
Stevens, Rahn. from Moreno
Valley, Pac. S.W.. to Prairie
View, W. Plains
Licensing/
Ordination
Abraham, Mary, licensed Oct.
26. 1996, Messiah,
Mo. /Ark.
Beckncr, Dennis A., licensed
Nov. 16, 1996, Manchester,
S/C Ind.
Biddle, lames C. licensed Feb.
7, 1996, Black Rock. S. Pa.
Brolhcrton, Bob, ordained
May 18, 1991, Midway.
S.E.
Brush, lonathon, licensed |an.
18, 1997, Manassas, Mid.
Atl.
Campbell, Harold, ordained
lune 1996, Staunton, Shen.
Carrasco, Fausto, licensed
May I I, 1996, Rio Prito,
Atl. S.E.
Chinworth, lames H.,
ordained May 18, 1996,
Mountville, Atl. N.E.
Courtney, Steven Lee. licensed
July 8, 1996, Sunnyside, W.
Marva
Dahlbert, Nancy Lee,
ordained Nov. I I. 1996,
York First, S. Pa.
DiSalvio, Robert S., licensed
Ian. 7, 1997, Amwell, Atl.
N.E.
Farquharson, J. Keith, licened
Aug. 2, 1996, Olathe, W.
Plains
Guthrie, Donald, ordained
Feb. 27. 1996, Bethel-Kee-
zletown, Shen.
Hershberger, Ronald,
ordained |an. 29. 1997,
Sugar Valley, S. Pa.
Hess, Donald E., licensed
Sept. 14, 1996, Oakton,
Mid. Atl.
Houff, Marlin D., ordained
Nov. 2, 1996, Palmvra, Atl.
N.E.
Houser, Barry, licensed Oct.
8. 1996, N. Liberty, N. Ind.
Hufford. Lisa, licensed Dec.
7. 1996, Nappanee, N. Ind.
lones, Gregory L., licensed
Dec. 4. 1996, Shippens-
burg. S. Pa.
King, Kevin Daniel, licensed
May 1993, Orlando Com-
munity. Atl. S.E,
Knepper, Craig A., licensed
Sept. 14. 1996. Westmont,
W. Pa.
Konopinski, Tom, licensed,
Oct. 8, 1996, Pleasant
Valley. N. Ind.
Laue, Ron, licensed Aug. 2.
1996, Northern Colorado,
W. Plains
McAdams, Ronald L..
ordained Oct. 26, 1996,
Middle District, S. Ohio
Rediger, Anita, licensed Oct.
8, 1996. Yellow Creek, N.
Ind.
Reese, Sherry Lynn, ordained
Aug. 3, 1996, Beacon
Heights, N. Ind.
Reinhold. Charles H., licensed
Sept. 14, 1996, Flower Hill,
Mid. Atl.
Reininger, Linda L., ordained
Aug. 2, 1996. NantyGlo,
W. Pa.
April 1997 Messenger 35
itoria
To live the old, old story
recognized, Alexander
Mack replied, "By the
In an Elgin restaurant, I bumped into a little group of
out-of-town Brethren the other day, and as we chat-
ted I mentioned that I had just received a letter from
Don Snider. "What's Don up to these days?" one of the
group asked. "He's busy being Don Snider," I
responded. Everyone knew what I meant.
Don is 81 years old now. I remember him as a name in
The Gospel Messenger, when I was a callow youth and he
was national youth director. I remember him from a
week at New Windsor in the mid-1960s, when he was
director of Brethren Volunteer Service
training and 1 was a guest leader. And
I remember him from the late 1970s,
when he was our associate pastor here
in Elgin, 111.
In his letter to me, Don told about one
of the congregations he pastored singing
"I Love to Tell the Story." Don peeked
and noted that everyone was singing, but manner OJ their Uving.
a "rebel thought" intruded itself into his
brain: "Who is out there telling the story? Are we doing
what we sing?" Another thought came hard on the heels of
the first: "Change one word, and we could sing this song
more truthfully. Change it to 'I Love to Live the Story.'"
That's what keeps Don Snider busy — providing the
rest of us with provocative ideas.
Do we love to live the story? That's really what Chris-
tianity amounts to, isn't it? Go back to |esus himself.
How busy he stayed, living the story. One of my favorite
gospel passages tells of fesus giving sight to the man
born blind (John 9). The exchanges between the man and
the Pharisees are the part that charms me. To the Phar-
isees' insistence that Jesus is a sinner, the man says, "I
do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do
know, that though I was blind, now I see." Jesus got
wind that the Jews had run the impudent man off, and he
looked him up to see how things were going. Because of
Jesus' healing and caring, the man said to him, "Lord, I
believe." Jesus lived the gospel for that man.
Do we love to live the story? Go back to Alexander
Mack, a founder of the Church of the Brethren. Right
after the Eder River baptisms in 1 708, one of Mack's
neighbors asked him, "How will we be able to tell the
Brethren from anybody else?" Mack replied, "By the
manner of their living." Alexander Mack figured that
living the story would make all the difference.
Do we love to live the story? Just a few weeks after my
wife and I arrived as missionaries in Nigeria, she noticed
that the little ragamuffin we had hired as our "yard boy"
was limping around with a badly infected toe, wrapped in
a dirty homemade bandage. She doctored on that toe for
a couple of weeks, daily cleaning it, applying medicine,
and putting on a fresh bandage. That was over 30 years
ago. But that Nigerian has never written us without men
tioning the sore toe episode. It wasn't the saving of his
toe that most impressed him; it was my wife's gesture of
kindness. "Why did she care so much?" he still wonders.
Do we love to live the story? I had a wonderful English
teacher and mentor in high school — Ethel Stone
Koger — a good Brethren woman who, by the manner of
her living, and by her belief in her students, challenged
. / / / / them to do their best in life ... to live
When asked how the the story. There is a host of Brethren
T) J 11 1 leaders today who arise up and call ■
nretnren could Oe ^gj. blessed. But don't take my word
for it; ask the president of Bridgewa-
ter College — another of her proteges.
A teacher of the old school, Mrs.
Koger had us commit to memory
numerous selections of poetry. One
that stuck by me was Longfellow's
"Psalm of Life." It seemed to be a statement of Mrs.
Roger's principles for living, and having us get the poem
by heart was a subtle suggestion from her.
wo Longfellow lines came to mind as I worked
with Ryan Ahlgrim's article in this issue — "Goini
to Galilee":
; But to act that each tomorrow
Finds us farther than today.
Ahlgrim likens our faith journey — our living the
story — to going to Galilee to meet Jesus. On the way we
walk together with others, sharing each other's load,
making the way lighter and richer for each other.
Thus, the lives of others — their living of the story —
remind us
We can make our lives sublime.
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time.
And who was that group of out-of-town Brethren that I
mentioned earlier, and what was it doing here in Elgin? It
was folks from Mount Morris Church of the Brethren, out
west of here. They come in every month to volunteer their
time stuffing envelopes for the mass mailings that go out
from the General Offices. They save us thousands of dol-
lars. Been doing it for years . . . living the story. — K.T.
36 Messenger April 1997
ne Bretnren Homes oi tne Atlantic Northeast District.
Freeaom To Live Your Lire On Your Terms.
t2l
Your lire, your dreams, your
hopes, your home. These are hre's
important things. The retirement
communities or the Brethren
Homes orrer a mil range or living
accomodations to suit your lirestyle
and your needs. All are located m
the beautiful southeastern region
or Pennsylvania, with easy access
to major metropolitan areas,
vacation sights, shopping centers
and tourist attractions.
MEMBERS OF:
• Pennsylvania Association or Non-Prorit
Homes for tke Aging (PANPHA)
• American Association of Homes ana
Services for tlie Aging (AAHSA)
m
\^-ntiiiy ('/ i^cmiuitnu'nt
3001 LltitzPike
P.O. Box 5093
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 569-2657
Lebanon \&lley
Brethren Home
1200 Grubt Street
Palmyra, PA 17078
(717) 838-5406
fe:
Peter
Becker
Community
SOO Maple Avenuu
Harleysville, PA 194 38
(215) 256-9601
Join Brethren Press
in celebrating 100 years
of publishing in the
Church of the Brethren
' For This Day, a 16-page historical overview of the
Church of the Brethren's publishing house.
Distributed this spring and summer to pastors and
Annual Conference delegates. Additional copies
available from Brethren Press for $3.
' The Story Behind the Touch of the Master's Hand,
a gift-sized book that tells the inspiring story of
Myra Brooks Welch, the poet behind the poem.
Available July 1997.
' Preaching in a Tavern and 129 Other Surprising
Stories from Brethren Life, by Kenneth I. Morse.
Little-known anecdotes from Brethren history.
Available July 1997.
• The Brethren Press Breakfast at Annual
Conference, featuring "Pages from the Family
Album," an audiovisual presentation with stories
of personalities from Brethren Press history.
Thursday, July 3, 1997, 7:30 a.m.. Long Beach,
Calif. Tickets are $9 each from the Annual
Conference Office or from Brethren Press.
• An Annual Conference display by Kermon
Thomasson that tells the publishing house's
history through graphics and words. July 1-5,
1997, Long Beach, Calif.
• An exhibit at the Elgin Historical Museum in
downtown, Elgin, 111., featuring artifacts from
the former printing operation.
February 5-May 1, 1997.
Brethren Press*
1897-1997
Brethren Press (800) 323-8039 Customer Service (800) 441-3712
Editor: Kermon Thomasson
Managing Editor: Nevin Dulabaum
Editorial Assistant: Paula Wilding
Subscriptions: Vicki Roche, Martha Cupp
Promotion: Linda Myers Swanson
Study Guide Writer: Willard Dulabaum
Publisher: Wendy McFadden
On the cover:
The Brethren
moved to
California early on, first to
mine gold, and then to save
souls. David B. EUer tells the
story of a soul-saver, George
Wolfe III (page 12)
Departments
1
From the Editor
2
In Touch
4
Close to Home
6
News
9
In Brief
22
Stepping Stones
26
Pontius' Puddle
27
Letters
30
Partners in Prayer
31
Turning Points
32
Editorial
Features
10 Long Beach '97
Nevin Dulabaum and Paula Wilding present
Annual Conference information useful to
California-bound Brethren this June.
12 George Wolfe III and the 'Church
of California'
Historian David B. EUer tells how a
Brethren pioneer in the Gold Rush days
founded churches in California that became
at odds with the Brethren back east.
17 The Nuer Bible project: Tackling
the hard part
Producing the Scriptures in a vernacular
language never before written down is the
easy part, writes Esther F. Boleyn. The
project is now into the hard part.
18 For the General Board, a dramatic
shift in focus
In the third installment of a series on the
restructuring of the General Board, Nevin
Dulabaum explains how everything comes
together.
20 Could we afford another Pentecost?
Heaven help us if Pentecost should come
again! Alan Kieffaber counts well the cost.
23 Money matters
Sure, it matters, says Robert E. Alley.
Money mattered to Jesus, and it matters to
us today. Most importantly, it matters to
the heart.
How to reach us
Messenger
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Coming next month
A cluster of articles on
Brethren peace-making and
peace-makers.
District Messenger representatives: Atl. N.E., Ron
Lutz; Atl. S.E., Ruby Raymer; lll./Wis., Kreston Lipscomb;
S/C Ind., Marjorie Miller; Mich., Ken Good; Mid-Atl.,
Ann Fouls; Mo./Ark., Luci Landes; N. Plains, Frances
Merkey; N. Ohio, Alice L. Driver; S. Ohio, Jack Kline;
Ore./Wash,, Maiguerite Shamberger; Pac. SM, Randy
Miller; M. Pa., Eva Wampler; S. Pa., Elmer Q. Gleim;
W. Pa., Jay Christner; Shen., Tim Harvey; S.E., Donna
Shumate; S. Plains, Mary Ann Dell; Vitlina, Jerry Naff;
VK Plains, Dean Hummer; W Marva, Winoma Spurgeon.
Messenger is the official publication of the Church
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20, 1918, under Act of Congress of Oct, 17,1917.
Filing date, Nov 1, 1984. Member of the Associated
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Church of the Brethren General Board. Second-class
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office, Feb. 1997. Copyright 1997, Church of the
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Printed on recycled paper
David B. Eller in the flesh first established himself in my
awareness when he became a member of the General
Board in 1983. Before that, he had been for me only the
name of a young Brethren historian. Beyond his amiability,
he drew me to him as a fellow native of that part of Virginia
from Roanoke on south. David was not like the fellow who,
the other day, spoke of my being drawn back to the
"Shenandoah Valley." When I hastened to point out that
actually I was from south of Roanoke,
he shrugged. When 1 testily elabo-
rated, "That's a world and culture
distinctly different from the valley,"
he shrugged again. Yet this fellow is
from Lancaster County, Pa., and so
certainly ought to appreciate cultural
and geographical differences.
Then there was David's immersion
in Brethren history. Being a history
buff, 1 admired and envied his schol-
arship. Although a Virginian (from
Roanoke, understand), David had
earned his Ph.D. in a study of
"Brethren in the Ohio Valley, 1 790-
1850." But that was okay, since
Brethren preacher Jacob Miller from
Franklin County, Va., (in David's and my area) was an
early and important Ohio pioneer church founder.
1 arranged for David to write a Messenger article on Illi-
nois pioneer preacher George Wolfe II, as background for
our holding the 1984 Annual Conference in southern Illi-
nois, at Carbondale. I was surprised to have David say this
was his very first Messenger article. I said I would have to
do something about that record. And I have.
As we previewed the 1987 Annual Conference in Cincin-
nati, we ran David's "Peter Hon and the 'Kentucky
Dunkards'." For last year's return to Cincinnati, I asked
David for another backgrounder; he wrote "Brethren in the
Land of the Miamis." Then David seized the initiative from
me. He said, "Kermon, since next year's Conference will be
held in Long Beach, how about an article on George Wolfe
III, the founder of the 'Church of California'?" I was
delighted to oblige him, as our story on page 12 demon-
strates.
Historian David Eller
served as book editor
for Brethren Press,
1 984-1 988. He now
serves as executive
director and publisher
for the Sivedenborg
Foundation. West
Chester. Pa.
May 1997 Messenger 1
In
m
Breakthrough in Cincinnati seeing with the heartt
Brian and Mim
Hartman had things
on their mind besides
the business agenda
when they attended
Conference in
Cincinnati.
Brian Hartman planned for more relaxation at Annual
Conference in Cincinnati last summer. He had customar-
ily gone to Conference as a delegate, but this year he had
decided just to free-float and to sing in the choir. It
changed his life.
At the first choir rehearsal, he heard
someone call his name. It was Miriam
("Mim") Mast, an acquaintance from
Nappanee, Ind. A couple of evenings
later, Mim invited Brian out for sun-
daes. Eventually they walked down to
the river to watch the Fourth of July
fireworks. Apparently, there were other
fireworks as well. Two hours later,
Brian and Mim were still standing on a
river bridge, watching the lordly Ohio
flow by. They talked some, too.
For the rest of the week, little notes
went back and forth on the Conference
message board. Brian and Mim
attended Saturday night's Glad concert
together. Afterward, they strolled up to
Fountain Square. Eventually they
strolled some more. Dawn found them
once again watching the lordly Ohio
flow by.
The rest can be guessed. Brian and
Mim were married December 21. Where did they honey-
moon? In Cincinnati. And the special music at their
wedding? A Glad number from the concert: "Your Love
Broke Through."
These newlyweds from Nappanee Church of the
Brethren are looking forward to Annual Conference in
Long Beach. But, somehow, they don't expect the experi-
ence there to be as life-changing as Cincinnati '96.
l^ong Beach lovebirds
Eva and Dale
Wampler will have
special memories as
they attend Conference
in Long Beach this summer
Another couple looking forward to Long
Beach (see preceding story) are Dale and
Eva Wampler, members of Stone Church
of the Brethren in Huntingdon, Pa. They
met at older youth activity after an
evening worship service at Annual Confer-
ence in Long Beach in 1961.
They were married a year later and hon-
eymooned at Annual Conference in
Ocean Grove, N.L Since then, they have
attended 1 7 Annual Conferences. And,
yes, they will celebrate their 35th wedding
anniversary at Long Beach this summer.
Pamela Brown, a member
of Happy Corner Church
of the Brethren in Clayton,
Ohio, has second sight . . .
not that she is clairvoyant.
One day she observed a
clean-cut family in a
restaurant. She thought,
"What a nice family." But
she changed her mind
when the father kicked his
fidgety little son and made
him cry; the father denied
what he had done, so the
mother slapped the boy.
The next day, Pam
observed another family,
scruffy and apparently
lower-class. The long-
haired father projected the
stereotype of the macho
motorcyclist: leather
jacket, boots, and wallet
with requisite chain. Pam
recoiled, as did other
diners. But the couple drew
pictures with their chil-
dren, hugged them, told
them they loved them, and
laughed a lot. They said a
prayer over their meal.
At that point, Pam says,
she heard a voice: "Judge
not that ye be not judged"
(Matt. 7:1, KJV). Now she
tries to see with more than
her eyes.
Her resolve was height- f
ened by an incident L
involving her 18-year-old [
son, John, who has Down'sjj
syndrome. Pam had been
bothered and embarrassed
by John' penchant for hug-
ging people. Recently, in a
pizza parlor, a man
approached John and Pam
and offered to buy them
whatever they wanted to
eat. Pam declined. When
Pam's parents came in to
2 Messenger May 1997
oin John and her, and
rdered drinks, the same
lan jumped up and offered
3 pay for them.
After the meal, lohn ran
ver and hugged the
tranger. "I wanted the
oor to open up and swal-
)w me," Pam says. Then
he saw that the stranger
nd another man at his
able were crying. The
3cond man asked |ohn for
hug.
The mystery was solved
'hen the pair explained
lat they had just lost a
ister with Down's Syn-
rome. Reaching out to
ohn helped them deal with
leir grief.
"I now look at people
with my heart as well as
with my eyes," Pam says. "I
let God direct me instead of
letting society dictate to me
what it thinks is right and
wrong."
With her new organ of
sight, Pam cherishes the
admonition of Luke
6:37-38: "Do not judge,
and you will not be judged;
do not condemn, and you
will not be condemned.
Forgive, and you will be
forgiven; give, and it will be
given to you."
Adapted from an article by
Pamela Brown in Happy Corner
church's newsletter, Good News.
ihelly Hendricks helped pull several teeth in Nicaragua.
lands-on in Nicaragua
I short stint in the remote
•Jicaraguan village of
J4ulukuku was an eye-
I'pener for Shelly
Hendricks, a member of
.one Star Church of the
irethren in Lawrence,
,^an,, and a McPherson
-ollege student.
Part of a 30-member
3am, Shelly went to
Nicaragua in January with
other students, doctors,
dentists, and nurses to
staff a visiting clinic spon-
sored by Manchester
College.
Speaking about her expe-
rience, Shelly said, "It
brought cultural awareness
and an appreciation for
things we have here in the
US." The students per-
formed many tasks, such as
taking blood pressure
and giving shots. Shelly
also pulled teeth, per-
formed pap smears, and
cared for sick babies.
Everything was done
under conditions primitive
by US standards.
"I may or may not go
into medicine," Shelly
said. "But I found out I
have an interest in working
with children, and I would
not have known that with-
out this Nicaraguan
experience."
Home to Puerto Rico
Gil Claudio was growing
up in Castaner, PR., in the
early 1940s when Brethren
working there in Civilian
Public Service were
Methodist church in the
Painesville, Ohio, District.
Last November he
headed an ecumenical
workcamp whose project
was installing a cyclone
fence behind the Castaiier
church. Claire and Ray-
mond Hartsough from
Pine Creek Church of the
Brethren in North Liberty,
Ind., were Brethren partici-
pants. Castaiier members
worked with the stateside
volunteers.
One source of satisfac-
tion for Gil was bringing
along his 9-year-old grand-
daughter, Megan Betteley,
to connect her with her
Puerto Rican roots.
Planning is underway for
a follow-up work project to
repair a hurricane-damaged
roof at Rio Prieto Church
of the Brethren.
Gil Claudio (right with friend Alberto Gonzalez) took his
granddaughter Megan Betteley (left front) to Puerto Rico to
connect her to their family roots. Also along were Claire
and Raymond Hartsough (left back and center front).
putting down the roots of
Castafier Church of the
Brethren. Gil is now coor-
dinator of Volunteers in
Mission for the United
"In Touch" profiles Brethren we ivould
like you to meet. Send story ideas and
photos to "In Touch, "Messenger,
1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
May 1997 Messenger 3
A landscape change
gation was looking for. "I
don't want to have to pick
For years, Brethren visitors to the mother church at Ger- up the phone and say, 'I
mantown in Philadelphia, Pa., have been concerned about can't help you,'" he says,
the boarded-up building across the street, notorious as a "I want to be able to say,
crack house. Now, through the work of the Germantown 'We can.'"
congregation (pastored by Richard Kyerematen) and other
Germantown has
gotten rid of this
eyesore across the
street from the
church.
community leaders, the eyesore is gone and an adjacent
vacant building is being renovated for subsidized housing.
The General Board made a no-interest loan to the
Greater Germantown Housing Development Corporation
to encourage positive action.
We say, "We can."
fim Baker, pastor of Indi-
ana (Pa.) Church of the
Brethren is president of a
new ecumenical agency in
his community called Faith
into Action. The group — a
network of congregations,
human service agencies,
and community members —
provides help for people
who usually fall through
the cracks of local, state,
and federal programs. The
group's resources, aug-
mented by a recently
acquired grant of $25,000
from the Robert Wood
Johnson Foundation, are
focused on helping frail,
elderly, and disabled
people maintain their inde-
pendence. Among the
helpful services that Faith
into Action provides are
transportation to the
doctor's office or grocery
store, help with household
chores, and maintenance
and repair work.
When lim Baker received
an initial inquiry testing
the feasibility of such a
program, he was excited. It
was just what his congre-
Peace Studies: 25 years
Bethany Theological Semi
nary's Peace Studies j
Program began 25 years I
ago with the offering of a
Master of Arts degree
focusing on peace studies.
The Baker Peace Fund,
endowed in 1980 with a i
generous gift by |ohn and i
Elizabeth Baker, has helpec
broaden the scope of the
program. Bethany professo
Dale Brown, now
retired, was a guid-
ing force through
the years.
In 1994, profes-
sor Jeff Bach
became director of
the Peace Studies
Program. With the
seminary now in
Richmond, Ind.,
there is close coop-
eration with
Earlham School of
Religion. The pro-
gram makes the
Brethren peace wit-
ness more integral to the
seminary's curriculum.
Students are prepared for
peacemaking careers and
pastoral ministries that
vitalize the witness to
Christian peace in the
Church of the Brethren.
The Peace Studies Pro-
gram kicked off a 25th
anniversary celebration last
September, with the Urban
Peace Tour beginning at
Bethany.
4 Messenger May 1997
'.et's celebrate
Shenandoah District is
;elebrating its 30tii
inniversary tiiroughout
his year. Special historical
irticles will run in the dis-
rict's newsletter,
Shenandoah (ournal,
vhich sports a new logo in
ts banner. The anniver-
,ary will be emphasized at
listrict meeting this fall.
• Piqua (Ohio) Church
)f the Brethren marked its
'0th anniversary April 27,
vith a theme of "Reflec-
ions of the Past."
• Blue Ball (Pa.)
I!hurch of the Brethren
;elebrated its centennial
\prii 1 6-1 7. The youth re-
dacted a pre- 1960 love
east. Harold S. Martin,
;ditor of BRF Witness and
I native son, brought the
inniversary message. He
ilso wrote a congrega-
lional history to note the
inilestone.
• Virlina District's
Damp Bethel will cele-
brate its 70th anniversary
over Memorial Day week-
;nd, as a part of its annual
David Radcliff
Spiritual Emphasis Retreat
it the camp, led by David
Radcliff, director of
Denominational Peace
Witness.
Mill Creek transformed this nearby house into a haven for temporarily homeless families.
This and that
This past January 26, Mill
Creek Church of the
Brethren, near Port
Republic, Va., dedicated a
guest house for use by
families temporarily with-
out housing. The house
was donated by church
members. Qualifying fami-
lies may occupy the house
for up to three months.
Operating and mainte-
nance expenses are paid
from the congregation's
outreach budget. Mill
Creek offers its guest fam-
ilies spiritual nurturing
and financial counseling.
• Arlington (Va.)
Church of the Brethren
hosted the third annual
"Singing" April 20. What
makes the event special is
the use of the old Harmo-
nia Sacra hymnbook,
perpetuating the Brethren
tradition of four-part,
shape-note singing. Joseph
Funk published the hymn-
book about 1 70 years ago
at Singers Glen in Vir-
ginia's Shenandoah Valley.
• Woodberry Church of
the Brethren in Baltimore,
Md., has, for several years,
purchased 1,000 pounds
of potatoes and included
them in food baskets for
the needy at Thanksgiving
and Christmas. Last
Thanksgiving, Woodberry
helped 145 families and
445 individuals through an
ecumenically supported
emergency food pantry.
Campus comments
The University of La
Verne marked Black His-
tory Month with special
events, February 1 3-24.
The series opened with a
presentation on black his-
tory and concluded with a
soul-food dinner featuring
entertainment by a jazz
combo.
• Elizabethtown Col-
lege is holding a
conference April 15,
"Anabaptist and Catholic
Conversations: Points of
Convergence and Diver-
gence." It concludes a
year-long series of events
promoting dialog between
Catholics and Anabaptists.
(A third of Elizabethtown's
students are Roman
Catholic.)
• Bridgewater College
held its 102nd Spiritual
Life Institute March
18-20, jointly sponsored
by the college and Bethany
Theological Seminary.
Speakers were Earle W
Fike Jr., a former pastor,
Bethany Seminary profes-
sor. General Board staff
executive, and 1982
Annual Conference mod-
erator; Rebecca Slough,
Bethany Seminary profes-
sor; and William H.
Willimon, Duke University
professor.
"Close to Home" highlights news of
congregations, districts, colleges, homes,
and other local and regional life. Send
story ideas and photos to "Close to
Home, "Messenger, 1451 Dundee
Ave., Elgin, II 60120.
May 1997 Messenger 5
Three Brethren ministries
announce future intentions
In the wake of the General Board's de-
cision in March to cease funding of On
Earth Peace Assembly and Association
of Brethren Caregivers at the end of
Books, videos, newsletters,
magazines, and other
peacemaking resources
from the past 50 years are
what have been available at
On Earth Peace Assembly's
Retreat Center and Study
Library since late 1 995.
This retreat center is
expected to be moved when
OEPA relocates within the
next two years, as a result
of the General Board's
March decision to cease
funding the ministry.
News items are intended to inform. They do not
necessarily represent the opinions o/Messenger
or the General Board, and should not be considered
to be an endorsement or advertisement.
this year, these organizations in late
March announced their intentions for
the future. Also announcing its future
plans was The Andrew Center, which
coordinates the General Board's evan-
gelism ministry. Andrew Center per-
sonnel received notice last October
that the Board's funding of the center
will also cease at the end of 1 997.
The ABC board, which met March
21—23, expressed regret, apprecia-
tion, and excitement about becoming
an independent organization.
Although ABC is incorporated and
has its own board, it has been closely
affiliated with the General Board.
ABC currently receives $60,000 in
ministry and personnel funding
through the Board's Parish Ministries
Commission. Though formal organi-
zational ties and funding to ABC will
conclude at the end of this year, the
General Board has stated it will seek a
new working relationship with ABC.
In addition to this new relation-
ship, the General Board will honor a
previous commitment that calls for a
grant to be given to ABC through the
year 2000.
According to a release, the ABC
board during its meetings expressed
regret that the General Board's re-
design process "did not take up the
opportunity for a closer contact with
ABC and its ministries." The board
did express appreciation for its past
and current affiliation with the Gen-
eral Board, and excitement for the
possibilities that lie ahead as the or-
ganization becomes independent.
However, the ABC board did agree
to seek closer relationships with
Brethren agencies. It also plans to
maintain its current ministries:
• Caring Ministries 2000 confer-
ence
• National Older Adult Conference
• Lafiya: A Whole- Person Health
Ministry
• Deacon Ministries
• Brethren Homes fellowship
• Chaplains Association
• VOICE task group, which
encompasses the conditions of chil-
dren, addictions, HIV/AIDS, and
mental health
• the Church and Persons with
Disabilities Network
• loans and scholarships for
Brethren students in health care
training
• summer chaplaincy internships
at Brethren homes
• sponsorship of Bethany Theo-
logical Seminary's Master's level
courses in health and caring.
The ABC board also voted to im-
plement in September a four-person
staff structure consisting of an exec-
utive director, director of Communi-
cation, director of Resources, and an
administrative assistant.
The On Earth Peace Assembly
board, which met March 15—16,
unanimously adopted a resolution
stating that the Brethren Service
Center in New Windsor, Md., no
longer is "the best available location
from which to carry out our min-
istry." The OEPA board announced
its intention of relocating its offices,
book store, and retreat center within
the next two years.
6 Messenger March 1997
OEPA, a multifaceted peace min-
stry, has been affiliated with the
jeneral Board through the Board's
vVorld Ministries Commission.
The Andrew Center in late March
innounced its intention of evolving
nto an independent, self-supporting
\nabaptist evangelism center by |an-
jary. The Andrew Center was estab-
ished by the Church of the Brethren
jeneral Board in 1994 as an evange-
ism ministry that works in partner-
ship with other denominations.
Bob Kettering, interim director of
The Andrew Center, said discussions
lave begun with the center's partner
denominations — the Church of the
Brethren, The Brethren Church, the
Mennonite Church, and the General
Conference Mennonite Church —
A'ith the hope that an independent,
self-supporting center will be ready
:o be launched by the end of this
/ear.
"The initial challenges will focus
3n reorganization, funding, and the
■edevelopment of Living in Faithful
Evangelism and Passing On the
Promise," Kettering said.
A chance to learn about caring
for people in a hurting world
The healing of body, mind, and spirit
A'ill be the focus of the Caring Min-
stries 2000 conference, scheduled
"or Aug. 1 1-15, at Manchester Col-
ege. North Manchester, Ind. This
:onference will be geared to deacons,
oastors, chaplains, caregivers, coun-
selors, peacemakers and reconcilers,
social workers, and others.
Sponsored by Association of
Brethren Caregivers and supported
3y nine denominational ministries,
:he conference will feature: Helen
Prejean, prison ministry advocate and
author of Dead Man Walking; (oan
Brown Campbell, National Council of
Churches general secretary; Jimmy
Ross, 1998 Annual Conference mod-
erator; David Hilton, former
is the
NCC kicks off a year-long
focus on media awareness
What are the implications of living
in a society where its citizens re-
ceive about 16,000 media mes-
sages a day? Throughout the up-
coming year, the Na-
tional Council of
Churches intends to
find out, as it
will examine
parents',
teachers',
and
preachers'
values in the media cul-
ture as part of its Media
Awareness Year initia-
tive.
The emphasis begins
May 6 with a nationwide telecon-
ference titled "Family, Community
and Media Values."
Media aware-
ness resources,
which "will in-
troduce key con-
cepts of media lit-
eracy into the
home, school,
congregation ,
and community
environments —
to promote criti-
cal viewing and
01 CliufEliGS presenis
Media
Awareness
Y-[-ll-R
0x^
-\^v^ss\
Your control is not remote!
analysis of media mes-
sages on consumerism,
substance abuse,
racism, gender, and
global communica-
tions"— will be released throughout
the year.
This emphasis "is a call for a na-
tionwide approach to media liter-
acy," according to an NCC release.
For more information, contact
Mary Byrne Hoffmann, (914) 358-
0624, or at MBH52(ftAOL.Com.
Brethren missionary and interna-
tional health consultant; Marie For-
tune, founder and executive director
of the Center for the Prevention of
Sexual and Domestic Violence; Fred
Shaw, storyteller of the Shawnee Na-
tion; Tom Mullen, professor of Cre-
ative Writing and Preaching at Earl-
ham School of Religion; and Wesley
Ariarajah, deputy secretary of the
World Council of Churches.
Seventy-four workshops will be of-
fered during the conference, as will a
morning Bible study and evening
networking sessions. Bernie Siegel,
author and surgeon, will lead a pre-
assembly conference from 9 a.m. to 4
p.m. on Aug. 1 1 , which will focus on
"The Art and Act of Healing."
For more information, contact ABC
at (800) 323-8039 or at
ABC.parti(§'Ecunet.Org.
Brethren man deported from
Hebron for peace work
Cliff Kindy, member of Manchester
Church of the Brethren, North Man-
chester, Ind., and of Christian Peace-
maker Teams, was deported to the
United States from the Middle East
in late March after being held for
several days by authorities. Kindy
was detained following his attempts
to rebuild a Palestinian house in He-
bron that was destroyed a year ago.
The house sits on land that was re-
cently declared a "closed military
zone" by the Israeli government.
Kindy, who had been participating
in a 700-hour fast with four other
CPT members — on behalf of 700
Palestinian families that are expected
to lose their homes — was unable to
complete the fast.
May 1997 Messenger 7
Disaster relief and child care
giving keep Brethren busy
Several rebuilding and assisting pro-
jects and the allocating of $ 1 32,000
in Emergency Disaster Fund grants
was the focus of Refugee/Disaster
Services' work in March and April.
Work on rebuilding Butler Chapel
African Methodist Episcopalian
Church, Orangesburg, S.C., a black
church that was the victim of arson,
began in March after months of delay.
Jiggs Miller of Lake Odessa, Mich.,
and Michigan District disaster coor-
dinator, served as project coordinator
for April. The first shift of volunteers,
from Shenandoah District, began
work the week of April 6. Volunteers
from Virlina District were scheduled
to work the week of April 1 3 .
Meanwhile, response to flooding has
kept other Brethren volunteers busy.
Denver Harter, member of Oakland
Church of the Brethren, Gettysburg,
Ohio, and Southern Ohio District dis-
aster coordinator, supervised projects
in the Blue Creek and Manchester ar-
eas in response to flooding of the Ohio
River. Workers were housed and fed at
Camp Woodland Altars, the Southern
Ohio Brethren church camp located in
Peebles. During the first weeks of the
project, Southern Ohio District sup-
plied work teams.
Also in response to the Ohio River
flooding, Cooperative Disaster Child
Care provided caregivers in the
Shepherdsville, Ky., area, near
Louisville. Homer and Rossetta Fry,
members of Logansport (Ind.)
Church of the Brethren, managed
this project in cooperation with the
American Red Cross.
A project of refurbishing 1 0 to 14
homes in the Payette, Idaho, area
began in March. Jan and Keith Var-
daman, members of Lincolnshire
Church of the Brethren, Fort Wayne,
Ind., served as the first project's first
directors, in cooperation with Verl
King, Idaho District Disaster coordi-
nator. During the project's first two
weeks, volunteers from the sur-
8 Messenger May 1997
rounding area provided the labor.
Surrounding Church of the Brethren
districts (Oregon/Washington, Pa-
cific Southwest, and Western Plains)
were then asked to assume control of
the project, which is expected to take
two to three months to complete.
In response to the disasters, Joe
Mason, interim director of Refugee/
Disaster Services, made an urgent
appeal for "Gift of the Heart" clean-
up kits. The kits contain a bucket
filled with sponges, a wire brush, a
scrub brush, a can of powder
cleanser, plastic garbage bags, and
rubber gloves. Those interested in
donating kits may contact the office
at (410) 635-8731.
During these two frenetic months,
$132,000 was allocated from the
Emergency Disaster Fund to nine
projects. Funds were given to close
four projects — Hurricane Marilyn,
$68,263; Habitat House project in
Cincinnati, $5,407; flooding in
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic areas,
$6,413; and flooding in Washington
State and Oregon, $3,131.
A grant of $20,000 was made to
assist in the Butler Chapel rebuilding
project.
Four additional allocations of
$5,000 were granted: to the Payette,
Idaho, repair project; to assist volun-
teers in southwest Ohio; to help with
food relief for malnourished people
in Kenya due to severe drought; and
to help fund Church World Service
Regional Disaster Response Facilita-
tors around the US.
General Board and Juniata
announce staff changes
Three young adults begin work this
month coordinating National Youth
Conference 1998, scheduled for July
28-Aug. 3 in Fort Collins, Colo.
Brian Yoder will serve as coordi-
nator. Yoder, who plans to graduate
from Juniata College this year, is a
member of Stone Church of the
Brethren, Huntingdon, Pa.
Joy Struble will serve as an assis
tant coordinator. She is a 1996 grad-
uate of University of Michigan and a
member of Lansing (Mich.) Church
of the Brethren.
Emily Shonk will serve as an assis-
tant coordinator. She expects to grad-
uate from Bridgewater (Va.) this year
and is a member of Manassas (Va.)
Church of the Brethren. Shonk also
will coordinate the Youth and Young
Adult National Workcamps in 1998.
Robert Neff, president of Juniata
College, Huntingdon, Pa., in April an-
nounced his retirement, effective fol-
lowing the 1997-1998 school year.
In his resignation letter, Neff said
ML ' L
Brian Yoder Emily Shonk
loy Struble
Bob Neff
the college, which is beginning to
chart out a five-year plan, will need
continuity to achieve its future goals.
"These circumstances require a long-
term commitment on the part of the
president — a commitment that I find
myself unable to make," Neff said.
Neff has served as president of
Juniata since 1986. Prior to joining
Juniata, Neff served as general sec-
retary of the Church of the Brethren
General Board from 1978 to 1986.
He also has served as professor of
Biblical Studies at Bethany Theo-
logical Seminary, Richmond, Ind.,
and has taught at Bridgewater
(Va.) College.
Ill Erief
The four-member 1997 Youth Peace Travel Team will
begin its duties early next month. The four nnembers are IVIil<e
Brinkmeier, Lena, III.; Jacki Hartley, Lewistown, Pa.; Jessica
Lehman, Elgin, III.; and Nathan Musselman, Rocky Mount, Va.
The group is scheduled to participate in orientation June 1 0-1 2
and then attend the John Kline 200th birthday celebration at
Linville Creek Church of the Brethren, Broadway, Va., June 1 3-1 5.
The team will then visit Brethren church camps in the East and
Midwest throughout the summer, focusing on peace education.
The Youth Peace Travel Team is sponsored by four General Board
ministries— On Earth Peace Assembly, Denominational Peace Wit-
ness, Outdoor Ministry, and Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
Eight young adults will serve on On Earth Peace Assembly's
1997 Conflict Resolution Team. The team will be divided into four
groups, with each group serving this summer at a Church of the
Brethren camp. Their assignment will be to work with camp staff,
counselors and campers on conflict resolution and mediation skills.
Serving at Camp Mardela, Denton, Md., will be Chris Power of
Prairie City (Iowa) Church of the Brethren; and Madylyn Metzger
of Springfield (III.) Church of the Brethren. Serving at Shepherd's
Spring, Sharpsburg, Md., will be Amanda Ash of Carmel (Ind.)
Friends Meeting; and Jessica Hunter of San Diego (Calif.) First
Church of the Brethren. Serving at Camp Swatara, Bethel, Pa., will
be Jim Lucas of Antioch Church of the Brethren, Rocky Mount,
\/a.; and Erin Gratz of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren.
Serving at Camp Eder, Fairfield, Pa., will be Brian Bucher of Man-
hester (Ind.) Church of the Brethren, North Manchester, Ind.; and
Sara Stover of Quinter (Kan.) Church of the Brethren.
("A Message on Jerusalem," a four-page paper that focuses on
the sharing of Jerusalem by its residents, was published in February
3y the Middle East Committee of the National Council of Churches.
The paper, General Board statements pertaining to this issue, and a
:opy of a New York Times full-page advertisement— complete with
signatures of people and organizations calling for a shared
Jerusalem (which was signed by the Church of the Brethren)— are
available from Mervin Keeney, representative for Africa and the
Vliddle East, at (800) 323-8039 or CoB.Africa.ME.Rep.parti®
Ecunet.Org.
\ free loaning service of films and videos is available by
:he Church World Service Film & Video Library. The service is
available to congregations, schools, and community groups.
3WS has approximately 400 titles from various producers on
lunger, development, the environment, multiculturalism, and
other related issues. For a catalog, contact CWS at (219) 264-
U102 or at CWS. Film. Library.parti@Ecunet.Org.
I3rethren Revival Fellowship will hold two of its 1997 spring
raining seminars this month— May 3 at Beech Grove Church of
he Brethren, Pendleton, Ind., where workshops will focus on
Joctrine of the Holy Spirit, the Sermon on the Mount, the Christ-
an's devotional life, and Bible study tools and translating; and
May 1 0 at Beaverton (Mich.) Church of the Brethren, where
workshops will focus on Biblical Reliability: The Key Issue, and
Distinctively Brethren Practices.
BRF's first training seminar of the year was held March 22 at
Belvidere Church of the Brethren, York, Pa. The seminars are held
annually and often at the request of congregations. For more
information on the BRF seminars, contact James Myer at (717)
626-5555.
A special offer for pastors and ministry
students for Pragmatic Propiiet: Ttie Life of
iVIicfiael Robert Zigler, has been made avail-
able by an anonymous donor for the
discounted price of $8 hardcover and $4
paperback. The offer is available until May 30.
Contact Brethren Press at (800) 441-3712
or at Brethren. Press. parti@Ecunet. Org.
M.R. Zigler
"Come, Follow Me," the 1997 Brethren camping curriculum
theme, has been created by the Cooperative Publication Associa-
tion, of which Brethren Press is a partner. The curriculum is to be
used by children, youth, and adults exploring Christ's call and
their response to that call. The curriculum can be adapted for
outdoor learning experiences ranging from highly structured,
centralized events to informal, primitive camping.
Materials include a campers' booklet, leaders' guide. Come
Join ttie Circle songbook, and clip art. Contact Brethren Press.
Nonviolence and Humanitarian Intervention, the latest
denominational peace statement, which was approved by the
1996 Annual Conference, is available as a 24-page booklet. The
document includes the scriptural context and Brethren ideals from
which the statement was drafted. It also includes a guide to action,
including recommendations on how people can follow the peace-
able call of Jesus. This resource is ideal for church school classes
and peace groups. Single copies are $1 .50 and a quantity discount
is available. Contact Brethren Press.
Southern Ohio District ended 1996 with increases in seven
out of nine categories, compared to 1995.
Overall, membership increased by five to 9,301 . Average wor-
ship attendance rose by 1 2 to 5,065, although Sunday schol
attendance dropped by 1 1 9 to 2,891 .
Giving to the General Board increased by $36,505 to $178,322.
Other increases in giving (increase and year-end total) were to
Manchester College ($1 1 ,01 7; $31 ,533), Bethany Theological
Seminary ($10,463; $34,464), Southern Ohio District ($7,953;
$1 16,808), Brethren's Home ($3,287; $85,008). Giving to Camp
Woodland Altars decreased by $3,044 to $33,876.
"These figures show strength and support of our Church of the
Brethren congregations, district. General Board, and related insti-
tutions," said Jim Tomlonson, Southern Ohio District executive.
"I am grateful to our pastors for their individual leadership in
keeping the outreach ministries of their congregations strong."
May 1997 Messenger 9
&i»figBeach '97
^\
BY Nevin Dulabaum
AND Paula Wilding
The 2 1 1 th Church of the Brethren
Annual Conference will be held July
1-6 in Long Beach, Calif.
David Wine, president of Mutual
Aid Association, Abilene, Kan., will
serve as moderator; Jimmy Ross,
pastor of Lititz (Pa.) Church of the
Brethren, as moderator-elect.
"Count Well the Cost," words that
Wine says were spoken at the first
Brethren baptism, will serve as the
Conference's theme. These words
call Brethren to find "our common
denominator, which is zeal and en-
ergy for our faith," Wine said.
Daily events will include a worship
Above: The Long Beach Arena,
wintertime home to the Ice
Dogs, a minor league hockey
team, will serve as Annual
Conference's worship service
and business session venue.
Right: Encircling the arena is the
"Planet Ocean" mural,
featuring sea life painted to
scale. Attached to the arena is
the Long Beach Convention
Center (with the portion at the
far right being where Conference
exhibits will be located.
1 0 Messenger May 1997
service, Bible study, business ses-
sions, insight sessions, meals spon-
sored by various organizations, and
activities for people of all ages. Sev-
eral sanctioned and several unofficial
events also are scheduled just prior
to Conference.
To request an Annual Conference
information packet, contact the An-
nual Conference office at (800) 323-
8039 or at AnnualConf@AOL.Com.
Contacts for unofficial events will be
listed with those events.
Worship
Worship service themes, preachers,
and worship leaders will be:
Tuesday: Count Well the Cost.
David Wine; |immy Ross.
Wednesday: Count Well
the Cost of Community,
ludith Kipp, pastor of
Ridgeway Community
Church of the Brethren,
Harrisburg, Pa.; Leslie
Cooper, pastor of Water-
ford (Calif.) Church of
the Brethren.
Thursday: Count Well
the Cost of Simplicity. Dawn Wil-
helm, pastor of Stone Church of the
Brethren, Huntingdon, Pa.; Janet
and Skip Ober Miller, pastors of
South Bay Community Church of thej
Brethren, Redondo Beach, Calif.
Friday: Count Well the Cost of Ser-j
vice. Millard Fuller, president of
Habitat for Humanity, Americus,
Ga.; Olga Serrano, pastor of Principal
de Paz Fellowship, Santa Ana, Calif.
Saturday: Count Well the Cost of
Peace. Glenn Mitchell, pastor of
University Baptist and Brethren
Church, State College, Pa.; Debbie
Roberts, University of La Verne
(Calif.) chaplain.
Sunday: Count Well the Cost of
Discipleship. Rich Hanley, Western
Plains District executive, McPher-
son, Kan.; Donald Matthews, pastor
of Oak Grove Church of the
Brethren, Oakland, Calif.
Congregational singing will begin 30
minutes prior to each worship service.
Jonathan Shively, pastor of Pomona
(Calif.) Church of the Brethren, will
serve as music coordinator.
The Annual Conference choir,
^^. Hit
>vhich will sing at each service, will
3e directed by [anice Eller Fralin of
Fellowship in Christ Church of the
Brethren, Fremont, Calif.
Jason Leister, Rochester, N.Y., will
serve as conference organist; Eula
Frantz of Windsor, Colo., as confer-
ence pianist.
iBusiness
Four new and eight returning busi-
less items are on the docket for
Standing Committee and Annual
Conference delegates.
Sew
• The General Board's new design.
• A query proposing a denominational
■elationship with the National Association
of Evangelicals (from Northern Plains
District) .
Domestic violence query (from
Southern Pennsylvania District).
• Defining Ministry Limits of Li-
ensed Ministers query (Oregon/
itVashington District).
Returning
• Human Genetic Engineering and
'etal Tissue Use Statement.
• Office of Deacon Statement.
• Denominational Polity: Property
md Stewardship Issues Statement.
The New Testament as Our Rule
)f Faith and Practice Statement.
• World Mission Philosophy and
lobal Church Mission Structure
statement.
Statement on Child Exploitation.
Report from Annual conference's
Review and Evaluation Committee.
Congregational Structure.
Special events
A Habitat for Humanity house will
)e blitz-built June 28-July 4. Regis-
tering by June 1 is required. Call
(410) 635-8730.
The General Board Live Report is
scheduled for Thursday morning.
The Brethren Family Picnic will be
held 4:30 p.m. -6:30 p.m., Friday,
outside the Convention Center.
Huntley Brown, a professional pi-
anist, will perform Saturday evening.
Pre-Conference events
Standing Committee will hold its
meetings Saturday evening through
Tuesday noon.
The General Board and its commit-
tees are expected to meet at various
times Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday.
"Game Plan for Living," a confer-
ence sponsored by the Ministers As-
sociation, will be held Monday
evening through Tuesday afternoon.
Tim Timmons will speak on relation-
ships within congregations.
"The Church's Response to Child
Abuse" workshop, sponsored by As-
sociation of Brethren Caregivers, is
scheduled for Tuesday. Beverly
Fancher, executive director of a child
abuse treatment agency in Long
Beach, will be the keynote speaker.
The New Church Development
Seminar on Monday will feature Jeff
Wright, the Mennonite Board of Mis-
sions' Urban Ministry director in Los
Angeles.
Two workshops sponsored by Min-
istry of Reconciliation — "Conflict
Resolution Skills for Church Lead-
ers" and "Group Facilitation Skills
for Decision-Making and Reconcilia-
tion"— are scheduled for Monday
The Queen Mary,
a fixture to Long
Beach 's skyline
since 1967, last
year celebrated the
60th anniversary
of its maiden
voyage. The ship
currently is host to
an upscale restau-
rant, a conference
center, and bungee
jumping tower
and Tuesday.
Brethren Revival Fellowship's an-
nual meeting will be held June 29 at
Lindsay (Calif.) Church of the
Brethren. Call (717) 225-4184.
"Dancing at the Water's Edge,"
sponsored by Brethren/Mennonite
Council for Gay and Lesbian Con-
cerns and Womaen's Caucus, will be
held June 28-30 at La Verne (Calif.)
Church of the Brethren. Call (612)
722-6906 or write BMCoun-
cil(ffiAOL.Com.
"Sierra Song and Story Fest," a
family camp featuring Brethren musi-
cians and storytellers, will be held June
21-27 at Camp Peaceful Pines, Dard-
anelle, Calif. Call (209) 523-1438.
Conference information
Beginning June 30, Newsline, the Gen-
eral Board's phone, fax, and e-mail in-
formation service, will feature daily
updates from Annual Conference.
The 24-hour Newsline phone ser-
vice can be accessed by calling (410)
635-8738. Newsline by fax or e-mail
can be received by calling (800) 323-
8039, ext. 257., or by writing to
CoBNews® AOL.Com. All fax and
e-mail requests must be received by
June 20.
Newsline fax and e-mail recipients
will also receive the text of each ser-
mon and the daily Conference Journal.
Annual Conference wrap-ups will
be available in print and video fol-
lowing Conference. Fifty printed
wrap-ups ($10) and the video
($24.95) can be ordered through
Brethren Press, (800) 441-3712.
May 1997 Messenger 1 1
Within three generations.
Brethren preachers from
the Wolfe family had
migrated across the conti
nent from Pennsylvania,
to Illinois, and on to the
Pacific coast. There in the
land of "gold, revolvers
and bowie knives,"
George Wolfe '7un."
would carve out his niche
in Brethren history
In California, George Wolfe held large camp meetings, modeled after the
emotion-packed events of his boyhood in the Mississippi Valley.
12 Messenger May 1997
BY David B. Eller
/n//rethren beginnings in California can be traced to the
«// exciting days of the Gold Rush and the first years of
statehood. A few enterprising and isolated Brethren were
drawn to the gold fields northeast of Sacramento as early
as 1849 or 1850. The Monthly Gospel-Visiter (forerunner
of today's Messenger) was barely a year old in 1852
when it published the first of several letters from Brethren
describing their journey to California and its gold fields.
These letters were published not to encourage Brethren to
head for California, but to discourage them. Going off in
search of fortunes in gold was not considered the
Brethren thing to do. Grumped Gospel-Visiter editor
Henry Kurtz, in his preface to an 1853 travel account,
"Here is . . . another exhibition of the sufferings, dangers,
and difficulties so many undergo for the sake of a little
glittering dust."
But brother Kurtz could have taken comfort in the fact
that most Brethren who participated in America's west-
ward expansion were part of the agricultural (rather
than mining) frontier. The first Brethren minister to
settle in the new Pacific-coast state was an Illinois
farmer-preacher, George Wolfe III. And on him centers
the story of the first California Brethren congregation.
A tall and stocky man, Wolfe preached forcefully and to
the point. Largely self-educated, he could be compassion-
ate yet resolute. While unyielding on certain doctrinal
matters, he was not a strict adherent of others, such as
uniformity of plain dress for members. Moreover, he
enjoyed violin music and other pastimes considered
worldly (if not sinful) by most Brethren leaders of his
generation.
Wolfe was born in southern Illinois near Jonesboro in
1809, a son of Jacob and Barbara Hauser Wolfe. His par-
ents had settled in this virgin territory from southwest
Kentucky only a few years earlier. His grandfather of the
same name, George Wolfe I, was also a Dunker preacher.
He had traveled down the Ohio River from Pennsylvania
to Kentucky in 1800, and died at Kaskaskia, 111., the same
year George III was born.
Jacob Wolfe, a deacon, died when his son was about
13. George married Rua Faggart in 1831, and both were
baptized into the Brethren fraternity a year or so later.
The major religious influence in George's life became his
uncle, also of the same name, George Wolfe II (see
"George Wolfe: Giant in Illinois," by David B. Eller, May
In George Wolfe's day, the Brethren back east practiced
"double-mode" feetwashing, in which one brother washed
and another brother dried the feet of two or more
communicants in a row. The servers then passed the basin
and towel to two others, who continued the service.
Maverick Wolfe caused consternation among these
orthodox by practicing the "single mode. " which,
ironically, has generally replaced the "double mode" in the
Church of the Brethren today.
1984). This George Wolfe was the leader of "Far West-
ern" churches in western Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri,
and Iowa that had developed independently of Annual
Meeting.
George Wolfe "Jun." (as George III signed his name,
presumably to distinguish himself from his uncle, George
II), was elected to the ministry about 1835. He wrote
May 1997 Messenger 13
later that he attempted to escape this call by moving with
his family to the "American Bottom" (across the Missis-
sippi River from St. Louis) and then to Iowa. When his
Uncle George confronted him by asking if he was going
to "flee like Jonah," young Wolfe replied that indeed he
was. The elder solemnly admonished him, "then to hell
like Jonah, too."
'oung Wolfe, apparently having second thoughts,
accepted the call of the
church and was ordained in
Iowa in the early 1840s. For
several years he worked to build
up scattered Brethren
settlements in the south-
eastern part of the state.
In 1848, he and his
family moved back across
the Mississippi into Illinois.
Here he labored in closer con-
tact with George Wolfe 11 and
the church at Mill Creek in
Adams County (today's Liberty
congregation).
As Brethren from Indiana and
the East immigrated into Illi-
nois and Iowa during the
1840s, tensions developed
between them and the "Far
Western" churches. Annual
Meeting advised members not to
commune with the western
Brethren because of doctrinal
disagreements. The differ-
ences centered on the manner
of observing the love feast,
particularly the method of feet-
washing. Nineteenth-century
Brethren viewed uniformity in ritual
practices as an essential part of their faith. The
western Brethren used "single-mode" feetwashing,
rather than the "double mode" observed then by most
Brethren. In the "single mode," after a brother's feet had
been washed, he then received the basin and towel and
washed the feet of another. In the "double mode," one
brother washed and another brother dried the feet of two
or more communicants in a row. The servers then passed
the basin and towel to two others, who continued the ser-
vice. The sisters, of course, observed this ordinance
separately.
A secondary doctrinal issue was the western Brethren
fondness for preaching "universal restoration" (the idea
that in the fullness of time a loving God will redeem all
souls, even those suffering hell punishments). Eastern
Brethren viewed this idea as a dangerous one. A council
of western Brethren elders held at Mill Creek in 1851
concluded that they could not in good faith conform to
practices of the Annual Meeting churches. George Wolfe
Early
Brethren Sites
in Central
California
III signed those minutes.
Further discussion brought a team of elders appointed by
the Annual Meeting to visit the western Brethren at Mill
Creek in 1856. A compromise was agreed upon and entered
into the Annual Meeting minutes. In substance, the west-
ern Brethren agreed to soften their preaching of the "wider HI
salvation" and to observe eastern practices when eastern
Brethren communed with them.
Underlying these controversies, however, was the ques-
tion of Annual Meeting jurisdiction. Would the isolated
western Brethren agree to be subject to the decisions of
this body? This matter seemed to be resolved in 1859
when the Conference received letters from three "Far
Western" congregations (all in Illinois) acknowledging
that they would accept the counsel of the larger church.
Although George Wolfe III maintained his allegiance to
the compromise of 1856, he was not present at the coun-
cil with eastern leaders because he was then en route to
California. His purpose in heading west was
undoubtedly to seek agricul-
OjennyLind tural economic
opportunities rather than
missionary advance-
ment. One
biographer sug-
gests that he went
to California "to
grow up with the
country, and with
purely business
motives."
Like thousands of
others, Wolfe
caught the
"Oregon" or "Cali-
fornia fever" in the late
1840s and early 1850s.
He sold his farm in 1855
and departed with his
wife, two sons, and a mar-
ried son and
daughter-in-law for New
York City. From there the
Wolfe families booked passage on
a steamer that took them to Colombia.
Through jungles rife with pestilence, the
Brethren travelers crossed the Isthmus of
Panama on a brand-new railroad, then con-
tinued up the Mexico and California coasts by ship,
arriving in San Francisco in mid-December 1856.
(fhus,
(/ from
within three generations, Brethren preachers
3m the Wolfe family had migrated across the conti-
nent from Pennsylvania to the Pacific shore. Now in the
land of "gold, revolvers, and bowie knives" (as he
expressed it), George Wolfe "Jun." would carve out his
niche in Brethren history.
Initially the Wolfe party setded at Watsonville in the Pajaro
14 Messenger May 1997
Valley, a few miles inland from Monterey Bay. The first
Brethren worship services were held in the Southern Methodist
meetinghouse, and the newcomers soon met two Brethren
sisters and their families who had settled in this area a few
years earlier. Within a few months, however, Wolfe's group
had relocated a few miles east, over the Coastal Range at
Gilroy in Santa Clara County.
The "Church of California" was organized by Wolfe in the
fail of 1858. He baptized five converts, bringing the number
of known members in California to 1 7. This included five
members who had come by land the year before and settled
in the San [oaquin Valley, south of
Stockton. At the organizational meet-
ing, which was held in a grove prepared
for the occasion on the Pajaro River, an
election for a deacon was held. The ser-
vices concluded with a love feast. Within
two or three years, however, virtually
all of the Gilroy members relocated to
the San |oaquin Valley, near Lathrop.
where rich farm land could be easily
obtained on reasonable terms. Wolfe
reorganized the church here in 1862.
From these humble origins, the
"Church of California" grew through
both evangelistic efforts and immigra-
tion. Preaching points were established
at Tracy, Cressey, and at other locations
in the San loaquin Valley, and at "Ander-
son Valley" in Mendocino County. A
few Brethren also settled in the Napa
Valley near Cordelia, northeast of San
Francisco, which Wolfe organized into
a separate congregation in 1862. A third
congregation. Chaparral, was formed in
1879 in Calaveras County, centered at
jenny Lind. A fourth church on Eel River
in Humbolt County was started in 1880.
These early Brethren pioneers did not
quickly build church houses (although
at Lathrop and other locations they were
able to use a union meetinghouse). Many
of the Brethren moving to California,
however, were not familiar with the independence, love feast
traditions, or restoration theology of the "Far Western" group.
Tensions were unavoidable.
ifornia" were visited by two elders sent by Annual Meeting,
Daniel B. Sturgis (a former leader of "Far Western" Brethren
in Illinois) and |acob Miller of Indiana. Even though the Cal-
ifornia Brethren contributed toward travel expenses, there
was misunderstanding about the purpose the visitors served.
Wolfe had the impression they might stay for at least a year
and work extensively to increase the membership.
Only George Wolfe's hair and beard
styles conform to the Brethren
standard of his day. His suit is not
"plain garb. " Riia Faggart Wolfe's
white bonnet would have passed
muster, and her shawl, emulating
Brethren sisters' capes, probably
made her dress acceptable as well.
Thus this Wolfe portrait symbolizes
the California leader's grudging
compromise with Brethren standards
and practices back east.
olfe wrote several letters and reports to Brethren peri-
odicals in the 1850s and 1860s describing the California
Brethren's circumstances and requesting that they be visited
3y elders to help them build up the church. In the early 1860s,
:hurch periodicals were filled with opinions on how best to
organize a "Pacific Mission," and funds were raised to send
/isiting missionaries. The needs of Brethren in Virginia and
Fennessee suffering the effects of the Civil War took prece-
dence, however, and the meager funds collected ($263.80)
vere diverted to that cause.
Finally, however, in 1870, Wolfe and the "Church of Cal-
turgis and Miller believed that they were to "organize
churches and set things in order" so that the Pacific
Coast Brethren conformed to Annual Meeting standards of
faith and practice. Sturgis and Miller
stayed about two and a half months
on the West Coast, visiting most of
the Brethren in the San loaquin Valley
and in the Willamette Valley in
Oregon. While no new congregations
were organized, they held a lengthy
council meeting at Lathrop and
reported favorably in church periodi-
cals on their visit. Wolfe was more
critical. In his view, the "Church of
California" had invited evangelists,
not a disciplinary committee, and he
had no intention of abandoning the
compromise of 1856 allowing him to
use "single-mode" feetwashing. He
wrote a friend that Sturgis had
learned more by his visit to the Cali-
fornia Brethren than in all his prior
ministry.
In addition to the continued
legacy of the "Far Western" Brethren,
other differences developed between
the California Brethren and the east-
ern churches. By 1869, for example,
the "Church of California" had estab-
lished a Sunday school, an innovative
method of Christian education
frowned upon by many in the East.
The entire pattern of church life
also changed. In the Atlantic states
and the Midwest, the custom of hold-
ing love feast in a meetinghouse over several days was well
established. In California, the members were spread out
over hundreds of square miles, so that holding even
monthly services at various preaching points was difficult.
Without church houses, the California Brethren quickly
developed the practice of holding outdoor meetings over
several days in May and October.
These assemblies included preaching services, baptisms,
a church council, and a love feast. A temporary camp near
the San [oaquin or Merced River was laid out with an area
for preaching and another for tents.
Wolfe undoubtedly patterned these "camp meetings"
after those he had known in his youth in the Mississippi
Valley, and they became a prominent feature of the
"Church of California." Because camp-meeting preaching
May 1997 Messenger 1 5
often stressed an emotional conversion experience, such
gatherings were viewed with suspicion by eastern
Brethren.
(O/hen there was the thorny issue of California Brethren
U accepting the authority of Annual Meeting. Tensions
became strained when in 1873 Wolfe and a close associ-
ate, elder Jonathan Myers of Alameda County, became
corresponding editors for a new Brethren periodical, The
Gospel Trumpet. This paper championed the cause of the
"Congregational Brethren," a schismatic. Midwest-cen-
tered movement that practiced "single-mode"
feetwashing and was harshly critical of Annual Meeting
governance. Indeed, Wolfe had warmly welcomed to Cali-
fornia elders associated with this movement. While Wolfe
and Myers were sympathetic to the formation of the Con-
gregational Brethren, they were not anxious to sever ties
with the wider church. Rather, they considered them-
selves in fellowship with both groups.
These and other developments led the Annual Meeting
to send two prominent elders, Benjamin F. Moomaw of
Virginia and Henry Dorsey Davy of Ohio, to the San
Joaquin Valley in the fall of 1874. Every district within the
brotherhood was assessed an amount to finance their
travel expenses. These elders first visited Brethren who
lodged several complaints against Wolfe's leadership. In
addition to his clinging to "Far Western" Brethren tradi-
tions, Wolfe was charged with carelessness in church
discipline regarding adultery, distinctive Brethren dress,
tolerating too much pride, and receiving disowned mem-
bers into the church.
At an emotionally charged council meeting, Wolfe also
brought certain charges against the "Annual Meeting
party" within the "Church of California." Moomaw and
Davy worked to sort out the various issues, but decided to
permit the "Annual Meeting" faction to organize its own
congregation. It was called the Stanislaus (or Paradise)
church and was centered near Salida, a short distance
southeast of Lathrop. Wolfe and others then wrote to the
Standing Committee of the 1875 Annual Meeting: "Our
desires remain unchanged, and we wish to be recognized
as a part of a body giving and receiving counsel together
. . . and whatsoever the Scriptures teach we are willing to
obey, and if shown to be in error willing to retreat."
The formation of a "double-mode" congregation in
California, however, did not end the controversy. Within
a few years, letters were sent from California to eastern
elders complaining that Wolfe had not kept the agreement
reached with Moomaw and Davy. The 1877 Standing
Committee subsequently appointed a committee that
reviewed the former report, interviewed Moomaw, and
then called upon Wolfe to implement the "decision of
1875." He was given until January 1, 1878, to comply or
face disfellowshipping.
Undaunted, Wolfe asked for an appeal, which prompted
the 1878 Annual Meeting to appoint yet another commit-
tee to investigate the situation in California. Ellas K.
Buechley of Iowa was the only one of three elders named
to the committee who was able to make the long trip. He
16 Messenger May 1997
was welcomed that fall by both sides, and in church peri-
odicals he wrote favorably of his visit. He minimized the
differences between the Wolfe group and the Stanislaus
church and suggested that ultimately the dispute would
work itself out.
Reconciliation, however, was not achieved. By the late
1870s, forces within the denomination had produced a
growing polarity between liberal or "progressive" and
conservative, or "old order" factions. The progressive
movement was largely centered around Henry R.
Holsinger of Pennsylvania, who tirelessly promoted
Sunday schools, revival meetings, foreign missions, an
educated clergy, and the abolition of distinctive Brethren
dress as a test of membership. Wolfe and other California
leaders quickly aligned themselves with the progressive
element and Holsinger's periodical. The Progressive
Christian. Between 1880 and 1884, three prominent pro-
gressive leaders, including Holsinger, visited California,
met with Wolfe, and held evangelistic meetings. Holsinger
was expelled by Annual Meeting in 1882. This led pro-
gressives to form The Brethren Church — the "Ashland
Brethren" — a year later. Soon this new organization also
included the Congregational Brethren churches.
In view of the fact that Wolfe had welcomed Holsinger
and endorsed his views, Oregon Brethren asked Annual
Meeting in 1884 to send yet another committee to Cali-
fornia to "look after those brethren." A committee was
appointed and visited the San Joaquin Valley in Novem-
ber, where it noted that the Stanislaus church had been
dissolved. When it tried to call a church council, the
members of the California Church "rejected the commit-
tee."
(y/he 1886 Annual Meeting had little recourse other than
f/ to disown Wolfe and all those who would not "respect
or hear the counsel of the church." After more than 20
years of controversy with eastern leaders and Annual
Meeting, Wolfe and the "Church of California" found a
new home in a new denomination — The Brethren
Church.
By that time, however, Wolfe was near the end of his
ministry, and church work fell increasingly to his son
John P. Wolfe, who was ordained an elder in 1879.
George Wolfe's health began to fail in 1875 after con-
tracting typhoid fever, which at the same time claimed the
life of his son Joseph. A description of the California
Brethren camp meeting of 1881 noted that "brother
Wolfe, though 72 years old, and afflicted, came forth
from his tent on crutches and exhorted all." He died at his
home in the summer of 1887. The congregation he
founded and loved, the "Church of California," continues
its witness today as The Brethren Church's Wolfe rrp
Memorial congregation in Lathrop. r^
Brethren historian David B. Eller formerly was professor of history at
Bluffton College. He also has served as book editor for Brethren Press. He
now is executive director and publisher for the Swedenborg Foundation.
He and his family live in West Chester. Pa.
Three chartered flights, each carrying ubuui a ton of Nner language
books, were made from Nairobi, Kenya, into southern Sudan.
Tlie Nuer Bible project:
Tackling the hard part
BY Esther R Boleyn
iCC A fter you print these books, how do you plan to
/».distribute them?" That question often is asked by
the distribution department of the United Bible Societies
lin Nairobi, Kenya.
These people know that producing materials in a ver-
nacular language often is the easy part. The hard part is
[getting the materials delivered to the area in which that
vernacular is spoken and distributing them among its
speakers. That feat becomes harder when delivery and
distribution must be made in a country such as Sudan,
still being ravaged by years of civil war.
This has been our experience with the materials that
we, the Nuer Bible Translation Project, have produced.
Since 1989, my husband, Lester, and I have been coordi-
aating the translation of the Bible into Nuer, a language
spoken by a million southern Sudanese (see "Beneficia-
ries of Grace," by Lester E. Boleyn, February 1996).
I The Nuer are rejoicing these days because of shipments
of many books to their home areas. With a large grant
Tom the Bible Society of Australia, we chartered three
airplane flights into Upper Nile Region, the Nuer home-
and. Each flight carried about a ton of books. One went
o the east (which also can be reached by Nuer refugees
n Gembela, Ethiopia); one to the west, and one to the
:entral area. In each area, messengers collected their des-
gnated materials and carried them to their home church
communities.
Imagine what it means to be a messenger in southern
Sudan. To start with, there are no roads to follow. The
messenger may have to walk through the bush for four or
five days to reach a river. Then he travels by dugout
canoe for several days. After disembarking, he walks four
or five more days to reach the collection point. Carrying
the heavy cartons on his head, he reverses his course to
return home. And all this travel is done in temperatures
reaching more than 1 10 degrees. And it is done joyfully.
Our shipments included 1 1 different titles that our pro-
ject has produced in the past years: portions of Genesis,
Exodus, and Jeremiah; three of the six books of the New
Testament New Reader portions; two books I have written
on women in the Old and New Testaments; and three
books teaching about the birth of Jesus, the death of
Jesus, and health for women and families.
With Sudan's civil war showing little sign of coming to
an end, the people have every reason to be discouraged.
But as the Christian church grows in amazing propor-
tions, the receiving of these books in their own language
gives the Nuer great hope for the future. Anticipation for
the complete Bible in the Nuer language is high, with the
distribution date of 2000 only three years away.
These huge smiles and prayers of rejoicing must surelyrjT^
warm the heart of God. They certainly warm ours. K^
Esther F. Boleyn is associate coordinator/editor for the Nuer Bible
Translation Project in Nairobi. Kenya. She and her husband, Lester, are
Church of the Brethren field staff.
May 1997 Messenger 17
A new d e s i g n
for the General Board
Third in a four-part series of information pieces
about the General Board's proposed new design.
For the General Board,
i\
By Nevin Dulabaum
The theme of the artwork adorning the
walls might not have been on the minds of
the people gathering around the table. Then
again, it probably was.
That artwork, hanging in Meeting Room A
of the Church of the Brethren General Offices
in early March, consisted of a nearly continu-
ous stream of fabric — fabric showing colorful
butterflies flitting about. Artistically hung, the
fabric tied together nearly a dozen
posters spread around the walls, each
poster printed with a different version of
Jeremiah 29:1 1:
"For surely I know the plans I have
for you, says the Lord, plans for your
welfare and not for harm, to give you
a future with hope" (NRSV).
Surrounded by this verse and varia-
tions of it, and with each business ses-
sion beginning with worship and prayer,
the General Board met March 7-11 to
address proposals that are leading to the
most substantial changes the Board has
undergone since its creation 50 years
ago. Not only did the Board reduce its
ministries, personnel, and structure, and
table for a year a location decision for
its central offices, it approved changes
that will redefine the Board's role within ••••••
the denomination, charting a different
course from what the General Board has been about since it
was established in the late 1940s (April, pages 6-9).
According to The Brethren Encyclopedia, a number of
cause-oriented denominational boards were formed in
the decades following the 1 880s, so that by 1 928 at least five
independent boards reported directly to Annual Conference.
Though two attempts at coordinating all ministries were
made (in 1923 and 1940), "organizational questions per-
sisted." Annual Conference in 1942 was asked to study
home mission work and to consider simplifying and inte-
grating the various boards. Two committees later, a unifi-
Not only did the Board
reduce its ministries,
personnel, and
structure, and table for
a year a location
decision for its central
offices, it approved
changes that will
redefine the Board's
role tvithin the
denomination....
cation recommendation was produced. That
recommendation, which was approved by
Conference delegates in 1946, led to the for-
mation of the General Brotherhood Board.
This 25-member Board "was created to
achieve unity, efficiency, and economy in gen-
eral brotherhood work." To do so, five com-
missions were created — Commission on For:
eign Missions, Commission on Ministry and
Home Missions, Commission on Christian
Education, Commission on Christian Service,
and the Commission on Finance.
After nearly two decades under this
system. Annual Conference appointed
a committee to study the system and to
make recommendations for changes. In
1 968 that committee's recommenda-
tions were approved: "Brotherhood"
was dropped from the title and the five
commissions were reduced to three —
General Services, Parish Ministries,
and World Ministries.
Four major modifications have been
made to the General Board since then.
The Goals and Budget Committee
was created, composed of Board
members, executive staff, and district
executives, who work on budgetary
goals and planning. The executives of
General Services and Parish and
World Ministries became associate
general secretaries of the General
'•••••• Board, who, together with the general
secretary and treasurer, formed a unit
called the Administrative Council. Annual Conference's
Review and Evaluation Committee was created, to evaluate
the General Board's performance once each decade. And, in
1 988, the Pension Board, on which all General Board mem-
bers also served, became a separate entity with a 12-member
board and a new name, Brethren Benefit Trust.
The General Board in March, after two years of prayer,
discussion, discernment, and contemplafion, approved
budget parameters of $5,391,000 in income and $5,135,000
in expense. The expense parameter is down $ 1 .9 million from
1996. As a result, at least two dozen General Board employ-
18 Messenger M
AY 1997
Iramatic shift in focus
ses will have their jobs terminated in mid-|uly. Some min-
istries will be eliminated, others will be modified so that ele-
ments of the old will reappear in the new. Some new min-
istries will be created, such as the Congregational Life Teams.
Still other ministries, specifically On Earth Peace Assembly
and Association of Brethren Caregivers — which already report
to their own boards as well as to the General Board — were
given their release as General Board ministries, effective at the
;nd of the year. Thus, the General Board's journey toward a
new design does not come with a return ticket: what has been
done could be modified, but cannot be undone.
These all are decisions that stem from Redesign Steer-
ng Committee recommendations, which the Board is em-
Dowered to make. However, the Board needs Annual
Conference approval for changes in polity. In March, the
General Board showed its faith in Jeremiah 29:1 1 by
:urning over its request for changes in polity to Confer-
ence delegates this summer instead of next, keeping the
■edesign process moving forward, but only giving the
Board four months to explain to delegates why the
bhanges are being sought. The pros and cons of present-
ng these polity changes this year versus next were dis-
cussed at length by the Board.
"We have to make one of the toughest decisions when
ve're still grieving what was," said Tracy Wenger Sadd,
Board member and member of the Board's Redesign
Steering Committee. "No matter what we decide, we are
>;oing to have to risk, and we are going to have to trust."
As a result of its PA years of work, the Board's Redesign
steering Committee is of the opinion that the Board and
ts relationships with other denominational organizations,
listricts, and congregations must be based on trust, ser-
'ant leadership, and discernment, Sadd said. Thus, she
idded, it is fitting that the Board now place the process
nto the hands of the 1 ,000 delegates. "We must be the
'ery thing that we are calling for others to do," she said.
In deciding to send its change in polity proposals to
Conference delegates this summer, the Board showed its
aith that delegates will share the Board's spirit and vision
ind join the Board on its new design journey. These
hanges include:
• reducing the General Board from 25 to 20 members
o reduce costs. Five of the 20 members would be named
ly the General Board and confirmed by Annual Confer-
■nce. This process is being sought by the Board so that it
»an ensure that people with specific areas of expertise it
considers necessary can be called to serve on the Board.
• removing the General Board's three commission
structure (General Services, Parish Ministries, and World
Ministries) in favor of creating and utilizing ad hoc com-
mittees and task teams when needed. This will give the
Board increased flexibility and increase its response time
for ministry initiatives and cooperative efforts.
• transforming the current Administrative Council em-
ployee leadership structure to a Leadership Team design,
consisting of an executive director and eight other direc-
tors. This is seen as a move that flattens the organization
as directors of ministries will report directly to the execu-
tive director, instead of to an executive of a commission.
• creating a Mission and Ministries Planning Council,
which would replace the Goals and Budget Committee and
the Planning Coordinating Committee, a committee that
consists of General Board and district representatives.
This new council would assume the Planning Coordinat-
ing Committee's functions, while the General Board's Ex-
ecutive Committee would absorb Goals and Budget's bud-
get parameter development and planning responsibilities.
This Mission and Ministries Planning Council would allow
for a circular dialog model — meaning dialog among the
national, district, and congregational levels — which the
Redesign Steering Committee believes will ensure that
program initiatives are supported denominationally.
By adopting this new design in March, pending Annual
Conference delegates' approval of polity changes, the
General Board has made a dramatic shift in its focus from
what it was established to do 50 years ago. No longer will it
coordinate all ministries of the church. But it will work
cooperatively in partnership with individuals, congregations,
districts, and other denominational organizations. This new
design is needed, according to the Redesign Steering
Committee, because the denomination has lost momentum,
has no central organization for planning, currently has plan-
ning that is driven by national staff, and lacks adequate
structure for dialog among denominational organizations,
districts, and congregations.
By working together in a cooperative manner and plac-
ing ownership of ministries at all levels — national, dis-
trict, congregational — the Board has faith that God's
hand is in this plan and that the denomination will regain
momentum and become revitalized.
That, it is hoped, will be the legacy of this redesign.
M.
May 1997 Messenger 19
Ife^-
Mkmtl
BY Alan Kieffaber
Read Acts 2, the Pentecost story
"A
nd Pentecost will come again" is a the refrain of a
hymn 1 remember. Whitsunday is called the "birthday
of the church," and it does share some of the symbols —
everyone together for a common purpose and Wow! The
"lighting up" experience! If they had one wish in that time
of Jesus' recent departure from them, they surely got it —
his powerful presence with them in a new and enlarged
form.
Many of us have sung the hymn "Lord, send the old-
time power, the Pentecostal power, thy floodgates of
blessing on us throw open wide . . . that sinners be con-
verted and thy name glorified." There is another
well-known symbol, the flood of purification, healing,
baptism, as, indeed, we speak of the "baptism of the Holy
Spirit." Baptism has varying meanings, including testing
unto death as well as simple immersion after Jesus' exam-
20 Messenger May 1997
pie and teaching, as a ritual of faith commitment.
There is much talk today about downsizing, shrinking
attendance, and flat budgets, along with increased pres-
sure on church life, associated with changing values and
too many "worldly" things to do and think about. Far back
in the beginnings of the Christian community, when Jesus
had just been executed, his followers discovered him to be
both newly alive and then ascended into the eternal realm
out of their sight, but he had promised to send them
"another comforter."
We discuss and fantasize about church growth as we
come into the 21st century. We read about mega-ministr\
with a $34-million stained-glass edifice and services for
1 5,000 members in Monstertown, Texas, or the miracu-
lous revival of The Little Church That Could in
Smalltown, USA. We would do well to consider what did
happen or might have happened on that revival day called
Pentecost, when the "early church" of Jesus' disciples, the
discouraged, leaderless, and perhaps even in-hiding band
was wondering what was coming next, even as many of us
do now.
Then exploded on them the manifestations of fire, wind,
earthquake, and a miraculous "gift" of speaking and
hearing "tongues" of heretofore unknown languages that
some today call charisma. The word refers to a special
gift of persuasion and attracting people to oneself and
one's message, and it certainly was present on that first
Pentecost Day. Reminiscent of the experience of Elijah on
the mountain, these mysterious forces galvanized them as
they did Elijah when the time of apparent success had
suddenly deteriorated into death, depression, and a great
uncertainty about what was coming next.
Much wondering and discussion surround these events
recorded in Acts 1 and the several other references that
foretell them. "God," we say, "how we wish we could
understand them better, in order to duplicate them in our
own spiritual lives, so as to recreate the fervor of Christ-
ian discipleship in these 'latter days.'" We read that they
were together, both physically in that upper room and "in
one accord," in prayer and a unity of spirit and purpose.
How we wish we could duplicate that. Were they only the
eleven-plus-one, the "new twelve"? And don't we want to
think that the first "sisters" were also with the first "broth-
ers," the former having faithfully followed
and ministered both to Jesus and the rest
of them, co-learners, providers of food, fel-
lowship, and hospitality, even as our women
do today? Indeed, we do! And surely all
was not gloom and doom, dark prediction,
and hollow clink of spoon on dish as in our
traditional love feast. Surely there was
laughter, joyful reminiscence, optimism,
and hope.
And then the explosion! It was morning,
which fact was used to explain that the stun-
ning phenomena were not the result of a
communal hangover. Had it been a sleep-
less night of prayerful watching? Was there
any clue or premonition, or were they as
taken by surprise as the community of many
people and languages upon whom they burst
from the upper room, the seedbed of rev-
olution and unimaginable change? It was the birth day of
the "church" of |esus Christ, whose fracturing and demise
is lamented by many nearly two millennia later.
What happened? I don't know. Fire. Wind. A shaking
and roaring. An outburst of speaking and preaching, in
which Peter's voice is identified, but apparently was
accompanied by many others. And people of a dozen or
more diverse and discreet ethnic and language back-
grounds all hearing in their own tongue. How important
this is can be imagined if you have ever been in a foreign
[Setting in which you grasped the rudiments of how to find
J restaurant or bathroom, but a street sermon on sin and
salvation in the foreign language would have found you
entirely unable to relate.
Yet, they all understood every word, as if each one had
one's own set of earphones and personal interpreter. And
;hey were so many together and so moved by the message
:hey heard, each one alone, that they rushed to respond,
ind 3,000 were "saved." Does that raise the question of
If we seriously
considered the
awesome
happenings of
Pentecost, would
we be willing for it
to come again?
what "Are you saved?" means? Is 3,000 a nice, round
number? Or what?
if even an approximation of what Acts 2 describes actu-
ally happened, it is scary. If what preceded the visitation
of the Holy Spirit is puzzling and commends its duplica-
tion to us, what more of its aftermath? Three thousand,
and these were baptized on the spot. And that is nothing,
compared to the report that they were all immediately
integrated into the life of the church, and were fed, taught
to pray, and. . . .
And that's just for starters. The preaching continued
day after day, and the converts increased day after day,
and people were giving up their possessions and turning
their property over to the church. There is no mention
that they ever went back to that tiny upper room again.
And why should they?
But in the many New Testament accounts and reports
that follow this "first day," we read no mention of a single
piece of ground being purchased or structure being
erected to house these tens of thousands of disciples or
their program of nurture, or witness or stewardship. No
houses for pastors, no benefit plans. No
stained glass, no "Akron plan," or
padded seats, or divided chancel, or ele-
vated deacons bench, or robe for priest
or choir. Amazing, isn't it? Amazing
grace!
We hear of the growth of the
Church of the Brethren in Nigeria after
its separation from the American mis-
sion dependency. We are aware of great
growth being recorded and predicted in
some of the Hispanic ministries both
stateside and elsewhere. Charismatic
evangelistic growth is noted in places
around the world, in many denomina-
tions, and in many indigenous,
nondenominational manifestations.
If I could understand Pentecost
and what it might mean for the experi-
ence of church life and growth where I am, I would do
well to reread Acts 2 and those passages that predict and
follow it. I would do well to think and pray long and hard
over these amazing accounts, sketchy and incredible as
they are. And as they were together, I would do well to
gather together with fellow believers in this study and
search, seeking the common understanding of the disci-
ples together, just as they did.
What might happen if we prayed and sincerely sought
to receive the "Spirit" of Acts 2, as in the poem of H.H.
Tweedy: "O Spirit of the living God, / Thou Light and
Fire divine, / Descend upon thy church once more / And
make it truly thine." I would be afraid for my life and
livelihood, certainly for my conventional pastorate and
moderately remodeling little church building. How r-nr-,
about you? r^^i
Alan Kieffaber is pastor of Denton (Md.) Church of the Brethren.
May 1997 Messenger 21
Ministry to
ciiildreii is a
higii and iioiy
privilege — a gift
entrusted to us
by God to help
reconcile the
world to Jesus
Christ.
steppin;
STOniES
by Robin Wentworth Mayer
Be transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that
you may prove what the will
of God is, that which is
good and acceptable and
perfect (Rom. 12:2, NASB).
For a long time, I held
a less than positive
attitude toward vacation
Bible school. Although I
loved it as a child, when I
became an adult I consid-
ered Bible school a childish
thing to put aside. For
many years thereafter, as 1
functioned in the church, 1
had as little to do with
Bible school as possible.
And 1 had a long list of
rationalizations:
"Working with younger
kids is not my area of
greatest strength." (That
was, and remains, true.)
"I am much more effec-
tive teaching adults." (That
is also true.)
"I carry a lot of responsi-
bility in other areas of
ministry." (True then; true
now.)
"I don't have any kids
involved, so why should I
be expected to help?" (Or
it's variation: "I'm done
raising my kids, so. . . .")
"Besides, I don't have the
time." (Does anyone? Our
Bible school director put
me to shame each evening,
coming straight to the
church from work still in
her nursing uniform.)
God began dismantling
these attitudes in me a few
years ago, until last
summer, when they were
completely demolished and
transformed into joy —
pure, unadulterated,
unshakable joy.
Don't get me wrong; it
made me tired. In fact, five
straight nights of energetic,
excited, wound-up kids
racing from one session to
the next left me downright
exhausted.
But it was a happy, fulfill-
ing kind of tiredness — the
satisfaction of a job-well-
done kind of tiredness. As I
assessed the impact of the
week, I was amazed that I
had had more fun than I
had experienced in any
other single event since I
entered pastoral ministry.
But joy and fun notwith-
standing, important work
was accomplished. One
Bible school worker told me
about her six-year-old
nephew watching a video of
his cousin's baptism. After
a few moments, he turned
to his grandmother and
asked, "Grandma, is that
what the inside of a church
looks like?"
That very same scene is
being played out right
under our very noses
among our relatives, neigh-
bors, and coworkers. Bible
school is not just about fun
and games for kids and a
"night off" for neighbor-
hood parents. It's about
bringing young people and
their families into the circle
of God's love.
And, guys, it's not just for
your daughters and wives. I
often hear the complaint
that there is a shortage of
strong male leadership in
the church today. But what
can we expect? When little
boys grow up having only
female helpers in the nurs-
ery, Sunday school,
children's church, and Bible
school, how can they help
but get the idea that church
is basically a "girl's thing"?
Ministry to children is a
high and holy privilege — a
gift entrusted to us by God
to help reconcile the world
to lesus Christ. Tragically,
many Bible school pro-
grams are aborted every
summer for lack of help,
which is largely attributable
to the barrier of church
members' attitudes.
When we hold on to neg-
ative beliefs about various
aspects of ministry, our
attitudes become stumbling
blocks to God's work. But
when we cooperate with
God's intention to renew
our minds (in other words,
change our thinking), our
attitudes are transformed
from stumbling blocks into
stepping stones, and we can
"prove what the will of God
is, that which is good and
acceptable and perfect"
(Rom. 12:2).
^
Robin Wentworth Mayer is
pastor of Kokomo (Ind.) Church of
tlie Brethren.
Stepping Stones is a column offering
suggestions, perspectives, and opin-
ions— snapsltots of life — that we Iwpe
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. "
22 Messenger May 1997
h
$
%
s
$
BY Robert E. Alley
Read: Luke 12:22-34.
\Tl was Pentecost Sunday — the sev-
I enth Sunday after Easter, when we
Christians remember and celebrate
the gift of the Holy Spirit to fill our
ives and draw us together as Christ's
people. As the congregation filed into
church, ushers handed each person a
oright red carnation to symbolize the
Festive spirit of the day. People lis-
tened attentively to the reading of the
Pentecost story from Acts. It told how
:he disciples heard "what sounded
ike a powerful wind from heaven"
and how the Holy Spirit appeared
'like tongues of fire." Then came the
sermon. The preacher began with
'The Spirit of the Lord is upon us." A
ivoman sitting in the front pew
ihouted, "Like a powerful wind from
"leaven!" She threw one of the red
carnations toward the altar. So the
areacher started again with "The
Spirit of the Lord is upon us!" The
same woman's voice rang out: "Like
ongues of fire! Like tongues of fire!"
\gain she threw a red carnation
oward the altar. The preacher looked
straight at her and said, "Now throw
/our pocketbook!" At that, the woman
•eplied more softly, "Now, preacher,
/ou have just calmed the wind and put
Jut the fire!"
Preachers have been accused of
neddling in human life. Perhaps
hat's part of the job. If it is, then
here is no more sensitive area to
neddle in than the one of money.
Sometimes, preachers have been
iccused of ethical violations in the
nanagement of money. Several years
igo, a popular TV preacher was
ound guilty of mismanaging funds
from contributors. He pulled time in
the pen as a result.
I am glad to be part of a community
of faith in which the budgeting and
management of funds are a joint
responsibility. Part of the success of
the Billy Graham ministry may be
attributed to this pattern in its money
management. Early in his ministry,
Graham consulted with leaders in the
stewardship department of the
National Council of Churches or
Minds occupied vuith
earthly treasures
create hearts that
become over anxious
or hard. Minds
occupied u^ith God's
rule in endeavors of
love and peace create
hearts that grow in
their generosity and
service.
another ecumenical group regarding
the handling of his evangelistic
finances. Their advice was that the
funds be managed by people other
than himself, and that all workers
receive a salary rather than the pro-
ceeds of an offering. He took that
advice. When I worked with a
Graham Crusade in Martinsburg,
W.Va., I learned that all funds
received were handled locally. The
Graham organization was paid a con-
tract price for particular services,
including that of the evangelist. If all
costs of the Crusade were covered
through local donations prior to the
Crusade itself, no offerings were even
necessary during the week.
All of us believe that money matters.
We earn it; we save it; we spend it; we
love it; sometimes we hate it; we
anticipate it; we wrestle with it; we
share it; we hoard it. Ultimately, we
leave it. In our attempts to be pious,
we may deny that money matters. Yet
as Harry Emerson Fosdick wrote,
money "is your personal energy
reduced to portable form and
endowed with power you do not pos-
sess." Money is a product of human
innovation, but full of holy and
demonic potential.
Some people are reluctant to speak
about money in the church, as though
it were irrelevant to ministry. One
pastor said, "People go nuts when
they talk about money." Celia Allison
Hahn from Alban Institute wrote,
"They would rather tell you about
their most painful traumas or the inti-
mate details of their most private lives
than let you in on how much money
they make and what they do with it."
Church leaders may even apologize
for talking about it. Many church
study groups refuse or hesitate to use
resources on the topic. As a result,
congregations gravitate toward a
maintenance or survival mode instead
of letting visions of mission and min-
istry blossom.
The reality is that money does
matter. As a measure of personal
energy and portable power, our reluc-
tance to deal openly with money
reflects how private we really are
regarding matters of faith and now
fearful we may be of anyone, even
May 1997 Messenger 23
ourselves, assessing our faithfulness
to Christ and the church. Still,
money is a hot topic. Books and
magazines abound to explain how to
earn it, how to save it, how to shelter
it, and how to make it grow. Does
ever a day go by that money does not
appear in your mind? Richard Foster
sees money as one of the three most
seductive forces today, along with
sex and power.
A father purchased a large table
globe for his children as a Christmas
gift. As they opened his gift, he noted
a hint of disappointment on their
faces. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"Well, Daddy, we really wanted one
with a light on the inside." Dutifully,
the father exchanged the globe for a
different model. A friend asked him
what he learned from the experience.
He replied, "1 learned that it costs a
lot more to light the world." [esus
said something about us being the
light of the world.
In a time of growing costs and
diminishing resources, one truth
remains unchanged: Money is a sub-
stantive matter for the Christian's
journey. }esus spoke more about
money and possessions than any
other subject except the kingdom of
God. Of the 38 recorded parables of
lesus, 16, almost half, are about
money and possessions. Clearly,
money mattered in the culture and
times of lesus and the New Testa-
ment church, as well as in our own.
Now, what about these money
matters? Several Bible verses have
served as guides and warnings. In
1 Timothy 6:10, it is written that
"the love of money is a root of all
kinds of evil" — a direct and inclusive
reminder of what drives evil in our
lives. Not money itself, for it is rather
neutral. Our relationship with money
makes the difference. Will it be an
object for our lust or our beneficial
service? In Luke 12:22-34 and in
other stories, Jesus addressed these
money matters in the context of rela-
tionship with our possessions. He
doesn't appear to have condemned
people for either making or having
money.
In one story, |esus offered concerr
for the rich and the righteous:
"There is still one thing lacking. Selll
all that you own and distribute the
money to the poor" (Luke 18:22).
The ruler to whom this was spoken
was wealthy and good, but didn't
know a generous heart. He had only
a receiving and accumulating heart.
lesus saw his need to become a gen-
erous benefactor. We, with our
wealth and our goodness, need to
listen to that story and examine our-
selves.
The story of the poor widow
putting her "two small copper coins'"
into the temple treasury (Luke
21:1—4) would expand the illustra-
tion so that generosity with money
was not restricted to those who have
much. In proportion, the widow gave
more than the richest.
Early in my ministry, a family in
the congregation suffered their
second home fire. They lost almost
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24 Messenger May 1997
/erything. When they came to wor-
lip the next Sunday, someone
bserved the wife in the family plac-
ig her offering as usual into the
Dliection plate. Her generosity
(ceeded her tragedy.
Generosity crosses economic lines
) offer one aspect in money matters.
;sus neither told nor tells everyone
) sell all he has and give it away,
istead, the gospel calls us all to a
;nerosity that shares our treasured
isources in proportion to the faith
e claim and the goodness we pos-
;ss.
Remember the story of the Good
amaritan (Luke 10:25—3 7). When
le Samaritan took the injured man
) the inn, he used his money to pro-
de for the man's care. Money is not
lerely a resource for generosity, but
means for servant care. lesus com-
lended the Samaritan for his
;rvice. Money offers the opportu-
ity to benefit others. It is the
Drtable means of servant power for
ich of us to do what we may not be
3le or qualified to do by ourselves.
Consider the story of Mary and the
3stly perfume she used to anoint
!sus' feet (John 12:3-8). She was
iprimanded by |udas for her extrav-
Jance and for not selling the
;rfume (worth nearly a year's
ages for a laborer) and giving the
loney to the poor. Yet Jesus com-
lended her act as one of holy love,
ife affords us opportunities to use
ur money for expressions of love,
id these may not be only for those
eking the necessities of life.
Jesus' instruction regarding money
latters seems to authenticate what
osdick says: "It is our personal
lergy reduced to portable form and
idowed with power we do not pos-
;ss." As we make decisions
;garding its use, we reflect our per-
3nal values and interests. Money,
;sus indicated, mirrors who we are.
he treatment of money — how it is
jrned and how it is spent — is one of
le most decisive tests of a person's
laracter.
However much the New Testament
nd the words of Jesus in particular
ress the evil potential in money, the
ood news is that money does not
have to seduce and dominate. It can
be extremely useful for sharing, exer-
cising Christian compassion,
correcting inequities, promoting eco-
nomic justice, building the church,
and extending the kingdom of God.
Clement of Alexandria, a 2nd-cen-
tury church leader, said, "Wealth is
at our disposal, an instrument that
can be used well or foolishly. How it
is used does not depend on the
instrument, but on the person who is
using it. If we use it well, it is a valu-
able servant — a servant that can do
good things for us, and for those
who depend on us. If we use it badly,
it is an unhelpful servant — a servant
that causes us and our friends end-
less harm." This wisdom carries
contemporary relevance.
Money matters. It mattered to
Jesus as he told what it means to live
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But they were about to experience a
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If that's the protection you 'd like to experience, then
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May 1997 Messenger 25
Pontius' Puddle
Send payment for reprinting "Pontius ' Puddle " from Messenger (o
loel Kauffmann, 111 Carter Road, Goshen. IN 46526. $25 for one
time use. $10 for second strip in same issue. $10 for congregations.
t^^i\s€^
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an abundant and fulfilling life. Oth-
erwise, he would not have told
stories calling for generosity and fo
servant care with it.
Money matters to the family. Eacll
of us carries responsibility for our
family members in providing for
life's resources, including instructic
for children in how to manage mom;
well.
Money matters to our society. Ho
we use money in business and gov-
ernment relates not only to prudent
investment and growth, but also to
opportunities for human justice and
care.
Money matters to the church. Wit
it, the church can continue the woxV
of fesus by nurturing faith in all gen
erations and by supporting
opportunities for witness and servic
in Jesus' name. With our attitudes
regarding money, we can truly affec
the wind and fire of Christ's people.
But most of all, money matters to
the heart. Jesus said in words that
need to be the conscience in each of
us: "Where your treasure is, there
your heart will be also" (Luke
12:34). Life is like a gathering of
wealth. Minds occupied with earthly
treasures create hearts that become
over anxious or hard. Minds occu-
pied with God's rule in endeavors oi
love and peace create hearts that
grow in their generosity and service.
When you build a house, your lende
expects you to put some money up
front for the project. Jesus didn't saj
we have to put our money in the
kingdom before we enter, but he did
indicate that our heart will not be
there unless our treasure is there
also.
Money and its potential influence
calls for our respect. In more words
of Harry Emerson Fosdick, "It can
go where we cannot go; speak lan-
guages we cannot speak; lift burdens
we cannot touch with our fingers;
save lives with which we cannot deal
directly."
Where our treasure is, there
our heart will be also.
Robert E. Alley is pastor of Bridgewater
(Va.) Church of the Brethren.
m
26 Messenger May 1997
L
\f God has seen fit to arate and to
:ontinu€ creating a diverse world,
'hen it is incumbajt upon us, God's
leopk, to honor and respect it.
If ^^
et's have harmony
"he tandem positioning of the March
/Iessencer letters "E.T., Phone
iarth" — which speaks of the "inclu-
iveness of Christ's love for ail
luman beings" — and "No Place in
'hurch for Gays" highlights the lack
'f unity among us on a basic ques-
ion: Is everyone welcome?
If God has seen fit to create and to
continue creating a diverse world,
then it is incumbent upon us, the
people of God, not only to tolerate
that diversity, but to honor and
respect it. All people are created in
God's image, and are entitled to
being treated with dignity.
I have great respect for the Peace
Church tradition of the Church of
the Brethren. 1 do not see how we
can ever hope to achieve peace with
justice in the world if we cannot live
in harmony in our own congrega-
tions and communities.
My congregation, Columbia
United Christian church (an affilia-
tion of United Church of Christ,
Church of the Brethren, and Disci-
ples of Christ), is an "open and
affirming" congregation. We mem-
bers support each other on our
spiritual journey without being judg-
mental about where each of us is on
that journey. In our regular liturgy,
we say, "We give thanks that the
living Christ invites us and all people
Elder John Kline Bicentennial Celebration
June 12-15, 1997
Linville Creek Church of the Brethren
Broadway, Virginia
Capture some of the spirit and vision of Elder Kline through 20 presentations under four theme tracks: Woyks]\OTp & Preach-
ing; Civil War Background & Issues; Gemian Baptist Leaders, Relationships & Transition; John Kline as a Leader Guest speakers
include: Fred Benedict, Tim Binkley, Emmert Bittinger, Carl Bowman, Dale Brown, Don Dumbaugh, Ray Gingench,
Michelle Grimm, John L. Heatwole, William Kostlevy, Steve Longenecker, Dale Stoffer, Phil Stone, Klaus Wust. Other
leaders include Jeff Bach, Ken Bomberger, Chris Douglas, Alice Geiman, Kate Johnson, David Radcliff Judy Mills Reimer,
Mary Ahce Womble.
Experience the setting of the Early Brethren and Elder Kline through six tours: the Church cemetery where Elder Kline, his
wife and other leaders are buried; the John Kline Farm Home; the Tunker House, home of Peter Nead and M.R. Zigler;
the Memorial Martyr where Kline was killed; a Last Day Walk tracing Kline's final hours; and a Heritage Horseback Ride
over the countryside Kline traveled.
Learn about Kline and the Early Brethren through nearly 35 exhibits; Children's Learning Centers with Heritage Passports;
Junior High Scavenger Hunt on Klme's History; Senior High Heritage Retreat and Walk.
Celebrate Elder Klme's birthday through a dinner theatre. The Final Journey of John Kline, at the Broadway High School each
night; two Heritage Concerts with Andy & Terry Murray; an Old Order Worship Sunday morning; a Memorial Service
Sunday afternoon.
General Registrarion after May 5, 1997: $7.50 per day; Child Care, $7.50 per day; Children's and Junior High Activities,
$17.50 per day; Senior High Heritage Retreat, $42.00; Hentage Horseback Ride, $25.00.
Shuttle services provided between all sites, with golf carts for those who have difficulty walking.
For more information and additional resources on John Kline's life and witness, contact Paul Roth, coordinator/pastor,
Lmville Creek Church of the Brethren, 405 E. Spnngbrook Road, Broadway, VA 22815-9631 (540-896-5001); e-mail:
proth@Bridgewateredu
May 1997 Messenger 27
WESTMINISTER
BIBLE COMPANION
HosEA, Joel, and Amos
Westminster Bible Companion series
Bruce C. Birch
paper $19.00
Rosea, Joel, and Amos are the first three of the prophetic
books that conclude the Old Testament. Often called the
"minor prophets," they are anything but that — theirs are
important voices from the biblical tradition of the prophets
and the issues they discuss became characteristic of Hebrew
prophecy.
Hosea and Amos are the first of the great classical
prophets. Knowing their preaching, as well as Joel's, provides a
foundation to understand all of the prophets of Israel. Bruce
Birch shows how these prophets spoke to issues that dominated their times —
love, redemption, fidelity, renewal, authority, justice, righteousness, and
inclusivity — and that continue to have great relevance today.
Revelation
Westminster Bible Companion series
Catherine Gunsalus Gonzalez
and Justo L. Gonzalez
paper $16.00
Few books of the Bible have had a reversal of fortune as strange
as the book of Revelation. Written originally to offer comfort
and hope, to aid those trying to understand their faith, and to
be read aloud in church, today it is viewed by many readers as
shrouded in mystery and obscurity, rife with elusive symbolism
involving numbers and beasts. As perhaps the epitome of
apocalyptic literature. Revelation has been understood by many
Christians as a blueprint for the course of human history, for
the end of the world, or for both.
Catherine Gunsalus Gonzalez and Justo Gonzalez, two foremost
historians, offer readers a highly accessible commentary designed for clergy, laity,
and adult study groups, yet of significant value to scholars and students as well.
Their insightful analysis yields new understanding of this challenging book.
Also Available —
Deuteronomy
Thomas W. Mann
$16.00
EZEKIEL
Ronald E. Clements
$17.00
Obadiah through Malachi
William P. Brown
$17.00
Mark
Douglas R. A. Hare
527.00
Luke
Sharon H. Ringe
$20.00
Romans
David L. Bartlett
$15.00
Colossians, Ephesians, First
AND Second Timothy, and Titus
Lewis R. Donelson
$16.00
Hebrews and James
Frances Taylor Gench
$13.00
First and Second Peter
AND Jude
Fred B. Craddock
$15.00
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At your bookstore, your Cokesbury bookstore or
call toll-free 1-800-227-2872 • http://www.pcusa.org/ppc
of all spiritual paths, ages, abilities,
races, sexual orientations, and fel-
lowships into our community of love;
and healing."
Raymond T. Donaldsc
Columbia, Mii
Check out Gamaliel's booth
At a most crucial time, when emo-
tions and passions were high,
Gamaliel (Acts 5:34-39) brought
forth some very wise counsel: How
we treat people whom we feel are
misguided or worse is very impor-
tant. If what they are up to is not of
God, it will pass. If it is of God,
then certainly we do not want to be
found fighting with God.
It is not acceptable behavior when
some Brethren treat others in less
The opinions expressed in Letters are not necessarih
those of the magazine. Readers should receive then
in the same spirit with which differing opinion
are expressed in face-to-face conversations.
Letters should be brief concise, and respectfU
of the opinions of others. Preference is given P.
letters that respond directly to items read in thi
magazine.
We are willing to withhold the name of a write
only when, in our editorial judgement, it i
warranted. We will not consider any letter tha:
comes to us unsigned. Whether or not we print thi
letter, the writer's name is kept in strictest confidenct
Address letters to Messenger, 1451 Dundel
Ave., Elgin, LL 60120.
From the
Office of Human Resources
Director of Ministry
Team development and coordination in devel-
oping a system to call, equip, and support
people for ministerial leadership.
Director of Brethren Witness
Grounding in Brethren heritage, theology, and
polity: ability to assist people and congrega-
tions in giving voice and shape to Brethren
beliefs, values, and witness.
Send Resume and cover letter to Glenn
Timmons, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120,
by May 15.
28 Messenger May 1997
lan respectful ways. Do our words
nd actions and reactions reflect
eing team members, or being in
pposition to one another? If warm
earts and cool minds do not prevail,
len we too may be found fighting
gainst God.
Early Brethren seemed to be in
jne with Gamaliel's practical
/isdom — always open to more light
nd truth. Truth that we are likely to
liss may come from those whom we
5ast expect it to.
We present-day Brethren need
elpful, creative channels for
xpressing strongly held beliefs. So
/hat about having a "Table of
jamaliel" at Annual Conference?
Some zealous Brethren sometimes
ush certain agendas and materials.
Lnd they also want materials that not
lUowed or are censored.
Make such materials available at
he "Table of Gamaliel," and there
ould be some enlightening inter-
hange. Indeed, some items of
'onference business might wisely be
abled until there are more light and
ruth to guide the action.
Unless we practice more wisdom
f Gamaliel, all the fellowship, wor-
hip, and actions of Conference . . .
nd the effort put into the "new
esign" . . . may prove futile.
Roger Eberly
Milford, lnd.
'assing on "blessed hope"
'he earthly life of Jesus was spent in
/hat we would call today a Third
Vorld country. People suffered from
ard times and lack of hope. Jesus'
lessage was for the ears of those
/ithout hope. That hope he offered
elped believers to endure and the
hurch to grow.
That same hope is what we should
e offering today to people who are
nslaved by oppressive economic and
olitical systems. (See "Where
'here's All Work and No Play,"
4arch, page 18.)
Hope does not require the trap-
Hear him spea\ at the Messenger Dinner
July 3, 1997, Long Beach, Calif.
Patric^ Mellerson
Piistor oj Butler Chapel African Methodist
Episcopal Church, Orangeburg, S.C.
"From the Ashes:
Building Bridges of Hope
The Church of the Brethren is
helping rebuild Butler Chapel,
tvhich tvas burned by arsonists
in March 1996.
For dinner tickets, call the Annual
Conference office at (800) 323-8039.
Tickets also available in Long Beach
at .Annual Conference ticket sales.
COB Washington Office
a bridge between members of the
church and public policy makers
Nearly forty years ago, the 1957 Annual Conference
proclaimed, "We believe that in a democracy Christians must
assume responsibility for helping to create intelligent public
opinion which will result in legislation in harmony with the
eternal laws of God."
The Washington Office provides members of the church free and concise
information about current federal policies within the context of our Brethren
tradition. The Witness to Washington newsletter provides updates on current
issues, excerpts of Annual Conference statements which help guide our actions,
and information on how to contact policy makers. Key issues include:
Peace
Environment
Church and State
Disarmament
Africa
Poverty
Women's Justice
Middle East
Death Penalty
Children's Issues
Civil Rights
Latin America
If you are interested in promoting national and international efforts for a world of
greater peace, justice and stewardship of God's creation, contact the Church of
the Brethren Washington Office, 337 North Carolina Ave SE, Washington, DC
20003, or e-mail washofc@aol.com. The newsletter and additional alerts are also
available by electronic mail.
Stay informed and live out Christ's call to active
peace making by joining the Washington Office network.
May 1997 Messenger 29
call (800) 323-80391^ ext. 247
Ask for Vicki.
.v;;^:.?:.';" y.C :-:.-- :'.c::i.iS'Silii!L¥.::i-3K>"Si^-
Partners
in Prayer
Daily prayer guide:
Sunday: Your congregation's ministries
iVIonday: Annual Conference officers
Tuesday: General Board and staff
Wednesday: District executives,
Bethany Seminary, colleges
and university
Thursday: General Services
Friday: Parish Ministries
Saturday: World Ministries
May prayer concerns:
Congregation: Mothers Day, May
1 1 ; graduates.
Annual Conference: Moderator and
moderator-elect; executive director.
General Board: Interim Leadership
Team; employees being dismissed;
search committee for executive direc-
tor of the General Board; Transition
Team.
Districts and colleges: Bethany
Seminary graduation. May 1 1; stu-
dents seeking summer jobs.
General Services: Human Resources
staff; Planned Giving staff.
Parish Ministries: National Youth
Sunday, May 4; discussions with
Association of Brethren Caregivers.
World Ministries: SERRV; discus-
sions with On Earth Peace Assembly.
pings of church life as we know it
today or the luxuries of our society.
It does require a Spirit-filled heart
focused on manifesting the fruit of
the Spirit and pruning away the
nonessentials.
We can do our part in improving
the lot of the world's working chil-
dren by refusing to purchase goods
from those who abuse those children.
But we need to understand that
falling trade barriers will transfer
some of our own prosperity to those
underpaid workers.
lolin Bloiich
Lebanon, Pa.
Part of my heritage
I am 81 years old, and Messenger
has always been a part of my life.
Although it has changed a lot over
the years, I cannot imagine being
without it.
I have had two or three articles
published in the magazine. And in
my scrapbook I have an article that
my grandfather ]. H. Quillhorst had
published in The Gospel Messenger.
So Messenger is part of my her-
itage.
Marie Griffii
Carleton. Ne^
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If you need a new stewardship strategy for your church's
funds, Brethren Foundation may be the answer.
800-746-1505
a ministry of the Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust
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INVITATIONS
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TRAVEL
Join Witness for Peace on delegation to Nicaragua,
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BOOKS
Reprints available. New edition of Nead's Theulo^
kalWriiiiigson Various Subjects^/ mim. byW'illiai
Kostlevy; paperback special price: J 12.95. 7"/)f 0//r
Branch ..., hardback special price: $19.95. Adil ~^1
& h. Dunker Springhaus Ministries, 319 E. Dewe\ .\\ e
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CONFERENCES
"Anabaptists in Conversation: Mennoniu uk
Brethren Interactions with 20th-century Theologies
conference. June 19-21, at The Young Center, Eliza
bethtown. Pa. Inquire: Conference, Young Cencei
Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2298
Tel. (717) 361-H70. Fax (717) 361-1443, E-mai
youngctrCffiacad.etown.edu.
30 Messenger May 1997
/edding
nniversaries
iley, Cecil and Pauline.
Verona, Va.. 55
nderson, Charles and Wilma.
Fort Wayne, Ind.. 50
alsbaugh, loe and Arlene,
Macy, Ind.. 60
ealer, Harold and La Verne.
Lancaster. Pa.. 60
ixler. William and Clantha,
Carlisle, Pa., 50
oose. Raymond and Mary.
Hollidaysburg. Pa.. 50
owman, Harold and Caro-
line. Harrisonburg. Va.. 50
oyer. Ernest and Ruth.
Carlisle, Pa.. 60
rubaker, lohn and Orlena.
Lititz. Pa.. 55
ryant, Kenneth and Ruby,
Goshen, Ind., 60
yrem, Gerald and Lois,
Strasburg. Pa., 50
handler. Bob and Betty.
Beaxercreek. Ohio. 50
layton, lohn and Fran,
Mount Solon, Va.. 55
'lingenpeeL Leon and
Catherine. Avilla, Ind.. 50
rummett, Wilmer and
Thelma. Bridgewater, Va.,
55
lulp, Fred and Evelyn, Nap-
panee, Ind., 60
'ick, LaDean and Mary Alice.
Fort Wayne. Ind., 50
orwart, jack and Yolanda,
Vero Beach, Fla.. 50
rb. Earl and Kathryn,
Ephrata. Pa.. 60
tslnger, Bud and Ruby. New
Paris. Ind.. 50
ields, Ernest and Isabel.
Goshen, Ind., 50
jfer, Willie and Mary, Mount
Solon, Va.. 65
rederick, Carlyle and luanita.
Nappanee. Ind.. 50
rindrich, Harold and
Thelma. Hershey, Pa.. 50
arner, Lloyd and Helen.
Kansas City. Kan.. 55
inton. Bill and Emma. Mar-
tinsburg. Pa.. 55
odgden, Glen and DeLouris,
Kansas City, Mo., 55
iodgden. Merle and Frances.
Kansas City. Mo.. 55
iolderman. Earl and Kathryn,
Modesta, Calif., 50
lowes, Robert and Ruth,
! Bridgewater. Va.. 50
l>seph, David and Mary.
1 Onekama. Mich.. 60
layman. Ward and Maxine,
I Dayton. Va.. 55
jlatheny, Russell and Alberta,
Dayton. Ohio. 50
leadows, Richard and Alice.
Hollidaysburg, Pa., 60
liller, Robert and Dorothy,
Bridgewater. Va.. 50
liller, Warren and Treva.
Beavercreek. Ohio. 50
.ichols, Linford and Sarah.
Hopewell. Va.. 60
ielsen, Alfred and Ethel.
Modesto, Calif.. 55
acker, Oscar and Ann, Mid-
dlebury, Ind.. 50
faltzgrafr, Roy and Violet,
Lancaster, Pa.. 50
Quarry, Lloyd and Elizabeth.
Martinsburg, Pa.. 50
Shaffer, Dean and Atlegra,
Windber. Pa.. 65
Shcnk, Paul and Blanche.
Carlisle. Pa., 50
Sherman, Gerald and
Dorothy, Goshen, Ind.. 60
Simmons, Melvin and Geor-
gia, Mount Solon, Va.. 50
Smith, Kenny and Dorothy.
New Paris. Ind.. 55
Tritt, Clair and Mary. Carlisle,
Pa., 50
Wampler, Stanley and Mazie,
Harrisonburg, Va., 50
Wampler, Weldon and Cather-
ine, Bridgewater, Va., 55
Weber, Clinton and Dena. Van-
couver, Wash.. 50
Young, Forest and Lora Lee,
Harrisonburg, Va.. 55
Zack, loe and Ruth, Kansas
City, Kan.. 60
Pastoral
Placements
Gauby. Martin, from district
executive, S. Plains, to West
Goshen. N. Ind.
McDaniel, Alton, from retired
to Cedar Run, Shen.
Peyton, James M., from secu-
lar to Myersville, Mid. Atl.
Llcensings
Arendt, Patricia I.. Feb. 13.
1997, Gettysburg, S. Pa.
DeVore, Thomas A.. March I,
1997, Boulder Hill, Ill./Wis.
Hanks, Thomas, April 27,
1997, Roanoke, Oak Grove,
Virlina
Hartman, Charles L.. |an. 27.
1997. New Fairview, S. Pa.
Ilyes, lohn S.. Ian. 29. 1997.
New Fairview, S. Pa.
Laue, Ron, Aug. 2, 1996.
Northern Colorado. W.
Plains
Lehigh, Daniel G., March 1.
1997. Upper Conewago, S.
Pa.
MacDonald, ]. Christopher,
Feb. 13, 1997, Gettysburg,
S. Pa.
Pheasant, lanelle, Dec. 18,
1996, Huntingdon, Stone.
Mid. Pa.
Rediger, Anita. Oct. 8. 1996.
Yellow Creek. N. Ind.
Reinhold, Charles H.. Sept.
14. 1996, Flower Hill, Mid.
Atl.
Replogle, Shawn, April 23,
1996, Bridgewater, Shen.
Riley, Richard D.. Nov. 1.
1996, Frostburg, W. Marva
Rivera, Marcelo Otero, May
11. 1996. Pueblo de Dios.
Atl. S.E.
Sayler, Barbara, Aug. 2, 1996,
Eden Valley, W. Plains
Shively, Paula M., |an. 25,
1997, Huntington. S/C Ind.
Smith, Leonard W.. [an, 29.
1997, Rouzerville, S. Pa.
Spaid, Darrel R., Nov. 4.
1996. Maple Springs. W.
Marva
Spencer, Brain E.. Sept. 14.
1996. Rockton. W. Pa.
Spire, Samuel G., Nov. 23.
1996, French Broad, S.E.
Stevens, Rahn L.. March 1,
1997, Prairie View,
W. Plains
Dim, David. Nov. 9, 1996, Mt.
Pleasant. N. Ohio
VanVoorhis, Valeria, March 4,
1997, Anderson, S/C Ind.
Villanueva, Oscar Lopez, |r..
May 1 1, 1996, Iglesia
Christiana-Getsemani, Atl.
S.E.
Walern, Steven E.. |an. 1.
1997. Cedar Grove, S. Ohio
Webster, |erry R., March 1.
1997, Boulder Hill, Ill./Wis.
Wetzel, Howard, Feb. 27,
1997, Wakemans Grove,
Shen.
Williams, loan H., Feb. 15.
1997, Arcadia, Atl. S.E.
Ordinations
Malone, Sarah 0., Feb. 1,
1997, Univ. Baptists
Brethren, Mid. Pa.
McAdams, Ronald L., Oct. 26,
1996, Middle District, S,
Ohio
Reese, Sherry Lynn, Aug. 3.
1996. Beacon Heights, N.
Ind.
Reininger, Linda L.. Aug. 2,
1996, Nanty Glo, W. Pa.
Snyder, Sue E.. Nov. 16.
1996. Highland Ave.,
Ill./Wis.
Sumpter, Lynette. Aug. 3.
1996. Pine Creek, N. Ind.
Taylor, lack, May 11, 1996,
Cumberland, S.E.
Teal, Mark. Sept. 14, 1996,
Black River, N. Ohio
Wright, lames, |an. 18, 1997,
Greencastle, S. Pa.
Deaths
Adams, Elizabeth, 90, New
Oxford, Pa.. Feb. 23. 1997
Adams, Mary, 60, Rockwood.
Pa., Ian. 18, 1997
Ahalt, Doris, 65, Hagerstown,
Md.. |une2. 1996
Anderson, Charles A.. 54.
Kokomo. Ind.. Feb. 1 7,
1997
Applequist, Wanda, 65,
Franklin Grove, 111.. Dec. 8.
1996
Arey, Carl E., 68. Dayton. Va.,
Jan. 20. 1997
Arnold, Opal, 4 1 , South Whit-
ney, Ind.. Nov. 29. 1996
Aschliman, Kathryne. 89,
Goshen, Ind.. Aug. 2. 1996
Bailey, Edwin, 65,
Phoenixville, Pa., Oct. 7,
1996
Baker, Gerald, 50, Martins-
burg, Pa.. Nov. 27, 1996
Barkdoll, Eugene C, 85, Way-
nesboro. Pa.. Dec. 10. 1996
Barnhart, Eugene F., 82, Way-
nesboro, Pa., Nov. 4. 1996
Bauer, Pauline A.. 85. New
Paris. Ind.. Dec. 28, 1996
Baugher. Duane. 62. Oxon
Hill. Md., Dec. 6, 1996
Baum, Glenn, 73, Elizabeth-
town, Pa., Aug. 30, 1996
Bauser, Ethel. 90. Greenbank.
Va., Sept. 17, 1996
Beahm, E. Russell, 91, Har-
risonburg, Va., |an. 9. 1997
Benner, Shane. 1 1 mo.,
Hagerstown. Md., May 22,
1996
Bennett, Richard A., 38. Ligo-
nier. Pa.. Aug. 29, 1996
Benz, Henry, 73, Numa, Iowa,
Oct. 15, 1996
Besse, Erma F., 90, Alliance,
Ohio, May 12, 1996
Bird, Charles W.. 72, Conti-
nental, Ohio, Ian. 26. 1997
Blosser. Roy. 86. Nappanee.
Ind.. Nov. 9. 1996
Blough, losephine. 93. Eliza-
bethtown. Pa.. Sept. 22,
1996
Boardwell, Robert, 70,
Oregon City, Ore., |an. 3,
1997
Boatman, lames, 62, Jersey
Shore, Pa., Nov. 30. 1996
Bolyard, Lincoln. 73,
Moatsville, W.Va., Sept. 15.
1996
Bolinger, Maude, 99, Peace
Valley, Mo., Dec. 25, 1996
Bosserman, Fred E., 82, York,
Pa.. March 2, 1997
Boyers, Harry S. Sr., 81, Port
Republic, Va.. Nov. 1 1,
1996
Brammell, Violette, 87,
McPherson, Kan., Nov. 12.
1996
Brandenburg, Everett. 82.
North Manchester, Ind..
Feb. 15. 1997
Brandt, |acob. 90. Elizabeth-
town. Pa.. Feb. 10. 1997
Breeden, Betty B.. 64, Har-
risonburg, Va.. Feb. 7. 1997
Bridge, Grady S.. 84. New
Carlisle. Ohio, Oct. 24.
1996
Bright, |. Calvin. 81, Dayton,
Ohio, )an. 8, 1997
Brown, Florence. 92. Martins-
burg, Pa.. Aug. 7, 1996
Brubaker, Edyth, 87 Lan-
caster. Pa.. Oct. 4. 1996
Brubaker, Elizabeth. 96. Lan-
caster. Pa.. Oct. 27, 1996
Brubaker, Nina. 97. La Verne.
CaliL. Nov. 12. 1996
Brumbaugh, Emma, 89, Mar-
tinsburg, Pa.. Oct. 13. 1996
Brumbaugh, Robert, 69,
Hartville, Ohio, Dec. 9.
1996
Bucher, Cyrus G., 83,
Biglerville. Pa.. Aug. 23.
1996
Carr, Kim A., 41. York. Pa..
Dec. 14. 1996
Cassidy. Ann L. 92, Harrison-
burg, Va.. Ian. 11, 1997
Chaney, Margaret L., 81.
Grantsville. Pa., Aug.
23.1996
Chronister, Preston E.. 75.
York. Pa., March 15, 1997
Clark, Willis. 61, Hagerstown.
Md.. Feb. 18. 1996
Coffman, Clarence E.. 75.
Roanoke. Va.. Dec. 9. 1996
Copenhaver, Mable, 89,
Goshen, Ind.. Oct. 15.
1996
Cooper, Eva B.. 82. Harman.
W. Va.. Nov. 11. 1996
Cooper, Troy, 65, Continental,
Ohio, May 19. 1996
Cooper, William M., 87, New
Carlisle, Ohio, Dec.
12.1996
Corle, Grace E.. 79. Gulfport.
Miss., Oct. 9. 1996
Covaie, Elsie M., 85, lohn-
stown. Pa., Dec. 8. 1996
Covarl, Mary G.. 90. New
Oxford. Pa., March 15.
1997
Craven, Margaret. 96. Read-
ing. Pa., Nov. 10, 1996
Crossan, Thomas Jr.. 74.
Ephrata. Pa.. Aug. 24.1996
Cullison, Oscar T. 82. Get-
tysburg. Pa., Oct. 7, 1996
Gulp, Edna, 88, Columbia,
Ohio, Dec. 31. 1996
Gulp, Hazel V, 100. Goshen.
Ind.. Aug. 9, 1996
Cummings, Shelle L.. 22,
York, Pa., Nov. 21. 1996
Cupp. Harold W.. 66. Mount
Solon. Va.. Dec. 26, 1996
Delawder, Ernest B., 76,
Pleasant Valley, Va., Ian. 8,
1997
Delawder, Lefa G., 78, Rock-
ingham, Va.. Ian. 29. 1997
DeLong, Frank. 76, Dayton,
Ohio, Ian. 1. 1997
Demmitt, Floyd A.. 73.
New Carlisle. Ohio. Oct.
19. 1996
Derringer, Norma, 80,
Greenville, Ohio, Nov. 1,
1996
Deterline, Floyd, 58, East
Freedom, Pa., May 20,
1996
Dickey, Clara I., 92, North
Manchester, Ind., Feb. 3,
1997
Dilly, Oliver, 86, Raymore,
Mo., Nov. 22, 1996
Dilly, Prudence, 79, Raymore,
Mo., Nov. 3, 1996
Dresher, Naomi, 87,
McPherson, Kan., Feb. 5,
1997
Driver, Dorothy, 90, Elida,
Ohio. Feb. 12. 1997
Ebie, Galen, 72, Louisville,
Ohio, Oct, 3. 1996
Eigenbrode. Merle C, 74.
Waynesboro. Pa., Dec. 12.
1996
Engle, Emma. 81. Elizabeth-
town. Pa.. Aug. 1 1, 1996
Engle, ). Harold, 99, Waynes-
boro, Pa.. Dec. 19, 19%
Evans, lessie V. 71. Oakland.
Md.. Ian. 2, 1997
Fahneslock, Rav C. 73. Win-
chester. Va.. ian. 28. 1997
Farrell, Irene M., 65, Goshen,
Ind.. Feb. 21. 1997
Fifer, Mary C. 83. Bridgewa-
ter, Va., Feb. 24, 1997
Fike, Lester, 99, Goshen, Ind..
Dec. 19, 1996
Flora, lake, 85, Springfield,
Ohio, March 8. 1997
Flory, Mary, 91, Waynesboro,
Pa.. Ian. 12, 1997
Forney, Anna, 93, Lancaster,
Pa.. Oct. 27. 1996
Forsyth. Florence. 96.
Holmesville. Neb., luly 1.
1996
May 1997 Messenger 31
h
The limitations of an optic glass
Go?ie was the
Mich elajigelesqu e
image of God as a
bearded old man
sailing around in
the clouds
wearing only a
hospital gown.
The April National Geographic magazine carries a
cover story on the accomplishments of the Hubble
Space Telescope. Orbiting 370 miles above the earth,
with its view unobstructed by the atmosphere, Hubble
can look back some 1 1 billion years in time. A photo-
graph of what the astronomers dubbed the "Etched
Hourglass Nebula" carried a caption leading off with this
sentence: "Astronomers looked 8,000 light-years into the
cosmos . . . and it seemed that the eye of God was staring
back."
The photo does, indeed, show what looks like a giant
eye. What intrigued me, however, was the suggestion
that God — a God who would be physically visible, if only
one could see far enough — is
"out there" somewhere, hovering
on the periphery.
it's easy to understand how we
come by our God images. Begin-
ning with the Genesis story that
we cut our teeth on in Sunday
school, we learn about a God
who certainly seems to be some-
thing physical, like us. God
works all week, gets sweaty and
tired, and rests on the Sabbath.
How can God get tired? And how
can we help but conjure up images of "old man God"?
It's no wonder that astronomers, perhaps even
astronomers who profess no belief in God, might get the
creepy feeling that when they probe into the uttermost
reaches of the universe, they just might stumble onto
God himself, puttering at whatever it is he still does out
there, after all these lonesome years.
Little children, after exposure in Sunday school to sto-
ries of the garden (with God ambling about in it "at the
time of the evening breeze"), move on to other lessons,
to be progressively exposed to elaborations of God's
character. If the children are fortunate, they learn from
exposure to Genesis 1 the vital truth that creation exists
because of God's creative power. The purpose of the cre-
ation story is to make the point that the universe is good.
And if the children continue in good fortune, they wade
on through the Old Testament, with its many disturbing
images of a God with a short fuse and a strong bent for
wreaking vengeance, and eventually, as mature adults,
see that the Old Testament leads up to the New. And in
that, God is revealed truer to form.
At some point in my youth, when I had begun to surf
the Scriptures on my own, 1 came across 1 |ohn 4:8, was
gripped by it, and ever since have considered it the most
significant statement in the Bible: "Whoever does not
32 Messenger May 1997
love does not know God, for God is love."
God is love! At first I couldn't quite grasp the meaninji
of those three words, hampered by too many mindless
repetitions of them in the song "Praise him, praise him
all ye little children; God is love. God is love." Graduallj
though, the meaning sank in. This is a definition of God
1 marveled. This really is what God is; It's not just a
pretty thought! Suddenly I understood the truth, and wa
released from the Michelangelesque image of God as a
bearded old man sailing around in the clouds wearing
only a hospital gown.
Poet Harold McCurdy, in his poem "Morning Sick-
ness" (Theology Today, January 1997), puts the Hubble
views into proper perspective:
The Hubble telescope
Has brought Immensity near,
Now let delusive hope
Yield to wholesome fear.
For what are we, conducting
Our little human affair,
With all that star-eructing
Going on out there?
McCurdy goes on to paint a picture of our seemingly
utter insignificance in view of the enormousness of
the universe. Then he closes with observations helpful to
us Christians:
- Yet autumn turns to spring.
And spring to autumn turns.
Leaves rustle, the birds sing.
Love, or its memory, burns.
Once mercy was promised to us.
Else why did the Bridegroom,
Of true love amorous.
Die, and rise from the tomb?
And as for astronomers finding themselves staring
through Hubble right into the eyeball of God,
Love has greater scope
Than any optic glass.
And will, abandoned by hope,
Through every terror pass.
It's a mighty big leap, from the scientific wonders
described in National Geographic to the wonder of
1 John 4:8, but 1 dropped my magazine and leaped.
And was glad I did. — K.T.
i>Oridgewater Retirement Community,
a 46-acre retirement community,
provides a lifestyle of convenience and
comfort for those over 55 years of age.
Its location, across the street from
Bridgewater College, is just a short
distance from area churches, banks,
shops, grocery stores and other commu-
nity businesses. Accessibility to these
services, as well as recreational
opportunities, are important
aspects of an active lifestyle
_9^rivacy and tranquility are also an integral
part of the lifestyle here. While opportuni-
ties abound for participation in social
activities with friends throughout
Bridgewater Village, our community also
allows as much privacy as you desire.
.ytn independent lifestyle is very important.
Every effort is made by the staff of
Bridgewater Village to provide an environ-
ment with services that are necessary to
maximize independence, and a
choice of activities, endeavors,
and pursuits.
BRIDGEWATER
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
• Over 160 spacious, single-
family and cluster cottage
homes with refundable
life-leases or monthly rental
options
•Twenty-eight apartments in
Hearthstone Manor
•Affordable service fees
•Real estate taxes paid
•Maintenance staff and
resident services coordinator
•Transportation provided to
appointments
•Experienced, well-trained
staff
•Many opportunities for
planned or individual
activities
•Two-hundred-bed licensed
nursing facility with fifty-
four adult care units and
•Personal and nursing care at
Bridgewater Home.
a &/iAH^/cut car^^^?^l£/^ituy s^r*ai>ia Af^/^s^ori&^ o/^a//j^/^^
Applications for The Maple Terrace congregate living facility waiting list are now being accepted.
t^r more information call 1-800-419-9129 or 1-540-828-2550
or send coupon to: ^»«v^
Bridgewater Retirement Community, 315 North Second Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812 I ~ I
Name
MES
Address
Citv
Phone
state
Zip
hurch of the Brethren
Rosanna Eller McFadden - artist
Goshen, Indiana
Speakers
David Wine - Moderator
Judith G. Kipp
Dawn O.Wilhelm
Millard Fuller
Glenn Mitchell
Rich Hanley
Saturday Evening Concert
Huntley Brown
Pianist
Music that is Inspired,
Anointed, Powerful
and Explosive
at^
tH
Annual
Conference
Long Beach,
California
July I - 6, 1 997
Color Photos Courtesy of Long Beach
Convention and Visitors Bureau
Church of the Brethren
June 1997
f
0
\
John C. Baker
At 101, STILL A
STALWART FOR PEACE
Editor: Kermon Thomasson
Managing Editor: Nevin Dulabaum
Editorial Assistant: Paula Wilding
Subscriptions: Vicki Roche, Martha Cupp
Promotion: Linda Myers Swanson
Study Guide Writer: Willard Dulabaum
Publisher: Wendy McFadden
On the cover:
Over his long life,
|ohn C. Baker has
held true to his Brethren
heritage of reverence for
peace. On page 10,
Donald F. Durnbaugh
chronicles that life.
Features
10 John C. Baker: stalwart for peace
Age has not dulled the zeal of this veteran
peace activist, who, at age 101, still
challenges Brethren to live up to their
peace heritage. Story by Donald F.
Durnbaugh. Sidebars on peace programs
and peace activists through the years.
16 Unlikely pulpits
Kenneth 1. Morse has produced a book of
stories that poke into the nooks and
crannies of Brethren history. We have
excerpted a few of his tales that show some !
Brethren preachers in rather unlikely pulpitsi
20 Let's find the water, fill the pots |
and expect a miracle
Wendy McFadden, in the final article of a
series on the New Design, uses the story
of the miracle at Cana as imagery for
where the Brethren stand now.
22 Marking with monuments
Although revered patriarchs did it, raising
monuments of stone isn't necessarily the
best way to mark holy ground. Frank
Ramirez says there's a better way.
25 Good for nothing
Don't despair just because Kenneth L.
Gibble says we're good for nothing. Give
him a chance to explain.
Departments
1
From the Editor
2
In Touch
4
Close to Home
6
News
9
In Brief
24
Stepping Stones
27
Pontius' Puddle
28
Partners in Prayer
28
Letters
30
Turning Points
32
Editorial
How to reach us
Messenger
1451 Dundee Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120
E-mail: CoBNewsgAOL.Com
Fax: (847) 742-6103
Phone: (847) 742-5100
(800) 323-8039
Subscription rates:
$16.50 individual rate
$12.50 church individual plan
$10.50 church group plan
$10.50 gift subscriptions
Student rate 75c per month
If you move, clip address label
and send with new address to
Messenger Subscriptions, at
the above address. Allow at least
five weeks for address change.
Coming next month
Messenger visits the South
Carolina church that Brethren
volunteers are helping rebuild
after an arson fire.
District Messenger representatives; Atl. N.E., Ron
Lutz; Atl. S.E„ Ruby Ra^tner; Iil./Wis.. Kreston Lipscomb:
S/C Ind., Marjoiie Miller; Mich., Ken Good; Mid-Atl.,
Ann Fouts; Mo. /Ark,, Luci Landes; N. Plains, Faith
Strom; N. Ohio, Alice L. Driver; S. Ohio, Jack Kline;
Ore./Wash., Marguerite Shamberger; Pac. S.W, Randy
Miller; M. Pa., Eva Wampler; S. Pa., Elmer Q. Gleim;
W Pa., Jay Christner; Shen., Tim Harvey; S.E., Donna
Shumate; S. Plains, Mary Ann Dell; Virlina, Jerry Naff;
W. Plains, Dean Hummer; W Marva, Winoma Spuigeon.
Messenger is the official publication of the 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. Member of the Associated
Church Press. Subscriber to Religion News Sen'ice
& Ecumenical Press Service. Biblical quotations,
unless otherwise indicated, are from the New Re\'ised
Standard Version, Messenger is owned and published
11 times a year by the General Services Commission,
Church of the Brethren General Board, Second-class
postage paid at Elgin, III,, and at additional mailing
office, June 1997, Copyright 1997, Church of the
Brethren General Board, ISSN 0026-0355.
Postmaster: Send address changes to Messenger,
1-151 Dundee Ave . Elgin. IL 60120.
Working with and knowing Ken Morse has been one of
the joys of my time at the Church of the Brethren Gen-
eral Offices in Elgin, 111. Ken had already been editor of
Messenger for 10 years when he gave me my first writing assign-
ment. I was a Brethren Volunteer Service worker at the offices at
the time I reported for Ken on the opening of the Castaiier Hos-
pital in 1960. Much later, Ken and 1 had four years on the magazine
staff together.
Now 37 years after giving me my first byline, and almost 20 since
his retirement, Ken, although 84 years old and in frail health, is still
going strong as a writer. It gives me great plea-
sure to once more run the Kenneth 1. Morse
byline in Messenger, with excerpted nuggets
from his latest book. Preaching in a Tavern,
hot off the press.
It was while 1 was having a sneak preview
of his book manuscript that 1 discovered Ken
and 1 had something in common besides being
Messenger editor. I read in the preface of an
experience Ken once had with Brethren
preacher, antiquary, and raconteur Reuel B.
Pritchett. Ken told about riding in a car in Ten-
nessee with district executive Ron Wine and
brother Pritchett, the three of them in the front > |
seat, with Ken in the middle and brother Pritch-
ett on his right. As they drove along, brother
Pritchett talked animatedly and, as Ken put it. Ken Morse served as Messenger editor
he "would score a point in his conversation by for 21 years (1950-1971) and has
coming down with the full strength of his left written several books since then.
index finger onto my right knee."
It was uncanny! I had had virtually the same experience! Once 1
was riding in a car in Tennessee with district executive B.|. Wampler
(predecessor of Ron Wine) and brother Pritchett. 1 sat in the middle
and brother Pritchett on my right. As we drove along, brother Pritch-
ett talked animatedly. He kept a grip on my right leg, just above the
knee, and emphasized his points by squeezing my thigh, tighter and
lighter, in rhythm with his emphases. My thigh was like a mellow lemon
ready for making lemonade by the time we reached our destination!
Ken's tales that begin on page 16 are good ones, and, as good
tales usually do, they may provoke memories for other readers, as
they have for me.
Printed on recycled paper
June 1997 Messenger 1
Ill
rr
Sowing seeds of kindness
hen you're talking about providing
food for famine-threatened people,
what better symbol of that help than a little
packet of seeds?
That's what the office of Planned Giving
thought recently as it prepared a fund-rais-
rhl|
Helen and Nelson Wetsel
donated 3 7.000 seed
packets for appeal letters
for North Korea aid.
ing letter appealing to Brethren to help the
hungry in North Korea (April, page 15,
"Opening Our Hearts to North Koreans").
Hey! Let's stick a symbolic packet of seeds
in with each letter!
Great idea, but where will the seeds come
from, and who's going to pay for them? T'
answer lay right in Harrisonburg, Va., wheri
the office of Planned Giving is based.
Nelson and Helen Wetsel of Harrisonburg
First Church of the Brethren generously
donated 37,000 packets of garden seeds for
the mass mailing. Nelson, the retired presiden
of Wetsel, Inc. (formerly Wetsel Seed, Inc..
founded by Nelson's father) was impressed b\
the cause that the appeal supported. And the
appeal was by no means the first object of the
Wetsels' generosity through the year^.
"They put the idea to us, and it sounded
like a good one," Nelson said simply (a
word from our Brethren tag line) .
Says the letter that the seed pack
ets accompany, "Please pick
up and shake the little seed
package: Each one of the
tiny, fertile seeds inside rep-
resents food, nourishment,
nutrition, health, survival. The
seeds also represent thoughtful-
ness, caring, understanding —
genuine feeling and dedication to
the words of lesus to help our
brothers and sisters in need."
In one of Jesus' parables, a
sower went out to sow, and some of the
seed fell on good ground. Jesus added,
"Let anyone with ears listen!"
Now, through the gift of Nelson and Helent
Wetsel, a mailing has gone out with seeds.
Let anyone with eyes and a heart respond.
Names in the news
Harold S. Moyer, retired se-
nior pastor of Williamson
Road Church of the Brethren
in Roanoke, Va., received an
Outstanding Service Award
from Bridgewater College in
March. Among his many
roles in service ministries, he
served on the Virginia Hu-
man Rights Committee, ap-
pointed by the governor.
• Grace T. Lefever, a
member of West York Church
of the Brethren in York, Pa.,
had one of her poems, "My
Comfort," included in Fields
of Gold, a book of poetry
published by The National
Library of Poetry.
• David J. Morris, a
member of Heatherdowns
Church of the Brethren in
Toledo, Ohio, was named
Social Worker of the Year
for 1997 by the Ohio Chap-
ter of the National Associa-
tion of Social Workers,
Northwest Ohio Region. He
is executive director of The
Friendly Center, a Toledo
social agency.
• Carole C. Grove, asso-
ciate professor of education
at Bridgewater College, and
a member of Beaver Creek
Church of the Brethren near
Bridgewater, Va., was pre-
sented the Martha B. Thorn-
ton Faculty Recognition
Award at the college's
Founder's Day banquet April*
4. The award carries a
$1,000 cash gift.
2 Messenger June 1997
i run for Camp La Verne
iteve Schatz ran the Los
[ingeles Marathon in March,
finishing the 26 miles in four
ours and 34 minutes. That
et no record, but more im-
ortant for the runner was
he $2,100 he raised for im-
irovements and restoration
/ork at Pacific Southwest
)istrict's Camp La Verne.
Steve, a physical education
sacher in Lomita, Calif.,
nd a member of South Bay
'ommunity Church of the
Irethren in Redondo Beach,
iHJoyed experiences at Camp
:.a Verne in his childhood.
ie wants to help enable the
camp to provide such experi-
ences for the children of to-
day and the future.
As Steve contributes to
Camp La Verne, he has in
mind his friend Marion
Leard of Glendale (Calif.)
Church of the Brethren.
Marion, a contractor led the
restoration work at the camp
until his death in 1995. His
son Rodney is completing
the project. Now the project
has $2, 1 00 more to work
with, thanks to Steve's
run. — Cherryl F. Cercado
Cherryl F. Cercado. a communi-
cations major, is a senior at the
University of La Verne, La Verne.
Calif.
teve Schatz' children lames and Elizabeth provided water
reaks as Steve ran the Los Angeles Marathon.
Joe Kidd (backgroiimt) got some help from buddies Mike
Crouse and Stephan Shanholtz in safeguarding the John
Kline Memorial.
Keeping the cows off
When Joe Kidd looked for a suitable project to earn
his Boy Scout Eagle award, he didn't have to look
farther than the ridge near his home where Brethren peace
martyr John Kline was killed in 1864.
[oe's congregation — Linville Creek in Broadway, Va. — and
Shenandoah District were gearing up to celebrate the 200th
birthday of Inline. And the spot where Kline was killed
needed sprucing up.
The spot, in a cow pasture, has been marked for many
years with an inscribed stone. For decades, however, cows
have found the stone a handy rubbing post. The stone had
become discolored and otherwise damaged.
loe and other members of his troop excavated a 10-foot-
square area around the marker and poured an exposed
aggregate concrete base. A wrought-iron fence of the style
of the mid- 1 800s was added.
Joe's youth group at Linville Creek raised funds for the project,
including gathering and selling over four tons of black walnuts.
Now |oe Kidd gets his Eagle award and John Kline a
refurbished memorial.
he truth about farming
«lornia Stokes, a member of
.orida (Fla.) Church of the
irethren, was an urbanite
/hen she married a cattle
ancher in 1951. She
juickly adapted to her new
ife and embarked on a ca-
eer of promoting ranching
nd farming.
She organized what be-
ame the Highlands County
'attlewomen and served as
me of its officers for several
ears. She has been active in
he Florida Farm Bureau at
he local and state level.
To promote beef, Norma
has conducted demonstrations
at the Florida State
Fair, the Highlands
County Fair, and
the Florida Straw-
berry Festival. She
also conducts food
safety demonstra-
tions for home
economics classes,
civic organizations,
and churches in
her community.
As part of Farm City Week
each year, she helps orga-
nize and conduct farm
tours. And she helped make
Norma Stokes
the Ag in the Classroom pro-
gram part of the regular cur-
riculum in some
Highlands County
schools.
Giving her ac-
ceptance speech
upon being named
the Florida De-
partment of Agri-
culture's "Woman
of the Year" in
February, Norma
emphasized that
the future of agriculture de-
pends on the education of
consumers and of "rulemak-
ers," whose ignorance (and
sometimes misinformation)
can lead to bad decisions.
"They need to hear the
truth," she said. Children, in
particular, "need to know
where their food comes from.
People are removed from the
farm, and there are fewer
farmers to tell the story."
Telling the story is what
Norma intends to keep on
doing.
"In Toitch" profiles Brethren we would
like you to meet. Send story ideas and
photos to "In Touch, "Messenger,
1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin. IL 60120.
June 1997 Messenger 3
»)
Kids in the workplace
On April 24, the Church of the
Brethren General Offices in Elgin,
111., held its own version of "Take Your
Daughters to Work Day." It was "Take
Your Kids to Work Day" as sons and
daughters of employees at the offices
accompanied moms and dads to work and
got a feel for life at "1451 ."
Highlights of the day included a tour of
the building, lunch out, and a work pro-
ject. The grounds at the offices are
Kids at the General Offices. Front center: Carson and Cassidy McFadden. Behind: Jennifer
and Justin Carlson, Daniel Radcliff. Cori Miner Kelsey Swanson, Karen Miller (interim
general secretary). In tree: Parker Swanson, Rachel Douglas, Lindsay Garber
Let's celebrate
Cedar Grove Church of
the Brethren, New Market,
Va., has been celebrating
its 140th anniversary since
January, with a special
event each month. On |une
29 there will be a church
picnic and baptism of new
members at a nearby river.
• Mount Olivet Church
of the Brethren, near Tim-
berville, Va., will celebrate
its quasquicentennial July
12-13. Festivities include
an ice cream social, a note
burning, guest speaker
(lerry Ruff), and a puppet
show.
susceptible to trash blowing in from
Dundee Avenue on the front and Interstat
90 on one side. For a busy couple of hour |
it was "Put Your Kids to Work." The visi-
tors collected two large trash bags of
debris, weighed it on the shipping room
scales, and proudly announced their
accomplishment — 20 bulky pounds of
pickings.
Cookies and milk and a photo session
rounded out the busy day.
This and that
Five members of Bremen
(Ind.) Church of the
Brethren and three member!
of an area Korean congregcl
tion spent time earlier this
year helping to add im-
provements to "Brethren
House," a social services
outreach project of Segundj
Iglesia Cristo Misionera ir
Caimito, P.R. The Bremen
church has a mission part-
nership with the Puerto Ri-
can church and regularly
sends workers there.
• Twenty junior-high stu
dents from Elizabethtowm
(Pa.) Church of the
Brethren spent time the
evening of April 6 in Eliza-
bethtown Borough jail.
Pulling time in the pokey
was part of the students' re
enactment of Acts
16:1 6-40, the story of Paui
and Silas being sprung
from jail when an earth-
quake converted the jailer
and shattered the resolve ol
the Philippi cops. In the
Elizabethtown version of
the tale, the jail was for
real. But as for the meal
with the jailer, it was decid
edly unbiblical — grilled
hamburgers and hot dogs.
4 Messenger June 1997
lampus comments
Campus Times, student
lewspaper of the University
)f La Verne, was judged the
)est weekly newspaper in
California, and La Verne
nagazine earned a General
excellence award for being
)ne of the best university
nagazines in California. The
iwards were received at the
tSth California Intercolle-
pate Press Association con-
'ention. George Keeler, a
ormer Messenger intern,
ind frequent photographer
or Annual Conference,
;hairs ULV's Communica-
ions Department. Eric
3ishop, former Messenger
Tianaging editor, is faculty
idviser to Campus Times.
• McPherson College has
•eceived a $10 million chal-
enge gift from Harry H.
Stine, owner of Stine Seed
"arm in Adel, Iowa. Stine is
I 1963 McPherson graduate.
Speaking at the CPS meet from four different perspectives on their World War II experiences
were Roy Valencourt and Gilbert Weldy (front) and John Ebersole and Larry Gara (back).
CPS learnings recalled
Men who participated in Civilian Public
Service (CPS) during World War II
gathered with their families at Manchester
College April 20-21 to remember their expe-
riences and consider the organization's
lessons. The conference, "Civilian Public
Service Revisited: CPS a Half-century
Later," was sponsored by the college's Peace
Studies Institute (see page 14).
CPS — conceived by the Brethren, Quakers,
and Mennonites in cooperation with Selective
Service — placed conscientious objectors in
programs around the country, providing an
alternative to military service. (Brethren Vol-
unteer Service — BVS — succeeded CPS when
the military draft was in effect in later years.)
William Yolton, former executive director
of the National Service Board for Conscien-
tious Objectors, spoke on opening day of the
CPS event. On day two, four former men
who responded to the World War II draft in
different ways served as a panel to recall
their personal responses to that draft. The
men were Roy Valencourt, a noncombatant
in military service; Gilbert Weldy, a CPSer;
lohn Ebersole, who commanded a B- 1 7
bomber in the Air Force; and Larry Gara,
who served a three-year prison sentence for
refusing even to register for the draft.
The view of many of the conference atten-
dees was summed up by CPS veteran Paul
Keller of North Manchester, Ind., who had
served as a "guinea pig" for medical experi-
ments: "If you believe that war is wrong, then
your ultimate test is not whether it will work,
but whether it is just."
i)uring "children's time," Dick Custer read the book Faith the
Cow while Karen Mostoller signed the story for the deaf.
Henny pennies for HPI
Coins intermingled with
sock fuzz poured noisily
through funnels into glass
jars as children at Somerset
(Pa.) Church of the Brethren
collected 48,000 pennies for
Heifer Project International
(HPI), which is using the
money to buy chicks. The
Lenten season project uti-
lized HPI's Animal Crackers
program for the fund drive.
Sunday morning story-
tellers presented scripture,
tales, and chicken facts, and
taught geography, environ-
mental science, stewardship,
and nutrition. One storyteller
surprised the children with
chicken-shaped cookies.
The project concluded on
Easter Sunday with a story
of the egg as a symbol of
resurrection and new life. A
box of 5-day-old cheeping
chicks made the project real
for the children.
The Men's Fellowship
added $100 to the fund. At
a dollar a chick, the Somer-
set children provided 580
chicks, in the initial stage of
Heifer Project's "passing
on the gift" process.
Adapted from a report by Sherry
Berkey and Kathie Shaffer. Somerset
church 's children 's program directors.
"Close to Home" highlights news of
congregations, districts, colleges, homes,
and other local and regional life. Send
story ideas and photos to "Close to
Home, "Messenger, 1451 Dundee
Ave., Elgin, 11 60120.
June 1997 Messenger 5
Brethren produce food and
raise funds for disaster relief
Preparing food and raising money
for disaster response and humanitar-
ian relief kept members of four
The cutting room (top), is
where over 60.000 pounds
of beef were processed
during this year's annual
canning project. Meanwhile,
Rachel Hilty and Joanna
Hilty. of Pleasant Hill
Church of the Brethren,
Spring Grove. Pa., wipe off
two of the more than 25,000
cans of beef and broth that
were produced.
News items are intended to inform. They do not
necessarily represent the opinions o/"Messenger
or the General Board, and should not be considered
to be an endorsement or advertisement.
Ciiurcii of the Brethren districts busy
this spring.
The annual Beef Canning Project of
Mid -Atlantic and Southern Pennsyl-
vania districts kicked off such denom-
inational projects in 1997 by process-
ing 62,322 pounds of beef into
21,175 cans of beef chunks and 4,523
cans of broth. This total exceeded the
61,800 pounds of beef volunteers
processed in 1996, and exceeded this
year's goal of 60,000 pounds.
About 425 volunteers participated
in the 1 7th annual canning project,
which was held at Meadow Brook
Turkey Farm, York, Pa., March
24-26, 31, and April 1-2.
Twenty-five Mid-Atlantic congre-
gations and 28 Southern Pennsylva-
nia congregations were represented.
Five other area congregations of dif-
fering Protestant affiliations also
were represented.
Seventy-five percent of the canned
beef will be sent overseas; the remain-
ing 25 percent and all of the beef
broth will be divided between the two
districts and then distributed to agen-
cies and organizations that help feed
the needy. Major recipients of the
beef and broth in past years in Mid-
Atlantic District have been SERVE
Food Closet, Manassas, Va., and the }
Washington City Church of the
Brethren Soup Kitchen. Major South
ern Pennsylvania recipients in past
years have included the York and
Chambersburg (Pa.) Salvation
Armies; Our Daily Bread, a York souj
kitchen; and Youth Challenge Inter-
national Bible Institute, Sunbury, Pa.
Meanwhile, three districts also heh
disaster relief auctions in early- to j
mid-May. West Marva and Mid-At- \
lantic districts held theirs on May 5.
Nearly $5,000 was raised at West
Marva's third annual auction, held at
the Barbour County Fairgrounds near
Belington, W.Va. About 150 people at-
tended. Since its inception, this auc-
tion has raised nearly $15,000.
Mid-Atlantic District's 1 7th Annua
Disaster Relief Auction was held at j
the Agricultural Center in Westmin- |
ster, Md. Though totals were not
confirmed at press time, this auction
was expected to draw 1,000 partici-
pants and raise about $36,000. Since
its inception, this auction has raised i
nearly $600,000. j
Shenandoah District's fifth annual j
auction, scheduled for May 16—1 7 at
Rockingham County Fairgrounds,
was expected to draw about 1 ,700
people and raise nearly $125,000. In
its four previous years, the auction .
has raised about $460,000.
Christians of North and Latin
America discuss 'mission'
What does Christian mission mean ini
the Americas at the approach of the
21st century? Representatives from
churches in North America, Latin
America, and the Caribbean met in
San lose, Costa Rica, in late April to
wrestle with that question.
Even in the consultation's opening
hours, there clearly was agreement
that mission must address the prob-
lems and needs of the people the
churches are seeking to serve.
And over and over again, partici-
6 Messenger June 1997
lants, including four Church of the
irethren representatives, kept coming
■ack to one powerful reality: the grow-
ng number of people in the hemi-
phere — indeed, worldwide — who are
leing excluded from the increasingly
lobalized economy, in which profits
oar as companies downsize and ex-
iloit workers with low wages.
Consultation participant Bishop
itchegoyen from Argentina summed
ip this challenge to mission in one
entence. How can the church carry
)ut )esus' preferential option for the
xcluded in the context of a global
conomic system that makes prefer-
ntial option for the wealthy?
This was the first consultation since
929 to bring together official delega-
ions from North American denomi-
lational mission boards with work in
.atin America and the Caribbean. Its
ibjective was to resume dialog and
ooperation among mission boards.
The four General Board staff rep-
esenting the Church of the Brethren
it the consultation were Merv
iCeeney, current representative to
ivfrica and the Middle East and direc-
or of Global Mission Partnerships for
he newly designed General Board;
jlenn Timmons, current Parish Min-
«tries Commission executive and di-
ector of Congregational Life Min-
stries for the newly designed General
Joard; Mariana Barriga, coordinator
)f the Latin America and the
Caribbean Office; and Guillermo En-
■arnacion, representative for the Do-
ninican Republic.
These Brethren representatives at-
ended the consultation out of the
jeneral Board's desire to connect
ongregations to mission. A key
;uideline is that the impulse to do
!Ood work needs to be informed by
hose whom we would serve, said
Timmons. "That means the church
nust be willing to hear from the poor,
he faceless and the voiceless, and to
ee lesus in the disenfranchised, the
narginalized, the least of these. The
Church of the Brethren prides itself in
)eing 'hands-on'; we need to be sure
that what we do is what people need."
Keeney said congregations inter-
ested in extending themselves in mis-
sion may consider doing the follow-
ing: research the situation; listen to
local voices and needs; explore de-
nominationally and ecumenically what
else is going on in that area; attend
relevant mission, language, and cross-
cultural studies; discuss with other
congregations, districts, and national
staff partnerships for potential pro-
jects, as well as other opportunities.
The Church of the Brethren has 1 1
churches and four fellowships in the
Dominican Republic. There are 12
Hispanic congregations in the US,
and several in Puerto Rico. — Carol
FOUKE
BBT considering expanding
its financial services
An expansion of financial services to
Church of the Brethren individuals and
organizations was one of the items dis-
cussed by the Brethren Benefit Trust
board at its spring meetings in April.
Wil Nolen, president, informed the
board that as a result of a recent sur-
vey of church leaders, BBT would
consider offering "a socially responsi-
ble mutual fund" to individual
Brethren, assist congregations and
districts with training in financial op-
erations and individuals in financial
planning, provide leadership in pas-
toral compensation and benefits mat-
ters, and offer increased leadership in
planned giving.
According to Nolen, a broader sur-
vey will be taken to determine whether
to pursue any of these services.
The BBT board also heard that its
investments for 1996 either equaled
or exceeded its own benchmarks, and
that its foundation can now legally of-
fer its services to non- Brethren chari-
table organizations. The board di-
rected Foundation director Mark Pit-
man to develop criteria for accepting
such agencies.
Calendar
(ohn Kline 200th birthday celebration,
sponsored by Linville Creek Church of
the Brethren, Broadway, Va.. and
Shenandoah District, June 13-15
[Contact Paul Roth, (540) 879-2515],
"Sierra Song and Story Fest," a family
camp, |une 21-27, Camp Peaceful
Pines, Dardanelle, Calif. [Call (209)
523-1438],
"Dancing at the Water's Edge," spon-
sored by Brethren/Mennonite Council
for Lesbian and Gay Concerns and
Woinaen's Caucus, |une 28-30, La
Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren
[Contact BMC, (216) 722-6906;
BMCounciKgAOL.Com].
Council of District Executive (CODE)
meetings, June 29-30. [Contact Har-
riet Finney at (219) 982-8805 or
Wanda. Miller, partid Ecunet.Org].
Brethren Revival Fellowship General
Meeting, June 29, Lindsay (CaliL)
Church of the Brethren [Contact BRF,
(717) 225-4184].
New Church Development seminar,
June 30. Long Beach, Calif, [Call
(717) 664-5181],
Minister's Conference, June 30 — July 1,
Long Beach, Calif, [Contact Esther
Norris, (316) 275-4270],
Ministry of Reconciliation workshops,
June 30 — [uly 1 , Long Beach, Calif,
[Contact MoRat (219) 982-7751 or at
CoB, Reconciliation, partid'Ecunet, Org],
General Board meetings, |uly 1, Long
Beach, Calif, [Contact General Secre-
tary's Office, General Offices],
"The Church's Response to Child
Abuse," a workshop sponsored by
Association of Brethren Caregivers.
July 1, Long Beach, Calif, [Contact
ABC, General Offices],
Annual Conference, |uly 1-6. Long
Beach, Calif. [Contact Annual Confer-
ence Office. General Offices,
AnnualConfCg AOL. Com].
Brethren Benefit Trust Board meetings,
July 3, Long Beach, Calif, [Contact
BBT, (800) 746-1505],
June 1997 Messenger 7
General Board releases partial
list of its post-June staff
An extensive listing of who will be
doing what for the newly designed
General Board has been announced.
Additional positions are to be filled
by appointment or open search.
• Executive Director — Sue Snyder,
assistant; Elsie Holderread, Human
Resources coordinator; Ellen Hall, Human
Resources secretary (New Windsor).
• Volunteer Service Ministries — Dan
McFadden, director; Todd Reish, coordina-
tor of orientation; Kim Bickler, secretary.
• Funding — Ken Neher, director;
area financial resource counselors David
Huffaker (midwest), Ray Click (south-
east), Howard Miller (northeast); [ackie
Azimi, systems coordinator; Faye Miller,
resource coordinator.
• Congregational Life — Glenn
Timmons, director; Joan Pelletier, secre-
tary; Chris Douglas, Youth/Young Adult
Ministries coordinator; |udy McDonald,
secretary.
• Global Mission Partnerships —
Mervin Keeney, director; Mary Munson,
secretary. New Windsor staff: Miller
Davis, Emergency Response/Service Min-
istries manager; Lydia Walker, Outreach
and Training coordinator; secretaries |ane
Yount, Helen Stonesifer, lane Bankert,
and Clenna Massicot; Lois Duble, tempo-
rary office helper; case workers Alexandru
Kirculescu and Tomislav Tomic; Loretta
Wolf, Material Resources manager; Noco-
letta Coarda, sorter/packer; Bill Fleagle,
truck driver/warehouser; Brenda Giles,
sorter/packer; Randy Koontz, hi lift oper-
ator/warehouser; Virginia Long,
warehouse and Grantee Program; Sam-
sudin Moledina, medical receiver; balers
Randy Parrish and George Poleuca; Max
Price, truck driver/warehouser; Rosella
Reese, medical packer.
• Treasurer — Judy Keyser, treasurer
and director of Centralized Resources;
Jeanie Hicks, gift management/Central-
ized Resources assistant; Buildings and
Grounds managers David Ingold (Elgin)
and Ed Palsgrove (New Windsor); Sheri
Cromar, Building Services assistant
(part-time); [oanne Holmes, reception-
8 Messenger June 1997
ist/switchboard; Bryan Katzel, mailroom;
maintenance mechanics Ron Anders
(New Windsor) and David Bulpit (New
Windsor, part-time); Diane Gosnell, sec-
retary/receptionist (New Windsor); Felix
Hill, general maintenance/mail (New
Windsor); controllers Brenda Reish and
Kent Shisler (New Windsor); accoun-
tants Pat Marsh and Kellie [ones;
La Verne Wisdom, accounts payable/data
entry specialist; Lillian Dako, accounts
receivable/data entry specialist; Nancy
Gutierrez, data entry specialist (part-
time); Elaine Caprarola, accounting and
data entry specialist; and Ken Shaffer.
Historical Library and Archives manager.
Additional New Windsor staff includes
Perry Hudkins, Information Systems
manager; Ed Leiter, programmer/analyst;
Francie Coale, PC specialist; Darlene
Hylton, operations specialist; Maria
Capusan, kitchen helper/storeroom clerk;
lanet Comings, second cook; kitchen
helpers Virginia Kolpack, Bettina Weaver,
and Roberta Weaver; Linda Mathis, head
a.m. cook; Emma Moses, prep/kitchen
helper; housekeepers Doris Glass, Maria
Poleuca, and Christine Watson; and Lisa
Sensensy, Conference Center secretary.
• Brethren Press — Wendy McFad-
den, director and publisher; |ulie Garber,
study resources editor; Howard Royer,
staff for Interpretation; Nevin Dulabaum,
News and Information manager; lennifer
Leo, marketing manager (part-time);
Nancy Klemm, copy editor; Vicki Roche,
subscriptions processor; Margie Paris,
Information assistant (part-time); Cus-
tomer Service representatives Eleanor
Plagge and Linda Coisman; Steve Bick-
ler, warehouser; Karen Stocking,
publishing assistant.
Positions with Association of Brethren
Caregivers, SERRV, On Earth Peace As-
sembly, and overseas and volunteer posi-
tions are not included.
More 'Gifts of the Heart' kits
are needed for flood relief
Additional clean-up and health "Gift
of the Heart" kits are needed, accord-
ing to Refugee/Disaster Services,
which made its appeal for more kits i
late April in response to flooding.
A clean-up kit includes a bucket
filled with sponges, plastic garbage
bags, a wire brush, a scrub brush,
rubber gloves, and a can of powder
cleanser; a health kit includes a hanci
towel, a washcloth, a bath-size bar o
soap, a comb, a toothbrush, a nail
file, and six adhesive bandages.
Items should be wrapped in a towel.
The kits should be sent either to
Church World Service, c/o the Sal-
vation Army, 4427 1 3th Avenue
South, Fargo ND 58104; or to
Church World Service, c/o the Sal-
vation Army, 68710 Shingle Creek
Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN
55403.
Refugee/Disaster Services in April
also made two Emergency Disaster
Fund allocations — $ 1 5,000 in re-
sponse to flooding in midwestern and
southern states and $7,260.70 to as-
sist work still being done in the after-
math of Hurricane Fran; $2,000 of
this latter grant will help Shenandoah
District in its repairs of Shiloh Church
of the Brethren, Pratts, Va.
Center Operations signs two
new contracts for services
Two organizations in April signed
contracts with Brethren Service Cen-
ter's Center Operations, New Wind-
sor, Md.
The contract with the Office of
Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) '
is for storage and shipping services
for one year, with annual renewal
options for four additional years.
"The Brethren Service Center is the
only US stockpile for OFDA material
resources, which includes tents and
plastic sheeting," said Kathleen Cam-
panella, director of Public Informa-
tion for the Brethren Service Center.
The center also has agreed to pre-
pare and ship containers overseas for
Medical Benevolence Foundation.
in W
)A seminary course on mission, a cooperative venture
betw/een Bethany Theological Seminary and the General Board,
was offered this spring semester at Bethany's Richmond, Ind.,
campus. "Brethren in Mission" was taught by Bethany professor
Jeff Bach, with General Board staff David Radcliff and Mervin
Keeney serving as resource people. Speakers brought in for spe-
cial sessions included Wendell Flory, Bridgewater, Va.; Glen
Campbell, North Manchester, Ind.; Roger Ingold, Hershey, Pa.;
and Anet Satvedi, Hudson, III. Satvedi spoke on his experiences
with the Church of the Brethren in North India and EkklesiyarYan-
uwa a Nigeria (The Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). Planning
for this course had been underway since 1995.
lA Capitol Hill vigil to protest the existence of the US Army
School of the Americas (SOA) was held in late April by Washing-
ton (D.C.) City Church of the Brethren, the General Board's
'Washington Office, and other faith-based organizations.
The US-funded SOA is based in Columbus, Ga. It is a key training
ifacility for Latin American military personnel. According to John
Harvey, interim director of the Washington Office, SOA graduates
ihave been linked to numerous human rights violations. Recently
released training manuals confirm that the SOA curriculum "con-
idoned or appeared to condone executions of guerrillas, physical
:abuse, coercion, torture, and false imprisonment," according to a
1996 White House Intelligence Oversight Board report.
The Washington Office encourages Brethren to support the
closing of SOA through House Resolution 61 1 . For more infor-
mation, contact the Washington Office at (202) 546-3202 or at
WashOfc@AOL.Com.
'Annual Conference Moderator-elect Jimmy Ross, pastor
of Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, was
diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this
year. He was expected to undergo surgery
May 28. At the Church of the Brethren
Annual Conference in July, Ross is sched-
uled to be consecrated for his one-year term
as moderator, the denomination's highest
elected position. "Prayers are appreciated,"
said Ross, who is publicly confronting his
Jimmy Ross ^^^^^^^
'Annual Conference booklets will be available in early June.
One change not noted in the booklet is the Black Brethren and
Friends' luncheon, from July 5 to July 4. Send $8 (regular
)bound)or$11.50 (spiral) to 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120
families that want to promote positive moral values while
resisting the violence that is omnipresent in our lives can take a
stand by signing "A Family Pledge of Nonviolence," which has
been created by Parenting for Peace and Justice Network.
Brethren are encouraged to sign the pledge, which has been dis-
tributed to all Brethren congregations by the General Board's
(Office of Congregational Nurture and Worship.
Hangin' out at the fountain. That's what Nevin Domer,
Gwen Edwards, Joel Brush, Carle Gaier, and Alexis Bear
did April 8 in New York City's Central Park during a respite
from Christian Citizenship Seminar. Eighty -nine youth,
young adults, and advisers attended the annual event,
which focused on "Ethnic conflicts around the globe: How
should Christians respond?" A visit to the United Nations,
with members of Congress, and with representatives from
various organizations were some of the major activities.
Phil Reiman, team pastor at Wabash (Ind.) Church of the
Brethren, delivered the keynote address.
Signers of the pledge vow to "respect self and others, commu-
nicate better, listen, forgive, respect nature, play creatively, and
be courageous" in challenging violence.
Jim Chinworth, associate pastor of Mountville (Pa.) Church of
the Brethren, serves as the Church of the Brethren representative
with Parenting for Peace and Justice Network.
Anabaptists in Conversation, a conference in Brethren and
Mennonite Interactions with 20th Century Theologies, is sched-
uled for June 19-21 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, and is
sponsored by the Young Center for the Study of Anabaptist and
Pietist Groups. Twelve plenary sessions will be held during the
three-day conference, and Dale Brown, former Bethany Theolog-
ical Seminary professor, will serve as keynote speaker. Brown
also will be honored at a banquet.
For more information, call (717) 361-1470 or write to
YoungCtr@Acad.ETown.Edu.
Following their delegates' 1995 decision to merge, a com-
mittee composed of Mennonite and General Conference Mennonite
church representatives has decided that the two denominations will
merge by 1999, becoming the "Mennonite Church." At the Men-
nonite Church/General Conference Mennonite Church Integration
Committee meeting, Feb. 28-March 1 , the committee approved the
joining of the MC and GC general boards. A 26-member general
board is expected to be in place in two years. A churchwide
assembly— which is comparable to the Church of the Brethren
Annual Conference— will be held every three years, regional
assemblies biennially, and conference assemblies annually.
These decisions are subject to approval by the general boards
and delegate assemblies of both denominations.
June 1997 Messenger 9
SfAtV^RT FOR PEACE
Peace
stalwarts
THROUGH
THE YEARS
r
John Kline (1797-1864)
John Kline, a Brethren minister
from Broadway, Va., had emerged
as a Brotherhood leader by the
1850s. But it was during his years
as moderator of Annual Meeting
(1861-1864) that he exempli-
fied the best in Brethren
peace witnessing, dealing
with Civil War troubles
from his pacifist stance.
Cut down by bushwhack-
ers near his home, John
Kline became the most sig-
nificant martyr in the history of
the Brethren. The 200th an-
niversary of his birth is being
marked by activities in Shenan-
doah District this month,
M.R. Zigler (1891-1985)
Michael Robert ("M.R.") Zigler
gained prominence in the World
War II years and their aftermath
as head of the Brethren
Service Committee. He
helped create Civilian Pub-
lic Service (CPS) and the
National (Interreligious)
Ser\'ice Board for Religious
Objectors. He was in the
forefront of developing Church
World Service (CWS), Christian
Rural Overseas Program (CROP),
Heifer Project, and Cooperative
for American Remittances to Eu-
rope (CARE).
In 1948, he began a 10-year
term as head of Brethren Ser-
John Ba\er believes
that Brethren must lead
out boldly with their
actions for and messages
on peace and other
great 7noral issues of the
day — leading that is
needed desperately in
contemporary society.
BY Donald R Durnbaugh
When former Seeretary of Defensei
Robert McNamara met waves of
criticism for confessing in his
book In Retrospect that the Vietnam War
he administered was a tragic mistake, he
received a warm letter from John Calhoun i
Baker, president emeritus of Ohio Univer-j
sity. John Baker complimented |
McNamara for his courage in admitting j
that he had been wrong in prosecuting the i
war. McNamara scrawled a response to \
the Baker letter, "I am deeply grateful for |
your note," and offered "many, many i
thanks" for the words of encouragement.
What John Baker had not mentioned in his;
letter was that he was a hundred years old j
when he wrote it.
The incident sheds light on the energies I
and insights of a remarkable man, shaped \
largely by the values inculcated in his I
Brethren home in Everett, Pa., where he
was born Oct. 21, 1895. His grandfather
was a Dunker free (nonsalaried) minister:
his parents were Francis and Jennie Cal-
houn Baker, leaders in the local Church of
the Brethren congregation and in the com-
munity. Francis Baker, who died in 1934,
owned and operated one of the largest
10 Messenger June 1997
ohn C. Baker
farm machinery and warehouses in Bed-
ford County, [ennie Baker loved poetry
and implanted that love in her children.
She introduced them to Longfellow, Whit-
ttier, and other poets popular with young
people, and also to Whitman, Bryant, and
the great English writers, especially Shake-
speare, Milton, and Wordsworth. This
early exposure was formative for the Baker
children, who drew on this literary
resource throughout their lives.
)ennie Calhoun Baker assisted her hus-
band with his business and was known for
the active role she played in community
affairs. When she died in 1946, a local
newspaper headlined the event on the front
page: "Mrs. Jennie Baker, Outstanding
Citizen, Died Last Week." She was
admired for her leadership in Bedford
County Federation of Women's Clubs and
for founding public libraries. More contro-
versial were her outspoken involvements in
the Women's International League for
Peace and Freedom and the Woman's
Christian Temperance Union.
As (ohn Baker reflects on his long and
creative life, he gives major credit to his
mother's influence. They corresponded fre-
quently while she lived. Her theme song,
recalls Baker, was a couplet from the Eng-
lish poet Pope: "Act well your part. / There
all the honor lies."
The five children of the Bakers, two
sons and three daughters, were unusually
gifted. Robert C. Baker, noted for his
integrity, gained a national reputation as a
banker in Washington, D.C. When he died
in 1976, The Washington Post editorial-
ized: "Among influential and concerned
community leaders who knew him best,
Robert Calhoun Baker . . .enjoyed a special
reputation not only as one of Greater
Bethany Seminary: Strengthening
the Brethren peace witness
Bethany Theological Seminary's Peace Studies Program began
26 years ago with the offering of an M.A. degree focusing on
peace studies. It trained people for ministries of peace and for
strengthening the peace witness of the Church of the
Brethren. In 1981, Bethany began to offer a peace studies
emphasis for students in either the M.A. or M.Div. programs. ,
In 1980, John C. and Elizabeth Baker gave the seminary a
generous endowment, now known as the Baker Peace Fund.
That greatly helped the program pursue educational activities '
and bring in speakers on peace topics. The fund enables stu-
dents to travel abroad to learn about peacemaking in
worldwide settings.
Under a seminar program, peace studies students meet weekly for discussion,
hearing visiting speakers, and planning peacemaking activities.
Professor Dale W Brown, now retired, was a guiding force in organizing and
developing peace studies at Bethany. In 1994, Jeffrey A. Bach joined the seminary
faculty and became the program's director. With Bethany Seminary relocated in
Richmond, Ind., the program cooperates closely with Earlham School of Religion.
The Peace Studies Program continues to keep the Brethren peace witness integral
to the seminary curriculum.
leffBach
Peace
stalwarts
THROUGH
THE YEARS
vice in Europe, where he also
was active in the World Council
of Churches (WCC).
His last great peace service was
the launching of On Earth Peace
Conference in 1974 (now On
Earth Peace Assembly— OEPA).
Dan West (1893-1971)
Dan West gave denominational
leadership in peace ac-
tivism from the 1920s un-
til the 1960s. From the late
1920s through the 1930s,
he gave major emphasis
to peace education. In
1932 he helped organize
a movement called "20,000
Dunkers for Peace."
From relief work in the late
1930s in Spain, during that
country's civil war, he got the
inspiration for developing a pro-
gram called Heifers for Relief,
which grew into today's Heifer
Project International (HPl).
In 1948 he was helpful in the
founding of Brethren Volunteer
Service (BVS). For many years
thereafter, he regularly helped
with BVS training. When he was
73 years old, he became the first
lay moderator of Annual Con-
ference.
GladdysE.Muir (1895-1967)
Gladdys Muir pursued her peace
activism through teaching, writ-
ing, and mentoring. In her
later years, she maintained
contact, through a semi-
annual newsletter, with a
worldwide "family" of for-
mer students that num-
bered in the thousands.
She founded and, for 11
years, directed the Peace Stud-
JuNE 1997 Messenger 1 1
Peace
stalwarts
THROUGH
THE YEARS
ies Institute at Manchester Col-
lege, the first program in the
world in which students could
graduate with an academic ma-
jor in peace studies. That insti-
tute served as a direct and indi-
rect model for dozens of peace
and conflict studies programs
in the turbulent 1960s.
Oral. Huston (1903-1967)
Ora Huston made his mark in
peace activism through his long
service with ecumenical peace
agencies and as a denom-
inational staff member. He
served as an administrator
of Civilian Public Service
(CPS), 1942-1946, and as
executive secretary of the
National Service Board for
Religious Objectors (NSBRO)
(later National Interreligious
Senice Board for Conscientious
Objectors-NISBCO), 1946-1948.
Then, on the Brethren Service
Commission staff, he served as
director of Social Action
(19-18-1959) and as Peace Coun-
selor (1939-1967).
The Huston Memorial Peace
Lectureship was established in
his honor at Bethany Theolog-
ical Seminary in 1968.
W.Harold Row (1912-1971)
In 1942, Harold Row became
director of the newly created
Civilian Public Service (CPS),
which provided alterna-
tive service for conscien-
tious objectors during
World War II. For 20 years
(1948-1968), he served
as executive of the
Brethren Service Com-
mission. In that role, he helped
develop and guide several ec-
umenical agencies, including
the National Service Board for
Religious Objectors (NSBRO),
International Voluntary Services
12 Messenger June 1997
John and Elizabeth Baker, shown here at a 1960 dinner celebrating fohn 's 1 5th year as
president of Ohio University, were imbued with a reverence for peace through their
upbringing, he as a Brethren, she as a Quaker. When they presented Juniata College a
grant for peace studies, fohn said. "Nowhere is it more important to build . . .defenses
peace) than in the minds of college students "
(of
Washington's most successful bankers
over the last three decades, but also as a
colleague whose determination to pre-
serve the financial health of this city made
hiiTi an enormously influential figure in
local affairs." He played a leading role in
the creation of the Kennedy Center as its
first treasurer.
Dorothy Baker Johnson achieved
national standing in social work as the
director of Family Society of New Haven,
Conn. The gifts from her estate to Juniata
College, primarily for scholarship aid, were
very substantial. Helen C. Baker was a
researcher and educator, enjoying respect
from both academic and business figures.
Such was her stature that her work was
even avidly followed in the Soviet Union.
When she died in 1955, an outpouring of
messages came to the family, all recogniz-
ing her remarkable achievements. The New
York Times wrote in its obituary that she
"was an authority in the field of industrial
relations research and the first woman to
hold the rank of associate professor at
Princeton University," a tenured position.
Margaret E. Baker devoted her life to
teaching and to building a solid foundation
for the Everett Free Library, created by her
mother in 1923 and now located in the
lennie Calhoun Baker House.
The career of fohn C. Baker was also
distinguished. Following graduation in
1917 from Juniata College (which he
attended, as did his siblings, through his
parents guidance) he was one of four
Brethren who worked with the newly
formed American Friends Service Com-
mittee in war-torn France from late 1917
to early 1919. Based on this service, he
was asked in 1921 to join a mediation
and fact-finding team that visited Ireland,
troubled by anti-British violence.
Following his wartime experiences,
John entered Harvard Business School,
graduating with a MBA in 1923. After a
further year there in research, he pursued
business interests for two years. In 1926,
he was invited to return to the business
school as an instructor, soon being pro-
moted to assistant dean (1928—1936),
and, after holding various research and
teaching appointments, becaine a full
professor in 1940. In this period, he
wrote numerous books and articles on the
topics of executive salaries, bonus plans,
and corporate directors.
During World War II, John was on leave
from the business school, under appoint-
ment as associate dean of Harvard
University ( 1 94 1-1 945). At this time, the
president of the university, James B. Conant,
was in government service in Washington,
D.C. John was Conant's leading administra-
tive agent in Cambridge; he recalls those
busy years as among his happiest.
In 1933, in the midst of his Harvard
years, John married Elizabeth Evans,
daughter of a prominent family with
Quaker roots of Essex Fells, N. J. Elizabeth
was gifted in music and drama, and sang
and acted professionally. She sustained a
life-long interest in drama. For three
decades after 1958, she directed (and acted
■with) the Ohio University Players in plays
of noted dramatists in the Monomy The-
atre, Chatham, Mass., near the Bakers'
summer home. Following her death, |une
.'21, 1990, |ohn issued in commemoration a
privately printed book. Her Words, contain-
ing some of Elizabeth's moving poetry and
colorful visionary prose.
The Bakers had three daughters, Eliza-
beth C. Baker (editor o(Art in America),
Eleanor Baker Steindler (distinguished
flutist and former president of the New
•York Flute Association), and Anne C. Baker
(musician, lawyer and trustee of Juniata
■.College), all now residing in New York City.
In May 1945, lohn was inaugurated
president of Ohio University in Athens,
Ohio. His years there (1945-1961) were
challenging and productive. He found it a
dispirited, low-budgeted state school with
inadequate facilities for its wartime enroll-
ment of 1,500 students. He left it a
flourishing university with a strong faculty,
quintupled enrollment, 32 new buildings,
and a system of branch campuses. A Time
magazine feature story (October 1950)
quoted a current saying in Athens: "A Yale
man founded the school, but a Harvard
man put it on its feet." Plaudits at John's
retirement by members of the student
body, staff, faculty, and trustees glowed
with appreciation.
lohn found time during this period to
take on international responsibilities as
chief of the United States delegation to
the United Nations Economic and Social
Council (ECOSOC) in Geneva, Switzer-
land, appointed and reappointed by
Juniata College: Leading other
schools in peace studies
Andv Miirrav
The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies was estab-
lished at luniata College in 1986 to apply the resources of the
academic community to war and deep-rooted conflict as
human problems and to peace as a human potential. John C.
and Elizabeth Baker challenged luniata to develop a peace
studies program, and their financial gifts have helped sustain
the program named for them.
Primarily, the institute supports and supervises the acade-
mic program in peace and conflict studies initiated at luniata
in 1974. The program offers a full academic major, with
more than 20 courses. About 25 students each year have peace studies as a major
or as part of a combined program of emphasis.
A vigorous outreach program has had faculty from 20 universities and six high
schools participating in study tours around the world. The institute helped found
and continues to support the Peace Studies Association, comprising over 100 col-
leges and universities with peace studies programs. Several public school districts
in Pennsylvania have received mediation training and/or conflict intervention help
through the institute's Baker Mediation Services. In cooperation with the United
Nations and with the International Association of University Presidents, the insti-
tute has provided intensive training in arms control and disarmament curriculum
to professors from 30 universities in 24 developing nations. Currently, the Baker
Institute is working with the United Nations Development Program, UNESCO,
and the UN Center for Disarmament Affairs on a special 10-nation peace initia-
tive in West Africa. M. Andrew Murray, who joined the luniata faculty in 1971,
has been the Baker Institute's director since its establishment.
Peace
stalwarts
THROUGH
THE YEARS
(IVS), Church World Service
(CWS), Christian Rural Overseas
Program (CROP), Christian Peace
Mission, International Christian
Youth Exchange (ICYE), Home-
less European Land Program
(HELP), and EIRENE (Greek for
"peace"; it provided a channel
for Christian pacifists from many
nations to serve as volunteers
in the cause of peace and rec-
onciliation).
In the later years of his ca-
reer, he became well known for
arranging a series of exchange
visits between the Church of the
Brethren and the Russian Or-
thodox Church, a highly con-
troversial project carried out
amid cold war tensions.
T. Wayne Rieman
(1912-1994)
T. ("Tim") Wayne Rieman served
as campus minister at Man-
chester College for 16 years, and
taught religion there for 31 years,
serving nearly 20 years as
departmental chair. He in-
spired young people far
beyond his Manchester
College classroom, ser\-
ing as speaker and rt
source person at many
events across the denomination.
Even after retirement, and
with failing eyesight and health,
he served interim pastorates in
three states; conducted 185
workshops in camps, churches,
and Elderhostels from coast to
coast; and taught six more
courses at Manchester. In 1990,
he wrote a year-long series of
columns in Messenger titled
"Brethren Facing the Future."
Manchester professor Ken
Brown said of his colleague.
"Tim agreed with Teilhard de
Chardin, Love is the only force
that can make things one with-
out destroying them'."
June 1997 Messenger 1 3
Peace
stalwarts
THROUGH
THE YEARS
Ralph E. Smeltzer
(1916-1976)
One of Ralph Smeltzer's earli-
est peace-related activities was
in 1942-1943, teaching at the
Manzanar Relocation Center for
Americans of Japanese Ances-
try. Manzanar, in California, was
one of the 10 infamous con-
centration camps into which the
US government threw its Japan-
ese-American citizens during
World War IL
Later, Smeltzer and his wife,
Mary, directed programs
for people of Japanese an-
cestry aiding their relo-
cation in Chicago and
Brooklyn. From 1946 to
1949. he directed Brethren
Ser\'ice in Austria. Then he
served 1953-1968 as di-
rector of Peace and Social Edu-
cation on the Brethren Service
Commission staff. He was serv-
ing as director of the denomi-
nation's Washington Office at
the time of his death in 1976.
One of his lesser known but
very significant services as a
peace activist was his role.
1963-1965, as a mediator in the
Selma, Ala., civil rights crisis.
Tribute for this was paid in
Charles E. Pager's 1974 book.
Selma 1965-
Dale W. Brown (born 1926)
Dale Brown made a name for
himself as a peace activist dur-
ing his 32 years at Bethany
Theological Seminary,
where he was professor of
Christian Theology while
maintaining a busy sched-
ule as a resource person
for peace activities across
the denomination.
One of his chief contributions
has been the authoring of books
such as The Christian Revolu-
tionary, Understanding Pietism
(now out in a revised edition).
Flamed by the Spirit. What About
the Russians? and Biblical Paci-
fism. He served as Annual Con-
President Eisenhower in 1953, 1955, and
1956. He completed studies of educa-
tional needs in countries as varied as
Cambodia and Colombia at the request of
a State Department agency. lohn also
completed short-term assignments in
Yugoslavia, India, Iran, and Nigeria.
It was during his retirement that John,
strongly supported by Elizabeth, made the
greatest contribution to the Brethren.
Their long-standing interest in peace and
in conflict resolution led the Bakers to
fund programs at Juniata College (1974)
and Bethany Theological Seminary
(1980), as well as at Ohio University. In
the early 1970s, Elizabeth proposed a cur-
ricular peace emphasis to luniata College,
offering to begin a fund for this purpose.
She persisted until the college responded.
When lohn presented one of their
financial grants for the luniata Institute
for Peace and Conflict Studies (renamed
in 1987 in honor of the Bakers), he
referred to the well-known statement in
UNESCO's constitution: "Since war
begins in the minds of men, it is in the
minds of men that the defenses of peace
must be constructed." He concluded,
"Nowhere is it more important to build
these defenses than in the minds of col-
lege students. . . . This income, we hope, in
some small way, will aid this great cause."
Elizabeth was honored by luniata Col-
lege in 1987. On that occasion, she said,
"It is the most gratifying thing in my life to
feel [myself] a part of this great worldwide
quest for peace. I want to [challenge] all of
you who are teaching the young to think in
new ways about this world "
lohn had a long-term relationship with
luniata College for he served actively on
the its board of trustees for 50 years
(1936-1986) and as chairman
1963-1976. He currently holds the title
Chairman Emeritus. All told, he has
helped to lead the college for nearly half
of its existence. In recognition of his ser-
vice, the college awarded him a Doctor of
Manchester College: The first US
peace studies program
Established in 1948 — two decades before any other such
program — the Peace Studies Institute and Program for Con-
flict Resolution at Manchester College pioneered as the first
undergraduate peace studies program in the United States.
The academic program offers a Bachelor's degree in peace
studies, as well as a minor. Many students combine peace and 5|
conflict studies with a second, traditional major.
The program in peace studies is interdisciplinary and draws ||
from political science, psychology, economics, sociology, phi-
losophy, religion, and the humanities. Attention is given to
questions of values and personal lifestyle, as well as to historical perspectives,
conflict resolution, political theory, and social change.
Peace studies education at Manchester extends beyond the classroom. Majors
are in weekly discussions at "Kenapocomoco Coalition," retreats, action projects
(such as Amnesty International and CROP), and mediation services on campus
and/or in area public schools. |anuary study-travel has taken students to countries
such as Ireland, Mexico, Haiti, and Brazil. Many students spend their junior year
with Brethren Colleges Abroad.
The Peace Studies Institute was established by Gladdys E. Muir to prepare
Brethren men and women for peace leadership. Muir headed the Institute for 1 1
years. Kenneth L. Brown, who joined the Manchester faculty in 1961, has
directed the institute since 1980.
Ken Brown
14 Messenger June 1997
Peace
stalwarts
THROUGH
THE YEARS
Laws degree in 1943, one of nine hon-
orary degrees conferred upon him.
In 1988, Elizabeth commissioned at
Juniata an open-air "peace chapel" on
scenic college property overlooking the
campus and town. It was created by Maya
:Lin, who designed the Vietnam Veterans
memorial and the Civil Rights memorial.
iMaya Lin grew up in Athens, Ohio, where
her parents were faculty members of the
university that (ohn headed. The luniata
College connection was featured in an
Oscar-winning documentary film on the
ilife and work of the young designer,
shown nationally on public television in
'November 1996.
One of the happy developments in later
ilife for John was his belated friendship
with Brethren peace activist M.R. Zigler.
They hit it off immediately, assisted by
their mutual friendship with Andrew W.
Cordier, first chairman of the Brethren
Service Committee, long-time United
Nations administrator, and president of
Columbia University. John attended the
memorial service for M.R. Zigler in 1985.
He commented in a letter to M.R.'s biog-
rapher that in [ewish folklore "there is a
tradition that the Creator has in every gen-
eration 36 anonymous righteous men
privileged to see God, and the world exists
on their merit." He went on: "If true, it
would appear to me that M.R. was one of
these rare, selected individuals." |ohn con-
siders M.R. Zigler to have incorporated
the best in Brethren values as an ecumeni-
cally oriented advocate for peace. In a
practical demonstration of his respect,
John made a significant gift to inaugurate
the M.R. Zigler Endowment Fund of On
Earth Peace Assembly (OEPA).
Following gradua-
tion from Juniata
College m 1917,
John served with
American Friends
Service Committee,
working among
rural French people
at the height of
World War /.
To recognize John's untiring efforts for
peace, OEPA presented him with the
M.R. Zigler Peacemaking Award in Octo-
ber 1995. The citation began "Born in
Everett, Pa., 100 years ago this year. Dr.
John Baker has led an exemplary life pro-
moting scholarship and education as the
major thrust of that life."
Sounding very much like M.R. Zigler,
John today urges Brethren to take the long
view and to develop a clear vision for the
church's future, downplaying past routine.
He asserts that "business as usual" will
place the church in the also-ran category,
on a course for futility. Brethren must lead
out boldly with their actions for and mes-
sages on peace and other great moral
issues of the day — leading that is needed
desperately in contemporary society.
Andrew Murray, director of the Baker
Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies at
Juniata College, gives this characterization
of John Baker: "He challenges and sup-
ports. He shared with Elizabeth a great
vision on how the academic community
might contribute to a more peaceful world.
But vision is only half the story. Hard
work, attention to detail, and consistent
and unswerving support have combined
with his vision to leave a legacy that will
keep committees, students, and teachers
focused on a better future for our world."
Now past the century mark in years, John
Calhoun Baker remains an outspoken stal-
wart for peace, challenging the Brethren to
live up to their peace heritage by active ~7r\
engagement in that cause today. . I
Donald F. Dwnbaugh. of James Creek, Pa., is a
Brethren historian with a career that has included
professorships at Juniata College. Elizabethtown Col-
lege, and Bethany Theological Seminary,
ference moderator in 1972
Since his retirement from
Bethany Seminary in 1994, his
base has been Elizabethtown, Pa.,
where he relates to Elizabeth-
town College's Young Center for
Anabaptist and Pietist Snidies and
teaches at Bethany Seminary's
Susquehanna Valley Satellite. Still
the activist, he has recently taken
part in peace demonstrations in
Washington, DC. The next book
he anticipates writing is one on
Brethren doctrine.
This month he will speak on
"John Kline and his Quest for
Peace" at the bicentennial cele-
bration in Broadway, Va., of the
19th-century peace martyr's birth.
Ted A. Studebaker
(1945-1971)
As a Brethren Volunteer Service
(BVS) worker, Ted Studebaker
served two years with Viet-
nam Christian Service in
the war-wracked country's
central highlands. He was
killed April 26, 1971, dur-
ing a Vietcong attack on his
residence at Di Linh.
As a conscientious ob-
jector and a Brethren peace ac-
tivist, he had spoken out against
American military participation
in the Vietnam War and the de-
struction of the Montagnard and
Koho peoples.
The tragic death of this young
man, whose constant affirmation
was "Life is great, yea!" served
to turn him into a peace martyr
and folk hero for the Brethren.
We conclude our list of well-
known Brethren peace activists
as we began it— with the name
of one who laid down his life in
the service of peace.
Credits for 'peace stalwarts" por-
traits: Kline, Zigler, West: Kermon
Thomasson: Miiir Huston, Row,
Rieman, Smellzer: Brethren Histori-
cal Library and .\rchives; Brown:
Bethany Theological Seminary: Stude-
baker: Don Honick.
June 1997 Messenger 1 5
^JS^y€5C
BY Kenneth I. Morse
I It should come as no surprise that
I Brethren do not always "preach"
fceatfrom the traditional pulpits that
worshipers deem appropriate. In a
collection of anecdotes from Brethren
history, such as I made for my book
Preaching in a Tavern, there is bound
to be found a wealth of incidents
illustrating the unconventional cir-
cumstances that sometimes
accompany Brethren preaching. The
bulliest pulpits are not always those
found in Brethren churches.
A th*eatened lynching in Tennessee
Look at what happened to Samuel
Garber, an Illinois Brethren, when he
preached in Tennessee, where he for-
merly had lived. This was in 1858,
when tension between free states and
slave states, abolitionists and slave-
holders, was rapidly building toward
civil war.
Preaching in a Presbyterian church in
eastern Tennessee, Garber "spoke of
the yoke and the bondage of sin in gen-
eral terms . . .and particularly against
oppression in every shape and form."
Reporting in Messenger's forerunner.
The Gospel Visitor, Garber wrote,
"About the close of my discourse, I said
that among the yokes and oppressions
might be named that of slavery."
Garber had "done gone to med-
dling," as he quickly found out.
Immediately another minister
jumped up and announced that he
would show that Garber's Isaiah
58:6 text had no reference to African
slavery. A newspaper article accused
Garber of having the audacity to
deliver an abolition sermon in the
presence of master and slave. That
was followed by threats of lynch law,
of being tarred and feathered and
ridden out of town on a rail.
A few weeks later, the Brethren
Illustrations abound to show that,
throughout Brethren history, our
preachers have found that the bulliest
pulpit is not always the one in the church.
preacher was arrested for delivering
an abolition sermon. Garber refused
to appear in court on a Sunday, but
the next day he was set free on $500
bail "to appear in the next term of
court." Area Brethren, fearing vio-
lence, persuaded him to leave
Tennessee. They paid the forfeited
bail money. Later, socked with court
costs and lawyer's fees amounting to
$234, a pained Garber grumbled, "A
pretty sum to be paid for preaching
Ken Morse knew the bearded preacher,
antiquary, and raconteur Reuel B.
Pritchett for many years before he put
him into his book. In a photo from
earlier times, the tivo pored over
historical documents from brother
Pritchett 's collection that was deposited
in the Pritchett Museum at Bridgewater
College. In old age, brother Pritchett
wrote a tale-filled autobiography titled
On the Ground Floor of Heaven. He
died at 90, in 1974.
16 Messenger June 1997
he gospel! Where is the boasted lib-
erty of the pulpit and the press?"
Cleaning up after horses
llf ever the use of incense could
lave been justified in a Brethren
ivorship service, it was on a cattle
Doat returning from Greece in
1948. Reuel B. Pritchett, a |
plain-garbed preacher from <
White Pine, Tenn., and, for the S
v'oyage, a "sea-going horse |
wrangler," tells how he cleaned ^
up a stable on the boat to create |
a makeshift sanctuary: s
"On our return voyage, I |
made me a church on deck, ^
right where one of the horse sta-
bles had been. I took a hose and
flushed it all out nice and clean.
It had open cracks, like a [corn]
crib. 1 got planks we'd used for par-
titions, scrubbed them all up, slipped
them into the cracks, and made raised
seats all the way back. 1 made me a
stand and took a towel out of my grip
for a spread on the stand. We was out
on the deck, and the wind would be
so heavy, I'd have to weight the towel
down with something, or my Bible
and all would have been blown away.
So 1 polished up some ammunition
cartridges that I'd secured from under
the rubble of waterfront warehouses
in Athens and perched them on the
spread for vases to hold it down tight.
"There ... I would preach. (I had
preached going over, too, but without
the deck chapel.) I [ordinarily] wore
work clothes, but when 1 went to preach
... I appeared as stately as I knew how
to do. I had the high-ranking officers
and the reprobate old seamen and the
soldiers we were hauling back instead of
horses. They all came to church, and I
unloaded on them. One profane old
seaman said to me, "Mr. Pritchett, this
is the first time we ever had any religion
on this boat."
Isaac Newton Harvey Beahm was
probably the most colorful Brethren
character of all time. Practically
everyone knew him, for he not only
held forth at Annual Conferences but
traveled constantly. He spread mirth
everywhere he went with his razor-
sharp wit. pithy "sound bites. " and his
way of referring to himself in third
person as "brother Beahm. " He was
killed in a car wreck at age 91 in 1950.
Preaching at a court-martial
Some of the finest statements setting
forth aspects of the Brethren peace
testimony can be found in the
printed records of Brethren who
were summoned, arrested, and called
upon to give a defense of their
beliefs. One of the most eloquent of
these came about at Fort Leaven-
worth, Kan., during World War I,
when Maurice Hess, a member of the
Old German Baptist Brethren and,
for many years, a McPherson Col-
lege professor, offered this
statement at his court-martial as
a conscientious objector:
"For a young man, life and
its hopes and freedom and
opportunities for service are
sweet to me. I want to go out
into the world and make use
of what little talent I may
have acquired by long and
laborious study.
"But I know that 1 dare not
purchase these things at the
price of eternal condemnation.
1 know the teaching of Christ,
my Savior. He taught us to resist
not evil, to love our enemies, to
bless them that curse us, and do
good to them that hate us. . . . We
would indeed be hypocrites and base
traitors to our profession if we would
be unwilling to bear the taunts and
jeers of a sinful world, and imprison-
ment, and torture or death, rather
than to participate in war and mili-
tary service. We know that obedience
to Christ will gain for us the glorious
prize of eternal life. We cannot yield,
we cannot compromise; we must
suffer.
"Two centuries ago, our people
were driven out of Germany by reli-
gious persecution, and they accepted
the invitation of William Penn to
come to his colony, where they might
enjoy the blessing of religious liberty
that he promised them. This religious
liberty was later confirmed by the
Constitution of Pennsylvania and the
Constitution of the United States.
"If the authorities now see fit to
change those fundamental docu-
ments and take away our privilege of
living in accordance with the teach-
ing of the Scriptures of God, then we
June 1997 Messenger 17
KenM
orse:
E
yes
»till on tne rut
ure
In 1943, Kenneth Ivan Morse, a young Brethren man from Ahoona, Pa.,
took a job at the Brethren PubHshing House in Elgin, 111., serving as
editor of youth publications. In 1950, he moved
up to become editor of The Gospel Messenger,
succeeding Desmond W. Bittinger. Ken served as
editor for 21 years. The most memorable event for
the magazine in those years was the 1965 change
in format and frequency of publication, and the
shortening of the name to Messenger.
After becoming Brethren Press book editor in
1971, Ken continued on the Messenger staff as
associate editor, until his retirement in 1978. That
rounded out 35 years of service on the General
Ken Morse Board staff.
But that was not the end of Ken's productivity. In the nearly 20 years
since then, he has continued to write poems and songs and to author
books. His latest work, which is excerpted on these pages is Preaching in
a Tavern, published by Brethren Press this month.
At age 84, Ken is still looking toward the future. In 1993, he proposed
a writing project and presented it as a challenge to Brethren of various
talents: "To restate and reaffirm for the 21st century the marks of the
Brethren way — based on the words and example of Jesus as they are illus-
trated by stories from Brethren life, experienced by Brethren members,
preserved by Brethren images and rituals, and embodied in Brethren
practices." (See August/September 1993, inside front cover.)
This he believes would be a suitable way to mark and celebrate the
300th anniversary of the Church of the Brethren in 2008. If there is a
group of Brethren around who are as multi-talented as Kenneth Ivan
Morse, the project should be a snap to pull off. — Kermon Thomasson
have no course but to endure perse-
cution as true soldiers of Christ.
"If I have committed anything
worthy of bonds or death, I do not
refuse to suffer or die. 1 pray God for
strength to remain faithful."
Despite this remarkable defense . . .
and eloquent "preaching" in a mili-
tary courtroom, Maurice Hess was
sentenced to prison and spent time
in solitary confinement.
Brother Beahm's "Jubilee Journey"
Not all the preaching in unlikely pul-
pits has been as serious as that of
Maurice Hess. Well-known Brethren
character I.N.H. Beahm celebrated
50 years in the ministry by staging a
"Jubilee Journey."
In order to set his record of
preaching in 20 different places on
20 different subjects all on the same
day, it was necessary to go beyond
the limits of churches and to include
meetings in homes and courthouses
and on courthouse lawns. But
"brother Beahm" met the challenge
in his own unique style.
He set out on July 26, 1931,
accompanied by other ministers who
assisted in each service, by a group
of singers, and by three stenogra-
phers— his "recording angels," he
called them — who took down the 20
sermons in shorthand. The sermons
covered topics such as work, giving,
fasting, prayer, education, the state
and the church as divine institutions,
the positives and negatives of Chris-
tianity, and the supremacy of the
Bible and the church.
Beahm was 72 years old at the
time. At age 9 1 , in 1 950, he attended
love feast at Jones Chapel church
near Martinsville, Va., and was killed
in a car wreck later that evening of
Nov. 1 1. The fast-paced preacher
died as he often had said he wanted
to — "with his shoes on."
Knock-down, drag-out in Somerset
Perhaps the most unusual manner of
illustrating a sermon subject
occurred spontaneously in Somerset
County, Pa., around 1872. William
Sevits announced that he would
preach on "Casting out Devils."
During his sermon, two local rough-
necks came forward and offered the
preacher a drink of whiskey from
their bottle. Sevits grabbed the pair
by the scruffs of their necks and
knocked their heads together. Taking'
each of the unconscious men by an
arm, he dragged them down the aisle
and dumped them outside.
Reoccupying his pulpit, Sevits
remarked to the petrified congrega- "
tion, "I didn't expect to literally
demonstrate my text and sermon
topic this evening." He then went on
to preach a powerful sermon such as
Sarah Major, the first woman to gain
recognition as a preacher, gained it by
open if humble defiance against
Annual Meeting calls for her silence.
When reminded of the apostle Paul's
admonition against women speaking
in church. Sarah scoffed that she
couldn 't believe he would be so bold aS'
"to quench the gift of the Spirit of God
because it was given to a woman. "
And she kept right on preaching until
her death at 76, in 1884.
18 Messenger June 1997
10 one had ever heard. As for the two
chastened bulHes, they went to see
Sevits the next day and begged for
Forgiveness. He agreed, on condition
that they attend the rest of the revival,
3very night. The two complied, joined
the church, and were reputed to have
jventually become elders!
Did his wife believe this one?
The title of my book comes from an
incident in the early 1800s. George
Price and several other Brethren
ministers were visiting congregations
in western Pennsylvania. Seeking a
much needed night of rest, they
asked for lodging in a tavern. The
taverner warned them that a dance
was scheduled for that night: there
would be loud music and boisterous
carryings on. The next tavern was
seven miles down the road, so the
(Brethren group decided to tough it
out, the dance notwithstanding.
When the leader of the dance
showed up, he heard of the preach-
ers' presence, and asked to meet
Ithem. He was so taken by their wit-
ness, that the dance was called off,
and George Price preached to an
(impromptu congregation, right there
dn the tavern!
^How dare Conference let her speak!
*As far as I know, Sarah Major
(1808-1884) never spoke in a
tavern, but she often spoke in jails
and hospitals. Wherever her pulpits
were, there was controversy, just
because she was a "woman
preacher." We need not think that
controversial speakers at Annual
Conference are just a present-day
phenomenon. Annual Meeting was
grappling with the problem and what
to do about it even in Sarah Major's
day. At the 1878 Meeting, in North
Manchester, Ind., Sarah was preach-
ing off on the side, and the
troublesome sister siphoned off such
a crowd that the preaching had to be
amoved to a large church nearby.
Once in earlier years, an Annual
Meeting committee was sent to
counsel with maverick Major. It
heard her and went away without
enforcing an Annual Meeting ruling
of 1834 made (in vain) to quiet her.
One committee member (a male, of
course) commented, "I could not
give my voice to silence someone
who can outpreach mel"
A drifters' guru atop a mountain
One of the most unusual preachers,
as well as an unusual base of opera-
tions, was [ames S. Swallow and his
Sonoma Lighthouse Mission atop
Sonoma Mountain, north of San
Francisco. Then Messenger manag-
ing editor Kermon Thomasson
visited the 9 1 -year-old bearded
patriarch in his mist-shrouded
mountain fastness in 1975 and wrote
an "as-told-to" story, "The Lord and
Elder Swallow" duly 1975).
Elder Swallow, a boy from a broken
home and a runaway in the late
1800s, grew up amid tremendous
hardships. At age 16, he served in the
US Army in the Philippines. Later he
got religion, married, became a min-
ister, and led a footloose life around
the country, leading him eventually,
in old age, to Sonoma Mountain.
There his life ended as he ministered
to runaway youths and drifters — "the
boys and girls of the highway."
Describing those whom he served
as guru, elder Swallow said they were
"ones like I was, cast-offs, the ones
that's down and out, got no place to
James S. Swallow led an exciting
(though tragedy-filled) vagabond
existence as a boy. and had stirring
adventures in the US war in the
Philippines before settling down,
getting religion, and becoming a
preacher Forever footloose, elder
Swallow ended up in old age atop
Sonoma Mountain north of San
Francisco, where he told his story to
Messenger (fuly 1975) just shortly
before his death at 91.
go, no place to call home, nobody that
cares for or loves them." He went on
to explain his unique ministry: "They
come here from everywhere now. If
they want to get married, they come.
If they want to be saved, they come. If
they want somebody to listen to them,
they come.
"These boys and girls of the high-
way are coming in and laying their
lives on the altar. I'm having a better
time right now than I've ever had in
my life. Don't tell me that the Lord
doesn't have a purpose for our lives.
He does! He does!"
And not only does the Lord have a
purpose for our lives. Often those
whose purpose is to preach find
themselves doing it in the most \~T/r\
unlikely pulpits. r**"*!
Kenneth I. Morse served as editor of
Messenger, 1950-1971. A poet, a hymn-
writer, and a much published author he has
just completed a new Brethren Press book.
Preaching in a Tavern. He and his wife. Mar-
jorie. live in North Manchester, bid.
June 1997 Messenger 19
Anew d e s i g n
for the General Board
Let's find the water, fill the jar
Fourth in a four-part series of information pieces
about the General Board's proposed new design.
BY Wendy McFadden
Sometimes when my children are watch-
ing a video they've seen dozens of times,
they still want to sit real close to me during
the scary parts.
"But you've seen this before," I say. "Isn't it
less scary since you know that everything turns
out all right in the end?" ^
No, they still feel frightened in the middle of S
the scene. %
Maybe we adults aren't all that different.
Even though we have the assurance that things
will turn out all right in the end, trusting is
still hard.
My father's stock answer when I've fin-
ished some long-winded description of a
problem is, "Well, don't worry. Everything
will work out." At the time, that response usu-
ally seems a little pollyanna-ish, as if he hasn't
really understood the problem. But the truth
is, everything always does work out — even-
'"""y- God always does come through, even cOngre^attOnS, OUT tUsk
II It s m a ditterent way from what 1 expected. o o ' v
The Bible is an epic story — the story of
God's involvement in the life of his people.
When we take the long view, we can see that
God repeatedly is faithful, even though in
each crisis the people feared the worst. There
are moments when God feels far away and
the world seems out of control, but ultimately
we see that everything is in God's hands. • • • •
Everything turns out all right in the end.
That doesn't mean the middle isn't scary.
Right now the Church of the Brethren General Board is in
the middle, and it makes us anxious to not know how the scene
will end. But I'm convinced that we do know the end of the
movie. "For 1 know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. . . .
to give you a future and a hope!" (Jer. 29: 1 1 RSV) .
The General Board is redesigning itself, and it's messy. It's
hard to live in your house while you're remodeling it. There's a
lot of noise and dust. You get distracted from your regular
chores. And the whole project looks worse for a while than the
building you earlier decided needed to be changed.
It's also unclear. While there are some blueprints, it seems
as if most of the decisions have to be made as we go.
And it's idealistic. It assumes we can improve upon the
past. The old design served us well for 50 years; what will the
new one do for us?
But at some moments, it's also inspiring. The new is begin-
ning to take shape and someday it will feel like home. More
than that, the very act of changing ourselves is forcing us into
new ways of thinking about how we carry out our work.
20 Messenger June 1997
Whether our
congregation is large or
small, whether we're
denominational leaders
or members of
is the same: We are to
fill the jars with water.
We cannot turn the
water into wine.
Has anyone ever revitalized a denomination by
restructuring? Perhaps not. But I'm sure that no
denomination has ever been revitalized by staying tht.
same. If the new design allows us to be more open to
God's leading, if it allows the Spirit to move more
freely among us, then by all means let's restructure.
In fact, let's restructure more than once. Let's
write our plans in pencil. As the Redesign Steering
Committee has urged, let us build a tabernacle
rather than a temple. Let us be portable and light-
weight and flexible, so that we can pick up and movei
when the Spirit leads us on.
Where might the Spirit be leading us
today? Perhaps it's not the task but the con-
text that is new. Today the church is trying
to minister in extraordinarily difficult times:
We are tired. The church should
replenish people — return to them the
energy they've spent — but it isn't doing
that now. Instead of feeling refreshed by
our time there, we often feel more tired.
The church needs to nourish its people in
order to enable them to serve.
We are consiinier-oriented. We go
church-shopping the same way we shop
for shoes. If we don't like the pastor or the
youth program, we move on down the
street.
We are skeptical. Our distrust of politi-
cal and social leaders and institutions
carries over to the church.
• • • • • We want to see with our own eyes. We
are not giving less, but we're keeping it closer to home. We
want personal connections with the recipients of our giving.
We have much more information, but it's shallow and wide.
Faced with an information glut, we have little time or energy to
probe deeply. Most of the information simply shocks or enter-
tains. Our attention span is short.
We have less formal religious training, but a more pro-
nounced hunger for spiritual sustenance. We can't count on a
shared body of biblical knowledge. So how best do we teach?
The daunting list goes on. How in the world can we persevere?
lesus commissioned 12 disciples. The Brethren movement
began with eight. We are not too small to be used by God. We
still have much to offer to the world.
We have always sought to extend the reach of the congrega-
tion into the wider world, to focus the Brethren voice, to be
more effective together than individual congregations can be on
their own.
We have been committed to outward acts of service that
grow out of a strong inner spirituality — a manifestation of our
twin strands of Anabaptism and Pietism.
We have emphasized discernment through community,
..and expect a miracle
believing in continual openness to new ideas and new under-
standings.
We have placed a iiigher value on right relationships than
on right doctrine. Not that belief doesn't matter, but we have
noticed that [esus more often reached out in love than in
judgment.
We have cherished long-held values of peacemaking, sim-
plicity, integrity, conflict resolution, partnership.
We have been "leaven" in the world, creating programs that
have influence far beyond our size and providing leadership in
arenas larger than the Church of the Brethren.
We have been dedicated to doing the work of [esus, to
living lives of discipleship, to making our faith count every day
of the week.
As the General Board has struggled with continuing the
work of lesus in today's culture, it has chosen to orient itself
more closely to the congregations. The hope is that the board
will greatly enhance the way it resources congregations, and
that congregations will have more direct involvement in plan-
ining denominational ministries.
The challenges are many. How can we increase resources
with fewer staff? Can one really structure in a way for everyone
to have direct involvement? How close will expectation and
reality be?
Can we shift our focus while still maintaining balance,
remembering that the General Board's purpose is not solely to
meet local needs? Part of its purpose is to do those things that a
congregation cannot do — things that a congregation might not
ever identify as a need. The work of |esus is broader than one's
immediate community, even though it surely begins there.
It is popular right now to draw upon marketing language
and think of the congregations or church members as cus-
tomers. While there is much to learn from the business world
and its emphasis on customers, we already live too much in a
culture that is so consumer-oriented that we impatiently give
up on anything that is not immediately to our liking. There is
little need for commitment and discipleship in a climate in
which we believe our primary reason for attending church is to
have our needs served.
This is not to say that churches should not focus on meet-
ing needs. There are many needs out there, and to follow lesus'
example will cause us to move out into the world binding up
those wounds.
But too much emphasis on customer satisfaction feeds our
individualism and self-centeredness, and allows us to shift our
focus from first and foremost serving God. A church focused
on truly serving God will end up meeting its members' needs.
But a church focused only on meeting human needs will not
necessarily end up serving God.
A church exists to nurture individuals within a community of
faith but also to live out that faith throughout the world. If a con-
gregation focuses only on the former, its vision and witness are
truncated. While it carries out some of this witness in its immedi-
ate community, in the Church of the Brethren our congregations
also band together with other congregations to carry that witness
much farther than any one congregation can do on its own.
In other words, when we say the General Board exists to
serve congregations, we do not imply that the board exists only
to serve the congregations. Rather, the board exists on the
authority of the congregations, but has been given a broader
assignment than to keep the circulatory system working only
within the body. By working collectively, the church pours itself
out for the entire world. If we give, knowing that only part of
what we give is meant to come back to us individually, we will
eventually find that we actually have received far more than we
originally gave.
How important is structure? It's merely the framework
within which we do our ministry. It's a vessel in which we carry
the message. A new design may make our work less difficult, or
it may more accurately reflect our theology and philosophy of
denominational life, but it is not itself the ministry. A new
design may instigate a shift in attitude and style, but it is not
itself the message.
Whether our congregation is large or small, whether we're
denominational leaders or members of congregations, our task
is the same: We are to fill up the jars with water. We cannot
turn the water into wine. Only God can. But he tells us to fill
the jars. Each of us must find the water and the jars, expecting
the miracle.
My favorite passage of scripture is 2 Corinthians 4:
"Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do
not lose heart For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus
Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for lesus' sake. . . .
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that
the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are
afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not
driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken: struck down,
but not destroyed
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wast-
ing away, our inner nature is being renewed every day. For this
slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal
weight of glory beyond all comparison, because we look not to
the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for
the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are
unseen are eternal" (2 Cor. 4:1, 5, 7-9, 16-18 RSV).
We are sturdy, simple pots, formed by God's hands. We are
not perfect. We are different sizes and shapes. We are ordi-
nary— even homely. But we are handmade by God.
Our job is not to be the water, but to be the vessels. God has
given us the honor of carrying living water to a thirsty people.
We are filled . . . and then we allow ourselves to be poured out for
the refreshment and replenishment of a dry world.
This is our responsibility . . . and our joy. If we will be
eager vessels, God will transform our ordinary efforts FTT
into wine for the world. l__
Wendy McFadden is director and publisher of Brethren Press.
June 1997 Messenger 21
What is the best way
to mar\ holy ground?
It is by constructing
a monument of
prayer— constant
communication
dwelling less and
less on what God
has done for us,
a7id more on the
tenuous comtection,
the ladder between
heaven and earth.
M
arkingwith monuments
BY Frank Ramirez
■ JUS
I pre
here's a saying in Indiana.
"If you don't like tiie weather,
just wait 1 5 minutes." The
proverb is likely true for a
good part of the country. Be
that as it may, it is amusing for me, a
former Angelino, who grew up on a
steady of diet of overcast mornings
and sunny afternoons, to watch the
piercing light of dawn in northern
Indiana give way to dark and brooding
clouds and sudden squalls, followed by
bright sunshine and steady winds. It
makes me want to wait around for the
afternoon to see what else will happen.
One thing I notice in connection
with these sudden weather changes is
22 Messenger June 1997
how short the memory is for those
who live through them. Hoosiers
seem convinced that sun, shadow,
rain, or wind will rule the rest of the
day, and they make their plans
accordingly, even though change
seems the only constant. These
things come and go, but there don't
seem to be any memory markers.
Changes in the fabric of the universe
come and go as well, and the biggest
change comes during those moments
when God's end of the conversation
takes on a more tangible form.
Call it answer to prayer, a still small
voice, an omen, a sign, or handwriting
across the heavens. It takes a lot of
forms, and there are no constants. It is
not something that can be quantified.
But I'm tempted.
I have thought in the past of carry-
ing around a little notebook, on
which I would write the title Tender
Mercies. In it, I would record every
moment in which I felt God inter-
vened in my life. Most of it would be
small stuff. The clear message to
"Get there." The sudden and inex-
plicable urge to "Wait," or "Bide."
The demand to "Let go."
It is a constant thing, I find. If I
just relax, I find myself in the right
place at the right time to serve others,
to hear others. I don't leave the
office, and a phone call comes. I take
a little side trip on a whim, and there
is a need when I arrive. I am forced
to choose between two alternatives.
and suddenly the choice is clear.
1 know better than to think I am the
only person so blessed. Time and
again, I sit in the company of a
believer who has experienced the same
thing. Like Elijah, faint in the desert
after his flight from Jezebel, these
believers were on the verge of despair
when spiritual food — or sometimes a
plate of cookies — arrived in time,
giving them the strength to travel to
the foot of God's mountain.
What interests me about these sto-
ries— mine and others — is that they
don't always end with tragedy averted.
Everyone is going to die, and we are all
going to experience not only our own
passing, but the departure of others as
well. What seems to be offered at times
is not safety, but assurance.
Is God at work? I think so. Most of
these instances aren't very spectacu-
lar, but they occur fairly regularly.
But how to mark these occa-
sions? What is the best way to
memorialize those moments
that show that God is not only
on the listening end, but he is in a
sending mode as well?
When (acob saw the traffic is con-
stant between heaven and earth, even
when you are on the run from a
brother who wants your hide, he
named the place "Bethel," saying,
"Surely the Lord is in this place — and
I did not know it!" And he left behind
a stone pillar (Gen. 28:10-22).
That stone pillar isn't a half-bad
idea. It's a good conversation starter.
Jacob set up more than one, as did
the other patriarchs. When the chil-
dren of Israel crossed the Jordan (on
dry land, no less) into the Promised
Land, they stopped and picked up
one large stone for each of the 12
tribes, specifically as a conversation
starter. If anyone asked what that
stack of stones was doing in their old
camp site, they could be told all
about the story, and be reminded
that God had passed through these
parts once and done another wonder
for his people (Josh. 4:1-7).
But I can't always remember where
the stones are. The tamarisk tree in
Beer-sheba was a solemn place for
Abraham to renew the covenant as
well (Gen. 21 :33). But trees are
mortal, as we are, though slower
This is the steady linl^.
This is the bond, the
assurance, the record
of all that goes before.
This monument
moves tvith us through
the stages of our lives.
about the matter, if we let them be.
Nor can you fully trust monu-
ments. I recall in this regard a trip to
my old graduate school. I graduated
from Bethany Theological Seminary,
in Oak Brook, 111., in 1979, after
three of the most formative years of
my life. I resisted revisiting the site,
despite many good memories, until
at last my wife convinced me to stop
there on one of our longer trips.
What a mistake. The buildings
were there, careworn and cracking.
But the community was gone, scat-
tered to the four winds. People were
there, good people, but they weren't
the same people who had shared that
time with me.
Now 1 know why Jesus made no
resurrection appearances in the
tomb. Even though Mary found him
in the garden shortly thereafter, it
was important for the angels to say,
"He is not here!" An empty tomb not
only means new life, but it is also a
strong message to get away, get out
into the world. Resist the urge to
return to the womb, to comfort, to
even (dare 1 say?) the upper room,
when there are so many communions
waiting to be shared in lower rooms
and ground floors.
The resurrection was made mani-
fest outside the tomb. The memory
of our encounters with God is made
manifest outside those spots where
they took place.
What then is the best way to mark
holy ground?
It is by constructing a monument of
prayer — constant communication
dwelling less and less on what God
has done for us, and more on the ten-
uous connection, the ladder between
heaven and earth that causes us to
shout aloud at those times when we
feel trapped in the driest spiritual
desert, "Surely the Lord is in this
place — and I did not know it!"
This is the steady link. This is the
bond, the assurance, the record of all
that goes before. This monument
moves with us through the stages of
our lives. It is constant, because the
words may remain the same. It is a
living memorial, because the tenor of
the conversation is never the same.
And it is unself-conscious, because
the conversation with God is not
something I am trying to do. It is
something I am doing. Moreover, the
replies are frequent enough to assure
me I know that my Redeemer lives.
Which is not to say there aren't
times when the door seems closed,
when no answer is forthcoming.
Prayer is not magic. We do not
summon God at our convenience.
But if our life of prayer is a monu-
ment to God's mighty works, then
the existence of this prayer stone
provides the same thing as any his-
torical marker: perspective. That
view from the height is enough of a
guide when we are back in the low-
lands, seemingly on our own again.
Where is God? Now I remember.
Right here. rrri
Just wait. Lll]
Frank Ramirez is pastor of Elkhart Valley
Church of the Brethren. Elkhart, Ind.
June 1997 Messenger 23
STONES
by Robin Wentworth Mayer
B
Be careful
that you
don't tell
new believers
more than
they want to
know.
.ecause some good-
"hearted, generous
person donated his old
computer to our church
when he updated his own
system, I now am working
on a piece of technology
that is four generations
beyond my most recent PC.
That, for me, is a challenge.
No, I have understated
that. It's a pain.
Now, before you accuse
me of being one of those
people who resist change,
please understand that I do
not have a technical mind. I
won't even tell you how old
I was before I realized that
the television set didn't
have miniature actors living
and performing inside it.
And I am still unconvinced
that there isn't a little man
inside my car engine who
begins to shovel coal into a
furnace when I turn the
ignition key. I have to call
one of the kids to operate
my VCR for me, for
heaven's sake. So for me to
adapt from a 8088 Packard
Bell to a 486 SX has been
an exercise in frustration.
But I am doing it — slowly,
grudgingly, painstakingly.
My husband, on the other
hand, has a highly technical,
analytical mind. Something
in his perception of infor-
mation translates all of life
into a three-dimensional
diagram. For him, there is
nothing more fun than mas-
tering a new technological
toy.
"What a blessing," you're
thinking. "God has pro-
vided her a personal tutor."
Well, sometimes blessings
are mixed. It's not that I
don't appreciate my hus-
band's help; I would have
made no headway on this
machine without him. The
problem is that when I get
stuck, he always tells me
more than I want to know.
That leaves me over-
whelmed and confused.
We are inclined to be like
my husband, aren't we?
Our kids ask for help
with a math problem, and
in no time we are lecturing
them on the perils of care-
less financial management.
They ask how to spell a
word, and we send them to
the dictionary. They ask for
help on a science project,
and we turn a simple pro-
ject into a complicated feat
of engineering.
In one way or another,
we tell them more than they
want to know.
We also do it with new
believers when we imbue
them with the particulars of
tradition and church mem-
bership before actually
taking them through the
disciplines of discipleship.
Or, worse yet, we do it
when we load them up with
teaching or administrative
responsibilities before they
have had a chance to con-
nect with a Sunday school
class or Bible study group.
We tell them more than
they want to know.
It's not that this extra
information isn't valuable:
Every detail that my hus-
band tells me about this
computer will one day feel
indispensable to me. But I
can only absorb one thing
at a time.
Most learners, when
tackling a difficult problem
or project, reach a satura-
tion point far sooner than
their teachers realize. Too
much too soon doesn't
result in progress. Instead,
it causes derailment, which
results in frustration and
stagnation.
When we assume a teach-
ing or helping role, we have '
to let our learners set the
pace, whether they be our
children, students, col-
leagues, siblings in Christ,
or spouses.
Now, who is going to
show this to my nrr
husband? t^
Robin Wentworth Mayer is
pastor of Kokomo (hid.) Church
of tlie Brethren.
Stepping Stones is a cohimn offer-
ing suggestions, perspectives, and
opinions — snapshots of life — that we
liope are helpful to readers in their
Christian journey. As the writer said in
her first installment. "Remember,
when it comes to managing life's diffi-
cidties. we don't need to walk on
water. We just need to learn where the
stepping stones are, "
24 Messenger June 1997
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BY Kenneth L. Gibble
"Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to
be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your
Father in heaven.
"So whenever you give ahns, do not sound a trumpet
before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in
the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I
tell you, they have received their reward, , , .
"And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites;
for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at
the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly
1 tell you, they have received their reward. . . .
"And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the
hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show
others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have
received their reward" (Matt, 6: 1-2, 5, 16).
Iwas introduced to chain letters in college. Until then,
I had only heard about them and had some vague
understanding of how they worked. Supposedly, they
were illegal, but I hadn't the faintest notion why.
So when my college roommate received a chain letter in
the mail, I was fascinated. In the letter were four names and
addresses, listed top to bottom. The last name belonged to
the person who had sent my roommate the letter. The letter
instructed my roommate to do two things: First, send five
dollars to the person whose name appeared at the top of the
list; second, mail copies of the letter to six people, placing
his own name in the number-four spot, in due time, at least
in theory, his name would arrive at the top of the list, and
the five-dollar bills would come rolling in.
It didn't take my roommate long to figure out how
many five-dollar bills that would be. Were the chain to
remain unbroken, he would accumulate a total of $ 1 ,080.
At once, I saw my duty and acted. I set about to temper
my friend's enthusiasm.
"Use your head," I told him. "Nobody takes chain letters
seriously. They all end up in the wastebasket. Besides,
what's to prevent others from carrying on the chain with-
JuNE 1997 Messenger 25
out sending that five bucks?"
This was all very reasonable, helpful
counsel, to my way of thinking. Did my
roommate appreciate it? He did not.
He quickly pointed out to me that
the scheme meant he would have a
potential of 236 people to send him
five dollars. If only two of those 236
came through, he would double his
money. Besides, the chain letter said
that breaking the chain would result
in a streak of bad luck. Best not take
a chance.
I saw that he was hopelessly hooked
on his illusion, so I shrugged and gave
a final word of advice. "Don't say I
didn't warn you." Then I sanctimo-
niously got back to the books.
By 10 p.m. that night, my room-
mate had circulated his six letters to
guys in the dorm and had given his
sales talk to everyone in sight. Now
Because You Need
Protection You Can
Count On
W hen a fire broke out at Elkhart City
Church of the Brethren in Elkhart, Indiana,
many members wondered how long it would
be before they could worship there again.
But they were about to experience a
wonderful surprise.
''Mutual Aid was right there when we
needed them," says Ted Noffsinger, who
supervised the reconstruction. "The approach
I saw was, 'We have a policyholder with a
problem. Let's do what we can, as fast as we
can, to get him back in business.'"
If that's the protection you'd like to experience, then
you should know Mutual Aid Association also offers
homeowner's insurance at very competitive rates. To
find out more, return the bind-in card in this issue of
Messenger, or call us now.
1-800-255-1243
^
Mutual Aid Association
Church of the Brethren
3094 Jeep Rd • AbUene, KS 67410
Protection you can depend on from
Brethren you trust. Since 1885.
he was sitting on his bed riffling
through the more than 30 dollars h
had already collected. 1*
"Come on, roomie," he said. "You
can still get in on the action."
I tried to concentrate on my book,
"Of course," he mocked, "if you ha
started right away, your name would f
now be at the top of a few lists."
I sat there muttering under my
breath. I should never have underes-
timated the power of single-minded,
passionate greed.
What made my lesson painfully
unforgettable was the five dollars I
lost getting in on the tail end of the
whole business. Yes, I finally suc-
cumbed to the madness around
midnight. By next day it was all overj
So far as I know, no one but my
roommate so much as broke even.
Chain letters and the other scams
that pervade our society — lotteries,
sweepstakes, grand prize drawings —
are all symptoms of the human
longing for magical solutions. Pass
on the chain letter and good fortune
will result. Buy the lucky ticket and
your problems will be solved.
Maybe it's a carryover from child-
hood. "Clean up your room and
you'll get a piece of candy." "Get a
B-l- in math and you can go on that
weekend outing with your friends."
Translated into religion, it comes out
"Live a good, clean life, go to church'
at least occasionally, and good things
will happen to you."
Iesus had something to say about
all this. He called his followers'
attention to the behavior of
people who made a big show of
their religion and good works. Jesus
wasn't saying they should stop doing
good things. His point was simply
that once they had given their alms
and had finished offering their public
prayers, they had already gotten what
they wanted: attention and admira-
tion from their neighbors. "Truly I
tell you," he said, "they have received
their reward" (Matt. 6:2, 4).
How do these words apply to the
kind of religion you and I often prac-
tice? If we think that being good will
make us acceptable to God . . . will earn
us what we want ... we are mistaken.
26 Messenger June 1997
•lost of the time, we are good in order
3 get sometiiing in return: respect,
ocial approval, even God's approval.
Jesus makes it quite clear that doing
ood or being good will not win us
jod's favor. Instead, God's favor,
jod's grace, is already given to us, and
hen we may do good, we may even be
ood ... at least some of the time. In
his sense, it can be said that we are
ood, not for any reward to be gained,
ut simply because God has brought it
0 pass in us. We are good for no gain
0 be had. We are good for nothing.
Such an idea is contrary to what
nany people believe the Christian
aith is all about. That's too bad,
lecause what makes the gospel so
xciting is the unexpectedness of
race, the surprise of joy.
We miss it time and time again. We
eel guilty so often because we think
ve aren't good enough. We are not
;ood enough as parents, not good
:nough as a spouse, not good
inough as a friend.
In one sense, it's true. We aren't
;ood enough. In fact, we can never
)e good enough, but that doesn't
natter to the One who created us.
The Holy One is far more interested
n using whatever good we do for the
blessing of God's children.
There is no magic. Chain letters
ire a sham. There are no secret for-
nulas, no standards of right and
vrong that, if carefully followed, will
Jive us what we want. Rain falls on
he just and the unjust. Some good
oeople get sick; some bad people live
o be 100. There are no guaranteed
■ewards for goodness; goodness
Tiust be its own reward.
There is something better than
guarantees. It is the grace and free-
dom and love of God. They pervade
ife more than we know, more than
A^e take time to see. In the end, they
Dring us, often kicking and scream-
ng, into God's kingdom.
Oddly enough, we have trouble
recognizing our salvation, even rrsn
ivhen it's staring us in the face. I I
Kenneth L. Gibble. former promotion consul-
ant for Messenger, is pastor of Chambersburg
'Pa.) Church of the Brethren. He is the author
^f several books and contributes articles to
numerous religious publications.
More than good
investment returns
To those who use our asset management ser-
vice, the Brethren Foundation provides more
than good investment returns.
Over 50 campers will receive scholarships to Camp Blue Diamond
because of a Youth Scholarship Fund invested with the Brethren Foun-
dation.
For more information, stop by our booth at Annual Conference.
Brethren Foundation, Inc.
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As an investor, you want to concenti^e on what's important;
opportunity for growth, financial benefits, investing your trust
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MMA Praxis mutual funds offer you all that — and more.
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MMA
June 1997 Messenger 27
e
Partners
in Pra^
Daily prayer guide:
Sunday: Your congregation's ministries
Monday: Annual Conference officers
Tuesday: General Board and staff
Wednesday: District executives,
Bethany Seminary, colleges
and university
Thursday: General Services
Friday: Parish Ministries
Saturday: World Ministries
June prayer concerns:
Congregation: Father's Day, June
1 5; Summer Sunday school; vacation
Bible school; graduates.
Annual Conference: Delegates;
Conference in session, July 1-6;
Conference officers, especially mod-
erator-elect Jimmy Ross, who
underwent prostate cancer surgery in
late May.
General Board: Interim general sec-
retary; interim Leadership Team;
General Board meeting, July 1; Gen-
eral Board reorganization, July 3;
general secretary search committee;
Transition Team.
Districts and Colleges: CODE
meeting, June 29-30; district execu-
tives search committees; Shenandoah
District's John Kline Bicentennial;
summer classes; revitalization for
professors.
General Services: Communication
Team; Brethren Historical Library
and Archives archivist; Planned
Giving staff.
Parish Ministries: Ministers Confer-
ence, June 30-July 1
World Ministries: Nigeria; Joan
Deeter, World Ministries Commis-
sion executive, retiring June 20.
u
"Why has the General Board cut
off all fundi 7ig to our mission iji
South Korea that was mandated
by Annual Conference?"
Board's actions puzzling
The April cover story describes excit-
ing opportunities for Brethren
ministry in North Korea.
I was inspired by the General
Board's goal of raising $75,000 for
hungry North Koreans, in addition
to $66,000 from the Emergency Dis-
aster Fund, and $55,000 from the
Global Food Crisis Fund. What puz-
zles me is this: Why can we raise
money for North Korea and not for
South Korea?
Caring
IVIinistries
2000
August 11-15
N. Manchester, Indiana
A training opportunity for
Deacons ♦ Pastors
Ctiaplalns ♦ Nurses
Doctors ♦ Social Workers
Counselors ♦ Students in
Training for a Caring
Profession
Learn from 9 inspirational
speal<ers and more tinan
70 worl<stnops on issues in
caring ministries.
For a registration brochure contact:
Association of Bretlnren Caregivers
1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, iL 60120
(800)323-8039. e)ct. 410
Register before July 10 to receive a
lower registration price.
Why has the General Board cut ofi
all funding to our mission in South
K.orea that was mandated by Annual
Conference? True, South Korea is
not physically starving, but its spiri-
tual needs may be just as great.
As for the General Board's down-
sizing, budgets must be balanced, to
be sure. But look at the April Mes-
senger's center spread of Long
Beach hotel ads for Conference-
bound Brethren. We have money for
Hyatts and Sheratons even if we
don't have money for mission. I
wonder how this fits with following
[esus ...peacefully, simply, together.
I am also puzzled by some people
on the General Board and across the
Brotherhood seeming to think our
"problems" will be solved by
restructuring.
Did our past two restructurings
help us grow either numerically or
spiritually?
To be sure, new wine needs a new
skin. But old wine is still old wine,
even if put in a new skin.
Let us pray for new wine. We then
could become an inspired people,
rather than a puzzled people.
Leon C. Nehei
Quinter, Kan.
All God's children are equal
As much as I was taken by the mes-
sage of "living the story" in the April
editorial, "To Live the Old, Old
Story," what really caught my eye
was the mention of Don Snider.
I first met Don at a conference
many years ago. When I shook his
hand, I introduced rnyself as "Don
Snyder the Lesser." I called him
"Don Snider the Greater."
28 Messenger June 1997
His response can easily be guessed:
Don't ever say that! There is no
Greater' or 'Lesser.' We're all God's
hildren on an equal basis."
I appreciate this man and his
ccomplishments.
Don Snyder
Waynesboro. Va.
^ioC Pontius' Puddle
Send payment for reprinting "Pontius' Puddle" from Messenger to
Joel Kaujfhiatm, 111 Carter Road. Goshen. IN 46526. $25 for one
time use. $10 for second strip in same issue. $10 for congregations.
jry SEETHE
Ptp ^OM SETT\Ner
OM IH/^T CLOOO
FORIAATIOM ?
KNOW WHAT \T_
RErAIMDS tAEOF?
A CIAAR-BRO\LED
CHEESEBOR&ER
DRENCHED WITH
KETCHUP?
TOF THE P11_L/Qk«
O^ riRE T^AT
GOD USEDTOLEAt>
THE IS^E-LITES
FROK BONPACrE
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THAT WAS
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SECOhiO
60ESS.
From the
Office of Human Resources
Manager of Conference Center
Brethren Service Center,
New Windsor, Md.
Responsible for systems and proce-
dures; manages day-to-day opera-
tions; does short- and long-range
planning to achieve financial goals.
Needs at least three years confer-
ence/hotel management experience in
budgeting, personnel management,
and marketing; Bachelor's degree in
hotel management, business adminis-
tration, or other related field.
Respond by June 18. 1997
Editor of Publications
Brethren Press
Plans and edits Messenger maga-
zine, and assumes other responsibili-
ties as part of the Brethren Press editor-
ial team.
Needs five years proven experience in
communications, particularly maga-
zine editing; strong grounding in
Brethren heritage, theology, polity;
excellent oral, written, and interper-
sonal communication skills; active
membership in the Church of the
Brethren.
Business Manager
Brethren Press
Responsible for financial planning,
inventory management, subscriptions,
warehousing and distribution, and
computer systems.
Send resume and cover letter
by July 15 to Office of Human
Resources. 1451 Dundee Ave..
Elgin. IL 60120-1694.
Hear him spea\ at the Messenger Dinner
July 3, 1997, Long Beach, Calif
Patricf{ Mellerson
Pastor of Butler Chapel African Methodist
Episcopal Church, Orangeburg, S.C.
"From the Ashes:
Building Bridges of Hope
The Church of the Brethren is
helping rebuild Butler Chapel,
ivhich tvas bunied by arsofiists
in March 1996.
For dinner ticf^ets, call the Annual
Conference office at (800) 323-8039.
Tic/(ets also available in Long Beach
at Annual Conference ticket sales.
Classified Ads
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Director of Music sought by large, downtown
church. Responsible for total music program of the
church. Will work as member of a professional church
staff Salary negotiable. Send resume to Hagerstown
Church of the Brethren, 15 S. Mulberry St., Hager-
stown, MD 21740. Deadline June 30, 1997.
CONFERENCES
"Anabaptists in Conversation: Mennonite and
Brethren Interactions with 20th-century Theologies"
conference. June 19-21, at The Young Center, Eliz-
abethtown, Pa. Inquire: Conference, Young Center,
Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA 17022-
2298. Tel. (717) 361-1470. Fax (717) 361-1443. E-mail
youngctr@acad.etown.edu.
FOR SALE
Single wide mobile home for sale. Completely
furnished. 12 ft. x 42 ft., 9 in., with 10 ft. x 20 ft. Florida
room. In senior citizen mobile home park, Sebring,
Fla. Near Sebring Church of the Brethren. Tel. (717)
949-2158.
WANTED
Seeking tape recording made at church service
at Ramey Flats Church of the Brethren near Clint-
wood, Va., in late 1950s. Tape made by someone from
Church of the Brethren in Tennessee. Mullins Family
Singers were performing, including my late father,
Dock Patten Mullins. Hassel Mullins & Rev. Edd Hicks
were members of church. Send info on person who
recorded the service to Janice Whittington, 191 Neil
Ave., Marion, OH 43302-3329.
June 1997 Messenger 29
Turiiii Points
New Members
Note; Congregations are asked
to submit only the names of
actual new members of
denomination. Do not
include names of people
who have merely transferred
their membership from
another Church of the
Brethren congregation.
Antelope Valley, S. Plains:
Tim &. Patricia Heinrich,
Coby & Sherri Snyder
Antioch, Virlina: Ronnie &
Matthew Sigmon
Black Rock, S. Pa.: loel &
Brenda Beard. Clair &
Nancy Hewitt, David &
Karen Thomas, Benjamin
Lucabaugh
Cedar Creek, S.E.: Donald
Givens, Noah Newburn.
Tabbetha Givens. Allison
Chancery
Center Hill, W. Pa.: Timothy
& Robin Bowser, lames &
Nancy Sturgeon, Benjamin
Shumaker. Courtney
Bowser, B.|. Marshall,
Michael Dunn, Kenneth
Anthony
Charlottesville, Shen.: Marve
& Donna Gearhart, Bessie
Kanney
Coventry, Atl. N.E.: |ared
Novak, Brandon Keene,
Corinne Major
Dixon, Ill./Wis.:Kayln Harms,
Elizabeth Fordham, Shanis
Leathers, Shayla Hiatt,
Crystal & Stephanie
Horton, Benny & Rebecca
Her, Loren Munson, George
Broman. Loretta Samuel,
Mariam Pasqual, Robin
Durain
Donnels Creek, S. Ohio: Dale
& Donna Algren
Dupont, S. Ohio: Tom & Lori
Hemenway. Holly & Shawn
Herr, Shellie Moran, Bill
Murphy, Raymond Mays,
Ronnie & Dianna Rayle;
Mike, Leah, Dustin, &
Amanda Bryan
Elm Street, N. Ohio: Terry
Martin. Brandon Martin
Franklin Grove, 111. /Wis.:
Mark Christiansen. Eliza-
beth Finifrock, Robert
Logan, Emily Tilsy
Fraternity, Virlina: Beth Hayes
Green Tree, Atl. N.E.: Justin
Clark, Tracy Custer, Shawn
O'Neil, Laurie Pavone,
Casey Slinkard, lustin
Watkinson
Greensburg, W. Pa.: Louis
Schmidt. Thomas Cantola,
Kristopher Holsopple, Gale
& Thomas McNamara,
Christy Pomaibo. David
Shincovich, Michael Sphon.
Dale & [essica Struzzi
Independence, W. Plains:
Christopher Chapman,
Linda McCarty, Terry
McKenzie, Amber Price,
Angela Jean Price, Angela
Marlean Price
fennersville, Atl. N.E.: Ashley
Campbell. Samatha Price.
la'Nelle Campbell
La Place, 111. /Wis.: Garvin &
lackie West
Lampeter, Atl. N.E.: Timothy
Creighton, Nancy Kreider,
Benjamin Feeney
Leamersville, Mid. Pa.: Ben-
jamin Hoenstine, Shane
Dick, Jennifer Walter, Jes-
sica Betwiler, Valerie Harris
Lebanon. Shen.: Jack & Shoh
Tucker, Ed & Brenda
Morris
Lititz, Atl. N.E.: Cody Brum-
bach. Ben Hunter. Brett
Kendig, Nikole Kreiter, Brett
Martin. Mike Staub, Jeff
Witmer, Christopher Enck,
Kathryn Resh, Carol Young
Lower Claar, Mid. Pa.: Larry
Arnold, Josh Barnhart.
Bobby & Brian Mock,
William & Beth Kuruzovich
Maple Grove, 111. /Wis.: Darin
Holsapple
Maple Grove, N. Ohio: Paul &
Julie Yanchek
McPherson, W. Plains: Gary
Dill. Vicky Dill. Rich
Schrag
Midland, Mid. Atl.: Katie But-
terfield, Chris & Sandra
Myers, Whitney Rankin.
Ricky Utterback,
Monican, N. Ohio: Lindsey
Beegle. Stacey Bodager,
Scott & Rhonda Bodager,
Clint Kolp, Steve Martin,
Brad & Sherri Nelson, Stan
& Linda Ramsier, Mike &
Kathryn Wilco.x
Nappanee, N. Ind.: Tracy
Miller, Nicole Carpenter,
Jesse Hufford
New Carlisle, S. Ohio: Mark
Benner, Barbara Davey,
Matthew & Janne Ferguson.
Kyle & Robbie Shock, Kent
Stamper
North Winona, N. Ind.: Jen-
nifer Coffell, Michelle
Coffell, Shannon Sucec, Joe
Dilling. Robert Maxson
Peace, Ore. /Wash.: Elmer Mil-
lion. Feuy Lin Saelee
Plumcreek, W. Pa.: Amber &
Leanna Blystone, Calah &.
Luke Dismore, Tara Flem-
ing, Denise George. Brian
Kimmel. Bryan & Kayla
Miller, Nicole Ramer
Potsdam, S. Ohio: Joe &
Jenessa Brown. Anthony
Weikert. Andrew Post.
Adam Shiverdecker. Scott
Oswalt, Linda & Tony
Taylor, Kevin Whitmer,
Tammy Delk, Hugh Hillis.
Robert & Judy Honeyman.
Phill & Alvin Cook
Prairie City, N. Plains: Tracey
& Dennis Bown. Jessica
Winkleman
Rayman, W. Pa.: Steve White,
Richard Hay
Rockford First, 111. /Wis.:
Heidi Grander
Roaring Spring First, Mid.
Pa.: Robert & Nicole Beers,
Andrea Bechel, Elise
Hogenberger, Jenni & Abby
Harmon. Mandy Holsinger,
Kylie Horner, Nathaniel
Miller. Traci Russell, Greg
Smith, Beverly & Jeverlie
Wyland
Sangerville, Shen.: Doug,
Sonja, & Alston Horn,
Dusty Shull, Nathan Sheets
Skyridge, Mich.: Rhonda
Tomlinson
Springfield. Atl. N.E.: Kim &
Avanel Kramer, Lynn &
Phillip Calabrette, Walter &
Shirley Weaver, Arielle Wal-
ters. Diane Holschwander
Trinity, Virlina: Kristen
Collins. Bret, Jan, & Marie
Galloway; Mark Ingram,
Brandon McCampblee,
Brandon Sells
Troy, S. Ohio: Connie Schlat-
ter. Debbie Gallager, Darryl
Benard
York Center, HI. /Wis.: Kim-
berly Kirkwood, Jesslyn
Jalayerian, Melyssa Otake.
Evelyn Leyva, Lin Stefurak,
Jean Zak
White Oak, Ad. N.E.: Micah
Diffenderfer, Jared Groff,
Kate Hershey, Gary Zim-
merman, Kimberly Goff
Woodbury, Mid. Pa.: Kent
Cooper, Eugene Shannon
Zion Hill, N. Ohio: Derek &
Angela Mellott, Christopher
& Melanie Cresanto, Mary
Kidd
Wedding
Anniversaries
Adams, Walter and Leora,
Hammond, Ind., 50
Barkey, Lowell and Katherine,
Leesburg, Ind.. 55
Bowman, Raymond and
lewell. Boones Mill, Va., 50
Brown, Claron and Alvera,
Decatur, 111., 60
Coffman, Ray and Helen,
Huntingdon, Pa.. 50
Delautcr, Leslie and Gladys.
Monrovia, Md., 70
Gartzke, Don and Juanita,
Roanoke, Va., 50
Hartman, Dale and Janet.
Huntingdon, Pa., 50
Hileman, Lawrence and
Wilma. Elgin. 111., 60
Hoffman, Charles and Verna,
Huntingdon, Pa., 50
Jarboe, Russell and Eunice,
Everett, Wash., 50
lohnson, Elden and Doris.
Waterloo, Iowa, 55
Kreider, Benjamin and Evelyn,
Willow Street. Pa., 50
Miller, Perry and Dorothy,
Waterloo, Iowa, 55
Miller, Rex and Esther, New
Paris, Ind.. 50
Snyder, Don and Gladie,
Waynesboro, Va.. 60
Sutton, Charlie and Wilma.
McPherson, Kan.. 50
Pastoral
Placements
Houghton, James E., from
Moxham, W Pa., interim
pastor, to Moxham W Pa.,
pastor.
Stern, Roy L., Markle S/C
Ind. to Lorida, Atl. S.E.
Yancheck, Paul, from secular
to Black River, N. Ohio
Deaths
Andrew, Georgia., 75, Port
Republic, Va., March 1 1,
1997
Atwater, Beulah, 99, Elkhart,
Ind., March 2, 1997
Blocher, Ruth, 92, Greenville,
Ohio, March 28, 1997
Bowman, Alma H., 71, Mar-
tinsville, Va., Feb. 2, 1997
Brandt, Jacob, 90, Elizabeth-
town. Pa., Feb. 12, 1997
Brownsberger, Roland. 88. La
Verne. Calf.. Feb. 10, 1997
Burkholder, John, 64. Lan-
caster, Pa., Jan. 17. 1997
Click, Freddie A., 44, Bridge-
water, Va., Feb. 18, 1997
Compton, Olivia, 88, Bridge-
water, Va., March 1 1, 1997
Conner, A'dra, 90, Hunting-
don, Pa., Dec. 12, 1996
Cook, Alice, 74, Windber, Pa..
Jan. 22. 1997
Cook, Wayne, 89, New
Oxford', Pa., April 3, 1997
Couchenour, Jack, 56, Greens-
burg, Pa., Jan. 30, 1997
Ebersole, Dorothy E.. 72,
York, Pa.. March 22, 1997
Faught, Jared, 72, Fish-
ersville, Va., March 1 1 .
1997
Fonts, S. Russell. 92, Blair.
Neb., Oct. 19, 1996
Fryman. Lavonne, 81, Goshen.
Ind., March 20. 1997
Fulk, Lena T, 87, Fulks Run,
Va., Feb. 26, 1997
Gaag, Blanche, 87, Union-
town, Pa.. Dec. 23, 1996
Gainer, Maria, 89, Lancaster.
Pa., Dec. 27, 1996
Garns, Helen. 88, Manheim,
Pa., Jan. 26, 1997
Gibble, Ella, 84, Manheim,
Pa., Nov. 11, 1996
Gibbs, Charles, 65, Custer,
Mich.. Jan. 10. 1997
Glick, Frank J., 92, Dayton,
Va., Dec. 29, 1997
Glover, Alma M., 87, Har-
risonburg, Va.. Feb. 2, 1997
Good, Edward W.. 76. Stanley.
Va., Feb. 4. 1997
Gottlieb, Robert. 71, Ephrata,
Pa.. Dec. 19. 1996
Grant, Ruth. 83. Bent Moun-
tain, Va., Ian. 31. 1997
Green, Alice L.. 91, Kokomo,
Ind., March 7,1997
Green, Elsie S., 96, Fairplay,
Md., Oct. 17, 1996
Guerin, Gladys. 88. Muncie.
Ind., Nov. 14, 1996
Hackman, Mildred, 87,
Palmyra, Pa., Ian. 21, 1997
Hager, Neva M., 82, Farming-
ton, Pa.. Feb. 2. 1997
Hansen, Gayle. 40, Harrison-
burg, Va., Ian. 13, 1997
Harlow, Charles. 71, Indepen-
dence, Kan., Oct. 15, 1996
Harriger, lane, 74, Ephrata,
Pa., Dec. 29, 1996
Harris, Glenn M., 90, Jen-
nings, La.. Feb. 26, 1997
Harshbarger, Charles, 83,
Peoria, 111., July 12, 1996
Hartman, Wilmer B., 87.
York, Pa., March 22. M'-l
Haugh, Reginald C, 73. \\;i
nesboro. Pa., Oct. 16. 19'
Hawbaker, Paul G., 79.
Decatur, 111., Jan. 30. K^c
Hearn, Lillian. 75. Huntin^!-
don. Pa., lune 4, 1996
Heckman, Delia M., 97.
Chambersburg, Pa.. No\ .
10, 1996
Held, LaVonne, 73. Rocklon
111.. Feb. 14, 1997
Heinbaugh, Feme, 97, Rock
wood, Pa., Jan. 28, 1997
Heinbuch, Kenneth, 65,
Hartville, Ohio, Oct. 28,
1996
Hendrickson, Henry, 80.
Petersburg, W Va., Feb. 6.
1997
Henry, Alma, 93, Martinsbun
Pa.. Oct. 28, 1996
Herring, Alonzo E., 93, Farm
ington. Pa., Feb. 10, 1997
Hertzog, Ira B., 94, Ephrata,
Pa.. Jan. 14, 1997
Hertzog, Raymond. 83,
Denver, Pa., Oct. 30, 1996
Hess, Sherman, 88.
Pottstown, Pa., Nov. 1 1
1996
Hicks, Catherine, 75, Dayton
Ohio, Dec. 30. 1996
Higgs, Miller, 91, New
Market, Va., March 1 1,
1997
Himelright, William, 55.
Strasburg, Va., March 8,
1997
Howdyshell, Margaret, 85,
Harrisonburg, Va., March
15. 1997
Hoffman, Galen, 85, Windbe
Pa., Jan. 4, 1997
Hoffman, Robert, Pensacola,
Fla.. March 3. 1997
Hoffman, Thomas, 48, Way-
nesboro, Pa., Dec. 2, 1996
Holloway, Wilma, 76, Akron,
Ind.. lune 17, 1996
Hoover, Annie A., 85, York.
Pa.. March 17, 1997
Hoover, Dean, 71, East Free-
dom. Pa., Oct. 31, 1996
Hoover, Mildred, 79, New
Carlisle, Ohio. Oct. 19.
1996
Hoover, Roger K., 68, Way-
nesboro. Va.. Dec. 26, 1996
Hopkins, Edward M.. 76,
Martinsville, Va.. Jan. 25.
1997
Hopkins, Louise, 74,
Nokesville, Va., Jan. 19.
1997
Horein, Fern, 81, Goshen,
Ind., Dec. 17, 1996
Hosaflook, Addie. F, 87,
Roanoke, Va.. Ian. 17. 1996
Hotham. Mary. 56. South
Elgin, 111., Ian. 11. 1997
Housel, Mona, 79, Martins
burg. Pa., Nov. 3, 1996
Howdyshell, Blanche, 94,
Harrisonburg, Va., Dec. 15,
1996
Howdyshell, Margaret, 85,
Harrisonburg, Va., March
15, 1997
Hudkins, Ellen, 80, Beaver-
creek, Ohio, April 24, 1996
Hudson, Mary, 81, Rocky
Mount, Va., March 13, 199?
30 Messenger June 1997
iluff, Russell, 78, Norton,
Kan., Nov. 3, 1996
luminel, Norma, 75, Dayton,
Ohio, Dec. 25, 1996
lyllon, Amy, 15, Char-
lottesville. Va., Ian, 17.
1997
innerst, George. 64. York. Pa..
March 27. 1997
lohnson, Mabelle, 94, Water-
loo, Iowa. Dec. 15. 1997
lohnson, Russell T., 85,
Severn. Md.. Nov. 8, 1996
'Oseph, lohn. 86, Onekama,
Mich., Nov. 29, 1996
ludy, Belinda, 88, Cabins, W.
Va., Feb. 28, 1997
ludy, Bernice, 80, North Man-
chester, Ind., Ian. 17, 1997
lUnady, Sue, 55, Indepen-
dence, Kan., Dec. 3, 1996
Ceener, Lucille. 80. Ashland.
Ohio. March 28. 1997
Ceplinger. |ohn. 87. Maysville.
W.Va., Ian. 10, 1997
:Cepncr, Edna Mae. 69.
Spring Grove, Pa., Nov.
28. 1996
(immel, Mae, 101, Shelocta,
Pa., Nov. 13, 1996
(inkcad, Ellen, 72. Harrison-
burg. Va., March 4, 1997
Cinzie, Ethel. 92. Troutville.
Va.. Dec. 23. 1996
Cisamore, Annie. 99. Har-
risonburg, Va., |an. 18,
1997
vline. Ellen. 90, Hagerstown.
Md.. Oct. 2. 1996
{line, Irene B.. 80. Bedford,
a., March 4. 1997
inaub, Mary C. 94. Dallas-
town, Pa.. Dec, 25, 1996
Cnicely, George. 82.
Harrisonburg, Va.. Dec. 27.
1996
,Colp, Leola. 98. West Salem.
Ohio, March 25. 1997
.Conkey, Robert. 73. Michigan
City, Ind.. Ian. 22. 1997
<uhar, lennie. 77. Virden, III..
Aug. 13. 1996
<urtz. Paul M., 91, Ephrata.
Pa.. Nov. 4, 1996
i^ambert, Betty I.. 69. Har-
risonburg. Va.. Ian. 4, 1997
uane, Galen. 83, New Carlisle.
Ohio. March 22,1997
^.apham, H. Eugene, 95, York,
a., Ian. 13. 1997
Langham, Edna, 97, Martins-
burg, Pa.. Ian. 5. 1997
iantz. Romaine. 88. Syracuse.
Ind., Dec. 17, 1996
Large, Alonzo. 76, Danville,
Va., Nov. 27, 1996
Lauver, Dorothy, 92. Cross
Keys, Va., Feb. 26, 1997
Leckrone, |oe K.. 86, Silver
Lake, Ind., March 29, 1997
Leffel, Edith. 91. Springfield.
Ohio. March 16. 1997
Lehman, Kim, 44, New York.
N.Y.. Nov. 21. 1996
Lehman, Margaret M.. 84.
York, Pa.. |an. 25. 1997
Lehman, Mary lane, 75, Mar-
tinsburg. Pa., Dec. 5, 1996
Lehman, Ralph, 102, Wind-
ber. Pa., |an. 1, 1997
Lentz, Margaret, 92, Green-
ville, Ohio, Feb. 5, 1997
iLewis, Donald, 75, Polk,
Ohio, Oct. 15, 1996
Lewis, Virginia, 86, Hager-
stown, Md., Oct. 6, 1996
Lewrew, Alverta, 77, New
Oxford. Pa., Feb. 26. 1997
Livingston, Virginia. |ohn-
stown. Pa.. March 30.1 997
Lobb, Richard. 79. lohnstown.
Pa., Dec. 17, 1996
Lohr, Milton, 105, Hoovers-
ville. Pa., March 24, 1997
Long, Helen E,, 87, Bealeton.
Va., Dec. 26, 1996
Long, Rodney, 76. Roanoke.
Va.. Sept. 21. 1996
Long, Stella R, 90. Ephrata.
Pa., Sept. 28, 1996
Lusk, Mary lane, 71, Elida,
Ohio, iune8, 1996
Lutz, lohn, 88, Lititz, Pa., Feb.
8, 1997
Lasterson, Esther, 93, Mount
Morris, 111.. Feb. 4, 1997
MacLeod, Robert, 65, Mar-
tinsburg. Pa., Feb. 14.1997
Martin, Ophia, 83, Rice Lake,
Wis., Aug. 9, 1996
Martzall, Warren E., 66,
Denver, Pa., lune 12, 1996
Mathews, Walter E., 77, lones
Mills, Pa., Nov. 21, 1996
Maxwell, Clarence, 72,
Rheems, Pa., Sept. 27, 1996
McClanahan, George, 86,
Winchester, Va., Ian. 4,
1997
McDaniel, Annie, 81, Los
Angeles, Cahf.. March 14.
1997
McDonald, Lillian. 90, Way-
nesboro. Pa., Ian. 1. 1997
McGraw, Clara, 95, Martins-
burg, Pa.. Nov. 28. 1996
McMullen, Martha, 84,
Uniontown, Pa., Feb. 25,
1997
McQuin, Allison, 76, Silver
Spring. Md.. Feb. 15, 1997
Mentzer, Melvin. 88, Sebring.
Ohio. May 30, 1996
Method, Kathryn, 91, Goshen.
Ind.. Dec. 18. 1996
Miles, Lillian. 84. Tipton.
Iowa, Feb. 5. 1997
Miller, Frank, 90, Sangerville,
Va., Feb. 3, 1997
Miller, Galen R.. 60. Bridge-
water. Va.. Feb. 7, 1997
Miller, Harry C, 72, East
Berlin, Pa„ Oct. 10, 1996
Miller, |anet L., 53, Spring
Grove, Pa., Oct. 22, 1996
Miller, I. Mark, 52, Bridgewa-
ter, Va., Feb. 15. 1997
Miller, Versal, 73, Centerville,
Iowa, Oct, 25, 1996
Minnick, Leona M., Bridge-
water, Va., Ian. 30, 1997
Montel, Ruble, 83, Claypool,
Ind.. Dec. 29. 1996
Moore, Harold. 84. lohns-
town. Pa., luly 18, 1996
Moyers, Boyd, 73. Bergton,
Va., Ian. 8, 1997
Moyers, Grayson L., 73, Har-
risonburg, Va., Jan. 7. 1997
Myer, Clara B., 87, Lancaster,
Pa., Dec. 16, 1996
Myers, lames W., 77, Gettys-
burg, Pa., Oct. 26, 1996
Myers, Letha A.. 74. Fairfield,
Pa., Dec. 28. 1996
Neff, William. 86, Mount
Crawford. Va.. Sept. 26.
1996
Novenly. Helen. 96. Wheaton.
111.. Dec, 27, 1996
Nugent, Herman F., 77.
lohnstown, Pa., Dec. 25,
1996
Nutter, Barnee, 75, Rice Lake.
Wis., Oct. 28. 1996
Ober, D. Kenneth, 63, Eliza-
bethtown. Pa., Nov. 7. 1996
Oberdick, lames E.. 88. York.
Pa.. Sept. 3. 1996
Odem, lames, 77. La Verne.
Calif,, Sept. 14, 1996
Old. Maxwell. 75. San Diego.
Calif,, Nov. 15, 1996
Orendorf, Beatrice. 82. Salis-
bury. Md., Ian. 21. 1997
Orwig, lohn E.. 83. New
Oxford, Pa., Dec. 22. 1996
Ours, George O., 68, Peters-
burg, W.Va.. Ian. 29, 1997
Overdorff, Harry, 68. Bovard.
Pa,. Ian. 25, 1997
Painter, Rosa. 67, Peoria
Heights. III., luly 7, 1996
Parker, Martha, 90,
Greenville, Ohio, Feb. 25.
1997
Pennington, Asa, 84, Dry
Fork, W.Va., Dec. 25, IC'.e
Pennington, William, 95,
Eglon, W. Va., Ian. 22, 1'.97
Pepple, Sarah A., 84, Fori
Wayne. Ind., Dec. 4, ' 96
Phillips, Robert, 50, New
Carlisle, Ohio, March 27,
1997
Phillips, Georgiana., 61, Fulks
Run, Va., Ian. 12, 1997
Phillips, William, 78, Lan-
caster, Pa., Dec. 7, 1996
Plummet, Ethel, 93, Bowie,
Md., Dec. 10, 1996
Popp, Louis. 82. Windber. Pa.,
lune 22, 1996
Poter, |eff. 23. Hagerstown.
Md.. Sept. 20. 1996
Procter, Ruth E., 96. Bridge-
water. Va., Feb. 8, 1997
Putney, Beth, 88, Waterloo,
Iowa. Feb, 15, 1997
Reed, Martha, 91. Fallston.
Md.. Feb 2. 1997
Resser, Lynda M.. 82. New
Oxford. Pa., Feb. 13, 1997
Ressier, Rhoda, 79, Brown-
stown. Pa.. luly 25. 1996
Rimel, Dorothy V. 82. New
Market, Va., Feb. 9, 1997
Rinehart, Mary, 95, North
Manchester, Ind,, Oct. 26,
1996
Riner, Glendon, 80, Harrison-
burg, Va., Feb. 2, 1997
Ritchie, Virgil, 84, Harrison-
burg, Va,, March 9, 1997
Ritchey, Ethel M., 79, Cur-
ryville. Pa,, Nov. 23. 1996
Roberts, George, |r., 71. lohn-
stown. Pa.. Ian 16, 1997
Robison, Haniill, 79, South
English, Iowa. Feb, 6, 1997
Roddy, Caitlyn, 3, Seward, Pa.,
Dec. 27. 1996
Rolston. Megrum, 85, Shel-
don, Iowa. May 5, 1996
Roudybush, Howard, 87, Kit-
tanning, Pa., Ian. 30, 1997
Rudy, Ada, 91, Wooster, Ohio,
Dec. 30. 1996
Rudy, Monroe. 92. Lima,
Ohio, Dec. 8, 1996
Rudy, Ray H., Huntingdon,
Pa., Sept. 1, 1996
Rupcl, Lucy W., 9 1 , La Verne,
Calif,, Ian. 13, 1997
Sanger, Lillian, 95, Bridgewa-
ter, Va.. Nov, 30, 1996
Saul, Bobby Lee, 65, Roanoke.
Va., lune 7, 1996
Seilhamer, loann, 62, Waynes-
boro. Pa., |an. 4, 1997
Sell, Emma E., 65, Martins-
burg, Pa„Oct. 19. 1996
Sellers, Lydia C, 91 , Shrews-
bury, Pa., Dec. 29, 1996
Sencindiver, Ruth, 96, Har-
risonburg. Va.. March 25.
1997
Shafer, Oren, 90. Continental,
Ohio, Oct. 31. 1996
Shaffer, Steven L,, 47. Spring
Grove. Pa„ Sept. 9, 1996
Shanaman, Fredrick L., |r.,
63, York, Pa., Feb, 22, 1997
Sharon, Amanda, 93, Edgewa-
ter, Md., Nov. 29, 1996
Sherman, Lester, 77. Goshen.
Ind,, March 13. 1997
Sherman, Wade, 83, Mathias,
W.Va., Feb. 9. 1997
Shelter, Huber D., 67, Cham-
bersburg. Pa., Feb, 16, 1996
Shmid, Matilda, 81, Lan-
caster, Pa., Oct. 15. 1996
Shoemaker, Barry, 50, Col-
legeville. Pa., Ian. 24. 1997
Shoemaker, Earl, 87, Eliza-
bethtown. Pa., Feb, 20,
1996
Showaller, Walter, 94, Har-
risonburg, Va., Ian. 24.
1997
Shull, M, Gladys, 89. Bridge-
water. Va.. Ian. 22, 1997
Simpson, Lee G., 90, Harring-
ton, Del,, Dec, 14, 1996
Smith, Beverly, 85, Roanoke.
Va.. Nov. 12. 1996
Smith, Elmer S., 82, Waynes-
boro, Pa., Feb. 13, 1997
Snavel, Martha, 81, Annville,
Pa., Dec, 24, 1996
Snyder, Emerson, 86, Colum-
bia, Ohio, Sept. 1, 1996
Snyder, Reed, 80, Thomas-
ville. Pa., Oct. 18, 1996
Spencer, Marri, 23, Char-
lottesville, Va., March 12.
1997
Spitler, Clark W., 92, Waynes-
boro, Va., Feb. 21, 1997
Stanton, lohn, 64, Clearville,
Pa., May 25. 1996
Statler, Irene, 76, Sebring,
Fla., Ian. 2, 1997
Steiner, |ohn C, 95, Muncie.
Ind., Dec. 2, 1996
Sterner, Noah, 74, New
Oxford, Pa„ March 13,
1997
Stoersand, Ervin, 91, Luding-
ton, Mich., Ian. 17, 1997
Stombaugh, Lester, 89, Mar-
tinsburg. Pa., Nov. 3. 1996
Stotlemyer, Frances, 89.
Hagerstown, Md,, April 28,
1996
Stover, Evelyn M.. 65. York,
Pa.. Feb. 23. 1997
Sirickler, Thelma M.. 81. New
Oxford. Pa.. April 1, 1997
Stull, E. Lorain, 80. Howard.
Ohio. March 2. 1997
Stump, Harley. 81. McPher-
son. Kan.. Dec. 2. 1996
Stumpf, I. Adam, 81, Rheems,
Pa.. Nov. 21. 1996
Slutzman, Ruth. 61, Martins-
burg, Pa., Oct, 17. 1996
Sumey. Lewis. 86. Uniontown.
Pa.. Ian. 16. 1997
Sullon, Edward, 62, Logans-
port, Ind., Ian. 25, 1997
Swisher, Mantle, 92, Akron,
Ohio, Dec. 28, 1996
Sypherd, Lena, 90, Potlstown,
Pa,, Nov. 15. 1996
Tawney, Lewis. 76. Glen
Burnie, Md,, Dec. 13, 1996
Taylor, Lucille I., 91, Virden,
111., Sept. 6, 1996
Thomas, David Sr,, 59, Rose-
ville. Mich., Dec. 15, 1996
Thompson, Grace, 99,
Roanoke, Va., Dec. 8, 1996
Troup, Dessie, 90, Milford,
Ind., Oct. 4, 1996
Upham, lack, 88, Bridgewa-
ter, Va., Ian. 2, 1997
Vaniman, Glenn, 89, La
Verne, Calif.. Dec. 23. 1996
Von Dyke, Ruth, 95, Beaver-
ton, Mich., Ian. 14, 1997
Vore, Roger, 90, Elida, Ohio,
lune 24, 1996
Wade, Helen, 77, Salem, Va.,
Aug. 8, 1996
Walker, Mary, 90. Ephrata,
Pa., Dec. 16. 1996
Watkins, Wilma. 90. Indepen-
dence. Kan., March 8, 1997
Watts, Doris, 75, Lima, Ohio,
Sept. 2, 1996
Weaver, Linda, 55. Ephrata,
Pa., Dec. 4, 1996
Wertenberger, Dale, 65,
Topeka, Kan,, Nov. 14,
1996
Wesner, Donald R., 83.
Ashland, Ohio. Jan. 28.
1997
Westfall, Bill. 79. Laura, Ohio,
luly 7. 1996
Whetzel, Ronald, 53, Moore-
field, W. Va., Feb. 1, 1997
Wilkins, Harvey F, 63, Baker,
W.Va., Ian. 18, 1997
Willey, Irene. 89. Linthicum.
Md.. Dec. 8. 1996
Wilson, Charles. 96. Moore-
field, W. Va.. March 9. 1997
Winland, Viola. 92. Akron,
Ohio. Dec. 15. 1996
Wineland. Zola. 71. Martins-
burg. Pa., |an. I, 1997
Winter, Mary E., 89. Cross
Keys, Va.. Dec. 28, 1996
Wise, lesse, 86, Mulliken,
Mich., Aug. 7, 1996
Witmore, Nora, 97. Windsor.
Conn.. Nov. 17. 1996
Wolf, Irene R.. 91. East Berlin.
Pa.. Nov. 5. 1996
Wolfe, Galen, 74, South Whit-
ley, Ind., Ian. 11. 1997
Worthinglon, Mary. 91.
Modesto, Calif.. Feb. 12.
1997
Wright, Hester, 82, Williams-
port, Md., Oct. 12. 1996
Voder, Erma, 86, Clarksville.
Mich.. Ian. 19. 1997
Voder, Eugene, 90, Hunting-
don. Pa., luly 18, 1996
Voder, Russell, 81, McPher-
son, Kan., Dec. 9, 1996
Yohn, C. Samuel, 80, Coop-
ersburg. Pa., Dec. 14, 1997
Zimmerman, lean, 55, North
Manchester, Ind., Oct, 25.
1996
June 1997 Messenger 31
II
Misgivings about the millennium
k
Increasingly I am of the mind that we are fortunate
that a millennium doesn't come around but once in a
thousand years. Millennia are proving to be more
trouble than they are worth.
The next one is due in three or four years (more later
on the uncertain ETA), and already we are discovering
vexing problems attending its coming. For example, there
is a technological problem of horrific dimensions. Com-
puters everywhere are geared up to refer to the years as
'97, '98, and "99, but are unprepared for dealing with '00,
which will make computerized bookkeeping go haywire.
Scientists and engineers who can send space
probes to the outer reaches of the solar
system and create computers that can check-
mate the brainiest chess whiz are at wit's
end over this problem.
Then there is the problem of where the
millennium will arrive. Who gets to say "I
saw it first"? It would be such a comfort
if only we knew where the//rs/ millennium
burst into view. Folks at Greenwich (in
London) claim this second millennium will
show up there first, because the zero degree
of longitude runs through it. Britain, I read, is building a
huge tourist complex based on its Greenwich claim. But
there are islands in the remote expanses of the Pacific, along
the International Date Line, that claim they are the spot
from which to first spy the millennium. Some of these, I
hear, are even shifting the Date Line itself, to assure them-
selves of drawing the most tourists. With so many people in
so many different places scanning the horizon, confident of
being the first witnesses of the dawn of a new age, the mil-
lennium has little chance of sneaking up on us earthlings.
But yet it may do just that, because there is another,
overarching problem: We are not sure what year it will
appear! Or, at least, we don't agree on it. Ask the average
joe, and he'll tell you the millennium will show up fan. 1 ,
2000. It seems plain as day. After all, won't a person
born in 1980 turn 20 in 2000? So won't 2,000 years
since Christ round out with the arrival of the year 2000?
But savants in the field of time calculation tell us that
the millennium actually will arrive Jan. 1, 2001. How's
that? It defies reason, to say nothing of what we all learn
in arithmetic class. What would make it a year late? How
can it take 2,001 years to reach 2,000? I pointed out
(hotly) to one learned person that if two millennia add up
to 2,001 years, then, ipso facto (it doesn't hurt to drop in
a little Latin when you're arguing with a savant), the first
10 years after Christ rounded out on Jan. 1 of the year
1 1, creating the phenomenon of a decade with 1 1 years
in it. His face took on a pained expression. He seemed
sorry about something.
More bothersome to me than these problems is the
mythologizing of the millennium event. All around, reli-
gious cranks are building up expectations among the
gullible of the millennium date coinciding with Christ's
second "coming and of the end of the age" (Matt. 24:3).
As certain signals of the big day's approach, they cite
instances of wars and rumors of wars; nation rising
against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; famines;
and earthquakes in various places.
But the Son of God, himself, pooh-poohed such
dependence on signs. If there is any fulfillment of the
^ Scriptures going on, it's of Jesus' words
Li€t S u€ CiCUV. "Many false prophets will arise and lead
We can 't depend on ""^"^ ''I'f (^att. 24: 1 1 ) . ■
X But takmg |esus too literally can be dan
Signs and wonders gerous. There was my Great-uncle George:
As a teenager, he got religion and became
hung up on scriptures that he took at their
word. As a farm boy, he spent time plowing
and he couldn't figure out how he could
keep from looking back at those furrows
behind him. The poor kid lost his mind
struggling with Luke 9:62 — "No one who
puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the king-
dom of God." Uncle George died at 1 7, a hopeless lunatic.
Let's be clear. We can't depend on signs and won-
ders to warn us of the second coming and give us a
running start. And our counting of centuries and millen-
nia is nothing but a man-made, secular way of reckoning
time; it's not a mythical symbol.
to warn us of
the second coming
and give us
a running start.
/ \ n
s the writer Helmut Koester states, "Demythologiz-
ing the Second Coming and the last judgment allows
us to realize that the good news of (esus' message
will have run its course and accomplished its purpose when
all people in the nations — regardless of their religious per-
suasion— feed the hungry, give a drink to those who are
thirsty, welcome the stranger, and visit those who are sick
or in prison, even if they do not know that they are doing
this for lesus, whose Second Coming has already happened
in our midst, among all his poor and hungry and impris-
oned brothers and sisters throughout the world."
Jesus sounded clear enough when he said, "The good
news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the
world, as a testimony to all the nations; and then the end
will come" (Matt. 24:14).
That's reason enough for Brethren to cancel any
planned trips to England for late December 1999 (or
2000) and to tune out anyone connecting the millennium
arrival with skewed biblical prophecy. And good reason,
too, for our proclaiming the gospel of Jesus. Devotedly.
Unabashedly. Vigorously. — K.T.
32 Messenger June 1997
A,
Portrait of an enemy
Her nation is squarely on the ropes, reeling from
years of economic problems compounded by two
summers of catastrophic floods. Food rations
have plummeted to 400 calories per day, sending ,
Jji people scurrying for anything remotely edible —
" including roots, bark, and leaves. The world has
offered assistance, but only a fraction of what is
required to feed her country's 23 million people.
And so she waits. Wondering who these strangers
are and why they have come. Wondering whether
she will eat tomorrow. Wondering what a child won-
ders . . . why her parents are so anxious, why her
friend is so sick.
* Like so many others in North Korea, she does
not Jcnow what to make of those who come to
help. We, likewise, wonder what to make of her
and her people. Separated so many years, why
should we reach out now?
Responding in the name of Christ, our church
has given her an answer in language a child can
understand — rice, canned beef, barley seed, seed
corn. We want her to live to wonder another day.
Pray for tffose who suffer in Nortf^ Korea. Encourage recon-
ciliation between our two countries. Give to the Global Vood
Crisis Fund in support of the North Korea Seed Project.
Global Food Crisis Fund
Church of the BrethFen, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL60120
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a
July 1997
Editor: Kermon Thomasson
Managing Editor: Nevin Dulabaum
Editorial Assistant: Paula Wilding
Subscriptions: Vicki Roche, Martha Cupp
Promotion: Linda Myers Swanson
Study Guide Writer: Willard Dulabaum
Publisher: Wendy McFadden
On the cover:
With the help
of Brethren
volunteers, an arson-
burned church is being
rebuilt. This sooty mini-
poster is a survivor of
the 1 996 fire at Butler
Chapel. For the
members, it carried a
poignant message.
Features
10 Receiving a priceless legacy: Snow Hill
artifacts come to Juniata College
Donald F. Durnbaugh reports on the
preservation of a priceless piece of history.
Sidebar: "The Saga of Snow Hill," by Kermoii
Thomasson.
14 The Brethren and Butler Chapel agree
Love must prevail
The Brethren and some new friends are of onn
accord as a new church building rises near
Orangeburg, S.C. Story and photos by
Kermon Thomasson.
19 In the Dominican Republic: Education)
as empowerment
Miguelina Arias Mateo says "Thank you" to
the stateside church for its help in empowering
church leaders.
20 A most unusual Sunday school class
Patricia Kennedy Helman chronicles the 50-
year history of a group of altruistic Brethren iii
Fort Wayne, Ind.
22 Pacifist patriotism
Writes Mark Thiessen Nation, being a pacifist
between wars is sort of like being a vegetarian
between meals.
24 Climb the ladder of the Beatitudes
Rung by rung, Jim Forest takes the reader on ;
soaring trip through some key verses of
Matthew's Gospel.
Departments
1
From the Editor
2
In Touch
4
Close to Home
6
News
9
In Brief
13
Stepping Stones
28
Letters
29
Pontius' Puddle
31
Turning Points
32
Editorial
(k
How to reach us
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Coming next month
Text and photo coverage
of Annual Conference in
Long Beach.
District Messenger representatives: Ad- N.E., Ron
Lut2; All. S.E., Ruby Rajiner; lll.AVis., Kreston Lipscomb;
S/C Ind., Marjorie Miller; Mich., Ken Good; Mid-AtL.
Ann Fouts; Mo. /Ark., Luci Landes; N. Plains, Faith
Strom; N. Ohio, Alice L. Driver; S. Ohio, Jack Kline;
Ore./Wash., Marguerite Shamberger; Pac. S.W, Randy
Miller; M. Pa., Eva Wampler; S. Pa., Elmer Q, Gleim;
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Shumate; S. Plains, Mary Ann Dell; Viriina,Jerr)' Naff;
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Messenger is the official publication of the 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, Member of the Associated
Church Press. Subscriber to Religion News Service
& Ecumenical Press Service. Biblical quotations,
unless odierwise indicated, are from the New Re\ised
Standard Version. Messenger is owned and published
1 1 times a year by the General Services Commission,
Church of the Brethren General Board. Second-class
postage paid at Elgin, III,, and at additional mailing
office, July 1997, Copyright 1997, Church of the
Brethren General Board. ISSN 0026-0355.
Postmaster: Send address changes to Messenger,
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®
July is a time of transition at the General Offices. July 18 is
the effective date of termination for most of the employees who
have lost their jobs in the downsizing of Genera! Board program.
Three people who will be sorely missed on the Messenger staff are
Paula Wilding, Linda Myers Swanson, and Martha Cupp.
Paula Wilding, a native Elginite, came to us right from college
in 1993, to serve as editorial assistant in News Services. She, like
everyone else on a small staff,
has done a multitude of tasks.
She has chiefly worked with
news reporting and with
Newsline. In both these respon-
sibilities she has worked with
Nevin Dulabaum, director of
News Services and managing
editor of the magazine. Paula
has also written special reports
and In Touch and Close to
Home articles.
Linda Myers Swanson
began working for Messenger
in 1994, after having worked
for Brethren Press from 1977
to 1992. Linda's work has been Messenger promotion,
work in which she has been successful, as evidenced by
growth in subscriptions for more than a year now. She
keeps in touch with our congregational and district rep-
resentatives, counseling them in their paperwork and
encouraging them in their own promotion work. She
also has worked at attracting more advertising, which has increased
Messenger income.
Martha Cupp had a career in Elgin as an elementary school
teacher before her retirement. After retiring, Martha came to Mes-
senger on a part-time basis, serving in the subscriptions department,
1989-1993. Two years later, she agreed to come back and help again,
and has been with us since. Aside from helping keep the subscrip-
tion system updated and functioning, Martha has supplied a calm,
soothing voice on the phone, helping Messenger representatives
work through problems at their own end of the system.
Aside from the good work of these three, we shall miss their pres-
ence and contribution that were part of the camaraderie of the
Communication Team.
Paula Wilding, Linda Myers
Swanson, and Martha Cupp
are three Messenger workers
whose names will be gone
from our staff box after July.
Printed on recycled paper
July 1997 Messenger 1
Ill
rr
'Cracked Glass Gals'
Sunlight shining through eight stained-
glass windows highHghts the sanctuary
of Community Church of the Brethren in
Hutchinson, Kan. Each window required
more than 100 hours of work by the artists,
all members of the congregation.
Anita Cochran (now Cooney) launched
Opal Frye, Betty Sampson,
and Betty Robinson carry on
the work begun by their
teacher, Anita Cooney. in
creating stained-glass
windows for their church
and other Brethren
institutions in Kansas.
1
1
the volunteer project after attending a
stained-glass workshop in the 1970s. In
1978, she created a lotus flower window in
honor of her late husband, Virgil. Then she
offered to teach others.
Opal Frye, Betty Robinson, and Betty
Sampson joined Anita to become the
"Cracked Glass Gals." They met twice a ;
week in a church basement room. "Anita
taught us all we know," says Betty Sampson
"We practiced for two years before we cut
our first glass or soldered our first joint on
the sanctuary windows."
Betty Robinson thought of using a rainbow
effect on opposing front windows. She and
Betty Sampson measured off the rays, using
inner colors of lighter shades and outer colors
brighter and darker. The effect, with sunlight
coming through, is that of an inside rainbow.
After the death of Anita's daughter, Anna Jo,
a monarch butterfly was added to the "Cross
and Aura" window, the first one that the four-
some created. A butterfly hovering outside
Anna |o's window had been a symbol of hope
and eternal life for the Cochrans.
Fine-tuning was a part the creation and in-
stallation of all the windows. When "The Good
Shepherd" window was installed near the
front, a distracting strong blue light streamed
in. The window was moved to the back.
The most time-consuming window con-
tains eight symbols including a peace dove,
towel and basin, bread and cup, and the
Alexander Mack seal. It took over 200 hours
to complete. But, one by one, eight full-
length windows joined the round stained-
glass one installed above the altar when the
church was built in 1959.
Next, the stained glass team designed and
created windows for the church chapel. In
1995, two windows, "Jesus Feeding the Five
Thousand" (which honors Anita, now in a
nursing home) and "Noah's Ark," for the
children's enjoyment, were done profession-
ally for the Easter timetable, which the
church women could not meet.
Although the church is now out of window
space, the stained-glass workroom is still in
use. The "Cracked Glass Gals" have done two
windows for the Cedars Health Care Center
in McPherson, Kan. And as a gift from West-
ern Plains District to McPherson College's
retiring president Paul Hoffman, the artists
did replicas in stained glass of the Church of
the Brethren and McPherson College logos.
Farther afield, shoppers at Annual Confer-
ence in Long Beach could find "sun catchers"
made by the "Gals," on sale in the Art for
Hunger exhibit area. — Irene S. Reynolds
Irene S. Reynolds is a freelance writer from
Lawrence. Kan.
2 Messenger July 1997
iilames in the news
»1anchester College, at its
lilay 25 commencement,
onferred honorary degrees
Paul Hoffman
on Patricia Kennedy
HIelman and Paul
Hoffman. Helman was the
;ollege's first lady for 30
/ears, 1956-1986. She
served as an ambassador,
lostess, and patron of the
arts. She is the lyricist of
he college anthem, "Man-
bhester Fair." Hoffman, a
1954 Manchester graduate,
and later a faculty member
and dean, served
1976-1996 as president of
McPherson College.
• Judy Mills Reimer,
1995 Annual Conference
.noderator and now pastor of
Smith Mountain Lake Church
of the Brethren, Moneta, Va.,
and director of the General
Board's Ministry Summer
Service pro-
gram, was
honored by
her alma
mater, Emory
and Henry
College,
Emory, Va.,
at its recent
commence-
ment with the
school's
William and Martha DeFriece
Award. The award, which
includes a medal, is given for
an outstanding, worthwhile
contribution to civilization
or humanity.
• Raymond N. Andes, of
Bridgewater, Va., professor
emeritus of Foreign Lan-
guages at Bridgewater Col-
lege, has received the Rip-
ples Award from Bridgewa-
ter's Ripples Society, citing
his 35 years of teaching and
serving as chair of the De-
partment of Foreign Lan-
guages.
• Suzanne Lind, a member
of Florence Church of the
Brethren, Con-
stantine, Mich.,
is beginning a
five-year as-
signment with
Mennonite
Central Com-
mittee in Dur •^
ban. South I
Africa. Suzanne Lind
Remembered
DeWltt L. Miller, 88, died
May 21, in Hagerstown,
Md. Pastor of several con-
gregations, he was noted
DeWin L Miller
for his promotion of ecu-
menicity. He was modera-
tor of Annual Conference
in 1964.
J.- I
David Fruth helped reopen a aporls museum in Abilene.
Retired to a museum
As assistant director of the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame,
-David Fruth worked to prepare for its opening this sum-
mer in downtown Abilene, Kan. This is a new job for David.
He is retired from a 29-year career as a school counselor. His
congregation is Buckeye Church of the Brethren, near Abilene.
A three-story building had been donated for the sports
museum after a bank buyout. "The committee followed two
rules," says David. "What we do, we will do well, and we
will not do any deficit spending."
Shiny brass letters on the tawny brick exterior and new
light oak panels and stair rails on the interior contrast with
the fresh gray carpeting and dark glass partitions.
In the Great Moments Theater, viewers push a button to
watch a video highlighting Kansas athletes. An inspirational
spot shows Glenn Cunningham's fight to run again after
tragically being burned.
Another exhibit displays etched portraits and short biogra-
phies of the 69 sports players who have been elected to the
hall. A computer selects information on any inductee, such
as Dutch Lonborg, who coached at McPherson College
before going to Kansas University.
Spectators in the four exhibit halls are surrounded by
sounds of football, basketball, and Olympic activity. In
another booth, visitors push a button to view feats of individ-
ual athletes, such as Jim Ryun running the four-minute mile.
A third computer station gives the school colors for any of
the 330 present Kansas high schools, tells about individual
athletes, what championships the school has won since
1911, and lists records that that school still holds.
David is responsible for all artifacts, photos, and memora-
bilia. He unpacked stored memorabilia and wrote letters to
all the hall's inductees asking for additional items. Then he
described, numbered, and preserved each article.
He researched for hours, gathering information on all the
Kansas schools, their athletes, scores, and championships.
Then he computerized the data and now maintains Kansas'
collection of sports records.
In addition to getting the computers operating, David
coordinated the organization's bimonthly magazine while
moving his office about to avoid the remodeling turmoil.
After several postponements, the relocated Kansas Sports
Hall of Fame is now a reality, not only for David, but for the
tourist-conscious town of Abilene. — Irene S. Reynolds
Irene S. Reynolds is a freelance writer from Lawrence. Kan.
July 1997 Messenger 3
Screen door' visitors
Figuring that few people can
resist the aroma of bread
fresh from the oven. Pleasant
Valley members carry along
gift loaves when calling on
first-time attendees.
You can't go wrong with bread. Everybody eats it.
And few people can resist an aromatic loaf fresh
from the oven.
Reliance on that human frailty works for a evangelism
program at Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren at Wey-
ers Cave, Va. Officially, the program is called "Breadwinners
for Christ," but, says partici-
pant Virginia Shreckhise,
"We call ourselves 'screen
door' visitors."
That name comes from the
practice of members show-
ing up at the "screen door"
of anyone who is a first-time
visitor on Sunday morning
at Pleasant Valley. Within a
day or so, someone knocks
on the door and offers a
fresh loaf of homemade
bread. "We just give them
the bread and tell them
we're happy they came to
church," says Virginia.
"Most of the time, people
invite us in."
Does this ploy of casting
one's bread through the screen door work? A year after the
program began on Palm Sunday 1995, it was figured out that
42 percent of those receiving bread and visits had returned to
worship. Of that number, four had become members, 14 were
attending regularly, and 12 were attending occasionally.
Pastor Galen Brumbaugh got the idea from a magazine ar-
ticle. A spin-off of the bread program is "Bring a Friend
Sunday," held quarterly. On those Sundays, visitors are rec-
ognized and a meal follows the church service.
lesus made points several times using bread. Nothing like
continuing the work of Jesus, Pleasant Valley figures.
Let's celebrate
Altoona (Pa.) |uniata
Church of the Brethren is
celebrating its 90th anniver-
sary, with "Shine the Light
till lesus Comes" as the
theme for its year-long
event. An anniversary book-
let is being published.
• On lune 29, North-
haven Retirement Apart-
ments in Seattle, Wash., cel-
ebrated 25 years as a
provider of affordable hous-
ing in the Northgate commu-
nity. Northhaven was built in
1972 under the sponsorship
of Olympic View Commu-
nity Church of the Brethren.
• Beacon Heights
Church of the Brethren in
Fort Wayne, Ind., celebrated
its 45th anniversary April 20.
• Constance Church of
the Brethren in Hebron, Ky.,
celebrated its centennial
May 18. Former pastor
Lawrence Rodamer was
guest speaker. Former mem
bers provided music. Old-
fashioned food was featured
in the carry-in meal.
• Scalp Level Church of
the Brethren in Windber,
Pa., marked its 40th an-
niversary May 17-18, with
an ice cream social Saturda;
evening, and Rick Gardner,
Bethany Seminary dean,
speaking Sunday morning.
• The Phalger congrega-
tion of the Church of Northf
India, in Maharastra, dedi-
cated its new building Marcl
9. Phalger, which has about
India's Phalger congregation {
traces its history to the work
of Brethren missionaries.
290 members, had previ-
ously been meeting in an old
mission bungalow. Many
Church of the Brethren mis-
sionaries had worked in the
area in earlier years.
4 Messenger July 1997
IWhen the rickety old Egyptian freighter ZamZam sailed for
Africa in Marcli 1941 . it fortuitously had among its
passengers a photographer to record its tragic sinking.
The one who shot the ZamZam
When David Scherman died May 5, large city newspa-
pers carried obituaries for tiie former Life magazine
editor and photographer. But the name likely caught the at-
tention of few Brethren readers.
Yet Scherman once figured in a drama that not only
stirred the Brethren, but made headlines across America as
well. In March 1941, he was a young Life photographer
aboard the Egyptian freighter ZamZam sunk by a German
warship off the coast of Africa. Also on board the freighter
were three missionary nurses — Sylvia Oiness, Ruth Utz, and
[Alice Engel — headed for service with the Church of the
'Brethren in Nigeria.
The ZamZam passengers were saved, despite perilous ad-
ventures on the seas and in Europe at war. (See "The Night
They Sank the ZamZam," by Kermon Thomasson, April
1981.) Photographer Scherman managed to smuggle sev-
eral rolls of exposed film home, photos from which were
sensationally splashed across Life magazine and US news-
papers tha"t summer. The ZamZam atrocity and the result-
ing publicity were not forgotten as America and Germany
went to war later that year.
Thus, it was fitting that David Scherman's 1997 obituary
led off with a reference to his ZamZam fame of 56 years ago.
Campus comments
Bridgewater College's Fo-
rum for Religious Studies has
released its third publication.
The Dilemma of Anabaptist
Piet}': Strengthening or
Straining the Bonds of Com-
munity? The 237-page book
is a compilation of 1 5 papers
presented at the September
1995 conference "The Holy
Spirit and the Gathered
Community." Steve Longe-
necker, associate professor of
History at Bridgewater,
edited the book and is author
of one of its chapters.
In October, the Forum will
co-sponsor with Brethren Life
and Thought a Festschrift
honoring Donald F. Durn-
baugh, bringing together arti-
cles by colleagues and former
students of the well-known
Brethren historian (see page
10 of this issue).
• McPherson College is
one of 135 colleges in 42
states included in the John
Templeton Foundation's
1997-1998 Honor Roll for
Character-building Colleges.
The designation recognizes
schools that emphasize
character-building as an in-
tegral part of the college ex-
perience.
• Bridgewater College's
Student Council sponsored
a CROP meal April 3 and a
10-kilometer CROP Walk
April 6. The money raised
went to Church World Ser-
vice, which returns 25 per-
cent of the money to the lo-
cal community for funding
hunger projects.
• Manchester College is
national headquarters for
the Graduation Pledge Al-
liance. The pledge states: "I
pledge to investigate and
take into account the social
and environmental conse-
quences of any job opportu-
nity I consider." At Man-
chester's May 25 com-
mencement, graduates who
took the pledge wore a green
ribbon on their gown.
• Bridgewater College
claims to have the highest
enrollment of Church of the
Brethren students among the
denomination's six schools.
In the just finished school
year, Bridgewater had 178
Brethren students, 18 per-
cent of the total enrollment.
• At Bridgewater Col-
lege's May 1 1 baccalaureate
service, Carlyle Whitelow,
assistant professor of Physi-
cal Education since 1969,
was the speaker. Graduating
William Kosllefv
from Bridgewater in 1959,
he was one of the school's
first African-American stu-
dents. Whitelow's topic was
"How Great Thou Art!"
• This fall, Elizabeth-
town College's Young Cen-
ter will host visiting scholar
William Kostlevy, a Church
of the
Brethren
minister
who is
archivist
and assis-
tant direc-
tor of the
Wesleyan
and Holi-
ness Stud-
ies Center at Asbury Theo-
logical Seminary in
Wilmore, Ky. He will con-
duct a seminar and a con-
ference on historic interac-
tions between the Wesleyan
Holiness tradition and
Brethren and Mennonites.
• At McPherson College,
[ay Leno, host of television's
"Tonight Show," has estab-
lished the Fred Duesenberg
Memorial Scholarship. It
will support students in the
college's program of antique
car restoration.
• At Bridgewater
College's 1997 W. Harold
Row Lecture series, April
14-15, the speaker was Li
Lu, a leader in the 1989
Tiananmen Square demon-
stration in Beijing, China. Li
still has aspirations to help
create a democratic society
in China.
"Close to Home" highlights news of
congregations, districts, colleges, homes,
and other local and regional life. Send
story ideas and photos to "Close to
Home, "Messenger, 1451 Dundee
Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
July 1997 Messenger 5
Nearly 75 gather for first
Brethren homes forum
The gathering of representatives from
Brethren retirement homes and nurs-
ing centers may not seem unusual,
but a three-day forum for members of
A historic photograph.
Representatives of Brethren
liomes gather to meet for the first
time as members of the
Fellowship of Brethren Homes, a
ministry of Association of
Brethren Caregivers that was
formed about two years ago.
(Below) David Gerber of the
Brethren Home, New Oxford, Pa.,
leads a small group discussion.
News items are intended to inform. They do not
necessarily represent the opinions o/TvIessenger
or the General Board, and should not he considered
to be an endorsement or advertisement.
6 Messenger July 1997
the Fellowsiiip of Brethren Homes in
|une was, indeed, notable. For when
75 representatives from 17 of the fel-
lowship's 20 members convened at
the Brethren Conference Center,
New Windsor, Md., it marked the
first-ever meeting of this group.
The Brethren Homes Forum on
Collaboration, organized by the As-
sociation of Brethren Caregivers,
however, was designed to go beyond
bringing fellowship members to-
gether. Its goal was to provide op-
portunities for members to discern
how they can work collaboratively
with each other, and as a group with
other organizations — Brethren, ecu-
menical, and nondenominational.
Michael Winer, consultant for the
American Association of Homes and
Services to the Aging, provided lead-
ership.
The conference began with repre-
sentatives from each participating
home introducing staff members and
then describing their organization's
successes and challenges.
The second session was devoted to
presentations from eight panelists
who reviewed or previewed past and
possible collaborative efforts between
the homes and other organizations.
Panelists included Harriet and Ron
Finney, co-executives of South/Cen-i j
tral Indiana District; Bob Cain of
The Brethren's Home, Greenville,
Ohio, and chair-elect of ABC; Kareni
Miller, interim General Secretary of
the General Board; and Rod Mason
of Peter Becker Community,
Harleysville, Pa., and member of
ABC's Long Term Care Insurance
Committee. Other panelists were Will
Nolen of Brethren Benefit Trust;
Brent Styan of Association of An-
abaptist Risk Management; Warren
Eshbach of The Brethren Home,
New Oxford, Pa.; and Nevin Dula-
baum of the General Board's News
and Information Services.
Participants then used the remain-
ing 1 'A days — primarily in small
groups — discussing how to meet the
needs of their organizations, while
identifying the perceived needs of
other organizations with whom col-
laborative efforts could be mutually
beneficial. Ten potential areas of col-
laboration identified by homes repre-
sentatives included ministry/services;
media/marketing; insurance/risk
management; managed care/HMO;
staffing/training/education; resource
development; management/purchas-
ing; leadership development; technol-
ogy; and regional governance.
Ten to 15 Haitian Brethren in
danger of deportation
With the impending implementation
of new Immigration and Naturaliza-
tion Service regulations, 10 to 15
members of Eglise Des Freres Hai-
tiens — a Church of the Brethren
congregation in Miami composed
mostly of Haitian citizens — are in
danger of being deported.
The countdown of 180 days until
implementation began in early April,
giving the Brethren until September
to gain legal immigrant or citizenship
status, or be sent back to Haiti. But
1
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Summertime service. Twelve young adults comprise this year's team of
Ministry Summer Service interns. These volunteers, who were trained May
23—30 at Bethany Theological Seminary, are spending their summer learning
leadership skills in a congregation, camp, or district. Each participant will
receive a $2,000 college tuition grant. This year's interns are: (first row)
Rachel Zerkle, Carrie Weller. Joel Ulrich, Jennifer Sink, Heidi Beck, Jamie
Risser, and MSS coordinator Judy Mills Reimer (Second row) Ginger Gates,
Jonathan Brush, Sue Grubb, Stacey Perdue, Heather Replogle, Audrey
Osborne, and Richard Stiver MSS is sponsored by the General Board's Youth
and Young Adult Ministry and Brethren Volunteer Service.
according to Mandy Kreps of the
Church of the Brethren Washington
Office, it has "become much more
difficult to get legalization."
The Washington Office is working in
cooperation with the Immigration
Coalition, gathering stories of peo-
ple— such as the Haitian Brethren —
that will give members of Congress "an
idea of how the laws they implement
are affecting real people," said Kreps.
According to the 1982 Annual
Conference Statement on Addressing
the Concern of Undocumented Per-
sons and Refugees in the United
States, "out of obedience to our her-
itage and the Gospel mandate, the
Church of the Brethren affirms legis-
lation and public policies which wel-
come and promote the welfare of im-
migrants and refugees."
For more information on the situa-
tion and what can be done, contact
the Washington Office at (202) 545-
3202 or at WashOfc@AOL.Com; or
Berwyn Oltman, Atlantic Southeast
District executive at (407) 578-
8458.
Ross recuperating but could
miss Annual Conference
Jimmy Ross, senior pastor of Lititz
(Pa.) Church of the Brethren and
moderator-elect of Annual Confer-
ence, successfully underwent
prostate cancer surgery on May 28.
He returned home May 3 1 , with the
expectation that he would not return
to a routine work schedule for up to
eight weeks.
Although his recovery was going as
expected, Ross said he did not expect
to attend this year's Annual Confer-
ence, July 1-6, in Long Beach, Calif.
He does, however, intend to succeed
David Wine as the denomination's
highest elected officer. "1 plan on
serving as moderator," he said.
Following his surgery, Ross said he
and his wife were inundated with let-
ters, cards, and calls from through-
out the denomination. "Betty and I
have appreciated so much the
tremendous support we've received,"
said Ross, who added, "Continued
prayers will be appreciated."
District Conferences '97
Atlantic Northeast: Oct. 1 1. Elizabeth-
town (Pa.) College.
Atlantic Southeast: Oct. 10-12, Sebring
(Fla.) Church of the Brethren.
Idaho: Date to be determined, Mountain
View Church of the Brethren, Boise.
Illinois/Wisconsin: Oct. 3-5, Cerro
Gordo (III.) Church of the Brethren.
Indiana, Northern: Sept. 19-20, Camp
Mack, Milford,
Indiana, South/Central: Sept. 5-6,
Christ Our Shepherd Church of the
Brethren, Greenwood.
Michigan: Aug. 21-24, Wesleyan Con-
ference Center, Hastings.
Mid-Atlantic: Oct. 10-11. Frederick
(Md.) Church of the Brethren.
Missouri/Arkansas: Sept. 5-7, Winder-
mere. Lake of the Ozarks, Roach, Mo.
Northern Plains: Aug. 1-3, Wartburg
College, Waverly. Iowa.
Ohio, Northern: Aug. 8-10. Ashland
(Ohio) University.
Ohio, Southern: Oct. 10-11, New Car-
lisle (Ohio) Church of the Brethren.
Oregon/Washington: Aug. 21-24,
Camp Koinonia, Cle Elum. Wash.
Pacific Southwest: Oct. 10-12, Pomona
(Calif.) Fellowship Church of the
Brethren.
Pennsylvania, Middle: Oct. 24-25, Al-
toona First Church of the Brethren.
Pennsylvania, Southern: Sept. 19-20,
Black Rock Church of the Brethren.
Glenville.
Pennsylvania, Western: Oct. 18, Moxham
Church of the Brethren, Johnstown.
Shenandoah: Nov. 1-2, Bridgewater
(Va.) College.
Southeastern: July 25-27, Shooco
Springs, Talladega, Ala.
Southern Plains: Aug. 7-9, Pampa
(Texas) Church of the Brethren.
Virlina: Nov. 14-15, Bonsack Baptist
Church, Roanoke, Va.
Western Plains: Aug. 1-3, University of
Southern Colorado, Pueblo.
West Marva: Sept. 19-20, Moorefield
(W.Va.) Church of the Brethren.
Contact district offices for information
concerning their respective confer-
ences, as well as other district events
held throughout the year.
July 1997 Messenger 7
staff changes announced for
Brethren organizations
Pam Leinauer has been named Mid-
Atlantic District executive, effective
July 7. Leinauer has served that dis-
trict as associate executive since
1985.
Donald Myers is
serving as interim
executive for
Southern Pennsyl-
vania District. My-
ers, a member of
New Fairview
Church of the
Brethren, York,
Pa., began his ser-
vice on May 1 and
will continue
through 1997.
Mark Sloan,
Bethany Theologi-
cal Seminary's reg-
istrar, has re-
signed effective
July 18. Sloan has
served as
Bethany's registrar
and as coordinator
of Academic Ser-
vices for Bethany
and Earlham
School of Religion
since 1994. Sloan
plans to attend
University of
North Park and
North Park Theo-
logical Seminary,
Chicago, in the
fall.
Kent Shisler,
controller of the
Brethren Service Center, New Wind-
sor, Md., resigned from that position,
effective June 25. Shisler, who served
the General Board since 1991, will
join the Brethren Home, New Ox-
ford, Pa., as financial analyst.
Shantilal Bhagat, director of Eco-
Justice Concerns/Rural Small
Churches, has been terminated as a
result of the General Board's re-
1
f^^r*!
V
1
^ ■ .''-
(
1 .
^ 1
-^
Duiuilil Mvcrs
Barb Ober
Kennon Thomasson
Ian Morse
design, effective
July 18. Bhagat,
who has held this
position since
1987, has worked
for the General
Board since 1968.
Jan Eller, in-
terim co-director
of Ministry, has been terminated due
to the General Board's redesign, ef-
fective July 18. She has served in this
position since 1994.
June Gibble, director of Congre-
gational Nurture and Worship, has
been terminated due to the General
Board's redesign, effective July 18.
She has served the General Board
in this position since 1988. She
also served the Board from
1977-1984.
Jean Hendricks, director of Min-
istry Training, has been terminated
due to the General Board's redesign,
effective July 18. She has served in
this position since 1991. She has
been called to serve as half-time di-
rector of Church Relations for
McPherson (Kan.) College.
Jim Kinsey, co-director of Min-
istry, has been terminated due to the
General Board's redesign, effective
July 18. He has served the General
Board in this capacity since 1994.
He will continue to serve as execu-
tive for Michigan District.
Dale Minnich, associate general
secretary. General Services Commis-
sion executive, and Messenger pub-
lisher, has been terminated due to
the General Board's redesign, effec-
tive July 18. Minnich, who has
worked for the General Board since
1979, has served in this position
since 1988. He has accepted the po-
sition of director of Planned Giving
for McPherson (Kan.) College, ef-
fective Sept. 1.
Ian Morse, manager of Cus-
tomer Service, has been terminated
due to the General Board's re-
design, effective July 18. She has
worked for the General Board since
1984, and has served in this posi-
tion since 1991.
Barb Ober, administrative assis-
tant and director of Mission Inter-
pretation for World Ministries Com-
mission since 1985, has been termi-
nated due to the General Board's re-
design, effective July 18.
Kermon Thomasson, editor of
Messenger, has been terminated ef-
fective July 25. A replacement is be-
ing sought (see ad, page 28). He has
served the General Board since
1959. Following service on the Nige-
ria mission field for 1 3 years — most
of them on the Waka Teachers' Col-
lege faculty — he joined the Messen-
ger staff as managing editor in
1974. He has served as editor for the
past 20 years.
8 Messenger July 1997
lie hd
The church's ministry to youth and their families is the
focus of a workshop scheduled for Nov. 8, Frederick (Md.)
Church of the Brethren. Youth and Young Adult Ministry is spon-
soring this workshop that will feature IVIark DeVries, a youth
minister and author. For more information, contact Youth and
Young Adult Ministry, (800) 323-8039 or CoB,Youth.parti@Ecu-
net.Org.
"Living the Story ... 50 Years of Brethren Volunteer Service"
will be the theme for BVS' 50th anniversary in 1998.
BVS' anniversary committee is encouraging congregations and
districts to host their own BVS anniversary activities throughout
the year, such as awareness events, service projects, a panel
discussion, a celebration dinner, or information sharing. How-
ever, the committee is planning a denominationwide anniversary
celebration, Oct. 2-4, in New Windsor, Md.
In preparation for the festivities, the BVS office is collecting
addresses of former and current BVS workers.
BVS will also be the focus of two Living Word bulletins in
1998— July 5, which is Annual Conference Sunday, and Sept.
20, which has been designated as BVS Sunday.
To forward addresses of former BVSers, for more information,
or for more ideas for local or district events, contact BVS at
(800) 323-8039 or at CoB.BVS. parti@Ecunet.Org.
About 4,000 people were killed, 6,000 seriously injured, and
50,000 left homeless as a result of a strong earthquake May 10
in Iran. A grant of $1 0,000 was allocated in mid-May from the
Emergency Disaster Fund to help those who were left homeless.
The grant will be used by the Middle East Council of Churches
and the Iranian Red Crescent Society to purchase food, clothes,
blankets, and other necessities.
About $21 1 ,000 was raised by Brethren for disaster relief
in May by three district annual auctions.
Mid-Atlantic District's 17th auction, held May 3 at the Agricultural
Center in Westminster, Md., was its most successful to date, rais-
ing over $45,000. The quilt auction alone raised nearly $1 8,000.
Middle Pennsylvania District's auction, held May 9-10 at Mor-
risons Cove Memorial Park in Martinsburg, raised over
$46,000— $20,000 from livestock and about $26,000 from the
40 quilts that were donated to the auction.
Shenandoah District's fifth annual auction, held May 1 6-1 7 at
Rockingham County Fairgrounds, near Harrisonburg, Va., raised
about $1 20,000 and drew an estimated crowd of 2,500.
Although final figures were not available at press time, this
year's auction "could be the best of the five years," said Larry
Glick, associate district executive.
Mennonite Your Way Directory 8, 1997-2000, is now
available. This directory, which lists over 2,000 North American
hosts from the United States and Canada and 280 hosts from 65
other countries, can be purchased from Brethren Press for
$18.00. To order, call (800) 441-3712.
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Sue Grubb,
former BVSer
in Jos,
Nigeria,
hands a mud
brick to Jeff
Mummaii
during a
recent
Nigeria
workcamp.
Assisting in the construction of a secondary school near
the headquarters of EkklesiyarYanuwa a Nigeria (the Church of
the Brethren in Nigeria) is what participants of the 1 3th annual
workcamp to Nigeria will do Jan. 1 7-Feb. 1 7, 1 998. This project
was started during this year's workcamp.
Additional activities will include visiting churches and partici-
pating in cultural events.
Next year's event is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren
General Board, EYN, and the Basel Mission of Switzerland. Jeff
Mummau will serve as coordinator. Estimated cost is $1 ,995.
For more information, contact Mummau at (717) 367-2269.
And finally, is there a correlation between poundage and patrio-
tism and the willingness of people to serve their country militarily?
Carl Bowman, a member of Lebanon Church of the Brethren,
Mount Sidney, Va., and sociology professor at Bridgewater (Va.)
College, and James Davison Hunter of the University of Virginia
think so, according to a story published in the Washington Post.
Of more than 2,000 randomly selected Americans surveyed in
1996, Bowman and Hunter found that 38 percent of obese
women said they would participate in a hypothetical war "'under
any conditions,'" compared with women of normal weight (28
percent) and women who are thin (22 percent)." The report
added that 59 percent of obese men would fight for their country,
but only 39 percent of men of normal weight and 1 3 percent of
thin men would do the same.
The figures were the result of Bowman and Hunter's study,
called "The State of Disunion," which they wrote in an attempt to
look at political culture, views, and commitments in light of
broader cultural trends. Richard Morin, a Post columnist who is
familiar with their work, asked Bowman if he could produce
some offbeat results from that study relating to body mass. So
Bowman ran some tables and produced some data and sent
Morin an e-mail on his findings.
"These were not strong differences," Bowman said, "but they
were enough to make it interesting and include it in a light-
hearted piece in the Post."
July 1997 Messenger 9
Receiving
Snow Hill artifact!
BY Donald F. Durnbaugh
eginning early in 1997, [uniata College has been
given valuable collections and artifacts connected
with the German Seventh Day Baptist Church of
Snow Hill, located at Quincy, Pa., near Waynesboro. Snow
Hill was a colony of the Protestant monastic community at
Ephrata in Pennsylvania's Lancaster County familiar to
today's tourists and to Brethren as the Ephrata Cloister.
The "Nunnery," as the Snow Hill Society was known
locally, grew out of the Sabbatarian congregation at Anti-
etam in the early 19th century. It persisted long after the
founding Ephrata Society had withered. The last Snow Hill
brother and sister died in the 1890s. Since then, the build-
ings and meetinghouse have been used by the members of
the German Seventh Day Baptist church.
Crist M. King and his wife, Helen, of Salemville, Pa.,
have been instrumental in placing the Snow Hill materials at
luniata, motivated by a desire to have the records of Snow
Hill preserved for posterity. Another determinant was the
common heritage connecting the German Seventh Day
Baptists with the Church of the Brethren. Except
for the principle of worship on Saturdays, the
two groups are virtually identical in religious
belief and practice. Representatives of the
Snow Hill congregation discussed affiliation with
the Church of the Brethren at a meeting at Snow
Hill on April 5, attended by members of the Church
of the Brethren's Southern Pennsylvania District
and its Committee on Interchurch Relations.
Highlights of the collections deposited in the
[uniata College archives are 1) more than 20
According to tradition, this press was imported /rom
Germany in 1 742 by the Ephrata Coniniunity. but it
more likely dates to about 1810. On it was printed
much of the Snow Hill material. After long use at
Snow Hill, the press was moved in 1894 to Salemville<
Pa., and by 1925 it was the property of Frank King,
father of Crist King, who was active in getting it and
the other Snow Hill artifacts to f uniata. Aside from
printing. Snow Hill was known for Fraktur (hand-
decorated manuscripts). According to Don Durnbaugf
Snow Hill Fraktur (above) "lacks the ethereal and
delicate beauty of" its Ephrata counterpart.
Driceless legacy:
ome to Juniata College
ihandwritten and illuminated music books from Ephrata and
Snow Hill, prized by collectors; 2) a large number of
Ephrata imprints, including hymnals, writings of Conrad
Beissel (founder of the communitarian body), and the
Chronicon Ephratense (the chronicle of Ephrata's history);
3) several hundred imprints from the press of Obed Snow-
berger (the last monastic member at Snow Hill); 4) eight
document boxes containing correspondence, individual lit-
erary creations, and church and financial records of the
Snow Hill Society; and 5) detailed ledgers recording the
operations of the Snow Hill community that flourished
throughout the 19th century.
The most impressive artifact is the ancient hand-oper-
ated Ephrata-related printing press, used at Snow Hill and
later at New Enterprise, Pa., in the printing shop of Frank
R. King, father of Crist King. Along with the venerable
press are many specimens of type used at Ephrata, includ-
ing decorative type used to create borders.
In addition, the Snow Hill collection contains valuable
Bibles, hymnals, and devotional books published in Europe
and North America and dating from the early 16th century.
Volumes of the noted Berleburg Bible (the Radical Pietist
masterpiece printed between 1 726 and 1 742) are repre-
sented. Books related to Brethren, Mennonites, and
Schwenkfelders are in the Snow Hill collection.
Although not yet cataloged, the Snow Hill and Frank R.
King estate materials will be made accessible to recognized
scholars upon application to the luniata College Archives.
Except for the materials donated to luniata, the other
surviving contents of the "Nunnery" will be sold at auction
in Ephrata, Pa., on August 1 1 . This is to the consternation
of many Snow Hill neighbors, who did not wish to see
these historic artifacts leave the area.
M..
Donald F. Durnbaugh, of lames Creek, Pa., is a Brethren historian
with a career that has inchtded professorships at funiata College. Eliza-
bethtown College, and Bethany Theological Seminary. His relationship to
and work with the Snow Hill trustees has been vital to Juniata College's
acquisition of Snow Hill materials.
The saga of Snow Hill
In 1763, a Swiss immigrant to
the American Province of Pennsyl-
vania, Catherine Schneeberger
(German for "snow mountaineer"),
bought 131 acres of land near the pre-
sent-day town of Quincy. The British
land office, as was customary, gave a
name to the tract. Inspired by Cather-
ine's name, they called it "Snow Hill."
That naming was historically insignif-
icant at the moment, but Catherine's
family and the name "Snow Hill"
would, in time, become entwined with
the saga of a monastic movement that is
part of the larger saga of the Church of
the Brethren. Today, the "Seventh Day
Monastical Society of Snow Hill" has
been gone for over a hundred years,
and the sad part now for Brethren who
revere their heritage is that even the
physical remnants of Snow Hill seem
doomed to disperse or disappear,
except for the artifacts salvaged by the
luniata College Archives. Some of the
Snow Hill buildings remain, but there
are no plans for their restoration or
permanent preservation.
In Pennsylvania of the 1700s, reli-
gious expression was much in flux.
There were the Quakers, who had
founded the province. There were the
Anglicans who were more prevalent
throughout the American colonies. And
there were the Brethren, fleeing perse-
cution and hardship in Europe. Along
with the Brethren were many other
people of German background, bring-
ing with them a mixed heritage of ideas
on religion going back to the age of
monasticism. Even the Brethren in
Pennsylvania had not formalized their
structure. People moved from one
group to another, or among different
groups at once, imbibing ideas, quarrel-
ing over them, and passing them along.
In that milieu, Conrad Beissel first
associated with the Brethren, then split
from them in 1 728 and founded the
Ephrata Community, a religious society
that held beliefs quite similar to the
Brethren, but also practiced celibacy
and Sabbatarianism (recognizing Satur-
day as the true sabbath or seventh day).
In 1752, the Brethren, centered in
the Philadelphia area, organized a
congregation westward in Franklin
County called Antietam. Maverick
minister Georg Adam Martin (a rest-
less, controversial church planter who
started congregations as far afield as
South Carolina) preached Sabbatari-
anism there, and with the help of
Ephrata's Beissel (who made three
July 1997 Messenger 1 1
The 150-foot-long main building
at Show Hill was built in four stages
from 1814 to 1843, each addition
added to the others. A spring and
branch are in the basement. There
were over 50 rooms, including nine
large community rooms used for sitting
rooms, refectory, and kitchen. The
second floor contained the Saal and
many small sleeping chambers. The
Saal (left) was the meeting place for
both the society and the surrounding
congregation for many years. Plain oakl\
benches, solid and comfortless, and
the desk of the Vorsteher (leader) are
the Saal's dominant features. Back of
the Vorsteher hung a broadside that
interpreted the mysticism
characterizing the society's credo.
visits to Antietam) established Anti-
etam as a Seventh Day German
Baptist congregation in 1764.
The Schneeberger (now partially
anglicized to Snowberger) family,
particularly Barbara Snowberger, was
instrumental in the establishing and
solidifying of this congregation. Bar-
bara, whose strong will prevailed over
that of her husband, Andrew (long-
time Snow Hill prior), is considered
by many to be the "real founder" of
the Snow Hill Society.
The death of Beissel and the
upheavals of the Revolution (with sig-
nificant battles going on in the general
area of Ephrata) led to the rapid
decline of the Ephrata Cloister.
By the 1 790s, Antietam had become
Snow Hill. Snow Hill's pastor, Peter
Lehman, encouraged by Beissel's suc-
cessor, Peter Miller, turned Snow Hill
into something of a copy of Ephrata.
Communal living began at Snow Hill in
1 798. The first community house was
built in 1814. In 1834, the community
incorporated as "The Seventh Day
Baptist Monastical Society of Snow
Hill." The period of 1835-1845 saw
the greatest growth in membership,
from 1 1 to about 30. Meanwhile a "sec-
ular" congregation of many members
existed alongside the monastical group,
and worshiped in the society's Saal (a
worship room in the main building).
Beliefs and practices remained close to
those of the Ephrata Cloister, but with-
out some of Ephrata's rigidity.
But, as with most monastic move-
ments, which changing times allow to
blossom and flourish for only a season,
Snow Hill slowly withered away.
Through the second half of the 19th
century, the old members died off, and
new ones were not attracted. The offi-
cial end of Snow Hill Cloister is
considered to be the closing of the
common dining room in 1889. The
last celibates were dead by the mid-
1890s. Snow Hill, although it
survived for a longer period than its
founding institution, died for the same
reason. Beissel's successor, Peter
Miller, had foreseen the inevitable,
"that Ephrata was doomed because the
genius of America runs to active doing
and not contemplative introspection"
(quoting Charles W. Treher in Pennsyl-
vania German Society Publications 2,
"Snow Hill Cloister,"' 1968).
Since the death of the society, the
property's trustees have successfully
fought in the courts to rebuff the
Snowberger heirs, who sued to regain
the property, and the State Historical
and Museum Commission of Pennsyl-
vania's effort to acquire and restore
Snow Hill, as it has acquired, restored,
and preserved the Ephrata Cloister.
Thus in 1997, Snow Hill survives in
two remnant forms: the Snow Hill
congregation of German Seventh Day
Baptists that is considering affiliation
with the Church of the Brethren, and
the decaying buildings that for several
decades of the 1800s were home to a
hardy monastic movement. — Kermon
Thomasson
1 2 Messenger July 1997
STONES
Across the land,
church calendars
are filling up with
reservations for
couples eager to
pledge their troth
to one another.
by Robin Wentworth Mayer
iS I write this in late
May, the dogwood,
lilacs, and forsythia are
blooming in all their sea-
sonal glory. They herald not
only the arrival of spring
but also the opening of the
wedding season.
Across the land, church
calendars are filling up with
reservations for couples
eager to pledge their troth
to one another. And as 1
schedule a premarital coun-
seling appointment for yet
another starry-eyed couple,
I think to myself, "They
have no idea."
Don't get me wrong. Next
to baptisms and baby dedi-
cations, marrying a man and
woman in Christ is one of
my favorite pastoral func-
tions. It's just that I know all
too well that out of all the "I
do's" that are spoken, many
a bride or groom will even-
tually say: "I did then, but I
don't now." And there's
nothing sadder than a good
thing gone bad.
There is an often over-
looked Bible story about a
starry-eyed young couple
getting married. David and
Michal were society's dar-
lings. He was a handsome
war hero and the future king
of Israel. She was a princess.
King Saul's second daugh-
ter. Even though their
marriage was arranged
according to the custom of
the day, scripture records
twice in 1 Samuel 18 that
Michal loved David. And
since David had to slay
100 men to win her, it is rea-
sonable to conclude he
wanted to marry her.
After the nupitals, we find
in 1 Samuel: 19 that King
Saul is still determined to
kill David, even though
David is now his son-in-law.
So David's adoring wife,
Michal, helps her husband
escape, and even plants the
life-size family idol in their
bed as a decoy.
When confronted by her
father, she lies and tells him
that David threatened to kill
her if she did not help him.
For at least the next 10
years, David plays a deadly
game of cat and mouse with
his deranged father-in-law.
During that time, some sign-
ficant things happen — and
don't happen — that con-
tribute to this good thing
going bad.
King Saul gives Michal
to another man to be his
wife — Paltiel, son of Laish
of Gallim. And David takes
six additional wives. We
have no idea if there was
any contact, or attempted
contact, between David and
Michal during this time.
When David officially
ascends the throne, one of
his first demands is that his
long-lost wife be returned
to him: "Give me back
Michal, for I bought her
with the lives of one hun-
dred Philistines" (2 Sam
3:14TLB).
How did Michal feel
about it? Scripture doesn't
tell us directly, but it does
give us some clues. We
know, according to 2
Samuel 3:15, that her hus-
band, Paltiel, grieved deeply
over losing her. Then, in
2 Samuel 6: 1 6, we are told
that as Michal watched
from a window while the
ark of God returned to
Jerusalem with David leap-
ing and dancing before the
Lord she despised David in
her heart. Later she com-
pares him to one of the
foolish ones who shame-
lessly uncovers himself.
In 2 Samuel 6:20-22,
David retaliates with cut-
ting words, reminding her
that he's the king and he
will do just as he pleases,
and if she doesn't like it,
there are plenty of women
who do. The last we hear of
Michal is that she had no
children to her dying day.
There is just nothing
sadder than a good thing
gone bad. Here we have
these idealistic young lovers
who were considered a per-
fect match, but a few years
later they are hurting each
other with spiteful, hateful,
words. It sounds familiar,
doesn't it? Where did they
go wrong? In next month's
column, I will give you my
analysis of just how this rrjn
good thing went bad. r^l
Robin Wentworth Mayer is
pastor of Kokomo (Ind.) Church
of the Brethren.
Stepping Stones is a column offer-
ing 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 installiJient. "Remetnber.
when it comes to managing life's diffi-
culties, we don V need to walk on
water We just need to learn where the
stepping stones are. "
July 1997 Messenger 13
Xne Brethren and
L Butler Cnapel a^ree: ^ »
vove must.i
prevail
T^he little white stuccoed church J
sits ' ■ • ■ ■' , , .
aq
fro
Story and photos
BY Kermon Thomasson
A ruined piano in
Butler Chapel's
burned chancel is
open to the elements,
mute forever as a
musical instrument,
but loud and clear as
a symbol of the hate
crime committed
against the church on
March 51, 1996.
he little white stuccoed church
sits in a clearing in the woods, about
quarter of a mile down a dirt road
from the blacktop. An old live oak tree,
draped in ghostly Spanish moss, canopies much
of the churchyard. The gravestones of the bury-
ing ground begin there and extend into the
surrounding oaks and pines, accounting for the
Butlers, Claytons, Macks, Logans, )ohnsons,
Scotts, Greens, Maples, Dashes, and other fam-
ilies who are a part of the congregation's story.
There isn't a house in sight. It is quiet back
there, the silence only
accentuated by the calls of
songbirds, woodpeckers,
and partridges. A breeze
murmurs through the tall
pines. The setting bespeaks
a long history and heritage
linking the members of a
congregation. In this place,
surely cares and woes can
be laid aside, letting seren-
ity and peace prevail.
But this is Butler Chapel,
some eight miles outside the
South Carolina town of
Orangeburg. At first glance,
the church looks intact, but partially hidden by
low limbs of the live oak is evidence of destruc-
tion. While the front of the building — the
sanctuary — with its litde steeple atop it, is solid,
the back end — the chancel area, office/library,
and rest rooms — is roofless. Charred rafters and
roof remnants protrude from the soot-stained
outer walls. The old live oak seems sorrowfully
to spread it limbs to protect the dignity of the
downed building, pleading with the visitor not to
gawk at the little chapel's violated corpse.
But curiosity leads to an inspection of the
interior. Way past a year since the fire, nothing
has been cleared away. Burned rafters are
tumbled onto the floor. A broken and charred
piano will never lead the worshipers in song
again. The ruins of the pulpit will never again
resound with the pastor's voice. Fire-spoiled
Bibles, hymnbooks, and Sunday school materi-
als are strewn about. The library books are
fused into a mass on the shelves. One book lies
apart, on a table. Scorched and water soaked,
but still readable, it is titled Reconstruction. A
mini-poster on the remains of the bulletin
board reads "Keep the Faith."
The members of Butler Chapel knew their
church was not safe. It had been vandalized on
several occasions. A different window was
broken each time. Graffiti was scrawled on the
14 Messenger July 1997
walls, including repeatedly the number 666.
Once the communion cloth was burned
beneath the altar table.
"It was as if the vandals had one message for
us: 'We can get in here whenever we please,'"
said soft-spoken pastor Patrick Mellerson.
"Still, somehow, it never entered our minds that
anyone would actually burn our church down.
We notified the Orangeburg police each time
someone broke in, but they didn't seem to care."
As best the Butler Chapel folks can figure
out, on Sunday night, March 31, 1996, a
gang of kids broke in and carried on some
sort of activity involving drugs and liquor.
There was a melee, and the tumbled candles
that were used to avoid turning on the elec-
tric lights set the building afire. That is the
charitable version, at any length.
"For the next two days 1 watched the televi-
sion news and the Orangeburg paper — the
Times- Democrat — but there was
no coverage," said pastor Meller-
son. "I couldn't believe that our
tragedy had been totally ignored.
But the 'evilness' of the deed hurt
more than anything; it was like a
death in our family."
Eventually, there was a police
investigation, and three white
juveniles were arrested. Over
time, the number of arrests rose to seven. But
1 5 months later, no one has been brought to
trial. "They keep saying 'We're still investi-
gating,'" the pastor explained.
Butler Chapel joined the list of 85 African-
American churches — 32 in South Carolina
alone — that were arson-burned between Janu-
ary 1995 and |uly 1996. For months, it seemed
that Butler Chapel and the others would be
nothing but statistics. America took little
notice, or belittled the reporting and rational-
ized away the enormity of the hate crimes.
(See "Behind the Church Burnings" and
"Behind the Church Burnings Story," a two-
part article, October and November 1996.)
Said pastor Mellerson, "We felt hurt . . .
and alone. No one seemed to care. None of
the community's churches reached out to us.
The whole country was unaware of what was
happening."
Then the National Council of Churches,
already actively investigating the church
burning phenomenon, stepped up its work. In
April and May, 1996, the NCC sent a delega-
tion, including Brethren, to affected sites in
Alabama, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Missis-
sippi to gather data, raise public awareness,
and demonstrate its support of the fire vic-
tims. Rallies were held across the country.
Over |une 9-10, 1996, the NCC brought
about 30 pastors of burned churches to Wash-
ington to meet with top government officials,
including President Clinton and Attorney
General Reno. Said an NCC spokesman at the
time, "The pastors will come to the nation's
The moss-draped live oak tree in tlie old
cinircliyard seems to spread its limbs protectively
over the little chapel that mil never again resound
with the songs, prayers, and exhortations of a
worshiping congregation.
Patrick Mellerson has been
pastor of Butter Chapel for
the past three years. He also
pastors another small AME
church, while working full
time in quality control at
Metokote, an auto parts plant
ill Sumter, an hour's drive
from Orangeburg. He also
lives in Sumter, with his wife.
Queen, and children Sonya.
12, Patrick fr.. 9, and Eric. 5.
A South Carolinian by birth,
pastor Mellerson spent some
time in the Miami. Fla.. area.
He is quick to point out that
Miami and Orangeburg are
two distinctly different cul-
tural worlds for African-
Americans. South Carolinians
are much more open, trusting,
and neighborly.
Patrick Mellerson yielded
in 1985 to a calling to be a
minister. After pursuing col-
lege courses, he took his first
pastorate in 1989.
Butler Chapel has long held
sen'ices on first and third Sun-
days of the month. Pastor
Mellerson hopes that in the
new church, by 1998. full ser-
vices can be held each Sunday.
July 1997 Messenger 15
Volunteer carpenter
Tom Dickson of Tyrone
(Pa.) Church of the
Brethren, served at
Butler Chapel the week
of May 18.
Marion Mack (left), the
resident project direc-
tor, consults daily with
the Brethren project
director of the month,
in this case Stan Bark-
doll of Kearney sville.
W.Va.. who served
throughout May.
1 6 Messenger July 1997
a
capital seeking answers and
explanations, but most impor-
tantly, they will come seeking to
be taken seriously by the highest
officials of the land."
Patrick Mellerson was among
the pastors brought to the Wash-
ington meeting.
Some officials tried to deflect
criticism by claiming government action was in
progress. Said pastor Mellerson, "Our South
Carolina senator Strom Thurmond told us
there were 280 federal agents working on the
burnings. I said to him, "Look, Senator Thur-
mond, there has not been one agent in
Orangeburg."
A week after the Washington meeting, the
Federal Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, and Fire Arms began its
probe into the Butler Chapel arson.
It was only then that the local
police began its own investigation
that led to the juveniles' arrests.
"I was more angry at the investiga-
tors and the news media than at the
children who burned our church,"
pastor Mellerson said. "We should
W ! have gotten justice immediately."
^^ But while he called for justice
then and still calls for justice today,
the pastor wants justice that is tem-
pered with reconciliation. "If I
were the one meting out justice, I
would sentence the kids to one year
of church attendance at Butler
Chapel. For one year, every time
our church door opened, I'd have
those kids sitting in the front pew
before me."
What would the kids hear? "We
teach love, not hate. We would wel-
come them. They would find God
somewhere in our church. They
would learn compassion, forgive-
ness, and love of the Lord. If those
kids had known the Lord, they would not have
done what they did."
The trouble with kids today, said pastor
Mellerson, is the homes they come from.
"People have neglected to teach good values to
their children at home. It's no wonder they do
the things they do."
The NCC action led to a partnership
between African Methodist Episcopal Butler
Chapel and the Church of the Brethren. An
NCC member, the Church of the Brethren
assigned its Disaster Services office the task of
rebuilding Butler Chapel. The Emergency Dis-
aster Fund allocated $20,000 to provide for
volunteer workers on the site.
It was originally planned to begin the
rebuilding of Butler Chapel last fall, but delays
of one sort or another postponed the begin-
ning of construction until this past April.
Habitat International, experienced in such
matters, cared for the legal clearances, pro-
vided functioning guidelines, and did other
work necessary for the project to move ahead.
Sources for building materials were found.
International Paper Company, for example,
has donated all the lumber, sheeting, drywall,
and tar paper, as well as other materials.
The Disaster Response office appointed
retired Brethren minister Glenn Kinsel liaison
to Butler Chapel, with the job of recruiting and
scheduling volunteers from various Brethren
districts as well as project directors, who serve
on a monthly basis. Jiggs Miller, a long-time
THIS BUILDING
'S A PARTNER
BUTLER CHAPEL AME CH-
CHURCH OF THE BRETHRE^
DISA'
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CH*
HABITAT INTERNATIONAL
disaster response worker, served as project
director in April. Stan Barkdoll, also a disaster
response veteran, served in May. A team of
directors. Earl Dohner and William Clem,
served in June. And Cliff Kindy was recruited
for |uly. A Brethren Volunteer Service worker,
Torin Eikenberry, assists these directors, helps
orient volunteers, cares for financial reporting,
and works at local public relations.
Groups of Brethren volunteers from one dis-
trict at a time serve one-week stints at
Orangeburg. A senior-high Summer Work-
camp group led by Greg Enders will be on
hand July 7-13. During luly, also. Brethren
brick-layers from whatever district they are
found in will be used. "We've got volunteer
groups lined up through August," said Glenn
Kinsel. "Then we'll 'take a sounding' to see
what's needed beyond that." It is hoped that
the building can be completed by November.
The local project director is Marion Mack, a
Butler Chapel member from a family with deep
roots in the congregation. A contractor, he
gives much time on the project site, providing
ONSE
in
mA
5K
II
iii«i[ M
an ongoing presence, and taking responsibility
for the project's meeting of building codes.
His contractor's license doesn't allow him to
take on a project the size of the new church, so
he carries the t\t\e Acting Contractor.
Stan Barkdoll explained that building codes
differ from state to state, and volunteers come
in with their ideas from back home about how
things are to be done. "Marion keeps them in
line, though. He knows South Car-
olina. What he says, goes."
Extending that, whatever Butler
Chapel says, goes. The Church of the
Brethren only supplies volunteers. It
has no input regarding the size and
shape of the church, the materials used,
or how the building is constructed.
Besides Marion Mack, there are sev-
eral other Butler Chapel members with
building experience who regularly vol-
unteer their time. Other members also
drop in to work. And Butler Chapel
folks fetch in one home-cooked meal
a day, themselves, and their arrival is
much anticipated by the volunteers.
Camaraderie is strong among the
Butler Chapel members. This, and ;.
their infectious good humor, quickly ~_ _
bonds them as well with the weekly
Brethren volunteers.
So well honed is the rebuilding process that
on a Monday morning, raw recruits from afar
quickly grasp the task before them, and before
the first hour is out, hammers and saws are
creating a din, and the structure is smoothly
continuing to take shape.
Before the joint building project with the
Brethren began, Buder Chapel had already bought
a 7.5-acre building site out on the big road. "Some
of the older members wanted to rebuild on the
The chuck wagon
shows up, a welcome
sight for hungry
vohinteers. Butler
Chapel members Zeter
Mack. Flossie Mack,
and Colie Davis bring
in down-home fixings.
BUTIER
CHAPEL
CHURCH
^ A.M.E.
The old church sign
is still in place. In the
left background (and
across the road) can be
seen the edge of the
7.5-acre clearing that
is the new church site.
The new Butler Chapel is much larger than the
old church. The sanctuary (front right) is 46.5
by 88 feet. Brick-laying is being done in fuly.
July 1997 Messenger 17
Aleene Maple, a Butler
Chapel volunteer, shows
a balky nail who's boss.
Some Butler Chapel
members work daily on
the project. Others
come in periodically.
old site," said pastor Mellerson, "and that's under-
standable. But the younger folks outvoted them.
They felt the need to be out where the church
would be visible to the community."
And visible it is. The new church is going up
on a raw, scraped off, treeless site, visible for a
distance up and down a straight stretch of road.
Across that road and down a few hundred yards,
a small sign, wreathed in Virginia creeper, points
down the sandy lane to the old church.
The 8,500-square-foot brick church will be
far bigger than the old
one. The sanctuary itself
is46.5by 88feet. A31-
by-132-foot wing with
rooms for Sunday school
and other functions is
behind the sanctuary,
forming with it the shape
of a T. A tall white vinyl
steeple will sit atop the
sanctuary roof.
The new church clearly
is being built to allow con-
gregational growth. Butler
Chapel membership is
about 135. When it began,
just over a century ago,
the rural community sur-
rounding it was almost
completely African-Ameri-
can. Gradually, however,
people moved into
Orangeburg to find jobs in
industry and services.
Now only about five per-
cent of the Butler Chapel
members live near the
church. The rest drive in,
some from as far away as
the state capital, Colum-
bia, about 25 miles to the northwest. Today, the
community has many white residents.
But the picture is changing again, according
to pastor Mellerson. People living in Orange-
burg who retained their property in the area
are moving back out. The racial mixing contin-
ues, but with more returning African-
Americans being the factor. "They've gotten
tired of the town," the pastor explained.
Pastor Mellerson sees this mixing as good,
and it fosters the new ecumenical spirit that has
come with the burning and rebuilding of Butler
Chapel. "Holy Trinity Catholic church was the
first one to invite us over after the fire."
A Baptist church in town, when approached
to help with the rebuilding project, provided
housing in its Family Life Center for the
Brethren volunteer groups. The Times-
Democrat makes a point now of covering
developments at the building site, such as the
ground-breaking and foundation-pouring.
According to pastor Mellerson, the newspaper
lamely excused its earlier lack of coverage as
"things just falling through the cracks."
The higher profile in the Orangeburg com--
munity and the unaccustomed neighborliness
are not the only benefits attributable to Butler
Chapel's burning and rebuilding. "It's a move
from tragedy to triumph," said pastor Meller-
son. "Getting to know the Church of the
Brethren is one of the best things. We could
hardly believe that a church that had never
heard of us would so open its heart to us, and
help us rebuild."
Not unexpectedly, both sides of the partner-
ship claim they are reaping the lion's share of
benefits, and they talk about an ongoing rela-
tionship. So far it's just talk, of course. Glenn
Kinsel says, however, that encouragement is
being given to Southeastern District to con-
sider relating to Butler Chapel. Pastor
Mellerson and his wife are attending Annual
Conference in Long Beach. He is the speaker
for the annual Messenger Dinner, and other
appearances and involvements at Conference
have piggybacked on that. The Annual Confer-
ence experience will expose Butler Chapel's
leader to the broader church beyond the gung
ho volunteers who trek to Orangeburg.
Pastor Mellerson is impressed by the Church
of the Brethren's emphasis on service and vol-
unteerism. The Brethren who work on the
Butler Chapel project are impressed by the
warm hospitality and the congregation's
wealth of practical skills. }ust what these
impressions can lead to remains to be seen.
What already is seen is that when a tragedy
happened, when racism threatened the life of
an African-American church, the Brethren pre-
sented themselves at their best — answering
again the question "Who is my neighbor?" and
demonstrating that hatred cannot be tol- rrr
crated. Love must prevail. K^
18 Messenger July 1997
In the
Dominican
Republic:
Education as
empowerment
BY MiGUELINA ArIAS MaTEO
Tl he Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Repub-
lic has been involved in a Theological Education
Program since 1992. There were problems at the
beginning in getting all the pastors involved and enthusias-
tic. After a short hiatus, Marcos R. Inhauser proposed a
new program, which began in 1 995. This time, all the pas-
tors were enrolled, and enthusiasm did catch hold.
Even I, a lay person and not directly involved in the pro-
gram, felt the new excitement. Part of this can be attributed
to Milciades Mendez, the new national coordinator. He is
in touch weekly with every student. He visits our churches
, and answers the questions that students raise. Beyond his
' weekly visits, there is a monthly all-day meeting of all pas-
I tors. This builds and promotes a sense of community that
'we had been lacking previously.
Now that the new Theological Education Program has
I been in place for two years, I have a couple of things to say
; about its importance for the Church of the Brethren in the
Dominican Republic.
The role of women among the Dominican Brethren has been
completely reshaped since Estella Horning — a former mis-
sionary in Ecuador and Nigeria,
and more recendy a member of
the Bethany Theological
Miguclina Arias Mateo
feels empowered as a
woman in the
■Dominican church by
the Theological
Education Program
provided by the US
Church of the
Brethren.
Seminary faculty — came and presented a course on "The Role
of Women in the Church." Before that course was taught, I had
felt that I was a second-class member of the church, that I had
to do something before I could be accepted in the church.
The Horning course transformed us women. We Dominican
sisters now feel and understand that we are important, that we
have a role, and we see that the church needs us .. .as women.
This is demonstrated when now we see pastors' wives
participating in their husbands' ministry. We see it demon-
strated by male pastors speaking of "our ministry" (that is,
including their wives), instead of "my ministry," as they
used to refer to it.
Another manifestation of this growth in awareness is the
request made by pastors' wives to be included as regular
students in the Theological Education Program. These
women say, "We are also pastors in our congregations; our
members consider us not as wives, but as pastors."
One of the other commendable effects of theological educa-
tion is the marked improvement in the quality of sermons we
hear. Previously it was widely accepted that one did not need to
study beforehand and prepare a sermon; the Holy Spirit, it was
believed, would just guide the preacher, with no preparation on
his part needed. This notion has now been dispelled. Pastors
now do studying and sermon preparation. Credit for this
change is due to a course on sermon preparation and delivery
taught by Marcos R. Inhauser, a Brazilian who graduated from
Bethany Seminary. We now hear sermons with better structure
and presentation. Church members can now catch the idea of
the sermons easily, and the level of biblical instruction is rising.
And of great significance, we are becoming one church.
At the beginning, we were an association of churches, each
with its own doctrines and goals. But as we studied church
history, particularly as we studied Anabaptism and Pietism
in courses taught by Pennsylvania minister Earl Ziegler and
Bethany Seminary professor Dale Brown, we gained a
better understanding of Brethren heritage and we caught a
new vision. This heritage is something very close to our
spirituality and the way we understand Christian life.
We are a new church now, more open to learning and to
change. We are growing day by day to be more Brethren.
Earlier, all our pastors called themselves Pentecostals, and
taught that church members had to speak in tongues.
Through the course on the Holy Spirit, particularly, but
through other courses as well, they have a new understand-
ing and a new position.
But it is not only in the biblical and theological areas that our
pastors and other church leaders are improving. We have become
familiar with schedule keeping, reading requirements, and class
assignments. We have improved our reading and writing skills.
We have developed the discipline of study. We have improved our
skills to examine everything and to retain what is good.
My testimony is my way of thanking the Church of the
Brethren in the United States for providing us Dominican
Brethren with theological education and helping us to rrr
improve ourselves as church leaders and as people, r**^
Miguelina Arias Mateo is a member of Magueyal Church of the
Brethren in the Dominican Republic, and secretary of the National
Board of the church in that country.
July 1997 Messenger 1 9
A most unusual Sunda
Because of the experience
of our common bonds of faith,
teaching the Altruists has
been a journey of joy,
BY Patricia Kennedy Helman
Altruist: One who has regard for the
interest of others, devotion to others,
a humanitarian perspective regarding
a public spirit, and a benevolent
ardor on behalf of others.
One of the joys of my life
has been teaching aduU
Sunday school classes for a
long time — 50 years, to be exact. I
taught adults in the Church of the
Brethren in Ottawa, Kan., where I
went as a bride, and continued this
role in Wichita Church of the
Brethren. In North Manchester, Ind.,
I was an assistant to Manchester
College professor Paul Keller, pri-
mary teacher of the Questers Class.
Paul, a rare mentor and a wise and
masterful educator, still inspires
those who remain on the quest. Now,
savoring retirement years in Fort
Wayne, Ind., I share my Sunday
mornings with the Altruist Class at
Lincolnshire Church of the Brethren.
In 1947, at Smith Street church in
Fort Wayne, the only adult group was
the Plus-Ultra Class. Its name indi-
cates that the members were in their
middle years or older; but, occasion-
ally, some younger folks joined them.
It was a time when the men were
returning from military service and
Civilian Public Service camps. The
ending of World War II brought to
family life a sense of normalcy that
was most welcome in our culture.
The pastor of Smith Street church
at that time was Van D. Wright. His
wife, Nora, taught the Plus-Ultra
class, and it was she who suggested
that the younger group start a class of
its own. She was aware that her group
was made up of the older set, and that
those who were obviously growing
older might have an agenda different
from that of their younger friends,
hurrying to create families and settle
into comfortable lives.
The younger ones took Nora Wright's
suggestion seriously. Seven couples
banded together and established the
new class. After some pondering, they
chose the name Altruist Class.
This year, 1997, marks 50 years of
continuous growth and study. The Al-
truist Class has accrued a history that,
in many ways, assumes model propor-
tions in a bonding of friends and fam-
ily in Christian love. Its members have
lived their lives in willing service to
the congregation, demonstrating their
gifts in a variety of ways. In these past
50 years, the Altruist Class members
have grown older and wiser, and, at
least by name, have moved into the
age group the Plus-Ultra Class repre-
sented a long time ago
Eleven years following the advent
of the Altruists, construction of a
new church building was underway.
The move was made from Smith
Street church to a neighborhood
called Lincolnshire. In 1959 the ded-
ication of Lincolnshire Church of the
Brethren took place. It was agreed by
all that the building committee had
done a masterful job of planning a
beautiful edifice. On the seven-
member committee were two women
and three men from the Altruists.
From the beginning, the Altruist
Class had within it a strong group of
leaders, comprising both men and
women whose experience and abilities
were given recognition. Through the
years, some 45 school teachers were on
the roll, including several school super-
intendents and principals. There were
present, also, those who were in admin-
istrative positions in the industrial and
financial groups in the city. Builders,
artists, secretaries, musicians, scien-
tists, health-care workers, and others
were a part of the group. The presence
of unusual leaders was and still is at the
root of the strong life of the class.
Lincolnshire moderators have
come from the Altruists, spanning
1947-1994. Early in the life of the
group, several women who were rais-
ing infants post-World War II, began
a Mother's Fellowship. It had pro-
grams helpful to mothers of infants,
toddlers, and elementary-age chil-
dren. As societal changes occurred,
and mothers often were working out-
side the home, the group was
subsumed into a Reaching Out Fel-
lowship within the church.
Covering 50 years of the life of any
group touches instances in which there
was some ruffling of feathers. The class
did not totally escape difficult times,
but neither did its members give up on
each other. From my vantage point as a
relative newcomer and teacher, I am
20 Messenger July 1997
chool class
continually aware of the members'
caring for one another. Each Sunday,
the happenings of the past week are
discussed — illness, hospitalization,
travel, and other matters to which
people can respond. The Altruists pay
attention to those who need it. As hos-
pital visits are made and flowers and
cards are sent, the caring spirit prevails.
Ioy is also celebrated, occasioned
by weddings (usually of grandchil-
dren) and births (now of grand
i^iiildren and great-grandchildren).
Care is taken to celebrate life together.
Seldom does a month go by that the
class does not gather for fun and fel-
lowship— a visit to a new restaurant,
an evening of entertainment, or a night
of games and dessert in a member's
home. And never is the party complete
without a mention of those who need
attention because of illness, loss, or
loneliness. If a group has been together
for 50 years, loss and sorrow have at-
tended them. The Altruists' response
to the death of a member of the class
never falters; the word "caring" con-
tinues as an undergirding to an ongo-
ing part of the lives of the faithful.
The word "sharing" also epito-
mizes the Altruists. From my first
months in the Lincolnshire church, I
was surprised by the outreach in
which the class was involved. A
wooden box is passed each Sunday,
and money slipped into its slot. Over
the 50 years of togetherness, the
Altruists' capacity for outreach has
grown. Monthly, $100 is given to the
food bank sponsored by the Associ-
ated Churches of Fort Wayne and
Allen County. Another regular out-
reach is made to a missionary
couple, with a yearly gift of $ 1 ,000.
When there is a specific need in the
church for repair or painting, the
Altruists are invariably at hand.
Recently, a large carpet that had
taken years of wear and tear was
replaced from the class treasury. Sev-
eral memorial gifts honoring faithful
members who are deceased helped
the Altruists provide a number of
large round tables for the church's
fellowship hall. Lincolnshire has a
care givers program that covers the
entire congregation. Of the 14
groups of care givers within the body,
five are from the Altruists Class.
These members pay special attention
to those who are hospitalized or are
needing help. Besides the outreach
from within the group, a number of
class members volunteer at local
agencies, including Red Cross, food
banks, hospitals, and schools.
There are 52 members of the Altru-
ists Class. Some are in nearby
retirement homes, but are kept on the
Lincolnshire's Altruist Class is marking
50 years of study and service,
bonding and fellowship. Patricia
Kennedy Hehnan (seated, second
from left) has been the Altruists ' most
recent teacher and the chronicler of
its history. Her husband, Blair
(standing, fourth from left), is one of
the several Lincolnshire moderators
produced by the class.
roll because of the group is still impor-
tant in their lives. The youngest active
Altruist is 61, and the oldest is 87. On
Sundays when the "snow birds" have
returned from Florida, betwee'n 25
and 30 people attend the class.
While I have been the primary
teacher of the class, several others also
take part in the teaching role. Francis
Barr taught sessions on science and
religion this year. Another teacher,
Roland Young, is taking the group
through Donald F. Durnbaugh's new
and comprehensive history of the
Church of the Brethren, Fruit of the
Vine (Brethren Press, 1996). A study
of comparative religion was a major
part of the winter sessions. The class
remains open to new ideas and new
approaches to biblical studies.
Because of the experience of our
common bonds of faith, teaching the
Altruists has been a journey of joy. It
is a blessing to know what can
happen when people live by those
precepts of leading, sharing, and
caring. Such a way of life is dear to
the hearts of all who speak of them-
selves as the brothers and sisters riiri
in the Church of the Brethren. ffl
Patricia Kennedy Hehnan. a member of Lin-
colnshire Cliurch of the Brethren. Fort Wayne.
Ind., is an ordained minister, a writer, and a
poet. For several years she wrote a regular
column in Messenger, "Pilgrim's Pen."
July 1997 Messenger 21
patrio/tisi^
One Friday
evening during the war,
community people
tied a big, beautiful yellotu
ribbon around my oak^ tree,
complete with bow.
When I discovered it next
morning, I — almost by
instinct — ripped it down.
BY Mark Thiessen Nation
Read: Romans 12.
A few summers back, I attended the Fourth of July
parade in my hometown, McLeansboro, III. To
. any outsider, the parade would have appeared
pathetic. But for this poor community of 3,000, cheering
on the parade was a matter of pride. The floats, sponsored
by businesses whose profits were slight, were not elabo-
rate, but they had been created with love and pride and
staffed by familiar faces.
But what stood out for me were the veterans marching
past. There were four. I knew two of them. One was the
father of a man who has been one of my best friends since
we were four.
Marion had long ago outgrown his sailor's uniform, but
still he marched in it with fierce pride and military bearing.
Since that day of the parade, he has shown me photos of
the battleship he was on during World War II, and has told
me stories from his service in the Navy. There was no glee
in his voice as he talked about killing other people. But
there was a simple, subdued pride in having done what he
was asked to do by his country. Marion loved his family, his
McLeansboro friends and neighbors, and what seemed the
more vague entity called the United States of America. He
was a simple citizen who had done his duty.
Ammon Hennacy, a leader of the Catholic Worker
Movement, once said, "Being a pacifist between wars is
22 Messenger July 1997
like being a vegetarian between meals." The statement is a
reminder. Yes, it is when the most meat-laden feast is set
before us that we really show whether or not we are com-
mitted vegetarians. And it is when push comes to shove,
when shame, violence, and other threats are real for us that
our commitment to love even our enemies is tested.
But it is also a distortion, a distortion we too often allow to
shape our lives. For, if it is only in wartime or during national
celebrations such as the Fourth of July that we realize that our
convictions as Christians do not perfectly coincide with the
ideals of an entity called the United States of America, then the
superficiality of our lives will be revealed either by our
unnecessarily shrill protests when wars do come or by an
easy capitulation that reveals our true allegiance is not, after
all, to the Lord Jesus, but rather "to the flag of the United
States of America and to the republic for which it stands "
Ah, comfortable conformity! But Paul tells us, "Present
your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,
which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so
that you may discern what is the will of God — what is good
and acceptable and perfect" (Rom. 12:1-2).
Renewal and transformation sound like good spiritual
words. And they are. But Paul doesn't want us to forget that
the spiritual is connected to our real, everyday lives. In
Romans 12:9-13, he goes on: Our love is to be genuine.
We are to hate what is evil and hold fast to what is good. We
are to love one another with mutual affection. We are to be
humble, associating with the lowly and honoring others.
Empathy is something we should learn, rejoicing with those
who rejoice and weeping with those who weep. There are
needs among our brothers and sisters in Christ; we should
respond to them. We are to be hospitable to strangers.
Then comes the point in the text at which the offense
begins. For beyond this, we are to bless those who perse-
cute us — not curse them as we are tempted to do. Of
course, not everything is in our control. But, as far as it
depends on us, we are to live peaceably with all. We are
never to repay anyone evil for evil, but are to overcome evil
with good. We are never to avenge ourselves, but are to
leave room for the wrath of God (verses 14-19).
These verses of Romans 1 2 provide a rich and compact
summary of the basic structure of our life together as a
church in the midst of the world, if we live in this way, it not
only enriches our own life, but also testifies to the Lord who
makes possible our life. And if our convictions are lived with
enough clarity, the offense of pacifism is mitigated and the
underlying convictions about loving our enemies and repay-
ing evil with good are rendered intelligible and credible.
At the time of the Persian Gulf War, I was pastoring a Dis-
ciples of Christ congregation in Orestes, Ind., a village of 500
people. In a place that size, people want something to take
pride in. One of the centers of pride in Orestes was a 200-year-
old oak tree that stood at the center of the village ... in my yard.
The venerable tree was thought of as community property.
You guessed it. One Friday evening during the war, com-
munity people tied a big, beautiful yellow ribbon around my
oak tree, complete with bow. When I discovered it next morn-
ing, I — almost by instinct — ripped the ribbon down.
On Sunday morning, my congregation was abuzz. The
members and other villagers were just sure that some way-
ward teenager had vandalized my tree. To get the village
teenagers off the hook, and to be honest, I told the congre-
gation that I had taken down the yellow ribbon, myself.
The next Sunday I preached on taking down the ribbon.
'A part of the congregation's response struck me powerfully.
These were people who probably had never heard much
(about pacifism before I came along as their pastor. And they
'Were people who by instinct were political and social conser-
vatives, especially regarding war. But they were not totally
offended by my sermon. 1 hope that was partly because of the
trust I had established. But, also, it was partly because this
was central Indiana, where the Brethren and Mennonites and
their convictions were well known. Although those groups
are not without faults, their convictions had been lived with
enough clarity, along with their peculiar views about war,
that these people in Orestes respected them and appreciated
them even if they didn't fully understand their pacifism. So
I when I did something potentially offensive, it did not offend.
But it is not only that clearly lived convictions make
pacifism during a war more palatable to others. If
these teachings in Romans are substantially believed,
taught, and embodied between wars, between celebrations, we
have a narrative that shapes us (and our children) such that
we know why it is we cannot fully, wholeheartedly join in cel-
ebrations of national hubris and willingness to kill others so
that we might live.
So, should we, as Christians, consider ourselves patri-
ots? This reminds me of a question I have wrestled with
numerous times over the past few years: Do I believe in
tolerance? If the alternative to tolerance is narrow-minded
bigotry or the act of smashing someone's face in or being
nasty because he disagrees with me, then the answer is "Of
course, I believe in tolerance."
But the problem is that there is a lot of baggage that
typically goes along with believing in tolerance in today's
world. It usually implies that convictions are merely a pri-
vate, personal matter; religion is treated like a hobby rather
than as something that should fundamentally shape our
lives. What I sometimes say is "No, I don't embrace toler-
ance, but I hope I embody Christian convictions. Now,
some of those convictions — such as humility, forgiveness,
and loving my neighbor as myself — will sometimes look
like tolerance to others, and that is okay.
And so it is with patriotism. Patriotism is defined as
"love for and devotion to one's country." Of course, in
actual practice, that implies specifics — specific loves and
specific hates. There is always, but especially during a war,
baggage that goes along with "love of one's country."
The problem with patriotic symbols such as flags and
yellow ribbons is that the message is ambiguous — dependent
upon the mood of the viewers at the time. One of the
intended messages of the yellow ribbons during the Persian
Gulf War was that the US wanted its soldiers to return safely.
And, of course, with that message all of us could concur. But,
were the yellow ribbons not also tied up with solidarity with
the war in general and with sentiments such as one soldier
expressed when he wrote on a bomb he launched: "If Allah
doesn't answer, ask for Jesus"? Or all the bumper stickers
that said "This vehicle doesn't brake for Iraqis"?
Yes, there are loves and hates, dyings and killings that
are celebrated in patriotism. That is the problem.
Thus, sometimes I say, "No, I don't embrace patriotism,
but I hope that I embody Christian convictions. Some of those
convictions — extending hospitality; responding to needs;
living in harmony, humility, and empathy — will, most of the
time, look like love for my country to others. And that's okay."
Putting it this way will remind us that pacifism is related
to a set of convictions and practices relevant between wars as
well as during them.
Putting it this way will remind us that what is first is
worship of God, the God become flesh in |esus — the lesus
who calls us to love our neighbors and our enemies.
Putting it this way will remind us not to reduce the
offense of the cross to some vague commitment to global-
ism or the peace issue.
Putting it this way will remind us that whatever love we
have for the United States of America is qualified by a wor-
ship of God that leads us to bless even those who persecute
us, submit even to pagan, wicked leaders, as Paul advocates
in Romans 13, if the alternative is overcoming evil with evil.
I would never suggest that placing the discussion of
patriotism back in the context of life — real Christian life —
resolves all issues. Hardly. But it does place the tensions
where they should be: in the presence of the worship of God.
Taking the stance of Christian pacifism does not entail
demeaning war veterans. Stanley Hauerwas, in his book
Pacifism: A Form of Politics, writes: "One difficulty of the
pacifist witness is that it seems to require the pacifist to
ignore or dishonor [the] sacrifices [of those who partici-
pated honorably in war]. ... It is my hope that pacifists will
help us learn to tell the story of our lives in such a way that
the valor and sacrifice of participants in past wars will be
an honorable part of that story without entailing the repeti-
tion of war for our own lives."
In the midst of our questions and wrestlings, in the
midst of the wars of the world, in the midst of patriotic cel-
ebrations, I hope we can say and live the following:
We won't carry flags in your parade.
We won't recite your pledge of allegiance; our alle-
giance is elsewhere.
We won't kill enemies whom our God has called us to
love, even in your wars.
But ... we hope our lives and convictions convince you
that we love our God and the people of this land
within which God had called us to serve.
Ai.
Mark Thiessen Nation, who recently served as interim pastor of Glen-
dale (Calif.) Church of the Brethren, is director of London (England)
Mennonite Center. He is a Ph.D. candidate in Christian ethics at Fuller
Theological Seminary.
July 1997 Messenger 23
Climb
the ladder
Beatitudes
BY Jim Forest
Read: Matthew 5:1-11.
T^e Sermon on the Mount, the
most famous sermon of all time,
begins with a set of blessings we
call the Beatitudes — just 10 verses, with
the word blessed repeated nine times.
But what does blessed mean? In some
Bibles, you find it translated as "happy,"
but this makes no sense when you look
at the conditions Christ is describing,
from poverty to persecution.
"How would you translate blessing?"
I asked the biblical scholar Rabbi
Steven Schwarzchild. "There is no one
word that will do," he replied. "It is
something like 'on the right path,' 'on
the way the Creator wants us to go.' it
is the opposite of the word for sin,
which means 'losing your way.'"
The Beatitudes weren't the first
words of the public ministry of Jesus,
but Matthew uses them to introduce
us to the teaching of his Master. This
short text provides a summary of the
whole gospel.
If we recognize the last two bless-
ings as one, because both describe the
suffering often imposed upon those
who try to live the gospel, we may
consider there to be eight Beatitudes,
each of which we need to think about
again and again as we progress in our
lifelong conversion.
The eight Beatitudes are all aspects
of being in communion with God. They
are like rungs on a ladder. Each one
leads to the next. Remove any one of
them, and you fall off the ladder. It is a
carefully built ladder. The rungs aren't
in a random order. To reach the second
step, we need to make the first step.
1 Blessed are the poor in
spirit. Poverty of spirit is the
essential beginning. Without it, we
haven't begun to follow Christ.
What does poverty in spirit mean? It
is your awareness that you cannot save
24 Messenger July 1997
yourself, that you are basically defense-
less, that neither money nor power will
spare you from suffering and death. It
is your awareness that you desperately
need God's help and mercy. It is step-
ping away from the rule of fear in your
life, fear being the great force that
restrains us from acts of love.
Being poor in spirit means becom-
ing free of the myth that possessing
many things will make you a happier
person. It is an attitude summed up in
a French proverb: "When you die,
you carry in your clenched hands only
that which you have given away."
Look at the life of any saintly
person and you see this Beatitude in
practice. For St. Francis, in his habit
of rags, it was the way of the person
who makes himself least rather than
greatest. St. Francis addressed
poverty as his sister. St. Therese of
Lisieux spoke of "the Little Way."
And Dorothy Day came up with the
phrase "voluntary poverty."
2 Blessed are those who mourn.
This next rung is the sacrament of
tears, the Beatitude of feeling and
expressing grief not only for your own
sorrows and losses, but the sorrows and
losses of others. You can hardly feel
someone else's pain without poverty of
spirit — otherwise you are always on
guard to keep what you have for yourself
and to keep you for yourself.
Think about the two-word verse in
the Gospel of John: "Jesus wept"
(John 11:35 RSV). The 17th-century
poet and priest John Donne com-
ments, "There is no shorter verse in
the Bible, nor is there a larger text."
The Gospel authors tell us of three
times when Christ wept: as he stood
before the tomb of Lazarus before
summoning him back to life; as he
looked on the city of Jerusalem and
foresaw its destruction; and as he
prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane
the night before his crucifixion.
"The presence of Christ is revealed
in those who mourn," says my thera-
pist friend Glinda Johnson-Medland.
"In mourning, there is transparency —
the body shows who you truly are.
Christ is a very transparent person,
able to communicate with his whole
body, not just words. A child is trans-
parent in the same way. Mourning
makes us transparent to each other.
"When you see tears on the face of
another person, you feel it; you are
changed." She adds, "Mourning cre-
ates a path. But in America we lack -
rituals of grief. The result is that we
aren't operating in reality.
"One of the things to mourn is the
loss of the nuclear family — now one
more minority group. Religious ritual
provides a way to 'sing away' the soul
and body of a person we love. Tears
are very powerful. No prayer of abso-
lution equals tears. We are mourning
with the heart of Christ — mourning
our sins and losses."
3 Blessed are the meek. We see
meekness in Jesus washing the
feet of his disciples, something that
embarrassed them, something they
resisted. But in what better way could
he teach them the nature of love and
what it means to be a pastor? We see
meekness in Christ carrying the cross
and enduring all the other events that
led to his crucifixion.
Meekness is a tough virtue for
everyone, but perhaps most of all for
men because they have been made to
think of meekness as a feminine qual-
ity. But meekness is not simply doing
what you are told. The person who
obeys evil orders is not being meek but
being cowardly. He has cut himself off
from his own conscience, thrown away
his God-given freedom, all because he
is afraid of the price he may have to
pay for following Christ. We must first
of all be meek toward God, and that
meekness will give us the strength not
to lord it over others or to commit evil
deeds against our neighbors.
For an image of meekness in the
nodern world, think about Rosa
'arks, a church-centered seamstress in
Vlontgomery, AJa., who in 1955 qui-
:tly refused to give up her bus seat to a
vhite man. In so doing, she violated a
:ity ordinance — and also changed the
:ourse of American history, although
ihe had no idea of anything important
;oming from her small gesture on
Dehalf of human dignity.
That night, 40 black pastors serving
ocal congregations met together and
decided the time was at hand to try to
;nd segregation on Montgomery's
oublic-transportation system. They
decided to begin a boycott of the buses.
Martin Luther King Jr. was elected to
iiead the boycott, partly because, being
the youngest pastor in town, he had the
least to lose should the campaign fail.
jThe black population of Montgomery
ibegan walking and carpooling to work.
A year later, the US Supreme Court
decided that racial segregation in
public transportation violated the Con-
stitution. It was a major blow to the
legal foundation of segregation. And it
all began with the firm but gentle
refusal to go along with something
Rosa Parks knew was wrong. Faith-
based meekness can move mountains.
4 Blessed are those who
hunger and thirst for right-
eousness. When we begin to share in
the sufferings of others, we cannot
help but notice that suffering is often
either the consequence of injustice or
is made worse by injustice.
Notice that |esus doesn't say
"Blessed are those who hope for
righteousness" or "Blessed are those
who campaign for righteousness," but
"Blessed are those who hunger and
thirst for righteousness" — that is,
people who want what is right as
urgently as a person dying in a desert
wants a glass of water. There is a
saying, "Some people are so hungry
that the only way God can appear to
them is as a piece of bread."
Think of Dorothy Day, who not
only devoted her life to hospitality,
but kept asking what it is about our
society that produces so many people
in need of hospitality. "Our problems
stem from our acceptance of this
filthy rotten system," she said in her
usual plain-spoken way.
A society whose main story is
summed up in the good-guy-kills-
bad-guy Western movie seemed to
Dorothy Day a far cry from the king-
dom of God. The core of the spiritual
life, she explained, is to see the image
of God in everyone, especially in those
we fear or regard as enemies. "Those
who cannot see Christ in the poor,"
she wrote, "are atheists indeed."
5 Blessed are the merciful.
This rung prevents us from
thinking that the longing for right-
eousness allows us to be ruthless. It is
natural to feel anger toward those who
make themselves richer, more com-
fortable, or more powerful by causing
others to suffer. We immediately
become aware of our attraction to vio-
lence and vengeance when we start
imagining how to punish people and
groups who have hurt those we care
about or by whom we feel threatened.
But we see in Christ the constant
example of someone ready to be mer-
ciful to anyone, no matter what that
person has done — not only the
woman condemned to death for adul-
tery, but even a Roman centurion, an
officer belonging to a much resented
army of occupation. Christ's final mir-
acle before his crucifixion was to heal
the man Peter had wounded in trying
to defend him.
Thomas Merton described God as
"Mercy within Mercy within Mercy."
For a child, it is hard to know what to
make of that way of thinking about
God, but sooner or later in life,
knowing what we have done and what
we have failed to do, we have good
reason to be amazed at God's mercy
toward us. Whoever tries to center his
life in God is drawn more and more
deeply into a life of mercy.
6 Blessed are the pure in heart.
What is a pure heart? A heart free
of possessiveness, a heart able to
mourn, a heart that thirsts for right-
eousness, a heart that is merciful, a
heart that doesn't look at people merely
as bodies or labels or objects to be used.
We see a pure heart in any saintly
person. Think of Seraphim of Sarov.
Thousands of Russian pilgrims
walked great distances for confession,
advice, and a blessing from this old
man with a bent back who addressed
his visitors as "my joys" and wore
white because it was the color associ-
ated with Easter. Seraphim was so
free of fear that he was on good terms
with a bear that lived nearby and on
occasion even shared his bread with
it, seeing the beast as a neighbor.
In fact, bears were less dangerous to
him than people: Seraphim was nearly
beaten to death by robbers who had
heard there was a treasure hidden in his
log cabin. Even so, he refused to con-
demn them. The only "treasures" in his
cabin were his icon of Mary, his Bible,
and his prayer books. He labored long
and hard to free himself of all obstacles
to God, and finally had a heart so pure
that it seems no one could come near
him without becoming more pure in the
joy of his welcome.
7 Blessed are the peacemakers.
Only after ascending the first six
rungs of the ladder of the Beatitudes
can we talk about the Beatitude of the
peacemaker, for only a person with a
pure heart can help rebuild broken
bridges and pull down walls to help us
recover our lost unity. The maker of
peace seeks nothing personally, not
even attention or recognition.
Such a person is not serving peace
because it is a good deed, but because
July 1997 Messenger 25
he has been drawn deeply into God's
love and, as a consequence, sees each
person, even the most unpleasant or
dangerous, as someone beloved of
God, someone made in the image of
God, even if the likeness is at present
damaged or completely lost.
How desperately we need peace-
makers! We need them not only in
places where wars are being fought or
might be fought, but we need them in
every home and within each congre-
gation. Even the best and most vital
congregations suffer from deep divi-
sions. And who is the peacemaker
who is needed? It is each of us.
Often it is harder to forgive and
understand someone in our own con-
gregation than an abstract enemy we
see mainly in propaganda images on
television. Within the church, we
don't simply disagree with each other
on many topics, but very often we
despise those who hold opposing
views. In the name of Christ, who
commanded us to love one another,
we engage in wars in which we don't
even respect our opponents, let alone
love them. But without mercy and
forgiveness, without love, we are no
longer in communion either with our
neighbors or with Christ.
At the deepest level, the peacemaker
is a person being used by God to help
heal our relationship with him, for we
get no closer to God than we get to
our neighbor, and, as we know from
the parable of the Good Samaritan,
our neighbor doesn't just refer to the
person next door of the same nation-
ality, but even more to the person we
regard as "different" and a "threat."
One of the saints of the 20th century,
Silouan of Mount Athos, who had
nearly beaten a neighbor to death in his
youth, taught that love of enemies is not
simply an aspect of Christian life but is
"the central criterion of true faith and
of real communion with God, the lover
of souls, the lover of humankind."
Attention!
Former BVSers, former BVS staff members, present BVSers, BVS project
staff, supporters of BVS, all who have been associated with BVS.
Help Brethren Volunteer Service Celebrate Its 50™ Year
Will you please send photos, drawings, stories, anecdotes,
reminiscences, and descriptions of BVSers and their work?
For producing: an exciting print piece using text and photos to tell the
story of 50 years of BVS, highlighting its history in the
church and in the world
And for gathering: a collection of stories and
anecdotes about life in BVS.
Living the Story — 50 years of Brethren
Volunteer Service is the theme for the
1998 year-long celebration that will include
a national event October 2-4, 1998, at New
Windsor, Maryland, and several regional events.
Ail photos will be returned unless you designate
them as a donation to BVS. Please keep
photocopies of written materials so they
need not be returned.
Send to: BVS 50 Years, General Board, Church of the Brethren
1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120
8 Blessed are those who are |
persecuted for righteousness''
sake. At last we approach the top of the
ladder. This is the Beatitude we are most
reluctant to know about, the blessing of
the persecuted. Far from expecting the
Nobel Peace Prize for faithful living, we
are advised to expect the worst.
Sometimes we think persecution is
safely in the distant past, way back in
Roman times. Or perhaps we remem-
ber the millions of Russians who died
in early Soviet Union times simply for
their refusal to deny Christ. We may
think persecution isn't a threat in a
democratic country in which we can
do and say what we like and build a
church at every intersection.
But if you start noticing the image
of God in the poor, if you begin to
oppose those activities that cause suf-
fering and bloodshed, no matter how
meek and merciful you are, you may
find that getting into hot water can
happen here and now.
The odd thing is that Jesus assures
us that getting into trouble for follow-
ing him is something we should
receive as a major blessing. "Rejoice
and be glad, for your reward is great
in heaven, for in the same way they
persecuted the prophets who were
before you" (Matt. 5:12).
Worse things could happen than to
be in the good company of the
prophets and, still more important,
with lesus the Savior. Jesus never
harmed anyone, but finally had to
carry a cross — we know it to be the
holy and life-giving cross, but it didn't
look holy or life-giving at the time — to
a place of execution and have nails
hammered through his hands and feet
for our sake. Yet it is on the cross nrri
that the Resurrection begins. i 1
Jim Forest is secretary of the Orthodox Peace
Fellowship. He lives in Alkmaar, Netherlands,
and is the author, most recently, of Praying
with Icons (Orbis. 1997). He is familiar with
tlie Church of the Brethren through using the
services of Brethren Volunteer Service workers
(BVSers) when he worked for the International
Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR).
Reprinted with permission from Salt of the
Earth, MayZ/une 1997. published by Clarelian
Publications. 205 W. Monroe St., Chicago. IL
60606-5013.
26 Messenger July 1997
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ial team.
Needs five years proven experience in
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Learn from 9 inspirational
speal<ers and more than
70 worksl^ops on issues in
caring ministries.
For a registration brochure contact:
Association of Brethren Caregivers
1461 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120
(800)323-8039, ext. 410
Register before July 10 to receive a
lower registration price.
K(
:i
new site. A clear stipulation was that
the new facility would have a Peace
Room. John Baker chooses and pro-
vides books and resource materials
for the room that supports his firm
beliefs concerning peace, mediation,
and reconciliation. He also has pro-
vided a $10,000 endowment toward
the maintenance of the library.
The library is again planning an
expansion, and again John Baker has
made a major financial contribution
toward the project. That gift will pro
vide computers and Internet access
for library patrons.
A library board member, Daniel
Koontz, said of John Baker, "Becausei
he has such great appreciation for
rural life, a goal of his is to provide
the means for rural residents to have
quality of life opportunities equal to
those living in urban settings, without
leaving their areas. The Everett Free
Library has been a fortunate benefi-
ciary of that philosophy."
An ongoing legacy of the Baker
family to their hometown is the
Everett Free Library. It was founded
by John's mother, built up and kept
current by his sister Margaret,
endowed and equipped in forward-
moving and enduring ways by John.
We of the Everett community are
most appreciative and grateful.
Elaine Sollenberger
Everett, Pa
Not the whole elephant
David Radcliff, in his April article,
"North Korea: For Brethren, a Land
of Opportunity," says "there are
many similarities between North
Korean values and Christian values."
Congress member Frank Wolf of
28 Messenger July 1997
Pontius' Puddle
Send payment for reprinting "Pontius' Puddle" from Messenger to
Joel Kauffmann. Ill Carter Road, Goshen. IN 46526. $25 for one
time use. $10 for second strip in same issue. $10 for congregations.
'irginia, a member of the Helsinki
Committee that monitors human
ights abuses in eastern Europe and
le former repubhcs of the Soviet
Jnion, has said that there is "undeni-
ble evidence now of widespread
Drture, icilling, raping, and imprison-
nent of behevers" in dozens of
ountries, including North Korea.
One of these two pieces of infor-
mation has to be untrue. If the North
Corean rulers have "Christian
alues," why are they persecuting
;!hristians? Once again, we have
een the elephant and come away
vith only one impression. More
investigation is needed before we
leclare the North Korean rulers
brothers in Christ."
Eugene Shaver
Bridgewater, Va.
Vlust Hispanic ministry go?
have been a second-generation
Tiember of the Church of the
Brethren all my life. It saddens and
discourages me to see Hispanic min-
stry disappear in the General
Board's "new design."
The cut speaks strongly against us
Hispanics in the church, where we
10 longer have a place. Our Hispanic
eaders, heroes in the denomination,
lave worked hard for many years to
lave a place and a say. Now it is all
'gone with the wind."
As a Puerto Rican pastor, I am very
frustrated, even angry, but most of all
iust sad. I love the church, but this may
;nd my love for this denomination.
We are not heard, accepted, sup-
ported, or even respected. All our
efforts are responded to with so-
called "words of encouragement."
Telma I. Perez (Garcia)
Kissimrnee, Fla.
Advice on relocating
It was on April Fools' Day that I saw
this ad in Time magazine: "There's a
town in Illinois where, if you move
there, you won't be able to help but
-THERE A^er TWO PATHS
FRo^^ WHICH WE" most
CHOOSE, the Wipe OME \S
ETASY TO F I NO
AMD UEAD5T0
WEALTW , POWER
AMO PUEASORtS
OP THE rLESa >.
2I&M. I'V/ERE"ALLY
OOT TO R.E^AE^ASE^'.
TO 5TART
WITH THr
OTHER.
OPTlOM
Because You Need
Protection You Can
Count On
When a f-re broke out at Elkhart City
Church of the Brethren in Elkhart, Indiana,
many members wondered how long it would
be before they could worship there again.
But they were about to experience a
wonderful surprise.
"Mutual Aid was right there when we
needed them," says Ted Noffsinger, who
supervised the reconstruction. "The approach
I saw was, 'We have a policyholder with a
problem. Let's do what we can, as fast as we
can, to get him back in business.'"
If that's the protection you'd like to experience, then
you should know Mutual Aid Association also offers
homeowner's insurance at very competitive rates. To
find out more, return the bind-in card in this issue of
Messenger, or call us now.
1-800-255-1243
^
Mutual Aid Association
Church of the Brethren
3094 Jeep Rd • Abilene, KS 67410
Protection you can depend on from
Brethren you trust. Since 1885.
July 1997 Messenger 29
become a financial expert."
Fidelity Investments, a mutual
fund company, is offering "lectures
on investing, retirement options, and
money management" to the residents
of this Illinois town.
Since the Church of the Brethren is
experiencing financial troubles, per-
haps we should take advantage of
this opportunity. Perhaps if we
moved our denominational head-
quarters to this Illinois town, all our
financial problems could be solved.
After all, according to the ad in
Time magazine, our denominational
leaders "won't be able to help but
Play
it smart.
Help protect yourself and your investments. Diversifying is a key
to making your money work harder It's one of the smartest
moves you can make.
To help you diversify, we've added MMA Praxis International
Fund to our Praxis famity of flinds. So not onfy will you spread
your investments out over more and newer markets, you have
the solid backing of a fund famity.
Make your move. Just call 1-800-9-PRAXIS or your local
MMA counselor to become part of the MMA Praxis femily.
MMA Praxis Mutual Funds.
A world of opportunity brought down to earth.
A free prospectus with more information is available by calling
1-800-9-PRAXIS. Please read it careftilly before you invest or
send money Foreign investing involves a greater degree of risk
and increased volatility BISYS Fund Services, distributor.
MMA
become . ..financial expert(s)." '
The name of this Illinois town
where financial expertise is guaran-
teed? Some place called Elgin.
Bill Bowsi
Martinsburg, Pi
We took you up on it
Sebring (Fla.) Church of the
Brethren took to heart the news iterr
on Campaign Finance Reform (April i
page 11). One member wrote a lette
addressed to Florida's members of
Congress. Members who are voters
signed their names and gave their
addresses, and we mailed the letters
to our Senators and Representatives
in Washington.
Ginny Grove-
Sebring. Fla
Classified Ads
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WANTED
Seeking song books. Title; Favorite Hymns
(revised), pub. by Standard Publishing Co., Cincin-
nati, Ohio. Series No. 5747. If you can help, call (8l4)i
861-5547 (Pa. number).
TRAVEL
Travel with a purpose. Wendell &Joan Bohrer invite
you to travel with them on the missionary journeys of'
St. Paul, Mar 19-Apr. 3, 1998, to Turkey visiting the 7
churches of Asia— Ephesus, Philippi, district of Mace-
donia, Thyatira, Pergamon, Philadelphia, Thessaloniki,
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For info, write Bohrer Tours, 8520 Royal Meadow Dr, i
Indianapolis, IN 46217. Tel./fax (317) 882-5067.
30 Messenger July 1997
urniiiff foiiits
lew Members
ote: Congregations are asked
to submit only the names of
actual new members of
denomination. Do not
include names of people
who have merely transferred
their membership from
another Church of the
Brethren congregation.
ntelope Park, W. Plains:
lason & Lynn Samsel
shiand. N. Ohio: Norm &
foanne Lake, Roger Stroup,
Cristy & Nicole Groh,
Miriam Mortland, Madeline
Funkhouser
elhany. Mid. Atl.: Katie &
Liiulsay Heilner, Crystal &
Slurry Kemp, Angle Sam-
moiis
clhcl, N. Ind.: William &
Dorothy Evans
cthkhem, Virlina: lane &
AK in Burgess
ranclls. S. Pa.: Wesley &
K.n^n Heckman, Daniel
I lullcnshead, Amy Kline,
kji\ Romero, Robert &
kinicc Valentine
ush Creek, Mid. Atl.: Daniel
Conrad. Gaylen & Melanie
Mji^hman, leffrey Mussel-
nun, loy Puckett, Tina &
Arthur German. Glenna
Doorough, Laura Spauld-
ing, Dallas Kehne. George
Fox, Nissa & Healther
Quill. Timothy & Wanda
Perry, Kannika Keovichith
entral, Virlina: Mandy
Burton, Melissa Carr, Laura
Garst, Meredith Hite, Alli-
son McCoy, Amy Rhodes,
lames Sexton, Loni Stone-
man, Lindsey Wray, Leslie
Wagner
Covington, N. Ohio:Andrew
lanovsky. Dene' Longen-
delpher. Heather Wolfe,
Steven & ludy Wright
()undalk,Mid. Atl.: John,
Sharon, &. loshua Pinkas,
John Lynn, Medie
McLaughlin
Uizabethtown, Atl. N.E.: Jen-
nifer Baum, lesse Eisenbise,
Gregory Epps. Peter Fox,
Brian Helm, Melisa Musser,
Dean & Megan Sweigart;
Cindy. Heather. & Heidi
Tschudy, Dorothy White,
lonathan Yound, lodi Youtz,
Becky & loseph Zaieski
iphrata, Atl. N.E.: Shirley
Gehr. Richard & Marilyn
Mull, Doug & Gwyn Pfautz,
lonathan Rissler, Sean &
Ranea Wilson
Freeport, 111. /Wis.: Linda &
Shannon Skaggs, Beth
Simler. lackie Jacobs,
Ashley Ehrler, Tanya Ram
Oreenmount. Shen.: Matthew
Armstrong, Michael & |en-
nifer Armstrong, Berlin Bible,
Bonnie May, Helen Minnick,
David & Lorna Nesselrodt.
Kevin & Norma Nesselrodt,
Mark & [Cristen Reese
Lampeter, Atl. N.E.: Bernice
Wimer. Reuben & Sandra
King, Edwin & Patricia
Bowermaster, Ivan & Debra
Zimmerman
Ligonier, W. Pa.: Monica &
Robert Monticue, Jason
Palmer
McPherson, W Plains: Jessica
Chapman. Lacey Gayer,
Crystal Schrag, Victor
Burkholder, Jacob Gayer,
Daniel Hammarlund.
William Hanley. Michael
Stevens. Alexander Tyler,
Timothy Wysman
Mechanic Grove, Atl. N.E.:
Lars Rasmussen, Steve &
Sandy Stauffer
Mechanicsburg, S. Pa.:
Matthew Ayers, Bryce
Meek, Ashley Nale, Kevin
Nyman, Alison Diegel, Paul
& Evelyn Cassel
North Liberty, N. Ind.: Ruby
Banks
Parker Ford, Atl. N.E.: Sandra
Chrislman, Kendra Ren-
ninger. Mary Romig
Philadelphia First, Atl. N.E.:
Sharon Best
Pleasant Chapel, N. Ind.:
Rozanne & Tony Robertson,
Chris Wells, loel Wilson
Snake Spring Valley, Mid. Pa.:
Linda Trivelpiece, Nathaniel
& Stacy Manges. Tina &
Danielle Imes, Michael &
Ryan Sleighter. Steven &
Lynn Shelly. Debbie & John
Koontz, Randy & Allen
Kintz, Kelsey Nouse
Tucson, Pac. S.W.: Alice R.
[ohnson, |im & Millie
Hughes. Howard & Gen-
erkia Smith, Frank
Sullenberger
Virden, 111. /Wis.: Robert
Lykins. Dan & Annette
Scharfenburg
Yellow Creek, HI. /Wis.:
Sabrina Brinkmeier
York First, S. Pa.: Pam Bald-
win, Jim & Linda Barnard,
leffrey Sunday, Laurie Wise
Wedding
Anniversaries
Anderson, Ralph and Mabel.
Michigan City, Ind.. 55
Baughman, Carl and Olive,
St. Petersburg. Fla., 60
Berkey, Robert and Betty,
Johnstown. Pa., 50
Craighead, Moyer and Esta.
Palmyra, Pa., 50
Crowther, Theodore and
Vivian, Ephrata. Pa., 50
Fletcher, Virgil and Marcheta,
Lake Forest. Calif., 55
Herrell, Harry and Mary,
Mansfield, Ohio, 50
Kennedy, Vincent and Pauline,
Mansfield, Ohio, 55
Mellinger, Donald and Char-
lotte, Ephrata, Pa.. 50
Miller, |ohn and Gladys,
Mansfield, Ohio, 50
Myers, Carl and Doreen,
Elgin, 111., 50
Naylor, Kent and Elva,
McPherson, Kan.. 50
Robinson, Minor and Ruth,
Fort Loudon, Pa., 55
Pastoral
Placements
Benedict, James L., from Troy,
S. Ohio, to Union Bridge,
Mid. Atl.
Cable, Sherman A., from
Selma, Virlina. interim to
Salem, Virlina, pastor
Dietrick, Ralph, from Flower
Hill, Mid. Atl., to Elizabeth-
town, Atl. N.E.
Griffith, Edith E., from
retirement to Hiwassee,
Virlina
Peterson, Cheryl, from
campus ministry to Beacon
Heights, N. Ind.
Stoltzfus, Joyce, from Glade
Valley. Mid. Atl., to Eliza-
bethtown, Atl. N.E.
Licensings
Flory, Brian, April 19, 1997,
Bridgewater, Shen.
McCoy. Shelbv F. Feb. 7.
1997, Geiger, W. Pa.
McLearn-Montz, Alan, Jan.
30, 1997, Columbia City,
N. Ind.
Yancheck, Paul, March 15,
1997, Black River, N. Ohio
Zeep, Christopher W, Jan. 18,
1997, Hagerstown, Mid. Atl.
Ordinations
Golden, Roger, Dec. 7, 1996,
Wawaka, N. Ind.
Rhodes, Donna M., Feb.
1,1997, Huntingdon,
Stone, Mid. Pa.
Stouffer, Darlene, July 26,
1996, Dallas Center. N.
Plains
Yoder, Gary, Nov. 9, 1996,
New Philadelphia, N. Ohio
Deaths
Basselle, Albert R,, 92, John-
stown, Pa., April 10. 1997
Bebee, Pearl I., 103, Marion,
Iowa. March 31, 1997
Blough, Adda B., 97, Hollsap-
ple. Pa., April 4, 1997
Bowling, Ruth, 86, Bear
Lake. Mich., March 18,
1997
Brower, Emily K., 92, La
Verne, Calif., April 14,
1997
Brownsberger, Roland, 88, La
Verne. CaHf., Feb. 10. 1997
Brumbaugh, John W., 64,
Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Nov.
22, 1996
Burkholder, Evelyn, 86, La
Verne, Calif., Feb. 17. 1997
Clements, Mildred. 88. Arling-
ton. Va., Feb 12. 1997
Collar, Brittany, 2, Lima.
Ohio, April 23. 1997
Compton, Oliva C, 88,
Bridgewater, Va., March 1 1,
1997
Cooper, Lamar, 86, Goshen,
Ind.. April 3. 1997
Grouse, William, 73, Norris-
town. Pa., March 4, 1997
DeBolt, Leota V, 87, Union-
town, Pa., April 7, 1997
Doolen, Guy. 83, LaPlace.
III., April 12, 1997
Eckhard, Frances |., 79,
Staunton, Va., March 3 1 ,
1997
Eckhard, Mary B., 100, Mar-
tinsburg, Pa., March 21.
1997
Enderd, |. Harry. 83. Lan-
caster, Pa., Jan. 10, 1997
Erb, Samual. 91, Ephrata, Pa.,
March 26, 1997
Fahs, Elmer H., 94, Decatur,
111., Ian. 22, 1997
Ferguson, Robert E.. 67, Bas-
sett, Va., April 10, 1997
Fulcher, Minnie S., 83, Bas-
sett, Va., April 13, 1997
Fulk, Howard, 68, Broadway,
W. Va., March 31, 1997
Games, Helen, 88, Elizabeth-
town, Pa., Jan. 28, 1997
Good, Pauline M., 77, Way-
nesboro, Pa., March 25,
1997
Graver, Frank. 83, Lancaster,
Pa.. Ian. 18, 1997
Griffith, Marie R., 81.Car-
leton, .Neb., March 25,
1997
Groft, Catherine, 89,
Hanover, Pa., April 12,
1997
Hackman, Mildred, 87, Eliza-
bethtown. Pa., Jan. 2 1 ,
1997
Harshbarger, Patience, 97,
Harrisonburg, Pa., May 4,
1997
Hosteller, Retha, 69, Walker-
ton. Ind., Feb. 28, 1997
Hoover, Galen. 69. Bradford.
Ohio, Jan. 2, 1996
Hunt, John M., 73, John-
stown. Pa.. March 16. 1997
Hunter, Roxie V, 97, Bridge-
water, Va., April 14, 1997
Ingles, Pearl, 77. Rockford,
111., April 17, 1997
Jones, Quince, 87, Martins-
ville, Va.. Feb. 15, 1997
Kauffman, Ruth, 81, Freeport,
Mich., May 9, 1997
Keefer, Darlene, 56, Mercers-
burg, Pa., March 21, 1997
Kimrael, Evelyn, 83, Shelocta,
Pa., April 10, 1997
Kohne, Ervie C, 77, Baker, W.
Va., March 29, 1997
Lausch, lean M., 74, Lan-
caster, Pa., Ian. 18, 1997
Lehman. Kim C. 44. Lan-
caster, Pa., Ian. II, 1997
Lewis, Kennedy E., 32, Har-
risonburg, Va., April 10,
1997
Lindamood, Roger L., 52,
Princeton, W. Va., April I,
1997
Longenecker, Anna E., 99,
Mount loy. Pa., Jan. 5,
1997
Meyers, Janet L., 78, Bridge-
water, Va., April 2. 1997
Miller, Dale V. 52. Browns-
dale, Minn., March 19,
1997
Minnich, Vera L., 82, Lan-
caster, Pa.. Jan. 15. 1997
Mohler, John P.. 96. Lan-
caster. Pa., Feb. 20, 1997
Morral, Janet E., 41. Dayton,
Va., April 15, 1997
Mumaw, Amos, 85, Ashland,
Ohio. March 29. 1997
Naff, Herman C. 80,
Roanoke, Va., March 6,
1997
Ober, D. Kenneth, 63, Eliza-
bethtown, Pa., Nov. 7, 1996
Paris, Dortha J., 92, Water-
loo, Iowa, March 26, 1997
Pence. Marie O., 102, La
Verne, Calif., March 4,
1997
Peterson, Beulah B., 84,
Waterloo, Iowa, March 20.
1997
Plunkett. Galen P., Roanoke,
Va., Feb. 2, 1997
Proctor, Ruth, 97. Bridgewa-
ter, Va., Feb. 8, 1997
Sencindiver. Ruth V, 96, Har-
risonburg, Va., March 25,
1997
Shank, Grace, 80, Lancaster,
Pa., March 2, 1997
Ratliff, Qlin G., 75, Brandy-
wine, W. Va., April 9, 1997
Rhodes, Nellie M., 83, Mar-
tinsburg. Pa., Feb. 10. 1997
Rigney, Mary L., 82, Penhook,
Va.. April 29, 1997
Robertson, Ruby G,. 75. Mar-
tinsville, Va., Feb. 9. 1997
Rotz, Clarence, 77, Fort
Loudon. Pa., Feb. 28. 1997
Sager, Frances E., 77, Har-
risonburg, Va., April 4,
1997
Salmons, Edna E., 82, Mar-
tinsville, Va., April 25, 1997
Shearer, Leon. 90, Hanover,
Pa., Feb. 3, 1997
Showalter, Susan C, 80, Har-
risonburg, Va., March 20,
1997
Smith, Hazel J.. 86. Harrison-
burg, Va.. March 6. 1997
Stutzman, Earl. 88. Hollsap-
ple, Pa., April 15. 1997
Taylor, Erma, 79, Copemish,
Mich.. Feb. 11, 1997
Thorne, William, 89, Martins-
burg, W. Va., March 21,
1997
Thomas, Nettie, 86, Warrens-
burg, Mo.. April 12, 1997
Throne, Feme C. 89, Cleve-
land. Ohio, April 9, 1997
Truax, Harry, 81, Walkerton,
Ind., Feb. 11, 1997
Walker, Ivan, 84. Hershey, Pa.,
Ian. 15. 1997
Wenger, Jay I., 68. Lancaster.
Pa.. Feb. 24, 1997
Wenger, John H., 86, Eliza-
bethtown. Pa., Jan. 29,
1997
Wiele, Sherril. 69, Lena, HI.,
May 8, 1997
Williams, Stanley, 85, Sigour-
ney. Iowa. Oct. 16, 1996
Wright, Mary C. 93. Win-
chester. Va., April 1, 1997
Wright, Rayford E., 93, Win-
chester. Va., Sept. 3, 1996
Wolf, Leona G., 85. Stevens,
Pa., Feb. 7. 1997
Zimmerman, Donald, 90.
Dixon. 111.. April 26. 1997
Zimmerman, Virginia I., 76,
Ligonier, Pa.. March I 1.
1997
Zook, J. Herbert, 89, Quincy,
Pa., Ian. 4, 1997
July 1997 Messenger 31
Finding help in a hymnal
Truth is, what I
read in the pew
was likely more
edifyifjg than
In preparation for writing a short summary of the
Snow Hill Society (page 1 1), I did my usual thing,
reading far beyond the bounds of necessary back-
grounding, succumbing to the curiosity of a history buff.
Reading about the unusual singing at Snow Hill led me
to go back and reacquaint myself with the story of musi-
cal accomplishments at the Ephrata Cloister, from which
Snow Hill sprang.
Mind you, 1 know nothing about music, can't play any
instrument, can't read music, and can scarcely carry a
tune. But I enjoy hearing good music. Often I wish I could
have heard the choirs at Ephrata. Unfortunately, even with
the Ephrata music preserved on paper, there is no way to
replicate the sound of it. Attempts are made, but the
authenticity of the sound is forever in doubt. What we
have to go on, otherwise, is only written
accounts by people who heard the music at
the time. They all attest that Ephrata music
was out of this world. "Ethereal" was, in fact,
the word most often used to describe it.
Singing was only one of Ephrata's musi-
cal accomplishments, however. Its founding
leader, Conrad Beissel, and others expressed
themselves by writing hymn texts that were what I blockcd OUt
included in the hymnals their printing press -. , , .
produced. One researcher of Ephrata hym- jrOm the pulplt.
nals wrote, "They yield the thought or
marrow (of the "bones" of the Ephrata structure), thus fur-
nishing to the reader not only facts, but the reasons 'why.'"
The same writer stated, "Among the Germans of
Pennsylvania, a book of hymns was held in almost the
same reverence as the Bible. Often learned by heart, the
hymns provided material for both singing and reading."
I went back and read that line again. It not only
revived a long-dormant memory, but set me to pondering
as well. In church when I was a youngster, the preaching
was not always attention-riveting. Being an avid reader,
and finding that leafing through the hymnal during ser-
mons did not earn me reproof from my parents, I found a
satisfactory distraction from the dronings of the preacher.
Truth is, what I read in the pew was likely more edi-
fying than what 1 blocked out from the pulpit. As I look
back on the development of my understanding of the the-
ology upon which my faith is based, I have to make a
confession — a confession paralleling a profession of my
spiritual forebears at the Ephrata Cloister: The hymnal
"was held in almost the same reverence as the Bible."
In the midst of my pondering, I went off to chapel
here at the General Offices the other day and was pleased
to find the hymn for the day was "Immortal Love, For-
ever Full," the text for which is poetry by John Greenleaf
Whittier (see "Snowbound with Whittier," December
1 992) . That hymn was just one example of the treasures
I fondled when I was a boy in church.
I was a schoolboy the rest of the week, and poetry
was beginning to speak to me. The good old hymns,
poetry in themselves, took the great truths and stories of
scripture and made them impressive and memorable for
me. One verse of the Whittier hymn ran:
"The healing of his seamless dress
Is by our beds of pain;
We touch him in life's throng and press
And we are whole again."
Clever boy that 1 was, I figured out that the "seamless
dress" alluded to )esus' tunic for which the Roman soldiers
who crucified him cast lots (John 19:23).
Further, the whole verse alluded to the story
of the woman who barely touched Jesus'
clothes in the press of a crowd, and yet was .
healed (Matt. 9:20, Mark 5:27, and Luke
8:44). Whittier's words have been tampered;
with in the 1 992 Hymnal, but the scriptural
allusions of that verse are still intact.
In my boyhood leafing through the hym-
nal and pondering of the words, 1 learned
much about the nature of God from poetic
outbursts such as "Immortal, Invisible, God
Only Wise" and "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee." Faith and
assurance were buttressed by the imagery of "How Firm a
Foundation" and "'Tis not With Eyes of Flesh We See." Chal-
lenges to a life of service were provided by "Awake, Awake to
Love and Work" and "O Brother Man" (Whittier again) .
n;
ow my conscience is free, having confessed the
apostasy of having relied (and of still relying) on
the words of the great hymns of the church for
my spiritual nurturing.
As we assemble for Annual Conference at Long
Beach, I am wondering if last year's post-Conference
grumbling about the quality of the hymns and songs used
in Cincinnati will have affected the choices for Long
Beach. Will more of the familiar old hymns be included,
or more of the happy-clappy numbers that set toes to
tapping for some and teeth to grinding for others last
year? As we continue to acculturate, the tension grows
between the preserving of hymns that better express who
we have been as Brethren and the adopting of singing
calculated to "meet the needs" of the spiritually home-
less, wandering in the marketplace.
I may take along to evening worship the old hymnal
of my boyhood, just in case I need distraction. — K.T
32 Messenger July 1997
ne Bretnren Homes of tne Atlantic Nortneast District.
Freedom To Live Your Lire On Your Terms.
t=I
Your lire, your dreams, your
hopes, your nome. These are hre's
important things. The retirement
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accomodations to suit your iirestyie
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or Pennsylvania, with easy access
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vacation sights, shopping centers
and tourist attractions.
MEMBERS OF:
• Pennsylvania Association or Non-Profit
Homes for tke Aging (PANPHA)
• American Association ot Homes ana
Services for the Aging (AAHSA)
m
K^utiny ('/ Linmtiilmcnt
3001 Lititz Pike
P.O. Box 6093
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 569-2657
Lebanon \klley
Brethren Home
1200 GruLb Street
Palmyra, PA 17078
(717) 838-5406
fe:
Peter
Becker
Community
SOO Maple Avenue
Harleysville, PA 1943S
(215) 256-9501
McPhersoR
College
"Faith & Heritage"
A Narrative and Theological History ^
the Church of the Brethren
• Dr. Donald Durnbaugh, Distinguished
Church History Professor; Moderator and
Active Church Member; Author, Reviewer,
Editor of the "Brethren Encyclopedia"
• Rev. Jeffrey Bach, Assistant Professor of
Brethren Studies at Bethany Theological
Seminary; Scholar, Duke University
From left: Rev Jeffrey Bach; Rev, Don Booz, pastor of the McPherson
Church of the Brethren: Dr. Donald Durnbaugh; Dr. Susan Taylor,
iiSSlSiiiBS^BfiifeliiitMiiiiiiMmiiiiiiiliiiiiiiii Hiimnin
'Historians Don Durnbaugh and Jeff Bach not only offer or
engaging refresher course in Brethren heritage, they inspire
listeners to a renewed hope for the denomination."
am
SKtl
A set of videotapes offering an in-depth l•evie^^
of Church of the Brethren beliefs and practice;
from its founding to the present day
The three VHS tapes document the tv/o-day conference held on
March 7-8, 1 997, at McPherson College —
Conference Opening Address by Dr. Gary Dill,
President of McPherson College
The First Century - Alexander Mack Jr., Conrad Beissel, early
emigration, the role of baptism, the value of marriage and
pacifism
The Second Century - Sarah Righter Major, western migration,
Brethren publications, annual meetings, the love feast
The Third Century - M.R. Zigler, church organization, worldwide
relief and foreign missions, education for ministry
The Church of the Brethren and higher education (panel discussion)
Faith & Heritage Videotape Order Form
Name
Address, City, ST ZIP
Qty.
Set(s) of videocassettes @ $30 =
(includes postage — make checks payable to McPherson College)
Please clip and return to Development Department, McPherson College, PO. Box 1402, McPherson, KS 67460.
For more information, call 3 1 6/24 i -073 1 , ext. I 1 26.
Church of the Brethren August/September 1 997
-Sk. N
U
L
'% 'k
iOW MUCH
TO eELKBRATE? - .
Editor: Kermon Thomasson
Managing Editor: Nevin Dulabaum
Subscriptions: Vicl<i Roche
Promotion: Howard E. Royer
Study Guide Writer: Willard Dulabaum
Publisher: Wendy McFadden
On the cover:
Okay, so the
fireworks were
for the Fourth of July. But
for the Brethren at Long
Beach, it wasn't so clear
how much celebrating was
in order. The New Design
was accepted, but would
its implementation solve
basic problems?
Features
10 Remembering the 'Middle Man':
Celebrating John Kline's 200th
birthday
Nevin Dulabaum reports that for the
throngs who attended lohn Kline's 200th
birthday party, it was somewhat as if the
guest of honor were still around.
14 Long Beach '97:
Dealing with a design
The Messenger staff and others report on
Annual Conference in Long Beach, Calif.,
where the New Design of the General
Board dominated the meeting agenda.
Photography by leff Leard.
34 Life is forever
Chalmer E. Faw writes that believing in
|ohn 3:16 makes all the difference in the
world for Christians.
Departments
1
From the Editor
2
In Touch
4
Close to Home
6
News
9
In Brief
32
Editorial
33
Stepping Stones
35
Pontius' Puddle
38
Letters
40
Turning Points
I
How to reach us
Messenger
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E-mail: CoBNews@AOL.Com
Fax: (847) 742-6103
Phone: (847) 742-5100
(800) 323-8039
Subscription rates:
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$10.50 gift subscriptions
Student rate 75c per month
If you move, clip address label
and send with new address to
Messenger Subscriptions, at
the above address. Allow at least
five weeks for address change.
Coming next month
Some different ways to start
new churches.
District Messenger representatives: Atl, N.E,, Ron
Lutz; Atl. S.E., Ruby Rajmer; III.AVi.s., Kreston Lipscomb;
S/C Ind.. Marjorie Miller; Mich., Ken Good; Mid-Atl.,
Ann Fouts; Mo. /Ark., Luci Landes; N. Plains, Faith
Strom; N. Ohio, Alice L. Driver; S. Ohio, Jack Kline;
Ore./Wash., Marguerite Shamberger; Pac, S.W., Randy
Miller; M. Pa., Eva Wampler; S. Pa., Elmer Q. Gleini;
W Pa., Jay Christner; Shen., Tim Harvey; S.E., Donna
Shumate; S. Plains, Mary Ann Dell; Viriina, Jerry Naff;
W Plains, Dean Humnier; W Marva, \CTnoma Sputgeon.
Messenger is the official publication of the 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. Member of the Associated
Church Press. Subscriber to Religion News Service
& Ecumenical Press Service. Biblical quotations,
unless otherwise indicated, are from the New Revised
Standard Version. Messenger is owned and published
11 times a year by the General Services Commission,
Church of the Brethren General Board. Second-class
postage paid at Elgin, III., and at additional mailing
office, August 1997, Copyright 1997, Church of the
Brethren General Board, ISSN 0026-0355.
Postmaster; Send address changes to Messenger,
1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
With Brethren Volunteer Service getting set to celebrate
its 50th anniversary, it figures that a "Planned Giving"
breakfast at Annua! Conference is going to pull in a crowd
with lots of veterans from the early years of BVS as guests. At the
1997 event in Long Beach, one veteran from those early years was
there as the guest speaker. And several of his old BVS buddies were
on hand to hear him and to greet him. Don Murray entered BVS in
1952, four years after its founding.
Brethren are generally aware of
Don's story, how, being a conscientious
objector to war, he interrupted his acting
career to enter Alternative Service through
BVS, served in Europe, and returned
home to found a service project to aid
in resettling refugees like those he had
worked among. And he successfully pur-
sued his acting career in plays, films,
and television. He is still busy at age 68.
As Don retold the story of his BVS
stint and life afterward, one episode
came out that had not been clear to
me before. Don told how he — and
BVS — had a part in the formation of
the Peace Corps. During the political campaign of
1956, Don, a Democrat, was assigned to introduce
Estes Kefauver, the vice-presidential candidate, at a
political rally. Kefauver had not shown up by speech
time, and Don, to his surprise, was asked to ad lib a
speech to fill the gap. Unprepared, Don talked about
the subject he knew best — Brethren Volunteer Ser-
vice. Hubert Humphrey was at the rally and heard Don's speech.
He did not forget it. A few years later, Humphrey was still talking
about the idea of a national service program for youth. He bent the
ear of President John F. Kennedy, and the rest is history.
It is unlikely that many stories with implications as far-reaching
as Don Murray's part in Peace Corps beginnings will surface during
the BVS 50th anniversary celebration. But the BVS staff is inviting
all former BVSers to submit their stories as part of the celebration.
So, dust off those stories you've told so often, BVSers, and send
them to the BVS Office, at 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
Maybe you didn't precipitate the founding of the Peace Corps, but
your service and witness counted too.
Former BVSer Don Murray,
speaking at the Planned
Giving Breakfast at Annual
Conference, told about his
role in the founding of the
Peace Corps.
Printed on recycled paper
August/September 1997 Messenger 1
Ken Morse, 84-year-
old former editor of
Messenger, and a
founder ofAACB.
was presented a gift
of stained glass by the
association 's present
leaders. Ken 's most
recent achievement
was the publication
of his book Preaching
in a Tavern.
Letters to death row
"I love to write letters, and I
hate the death penalty," says
Beth Beery Portela, a mem-
ber of Huntington (Ind.)
Church of the Brethren. Ten
years ago, those feelings
prompted Beth, then a Man-
chester College student, to
begin writing to a man on
death row.
Her interest in prison
ministry had been piqued by
a National Youth Confer-
ence workshop about pris-
ons. The workshop leader
marked the size of a prison
cell on the floor. Beth was
surprised at how many
hours prisoners were con-
fined to such a small space.
In 1987, Beth contacted
the Death Row Support
Project and received the
name of David Spence, on
death row in Texas. Through
corresponding with David,
she became aware of many
injustices facing prisoners.
Another surprise was the
support she received from
David. She had thought she
would be providing support
All award for an AACB founder
Renneth I. Morse, a former editor of Messenger, a poet,
hymn-writer, and the author of several books, is also
one of the founders (1971) of the Association for the Arts in
the Church of the Brethren (AACB) . At the April 1 997 meet-
ing ofAACB coordinators, Delbert Blickenstaff was asked to
make a stained-glass gift using the title of Ken's familiar hymn
"Move in Our Midst." The gift was presented to Ken on April
21 by the coordinators (from left), Delbert and Louise Blick-
enstaff, Carolyn Shumaker, and Margaret Pletcher.
Beth Beery Portela
for him, but it worked both
ways. "David was really
supportive of my studies ■
and things that I was going
through in life."
Beth had a last visit in
Texas with David before his
April 3 execution. When his
obituary appeared in a
newspaper, it included a
poem that he had written for(
her several years ago.
Although David's execu-
tion was a painful experi-
ence for Beth, she asked fori
another prisoner to whom
she could write.
A high school Spanish
teacher, Beth now is writing
to people on death row in In-
diana, Texas, and Florida
who know only Spanish. Of
these letters, Beth says, "I am
reminded of how much this
correspondence means to the
prisoners. The gratitude is
felt on a level that can hardly
be expressed with words."
The Death Row Support
Project is a ministry of the
Washington Office of the
Church of the Brethren.
People who are interested
in writing to prisoners can
contact the Death Row
Support Project at P.O. Box
600, Liberty Mills, IN
46946. — Rachel Gross
Rachel Gross, of Liberty Mills,
bid., serves with the Death Row
Support Project.
2 Messenger August/September 1997
''*'*'»■
m laiE
lack Bragunier not only is a faithful volunteer worker at
Camp Eder. but also serves as a role model for the campers.
Jack of all trades
Karen Rowland, food service director at Southern
Pennsylvania District's Camp Eder, knows what
she's talking about: "The real value of reliable, long-term
volunteers to a church camp is hard to put into words. We
look for volunteers such as Jack Bragunier, who comes
with willingness and ability to fit in, to tackle and com-
plete any job given to him."
[ack, a member of Waynesboro (Pa.) Church of the
Brethren, is that and more. He also serves as a role model
for campers and camp staff, who learn from him valuable
lessons in flexibility, positive attitude, and the Brethren
value of serving others.
Jack has volunteered one day a week at Camp Eder since
1978. He has cut firewood, repaired tents, cooked,
washed dishes, repaired vehicles, and even cleaned the toi-
lets. He feels that volunteering is important, grinning and
saying, "It's what God put into my heart to do, and I just
feel so good when I'm helping at camp."
Curt Rowland, executive director of the camp, always
depends on Jack. "When October comes," he says, "it will
be jack who fires the pits and supervises the preparation
and cooking of the nine 200-pound pigs that will be con-
sumed that day."
Jack's volunteering at camp is just part of his story. On
the side, he helps with the district beef-canning project,
uses vacation time to attend out-of-state workcamps, and
occasionally teaches an adult Sunday school class.
— Alton Good
Alton Good, a member of Chambersburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren,
works in print media with an advertising agency. He is a part-time em-
ployee of Camp Eder
Therapeutic singing
My songs are therapy," says Faith Sheaffer
Thornberry. "Each song has its own story."
Faith is talking in general of the songs she has composed
and sung, but specifically of the 1 3 that are on her cassette,
"Shattered Clay," released early this year.
Music has always been the cornerstone of life for Faith,
who grew up in East Nimishillen Church of the Brethren in
North Canton, Ohio. As a child, she sang there with her fa-
ther and six siblings. Today she often is a soloist for worship
services and leads the bell choir.
Faith works as an adult counselor
and trainer and is studying for a
degree in adult educational coun-
seling. But music is what she
lives for. The selections on her
cassette were each inspired by sig-
nificant events in her life.
"Music helps me say what I
want to say," explains Faith,
"and my church family kept en-
couraging me through the
years to record it for keeps."
The cassette title comes
from Jeremiah 18:3-4: "So I went
down to the potter's house, and there he was working at
his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in
the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel,
as seemed good to him."
Faith's cassette, with instrumentals by a Canton, Ohio,
music team, carries this dedication: "The gift of my music
is dedicated to my loving family and friends who have been
'assistant potters.' May I become what you all see in me."
Shattered clay takes on a new form, as seems good
to the potter.
Names in the news
Ron Mclnnis and |osh
Mclnnis, father and son,
and members of Christ the
Servant Church of the
Brethren in Cape Coral,
Fla., won dual honors in lo-
cal education circles this
spring. Ron was named
Teacher of the Year by Cape
Coral Chamber of Com-
merce, and Josh was named
Student of the Year at
Trafalgar Middle School.
• LaVon Rupel, a
member of Modesto
(Calif.) Church of the
Brethren, was named to
the Order of the Pacific by
the University of the Pa-
cific at its May 23 com-
mencement in Stockton.
She retired in May after
20 years of service with
the university's counseling
center. She had been di-
rector since 1990.
"In Touch" profiles Brethren we would
like you to meet. Send story ideas and
photos to "In Touch, "Messenger,
1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin. IL 60120.
August/September 1997 Messenger 3
to
A giant billboard is
central to Community
church's campaign to
make itself more
visible in Mesa, Ariz.
Will it pay to advertise?
Community Church of the Brethren in Mesa, Ariz.,
has set its lamp on a stand, so to speak. Recently it
rented a local billboard for $500 a month, displaying on it
an invitation to join the congregation in "continuing the
work of lesus."
Part of the bargain is that the second side of the bill-
board may be used for free until another renter is found.
Art for the huge sign cost $600.
Continuing the work of advertising, flyers are being pro-
duced with the billboard sign as cover art and text from
Church of the Brethren: Another Way of Living on the back
side. The flyer is designed for folding and mailing. Church
of the Brethren logo postcards and bumper stickers are
also being produced. In case all this is not enough, four
new signs have been erected at the church intersection.
They also carry the logo. And there is newspaper advertis-
ing planned, as well.
Acknowledging that the cost of all this is one-fifth of the
congregation's annual budget. Community church calls its
advertising blitz a leap of faith.
One thing's for sure: You can't drive
through Mesa, Ariz., these days
and miss the Church of
the Brethren.
lOlNfe"W',T
A successful drive
Harrisburg (Pa.) First
Church of the Brethren, a
century-old congregation,
has completed a 12-week
fund drive that raised
$352, 138 for improving its
building and grounds. Plans
call for repairing and
expanding air-conditioning
and parking lots, installing
an "elevette," and renovat-
ing sidewalks and outside
stairs. The fund drive car-
ried the theme "Sharing . . .
Serving . . . into our Second
Century."
Let's celebrate
The University of La Verne«!f|
marked the 40th anniversar
of its Summer Service pro-
gram May 7. At the celebra-
tion tea, 15 1997 Summer
Service participants were in
troduced. Summer Service
was created in 1 957 to providei
an opportunity for students tc
perform church-related service
and develop leadership skills.
• McFarland (Calif.)
Church of the Brethren held
an 85th anniversary celebra-
tion April 13. More celebrat
ing will take place through-
out the year, with former
pastors returning to preach.
• Piqua (Ohio) Church o{\
the Brethren celebrated its
70th anniversary April 27 with
a program called "Reflections
of the Past." Included was
preaching, reminiscing, and
music by a special choir.
• Concord (N.C.) Fel-
lowship held a chartering
service May 18. Bob Ketter-
ing, director of Church De-
velopment, was the speaker.
• Shalom Fellowship in
Durham, N.C, dedicated its
newly acquired and remod-
eled building |uly 27. Much
use was made of volunteers
in the remodeling work.
• Danville (Va.) Em-
manuel Church of the
Brethren marked its 35th an-
niversary May 18. Preach-
ing, singing, and eating
highlighted the celebration.
• On Aug. 1 7, Onekama
(Mich.) Church of the
Brethren is celebrating the
50th anniversary of its pre-
sent building, which replaced
a church that burned in
1947. Besides a rededication
service and an anniversary
meal, there were to be boat
rides on Portage Lake.
4 Messenger August/September 1997
)oing their bit for Dan
Thousands of volleys have
rossed the net since the
hunger Action Committee
it Ridgeway Church of the
brethren in Harrisburg, Pa.,
nitiated its volleyball mara-
hon in 1977. The annual
■vent raises money for Heifer
'rojcct International (HPI).
;\t the beginning, youth
rum neighboring congrega-
ions were invited to secure
jledges and to play in a 24-
lour tournament. Parents
ind other church members
lelped with scheduling, ref-
;reeing, preparing food,
jnd cleaning up.
Because each church col-
ected and forwarded its
pledge money, the total
amount sent to HPI over
the years is not known. The
record dollar amount of
pledges, however, was set
in 1990: $9,092.78.
Some years there has
been television coverage.
Some years a 12-foot cow
figure on the grounds has
advertised the event.
Eligibility rules have
changed. Twenty-four hours
have been reduced to 1 2.
Both day and night
marathons have been tried.
In 1996, only four teams
participated. The grown-ups
wanted to shorten the event;
the youth insisted on playing
the entire 12 hours. The
congregation has debated
dropping the project. But
still the marathon goes on.
Trophies are awarded to
the team with the highest
pledge amount and to the
tournament winner. But
everyone shares in the fel-
lowship and in the satisfac-
tion of helping speed Dan
West's heifers on their way.
Adapted from a report by Evelyn M.
Frantz of the Ridgeway congregation.
Getting their feet wet
As a preview of what's in
store when one becomes a
baptized member of the
church, Everett (Pa.) Church
of the Brethren held a simu-
lated love feast, communion,
and feetwashing for its chil-
dren while adult members
conducted their own.
Amy Collins washed the feet of Kevin Claycomb during
Everett church's love feast, communion, and feetwashing
staged just for the children of the congregation.
When the children at Carlisle decided to grow their own
garden produce for donation to needy people in the
community, they chose what to plant and sowed the seeds.
Some children went out to sow
Sunday school teacher Laura Plumley of Carlisle (Pa.)
First Church of the Brethren had an idea: Have her
third-graders join the fight against hunger in the commu-
nity by planting a garden.
The idea caught on. One Sunday this past spring, more
than 50 people showed up to help the children sow their
seed and set out plants — vegetables such as tomatoes,
broccoli, lettuce, peppers, and carrots. The garden is by
the church.
Teacher lane Nehring wrote a 13 -week curriculum
based on the parable of the sower to accompany the pro-
ject. By design, the project involved older members of the
congregation helping the children. Said |ane after the
intergenerational group had set out the garden, "The pur-
pose is to give the kids a sense that even though they are
little, they can do big things."
Twenty-two children met
in the basement during the
adults' observance upstairs.
Adult helpers explained and
stressed the significance of
what the children were
about to experience, then
led them through feetwash-
ing and communion, and
followed with love feast.
"We want our children to
know and love |esus," said
Children's Worship director
Carla Crabtree. "This was a
way the children could par-
ticipate in a way they un-
derstood."
Helper Jean Sunday ex-
plained the rationale: "If the
meaning and practice of love
feast is taught from the little
ones up, then when they are
older, they will be more
likely to attend because they
will be comfortable with it."
Pastor John Click added,
"When I was growing up,
love feast was not an occa-
sion in which children could
fully participate. That does-
n't feel consistent with le-
sus' words, 'Let the children
come to me.'"
So, in a sense the chil-
dren's service is Everett's
invitation: Come to lesus.
Adapted from a report submitted
by Delia Waiters, a member of the
Everett congregation.
"Close to Home" highlights news of
congregations, disti^cts, colleges, homes,
and other local and regional life. Send
story ideas and photos to "Close to
Home, "Messenger, 1451 Dundee
Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
August/September 1997 Messenger 5
N
SueZann Bosler,
an ardent opponent
of the death penalty,
addressed Annual
Conference attendees
in 1988 in St. Louis,
following the murder
of her father
News items are intended to inform. They do not
necessarily represent the opinions o/^Messenger
or the General Board, and should not be considered
to be an endorsement or advertisement.
Bosler's murderer receives
sentence of life in prison
James Campbell, convicted of the
1986 murder of Bill Bosler, pastor of
Miami First Church of the Brethren,
and for the attack on Bill's daughter
SueZann, on June 13 had his sentence
commuted from death to
life in prison. It was
Campbell's third sentenc-
ing hearing as the Florida
Supreme Court had twice
overturned his death sen-
tence (but not the convic-
tion).
SueZann Bosler was
called to testify at this
latest hearing. Since her
father's death, she has
actively voiced her oppo-
sition to the death pen-
alty, working with Mur-
der Victim's Families for
Reconciliation (MVFR).
During the hearing
SueZann was prevented
from expressing her opinions in court
because of a Florida law that pro-
hibits victims from testifying with re-
gard to the punishment of a crime.
However, when asked during her tes-
timony where she works, SueZann
mentioned MVFR in her response.
For that she received a warning and a
threat of six months in jail.
According to the Miami Herald, the
judge invited SueZann to speak after
the jury's 8-4 decision was announced.
"Thank you for giving life and not
death to James Bernard Campbell,"
she said. "I'm so overwhelmed....
This is the happiest moment of the
last 10 '/i years for me. I have work-
ed hard for his life to be spared. Now
I can go on with my life."
SueZann was nearly killed by
Campbell. Yet, as she has addressed
audiences nationwide on behalf of
MVFR, she has carried a Bible en-
graved with Campbell's name. She
had asked people to sign it for
Campbell, and on June 14 finally
presented it to his attorney. She also
was told that Campbell now intends
to let her visit him in prison.
General Board okays SERRV
study; '98 budget parameter;
The General Board convened just prio
to Annual Conference for its summer
meetings. In addition to addressing
components of its New Design (see
pages 20-21), the Board:
• approved a report by the SERRV
International Advisory Committee thaj
calls for the exploration of the pros,
cons, and feasibility of SERRV incor-
porating as a separate institution.
• approved a proposal from its
Leadership Team for a $150,000
reduction to its 1998 budget parame-
ter, down to $4,850,000 (plus
$135,000 in "Behold I make all things
new" financial commitment funds).
• approved a resolution calling for
the closing of the School of the Amer-
icas, a military school in Georgia.
The Board also heard that the com-
mittee assembled to help select the fu-
ture site of the Board's central offices,
was expected to convene for the first
time following Annual Conference.
That committee is expected to present
a proposal to the Board next March.
Consultation to discuss the
future of women's programs
The future of Church of the Brethren
women's programs will be the focus
of the National Women's Council of
the Church of the Brethren consulta-
tion, Sept. 12-14, at Northview
Church of the Brethren, Indianapolis.
As part of its redesign, the General
Board has reduced its funding for
national women's ministries. Thus,
women from each district are invited
to the consultation to discuss future
program possibilities.
For more information, contact
Cynthia Mason at (814) 466-6101.
6 Messenger August/September 1997
Bethany Theological Seminary awarded degrees to 14 students during its
commencement exercises in May. Graduates included (front row, left to
right): Nancy Fitzsimons, Nancy Moore, Robert Coarsen, Sheila
Shumaker, Eric Anspaugh, and Tricia Sadd. (Back row): Nancy Heisey
Hess. Allen Kahler, Walter Fitzsimons, Kenneth Oren, Steven Spire, and
Robert Bitner
Andrew Center to become
'New Life Ministries'
The future of The Andrew Center,
the Church of the Brethren General
Board's evangelism ministry, was the
focus of a meeting between its ad-
ministrators and ecumenical part-
ners, May 30-31, in Chicago.
Twenty people from seven Anabap-
tist denominations and church
groups proposed creating a new or-
ganization called "New Life Min-
istries," which will succeed The An-
drew Center.
The General Board's financial sup-
port of the center is scheduled to
cease Dec. 31 due to the Board's re-
idesign. However, the Board will still
retain the center's name.
Possibilities for the future include
establishing a satellite office in Can-
ada; planning regional New Life As-
semblies, seminars and training
events; adding church planting to the
center's focus of evangelism and
church vitality; replacing the "New
Beginnings" newsletter with a one-
page monthly mailing; outsourcing
published materials to LifeQuest
(Christian Community) and to the
Shalom Foundation (publishers of
"Together"); and establishing a site
on the World Wide Web.
This fall participating organiza-
tions will seek support from their re-
spective boards to help raise the
$ 1 20,000 needed for a "bare-bones
budget," according to an Andrew
Center press release.
General Board terminations
from March take effect
The terminations announced in
March by the General Board as part
of its redesign began )uly 18. Con-
cluding their employment that day
were Marianna Barriga, Martha
Cupp, Joe Mason, Dale Minnich, Jan
Morse, Marge Moeller, Barb Ober,
Roberta Rosser, Robert Smith, Linda
Swanson, and Paula Wilding.
Messenger editor Kermon
Thomasson, whose employment ter-
mination had been scheduled for )uly
25, accepted an invitation from the
General Board's Transition Team to
continue serving. He plans to retire
at year's end.
Also receiving extensions were |une
Gibble and Jean Hendricks (August
18), |an Eller and |im Kinsey (Oct.
15), and Shantilal Bhagat, Ron
Finney, |ohn Harvey, and Cynthia
Stocksdale (not yet determined).
'Global villages' featured at
International Festival in May
A "village" from Africa, the Ameri-
cas, and Southeast Asia was the focal
point of the Seventh Annual Interna-
tional Festival, May 10, at the
Brethren Service Center, New Wind-
sor, Md. More than 3,000 people at-
tended the gathering, which featured
entertainment, crafts, and cuisine.
Featured performers during the
festival included World Dance Focus,
a music and dance troupe focusing
on Africa; Tanghalang, a Filipino
dance group; a Caribbean steel drum
band; and a group of doggers from
Carroll County, Md.
Featured SERRV artisans included
artisan Conrado Conjeloado, who
makes capiz from clam shells;
Chippewa who make crafts from
birchbark; and Candles of Hope, a
North Carolina women's group that
rolls beeswax candles.
While it is doubtful this headgear
came with ice cream cone-eating
instructions, this International
Festival participant, nevertheless,
appears to be doing just fine.
August/September 1997 Messenger 7
Over 200 'wade on in' to this
year's 'Dancing' conference
"Wade on In: Dancing at the Water's
Edge" served as theme of the third
annual "Dancing at the . . . . " event,
sponsored by Womaen's Caucus and
Brethren Mennonite Council for Gay
and Lesbian Concerns.
According to a Womaen's Caucus
release, this year's gathering, which
drew over 200 people, "emphasized
drawing closer together while cele-
brating diversity." It was held |une
28-30, just prior to Annual Confer-
ence, at La Verne (Calif.) Church of
the Brethren and at the University of
La Verne.
Activities included worship services,
concerts, a theater performance ex-
ploring issues of sexuality and accep-
tance, and afternoon conversation
circles. Topics of discussion included
"Responding to Denominational Si-
lencing;" "Supportive Congregations
Network;" "Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual,
and Still Christian;" "Struggling to
Survive: Women and the Church;"
"Church of the Brethren Restructur-
ing Implications;" and "Envisioning a
New Future for the Church."
Andy Loomis of Washington, D.C.,
listens while Ken Rieman of
Richmond, Ind., makes a point
regarding the General Board's New
Design during a "Wade on In"
session. This session was one of
several "conversation circles" that
dealt with a variety of topics during
the three-day event in June.
Gilbert Romero, pastor of Bella Vista Church of the Brethren. Los Angeles,
delivers a short Bible lesson to some of the 200 children and youth of
Tijuana, Mexico, who attend Centra Infantil Shalom three times a week. In
June this program received a $5,000 grant from the Global Food Crisis
Fund, through Companeros en Ministerio (Partners in Ministry), for food
for single mothers and street children. Also in lune $10,000 from GFCF
was granted to The Wilderness of Anosino Project in Russia for agricultural
and dairy development programs. $1 ,000 was allocated by Emergency
Disaster Fund to help provide sanitary household furnishings for 1,600
houses in Modesto, Calif, that were flooded with contaminated water.
Directors named to Young
Center, Leadership Team
Directors to Elizabethtown (Pa.)
College's Young Center and to the
General Board's Leadership Team
were announced in early summer.
David Eller will begin work as di-
rector of Elizabethtown College's
Young Center for the Study of An-
abaptist and Pietist Groups, on Aug.
1 5. A member of Green Tree Church
of the Brethren, Oaks, Pa., Eller will
also serve as professor of history and
religious studies.
He previously served as executive
director of Swedenborg Foundation,
West Chester, Pa.
Allen Hansel! was hired as director
of Ministry, effective Oct. 16. Han-
sell has served as executive of Atlan-
tic Northeast District since 1989.
Hansell has pastored three Church
of the Brethren congregations —
Mountville (Pa.), Wilmington (Del.),
and Hagerstown (Md.).
David Radcliff was hired as director
of Brethren Witness, effective |uly 5.
Radcliff has served the General Board l
since 1989 as director of Denomina-
tional Peace Witness. Since 1990 he
also has served as director of Korean
Ministry.
Prior to joining the General Board
staff, Radcliff served the pastorates of
Pleasant View Church
of the Brethren,
Burkittsville, Md.;
Williamson Road
Church of the \f^llk^^
Brethren, Roanoke,
Va.; and Midland
(Va.) Church of the
Brethren.
Allen Hansell
David Radcliff
8 Messenger August/September 1997
Ill lirief
lAfrican-American Church of the Brethren ministry students
are encouraged to apply for the William A. Hayes IVIemorial
Scholarship. Created in memory of the former Annual Confer-
ence moderator, the scholarship provides $500 per year. For
more information, call the Office of Ministry at (800) 323-8039.
:Over 880 children were cared for by 21 Cooperative Disaster
Child Care workers on site in Grand Forks, N.D., May 28— June
27. Working the first shift w/ere Karen Walters, who served as
CDCC Disaster Project Manager, of Phoenix (Ariz.) First Church of
the Brethren; Frances Sproat of Messiah Church of the Brethren,
Kansas City, Mo.; Sally Caracheo of Highland Avenue Church of
the Brethren, Elgin, III.; and Julie Sword of Lanark (III.) Church of
the Brethren. Joining the project while in progress, all from Iowa,
were Pauline Flory of Cedar Rapids; Carolyn Waters of Waterloo;
and John and Lorna Grow of Dallas Center.
Five CDCC workers, including Millie Smith of Mount Morris
(III.) Church of the Brethren, assisted the Federal Emergency
Management Agency in East Grand Forks, Minn., May 8-23,
caring for 286 children.
Two new Brethren books have been released this summer.
The Story Behind the Touch of the Master's Hand is an illustrated
version of the well-known poem,
plus the story of the
poet, Myra Brooks
Welch. The book is
written by Wendy
McFadden and includes
photos by Phil Grout.
Preaching in a Tavern, by
Ken Morse, is a collec-
tion of 130 anecdotes
from Brethren history. To order either
book, contact Brethren Press at (800) 441-
3712 or at Brethren. Press. parti@Ecunet. Org.
Learning first-hand of the tensions in the IVIiddle East
and the tenuous ongoing peace process will be possible Nov.
1 7— Dec. 1 through a "For the Peace of Jerusalem" tour. Partici-
pants will meet with Muslims, Jews, and Christians in Jerusalem,
as well as visit historic sites.
David Metzler, professor emeritus from Bridgewater (Va.) Col-
lege, will lead the tour, which is sponsored by the General
Board's Global Mission Partnerships with assistance from the
Middle East Council of Churches, Call (800) 323-8039, ext. 230.
More than 50 Brethren attended Brethren Revival Fellowship's
first annual meeting held west of the Mississippi, June 29, at Lind-
say (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. "BRF Goals for Renewal in the
Church of the Brethren" was the meeting's theme, which featured
two keynote addresses. Harold Martin, BRF Witness editor, spoke
on "BRF: Past and Present," while Jim Myer, BRF leader, spoke on
"BRF and Revival in the Church of the Brethren."
Youth Peace Travel Team '97 members
are {clocicwise, from lower left)
Jessica Lehman, Nathan Mussleman.
Mil<e Brinkmeier, and Jackie Hartley.
During its business meeting, Myer and Samuel Cassel, mem-
bers of White Oak Church of the Brethren, near Penryn, Pa., were
elected to terms on the BRF steering committee.
The 1997 Youth Peace Travel Team completed its training in
early June in Virginia. The team attended the John Kline bicen-
tennial celebration and then started its task of visiting Brethren
camps, which it will
continue through
August. Its focus is
on peace education
and empowerment
with youth. Team
members are Mike
Brinkmeier, Pearl
City, III.; Jackie
Hartley, Lewistown,
Pa.; Jessica Leh-
man, Elgin, II!.; and
Nathan Musselman,
Roanoke, Va.
This seven-year-
old ministry is
sponsored by four
General Board min-
istries: Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Brethren Witness, On
Earth Peace Assembly, and Outdoor Ministries.
More than 840 cases of beef arrived in North Korea on June
7, courtesy of the annual beef-canning project of Mid-Atlantic
and Southern Pennsylvania districts. "The beef was eagerly antic-
ipated by the Korean Christian Federation— the council of
churches in North Korea— which will be responsible for oversee-
ing its distribution," said David Radcliff, director of the General
Board's Brethren Witness ministry. "The beef arrived amid warn-
ings from the United Nations of some five million of North Korea's
23 million people being at risk of starvation this summer."
Meanwhile, donations to the General Board's North Korea Seed
Appeal have exceeded $95,000. The goal, set in March, was
$75,000. Radcliff estimated that the funds will provide two
months worth of grain rations for 300,000 families. Funds above
the goal will be used for other GFCF grants to North Korea.
A donation of land to On Earth Peace Assembly in June
and its subsequent sale will assist OEPAs operating budget until
2007. According to Tom Hurst, OEPA director, the parcel of land
was donated to the organization by Earl Weygandt, member of
Washington (D.C.) City Church of the Brethren and former OEPA
board treasurer, and the Weygandt family trust. Weygandt then
helped locate a buyer, who will purchase the property over the
next decade, paying about $2,500 each month.
"My interest has always been in making a major gift to OEPA's
Zigler Endowment that will help ensure continuation of the Church
of the Brethren peace witness through OEPA," Weygandt said.
August/September 1997 Messenger 9
Back in time. About 500
Church of the Brethren
and Old German
Baptist Brethren mem-
bers gathered Sunday
morning at tlie John
Kline bicentennial
celebration for an Old
Order service, held in
Linville Creek congre-
gation's natural sink-
hole amphitheater
Story and photos
BY Nevin Dulabaum
Those who spent time with Elder John
Kline, it has been said, were enriched in
mind, body, and soul. In his nearly 67
years, the Broadway, Va., preacher and
physician — best known to more than a gen-
eration of Brethren through a Brethren Press
book as the "Middle Man," and immortalized
by an Andy and Terry Murray song — trav-
eled an estimated 100,000 miles north and
south, challenging people intellectually,
treating their physical ailments, and helping
to save their souls.
It was, thus, fitting that the more than
1,300 people who celebrated Kline's 200th
birthday )une 13-15 at Kline's church —
Linville Creek Church of the Brethren —
Kline's farmhouse, Tunker House (former
Linville Creek meetinghouse and the birth-
place of M.R. Zigler, a modern-day Brethren
"saint"), and at several additional sites
nearby, also received such enrichment.
Nourishing minds were insight sessions
that focused on Kline, the church, and the
region by many prominent Brethren scholars
and historians; informational booths and
exhibits that pertained to Kline, church life,
and the Shenandoah Valley: exhibits and
demonstrations; hymn sings; puppet shows;
and concerts. Challenging bodies were tours,
1 0 Messenger August/September 1997
Last ride. A retracing of John
Kline's last journey was one of the
activities offered to bicentennial
participants. A marJier about a mile
up this path identifies where Kline
was ambushed and murdered, just
a few miles from his home
Craftsman. Richard Coffman of Dayton (Va.)
Church of the Brethren demonstrated horseshoe
making, one of several period craft demonstra-
tions and displays featured at John Kline's farm.
Hat and saddlebag. Terry
Barkley of Bridgewater
(Va.) College's Pritchett
Museum showed Kline
artifacts from the
museum 's exhibit at the
bicentennial celebration.
Bus stop. Linville Creek
church 's parking lot
served as the boarding
area for five regularly
scheduled bus routes,
which took bicentennial
participants to a handful
ofoffsite attractions and
activities.
August/September 1997 Messenger 11
Many hours spent.
Curt Stutzman.
current owner of the
John Kline farm,
described how Kline
spent countless hours
in this rocking chair,
which is evident from
wear on the chair's
lowest front support.
Insights. Fred Benedict.
ail Old German Baptist
Brethren, led one of
many insight sessions
offered during the
Kline celebration.
■**»,
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f
afiiljia
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r 4 v^kJp^^V^
f
Chainsaw, anyone? Erin Keim
(left) and Meredith Ball of
Beacon Heights Church of the
Brethren, Fort Wayne, Ind.,
learned from an exhibit of the
crosscut saw and other tools
and trades prevalent during
Join: Kline's lifetime.
A borderless ministry. John Kline's last days
were depicted through 1 1 vignettes that made
up "The Final Journey of John Kline, " a play
presented by residents of Broadway, Va., and
nearby. Here Kline explains to a family
member his need to travel to Union states to
attend Annual Conference, despite living in the
Confederacy.
games, hikes, horseback riding, and other
activities. Enriching souls were a worship ser-
vice, memorial service, and a baptism.
During the Civil War, Kline had obtained
the proper papers allowing him to travel
throughout Confederate and Union terri-
tory. From 1861 until his death, he traveled
into Union states at least once each year,
attending Annual Conference as moderator.
However, distrust by some toward Brethren
who were against slavery and military ser-
vice, and particularly against Kline, who
12 Messenger August/September 1997
AlP Igpiiy to almost
Present meets past. Linville Creek pastor Paul
Roth baptized Zachary See, one of seven
Linville Creek attendees who underwent the
ordinance on Sunday, the final day of the John
Kline bicentennial celebration. This Linville
Creek location is close to where elder Kline
used to baptize new Bunkers.
medically treated people from the Confeder-
acy and Union alike, led to Kline's death.
On his trip home after a nearby visit, on
June 1 5, 1 864, Kline was ambushed and
murdered by those who called him a traitor.
The bicentennial birthday celebration was a
fitting tribute to a 19th-century Brethren
"saint" whose ministries still impact Brethren
today. Says the Brethren Encyclopedia. "Not
only was he a pillar of the church, Kline also
has become the most significant martyr rrr
in the history of Brethren." r*^'
Because of Kline. Jeffrey Bosserman
of Barto]v. W.Va., showed off how
a highway's completion in the late
1840s allowed fohn Kline to
travel to West Virginia. It was
through these travels that Kline
helped start four current Brethren
congregations in that state.
Bosserman 's exhibit placed
second in a state competition.
Not quite period. Though Broadway,
Va.. resident Ina Baker's garb was
authentic, her refdling of a tea jug
in the food and preparation booth
at the fohn Kline farm betrayed
that this is not 1864.
Here lies John Kline. /I "must" stop
for every bicentennial pilgrim ivas
the Kline grave, in the burying
ground behind the church.
August/September 1997 Messenger 13
'MM-
'•■^^
Chip Leatherman, pastor of
Greenmount Church of the
Brethren, Harrisonburg, Va.,
taking his turn at the mike af:
the General Board Report, su,
gested that the Board deals w-
the symptoms of congregation
parsimony and not with the t/i
ease itself. Meanwhile, two
other pastors — Dan Rusmisec
Lanark (III.) congregation, an
Judy McGlothlin, Freeport (111
congregation — waited their
turn to comment.
'^^F
Emmh
Precipitated over two years ago by'
the General Board's coming to grips
with a budget crisis, the Board's
"New Design" still caught many at
Annual Conference unready to give
it easy acceptance. Charges were
numerous: The Board had moved
too fast. Congregations hadn't been
adequately consulted. Sacred cows
had been sacrificed. It all smacked
of a done deal. Still the New Design
was adopted. The full story is on
pages 20—21, but first the broader
context of Long Beach business . . .
Here's the latest from Hildy.
Before each inoming business
sessio)!. ventriloquist Steve
Engle loosened up the crowd.
For most of his acts, his
sidekick was "Hildy, " a sassy
little old lady fidl of
wisecracks about and insights
into the Brethren. The
popular entertainer and his
"friends" have made over
1 ,200 appearances in the
past six years. Multitalented,
Engle. from Himtingdon, Pa.,
is also well known for the
popular Brethren hymn "I See
a New World Coming. "
^
;ll(SM
Text by Messenger staff
and others
Photography by Jeff Leard
T' he Long Beach agenda, aside from the General
Board's New Design, was not particularly heavy. No
one wondered, as we do some years, if business
would run on into late Saturday. Still, there was heated
debate at times, and one Standing Committee recommen-
dation was even returned to the orphanage (or whatever
happens when a recommendation is not adopted). Here is
a brief summary of each business item:
Old business
Human Genetic Engineering and Fetal Tissue Use
Statements. (Origin: A 1995 query from Michigan District
asking for an updating of a 1987 statement on human
genetic engineering and development of a statement on
fetal tissue use.) Treated as one item of business, and
addressed by one committee (lames Benedict [chairman],
Kathy Long, and Dennis Overman), these two issues were
voted on as separate items.
Human Genetic Engineering sparked little debate,
and the report of the committee was adopted. The key
sentence was "As Christians, it is still our desire that soci-
ety keep in mind our moral and ethical obligations to our
Wonder if the folks back home are watching. In Wednesday
morning's opening of Conference business, David Wine, the
moderator, moseyed with his mike among the delegates, for
all the world like a television talk-show host. That
variation on the moderator's role, plus preaching away
from the lectern Tuesday evening and being ever ready
throughout the week with glib answers to questions,
projected the image of an easily reachable leader
August/September 1997 Messenger 15
So, how's the billboard campaign working out? Dale and Mary
Fike ofEaston, Md., like many other Conferencegoers, found
joy in greeting old friends. Likely they asked about the new
billboard (see page 4) when they bumped into old friend
Lillian Brun^baugh. now pastor in Mesa. Ariz. The Fikes. as
usual, motorcycled to and from Conference.
Why do I suddenly feel seasick? It's hard to tell if Ken Kline -
Smeltzer and Steve Kinzie were hugging or just being
mutually supportive on an acre of convention center lobby
carpet whose pattern of swirls made some Conferencegoers
woozy. Julie Garber. manager of Brethren Press Editorial
Services, found equilibrium more easily maintained by
using her banjo case to steady herself
own and future generations as we proceed in a responsi-
ble way to ease suffering and enhance tiie quality of life
through advances in genetic engineering." For guidance,
the report lifted up the 1987 Annual Conference state-
ment on the subject.
Fetal Tissue Use, however, generated the most impas-
sioned speeches of the week. While the report was at pains
to lay out the difficulty of affirming fetal tissue use in dis-
ease treatment without seeming to turn a blind eye to "the
continuing tragedy of abortion as it is currently prac-
ticed," this was not enough to satisfy Brethren adamantly
opposed to anything that smacks of soft-pedaling the
abortion issue. Lines at the microphones grew to seven-
people deep as some speakers seized the opportunity to
have an abortion debate, and others attempted to keep a
focus on fetal tissue use.
The debate created enough doubt in delegates' minds
that, alone among the 1997 business items, the Fetal
Tissue Use report was not adopted. The 1998 Standing
Committee will decide what recommenda-
tion to offer next.
Deacon Ministry in the Church of the
Brethren. (Origin: A 1995 query from Mid-
Atlantic District asking that the 1983
statement on the office of deacon be
updated.) A comprehensive report devel-
oped over the past two years was adopted,
with minor amendments. It affirms the
importance of deacon ministry far beyond
the occasional assistance with love feast,
communion, and baptism. Committee
members were |udy Mills Reimer (chair-
woman), Marty Barlow, Galen Hackman,
loan Hershey, Alice Keller, Owen Stultz,
Fred Swartz, and Jay Gibble (staff liaison).
Review and Evaluation Committee Report. A report on
General Board performance from the periodically
appointed Review and Evaluation Committee was
accepted. One finding that jarred delegates and sparked
questions and comments was a survey finding that "pas-
tors are more negative about the national church and
1 6 Messenger August/September 1997
about the work of the General Board than are lay people."
The committee, pressed to speculate, declined, pointing
out that "coming up with theories" was beyond its
purview. The numerous recommendations of the report
are being referred to appropriate groups.
Denominational Polity Statement: Property and Stew-
ardship Issues. (Origin: 1996 query from Pacific
Southwest District asking for definition of the means dis-
tricts may use to preserve real congregational assets.)
Conference adopted the committee's report, which limited
itself to dealing with only the matter of a congregation
failing to keep up with loan payments for which real estate
serves as security. Committee members were Ann Quay
(chairwoman), William Ebersole, and Lowell Flory.
The New Testament as Our Rule of Faith and Practice.
(Origin: A 1996 query from Middle Pennsylvania District
asking for a statement of interpretation on our understanding
of this subject.) An initial report was presented to Standing
Committee. Slated to come before the 1998 Conference, it
sets forth eight understandings regarding the New Testa-
ment perspectives of the early Brethren, adds four more
recent Brethren perspectives, reaffirms the New Testament
as our rule of faith and practice, and offers 10 suggestions
for living out that affirmation and six suggested ways we
might improve upon our way of working at issues together
vis-a-vis the observance of that rule. Committee members
are Carl Bowman, Earle Fike |r., and Carol Kussart.
World Mission Philosophy and Global Church Mission
Structure. (Origin: A 1996 query from Virlina District
asking for the reformulation of our current world mission
philosophy.) Only a progress report was heard at Long
Beach, with the committee offering some observations and
questions about key points
of the query. The final
report will be addressed in
1998. Committee members
are Charles Bieber, Berwyn
Oltman, David Radcliff,
David Shumate, and
Bonnie KJine Smeltzer.
Congregational Structure.
(Origin: A 1996 query from
Atlantic Northeast District
asking for an evaluation
and study of current congre-
gational structures, and
proposals for further congre-
gational structure options.)
Aw, it's just a VW Bug. Let's go! Moderator David Wine and
Conference secretary Anne Myers tested the midweek
warning from Long Beach police that. Brethren or no,
jaywalkers would be heftily fined if caught. Perhaps the fact
that Myers was riding a convention center electric car
effectively befuddled the police. Was she really jaywalking?
At any length, the daring duo escaped arrest. And why did
they jaywalk? Like the chicken, to get to the other side.
It was a joy to hear you! Fred
Swartz, a member of the
committee that produced
the Deacon Ministry report
(see opposite page) and
editor of The. Caregiver,
greeted Wil Lengel after the
Congregational Deacons
Luncheon. Lengel. a
member of the Denomina-
tional Deacon Cabinet,
spoke at the meal on "Dea-
coning: The joy of It. "
August/September 1997 Messenger 17
I scream! You scream! We all scream for ice cream!
Faith the Cow (not to be confused with Elsie the
Borden Cow), played by Jennifer Leo. manager
of Brethren Press Marketing, hyped ice cream
cones at Dunkerland theme park to visitors Jes-
sica Flory-Steury. Joseph Helfrich. and Delbert
BUckenstaff. It was part of the General Board
Live Report, which always leaves Conferencego-
ers with the question: WJiat'll they think of next?
Enough to make even Jonah do a double take. Confer-
encegoers unfamiliar with the Long Beach convention
center were startled to find its arena a giant canvas
for a cylindrical mural depicting full-size whales and
other denizens of the deep. Once inside the arena,
the spell was broken, but until then "life in a fish-
bowl" seemed about to become an actuality.
This query came to the 1996 Conference,
but because of the restructuring of the
General Board in progress then, action on
it was postponed until 1998.
Statement on Child Exploitation.
(Origin: ,4 1996 General Board study
paper adopted as such by the 1996 Con-
ference and addressed as old business in
1997.) This statement, which grew out
of concerns impressed upon youth at the
1995 Christian Citizenship Seminar, was
generally acceptable to 1997 delegates, .
but hit a sticky wicket with lines 21-22
on page 224, which read: "We call on the
US government to ratify the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of the
Child." That convention, however, is
anathema to Brethren who have had it brought to their
attention as a threat to parental rights and to family values
in general. The committee, aware of that sentence's red
flag potential, had come to Conference with a proposed
change, to strike the sentence and substitute "We call on
the US government to ratify and support international
treaties that protect children from exploitation as this is
understood by this paper and discerned by the church."
Unmollified, the UN convention's critics called for simply
striking the original sentence, and an amendment to that
effect carried. In turn, however, an amendment to then
add the committee's suggested substitution (above) also
carried. At that point, the statement in its entirety was put
to a vote and was accepted. Committee members (all
youth) were Kelly McCauliff, Erin Flory, Nathan Mussel-
man, Heidi Beck, and Elizabeth Farmer, with David
Radcliff as staff liaison.
New Business
Relationship with the National Association of Evangel-
icals (NAE). (Origin: .A 1 997 query from Northern Plains
District asking "whether it would be loving and appropri-
ate to send an observer to the Annual Convention of the
National Association of Evangelicals.") In Standing
Committee, one member, calling the NAE "similar to the
National Council of Churches, but more conservative
and evangelical," characterized the query as asking for a
conservative/liberal balance in our ecumenical participa-
tion. Conference adopted the Standing Committee
recommendation to refer the query to the Committee on
18 Messenger August/September 1997
Ilnterchurch Relations (CIR) for
study and to bring a report to the
1998 Standing Committee.
I Domestic Violence. (Origin: A
1997 query from Soutliern Penn-
sylvania District wondering if the
denomination should develop a
position paper specifically on
domestic violence.) Standing
Committee was of a mind to state
that the Church of the Brethren
condemns all domestic violence
and to request General Board staff
to suggest resources for address-
ing "the concerns, including the prevention, of
domestic abuse." Conference adopted that recommen-
dation, but amended it to request the Association of
Brethren Caregivers (no longer part of the General
Board) to suggest the resources.
Defining Ministry Limits of Licensed Ministers. (Origin:
A 1997 query from Oregon/Washington District desiring
"additional categories for ministry, such as those commis-
sioned for service in specific situations. ") The problem,
according to the query, is that with current polity limiting
licensed ministry to people preparing for ordination, small
congregations are forced to rely increasingly on lay leader-
ship. With only one question for clarification. Conference
adopted the recommendation of Standing Committee that
the query's questions "be directed to the General Board
and the Council of District Executives (CODE) as they
work with the recommendations of the 1996 Conference
statement Calling and Forming Quality Ministerial Lead-
ership Within the Church of the Brethren."
The New Design of the General Board: Proposal to
the 1997 Annual Conference. (Origin: A 1997 recom-
mendation from the General Board that Conference
adopt polity changes in the Manual of Organization and
Polity, chapter II ["General Board"] to facilitate the
restructuring of the Board. Further recommended was the
speedy implementation of the new structures, if the polity
changes were approved.) Because this involved polity
changes, a two-thirds-majority vote was required from
Conference. After spirited debate, some amendments,
and the defeat of a substitute motion that would have
delayed implementation of the New Design, Conference
accepted Standing Committee's recommendation that
the General Board's proposal be adopted. (A fuller
report is given on the next two pages, "The New Design:
Let the implementation begin.")
Denominational treasures on display. Gladys Royer
(left), age 95, went to Nigeria as a missionary in 1950.
Conference is always a reunion for her and other old
Nigeria hands. Former mission field colleagues Feme
Baldwin, age 77, and Mary Eikenberry, age 82, joined
her in the convention center lobby for catching up and
reminiscing on slow-paced Tuesday afternoon. Their
work in Nigeria spanned five decades.
I'll help you over the hump. Matt Kittle, Cisco Ramirez,
and Wendy fackson were three of 180 youth and
advisers who participated in a quickie workcamp in
Tijuana, Mexico, during Conference week. At Shalom
Ministries, they painted homes and moved rocks and
dirt. For many it was their first trip outside the US
and a first look at real poverty. For all. it was a
novelty to "go abroad" right in the middle of Annual
Conference. A feature story on Shalom Ministries will
appear in the November Messenger.
August/September 1997 Messenger 19
The New Design:
Let the implementation begin
After 2 'A years of working to redesign itself, the Church of
the Brethren General Board's New Design in [uly was
affirmed, through actions of the Board and of Annua!
Conference delegates, with one temporary setback. And surprising-
ly, that bump on the road to redesign was the result of an action
taken by the most unlikely of sources — the General Board itself.
In Long Beach, Annual Conference delegates approved the
most significant changes to the Board since it was formed 50
years ago. And, in an atmosphere of uncertainty — where the an-
ticipated hearty debate spanned two days — the final vote was al-
most anticlimactic: A show of hands indicated that the proposed
changes received overwhelming support, far more than the
needed two-thirds majority.
With that vote, structural changes to the Board's polity were
approved, which will:
• reduce the Board's size from 25 to 20 members,
• replace the Board's three commission structure with ad hoc
committees and task teams,
• replace the Board's five-person Administrative Council
with a Leadership Team consisting of directors.
• create a Mission and Ministries Planning Council, which
will become the denomination's multi-organizational planning
body for missions and ministries.
The acceptance of these proposals gave structure to the New
Design, and marks the conclusion of design phase of the redesign
process. Now implementation of the Board's redesign plan begins.
Well, most of it.
At its meetings in Long Beach just prior to Annual Confer-
ence, the General Board approved a proposal for five Congrega-
tional Life Teams, a new ministry evolving from the call of the
Board's Redesign Steering Committee that the Board should
work more closely with congregations.
The teams will be located throughout the country:
• Area 1: Atiantic Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Middle Pennsylvan-
ia, Southern Pennsylvania, and Western Pennsylvania districts.
• Area 2: Illinois/Wisconsin, Michigan, Northern Indi-
ana, South/Central Indiana, Northern Ohio, and Southern
Ohio districts.
• Area 3: Atlantic Southeast, Shenandoah, Southeastern,
Virlina, and West Marva districts.
• Area 4: Missouri/Arkansas, Northern Plains, Southern
Plains, and Western Plains districts.
• Area 5: Idaho, Oregon/Washington, and Pacific South-
west districts.
Nine full-time positions will be created to staff these
teams. These numbers will expand up to 29 people through
the use of volunteers and by the Board sharing staff with con-
gregations and districts.
The office of Congregational Life Ministries will also be
creating a pool of financial resources to be disbursed as
grants. To qualify, congregations must enter into a covenant
with the General Board, stating they will focus on congrega-
tional vitality, renewal, and growth.
However, the Board also gave itself a temporary setback as
it attempted to fill its remaining three Leadership Team posi-
tions. After several hours of meeting in closed session Tuesday
morning — which ran more than an hour behind schedule — the
Board reconvened in an open afternoon session and announced-
that directors had been called to the Brethren Witness and Min-
istry portfolios (see page 8). However, an executive director
candidate was not called. That vote reportedly was 1 5-8 with
one abstention, just shy of the two-thirds minimum support
needed.
As a result, at Conference in Long Beach the Board saw all
aspects of its redesign move forward except one.
To address that vacancy, four Board members were elected
to serve on a new executive director search committee — Mary
lo Flory-Steury, Wayne |udd, Gilbert Romero, and Christy
Waltersdorff. Three non-board members — representing Gen-
eral Board staff, the districts, and the laity — will also be called
to this committee. Karen Miller, interim executive director,
agreed to serve until Dec. 31, if needed. Following Conference,
Miller added that her contract forbids her from becoming ex-
ecutive director and, thus, she won't be seeking that position.
Two redesign-related groups thanked and dismissed by the
Board were its Redesign Steering Committee (Chris Bowman,
Tracy Wenger Sadd, Wayne Miller, Donna Ritchey Martin, and
Steve Bowers) and Transition Team (Kathy Hess, Beth Middle-
ton, Dorothy Gall, and Glenn Timmons).
Although the New Design was affirmed by Conference dele-
gates and Board members alike, a sampling of Brethren from
several geographic regions in |une indicated that lengthy
Conference-floor debate was a possibility. Some believed the
Board wasn't forthcoming in explaining its redesign process. Some
believed the Board inappropriately implemented personnel changes
prior to the approval of the polity changes. Other people didn't
agree with which ministries were kept and which were eliminated
during the process, and felt Annual Conference should have some
say. Still others contested the Board's assertion that it has limited
financial resources.
Regarding the flow of information, the Board a year ago
began implementing a plan to spread redesign information
throughout the denomination, in addition to ongoing coverage
provided by Messenger, Agenda, and Newsline.
Redesign Steering Committee members attended each dis-
20 Messenger August/September 1997
So, how's it shaking down? General
Board chairwoman Kathy Hess and
interim general secretary Karen Peterson
Miller sweated it out on the platform
during New Design debate, hoping to be
prepared to adroitly field questions from
the floor Linda Willian7s of San Diego
(lower left) was one of many speakers at
the mikes. She went away less than
satisfied with the response to her
question of where Christian education
appeared in the New Design. Redesign
Steering Committee chairman Chris
Bowman (below), led an open forum on
the New Design on Tuesday evening.
trict conference. Four redesign-related articles were published
in Messenger and two New Design supplements were in-
cluded in Agenda, which is sent to Conference delegates and
to 6,800 congregational leaders. And, just prior to Confer-
ence, the Board sent out a list of 20 redesign-related questions
and answers to Conference delegates, pastors, and other
church leaders, and participated in briefings nationwide for
Conference delegates.
At Conference, three ballrooms were packed for a Tuesday
evening hearing in which Board representatives presented a re-
design update and then fielded questions. And moderator David
Wine arranged for another question-and-answer session on the
Conference floor prior to consideration of the Board's proposals.
During these sessions. Board representatives clarified that the
Board is empowered to make personnel and ministry decisions,
explaining that the Board hadn't usurped control from delegates
even though interim changes were made prior to Conference.
During Thursday's question period, Kathy Hess, Board chair-
woman, stated that the decision to maintain some ministries
while cutting funding to others wasn't easy or taken lightly, as the
choices were between good ministries and good ministries.
Board representatives also assured delegates during these
two sessions that expense over income mandated the nearly $2
million cut from 1996 to 1998.
Debate on the proposed changes began Thursday after-
noon and resumed Friday morning, during which time a hand-
ful of amendments were made. Those approved clarified the
Board's relationship with the Annual Conference, denied the
Board's request that it be able to appoint five of its 20 mem-
bers, and approved appointing a special Review and Evalua-
tion Committee in 2000 that will critique the new design.
Proposed amendments that weren't adopted included
tabling the creation of the Congregational Life Teams; chang-
ing Leadership Team titles from director to minister; calling
for Board leadership staff to strive for "fair and compassion-
ate employer practices"; and tabling the proposed changes for
a year to allow for further study.
It was in response to this last proposed amendment that
|im Myer of Lititz, Pa., a leader of Brethren Revival Fellowship
and a former Annual Conference moderator, spoke. With
some of the redesign decisions already implemented, Myer
said taking such action would allow some of the process to
move forward while stalling other parts. Likening this to a
team of horses that is most effective when all pull in the same
direction, Myer said he opposed the amendment and sup-
ported the proposed polity changes.
And that was it, for Myer's speech seemed to close the issue.
Within 10 minutes, delegates defeated the amendment to table
the polity changes for a year, and overwhelmingly approved the
Board's redesign. — Nevin Dulabaum
August/September 1997 Messenger 21
Once upon a time...
// cloesn 't take
frenetic activity to
satisfy little folk at
Annual Conference.
A children 's worker,
Linda Hart of
Pomona. Calif..
demonstrated this
as kids snuggled up
to hear her read
them a story.
Did you really draw them, or just trace them? The durability
of the children's books The Little Man, The Middle Man,
and The Tall Man (published in the 1 960s) was
demonstrated when the children who illustrated the books
turned up as grown-ups at Long Beach to autograph them
as part of the Brethren Press Centennial celebration. Now in
their 30s, Sara Davis Bache and Carl Davis, confessed they
don't remember too much about their brief careers as book
illustrators. Their mother and collaborator. Dorothy Brandt
Davis, remembered more, and described how the kids first
inspired her to do the books when they drew Brethren
historical figures on newsprint that their dad. then BVS
director Rodney Davis, brought home from the General
Offices during the family's Elgin. III., sojourn in the '60s.
Appointment of an Acting Moderator for the 1998
Annual Conference. (Origin: 1997 Standing Committee
action, following the resignation of the moderator-elect,
jimmy Ross.) Moderator-elect |immy Ross resigned for
health reasons (suffering major depression following
prostate cancer surgery). The handling of a resignation is
not addressed in polity. In the absence of polity coverage.
Standing Committee recommended that current modera-
tor David Wine be appointed acting moderator and serve
through Aug. 31, 1997, and that Elaine Sollenberger of
Everett, Pa., be appointed acting moderator to serve from
Sept. 1, 1997, through Annual Conference 1998. The rec-
ommendations were heartily endorsed by Conference.
Sollenberger, who served as moderator 1988-1989, will
also fulfill the responsibilities of past moderator,
1998-1999. Coincidentally, as acting moderator, she will
serve the 1998 Conference in the same city (Orlando,
Fla.) in which she served in 1989.
Standing Committee Actions
Interagency Forum. Standing Committee adopted a pro-
posal from the informal "Interagency Forum," which had
been meeting over the past year, that it he formally contin-
ued. David Wine had several times called together for
discussion the leaders of Annual Conference, the General
Board, Brethren Benefit Trust, and Bethany Theological
Seminary. According to Wine, the group believes it repre-
sents "a key way to meet the call for partnering and to
help the denomination move through all the transition and
change that it faces today."
The forum provides linkages among Conference-re-
portable agencies. It also discusses program initiatives af-
fecting the denomination, and it enables agencies and insti-
tutions to carry out their mission and responsibilities coop-
eratively and more effectively. The forum, to be chaired by
the immediate past moderator, reports directly to Standing
Committee. Hereafter, the forum will include district repre-
sentatives. It holds its first meeting August 20-21, in Elgin.
Report of the Committee to Review the Pastoral Com-
pensation and Benefits Advisory Committee. The 1995
Standing Committee appointed a committee (Fred Bern-
hard, Bob Faus, and Marlene Neher) to review the
organization, structure, and mandate of the Pastoral Com-
pensation and Benefits Advisory Committee (PCBAC).
The review committee's report was presented to the 1997
Standing Committee. Hearing a generally positive review.
Standing Committee confirmed that PCBAC continues to
perform a vital function and should be continued.
Unfunded Annual Conference Mandates. The 1996
Standing Committee and the General Board agreed to
22 Messenger August/September 1997
address the problem of Conference occasionally mandat-
ing new General Board program with no funding arranged
for it. A process for dealing with unfunded mandates, pro-
posed by the General Board and approved at its October
1996 meeting, was accepted by the 1997 Standing Com-
mittee. It calls for the formation of a Program Feasibility
Committee. The proposal will come to the 1998 Annual
Conference as a business item.
Polity for Free Ministry. The 1996 Standing Committee
appointed a committee (Connie Burk Davis, Stanley
Earhart, and Samuel Cassel) to formulate a proposed draft
of polity for the free ministry. There presently is little spe-
cific guidance in Church of the Brethren polity for calling
people into free ministry. A report was heard by the 1997
Standing Committee, and the proposed polity addition will
come to Annual Confernce in 1998 for action.
Shift in Boundary Between Virlina District and South-
eastern District. Standing Committee, which is responsible
for districts, agreed to a shift in the district boundary in
North Carolina between Virlina and Southeastern that puts
all of Cabarrus County in Virlina. The new Concord (N.C.)
Fellowship is in that county, providing the impetus for the
boundary shift. — Kjermon Thomasson
\vElections and appointments
Having David Wine from rural Buckeye, Kan., as moder
ator-elect, moderator, and now as acting moderator
apparently has not prejudiced Conference delegates
against central Kansas. The new moderator-elect,
Lowell Flory, lives just down the road
from Buckeye, at McPherson (as does new
General Board member Don Booz, pastor
of McPherson Church of the Brethren).
Flory, who will preside at the 1999
Annual Conference in Milwaukee, is a pro-
fessor and chairman for Business and
Economics at McPherson College. On the
side, he is a licensed member of the Kansas
bar and does occasional legal work. He is a
member of McPherson Church of the
Brethren. Flory has served on the General
Board and the Bethany Theological Semi-
nary Board, and chaired the Brethren
Benefit Trust. He continues to serve on the
Location Committee, dealing with the ques-
tion of where the central headquarters of
the General Board should be — in Elgin, 111.,
or elsewhere.
Elaine Sollenberger was appointed
acting moderator of Annual Conference to
Grandmother! What great fans you have! A surprised and
overwhelmed Anne Myers got an unexpected visit from her
granddaughter Taylor Laskowski during a Saturday recognition
of the Annual Conference secretary's 10 years of service.
Toto, we're back in Kansas
again! After only a one-year
gap, the moderator's position
will be filled by another
Kansan. Lowell Flory. col-
lege professor and lawyer
from McPherson, Kan., will
moderate Annual Conference
in Milwaukee. Familiar in
Brethren leadership circles,
Flory has served on the Gen-
eral Board, the Bethany
Seminary Board, and the
Brethren Benefit Trust Board
(which he has chaired). He
also was on the Denomina-
tional Polity study committee
that reported at Long Beach.
August/September 1997 Messenger 23
Once more unto the breach^ dear friends
It's Annual Conferencetime, and the big meeting is
underway in tiie Orange County Convention Center
in Orlando, Fla. A woman is moderating this year, a
woman known not only for breaking the gender barrier of
the moderator's office, but that of the General Board
chairperson's as well.
What year is it? For Conferencergoers at Orlando next
June 30, a sense of deja vu will prevail. It will be 1998, but
it could almost be \989. Almost. The person moderating
Moderating a second Annual Conference. Elaine Sollenberger,
will be the first moderator to serve a second time since
A. Stauffer Curry at Ocean Grove '65.
will be Elaine Sollenberger, who was moderator at Orlando
in 1989. But the big issue then was restructuring. Restruc-
turing won't be at the top of the list in 1998, however. The
year for that, this time around, as Long Beach attendees so
well know, was 1997. And Elaine Sollenberger wasn't even
on hand to check the similarity between the 1989 debate
and the one of 1997. (Or to note the difference: Headed
off in 1989, restructure was accepted in 1997.) She was
home on her dairy farm near Everett, Pa., when the call
came from Long Beach. Moderator-elect Jimmy Ross, suf
fering depression following cancer surgery, had resigned.
Would she be willing to return unto the breach as acting
moderator for the coming year?
After due consideration, the seasoned and trusted
leader said of course she would. After all, had she not
written in her denominational magazine quite recently
that leaders should be called, rather than elected?
(Messenger, October 1 996, page 22, "Jesus Didn't Use a i
Ballot System.")
But first her thoughts turned to the one for whom she
would substitute. "It is a most unfortunate loss for the
church," she said, "and a deep personal disappointment
for Jimmy." For him she hoped that he could "feel a spe-
cial measure of God's presence and healing powers. . . ."
Confessing, after being affirmed by the delegates, that
she was moved by her new call, Elaine reflected on one of
her favorite books. When God Intrudes, by Michael Scro-
gin. The author asks, "How shall we respond when God
intrudes to offer us unexpected . . . holy gifts?" Scrogin
suggests, says Elaine, that "we usually respond with a
vision of both fear and hope, as well as awe, to the task to
which God sometimes calls us." Then Elaine makes her
own confession: "I do feel the fear, the hope, and the awe.
But I am committed, with God's guidance and the support
of the church community, to being faithful to this call."
Elaine is attending the first post-Conference meeting
of the Program and Arrangements Committee, in mid-
August, to get backgrounding for Orlando '98. Then, on
September 1, she will take over from the present acting
moderator, David Wine, and see the task through until the
Orlando Conference closes on July 5, 1998. After that, she
will assume the year-long duties of immediate past moder-
ator. Those include chairing the Interagency Forum and
serving on the 1999 Standing Committee at Milwaukee.
Acting moderator Sollenberger may well decide not to
write further articles for Messenger. Last October, she
argued in print for leaders to be called, rather than
elected . . . and she got called. In May 1991, she had an
article published that was titled "On Second Thought." It
was a summary of answers received from a question she
put to all the former Annual Conference moderators of
the time: What would you do differently if you could be
moderator again? What irony that she now can ask that
question of herself . . . and put the answer into action,
too! — Kermon Thomasson
24 Messenger August/September 1997
fill the vacancy created by the June 27 res-
ignation of moderator-elect |immy Ross.
Sollenberger will serve from September 1
through the 1998 Annual Conference in
Orlando. A dairy farmer from Everett, Pa.,
and a member of Everett Church of the
Brethren, she was moderator of the 1 989
Annual Conference and, before that, had served as chair-
woman of the General Board.
Cathy Simmons Huffman of Rocky Mount, Va., will
serve a five-year term as Annual Conference secretary. A
member of Germantown Brick
Church of the Brethren, she is a
teacher and legal services
instructor. She has served on
the Church of the Brethren His-
torical Committee and was a
member of the team that pro-
duced The Brethren
Encyclopedia in the early 1 980s.
General Board. Newly
elected to the General Board,
at-large, for five-year terms are
Don Parker, West Salem, Ohio,
and Christy Waltersdorff,
Lombard, 111. Elected as district
representatives are Ed Kerschensteiner, Boise, Idaho
(Idaho): Marty Barlow, Dayton, Va. (Shenandoah); and
Don Booz, McPherson, Kan. (Western Plains).
General Board reorganization: Chris Bowman
(1998), Martinsburg, Pa., will chair the
General Board for the next year. Lori
Knepp (1998), Everett, Pa., will be vice
chairwoman.
Beth Middleton (1998), Boones Mill,
Va.; Phyllis Davis (1999), North Liberty,
Ind.; Bill Eberly (2000), North Manchester,
Ind.; and Terry Shumaker (1999), Decatur,
Ind., will serve with Bowman and Knepp on
the General Board Executive Committee.
Continuing on the General Board,
besides these 1 1 members are Ernie Bolz
(1999), Tonasket, Wash.; Krista Carter
(2000), Westminster, Md.; Ruth Clark
(1999), Froid, Mont.; Mary Jo Flory-
Steury (2001), Dayton, Ohio; Roger Forry
(1998), Somerset, Pa.; Stafford Frederick
(2000), Olathe, Kan.; Wayne Judd (2001),
Cathy Simmons Huffman
The first new General Board members under the New Design: Five
new General Board members elected at Long Beach will join
the incumbents in fiUing in tiw details of the New Design (the
restructured General Board and its program). Marty Barlow of
Dayton, Va.. wasn 't on hand, but the other four were rounded
up by Messenger's photographer: Ed Kerschensteiner. Boise,
Idaho: Don Booz, McPherson. Kan.: Christy Waltersdorff,
Lombard, III.; and Don Parker. West Salem, Ohio. Their first
Board meeting will convene in Elgin. III.. October 18.
An Executive Committee with a different twist. Formerly, the
General Board's Executive Committee included the three
Board members who serx'ed as chairs of the three commissions,
plus two appointed members. Under the New Design, there are
no commissions, so besides the Board chairman and vice
chairwoman, the Executive Committee now has. in addition,
only four appointed members. One appointed member, Terry
Shumaker, was off in Mexico with a youth workcamp when
the Messenger photographer mustered the other members for
a photo: Lori Knepp, General Board vice chairwoman:
appointed members Beth Middleton, Bill Eberly. and Phyllis
Miller: and the General Board chairman. Chris Bowman.
August/September 1997 Messenger 25
No stranger. Chris
Bowman, the new
General Board chairman,
is no new face. He has
had a high profile as
chairman of the Redesign
Steering Committee over
the past two years. He
pastors Martinsburg (Pa.)
Memorial Church of the
Brethren.
Elizabethtown. Pa.; Edith Kiester (2001), Thomas,
Okla.; David Miller (2001). Roanoke, Va.; Gilbert
Romero (2000), Montebello, Cahf.; Tracy Sadd (1999),
Lititz, Pa.; Paul Wampler (2001), Manassas, Va.; and
Marie Willoughby (2001). Copemish, Mich.
Annual Conference Program and Arrangements
Committee. Becky Rhodes. Roanoke, Va., was elected
for a 3 -year term.
Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Com-
mittee. Scott Duffey, Westminister, Md., was elected for
a 5-year term. Ron Beachley. Davidsville. Pa., was
elected to a 2-year unexpired term. Laird Bowman,
Boones Mill, Va., was elected to a 3-year unexpired term.
Committee on Interchurch Relations. Ken Kline
Smeltzer. Modesto, Calif., was elected to a 3-year term.
Joe Loomis, Furnace, Pa., was appointed by the General
Board to a 3-year term.
Brethren Benefit Trust Board. Greg Geisert, Har-
risonburg, Va., was elected to a 4-year term. Richard
Pogue, Washington, D.C., was appointed last November
to complete an unexpired term. Appointed to the board
were Fred Bernhard, Arcanum, Ohio, and Don Apple,
Anderson, Ind.
Bethany Theological Seminary Board. Carl
Bowman. Verona, Va.. and Guy Wampler, Lancaster,
Pa., were elected to 5 -year terms. Appointed as board
members were Anne Murray Reid, Roanoke, Va.. and
James Long, Pasadena, Calif.
Ministers Association. Francis Townsend, Pre-
ston, Minn., was elected secretary by the association.
David Bibbee, Elkhart, Ind., serves as chairman for
the coming year.
Nominating Committee of Standing Committee.
Elected to 2-year terms were Alice Martin-Adkins, Her-
shey. Pa.; Pat Royer, Stockton, Calif.; Paul Schrock,
Indianapolis, Ind.; and Fred Swartz, Manassas, Va.
Continuing for their second year are Sandy Bosserman,
Peace Valley, Mo.; Mark Flory-Steury, Dayton, Ohio;
Ed Garrison, Mount Morris, 111.; and Marlene Neher,
Grundy Center, Iowa.
When Sunday is th|<
While everyone else seems to have good
families, successful jobs, a hopeful future,
and a dynamic faith, some church members
describe Sunday as the worst day of the week for them.
If this perception lingers and makes these people
feel more isolated and hurt, they may be suffering from
depression. Instead of Sunday being a time of celebra-
tion and affirmation, it brings them feelings of
loneliness and distress. Do we notice?
Look around your own congregation. Do you find
many people as courageous as Annual Conference modera-
tor-elect (immy Ross in being open about having
depression? Concealing the disease is a part of what blocks
the relational opportunities for assisting in healing depres-
sion. Families are profoundly impacted when a member is
struck with depression or struggles with chronic depres-
sion. Pastors and congregations can offer genuine concern
and compassion that verifies that the depressed person is
still loved, wanted, and needed in the church.
In contrast with the two-day or even two-week
blues, clinical depression is as silent, pervasive, and
overwhelming as being lost in a fog. It is a debilitating
illness, not a weakness, not a sin, and not a punish-
ment. Depression is the fourth most common illness,
according to the World Health Organization. National
Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) statistics indicate
that clinical depression strikes between 10 and 20 mil-
lion Americans each year. Specifically, one in four
women and one in 10 men will have at least one depres-
sive episode in their life.
Depression is a chemical reaction in the brain, and
is stimulated by many relationships. While medical
expertise is needed for the rebalancing of the brain
chemistry, congregations can provide needed spiritual
and emotional support for the depressed person and the
family. The two most common sources are pain (physi-
cal, emotional, or spiritual) and grief (loss by death or
separation from a loved one). Major emotions, sepa-
rately or in conjunction, contribute to depression:
Anxiety — a sense of meaninglessness, lostness, loneli-
ness, despair, and unreasonable and uncontrollable fears.
Rage/anger — internalized self-hatred or self-rejec-
tion, which often is accompanied by violence toward
family members.
Shame and guilt — the irrational and narcissistic
feelings that we are unlovable, exposed, and vulnerable
to others condemning us, or feeling guilty for actual
thoughts or acts.
These are complex feelings. They create or con-
tribute to a whirlpool effect of being out of control and
26 Messenger August/September 1997
orst day of the week
sucked into a progressively deeper state of depression.
Tiie fellowship of the church can be sensitive to these
feelings and offer compassion and caring relationships to
balance the depressed person's confusion.
In addition to suffering unipolar or major depression,
some people may experience bipolar or manic-depression.
These people have episodes of high energy, emotional
binges, spending sprees, and angry outbursts that later
will be followed by severe depression. The mood swings
between highs and lows are additionally confusing to
family members and others.
Researchers believe that the tendency toward depres-
sion comes as a part of genetic make-up, along with the
pressures and influences of life experiences. Many
depressed people try to self-medicate their distress, which
leads to depression being the single most prevalent cause
of alcoholism and drug addiction.
No family or congregation is immune from depres-
sion striking a loved one. Congregations can offer many
forms of response to depression:
Loving isn't a passive action or reaction. Expressing
honest compassion and love for someone suffering from
depression provides a sense of reality that challenges the feel-
ing of being unlovable and alone. Prayer and other ordinances
of our church, such as the laying on of hands, are available.
Educate, educate, and educate. Congregations need
to be more informed about the causes and symptoms of
depresssion, and support for and responses to individuals
and families struggling with the depressive turmoil. Uti-
lizing community resources in mental health clinics and
hospitals for Christian education classes better informs us
and puts faith into action. Having materials in the church
for people to learn about depression is important for
those who do not know where to find information.
Pastors, deacons, and others can help. Pastors,
deacons, and others who are already in the health field or
who are designated by the congregation need to assist
and support members and families feeling overwhelmed
by depression. Pastors and others may need additional
education in order to offer competent pastoral care in
these instances.
Support or host a DMDA self-help group. Support
or host a Depression and Manic-Depression Association
(DMDA) self-help group, in which individuals and family
members discuss their experiences and provide support
for each other.
Contact local mental health experts. Individuals may
directly contact community mental health personnel,
physicians, or hospitals to obtain help or information if
they feel they cannot raise questions with fellow members
Jimmy, we hardly knew ye. Genuine regret was overwhelmingly
expressed by Conferencegoers when the news broke that the
moderator-elect had resigned on June 27. deciding that the
major depression he was suffering following prostate surgery
May 28 precluded his talking up the duties of moderator over
the coming year As expressions of their desire for Ross ' speedy
recovery and of regret that he will not be serving his term,
hundreds of Conferencegoers signed sheets of newsprint to
send him. Some participated in a video greeting, while others
sent cards, offered prayers, or dropped prayer requests in the
box by the Conference Prayer Room door.
Says Ross, "Difficult as making the decision to resign
was, I'm sure I made the right one. It was far better to resign
in June than to get a few months into my moderatorship and
then have to step down. " Ross also feels he has rendered a
service through his public confrontation with depression.
"This should make Brethren more comfortable in talking
about and dealing with an illness that, until now. has often
been hushed up or ignored. "
The 62-year-old Ross, a native of Waynesboro, Va., who
grew up in the Blue Ridge Chapel congregation, has spent his
career in pastoral ministry. He has served Lititz (Pa.) Church
of the Brethren as full-time pastor since 1985.
of their congregation. Silence is worse.
Sunday may not feel like the best day of the week to
someone who is depressed, but it is our opportunity to offer
hospitality, seasoned hopefulness, prayer, and other acts of
caring for the individual and the family as a part of our con-
sistent response to their need. Sabbath is a time of faithful
change that can bring healing and restoration. We have the
opportunity of serving with God's own spirit to achieve this
with those suffering depression. — Larry Ulrich
Larry Ulrich. a member of York Center Church of the Brethren in Lom-
bard, III., is director of the Department of Religion and Health.
University of Chicago Hospitals. He is also clinical professor at The
Chicago Theological Seminary.
August/September 1997 Messenger 27
Music for every taste. Conference-
goers were treated to music of
many varieties at Long Beach. A
highlight of the week was the Sat-
urday evening concert by pianist
Him t ley Brown (top left). Brethren
musician with a peace emphasis,
Mike Stern of Seattle, Wash, (top
right), introduced his specially
composed Conference theme song.
"Count Well the Cost, " during
Tuesday evening worship. Los
Angeles (Bella Vista) pastor
Gilbert Romero 's Bittersweet Band
(center left) performed for Friday's
Brethren Family Picnic. Jonathan
Shively, pastor of Pomona (Calif)
Fellowship church, served Confer-
ence as music coordinator, often
using his guitar for accompani-
ment (lower left). Jason Leister, a
20-year-old music student from
Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the
Brethren (center right) was organ-
ist for the week. The La Verne
(Calif.) Singers (lower right) were
among the musicians who pro-
vided Early Evening Concerts.
28 Messenger August/September 1997
\l Long Beach odds and ends
Registration at Long Beach totaled 3,325, including 826
delegates. That was down from 4,973 at Cincinnati last
year, but above the 3,240 at Portland '91, the most recent
West Coast Conference.
Annual Conference offerings came to $45,574, compared
with $60,273 last year in Cincinnati. Brethren Press sales
were $50,000 and SERRV sales $27,000. The annual
Quilt Auction brought in $ 1 5,300. A quilt made by junior
high kids sold for $2,200.
Brethren donated 335 pints of blood in this year's
blood drive.
Conference will be held in Orlando lune 30-|uly 5,
1998, the third time around for that city (1947 and 1989).
The only other Florida Conference was St. Petersburg '71.
Conference will meet in Milwaukee |une 29— July 4, 1999,
where it last met in 1990; in Kansas City, Mo. (for the
first time), |uly 15-19, 2000; in Baltimore June 30-|uly 4,
2001, where it last met in 1983; and in Louisville June
29-Iuly 3, 2002. Conference has met in Louisville two
other years, 1966 and 1969. Conferencegoers will note
that, beginning in 2000, Conference becomes a five-day,
Saturday-Wednesday event.
Conferencegoers, for the second year,
helped construct a Habitat for Humanity
house. Sixty-four volunteers worked the
equivalent of 146 days.
Jerry Crouse, Rocky Mount, Va., and
Frances Bourne, Walkersville, Md., were
first-place finishers in Outdoor Ministries
Association's Run/Walk. Forty-six people
participated in the 5k race, raising over $650
for OMA and Heifer Project. First-place
walkers were Dave Fouts, Luthersville, Md.,
and lean Hendricks, Eudora, Kan.
Walt Bowman, Northridge, Calif., received
the Outdoor Ministries Association's Four
Horsemen Leadership Development Award.
Paul Bowman of Camp Brethren Woods in
Virginia received the Camp Volunteer Award.
The Camp Staff Award went to Doug Phillips,
who has been director of Outdoor Ministries
at Camp Brethren Woods for 14 years.
The 1997 Ecumenical Award, presented by
the Committee on Interchurch Relations,
went to Fairview Church of the Brethren,
Line up for barbecue. /I/? innovation
at Long Beach (easily traceable to
the fertile brain of moderator David
Wine) was Friday's Brethren Family
Picnic — a barbecue on the lawn
outside the convention center Con-
veniently, it fell on the Fourth of
July, lending a special note of fes-
tivity. Although Brethren are ex-
pected to eschew overly patriotic
frolicking, a few showed up in tops
with a US flag motif The Bitter-
sweet Band from Bella Vista
Church of the Brethren in Los An-
geles pounded the air with its mu-
sic. And 2.400 Brethren, choosing
from among 10 serving lines,
pigged out on barbecue and other
food choices. Michelle Bendit of
Landisville. Pa., scarfing down
her barbecue and following it
with a satisfying belch, provided a
thumbs-up critique of the event for
herself and her fellow picnickers.
August/September 1997 Messenger 29
A little lower. There, that's it. Nobody at Long Beach accused
Paul Lovelace of nibbing people the wrong way. The talented
massage therapist from Pomona (Calif) Fellowship Church of
the Brethren provided free workovers for weary Conferencegoers'
for an hour each day in the Hospitality Center. The center was
created and staffed by members of Pacific Southwest District.
Williamsburg, Pa., and La Verne (Calif.) Church of the
Brethren, recognizing their witness in working in partner-
ship with other churches and agencies.
Brethren historian David B. Eller has been selected to be
the new editor of Brethren Life and Thought, the quarterly
scholarly journal published by the Brethren (ournal Asso-
ciation. Eller is director of the Young Center for the Study
of Anabaptist and Pietist Groups at Elizabethtown College,
and professor of History and Religious Studies. As editor,
he succeeds Christina Bucher, also of the Elizabethtown
College faculty.
John Flora of Bridgewater, Va., was elected to his sixth
one-year term as chairman of the Brethren Benefit Trust
Board. Ann Quay, Covina, Calif., was elected to her fourth
one-year term as vice chairwoman. Wil Nolen, BBT presi-
dent, was elected board secretary. Kathy Lee, BBT
treasurer, was elected board treasurer.
Would Aunt Dinah believe her eyes? Corrie Saylor, Joshua Flory-Steury, and
Jesse Kline -Smeltzer were among the junior high youth who took needle and
thimble in hand to create a quilt that brought $2,200 at the Saturday auction.
Hammering for Habitat. Over 60 volunteers
tnoved a Habitat for Humanity two-house
building project from bare concrete slabs on
Tuesday to structures ready for siding and
drywall by weekend.
30 Messenger August/September 1997
Cost-conscious preachers. The six
preachers for uvrsliip services during
Conference week presented variations
on a theme: Count Well the Cost, a
take-off on the Alexander Mack hymn
by that title. All the sermons were
designed to inspire in Brethren {in the
moderator's words) "zeal to once again
count well the cost of our faith. " Wine,
'himself (top left) preached the first sermon, exploring the
main theme. The preachers who followed explored facets of
the theme. Judith Kipp (center left), pastor of Ridgeway
Community Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg. Pa., spoke
Wednesday on the cost of community. Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm
(top right), pastor of Huntingdon (Pa.) Stone Church of the
Brethren, spoke Thursday on the cost of simplicity. Millard
Fuller (bottom left), president of Habitat for Humanity, spoke
Friday on the cost of service. Glenn Mitchell, (bottom right)
pastor of University Baptist and Brethren congregation in
State College. Pa., spoke Saturday on the cost of peace. And
Rich Hanley (center right). Western Plains District executive,
spoke Sunday on the cost of discipleship.
Seven new church fellowships were welcomed during Con-
ference: Cornerstone Christ Fellowship, Lebanon, Pa.;
Concord (N.C.) Fellowship; Villa Prades (P.R.) Fellowship;
Grace Christian Fellowship, Upper Darby, Pa.; Circle of Love
Fellowship, Buckhannon, W.Va.; Cincinnati (Ohio) Fellow-
ship; and Smith Mountain Lake Fellowship, Moneta, Va.
Brethren Volunteer Service celebrates its 1948 founding
during the coming year. The theme is "Living the Story: 50
Years of Brethren Volunteer Service." People are invited to
send photos, drawings, stories, anecdotes, reminiscences,
and descriptions of BVSers and their work to BVS 50
Years, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. A national
event will be held at New Windsor, Md., Oct. 2-4, 1998.
The old British ocean liner Queen Mary, permanently
moored in Long Beach and visible from the convention
center, became a familiar sight to conferencegoers. with
many of them visiting it during the week and various
groups having outings to it. On the night of July 4,
Brethren watched a fireworks display over the ship. (Isn't
that rubbing it in a bit, to celebrate American independence
above a hapless British vessel?) Do tourists hear the story
of how the ship got its name? The company that built the
great liner planned to name it the Queen Victoria. Officials
had an audience with King George V (Victoria's grandson,
whose consort was Mary of Teck) to tell him their choice.
"We plan to name the ship for Britain's greatest queen,"
they said. The king smiled appreciatively and replied, "Her
majesty will be pleased." And that was that!
August/September 1997 Messenger 31
Conference as a battleground
We had been reasonably civil toward each other all
week at Long Beach. One might have thought that it
was Charlotte '95, and former schoolmarm fudy
Mills Reimer was eyeballing us into good behavior. But then,
hostilities broke out on Saturday morning.
Officially, we were discussing the issue of fetal tissue
use. But, as in real warfare, any excuse will do for those
wanting the advantage of first strike. Suddenly we were
into the abortion war again. Shells were lobbed from mike
to mike. When the casualties were counted up, the Fetal
Tissue Use Statement was among them.
The question is not whether the abortion
issue is important or not. It is. The question
is not whether the fetal tissue use issue is impor-
tant or not. It is. For me, two questions come
to mind: 1. Ought we even to put such spe-
cific issues on the agenda? 2. Is there not a
better use of our time together at Conference?
Behind both questions is the notion that
we might be better off talking together about
and reinforcing the basic principles we affirm,
rather than hammering out a statement on
each specific issue as it crops up.
lust a few years ago. Conference set up a committee "to
reemphasize the Brethren tradition of the simple life and to
discern its full meaning for our time." (Quick test: Can
anyone tell me, without peeping, what year that committee's
report was accepted ... or what it said? ) At the time the
query was accepted and the committee named, I wondered
if the committee would be delving far enough. "Looks to me
like," I wrote, "if we went deep enough in our study, we
might recognize a set of principles that underlie simple
living in all ages. Then, if we had those principles graven on
our hearts, we wouldn't keep forgetting the simple life and
having to refresh our memories from time to time."
Somewhere on our way, along with the distortion of our
earlier Brethren meaning of "freedom of conscience" and "no
force in religion," the fragmentation into special-interest
groups, and the general celebration of diversity, we have
become disunited — distrusting one another, distrusting lead-
ership, breaking into special-interest factions, and resorting
to political maneuvering to get our own way. We talk about
basic principles adopted by our Brethren forebears and occa-
sionally call for them to be declared anew, but in most cases
we want them interpreted from our own individual viewpoint.
A case in point is a 1996 query that led to a committee
being named to write a statement on "the New Testament as
Our Rule of Faith and Practice." The framers of the query
"believe [d] it would be helpful for Annual Conference to reaf-
firm and/or clarify what we mean when we say 'The New
Testament is our rule of faith and practice,' and to extend that
discussion into what such a stance means in our relationship
with one another and our use of scripture to inform Annual
32 Messenger August/September 1997
When the
casualties tvere
counted up, the
Fetal Tissue Use
Statement was
among them.
Conference position statements."
Well and good. The early Brethren, history tells us, affirmed!
this principle. But in our nearly three centuries as a church,
new interpretations and understandings have emerged. So
where do we now stand regarding this principle of the New
Testament being our rule of faith and practice? It's a question
whose answer could be helpful. But will it have a positive effect
in uniting us, in improving the quality of our life together?
I like the report that the committee on "The New Testament
as Our Rule of Faith and Practice" brought to the 1997 Stand-
ing Committee. I am doubtful, however, that
adopting its statement next year will put a stop to
one group of us accusing another of misinterpret-
ing the New Testament or of violating this rule of
faith and practice. I doubt that it will put a stop to
arguing over who the true Brethren are. We want
the Scriptures to support us, not inform us.
I particularly endorse the "Additional Sugges-
tions for Our Life Together," given at the end of
the committee's report. Acknowledging that we
have come to think of "Annual Conference as a po-
litical battleground," the committee suggests
ways to move away from that mind-set.
First, we should take a generally more courteous and
modest approach to speech making. Even the way we
presently legislate microphone appearances discourages open
interchange of ideas. Changing certain rules for conducting
business could help. And, agreeing with what I have said ear-
lier, the committee believes "it is possible that we are trying to
speak exhaustively on too many issues."
My point on "too many issues" is that if we were serious
about following the New Testament as our rule of faith and
practice — really willing to submit to it — we wouldn't need
to speak at the Conference level on many specific issues.
Our rule of faith and practice would inform us sufficiently
what was right and wrong.
s with the aforementioned simple life, if we get the
underlying principle down by heart, revere it, and
, believe in it, we don't need a statement to flip through
to see how to handle every issue that comes along. My par-
ents taught me the principle of honesty. I don't need to write
myself a statement on stealing, lying, or cheating.
The committee says that "Conference concerns should be
examined by careful New Testament study before reaching
query status, and responses to the queries should be
grounded in the New Testament." 1 agree. But careful New
Testament study and time spent in respectful conversation
together could eliminate the surfacing of many of those
"Conference concerns." Even a whole Conference given just
to talking together as a family would be good.
Better anyway, than the battleground we presently make
of it.— K.T
mm
Marriage is a
good thing.
But unrealistic
expectations,
unfinished
family business,
and reactions
to unhappy
circumstances
can all combine
to make many
a good thing
go bad.
STONES
by Robin Wentworth Mayer
There's nothing sadder
than a good thing gone
bad.
In last month's column, I
told the story of David and
Michal. It is a story that does
not have a happy ending. That
frustrates me, because I like
happy endings. But there are
many similar stories being
lived out today — stories of
good things gone bad. Where
did David and Michal go
wrong? They went wrong in
exactly the same areas young
couples go wrong today.
/ . They entered their marriage
with unrealistic expectations.
Michal wanted a hero. David
was handsome and popular, the
catch of the season. Snagging
David would make Michal the
belle of the ball and the envy of
all her peers.
David wanted a princess.
Marrying Michal would give
him an "in" with the royal
family, seal his position, and
perhaps smooth over the tur-
bulence with the man he
would replace as king.
David and Michal did to
some degree what many young
men and women do today
when seeking a marriage part-
ner. They came up with their
personal "blueprint" of "ideal
mate" and superimposed it on
each other.
2. They entered their mar-
riage with unfinished family
business. Granted, where
David and Michal are con-
cerned, this is largely specula-
tion on my part. But think
about it. Michal was her fa-
ther's second choice; King
Saul had originally offered
older sister Merab to David in
marriage. Had Michal grown
up in her sister's shadow? Was
marrying David, to some de-
gree, an attempt to win her fa-
ther's approval?
And remember, David was
the youngest of eight boys.
None of his older brothers was
exactly happy that the runt of
the litter had been chosen to be
Israel's king. In fact, when
David offered to go fight Go-
liath, his eldest brother, Eliab,
called him presumptuous and
evil (1 Sam. 17:28). I have to
believe that David's formative
years were filled with attempts
to prove himself. Was Michal
just one more prize to win?
David and Michal, like many
couples today, entered their
marriage with unfinished family
business, each wanting the
other to fix his self-esteem and
fill the void left by the unmet
needs from their families.
5. They allowed circumstances
to come between them. David
and Michal were swept up in
circumstances beyond their con-
trol. David didn't choose the life
of a fugitive. Michal didn't
choose to be given to another
man in marriage. Neither had
control over those turns of
events. They were like many
couples today who do not have
control over circumstances: The
real issue is not what happens to
us, but, rather, how we respond
to what happens to us.
Perhaps Michal grieved over
lost love and lost youth. But
instead of accepting her pain
with grace and courage, she
turned on David with ven-
omous spite in 2 Samuel 6:20
(TLB): "How glorious the
king of Israel looked today:
He exposed himself to the
girls along the street like a
common pervert!"
And what about David? Does
he honor the wife of his youth?
Does he speak words of under-
standing and conciliation? Not
at all! In 2 Samuel 6:2 1 , he
rubs it in that he has displaced
Michal's family's dynasty and
gloats that other women are at-
tracted to him. after which he
totally rejects Michal.
How do I know that? Be-
cause 2 Samuel 6:23 says
Michal remained childless.
Some Bible commentators will
point to that and claim that
God was extinguishing Saul's
line. But I think the reason for
Michal's barrenness is much
simpler. I think David and
Michal lived out their days un-
der the same roof, husband and
wife in name only.
Marriage is a good thing. But
unrealistic expectations, unfin-
ished family business, and reac-
tions to unhappy circumstances
can all combine to make many
a good thing go bad.
Identifying and addressing
these issues, refusing to allow
circumstances to come between
you, and allowing God to take
over your marriage can not
only prevent a good thing from
going bad, but also rescue rrr
one that has. r^'
Robin Wentn'orth Mayer is
pastor of Kotcomo (Ind.) Churcti
of the Brethren.
Stepping Stones is a column offer-
ing suggestions, perspectives, and
opinions — siiapsliots 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 diffi-
culties, we don't need to tmlk on
water We just need to learn where the
stepping stones are. "
August/September 1997 Messenger 33
Life is forever
BY Chalmer E. Faw
^1 II Christians read the Bible
/ m as their basic book, paying
^ JL, some kind of attention to it.
But how many take it seriously
enough to let it shape their whole
understanding of life?
For example, it is common to think
of human existence as the short span
of 70 to 100 years that one spends
on this earth. Again and again, even
Christians say, "This life may not be
much, but it is far better than the
alternative (meaning death)."' But
from the New Testament perspective,
that definitely is not true. All through
this basic document of our faith, the
promise is life everlasting, as |ohn
3:16 and hundreds of other texts
affirm.
But what difference does it make?
All the difference in the world! Con-
sider several aspects of it. Take the
matter of the young friend or relative
whose life is cut short by some acci-
dent or dreaded disease such as
cancer. It may not be what one
would choose, but it is no longer the
tragedy that it would be for one who
has no hope of eternity. In fact, it
can be a real blessing if that person is
a loving Christian, making an impact
in this life and going on to live for-
ever and ever with the Lord. |esus
himself lived to be only 33, but what
a powerful, saving influence he has
exerted on all humankind!
Go live for a while in an animist
society, as I have done, in which the
majority of the people do not believe
in everlasting life, and see the differ-
ence. I could tell you of instance
after instance in which unbelievers
go all to pieces at the death of a
loved one, and weep helplessly for
days on end. Meanwhile, their Chris-
34 Messenger August/September 1997
Now the Bible
does not tell us
explicitly what
heaven will be like.
There is much
mystery about it,
and no doubt that
is as it should be.
What we know
of the future
of believers is,
however, all good.
tian counterparts, although grieving
deeply, face life serenely because
they know they will be with their
loved one throughout all eternity.
Another thing that a strong faith in
eternal life brings is a profound
deepening of meanings and values.
Said the atheist Robert Ingersoll,
"Happiness is the only good," and
"The only place to be happy is here."
The shallow, epicurean view of life
makes all kinds of exploitation of
others seem right. Slavery makes the
master feel happy, so promote it.
"Using" others brings a certain satis-
faction to the one perpetrating it, so
why not do it? If there is no future
life, with a judgment and some form
of heaven or hell, then anything goes.
If it "feels good" to you, do it. Con-
trast with that the depth of
appreciation of human life that
comes with the assurance that each
person is a special creation, destined!
to continue forever. This is especiallj
convincing when one realizes that,
according to the New Testament, all
imperfections will be gone, all sin,
sickness, and sorrow done away
with, with only fulfillment and
blessedness to look forward to.
Closely akin to this is the aware- -
ness that comes to the believer in
eternal life that this present existence!
is real and worthwhile in its own
right, but also a preparation for the
unlimited life beyond. Therefore,
imperfect values here can be raised
to the true height there, and aspira-
tions and works begun in this life will
continue on and on in ever greater
fulfillment throughout an endless
eternity. All the partial but genuine
forms of love here on earth will be
explored and realized there.
rake Jesus as portrayed in
the Gospels, for example.
He came from God and is
going to God (lohn 16:27-30),
spanning eternity past and eternity
future. And believers are sent into
this world just as Jesus was (lohn
1 7:18), human beings now partak-
ing of the divine nature and citizens
of eternity.
Then a very big blessing that
comes from living in eternal life now,
rather than having a merely temporal
existence, is the freedom from fear
that comes. Since death is but a tran-
sition to a greater life, something
that everyone must endure, but
Christians need not dread, the
believer can endure any hardship or
persecution with utmost courage.
Think of the Christians in the days of
the madcap Roman emperor Nero,
who went to their death with a song
in their heart and a smile on their
Pontius' Puddle
Send payment for reprinting "Pontius' Puddle" from Messenger to
Joel Kaujfmann. Ill Carter Road. Goshen. IN 46526. $25 for one
linif use. $10 for second strip in same issue. $10 for congregations.
ace. That infuriated Nero because
lere was a power that he could not
dominate, and a life everlasting that
le could neither comprehend nor
onquer.
For us who are not likely to be
martyrs in the dramatic sense of the
first-century Christians, there is still
a fundamental difference between
believing in the Lord of Eternity and
not believing. We are freed up to be
true to our faith, no matter what the
opposition. If there is an opportunity
to take a stand for peace, we can do
it regardless of the consequences,
facing insult, imprisonment, and
even death, if necessary. And there
will be many openings in which we
can speak of our faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ and encourage others to
accept the offer of life eternal with-
out fearing the ridicule that is
heaped upon us or the misunder-
standing of our peers. We can, like
the faithful in the book of Acts, know
who we are and where we are going
when we die.
With people living longer and
longer, we find ourselves being more
and more concerned with aging.
What does a strong Christian faith in
eternal life have to say about this
matter? Here we see perhaps the
greatest difference of all between a
true faith in everlasting life and its
absence.
If this existence is the end, enter-
ing a nursing home could be most
miserable and sad, simply the wind-
ing down and closing out of life, a
thing to get over with as quickly and
inexpensively as possible.
But with a belief in life eternal,
entrance into a home for the aging is
but a stopover on the way to heaven.
Those who go there are the ones spe-
cially blessed. They are given this
WOE IS »ae'.
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COislPOSION--
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OME'S LIPE?
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Because You Need
Protection You Can
Count On
W hen a fire broke out at Elkhart City
Church of the Brethren in Elkhart, Indiana,
many members wondered how long it would
be before they could worship there again.
But they were about to experience a
wonderful surprise.
''Mutual Aid was right there when we
needed them," says Ted Noffsinger, who
supervised the reconstruction. "The approach
I saw was, 'We have a policyholder with a
problem. Let's do what we can, as fast as we
can, to get him back in business.'"
If that's the protection you'd like to experience, then
you should know Mutual Aid Association also offers
homeowner's insurance at very competitive rates. To
find out more, return the bind-in card in this issue of
Messenger, or call us now.
1-800-255-1243
yU
Mutual Aid Association
Church of the Brethren
3094 Jeep Rd • Abilene, KS 67410
Protection you can depend on from
Brethren you trust. Since 1885.
August/September 1997 Messenger 35
Introducing Maple Terrace.
Not your typical retirement living.
Retirement will take on
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Here you'll find a community center featuring a large dining
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in a safe, secure environment. And there's easy access to walking
and biking trails, tennis and swimming.
For more information, including a
free color brochure, call Karen McNeal
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Retiring at Maple Terrace can be
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By the way, roller blades
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Opening Early 1999
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the greatest experience a human will
ever enjoy. Yes, there will be suffer-
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with many devotional times filled
with music and inspiration.
It is what they can look forward to
as believers that makes it most
worthwhile. Now the Bible does not
tell us explicitly what heaven will be
like. There is much mystery about it,
and no doubt that is as it should be.
What we know of the future of
believers is, however, all good. For
one thing, the redeemed will be
clothed with new spiritual bodies in
heaven (1 Cor. 15:42—53), com-
pletely free from all pain and
sickness (Rev. 21 :4).
Moreover, there is every indication
that we shall know one another
there. If the three disciples on the
Mount of Transfiguration recognized
Moses and Elijah, whom they had
never seen, we may be sure we shall
know our many friends and relatives
there. But they are only the begin-
ning of the multitudes we shall know
in heaven, for there will be the saints
of all the centuries. How wonderful
will be such fellowship through the
countless ages of eternity!
Nor will it likely be all fellowship.
There will be great work to be done.
According to Matthew 25:21-23, the
faithful will be put in authority over
kingdoms, and in 1 Corinthians 6:3,
the saints are said to rule angels.
Besides all this, there are
"rewards" and "treasures" laid up in
heaven for each believer, those deeds
of faith and mercy for which he did
not receive credit here on earth. Yes,
there will be much to look for- rn~\
ward to in the great beyond. r**'1
Clialiner E. Fatv is a former professor at
Bethany Theological Seminary and Nigeria
missionary. He is the author of several books,
including a commentary on Acts (Herald Press.
1993). He lives in McPherson. Kan.
36 Messenger August/September 1997
^y&o^^
\
^SiDGP"
^ I^aa ^jM-iX ^M/i^ t^vf^
^ liM^ Mi/^idc iA^irXc^ ti^
Deuteronomy 15:11
Friday and Saturday, September 26-27
Lebanon Area Fairgrounds^
Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Sponsored by Atlantic Northeast
and Southern Pennsylvania Districts
JOHN KLINE
BICENTENNIAL
Post-Event Sales
Continue to celebrate the spirit,
vision, and ministry of Elder
John Kline through these
bicentennial resources:
*Books:
FinalJoumey of John Kline
(script)
John Kline Among His Brethren
Old Time Remedies/Recipes
(supplmt.)
The Olive BranchiCmi War Stories)
Sharing Our Best (Heritage Ckbk.)
* Collectibles;
Celebration Note Cards
Celebration Prints
(Kline House, Marker, Church)
Civil War/John Kline
Collector's Stamp Cachet
John Kline Coloring Book
Middle Man T-Shirts (small only)
* Audio/Videos:
Elder John Kline Documentary
(video)
20 Lectures (audio and video),
including:
A Memorial Singing
Impact of Civil War on Valley
John Kline, Martyr Pursuing Peace
John Kline's Preaching
Recounting Kline's Last Days
Missionary Ventures to Western VA
Slavery in John Kline's Virginia
Spirituality of John Kline
Struggle for Religious Exemption
Worship in the Meetinghouse
Order forms availaBIe from:
Shenandoah District
Church of the Brethren
P.O. Box 248
Dayton, VA 22821
(5401 879-25 1 5 FAX: (5401 879-9 1 92
Mm
"There is hope. Bridgevuater College
and Elizabethtown College both have
minors in peace studies. Professor Gary
Flory is doing conflict resolution at McPherson College, i
and the University of La Verne is joining in first efforts."^^
Keep peace witness central
I hope that the Brethren peace wit-
ness, highlighted by the excellent
June cover story on John C. Baker,
remains centra! in our church's
struggle for definition.
There is hope. Bridgewater College
and Elizabethtown College both have
minors in peace studies. Professor Gary
Flory is doing conflict resolution at
McPherson College, and the University
of La Verne is joining in first efforts.
Messenger's work and witness
was much needed and appreciated.
Kenneth L. Brown
North Manchester, Ind.
Get it out in the open
In a time when the Brethren were
splitting into three separate groups,
The Gospel Messenger of Jan. 8,
1884, made this suggestion: "Inas-
much as reports of divisions being
made in certain churches are not edi-
fying the general Brotherhood, we
suggest to all of our correspondents
that as little as possible be said about
them. We hope that the time may
soon come when there will be no
occasion for such divisions."
By coincidence, I read that while
attending a Ministry of Reconciliation
conference. MoR members have a pas-
sion for reconciling the conflicts and
divisions within the church and beyond.
I came away reassured and empowered.
I am ever more convicted and hope-
ful that, as we mature as a body of
Christians, and as we embrace our
individual and collective calling, are
peacemakers and go to our brothers
and sisters and listen, we will abandon
the archaic notion that "as little as
possible be said" about our problems.
Not talking about our "divisions" is
even less edifying than talking about
them. When we talk and listen to eacl
other, we are, in fact, fulfilling and
living out the ministry of Jesus. What
could be more edifying than that? .
Rocci Hildiwi
Wenatchee, Wash
Ken Morse at 84
My friend and neighbor Kenneth 1.
Morse's [une article, "Unlikely Pulpits'
was much enjoyed and appreciated.
For his 84th birthday, May 30, I
wrote these lines:
The friendship of Kenneth I. Morse
Is an acme of friendship, of course.
To lose such a friendship
Would constitute endship
To mourn, ah, profoundly, perforce.
As the eighty-fourth year from his birtf
Is fulfilled, we reecho the worth
That thousands have found in him-
Found Being's Ground in him.
Salt for a salt-hungry earth.
Salt, light, water, and bread —
By these the hungry are fed.
And by song and by word —
For grace may be heard.
And so may be sung or be said.
O God, our Creator, thou didst
Create Kenneth Ivan, and hidst
In his bosom a treasure,
Nine-syllable measure
By which thou dost "move in our midst."
Our praise to the Source of the song
And Praise to the singer belong.
To both, grateful greeting.
At Annual Meeting,
And amid a Perennial Throng.
38 Messenger August/September 1997
'e descend from the mount of our
praise
J the vale where we Hve out our days,
'ell content to rejoice,
'ith a lowlier voice,
1 his everyday wordings and ways.
s the loftier purpose may tend
0 obscure the commoner end,
/e give thanks for each day
vVe repeatingly say)
•n earth we can call him our friend.
Charles Klingler
North Manchester, lud.
From the
Office of Program Volunteers
Ideal position for a retired couple or
individual to serve as a host for Camp
Bethel. Additional responsibilities de-
pending on skills or desires. Flexible
■ith minimum 3-month commitment,
preferably from September to May.
Room and board provided; transporta-
tion could be arranged. Contact:
Elsie Holderread. Church of the
Brethren Offices, 1451 Dundee Ave..
Elgin, IL 60120-1694.
From
On Earth Peace Assembly
Intern Position
On Earth Peace Assembly, Inc.
Plan, coordinate, and carry out
Peace Academy weekends and help
grow the ministry of The Peace
Place Resource Center.
Skill and Interest Requirements:
Interest in Christian peacemaking
Knowledge of IBM and Macintosh
computers
Willingness to travel
Prior program planning experience
helpful
Flexibility in work schedule required
Room, board, health insurance, and
modest stipend provided.
Available immediately to first qualified
applicant.
Send resume and cover to:
On Earth Peace Assembly, Inc.,
P.O. Box 188. New Windsor. MD 21776
(410) 655-8706
H^eacfi out through better stewardsfiif
Not every church has an asset manager among its
members. For as little as $10,000 you can open an
account with the Brethren Foundation. Our profes-
sionals will invest your funds to help you continue
the work of Jesus.
E5r
brethren Foundation, Inc.
1505 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, Illinois 60123
800-746-1505 • FAX 847-742-0135
'Stry of Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust
Classified Ads
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Executive Director, Thurston Woods Village,
Sturgis, Mich,, lia,s immediate opening for executive
director of a Mennonite-sponsored retirement com-
munity. To oversee current & future housing, health
care & supportive services. Prerequisites inci, nurs-
ing home administrator's license, min, 5-yrs.
professional leadership exp. Master's in health care
preferred. Must be committed to Christian ministry,
identify with & support mission, goals, and values of
Thurston Woods Village and possess strong manage-
ment, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Thurston Woods Village is a nonprofit Christian retire-
ment community with 118 skilled-care nursing beds,
82 assisted-living units, & 33 HUD apartments; S6 mil-
lion annual budget; 120 full-time equivalent employees.
Send resume, salary history, & references toj, Ran-
dall King, 27440 Banker Street Rd,, Sturgis, MI
49091-9357 or fax (616) 489-2491.
TRAVEL
Travel with a purpose. Missionary journeys of St.
Pail, Turkey, & Greece, Mar 19-Apr. 3, 1998. S2,899.
For info, write Wendell & Joan Bohrer, 8520 Royal
Meadow Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46217, Tel, /fax (317)
882, 5067, Or write Paul & Geneva White, 3310 Melody
Ave, SW, Roanoke, VA 24018-31 14, Tel, (540) 776-3289.
Cruise the Russian waterways, Aug. 7-23, 1998.
From $2,649, depending on deck level. Visit Moscow,
Red Square, Kremlin, St, Petersburg, & cruise rivers
of the czars, on Ist-class cruise ship. 3 meals a day
For info, write Bohrer Tours, 8520 Royal Meadow Dr,
Indianapolis, IN 46217, Tel,/fax (317) 882-5067,
Israel/Jordan Tour. ("Jesus & Moses, Religion &
Education.") Jan, 19-29, 1998. Visit Jerusalem, Jeri-
cho, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Dead Sea, Megiddo, Lake
Galilee, Qumran (Dead Sea Scrolls), river Jordan,
Masada (Herod's fortress), Mount Carmel, Beth Shan,
Petra-Jordan (red rock Nabatean city), & other sites.
$1,799 from Chicago. Contact Drs. Herb/Jeanne Smith,
McPherson, KS 67460. Tel, (316) 241-0742, ext, 1244.
Cruise with Ken Medema. Feb, 1-8, 1998, Cruise
western Caribbean with Christian musician & enter-
tainer Ken Medema on Celebriry Cruises' newest ship,
the Mercury Enjoy 3 private concerts; private recep-
tion with Ken Medema on board; & visit exotic ports
of Cozumel, Montego Bay Grand Cayman, & Key West.
Wonderful Christmas gift for a pastor from congre-
gation. Get a group together & cruise for free. For
more info, write Mr, & Mrs, Philip Rowland, 2332 Putter
Lane, St, Louis, MO 63131, or call Cecelia, toll-free, at
(888) 367-9398,
Vietnam/Thailand study tour. Join Univ, of La Verne
Communication profs. Randy Miller & George Keeler,
in Jan, Interterm 1998, Leading 2-wk, Vietnam/Fhai-
land peace/media study class. Could count for 4 units
of upper div univ. credit. Visit village where BVSer
Ted Studebaker served and lost his life in peace cause,
plus several World Vision dev. projects. Through tours
of broadcast, print media centers of Bangkok, Ho Chi
Minh City, & Hanoi, meet seasoned journalists & top
diplomats for briefings on peace process. Tour sig-
nificant Vietnam War sites, e.g., My Lai, Cu Chi, Da
Nang, Approx, cost $2,300, inci, round-trip airfare &
many meals, Vietnam Media 1998 open to all; no pre-
requisites. Tel: (818) 303-8811, ext, 7504 now to get
on Journ 397 info list. E-mail: randy_miller@wvi,org
or keelerg(S'ulvacs,ulaverne,edu
WANTED
'Voung adults for Young Adult Conference, Nov 27-29,
1997, at Camp Mack (Milford, Ind,) for three days of
worship, singing, fellowship, & learning. Theme:
"Jesus: The Man, the Message, & Me," Leader: Christy
Waltersdorff $70, due by Nov 1, For more info, call
Chris Douglas at (800) 323-8039.
John Kline gavel. Need to borrow gavel made in
1940s for Annual Conference moderator Paul H,
Bowman from wood from a Tennessee barn in which
John Kline kept his horse, Nell, Gavel made by my
father. My brother, Ray made foot tub from same wood
for recent John Kline Bicentennial, Need to borrow
the gavel so we can have our photo made with it and
foot tub. Gavel owner, please contact me, Roy F Sim-
mons, R, 1, Bridgewater, VA 22812. Fax (540) 828-63^5,
INVITATION
Salisbury Community Church of the Brethren,
new & growing fellowship in Salisbury, Md,, invites
Brethren moving into or vacationing in Salisbury,
Ocean City area to worship with us. Will provide
moving help (unloading, child care, area info). For
info, contact Salisbury Community COB, PO. Box
2001, Salisbury, MD 21801, Tel, (410) 219-5949. E-
mail NRCain@AOL,COM,
August/September 1997 Messenger 39
Mm Points
New Members
Note: Congregations are asked
to submit only the names of
actual new members of
denomination. Do not
include names of people
who have merely transferred
their membership from
another Church of the
Brethren congregation.
Brookville, S. Ohio: Rebecca
Hulett, Forrest Shepard,
Bernice Eagleson, Norman
Fasnacht, lustin Nihiser;
[esse, Gwen, & Sharon
Iwanusa, Hilary & Dan
Sievers, Lisa Osswald, Dawn
Sievers, Mahala Dull, Matt
& lulie Caylor, Carolyn Put-
erbaugh. |oAnn Smith
Charlottesville, Shen.: Carol
& Ashia Costanze, Jordan
Young: Mark, Jenny &
Tammy Hofecker
Chiques, Atl. N.E.: Sandra
Pope; Noelle, Tyler, & Col-
lene Peters,
Everett, Mid. Pa.: John &
Sandy Foor, Melanie
Messersmith, Eugene &
Lois Ritchey
Free Spring, S. Pa.: Fred
Book, Samantha Ernest.
Amy Keli, Derek Ritzman,
Dianne Sparks, Gretchen
Wagner. Brooke Foster,
Denise Zug, Cathy Bashore
Freeport, 111. /Wis.: David
Schnieder
Haxtun, W. Plains: James &
Pearl Underwood
Huntingdon Stone, Mid. Pa.;
Benjamin Gibboney, Colin
Lang, Spencer McMinn,
Matthew Wingate, Howard
Rupert, Colleen & Christo-
pher Ostrowski. Sue
Albright, Pamela Kavanaugh,
Charles Yohn, Eric & Karne
Biddle, Henry Thurston-
Griswold, Timothy Blazina,
Nathan Gibboney
Lacey Community,
Ore. /Wash.: Michael & Jen-
nifer Pearson
Middle Creek, Atl. N.E.:
Brian Charles, Leslie Dit-
zler, Jeffery Kahler, Shanell
Weaver
Mill Creek, Shen.: Dennis
Dellinger, Lee & Carla
Foerster, Janene Good,
Barry & Cerise Haas. Vickie
Scanlan
Olivet, S. Ohio: Shelley &
Ashley Wilson
Osceola, Mo./Ark.:|ames
Powers, Cathy Powers
Petersburg Memorial, W.
Marva: Wendell Keplinger,
Ottie Whetzel, Ryan &
Corey Lambert, Kimberly
Mullenax, Kimberly Bible.
Derek Nesselrodt,
Stephanie Moyer
Pittsburg, S. Ohio: Barbara
.Farmer, Craig House, Terry
Oda, Diane Williams
Pleasant Hill, W Pa.: Tiffany
Blue, Craig Gaunt; Kath-
leen, Kristina, & Peter
Goldberg, Clay Piper,
Daniel & Scott Rager, Amy
Rummel, Daniel Ryan,
Emily Saylor, David Stem
Ridgeway, Atl. N.E.; Elayne
McClanen, Christopher
Krahn, Christopher Hanna,
Ruth Rohrer
Shalom Fellowship, Virlina:
lustin & Brittany Hoal
South Bay Community, Pac.
S.W.: Sandy VanDever,
Joyce MacNamara
Stonerstown, Mid. Pa.: Pamela
Reed, Diana Hoover,
Melissa Bussard, Charles
Martin, Charles Martin Jr.,
Daniel Martin, Corey
Rourke, Sherry & Mark
White, J. Free Weaver IV
Welty, Mid. Atl.: Margaret
Wolff. Christopher Echstine
White Oak, Atl. N.E.: Andrew
Miller, David Santiago,
ludah Clapper, Sarah
Crouse, Micah Heagy, Kurt
Hershey, Garrett Martin,
Lynn Sauder, Moses Shirk
Wedding
Anniversaries
Billet, Frances and Dclbert,
Elkhart. Ind., 50
Bucher, Paul and Ruth.
Palmyra, Pa., 50
Buckwalter, Frank and Rachel,
Sinking Spring, Pa., 55
Byers, Orville and Dorothy,
Mount Sidney. Va.,50
Cassel, Paul and Evelyn,
Machanisburg, Pa., 65
Coffman, Hally and Pauline,
Palmyra, Pa., 60
Colyar, Vance and Alice,
Olympia, Wash.. 55
Crouch, Howard and Hazel,
Huntingdon, Pa., 50
Detwiler, Galen and Grace,
Martinsburg, Pa., 60
Edwards, Zane and Doreen,
Everett, Pa., 50
England, Paul and Betty. Bed-
ford, Pa., 60
Earhart, 1. Stanley and Laurie,
Lancaster, Pa.. 55
Etsinger, Bud and Ruby, Nap-
pannee, Ind., 50
Etter, Paul and Eva, Palmyra,
Pa., 60
Frantz, lay and Evelyn,
Lebanon, Pa., 50
French, John and Helen, New
Bloomfield, Pa., 50
Gilbert, Arthur and Marsha,
South Whitley, Ind., 60
Gillin, Duane and Maxine,
Blissfield, Mich., 50
Glick, Norman and Hannah-
Frances, Empire, Calif., 60
Haldeman, Daniel and Ruth,
Manheim, Pa., 60
Hartman, Russell and Marie,
Palmyra, Pa., 65
Heisey, |ane and Enos,
Lebanon, Pa., 55
Hershberger, Willis and Dora,
Elkhart, Ind., 55
Horner, Lloyd and Helen,
Kansas City, Kan. ,55
Horst, Frank and Dorothy,
Palmyra, Pa., 50
Kaylor, Alvin and lane.
Palmyra, Pa., 50
Klofz, Lyie and Gladys,
Lacey. Wash., 55
Koontz, Glenn and Freda,
Everett, Pa., 65
Ludwick, Roy and Frances,
Burlington, W.Va., 50
Markley, Deana and Leland,
Goshen, Ind., 50
Petticoffer, Lee and Eva,
Akron, Pa., 60
Pletcher, Virgil and Marcheta,
Lake Forest, CaliL, 55
Rose, Laurel and Edith,
Greenville, Ohio, 65
Sanger, Merrill and Eulalia,
Quintet, Kan., 50
Shaver, Jason and Margaret,
Palmyra, Pa, 60
Shaver, Norman and Susan,
Manheim, Pa., 50
Shuman, John and Anne,
Lebanon, Pa., 60
Smith, Bill and Aline, Lacey,
Wash., 50
Snoke, Leroy and Valeria,
Palmyra, Pa., 50
Stern, Don and Betty. Lacey,
Wash., 50
Stinebaugh, Vernon and
Angela. York, Pa.. 55
Townsend, Garnet and Betty.
Lawton, Mich., 60
West. Carol and Kenny,
Goshen, Ind., 50
Whirledge, Ernest and Phyllis,
West Goshen, Ind., 50
Whiled, Dick and Mary, New
Carlisle, Ohio. 55
Zuck, Joe and Ruth, Kansas
City, Kan., 60
Licensings
Baker, Donald L., Feb. 13,
1997, Chambersburg, S. Pa.
Lubbs-DeVore, Lynda, April
19, 1997, Boulder Hill,
lll./Wis.
Myers, Matthew E., March
1997, Moxham, W. Pa.
Villanueva, Carmen M., May
17, 1997, Getsemani, Atl.
S.E.
Ordinations
Cruz, Oscar V., May 1 1, 1996,
Iglesia Christiana Getse-
mani, Atl. S.E.
Weeks, Gary, March 15, 1997.
Deshler, N. Ohio
Pfeiffer, Robert, May 22,
1997, Painter Creek, S.
Ohio
Quinn, Jack, May 22, 1997,
Trinity, S. Ohio
Ruth, Brian C, April 26,
1997, New Haven, Mich.
Shumaker, Sheila, May 22,
1997, Bear Creek, S. Ohio
Ullery, Howard, May 22.
1997. Pleasant Hill, S. Ohio
Wilson, Ralph H., lune 7,
1997, Parkview, Mid. Pa.
Deaths
Airey, Elvert, 82. Dayton. Va..
May 29. 1997
Akers, Lester. 91, Osceola,
Mo., May 21, 1997
Anderson, loyne, 75, Rock-
ford, 111., May 24, 1997
Atkins, Ruth, 86, Longmont,
Colo., April 19, 1997
Baker, Mabel, 100, Cando,
N.D., April 5, 1997
Benedict, Maude, 90, Quincy,
Pa., May 27,1 997
Best, Charles, 65, Delphi,
Ind., April 10, 1997
Bowman, Elva, 101, McPher-
son, Kan., May 7, 1997
Brenton, Robert, 42, Pack-
wood, Wash., Jan. 10, 1997
Brown, Clarence, 89, McPher-
son, Kan., May 27, 1997
Brown, Dallas, 67, Sugar-
creek, Ohio, May 10. 1997
Buhrt, Lewis. 87, West
Goshen, Ind., May 24,1997
Carney, Iva, 96, McPherson,
Kan., May 17, 1997
Caplinger, Emma, 76, Man-
heim, Pa.. April 16. 1997
Cooper, Hazel, 95, N. Man-
chester, Ind., April 9. 1997
Cowger, Frank M.. 93. Monti-
cello, Ind., Dec. 20, 1996
Dann, Opal. 86. Delphi. Ind..
March 14. 1997
English, Mary E., Smiths-
burg, Md., Feb. 13, 1997
Feeney, Lester, 77, Defiance,
Ohio, May 22, 1997
Flinn, Lois R 105, Decatur.
III., April 19, 1997
Fouts, S. Russell, 92, Blair,
Neb., Oct. 19, 1996
Fryman, Darrell, 78,
Greenville, Ohio, May 14.
1997
Funkhouser, Madeline. 75,
Ashland, Ohio, Feb. 8, 1997
Ganger, Mary E., 87. W.
Goshen, Ind.. June 2, 1997
Garber, Esther. 92, Palmyra,
Pa., March 11, 1997
Gausman, Elmer, 68, Tipp
City, Ohio, March 15, 1997
Good, Clifford, 84, Harison-
burg. Va,, Dec. 15, 1996
Graybill, Miriam, 87, Litiz,
Pa., March 17, 1997
Grove, Gilbert, 81, Elkhart,
Ind., April 25, 1997
Grove, Glen, 84, Aurora,
Colo., May 11. 1997
Gutshell. Iva P, 86, Hunting-
don, Pa., Jan. 4, 1997
Halfhill, Clyde. 52. Elkhart.
Ind.. March 9. 1997
Hardy, Estella, 97. Defiance.
Ohio. May 17, 1997
Hathaway, Charles R., 59,
Delphi, Ind., Feb 5. 1997
Heisey, Richard B., 75,
Denver, Pa., lune 1, 1997
Hirsch, Margaret, 64, New
Carlisle, Ohio. May 7. 1997
Hodgson, Bessi. 84, San
Diego, CaliL, April 5, 1997
Hoffer, Loa, 63, Lebanon, Pa.,
March 14, 1997
[arrels, Kemper R.. 67, Har-
risonburg, Va.. Sept. 7,
1996
Kauffman, Helen M.. 76, Lan-
caster. Pa.. May 20, 1997
Kesler, llah, 97, McPherson,
Kan., May 23, 1997
Killian, Ruth, 95, Beaverton,
Mich., Jan. 14, 1997
Kilmer, Carl, 87, Goshen,
Ind., Dec. 28, 1997
Knapp, Martha, 87. Beaver-
ton. Mich., June 7, 1997
Knisley, Velma I,, 86, Tipp
City, Ohio, Dec. 25. 1996
Kuhn, Donna. 68. Nappanee
Ind., May 27, 1997
Landis, Walter, 75, Palmyra, ^
Pa., March 18, 1997 [
Leake, Charles E.. 64,
Staunton. Va.. June 16.
1996
Lee, Max E.. 68. Eldorado,
Ohio, April 16, 1997
Leonard, Josephine, 66,
Goshen, Ind., April 20,
1997
Lutz, Anna, 90, Lititz, Pa,,
March 12. 1997
Lutz, Harold |., 75. Vandalia,
Ohio. Feb. 1, 1997
Machowiak, David, 42,
Chicago, III., March 23,
1997 ^
Marsh, Robert, 70, Glen Arm.
Md,. March 24. 1997
Martin, Lena. 72. Lititz. Pa.,
April 17. 1997
Martzall, Elsie W.. 100. Lititzi
Pa.. May 6. 1997
Mason, Roy H.. 97. Bridgewa
ter.Va.. April 22, 1997
May, Clifford E., 87, Smiths-
burg, Md., March 4, 1997
Miles, Ruth S., 69, Hummel-
stown. Pa.. April 26, 1997
Miller, Donna, 48, York, Pa.,
April 26. 1997
Miller, Ira, 77. W Goshen.
Ind.. May 4. 1997
Miller, Melvin, 91. Elkhart.
Ind., Ian. 18, 1997
Mortland, Miriam, 91, Ash-
land, Ohio, April 7, 1997
Morningstar, Jean, 78,
Springfield, Ohio. May 9.
1997
Myer, Ralph. 80. Manheim.
Pa.. May 9. 1997
Nickler, Zelma, 90. Elkhart,
Ind., May 30, 1997
Nissley, Anna, 85, South Moun
tain. Pa., March 24, 1997
Oren, Harold A., 82, Tipp
City, Ohio, Oct. 28, 1996
Orr, William, 46, McPherson,
Kan., May 18, 1997
Reed, Herbert, 68, Glen Arm,
Md., March 24, 1997
Risden, John, 57, Elkhart,
Ind., Feb. 24, 1997
Robinett, Frank, 87. Elkhart,
Ind.. Jan. 4. 1997
Rowe, Cora E., 75, Smiths-
burg, Md., March 12, 1997
Roy, Albert, 93. Lacey. Wash.,
Ian. 8, 1997
Stump, June F, 97. Bent
Mountain, Va., May 28.
1997
Thompson, Marvin, 71, Bent
Mountain, Va., May 8, 1997
Wagner, Paul, 90, Manheim,
Pa.. April 29, 1997
Waite, Evelyn C, SO, Hunting-
don, Pa., March 4, 1997
Weaver, Rebecca M.. 90, Lan-
caster. Pa.. May 14. 1997
Weaver, Urban, 80. Greenville.
Ohio, May 6, 1997
Whalen, Christopher, 46,
Huntingdon, Pa., April 16.
1997
Witmer, George. 71. Palmyra.
Pa., Ian. 18. 1997
Zimmerman, Dora, 74, Tipp
City, Ohio, May 26, 1997
40 Messenger August/September 1997
^ \.,tor we w^Ik by f^lth, not by sight." 2 Coh_ 1
National Youth Conference
Church of the Brethren
Colorado State University Ft Collins, Colorado
July28-August2, 1998
Registration cost: $315
Registration forms available in October
Informational Brochures, Promotional
Videos, and Posters available from the
NYC Office; call (800) 323-8039
1997-98 National Youth Cabinet
yv^v^^^v^^A^^^^v^^^^»^^N►^.^^^^^^^.x
%
^f
by sVS
^<^
NYC Office
1451 Dundee Ave. Elgin, !L 60120
(800) 323-8039
cob_youtli.parti@ecunet.org
www.tgx.conn/cob/nyc98
I
{(K'tioniK'l '^outk C^vnftrtnct "HiKtioniKi '^outk C^onjtrtntt
. . . I
^ ^Fm whom to n
]>^^God's mission
The Church of the Brethren is good at risks and
relationships. Both close to home and in far-flung settings,
Brethren have a solid record of sensing human need,
mounting creative responses, and enlisting partners with
minister in the name of Christ.
Whether working with Nuer transla-
tors in Sudan or local Christians in the
Arab world; whether building churches
and church leadership in the Dominican
Republic or launching new church fel-
lowships at home; whether walking with refugees on their
return to Guatemala or providing care for children of fam-
ilies flooded out in North Dakota; whether bringing fac-
tions together in Bosnia or striving for reconciliation with
North Koreans, the watchwords of Brethren witness are
"Together ... in God's mission."
To sustain these and other vital ministries we do
together, the General Board is in need of your support.
Give through your congregation or send your gift to —
World Mission Offering
church of the Brethren General Board, I45I Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120
g another way
Editor: Kermon Thomasson
Managing Editor: Nevin Dulabaum
Subscriptions: Vicki Roche
Promotion: Howard E. Royer
Study Guide Writer: Willard Dulabaum
Publisher: Wendy McFadden
Continui]
Features
W®&oP
Caring Ministries 2000:
Honing the sl<ills of caregiving
Frank Ramirez reports on a first-of-its-
kind conference that may well become a
recurring event for Brethren caregivers.
Photos by Nevin Dulabaum.
Insert: Another way
A "jubilee report" on the work of the
General Board, a body that came into
being in 1947 and has implemented the
program of the denomination ever since.
Conception, photo selection, and text by
Howard E. Royer. Design by Paul
Stocksdale.
|n the cover: Photos
f of people and events
spanning a 50-year
period of denominational
history depict the Brethren
following not the way of the
world, but "another way"
(see 16-page insert).
Departments
1
From the Editor
2
In Touch
4
Close to Home
6
News
9
In Brief
10
Stepping Stones
14
Letters
16
Pontius' Puddle
19
Turning Points
20
Editorial
How to reach us
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the above address. Allow at least
five weeks for address change.
Coming next month
An interview with Helen Pre-
jean, author of the long-running
best-seller Dead Man Walking.
District Messenger representatives: Atl. N.E., Ron
LuCz;Atl. S.E., Ruby Raymer; Iil./Wls., Kreston Lipscomb;
S/C Ind., Marjorie Miller; Mich., Ken Good; Mid-All,,
Ann Fouts; Mo./Ark., Luci Landes; N. Plains, Faith
Strom; N. Ohio, Alice L. Driver; S. Ohio, Jack iOine;
Ore./Wash., Marguerite Shambeiger; Pac. S.W., Randy
Miller; M, Pa., Eva Wampler; S. Pa., Elmer Q. Gleim;
W. Pa., Jay Christner; Shen., Tim Harvey; S.E., Donna
Shumate; S. Plains, Mary Ann Dell; Viriina, Jerry Naif;
W Plains, Dean Hummer; W Marva, Winoma Sputgeon.
Messenger is the official publication of the 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. Member of the Associated
Church Press. Subscriber to Religion News Service
& Ecumenical Press Service. Biblical quotations,
unless otherwise indicated, are from the New Re\ised
Standard Version. Messenger is published 11 times
a year by Brethren Press, Church of the Brethren
General Board. Second-class postage paid at Elgin,
III., and at additional mailing office, October 1997.
Copyright 1997, Church of the Brethren General
Board. ISSN 0026-0355.
Postmaster: Send address changes to Messenger,
1451 Dundee Ave.. Elgin. IL 60120.
®
The editor of Messenger is the beneficiary of a news service
that serves no one else, not even the News and Information
manager. The news service has no name, but it functions by
people across the denomination clipping and mailing to the editor
Brethren items from their local newspaper.
The editor reads the clippings, copies some for display on an office
bulletin board, copies some as leads for "In Touch" and "Close to
Home" items, copies others as news tips for the News
and Information manager, copies still others as infor-
mation he deems potentially helpful to particular
program staff members, copies and files items about
prominent Brethren for their biographical folders,
winnows out the obituaries for "Turning Points," and
ultimately disposes of everything — tossing out what
he deems well-intentioned donations but unrelated
to Brethren, and sending the rest to the Brethren His-
torical Library and Archives for filing. All this reading,
sorting, and disposing is a very relaxing diversion
from the higher-profile tasks of the editor. Just read-
ing the items — many of them what one would term
"soft news," some of them whimsical — provides a
unique window into the Brethren world.
Here's a longish piece about a dear sister who made
news in her rural community by going to glory on her
103rd birthday.
Here's an item, with three full-color photos, about
La Verne (Calif.) pastor Chuck Boyer leading prayer
for both the anatomy class members and their cadav-
ers, at Western University of Health Sciences.
Now here's a potential "In Touch" story: Mary Titus of Washing-
ton state opened a lending library for the inmates of the Regional
Justice Center in downtown Kent.
And so many congregational anniversaries. When Cedar Grove church,
near Mount Jackson, Va., celebrated its 140th anniversary, who should
walk in but the most prominent Brethren founder, Alexander Mack!
Okay, so he was a dead ringer for Shenandoah District associate exec-
utive Larry Click. Who knows what Mack looked like, anyway?
But I rest my case. Aside from providing reading pleasure for the editor
and helping keep his finger on the pulse of the church, your clippings
serve a variety of other useful purposes. Keep on mailing them in, to:
Messenger Editor, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. And be sure
to include the name of the newspaper and its date of publication.
California pastor Chuck Boyer
offers prayers for cadavers —
just one of the bits of infor-
mation the editor has learned
through his clippings service.
Printed on recycled paper
October 1997 Messenger 1
Ill
rr
A Brethren in Bosnia
We read daily headlines of the strug-
gle to bring peace to former
Yugoslavia without awareness that there
are Brethren quietly involved in that effort.
Vic Ullom, a member of Wiley (Colo.)
Church of the Brethren, after two years in
Brethren Volunteer Service in Croatia, has
Vic Ullom is beginning
a second year of service
beyond BVS, working in
Bosnia to protect human
rights of minorities.
now completed a year in Bosnia, working
for the international Organization of Secu-
rity and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
His BVS experiences included being jailed
by Serbian police; leading nonviolent conflict
resolution training; participating in work-
shops for UN peace-keeping missions: and
meeting with members of parliament, the
judiciary, and the police to facilitate human
rights organizations in resolving issues.
Vic is now senior human rights officer in
Republika Srpska, one of Bosnia's two
entities. OSCE, many of whose employees
are diplomats and foreign service types,
resembles a miniature United Nations.
Vic monitors the human rights situation
in Bosnia and the parties' implementation
of the 1995 Dayton agreement. "Our job,'
he says, "is to ensure that the religious anc
ethnic minorities — Muslims and Croats
among others — living in this territory hav(i
equal rights with the Serbian majority."
The situation is not good. "Before the
war," he says, "45 to 50 percent of the
population of Banja Luka, the region's
largest city, was minorities. Now it's only
five percent, with many minority people
having lost their property."
During the war, a grim musical chairs
game allowed Serbian refugees who lost a
home elsewhere to take over the homes of
minority people. The minority people fled
to where they, as part of a majority, could
take over other people's homes. Houses
were shelled or dynamited in the process.
The present peace is precarious. Vic says
there are "few persuasion sticks to ensure
that the government respects the highest
standards of human rights." People are
told what to think, and their sense of jus-
tice is clouded by propaganda.
Vic's cases usually are complaints
against authorities over property issues.
He investigates and tries to correct situa-
tions that have merit. Defending human
rights without success in many cases is
frustrating to this Brethren peace activist.
Although Vic has plans for graduate
school in international law, they are on hold.
Dedicated to his cause, he has committed
himself to staying in Bosnia's "almost war"
zone for another year. — Irene S. Reynolds
Irene S. Reynolds is a freelance writer from
Lawrence. Kan.
Names in the News
Cyndi Jones, a member of
Wiley (Colo.) Church of the
Brethren, was featured in the
June 9 issue of People maga-
zine, noting her prowess as a
champion rodeo performer.
She is a 1997 graduate,
summa cum laude, of
McPherson College.
• SueZann Bosler of Mi-
ami, Fla., has also been fea-
tured in People. The August
18 issue ran a two-page arti-
cle about SueZann's work to
save her father's murderer
from the death penalty. Bill
Bosler was pastor of Miami
(First) Church of the
Brethren in 1986 when he
was murdered by an intruder
into his home. SueZann was
attacked and severely
wounded by the same man. A
feature on SueZann and her
experience will appear in the
November Messenger.
• Roy E. Pfaltzgraff of
Lancaster, Pa., is the 1997
2 Messenger October 1997
Roy Pfahzgraff
winner of the Damien-Dut-
ton Award, given to a person
who has made a significant
contribution to the conquest
of leprosy. Roy served as a
Church of the Brethren med-
ical missionary in Nigeria,
1945-1982. There he devel-
oped a highly effective and
widely recognized program
for treating leprosy patients
and for training doctors and
paramedicals in leprosy man-
agement. The citation notes
that, inter-
nationally,
Roy "is
known es-
pecially for
his exper-
tise in the
clinical
manifesta- -
tions and
diagnosis
of leprosy,
and is equally expert in the
various facets of physical re-
habilitation of the disabilities
of leprosy." Roy has devised
many innovative prostheses
using appropriate technology
for the developing world.
• Phyllis Carter of
Goshen, Ind., is serving as
interim dean of students at
Goshen College. She has for-
merly
served as
a pastor,
district ex-
ecutive,
General
Board
member,
and An-
nual Con-
ference
moderator
(1992).
She is chairwoman of the
board for A Quiet Place, a
contemplative prayer center
at Camp Mack, Milford, Ind.
PhviUs Carter
Serving the Sioux
Brian Korber sensed an op-
portunity for a special expe-
rience when he decided to
do his student teaching at
Pierre Indian Learning Cen-
ter in South Dakota. That
was August-December
1996, while he was complet-
ing his work in elementary
education at California Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania.
Brian, a member of Maple
Spring Church of the
Brethren in Holsopple, Pa.,
knew nothing at the time
about the Sioux Indians and
their culture. He does now. At
the end of his student-teach-
ing stint with second- and
Working with Sioux Indian
boys in Pierre, S.D., Brian
Korber merged his career
with a period of service.
third-graders, he was hired by
the center as a caseworker re-
sponsible for a dormitory that
includes youngsters in grades
one through five.
Brian also directs an alco-
hol and drug awareness pro-
Duane Ramsey pastored the Washington City church for
nearly half a century, witnessing on Capitol Hill.
A 45 -year record on the hill
Duane Ramsey, pastor of Washington (D.C.) City
Church of the Brethren has received a 1997 Capitol Hill
Community Achievement Award from the CHAMPS Founda-
tion. The foundation provides financial support to numerous
community organizations in the Capitol Hill area. Its award
cited Duane's 45 years as pastor of Washington City church.
The citation read, in part, "Armed with the conviction that a
church should not exist without serving the community
around it, Duane redirected the congregation's focus toward a
ministry to the Hill's almost constantly changing population."
Among Washington City church's current ministries is a
soup kitchen that has operated for the past 1 7 years. The
church also provides office space for the denomination's
Washington Office.
Duane, who is retiring from pastoral work, was also
honored by his congregation, in a day-long event, August
10, attended by hundreds of well-wishers.
The long-time pastor also served as Annual Conference
moderator in 1981 .
gram for the center, involving
nine groups a week. He had
Gilbert Romero, pastor of
Bella Vista Church of the
Brethren in Los Angeles and
an expert in dealing with
gangs, come to Pierre and
lead sessions on gang prob-
lems with Sioux youth.
Pierre Indian Learning
Center is run by Sioux
leaders from 16 reserva-
tions across Nebraska and
the Dakotas. About 230
high-risk Sioux children
spend nine months a year at
the boarding school.
Brian has become caught
up in the Sioux culture and
benefits from the center's
practice of having tribal
leaders visit to pass on Sioux
customs, traditions, and val-
ues to his students. Learning
the Lakota language is hold-
ing him in good stead as he
immerses himself in Sioux
life. He already has attended
two powwows and two
sweat-lodge ceremonies.
With one full and re-
warding year behind him,
Brian returned to Pierre in
August full of anticipation
of his second year, serving
the Sioux.
October 1997 Messenger 3
CROP Trots in a dog-eat-dog world
Maggie, family pet of Noah, Libby, and |im Kinsey of
Woodgrove Brethren/Christian Parish in Hast-
ings, Mich., raised $250 for CROP this year, supported by
friends — two dogs, two cats, and a turtle.
Wearing her CROP T-shirt bearing the names of spon-
sors from Virginia, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan,
Having doggedly Maggie showed up at church on CROP Walk Sunday and
worked to be the trotted six miles for CROP that afternoon.
champion CROP Libby Kinsey, Woodgrove CROP coordinator, was
fiirtdraiser, Maggie inspired to make Maggie a CROP trotter by a local priest
(left) just couldn't who annually enters the event with his dog. Bingo. Libby
resist rubbing it in coaxed Maggie to challenge Bingo to vie for top dog in local
a bit with her com- CROP fundraising. With the pledges of her animal friends,
petitor, Bingo. She Kinsey family members, and others, Maggie helped Wood-
topped his take by grove raise over $2,200, the largest amount from any church
50 bucks, in the community. And Maggie bested Bingo by $50.
"Beginner's luck," growled Bingo, his sights set on 1998.
Let's celebrate
Front Royal (Va.) Church of
the Brethren celebrated its
50th anniversary Sept. 14.
Besides morning worship,
there were a fellowship meal,
singing, and reminiscing.
• First Central Church
of the Brethren in Kansas
City, Kan., marked its cen-
tennial Sept. 17-28, using
the theme "Celebrating a
Century of Love and Com-
mitment." Former pastor
Connie Burkholder wrote
an anthem for the occasion. |i
Banners portrayed the con-
gregation's mission.
• Waynesboro (Pa.)
Church of the Brethren will
hold its 75th anniversary cel-
ebration Oct. 19. Morning
worship will be at 10 a.m.,
followed by a catered meal
and an informal gathering.
Reservations for the meal
must be received by Oct. 12.
•Windfall (Ind.) Church
of the Brethren's centennial
celebration is set for Oct.
12. Under the theme of
"Stitches in Time," there will
be quilts and old photos on
display, reminiscing, music
by the Kings Four gospel
group, food, and fellowship.
Campus Comments
Bethany Theological Semi-
nary and Earlham School of
Religion have received a
$10,000 joint planning
grant from Lilly Endowment
in a program for increasing
and maximizing institutional
technological capabilities.
• Juniata College
received a record-setting
$1,077,000 in monetary
gifts in the 1996-1997
year, which ended June 30.
"The success stories at
Juniata multiply with each
passing year," said Juniata
president Bob Neff.
• The University of La
Verne had a surprise visitor
when the former prime min-
ister of Pakistan, Benazir
Bhutto, dropped in on a
Business and Economics
class. She was on a private
vacation in La Verne with her
first cousin Ahmed Ispahani,
a ULV professor. No sur-
prise, however, was the main
topic of Bhutto's informal
4 Messenger October 1997
emarks: Pakistani politics.
• Bethany Theological
ieminary lias received a
PO.OOO gift to establish a
ichoiarship honoring one
Df its professors, |eff Bach.
The gift came from Bach's
lonie congregation, Mid-
dletown (Ohio).
» Mike Stern, a Seattle-
3ased Brethren musician
\vith a peace emphasis
(August/September, page
28), presented a Fall Spiri-
tual Focus concert at
Bridgewater College Sept.
30. Accompanying himself
on the guitar and banjo,
Mike expresses his con-
cerns for compassion,
social and ecological jus-
tice, peace, service, and
respect for human diversity.
Learning diversity in VBS
"You learn a lot more from
your students than they
learn from you," said teacher
Bart Lefever at the close of
vacation Bible school at
Elkhart (Ind.) Valley
Church of the Brethren. The
1997 Bible school had been
part of a joint project to help
people of different races
know each other better and
learn from one another.
After Elkhart area church
leaders had discussed ways to
build racial harmony, Elkhart
Valley pastor Frank Ramirez
and Christian education
chairwoman Linda Beard-
Herring of St. fames African
Methodist Episcopal church
decided to hold a joint Bible
Poages Mill VBS workers Pat Driver, Alice Stevens, and
Karen Beckner turned actors in a skit promoting Habitat
for Humanity, using a "model house" that had been built
as part of the fundraising project.
Poages Mill aids Habitat
Poages Mill Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va.,
gave its Bible school collections this year to Habitat
for Humanity. For every dollar collected, a brick was put
on the sanctuary wall. "By Thursday night," reported
pastor Maurice Wright, "we had to use ladders to put the
bricks in place."
During the week, church members who had worked with
Habitat described their experiences. On Friday, a "ribbon-
cutting" was held, celebrating the $700 raised for the project.
Elkhart Valley VBS teacher Jessica Ramirez taught crafts to
younger children in a highly successful venture in racial
diversity learning. Two Brethren churches and an African
Methodist Episcopal church carried off the feat.
school. Elkhart City church
joined the project during the
planning process. "Stories
lesus Told" materials pro-
duced by Brethren and
Mennonites were used.
The first four days of
Bible school were held at
St. lames. The final session
was held at Elkhart Valley.
Sessions were held at
night, so adults could
attend. Attendance ranged
from 164 to 185.
Participants in the
sessions interpreted
Jesus' parables in
light of their
own lives and
openly dis-
cussed social
and racial
issues. During the meal fol-
lowing each session, people
continued their conversa-
tions more informally.
The theme song, "Stories
lesus Told," encouraged
people first to hear, then to
tell, and finally to live
lesus' stories. As an out-
growth of the Bible school,
the churches are planning
to carry out other activities
together. And they hope to
spur other area churches to
create similar partnerships.
A user-friendly church
Bridgewater (Va.) Church
of the Brethren is building
a new meetinghouse on
the hill just east of the
Bridgewater College
campus, alongside Route
257 leading to Mount
Crawford. The new
church will include a
gymnasium/social hall.
All the new facility will
be on one level and com-
pletely handicap-
accessible. Completion is
planned for 1998. The
college has bought the
present church, which is
situated on the campus,
and plans to renovate it to
meet space needs.
"Close to Home" highlights news of
congregations, districts, colleges, homes,
and other local and regional life. Send
story ideas and photos to "Close to
Home, " Messenger, 1451 Dundee
Ave., Elgin. IL 60120.
October 1997 Messenger 5
Fred Shaw/Neeake, a Shawnee
storyteller and United Methodist
minister, captivates the Caring
Ministries 2000 audience with a
tale about his heritage. Shaw/
Neeake explained that his attire is
worn for formal Shawnee events.
News items are intended to inform. They do not
necessarily represent the opinions o/"Messenger or
the General Board, and should not be considered
to be an endorsement or advertisement.
Nearly 500 attend first-ever
'Caring Ministries' conference
Two significant events for Brethren
who wortc in caring ministries were
held at Manchester (Ind.) College in
mid-August (see pages 11-13).
The main event, Caring Ministries
2000, attended by some 500 partici-
pants, was intended for "anyone be-
lieving that Christians
have a ministry in caring
for people in a hurting
world."
The conference was
sponsored by Association
of Brethren Caregivers.
Leadership included
Bernie Siegel, retired
surgeon and author; He-
len Prejean, author of
Dead Man Walking and
advocate for death row
"^ A prisoners and victims'
^ families; Marie Fortune,
r executive director of the
-* ^* Center for the Prevention
of Sexual and Domestic
Violence; Rodney Page,
deputy general secretary
of the National Council
of Churches; and Fred
Shaw/Neeake, story-
teller, member of
Shawnee United Rem-
nant Band, and United
Methodist minister.
Other leaders included Tom
Mullen, professor of Creative Writing
and Preaching at Earlham School of
Religion; Dave Hilton, consultant on
international and congregationally
based health care; Nancy Faus, re-
tired Bethany Theological Seminary
professor; and S. Wesley Ariarajah,
deputy general secretary of the
World Council of Churches.
In addition to presentations and
workshops, the conference included
Bible studies, singing, and worship.
The other significant event was
"The Art and Act of Healing," a pre-
Caring Ministries seminar led by
Bernie and Bobbie Siegel.
About 250 people attended this
day-long event, exploring "the roles ]
of hope, love, spirituality, and uncon-i
scious beliefs in the healing process."
Take two. The search for an
executive director resumes
The General Board's search for an ex-
ecutive director officially resumed *
Sept. 4—5, when the committee
charged with overseeing the process —
consisting of four Board members and
a representative from Board staff, the
districts, and the laity — met for the
first time. In doing so, the committee
began the Board's second search for
an executive director, as the Board
failed to call the candidate presented
to it during its |uly meetings.
The new committee, chaired by
Board member Mary )o Flory-
Steury, is seeking people interested
in the position or people interested in
nominating a candidate for this posi-
tion. An information/application
packet will be available after Oct. 2 1 .
For more information, contact Flory-
Steury at 800 E. David Road, Ketter-
ing, Ohio 45429. Completed appli-
cation materials must be postmarked
by Dec. 10.
AC '98 theme, speakers, and
other information announced
"... so that God is not ashamed to be
called our God," based on Hebrews
11:16, will serve as theme of the
212th Annual Conference, June 30 —
July 5, in Orlando, Fla. The theme
was selected in August by the Annual
Conference Program and Arrange-
ments Committee, which explained,
"Those gathered to take care of the
business, to worship, and to fellow-
ship will be encouraged to examine
the challenge of faithfulness and how
that guides our lives, our thoughts,
and our ministries ... so that God is
6 Messenger October 1997
lot ashamed to be called our God."
Each worship service will focus on
an aspect of faithfulness. The
:hemes, preachers, and worship lead-
ers will be —
• Tuesday: Relationship of faith to
faithfulness: William Willimon,
Durham, N.C.; Cindy Barnum-
Sicggerda, Daleville, Va.
• Wednesday: Faithfulness, the
guiding power; Elaine Sollenberger,
'E\erett, Pa.: Lowell Flory, McPher-
^on, Kan.
• Thursday: Exploring the depth
j| liiithfulness; Ered Swartz, Manas-
sas. Va.; Belita Mitchell, Rancho
Palos Verde, Calif.
• Friday: A passion for faithfulness;
William Sloane Coffin, Strafford, Vt.;
Merle Crouse, St. Cloud, Fla.
• Saturday: Faithfulness in wor-
.ship: Donna Forbes Steiner,
Landisville, Pa.; Guy Buch,
Smithville, Ohio.
• Sunday: God's promise for
faithfulness; Robert Alley, Bridgewa-
ter, Va; Brian Yoder, Emily Shonk,
The 24th Annual Brethren Bible Institute, sponsored by Brethren Revival
Fellowship, was held July 28 — Aug. 1 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College. One
hundred twenty people attended, representing 27 churches in seven states.
Nine courses were offered throughout the week, from which students
selected three. "Chapel periods, group devotions, class lectures and
discussions, recreation, food, and fellowship all combined to make it a
rewarding and relaxing week, " said Harold Martin, BRF leader.
and Joy Struble, the NYC '98 coordi-
nating team, from Elgin, 111.
The music coordinator will be Bob
Kettering, Manheim, Pa. Terry Mur-
ray, Huntingdon, Pa., will serve as
choir director.
In related news, the Annual Con-
ference Office has also announced —
• that Insight Sessions will have to
be sponsored by a district or by one of
the three Annual Conference agencies.
• that there won't be a logo-creat-
ing contest this year.
• that nominees for the Confer-
ence ballot are being accepted.
For more information, contact the
Annual Conference office at (800)
323-8039.
EFSM and TRIM trains 18 in August
Fifteen students and three churches in August partic-
ipated in this year's Training in Ministry (TRIM) and
Education for a Shared Ministry (EFSM) orientation
at the Brethren Service Center, New Windsor, Md.
The 15 TRIM students represented 10 districts,
according to lean Hendricks, the General Board's
former director of Ministry Training. Members var-
ied in age and educational and vocational back-
ground. Two of the three churches entering EFSM
were from Northern Indiana District; the other was
from Shenandoah District.
Leaders for this, EFSM's 20th year and TRlM's
10th, included David Longenecker. Rick Gardner,
Mary jessup, Scott Duffy, Howard Miller, Roger
Forry, Alice Martin-Adkins, and Pam Leinauer.
TRIM participants were Michael Bullock, Paul
Dodd, Lois Grove, Randy Hosier, Thomas Kerr, Be-
lita Mitchell, Helen Osborne, )ames Peyton, Rebecca
Rhodes, James Schmidt, Howard Shockey, Richard
Schockney, Lisa Snyder, George Sparks, and Sharon
Sparks. EFSM participants were Jim Best, junior
Blough, Eric Croft, and Greg Spry.
October 1997 Messenger?
General Board, Bethany
announce staff changes
Eight staff changes have been made
by the General Board and Bethany
Theological Seminary since summer.
Heather Nolen, a graduate of
Bridgewater (Va.) College, in August
began serving a two-year Brethren
Volunteer Service term as coordinator
of the General Board's Washington
Office. She reports to David Radcliff,
director of Brethren Witness.
Beth Sollenberger Morphew has
been named coordinator of the Gen-
eral Board's Area 2 Congregational
Life Team. Prior to this appointment,
Sollenberger Morphew served the
General Board as director of Stew-
ardship Education.
Harriet and Ron Finney have been
appointed co-coordinators of the
Brethren Academy for Ministerial
Leadership, positions sponsored by
the General Board and Bethany. This
cooperative ministry will expand the
scope of the former Bethany Acad-
emy for Ministry Training. Harriet
and Ron will also continue serving as
co-executives of South/Central Indi-
ana District.
Fred Bernhard and Bill Kidwell
are serving as interim campus pastors
at Bethany for the current school
year. Bernhard, who pastors Oakland
Church of the Brethren, Gettysburg,
Ohio, served as 1996 Annual Confer-
ence moderator. He also has served
as an adjunct Bethany faculty mem-
ber. Kidwell is a retired pastor who
has served on Bethany's Alumni Co-
ordinating Council. Both men hold
Bethany degrees.
Jim Bowyer is serving as Bethany's
interim choir and music director
during the current school year. He
succeeds Nancy Faus, who retired in
June. Currently a Bethany student,
he expects to graduate next year.
Tricia Sadd has begun serving as
Bethany's coordinator of Academic
Services. She is a member of Chiques
Church of the Brethren, Manheim,
Pa., and a 1997 Bethany graduate.
New staff join Association
of Brethren Caregivers
It has been a year of change for As-
sociation of Brethren Caregivers.
In March the General Board voted
to approve ABC's independence,
effective Jan. 1. Then, faced with
going solo and with the planned
retirement of executive director |ay
Gibble — by Ian. 1, 1999 — the as-
sociation made a handful of per-
sonnel changes.
On Aug. 1 Steve Mason joined
ABC as executive director desig-
nate. Mason had served McPher-
son (Kan.) College since 1990,
and as vice president for Financial
Services since 1994. For three
years — until his call to ABC — Ma-
son also served on the ABC board.
On Sept. 2 Scott Douglas and
Mary Dulabaum joined ABC as di-
rector of Resourcing and director
of Communications, respectively.
Previously Douglas served as
Church Services director for Mutual
The new team of
Association of
Brethren Caregivers
staff includes Mar\'
Dulabaum, Steve
Mason, fay Gibble.
Scott Douglas, and
Linda Timmons.
Aid Association. The Elgin, 111., resi-
dent also served on the ABC board
until he applied for this position.
Dulabaum, also of Elgin, 111., had
worked for the Sherwood Group,
Northbrook, 111., since 1989, serv-
ing as Communications director
since 1991. She is a Manchester
College graduate. She succeeded
Cheryl Cayford, interim director of
Communications, who accepted a
pastoral call to Northern Colorado
Church of the Brethren in Windsor.
Linda Timmons, an Elgin, III., res-
ident and former director of recruit-
ing for Brethren Volunteer Service
and former director of the SERRV
Gift Shop in Elgin, III, who also
served as a public school teacher, in
August permanently joined ABC as
administrative assistant.
Also in August the ABC board
elected the following to its board —
ludy Mills Reimer, chair-elect:
Paul Ullom-Minnich: Ian
Kensinger; loe Schechter; Nancy
Faus: and Milton Garcia.
$
PI
s
^
^^
>^
_^.
■"m
^^
Fred Bern hard
Bill Kidurtl
///;; Bonyers
Tricia Sadd
8 MiissFNGER October 1997
In Brief
Previewing "...witli Eyes of Faith," National Youth Confer-
ence '98, can be done by video or on the World Wide Web. The
quadrennial conference is scheduled for July 28— Aug. 2 in Fort
Collins, Colo. NYC organizers, who will begin accepting registra-
tions in January, anticipate nearly 5,000 participants. For more
information regarding how to preview NYC or about the confer-
ence in general, contact the NYC Office at (800) 323-8039.
Cooperative Disaster Child Care training has been sched-
uled for Nov. 1 4-1 5 at Pleasant Dale Church of the Brethren,
Decatur, Ind. Call (410) 635-8734 for more information.
BVS bound. I ijteeii yuiiii^ adulu^ iix/c iruuieJ ui July and
August as part of Brethren Volunteer Service Orientation
Unit 225. Participating in that training were (first row)
fenn Brown, Sarah Schreckhise, Matt Stauffer, Ean Frank,
and Petra Beck (BVS assistant. (Second row) Sue Grubb
(BVS assistant), Andrea Wells, Mary Miller, Brian Voder,
Daniel Opoku. Diane Dubble, and Susanne Grimm.
(Third row) Kalharina Pilz, Emily Shonk, joy Struble, Lisa
Yzenbaard, Tina Rieman (BVS assistant), Todd Reish (BVS
Orientation coordinator), and Bekah Rieke.
The Fall 1 997 Peace Academy for senior high youth, spon-
sored by On Earth Peace Assembly, is scheduled for Nov. 8-9 at
the Brethren Service Center, New Windsor, Md. This event is for
youth who want to learn "how to resolve conflict, how to be a
peace advocate, how to engage our global world."
Cost is $35, although $15 scholarships are available. Registra-
tion forms are due by Oct. 1 5. To receive a form or for more
information, contact Kate Johnson at (410) 635-8706.
The "Sister Summit," a consultation of Brethren women
scheduled for Sept. 12-14 in Indianapolis, was cancelled due to
insufficient registrations. The summit had been called in
response to the elimination of funds to Program for Women by
the General Board. Women from each district had been invited to
attend the event to discuss future program possibilities.
Without funding and without adequate interest in the summit,
Program for Women is essentially ending, wrote Susan Wey-
bright, summit coordinator, and Cynthia Mason, coordinator of
National Women's Council, in a letter announcing the cancela-
tion. They added that local women's concerns should be
addressed to district executives or to Glenn Timmons, the Gen-
eral Board's director of Congregational Life Ministries.
A workcamp/friendship delegation to Guatemala has been
scheduled for Dec. 3-13 by the General Board's Brethren Wit-
ness office, in cooperation with the Global Mission Partner- ship
office. The workcamp is limited to 10 people and the ap-
proximate cost is $400 plus round-trip travel to Guatemala. For
more information, contact David Radcliff at (800) 323-8039.
Andrew Sunday, otherwise known as "Invite a Friend to Church"
Sunday, is scheduled for Oct. 26. Initiated by the General Board's
Andrew Center this special outreach, which joins the Church of
the Brethren with other Anabaptist denominations across North
America that will be focusing in on bringing friends to church for
at least this day. A resource kit is available for $1 9.95. For more
information, call The Andrew Center at (800) 774-3360.
Church of the Brethren young adults will have two confer-
ence opportunities this winter The annual Young Adult
Conference, sponsored by the General Board's Youth and Young
Adult Ministries, is scheduled for Nov. 27-29 at Camp Mack, near
Milford, Ind. Christy Waltersdorff, pastor of York Center Church of
the Brethren, Lombard, III., will provide leadership.
Evangel '97 is an international young adult conference on mis-
sions and evangelism, which will be held Dec. 28— Jan. 1 in
Atlanta. This conference is supported in part by the Church of
the Brethren and several other Anabaptist denominations.
Call (800) 323-8039, ext. 289 for more information.
The Religious Organizing Against the Death Penalty pro-
ject, organized by the Criminal Justice Program of the American
Friends Service Committee, is sponsoring a gathering Nov. 14-
16 in Washington, D.C., in which national religious and lay
people will focus on death penalty-related issues.
Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking, will deliver the
keynote address on "Envisioning a World Without Violence."
Project organizers are optimistic that participants will form
study groups nationwide to develop long-range action plans.
This event is sponsored by a host of people and organizations,
including Bob Gross of Manchester Church of the Brethren,
North Manchester, Ind. Gross is a leader with Ministry of Recon-
ciliation, a program of On Earth Peace Assembly. For more
information, contact Pat Clark at (21 5) 241 -71 30.
A Training for Trainers workshop, sponsored by Education
for Conflict Resolution Inc. (ECR), will be offered Nov. 21-22 in
North Manchester, Ind. Leading the workshop will be Bob Gross,
who also serves as ECR Training director Cost is $125. For
more information, contact ECR at (219) 982-4621.
October 1997 Messenger 9
When people
use the word
hypocrite, it
seems that
what they
really mean
is "imperfect
Christian."
STONES
by Robin Wentworth Mayer
^^^tick$ and stones can
^^break my bones, but
words can never harm me."
This old adage may be a
quick fix for hurt feeUngs
on the playground, but in
many of our life situations,
it doesn't hold true. Some-
one called me a hypocrite
recently. It hurt.
Funny, I have been called
other names that some
people would consider far
worse. I have been called a
fanatic, a fool, a Jesus
freak, a Holy Roller. Those
never hurt. In fact, I rather
enjoy them as backhanded
compliments.
A few times I have been
called unprintable names —
names that implied canine
ancestry, cast aspersion on
my fidelity to marriage vows,
or made implications about
my sexuality. While their
coarseness makes me wince,
even these do not hurt.
But hypocrite? Hypocrite
hurts.
I can't think of anything I
want more than to be an
effective witness for Jesus
Christ. There is nothing for
which I pray more earnestly,
nothing for which I strive
more diligently. So, having
"Hypocrite!" flung in my
face undermines my very
existence. And, as the
predator senses the weak-
ness of its prey, the person
who called me a hypocrite
knew that, I think.
"Blessed are you," Jesus
says, "when people insult
you, persecute you, and
falsely say all kinds of evil
against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because
great is your reward in
heaven, for in the same way
they persecuted the
prophets who were before
you" (Matt. 5:11-12, NIV).
Hypocrisy is a very real
and very ugly sin. But it is
also an accusation that
often is made falsely and
therefore constitutes perse-
cution. For such situations,
I offer these observations:
When people use the word
hypocrite, it seems that what
they really mean is "imper-
fect Christian." While
"hypocrite" hurts, I don't
have a problem owning the
description "imperfect
Christian." Translating it as
such can neutralize the
emotional toxins.
I rarely hear the accusa-
tion "hypocrite" used by a
person who has a healthy
relationship with Christ and
a close connection to other
believers. Because of this, I
suspect that, for the most
part, the person who
throws out the word hyp-
ocrite like a trump card
does so to avoid dealing
with his own personal
standing before God.
If I have put a barrier
between myself and God,
the simplest way to keep
that barrier in place is to
negate anything that would
force me to reevaluate my
behavior in relation to
God's standards. For exam-
ple, the woman who called
me a hypocrite is a person
with a sad and unstable his-
tory concerning men,
alcohol, and marriage.
We often are accused of
being a hypocrite when we
have taken an unpopular
stand. I was called a hyp-
ocrite right after I had
verbalized some boundaries
that I needed to keep in
place in my life. I did not at j
any point say that others
had to adopt the same
boundaries for themselves,
only that such boundaries
were what I needed for my
own mental health and well-
being.
So, just why is it that we
are blessed when people
persecute us and falsely say
all kinds of evil against us?
Maybe it is because such
persecution and false accu-
sations have the effect of
driving us to ruthless self-
examination before the
penetrating, sanctifying
light of the Holy Spirit.
And if that is true, I guess
I only have to worry when
being called a hyp-
ocrite doesn't hurt.
M.
Robin Wentworth Mayer is
pastor of Kokomo (Ind.) Church
of the Brethren.
Stepping Stones is a column offer-
ing 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 diffi-
culties, we don V need to walk on
water We just need to learn where the
stepping stones are. "
10 Messenger October 1997
In celebration of its first 50 years, the General Board
presents this special jubilee report.
Another Way
Church of the Brethren General Board, 19 47-97
Another W
•■■.M
Nearly 300 years ago the
founders of the Church of the
Brethren charted a new
course. Their beliefs led them
to leave their homeland, to
risk perilous seas, to plant
their roots in foreign soil.
During the past 50 years
Brethren have continued the
journey of adventurous disci-
pleship. The gleanings in this
jubilee report of the General
Board stand as signposts to
remind us of representative
places our journey together
has taken us.
Looking ahead, we again
are called to a new land, to
live by faith in the midst of a
foreign and disbelieving cul-
ture. As the church of the liv-
ing Christ, let us go forth in
peace and joy, trusting fully in
God who beckons us to
"another way."
j^^
/^ /KUL<^
Karen Peterson Miller
Intenm Executive Director
General Board
PostjA/ar Posture: Kneeling in Service
The human and material devastation of World War II created an
opportunitrv' for Brethren to act out then" faith in service. As a denomination they had said no
to participation in war; now they could enter unreservedly mto the works of peace.
In 1944 the Brethren Service Center at New Windsor, Md., was born, hi 1946 Brethren Service
recruited seagoing cowboys to tend boatloads ot livestock to Europe and tractor units to do land
reclamation in China. In 1948 Annual Conference authorized Brethren Volunteer Service. In 1949
the Conference asked each congregation to resettle at least one refiigee. Brethren
returning from Europe brought
back anci marketed handcrafts pro-
duced by refugees; therein the seed
of SERRV International was sown.
The Brethren Sei-vice
Commission m 1948 reported
work in Austria, France, Germany,
Italy, Poland, Holland, England,
Ethiopia, Ecuador, and Puerto Rico.
In addition Brethren Service sent
relief shipments to Japan, began
work with migrants in Florida, and
launched peace caravans. Brethren
were on the move!
Where feasible. Brethren worked
side by side with sisters and brothers
ot faith. They hnked with other
Christians by joining the Federal
Council of Churches in 1941 and its
successor, the National Council ot
Churches, in 1950, and in becoming a
charter member of the World Council
of Churches in 1948. With others they
created a host of relief and reconciHa-
tion ministries.
The message Brethren held up to
the world was the oneness of Christ's
body, kneehng in sei-vice.
Poii-w'M Eiiiopc
■: |„„„d,. and numrial toll
Dutpouring of love. With clothing drives, food shipments, Friendship Trains, CROP walks, seagoing
;owboys, tractor units, heifers for relief, international workcamps, refugee resettlement, volunteer service, and
nterchurch assistance teams. Brethren were in the forefront of post-war reconstruction and reconciliation.
At the Threshold of a Great New Day
"The Church of the Brethren stands at the threshold of a great
new day," the General Brotherhood Board declared in its first report to Annual
C ^inference in 1947. "We dare not become satisfied with past achievements."
A Committee of Fifteen, named by Annual Conference in 1945, drafteci the
blueprint ot a single board ot 25 members with five commissions, replacing five
independent boards. The committee further recommended the principle ol a sin-
gle board for regional, district, and congregational organization.
With Annual Conference support, the General Brotherhood Board was incor-
porated in March 1 947, its task to bring balance, unity, efficiency, and economy
to the general program ot the Church ot the Brethren.
In 1 965, Annual Conference appointed a seven-member committee to review
the structure. The committees rec-
ommendations, adopted by Annual
Conference in 1968, reaffirmed the
concept of a single aciministrative
board but reduced the number of
comiTussions fi^om five to three and
deleted the term Brotherhood from
the title. Introduced at this time
were a Goals and Budget
Committee, an Administrative
Council, and an Annual
Conference Review and Evaluarion Committee.
It is essentially this design that has brought the General Board to its
5()th anniversary and the threshold of yet another great new day.
General scirctdry Riiyiiioiid R. Pclcrs,
Ah'sscti{;cr editor Dcsiiioini 11.' Biltiiifcr
In Utrecht, Netherlands, Ruth
Early hands a Dutch refugee
family a Brethren "assur-
ance"-the 1,000th form
processed by Church World
Service in Holland.
1946
Annual Conference okays
Committee of Fifteen's pro-
posal for one unified board.
1947
Incorporation of General
Brotherhood Board.
Raymond R. Peters
becomes general secretary.
"Advance with Christ"
begins as three-year, church-
wide call to action.
Polish Agricultural
Exchange inaugurated.
1948
Annual Conference au-
thorizes Brethren Volunteer
Service.
Church of the Brethren
becomes charter member of
World Council of Churches.
1949
One Great Hour appeal
debuts on nationwide radio.
Brethren launch high
school student exchange.
Another
Wf^so
Writing what was to become
the favorite new selection in
the 1951 Brethren IHymnal
was Kenneth Morse, long-
time Messenger editor. The
hymn: "Move in Our Midst."
1950
National Council of
Churches constituted.
1951
Brethren Hymnal (red
book) published.
Brethren Service work
opens in Greece.
Messenger's 1 00th year.
1952
Full ordination of women
approved by Conference.
Revised Standard Version
of Bible published.
Norman J. Baugher be-
comes general secretary.
1953
Lybrook Navajo Mission
opens in New Mexico.
1954
First National Youth Con-
ference, Anderson, Ind.
Brethren Haus, Kassel,
Germany, dedicated.
'Challenges to Test Our Virility and Vision'
Steady growth marked church Hfe in the '50s. One-third of the churches
were reniodehng or building anew, according to the 1950 annual report of the General
Brotherhood Board. In the course of the decade 50 congregations were added, a record gain,
bringing the total in the US to 1,074.
The membership of the Church of the Brethren in the US climbeci year by year as well, ris--
ing to a peak ot 202,257 in 1963. Annual Conference decisions of the '50s encouraged such
growth by allowing for membership by transfer ot letter; by encouraging occasional observance
ot "bread and cup" commu-
nion; by permitting congrega-
tions to decide whether love
feast was to be open and
whether forms of baptism
other than trine immersion
were to be recognizeci; and by
granting women full, unre-
stricted rights in the ministry.
Toward the close ot the
decade, momentum was
spurred ixirther by the 25( )th
Anniversary Call and its com-
memorative events in the US
and Europe, in 1958, and by
the dedicarion ot the denom-
inarion's new General Offices
m Elgin, 111., m 1959.
The movement of popu-
lation and the establishment
of new communities in the
"50s presented such chal-
lenges, noted the General i
Brotherhood Board, as to
"stagger our imagination
and test our virility, vision,
and response."
'"(" (.Jiiiiial Of,.
It began at Anderson, in 1954 the campus of Anderson College in Indiana hosted the first National
Youth Conference, drawing 2,300 registrants. Double that number is expected at the 1 2th National Youth
Conference, slated for Colorado State University July 28-August 2, 1998.
Indigenization: Changing the Face of Mission
Nationalism. Economic upheaval. Racial tension. Resurgence of national
religions. The emerging realities ot the '5()s prompted the General Brotherhood Board to
examine its mission policies ancH practices on
foreign fields. The Board's report, detailing basic
shifts, was adopted bv the 1955 Annual
Conference.
The statement committecl Brethren "to help
nationals establish indigenous churches ... to
place responsibility in the hands of national
Christians ... to train national leaders . . . and to
increase the oneness of the Christian church."
At the time, the Church of the Brethren was
represented in Nigeria, hidia, antl Ecuador by
109 missionaries. The mission budget was
$327,0O(J, augmented by government grants in
India and Nigeria to assist with education and
medical services. The church in Nigeria had
1,715 members in 11 congregations; in hidia,
9,385 members in 25 congregations; and in
Ecuador, 30 members in 1 congregation.
PiBfiir Mnlii Mslicliii. lira Xii^cruiii Jisrriit iiioiicmlor
The declarations of the 1955 paper were cast not as a retreat from mission, but as a thrust
fonvard. "We believe the purpose of missions lies close to the central purpose of the church,"
the statement said. "We do not believe that present world conditions justify any relaxation of
our evangelistic efforts here or abroad."
Resultant changes unfolded graduaUy, but with dramatic impact. A little-noticed Board pro-
posal changed the face of mission.
OUTDOOR LEARNING
Denominational staff for camp-
ing was named by the General
Board In 1953, In tandem with
junior high work. Today the 23
districts operate 33 camps.
1955
Policy of indigenization
adopted for missions.
Mack Religious Bookshop
opens in Johnstown, Pa.
Annual Conference en-
courages appointment of
Washington representative.
1956
Polish Agricultural Ex-
change resumes.
1957
Nathan Leopold paroled to
Church of the Brethren.
El RENE formed by peace
churches and International
Fellowship of Reconciliation.
Brethren Publishing House
is restructured, renamed
Brethren Press.
1958
Anniversary Call, events in
US and Europe herald
church's 250th anniversary.
1959
Dedication of new General
Offices in Elgin, III.
Another W
The civil riglits March on Wash-
ington in 1963 and its anniver-
sary celebration 20 years later
were both marked by a vigor-
ous Brethren presence.
1960
First fraternal workers
depart for Indonesia.
Kulp Bible School (now
College) opens in Nigeria.
First theological confer-
ence, N. Manchester, Ind.
1961
Karlschule rebuilding pro-
ject completed in Austria.
1962
Washington Office opens.
1963
Brethren host first Russian
Orthodox delegation.
March on Washington led
by Martin Luther King, Jr.
1964
Book of Worship issued.
Second theological confer-
ence. Oak Brook, III.
Ralph Smeltzer mediates
racial tensions, Selma, Ala.
A T^ime to Heal^Racjal Broken n ess I'
While Annual Conferences through the '50s had produced a stream of p
statements on race, little Brethren action resulted. It was the 1962-65 Brotherhood theme, "To
Heal the Broken," that gave rise in 1963 to "The Time Is Now to Heal Our Racial
Brokenness," one ot the most important statements on race enacteci by the church. The state- !
ment instructed the General Bix:)therhood Board to take "whatever urgent steps and risks it
deems necessary and wise in order to move the church torwarcl and to involve it more deliber-;
ately in the movement for immediate racial justice. i
Brethren participated in the liistoric March on Washington m 1963, recruited volunteers to
assist the Poor Peoples' Campaign m 1968, anci sent staff, pastors, and laiU' to aici areas of deep racial
tension. A major venture
known first as the Funci
tor the Americas in the
US and later as SHARE,
for 1 1 years provided a
flow ot grants to address
the wrongs ot racism and
to mount race education
activities within
the church.
Brethren continued
to speak out with
boldness on other
public issues as well.
Believing that faith-
fulness to Goci 111 the
pursuit ot justice
entails working for
change within the
system, the Church
of the Brethren
established the
\X^ishington
Office in 1962.
.■i io/*, p„.
projca SI.
rFraining in Christian community. An innovative approach to Christian education, Mission Twelve
conducted districtwide retreats for small groups to delve into the deeper meaning of faith, personhood, and
discipleship. The program reached more than half the congregations.
With the Orthodox, a Defining Moment
There it was, when the Cold War was at its chilliest: delegations of Soviet
Christians being warmly received into the homes and hearts of the Church of the Brethren.
Rarely have more Brethren congregations , ,,, , --:■■
been picketed, more barbs hurled at Brethren
peacemakers than in the presence of Russian
Orthodox Church leaders, guests in the US in
1963 and 1968. Two delegations, visiting across
several districts, were
privy to a cross-section of
Brethren lite: homes,
churches, farms, business-
es, camps, colleges, semi-
nary, monuments, and
malls. But more than that,
they experienced the
mutuality and respect that
comes from within the
Christian fold, a stark con-
trast to the distrust and con-
y tempt of the world outside.
Significantly, not just
political ideology was at stake. A thousand years of separation had distanced
the churches of East and West. In what was a breakthrough both for Christian
unity and international relations, architects of the exchanges Norman J.
Baugher andW. Harold Row and Metropolitan Nikodim and Archimandrate
Juvenali gave fresh meaning to the term i;ospcl of peace.
i For Brethren who opened their homes and churches and institutions to
M Soviet church leaders, for Brethren who were guests of the Orthodox in the
^H Soviet Union, the exchange visits were nothing short of a defining moment.
Nonihiii J. Baii};hci; Awhiiiuiiuihih' jii}
By 1964 Brethren operated
seven national centers for
Church World Service, gather-
ing up relief donations at col-
lection points coast to coast,
1965
Evangelical Church in
Ecuador is formed.
Annual Conference urges
reappraisal of US role and
policy in Vietnam.
1966
Regional programs end.
1967
Second exchange visit of
Russian Orthodox Church.
Believers Church Confer-
ence, Louisville, Ky.
1968
General Brotherhood
Board restructured, retitled
General Board.
S. Loren Bowman named
general secretary.
1969
BVSer Chandler Edwards
killed in Laos; Lassa Fever
takes life of nurse Laura
Wine in Nigeria.
Third theological confer-
ence. Oak Brook, III.
Annual Conference calls
for Fund for the Americas.
m,
Another Way
T ./^
A
To cultivate chiurchwide
1 expression of the arts In
worship and nurture, the
Association for the Arts In
the Church of the Brethren
was formed In 1971 .
1970
Inauguration of Church of
North India.
1971
BVSer Ted Studebaker
killed in Vietnam.
Association for the Arts,
Women's Caucus form.
Lafiya medical ministry pro-
jected in Nigena.
1972
Annual Conference votes
statement on evangelism.
Brethren respond to
drought in Africa's Sahel.
1973
Five Brethren denomi-
nations convene at Tunker
House, Broadway, Va.
Brethren Disaster Network
organizes.
1974
On Earth Peace Confer-
ence launched.
SHARE becomes sequel
to Fund for the Americas.
I
A New Approach to Ministry Training
In the early '70s, Annual Conterence delegates were called to address the
shortage of" pastors and to give denominational attention to tilling the gap. Annual Conference
responded by urgnrg the General Board, district boarcis, and congregations "to make increased
efforts to recruit capable and committed men and women to the ministries of the church." !
Over the next tour years the concern tor ministry recruitment ^vas eclipsed by debates aij
Annual Conterence over the nature of ordination itself. Particularly controversial was a study
committee recommendation that one's ordained status
be terminated when
one no longer servecl in
a role that required
ordination. The report
was adopted in 1975.
The concern tor
expanding the pool
of trained pastors was
not forgotten, how-
ever. Planning moved
forward, leading to
the launching m
EFSM PKidiiatc Gilbert Romero , m-7 c r j
■^ 1977 of Education
For a Shared Ministry, focusing on small membership
congregations. EFSM enlists both the mmistrv student
anci relateci congregation m joint training for a three-
year period. Bethany Theological Seminary, districts.
Brethren colleges, and congregations are partners with
the General Board in the effort. In the two decades
since its introduction. Education For a Shared Ministry
has graduated 60 ministers and congregations.
A counterpart, TRaining In Ministry (TRIM), was
introduced in 1987 to guide caiiclidates largely with-
out formal college and seminarv education toward
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'India's new united church. At the inaugural of the Church of North India in 1 970, Church of the
Brethren leader Ishwarlal Christachari, pictured with his wife, Dhankor, was installed as the first bishop of the
Gujarat Diocese. The Brethren brought some 18,000 members to the 750,000-member church.
A Fractious Time on the Peace Front
Mirroring the culture around them, Brethren m the early 7()s entered into
vigorous debate over the Vietnam W;ir. Numerous denonnnational pronouncements fueled the
General Boards peace witness, which encompassed seminars, shareholder resolutions, dratt
• counseling, prison visitation, and ministry to draft resisters in Canacia. Dialog at Annual
Conferences became intense.
At the outset ot the ciecade. Annual
Conference approved a statement updating the
H church's peace position by a 754-103 vote. The
statement declared that "aU \var is sin and we seek
the right ot conscientious objection to all war." It
cited alternative service, non-cooperation with the
draft, and tax resistance as legitimate expressions of
the church's peace witness. "The church itself
respects the rights ot the individual conscience
within Its membership and has never set up an
authoritative creed, " the statement explained.
Ongoing ciissent prompted the appointment of
a committee to assess the response. After two years
the statement was basically reaffirmed. However, fur-
ther unrest prompted the naming ot a committee to
address "brotherhood understanding." That group's
report in 1976 acknowledged the times as "a new age
ot diversity and polarized feelings," enumerated steps
tor enhanced communication linkages, and under-
scored the cc~>unsel ot the 1972 Review and Evaluation
Committee: "All Brethren need to appreciate the
prophetic role ot Annual Conference, the General
Board, and staff."
Veteran peace leader M.R.
Zigler in 1974 shepherded
the formation of On Earth
Peace Assembly and, seven
years later, the peace acade-
my for training youth.
1975
Television Awareness
Training plans revealed.
Nigeria graduates first
Rural Health Workers.
1976
Centennial of missions.
Brethren, Friends, Men-
nonites establish New Call to
Peacemaking.
1977
Brethren Encyclopedia
Board incorporated.
1978
Witness to Salvation and
Justice emphasis, 1978-79.
Mision Mutua en las
Americas explores pilot pro-
grams in Latin America.
Robert W. Neff named
general secretary.
1979
Annual Conference adopts
Goals for the '80s.
Congregational Goals
Discovery Plan developed.
"Think About It" radio spots
aired.
Edu-Coach visits reach all
districts, 400 churches.
Another W^
"Biblically informed, globally
aware, relationally sensitive"
is the aim of tfie fiundreds of
small groups formed by
People of the Covenant.
1980
New church partnerships
formed in Sudan and Cuba.
1981
Fourth theological confer-
ence at Indianapolis and
French Lick, Ind.
Micah Mission direct gifts
project launched.
CoBACE, Association of
Christian Educators, forms.
1982
China Agricultural Ex-
change started.
1983
Pilot year for People of the
Covenant and Education for
Urban Ministry.
1984
General Board declares
property a Nuclear Free
Zone.
Centennial of "Guide for
Biblical Studies."
To enrich congregational life, four dynamic programs were launched
by the General Board in the '80s. People of the Covenant came first, in 1982. Building on the
Mission Twelve model from the '60s but cast more in the local setting, People of the Covenant
offered an interactive approach to discipleship education, one aimed at "building biblically
intormed, globally aware, and relationally sensitive community." Many of its thousands of partic-
ipants describe the experience as lite changing.
Passing On the Promise was piloted in 1985 by 11 congregations in Southern Ohio.
Ultimately, 333 congregations engaged in the three-year process "to encourage a positive, bibhcal
evangelism which announces the reign ot Ciod, inviting persons to faith in Jesus
Christ anci ciisciple-
ship within God's
inbreaking kingdom."
A key component was
the annual Evangelism
Leaders Academy con-
ducted over a decade
in several regions.
Adventure in
Mission, which also
began in 1985, at its
height reached 600 con-
gregarions and all dis-
n-icts. Partners included
the General Board,
Bethany Theological
Seminary, districts, and
congregations, concentrat-
ing on financial planning,
the discernment and com-
mitment of time and tal- ''^„^ „, ,,s7.^nmM/ O-M-uv; D..n„u, Bnn.n. Glenn MnM
ent, and stewardship of Ufe.
Deacon training followed on a wide scale with the publication in 1 987 of the manual Called
to Carctyii'iiig. In the decade since, deacon ministry has come to involve some 800 congregations.
JQI
Urs ttie rebound. Christian youth from Sudan, separated from their families by civil war, worship at their
encampment near the Sudan-Kenya border. Since 1980 Brethren workers in Sudan have engaged in theo-
logical education, reconciliation ministries, refugee placement, medical work, and Bible translation.
Sisters Open the Door to Leadership
The decade ot the '80s was a celebrative time for women, a hiu;hiight was
the first international women's conference in 1985 conunenioratinsj; the lOOth anniversaiy of orga-
nized women's activity, attended by 900 participants at Bridgewater College inVirgiraa. A new staff
position for Program for Women was created, with one of its tasks the implementation of yearly con-
ferences. Annual Conference gave its blessing to the Ecumenical Decade of Churches in Solidarity
with Women, 1988-98. For the first time Annual Conference elected a woman as moderator.
Such strides were long in coming. The 1 949 General Brotherhood Board report to Annual
Conference had noted, "The place of women in the church is becoming a matter of increasing
interest." Two Annual Conference state-
ments in the '50s had affirmed that women
should have equal opportunities in ministry;
the 1958 statement emphasized "full and
unrestricted rights," scoring obstacles
designed to keep the door closed to quali-
> fied women.
With the 1972 passage of a resolution
on Equality tor Women, a number of
initiatives followed. The Womaen's
; Caucus was established. Women's aware-
ness seminars were conducted. Inclusive ml
language in resources and in worship
became more common. By the '8()s, in
numerous areas of leadership at local, district, and denominational life, women began to
move into positions long regarded as the province of men.
Rejhclion rime: hniii \ya\ jrn-'iui di niicrihUioiidi ir
conference, 1 985
Symbolizing the churcli's
openness to more inclusive
leadership were Annual
Conference moderators
William Hayes, 1988, and
Elaine Sollenberger, 1989.
1985
Passing On the Promise
introduced to congregations.
Adventure in Mission offers
four-year stewardship
emphasis to churches.
1986
Donald E. Miller named
general secretary.
Brethren Press closes in-
house printing operation.
1987
New churchwide logo of-
fered by General Board.
TRaining In Ministry (TRIM)
in pilot year.
"Called to Caregiving" dea-
con manual released.
1988
Ecumenical Decade of
Churches in Solidarity with
Women launched.
Annual Conference enacts
Goals for the '90s.
1989
SERRV International marks
40th anniversary.
Task force appointed on
Rural/Small Church Crisis.
JHi
Another Way
1. y
f\f\i\
Brethren and Mennonites
cooperatively produced
Hymnal: A Worship Book, in
1992. Brethren churches
purchased more than 88,000
copies in the first two years.
1990
Association of Brethren
Caregivers is established.
Disciples join as partners in
People of the Covenant.
Urban ministry observes
1 00th anniversary.
Incorporation of church in
the Dominican Republic.
Brethren Vision for the '90s
introduced.
1991
Six congregations pilot
Lafiya health ministry.
Annual Conference state-
ment and study packet ad-
dress environmental issues.
1992
"Hymnal: A Book of Wor-
ship" published.
First National Older Adult
Conference convenes at
Lake Junaluska, N.C.
1993
"For All Who Minister" wor-
ship manual published.
The Quest for Brethren Identity
Paralleling a dynamic observed in odier denominadons, Brethren m tht
'90s gave tVesh attention to the distmctives ottlieir faith. From listening groups drawn together
in congregations across the country, coniniunication consultants assisted the church in naming j
that which sets Brethren apart troni others. The findings were summed up by the ideiitit\- lines |"
"Another way ot living" and "Continuing the work of Jesus. Peacefully. Simply. Together." These il
phrases began to appear widely in sermon series and study topics, print and conversation. At the I
1 995 Annual Conference, a Kids Wall exhibit revealed how 750
children depicted the identitv lines.
The church at large
also responded enthusi-
astically to three other
new resources, the
Jubilee Curriculum,
the Generation Why
CAirriculuni and
HYiiiudl: .-{ Worship
Book. All three were
A diatiiiii liwo, siiu'iiu't uiciiliry lines
developed cooperatively with Mennonite denominations,
who hold much in common with the Brethren faith tradition
A call for a different expression of Brethren identity
came with the "90s: to vigorously plant the Church of the
Brethren overseas. Sparked by the mission theology paper
of the 1989 Annual Conference, the 1990 Conference
asked the General Board to "begin with intention" to
plant the Church of the Brethren m Soutli Korea. It also
affirmed a Board proposal for involvement with Puerto
Rico Brethren in church development m the Dominican
Republic. These actions were followed in 1992 with
"affirmation of emerging church groups in Brazil."
Such overtures underscore the interest of the S
membership m outreach efforts that bring mission
partnership close to home.
■ ■'' iiiOKiiiiiu, ,(;ti'c
sTM
Testing ground. Ministry Summer Service, a pilot program of the General Board, enabled 19 young
adults in 1996 and 1997 to test their skills and interest in ministry vocations. Following onentation with
Tientors, the interns were assigned to congregations or camps for a 1 0-week period.
Behold, a tidal wave approaches
There is a tidal \Vave approaching, one about to engulf this denomination. It is
the youth and young adults ot the church, preparing to take on leadership.
This was the picture painted by a young acquit m the closing adciress ot the 1995
Annual Conference. The foundation of the claim was what many had begun to sus-
pect: the spirit and strength of that rising generation,
something exhilarating to behold.
Those broacily characterized as youth —
fi"om junior high through young adult — had
in the '80s and '90s become engaged in a
dizrv'ing array of programs. And their numbers
do suggest a mounting wave.
Attendance at the quadrennial National
Youth Conference passed the 4, ()()() mark tor
the first time in 1994. Participation in the
annual Young Aciult Conference has continued
to climb, hitting 154 in 1996. Youth work-
camps, restarted in 1988, grew from 65 partici-
pants that initial year to 550 in 1996.
Beyond the statistics there is something
more: At conference events, in workcamps.
Christian Citizenship Seminars, Brethren
Volunteer Service projects, Faithquest retreats.
Youth to Youth ministry, Youth Peace Travel
Teams, Journey ot Young Adults, and Ministry
Summer Service, the youth of the church demon-
^trate a spirited commitment to "Continuing the
ork of Jesus. Peacefully. Simply. Together."
That ticial wave of a dynamic generation is
pproaching. It is a wave of hope.
In launching the Jubilee
Curriculum for children In
1994, Brethren conducted
90 training events. The
resources convey a believ-
er's church perspective.
1994
Jubilee Curriculum makes
debut in churches.
SOS Kits sent to Sudan.
The Andrew Center for
evangelism officially opens.
First Urban Peace Tour.
Brethren Service Center
observes 50th anniversary.
1995
Generation Why Curricu-
lum published for youth.
Program to Overcome
Violence set forth by World
Council of Churches.
1996
Study resources issued
on Racism & the Church.
"By Water and the Word"
video recounts beginnings of
Brethren in Europe.
"Behold" individual gift pro-
gram begins.
Eight BVSers serve pro-
jects in the Balkans.
1997
Rebuilding of burned
Butler Chapel AME Church,
Orangeburg, S.C.
ib^Hb^
Another Way
Chnsliau soUdarityiWitiicis for
Peace, Xiainjgua. 19<S4
Credits. Project director, Howard Royer.
Assisting: \^Titing,Joan Deeter; research,
Rosalit.1 Leonard; planning, Kenneth
SliatTer and Beth Sollenberger Morphew;
design, Paul Stocksdale. Cover art by
Timothy R. Botts.
! Special thanks to Brethren Historical
I Library' and Archives,
Fifty years of a^b o unding grace
If one refrain stands above all others m this snapshot of the General
Board over five decades, it is this: God's grace iihoiinds!
hi the common effort of congregations, districts, and cienoinmational agencies in the
Church of the Brethren to make the peace and love ot Christ known and shared ... God's
<^i ICC abounds!
hi the 1947 Annual Conference decision ot moving
tiom multiple boards to a unified board charged with
bi ingmg balance, economy, and vision to denominational
ministry . . . God's oidcc abounds!
In the establishment ot a service center that became
the magnet for international and interchurch reliet and
development networks . . . God's ^iracc abounds!
In the enhstment of thousands of youth aiici aciults to
give weeks or months or years to workcamps, disaster teams,
\olunteer sei'Mce, and mission assignments ... God's grace
ihouuds!
in joining with Christian partners ot other lands
through common witness and service to Jesus Christ, striv-
ing always to strengthen the inciigenous church or move-
ment . . . God's grace abounds!
In the ability of Brethren to identify concrete needs,
mount practical responses, draw in others to assist, and,
when appropriate, relinquish control that the work may
tlourish tfom a \\ ider base . . . God's grace abouiuh!
In the current resolve to design the General Board to broaden participatory plan-
ning, affirm vision, give form to mission anti ministries, and strengthen mutual account-
ability . . . God's grace abounds!
hi identifying the Church of the Brethren in eight tresh, humble, authentic, and
memorable words — "Continuing the work ot Jesus. Peacetully Simply. Together" ...
God's grace abouinis!
In our baptism into another way ot living ...God's grace abounds!
jl ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL BOARD, 1947-97: ina ruth addington anne metzler albright
DALE AUKERMAN JAMES HAROLD BAILE MARTHA STOVER BARLOW S. N. BARNHART ERNEST BARR
A. C. BAUGHER NORMAN BAUGHER JAMES BEAHM WILLIAM BEAHM FRED BERNHARD CHARLES BIEBER
DESMOND BITTINGER STANLEY BITTINGER CARMEN TORRES BOAZ WENDELL BOHRER ESTHER BOLEYN
RUSSELL BOLLINGER ERNEST BOLZ HAROLD BOMBERGER DONALD BOOZ SANDRA LEACH BOSSERMAN
CHRISTOPHER BOWMAN EARL BOWMAN EVA BOWMAN S. LOREN BOWMAN PAUL H. BOWMAN
PAUL HOOVER BOWMAN RUFUS BOWMAN WARREN BOWMAN A. G. BREIDENSTINE M. J. BROUGHER
J. CALVIN BRIGHT DALE BROWN EARL BRUBAKER PAUL BRUBAKER GENE BUCHER RUFUS BUCHER
ANITA SMITH BUCKWALTER WANDA WILL BUTTON ROBERT BYERLY WILLIAM CABLE KAREN CARTER
KRISTA CARTER PHYLLIS CARTER DONALD CLAGUE RUTH DAVIDSON CLARK PHYLLIS HORNE CRANE
WAYNE CRIST REBECCA BAILE CROUSE BARBARA CUFFIE ERNEST DAVIS PHYLLIS DAVIS STANLEY DAVIS, JR.
GEORGE DETWEILER DALE DETWILER ANNA MARY DUBBLE CURTIS DUBBLE DAVID EASTIS WILLIAM EBERLY
RALPH EBERSOLE DORIS CLINE EGGE JAMES EIKENBERRY DAVID ELLER VERNARD ELLER CALVERT ELLIS
JAMES ELROD CHARLOTTE WEAVER EVENSEN HAROLD FASNACHT NANCY ROSENBERGER FAUS
JUAN FIGUEROA DONALD FIKE EARLE FIKE, JR. GALEN FIKE PAUL FIKE J. ROGERS FIKE DONALD FITZKEE
SAMUEL FLORA LOWELL FLORY WENDELL FLORY MARY JO FLORY-STEURY ROGER FORRY WAYNE FRALIN
DEAN FRANTZ KENNETH FRANTZ STAFFORD FREDERICK BERNARD FUSKA DANNY GABY
DOROTHY GALL EARL GARVER WAYNE GEISERT GERALDINE ZIGLER GLICK CAROL BOWMAN GNAGY
MONROE GOOD ARLO GUMP FABRICIO GUZMAN SARA HALLADAY HYLTON HARMAN NORMAN HARSH
WILLIAM HAYES TOBIAS F. HENRY PAUL HERSCH S. JOAN HERSHEY KATHERINE HESS JOYCE HICKS
LAWRENCE HOOVER, JR. WILBUR HOOVER JOHN HUFFAKER WAYNE JUDD STEWART KAUFFMAN
RICHARD KEIM ROBERT KEIM STANLEY KEIM EDWARD KERSCHENSTEINER JOSEPH KETTERING
EDITH MAE KIESTER BERNARD KING SIDNEY KING PAUL KINSEL PHYLLIS KINZIE VERNON KINZIE
LORI SOLLENBERGER KNEPP ROBIN LAHMAN MOYNE LANDIS INEZ LONG JOHN LONG
W. NEWTON LONG HAROLD MARTIN FUMITAKA MATSUOKA ROBERT MAYS BURTON METZLER
JOHN METZLER, JR. BETH MIDDLETON DAVID R. MILLER DEWITT MILLER HERBERT MILLER
JOYCE ERICKSON MILLER MINOR MILLER PAUL MILLER PEGGY REIFF MILLER EVERETT MISHLER
EARL MITCHELL FLOYD MITCHELL HAROLD MOHLER R. E. MOHLER ANNA MOW EMILY MUMMA
DORRIS MURDOCK DOROTHY GARST MURRAY JAMES MYER CARL MYERS KENT NAYLOR
KURTIS FRIEND NAYLOR LEON NEHER MARLENE NEHER LELAND NELSON FRANCES NYCE GALEN OGDEN
DONALD L. PARKER IVAN PATTERSON ESTHER PETCHER STEVEN PETCHER IRA PETERS
RAYMOND PETERS W. W. PETERS DAN RETRY JAMES POLING KEITH PONTIUS WILLARD POWERS
DUANE RAMSEY JUDY MILLS REIMER CARROLL RINGGOLD HARTMAN RICE T. WAYNE RIEMAN
BRIAN RISE DAVID RITTENHOUSE JORGE RIVERA ■ ■ PAUL MINNICH ROBINSON INGRID ROGERS
GILBERT ROMERO, JR. MARY SUE ROSENBERGER I I LAVON W. RUPEL TRACY WENGER SADD
JOSEPH SCHECHTER RALPH SCHLOSSER ^ V. F. SCHWALM CLYDE SHALLENBERGER
ROBERT SHERFY LOIS FIKE SHERMAN MERLIN SHULL I L^^TX^ I TERRY SHUMAKER CLARENCE SINK
TERRY SLAUBAUGH BONNIE KLINE SMELTZER I -"^^^ / COLLEEN BEAM SMITH CRAIG SMITH
E. STANLEY SMITH ELAINE SOLLENBERGER | J DONNA FORBES STEINER PHILLIP STONE
ROBERT STRICKLER MODENA STUDEBAKER ERIC SWITZER | ^^^ SIM TOGASAKI JORGE TOLEDO
EARL TRAUGHBER NORMAN SPICHER WAGGY CHRISTY WALTERSDORFF GUY WAMPLER, JR.
GUY WAMPLER, SR. PAUL WAMPLER E. PAUL WEAVER GLADYS WEAVER ROSA PAGE WELCH
GENE WENGER GUY WEST MARY ANNA PETERSIME NA/HITE PAUL WHITE HARPER WILL
NAOMI WILL DONALD WILLOUGHBY MARIE \A/ILLOUGHBY DAVID WILSON THOMAS WILSON DAVID WINE
JANE MARCHANT WOOD FLOYD YEAROUT GLEE YODER RANDALL YODER CARL W. ZEIGLER
EARL ZIEGLER EDWARD ZIEGLER JESSE ZIEGLER HARRY ZELLER, JR. WAYNE ZOOK NEVIN ZUCK
TOM ZUERCHER CHARLES ZUNKEL WAYNE ZUNKEL CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN GENERAL BOARD
Make it your aim
to be at one
in the spirit
id
ana vou wiii De
11 b(
bound together m
XT XL a\ \^ J2i
EPHbSIANS 4:3
JL
Church of the Brethren
1451 Dundee Avcnuo, Elam. Illinois 60120
T
Story by Frank Ramirez
Photos by Nevin Dulabaum
4^rnhis is a working example of
what has made the Associa-
tion of Brethren Caregivers
so exciting: the abiHty to bring
together so many different Brethren
groups to wori< cooperatively." Those
words were spoi<en by outgoing ABC
chairwoman Mary Sue Rosenberger as
she greeted her audience at the Caring
Ministries 2000 conference held Aug.
1 1-1 5 at Manchester College.
lay Gibble, ABC executive director,
first envisioned the conference as a way
of bringing the membership and min-
istries of ABC together. "But once the
concept was announced, it took off all
by itself. More people said they wanted
to be a part of it. In the end, several
more organizations signed on as sup-
porters." Some 500 people registered
to learn what it means to be in caring
ministries in today's world. "There is a
vacuum in society that Christian care-
givers have to fill," Gibble said.
So successful was the conference that
now ABC envisions Caring Ministries
conferences taking place every other
year, alternating with the National
Older Adult Conferences (NOAC).
ABC considered it important to
bring in topflight speakers, and indeed
the attendees emphasized that this was
one of the reasons they attended.
Alice Archer, pastor of Mount
Pleasant Church of the Brethren in
Bourbon, Ind., said, "I was
impressed by the variety of high-
quality speakers. This has been the
best conference I've been to."
Elizabeth EUer of Sebring, Fla.,
echoed that assessment: "There
B reth ren ca re givers
gathered to learn
to be more effective,
to learn hotv to apply
the words and actions of
Jesus to caregiving,
and to prepare for their
task^s in the church of
the third millennium.
have been outstanding speakers on
relevant issues."
The keynote address was delivered
by Rodney I. Page, deputy general
secretary of the National Council of
Churches and executive director of
Church World Service (CWS). He
congratulated the Brethren, who he
believes have given most in time,
energy, and service per capita to
CWS of all the member denomina-
tions of that body. Page warned his
listeners that there will come a last
judgment as described in Matthew
25:3 1-40, when people will ask,
"When did we see you hungry.
Lord, and did not feed you?" And
Page asked, "Do we really want to
be known as the people who devel-
oped caring that is managed and
profitable?"
There were 72 different workshop
choices scattered across six sessions.
Marilyn Scott, pastor of Naperville
(111.) Church of the Brethren, and
mother of two children with disabili-
ties, spoke about ordinances for the
disabled.
Noting that ordinances are some of
the most sacred parts of our life
together, she said, "People encourage
things that prevent full participation.
We have to help people with disabili-
ties. It's more than building a ramp.
We perpetuate the false vision that we
must be mobile, intelligent, and ver-
bally oriented. What does it mean to
have believers baptism for someone
who can't speak?" She added, "Ninety
percent of the 35 million disabled are
not involved in a congregation. Evan-
gelism among the disabled is a wide
open field."
According to Scott, The Brethren
Encyclopedia defines ordinances as
"forms practiced in church that are
helpful in the apprehension of spiritual
truth and grace." She emphasized that
grace means that some alterations,
October 1997 Messenger 11
■"""'^"lIlMfi
It was okay to have everyone speaking at once as Fred
Shaw/Neeake introduced his audience to Shawnee Indian
sign language. The United Methodist minister was speaking
to the conference about Native American spirituality'.
Author Helen Prejean was one of the sev-
eral topflight speakers with whom ABC
enhanced the quality of Caring .Min-
istries 2000. Prejean called for taking
Matthew 25:31-46 at face value.
such as washing hands instead of feet,
for those unable to bend over, might
be appropriate.
(im Miller, a publisher and consul-
tant, spoke about good grief. "I
believe the grieving process is a very
natural process, if we allow it just to
happen. The only cure for grief is to
grieve." He emphasized that it is the
place of caregivers to show readiness
to connect, support, and provide
energy to the one who is grieving.
Fred Swartz, Manassas (Va.)
pastor and a writer, said that care-
giving is at the heart of being a
deacon. "Many deacons think they
are not good enough to be a deacon.
They don't have a full concept of
who a deacon is. Deacons are called
to caregiving. Deacons are called by
God, not selected or elected. It is a
specific — almost unique — ministry."
Rosella Wiens Regier, a teacher and
a deacon chair, spoke about using
one's pain to "walk with others." Her
workshop centered on the story of
(acob. One of her most striking
insights centered on Genesis 33:14,
in which lacob told his brother, Esau,
to move on ahead for he must slow
12 Messenger October 1997
his own speed to the pace of the chil-
dren in his party. Regier suggested
that caregivers must slow their pace
to the children, the disabled, to all the
marginalized in the community.
Bernie Siegel, a nationally known
physician and author, encourages
people to take an active role in their
own healing. "Life is a series of begin-
nings," he emphasized, citing the
need for people to slow down and
listen to God's message for their lives.
Caregivers who are broken healers
have a lot to offer, Siegel said. "If you
have been through something, you are
a native; otherwise you are a tourist.
Only the wounded healer can serve."
The most engaging speaker was
Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man
Walking, the story of God's direction
in her life, which led her from a shel-
tered existence to active solidarity
with the poor and eventually to the
role of spiritual adviser for three
prisoners condemned to death. Pre-
jean said that for many years she
managed to rationalize scriptures
that called for believers to feed the
poor and visit the sick and the pris-
oners, but she experienced a
conversion when she became con-
vinced that we are called to take
those scriptures at face value.
"The agitation I felt was a sign that
something was moving in me," she
said, "(esus preaches good news to the
poor. If you're going to be on their
side, you've got to touch. Jesus touches
the untouchable. Justice is not an extra.
It is for everyone who follows Jesus."
"An experience with the death penalty
distills the gospel of Jesus Christ like
nothing else," Prejean said, as she spoke
of being led to minister not only to con-
demned prisoners but to the families of
their victims as well. "You have to ask
yourself whether you are for love or
hate. Are you for life or death? Are you
for judgment or mercy?" She thanked
the Brethren for standing with her in the
struggle from the very beginning.
Another presenter was Fred
Shaw/Neeake, a United Methodist
minister and a member of the
Shawnee Nation United Remnant
Band. He spoke about Native Ameri-
can spirituality.
Still another was Dave Hilton, who
said that since physicians spend too
much time trying to cure instead of
prevent, the caring ministries must
be challenged to fill the gap. Hilton
is a consultant on international and
congregationally based health care
who formerly served with the Church
of the Brethren Mission in Nigeria.
Among the workshop leaders, Roger
Golden, a retirement home chaplain,
emphasized, in his remarks on spiritu-
ality and aging, the importance of in-
stilling hope. Sue Moore, a hospice ad-
ministrator, introduced the importance
lonference music offered something for everyone, fane Patterson, Andrew Wright, and
Joseph Helfrich were in one of the groups that provided music for worship services.
Wright was music coordinator for the 1996 Annual Conference in Cincinnati.
of hospice in achieving a good death.
Hospice is a family experience," she
said. "We really empower family and
friends as care givers." Patients, she
said, define the goals, whether it is to
live to see a certain event, to die
quickly, or to have no pain.
Wesley Ariarajah, deputy secretary
of the World Council of Churches,
led daily Bible studies. "In the pre-
sent technological society, people
need a sense of belonging. This is a
profound challenge to the church."
In a final symposium, Dave Hilton
said that the church is the real world
health organization. Speaking about
the word shalom, he reminded his
listeners that |esus said, "I have
come that you might have life in full-
ness." Hilton also said that it was up
to the church to reform health care.
Wendi Hutchinson, a youth pastor,
called upon the church to "hold
everyone accountable in a relational
ministry. Our world is becoming
more impersonal. The church can
provide personal care."
Former Annual Conference moder-
ator Judy Mills Reimer said it was
important for all believers to enhance
their skills as caregivers and care
receivers. "We are wounded healers
who can give love and compassion
on the journey."
Fred Bernhard, another former
moderator, said, "Our compassion is
based on our practical nature. The age
of information has become the age of
loneliness — people feeling uncon-
nected. I want to put in a plug for the
ministry of touch: handshakes, hugs,
greetings." Bernhard said the church
Joe Detrick of Loganville, Pa., inter-
acted with Helen Prejean in one of
the conference's 72 workshops.
has lost that portion of the love feast
that might be called "passing on the
peace." "There is a transcendence of
God in every handshake, hug, or
touch. It's the hospitable thing to do."
The conference closed on a power-
ful note as Nancy Faus, retired
Bethany Seminary professor and
ordained minister, told the story of
Jesus and the Samaritan woman at
Jacob's well. Naming the various ways
in which the woman was an outcast,
she reminded all that Jesus ministered
directly to the outcasts, shocking his
disciples and his contemporaries.
"It's risky to give people love and
acceptance," Faus said. "That's what
love is about. How are we the church
going to respond to those who are not
among us because we keep them out?
If we are ready to offer God's living
water, we will be ready to minister to
each other and reject no one. We need
each other if we are to be the church
of Jesus Christ." She reminded her lis-
teners that people of both the left and
the right practice intolerance, noting
that "a window stuck open is as
worthless as a window stuck closed."
In a final ceremony, Faus invited all
to come forward to put their hands into
a basin of water, and to receive a small
vial of water to give to someone who is
broken. "I call you to risk for Christ's
sake, to receive the living water, to risk
giving this water to someone else. By
risking our health we may become
more healthy. I pray it may be so."
Marie Willoughby of Copemish,
Mich., summed up the conference by
saying, "I have learned an enormous
amount here. There has been a lot to
learn from the speakers. Everyone
was impressive. I'm just sorry that
there weren't twice as many people
here. Some of our folks missed a
great event."
And if you did miss it, well
we'll see you in 1999.
Frank Ramirez is pastor ofEll<hart (bid.)
Valley Church of the Brethren.
Ai.
October 1997 Messenger 13
Mm
'Tor a historically peace-loving
group, we Brethren have
waged a number of verbal
and emotional wars. "
Some battleground notes
The August/September Messenger
came today, and I read every word of
it, including the ads.
The editorial, "Conference as a
Battleground," said so well what I
have been feeling about recent An-
nual Conferences. I have missed the
past three, but Wichita '94 left me
with such distress that 1 have not
been altogether sorry to have missed
the succeeding ones.
For a historically peace-loving
group, we Brethren have waged a
number of verbal and emotional
wars. The editorial was right in
saying we have "become disunited
— distrusting one another, distrust-
ing leadership, .. .and resorting to
political maneuvering to get our
own way."
For some people, in order to be
Brethren, everything has to be stated
in the exact language they, them-
selves, use.
At Phoenix '85, one delegate spoke
on every single item, not necessarily
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cogently, but with apparent intent to
be sure that people knew who he
was. And at Wichita '94, some "anti'
speeches were couched in terms of
"brotherly love," but bristled, never
theless, with razor blades.
Estlwr Fre
Mount Morris. Ih
Are we planning our death?
The Conference issue of Messenger
was informative and helpful, since I
did not make it to Long Beach, after
having attended more than 50 of the
past 60 Conferences.
Of special interest were the items fl
about the New Design. After reading
Messenger, I turned to another
magazine, which carried similar cov-
erage on the redesign of another
denomination.
One of the leaders of that denomi-
nation said at its conference, "I hate
to deliver the bad news, but churches
that put their energy into restructur-
ing are planning their death What
we need to start talking about is
lesus, who is the only thing that can
make a difference."
1 am hearing the same idea
expressed by an increasing number
of Church of the Brethren leaders.
Olden D. Mitcheh
North Manchester. Ind.
Wrong songs for the Fourth
The |uly Messenger's editorial car-
ried a statement that caught my
attention: "As we continue to accul-
turate, the tension grows between
the preserving of hymns that better
express who we have been as
Brethren and the adopting of singing
calculated to 'meet the needs' of the
spiritually homeless, wandering in
the marketplace."
Was Long Beach music about the
same as Cincinnati's?
The "contemporary" group-singing
would be more appreciated if done
after hours rather than during the
evening worship service.
Further, what an insult it must
14 Messenger October 1997
ave been to accomplished organist
ison Leister to be hidden behind the
owcrs and never be given a chance
J do solos.
Then, "Spanish Night" on the
ourth of |uiy was the final blow for
le. In the number of countries I
lave been in, the country's heritage
i always a part of its independence
ay festivities. But heaven forbid that
/e Americans in Long Beach might
ave sung "God of Our Fathers" or
God Bless America."
fay L. Christner
Somerset. Pa.
■ormer moderator slighted
Vhile there was much about the
,ong Beach Conference to commend,
was disappointed by the Conference
Dfficers' decision to schedule the
ohn Kline 200th anniversary video
on the evening of the Fourth of July.
That time slot, the lukewarm en-
dorsement, and the competition from
he fireworks and the usual visiting
:ombined to ensure a poor turnout.
-ewer than 100 of the 3,000 Brethren
at Long Beach viewed the video.
The video should have been
bhown during a business session,
>vhen everyone could have been
nspired by the life of a man who
ived our Conference theme, "Count
Well the Cost."
Don Hess
Oakton, Va.
Credit where credit's due
There was an omission in the
August/September Messenger arti-
cle about the church billboard in
Mesa, Ariz, (page 4).
A portion of the billboard project
was funded through Pacific South-
west District's Grants for Church
Growth and Renewal program. The
district offers the grants from a des-
ignated portion of its Vision for the
'90s funds.
In the spring of 1996, when suffi-
cient funds were available after other
district priorities were met, the grant
program was established. Brochures
and application forms were sent to
all the district's congregations.
The district board has awarded
three grants, and more were reviewed
at our August 1997 board meeting.
Joanne Wagoner
La Verne, Calif.
OEPA needs full support
In the downsizing of General Board
program, On Earth Peace Assembly
(OEPA) has become an entity separate
from the Board. This should not be.
OEPA should have the authority to
work independently, but, having
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October 1997 Messenger 15
Pontius' Puddle
Send payment for reprinting "Pontius' Puddle" from Messenger to Joel
Kauffmann, 111 Carter Road, Goshen, IN 46526. $25 for one time
use. $10 for second strip in same issue. $10 for congregations.
X FICroWEO OUT THKV WV C0RRE14T
LEVEl_Of SCVIHCrS SUOOLD BE ft,t)E(5UWE
TO SOPPORT ^AE FOR THE F>HW_
30 VEA^^S OT NVV L\^E-- ASSOtAmtr
T LIVE AS LONG-
Because You Need
Protection You Can
Count On
W hen a fire broke out at Elkhart City
Church of the Brethren in Elkhart, Indiana,
many members wondered how long it would
be before they could worship there again.
But they were about to experience a
wonderful surprise.
''Mutual Aid was right there when we
needed them," says Ted Noffsinger, who
supervised the reconstruction. "The approach
I saw was, 'We have a policyholder with a
problem. Let's do what we can, as fast as we
can, to get him back in business.'"
If that's the protection you'd like to experience, then
you should know Mutual Aid Association also offers
homeowner's insurance at very competitive rates. To
find out more, return the bind-in card in this issue of
Messenger, or call us now.
1-800-255-1243
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Protection you can depend on from
Brethren you trust. Since 1885.
proven itself eager to do the work of
the church and to be the church in
action, it should have the full suppo:
of the brotherhood.
The General Board should con-
sider OEPA a "subcontractor"
responsible for leadership in peace
education and action. It should
encourage districts, congregations,
colleges, the seminary and all mem-
bers of the church to turn to OEPA
for help so that we all may be more
perfectly doing our part for peace.
Franklin K. Cassel^^]
Lancaster. Pa
Hymns that touch the bones
h
The luly Messenger editorial,
"Finding Help in a Hymnal," spoke
to me. I, too, feel hymns touching
my bones in a way that even scrip-
ture cannot do.
Having attended Bethany Semi-
nary when Al Brightbill was at his
best, I thrilled to hear the singing
both there and at least one Annual
Conference in which the singing
made one's hair stand on end.
To some degree, we have lost the
theological significance that many of if
our "old" hymns had. We also have
lost the wonderful music from the
masters, which Al and others
adapted. I think particularly of
Brethren writer Ruth B. Statler's
"God Eternal, in Thy Presence," with
music by Franz Joseph Haydn har-
monized by Al Brightbill (hymn 392
in the 1951 Brethren Hymnal). In
"How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place"
(hymn 3), Al adapted Psalm 84 and
set it to his arrangement of music by
Wolfgang A. Mozart. And another is
"We Would See |esus" (hymn 413),
using music by Felix Mendelssohn.
Beyond the loss of great music, it
is difficult to stay focused in a wor-
ship service when the choir or soloist
puts on a "performance," and the
people clap as if they were the audi-
ence of a concert. At age 76, I may
be a bit old-fashioned, but I know
what answers my needs.
Carrie Lee Smith
Manassas, Va
16 Messenger October 1997
3ith bolstered by hymnal
00 found help in the hymnal (luly,
igc 52). I didn't leaf through it
iriiig the sermon. My parents were
rict about my paying attention to
c pastor (although I'm not sure
j\\ much good it did).
My inspiration and edification were
lined mostly in the actual singing of
ic hymns, or in perusing them apart
0111 their use in worship. But I
Jiiiit that my faith, and perhaps even
ly understanding of life's purpose,
as bolstered as much by these
\iiins as by the pulpit messages.
Donald B. Snyder
Waynesboro. Va.
urned on by Whittier hymns
"he |uly editorial about the hymnal
it the core for me. Early in my adult
fe, I captured "Immortal Love, For-
ver Full" as my favorite hymn.
1 have always enjoyed James
jreenleaf Whittier as a great Ameri-
an poet. And the adaptation of
Villiam V. Wallace's music kept the
low of the poetry. It has a simple
nelody, solid rhythm, and a rich har-
mony. The music supports the poem
Ti an unobtrusive way.
But the "Immortal Love Forever
ull" of the 1951 Brethren Hymnal is
ny favorite hymn because of the
completeness of the message. The
ver-present, immortal love is there
or the seeking. It is universal —
'whate'er our name or sign." The
neasure of our behavior is tested by
hat love — an excellent Brethren
attribute.
Gladys S. Naylor
McPherson. Kan.
Saving Snow Hill buildings
Kermon Thomasson's July Messen-
ger article, "The Saga of Snow Hill"
is misleading in suggesting that the
Snow Hill buildings may well disap-
pear in time.
The purpose of the August 1 1 auc-
tion mentioned at the end of my
Snow Hill artifacts report (which the
above article accompanied) was to
raise money to establish an endow-
ment fund. This money is designated
to pay for a new roof and other long-
needed maintenance that should
forestall such a disappearance. The
trustees are concerned to preserve
the buildings and to see them used
for church purposes, possibly as a
retreat center.
Donald F. Durnbaugh
lames Creek. Pa.
Add this to Nation's list
I appreciated Mark Thiessen Nation's
article, "Pacifist Patriotism" (luly, page
22). I agree with him that our commit-
ment to peacemaking can become
pretty lackadaisical between wars.
Nation lists a number of things we
should declare that we won't do as
pacifist patriots. A good list. But add
this: We won't easily pay taxes for war
(some won't pay any taxes for war),
just as we won't put our bodies there.
The National Campaign for a
Peace Tax Fund has been carrying on
a 25-year struggle to have legislation
enacted that will recognize conscien-
tious objection to war taxes. The aim
is to make it possible, legally, to real-
locate the military portion of our
taxes to peaceful purposes.
Every Brethren ought to be behind
this legislation. Call (888) 732-2382
to get documentation on the Peace
Tax Fund project and get involved.
lames Garber
North Manchester. Ind.
Tax me for peace, not war
The April 1 5 federal tax deadline
presents a recurring religious and
moral dilemma for me. The Church
of the Brethren has always taught me
that "all war is sin," and that believ-
COB Washington Office
a bridge belAveen members of the
church and public policy makers
Nearly forty years ago, the 1957 Annual Conference
proclaimed, "We believe that in a democracy Christians must
assume responsibility for helping to create intelligent public
opinion which will result in legislation in harmony with the
eternal laws of God."
The Washington Office provides members of the church free and concise
information about current federal policies within the context of our Brethren
tradition. The Witness to Washington newsletter provides updates on current
issues, excerpts of Armual Conference statements which help guide our actions,
and information on how to contact policy makers. Key issues include:
Peace
Environment
Church and State
Disarmament
Africa
Poverty
Women's justice
Middle East
Death Penalty
Children's issues
Civil Rights
Latin America
If you are interested in promoting national and international efforts for a world of
greater peace, justice and stewardship of God's creation, contact the Church of
the Brethren Washington Office, 337 North Carolina Ave SE, Washington, DC
20003, or e-mail washofc@aoi.coni. The newsletter and additional alerts are also
available by electronic mail.
Stay informed and live out Christ's call to active
peace making by joining the Washington Office network.
October 1997 Messenger 17
From the
Office of Human Resources
Coordinator, Congregational
Life Team for Areas 4 & 5
Full-time in Area 4 and half-time in Area 5.
Responsibilities: provide leadership and
team development for Congregational Life
Teams, work collaboratively with district
staff in developing covenantal partnerships
and overseeing agreed-upon projects.
Qualifications: five years experience in
congregational life, program and team
development, mentoring/supervising,
and administration. Bachelor's degree or
equivalent required; master's in related
field preferred.
.Application deadline October I, IQQ?.
Congregational Life Team Members
Half-time positions in areas 1. 2, & 5.
Responsibilities: 'Work within covenantal
partnerships between General Board and
districts to resource congregations, provide
leadership development events, consult
with congregations and district groups,
network individuals and congregations.
Qualirications: Ability to work with diverse
cultures and congregations, two years
experience in congregational life program
development work and administration.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent required;
master's degree in related field preferred.
Application deadline: October 22. 1997.
Contact Elsie Holderread at
(SOO) 323-8039 for position descriptions
and further information.
From the
Office of District Ministry
District Executive/Congregational
Life Team Staff
Full-time position with responsibilities
divided evenly between two employers.
Atlantic Southeast District Board will be
the primary employer.
Responsibilities: Facilitate pastoral
placement in Atlantic Southeast, culti-
vate healthy relationships between
congregations and district board, give
leadership that empowers district per-
sonnel, provide pastoral support to
pastors, work collegially with Camp
Ithiel leadership. Work collegially with
Coordinator of Congregational Life
Ministries for Area 3. provide resourcing
assistance to the districts in Area 3.
Qualifications: Commitment to Church
of the Brethren values, preferred bilin-
gual skills in Spanish and English,
strong interpersonal and communication
skills, strong management and adminis-
trative experience, willingness to travel,
experience in congregational and/or dis-
trict ministries. Appropriate education
includes administrative, consultative,
educational, and theological.
Apply by sending a letter of interest and
resume to: Office of District Ministry.
1451 Dundee Ave.. Elgin. IL 60120.
Deadline for receiving letters of
interest: October 30. 1997.
ers should not participate in it.
Although the government no
longer wants my body, it still
demands my money (about 50 per-
cent of federal income taxes) to pay
for wars, past and present. As a con-
scientious objector to war, I find my
deeply held religious beliefs violated
by being forced to pay for military
activities.
Fortunately, the government rec-
ognizes the right of conscientious
objectors not to fight. Now it should
be consistent and pass the Peace Taji
Fund bill that would grant conscien
tious objectors the right to divert thi
military portion of their taxes to pro
grams that promote peace.
Then I, and thousands of others,
would not be forced to make the age
nizing choice between obeying the
law and being true to our faith.
David \V. Fow
Liitherville. Ml
ile
^acfi out through better stewardship
Not every church has ar^ asset manager among its
members. For as little as $10,000 you can open an
account with the Brethren Foundation. Our profes-
sionals will invest your funds to help you continue
the work of Jesus.
EPf
Brethren Foundation, Inc.
1505 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, Illinois 60123
800-746-1505 • FAX 847-742-0135
a ministry of Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust
Classified Ads
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Israel travel for the deaf and hearing. June 15-
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more info, write Mr. & Mrs. Philip Rowland, 233
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INVITATION
Salisbury Community Church of the Brethren
new & growing fellowship in Salisbury, Md., invite
Brethren moving into or vacationing in Salisbur\
Ocean City area to worship with us. Will providi
moving help (unloading, child care, area info). Fo
info, contact Salisbury Community COB, P.O. Bo:
2001, Salisbury, MD 21801. Tel. (410) 219-5949. E
mail NRCain(a A0L.COM,
Cincinnati Church of the Brethren fellowshii
meets for worship & support in n.e. area of Cincin
nati. We welcome others to join us or bring needs tt
our attention. Contact us c/o Cincinnati Friends Meet
ing House, 8075 Keller Rd., Indian Hill, OH 45243
Tel. (513) 956-7733.
DIABETICS SERVICE
Diabetics: If you have Medicare or insurance, yoi
could be eligible to receive your diabetic supplies a
no cost. (Insulin-dependent only.) Call (800) 337-4144
18 Messenger October 1997
uriiioff foints
dew Members
ote: Congregations are asked
to submit only the names of
actual new members of
denomination. Do not
include names of people
who have merely transferred
their membership from
another Church of the
Brethren congregation.
iltoona, Mid. Pa.: Rachel
Shoenberger. Holly Treese.
Gerald Townsend, Leon
Wilson, Pam Linton, Brenda
Brumbaugh
eaver Creek, Mid. Atl.; Frank
Hartman, Douglas & lason
O'Neil
rireen Tree, Atl. N.E.: Ian &
Nick Bryan, Tim Eller,
laime Etzler, Anne-
Dominique Haas, Maggie
Randall, Rick & Zack
Haner, Zoe Smith, Sam &
Susan Tubiello
ebring, Atl. S.E.: Jackie
Gable
routville, Virlina: Elaine
Keaton
■Vest Goshen, N. Ind.; Kahlil
.Mkattan, Fern lackson, leff
Kamp, Sara Showalter
Vestminster, Mid. Atl.; Carole
A. Schwartz, Donya S.
Oneta. Tracy Roberge, Marc
& Cheryl Held, David &
Kristi Gordon, lames &
Cinda Showalter
A'ilminglon, Atl. N.E.: Megan
Fitzwater, William Haynes,
Rebecca Hersberger,
Nathan Kinsey, Katherine
Maulo, Karen Scherer,
David Scott, Andra Thomp-
son, Tadeusz Dabronski,
Deb & Ron Furness, Frank
& Lynn Henshaw
Wedding
Anniversaries
Bittinger, Emmert and Esther,
Bridgewater, Va., 50
Boilnott, lohn and Nell,
Bridgewater, Va., 12
Boilinger, |ohn and Mary
Emma, Ephrata, Pa., 60
Bowman, Alaric and Kitty,
Bridgewater, Va., 55
Bowman, Clarence and Mary,
Bridgewater, Va., 65
Bowman, Fred and Wanda,
Bridgewater, Va.. 50
Bucher, Gordon and Darlene,
North Manchester, Ind., 50
Cameron, Lawrence and
Ivella, lohnstown. Pa., 70
Dancy, Fred and Frances.
Sparta, N.C., 77
Fike, lohn and lune, Sebring,
Fla., 60
Fouike, Harvey and Hazel.
Allentown, Pa., 60
Garner, Glenn and Margaret,
Bridgewater, Va., 50
Gibson, lay and Mary, lack-
sonsville, Fla., 50
lewell, Paul and Fern, Kansas
City, Kan., 50
fuday, Donald and Margaret,
New Paris, Ind., 50
Kopp, Robert and Mary,
Hanover, Pa., 55
Livengood, Edwin and Maxine,
Milledgeville, 111., 50
Liskey, Claude and Elaine,
Harrisonburg, Va., 50
Miller, Henry and Mary, New
Oxford, Pa., 71
Miller, Loren and Esther,
Sebring. Fla., 70
Miller, Lowell and Peggy,
Bridgewater. Va., 50
Molison, Glenn and Hazel,
Hanover, Pa., 65
Fletcher, Virgil and Marcheta,
Lake Forest, Calif., 55
Reese, Sam and Mildred,
Hagerstown, Md., 50
Sherck, Arthur and Marjorie,
Goshen, Ind., 60
Shively, Marvin and Dorothy,
Peoria, III., 50
Sinclair, Orlo and Dorothy,
Smithville, Ohio, 60
Snyder, William and Ann,
Sebring, Fla., 50
Sline, Beth and Ira, Adel,
Iowa, 65
Wampler, Fred and Dorris,
Bridgewater, Va., 50
Wildasin, Cleo and Lillian,
Spring Grove, Pa., 55
Wildasin, Mark and Miriam,
Glen Rock, Pa., 65
Vaughn, Leonard and Lucile,
Alexandria, Va., 50
Yohe, Lowell and Martha,
North Manchester, Ind., 50
Pastoral
Placements
Beckner, Dennis A., from secu-
lar to Locust Grove, S/C Ind.
Brunk, David, from Dayton,
Shen., to Evergreen, Shen.
Cayford, Cheryl, from General
Board staff to Northern
Colorado, W. Plains
Clark, Michael, from New
Covenant, Virlina, to
Walnut Grove, W. Pa.
Conn, Barry, from Pike Run, W.
Pa., to County Line, W. Pa.
Crowe, lohn R., from mission-
ary, Portugal, to Maple
Spring, W. Marva
Ewing, lohn. from other
denomination to Cherry
Grove, Ill./Wis.
Fike Melvin, from Meadow
Branch, Mid. Atl. to Moore-
field. W. Marva
Fike Lisa, from Meadow
Branch, Mid. Atl. to Moore-
field, W. Marva
Foley, Leonard, from secular
to Nineveh, Virlina
Fourman, Larry, from
Brookville, S. Ohio, to
Crest Manor, N. Ind.
Gerbrandt, Eugene, from
other denomination to
Laton, Pac. S.W.
Landrum, Richard, from
Wenatchee, Ore, /Wash., to
Lincolnshire, N. Ind.
Matteson, Erin, from Fremont
Pac. S.W., to Batavia, Ill./Wis.
Nichols, Mark, from Masons
Cove, Virlina, to Concord
Fellowship, Virlina
Nye, Paul, LaPorte, N. Ind.,
from interim to part-time
Shelton, Randall C, from sec-
ular to New Haven, S.E.
Snyder, George, from secular
to Pleasant View, Virlina
Ullery |r.. Howard E., from
Pleasant Hill, S. Ohio, to
Lacey Community,
Ore. /Wash.
Wade, Marvin, from Hiwassee,
Virlina. to Shelton, Virlina
Wisdom-Belford, Virginia,
from secular to Dover Fel-
lowship, Mid. Atl.
Woodin, Ataloa, Fresno, Pac.
S.W., from pastor of adult
ministries to full-time pastor
Llcensings
Carpenter, Larry, May 17,
1997, Sharpsburg, Mid. Atl.
Ebersole, Mark David, April 1,
1997, Lancaster, Atl. N.E.
Fellows, Nathan, May 17,
1997, Westminster, Mid. Atl.
Hawsey, David S., April 3,
1997, Huntingdon Stone,
M. Pa.
Hostetler, Richard P., |une 1 1,
1997, Nettle Creek, S/C Ind.
Hostetter, lason Andrew, |une 4,
1997, Buffalo Valley, S. Pa.
McCan, Steve. May 3, 1997,
Fresno, Pac. S.W.
Stephens, Linda, March 4,
1997, Union Center, N. Ind.
Van Buskirk, William, May 17,
1997, Frederick, Mid. Atl.
Wilborn, Leonard V. May 3,
1997, Imperial Heights,
Pac. S.W.
Wilges, Shawn Allen, May 22,
1997, Salem, S. Ohio
Yager, Lorele, Jan. 30, 1997,
Beacon Heights, N. Ind.
Ordinations
Baldwin, Charles ("Chuck")
F.April 12, 1997, Syra-
cuse, N. Ind.
Bowman, Mark, May 22,
1997, Eversole, S. Ohio
Deeter, leanne, August 27,
1996, Mack Memorial, S.
Ohio
Greiser, Terence, May 31, 1997,
Indian Creek, Atl. N.E.
Hyre, Greg Allen, May 22,
1997, Eaton, S. Ohio
Ritchie, Kurt, Dec. 7, 1996,
Florence, N. Ind.
225th BVS
Orientation Unit
(Completed orientation in New
Windsor, Md., Aug. 9, 1997)
Brown, Jennifer, Upperco,
Md., to National Coalition
Against the Death Penalty,
Washington, D.C.
Dubble, Diane, Lititz, Pa., to
Community Mediation
Center, Harrisonburg, Va.
Frank, Fan, Collingswood,
N.L, to San Antonio Metro-
politan Ministry, San
Antonio, Texas
Grimm, Susanne, Frankfurt,
Germany, to Gould Farm,
Monterey. Mass,
Miller, Mary, York, Pa., to Tri
City Homeless Coalition,
Fremont, Calif.
Opuku, Daniel, Fuchtenfeld,
Germany, to National Farm
Worker, Benson, N.C.
Pilz, Katharina, Dreieich,
Germany, to Camphill Vil-
lage, Copake, N.Y.
Rieke, Rebekah, from Min-
neapolis, Minn., to Trees for
Life, Wichita, Kan.
Shonk, Emily, from Goldvein,
Va., to Youth Ministries,
Elgin, 111.
Schreckhise, Sarah, Annville,
Pa., to Casa de Esperanza de
los Ninos, Houston, Texas
Stauffer, Matthew, Farming-
ton, Del., to Friends for
Nonviolent World, Min-
neapolis, Minn.
Struble, |oy, Okemos, Mich., to
Youth Ministries, Elgin, 111.
Wells, Andrea, Mount Morris,
ML, Cafe loshua. West Palm
Beach, Fla.
Yoder, Brian. Huntingdon, Pa.,
to Youth Ministries, Elgin, 111.
Yzenbaard, Liza, Brethren,
Mich., to Bridgeway, Lake-
wood, Colo.
Deaths
Adams, Margaret C. 85,
Harrisonburg, Va., lune
27, 1997
Akers, Lester, 90, Osceola,
Mo., May 7, 1997
Alexander, Connie E., 71,
MozerW. Va., May 12, 1997
Allen, Eunice, 79, Modesto,
Calif,, lune 18, 1997
Bader, Gladys, 92, Scottville,
Mich., April 14, 1997
Bard, Ellis T, 76, Chambers-
burg, Pa.. April 18, 1997
Beydler, Arthur, 71, Stras-
burg, Va., May 1, 1997
Blackwill, Clarence, 82, Ouin-
ter, Kan., Oct. 10, 1996
Bollinger, Melvin, 70, Lititz,
Pa., May 30, 1997
Bower, Emily, 82, La Verne,
Calif., April 17, 1997
Bower, Pearl H., 90, Trout-
ville, Va., March 7, 1997
Brosey, Hazel K., 95, New
Carlisle, Ohio, luly 4, 1997
Bryant, Mary, 77, Quinter,
Kan., Sept. 1, 1996
Buracker, Laura V, S&,
Harrisonburg, Va., May
15, 1997
Busch, AdaC, 83, York, Pa.,
lune 12, 1997
Cameron, Don, 68, lohn-
stown. Pa., May 1 1, 1997
Coffman, George S., 83, Moats-
ville, W.Va.,AprU22, 1997
Comer, Mamie V.H., 82, Stan-
ley, Va., April 22, 1997
Cook, Mary Ann, 67, New
Carlisle, Ohio, May 6, 1997
DeLane, Fred, 74, Santee,
Calif., lune 22, 1997
Derr, Alma M„ 82, New Wind-
sor, Md., lune 15, 1997
Detrow, Levi, 83, Hagerstown,
Md., Oct. 14, 1996
Detrow, Lucille, 80, Hager-
stown, Md., Feb. 14, 1997
Dunmore, Frances, 98, Har-
leysville. Pa.. Feb. 21. 1997
Eckard, Hubert B., 88,
Harrisonburg, Va., April
21, 1997
Feather, Maud |., 90, Eglon,W.
Va.. lune 17, 1997
Fulk, lohny E., 53, Fulks run,
Va.. May 1, 1997
Funkhouser, Alvin, 77, Bridge-
water, Va., May II, 1997
Fry, Helen, 71, Phoenixville,
Pa., April 10, 1997
Garber, leannette M.. 70.
Woodbridge, Va.. April
20, 1997
Godfrey, Cletus, |., 95, York,
Pa., lune 17, 1997
Gottlieb, Mirian, 71, Ephrata,
Pa.. May 30, 1997
Harnage, Ivey, 89, Sebring,
Fla., lune 27, 1997
Harshbarger, Patience, 97,
Bridgewater, Va., May 4,
1997
Hawk, Ruth, 97, Milledgeville,
HI., March 27, 1997
Hopson, Myrtel, 93, Harleys-
ville. Pa., lune 15, 1997
Hoover, Ola May, 90,
Harrisonburg, Va., June
22, 1997
Hostetler, Esther, 71, Nappa-
nee, Ind., |uly 1, 1997
Hurst, Esther, Greenville,
Ohio, luly 9, 1997
[ordan, lohn, 62, Mount lack-
son, Va., May 4, 1997
Kamer, Elizabeth, 92, Peters-
burg, 111., May 18, 1997
Keeney, Esther B., 85,
lacobus. Pa., |une 12, 1997
King, Naomi, 93, Lititz, Pa.,
May 18, 1997
Kline, Homer R., 91, Linville,
Va.. April 18, 1997
Knox, Charles, 95, Norris-
town. Pa., March 4, 1997
Leaman, Docas M., 54, York,
Pa., lune 28, 1997
Lehman, Cecilia, 94, Sullivan,
111., lune 14, 1997
Lewis, Betty L., 55, Tim-
berville, Va., May 10, 1997
Link, Carl R., 63, Defiance,
Ohio, lune 9, 1997
Livenwood, Edwin, 75, Mill-
edgeville, III.. May 14, 1997
Lloyd, Cornelius, 89, Sebring,
Fla., May 14, 1997
Marks, Charles F, 84, York,
Pa., lune 25,1997
Martin, Wilma )., 66, Delphi,
Ind., April 10, 1997
Masterson, Esther, 93, Mount
Morris, III., Feb. 4, 1997
Masimore, Earl F.. 76. York.
Pa,, lune 13. 1997
Mason, Roy H., 97, Broadway,
Va.. April 22, 1997
Mellinger, Paul, 84, Delphi,
Ind.. Feb. 16, 1997
Mellott, Bretherd, 91,
McConnellsburg, Pa,, May
23, 1997
Miller, DeWitt L.. 88, Hager-
stown, Md., May 21, 1997
Miller, Harold, 89, Spring-
field, Mo., May 19, 1997
Miller, Martha, 83, Bridgewa-
ter, Va., lune 15, 1997
Mohr, Robert B.. 42, Pack-
wood, Wash,, Ian. 10, 1997
Monn, Roger K.. 77, Cham-
bersburg. Pa., lune 24, 1997
Moser, Edna, 79, Hagerstown,
Md., Dec, 18, 1996
Nedrow, Louella, 82,
Stahlstown, Pa., luly 7, 1997
October 1997 Messenger 19
11
Putting the past into perspective
Hymn writer Isaac Watts once remarked to God, "A
thousand ages in thy sight are like an evening gone."
Given God's age, that time perception is under-
standable. As I have grown older, myself, I have discovered
that my perception of time periodically needs updating.
Next year will mark the 75th anniversary of the
founding of the Church of the Brethren Mission in Nige-
ria. When the 50th anniversary was celebrated in 1973, I
was a missionary on the field. To me, then, the concept
of a 50-year span was awesome. I thought it remarkable
that there was on hand for the celebration one couple
who had begun work in Nigeria during the mission's first
year. What a span of time they had experienced! And
there they were — living fossils, yet alive, alert, and agile,
and able to make it back for the occasion!
accomplished in the 1960s and '70s. In order to package
the decades neatly, some programs of great and ongoing;
significance get only a brief mention (Brethren Voluntee
Service, for example). So the decades marked here are
just a handy design device, nothing more.
There are some other things to bear in mind as well
With the passage of time, the developments of the earlier
decades are easier to define and assess. Later develop-
ments still loom too large to have their significance
accurately calculated. While we don't know yet quite
what to make of "the quest for Brethren identity," we
can, with some certitude, assign the Brethren/Russian
Orthodox exchange its place in denominational history.
Bear in mind, too, that some of the developments of the
past 50 years had an easily discernible
n
I have participated in 50th anniversaries L,lf^e U Uo p7'esident impetus. The Vietnam War clearly accounts
of many other beginnings since then, even iAj{th sipJltS set OU Moiint ^^^ ''^^ vigorous Brethren peace witness tha
50th anniversaries celebrating weddings that ° ctrar!riif.c tVi^ '<^nc anri '70^ ri,^,-Qri^c R..t
Rushmore, we can't
I distinctly remember attending. My awe on
such occasions does not match the awe I felt
that March 17, 1973, in Nigeria. Fifty years
is now more "like an evening gone."
We Brethren have celebrated numerous
50th anniversaries in the past few years.
(One can only infer that we were very busy
beginning innovative new programs back
there in the 1940s.) Now, cover-to-cover
readers of Messenger will note that in this
depend on emergencies
to catapult us into
heroics and fame;
attending to ongoing
needs in creative new
straddles the '60s and '70s decades. But
while Shawn Replogle, in his 1995 Annual
Conference message, alerted us to the tidal
wave of Brethren youth bent on assuming
leadership roles, could he say whether wind
or earthquake precipitated it?
Some Brethren programs that had us
standing tall came into being because the
times demanded them. Think of Brethren
Service, relief shipments, and refugee set-
tlement in the post-war years of the '40s.
ways will hold us in
present issue we are highlighting the 50th anod ^tead iu^t a^ well ^"^^ '''^^ ^ '^^ president with sights set on
anniversary of the 1 947 founding of the ° -^ Mount Rushmore, we can't depend on
Church of the Brethren General Board. This Wlien tllC OOn OJ M.an emergencies to catapult us into heroics
anniversary may not grab us in quite the rnme<: in hi<i plorv ^^^ fame; attending to ongoing needs in
same way that the 50th anniversaries of the
Brethren Service Center at New Windsor, Church World
Service, and Heifer Project did, or as next year's 50th
anniversary of Brethren Volunteer Service will. But it's
good to pause and take stock. And, as far as I know, this
16-page insert amounts to all the stops that are being
pulled out for the General Board's birthday.
We are indebted especially to Howard Royer and Paul
Stocksdale for this attractive jubilee report. A design artist,
Paul was formerly a member of our magazine staff. Presently
he is back into Messenger design as a freelancer. Howard,
staff for Interpretation, is well qualified for his task as histo-
rian; he has served here at the General Offices since 1953,
his tenure almost spanning the years of the General Board.
As Howard surely has noted to himself, history does
not fall conveniently into 10-year time frames. The five
decades of General Board history presented here weren't
the neatly defined periods the report suggests. Readers
have to understand that developments of one decade
often continued in the next. Indigenization of our mis-
sion fields, while set as a goal in the 1950s, really was
20 Messenger October 1997
creative new ways will hold us in good
stead just as well when the Son of Man comes in his glory
Some programs came into being not because of a new
emergency but because a Brethren visionary identified a
need that had always been around but which had not been
addressed. Think of Cooperative Disaster Child Care.
|his jubilee report, "Another Way," is helpful in
putting the past 50 years into perspective. It is
helpful in defining what we Brethren have been
and are about. It helps us feel good about ourselves. In
Howard's words, "We hope the piece will prompt readers
to recall their own connections and tell their own stories."
But the report is produced too close to the "New
Design" to give us assurance that the Dunker doldrums
are, indeed, being effectively addressed by "the current
resolve to design the General Board to broaden partici-
patory planning, affirm vision, give form to mission and
ministries, and strengthen mutual accountability."
There will be quite a few evenings gone before we
can expect a definitive report on that. — K.T.
When children
When disasters strike, Coopera
Disaster Child Care (CDCC) is ready to respond
to the special needs of children. Parents who are busy finding
shelter, cleaning up, and finding assistance often are unable to
provide care and emotional support for their children.
Caring for children after disasters is a unique ministry
initiated by the Church of the Brethren in 1980. Since
then, hundreds of volunteers have been trained and
certified across the USA. Thousands of children
have received special attention, comfort, and
encouragement after earthquakes, floods, hurri-
canes, tornadoes, and fires.
Fran Holcomb (pictured at right) is one of the
many volunteers who helped care for children on St.
Croix after Hurricane Marilyn.
CDCC volunteers like Fran are
people who enjoy interacting with
children, have flexible schedules,
are in good health, and have a
sense of adventure.
Find out how you
can respond when
children need
care after disas-
ters. Call the
Chiu'ch of the Brethren's Emergency
Response/Service Ministries office at
(410) 635-8734, or (800) 451-4407.
Introducing Maple Terrace.
Not your typical retirement living.
Retirement will take on a whole new meaning with the opening
in 1 999 of Maple Terrace at Bridgewater Retirement Community.
A unique independent living facility with 28 spacious apartments, Maple
Terrace will offer the amenities you need, right here in the
Shenandoah Valley.
In the heart of Maple Terrace you'll find a community center
featuring a large dining room, wellness t i R f »
center with spa, banking services, <^ ^ a 4^/-
4^
O
reading and craft rooms, a convenience store, a beauty and barber shop,
and more. All in a safe, secure environment. And there's easy access to
walking and biking trails, tennis and swimming. You might even want to
try roller blading.
For more information on Maple Terrace, including a free color
brochure, call Karen McNeal at 800 4 19-9 129 or 540 828-2550. A /f A DT IT T^"CD D KC^Xl
Retiring at Maple Terrace can be much more than you might expect. lV|/\r | Aj 1 r^t\ r\/\V j Ij
By the way, roller blades are optional. irK[^r\
Openin.f'Eany 1999
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
#
Church of the Brethren November 1 997
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3RGIVE
A MURDERER
Editor: Kermon Thomasson
Managing Editor: Nevin Dulabaum
Subscriptions: Vicki Roche
Promotion: Howard E. Royer
Study Guide Writer: Willard Dulabaum
Pubiislier: Wendy McFadden
On the cover: SueZann Bosler's talk show
appearances and Helen Prejean's partici-
pation in the recent Caring Ministries
2000 conference (October, page 1 1 ) have focused
Brethren attention on the death penalty issue. Stories
on pages 12 and 17. (Cover by Paul Stocksdale)
Features
Johnny Appleseed got it wrong
When you sing the lohnny Appleseed table
grace this Thanksgiving, be sure you get
the pronouns correct, writes David
Radcliff. The Lord intends to be good to
everybody.
SueZann Bosler: "I forgive"
She's been on all the talk shows. Now
SueZann Bosler's saga of seeking to save
the life of a murderer is detailed by Sue
Wagner Fields, her erstwhile pastor.
Sidebars on the death penalty.
Taking Jesus seriously:
An interview with Helen Prejean
Bob Gross talks with a famous author
about her book that stayed on the best-
seller list 3 1 weeks and was made into an
award-winning movie. Sidebar on an
important conference for death-penalty
opponents.
22 Planting directions
Ever bother to read the fine print on a
seed packet? There's a variety of ways to
plant, but they all have something in
common . . . even when planting churches.
Donald R. Fitzkee looks at three new-
church plantings — each of them different.
Departments
1
From the Editor
2
In Touch
4
Close to Home
6
News
9
In Brief
27
Stepping Stones
28
Letters
29
Pontius' Puddle
31
Turning Points
32
Editorial
I
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Coming next month
Good news about continued
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District Messenger representatives: Atl. N,E.. Ron
Lutz; Atl, S,E„ Ruby Raynier; lU./Wis., Knjston Lipscomb;
S/C Ind., Marjorie Miller; Mich., Ken Good; Mid-AtL,
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Strom; N, Ohio, Alice L. Driver; S. Ohio, Jack Kline;
Ore./Wash., Marguerite Shamberger; Pac. S.W, Randy
Miller; M. Pa., Eva Wampler; S. Pa., Elmer Q. Gleim;
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Messenger is the official publication of the Church
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Filing date, Nov 1, 1984. Member of the Associated
Church Press. Subscriber to Religion News Service
& Ecumenical Press Service. Biblical quotations.
unless otherwise indicated, are from the New Revised
Standard Version. Messenger is published 1 1 times
a year by Brethren Press, Church of the Brethren
General Board. Second-class postage paid at Elgin,
111., and at additional mailing office, October 1997.
Copyright 1997, Church of the Brethren General
Board. ISSN 0026-0355.
Postmasier: Send address changes to Messenger,
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When David Radcliff submitted an article with the bland head-
ing of "Blessing," I read it to catch his drift, then lightheartedly
remarked to him that I had just the right title: "Johnny Apple-
seed Got It Wrong." The more we considered it, the more charmed
we were by it, and we decided it was just right
for pulling the wary reader into a thought-pro-
voking article.
But still we are atremble with fear we may
offend and alienate the "Johnny Appleseed
Song" lobby. We will be watching the mailbox.
[ohnny Appleseed flourished in the Midwest
in the early 1800s. His real name was John
Chapman, "(ohnny Appleseed" being bestowed
upon him by his frontier neighbors for his ardent
way of distributing apple seeds and scions in
central and southern Ohio. It puzzles me that
no one (so far as I know) has made a Brethren
connection for this almost legendary figure.
We come up with tales of Brethren who sup-
posedly knew figures from American history
and legend such as Abe Lincoln, John Brown,
Jesse James, and Annie Oakley. Surely Johnny
Appleseed neighbored with some Brethren pio-
neer along the Ohio.
I can easily picture Johnny pausing from his
appleseed plantings and thanksgiving paeans to test the
teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg against those of
Alexander Mack before some Dunker hearth. Even as
I write, I regret my shortsightedness in not checking
this out beforehand with prominent Brethren historian
David Eller of the Elizabethtown College faculty, one
of whose areas of expertise is Ohio Brethren history and whose recent
employment has been with the Swedenborg Foundation. The foun-
dation distributes the writings of Swedenborg that Johnny Appleseed
set such store by.
But this narrow window of opportunity to talk of Johnny Appleseed
is now open, and my November deadline is upon me. I will be wait-
ing to hear from either historian Eller or anyone else who can speak
definitively about Johnny Appleseed. Meanwhile, the Lord having been
good to us, let us see that his bounty is equally shared by everyone.
--■*a^^
Johnny Appleseed could easily
have had Brethren neighbors
as recipients of his apple
seeds and hearers of his
Swedenborgian discourses.
Printed on recycled paper
November 1997 Messenger 1
HI Tom
McPherson College student
Mike Horner makes his own
dummies and writes his own
scripts for his popular
ventriloquist shows.
Mixing with dummies
A sky-blue anteater with a long snout
swivels its bulging eyes toward the
ventriloquist. Then, through Mike Horner's
unmoving lips comes the question: "Are
you sure?"
Mike, a McPherson College student from
Wiley (Colo.) Church of the Brethren, began
playing with dis-
carded and
prototype puppets
from his parents"
puppet ministry
when he was three.
When he was 10,
his dad bought him
a book on ventrilo-
quism. During high
school, he per-
formed for birthday
parties, banquets,
and pre-school
classes.
Now Mike has a
repertoire of pol-
ished routines for
four regular dum-
mies, including
"The Amazing
Randy" and
"Oliver the Old
Man." He often
provides the chil-
dren's story at
McPherson Church of the Brethren and is
noted for getting his point across.
Last March, Mike was the city of
McPherson's entertainer for its promo-
tional Friday's Brown Bag Lunch. Later, hn
entertained at the inauguration of McPher
son College's new president, Gary Dill.
For that event, Mike sought some help.
At the National Ventriloquists Convention
in 1995, he had met several professional
ventriloquists. "I contacted one of those bj
e-mail," he said. "We did some extensive
'chatting' as I formulated a fresh routine
for that inauguration performance."
Mike is partial to certain audiences: "I
like best to perform for multi-age groups,
such as families at church potlucks and at
McPherson choir tour concerts."
In front of a mirror, Mike works alone to
polish his dummy's act. He often resorts .to
a collection of joke books for developing
new routines.
In addition to writing his own material,
Mike creates his own dummies. "I picked
up pointers at a how-to workshop," he
explained. "Buying a custom-made dummy
would cost me about $400. But with $30
worth of fabric, stuffing, and other mater-
ial, I make my own dummy."
When 1 talked with Mike in late spring,
he was soon to attend the 1997 National
Ventriloquists Convention in Las Vegas.
He had entered competition there last year,
but hadn't won. "I won't be competing this
year," Mike told me, "but classes at 'Mac'
will be over, and 1 plan to perform in the
'Open Mike Session.'"
Manny the anteater turned and inquired,
"Are you sure finals will be over?"
Mike stared into Manny's eyes. "I'm
sure," he replied. — Irene S. Reynolds
Irene S. Reynolds is a freelance writer from
Lawrence. Kan.
A dean's centennial
Bridgewater College had
planned a long time to cele-
brate the birthday. But not
only was there the usual risk
and nervousness connected
to planning a centenarian's
birthday party: With this
party, the honoree was liter-
ally tested by fire.
Earlier this year, fohn W.
Boitnott, who lives in
Bridgewater, was injured in
a house fire and hospitalized
for a time. But he recovered,
and his birthday party took
place as planned on August
29, appropriately held in the
college's Boitnott Room.
After teaching stints at
McPherson College and
Manchester College, John
returned to Bridgewater,
his alma mater (class of
1925) in 1947, and had a
20-year tenure there as
academic dean.
Along with John's wife,
Nell, of 72 years, there were
many Boitnotts on hand,
including kinfolks from
Boones Mill, Va., where John
was born in 1897. Also pre-
sent were Bridgewater's two
living presidents — Wayne
Geisert, on whose 1965
inauguration committee
John served as chairman;
2 Messenger November 1997
nd Phillip Stone, Geisert's
accessor ( 1 994) , who was a
ridgewater senior in 1965.
As he hugged birthday
arty guests and shook
leir hands, |ohn as-
Dunded everyone with his
nack for remembering
ames. But it shouldn't
ave surprised anyone. Af-
lohn W. Boitnott
cer all, John passes his time
these days immersed in his
favorite hobby — genealogy.
For that, it's handy to be
a centenarian; you're your
own best informant.
Names in the news
Ernest and Alice Spoerlein
of Oak Park Church of the
Brethren in Oakland, Md.,
their family, and a deceased
uncle, Ralph Spoerlein of
New Windsor, Md., were
honored July 22 when Spo-
erlein Lecture Hall was
dedicated at Bridgewater
College. Ralph Spoerlein left
the college over $1.1 million.
• Jeff and lean Graham
of Mexico (Ind.) Church of
the Brethren spent August
6—22 in Trivandrum, India,
preaching and teaching as
participants in the All India
Prayer Fellowship.
Dennis Frye long ago reconciled his Brethren pacifism and his
involvement with Civil War battle reenactnients. Antietain's
"little Dunkard church" symbolizes his heritage.
Battlefield pacifist
When the Associated Press picked up on a story
related to a reenactment of the Civil War battle of
Antietam, it put a Church of the Brethren pacifist into the
newspaper headlines.
Dennis Frye, a member of Brownsville (Md.) Church of
the Brethren is president of the Association for the Preser-
vation of Civil War Sites and co-chairman of the Antietam
Commemoration Committee. During the reenactment in
September, he provided play-by-play commentary for the
thousands of spectators.
As a pacifist, Dennis had no interest in deeper participa-
tion. "My role," he said, "is that of an educator, helping
people understand why fellow Americans were killing each
other at Antietam."
The carnage on Sept. 17, 1862, some 23,000 soldiers
killed, set a record for any one day's fighting ever engag-
ing American forces. "None of us can comprehend the
horror of Antietam," Dennis reflected. "This represented
American's self-inflicted holocaust."
He is very aware of the stark symbolism of the famous
"little Dunker meetinghouse" around which the great
battle swirled, and the irony of the warfare that over-
whelmed it in 1862.
Dennis speaks of Antietam with authority. For 20 years he
has worked as a historian at Harpers Ferry National Park,
giving him intimate knowledge of Civil War times and events.
The Antietam site is just 10 miles away, and near Brownsville
as well. "This is my history, my heritage," Dennis says.
Dennis was an In Touch subject in the March 1992
Messenger. What he said then still applies. Speaking of
Brethren pacifism represented by the restored Dunker
meetinghouse, he said, "In a sense, I am the embodiment
of the faith in that church on that battlefield."
Remembered
John B. Grimley, 82, died
Sept. 17 in Ephrata, Pa.
From 1945 to 1966, he
served as a missionary in
Nigeria. John was known
not only for his zeal in
spreading the gospel, but
also for his artist's skill in
capturing the Nigerian
landscape and people on
canvas; and his hobbies
relative to Nigerian
wildlife. He illustrated
Children of the Bush Coun-
try (a Grimley family saga
written by his wife, Mil-
dred), in addition to other
books on Nigeria.
November 1997 Messenger 3
to
I
EYN women have new set of wheels
The General Board has used Africa and Middle East
budget monies to purchase a new Toyota van for
Zumuntar Matan Ekklesiya, the women's fellowship of EYN
(Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The new vehicle replaced
a 15-year-old van that had long since seen its best days.
The van is used to fetch women to ZME meetings and
ZME sisters added
their special twist to
dedication traditions by
giving their new van a
ceremonial car wash.
Some brothers joined in
the merriment .
training sessions, to make evangelism visits, and to trans-
port crops to market (crops sold to fund ZME causes).
A large crowd was on hand as the van was dedicated at
EYN headquarters. In a letter of appreciation to the USA
church, ZME officers Kwanye Toma, Rubecca Kwabe, and
lummai Ayuba wrote: "We register our appreciation and hap-
piness over this assistance in continuing the work of |esus.
We assure you that the vehicle will be used judiciously "
Let's celebrate
Bethel Church of the
Brethren, near Everett, Pa.,
celebrated its quasquicen-
tennial (125th anniversary)
Aug. 3, with an all-day event
beginning with morning
worship. A written and
graphic history of Bethel
was displayed.
• Modesto (Calif.) Church
of the Brethren is celebrating
its 75th anniversary Nov.
8—9. Included are a showing
of historical slides, a talent
show and dinner, and remi-
niscing. An anniversary
anthem has been composed
by members Gene Palsgrove
and lames Worthington.
Gene Hipskind, Pacific
Southwest District executive,
preaches Sunday morning.
• New Salem Church of
the Brethren, near Milford, i
Ind., celebrated its centen-
nial Sept. 14-15. Speakers
for morning worship were
Lester Young and Eldon
Morehouse. A musical pro-
gram, "Sounds of Salsa,'
featured the Bittersweet
Gospel Band.
This and that
Independence (Kan.)
Church of the Brethren dedi
cated a new elevator this pas
|une 1 , with 89 members an(
visitors present. Other activi
ties included a praise and
worship service with Randy
and Donna Handly and a
Independence folks made
their building user-friendlier
by adding an outside elevator
potluck. A congregation
of 57 members, Indepen-
dence will celebrate its
quasquicentennial (125th
anniversary) in 2000.
• Western Plains Dis-
trict has produced a video
to be used as an introduc-
tion to Chalmer Faw's book
Commentary on the Book of
4 Messenger November 1997
fWE
The Friendship Community Creative Movement Team added its
bit of variety to morning worsiiip at Hempfield Cliiirch of
'■Iw Bretliren on tite congregation's "Friendship Sunday."
jFrieiidship Sunday
hen Hempfield Church of the Brethren in Manheim,
Pa., celebrated "Friendship Sunday" this past
Slimmer, special guests were the Friendship Community Wor-
ship Team and Creative Movement Team from Lancaster, Pa.,
aiul the Pleasant View Homes Choir from Harrisonburg, Va.
friendship Community and Pleasant View Homes are
providers of residential services for adults with mental dis-
abilities. The worship team and choir led in the congrega-
tions morning worship.
Many Friendship Community residents and others from
the community participate in Hempfield's programs for
the developmentally disabled.
Special Friends" is a Tuesday game night of recreation,
crafts, fellowship, sing-a-longs, and other activities.
Expressions of Love and Praise" is a worship service held
the first Friday of each month. In it, the developmentally
disabled assist in ushering, song-leading, greeting, "prayer
and share" time, and meditation. "Camp Sunshine" is a day
camp for the disabled staffed by Hempfield volunteers.
hunmier service
Manchester College demonstrated again its serious-
ness in training students for church leadership when
20 of its students fanned out this past summer to serve in a
broad range of Church of the Brethren programs.
The students returned to school this fall with summer
experiences that help them integrate on-the-job lessons
into the college classrooms.
The summer workers served in eight different Brethren
ministries, including student pastoring, On Earth Peace
Assembly's conflict resolution/mediation program, Ministry
Summer Service, Youth Peace Travel Team, workcamp
coordinating, Washington Office, and camp counseling at
Camp Woodland Altars and Camp Mack.
Eleven of the 20 Manchester students headed for summer
service in Bretliren programs were mustered for a photo:
Wendy Noffsinger. Michael Brinl<meier, Carrie Welter,
Madalyn Metzger, Heather Replogle. Kim Stuckey. Dan
Royer, Richard Stiver. B.f. Bucher, Josh Kline, and Dustin
Brown. The group served in eight different ministries.
Acts. The video features the
veteran Nigeria missionary
and Bethany Seminary pro-
fessor discussing his
commentary. The footage
was shot recently by David
SoUenberger of Annville, Pa.
For information, call (316)
241-4240.
Campus Comments
Manchester College has
been named to the John
Templeton Foundation's
1997-1998 Honor Roll for
Character Building Col-
leges. The honor roll
recognizes colleges and
universities that emphasize
character-building as an
integral part of the college
experience, and includes
135 schools from 42 states.
• McPherson College,
for the third consecutive
year, had its new students
do service projects as part
of their orientation. The
projects reflect McPher-
son's mission "to develop
whole persons through
scholarship, participation,
and service." One of the
projects was assisting with
the "Cedars Olympics" at
The Cedars, a Brethren
retirement community in
McPherson.
• Manchester College
has broken ground for an
expansion to its athletic
facility. The $1.3 million,
18,338-square-foot addi-
tion includes a wrestling
room, a fitness center, an
aerobics area, and faculty
and staff offices. The fit-
ness center and aerobics
areas will be available to
North Manchester's senior
citizens (20 percent of the
town's 6,000 residents) as
well as the college students.
"Close to Home" highlights news of
congregations, districts, colleges, homes,
and other local and regional life. Send
story ideas and photos to "Close to
Home, "Messenger, 1451 Dundee
Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
November 1997 Messenger 5
Bethany's Oak Brook property
is under contract to be sold
What has been known as "Bethany"
to Brethren and residents of Lom-
bard and Oak Brook, 111., for the past
three decades soon may have a new
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From Bethany to Fountain
Square. These buildings in
Oak Brook, III, which for
50 years served as Bethany
Theological Seminary's
home, were scheduled to be
razed beginning in October.
A Chicago-based firm has
contracted with Bethany to
purchase the land, with the
intent of creating
"Fountain Square, " a
multi-use development.
News items are intended to inform. They do not
necessarily represent the opinions o/"Messenger
or the General Board, and should not be considered
to be an endorsement or advertisement.
name — "Fountain Square."
The 51 -acre property in unincor-
porated DuPage County, which used
to serve as Bethany Theological
Seminary's home, is under contract
for purchase by the Shaw Company
of Chicago, 111. The closing of the
contract is contingent on the prop-
erty being annexed and rezoned by
the village of Lombard.
Nevertheless, the razing of the
buildings was scheduled to begin in
early October, so that construction
can begin once the sale is finalized.
Hearings related to Bethany's pro-
posed annexation and rezoning were
scheduled to begin in late October or
early November.
Once Shaw acquires the property it
will begin converting the land into
"Fountain Square" — a mixed-use
development consisting of residen-
tial, retail, restaurant, hotel, and
commercial uses. Plans also include
extensive landscaping — including
large areas of "green space" — and
the creation of large decorative
ponds.
This land served as Bethany's
home from 1963 (when the seminary]
moved from Chicago's inner city to
what was then rural countryside) un--
til mid- 1994, when Bethany relo-
cated to Richmond, Ind.
"The seminary moved, in part, be- I f
cause the rapidly rising cost of main
taining the aging and extensive phys
ical plant, which was diverting signif-[™
icant resources from the educational '
mission of the seminary," said Gene
Roop, Bethany president. "Fulfilling
its educational responsibility to the
Church of the Brethren depends on
realizing the full market value of the
property through redevelopment." ■
Roop added, "The sale will enable
Bethany to retire its debt, both the
money loaned by Brethren Benefit
Trust and the endowment debt that
stretches back to 1978."
Roop also said Bethany's board is
excited about the property's prospects.
"The Bethany Board of Trustees has
looked carefully at it, and we all feel
like this can successfully resolve the
ongoing responsibility to sell the
land," he said.
Conflict resolution to be the
focus of a camping conference
A national camping conference deal-
ing with conflict resolution will be
held Nov. 21-23 at Shepherd's
Spring, a Church of the Brethren
camp in Sharpsburg, Md. Sessions
will give both the theological founda-
tion of nonviolent action and practi-
cal experience in basic conflict reso-
lution tools. The conference will be
designed for camp counselors, camp
deans, directors and managers, camp
management teams, camp board and
committee members, and district and
congregational youth advisers.
The conference is sponsored by
Outdoor Ministries Association and
On Earth Peace Assembly.
Noelle Dulabaum-Bohrer (a social
worker for School District U-46 in
Elgin, 111., and a violence prevention
6 Messenger November 1997
pccialist) and Matt Guynn (who
orks with George Lakey and the or-
iiiiization Training for Change, a
ra^sroots training center in Philadei-
ihia), will serve as leaders. Both are
raduates of Manchester College and
loth serve on key OEPA committees.
The conference will also include
worship, fellowship, an OMAbusi-
less meeting, and an OMA auction,
k'gistration is $50. For more infor-
na\ion call OMA at (407) 293-3481.
jluniata College holds fifth
annual international seminar
The 1997 International Seminar on
\inis Control and Disarmament, a
v'carly event sponsored by the Baker
i'cace Institute of luniata (Pa.) Col-
cgc, was held over a fortnight in
September at luniata's Williamsburg
(Pa.) Conference Center, in Washing-
ton, D.C., and at the United Nations.
Representatives from five West
African nations participated in this
year's event, along with representatives
from the United Nations, the Geneva
International Peace Research Institute,
tand the Baker Peace Institute.
"The goal of the seminar is to build
a lasting peace in regions of the
world where conflicts are currently
common," said Michael Emery, luni-
ata College's Media Relations coor-
dinator. "Achieving such a goal takes
a prolonged commitment from all
parties, and the idea is to dissemi-
nate the practical skills of negotia-
tion and conflict resolution to those
who will educate their nations' future
leaders."
Countries represented at this year's
seminar were Burkina Faso, Cam-
eroon, Chad, Ghana, and Mali.
"This is a region that has potential
for a lot of progress," said Andrew
Murray, Baker Peace Institute direc-
tor and member of Stone Church of
the Brethren, Huntingdon, Pa. "We
hope to continue taking steps in that
direction."
Interagency Forum convenes
for its first 'official' meeting
The Interagency Forum, a group that
convened unofficially during David
Wine's tenure as Annual Conference
moderator, convened in August for
the first time as an official Annual
Conference body.
The forum, which includes represen-
NYC '98 registration packets
sent to youth advisers
National Youth Conference '98
registration packets, which in-
cluded information about NYC '98
and other NYC and Youth/Young
Adult Ministry related items, were
mailed in late September to all con-
gregational and district youth ad-
visers. NYC registrations will be ac-
cepted Jan. 1 through May 1. Cost-
for the conference will be $3 1 5.
NYC coordinators are also look-
ing for people two years removed
from high school and older to serve
tatives from Annual Conference and
its three agencies, serves "as a setting
for communication and discussion of
program initiatives that affect the de-
nomination, enabling the various
agencies and institutions to carry out
their mission and responsibilities co-
operatively and more effectively," ac-
cording to the proposal that was ap-
proved by Standing Committee.
as youth workers at the quadren-
nial conference. In return for this
work, the NYC Office will pay for
youth workers' registration and
half of their travel expenses. Appli-
cation deadline is Dec. 1.
NYC coordinators also are look-
ing for speech contest participants.
Speeches are to focus on the NYC
theme, ". . . with Eyes of Faith,"
based on 2 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews
11:1, and Mark 10:46-52. Entry
deadline is Jan. 1.
For more NYC-related informa-
tion, call (800) 323-8039 or write
to CoB. Youth. parti@Ecunet. Org.
National Youth Cabinet. This year's members include (First Row) Ryan
Bowers, Brian Yoder, Karen Miller, Chris Douglas, and Janelle Wilkinson.
(Second Row) John Eshleman, Eric Bishop, Matt Rittle, and foy Struble.
(Third Row) Jaime Eller, Janice Bowman, and Emily Shonk. In September
this group met in Colorado to plan National Youth Conference '98, which
is scheduled for July 28 — Aug. 2 in the Centennial State.
November 1997 Messenger 7
h\
Over $80,000 is allocated in
September by EOF and GFCF
Five grants totaling $82,000 were al-
located in September by two of the
Church of the Brethren General
Board's disaster funds.
Two grants were approved for aid
to North Korea. A $25,000 Global
Food Crisis Fund grant was used to
purchase 60 tons of winter wheat
seed. When harvested, the wheat will
provide a daily ration of 450 grams
for 10,000 people for one year, said
David Radcliff, director of the Gen-
eral Board's Brethren Witness Office.
General Board vice-chairwoman
Lori Knepp was scheduled to join
Radcliff on an assessment visit to
North Korea in early October. One
goal of their trip was to visit the
Kumchon cooperative where
Brethren-supplied barley seed and
hybrid corn have been planted.
Miller Davis, who administers the
Emergency Disaster Fund, had a
$7,000 request approved to cover the
cost of shipping winter clothing to
North Korea. This is part of a
$50,000 clothing shipment from
Church World Service.
Other EDF grants approved in
September were:
• $20,000 to establish a long-term
rebuilding project in North Dakota
or Minnesota, in response to last
spring's flooding of the Red River.
• $20,000 to support the Church of
the Brethren's ongoing rebuilding
project in Cynthiana, Ky., in the after-
math of flooding.
• $10,000 in re-
Famine is afflicting
North Korea as the
result of two years
offloading fol-
lowed by a summer
of drought. In mid-
September, food 5_
rations were report- ^
edtobe 100-150 |
grams per day. &
8 Messenger November 1997
sponse to ongoing needs in the
former Yugoslavia.
Annual auction raises over
$550,000 for disaster relief
The 21st Annual Brethren Disaster
Relief Auction, sponsored by Atlantic
Northeast and Southern Pennsylva-
nia districts, was held Sept. 26-27 at
the Lebanon (Pa.) Area Fairgrounds.
This event included the auctioning
of livestock, quilts, and other goods,
plus the sale of baked goods, produce,
and other items, raising $400,000.
About 7,500 people attended.
Additional funds have also been
raised from the sale of a house built
in 1996 by Southern Pennsylvania
District, from the auction's annual
kick-off dinner, and from several do-
nations to the auction's endowment.
Thus far this year, $552,579 has
been raised. And there could be more:
A house constructed over the past
year by Atlantic Northeast District in
Mount [oy, Pa., is still for sale.
Most of the money raised from the
auction goes to the General Board's
Emergency Disaster Fund for world-
wide disaster response.
ABC board accepts staff
change, charts future course
Transitions and new beginnings
marked the Association of Brethren
Caregivers' (ABC) board meeting,
Sept. 12-13, in Elgin, 111., as this was
the board's first meeting since the
General Board in March voted to for-
mally separate from ABC as of Jan. 1.
The ABC board accepted the resig-
nation of lay Gibble, executive direc-
tor, effective Dec. 31. Steve Mason,
currently ABC executive director
designate, will succeed Gibble, who
had been expected to serve through
1998. Gibble will remain with ABC
in a half-time, field staff position.
The ABC board also:
• learned that it has been autho-
rized to sponsor Insight Sessions for
the 1998 Annual Conference.
• approved the acceptance of a
domestic violence-related assignment
from the 1997 Annual Conference
• approved hosting another Caring
Ministries 2000 conference in 1999.
BBT board examines offering
mutual funds to individuals
The offering of mutual funds to indi-
vidual Church of the Brethren mem-
bers is a potential service being exam-
ined by Brethren Benefit Trust. At its
special meeting in August, the BBT
board approved allocating funds and
proceeding with the initial develop-
ment of a mutual fund offering and a
feasibility survey of members. Staff are
expected to make further recommen-
dations at the board's next meeting.
The BBT board also approved:
• guidelines under which the
Brethren Foundation may provide
services to non-Brethren agencies.
• expanding pastoral compensa-
tion and benefits services.
• offering a full range of managed
care medical options to eligible plan
members where available.
• establishing a participation mini-
mum for districts that contract for
medical insurance for their pastors
outside the Brethren Medical Plan.
The BBT board will next meet
Nov. 21-22.
11
irief
Chris Bowman, chairman of the Church of the Brethren General
Board and pastor of Martinsburg (Pa.) Memorial Church of the
Brethren, in late September experienced a major flare-up of his
multiple sclerosis, causing vision and speech problems and numb-
mess. He received a heavy steroid treatment, and his attendance at
General Board meetings, Oct. 18-21, was canceled.
A Cooperative Disaster Ctiild Care Training Worksliop
I has been scheduled for Dec. 4-5 at Leon! Meadows Christian
Retreat Center, Grizzly Flats, Calif. To attend, registration forms
must be returned by Nov. 13. Cost is $25. For more information,
contact Leslie Anderson at (510) 685-4300.
Thirty-seven thousand youth gathered in New Orleans'
Superdome, July 23-27, for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of
America's Youth Gathering. Throughout the conference, worship
services focused on Jesus' walk through Holy week. At one ser-
vice, which focused on Maundy Thursday, each participant was
given a cross purchased from SERRV International, the Church
of the Brethren self-help handcrafts ministry. These crosses
came from Shepherds Fields in Jerusalem.
During the service's passing of the peace, each participant
placed a cross on a friend. Law Buttner said youth wore those
ELCA youth at their convention in July participate in a
Maundy Thursday -focused worship service wearing
crosses purchased from SERRV International.
crosses throughout the remainder of the conference. Law But-
tner also led workshops during which she explained how people
can "become involved in the SERRV program and dramatically
affect the lives of thousands in the developing world."
Seven worl(camps will be offered to Church of the Brethren youth
and young adults in 1998. These annual workcamps, coordinated
by the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Ministries, are being
greatly reduced for 1998 because of National Youth Conference.
Workcamps to be offered are (Young Adult) San Salvador, El
Salvador, June 5-14. (Senior High) Dominican Republic, June
14-23; and Si Croix, Virgin Islands, June 22-28. (Junior High)
Harrisburg, Pa., June 17-21; Orlando, Fla., July 5-9; Indianapo-
Adrienne Longenecker,
member of White Oak
Church of the Brethren,
Manheim, Pa., shares a
moment with a new
neighborhood friend
during this year's Youth
and Young Adult Min-
istry workcamp in the
Germantown com-
munity of Philadelphia.
lis, Ind., July 8-12; and Washington, D.C., Aug. 12-16.
Workcamp fees will range between $1 60 and $500. For more
information, contact Emily Shonk at (800) 323-8039.
SueZann Bosler, who with her father. Bill, former pastor of
Miami (Fla.) First Church of the Brethren, was brutally attacked
in 1 986 and left to die (see pages 1 2-1 7), made several appear-
ances on national television in September and October. Bosler,
who was featured in the Aug. 18 Peop/e magazine, was sched-
uled to appear on CBS This Morning, 48 Hours, Larry King Live,
and Maury Povich. It was Bosler's ongoing witness against the
death penalty that attracted the national media attention.
Kathryn Radcliff of Elgin, III., was named manager of the
Brethren Employees' Credit Union, effective Sept. 22. Radcliff, a
member of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, Elgin, had
most recently owned a retail bridal salon. She has an undergrad-
uate degree from National Louis University.
The Brethren Employees Credit Union has 1,714 members and
assets of nearly $4.5 million. People eligible to become mem-
bers include employees of Church of the Brethren organizations,
their spouses, and other family members.
Four youth/young adults are being sought to serve on next
year's Youth Peace Travel Team, a ministry in which the team
travels to various camps focusing on peace education. The team
is sponsored by the General Board's Youth and Young Adult Min-
istries and Brethren Witness Office, and by On Earth Peace
Assembly. For more information, contact David Radcliff, director
of Brethren Witness, at (800) 323-8039.
Possible action on a number of peace-related issues was the
focus of a mailing in September from the General Board's
Brethren Witness office to 684 congregational peace representa-
tives. Recipients of the mailing included people trained in the
Congregational Peace Coordinator network, a cooperative effort
of districts and the General Board, as well as people listed by
their congregations as peace contacts. Contact David Radcliff
for more information about the Peace Coordinator network.
November 1997 Messenger 9
UllMMJIMtMlliJlMUM
Johnny
apples eed
got it wrong
BY David Radcliff
Sorry about spoiling that rol-
licking little table grace, but
lohnny Appleseed got it wrong
about the Lord's goodness to him. Let
me be clear: I believe that God is the
giver of all things good and noble. I
believe God created humankind to be
wonderfully inventive and resourceful.
I believe that God created the uni-
verse and all that dwells therein. I give
God credit — and honor and praise —
for all these remarkable gifts.
I just can't give God credit for the
food on my table. Or the clothes on
my back. Or the good year the com-
pany had. Or the prosperity of our
nation. I do freely offer God praise
for food — and for the earth that
brings it forth. And for the material
world that offers shelter and safety for
us otherwise quite fragile human
beings. And for the ability of people to
work together for the common good.
I just don't — and can't — give credit
to God specifically for the food set
before me, or the prosperity that has
come to me and mine, or us and ours.
My reason is simple: Once these are
considered God's blessings to any one
of us, or group of us, in particular,
they become an entitlement. They
become something we believe we have
a right to take and enjoy because,
after all, God has given them to us.
In other words, if we can give God
credit for the abundance we experi-
ence, then we are under little
obligation to look closely at how and
why we have so much, when others
have so little. For instance, we hear
that folks like us have consumed as
10 Messenger November 1997
If ive can give Cod
credit for tite
abundance we
experience, tlien we
are under tittle
obligation to look
closely at how and
why we have so
much, when others
have so little.
much in the past 50 years as the
whole world had consumed up to
that point in history. Yet, a billion of
our neighbors still exist on less than
a dollar a day. How can we account
for this? We don't really have to if we
believe that the prosperity we enjoy is
attributable to God's blessing.
At best, when confronted with this
glaring gap between "us" and
"them," we may be moved to charity.
We may be willing to share some of
what we have with those who have so
little. This is noble, and even biblical
... as far as it goes.
But when was the last time that feel-
ings of charity moved us to make a
real sacrifice on behalf of others, par-
ticularly those beyond our immediate
community? To sell one of our cars,
or redirect a chunk of our invest-
ments, or decline to buy all the house
we could afford? Or when has charity
caused us to look closely at a world
system that rewards those who exploit
the labor of children and others with-
out power, or that wreaks havoc with
the ecosystem — all in the name of
profit and a more affluent lifestyle for
a few of the world's people?
When we see the abundance some
of us experience as God's blessing, it
keeps us from asking the questions
that could change our lives, and
change our world. This, of course, is
in our "best interest." Many of us in a
church such as ours have benefited
enormously from the way things are
in our world. And we may not want
to entertain the thought that rather
than being an expression of God's
blessing, our own prosperity may be
part of a larger situation that God is
actually working to change. The key
is whether we accept the widely
accepted belief — at least in more
prosperous circles — that God is
responsible for our abundance. If so,
we can pray without a hint of ambiva-
lence, "Thank you. Lord, for this
food and for the bounty you have
bestowed on us." The Bible, however,
points us in a different direction.
In creation, God brought a world
into being that was rich and full. Into
this world, humankind was placed,
represented in adam, the Hebrew
word for human. Adam was given
opportunity to enjoy the bounty of
God's created order. Created in
God's image, these humans were also
to exercise dominion over this world,
utilizing it in a way fitting those who
represent God here on earth. And this
world, indeed, reflected God's bless-
ing. Streams and forests, plants and
animals, sun, moon, and stars above.
Assuredly, the human family would
36 blessed by the world into which
jod had placed it.
This arrangement quickly proved
nadequate, however. Given domin-
on, humanity soon sought power.
The human family traveled only a few
scriptural verses before rivalry and
competition began to replace peace-
ful coexistence as the primary mode
of human behavior. Tellingly, the first
murder turned on a dispute over who
had received God's blessing.
After several chapters of chaos,
lailures, and fitful new starts, God
ag;iin sought to bestow blessing. This
time, the chosen ones were not so
much blessed themselves, as they
were the bearers of God's blessing.
Through Abram and Sarai, all the
nations of the world are to be
blessed. Once again, the blessing of
God was not placed on one person or
group for their sake alone, but so
that God's goodness would extend to
the far reaches of the human family.
The coming of Christ lesus is the
definitive word concerning God's
blessing. In Christ, God clearly
sought to extend blessing to those
people thought to be beyond its
reach. Old categories of people
excluded from the possibility of
blessing were shattered. No longer
were enemies any less deserving of
the blessing of life than one's friends.
Women and children could not be
kept from the blessing of the
Master's presence. Sinners and out-
casts were as vulnerable to blessing
— or perhaps more so — as the pious
and pompous. And in the "categori-
cal" redefinition of blessing that we
call the beatitudes, blessing is
extended to the poor, the sorrowful,
those thirsting for righteousness, the
ones passionate for peace. The gate
to blessing is swung open wide to
invite in those not usually included.
Regarding material goods, these were
much more likely to be seen by Jesus as
an obstacle to blessing than as a sign of
God's blessing. This is not to say that
lesus despised the material world. lesus
longed for the hungry to be fed, the
naked clothed, and the sick made well.
What he didn't do was single out mate-
rial well-being as a mark of God's
special favor to particular people or
groups. For those who did, and who
relied on this as an excuse for their
wanton accumulation, lesus warned of
the judgment to come. His disciples
were confounded by this attitude:
"Who, then, can be saved?" they asked
incredulously. In other words, if mater-
ial prosperity is not an indication of
God's favor, then pray tell what is?
If there is any one thing that assured
God's blessing in |esus' mind, it was
the commitment to understand God's
blessing as intended for all. Beginning
with his mother's declaration before his
birth, lesus' life and message heralded
a true new world order. In this system,
God's goodness is available to all, and
particularly to those who have been tra-
ditionally— and systematically — denied
it. lesus' call to his followers was to live
toward a world in which everyone had
equal access to the bounty God had
intended for all. |esus railed against the
greed, gluttony, and sense of entitle-
ment that gave some people unfettered
access to the blessings of God, while
others were kept "under the curse";
that is, somehow not as deserving of
God's blessing as others.
Jesus knew what the prophets had
sensed centuries before: When
some people are seemingly
excluded from receiving God's good-
ness, it is much more likely the result
of human manipulation than of divine
decision. God's earth and its bounty,
and the health and well-being that flow
from it, are the rightful inheritance of
all people. It is human beings that so
order, or dis-ovder. this bounty so that
some are virtually excluded while
others are magnificently endowed.
What is called for here is not a
denial of the biblical concept of bless-
ing. Rather, we must recover a more
expansive understanding of blessing.
The whole earth is God's blessing to
all his people. We can rightfully be
thankful for this blessedness, though
not because a large portion of it has
ended up on our plate or in our
garage. We are thankful for the way
God has provided for our world, for
the way we have been given the intel-
ligence to use this blessing for the
good of all, for the possibility of a
redeemed life that can see our world
through the eyes of Christ.
So, yes, we thank God for creation
and the sustenance it provides. But then
we pray for the day when all God's
people have the access they need to this
bounty, so as to ensure them a healthy
and full life. In short, we then begin to
turn toward our world not out of
charity, but out of a deep longing for
justice — a longing that moves us to
question even the basis of our own
prosperity, a justice that gives each the
opportunity to experience the blessing
that was intended for all.
So long as we continue to under-
stand blessing as a personal
enrichment system validated by
divine discretion, we will not need to
ask the questions — or pray the
prayers — that will lead to transfor-
mation of ourselves and our world.
However, should we gain this larger
vision of God's blessing for all
people, seeds will sprout and take
root in our lives and our world that
will bring forth blessing for all.
Having prayed the prayer of justice,
"Thy kingdom come, thy will be
done, on earth as it is in heaven," we
can pray the prayer of blessing,
"Give us this day our daily bread."
And some day it just may be so.
Meanwhile, I'll be singing "Oh, the
Lord's been good to us, and so we
thank the Lord, for giving us the
things ive need . . ." and thinking of
God's bounty intended for his
children everywhere.
David Radcliff is director of Brethren
Witness on the General Board staff.
M.
November 1997 Messenger 1 1
SueZann Bosler: 'I forgive'
Strengthened by her Brethren pacifism,
she held for over 10 years to her determination not only
to forgive the man who had murdered her father and
left her for dead, but to save him from execution.
BY Sue Wagner Fields
On December 22, 1986, the city of Miami and
the Church of the Brethren community were
shocked by the murder of Bill Bosler, pastor of
Miami First Church of the Brethren. The intruder into
the church parsonage not only killed the pastor, but also
attacked Bill's daughter SueZann, stabbing her six times
and leaving her for dead.
Ever since that tragedy, SueZann and the members of
Miami First Church of the Brethren have been determined
to overcome evil with good, rather than being overcome
by evil themselves.
The small congregation, despite the risk, chose to keep
its doors open in ministry with the community in which its
pastor's murderer had lived. Members organized a letter-
writing campaign to the judge on behalf of the offender,
20-year-old James Bernard Campbell, who had been arrested
a few blocks from the church a week after the crime. They
wrote to the judge about their own beliefs concerning the
death penalty, about the beliefs of the Church of the Brethren,
and about their pastor, whom they had known as an outspo-
ken activist against the death penalty. They remembered Bill
Bosler as a man who valued each person whom he met.
SueZann, 24 years old at the time of the crime, had
known her father as a gentle man who worked for peace.
Although strong in his beliefs, he was equally committed to
understanding people who held views different from his
own. SueZann remembered her father saying that if he were
murdered, he would not want the murderer to be put to
death. She never knew exactly how Bill came to this posi-
tion, but was sure that the Church of the Brethren, a church
of peace, had been a very important influence in his life.
Her own position, too, had been against the death
penalty, but SueZann had never fully faced the issue until
her father's death. Between then and Campbell's first trial
in 1988, her belief had continued to develop, and she
could more confidently claim and articulate it as her own.
'Although I admit to having some questions along the
way, I never wavered from my position," she tells me. In
fact, facing the questions has strengthened her convic-
tions. Even in the most difficult times, SueZann has felt
the mercy and protection of God. She is convinced that
12 Ml SSI N(,i R November 1997
SueZann said to the judge and attorneys, "/ believe
in life I've tried for W 1/2 years to bring some
' out of this. . . . I'm at peace with myself. "
not only God, but also her father would have wanted her
to pursue the path of forgiveness and reconciliation that
she set out on within the first year of the murder. These
experiences have "set me on the right path of peace," says
SueZann. "I am at peace with myself."
SueZann had the support of her family in her decision
to attempt to influence the legal system to spare Camp-
bell's life. But she had already decided that she would take
up this challenge even if she had to do it completely alone.
The first court trial for Campbell took place in 1988. It
has been a torturous experience that SueZann has had to
face — that of reliving, over and
over, every detail of the horrible
iday that changed her life as she
ihas prepared for and submitted to
relentless court questioning. Only
a woman with deep convictions
can hold herself together through
such an ordeal and still be able to
speak about the value of the life
of her attacker.
A telling scene was played
out near the end of the first trial.
Speaking to the judge, but look-
ing directly into the same eyes
that she had looked into while being stabbed, SueZann
declared, "I believe in the value of all human life, and that
includes [arnes Bernard Campbell's." A courageous state-
ment in itself, it was even more courageous when spoken
in the context of a very pro-death-penalty city and state.
But, in spite of many letters, prayers, and SueZann's
courageous words, the judge sentenced Campbell to four
consecutive life sentences in prison . . . and death.
Ever since that first trial in 1988, SueZann has been
determined to put the tragic murder and murder attempt
behind her, and to focus on saving Campbell's life. She
has traveled thousands of miles, spoken to thousands of
people, continuing to relive memories that most victims
spend their energy trying to forget. In her travels, she has
carried a Bible inscribed with Campbell's name, inviting
people to write messages of concern to him.
Twice the Florida Supreme Court overturned
'/ Campbell's death sentence and returned the case for resen-
tencing— first because of a judge's error and next for
prosecutor misconduct. The conviction stood; only the sen-
tence of death or life imprisonment remained in question.
Finally, lune 9, 1997, Dade County Circuit Judge
Marc Schumacher and a third jury began to retry the
case. There were new complications for SueZann. Over
the years, she had become increasingly uncomfortable in
the presence of the people from the state attorney's office
because of her conclusion that, from the beginning, they
had manipulated her to seal the death sentence for Camp-
bell, in spite of their awareness of her hope to influence
the judge and jury to spare his life. The leader of this
group, the head prosecutor, was finding that SueZann
was harder and harder to control. But, by this time,
he knew her well enough to know how to upset her
emotionally, making it difficult for her to focus on what
she wanted to say, now that she knew what to say and
how to say it. He used this tactic at critical times.
Another complication
stemmed from a Florida
Supreme Court ruling that a
victim may not testify before
jurors about the type of
penalty an offender should
receive. Although this ruling
had been around for some
time, it was not until this
third trial that the "powers
that be" had figured out that
SueZann had "matured from
a young victim to a seasoned,
34-year-old advocate" (to
SueZann held the Bible she use the words of a Miami
intends for fames Campbell Herald article). Somewhere
to receive as she embraced along the way, a decision had
her sisters Jill and Lynette. been made to strictly enforce
the ruling in this case.
To assist her with these difficulties, SueZann accepted
the help of an anti-death-penalty attorney, Melodee
Smith, to advise her during the trial. Smith, an ordained
minister in the United Church of Christ, makes it her
ministry to work on death-penalty cases.
As I watched the trial events unfold in the court room,
I felt it unlikely that Campbell's death sentence would be
overturned. For one thing, Campbell had many character-
istics common to death row prisoners. He was an
African-American who had murdered a white man. He
had mental limitations, few economic resources, and
apparently little or no family support.
Here we were in a very pro-death-penalty city and
state, in which two juries and two judges had previously
sentenced this man to death. The head prosecutor knew
how to use his power, and still seemed determined to put
a star on his record by winning the death sentence once
and for all on this highly publicized case. And this being
the first capital case presided over by |udge Schumacher,
it seemed likely that there would be little slack in what he
allowed SueZann to say to the jury concerning her 10-
year struggle to have Campbell's life spared.
Finally, the trial was taking place the same week in
which a Denver jury was deciding the fate of Oklahoma
City bomber Timothy McVeigh. Although the Campbell
jurors were shielded from news of the McVeigh trial, they
had already been exposed to weeks of news about that
case. Would it put them into a pro-death-penalty frame of
mind? I was not optimistic.
On the second day of the trial, SueZann was called to
testify. While under oath, she was ordered by the judge
November 1997 Messenger 13
"I believe in the value
of all human life,
and that includes James
Bernard Campbell's."
not to speak concerning her opin-
ion or anyone else's opinion
regarding the death penalty.
"About my opinion?" asked
SueZann for clarification.
"Yes," said the judge.
I knew that SueZann was planning, in spite of the
restriction, to express her hope that Campbell's life would be
spared. But when the judge forbade her so clearly, under
oath, I was disappointed and frustrated. This was the
moment for which SueZann had been preparing herself for
over 10 year, (udge Schumacher had told the jury repeatedly
that he would give "great weight" to the recommendation of
life or death that it would give at the end of the trial. SueZann
wanted so much to finally be listened to, and had so hoped
that this would be her chance. But how could she speak her
beliefs now? She would face serious consequences if she did.
What a shame it was, I thought, that this young woman who
wanted so much to show mercy to someone who was sup-
posed to be her enemy was being warned against doing so.
The Miami Herald's description of SueZann as a
"small, deceptively fragile-looking woman" was accurate.
I should have known not to underestimate her courage
and determination.
The assistant state attorney questioned SueZann first.
His second question to her on the witness stand was "Are
you employed?" She replied, "Yes. I have several jobs."
She went on to explain that she cut hair, and that for the
past 10 1/2 years her main job had been working to abol-
ish the death penalty. This was not an opinion, just a fact.
The judge turned toward SueZann and glared. The
prosecutor quickly moved to the next question. Neither he
Healing through reconciliation
In healing from the loss of a family
member to murder, the survivors can
experience reconciliation in many
ways — with God, with society, with
the act of murder itself, sometimes
even with the murderer. However
healing is experienced, Murder Vic-
tims' Families for Reconciliation
(MVFR) is committed to promoting
healing through reconciliation, rather
than continuing the cycle of violence
through retribution and vengeance.
Founded in 1976, MVFR is a
national organization of family mem-
bers of murder victims and families of
people who have been executed. It
advocates for alternatives to the death
penalty and for programs and policies
that reduce the rate of homicide and
promote crime prevention and alter-
natives to violence. It supports
programs that address the needs of
victims of violence, enabling them to
heal and rebuild their life.
SueZann Bosler works for MVFR,
traveling the country speaking out for
murder victims' families and against
the death penalty. In October 1996,
MVFR received a citation from the
Church of the Brethren's On Earth
Peace Assembly.
For more information, write MVFR
at RO. Box 208, Atlantic, VA 23303-
0208, or call (757) 824-0948.
nor the judge dared to challenge
SueZann at that point for fear of
drawing attention to what she had I
said. But in a few minutes, the
exasperated judge dismissed the
jury and turned to SueZann once
again, reminding her angrily that she was under court order
and that serious penalties would result if she said "even one
word about the death penalty or anything that has to do with
the death penalty." He had already made it crystal clear that
there would be no slack in his restrictions of her testimony.
When it was the turn of the defense counsel, Reem-
berto Diaz, to question, he made many attempts to give
SueZann an opportunity to speak freely about her belief.
But a series of objections from the assistant state attor-
ney, sustained by the judge, prevented this line of
questioning from continuing.
Finally, Diaz walked to his chair and turned around.
Before he sat down, he look at SueZann. Later, she described
to me what happened at that moment. "We locked eyes. In my
mind I was pleading. Ask me! Ask me! Ask me!'"
Diaz said, "I have one more question." Pointing to
Campbell, he asked SueZann, "Do you hate this man?"
State attorneys jumped to their feet, shouting objec-
tions— loudly sustained by the judge, but SueZann
had responded immediately with a firm "No!"
She told me later, "It was as if he [Diaz] read my mind."
An ironic scene was playing out before us. Usually a
victim would be cooperating fully with the state attorneys
and only reluctantly with the defense. But here was a victim
who did her best to avoid eye contact with the prosecutor
and gave only short, unemotional answers to his questions.
In spite of his attempts to control
SueZann, she maintained control of
herself throughout the time she was in
front of the jury. She and the defense
counsel were working together
smoothly and creatively, although 1
think none of it had been planned.
Another irony was the presence of
the Miami Police Department detec-
tive (eff Geller, who had been
involved in Campbell's arrest. Geller
had been uncomfortable in this role
because of his opposition to the death
penalty and he no longer works
directly for the department. He had
become SueZann's best friend
through her ordeal and now does
investigative work on capital cases,
uncovering evidence that will assist
defendants in avoiding the death
penalty. He sat among SueZann's
14 Messenger November 1997
Brethren and the death penalty
other supporters throughout the trial.
On the trial's third day, the defense
counsel called a number of witnesses
who testified to Campbell's suffering
extreme abuse from both his parents as
a young child and being removed from
his home a number of times. Other
witnesses spoke of his history of alco-
hol and crack cocaine abuse, to which
he had turned at an early age. They
also spoke of a suicide attempt (drink-
ing bleach) and of his borderline
mental retardation.
On the fourth day, SueZann was
called by Diaz to testify once more. For
the third time, with the jury out of the
room, the judge threatened her. "You
are not to mention anything about the
death penalty or your feelings toward
the defendant. ... If you violate my
order, you will be in criminal contempt
and face six months in jail. . . . Please
don't push me to that."
Before SueZann took the stand, the
state's attorney found a way to upset
her. That incident, together with the
relentlessly stated restrictions put upon
her brought SueZann to tears by the
time she was supposed to respond to
questioning. She said later, "I felt like a
criminal up there, not a victim. I felt
that if I said one wrong word, I would go to jail."
Before bringing in the jury, the judge and attorneys
suggested that they and SueZann do a "dry run" of what
they would say when the jury returned. Diaz asked
SueZann what impact the death of her father had had on
her life. Normally, such a question would be used against
the defendant. But in this situation, Diaz knew that it
could give SueZann one more chance to influence the jury
to spare the defendant's life.
SueZann struggled to speak. "All I wanted to say was a
very simple thing: 1 forgive [ames Bernard Campbell for
what he's done. I respect his life and value it here on this
earth. I believe in life.. . . I've tried for 10 1/2 years to bring
some good out of this. I'm doing it the best way I know
how. I'm at peace with myself. That's all I wanted to say."
The judge responded, "I respect your feeling and
your opinions. There is no place, however, for them in
this court, in these proceedings." Because of the judge's
rigidity, Diaz decided not to call SueZann to speak again
in front of the jury.
On the fifth and final day, the defense counsel, in his
closing arguments, worked persuasively on Campbell's
The Church of the Brethren Annual
Conference adopted a statement on
the death penalty in 1987. Consider-
ing the Scriptures, and noting that
the Brethren are a New Testament
church, the statement puts its empha-
sis on Matthew 5:43-45: "You have
heard that it was said, 'You shall love
your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
But I say to you, Love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute
you, so that you may be children of
your Father in heaven; for he makes
his sun rise on the evil and on the
good, and sends rain on the righteous
and on the unrighteous."
The paper states: "There is an ele-
ment of God in each of us, and so we
much hold all human life as sacred. To
take the life of any person is to destroy
what has been created by God and
redeemed by Christ. To admit that there
are those who are beyond saving is to
deny the ultimate power of redemption,
the cross and the empty tomb."
Noting that "many murders are irra-
tional and passionate acts performed
without considering the possible con-
sequences," the paper concludes that
"it is not surprising . . . that the use of
death as punishment has had no posi-
tive impact upon murder rates. . . .
[T]he death penalty is no more a
deterrent than a life sentence." The
writers go on to say, "The only real
way to deter further violence is to
cease our claim to a 'life for a life,' to
recognize that life and death decisions
belong to God, and to seek mercy and
redemption of God's lost children."
After arguing that the death penalty is
applied unfairly, noting the economic
cost of capital punishment and the risk
of executing innocent people, and calling
for redoubled efforts at crime preven-
tion, the paper concludes with a
reminder that Cain, Moses, David, and
Paul all were murderers and yet, through
each, God's kingdom was advanced. "It
is a very human story," the writers point
out, "that is graced by the inspiration of
God's loving call to justice, reconcilia-
tion, peace, repentance, faith, hope,
redemption, new life, grace, mercy, and
forgiveness seventy times seven."
This is still God's call today, the state-
ment declares, so "our mission is to seek
and to save, not to search and destroy."
For copies of the statement, which
includes guidelines for action and
suggests further resources, call
Brethren Press at (800) 441-3712.
behalf. And he found several ways to subtly draw attention to
SueZann's position. Diaz pointed out that while the prose-
cutors had presented enormous, poster-size enlargements
of the bloodiest photos from the crime scene, the jurors
should consider some other images. "There are no pictures
of the violence that this young man grew up with, but the
pictures live in his mind. The chairs in which Campbell's
family would have sat during the trial had remained empty
all week. Gesturing toward the chairs, Diaz said, "Look at
those empty chairs. That's his family. Look at those chairs
and you see his life. His only support comes from the second
row." During the trial, SueZann, her sister Lynette, and sev-
eral friends had sat there in that second row.
Diaz closed by saying to the jurors, "I'm not asking you
to let [Campbell] walk out of here today I'm asking you
to stop the violence in his life Cooking his brains is not
the way to end it." Then, turning to the assemblage in the
court room, his last words were spoken to SueZann . . . but
loudly enough for the jurors to hear: "Thank you,
SueZann."
SueZann was disappointed that she had been unable
to say much at all to the jurors during the trial. But, with
November 1997 Messenger 1 5
the help of the defense counsel, she had at least suc-
ceeded in communicating to them her main point. And
she had courageously pushed the limits of the law in
order to express her belief that all human life is sacred.
After only three hours of
deliberation, the jury returned
with an eight-to-four recom-
mendation that lames Campbell
be given an additional life sen-
tence instead of death in the
electric chair. That same day,
Judge Schumacher quickly
imposed a life sentence, with a
minimum mandatory 25 years
without parole, to be served con-
secutively with three other life sentences in the same case.
After passing the sentence, the judge invited SueZann
to speak to the jurors. Her tears were not the only ones in
the court room. There were tears in the eyes of the jurors,
the bailiff, and surely also in the eyes of many other people
as she spoke. "Thank you for giving life and not death to
(ames Bernard Campbell I'm so overwhelmed This
is the happiest moment of the past 10 1/2 years for me. . . I
can't thank you enough. ... 1 have worked hard for his life
to be spared. Now I can go on with my own life."
Many people have wondered how lames Campbell
responded to all this. Publicly, he has given little
response. SueZann had the Bible placed on the
chair beside him in the court room. Red tape and disin-
terested attorneys have prevented the Bible from getting
to him. But get to him, it will, sooner or later.
Campbell wanted to come out into the hall to thank
SueZann, but when he stepped through the court room door
he was so swamped by news media people that he backed
back inside. He tried again a little later, again was mobbed,
and again retreated. With that, he apparently gave up.
SueZann hopes that one day she will be able to speak
personally with the man she worked so hard to save. One
reason for reaching him, she explains, is this: "I want to
give him a chance to say, 'I'm sorry.'"
How much may the judge have been influenced by Bill
and SueZann Bosler's views, which SueZann had com-
municated to him before and during the trial?
How much had the judge been influenced by letters
he received from Miami First church members and other
people around the world?
How much was the jury influenced by the few but
clear actions and words of SueZann it saw and heard?
(Defense counsel Diaz said later, "SueZann Bosler's
presence certainly conveyed a message to this jury.")
What about the many prayers that were raised to God
over these 1 1 years?
The potential of each of these efforts to help save a
man's life should not be underestimated.
"I'm not asking you to let
Campbell] walk out of here
today. . . . I'm asking you to
stop the violence in his life"
SueZann's calendar of interviews and speaking engage-
ments has been crowded, even in the months since last
June's trial. There is still too much stress in her life. Why
does she allow herself to be put through this? It is partly
because of her seeing the healing
process in her own life deepen as
she struggled for healing in the life
of another — lames Campbell. It is
partly because these interactions
have given her the chance to speak
on behalf of other victims of violent 6
crime, who often feel alone, as she
does sometimes.
It is partly because of the
opportunity given her to speak
about her disillusionment by and anger toward the US legal!
system. It is clear to SueZann that the legal system wants
people to do as it says, but not as it does. Employees of the
state attorney's office see it as their job to be involved in
the death of other human beings, supposedly to show, by
killing people, that killing people is wrong.
It is partly because SueZann so thoroughly appreciates
involvement with small groups, in which she can converse
with individuals. She speaks with enthusiasm and satisfac-
tion about learning so much from all the groups and
individuals with whom she has talked, including (just like her
father) those with viewpoints very different from her own.
SueZann said in court that she wanted very much "to
bring some good out of this." The horrible crime that couldi
easily have completely shattered her life has brought about
an amazing change in it. From beneath the rock-hard sur-
face of physical and emotional pain, grief, and anger has
blossomed a surprising spray of courage, strength, forgive-
ness, and hope. Surprising opportunities to spread the
news of God's mercy and peace have also appeared.
Was SueZann's determination to speak her beliefs in
spite of legal restrictions an example of someone with
contempt for the law? Hardly. It is an example, rather, of
one who recognized not only the law of the land, but also
the law that is higher.
It is risky to serve this higher law. But it is the life to
which we are called as followers of Christ. And it puts us
in good company.
As I drove home from Miami in mid-June, traveling
north through the Shenandoah Valley, I took note of the
interstate highway exit for Broadway, Va. I recalled that it
was the opening day of the bicentennial celebration of the ■
life of Brethren peace martyr |ohn Kline.
|ohn Kline was another person who took risks to
follow the higher law. A minister whose wider flock lived
on both sides of the North/South border during the Civil
War, |ohn Kline continued during that war to cross that
border in order to minister to the Brethren. People on
both sides of the conflict considered him a traitor because
of his friendly relations with "the enemy."
1 6 Messenger November 1997
He surely knew that he was risking death in taking
these actions, and they did eventually cost him his life.
John Kline refused to participate in either side's way of
I relating to "the enemy." The Prince of Peace had called
I him to another way of living.
To the exasperation of a judge and a slick prosecution
team, to the astonishment of the Miami community and a
defense counsel accustomed to some very different behav-
ior from victims of violent crime, SueZann Bosler refused
lo participate in society's ways of relating to "the enemy."
Although she is uncomfortable with any implication that
she is anywhere near to being perfect, she clearly has felt
called to another way of living. She often ends her presenta-
tions by quoting one of her father's favorite songs: rjiri
"Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me." LilJ
Sue Wagner Fields is interim pastor of Philadelphia (Pa.) First
Church of the Brethren. She and her husband. Damon, served as
co-pastors of Miami (Fla.) First Church of the Brethren following the
1 986 murder of its pastor. Bill Bosler
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Taking Jesus seriously
An interview with Helen Prejean
BY Bob Gross
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Q. How did your work with people on death row and
with families of murder victims begin?
A. I was involved with poor people in New Orleans. In
1981, I moved into an apartment in the St. Thomas
housing projects and began working with poor black
people at Hope House. Right around the corner was the
Prison Coalition office. One day a friend asked me if 1
would write to a death row inmate. He wrote down the
inmate's name — Patrick Sonnier. I started writing to him,
and it all came out of that.
Writing led to visiting, which led to my being with Patrick
when he was executed in 1 984. It also led to involvement with
families of murder victims.
Q. But go back farther. What motivated you to work
with the poor?
A. I became a sister in 1957 and began teaching in white
suburban parishes. For years I prayed for the poor, for
justice, but I had no connection to the lives of those in
poverty.
One night one of our sisters said something I will never
forget: "Jesus preached good news to the poor. Integral to
that good news was that they would be poor no longer."
That shifted the axis of my spiritual life. Suddenly, it
became clear that to follow Jesus Christ, which I have
always tried to do, I had to be on the side of poor people.
And I knew I couldn't simply pray for poor folk, yet live
apart from them. I had to embrace their struggles. That
led me to move into the St. Thomas housing projects in
New Orleans.
November 1997 Messenger 17
Q. So then you got involved with a prisoner on death
row, and with the family members of his murder victims.
A. Right. And at first 1 didn't know how to approach
those families. It was a whole other trail of tears and realm
of suffering. I learned how
alone, how unsupported murder
victims' families were, and how
much they needed help.
That led me to found a group
called SURVIVE, for murder vic-
tims' families.
Q. And that led you into
active organizing, both in
Louisiana and nationally?
A. One thing about watching
somebody die in the electric
chair is that you know there are
others out there. When I
walked out of the execution
chamber the night of Patrick
Sonnier's death, I said to
myself, "I've got to educate
people on this." And it was
based on my assumption that people are good and decent,
and if they know the realities about the death penalty,
they are going to choose an alternative. And that has
proved to be true.
Of course, when you first start organizing, you don't
know what to do. We needed to get media attention, so
we could begin to tell the story of the death penalty.
Q. How did you do that?
A. We learned that the time when people are least open
and receptive is during the time of an execution. Things
get polarized then. So somebody said, "Let's take a long
walk." And we walked from New Orleans to Baton Rouge
in October 1984.
The media came out and asked us why we were walk-
ing. We began to learn how to deal with them, how to
provide sound bites that would make their way into the
evening news. That was the beginning.
Q. What did you do next?
A. We took longer walks, and got more attention.
But people were telling me early on, "You ought to
said something I will never '
forget: 'Jesus preached good
news to the poor. Integral to
that good news was that they $
would be poor no longer.'
That shifted the axis of
my spiritual life."
write a book."
That was the last thing 1 wanted to do. 1 figured there
were plenty of books out there already. Besides, people
who were for the death penalty would read Rush Lim-
baugh books and people against it would read Amnesty
International books. 1 thought
people were in emotional cocoons
on this issue, and that another
book wouldn't help.
But more and more people —
journalist friends and writers
— were saying, "Helen, you know
you've had a lot of experiences,
on both sides — death row and
the murder victims' families.
That might make a really good
book."
Q. What finally got you moving
on your book?
A. 1 got a mandate from Random
House — a contract, permission,
its blessing. I was on the board —
^ with yoi(. Bob — of the National
Coalition to Abolish the Death
Penalty, and 1 had to take a leave to go write this book.
Q. I remember. We'd call you up and you'd say, "I am
in a cave, writing a book."
A. Right. 1 went to New York and by August 1 990, I had
begun writing Dead Man Walking.
Q. There were other books on the death penalty.
What put Dead Man Walking on the best-seller list?
A. The movie did it. The average shelf life for a book is
three months. To have a best-seller you have to have
media attention.
Q. How did you get that?
A. I asked jason Epstein, my Random House editor,
"How in the world are we going to get people to read this
book?" He said, "By getting you on the media shows, by
getting you talking to people."
So the book was just bumping along, not doing that
well. Then came the movie, and Dead Man Walking was
on the best-seller list for 31 weeks.
18 Messenger November 1997
!Q. So the movie really made the book?
A. Well, you have to get people to see a movie, too. And
w inning Academy Awards made the movie sell. Then that
made the book popular. It takes a lot of faith to write a
book or make a movie and have it be successful.
Q. That's some faith. Now, using
the book and the movie to
advance the movement against
the death penalty has been suc-
icessful in a sense, but we are
iseeing more executions, and more
I states having their first one and
I then the next. Where's this going?
A. Yes, we are really doing the
death penalty in the United States.
We are all nuanced to do it. People
are ready to do it. There's the politi-
cal will to do it. It's in the grinder.
On the level of culture, on the level
of myth, on the level of public dis-
course, on the level of consciousness
and human rights . . . the conversa-
tion is just beginning.
Q. Is anything different now?
A. Right. And when people are presented with alterna-
tives— say, a murderer will get life without parole instead
of death — then support for the death penalty drops to 50
percent. That's a 25-percent drop.
So that shows, for starters, that 50 percent of the
American people, if they have such an alternative, already
are saying they just aren't sure about the death penalty.
'The movie didn't set out to
Q. What are other good signs?
be a polemic against the
death penalty. It did not make
people who were for the
But it did bring people
close and make them reflect
on the issue."
A. Yes. The movie legitimated the discussion of the death
penalty in a way we have never had it before. The movie
didn't set out to be a polemic against the death penalty. It
did not make people who were for the death penalty turn
against it.
But it did bring people close and make them reflect on
the issue. And any reflection by the American public
about the death penalty is a plus, because there simply
hasn't been that much reflection.
The public discourse has been dominated by political
rhetoric. Polls show that when people are asked abstractly
"Do you support the death penalty for first-degree
murder?" it's "Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!" — 75 percent . . .not
much reflection.
My editor, (ason Epstein, said that most Americans,
when they get beneath that level of "Yeah! They ought to
die," are deeply ambivalent about the death penalty.
Q. And isn't it true, too, that when polls ask people
questions about specific cases — ask "What about this
case?" — the percentages drop way down?
A. Well, when it's presented
that there would be a way,
from the labor of the convicted
person to do restitution for the
victim's family, then two-thirds
of the people reject the death
penalty.
Now, true, we don't have
a practical way of doing that
yet, but it shows where
people's hearts are. They want
to be safe from people who do
murder, and they would much
rather see some concrete resti-
tution go to victims than to kill
another person. So, now we
_^ need to translate that for
people, educate them about it.
The movie and the book are helping do that.
Q. What made your book and the movie different?
A. Most of the other books had been academic. My
editor was very sharp. He told me, "If you don't talk
within the first 10 pages of your book about the crime
this guy did, and be unblinking about that and really tell
the horrors of what he did, you will not be credible. And
people will not read your book."
He said, "You've got to deal honestly with what this guy
did and with your own feelings about that. You are going
to walk a fine line in your book. When you are with a
death-row inmate, you have to hold the suffering of the
victim there. When you are with the people who are suf-
fering, you have to hold the suffering of the death-row
inmate and his family there."
That was a great help.
Q. That balance of caring about both sides of the pic-
ture is a unique aspect of your book. That really gives
it authority in the discussion.
November 1997 Messenger 19
A. When people read a book, they use their imagination
to follow the characters and see what happens to them. In
Dead Man Walking, they get to go down the road with the
parents of the murdered girl, who want vengeance, who
are clamoring for Patrick Sonnier's execution.
Those parents couldn't put it down. They went on to
attend other executions, plunging ever deeper into bitter-
ness. There is a lesson there for the reader who might
think that an execution settles the score.
Q. What can help family members who have lost a
loved one to murder? What can help bring healing?
A. Community — to be accompanied by caring people.
I am going through grief right now. I lost a close friend
to cancer, who died just a year after her diagnosis. Her
life was taken, her body was ravaged, and I feel a great
loss. The unbelievableness of it is that she keeps on not
showing up at things. I have lost the tangible presence of
someone who had been so close.
So it is with family members in a murder case. It's a
death that didn't have to happen.
In my murder victims' families organization, SURVIVE,
the people who seem to heal the best are those who have
children to live for. And then some kind of support group.
Envisioning a world
without violence
:)
Although most religious denomina-
tions in the United States, including
the Church of the Brethren (see
page 15), have strong statements
against the death penalty, there has
not been an effective, united religious
effort to end it.
Bob Gross and Pam Rutter of the
Church of the Brethren are members
of the Steering Committee of Reli-
gious Organizing Against the Death
Penalty Project, organized by the
Criminal Justice Program of the
American Friends Service Committee.
Helen Prejean is also a Steering Com-
mittee member. The goal is to awaken
the religious community to the injus-
tice of the death penalty and to
impassion people of faith to work for
its abolition.
The first step in this movement is a
national gathering in Washington,
D.C., Nov. 14-16. "Envisioning a
World Without Violence: Organizing
the Religious Community to Abolish
the Death Penalty" will bring together
religious leaders and lay people from
across the country to focus on issues
related to the death penalty.
The goal of the meeting is to pro-
vide participants with necessary
resources to return to their religious
communities as more effective advo-
cates for death penalty abolition.
Watch Messenger for reporting on
this event.
For more information, call (215)
241-7130, or e-mail pclark@afsc.org
Q. What kind of support group?
A. For some, definitely, it is God in their life, their religious
community. One of the needs they have is to be able to say
out loud the terrible details of what happened. People some-'
times respond, "Oh, don't talk about those things," but
those in grief need to say them out loud. Then there's need
for just grief, mourning, lamenting the loss of the person.
And then you need community for dealing with anniver-l |
saries, birthdays, all those vulnerable times when grief
hits anew.
Q. I read that three-fourths of all married couples who^
lose a child to murder break up.
A. Yes, individuals act differently. One says, "Well, let's
get on with our life." Another wants to celebrate every
birthday, keep the clothes in the closet, keep the child's
room just the way it was, wants never to forget.
Parents differ in how they discipline their child. So
imagine how they may differ in grieving the loss of that
child. That's what makes the marriage vulnerable when a
child is murdered.
Q. What can the church do?
A. The church can undergird the
person's faith, first of all in prayer. It
can provide the strength of tradition
and the support of community. The
person needs to feel the closing of
ranks around him. Coming together
with the community helps . . .gather-
ing together all the victims of violence
for a prayer service, providing sup-
port groups, providing information
about the grieving process. . . .
They say that four months after a
death is when you fall apart. It takes that
long to get over the shock and really feel
the impact of the death ... the loss. So
four months after the death is the highly
vulnerable time. The grieving person
needs to know that, and the church, the
support group, needs to know that.
Q. What is the church's calling in
ministry in relation to people con-
demned to death?
A. We are all part of the body of
Christ. Even people who have made
20 Messenger November 1997
ierrible mistakes and done terrible things are part
of that body.
Unfortunately, our culture wants to say, "No, there are
some among us who are less human than the rest of us,
and we can exterminate them." But the Christian commu-
nity must say to that, "No, we are all one body — even
Ithose among us who have sinned against us, who have
hurt us badly."
It's in the gospel: "I was
hungry, and you gave me to
eat. I was thirsty and you gave
me to drink. I was in prison
and you came to me." It's all
about connecting. It's all about
visiting. It's all about going
out. It's all about touching the
lepers, the untouchables . . .
reaching out to people.
When it says, "I was in
prison and you came to me,"
that's going to happen only one
way. The prisoner isn't going
to commute out to the
churches for a visit.
Churches can do this out-
reach because it really is an
extended community — some
ministering to the sick, some to
the children, some to prisoners,
some to victims' families. The
great thing about being a com-
munity is that you have all the
different aspects of the body of
Christ, and everybody doesn't have to do everything
"We are all part of the body
of Christ. Even people who
have made terrible mistakes
and done terrible things
are part of that body.
Unfortunately, our culture
wants to say, 'No, there are
some among us who are
less human than the rest
of us, and we can
exterminate them.'"
Q. Say a little bit about SURVIVE, and how it works to
serve family members of murder victims.
A. SURVIVE reads in the paper that someone has died,
and it sends someone over right away to meet with the
family. And SURVIVE has a support group that meets
every Monday evening. They pick people up if they need
help. There are no rules; it's just
people coming together.
There is a core group of survivors
who really are the ones who keep
the group going and help the
others. And you have people going
in and coming out as they work
through their grief and don't need
the group anymore.
Q. Let's come back to your per-
sonal experience. How do you
experience Jesus in your work?
Q. Is prison visitation a special aspect?
A. The call to visit prisoners is a great need. Prisons are the
Devil's Islands. They are the places of exile in our society.
We have 1.6 million people imprisoned in this country.
They are isolated, away from public view, and those who
run prisons can do with prisoners as they please. They
want their prisons to stay on track. They don't want
people coming in and showing humanity in an inhumane
system. So when you start a prison ministry, you have to
work with the prison officials as much as you do with the
prisoners. You have to convince the prison officials that
what you are doing is helping them, as well. Inmates who
feel loved and cared for are enabled to shoulder their lives
in prison and not be a security risk.
A. You know that lesus says, "Where
two or three are gathered in my
name, I am there among them." Reli-
gious meetings can be about all sorts
of things, even about candlesticks
and where to place them on the altar.
Once I made the connection with
justice, I decided never to attend
another meeting that didn't, in some
way, connect my faith with justice.
And so I experience (esus when
people are gathered together who
are asking, "What are we going to do?" People gathered
together who are shouldering this burden.
I experience (esus at our National Coalition to Abolish
the Death Penalty board meetings, in which we try to
figure out what to do to bring the American public into
awareness. I experience (esus every time I get in the car
and head to a prison.
You know how the Bible speaks of Jesus having com-
passion on people as he looked out over a crowd. I feel
lesus with me when I look out over an audience I'm
addressing. I feel people's warmth toward me, and I feel
that even though I am going to challenge them it still is
love that is causing me to come to them. And )esus is
present in that. I feel energy that comes from that.
Ai.
Bob Gross of North Manchester bid., is director of the Ministry of
Reconciliation, a program of the Church of the Brethren's On Earth
Peace Assembly.
November 1997 Messenger 21
Planting directions
Brethren are finding there are lots of ways to
plant new churches, but the directions on the
seed pac\et all have one thing in common.
BY Donald R. Fitzkee
One gives away free sodas on
street corners and hands out hot
dogs outside bars to demon-
strate God's love to the "down and out."
Another employs a professional musician
and uses experienced actors to appeal to
the "up and in." A third calls together
diasporic Brethren to communicate the
good news of God's shalom.
One meets in a YMCA gym in
Lebanon, Pa. Another got its start in a
converted funeral home in a suburb of
Minneapolis. A third has used volun-
teers to transform a vacant building
into a meetinghouse in the "Research
Triangle" outside Durham, N.C.
One is theologically evangelical,
another liberal, and a third some-
where in between.
The approaches used by Corner-
stone Christian Fellowship, Open
Circle Fellowship, and Shalom Church
of the Brethren demonstrate that
planting new churches can go in many
different directions.
In Lebanon, Pa., a committed core
group, a strong parent church, servant
evangelism, and a willingness to tailor
worship to the unchurched have been
essential factors in the success of Cor-
nerstone Christian Fellowship. Its
average attendance swelled from 68 at
its first service in November 1995 to
more than 150 two years later. During
that time, pastor Bob Krouse has bap-
tized 30 new Christians.
The vision for Cornerstone grew out
of Midway Church of the Brethren, a
staunchly traditional Brethren congrega-
tion on the outskirts of Lebanon.
Confronted with a crowded building,
Midway considered either adding on,
moving to a second service, or planting a
new church. In the end, it did all three.
Core group member Thom Keller,
22 Messenger November 1997
who has been a leader in the Brethren
church growth movement, helped chart
a direction toward a new church that
would differ greatly from its parent.
"The worship style and what hap-
pens at Midway is working," says
Thom. "There's no need to change it.
It meets those people's ministry needs.
But for a whole host of people,
Midway would not work."
In order to reach these unchurched
people, Midway agreed to plant a
church "with a whole new set of para-
digms," according to Thom. The parent
church committed $45,000, provided
most of a 32-member core group
(which included about as many children
as adults), and prayed diligently.
"We've had tremendous support from
(Midway pastor) lack Harpold," says
Bob. "We really are thankful for the
support we've had from Midway." In
addition to receiving the start-up funds.
Cornerstone continues to tap Midway's
and other congregations' resources to
enhance its community outreach.
Bob brought not only a clear sense
of call to the position, but also an abil-
ity to view the work through the lens
of a missionary. "Clearly, God has
called me to do this," says the former
Nigeria missionary. "It's what I've
been created to do."
Bob directed a three-month-long
"boot camp" for the core group leading
up to the first public service. Required
reading was Steve Sjogren's book Con-
spiracy of Kindness, which encourages
Christians to engage in "random acts
of kindness" that demonstrate God's
love in practical ways.
Following Sjogren's methodology,
Cornerstone has engaged in a wide
range of "outreaches," including free
concerts in a park; grilled hot dog
handouts outside a bar, and soft-drink
giveaways on street corners, along
with free car washes, oil changes,
smoke detector batteries, and blood
pressure screenings. On Mother's
Day, Cornerstone members gave away
624 flowers. About two outreaches are
held each month.
"It's really important to create this
sense that we are constantly out in the
community doing stuff," says Bob. "If
we do enough of this, God's love will
be palpably felt in this community. As
people actually experience a tiny flicker
of God's love, it changes them." And,
he adds, "It's amazing. People always
show up who are hurting."
Cornerstone also is working at more
in-depth outreach work, including
sponsorship of a Saturday night 12-
step recover group and a transitional
home for recovering addicts.
A number of people have come into
the church who initially were con-
tacted through a simple outreach
activity. When newcomers do attend
worship at the Lebanon YMCA, they
find a service tailored to their tastes.
Music is led by a worship team,
including several vocalists accompanied
by keyboard, guitar, and drums. Music
is "contemporary" in style, with words
projected on a screen. "There aren't too
many boom boxes playing Bach and
Beethoven," notes Bob, in explaining
his congregation's choice of music.
Language also is informal. A worship
leader introduces a song by saying,
"It's really cool that the Lord will meet
us wherever we are." Following the
reading of Acts 14, another leader
comments, "I mean, these guys were,
like, witnesses. They were strong. And
we want to be strong witnesses."
Pastor Bob includes an easy-to-follow
sermon outline in the bulletin, with
blanks for people to fill in.
Members intentionally dress down
for worship — some wearing shorts or
jeans and T-shirts — so that no one
feels excluded because of improper
dress. Sensitive to the perception that
the church is always asking for money.
Cornerstone takes no offering during
worship. A collection box in the rear is
there for people who want to give.
Strong giving from the core group and
others has helped the church to
achieve financial self-sufficiency.
Those who are committed to the
church are asked not to talk to their
friends on Sunday morning. Instead,
they are expected to be available to
meet new people. "One of the things
about Cornerstone that I like the
most," says core-group member Brian
Sanger, "is that people from all walks
of life can come here and feel wel-
come." Thom Keller adds that there is
a "sense of unconditional love that
people feel" at Cornerstone.
In addition to Sunday worship, 80
or so people meet in mid-week "home
fellowships," which also are geared
toward new believers.
Of those who attend Cornerstone,
Bob estimates, about a third are first-
time Christians, another third are baby
boomers who dropped out of other
churches many years ago and now are
returning "with tremendous enthusi-
asm," and another third are Christians
who have come from other churches.
Halfway across the country in the
Minneapolis suburb of Burnsville,
Open Circle fellowship has used
attractive print advertising, designed
with direction from a professional
marketer, to draw upscale baby
boomers to polished worship services
that feature quality music and drama.
"We've made a conscious effort," says
pastor lay Steele, "not to do things until
we're ready to do them. We've held off
on doing things until we're ready to do
them well. That kind of commitment to
quality has worked well for us."
Open Circle opened its doors on
Easter 1 994, but the hope of planting a
church in the Twin Cities area goes
back many years earlier. When a previ-
ous church in the area closed. Northern
Plains District set aside money from the
sale of the building. "The goal of the
district," says |ay, "always was to get
another church started."
In addition to $ I 50,000 from that
fund, the district raised an additional
$ 1 50,000 to start a new church. Pre-
liminary demographic studies were
conducted on several Minneapolis
suburbs. All the district lacked was a
pastor and a vision. That's where )ay
Steele came in.
"The thing that intrigued me most,"
says Jay, "was that there was a lot of
November 1997 Messenger 23
freedom. The district was interested
and was willing to give support, but as
I talked to its leaders, they said they
were waiting for someone to come in
and spell out a vision."
And that's what |ay did, arriving on
site in Burnsville just after Easter
1 993. "So much of it relies on Jay,"
says Northern Plains New Church
Development chairman leff Neuman-
Lee. "He came in and he knew what
he wanted to do. He had a sense of
how God was calling him and he built
a ministry around that."
Early on, |ay met with several
Brethren who lived in the area and
formed a six-member core group. "We
hashed out a vision for the church and
spent a lot of time visiting other
churches, listening, and looking at what
other people were doing," |ay says.
"It is critically important to have a
clear vision in place," he adds, "and to
stick to that vision and be up front
about that vision with the people
coming in." |ay continues to preach
two sermon series a year on the vision
of Open Circle.
As the fellowship's name indicates,
part of the vision is to be an inclusive
community, open to a variety of
views. That has attracted a number of
former Catholics and Lutherans who
had dropped out of the church, many
of whom had young families. "Many
of them were not finding the answers
they were looking for," says fay.
"One of the neat experiences has
been to have a lot of people come in
and say, 'We didn't know there is a
place for us in the church.'" Open
Circle has shown them that there is.
"I'm a theological liberal who
believes very strongly in evangelism,"
says Jay, who previously pastored
Woodworth Church of the Brethren,
in Youngstown, Ohio. "God and the
church are big enough for all differ-
ent perspectives. And the church has
an awful lot to offer to people for
their daily lives."
Noting that the Twin Cities are a
"fairly liberal market," Jay says that
Open circle has been able to reach
people who are uncomfortable with a
more conservative message but still
24 Messenger November 1997
Shalom bought and remodeled a vacant
run-down building to create a
iiandsome new meetinghouse. Paul
Bauer, Anna Bauer, and Drew Jones
hung a sign out front to attract the
neighbors and passersby.
long tor inner peace and
unconditional love. "1
don't use conservative
language," he concludes,
"but we are trying to do
the same thing."
From the beginning.
Open Circle recognized that quality
"contemporary" music and drama were
going to be key components of worship.
Jay interviewed a number of musicians
before hiring vocalist and keyboard
player Todd Lines. Todd had performed
widely in shows in the Twin Cities.
Core group members Michael and
Patty Facius, both of whom had
worked behind the scenes at the
Guthrie Theater, oversaw auditions
for the church's drama group. Four
people were found to start the group.
Lisa Snyder and Cindy Kennedy now
lead the drama team. Those two and
four others have become licensed min-
isters in the fellowship.
To get word out about the church.
Open Circle turned to a professional
marketer. "I was fairly convinced,"
says Jay, "that to get people to enter
the Church of the Brethren, advertis-
ing was necessary." The Brethren are
virtually unknown in the area.
The initial budget proposed by the
district earmarked $500 for advertis-
ing. Jay quickly upped that figure to
$10,000 a year. Joel Hoefle, a profes-
sional marketer with a Mennonite
background, helped develop a two-
pronged advertising plan that included!
direct mailings to targeted audiences,
along with broadcast print pieces to
the immediate neighborhood.
Direct mail to parents of new babies
and to people changing addresses
quickly proved ineffective and was
abandoned. A four-page flyer mailed
to 10,000 homes, describing the
church and raising spiritual questions,
proved more effective, and it is still a
mainstay of Open Circle's marketing
strategy. Three or four such pieces are
mailed annually. "Virtually everyone
who attends has come because of the
mailings or because they have been
invited by someone," Jay says.
Finding a place to which to invite
newcomers proved difficult. High rental
rates forced Open Circle to look at pur-
chasing property. The building search
delayed the start of the church, but even-
tually a former funeral home was found.
Since December 1996, Open Circle has
worshiped in its newly purchased
former Episcopal church building.
"We struggled for nearly a year in that
building transition," Jay notes.
Average attendance at Open Circle
IS just over 100. Worshipers are pre-
dominantly white and white collar
— bankers, teachers, lawyers, physi-
cians. Many own cabins and boats. To
accommodate their weekend sched-
ules, Open Circle holds a Wednesday
evening worship service during the
summer months, as well as Sunday
morning worship. The church has
Sunday school for children and "adult
groups." In addition, two home
groups meet during the week. A youth
program is slated to begin soon.
I (ay notes that the church's "commit-
ment to quality" has attracted highly
skilled professionals whose skills have
benefited the church in areas such as
financial management and acquiring a
building. "In a number of different
areas, we have been able to tap into
I people's area of expertise," he says.
The success of Open Circle has
been a source of encouragement to
Northern Plains District, adds [eff
Neuman-Lee. "It has really given this
district a very positive attitude
toward itself."
Folks in Virlina District are also
excited about new churches.
There, Shalom Church of the
Brethren, located in the "Research Tri-
angle" encompassing the North
Carolina cities of Raleigh, Durham,
and Chapel Hill, is one of three dis-
trict-sponsored new church projects.
"Virlina is an exciting place to be right
now, in terms of church extension,"
says Shalom member Dave Minnich.
The district has planted a new church
in Concord, N.C., and now is studying
Roosevelt Blankenship from VirUiia's
Jones Chapel church was one of many
enthusiastic district volunteers at
Shalom. He applied his skills in carpen-
try, drywalling. wiring, and plumbing to
help bring the building up to snuff.
the feasibility of planting one in the
Greensboro, N.C., area.
As far back as 10 years ago, Virlina
pursued a church plant in the
Research Triangle, even going as far as
bidding on a property. But only when
key Brethren couples Duane and Darla
Kay Deardorff and Dave and Lynette
Minnich moved into the area in 1993
and 1994 did the project begin to take
shape. With district executive Dave
Shumate's blessing, the two couples
used mailing lists of Brethren institu-
tions to compile a list of names of
"displaced Brethren" in the area.
In September 1994, a group of
about 1 5 people met for a potluck
meal, worship, and a time of dream-
ing. The 1 5 decided to meet
periodically for Bible study and fellow-
ship, and soon settled into a pattern of
one Sunday evening a month at
Durham Mennonite Church, later
increasing meetings to twice a month.
About the same time, Virlina formed
a planning committee for the project.
In March 1996, Irving Glover was
called as part-time, interim pastor. "His
role," says present pastor Phil )ones,
"was to lead the group in looking for a
site and at what it wanted to do in
developing its ministry." Irving stayed
on until the end of 1996. A chartering
service was held in May of that year
with 19 charter members. By May
1 997, the number of charter members
had grown to 34, with five received by
baptism and the others by transfer.
Phil lones became full-time pastor in
January 1997, and in March an aban-
doned concrete community center was
purchased in southeastern Durham.
"The location where we ended up is
ideal," says Dave Minnich. While the
Research Triangle as a whole attracts
high-income people employed in techni-
cal jobs, Shalom's immediate target area
includes some people of more modest
means. These people, Shalom members
believe, may find Brethren ideals more
attractive than do higher-income people.
"It's a pretty broad mix of ethnic and
social backgrounds," says Phil.
Much of 1997 has been spent in
building renovation, done almost
entirely by volunteer labor. "I have
felt more like a building contractor
than a pastor these past eight
months," says Phil. Shalom has relied
heavily on 10 partner churches in
Virlina to provide labor, as well as
financial and prayer support.
The newly remodeled building was
dedicated on |uly 27, with 120 people
attending from across the district.
Since |uly, the fellowship has held
weekly Sunday morning worship in
the new building, although an elusive
occupancy permit still needed to be
obtained as of mid-September.
With the building in place, Shalom
now is turning its attention toward
ministry and growth. "So far, all our
members are Church of the Brethren
people who have relocated in the area
and transferred from other Brethren
congregations," says Phil. "We cer-
tainly know that we can't continue to
grow that way."
Shalom already has 15 to 20 regular
attenders from non-Brethren back-
grounds, and intends to target
professionals ages 25—45 who have
relocated in the area and who have
young families. Average attendance
over the past summer was about 25,
but as many as 50 people are attend-
ing on a somewhat regular basis,
according to Dave Minnich.
An early decision that had to be
November 1997 Messenger 25
made was how much to emphasize the
congregation's Brethren identity in an
area of the country in which Brethren
are not well known. Shalom decided
to use "Church of the Brethren" in its
name and advertising. "It is very much
a Brethren start," says Phil, who previ-
ously pastored Lorida (Fla.) Church of
the Brethren. "We decided that
'Brethren' was important for us, and
that we would advertise with the
Brethren name." The congregation's
mission statement also lifts up the
importance of Brethren identity.
"We want to be very open and wel-
coming to folks of all backgrounds,"
Dave Minnich explains, "but this is
the Church of the Brethren. We are
going to have to continue working at
that in a way that doesn't play exclu-
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Fund Services, disttibutor
sive Brethren games." For Dave, that
means emphasizing Brethren ideals,
rather than asking "Who was your
grandpa?"
To get the word out about itself,
Shalom is using brochures and ads
designed by the Church of the
Brethren General Board staff, along
with some of its own materials. One off
its most visible advertising pieces
directed at Brethren was a regularly
appearing classified ad in Messenger
over an extended period. It resulted in
a number of contacts and increased
Shalom's visibility in the wider church.
Even the name "Shalom" speaks of
the congregation's intention to lift up
Brethren ideals. "We realized from the
beginning that we had to continue
interpreting that name," says Dave.
But the group felt that the biblical
word "shalom" embodies many con-
cepts that are central to its faith
— peace, justice, right relationship
with Christ, and wholeness.
Worship at Shalom is "traditional,
with a 'contemporary' flavor," says
Phil. "We have tried to combine 'con-
temporary' and 'traditional,' and that
has worked pretty well for us." The
congregation sings "contemporary"
praise songs, but also uses the denom-
ination's \992 Hymnal.
With its building and a solid mem-
bership core in place, Shalom intends
to use periodic bulk mailings to raise
the church's visibility. And Phil has
been visiting in homes, nursing homes,
and area businesses to make a name
for the Brethren. In addition, the con-
gregation expects to offer its building
as a retreat center and meeting place
for area businesses and other groups.
Cornerstone, Open Circle, and
Shalom offer three different models
of church planting. What these three
Brethren new-church plants have in
common is a desire to communicate
God's love in ways that are culturally
relevant to the communities
they serve.
Ai.
Donald R. Fitzkee. a former Messenger
editorial assistant and a former member of the
General Board, is a tninister in Chiques
Church of the Brethren. Manheim. Pa. A noted
Brethren historian, he is the author o/ Moving
Toward the Mainstream: 20th-century Change
Among the Brethren of Eastern Pennsylvania.
26 Messenger November 1997
il
ny communicating
process involves
a sender and
receiver. And
unfortunately,
many senders
do not give clear
messages to
their receivers.
steppii!
STONES
by Robin Wentworth Mayer
My dog has a funny
way of communi-
cating. Whenever he wants
something, he comes to me,
parks his Httle caboose at
my feet, and then just looics
at me with great expecta-
tions. So I start guessing.
"What is it, Yogi? Food?"
Silence.
"Do you want to go to
bed?"
Silence.
"How about outside? Do
you need to go outside?"
Yip! Yap! Skip! Scamper
to the door!
Depending on what he
wants at the moment, the
point at which Yogi responds
will change. The process,
however, never changes.
Invariably, Yogi waits for me
to guess what he wants.
Any communicating
process involves a sender
and receiver. And unfortu-
nately, many senders do not
give clear messages to their
receivers. They leave them
guessing what they need.
Here are some ways that
happens:
Silence. I know couples
who use silence as an inef-
fective way to communicate
hurt or anger. Have you
heard this before?
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Why are you so quiet?"
"I just don't have any-
thing to say (sniff)"
"Then why are you
crying?"
"It's nothing."
"I know you're upset, so
tell me what's wrong."
"Nothing."
There is a time when
silence is golden. There also
are times when silence is a
counter-productive method
of communication that
leaves the receiver guessing
(not to mention frustrated).
Sarcasm. This one hits a
little too close to home for
comfort. When it comes to
ineffective communication,
sarcasm has always been
my dysfunction of choice.
But the problem with sar-
casm is that it gives a dual
message. By definition, sar-
casm is "a mocking remark
utilizing statements oppo-
site to the underlying
meaning." For example:
A kid accidentally knocks
a can of paint over while
working on a project. The
supervisor says, "Oh,
you're a big help!"
A student receives a poor
grade on an assignment, and
is told, "I can see you're
going to be a great scholar!"
In sarcasm, the words
used do not match the mes-
sage delivered, which leaves
the burden upon the hearer
to figure out what is really
being said.
Secrecy. While this is a little
bit like silence, it's more spe-
cific. With secrecy, the sender
intentionally withholds infor-
mation about a particular
issue. This can be especially
confusing in a marriage in
which one partner is suffering
the post-traumatic effects of
sexual abuse.
A survivor of sexual abuse
often has repressed memories
of that abuse. Marriage, with
its accompanying permission
and expectations concerning
sexual intimacy, can trigger
those memories and dredge
up old pain. Survivors who
feel a lot of fear and shame
may not be comfortable
divulging their history to
their spouse. That leads to
another problem, however,
because often in such cases,
the person withdraws without
explanation, and the spouse
is left guessing: "Is she
mad?" "Is he having an
affair?" "Did I do something
wrong?" "Doesn't she love
me anymore?" "Doesn't he
find me attractive?"
Silence, sarcasm, secrecy.
All are ways of sending
messages that are at a high
risk for misinterpretation
because they leave it up to
the hearer to guess what is
really being communicated.
I shouldn't be too hard on
Yogi for expecting me to
guess what he wants. He is,
after all, just a "dumb"
animal. However, since we
humans are made in the very
image of God who spolce
creation into existence, it is
our privilege — and responsi-
bility— to communicate rrr
clearly what we need. r^
Robin Wentworth Mayer is
pastor of Koliomo (bid.) Cliurcli
of the Brethren,
Stepping Stones is a cokimn offer-
ing 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 diffi-
culties, we don V need to walk on
water. We just need to learn where the
stepping stones are. "
November 1997 Messenger 27
■JMWMWIUllWJl
Mm
"It's most ironic that the situation
that the editor finds unacceptable
today is one to which he has been
a major contributor. "
Eller was close to the mark
I agree with most of the August/Sep-
tember editorial, "Conference as a
Battleground." That's most unusual,
for I have agreed with very little in the
past several years' editorials. It's most
ironic that the situation that the editor
finds unacceptable today is one to
which he has been a major contributor.
But I did largely agree with the
editor's criticism and assessment of
Annual Conference. To make my
point, however, I quote from a Feb-
ruary 1988 Messenger article by
From the
Office of Human Resources
Church of the Brethren seeks
Executive Director
Serves as the principal administrator
for the Church of the Brethren Gen-
eral Board; provides leadership and
guidance for the General Board staff
in a spirit of mutuality and coopera-
tion; and sets a spiritual tone, rooted
in the teachings of the New Testament.
The successful candidate will
• have a dynamic spiritual life
grounded in a vibrant faith in
Jesus Christ;
• be dedicated to the ministry and
mission of the Church of the Brethren;
• have proven administrative
experience:
• exhibit an understanding of sys-
tems and an ability to facilitate dialog
in a diverse Brethren constituency;
• be knowledgeable of Brethren her-
itage, theology, and polity;
• exhibit strong oral and written
communication skills.
Letters of interest or nomination may
be sent to Marx jo Flory-Steury,
800 East' David Road,
Kettering. OH 45429.
Information packets are available now.
Application deadline is Dec. 70, 1997.
■Vernard Eller: "The truth of the
matter is that our [Brethren] config-
uration of social concerns can be and
is duplicated all over the place. I'm
not convinced that a statement of
'Brethren (sociological) beliefs'
would even be distinguishable from
the platform of a liberal Democratic
presidential candidate."
Rather than let Messenger readers
reach their own conclusions, the editor
presented his own bias in his Page One
column of that issue before the readers
could get to the article on page 12.
From abortion and fetal tissue, add
all the following issues that have beei
discussed by the General Board,
Annual Conference, Messenger, anc
the congregations: affirmative action
minimum wages, labor relations,
fringe benefits, farm problems, and
child welfare.
'When the church feels that it is
necessary to come up with an officia
statement on such issues, one can
only conclude that Vernard Eller wasi "''
not far off the mark.
The situation has been exacerbatec
when many of those positions taken
proved totally wrong-headed or
unproductive.
If the editorial is, in fact, a change ml
in direction, I applaud the editor. It
says something that I have not read
in Messenger for years.
John C. Graybea
Hampstead. Md
la
Unity strengthens the fabricf
When the Messenger editor wrote
(August/September, page 32),
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Bethany Theological Seminary Vdmlgsions Office 1-800-BTS-8822 ext. 1810
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28 Messenger November 1997
somewhere on our way, along with
c distortion of our early Brethren
caning of freedom of conscience
. we have become disunited — dis-
Lisiing one another, breaking into
iccial-interest factions, and resort-
ig to political maneuvering to get
ur own way," I took his viewpoint
1 mean that the lines were drawn for
10 battle over social issues, and the
olilical forum has been taken to the
oor of Annual Conference.
Social issues are matters of con-
jicnce. The focus and spirit of
'onference should be on the issues
lai affect us as Brethren living in an
nli-Christian society.
Quite possibly, certain issues
hould not be brought to Confer-
nce. Some that are brought (and
larshly debated) are confusing the
lody about the meaning of being a
Christian/Brethren. When I study
md pray about my relationship with
rhrist, the meaning of all the other
ssues — social, political, and reli-
gious— becomes clear by the
nspiration of the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit of God is a peacemaker
ind organizer. The spirit of diversity
s not from God. The only way for
authentic Christians to make a last-
ng impact on the world is to do what
(esus did. Be distinct, not identical.
If we have unity in society's chang-
ing times, the fabric of what makes
us Brethren will not be ripped, but
strengthened. And if there is a tear,
let's kneel down and push the mend-
ing needle by washing the feet of the
one whom we betrayed or who
betrayed us. Let's unite in the body
of Christ, not with just the name
Brethren but with the name Jesus on
our lips. Let us march to the throne
room and brush the tears off |esus'
face. Let us look forward to a bless-
ing of his smile.
fohn Krabacher
New Carlisle, Ohio
The only tie that binds
With all the present downsizing
of General Board program, I hope
we will be able to keep Messenger
going. It is the only "tie that binds"
the denomination together, in even
s^ Pontius' Puddle
Send payment for reprinting "Pontius' Puddle" from Messenger i
Joel Knujfmarm. Ill Carter Road. Goihen, IN 46526. $25 for or
time uif. $10 jor second strip in same issue. $ 1 0 for congregations.
wwv DOES the: pastor
^^y wr chrvstiams
5K0OLD HWE" Toy o
DOWMII^ OOR HEARTS-
Because You Need
Protection You Can
Count On
VYhen a fire broke out at Elkhart City
Church of the Brethren in Elkhart, Indiana,
many members wondered how long it would
be before they could worship there again.
But they were about to experience a
wonderful surprise.
''Mutual Aid was right there when we
needed them," says Ted Noffsinger, who
supervised the reconstruction. "The approach
I saw was, 'We have a policyholder with a
problem. Let's do what we can, as fast as we
can, to get him back in business.'"
If that's the protection you'd like to experience, then
you should know Mutual Aid Association also offers
homeowner's insurance at very competitive rates. To
find out more, return the bind-in card in this issue of
Messenger, or call us now.
1-800-255-1243
A%
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Church of the Brethren
3094 Jeep Rd • Abilene, KS 67410
Protection you can depend on from
Brethren van trust. Since 1885.
November 1997 Messenger 29
Oup district office is close to Paradisel
1 1 Yes, the Southern Pennsylvania District Office
"■■^ '*'— * is just a short drive from Paradise Township
n|,,^Vn and within an hour's drive of most of our 45
^^ y diverse congregations in the roiling hills of
L,*^ Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
We are seeking aumnraiJIHWffHwho is a committed Christian, grounded in Brethren
tradition, and can provide dynamic spiritual leadership as we head into the next century.
To apply, send resume and letter of interest to Office of District tVlinistry, 1451 Dundee
Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 by December 31.
^acfi out through better stezvardship
Not every church has an asset manager among its
members. For as little as $10,000 you can open an
account with the Brethren Foundation. Our profes-
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m
Brethren Foundation, Inc.
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a ministry of Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust
m
the loosest sense.
It is incongruous that in Messen-
ger's news section we read a tale of
woe about programs and staff being
cut for lack of money, while in the
classified ads we see advertised
expensive tours to Europe, to China.i
to Israel. Perhaps the globe-trotters
among us should stay home and give:|„
their travel money to the church.
A pastoral program calling for
"scale" leads small congregations to
slough away because of their inabilit;
to afford a pastor. An expensive dis-
trict program yields little in return.
The money is there; the call is mis-
placed. Our former mission program
provided just that pull of need.
Outward focus is always a need; the
material world has closed in on us.
But are we enjoying our bigger
barns? I wonder.
Jean M. Winter:)
Eglon. W.Va
W
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INVITATION
Gndnnati Church of the Brethren fellowship meets
for worship & support in n.e. area of Cincinnati. We wel-
come others to join us or bring needs to our attention.
Contact us c/o Cincinnati Friends Meeting House, 8075
Keller Rd., Indian Hill, OH 45243. Tel. (513) 956-7733.
Come worship in the Valley of the Sun with Com-
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WANTED
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nr Fort Wayne. Commitment to libei"al education extendec
by excellent preprofessional programs. Values estab
lished relationship with Church of the Brethren thai
shapes some expectations for students. Recognizes tha
college years are time for reflection, challenge, growth
& acceptance of personal & social responsibilities.
Vice president of Student Development reports directl)
to president. Serves on senior management team thai
works closely cooperatively Responsible for staff ano
programs in student activities, counseling, student con-
duct, substance education, orientation, health service,
career services, multicultural affairs, mediation services,
security' & safety volunteer services, residential life, &
campus pastor. (Athletics reports to Academic Affairs.)
Seeking person with vision, energy, sound judg-
ment, considered personal values, fiscal understanding.
& effectiveness as communicator Will lead college in
its goal to be even more fully a student-centered insti-
tution. Will work with others to strengthen college in
other ways. Competitive salary excellent benefits.
Needs significant experience in student development,
progressing through positions of increasing responsi-
bility Advanced degree expected; doctorate preferretl.
Candidates should provide letter addressing col-
lege's interests as expressed above, curriculum vitae,
& 3 or 4 professional references by Nov 10, 1997, to:
Vicky Eisenhut, vice president of Human Resources,
Manchester College, 604 E. College Ave., PO. Box 365,
North Manchester, IN 46962-0365. AA/EOE.
30 Messenger November 1997
new Members
-ite: Congregations are asked
to submit only the names of
actual new members of
denomination. Do not
include names of people
who have merely transferred
their membership from
another Church of the
Brethren congregation.
mbler, Atl. N.E.: lack & |ane
Marcy, Lynda Palmer, Cindy
Breisch, Revecca Ruby
mwell, Atl. N.E.: Amanda,
Lorraine, & Pamela Agulis.
Katy & Kristen Andresen.
Gina Caimano. Timothy
DiSalvio. Keven Emery,
loseph Fercello, Amy Hamm,
Scott & Ryan Kjskumo
nnville, Atl. N.E.: Adam &
Kay Diebus. Wilber & Pearl
Longenecker. Debbie Man-
derbach, Mike & Gail Tice.
Wil & Elaine Zapata. Scott
& Karen Nolt
ntioch, Virlina: Betty [ohnson
eacon Heights, N. Ind.:
Cheryl Coplen, Barb Durl-
ing. Carrie Fry-Miller, Dave
& Shellie Goetz. Beth Gold-
smith. |oe & Virginia
Hazelwood, Harold Hess.
Erin Keim, Dan Kiracofe,
lames Lane. Matthew
Martin. Adam Miller. Deb
Romary
(eaver Creek, Virlina:
Matthew Gardner. Wayne
Gillespie, )udy & Nicole
Hylton, Lori Lyons, Charlie
Moran. Billy Quesenberry.
Ricky Radford, Sanford
Townley
Jeaverton, Mich.: Andrew
Kazmarek, lonathan
Hooper
Sethlehem, Virlina: Steve &
Sue [opp. Margaret Yopp
8ig Creek, S. Plains: lordan
Bryant: Randy Carr; Katie.
Jason, & Robin Holderread;
Cindy & K.G. Robinson; |ill
Todd
Blue Ridge, Virlina: Carlton
and Lisa Radcliff
Brldgewater, Shen.: Bryan
Monroe, |.M. Monger,
Mark Flora, Seth Flory,
Martin Rees
Buffalo Valley. S. Pa.: Shelby
Allen, Brian & Rebecca
Elsasser, |eff & Cathi
Crossgrove, Mike & Denise
Mullany
Cando, N. Plains: Lindsey
Humble. Daniel Swain, Erin
& Nathan Opdahl, Christy
Gottberg
Chambersburg, S. Pa.: Jeffrey
Boushell. Carrie Burk-
holder, Brooke Gable, Emily
Gorman, Lindsey Hepfer,
Erin Monn, Genae Myers,
Lindsay Van Horn, Alex
Wengert
Ephrata. Atl. N.E.: Leann
Bowman. Brian Boyd, Brian
Deangelis, Amy Fletcher,
Andriene & Ashley Gerhart.
Beth Gotdieb, Hans Herr,
Matthew Horning, Terestia
lllas, Ernest & Franklin jus-
tice. Devin Lausch. Haylay &
Margeau Maimer, Lori
Martin. Christy Miller.
Keanna Oswald, Sara Rissler.
John Si. Karen Rutt. Natalie
Simmons. Susan Whitman
Evcrsole, S. Ohio: Aaron
Simpson
Happy Corner, S. Ohio: Aron
& Paul Barnes. Betty Cole-
man, Mike & Kay Frost,
Edith Nies, Tammy Plyman,
lennifer Schwertzer, |oe &
Molly Mellon, Mark Fox.
Bud & Marilyn Spitler, Greg
Timmons, Deana Wilson,
Holly Condict. Bob Coursen
Liberty Mills, S/C lnd.:Blake
Miller
Maple Spring, W. Marva:
John, Linn, Asley. Andrew
&. lulie Crowe
Middle Creek, W. Pa.: |anetta
Nolt, Benjamin Sholly
Mohican, N. Ohio: Sue Caril-
lon. Brandy Horst. Nate
Held. Dallas Harris
Monroeville, W. Pa.: Vincent
& Bela Bruno, John & lean
Burt, Shari Holland
Mount Morris, 111. /Wis.: Kelly
Ward, David Bailey, Beth
Dietrich. Cherra Rosen-
berger, Don & Sally
Wescott, Meg Harrington,
Ray & Ilene Wise
Oscedia, Mo. /Ark.: lames &.
Cathy Powers
Panther Creek, N. Plains: Sean
Winters, Roy Swinger, Kim
Grotluschen, Peg Dawes,
Audrey Stine, Bethany
Berkenbosch, Shane Boots
Pasadena, Pac. S.W.: Carolyn
Bryant
Quakertown, Atl. N.E.:
Micheal Shubert. Lisa
Dieterly, Betsy Fear, Jeanne
Schlicher, Dale Hixson,
Dorothea Sharrer, Rodney
& Laurie Mason, Scott
Beard, Keith Donnelly,
Evelyn Pfeiffer, Wendell
Waddell, Alan & loni Freed
Quinter, W Plains: Matt
Porter, |onas Lichty,
Dorothy Huffman, Jason
Groom, Kevin Snyder.
Rebecca Tuttle. Wendall
Hargitt, Fay Wolf, Marty
Middleton, Rhonda Lunnon,
RaLynn Schmarlzried,
Rebecca Stoer, Julie Lunnon
Wedding
Anniversaries
Anderson, Henry and Loraine,
Boones Mill, Va., 60
Bever, Frank and Olive, North
Manchester, Ind., 50
Blough, Edgar and Vyla,
Waterloo, Iowa, 55
Switzer, Fred and Neva,
Waterford, CaliL, 50
Usher, Harold and Millie,
Mesick, Mich., 55
Waas, Becky and David. North
Manchester. Ind., 50
Whetzel, Nelson and Helen.
Harrisonburg. Va.. 50
Woof, Reynold and Kathryn,
Harrisburg, Pa., 50
226th BVS
Orientation Unit
(Completed orienlalion in Rox-
bury, Pa., on Aug. 20. 1997)
Balmer, David, Myerstown,
Pa; to Flat Creek Church of
the Brethren, Big Creek, Ky.
Brukhart, Sharon, Manheim,
Pa.; to Flat Creek Church of
the Brethren. Big Creek, Ky.
Coble, David )r., Hershey, Pa.;
to Good Shepherd Food
Bank, Lewistown, Maine
Long, Brian, Greencastle, Pa.;
to Good Shepherd Food
Bank, Lewistown, Maine
Paylor, Kimberly, Chambers-
burg, Pa.; to Good
Shepherd Food Bank,
Lewistown. Maine
Schildt, lennifer. East Berlin,
Pa.; to Lewistown Area Mis-
sion School, Lewistown,
Maine
Licensings
Bradley, Larry, lune 14. 1997,
Reading, N. Ohio
Hess, Donald, luly 22, 1997,
Harrisonburg, Shen.
Huggins, Marv Ann. luly 22.
1997, Pleasant Hill, Shen.
Kennedy, Cindy, Aug. 1, 1997,
Open Circle. N. Plains
Kerkove, David, Aug. 1, 1997,
English River, N. Plains
Korns, William, Aug. 1, 1997.
Brooklyn, N. Plains
Ordinations
Bowman, Mark, lune 22,
1997. Eversole, S. Ohio
Lemmon, Cory, May 22, 1997,
Harris Creek, S. Ohio
Deaths
Airey, Elvert, 82, Dayton, Va.,
May 29, 1997
BalsbaugK, Marvin, 79,
Lebanon, Pa., Sept. 12. 1997
BardeU, Eileen. 59, Mif-
tlintown. Pa., Aug. 16, 1997
Barnhart, losephus, 85,
Roanoke, Va., June 18,
1997
Barshainger, Dorothy, 80,
Dallastown, Pa., Aug. 23,
1997
Bowman, Alaric, 78, Bridge-
water, Va., Aug. 3L 1997
Bryant, Loral, 79, Udell, Iowa,
Feb. 18, 1997
Brighton, Hattie, 90, McPher-
son, Kan., Aug. 3, 1997
Buchanan, Robert. 57, St.
Edinburg, Va., May 17,
1997
Clinedinst, Nina, 75, Mount
Solon. Va., Aug. 8, 1997
Coffman, Betty, 71, Roanoke,
La.. Aug. 25, 1997
Coffman, Miller, 95, Tim-
berville, Va.. Sept. 7, 1997
Coffman, Ray, 87. luly 13,
Staunton, Va., |uly 13, 1997
Compton, Kevin, 14, Salem,
Va.. Aug. 29, 1997
Cramer, Charles, 69, Mount
Solon, Va., Sept. 8, 1997
Cripe, Harry. 85, Elkhart,
Ind., luly 20, 1997
Dcllenbach, Glenn, 83.
Pomona. Calif.. Aug. 3. 1997
DeWitt, lanet, 58, Morgan-
town. W. Va.. lune 15, 1997
Diehl. Ivan, 81, McGa-
heysville, Va., |uly 6, 1997
Diehl, Lynwood, 77, Harrison-
burg, Va., Aug. 27. 1997
Disc, Lois Shaffer, 58, York,
Pa.. Aug. 24. 1997
Drewry, lames, 74, Roanoke,
Va.. luly 11, 1997
Driver, Martin, 95, Dayton,
Va.. Aug. 3. 1997
Dudley, Goldie. 90, Roanoke,
Va., Ian. 6. 1997
Dunn, Opal, 86, Delphi, Ind.,
March 14, 1997
Early, Meda, 90, Port Repub-
lic, Va,, luly 13, 1997
Eaton, Evelyn, 74, Harrison-
burg, Va.. Aug. 21, 1997
Grumling, Thomas, |ohn-
stown. Pa.. Ian. 18, 1997
Halley, Arvilla, 73. Warsaw,
Ind., lune 24, 1997
Hamberger, Walter, 76, York
County, Pa., Aug. 17, 1997
Hammon, Mary, 58. Stras-
burg. Va.. |une 2, 1997
Harmon, Florence, 89, La
Verne, Calif., May 31, 1997
Hartle, Mae, 86, Polo, 111., |ulv
13, 1997
Hartman, Albert, 94, Smith
Creek, Va., Aug. 14, 1997
Hassinger, Mary, 95, Carlisle,
Pa., Sept. 6. 1997
Hathaway, Richard, 60,
Delphi, Ind., Feb. 5, 1997
Hauger, |ohn, 89, Rockwood,
Pa.. Aug. 10. 1997
Heckman, Glenn, 81. Lititz,
Pa., Aug. 8, 1997
Heidorn, Crawfor. lohnstown.
Pa.. April 5. 1997
Heiny, Maurice, 88, Modesto,
Calif,, Sept. 3, 1997
Hirsch, Margaret, 64. New
Carlisle, Ohio, May 7. 1997
Hodge, Richard, 51, Harrison-
burg, Va., May 20, 1997
Hodges, Mary, 78, Roanoke.
Va., March 23. 1997
Hoover, Ola, 90, Harrison-
burg, Va., lune 22, 1997
Housdon, lames, 63, Luray,
Va., luly 1, 1997
Huffman, Ray. 81, Luray, Va.,
May 22, 1997
Hurst, Esther, 87, Dayton,
Ohio, luly 9, 1997
Kauffman, Ellen, 86, Waynes-
boro, Pa.. Aug. 27. 1997
Keister, Paul, 69, Broadway.
Va., May 19, 1997
Keeny, Gladys, 77, Red Lion.
Pa., Aug. 14, 1997
King, Alma, 74, New Enter-
prise, Pa., Aug. 14, 1996
Kipp, Marsha. 56. Nappanee,
Ind., Sept. 7. 1997
Kitchel, Minnie. 89, Logans-
port, Ind.. Aug. 17. 1997
Knechel, Sharon, 41, McPher-
son, Kan., Sept. 8. 1997
Koontz, Fern. 84, Clearville,
Pa., lune 8, 1997
Kuykendall, Charles, 79,
Moorefield, W. Va.. Aug. 5.
1997
lacobs, Elizabeth. 88, New
Oxford, Pa., Aug. 31, 1997
lamison, Eulalia. 97, Boones
Mill, Va.. Aug. 11. 1997
larrcis, Harold, 84, Port
Republic, Va.. Aug. 9. 1997
Johnson, Randolph. 76,
Roanoke, Va.. May 28,
1997
lohnson, Truman. 89, Peters-
burg, W. Va., lune 14, 1997
Lauver, Ada, 74, Mifflintown,
Pa., luly 25, 1997
Lease, Martha, 82. Old Fields,
W. Va.. Aug. 13. 1997
Lcwallen, Mary. 87. New
Paris, Ind.. Sept. 3, 1997
Longenecker, Earl. 91.
Campelltown. Pa.. Aug. 30.
1997
Lukens, Gladys. 90. Gushing,
Okla., lune 24, 1997
Manges, George, 83, Windber,
Pa., lune 9, 1997
Marslon, Linden, 90, New
Market, Va., Sept. 4, 1997
Martz, lames. 58. Foster, W.
Va.. May 23, 1997
Mauzy, lames, 79, Petersburg.
W. Va.. Aug. 31. 1997
McCreary, Lloyd, 93, Goshen,
Ind.. luly 9. 1997
McDaniel, Archie, 89. Hollins.
Va.. lune 29. 1997
McDonald. George, 74, Har-
risonburg, Va., luly 14,
1997
Pence, Marie, 102, La Verne,
CaliL, March 4, 1997
Plaugher, Erma. |.. 69. Bridge-
water. Va.. April 28. 1997
Plum, Lowell, 89, Mount
Morris, 111., lune 14, 1997
Reeds, Elizabeth, 94, Scottville,
Mich., lune 20, 1997
Rigney, Mary L., 83, Penhook,
Va., AprilM, 1997
Runion, Delia, 78, Franklin,
W. Va., April 23. 1997
Sanderson, Miriam, 99, Lan-
caster, Pa., May 30, 1997
Shaffer, |. Robert. 93, Bridge-
water, Va., lune 28, 1997
Smith, Lawrence, 96, New
Lebanon, Ohio, lune 8, 1997
Snavely, Dale, 95, Nappanee,
Ind., luly 2, 1997
Sponaugle, Conda R., 84,
Cherry Grove, W Va., April
28, 1997
Stees, Alice, 85, Mount
Morris, 111.. April 28, 1997
Stine, Benjamin A.. 2 1 , Adams
County. Pa., |une 25, 1997
Tuttle, Elvin, 76, Quinter,
Kan.. Feb. 21, 1997
Tribbey, lames, 86, McGa-
heysville, Va., |une21, 1997
VanNatta, Sue, 48, Freeport,
111., lune 10. 1997
Warner, Norma E.. 76,
Franklin, W. Va.. April 26.
1997
Wean, Earl G., 79. Charles
Town, W. Va., April 1 7,
1997
Weaver, Mabel V, 94, Wind-
ber, Pa.. lune 9, 1997
Weddle, Ethel H, 98. Girard.
111.. May 17. 1997
White, Thomas L.. 66, York,
Pa., lune 13. 1997
Wine, Isaac I.. 86. Brldgewa-
ter, Va., May 13, 1997
Zellers, Abram B.. 94. Lan-
caster, Pa.. May 31, 1997
November 1997 Messenger 31
■WWIIWHnUMW
iiona
The road now taken
They're finally getting around to fixing Stewart
Avenue. That's the holdover from medieval times
that runs alongside our General Offices property
here in Elgin, 111. No curbs, inadequate drainage, standing
water, and potholes occasionally patched (the best I can
determine) with loose sand spray-painted black. Many a
long year I have carped about Stewart Avenue, which I
follow for a few blocks on my way to and from work.
Then this past summer, the city, flush with revenues
from its riverboat casino, got serious, and since then Stew-
art Avenue has been a mess as crews of workers with heavy
equipment swarmed in to cut stately old elm trees, relocate
gas lines and utility poles, install sewer and water pipes,
gouge out and remove the old surface, pour curbs, and tear
up jack in general. At this writing, we still await the new
surfacing, ere the winter storms begin.
Folks living along Stewart Avenue are
looking forward to happier times, after the
sting of their property assessment has faded,
the dust (Oh, the dust!) has settled, the crews
and equipment are gone, and driveways are
accessible again. I am reminded of what the
old British general replied when asked to
reminisce about the World War II debacle
It's fun to paraphrase
poet Robert Frost
here, but alas, we do
not have the luxury
his traveler had of
And, to tell the truth, there are sufficient parking spaces^
in our lot to accommodate both our little remnant band
and our diasporic Stewart Avenue neighbors.
The confusion, we hope, is temporary. But many of
us are straining to comprehend the New Design and our
role in it. There are many new configurations of staff
members to work into place, and some old-timers find it
difficult to dispel the lingering shadows of what has beer
taken away. Like the cat that had always run up the same
tree to escape the dogs, we often find ourselves 40 feet ii
the air before we realize our old tree is gone.
And there is physical confusion, as well. Surely a wise
person somewhere has stated this law of human nature —
that perceived need for more work space expands in direci
proportion to new space becoming available. There has .
been a veritable upsetting of the fruit
basket here, as empty offices are claimed
by surviving employees eager to move
from open work stations or simply wantinj
to relocate. And our new corps of director;
is not immune to eyeing available space
and suddenly needing to relocate or to
have walls knocked out and cubic footage
of their office space increased. 1 want to
in which 350,000 allied soldiers retreated CllOOSUlg between tWO believe their important new roles warrant
pell-mell across the channel from Dunkerque
France, when overwhelmed by German
forces. With that matchless British preci-
sion, he re-created the scene: "Oh, my dear
chap! The noise! The crowds! The confusion."
For us at the General Offices the situation is exacerbated
by Stewart Avenue residents having limited accessibility to
their driveways and to street parking. Without so much as a
by-your-leave, our displaced neighbors have commandeered
our parking spaces, left their cars on our lawn, turned our
driveway into a public thoroughfare, and created a makeshift
express lane up through our garden area behind their houses.
From my daddy, 1 learned to take heart at seeming
disaster, and to draw lessons from the vicissitudes of life.
For example, he was always cheered by dry weather, call-
ing it a good sign. "If you take notice," he pointed out,
"it never fails to rain at the end of a dry spell."
And so with this Stewart Avenue situation, its cloud
of dust has a silver lining, for we are confident of achiev-
ing a smooth, efficient street by and by. The present
noise and confusion are a good sign. And, moreover,
there is in it a remarkable symbolism, a certain paral-
lelism, for us who labor here at the General Offices.
You see, we are remodeling our Brethren road to the
future — as a result of New Design directives — and for a
season we must endure confusion, if not noise and
crowds. An eerie quiet, in fact, has settled upon the
offices, what with our ranks depleted by downsizing.
roads that diverged
in a yellow wood.
all this. Yes, that must be it, and 1 am
working at convincing myself.
But the attendant moving to and fro and !
the piling of office furniture and cardboard
boxes in the hallways prove depressing at times. "Life amongi
the ruins," 1 characterize the milieu as we settle into the New
Design and seek to discern the road ahead, looking down it
as far as we can, to where it bends in the undergrowth.
It's fun to paraphrase poet Robert Frost here, but
alas, we do not have the luxury his traveler had of choos--
ing between two roads that diverged in a yellow wood.
Our way has been determined already, and we slog along
the newly hacked-out trace, hopeful of its broadening
into a smooth highway up ahead.
Some day soon, the paving company will move in,
and the new Stewart Avenue, aglitter with fresh
asphalt, will be a reality at last. Would that we at the
General Offices could as easily mark the progress we are
making toward filling in the details of the New Design.
But bear with us as you call in or write in and perceive
that things are somewhat in disarray. No one here has
lost confidence that ere long we will emerge where those
who created the New Design intended we should.
We trust that God's hand, while moving albeit myste-
riously, has been in this all along. In taking this road to
travel by, we can say with the poet, "That has made all
the difference." — K.T.
32 Messenger November 1997
Introducing the New Apartments at
THE BRETHREN HOME COMMUNITY
Uifo c^an bo oaQor.
when you're comfortable, relaxed and secure. That's the feeling you'll have when you decide to scale down
your lifestyle and move into the new Harmony Ridge apartments being planned for adults age 62 and over,
on the campus of The Brethren Home Community, a Christian Continuing Care Retirement Community,
open to all faiths, near New Oxford, Pennsylvania.
This new 3-story complex will offer a variety of one and two
bedroom floor plans featuring:
• PATIOS OR BALCONIES • ELEVATORS
• INDIVIDUALLY CONTROLLED HEATING
AND AIR CONDITIONING
• FULL-SIZE, MODERN APPLIANCES
• STACKABLE WASHER/DRYER • WALL-TO-WALL CARPET
• CABLE TV • HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBILITY
For Additional Information
Call Ilene Ruppert,
Residential Marketing Manager
1-888-624-8242
717-624-5232 local
TOLL
FREE
You'll love the extra amenities such as lawn/snow maintenance, attractive dining,
scheduled campus transportation, professional home health care, and a community
center for get-togethers. Leave your home-owner worries behind — make your
reservations now at Harmony Ridge!
The Brethren Home Community
^90 Carlisle Pike • P.O. Box 128 • New Oxford, Pennsylvania 17350 10 Miles East of Geth/sbiirg
MiwiiiiiMioamni
GOD IS WITH US.
rebel
Only people 50 and over in Sudan can remember
when their nation was not at war with itself.
In southern Sudan, assaults by government troops and
factions have dislocated 80 percent of the population,
rendered the countryside an apocalyptic wasteland,
and threatened an entire way of civilization.
Yet, incredibly, southern Sudan is a place vibrant with hope.
The Christian church, growing at a phenomenal pace,
boldly and joyfully declares, "Emmanuel — God is with us."
And now, to train a cadre of leaders to build the country
new, the New Sudan Council of Churches is setting out
to establish three Leadership Training Centers.
The centers will train Christians to work at all levels
of peacemaking, reconciliation, and development.
The Church of the Brethren is a partner in this task.
You can lend support to this visionary venture with a gift
to the December 14 Christmas Achievement Offering.
Proclaim with the Sudanese, "Emmanuel — God is with us."
Christmas Achievement Offering
Church of the Brethren December 1 997
f
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oices
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Editor: Kermon Thomasson
Managing Editor: Nevin Dulabaum
Subscriptions: Vicki Roche
Promotion: Howard E. Royer
Study Guide Writer: Willard Dulabaum
Publisher: Wendy McFadden
On the cover Nyamuse Enose, a Sudanese
mother, is one of the many "Voices of
Hope" in that war-torn land. The story on
page 1 2 tells how Brethren can help make the promise
of peace come true for the people of a country at war
with itself. (Cover photo by Howard Zehr.)
Features
12 Healing in Christ's name in Sudan
Merlyn Kettering tells what's being done
by a church in Sudan filled with hope, and
he asks for Brethren support of the new
programs.
14 Sudan: Voices of hope
Howard Zehr visited and photographed an
inspiring array of Sudanese Christians
filled with hope that belies the reality of a
country torn apart by years of civil war.
16 Recognizing the worl<
of Don Durnbaugh
Kermon Thomasson describes a
"Festschrift" that brought together many
of historian Donald F. Durnbaugh's
proteges.
19 Ministry training with flexibility
lean Hendricks notes the anniversaries of
two ministry training programs that have
more than proven their worth.
21 Aging: Consider the alternative
Kenneth L. Gibble, facing his own aging,
looks at the bright side of growing old.
Departments
1
From the Editor
2
In Touch
4
Close to Home
6
News
10
In Brief
11
Poetry
20
Pontius' Puddle
23
Stepping Stones
24
Letters
26
Turning Points
27
1997 Index
32
Editorial
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District Messenger representatives: Atl, N E., Ron
Luc; Atl. S,E., Ruby Raymer; Ill./Wis.. Kreston Lipscomb;
S/C Ind., Marjorie Miller; Mich., Ken Good; Mid-At!.,
Ann Fouts; Mo./Ark., Luci Landes; N. Plains, Faith
Strom; N. Ohio, Alice L. Driver; S. Ohio, Jack Kline;
Ore./Wash., Marguerite Shamberger; Pac. S.W, Randy
Miller; M. Pa., Eva Wampler; S. Pa., Elmer Q. Gleim;
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Messenger is the official publication of the 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. Memberof the Associated
Church Press. Subscriber to Religion News Senice
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unless otherwise indicated, are from the New Revised
Standard Version. Messenger is published 11 times
a year by Brethren Press. Church of the Brethren
General Board. Second-class postage paid at Elgin.
HI., and at additional mailing office. October 1997.
Copyright 1997, Church of the Brethren General
Board. ISSN 0026-0355.
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®
Nigeria and Sudan are the two African countries in which we
Brethren have had an extended presence. They are on oppo-
site sides of the continent. But southern Sudan and Nigeria
lie along the same northern latitudes and are in basically the same
vegetation and climate belt. Another similarity has been the influ-
ence from Arabic culture that centuries ago moved across Africa
from east to west. And most people know that both Nigeria and
Sudan were once part of the British Empire.
But there is yet another common bond that prob-
ably most Brethren are unaware of — a historical
tie that dates to only a century ago. In 1893, there
came out of Sudan an outlaw, conqueror, and slave-
raider, driven westward by the turmoil of Britain's
conquest of the Sudanese. His name was Rabeh,
and he destroyed the ruling dynasty of the king-
dom of Bornu in which the Church of the Brethren
Mission in Nigeria would be founded in 1923. For
a time, Rabeh's forces, until routed by the French
and British, ravaged Bornu, exacting tribute and
carrying off people into slavery.
In my time as a Nigeria missionary, graybeards
in the area could recall firsthand for me the trying
times of Rabeh. In one village, Gujba, there was a
saying in Hausa, "Zakara bai isa ya yi wa yawn
Rabeh ba'a ba" ("Even a cockerel may not scoff
at one of Rabeh's men"). It was based on a story of one
of Rabeh's tribute collectors, upon leaving Gujba, turn-
ing back and wresting a second exaction from the
distraught villagers because, he claimed, a cockerel had
scoffed at him as he rode away.
Happily, the days of warfare and pillaging are far
behind for the Brethren in Nigeria. But in southern
Sudan, little really has changed from Rabeh's time.
Fighting between the northern Sudanese of Arabic cul-
ture and the southern Sudanese, animist and Christian,
whom the North is bent on subduing, has dragged on for decades,
and still makes life virtually unbearable for the South.
In that milieu, we have worked now for almost 20 years, under-
girding the southern Sudanese Christians as they strive to stay alive
themselves as well as to nurture their Christian religion. Read Merlyn
Kettering's article (page 12) to see how your Christmas Achieve-
ment Offering gift can support Christian leadership training in this
area of dire need.
Stephen Ter Nyuong, a theo-
logical education coordinator,
while acknowledging the need
for leadership training, is
upbeat about the church. He
says, "Wliile the people of the
South are divided, the church
is united and moving as one
body by preaching the gospel. "
Printed on recycled paper
December 1997 Messenger 1
rr
in lOM
Shoes to fit champions
Most people associate blacksmithing with the time of
poet Henry W. Longfellow and his spreading chestnut
tree. But R.H. ("Dick") Coffman, a member of Dayton (Va.)
Church of the Brethren, has been working at that trade for the
past 32 years. Specifically, Dick is a farrier, a blacksmith who
4K "^K
Dick Coffman demonstrated
his prowess as a farrier at
this past fane's John Kline
bicentennial celebration.
He's been shoeing horses
since he was a bov.
Remembered
Chauncey Shamberger,
103, died Oct. 3 in Boise,
Idaho. In the 1920s, he
served as the first national
specializes in making and attaching horseshoes.
Now, you can buy factory-made horseshoes, but — espe-
cially if you're into show horses — you want handmade
shoes. And that's where Dick Coffman comes in. He can
take a piece of steel bar stock, heat it just right in a forge,
and with some deft blows of his hammer — blows that
appear random to the onlooker, but are a calculated part
of an art — turn steel into a shoe to fit the hoof of the most
finicky filly.
Dick has been into show horses since he was a boy. He
was 1 7 when he won the three-gaited championship at the
Broadway (Va.) Horse Show. This year, 50 years later, he
won the same championship.
Dick nailed his first shoe on a horse when he was 12 years
old, and began serious shoeing later, when he couldn't find
anyone to shoe his own saddle horse. In recent years, he has
cut back, but still has about 200 customers.
At this past )une's John Kline bicentennial at Broadway,
farrier Dick was on hand to demonstrate horseshoe-
making. John Kline and his horse, Nell, would have
wondered why it was all such a novelty for the spectators.
Chauncey Siiambergcr
youth director for the
denomination. In the 1920s
and '30s, he was prominent
in the camping movement.
He was the last survivor of
a group of camping enthu-
siasts and promoters knowr
as the "Four Horsemen."
• Doris Lasley, 74, died
Oct. 7 in Elgin, 111. She
served 1969—1977 as assis-
tant to general secretary
Loren Bowman. She joined
the Annual Conference staff
in 1978, and served
1983-1992 as Annual Con
ference manager. Not only
was she the first woman in
Doris Lasley
that post, but in 1982 she
was the first woman elected
to the Board of Directors of
the Religious Conference
2 Messenger December 1997
anagers Association.
• Lee Whipple, 83, died
ct. 7 in Yoncalla, Ore. He
rved as director of Race
ilations and Social Welfare
1 tiie General Board staff,
?63-1969. Earlier he had
rved in pastoral ministry.
lue Ridge bikers
he photo proves it: 6,053
et above sea level. That was
ne dimension of a 22-day bi-
/cle ride made by Dave and
ob Lineweaver this sum-
ler. The other dimension
as the 470 miles they hiked,
om Afton Mountain in Vir-
inia's Blue Ridge Mountains
3 a point in North Carolina's
jreat Smokies.
Rob had suggested the
'arkway pedaling to his
ad, Dave, a year ago,
hinking it a great way to
ave a last fling this past
ummer before heading off
o college at William and
vlary. This gave Dave a
'ear to get into shape. The
^ineweavers live in Bridge-
vater, Va. (on a street
lamed, significantly,
fountain View Drive) and
are members of Bridgewa-
ter Church of the
Brethren. Dave
hiked regularly
in the area
against the time of reckon-
ing this summer.
The big ride went well. "I
didn't push my bike one
foot," boasts Dave. "It's
really fun to come off a
5,000-foot ridge with con-
sistent slopes and sweeping
turns at 35 miles an hour —
just letting it run. You never
touch your brakes."
On some downhill slopes,
Dave and Rob outran Dave's
wife, Lori, who drove a car
and pulled a camper as sup-
port member of the team. In
Virginia the bikers made
about 40 miles a day; that
slowed to about 25 in the
steeper Carolina hills.
The Lineweavers, the bike
trip behind them, didn't go
looking for a place to rest.
Instead, the three drove on
1 50 miles west to Lend-a-
Hand Center near Walker,
Ky. There, Dave and Lori
were adult leaders for a
Brethren youth workcamp,
in which Rob participated.
When the two-pronged
family adventure was over,
Dave, 17 pounds lighter,
said, "You're glad your kid
talked you into doing it."
Rob Lineweaver and his dad,
Dave, hiked 470 up and
down miles this past
summer, along the Blue
Ridge Parkway in Virginia
and North Carolina.
6053 FT.
HIGHEST ELEVATION
BLUE RIDGE PARKW'- -
MOTOR ROAD. *
Wes Albin found his niche in life when he was a BVSer in
South Korea. Now he's a regional CROP director
Fifty miles, fifty years
\¥ / hen Wes Albin walked 50 miles for CROP this past
TT September, it wasn't just another CROP walk, and
neither was it an impersonal undertaking.
Wes walked the 50 miles to mark the 50th anniversary of
CROP — founded by the Church of the Brethren in 1947 and
later becoming a well-known ecumenical agency. Wes could
personally identify with his walk, since he is Pennsylvania
Regional director of CROP, headquartered in Camp Hill.
But Wes' CROP saga goes farther back than his current em-
ployment. He did his Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) term
in South Korea. He says, "I'm convinced I wouldn't be work-
ing for CROP today if it were not for BVS."
Wes grew up in rural Iowa, the son of Brethren minister
Charles Albin (October 1996, page 3). "I was never hun-
gry a day in my life," he says. "What Dad didn't receive in
salary, our family received in meat and vegetables from
church members."
In South Korea, Wes' life was turned around. "I saw an
orphan child on the verge of starvation. And I saw a family
of seven building a five-foot-by-seven-foot house out of
pieces of cardboard, sheet metal, and scraps of wood."
Those memories have haunted Wes ever since and have
never let him rest. From that comes his enthusiasm for his
CROP work, helping the needy of the world.
On his recent CROP walk, Wes and his fellow walkers
each wore a colorful string bracelet with the name of a
"friend" woven into it. Wes' "friend" works with extremely
poor people in a rural Ugandan village named Kyatele.
Wes had visited that village in 1980, and remembers how
the people there had to walk up to 20 miles for water and
firewood, and up to 40 miles for food in the dry season.
On his CROP walk, Wes experienced foot, leg, and hip
pains by the end of each of the two-day walk segments.
But that reminded him of what the Kyatele villagers endure
daily. And it reminded him, too, of the good cause he is
employed in with his CROP job.
Wes described his 50-mile walk during love feast at his
church, Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren. Pre-
sent was the 227th BVS orientation unit. Wes told the new
recruits to be prepared for BVS to wondrously affect their
lives. For him, his 50-mile CROP walk was just an extension
of that walk he had begun years ago in his own BVS journey.
December 1997 Messenger 3
ID
Kiss a pig for Dan
A fundraiser for Heifer Project International (HPl)
put on by Huntsdale Church of the Brethren in
Carhsle, Pa., got somewhat out of hand.
To purchase one pig for HPI, $ 1 20 was needed. As the board
worked at deciding how many pigs the congregation should
shoot for, pastor Jan Custer agreed she would kiss a pig if
Huntsdale's 120 members raised $2,400 — 20 pigs worth.
Dan Gross held the pig
while Huntsdale pastor
Jan Custer bestowed on it
a long-promised kiss
Over the months there was lots of fun and hard work,
and the pastor's challenge was met. On a Sunday morn-
ing, with 20 pigs paid for, the pastor kissed a pig, then
turned and kissed her husband. The church celebrated
with a carry-in picnic featuring pork barbecue prepared by
the women's fellowship.
Talcen from a report by Cindy Dlugolecki, a freelance writer in Mecltan-
icsburg. Pa.
Let's celebrate
Living Stone Church of the
Brethren in Cumberland,
Md., celebrated its 75th an-
niversary Oct. 19, with a
theme of "Hallelujah! Let
the Praise Go 'Round." For-
mer pastor Wayne Eberly
spoke on Sunday morning.
"Chorus of the Potomac"
and "His Way" presented
music in the afternoon.
• Moorefield (W.Va.)
Church of the Brethren
marked its 40th anniver-
sary Nov. 2. Activities in-
cluded a time of reminisc-
ing and recognition of
charter members.
• Beavercreek (Ohio)
Church of the Brethren held
its 185th anniversary Oct.
4-5. A time of remembering
and story-telling was held
on Saturday. On Sunday af-
ternoon, there was ground-
breaking for a new addition
to the church building.
• Blue Ridge (Va.)
Church of the Brethren cel-
ebrated its 1 10th anniver-
W
sary Sept. 21. Former pas-
tor Emerson Fike was
morning worship speaker, i
picnic followed the service.
This and that
George Kensinger, moderato
of Middle Pennsylvania Dis-
trict, and his wife. Dona, havi
attended Sunday worship in
every congregation of the dis-|\vi
trict. Dona was district mod-
erator 1 2 years ago, and the
couple, members of Memor-
ial Church of the Brethren in
Martinsburg, Pa., carried out
the same e.xercise then.
• The new Concord
(N.C.) Fellowship began
weekly worship services
and Sunday school on Sept.
28 in its new home in Clear
Springs Shopping Center.
Mark Nichols was installed
as pastor Nov. 2.
• The auction of Snow
Hill artifacts mentioned in a
|uly article (page 10) was
held Aug. 1 1 in Ephrata, Pa.
The 600 pieces of furniture,
textiles, household items,
prints, and pottery that had
been locked away in the
rooms and attic of the 45-
room brick "Nunnery" at
Snow Hill since 1895 sold for
$837,860. The money will be
used for the preservation of
the now empty buildings.
Several items went for
large amounts. An 1 1 -foot
dining table sold for
$40,000, a communion plate
for $11,000, and a grandfa-
ther clock for $19,000.
The Brethren Historical Li-
brary and Archives bought
two items — an early 19th-
century printed broadside and I
a tin, saucer-base candlestick :
with scissors -type snuffer.
• Lititz (Pa.) Church of the '
4 Messenger December 1997
Famine feeds the hungry
/\ "50-Hour Famine" observed by the Virlina District
/rA_Youth Cabinet raised $1,200 to combat hunger in
our countries — Angola, India, Dominican RepubHc, and
he United States.
Beginning on Friday morning at 8 a.m., the youth had
o intake of food besides fruit juice until 2 p.m. on Satur-
lay. "Sitting through lunch while everyone else at school
ite was the hardest part," said one youth.
On Friday evening, there were activities to raise aware-
less about global hunger. Time was spent on Saturday
vorking in downtown Roanoke at the Samaritan Inn,
naking sandwiches, cleaning the stock room, and serving
unch to the hungry.
The famine was broken with communion led by pastor Ed
A'oodard of Oak Grove Church of the Brethren, followed by a
progressive meal. By immediately talking about next year's
amine, the youth bore witness to the effectiveness of the event
IS an awareness raiser. As a fundraiser, it wasn't bad, either.
pi
^Hw
H^ i^i^ f^^^n
i
m fflo
I
Virlina District Youth Cabinet members fasted for 30 hours to raise
funds for the Iningiy. Front: Amy Rhoades. Heather Wray, Kristen
Forbes, Sam Bowman. Back: Patrick Harmon, Matt Traylor,
Tim Staufer, (ason Hartman. Matt McKimmey, Ben Hite.
Health-conscious people at Hagerstown can not only tone up
their bodies, but get in loucli with their spirituality as well.
Time ont for temple toning
Believing that "the body is the temple to the Lord,"
Hagerstown (Md.) Church of the Brethren has oper-
ated a program for the past 10 years called "Praise-ercise."
The program provides well-rounded Christian exercise for
anyone in the congregation or community. Each class begins
with a fellowship time followed by prayer. Then physical
exercises are done to the beat of "contemporary" Christian
music. Leader Barb Shoaf selects the music and choreo-
graphs each exercise routine. A progressively challenging
program of four tapes is followed. There is something for
everyone, regardless of age or physical condition.
Free-will offerings offset the expenses. Outreach pro-
jects include donations to community services, health
organizations, and needy people. Praise-ercise not only
keeps the temples physically toned, but gets their occu-
pants in touch with their spirituality through the
"contemporary" Christian music, and encourages the pro-
gram participants, in general, to live full lives in the
Christian community.
Anyone interested in setting up a similar program may
contact Tajah Sprecher at Hagerstown Church of the
Brethren, 1 5 South Mulberry St., Hagerstown, MD 2 1 740.
Brethren hosted the 1 0th an-
nual Heifer Project Interna-
tional (HPI) "Living Gift
Fair" Nov. 29, 9 a.m. -2 p.m.
The event enables people to
fight hunger instead of fight-
ing the crowds at the mall
during the holiday shopping
season. Fairgoers buy live ani-
mals or shares of animals, in
the name of a friend. The
friend receives an HPI gift
card. A family in need receives
the HPI animal. Baked goods,
crafts items, lunch, and HPI
clothing and merchandise are
on sale. The 1996 fair raised
over $17,000.
• Paradise Church of the
Brethren in Smithville,
Ohio, whose attendance is
about 45, dedicated its new
handicapped-accessible en-
trance Sept. 14. The new
facility includes a chair lift.
Two elderly, disabled mem-
bers, Galen Hochstetler
and Dorothy Detwiler, took
a ceremonial ride while the
congregation sang "The
Church's One Foundation."
• Mechanicsburg (Pa.)
Church of the Brethren
broke ground Oct. 5 for a
$1.5-million project that
will double the size of the
church facility. Included
among the additions will be
a fellowship hall seating
400 people, a library, and
several classrooms.
Campus Comments
Bridgewater College is hav-
ing a third straight year of
enrollment growth, with a
full-time enrollment of 1 ,048
students — a 22-percent in-
crease since the fall of 1 994.
• McPherson College's
new student enrollment is
the highest since 1980.
There are 1 85 new stu-
dents— a 10 percent in-
crease over last year.
"Close to Home" highlights news of
congregations, districts, colleges, homes,
and other local and regional life. Send
story ideas and photos to "Close to
Home, "Messenger, 1451 Dundee
Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
December 1997 Messenger 5
N
The General Board meets,
moves beyond redesign
In the aftermath of redesign is where
Church of the Brethren General
Board found itself in mid-October, as
it met for the first time following the
approval of the its new design by An-
nual Conference delegates in luly.
The Board, its staff, and district
Frank talk. General Board staff
Miller Davis (above) participates
in a group discussion Saturday
with district executives and Board
members, which allowed all with-
in the circle to express their im-
pressions and feelings regarding
the Board's recent redesign.
(Right) Glenn Timmons.
Congregational Life Ministries
director, and Lori Sollenberger
Knepp, Board vice chair, pinch
hit for Karen Peterson Miller,
interim executive director, and
Cliris Bowman, Board chair
Miller and Bowman were ill and
did not attend the meetings.
News items are intended to inform. They do not
necessarily represent the opinions o/"Messenger
or the General Board, and should not be considered
to be an endorsement or advertisement.
executives spent the first two of their
3'/-' days together rebuilding rela-
tionships and assessing the first three
months of the new design. They then
addressed more formal business.
Two broad issues were dealt with
throughout the meetings — the Board's
belief that Brethren are becoming
impatient for its new design to be fully
implemented, although time is what is
needed to get the design fully opera-
tional, and the Board's belief that
clarification is needed as to who has
what authority for a host of issues
affecting it and its staff.
These concerns were also threaded
throughout the informal "state of the
ministry" reports given to the Board
by its nine-member Leadership Team.
Other common points touched on
by Team members included a hope-
fulness in the new design, even
though many are still shaping the ■
scope of work their areas will do.
They relayed the challenge faced in
working within tight budget parame-
ters while establishing new and
modifying old ministries that are to
be included in the new design. They
also acknowledged the need to com-
municate more effectively, utilizing
technology where beneficial.
With the Board using the first two
days with employees and with district
staff for worship, discussion, sharing,
team building, and reporting, it essen-
tially took a deep breath in redesign's
aftermath, checked signals, expressed
concerns, clarified issues, and then
moved on to the new.
Finances. Although the General
Board had hoped its redesign
would allow it to operate for five
years without major budget adjust-
ments, the Board learned that it
might not make it past the year 2000
before additional cost reductions are
needed.
It was stated at the meetings that
the actual cost of implementing the
redesign was higher than anticipated.
Severance packages for employees
terminated in the redesign process,
which were not budgeted, will cost
about $187,000 in 1997. The
Board's total year-end deficit is
expected to be $237,000.
Although the 1998 budget parame-
ter of $4.85 million had been set in
luly, an additional $100,000 was
6 Messenger December 1997
South Korea revisited. Wayne Zunkel (left) of Elizabethtown, Pa., asks the
General Board to take three actions that would help sustain the former Brethren
n-iission in South Korea. At the follonnng break, (above) Annual Conference
officers Lowell Flory (moderator-elect), Bentley Peters (consultant) and Elaine
Sollenberger (moderator) confer. The next day Sollenberger announced that in
December she will convene an invitation-only meeting regarding South Korea.
added to be allocated among three
ireas — Congregational Life Ministries
(for technology), Ministry, and
Brethren Witness — to provide essen-
tial services. Thus, the Board
approved a 1998 net operating budget
af $4.95 million, plus an additional
$135,000 in "Behold" funds.
The Board's gross income is
expected to be $13,489,420, with
total expenses of $13,168,020. For
1998. there should be $321,400 of
income over expense, although nearly
all of the Board's directors implied
their budgets under the new parame-
ters were optimistic at best.
Even with a slight surplus esti-
mated, the expansion of the 1998
budget by $100,000 challenged what
has been a key financial philosophy
throughout the redesign — that the
Board set aside some current income
to help ensure its future. By allocat-
ing that additional $100,000, the
Board decided to set aside $200,000
for its reserves instead of $500,000.
SERRV. The move toward separate
incorporation for SERRV Inter-
national is underway. According to
SERRV, this move will enhance its
competitiveness in the international
handcrafts market while reducing the
General Board's liability.
Toward that goal the Board ap-
proved the formation of a SERRV
Advisory Committee, which will over-
see the organization's move toward
incorporation. It also approved up to
$225,000 in technology purchases so
that SERRV can maintain its own
computer services, and agreed to as-
sist SERRV in establishing its own
line of credit by borrowing up to $ 1 .5
million from Shared Interest. Shared
Interest, an organization that lends
money to alternative trade organiza-
tions, has told several Board staff that
such a loan will help SERRV establish
its own credit.
Judy Keyser, Board treasurer, said
this proposal was a challenge to work
with because she wants to assist
SERRV while ensuring the General
Board's financial well-being.
South Korea. One year ago the
General Board voted to discon-
tinue its mission in South Korea be-
cause it no longer had the resources
for the ministry. In October the
Board affirmed that decision.
This issue was revisited as a result of
appeals by Earl Hostetter of Goshen,
Ind., and Wayne Zunkel of Elizabeth-
town, Pa., two members of a fledgling
What is the impact of the General Board's redesign on its budget and staffing?
Although Board members expressed
interest in learning what impact re-
design had on budget and staffing,
those numbers could not be deter-
mined without additional research.
After some number crunching, the
figures were released in late Octo-
ber by Karen Miller, interim execu-
tive director; Elsie Holderread, Hu-
man Resources coordinator; and
Brenda Reish, controller.
In 1996 the Board's gross ex-
pense budget was $19,475,260.
With a salary freeze that year,
salaries and benefits for the 204
employees cost $7, 1 70, 1 30.
In 1997 the gross expense budget
is expected to be $18,307,980.
With a two-percent salary increase
given to the 192 Board employees,
salaries and benefits are estimated
to cost $6,746,220.
In 1998 it is projected that the
gross expense budget will be
$16,432,280. The 144 employees
will receive a three percent raise,
and the cost of salaries and benefits
will be $5,747,930.
From 1996 to 1998, the reduction
in budget will have been 1 5.6 per-
cent, the reduction in salaries and
benefits 20 percent, and the reduc-
tion of staff 29.4 percent. — NLD
December 1997 Messenger 7
independent group that plans to incor-
porate and then solicit funds in order
to implement overseas missions.
The two made three requests to the
Board relating to South Korea,
which were rejected. However, the
Board added that such requests are
appropriate for the Mission and Min-
istries Planning Council, a new de-
nominational entity created to work
with such concerns.
Zunkel and Hostetter invited de-
nominational representatives to their
group's mid-November meeting so
that a collaborative effort might be
Fund raising. General Board member
Mary }o Flory-Steury takes her turn
learning how easy it is to "raise her
first million. " This was part of a
presentation by Ken Neher, the
Board's director of Funding.
established. However, the following
day Annual Conference moderator
Elaine Sollenberger reiterated that
Annual Conference is the highest au-
thority on this issue. That is why she
announced an invitation-only meet-
ing on South Korea in early Decem-
ber, which is expected to include the
many differing voices on this issue.
Other business. During its two
days of business deliberations,
the Board also:
• approved an additional $100,000
Global Food Crisis Fund appeal to
help stave off starvation in North
Korea.
• approved a $ 1 30,000 Emergen-
cy Disaster Fund grant to purchase
130 heifers for Poland (see opposite
page).
• agreed to join New Life Min-
istries, the ecumenical successor to
The Andrew Center, as a partner de-
nomination. It elected Stafford Fred-
erick to be its representative on
NLM's board.
• agreed to extend Ministry Sum-
mer Service for three more years. In
the two years of its existence, MSS
has sent 19 young adults to congre-
gations for summertime ministry ser-
vice.
• elected David Miller to serve as
its representative on the Mission and
Ministries Planning Council, which
will convene for the first time in De-
cember.— Nevin Dulabaum
Let's count. Wil
Nolen of Breth-
ren Benefit Trust
and Rick Gard-
ner of Bethany
Theological
Seminary, both
ex officio mem-
bers of the Gen-
eral Board,
count ballots
during one of
the Board's few
paper votes.
Joe Mason is hired to serve
as interim executive director
|oe Mason of Greenville, Ohio, has
been called to serve as the General
Board's interim executive director
from Jan. 5 at least through next
year's Annual Conference in Orlando
Conferencti
is sched-
uled for I
|une 30 to
|uly5.
Mason
will suc-
ceed Kar^r
Peterson
Miller of
Hagers-
town, Md.,
who has
served in
loe. Mason this posi-
tion since )an. 1 . Prior to accepting
her interim assignment. Miller
stated she would serve for only one
year.
Because the General Board in July
did not call the executive director
candidate presented to it, the search
process for an executive director has
started anew. The new search com-
mittee, which met in September and
October, hopes to have a candidate
approved by the Board in time to be
installed at Annual Conference. To
meet this timeline, the committee in-
tends to interview candidates in early
1998 and to present one or more can-
didates to the full Board in March.
Mason, who retired in 1989, most
recently served as interim director
of the General Board's Refugee/
Disaster Services. He also has
served as interim executive of
Northern Plains District, as director
of relocation for Bethany Theo-
logical Seminary, and as interim
executive for the General Board's
World Ministries and Parish Minis-
tries commissions.
Prior to his retirement. Mason
served as executive of Middle Penn-
sylvania and Southern Ohio districts
an
8 Messenger December 1997
ind as pastor of three congregations.
Application deadline for the execu-
ive director position is Dec. 10.
BBT and the General Board
announce staff changes
oe Buss of Westminster, Md., began
serving as manager of the Brethren
Conference Center, New Windsor,
Md., effective Sept. 22. He most re-
ently worked at the American Red
Cross. Previously he served in benefits
management for four organizations.
Kathleen Campanella of Sykesville,
Md., in September rejoined the Gen-
eral Board as coordinator of Public In-
formation for the
Brethren Service
Center, New Wind-
sor, Md. She had
served in a similar
capacity from 1993
until August.
Fletcher (Bud)
Farrar of Spring-
field, III., has
been appointed edi-
tor of Publications
for Brethren Press.
His primary respon-
sibility is serving as
Messenger's editor
and supervisor of
circulation, adver-
tising, and promo-
tion. Farrar began
Nov. 10.
For 20 years he
owned and pub-
lished The Illinois
Times.
Don Fecher of
Elgin, 111., has been
named director of
Brethren Benefit
Trust's Pension
Plan and Pastors'
Financial Services.
Fecher will begin
Jan. 5 part-time,
as he will continue Bub Kellering
serving as BBT's Accounting mana-
ger until a successor is on the job.
)ulie M. Hostetter of Richmond,
Va., has been appointed Coordinator
of Area 3 Congregational Life Team,
beginning Dec. 1.
Hostetter has served as a pastor, as
minister of music and education, and
as an adjunct faculty member and
administrator at United Theological
Seminary in Day-
ton, Ohio.
Jan Kensinger of
Hummelstown, Pa.,
has been appointed
coordinator of Area
1 Congregational
Life Team, begin-
ning Dec. 1.
Kensinger has
served as chaplain
at The Brethren
Home, New Ox-
ford, Pa., since
I t: riHfal ^B 1996. Prior to that
jBp'^VHp' J^^ she served for six
^ . years as Atlantic
Northeast District
associate executive.
Bob Kettering,
who since Septem-
ber 1994 has serv-
ed as director of
New Church De-
velopment, and as
interim director of
The Andrew Center
since September
1996, is leaving
General Board em-
ployment [an. 1
due to the Board's
redesign. He has
accepted the in-
terim associate
pastorate at Lititz
(Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
Nancy Knepper began serving as
coordinator of District Ministry on
Oct. 1 5. She had been serving the
General Board as director of Out-
door Ministry since 1989. Last year
she also became coordinator of the
Board's Ministry Team.
Nancy Knepper
Brethren remember past by
sending 130 cows to Poland
In response to a need for dairy cattle,
and in honor of a longstanding part-
nership, the Church of the Brethren
General Board in October allocated
$130,000 from its Emergency Disas-
ter Fund to purchase and ship 1 30
heifers to Poland. These cattle will
comprise part of a shipment of 1 ,000
heifers to Poland being coordinated
by Heifer Project International.
Need for the cattle is great as the
result of summer flooding in south-
western Poland, which affected more
than 50,000 farms and drowned more
than 3,000 cattle. A major milk-pro-
ducing area of the country is where
the heifers are to be sent.
The heifers will be distributed on
the condition that those receiving
them repay either in kind or in cash.
The $ 1 30,000 is symbolic in that it
represents $ 1 00 for each of the 1 ,300
Polish agriculturalists brought to the
United States by the Church of the
Brethren through its official exchange
program with Poland.
In 1947 10 Polish agricultural sci-
entists came to the United States at
the invitation of the Church of the
Brethren to learn more about Ameri-
can farming. After a 10-year hiatus
due to Cold War tensions, a perma-
nent exchange program between the
Church of the Brethren Service Com-
mission and Poland's Ministry of
Agriculture was established, with
agriculturalists coming here and edu-
cators going there. The program,
which was eliminated as part of the
General Board's redesign, will offi-
cially conclude Feb. 1 5 when the last
Polish exchangee returns home.
Also in October, EDF granted:
• $41,500 to fund eight Brethren
Volunteer Service workers in the
Balkans for one year.
• $1 5,000 for repairs following the
luly flooding of the Pawnee Creek
Watershed in Logan County, Colo.
Twenty-three dwellings were de-
stroyed; about 250 were damaged.
December 1997 Messenger 9
mmaamm
In Brief
Two high-profile construction projects undertaken this year
by the Church of the Brethren have been or are nearing completion.
By Thanksgiving the Habitat for Humanity houses built in part
by Brethren this summer at Annual Conference in Long Beach,
Calif., were expected to be completed. Though Brethren financed
only one house, they ended up working on both buildings that
were built simultaneously on the same parcel of land.
Since Conference's conclusion, construction on the houses
has continued by local volunteers and trade school students.
The other building project is a new facility for the Butler Chapel
African Methodist Episcopal Church in Orangeburg, S.C, a black
congregation that was one of many that lost its building in the
recent epidemic of black church burnings.
The congregation's new brick structure is scheduled to be
dedicated Jan. 9-1 1 . Many Brethren from several districts
worked on the project.
Nineteen percent of all Church of the Brethren congregations
participated in Habitat for Humanity projects in 1 996. That trans-
lates into 216 congregations out of the denomination's 1,135, the
fourth best percentage of the 49 denominations polled by Habitat.
Financial support from Brethren congregations was $59,825,
plus about $50,000 the General Board spent to finance the con-
struction of a Habitat house at Annual Conference in Cincinnati.
The 75th anniversary of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (Church
of the Brethren in Nigeria) will be celebrated in March by U.S.
Brethren participating in a tour being organized by Monroe Good
and Charles Bieber. The group will leave March 4 and will return
March 20. EYN's Diamond Jubilee is March 17.
Estimated cost will be $2,100. Call Good at (717) 786-3052 or
Bieber at (71 7) 733-01 1 5 for more information.
An eight-session worl(shop on mediating interpersonal con-
flict will be held in North Manchester, Ind., in February.
Led by Bob Gross, Kay Gaier, and Beth Cramer, this course will
cover conflict theory and communication skills for conflict reso-
lution, win-win negotiation, and community mediation. Role
playing, practice, and skill development will be emphasized.
This workshop is presented by Education for Conflict Resolu-
tion. Gross, ECR's director of Training, also serves as director of
the Church of the Brethren's Ministry of Reconciliation. For more
information regarding this training, call (21 9) 982-4621 .
The first-ever Older Adult Ministries mission workcamp
is scheduled for Jan. 8-1 9 in Puerto Rico. This event, which
sold out within five days of its informational brochure being
mailed, is sponsored by the Older Adult Ministries Cabinet of
Association of Brethren Caregivers.
A new mission statement was unanimously approved Oct.
4 by the On Earth Peace Assembly Board of Directors — "On Earth
Peace is a movement grounded in the Church of the Brethren,
dedicated to following the teaching of Jesus Christ in renewing
Training for service. Orientation for Brethren Volunteer
Service Unit 226 was held Aug. 10-22 at Camp Holiness in
Roxbury, Pa. This unit was sponsored by Brethren Revival
Fellowship. The five BVSers are (from left) David Coble,
Sharon Bruckhart. Jennifer Schildt, Brian Long, and Kim
Paylor. (See page 26 for their assignments.) Marc, Lydia.
and Tiffany Derosier served as the group's house family.
Ruby and John Shenk served as orientation coordinators.
and living out our biblical and denominational heritage of peace.
"Our purpose, through religious and educational activities, is to
empower people to discern the things that make for peace— in
ourselves, within families, in our global environment, between
nations — and to advocate peace and justice, seeking the realiza-
tion of God's will on earth as in heaven."
The board also approved a 1998 budget of about $340,000, a
13-percent increase over this year's budget, and a new eight
week Peace Camp program that will be held next summer at the
Brethren Service Center, New Windsor, Md.
The annual Disaster Response Leadership Conference
presented by Emergency Response/Service Ministries will be
Feb. 7-1 1 at the New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center. For
more information, call (410) 635-8730.
Brethren undergraduate and graduate students interested
in careers in mental health fields are eligible for the Elmer Ediger
Memorial Scholarship through Mennonite Health Service and the
MCC Canada Mental Health Disabilities Program. Scholarships
for the 1 998-1 999 academic year will range between $1 ,000 and
$1 ,200. Applications are due by Feb. 1 . For more information,
contact Amy Herr at (71 7) 293-71 25.
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines, an organiza-
tion the Church of the Brethren has worked with since its
formation in the early 1 990s, was awarded this year's Nobel
Peace Prize on Oct. 9.
The campaign, which began as a loose coalition of organiza-
tions communicating via computers, will see one of its mandates
fulfilled this month when over 1 00 countries will be represented
in Ottawa for the signing of a treaty that bans using, manufactur-
ing, stockpiling, and transferring land mines.
According to the U.S. State Department, a person is killed or
maimed by land mines every 22 minutes. The fact that land
mines remain active in the ground long after a conflict ends was
underscored this summer when an Egyptian girl was killed by a
World War ll-era land mine.
1 0 Messenger December 1997
Contemplation
of Christmas
BY Ruth Naylor
The virgin stillness
comes alive!
Newborn life transforms
and graces a humble manger.
Angels serenade shepherds.
Wise men, watching and waiting,
marvel at the pointing star.
All follow their mysterious light.
Centuries of promise
illuminate the yielding darkness,
and heaven celebrates.
Nature listens and proclaims!
Christmas is not about presents
but presence: God's and ours.
Peace and joy are wrapped
in the miracle of God with us.
I wonder
BY Ruth Naylor
It's my guess
that Mary wasn't exactly overjoyed
at the angel's message.
God's gift burden for her
was a surprise, perplexing
to say the least.
Surely it could not have been
the fulfillment of her girlhood dreams.
Did she want to wrestle
with the messenger or the message?
Did she wish
that God would call
some other one instead?
How did she tell loseph?
Did she truly dread the risk?
Oh, Mary, I think I know.
But did you really have a choice
Once you had heard that mystical voice?
Ruth Naylor is a Mennonite poet
from Bluffton, Ohio.
December 1997 Messenger 1 1
in Oiirists name
BY Merlyn Kettering
Many of the once prosperous
agricultural communities of
southern Sudan are neglected
and in ruins after the years of civil war.
Towns and educational centers are vacant.
In many places where battles and occupa-
tion have been most intense, the sites of
former colleges, businesses, churches, and
hotels are unrecognizable except for a few
broken walls and bent rafters.
The best-maintained buildings are
those that were commandeered for the
Army of the Government of Sudan,
including several church compounds and
headquarters. These had been used as
army garrisons and are surrounded by
trenches and low mounds that hide
underground bomb shelters. Not visible
are the multitude of land mines that lie
buried, waiting with deadly silence to kill
and dismember if their disguised and for-
gotten resting places are disturbed. The
once-vibrant, productive, and self-reliant
society now bears the scars of the war.
The wounds and scars of the people.
The effects of the years of war and hostil-
ity are even deeper and more persuasive
than those seen on the scarred landscape.
Over time, people adjust to their physical
injuries and disabilities. The wounds and
scars in the minds, emotions, and souls of
the people who have endured and sur-
vived this extended war are even more
damaging and disturbing. A researcher
and the head librarian for the New Sudan
Council of Churches (NSCC) headquar-
ters wrote this poem, "The War":
As the sun shines and the rain showers.
The land of Sudan is soaked in blood.
The dead in numbers litter the land
In the war for freedom,
For by their blood, they buy this land.
As the day breaks
Like fresh water sprites.
Tears flow down their cheeks,
12 Messenger December 1997
m
Sua
an
The Brethren have
opportunities to
continue worthing
with the churches of
southern Sudan as
they strive totvard
healing and
development.
For they mourn their loved ones.
Who, like a sacrifice, die in this war.
The church's commitment to peace, heal-
ing, and rehabilitation. "Suffering and
difficulties are drawing the people nearer
to God," says one bishop. "The number of
Christians in southern Sudan has grown
more than ever in the history of the land.
Sufferings and difficulties strengthen our
Christian faith and trust in God. People
have high hope for the Lord's salvation."
Throughout the war, the church has
brought a continuous message of hope,
justice, and peace. It preaches a Christ-
ian vision of a Sudan renewed and
transformed in unity and liberty, where
all people enjoy their rights and respect
their diversity. The proclamation of the
church, "Here We Stand United in
Action" (1996) has been a benchmark
statement for peace in southern Sudan.
Bishop Paride Taban of the Catholic Dio-
cese of Torit, one of the founders of NSCC,
praises the strength of Christians in south-
ern Sudan: "There is trust of God, love,
patience, and joy in the hearts of so many."
The recent liberation of major areas of
Sudan by the Sudan Peoples Liberation
Movement (SPLM) from the control of
the government prompted new initiatives
by the Council. In |uly, the NSCC orga-
nized a Peace Dialog with the SPLM neari*
Yei. The purpose was to plan for cooper-
ation in rebuilding Sudanese communities
and the society.
One of the most important outcomes of
the Peace Dialog was the agreement that
the NSCC and the churches will play a
facilitating role in the holistic healing of
the people, their communities, and the
society. Churches are seen as centers of ■
promise in which, through their Christian
witness and mission, people can gather
once more to visualize, shape, and realize
their dreams.
The NSCC and its member churches
are now planning numerous projects and
programs for rehabilitation and recon-
struction. People gather in churches to
proclaim their faith, reinforce trust, and
plan for rebuilding and re-establishing
their communities. Regional ecumenical
centers will be established by the NSCC
to help the churches and inter-church
committees perform their Christian roles
• as a sanctuary — overcoming the his-
tory of despair, fears, hatred, and hostilities
that has been built and fueled by war;
• as a place of healing — healing the
wounds and scars of raids, fighting,
killings, bombings, deaths, displacement,
genocide, stealing, rape, abduction, slav-
ery, and forced starvation;
• as a haven of hope planning for a
better present and future for all people,
families, and communities of southern
Sudan.
NSCC Regional Ecumenical Centers.
In its meeting following the Peace
Dialog, the NSCC Executive Committee
resolved to focus the Council's energies
on peace and reconciliation at national
and grassroots levels and to emphasize
training and capacity-building as a major
initiative. Beginning yet this year, the
Council plans to establish seven Regional
Ecumenical Centers to provide ecumeni-
cal integrated programs with facilities for
• Ecumenical Fellowship and Action,
including worship, inter-churcl: meetings,
and sharing and coordination of inter-
church activities so that churches remain
united in commitment, spirit, and action;
• Peace and Reconciliation Programs,
including grassroots workshops, seminars,
meetings, training courses, and other
functions to promote justice and peace;
• Church Leadership Development,
including seminars, workshops, confer-
ences, and courses for strengthening
church leadership at all levels, from lay
people to pastors and church officials;
• Community and Civil Leadership
inxolving seminars and workshops to
bring Christian dialog, influence, and per-
.spcctives to the issues of governance and
leadership at community, regional, and
national levels as the country is rebuilt;
• Economic and Social Development
in\olving church and inter-church semi-
nars, meetings, and workshops for
planning and coordinating church devel-
opment activities;
• Vocational and Skills Training involv-
ing use of the centers for organizational
points for promoting, planning, and coor-
dinating training projects and courses.
Two centers already have buildings and
facilities (Narus and Wulu). Two centers
will begin with minimal facilities and rely
on available nearby sites (Maridi or
\anibio and Yei). Other centers will be
planned and developed yet (Nuba Moun-
tains, Blue Nile, and Upper Nile).
The NSCC is asking churches world-
wide to support two priorities in this
initiative. The first is to send funding and
resources for developing the centers and
for basic operational costs. The second is
to provide support through projects, work-
shops, resources, expertise, and funding
for various aspects and activities of the
Ecumenical Integrated Programs, espe-
cially the ecumenical, development, and
training activities required to help rebuild
churches and communities in Sudan.
The pilgrimage for peace continues.
The quest for justice and peace in southern
Sudan is far from over. Christians in south-
ern Sudan rely upon the support of Chris-
tians worldwide to sustain and rebuild their
churches and communities. They are grate-
ful to the Church of the Brethren and other
supporters that have given so willingly to
them in time of war and need. The people
of this hurting land still face great chal-
lenges as they rebuild their communities
and their country. They seek continuing
encouragement and support as they enter a
time of peace and rebuilding.
Three centuries ago, the Brethren were
persecuted for their beliefs. Our forebears
were able to flee to new lands to find
peace and prosperity. Although that was
long ago, we Brethren can identify with
the Sudanese Christians in a special way.
Based on our commitment to the gospel
and to peacemaking, we have a special
calling to work with them. As Brethren,
we can help through advocacy and by
providing continued support, expertise,
and encouragement as the southern
Sudanese Christians make the long and
difficult journey to healing, rebuilding,
and rehabilitation of their land.
The need for church leaders. Haruun
Ruun, the executive secretary of the
NSCC, has given leadership, vision, and
guidance for the Council as it promotes
Christian unity, witness, justice, and
peace for southern Sudan. He says, "The
churches in southern Sudan are growing
faster than their leadership. Now is the
time for Christians worldwide to join with
Christians in southern Sudan, not only in
giving to meet their spiritual needs, but in
a relationship of learning, growing, and
sharing, so the churches can become self-
reliant and strong." He points out that
churches elsewhere "have much to learn
from Sudanese Christians because most
of those churches have never undergone
the persecution that tests and tempers
faithfulness to the calling of God."
Haruun Ruun is supported in his position
by the Church of the Brethren in partner-
ship with the Presbyterian Church (USA).
As a trainer and consultant provided by
the Church of the Brethren, 1 help make
this visible symbol of Christian unity
more effective. Over the past two years, 1
have helped the Council mature and
strengthened Sudanese leadership so that
it can play even stronger roles in "helping
others help themselves to become what
they want to become, to achieve what
they want to achieve." By building their
leadership and development capacities,
the NSCC and the churches of Sudan
will be able to take charge of their own
destiny and to overcome the dependence
that has built up through years of war,
famine, and displacement. I see the
NSCC and the churches as having dis-
tinct roles that will help bring genuine
peace and self-reliance to Sudan.
The Brethren have not forgotten.
Some people have referred to the south-
ern Sudanese as the "forgotten people in
a forgotten war." The Brethren have not
forgotten. We have been at the forefront
of advocacy for peace and in meeting the
needs for relief and rehabilitation.
Haruun Ruun and 1 are continuing the
work of the Church of the Brethren with
the NSCC that Roger and Carolyn
Schrock began. The Brethren have a spe-
cial relationship with the churches of
Sudan and have gained their respect and
friendship. Building upon this, we now
have opportunities to continue working
with the churches and to undertake spe-
cial roles and responsibilities to further
identify with, support, and encourage
them as they strive toward healing and
development of their society.
The Brethren heritage and commitment
to peace, healing, and reconciliation can
be expressed by displaying our living faith
in unity with the people and churches of
Sudan. As a denomination, as congrega-
tions and as individuals, we can help as
we respond to the gospel's call to fulfill
the vision and message of (esus
Christ — to feed, to visit, to heal
and to minister in his name.
M.
Merlyn Kettering is a CIturch oftlie Brethren
trainer and consultant working with the New Sudan
Council of Churches.
December 1997 Messenger 13
Sudan:
Voices
Photography by Howard Zehr
ofh
ope
Gabriel TKotK Matet
"In tnc kingclom oi Cjoci. tncre
would DC nappiness. Tncre would
be no more lighting. There would
be medicine and clotlies.
Raptiael Riel
"T be cburcb is §row-
in^ treniendouslv
because Alricans.
\s'nen in trouble, come
to Cjod. The church s
bisficst problem noT\'
is lacR ol leaders.
People are not visited,
so they say they are
lorootten.
Angelina NyanhJal Jonn
My lavorite Bible verse is the one in
which Jesus says, 'I would lihe those
who are poor in spirit to be comlorted.
Atanasio U. Ospnaldo
"I imagine Ood as my shepherd. Xvhen I was youn§. I tooh
our co%vs out to ^raze. I cared lor them until I brought them
salcly home. \\ by? Because tbey belonged to me. In the same
way, God is taking care ol us.
14 Messenger December 1997
Suzanna Aluel IVlonaninied
"We want to collect women Iroin a
I lie lactions and groups to meet and to
lalU about peace. I am willing to go
;in>'wnere to Khartoum, to the Upper
i\ile — to talk peace. II Ciod calls. I will
<i<». II it means that women must he
hilled in order to stop this li^htin^, we
will accept that.
IVloses iVloras Odn^o
"Matthew 5 says. 'Blessed are the peacemakers. The bi^
weapon ol Christian growth is prayer lor peace. The church
is the hope ol southern Sudan. II we are killed on behall ol
Jesus, that s all right. Jesus came to suller with us. We know
where we -will go.
Mary Nyakot Wley
"Are you in America
really serious in your
pra>'ers.' i hcse people
suncring in southern
Sudan are Chris-
tians, like you. Are
you really serious
about us.'
Hyamuse Einose
"A mother, when she is separated
Irom her children, is very uncomlort-
able. She -will stay up at night
comlorting her child. Cod is like a
loving mother.
Adapted from an exhibit of photographs from Sudan titled "God Cannot Let His People
Die. " prepared by the Mennonite Central Committee. The guide for Howard Zehr's Sudan
visit as a photographer was Carolyn Schrock. who. at the time, was a Church of the
Brethren worker with the New Sudan Council of Churches.
The exhibit (free-standing for table-top display) can be borrowed free from Church of
the Brethren Global Mission Partnerships. Call (800) 523-8039.
December 1997 Messenger 1 5
Recognising
the work of
Don Durnbaugh
Story and photos
BY Kermon Thomasson
A ttending a historians confer-
/% ence at Bridgewater College in
A. Abihonor of Donald F. Durn-
baugh completed for me a circle that
took 39 years to describe. When I
graduated from Bridgewater in 1958,
two of my mentors on the college
staff, sisters Mattie and Mollie Click,
presented me, as a gift, a copy of Don
Durnbaugh's newly published book
European Origins of the Brethren.
That was my introduction to the
man who later was my professor at
Bethany Seminary. Still later, we spent
together an enjoyable time rambling
among the early Brethren historic
shrines in Pennsylvania. From that we
wrote — and I illustrated with draw-
ings— a 16-page piece, "Brethren
Beginnings in America" (Messenger,
December 1973). And still later, as
Messenger editor, I have had the
The Festschrift honored historian Don
Durnbaugh (left) by bringing together
many of his proteges as well as other
scholars, including Franklin Littell.
pleasant duty of editing many Durn-
baugh articles . . . and even a year's
worth of columns when he was Annual
Conference moderator (1986).
Thus, at Bridgewater this past
October 2-4, I joined a great cloud
of witnesses to Don's contributions
to Brethren history and his position
as our foremost historian. Bridgewa-
ter's Forum for Religious Studies and
Brethren Life and Thought co-spon-
sored the event, titled "A Festschrift
for Donald F. Durnbaugh" and carry-
ing the theme "To Serve the Present
Age: Historians and the Modern
Church." On hand were scholars
from the five main bodies of Brethren
and the Mennonites, and even histo-
rians from as far afield as Germany.
A flavor of Germany permeated the
meeting by necessity, that country
being the source of the earliest
Brethren history, as well as the locale
for much of Don Durnbaugh's
research. So it was appropriate for the
meeting to be billed as a Festschrift —
German for a "celebration of writing."
Thirteen presentations were on the
Festschrift schedule. Some of them
were sufficiently informal or so pop-
ularly cast that even we participants
who were mere Brethren history
buffs could fully appreciate them.
Other papers were presented in the
scholarly format that requires for
comprehension and benefit in-depth
knowledge, discipline, and a famil- .
iarity with historians' jargon. A
common thread through all of them,
however, was the acknowledgment of
the debt owed to Don Durnbaugh for
his research and writing that had
forerun each scholar's own work and
for the encouragement and inspira-
tion Don had provided his following
of Brethren historians.
The conference opened with pre-
sentations by four Annual Conference
moderators. Current acting modera-
tor Elaine Sollenberger, and former
moderators Fred Bernhard, ludy Mills
Reimer, and Phil Stone spoke briefly
on the role of heritage in the contem-
porary church. Each considers it
significant, even if not appreciated as
fully and widely as one might wish.
Phil Stone, Bridgewater College pres-
ident, demonstrated through
anecdotes from the Brethren history
course he teaches that Bridgewater's
Brethren students come to his classes
with a surprising, if general, familiar-
ity with their history and heritage, and
are eager to be more informed.
On the second day, Franklin Littell,
a United Methodist minister, scholar,
and writer, looked at the significance
of Free Church studies. He roundly
denounced several present-day devel-
opments that apparently have not
benefited from history's lessons.
Referring to the reunification of Ger-
many and the collapse of the Soviet
Union, Littell claimed that the Ger-
mans and Russians "haven't learned a
1 6 Messenger December 1997
king from the past 75 years of their
listory." Neither was he charitable
oward the Pat Robertsons of this
;ountry who "hft up the myth of a
Christian America that never was."
Murray Wagner, who teaches church
history at Bethany Seminary, used his
Iresearch into the hfe of 1 5th-century
Czech reformer Petr Chelcici<." (pro-
nounced Hell-chit-ski) to demonstrate
that "the storyteller revises the past to
rcllect the way the present generation
discovers anew a living God who acts
ill liistory." He acknowledged that
"there is a 'thereness' to the past that
constitutes reality." Then he added,
"Still, the past stands as witness
against those who would replace it
with their own invention." Wagner did
not have to look far for an example, in
his opinion, of "those" mischievous
inventors. The Festschrift was being
held the same weekend as the
"Promise Keepers" rally in Washing-
ton. D.C. The most spirited audience
responses of the meeting took on
Wagner, defending the rank and file of
"Promise Keepers" as "political inno-
cents" with no thought of
"ic-Christianizing" America.
Hans Schneider is a Radical Pietism
authority and church history professor
at Phillipps-Marburg Universitat in
Marburg, Germany. He told a refresh-
ing "detective" story about the "earliest
Brethren publication" — Alexander
Mack's 1713 Grundforschende
Fragen — answers to questions on
Brethren beliefs put to Mack by Inspi-
rationist leader Eberhard Louis
Gruber. Schneider kept his Festschrift
audience in suspense with a step-by-
step recalling of the search by him and
others for a copy of the "first edition"
of Mack's work. Through the cen-
turies, scholars have known only the
"second edition" — published in 1 774
in Germantown, Pa., by Christopher
Saur II. Schneider told how he had
longed to find a copy of the elusive
"first edition" and present it with grati-
tude to Don Durnbaugh.
The surprising twist to Schneider's
story, however, was his discovery
that, paradoxically, there actually is
no "first edition" of this "earliest
Brethren publication," only a second.
The presupposed first had existed
only in handwriting until published
by Saur. Thus we have a collector's
item that never was. And, I assume,
the real "earliest Brethren publica-
tion" was Mack's 1715 Rechte itnd
Ordmmgeti (Rights and Ordinances).
Dennis Slabaugh, a Brethren
independent scholar living in Ham-
burg, Germany, concluded in his
presentation that there was no
direct connection — onlv similari-
ties— between the 1 700s Brethren
in Krefeld, Germany, and the Dom-
pelaars ("Dunkers") of Mennonite
background in Altona.
Jeff Bach, who teaches Brethren
Studies at Bethany Seminary and
whose Ph.D. dissertation explored
gender roles in the Ephrata Commu-
nity, put some fiesh on the bones of
Conrad Beissel's female counter-
part— Maria Eicher, who headed the
sisterhood at Ephrata. Citing sam-
ples from hymns written by Eicher,
Bach explored her nascent feminism
Steve Longenecker, Robbie Miller, and Carl Bowman were the three members of the Forum
for Religious Studies ]\'ho carried responsibility for orchestrating the Durnbaugh
Festschrift. The Forum holds such conferences as part of its heritage emphasis.
Bridgewater Forum emphasizes Brethren heritage
Festschrift sponsor was Bridgewater College's Forum for Religious Stud-
ies, whose membership comprises current and emeritus Bridgewater
faculty and staff members with expertise in the area of religious studies
and a commitment to the scholarly advancement of knowledge in the field.
While the forum advances religious studies and research in general, it
emphasizes work within the Anabaptist and Pietist heritages. Occasional
conferences such as the Durnbaugh Festschrift bring to the campus scholars
with expertise in a selected issue. The papers presented may be edited and
published by the Forum.
The Forum, and thus the college, contributes to the life of the Church of the
Brethren through studies that relate to the heritage of the Brethren and pro-
vide insight into the contemporary life of the denomination.
Recently published by the Forum was its third book, Anabaptist Currents:
History in Conversation with the Present. It was edited by Steve Longenecker.
Forum members include William Abshire, assistant professor of Philosophy
and Religion; Emmert Bittinger, professor of Sociology Emeritus; Carl
Bowman, associate professor of Sociology; Steve Longenecker, associate pro-
fessor of History; David Metzler, professor of Philosophy and Religion
Emeritus; and Robbie Miller, campus chaplain and instructor in Religion.
Declmber 1997 Messenger 17
Hans Schneider and Dennis Slabaugh,
who work in Germany — Marburg and
Hamburg, respectively — lent an
international flavor to the Festschrift.
and speculated on the sources of her
theological expressions.
The group known as "Congregational
Brethren" was the subject of a presenta-
tion by David B. EUer, director of
Elizabethtown College's Young Center
and newly appointed editor of Brethren
Life and Thought. The Congregational
Brethren were a development of the
"Far Western Brethren" in the 1870s.
They opposed the authority of Annual
Meeting and argued with the main body
of Brethren over such issues as the cor-
rect way to observe feetwashing. Eller
had touched on the Congregational
Brethren in his May 1997 Messenger
article, "George Wolfe III and the
'Church of California.""
The Fellowship of Grace Brethren
Second Brethren World Assembh
July 15-18, 1998
Bridgewater College
"■paith and Family: Challenges
and Commitments '
Study papers to be presented:
* Place of the Family in Brethren
Heritage
* Impact of Culture on Brethren Families
* Pressures on the Family in
Contemporary Culture
* Biblical Understandings ofthe
Family
* Family Devotions and Spirituality
Within Brethren Tradition
* Rearing Children Among the
Brethren
Also panel discussions, workshops,
and Shenandoah Valley tours.
For information contact Dale Ulrich,
Bridgewater College, Bridgetvater, VA
22812: Date Stoffer, Ashland
Theological Seminary, Ashland, OH
44805: or Ron Lntz, 31i Fairview
Ave., Ambler, PA 19002.
Fred Benedict, an Old Order
historian, checked points
with Bethany Seminary
professor Jeff Bach on
Bach 's research into the
Ephrata Community's
Maria Eicher.
Churches was represented by Robert
Clouse, professor of History at Indi-
ana State University. His subject was
the ongoing splintering of his group
over doctrinal issues. The original
FGBC split from The Brethren
Church (Ashland) in the late 1930s.
Other presenters included William
Kosdevy, archivist and associate direc-
tor ofthe Wesleyan/Holiness Studies
Center at Asbury Theological Seminary
in Wilmore Ky.; Dale Stoffer, associate
professor of Historical Theology at
Ashland Theological Seminary; and
[ohn Howard Yoder, professor of The-
ology at the University of Notre Dame.
The "gifts" of Don Durnbaugh
were recounted by two of his
Bethany Seminary colleagues. Dale
Brown and Donald Miller.
All the presentations will be pub-
lished in a double issue of Brethren
Life and Thought (Vol. 43, Summer
and Fall 1997, Nos. 3-4, due out this
month). (Inquiries about this issue or
about subscribing to the journal
should be directed to Brethren |our-
nal Association, Bethany Theological
Seminary, 615 National Road West,
Richmond, IN 47374-4019.)
Brethren history scholars and afi-
cionados whose appetite for the
subject was not appeased at the Durn-
baugh Festschrift nor their senses
sated with the autumnal ambience of
Bridgewater College, could take heart
that another feast is in the planning, to
be spread at the same table. The
Second Brethren World Assembly (the
first was in [uly 1992) will be held July
15-18, 1998, and it, too, will be held
at Bridgewater. It is sponsored by
Brethren Encyclopedia, Inc.
Thanking everyone for his Festschrift
recognition and Bridgewater College
for its Roger B. Sappington Award for
outstanding achievement in Anabaptist
and Pietist studies, Don Durnbaugh
relaxed his scholarly demeanor to
recount an Abe Lincoln tale in which a
man, tarred and feathered, and being
ridden out of town on a rail, remarked,
"If it weren't for the honor of the thing,
I'd just as soon walk." But, the Durn-
baugh discomfort aside, it seemed, in
other Lincoln words, "altogether fitting
and proper that we should do this."
It was pointed out, in the course of
Festschrift events, that the recognition
was by no means intended to suggest
that the luminous Durnbaugh career
had burned out . . . even if his recently
published Brethren history. Fruit of the
Vine, is referred to by some as his
magnum opus. If that caution required
substantiation, one need only be
reminded that Don's next big project
is Volume 4 of another one of his
major accomplishments. The Brethren
Encyclopedia. It's due out in 2000.
Orders may be directed to: Brethren
Encyclopedia, 313 Fairview Ave.,
Ambler, PA 19002. Or e-mail:
breencyclo(g'aol.com
M,.
1 8 Messenger December 1997
Ministry training with
Rick Gardner, hired by the General Board in 1 974 as ecfiVoro/ Guide for Biblical Studies, gave
the initial direction for both EFSM and TRIM. He is now dean of Bethany Seminary. An
August 1980 photo shows him (right) conducting orientation at Bethany Seminary for EFSM
students Willie Ray Thornton. Yovanne Williams, Shyrl Smith, and Martin Brown.
BY Jean Hendricks
"I'm doing things now that 1 never
imagined I was capable ot doing."
"Without the EFSM program, I
would not have had the opportunity
to be a pastor."
"EFSM was a wonderful experi-
ence for me."
"You gain more confidence. You
realize that you do have something to
give. You see confidence grow in
others."
Those comments, from current and
graduate ministry students reflect some
of the feelings about the Education For
a Shared Ministry (EFSM) program,
which began in 1977 by action of
Annual Conference and with financial
undergirding from the Eli Lilly Founda-
tion, For many of the 60-plus people
who have completed EFSM in the past
two decades, this three-year option for
nonseminary education is a life-chang-
ing experience.
Small congregations across our
denomination are other recipients of
EFSM benefits.
"EFSM was an answer to our
prayers, a miracle for our church."
"The EFSM program helps us to
develop our talent in the church."
"EFSM is most helpful as it moves
a congregation to continue strong
team ministry beyond the formal
completion of the program."
Those are responses from lay
people to a questionnaire sent out
last spring.
While EFSM cannot and does not
solve all problems within a congrega-
tion, it expands the congregation's
awareness of the denomination, espe-
cially as the members participate in
events sponsored by Bethany Semi-
nary and a Brethren-related college or
university. A deeper sense of belong-
ing to, and connectedness with, the
denomination develops in many
EFSM congregations. One minister
trained through EFSM said he broad-
ened and deepened his contacts with
people and structures of the denomi-
nation, and this occurred without his
feeling pressured to change his own
basic theological convictions.
An important component of EFSM
is the relationship between the person
in training and the program supervi-
sor. Based on the 1997 EFSM spring
survey, as well on anecdotal com-
ments, the effectiveness of the
program can be directly tied to the
competent assistant of a
mentor/supervisor whom the minister
in training respects. When a well-edu-
cated, caring, experienced pastor
offers guidance to someone learning
the essentials of ministry, not only is a
personal relationship built and
strengthened, but the congregation
also sees a model that shows how
learning and growth occur.
TRIM, short for TRaining in Min-
istry, also counts on the ability of
experienced, on-site coordinators/
mentors for its success. Like EFSM,
TRIM is a denominationally spon-
sored program, a partnership of the
colleges, the General Board, the dis-
tricts, and Bethany Seminary. Its
10-year history reflects a steady inter-
est by people of all ages and
backgrounds who feel called to set-
apart ministry. TRIM offers a flexible
December 1997 Messenger 19
^^ Pontius' Puddle
Send paymetH for repritithig "Pontius' Puddle" from Messenger to
Joel Kaufftnann. Ill Carter Road, Goshen. IN 46526. $25 for one
time use. $10 for second strip in same issue. $10 for congregations.
\f- WY STOCK
PORffOHO
WASN'T DOlMfr
SO WELL, I'D
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Because You Need
Protection You Can
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W hen a fire broke out at Elkhart City
Church of the Brethren in Elkhart, Indiana,
many members wondered how long it would
be before they could worship there again.
But they were about to experience a
wonderful surprise.
''Mutual Aid was right there when we
needed them," says Ted Noffsinger, who
supervised the reconstruction. "The approach
I saw was, 'We have a policyholder with a
problem. Let's do what we can, as fast as we
can, to get him back in business.'"
If that's the protection you U like to experience, then
you should know Mutual Aid Association also offers
homeowner's insurance at very competitive rates. To
find out more, return the bind-in card in this issue of
Messenger, or call us now.
1-800-255-1243
yU
Mutual Aid Association
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Protection you can depend on from
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opportunity for learning, while it
maintains high standards of prepara
tion for church leadership.
Many TRIM graduates serve as
full-time or as associate pastors.
Some of them made the decision to
attend seminary following the time of
nondegree theological education.
Others have opted out of set-apart
ministry, but continue to serve the
church as lay leaders.
Initial direction for both programs
was given by Rick Gardner, then a
General Board staff member and now
the dean of Bethany Seminary. When
the programs grew in size and scope,
Larry Glick, associate executive of
Shenandoah District, joined the min-
istry training staff. His successors
were Karen Calderon and Wayne
Eberly, each hired for a field associate
position to work with separate geo-
graphical areas of the denomination. I
joined the staff in 1991 and became
director of the two programs in 1992.
As EFSM and TRIM celebrated 20
and 1 0 years of history in 1 997, they
also anticipated the future. Small
congregations will continue to need
part-time, but educated, leadership.
People called to ministry may
increasingly need a nondegree pro-
gram such as TRIM toward meeting
district ordination requirements.
Under the New Design of the
General Board, EFSM and TRIM
are completely administered out of
Bethany Seminary, under the aus-
pices of the Bethany Academy,
through a plan of shared funding
and staff leadership. Fifteen EFSM
congregations and three TRIM
students entered training this past
August (October, page 7). Honor-
ing two previous decades of
ministry training, the church rec-
ognizes the practicality of these
programs and anticipates their
serving leadership needs in
the coming new century.
Ai.
lean Hendricks served as director of EFSM
and TRIM. 1992-1997. She is now director of
dnircli Relations for McPherson College.
20 Messenger December 1997
Consider tke alternative
BY Kenneth L. Gibble
A ging is a subject I approach with
/\ caution; it's almost impossible
JL ^Lto talk about aging without
putting your foot in your mouth.
When I was approaching my 40th
birthday, I preached a sermon about
aging. During the sermon, 1 men-
tioned that before too many years I
would be in the category of "middle-
aged." After the service, a man came
up to me and asked, with a sly grin
on his face, "How old are you?"
When I told him, he asked further,
"Well, if you don't think you're
middle-aged yet, exactly how long
are you planning to live?"
Part of the difficulty in talking about
aging is language. We don't even
know what to call those who reach the
upper limits of the life span. Not many
people like to be called "old." I once
had a man in his 70s tell me that he
hated being referred to as a "senior
citizen." It is no longer "politically
correct" to talk about people going to
an "old folks home." Instead, we deli-
cately say that they are residents in a
"retirement facility," or, even better, a
"retirement community."
■What word is best used to describe
people who are "up in years"? Golden
agers? The elderly? Retirees? No
matter what word you use, you're sure
to offend somebody. The Church of
the Brethren gathering for people of
retirement age is called the "National
Older Adult Conference." That's fine,
but what does "older adult" mean?
Older than what? Older than whom?
Not long before his death, Cana-
dian novelist Robertson Davies wrote
a collection of short stories about
aging. In the book's introduction,
Davies wrote, "I have grown old." He
didn't state his age, but he did object
to euphemisms for aging. At one
point, he said, "Forgive me; I must
leave my typewriter to throw up, for I
have just heard someone use that
nauseating expression 'the twilight
years.'" The printed page shows a
few dashes, presumably to indicate
Davies' absence from his typewriter.
The next words on the page are as
follows: " — Ah, that feels better."
But maybe the real question on the
subject of aging is not how to talk
about it without offending, but,
rather, how we are to live as people
who are getting older.
The Bible is realistic about aging.
Even in biblical times, when old age
was honored far more than in our own
time, there had to be reminders for
people to treat the elderly with respect.
One of the commandments in Leviti-
cus reads; "You shall rise before the
aged, and defer to the old: and you
^^v^'
/ like the psalmist's image of old people:
producing fruit . . . always green and full of
sap. What a terrific way to be described when
you are 65, 75, 85, or older.
shall fear your God ..." (Lev. 19:32).
In Psalm 7 1 , the writer expresses one
of the fears of old age, the fear of being
abandoned. This fear is given voice in
verse 9 with a prayer: "Do not cast me
off in the time of old age; do not for-
sake me when my strength is spent."
Temptation to fall into despair con-
fronts people at every stage of life, but
it is especially dangerous in the final
years. The writer of Ecclesiastes
rebuked those tempted to lament the
passing of the "good old days": "Do
not say, 'Why were the former days
better than these?' For it is not from
wisdom that you ask this" (Eccl. 7:10).
My favorite scripture about aging
is the wonderfully upbeat verse 14 ol
Psalm 92. In the King |ames Version,
the Psalmist describes righteous
people with these words: "They shall
bring forth fruit in old age; they shall
be fat and flourishing."
That's pretty good, but "fat and
flourishing" has some negative conno-
tations these days. Much better is the
New Revised Standard Version: "In
old age they still produce fruit; they
are always green and full of sap — "
That is a wonderful image of what
the last years of life can be — productive
and fruitful. What a terrific way to be
described when you are 65, 75, 85, or
older: "always green and full of sap."
In his essay, Robertson Davies
argued that the best gift we can carry
December 1997 Messenger 21
with us into old age is curiosity.
Curiosity about wiiat? It doesn't
matter, Davies said. "Curiosity about
something. Enthusiasm. Zest. That's
what makes old age ... a dehght. One
has seen so much, and one is eager
to see more." The title of Davies'
essay is "You're not Getting Older;
You're Getting Nosier."
Davies warned that when we cease
to be curious, curious even about
ourselves, we have abandoned hope.
He referred to the psychoanalyst
Karl lung, who said that the first half
of our life is spent making our place
in the world, through study, work,
and family. The second half of life,
lung said, is an inward journey, a
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spiritual search. It is this search,
argued Davies, that makes age not a
burden and a defeat, but marvelously
enjoyable in spite of the limitations
of the aging body.
Much as I like what Davies is get-
ting at here, I believe there is a subtle
danger in his counsel. It suggests that
active engagement with the world is
pretty much over; what is left is
maintenance, reflection, and life
review. True, the older years are a
time of harvest, but they are also a
time of planting. Release from full-
time employment means opportunity
for service to community and church.
A 70-year-old woman who serves
her church in Seattle as director of .
children's ministries says that she has
heard people her age say, "I've done
my share. Now it's someone else's
turn." To that, she responds, "Bosh!"
She goes on to give examples of older
adults who are busily engaged in
doing things for others: "We need to
realize as [older people] . . .we have
much to offer in new and creative
ways of serving our Lord. Look
around and see the needs. Be inven-
tive. Ask the Lord where your natural
gifts could be a ministry to others.
You may find it more rewarding than
anything you've done in the past."
I like that. I like the fact that some-
one in her 70s is director of
children's ministries. I love it when I
see older adults reaching out to the
children in the church.
French actor Maurice Chevalier
said, "Old age isn't so bad when you
consider the alternative." That was
meant to be funny, of course. And one
of the saving graces for older people
is a sense of humor. But there is a
serious side to the statement as well:
Old age, in its own way, is a unique
blessing. Not everyone lives to old
age. We do well to consider the alter-
native. And when we have considered
it, we do even better to ask God to
guide us and bless us in our aging. We
can resolve, with God's help, to use
our time and energy for the glory rrri
of God and our neighbor's good
Kenneth L. Gibble is pastor of Chambers
burg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
22 Messenger December 1997
The good news
of the gospel is
that God doesn't
trash us. Instead
of just wadding
us up with his
heavenly hand
and dumping us
in some cosmic
landfill, God
sent his Son
to save us.
STONES
by Robin Wentworth Mayer
It was 5:30 a.m., and the
clock radio had just
switched on. My husband
was crawHng back into bed
after taking our 14-year-oid
son to an early morning
commitment.
"Guess what!" he said.
The excitement in his
voice was cause for immedi-
ate concern.
"What?" I asked cau-
tiously.
"You know that little back
street we cut through to get
to the church? Well, at one of
the houses on it, there was
some stuff sitting out for the
trash. I stopped and looked,
and there was a Eureka vac-
uum cleaner, so I brought it
home. The fan belt had bro-
ken and gotten sucked up and
jammed into the impeller. I
pulled it out and cleaned the
motor. It works fine. And
there was a water softener
that just needs a timer and
cam assembly. They also had
three chairs with oak sides
sitting out. The upholstery is
dirty, but I can clean that.
There was a cute little metal
chair missing a seat, so I
picked it up too. And there
was a bicycle with a wrecked
frame and bent tires, but the
gearshift and cables are still
good."
All this before 5:30 a.m. I
started laughing.
When I had caught my
breath, I said, "You need help."
Even though the boys and
I tease my husband merci-
lessly about his "junk-a-
holism," to be honest, I re-
spect it. In a world of dis-
posable towels, disposable
dinnerware, disposable jobs,
disposable relationships, and
disposable values, there is
something both endearing
and redemptive about some-
one who loves to rescue, re-
pair, and use broken things.
In college, I saw an ani-
mated film that encouraged
conservation and recycling., it
showed people all over the
world throwing things away
until, little by little, everyone
was practically drowning in
trash. In the final frames of
the film, we saw the earth
hanging in space, overflowing
with trash. As more and more
trash spilled into the universe,
a huge hand from heaven en-
tered the picture, grabbed
onto the earth, wadded it up,
and tossed it away.
I don't think that's quite
what the old spiritual meant
by declaring "He's got the
whole world in his hands."
In one way or another, we
are all broken. We are angry.
We are uptight. We are cyni-
cal. We are insecure. We are
selfish. We are jealous . . .
The list is endless. And no
matter the specifics of how
you continue that list, the ir-
refutable truth is that some-
thing in us doesn't work
right: Our upholstery is
dirty; our motor is jammed;
our frame is bent.
While the film from my
college days undoubtedly
made its environmental
point, the good news of the
gospel is that God doesn't
trash us. Instead of just
wadding us up with his heav-
enly hand and dumping us in
some cosmic landfill, God
sent his Son to save us.
My husband's rescue oper-
ation has paid substantial
dividends. The little metal ice
cream parlor chair has a
fresh coat of white paint and
a new mauve seat, and it
looks adorable in a corner of
our bedroom. The three oak
chairs are now serving a Bap-
tist Sunday school class
across town. The salvaged bi-
cycle gearshift and cables are
an improvement on my old
Schwinn. The restored water
softener is fully operational,
providing soft water and a
slight increase in our prop-
erty value. The repaired vac-
uum cleaner has been
adopted by a family that re-
ally needed it.
At Christmastime, we usu-
ally buy and receive new
things — not altogether inap-
propriately, considering the
prophecies and pronounce-
ments about newness. But
Christmas is also about "old
things" — people with broken
hearts, wounded spirits, and
tainted lives — being rescued,
repaired, and put to good
use by the One who, indeed,
has the whole world in
his hands.
Robin Wenlworlh Mayer is
pastor of Koliomo (hid.) Church
of the Brethren.
Stepping Stones is a column offering
suggestions, perspectives, and opin-
ions— 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. "
M.
December 1997 Messenger 23
'As I looked at the October
Messenger, . . . / thought of
one of several reasons why, at
age 85, 1 am one of the
magazine's faithful readers. "
Why I read Messenger
As 1 looked at the October Messen-
ger, with its recounting of our
denominational history of the past 50
years, I thought of one of several
reasons why, at age 85, I am one of
the magazine's faithful followers.
I always see names of people whom
I have known through the years,
dozens of whom I could list.
And there are many places men-
tioned that hold fond memories for
me. These include Elkhart, Ind.,
where 1 was born, and the many
cities where 1 have attended Annual
Conference. Beginning with Winona
Lake, Ind., as a teenager, 1 have been
to about 3 5 of the Conferences.
People and places dear to my
heart: 1 revisit them through the
pages of Messenger. That's just one
reason why 1 keep on reading.
Donald B. Snyder
Waynesboro. Va.
It takes me back
I have just been reading my October
Messenger. With that special feature
YOe join ifou
in cctebtatin^ (^od's
^tcat expte^sion o-^
Love in Qesus C^ktist
The students, faculty, and staff of
McPherson College wish you and
yours a blessed holiday season.
L<
rfcrflffson College\.^2Sjl
%m
2SiS
d
"Another Way," retelling the Brethren
history of the past 50 years, October
is an issue to file away and keep. For
a 95-year-old reader (see
August/September, page 19, photo
top right), all those stories and little
sidebars really take me back.
Gladys Royer
La Verne, Calif.
Messenger on a new high
The October Messenger was a new
high, even though it's hard to top
some of the other excellent issues.
The chronology of events in
"Another Way" was well worth looking
over again and again. The portraits
were so welcome . . .even when I grew
nostalgic. The full-page list of all Gen-
eral Board members through the years
is worthy of framing.
Marianne Michael
Iowa City. Iowa
I'm doing quite nicely
Since my illness, which led to my
resigning as Annual Conference
moderator-elect, has been covered in
Messenger (August/September,
page 26), 1 owe readers an update.
The past several months, although
difficult, have been a great blessing
for my wife, Betty, and me. We have
been strengthened by God's love
and care, expressed through our
family, friends, and the church. We
have been humbled — and over-
whelmed— by the many cards,
letters, telephone calls, and visits we
have received, both prior to my
surgery and during my recovery.
I have always appreciated the
importance of the faith/covenant
community to a person's nurture
and spiritual welfare. As a pastor, 1
have emphasized this truth over and
over. These past months, however,
have reinforced and expanded
Betty's and my understanding and
appreciation for the "great cloud of
witnesses" that surrounds Christians
at all times. We praise and thank
God for the love and support of all
the brothers and sisters across the
denomination.
My recovery from both the
24 Messenger December 1997
iurgery and the depression is going
extremely well. Both of my doctors
are not only skilled, but express a
oersonal concern and understanding
for my situation that goes beyond
vvhat I could have ever hoped for or
prayed for. We often complain
about health care in this country,
but we also should be thankful for
the remarkable skills and dedication
of health-care givers, and for the
technology that is available. We are
more blessed that we realize or
(acknowledge.
I wish it were possible to respond
individually to each person who has
reached out to us. May God continue
to bless all of us as we faithfully serve
Christ and the church whenever and
wherever we are called.
jimmy Ross
Lit it:. Pa.
Leery about delinking
I recently spent 10 hours with 10
other advisers in the newly
"delinked" On Earth Peace Assembly
(OEPA). The group discussed the
future of OEPA, now free to design
strategies for survival and for impact
within the denomination.
I caution other such groups to
study Anabaptism as a prelude to
discussions on "delinking" within the
historical church. If groups become
separatists in mood or strategy,
"delinking" may be complete as with
Anabaptists in 1 708.
1 prefer the word "links," in which
each is accountable in a chain of the
church universal.
Inez Long
York. Pa.
A
Three steps tdward a better world
STEP 1 : Pick one of the statements below
• I will write or call for my BVS
application today.
• I will talk with
about
BVS and challenge them to apply.
• I will learn more about BVS by get-
ting information about the program
and then will share my new know-
ledge with at least one other person.
STEP 2: Say it out loud, preferably to
another person.
STEP 3: DO IT!
For more information or an application
form contact tite Brethren Volunteer Ser-
vice Office. (800)323-8039.
Classified Ads
Travel with a purpose. .Missionary journeys of St.
Pall, Turkey; & Greece, Mar 19-Apr. 3, 1998. 12,899.
For info, write Wendell & Joan Bohrer, 8520 Royal
Meadow Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46217. Tel. /fax (317)
882, 3067. Or write Paul & Geneva White, 3310 Melody
Ave. SW, Roanoke, VA 24018-3114. Tel. (540) 776-3289.
Cruise the Russian waterways, Aug. 7-23, 1998. From
12,649, depending on deck level. Visit Moscow, Red
Square, Kremlin, St. Petersburg, & cruise rivers of the
czars, on Ist-dass cruise ship. 3 meals a day For info,
write Bohrer Tours, 8520 Royal Meadow Dr, Indi-
anapolis, IN 46217. Tel./fa.x (317) 882-5067.
Alpine Adventure tour. A l4-day tour leaves Wash-
ington, D.C, (Dulles International Airport), May 26,
1998. Visit Switzerland, Germany & Austria. A very
special price is available. For details, contact tour host
Dr Wayne F Geisert, President Emeritus, Box 40,
Bridgewater College, Bridgewater VA 22812-1599. Tel.
(540) 433-H33 or (5^0) 828-5494.
Visit Spain and Portugal. May 29-June 4, 1998. Bus
tour through countrj'side incl. Madrid, Cordoba, Seville,
Granada, Toledo, Rock of Gibraltar, Fatima, and Worid
Expo '98 in Lisbon. For more info, write: J. Kenneth
Kreider, 1300 Sheaffer Rd., Elizabethtown, PA 17022.
INVITATION
Cincinnati Church of the Brethren fellowship
meets for worship & support in n.e. area of Cincin-
nati. We welcome others to join us or bring needs to
our attention. Contact us c/o Cincinnati Friends Meet-
ing House, 8075 Keller Rd., Indian Hill, OH 45243. Tel.
(513) 956-7733.
Come worship in the Valley of the Sun with Com-
munity Church of the Brethren at 111 N. Sunvalley
Blvd., Mesa, A2 86207. Mail to: 8343 E. Emelita Ave.,
Mesa, AZ 85208. Tel. (602) 357-9811.
Coming to Florida this winter? Come to Braden-
ton-Sarasota area. Good Shepherd Church of the
Brethren invites you to share great worship celebra-
tions, Sunday school, Saints Alive, Brethren bowling
league, arts and crafts, quilting, tour groups, & great
fellowship meals. Contact pastor Don White at (941)
792-9317 or 758-0988.
DIABETICS SERVICE
Diabetics: If you have Medicare or insurance, you
could be eligible to receive your diabetic supplies at
no cost. (Insulin-dependent only) Call (800) 337-4144.
Messenger is available
on tape for people w^ho
are visually impaired.
Each double cassette
issue contains all articles,
letters, and the editorial.
Messenger-on-Tape is
a service of volunteers for
the Church and Persons
with Disabilities Network
(CPDN), a task group of
the Association of Brethren
Caregivers (ABC).
Recommended donation is
$10 (if you return the tapes
to be recycled) or $25 (if
you keep the tapes) .
To receive MeSSENGER-
ON-Tape, please send
your name, address,
phone number, and check
made payable to ABC to:
Association
of Brethren Caregivers
1451 Dundee Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120
December 1997 Messenger 25
Turning Points
New Members
Note: Congregations are asked
to submit only the names of
actual new members of the
denomination. Do not
include names of people
who have merely transferred
their membership from
another Church of the
Brethren congregation.
Charlottesville, Shen.:
Amanda Fagan, Mark Shipp
Claysburg, Mid. Pa.: Chad
Acker, David Dickman.
Angel Imler. lennifer &
Melissa Weitzel
Cleveland Community, S.E:
Kathy Baty; Rebecca Bengt-
son; Amber & )ustin
Bicknell; Renee Blackwood;
Frances Brown; |ohn &
Teresa Chastain; Brandi
Deaver: Amy. Nan & Lacey
Fallin; Anthony & Ashley
Ford; Max. Melinda &
Ronnie Franklin; Eden
Garner; Mandy Hanks;
Christie. Patty & Sandy
Hutcherson; Heather McCay;
lames & Karen Miller: Bruce
& ludy Morton: Richard &
Shane Oakley; Rechelle Pat-
terson; linger Ridgeway;
Harold Sloan; Dakota Tid-
well; Connie Vaughn;
Theresa & William Warr;
Amanda Yancy
Clover Creek, Mid. Pa.; Vale-
ria Acker; Betty & Larry
Avers; Amber & Ashley
Baker; John Baird; Jennifer
Bechtel; Chris & |oe Cun-
ningham; Mark Dilling;
Kathy, Kristy & Leroy
Karns; Brad, Elliot &
Kendel Krehl; Bev
Ruhlman; Gail Weitzel
Curryville, Mid. Pa.: Paula
Boyer. Barbara Brumbaugh
Dupont. N. Ohio: Molly
Dunlap; David Fickle; (acob
Sroufe; Marvin Weller;
Kara. Robert & Tina Work-
man; Charles & Marilyn
Young
Eel River, S/C Ind.: Mala &
Morris Day; Matt McNeeley;
lill & Matthew Metzger;
Meghan, Melvin & Nathan
Sautter; lodi & Kelly Walters
Eversole, S. Ohio: Kyle (ones,
Aaron Simpson
Fellowship, Mid. Atl.: Ralph
Creamer, William Durst,
lennifer Quaglio
Franklin Grove, 111. /Wis.: Rob
Logan
Garbers, Shen.: Laura Copley,
Shannon Kisling, Kyle
McDorman, Justin Moyers,
Adam Packett, Mildred
Ricedorf. Benjamin Shearer
Glade Valley, Mid. Atl.: Gary
Pryor, Michele &. Rachel
Yingling
Green Hill, Virlina: Stacey
Clements; Brenda Dillon;
Cathy, Jordan &. Sarah |ohn-
son; Callie & Will Kingery
Greenville, S. Ohio: Philip &
Shawna McKee
Hanover, S. Pa.: Cody Ault,
Brian & Lisa Blake. Andrew
& Leanne Hurtack. Adam
Livingston, Andrew
McDonald
Hatfield, Atl. N.E.: Brandon
Hanks, Christina Holbert,
Shawn McMahon, Tom
Topolski
Lewistown, Mid. Pa.: Peter
Marston
Liberty Mills, S/C Ind.: Crys-
tal & Ryan Finney
Linville Creek, Shen.; Aaron
Dove, lerry Rainey, Aaron
& Amber Roth. Zachary
See. Brian & Sarah Tusling
Live Oak, Pac. S.W.: Jennifer
Dormois, loe Fennel, Sarah
Guerrero, Rick Fillmore.
Kira Marriner, Gregory
McAvoy
Mack Memorial, S. Ohio;
Peter Crim. Roberta Fleet,
Ruth Petry. Shawn Storms,
Alyssa Yingst
Maple Grove, N. Ind.: Kyle
Carrick. Amber Cripe, Kristi
Garris, Brad & |ason More-
house, Roycc Stutzman
Maple Spring, W. Pa.: Andrew
Baraniak, |ulia Cable,
lonathan Dunmyer, Michael
Graham. lamie Harvey.
David Koba. Jennifer
Rummel, KJrby & Lucas
Shaffer
Marilla, Mich.: Debbie, Kylee,
Megan & Nathan Gross-
nickle; Dottie & Rachel
Huss; Breanna Knudson
Marsh Creek, S. Pa.: Cindy
Ecker. Andrew Hollabaugh,
Cindy Keys. David & Car-
olyn Kidinger. Ruth Ann
OrndorfL
New Enterprise, Mid. Pa.:
George, Marilyn & Megan
Browell; Tyler Hull; Christy
Imler; Gwen Musselman;
Chris & Jamie Robinson;
New Paris, N. Ind.: Jonah
Sherck, Matthew & Melissa
Weirich
Ninth Street, Roanoke, Va.:
Michael & Pamela Alwine,
Megan Flora, Katherine
Humphrey, Charles &
Melissa Mills, Jean Powell,
Ashley &. Tom Sink, Anne &
Lindsey Stump, Brenda
Turner. Carolyn Watson
North Liberty, N. Ind.: Ruby
Banks, Jason Beyer, Laurie
Decker. Dawn Ferguson,
Andrew Holderread. David
&. Mary Johnson
Pulaski First, Virlina: Heather
Bucker, Terri Fitzwater,
Linda Myers
Pyrmont, S/C Ind.: Rebecca
Combs, Matthew Miller
Rice Lake, Ill./Wis.: Caleb &
lordan Schreiber
Ridgely. Mid. Atl.: Michelle
Garey, Lou Ann Owens
Roanoke, S. Plains: Kasey
Prejean. Katina Stanley
Rummel, W. Pa.: lack Car-
done, Jamie Chicarell,
Sheena Phillips, Joseph
Young
South Waterloo, N. Plains: Brit-
tany Atwood, Cassidy
Greiman. Derek Grittmann,
Crystal Irwin, Hollie fohn-
son, Abbie Lichty. Whitney
Rousselow. Christopher Tyler
Springfield, Ore. /Wash.: Eric
Thompson
Union, N. Ind.; Margaret
Carr, Don lefferies.
Stephanie Spry
Union Center, N. Ind.: Blair
Burkholder. Sarah Neff,
Sarah Shively, Jason &
Shellie Steffen, Sarah
Stoudcr
University Park, Mid. Atl.:
Robyn Holl. Anna Myers.
Jeremy Siegel.
Waynesboro, S. Pa.: Julie
Stone
White Branch, S/C Ind.:
Travis Claywell
Wedding
Anniversaries
Bradshaw, Bob and Arlene.
Waterloo, Iowa, 50
Bucher, Gordon and Darlene.
North Manchester. Ind., 50
Dees, Carl and [eanne,
Roanoke, La., 50
Elliott. Glen and Mildred,
Fredericksburg. Iowa, 60
Flora, Wilford and Edith,
Boones Mill, Va., 60
Gibbel, Lewis and Louise,
Harrisburg, Pa., 50
Gibson, Simon and Ethel.
Boones Mill, Va., 50
Gilbert, Emerson and Althea,
Sinking Spring, Pa., 51
Harvey, Wayne and Gwen.
Santa Cruz, Calif., 50
Heisey, Paul and Dorothy.
Schaefferslown, Pa., 50
Helman, Blair and Patricia,
Fort Wayne, Ind., 50
Howes, Roy and Pauline,
Kaleva, Mich., 60
Hurd, Bill and Doris, South
Whitley, ind., 50
Juday, Don and Margaret,
New Paris, Ind., 50
Klucher, Bob and |une, York,
Pa., 50
Mansfield, Herb and Kathryn,
Weyerhauser, Wis., 50
May, Ben and Ella, Goshen,
Ind.. 50
Miller, Wayne and Gwen,
Santa Cruz, CaliL. 50
Myers, Vernon and Marie.
Thurmont, Md., 50
Faff, William and Elizabeth.
Elkhart. Ind., 60
Richwine, Albert and lane.
Harrisburg, Pa.. 50
Rife, Marvin and Donna,
Arcanum. Ohio. 50
Shaulis, Harold and Garnet,
Berlin, Pa., 50
Stouder, Charles and Evange-
line, Elkhart, Ind.. 60
226th BVS
Orientation Unit
(Completed orientation in Rox-
bury, Pa., on Aug. 20, 1997)
Balmer, David. Myerstown,
Pa; to Flat Creek Church of
the Brethren, Big Creek, Ky.
Brukhart, Sharon, Manheim,
Pa.; to Flat Creek Church of
the Brethren, Big Creek, Ky.
Coble, David |r., Hershey, Pa.;
to Good Shepherd Food
Bank. Lewistown, Maine
Long, Brian, Greencastle, Pa.;
to Good Shepherd Food
Bank. Lewistown, Maine
Paylor, Kimberly, Chambers-
burg. Pa.; to Good
Shepherd Food Bank,
Lewistown. Maine
Schildt, lennifer, East Berlin,
Pa.; to Lewistown Area Mis-
sion School, Lewistown,
Maine
Deaths
Abersolc, Paul, 77. North Lib-
erty, Ind.. Sept. 1. 1997
Beachy, Fred, 97. Oakland.
Md., Aug. 19, 1997
Benner, losephine, 76. Mif-
flintown. Pa., July 24. 1997
Berdell, John, 83, Thompson-
town. Pa., |uly22, 1997
Best, Charles, 65, Delphi.
Ind.. April 15, 1997
Beverage, Minor, 68, Bridge-
water, Va.. June 22, 1997
Bodkin, Margin. 89. Bridge-
water, Va., June 29, 1997
Bolt, Pauline, 82. Luray. Va..
luly 3. 1997
Botkin, Lydia, 94, Sugar
Grove. W.Va., Sept. 9. 1997
Bucher, Harold, 75, Annville,
Pa., Aug. 10, 1997
Butler, Weldon, 84, Kokomo.
Ind., Aug. 23. 1997
Byrd, Elsie, 86, Franklin.
W.Va., July 30, 1997
Caldwell, Christine, 70.
Roanoke, Va., May 12, 1996
Calhoun, Gladys. 91, Bridge-
water, Va., July 2, 1997
Carrier, Edith, 85. Harrison-
burg. Va., Sept. 1, 1997
Cassell, Eva, 88, Delphi, Ind..
Iune23, 1997
Ebersole, Marion, 88, Wood-
bury. Pa.. Aug. 8, 1996
Eby, Felicia, 78, Centerville.
Iowa. May 18, 1997
Emswiler, Everette. 73, Grot-
toes. Va.. Aug. 8, 1997
Emswiler. MartJia, 103, Har-
risonburg. Va., Aug. 28, 1997
Ferguson, Clarence, 90,
Roanoke, Va., Oct. 14, 1996
Fifer, Ora, 83, Bridgewater,
Va.. Sept. 5, 1997
Fiorello, Peggy. 70. New
Oxford. Pa., Sept. 7. 1997
Fitzsimmons, Leonard, 83. Har-
risonburg. Va.. May 51. 1997
Fleegle, Howard, 85, Everett,
Pa., Aug. 1, 1997
Flora, Claude, 93, Roanoke,
Va.. Nov. 15, 1996
Funkhouser, Alvin. 77. Bridge-
water. Va.. May 11. 1997
Garrett, Mary, Greenville,
Ohio, luly 20, 1997
Gilkerson, Carlos, 65, Har-
risonburg. Va., Aug. 27, 1997
Graham. Beulah, 85, Roanoke,
Va., April 11, 1996
Green, Alice, 91. Kokomo,
Ind.. March 7, 1997
McKendree, Sherril, |ohn-
stown. Pa.. April 24, 1997
McQuin. Margaret, 87. Silver
Spring, Md.. Aug. 15. 1997
Meador, Hazel. 87, Flora,
Ind.. Feb. 18. 1997
Miles, Alma. 84, Queen Citv,
Mo.. Feb. 5, 1997
Miller, Esther, 80, Weyers
Cave, Va., Aug. 1. 1997
Miller, Martha, 83, Bridgewa-
ter. Va., lune 15, 1997
Miller, Pamela. 38. New
Oxford. Pa.. Aug. 8, 1997
Mock, Betty, Johnstown, Pa.,
July 26. 1997
Mohler, Marie, Greenville,
Ohio, luly 18, 1997
Mohler, Virginia, 73, Takoma
Park, Md., luly 19, 1997
Morgan, Floyd, 75, Kokomo.
Ind.. April 9. 1997
Morningstar, lean. 78, Spring-
field. Ohio, May 9, 1997
Morrison, Howard, 77,
Dayton, Va.. Aug. 3, 1997
Moyers, Stephanie. 12. Cabins,
W.Va.. luly 15. 1997
Nelson, Jesse. 67, Petersburg.
W.Va., May 29. 1997
Ord, Clarence. 66. Franklin. .
W.Va.. June 18. 1997
Ott, Clara. 75. Windber. Pa.,
Jan. 16. 1997
Owen, Morgan, 60. Salem.
Va.. lune 7, 1997
Oyler, Mary lane. 70.
Roanoke. Va.. March 16.
1997
Painter, Violet. 86, Palmyra,
Pa., July 17. 1997
Pelletier, Virginia. 80. Har-
risonburg, Va., luly 9. 1997
Perdue, May. 100. Roanoke,
Va., April' 21. 1997
Perkins, Maxine. 80. Warsaw,
Ind.. June 18, 1997
Petterson, Josephine, 101,
Cross Keys, Pa., |ulv 21,
1997
Prophet, Waldo, 74. New
Market, Va., May 23, 1997
Pugh, Lawrence, 82. Harrison-
burg, Va.. lune 21. 1997
Ratlief. Velma. 70. Fort Sey-
bert. W.Va., Aug. 11. 1997
Ratiz, Lester, 71, Winston-
Salem, N.C.. Feb. 12. 1997
Reed, Gladvs, 89. Roanoke,
Va., April 2, 1997
Regnier, Ruth, 78, Roanoke.
Va., luly 22, 1997
Rinsland, Helen. 94. Sellins-
grove. Pa.. Aug. 21. 1997
Ritchie, Frank, S3, Harrison-
burg, Va., Sept. n, 1997
Robison, Clyde, 93, Riplev.
Okla., March 7, 1997
Roose, Marion, 70, Goshen.
Ind.. April 7, 1997
Rose, Mildred, 87. Hooversville.
Pa., Sept. 12, 1997
Rupel, Claude, 93, La Verne,
Calif., luly 24. 1997
Scrogham, Samuel, 78, Grot-
toes. Va.. luly 18, 1997
Shaffer. Doris. 67, Denton.
Md., May 8, 1997
Shaffer, lohn, 95. Harrison-
burg, Va., June 28. 1997
Shanaman, Fred, 87. York.
Pa.. Aug. 7. 1997
Shipe, Rachel, 69, Maur-
ertown, Va., May 19, 1997
Shiplett, Lester, 79, Green-
belt, Md, May 17. 1997
Shobe, Maxine, 81. Purgitsville,
W.Va., Sept. 2. 1997
26 Messenger December 1997
INDEX
1997
Listed on these pages are
articles, poems, editorials,
opinions, names of contrib-
utors, and obituaries that
appeared in Messenger
during 1997. Classifications
have been made according
to author and subjea matter
Numbers indicate month and
page number.
AUTHORS
Ahjgrim, Ryan
Going to Galilee 4:22
Alley, Robert E.
Money Matters 5:23
Bach, Jeff
Bethany Seminary; Strengthening
the Brelhen peace witness 6:11
Benedict, James
Let's give the Great Physician a
little help 1:21
Boleyn, Esther F.
The Nuer Bible project 5:17
Boshart. Jeff
Beyond a relief mentality 4:26
Brown, Dale W.
Opinions 2:26
Brown, Ken
Manchester College: The first US
peace studies program
Campanella, Kathleen
In Touch 2:3
Davis. D. Miller
Thanks for remembering us 3:24
Dulabaum, Nevin
For the General Board, a dramatic
shift in focus 5:18
General Board approves new
design, polity changes 4:6
The General Board meets, moves
beyond its redesign 12:6
General Board begins hiring
employees for its new design ....4:8
Long Beach '97 4:17, 5:10
The new design: Let the
implementation begin 8/9:20
Remembering the 'Middle Man':
Celebrating John Kline's 200th
birthday 8/9:10
What is the impact of the General
Board's redesign on its budget
and staffing? 12:7
Durnbaugh, Donald F.
Receiving a priceless legacy:
Snow Hill artifacts come to
Juniata College 7:10
Stalwart for peace:
John C. Baker 6:10
Ebaugh, Lisa
Helping the voiceless be heard ..3:24
Eller, David B.
George Wolfe III and the 'Church
of California' 5:12
Faw, Chalmer
Life is forever 8/9:34
Taking the New Testament
seriously 1:10
Fields, Sue Wagner
SueZann Bosler; 'I forgive' 11:12
Finney, Harriet
Children in the Bible 3:11
Finney, Ron
Resources on children's issues ..3:15
Fitzkee, Donald R.
Planting directions 11:22
Forest, Jim
Climb the ladder of the
Beatitudes 7:24
Gibble, H. Lamar
Farewell to Asia? 2:23
Gibble, Kenneth L.
Aging: Consider the
alternative 12:21
Good for nothing 6:25
Good, Alton
In Touch 8/9:3
Gross, Rachel
In Touch 8/9:2
Haynes, Pete
The Thomas in us all 4:24
Helman, Patricia Kennedy
A most unusual Sunday
school class 7:20
Honick, Don
Peace stalwarts through the years .,6:15
Kauffmann, Joel
Pontius Puddle 1:29, 2:29, 3:27,
4:32.5:26,6:27, 7:29.
8/9:39. 10:16,11:21, 12:20
Kessler, Kevin
In Touch 1:3
Kettering, Merlyn
Healing in Christ's name
in Sudan 12:12
Kieffaber, Alan
Could we afford another
Pentecost? 5:20
Lahman, John and Deb
Listening in our homes 3:16
Leard, Jeff
Living dangerously in Guatemala. 1:12
Lehman, James H.
Ending the Thirty Years War 1:22
Leiand, Kirby
Who was the servant? 3:25
Mateo, Miguelina Arias
In the Dominican Republic:
Education as empowerment .-..7:19
Mayer, Robin Wentworth
Stepping Stones 1:26. 2:11, 3:23.
4:21, 5:22.6:24, 7:13,
8/9:33, 10:9, 11:27.12:23
McFadden, Wendy
Let's find the water, fill the
jars. ..and expect a miracle 6:20
Miller, Karen Peterson
Pressing toward the goal 3:22
Mitchell, Glenn
Nigerian Brethren have church
growth down pat 2:20
Morse, Kenneth I.
Unlikely pulpits 6:16
Murray, Andy
Juniata college: Leading other
schools in peace studies 6:13
Myers-Bowman, Clay
In Touch 2:2
Myers-Wall, Judith A.
Churches, children, and focus....3:12
Nation, MarkThiessen
Pacifist patriotism 7:22
Naylor, Ruth
Contemplation of Christmas.... 12:11
I wonder 12:11
Oltman, Berwyn L.
Livmg up to a name 2:16
Peele. Holly
Bringmg light at Christmas 3:24
Peterson, Deb
In Touch 4:2
Poller, Julie
Death becomes him: Kevorkian's
caricature of mercy 1:18
Radcliff, David
Johnny Appleseed got it wrong ..11:10
North Korea: For Brethren.
a land of opportunity 4:12
Opening our hearts to North
Koreans 4:15
Partners in Accompaniment 1:15
Where there's all work and
no play 3:18
Ramirez, Frank
Caring Ministries 2000 10:11
Marking with monuments 6:22
Replogle, Shawn
Bridging the gaps in Arizona 2:10
Reynolds, Irene S.
In Touch 3:2,4:3,7:2,10:2, 11:2
Sadd, Tracy Wenger
Doing General Board ministries
in a new way 3:20
Stern, Pattie
Close to Home 2:4
Swanson, Linda Myers
Long Beach '97 4:17
Thomasson, Kermon
Editorial 1:32, 2:32,3:32,
4:36.5:32,6:32,7:32,
8/9:32, 10:20.11:37,12:32
From the Editor 1:1, 2:1, 3:1. 4:1.
...5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8/9:1, 10:1, 11:1, 12:1
Ken Morse; Eyes still on
the future 6:18
Love must prevail 7:14
Once more unto the breach,
dear friends 8/9:24
Out of Enders 2:12
Peace stalwarts through
the years 6:10
Recognizing the work of
Don Durnbaugh 12:16
The saga of Snow Hill 7:11
Standing Committee actions ,8/9:22
Vintage Wines of old Virginia ....2:18
Timmons, Glenn R
Toward a shared vision for
a shared ministry 4:28
Ulrich, Larry
When Sunday is the worst day
of the week 8/9:27
Wampler, Guy
Facing the gray areas in dying ...1:16
Wilding, Paula
General Board approves new
design, polity changes 4:6
General Board begins hiring
employees (or its new design ....4:8
Long Beach '97 5:10
Wiltschek, Walt
Following Jesus' welcome of
strangers 4:16
Zehr, Howard
Sudan: Voices of hope 12:14
SUBJECTS
AIDS
National Aids quilt the locus of BMC's
sixth convention 1:7
Aging
Gibble, Kenneth L. Aging 12:21
Albin, West
In Touch 12:3
Anabaptists
In Brief 6:9
Andes, Raymond N.
In Touch 7:3
Andrew Center
Andrew Center to become 'New Life
Ministries' 8/9:7
Andrew Center to host a variety of
workshops in '97 2:8
In Brief 10:9
Three Brethren ministries announce
future intentions 5:6
Annual Conference
AC '98 theme, speakers, and other
information announced 10:6
Ballot (or Conference-elected
positions announced 3:6
Brown, Dale W. Opinions 2:26
Conference attendees to build
second Habitat house 4:10
Dulabaum, Nevin. The new design: Let
the implementation begin 8/9:20
Dulabaum, Nevin and Linda Myers
Swanson. Long Beach '97 4:17
Dulabaum, Nevin and Paula Wilding.
Long Beach '97 5:10
Editorial 8/9:32
Elections and appointments 8/9:23
Eller, David B. George Wolfe III and
the 'Church of California' 5:12
From the Editor 4:1
General Board's redesign tops
business for Long Beach 2:6
In Brief 12:10
Letters 10:14,15
Long Beach "97: Dealing with a
design 8/9:14
Long Beach odds and ends 8/9:29
Music for every taste 8/9:28
Standing Committee actions 8/9:22
Thomasson, Kermon, Once more unto
the breach, dear friends 8/9:24
Thomasson, Kermon. Standing
Committee actions 8/9:22
Ulrich, Larry. When Sunday is the
worst day of the week 8/9:27
Anthony, Donna
Close to Home 4:4
Apple, Don
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Appleseed, Johnny
From the Editor 11:1
Asia
Gibble, H. Lamar. Farewell to Asia?..2:23
Association for the Arts in the Church
of the Brethren
In Touch 8/9:2
Association of Brethren Caregivers
ABC board accepts staff change, charts
future course 11:8
A chance to learn about caring for
people in a hurting world 5:7
Staff changes 10:8
Three Brethren ministries announce
future intentions 5:6
Bach, Jeff
Thomasson, Kermon, Recognizing the
work of Don Durnbaugh 12:16
Backe, Brian
In Brief 3:9
Baker, John C.
Stalwart for peace 6:cover
Durnbaugh, Donald F. Stalwart for
peace: John C. Baker 6:10
Letters 7:28
Baker. Vernon
In Touch 4:2
Barlow, Maily
Elections and appointments 8/9:25
Barnhart, Julie
Close to Home 4:5
Beachley, Ron
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
In Touch 1:3
Beahm, I.N.H.
Morse, Kenneth I, Unlikely pulpits. ..6:16
Bernhard, Fred
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Staff changes 10:8
Bethany Theological Seminary
Bach. Jeff. Bethany Seminary:
Strengthening the Brethren peace
witness 6:11
Bethany's Oak Brook property is under
contract to be sold 11:6
Close to Home 1:4, 5:4, 10:4,5
In Brief 1:9, 6:9
News 8/9:7
Staff changes 1:8, 7:8, 10:8
Bhagat, Shantilal
Staff changes 7:8
Bible
Ahlgrim, Ryan, Going to Galilee ...4:22
Boleyn. Esther F. The Nuer Bible pro-
ject 5:17
Faw. Chalmer. Life is forever 8/9:34
Faw. Chalmer. Taking the New Testa-
ment seriously 1:10
Forest, Jim. Climb the ladder of the
Beatitudes 7:24
Haynes, Pete. The Thomas in us all. .4:24
Kieffaber, Alan. Could we afford
another Pentecost? 5:20
Nation, Mark Thiessen. Pacifist patrio-
tism 7:22
New Testament as Our Rule of Faith
and Practice 8/9:17
Ramirez. Frank. Marking with monu-
ments 6:22
Boitnott, John W.
In Touch 11:2
Bolz, Ernie
Elections and appointments 8/9:25
Booz, Don
Elections and appointments 8/9:25
Borgmann, Kurt
Close to Home 2:5
Bosler, SueZann
Bosler's murderer receives sentence of
life in prison
Fields, Sue Wagner. SueZann Bosler: 'I
forgive' 11:12
In Brief 11:9
In Touch 10:2
Bosserman, Sandy
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Bourne, Frances
Long Beach odds and ends 8/9:29
Bowlin, Dympse Jr.
In Touch 4:2
Bowman, Carl
Bridgewater Forum emphasizes
Brethren heritage 12:17
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
In Brief 7:9
Bowman, Chris
In Brief 11:9
Elections and appointments 8/9:25
Bowman, Laird
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Bowman, Nadine
In Touch 1:3
Bowman, Walt
Long Beach odds and ends 8/9:29
Bowyer, Jim
Staff changes 10:8
Boyer, Chuck
From the Editor 10:1
Replogle, Shawn. Bridging gaps in Ari-
zona 2:10
Bragunier, Jack
In Touch 8/9:3
Brethren Benefit Trust
BBT board examines offering mutual
funds to individuals 11:8
BBT considering expanding its financial
services 6:7
BBT reports substantial growth in its
investments 2:7
Staff changes 1:8, 2:8, 12:9
Brethren Bible Institute
News 10:7
Brethren Historical Library and
Archives
Close to Home 12:4
Brethren Mennonite Council
National AIDS quilt the focus of BMC's
sixth convention 1:7
Brethren Press
Lehman, James H. Ending the Thirty
Years War 1:22
Brethren Revival Fellowship
In Brief 5:9,8/9:9
Brethren Service Center
Center Operations signs two new con-
tracts (or services 6:8
Global villages featured at Interna-
tional Festival in May 8/9:7
In Brief 1:9
Brethren Volunteer Service
BVS Unit #223 2:9,31
BVS UNit #224 4:11,35
BVS Unit #225 10:9,19
BVS Unit #226 12:10, 26
Count well the cost 8/9:31
From the Editor 8/9:1
In Brief 7:9
Brown, Dale
In Brief 6:9
Peace stalwarts through the years. 6:14
Brown, Pamela
In Touch 3:2. 5:2
Buss, Joe
Staff Changes 12:9
California
Eller, David B. George Wolfe III and
the 'Church ot California' 5:12
Campanella, Kathleen
Staff Changes 12:9
Campbell, James
Bosler's murderer receives sentence of
life in prison 8/9:6
Camps
Close to Home: Camp Bethel 5:5
Close to Home: Camp Mack 3:5
Conflict resolution to be the focus of a
camping conference ..11:6
In Brief: Camp Mardela, Shepherd's
Spring 1:9
In Touch: Camp La Verne 6:3
Caring Ministries 2000
A chance to learn about caring for
people in a hurting world 5:7
Nearly 500 attend first-ever 'Caring
Ministries' conference 10:6
Ramirez, Frank, Caring
Ministries 2000 10/11
Carter, Krista
Elections and appointments 8/9:25
Carter, Phyllis
In Touch 10:3
Cayford, Cheryl
In Brief 3:9
Staff changes 2:8
Child Exploitation
Letters 5:29
Old Business 8/9:18
Radcliff, David. Where there's
all work and no play 3:18
China
Wiltschek, Walt. Following
Jesus' welcome of strangers 4:16
Chinworth, Jim
In Brief 6:9
Christian Citizenship Seminars
In Brief 6:9
Christian Peacemaker Teams
In Brief 3:9.4:11
Chupp, Kryss
In Brief 3:9
Church World Service
Church World Service turns 50 1:6
In Brief 5:9
Civilian Public Service
Close to Home 6:5
In Brief 1:9
Clark, Ruth
Elections and appointments 8/9:25
Claudio, Gil
InTouch 5:3
Clouse, Robert
Thomasson, Kermon. Recognizing the
work of Don Durnbaugh 12:16
Coffman, R.H.
In Touch 12:2
Colleges
Bridgewater Forum emphasizes
Brethren heritage 12:17
Brown, Ken. Manchester College: The
first US peace studies program, .6:14
Close to Home: Bridgewater 5:5,
7:5,10:5.12:5
Close to Home: Elizabethtown 2:5,
5:5,7:5
Close to Home: Juniata 3:5. 10:4
Close to Home: La Verne 5:5,
6:5.10:4
Close to Home: Manchester 3:5,
7:5,11:5
Close to Home: McPherson 6:5, 7:5,
11:5,12:5
Durnbaugh, Donald F. Receiving a
priceless legacy: Snow Hill artifacts
come to Juniata College 7;10
InTouch 11:2
Juniata College holds fifth annual
international seminar 11:7
Murray, Andy. Juniata College:
Leading other schools in peace
studies 6:13
New eras begin for McPherson and
Elizabethtown colleges 1:8
Staff changes 5:8
Conflict Resolution Team
In Brief 5:9,10:9
Congregational Nurture and Worship
In Brief 6:9
Congregations
Cover: Highland Avenue (III,) ...3:cover
Close to Home: Live Oak (Calif.);
Yellow Creek (Ind.); Lakeview
(Mich.): Lima (Ohio); Claysburg,
Curryville (Pa.): Terrace View (Va);
Morgantown (W.Va.) 1:4
Close to Home; Bella Vista, Central
Evangelical, San Diego (Calif.);
Living Stone (Md.); Haitian First Fel-
lowship (N.Y.); Maple Grove (Ohio);
Moxham (Pa.); Oakton (Va.) 2:4
Close to Home: Lower Miami (Ohio);
Fairviev/. Huntsdale. Upper
Conewago (Pa.) 3:4
Close to Home: Imperial Heights
(Calif.); Elkhart City, Lafayette
(Ind.); Beaver Creek (Md.); Root
River (Minn.); Enders (Neb.). County
Line, Harrisburg First, Westmont
(Pa.); Arlington, Jones Chapel (Va.);
December 1997 Messenger 27
Allensville(W.Va.) 4:4
Close to Home: Woodberry (Md,);
Piqua (Ohio); Blue Ball, German-
town, Indiana (Pa.); Arlington, Mill
Creek (Va.) 5:4
Close to Home: Bremen (Ind-); Eliza-
bethtown, Somerset (Pa.); Cedar
Grove, Mount Olivet (Va.) 6:4
Close to Home: Beacon Heights (Ind.);
Constance (Ky.); Altoona Juniata,
Scalp Level (Pa.); Pleasant Valley
(Va.); Olympic View Community
(Wash.) 7:4
Close to Home: Mesa Community
(Ariz.); McFarland (Calif.);
Onekama (Mich.); Concord, Shalom
Fellowship (N.C.); Piqua (Ohio);
Carlisle, Everett, Harrisburg First,
Ridgeway (Pa.); Danville
Emmanuel (Va.) 8/9:4
Close to Home: Elkhart City, Elkhart
Valley, Windfall (Ind.); First Central
Kansas City (Kan,); Woodgrove
(Mich.); Waynesboro (Pa.),
Bridgewater, Front Royal, Poages
Mill (Va.) 10:4
Close to Home: Modesto (Calif.); New
Salem (Ind.); Independence (Kan.);
Bethel. Hempfield (Pa,) 11:4
Close to Home: Hagerstown, Living
Stone (Md,); Concord Fellowship
(N.C.); Beavercreek, Paradise
(Ohio); Huntsdale, Lititz, Mechanics-
burg (Pa.); Blue Ridge (Va.);
Moorefield (W.Va.) 12:4
Count well the cost: Concord Fellowship
(N-C); Cincinnati Fellowship (Ohio);
Cornerstone Christ Fellowship, Grace
Christian Fellowship (Pa.); Villa
Prades (P.R.); Smith Mountain Lake
Fellowship (Va.); Circle of Love Fel-
lowship (W.Va.) 8/9:31
Helman, Patricia Kennedy. A most
unusual Sunday school class:
Lincolnshire (Ind.) 7:20
In Brief: Seoul (South Korea) 2:9
In Brief: Washington (DC) 6:9
Letters 2:28
Long Beach odds and ends: La Verne
(Calif.); Fairview, (Pa.) 8/9:29
News: Medina (Ohio) 1:7
Old Business 8/9:17
Planting directions: Open Circle Fel-
lowship (Minn.); Shalom (N.Car.);
Cornerstone Christian Fellowship,
Midway (Pa.) 11:22
Cooney, Anita Cochran
In Touch 7:2
CROP Walks
Church World Service turns 50 1:6
Close to Home 10:4
In Touch 3:3, 12:3
Grouse, Jerry
Long Beach odds and ends 8/9:29
Cupp, Martha
From the Editor 7:1
Davis, Phyllis
Elections and appointments 8/9:25
Deacon Ministry
Old Business 8/9:16
Deardorff, Darryl
Staff changes 1:8
Deeter, Joan
Deeter to retire as executive of World-
Ministries Commission 3:8
Derr, Donna
Staff changes 1:8
Dili, Gary
In Touch 3:2
Staff changes 1:8
Disaster Response
Boshart, Jeff- Beyond a relief
mentality 4:26
Brethren produce food and raise funds
for disaster relief 6:6
Brethren remember past by sending
130 cows to Poland 12:9
Brethren Service Center hosts pastor
of burnt church 4:10
Close to Home 2:5
Disaster relief and child care giving
keep Brethren busy 5:8
Dulabaum, Nevin. The General Board
meets, moves beyond its
redesign 12:6
In Brief 2:9, 3:9, 4:11, 7;9, 8/9:9,
10:9,11:9.12:10
More 'Gifts of the Heart' kits are
needed for flood relief 6:8
Over $80,000 is allocated in
September by EDF and GFCF 11:8
Thomasson, Kermon. The Brethren
and Butler Chapel agree: Love
must prevail 7:14
Districts
Annual auction raises over $550,000
for disaster relief; Atlantic Northeast
and Southern Pennsylvania 11:8
Close to Home: Atlantic Northeast ..2:4
Close to Home: Shenandoah 5:5
Close to Home; Western Plains 11:4
Close to Home: (Middle Pennsylvania,
Virlina) 12:4
In Brief: Mid-Atlantic 7:9
In Brief: Northern Ohio 3:9
In Brief: Southern Ohio 5:9
In Brief: Pacific Southwest 3:9
In Brief: Middle Pennsylvania. ..3:9, 7:9
In Brief: Southern Pennsylvania 3:9
In Brief: Western Pennyslvania 3:9
In Brief: Shenandoah 7:9
Letters:Pacific Southwest 10:15
News: Mid-Atlantic 6:6
News: Southern Pennsylvania 6:6
News: West Marva 6:6
News: Shenandoah 6:6
Staff changes 1:8, 3:8, 7:8
Standing Committee actions: Virlina,
Southeastern 8/9:22
Domestic Violence
In Brief 1:9
New Business 8/9:19
Dominican Republic
Mateo, Miguelina Arias. In the
Dominican Republic: Education as
empowerment 7:19
Twenty-one Brethren help construct a
sanctuary in DR 3:8
Donald, Eddie
Close to Home 4:4
Douglas, Scott
Staff changes 10:8
Duffey, Scott
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Dulabaum, Mary
Staff changes 10:8
Dulabaum, Nevin
From the Editor 4:1
Durnbaugh, Donald F.
Thomasson, Kermon. Recognizing the
work of Don Durnbaugh 12:16
Easterday, Debi
Ohio congregation bans attendee from
premises 1:7
Eberly. Bill
Elections and appointments 8/9:25
Ebersole, John
Close to Home 6:5
Education for a Shared Ministry
EFSM and TRiM train 18 in August ....10:7
Hendricks, Jean. Ministry training
with flexibility 12:19
Education for Conflict Resolution
In Brief 12:10
Eller, David B.
Directors named to Young Center,
Leadership Team 8/9:8
From the Editor 5:1
Long Beach odds and ends 8/9:30
Thomasson, Kermon. Recognizing the
work of Don Durnbaugh 12:16
Eller, Enten
Close to Home 4:5
Eller, Jan
Staff changes 7:8
Emans, Catherine
In Touch 1:3
Engle, Steve
Long Beach '97 8/9:15
Enose, Nyamuse
Sudan: Voice of hope 12:15
Eshbach, Warren
In Touch 1:3,4:2
Staff changes 3:8
Executive Director Search
In Brief 1:9
Joe Mason is hired to serve as interim
Executive Director 12:8
Karen Peterson Miller chosen as
interim general secretary 2:7
Take Two. The search for an executive
director resumes 10:6
Dulabaum, Nevin. The General Board
meets, moves beyond its
redesign 12:6
Elections and appointments 8/9:25
Free Ministry
Standing Committee actions 8/9:22
Old Business: Human Genetic
Engineering and Fetal Tissue
..8/9:15
Family Ministries
In Brief
29
Listen to the voices of children
Farrar, Fletcher
Staff Changes
3:10
.... 12-9
Faus, Nancy
1-8
Fecher, Don
Staff Changes
. 12-9
Finney, Harriet
Children in the Bible
In Brief
3:11
1:9,2:9
Staff changes 1:8, 10:8
Finney, Ron
In Brief 2:9
Staff changes 1:8, 3:8, 10:8
Flora, John
Long Beach odds and ends 8/9:30
Flory, Erin
In Touch 4:3
Flory, Kendra
In Touch 3:2
Flory, Lowell
Elections and appointments 8/9:23
Flory-Steury, Mark
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Flory-Steury, Mary Jo
Elections and appointments 8/9:25
Forry, Roger
Elections and appointments 8/9:25
Frederick, Stafford
Frey, Mark
In Brief
3-9
Fruth, David
7:3
Fry, Homer and Rosetta
5:8
Frye, Dennis
11:3
Frye, Opal
7:1
Fuller, Millard
Gambling
Gibble, Kenneth L. Good for nothing. .6:25
Gara, Larry
Close to Home 6:5
Garber, Samuel
Morse, Kenneth I. Unlikely pulpits. 6:16
Gardner, Richard B.
Hendricks, Jena. Ministry training
with flexibility 12:19
Garner, Margaret
In Touch 2:3
Garrison, Ed
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Geisert, Greg
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
General Board
Another way 10:insert
Dulabaum, Nevin. The General Board
meets, moves beyond its
redesign 12:6
Editorial 10:20
General Board 1996 finances better
than first predicted 3:7
General Board okays SERRV study; '98
budget parameters 8/9:6
Staff changes 1:8, 2:8. 3:8,
5:8,7:8,10:8
General Board Redesign
Dulabaum, Nevin. For the General
Board, a dramatic shift in focus .5:18
Dulabaum, Nevin. The General Board
meets, moves beyond its
redesign 12:6
Dulabaum, Nevin. The new design: Let
the implementation begin 8/9:20
Editorial 1:32,11:32
General Board approves new design,
polity changes 4:6
General Board releases partial list of
its post-June staff 6:8
General Board terminations from
March take effect 8:9/7
General Board's redesign tops business
for Long Beach 2:6
Letters 1:27, 2:27, 7:29
Long Beach '97: Dealing with a
design 8/9:14
Long Beach '97: The New Design ..8/9:20
McFadden, Wendy. Let's find the
water, fill the jars. ..and expect a
miracle 6:20
Miller, Karen Peterson. Pressing
toward the goal 3:22
New business 8/9:19
Redesign plan of the General Board to
be considered 3:7
Sadd, Tracy Wenger. Doing General
Board ministries in a new way ...3:20
Timmons, Glenn F. Toward a shared
vision for a shared ministry 4:28
Two directors named for the
redesigned organization 2:8
General Offices 6:4
Gerber, David
News 7:6
Gibble, Jay
Staff changes 10:8
Gibble, June
Staff changes 7:8
Gish, Art
In Brief 3:9,4:11
Global Food Crisis Fund
In Brief 1:9,3:9
News 8/9:8
Over $80,000 is allocated in Septem-
ber by EDF and GFCF 11:8
Gordon, Forrest
In Touch 2:3
Graham, Jeff and Jean
In Touch 11:3
GraybJII, Mary Jane
In Touch 1:2
Gross, Bob
In Brief 12:10
Grove, Carole C.
In Touch 6:2
Guatemala
Leard, Jeff. Living dangerously in
Guatemala 1:12
Hackleman, Kathy
In Touch 1:3
Haiti
Ten to 15 Haitian Brethren in
danger of deportation 7:6
Hanley, Rich
Count well the cost 8/9:31
Hansen, Allen
Directors named to Young Center,
Leadership Team 8/9:8
Hartman, Brian and Miriam
In Touch 5:2
Hartsough, Claire and Raymond
In Touch 5:3
Hayes, William A.
In Brief 8/9:9
Haynes, Pete
In Touch 2:3
Heifer Project International
Brethren remember past by sending
130 cows to Poland 12:9
Close to Home 6:5
Heisey, Enos
In Touch 2:2
Helbert, Hollen G.
In Touch 1:3
Helman, Patricia
In Touch 7:3
Hendricks, Jean
Staff changes 7:8
Hendricks, Shelly
In Touch 5:3
Hershey, J.B.
In Touch 2:2
Hess, Maurice
Morse, Kenneth I. Unlikely pulpits ...6:16
Hochstetler, Michael
InTouch 4:2
Hoffman, Paul
InTouch 7:3
Homes and Hospitals
Close to Home: Northaven Retirement
Apartment (Wash.) 7:4
Nearly 75 gather for first Brethren
homes forum 7:6
Homosexuality
Letters 3:26,29
Horner, Mike
InTouch 11:2
Hostetter, Earl
Dulabaum, Nevin. The General Board
meets, moves beyond its
redesign 12:6
Hostetter, Julie M.
Staff Changes 12:9
Huffman, Cathy Simmons
Elections and appointments 8/9:25
Huston, Ora I.
Peace stalwarts through the years. ,.6:12
India
Close to Home 7:4
Gibble, H. Lamar. Farewell to Asia?
2:23
Interagency Forum
Interagency Forum convenes for its
first 'official' meeting 11:7
Standing Committee actions 8/9:22
John, Angelina Nyanhial
Sudan: Voice of hope 12:14
Jones, Cyndi
In Touch 10;2
Judd, Wayne
Elections and appointments 8/9:25
Keeney, Mervin
General Board begins hiring employees
for its new design 4:8
In Brief 3:9
Kensinger, George and Dona
Close to Home 12:4
Kensinger, Jan
Staff Changes 12:9
Kerschensteiner, Ed
Elections and appointments 8/9:25
Kettering, Bob
In Touch 2:2
Staff Changes 12;9
Kevorkian, Jack
Polter, Julie. Death becomes him:
Kevorkian's caricature of mercy. 1:18
Keyser, Judy
General Board begins hiring employees
for its new design 4:8
Kidd. Joe
In Touch 6:3
Kidwell, Bill
Staff changes 10:8
Kiester, Edith
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Kim, Dan
Staff changes 1:8
Wampler, Guy. Facing the gray areas in
dying 1:16
Kindy, Cliff
Brethren man deported from Hebron
for peace work 5:7
In Brief 3:9, 4:9
King, Virl
News 5:8
Kinsey, Jim
Staff changes 7:8
Kipp, Judith
Count well the cost 8/9:31
Kline, John
Dulabaum, Nevin. Remembering the
'Middle Man': Celebrating John
Kline's 200th birthday 8/9:10
In Brief 2:9 i "
In Touch 6:3 t
Thomasson, Kermon. Peace stalwarts j
through the years 6:10 •
Knepp, Lori -
Elections and appointments 8/9:25 >
Knepper, Nancy
Staff Changes 12:9 ^
Korber, Brian
In Touch 10:3
Kostlevy, William
Close to Home 7:5
Land Mines
In Brief 1:9 ■
LARA
Davis, D. Miller. Thanks for
remembering us 3:24
Latin America
Christians of North and Latin America
discuss 'mission' 6:6
Lefever, Grace T.
InTouch 6:2
Leinauer, Pam
Staff changes 7:8
Lengel, Wil
Old business 8/9:17
Leno, Jay
Close to Home 7:5
Lind, Suzanne
In Touch 7:3
Lineweaver, Dave and Rob
InTouch 12:3
Littell, Franklin
Thomasson, Kermon. Recognizing the
work of Don Durnbaugh 12:16
Long, James
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Long, Theodore
Staff changes 1:8
Longenecker, Steve
Bridgewater Forum emphasizes
Brethren heritage 12:17
Lu, Li
Close to Home 7:5
Mack, Alexander l:cover
Major, Sarah Righter
Morse, Kenneth I. Unlikely pulpits ....6:16
Martin, Harold
In Brief 8/9:9
Martin-Adkins, Alice
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Mason, Joe
Joe Mason is hired to serve as interim
Executive Director 12:8
News 5:8
Staff changes 1:8
Mason, Steve
Staff changes 10:8
Matet, Gabriel Thoth
Sudan; Voice of hope 12:14
Matsuoka, Fumitaka
InTouch 4:2
McFadden, Dan
General Board begins hiring employees
for its new design 4:8
Two directors named for the
redesigned organization 2:8
McFadden, Rosanna
Count Well the Cost 2:6
McFadden, Wendy
General Board begins hiring employees
for its new design 4:8
Two directors named for the
redesigned organization 2:8
Mclnnis. Ron and Josh
InTouch 8/9:3
McMillan, Michele
InTouch 1:3
Media
NCC kicks off a year-long focus on
media awareness 5:7
Mellerson, Patrick
Cover 7:cover
Thomasson, Kermon. Love must pre-
vail 7:14
Brethren Service Center hosts pastor
of burnt church 4:10
Mental Health
Ulrich, Larry. When Sunday is the
worst day of the week 8/9:27
Metzler, David
In Brief 8/9:9
Middle East
In Brief 5:9, 8/9:9
Letters 2:29
Middleton, Beth
Elections and appointments 8/9:25 I
Miller, David
Dulabaum, Nevin. The General Board
meets, moves beyond its redesign .12:6
Miller, Robbie
Bridgewater Forum emphasizes
Brethren heritage 12:17
Miller, D.L.
Gibble, H. Lamar. Farewell to Asia?. ..2:23
28 Messenger December 1997
.ehman, James H. Ending the Thirty
Years War 1:22
IviJller, David
I Elections and appointments ......8/9:26
Iviiller, Donald E.
I :hurch World Service turns 50 1:6
{Vliller. Ed
tin Touch 3:2
Miller, Jiggs
^Jev.'^ 5:8
Miller, Karen Peterson
Glmilt^iI Board begins hiring employees
lor lis new design 4:8
, In BriL-1 4:11
K.Tn.'n Peterson Miller chosen as
inhTim general secretary 2:7
Ministry
Nrv. BLisiness 8/9:19
Minnich. Dale E.
Staff changes 7:8
'Mitchell, Glenn
Count well the cost 8/9:31
Mohammed, Suzanna Aluel
Sudan: Voice of hope 12:15
Morphew, Tim Sollenberger
Staff changes 2:8
Morris, David J.
In Touch 6:2
Morrow, Stan
Staff changes 2:8
Morse, Jan
Stalf changes 7:8
Morse. Ken
From the Editor 6:1
In Touch 8/9:2
Letters 8/9:38
Moyer, Harold S.
In Touch 6:2
Muir, Gladdys E.
Peace stalwarts through the years. 6:11
Murray, Don
From the Editor 8/9:1
Myer. Jim
In Brief 8/9:9
Myers. Donald
Staff changes 7:8
Naragon, Steve
In Touch 3:2
National Association of Evangelicals
New Business 8/9:18
National Council of Churches
Church World Service turns 50 1:6
In Brief 5:9
NCC kicks off a year-long focus on
media awareness 5:7
National Youth Conference
In Brief 1:9, 10:9
NYC '98 registration packets sent to
youth advisers 11/7
Three coordinators named for NYC,
workcamps in 1998 3:8
With Eyes of Faith 4:10
Neff, Robert W.
Staff changes 5:8
Neher, Ken
General Board begins hiring employees
for its new design 4:8
Neher, Marlene
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Neuenschwander, Rosalyn
In Touch 1:3
New Life Ministries
Andrew Center to become 'New Life
Ministries' 8/9:7
Dulabaum, Nevin. The General Board
meets, moves beyond its redesign .12:6
Nigeria
Close to Home 11:4
From the Editor 12:1
In Brief 3:9.7:9,12:10
Mitchell, Glenn. Nigerian Brethren
have church growth down pat ...2:20
Nolan, Heather
Staff changes 10:8
Nonviolence and Humanitarian
Intervention Paper
In Brief 5:9
North Korea
In Brief 3:9,8/9:9
Letters 6:28, 7:28
Radcliff, David. North Korea: For
Brethren, a land of opportunity ....4:12
Radcliff, David. Opening our hearts to
North Koreans 4:15
Nyuong, Stephen Ter
From [he Editor 12:1
Ober, Barb
Staff changes 7:8
O'Dell, Harold and Shirley
In Touch 4:2
Odngo, Moses Moras
Sudan: Voice of hope 12:15
On Earth Peace Assembly
Conflict resolution to be the focus of a
camping conference 11:6
In Brief 1:9, 8/9:9, 10:9, 12:10
Letters 10:15, 12:25
Three Brethren ministries announce
future intentions 5:6
Osphaldo, Atanasion U.
Sudan: Voice of hope 12:14
Outdoor Ministries Association
Conflict resolution to be the focus of a
camping conference 11:6
Pacifism
Letters 10:17
Nation, Mark Thiessen. Pacifist patrio-
tism 7:22
Parker, Don
Elections and appointments 8/9:25
Pastoral Benefits Advisory Committee
Committee asks for support in pastoral
insurance quest 4:10
Standing Committee actions 8/9:22
Peace and Justice Issues
In Brief ..,1:9, 3:9. 4:11, 10:9. 11:9, 12:10
Leard, Jeff, Living dangerously in
Guatemala 1:12
Radcliff, David. Partners in
Accompaniment 1:15
Radcliff. David. Where there's all work
and no play 3:18
Peace Studies
Close to Home 5:4
Durnbaugh. Donald F. Stalwart for
peace: John C. Baker 6:10
Letters 8/9:38
Pfaltzgraff, Roy E.
In Touch 10:2
Poetry
Naylor, Ruth. Contemplation of Christ-
mas 12:11
Naylor. Ruth. I wonder 12:11
Pogue, Ricahrd
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Prejean, Helen
Gross, Bob. Taking Jesus seriously: An
interview with Helen Prejean. ..11:17
Ramirez, Frank. Caring Ministries
2000 10:11
Price, George
Morse, Kenneth I. Unlikely Pulpits ..6:16
Pritchett, Reuel B.
From the Editor 6:1
Morse, Kenneth I, Unlikely pulpits. 6:16
Program for Women
In Brief 2:9.10:9
Property and Stewardship
Old Business 8/9:17
Radcliff, David
Close to Home 5:4
Directors named to Young Center,
Leadership Team 8/9:8
In Brief 1:9.3:9
Radcliff, Kathryn
In Brief 11:9
Ramsey, Duane
In Touch 10:3
Redekopp, Orlando
Staff changes 10:8
Rerd, Anne Murray
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Reimer, Judy Mills
In Touch 7:3
Replogle, James
Staff changes 1:8
Rhodes, Becky
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Rhodes, Donna
In Touch 4:2
Ri, Chang Suk, Mrs 4:cover
Ri, Chong Sun
Radcliff, David. North Korea 4:12
Ri, Sung Sun, Mrs.
Radcliff, David. North Korea 4:12
Riel, Raphael
Sudan: Voice of hope 12:14
Rieman, Phil and Louie
Staff changes 3:8
Rieman, T. Wayne
Peace stalwarts through the years. 6:13
Robinson, Betty
In Touch 7:2
Rogers, Ingrtd
In Touch 1:3
Romero, Gilbert
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
News 8/9:8
Ross, Jimmy
Appointment of an Acting Moderator for
the 1998 Annual Conference ...8/9:22
In Brief 6:9
Jimmy, we hardly knew ye 8/9:27
Letters 12:24
Ross recuperating but could miss
Annual Conference 7:7
Row, W. Harold
Peace stalwarts through the years. 6:12
Royer, Galen 6.
Lehman, James H. Ending the Thirty
Years War 1:22
Royer, Pat
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Rupel, Lavon
In Touch 8/9:3
Sadd, Tricia
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Staff changes 10:8
Sampson, Betty
In Touch 7:2
Schatz, Steve
In Touch 6:3
Schermer, David
Close to Home 7:5
Schneider, Hans
Thomasson, Kermon. Recognizing the
work of Don Durnbaugh 12:16
SERRV
Dulabaum, Nevin, The General Board
meets, moves beyond its redesign .12:6
General Board okays SERRV study ,.8/9:6
In Brief 1:9.3:9.11:9
SERRV fields over 600 calls 2:7
Sevits, William
Morse. Kenneth I. Unlikely pulpits. 6:16
Shakespeare, William
In Brief 2:9
Shaw/Neeake, Fred
News 10:11
Ramirez, Frank. Caring
Ministries 2000 10:11
Shisler, Kent
Staff changes 7:8
Shumaker, Terry
Elections and appointments 8/9:25
Shonk, Emily
Staff changes 5:8
Skwierczynski, Joe and Betty Lou
In Brief 4:2
Slabaugh, Dennis
Thomasson, Kermon. Recognizing the
work of Don Durnbaugh 12:16
Sloan, Mark
Staff changes 7:8
Smeltzer, Ken Kline
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Smeltzer, Ralph E.
Peace stalwarts through the years. 6:14
Snider, Don
Editorial 4:36
Letters 6:28
Snow Hill
Close to Home 12:4
Durnbaugh, Donald F. Receiving a
priceless legacy: Snow Hill artifacts
come to Juniata College 7:10
Letters 10:17
Thomasson, Kermon. The saga of Snow
Hill 7:11
Snowberger, Barbara
Thomasson, Kermon. The saga of Snow
Hill 7:11
Sollenberger, Elaine
Appointment of an Acting Moderator for
the 1998 Annual Conference ...8/9:22
Dulabaum, Nevin. The General Board
meets, moves beyond its redesign .12:6
Elections and appointments 8/9:23
Thomasson, Kermon, Once more unto
the breach, dear friends 8/9:24
SoHenberger-Morphew, Beth
Staff changes 10:8
South Korea
Letters 6:28
Spoerlein, Ernest, Alice and Ralph
Dulabaum, Nevin. The General Board
meets, moves beyond its redesign .12:6
In Touch 11:3
Standing Committee
Standing Committee actions 8/9:22
Steiner, Donna Forbes
Staff changes 1:8
Stewardship
Alley, Robert E. Money matters 5:23
Open Wide Your Hearts OGHS theme
for 1997 3:6
Stokes, Norma
In Touch 6:3
Stone, Phillip
In Touch 4:2
Thomasson, Kermon. Recognizing the
work of Don Durnbaugh 12:16
Strode, Scott
In Touch 3:2
Struble, Joy
Staff changes 5:8
Studebaker, Ted A.
Honick, Don. Peace stalwarts through
the years 6:15
Sudan
Boleyn, Esther F. The Nuer Bible
project 5:17
From the Editor 12:1
Kettering, Merlyn. Healing in Christ's
name in Sudan 12:12
Sudan: Voices of hope 2:cover
Zehr, Howard, Sudan: Voices of
hope 12:14
Suicide
Letters 3:26,4:31,32
Polter. Julie. Death becomes him. .1:18
Wampler, Guy. Facing the gray areas in
dying 1:16
Swallow. James S.
Morse, Kenneth I. Unlikely pulpits. 6:16
Swanson, Linda
From the Editor 4:1, 7:1
Swartz, Fred
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Swartz, Paul
In Touch 2:2
Thomasson, Kermon
Staff changes 7:8
Thornberry, Faith Sheaffer
In Touch 8/9:3
Timmons, Glenn
General Board begins hiring employees
for its new design 4:8
Timmons, Linda
Staff changes 1:8, 10:8
Training in Ministry
EFSM and TRiM trains 18 in August, ..10:7
Hendricks. Jean. Ministry training with
flexibility 12:19
Tutu, Desmond
Church World Service turns 50 1:6
Ullum, Vic
In Touch 10:2
Unfunded Annual Conference Man-
dates
Standing Committee actions 8/9:22
Valencourt, Roy
Close to Home 6:5
Vaniman, Daniel
Lehman, James H, Ending the Thirty
Years War 1:22
Vardaman, Jan and Keith
News 5:8
Wagner, Murray
Thomasson, Kermon. Recognizing the
work of Don Durnbaugh 12:16
Waltersdorff, Christy
Elections and appointments 8/9:25
Wampler, Eva and Dale
In Touch 5:2
Wampler, Guy
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Wampler, Paul
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Washington Office
1997 interfaith legislative briefing to
be held in April 1:7
In Brief 4:11,6:9
Ten to 15 Haitian Brethren in danger of
deportation 7:6
Weldy, Gilbert
Close to Home 6:5
West, Dan
Thomasson, Kermon. Peace stalwarts
through the years 6:10
Wampler, Guy. Facing the gray areas in
dying 1:16
Wetsel, Nelson and Helen
In Touch 6:2
Weygandt, Earl
In Brief 8/9:9
Whitman, Slim
In Touch 2:3
Wilding, Paula
From the Editor 7:1
Wiey, Mary Nyakot
Sudan: Voice of hope 12:15
Wilhelm, Dawn Ottoni
Count well the cost 8/9:31
Wilhelm, Gregg A.
In Touch 3:2
Willoughby, Marie
Elections and appointments 8/9:26
Wine, David G. and Lottie M.
Oltrnan, Berwyn L. Living up to a name
2:16
Thomasson, Kermon. Vintage Wines of
old Virginia 2:18
Wine, David M.
2: cover
Appointment of an Acting Moderator for
the 1998 Annual Conference ...8/9:22
Count well the cost 8/9:31
From the Editor 2:2
Long Beach '97 8/9:15
Out of Enders 2:12
Thomasson, Kermon. Vintage Wines of
old Virginia 2:18
Wine Family
Thomasson, Kermon. Vintage Wines of
old Virginia 2:18
Winkler, Albert
Cover Ircover
From the Editor 1:1
Wolfe, George III
Cover 5:cover
Eller. David B. George Wolfe III and
the 'Church in California' 5:12
Wolfe, Rua Faggert
Cover 5:cover
Womaen's Caucus
Over 200 'wade on in' to this year's
'Dancing' conference 8/9:8
Work Camps
In Brief 3:9, 7:9. 10:9, 11:9, 12:10
Three coordinators named for NYC.
workcamps in 1998 3:8
Twenty-one Brethren help construct a
sanctuary in DR 3:8
World Mission Philosophy and Global
Church Mission Structure
Old business 8/9:17
Yanisch, Kauy
Leard, Jeff. Living dangerously in
Guatemala 1:12
Yoder, Brian
Staff changes 5:8
Young Adults
In Brief 4:11, 10:9
Replogle, Shawn. Bridging gaps in Ari-
zona 2:10
Summertime service 7:7
Youth
In Brief 7:9
National Youth Cabinet 11:7
Youth Peace Travel Team
In Brief 5:9,8:9/9,11:9
ZamZam
Close to Home 7:5
Ziegter, Earl
Twenty-one Brethren help construct a
sanctuary in DR 3:8
Zigler, M.R.
Thomasson. Kermon. Peace stalwarts
through the years 6:10
Zunkel, Wayne
Dulabaum, Nevin. The General Board
meets, moves beyond its redesign .12:6
Licensing/Ordination
Abraham, Mary 4:35
Airesman, Roydon 1:31
Archer, Alice 1:31
Arendt, Patricia 1 5:31
Arnold. Patricia 1:31
Baker, Donald L 8/9:40
Baldwin, Charles 10:19
Barley, Shirley 1:31
Beach. Gregory 1:31
Beckner, Dennis A 4:35
Benbow, Timothy 1:31
Biddle. James C 4:35
Borsman, Kenneth 1:31
Bowman, Mark 10:19, 11:31
Boyd, Mary Louise 1:31
Bradley, Larry 11:31
Brotherton, Bob 4:35
Broyles, Dewey 1:31
Brush, Jonathon 4:35
Campbell, Harold 4:35
Caplinger, Robert 1:31
Carpenter, Larry 10:19
Carrasco. Fausto 4:35
Cavaness, Ryan 1:31
Chinworth, James H 4:35
Christiansen, William 1:31
Clapper, Steven 1:31
Coates. Earl 1:31
Cookas. Katherine McKinlay 1:31
Courtney, Steven Lee 4:35
Croft, Eric 1:31
Crumley. Paul 1:31
Cruz, Oscar V 8/9:40
Dahlbert, Nancy Lee 4:35
Deeter, Jeanne 10:19
DeVore, Thomas A 5:31
Dietz, Arnold 1:31
DiSalvio, Robert S 4:35
Dodd, Paul 1:31
Ebersole. Mark David 10:19
Ervin. Ravia 1:31
Farquharson, J. Keith 4:35
Feather, George 1:31
Fellows, Nathan 10:19
Flory. Brian 7:31
Godfrey. Geraldine Mae 1:31
Golden, Roger 7:31
Greiser, Terence 10:19
Gresh. Kenneth 1:31
Griffith, Sam 1:31
Guthrie. Donald 4:35
Hanks, Thomas 5:31
Hartman. Charles L 5:31
Hawsey, David S 10:19
Hershberger, Ronald 4:35
Hess. Donald E 4:35
Hess, Donald 11:31
Hostetler, Richard P 10:19
Hostetter, Jason Andrew 10:19
Houff, Marlin D 4:35
Houser, Barry 4:35
Hufford, Lisa 4:35
Hugglns. Mary Ann 11:31
Hyre, Greg Allen 10:19
Ilyes, John S 5:31
Jones, Gregory L 4:35
Kennedy, Cindy 11:31
Kerkove, David 11:31
King. Kevin Daniel 4:35
Knepper, Craig A 4:35
Konopinski. Tom 4:35
Korns. William 11:31
Krahenbuhl. Lee 1:31
Laue, Ron 4:35, 5:31
Lavin, Lisa Marie 1:31
Lehigh. Daniel G 5:31
Lemmon, Cory 11:31
Lovett. Diane 1:31
Lowry. James 1:31
Lowry, Joan 1:31
Lubbs-DeVore, Lynda 8/9:40
MacDonalad, J. Christopher 5:31
Malone. Sarah Q 5:31
Marthur, Sajor 1:31
McAdams, Ronald L 4:35. 5:31
McCan, Steve 10:19
McCoy. Shelby F 7:31
McGlothlin, Judith 1:31
McLearn-Montz, Alan 7:31
Meeks, Gary 1:31, 8/9:40
Miller. Christen 1:31
Miller, Steven 1:31
Miner, Blaine 1:31
December 1997 Messenger 29
Mitchell, Belita 1:31
Myers, Matthew E 8/9:40
Naff, Lee 1:31
Naff, Robin 1:31
Neff, Daniel 1:31
Neubauer, Cathy 1:31
Olvera, Victor 1:31
Ort, David 1:31
Osborne, Helen 1:31
Patterson, Michael 1:31
Pfeiffer, Robert 8/9:40
Pheasant, Janelle 5:31
Power, Christopher 1:31
Quinn, Jack 8/9:40
Ray, Mark 1:31
Rediger, Anita 4:35, 5:31
Reese, Sherry Lynn 4:35, 5:31
Reinhold, Charles H 4:35, 5:31
Reininger, Linda L 4:35
Replogle, Shawn 5:31
Rhodes, Donna M 7:31
Rieman, Kenneth 1:31
Riley, Richard D 5:31
Rininger, Linda L 5:31
Ritchie, Kurt 10:19
Rive, Robert 1:31
Rivera, Marcelo Otero 5:31
Runkle, Dwayne A 1:31
Ruth, Brian C 8/9:40
Sayler, Barbara 5:31
Scott, Clarence 1:31
Self, Kim 1:31
Shively, Paula M 5:31
Shumaker, Sheila 8/9:40
Smith, Leonard W 5:31
Snyder, Lisa Anne 1:31
Snyder, Sue E 5:31
Spaid, Darrel R 5:31
Spangler, Joyce 1:31
Spencer, Brian E 5:31
Spire, Samuel G 5:31
Stephens, Linda 10:19
Stevens, Rahn L 5:31
Stouffer, Darlene 7:31
Stouffer, Scott 1:31
Sumpter, Lynette 5:31
Taylor, Jack 5:31
Taylor, Mark 1:31
Teal, Mark 5:31
Thacker, Robert 1:31
Townsend, Frances 1:31
Twigg, Charles 1:31
Ullery, Howard 8/9:40
Ulm, David 5:31
Van Buskirk, William 10:19
Vandermolen, David 1:31
VanVoorhis, Valeria 5:31
Villanucva, Carmen M 8/9:40
Villanueva, Oscar Lopez, Jr 5:31
W/atern, Steven E 5:31
Vtfebster, Jerry R 5:31
Wetzel, Howard 5:31
Wickline, Jerry Lynn 1:31
Wilborn, Leonard V 10:19
Wilges, Shawn Allen 10:19
Williams, Joan H 5:31
Williams, Melvin 1:31
Wilson, Ralph H 8/9:40
Wright, James 5:31
Yager, Lorele 10:19
Yancheck, Paul 7:31
Yates, Melinda 1:31
Yoder. Gary 7:31
Zeep, Christopher W 7:31
Pastoral Placements
Austen, Gordon 2:31
Baker, Donald 2:31
Beckner, Dennis A 10:19
Benedict, James L 7:31
Bowser, Thomas 2:31
Boyd, Mary 4:35
Braun, John 4:35
Bright, Richard 2:31
Brumbaugh, Alan 2:31
Brumbaugh, Lillian 2:31
Brunk, David 10:19
Cable, Sherman A 7:31
Callahan, Wanda 2:31
Cayford, Cheryl 10:19
Clark, Michael 10:19
Conn, Barry 10:19
Croft, Eric 2:31
Crowe, John R 10:19
Deeter, Jeanne 2:31
Diamond, Douglas 4:35
Dietrick, Ralph 7:31
Dorsey, Janice 2:31
Eisenbise, Debbie 2:31
Elmore, Carolyn 2:31
Elmore, Kendal 2:31
Ewing, John 10:19
Fike, Lisa 10:19
Fike, Melvin 10:19
Fisher, Chester 2:31
Foley, Leonard 10:19
Foster, Chris 2:31
Fourman, Larry 10:19
Fowler, Michael 2:31
Gauby, Martin 5:31
Gerbrandt, Eugene 10:19
Glover, Irving 4:35
Gresh, Kenneth 4:35
Griffith, Edith E 7:31
Hall, Lloyd 2:31
Hammel, Daniel 4:35
Hazen, Lisa 2:31
Hendricks, David 2:31
Hewitt, Nancy 2:31
Holderread. John 2:31
Holland, Scott 2:31
Houghton, James E 6:30
Huffaker, Michael 2:31
Hufford, Lisa 4:35
Kaucher, Howard 4:35
Kensinger, Janice 4:35
Konopinski, Tom 4:35
Krahenbuhl. Lee 2:31
Landrum, Richard 10:19
Manges, John 2:31
Matteson, Erin 10:19
McClelland, George 2:31
McDaniel, Alton 5:31
McGlothlin, Judith 2:31
McKellip, David 4:35
Mosorjak, Gary 4:35
Mundey, Paul 2:31
Nichols, Mark 10:19
Noffsingcr, Bruce 2:31
Nye, Paul 10:19
Orndorff, Jan 2:31
Peterson, Cheryl 7:31
Peyton, James M 5:31
Poole, Daniel 2:31
Reeves, Catherine 2:31
Riley, Richard 4:35
Schwarze, Robert 2:31
Senger, Garold 2:31
Shelton, Randall C 10:19
Shoemaker, E.B 2:31
Simmons, Ben 2:31
Sink, Barry 4:35
Smith. Leonard 4:35
Smith, Rufus 2:31
Snyder, George 10:19
Spire, Sam 4:35
Stauffer. Paul 2:31
Stern, Roy L 6:30
Stevens, Rahn 4:35
Stoltzfus, Joyce 7:31
Thacker, Robert 2:31
Ullery, Howard E., Jr 10:19
W/ade, Marvin 10:19
Wisdom-Belford, Virginia 10:19
W/iser, Tracy 2:31
Woodin, Ataloa 10:19
Yancheck, Paul 6:30
Deaths
Abersole, Paul 12:26
Adams, Elizabeth 5:31
Adams, Margaret C 10:19
Adams, Mary 5:31
Ahalt, Doris 5:31
Airey, Elvert 8/9:40, 11:31
Akers, Lester 8/9:40, 10:19
Albright, Betty 1:31
Alexander, Connie E 10:19
Allen, Eunice 10:19
Anderson, Charles A 5:31
Anderson, Joyne 8/9:40
Andrew, Georgia 6:30
Applequist, Wanda 5:31
Arey, Carl E 5:31
Arnold, Opal .- 5:31
Aschliman, Kathryne 5:31
Atkins, Ruth 8/9:40
Atwater, Beulah 6:30
Atwood, Bertha A 3:31
Bader, Gladys 10:19
Bailey, Edwin 5:31
Baker, Gerald 5:31
Baker, Hilda L 3:31
Baker, Mabel 8/9:40
Balsbaugh, Marvin 11:31
Balsiey, Carolyn M 3:31
Banzhof, Esther F 3:31
Bard, Ellis T 10:19
Bardell, Eileen 11:31
Bardell, John 12:26
Barkdoll, Eugene C 5:31
Barnes, William 1:31
Barnhart, Eugene F 5:31
Barnhart, Josephus 11:31
Barnhart, Nevin 2:31
Barshainger, Dorothy 11:31
Bassette, Albert R 7:31
Bauer, Pauline A 5:31
Baugher, Duane 5:31
Baum, Glenn 5:31
Bauser, Ethel 5:31
Bauserman, Ethel 2:31
Beachy, Fred 12:26
Beahm, E. Russell 5:31
Beahm, Wanda 1:31
Bebee, Pearl 1 7:31
Becker, Thomas 1:31
Benedict, Maude 8/9:40
Benner, Josephine 12:26
Benner, Shane 5:31
Bennett, Richard A 5:31
Benz, Henry 5:31
Besse, Erma F 5:31
Best, Charles 8/9:40. 12:26
Beverage, Minor 12:26
Beydler, Arthur 10:19
Bird, Charles W 5:31
Birman, Iva 1:31
Blackwill, Clarence 10:19
Blank, Mildred 1:31
Blocher, Kenneth 2:31
Blocher, Ruth 6:30
Block, Velda 2:31
Blosser, Roy 5:31
Blough, Adda B 7:31
Blough, Josephine 3:31, 5:31
Boardwell, Robert 5:31
Boatman, James 5:31
Bodkin, Margin 12:26
Bolinger, Maude 5:31
Bollinger, Melvin 10:19
Bolt, Pauline 12:26
Bolyard. Lincoln 5:31
Bonitatibus, Irma 2:31
Books, Olive 2:31
Bosserman, Fred E 5:31
Botkin, Lydia 12:26
Bower, Emily 10:19
Bower, Evelyn 1:31
Bower, Pearl H 10:19
Bowling, Ruth 7:31
Bowman, Alaric 11:31
Bowman, Alma H 6:30
Bowman, Elsie 1:31
Bowman, Elva 8/9:40
Bowman, Luther 1:31
Boyd, Esther 2:31
Boyer, Edwin 1:31
Boyers, Harry G 3:31
Boyers, Harry S. Sr 5:31
Bradshaw, Iris 1:31
Brammell, Violettc 5:31
Brammcr, Earnest 3:31
Brandenburg, Everett 5:31
Brandt, Jacob 5:31, 6:30
Breeden, Betty B 5:31
Brenton, Robert 8/9:40
Bridge, Grady S 5:31
Bright, J. Calvin 3:3,5:31
Brighton, Hattie 11:31
Brooks, Harlan 1:31
Brosey, Hazel K 10:19
Brower, Emily K 7:31
Brown, Clarence 8/9:40
Brown, Dallas 8/9:40
Brown, Florence 5:31
Brown, Herbert 1:31
Brownsberger, Roland 6:30, 7:31
Brubaker, Edyth 5:31
Brubaker, Edyth B 3:31
Brubaker, Elizabeth 5:31
Brubaker, Nina 5:31
Brubaker, Nina T 3:31
Brumbaugh, Emma 5:31
Brumbaugh, John W 7:31
Brumbaugh, Robert 5:31
Bryant, Loral 11:31
Bryant, Mary 10:19
Buchanan, Robert 11:31
Bucher, Cyrus 1:31, 2:31
Bucher, Cyrus G 5:31
Bucher, Harold 12:26
Buhrt, Lewis 8/9:40
Buracker, Laura V 10:19
Burkholder, Evelyn 7:31
Burkholder, John 6:30
Busch, Ada C 10:19
Butler, Weldon 12:26
Byrd, Elsie 12:26
Cain, Ida F 3:31
Caldwell, Christine 12:26
Calhoun, Gladys 12:26
Cameron, Don 10:19
Caplinger, Emma 8/9:40
Caricofe, Orpha 2:31
Carney, Iva 8/9:40
Carr, Kim A 5:31
Carrier, Edith 12:26
Cassell, Eva 12:26
Cassidy, Ann L 5:31
Chaney, Mararet L 5:31
Chronister, Preston E 5:31
Clark, Willis 5:31
Clary, Fay 1:31
Clatterbuck, Lois C 3:31
Clements, Mildred 7:31
Click, Freddie A 6:30
Clinedinst Jr., Theodore E 3:31
Clinedinst, Nina 11:31
Coffman, Betty 11:31
Coffman, Clarence E 5:31
Coffman, George S 10:19
Coffman, Miller 11:31
Coffman, Ray 11:31
Collar, Brittany 7:31
Combs, Mildred B 3:31
Comer, Mamie V.H 10:19
Compton, Kevin 11:31
Compton, Oliva C 7:31
Compton, Olivia 6:30
Conner, A'dra 6:30
Cook, Alice 6:30
Cook, Mary Ann 10:19
Cook, Rebecca C 3:31
Cook, Wayne 6:30
Cooper, Eva B 5:31
Cooper, Hazel 8/9:40
Cooper, Lamar 7:31
Cooper, Troy 2:31, 5::31
Cooper, William M 5:31
Copenhaver, Mable 5:31
Corle, Grace E 5:31
Cotter, Rhea 1:31
Couchenour, Jack 6:30
Courtney, Mary 2:31
Covale, Elsie M 5:31
Covart, Mary G 5:31
Cowger, Frank M 8/9:40
Cramer, Charles 11:31
Craun, Charles 1:31
Craven, Margaret 5:31
Cripe, Harry 11:31
Crossan, Thomas Jr 5:31
Grouse, William 7:31
Cullison, Oscar T 5:31
Culp, Edna 5:31
Gulp, Nazel V 5:31
Cummings, Shelle L 5:31
Cupp, Harold W 5:31
Dann,Opal 8/9:40
DeBolt, Leota V 7:31
DeHart, Freeda 2:31
OeLane, Fred 10:19
Delawder, Ernest B 5:31
Delawder, Lefa G 5:31
Dellenbach, Glenn 11:31
DeLong, Frank 5:31
Demmitt, Floyd A 5:31
Dennett, Louise D 3:31
Dennison, Dorothy Brown 1:3
Derr, Alma M 10:19
Derringer, Norma 5:31
Deterline, Floyd 5:31
Detrow, Levi 10:19
Detrow, Lucille 10:19
DeWitt, Janet 11:31
Dickey, Clara 1 5:31
Diehl,Ivan 11:31
Diehl, Lynwood 11:31
Diehl, Robert 2:31
Dilly, Oliver 5:31
Dilly, Prudence 5:31
Dise, Lois Shaffer 11:31
Doolen, Guy 7:31
Dresher, Naomi 5:31
Drewry, James 11:31
Driver, Dorothy 5:31
Driver, Martin 11:31
Dubble, Cora S 3:31
Dudley, Goldie 11:31
Dunmore, Frances 10:19
Dunn, Opal 11:31
Earhart, Nina 1:31
Early, Maxine 2:31
Early, Meda 11:31
Earon, Terry 1:31
Eaton, Evelyn 11:31
Ebersole, Dorothy E 6:30
Ebersole, Marion 12:26
Ebie. Galen 5:31
Eby, Felicia 12:26
Eckard, Hubert 8 10:19
Eckhard, Frances J 7:31
Eckhard, Mary B 7:31
Edris, Harold 1:31
Edris, Marie E 3:31
Eichelberger, Stewart 1:31
Eigenbrode, Merle C 5:31
Eisenhower, Mildred 3:31
Enderd, J. Harry 7:31
Engle, Emma 5:31
Engle, J. Harold 5:31
English, Mary E 8/9:40
Erb, Samuel 7:31
Emswiler, Everette 12:26
Emswiler, Martha 12:26
Eshleman, Roy 1:31
Evans, Jessie V 5:31
Fahnestock, Ray C 5:31
Fahs, Elmer H 7:31
Farrell, Irene M 5:31
Fasick, Hazel 1:31
Faught, Jared 6:30
Feather, Maud J 10:19
Feeney, Lester 8/9:40
Ferguson, Clarence 12:26
Ferguson, Robert E 7:31
Fifer, Mary C 5:31
Fifer, Ora 12:26
Fike, Lester 3:31, 5:31
Fiorello, Peggy 12:26
Fitzsimmons, Leonard 12:26
Fleegle, Howard 12:26
Flinn, Lois P 8/9:40
Flora, Claude 12:26
Flora, Jake 5:31
Flory, Mary 5:31
Fogle, Carrie 2:31
Fonts, S- Russell 6:30
Forbes, Thomas 1:31
Forney, Anna 5:31
Forney, Anna E 3:31
Forsyth, Florence 5:31
Foots, S. Russell 8/9:40
Fry, Helen 10:19
Fryman, Darrell 8/9:40
Fryman, Lavonne 6:30
Frymyer. Naomi 1:31, 2:31
Fulcher, Minnie S 7:31
Fulk, Howard 7:31
Fulk, Johny E 10:19
Fulk, Lena T 6:30
Funkhouser, Alvin 10:19, 12:26
Funkhouser, Madeline 8/9:40
Gaag, Blanche 6:30
Gainer, Maria 6:30
Gainer, Maris H 3:31
Ganger, Mary E 8/9:40
Garber, Esther 8/9:40
Garbcr, Jeannette M 10:19
Games, Helen 7:31
Garns, Helen 6:30
Garrett, Mary 12:26
Gausman, Elmer 8/9:40
Gettins, Elizabeth 1:31
Gibble, Ella 6:30
Gibble, Ella E 3:31
Gibble, Ira 2:31
Gibbs. Charles 6:30
Gilkerson, Carlos 12:26
Ginder, Menno 2:31
Glick, Frank J 6:30
Glover, Alma M 6:30
Godfrey, Cletus J 10:19
Good, Clifford 8/9:401 '.
Good, Edward W 6:30:
Good, Pauline M 7:31i ,
Gottlieb, Mirian 10:191
Gottlieb, Robert 6:30!
Gottlieb, Robert J 3:31,
Graham, Beulah 12:26-
Grant, Ruth 6:301
Graver, Frank 7:31
Graybill, Miriam 8/9:401
Green, Alice 12:26
Green, Alice L 6:301
Green, Elsie S 6:30
Green, Guira 2:31 i
Griffith, Marie R 7:31
Grim, Elvera 1:31'
Grimley, John B 11:3
Groft, Catherine 7:31
Grossnickle, Jason 2:31:
Grote, Harold 2:31
Groth, Margaret 2:31
Grove, Gilbert 8/9:40
Grove, Glen 8/9:40:
Grove, Mildred 1:31
Grubb,Luke 2:31
Grubb, Luke R 3:31
Grumling, Thomas 11:31
Guerin, Gladys 6:30
Gutshell, Iva P 8/9:40J
Hackman, Mildred 6:30, 7:31
Hackman, Naomi 2:31
Hager, Neva M 6:301
Halfhill, Clyde 8/9:401
Halley, Arvilla 11:31 i
Hamberger, Walter 11:31 ,
Hammon, Mary 11:31 i,
Hansen, Gayle 6:30 i
Hantz, Kathryn 2:31 '•
Hardy, Estella 8/9:40
Harlow, Charles 6:30 ■
Harman, Alvin 1:31
Harman, Eva 1:31
Harmon, Florence 11:31
Harnage, Ivey 10:19
Harriger, Jane 6:30
Harris, Glenn M 6:30
Harshbarger, Charles 6:30
Harshbarger, Patience 7:31, 10:19
Hartle,Mac 11:31
Hartman, Albert 11:31
Hartman, Wilmer B 6:30
Hasselwander, Walter 2:31
Hassinger, Mae 1:31
Hassinger, Mary 11:31
Hathaway, Charles R 8/9:40
Hathaway, Richard 11:31
Hauger, John 11:31
Haugh, Reginald C 6:30
Hawbaker, Aden 1:31
Hawbaker, Paul G 6:30
Hawk, Ruth 10:19
Hearn, Lillian 6:30
Heckman, Delia M 6:30
Heckman, Glenn 11:31
Hedrick, Gladys L 3:31
Held, LaVonne 6:30
Heidorn, Crawfor 11:31
Heinbaugh, Feme 6:30
Heinbuch, Kenneth 6:30
Heiny, Maurice 11:31
Heisey, Kreider M 3:31
Heisey, Richard B 8/9:40
Hendrickson, Henry 6:30
Hendrickson, Lucy 3:31
Henry, Alma 6:30
Herring, Alonzo E 6:30
Hertzog, Ira B 6:30
Hertzog, Jacob 1:31
Hertzog, Raymond 6:30
Hertzog, Raymond F 3:31
Hess, Sherman 6:30
Hicks, Catherine 6:30
Higgs, Miller 6:30
Himelright, William 6:30
Hinegardner, Benjamin 1:31
Hirsch, Margaret 8/9:40, 11:31
Hite, Sarah 1:31
Hodgden, Marshall 1:31
Hodge, Dora J 3:31
Hodge, Dorothy 1:31
Hodge, Richard 11:31
Hodges, Mary 11:31
Hodgson, Bessi 8/9:40
Hoffer, Loa 8/9:40
Hoffman, Chalmer 1:31
Hoffman, Galen 6:30
Hoffman, Robert 6:30
Hoffman, Thomas 6:30
Holloway, Wilma 6:30
Honsaker, Clifford 1:31
Hoover, Annie A 6:30
Hoover, Dean 6:30
Hoover, Galen 7:31
Hoover, Mildred 6:30
Hoover, Ola 11:31
Hoover, Ola May 10:19
Hoover, Roger K 6:30
Hopkins, Edward M 6:30
Hopkins, Louise 6:30
Hopson, Myrtel 10:19
Horein, Fern 6:30
Hosaflook, Addle 6:30
Hosletter, Jennie 2:31
Hostetler, Esther 10:19
30 Messenger December 1997
Hosteller, Retha 7;31
Hotham, Mary 6:30
Housdon, James 11:31
Housel. Mona 6:30
Howdyshell, Blanche 6:30
Howdysriell, Cleta B 3:31
Howdyshell, Margaret 6:30
.Hoy, Viola 1:31
Hudkins, Ellen 6:30
Hudson. Mary 6:30
Huff. Russell 6:31
Huffman. Ray 11:31
Hummel. Norma 6:31
Humphreys. Josepfi L 3:31
Hunt, John M 7:31
Hunter, Roxie V 7:31
Hurst. Esther 10:19
Hurst. Esther 11:31
Hylton, Amy 6:31
Iltenberry, Effie E 3:31
Ingles, Pearl 7:31
Innerst, George 6:31
Jacobs. Elizabeth 11:31
Jamison. Eulalia 11:31
Jarrels. Harold 11:31
Jarrels. Kemper R 8/9:40
Jarrett. Fannie 2:31
Johnson. Audrey 2:31
Johnson, Mabelle 6:31
Johnson, Russell T 6:31
Johnson, Truman 11:31
Jones, Quince 7:31
Jordan, John 10:19
Joseph, John 6:31
Judy. Belinda 6:31
Judy. Bernice 6:31
Junkermeier, Gene 2:31
Kamer. Elizabeth 10:19
Kanady.Sue 6:31
Kauftman. Ellen 11:31
Kauffman. Helen M 8/9:40
Kauffman. Ruth 7:31
Keefer, Darlene 7:31
Keener, Lucille 6:31
Keeney, Esther B 10:19
Keeny. Doris 1:31
Keeny. Gladys 11:31
Keister. Paul 11:31
Keller. Edna 1:31
Keller. Elsie 1:31
Keller. Wilma 1:31
Kenney. Eldndge W 3:31
Keplinger, John 6:31
Kepner, Edna Mae 6:31
Kerr, John
1:31
Kesler, Ilah 8/9:40
Killian, Ruth 8/9:40
Kilmer. Carl 8/9:40
Kimble. Vauda M.H 3:31
Kimmel. Evelyn 7:31
Kimmel. Mae 6:31
King, Alma 11:31
King. Frank 2:31
King. Harold 2:31
King. Naomi 10:19
Kinkead, Ellen 6:31
Kinzie, Etfiel 6:31
Kipp, Marsha 11:31
Kiracofe. Efeanor E 3:31
Kiracofe. Erma 2:31
Kisamore, Annie 6:31
Kissinger. Josephine 2:31
Kitchel. Minnie 11:31
Kline. Ellen 6:31
Kline, Homer R 10:19
Kline, Irene B 6:31
Knapp, Martha 8/9:40
Knaub, Mary C 6:31
Knechel. Sharon 11:31
Knicely. George 6:31
Knicely, George R 3:31
Knisley. Velma 1 8/9:40
Knox, Charles 10:19
Knupp, Roger W 3:31
Koehler, Christian B 3:31
Kohne. Ervie C 7:31
Kolp. Leola 6:31
Konkey, Robert 6:31
Koontz. Fern 11:31
Krall, Ethel M 3:31
Kreitzer. Mary 2:31
Kuhar. Jennie 6:31
Kuhar. Jennie 2:31
Kuhn. Donna 8/9:40
Kulp.Mary 2:31
Kurtz. Paul M 6:31
Kuykendall. Charles 11:31
Lambert, Betty J 6:31
Landes. Evagene 2:31
Landis. Walter 8/9:40
Lane, (^alen 6:31
Langham. Edna 6:31
Lantz. Charles 2:31
Lantz. Romaine 6:31
Lapham. H. Eugene 6:31
Large, Alonzo 6:31
Lasley, Doris 12:2
Lasterson. Esther 6:31
Lausch. Jean M 7:31
Lauver, Ada 11:31
Lauver, Dorothy 6:31
Leake. Charles E 8/9:40
Leaman. Docas M 10:19
Lease. Martha 11:31
Leatherman, Dorothy 2:31
Leek. Mary 2:31
Leckrone. Joe K. 6:31
Ledbetter, Gladys 2:31
Lee, Annie G 3:31
Lee. Max E 8/9:40
Leffel. Edith 6:31
Leffler. Georgiana E 3:31
Lehman, Ada 2:31
Lehman, Cecilia 10:19
Lehman, Kim 6:31
Lehman, Kim C 7:31
Lehman, Margaret 2:31
Lehman, Margaret M 6:31
Lehman, Mary Jane 6:31
Lehman, Ralph 6:31
Lentz. Margaret 6:31
Leonard, Josephine 8/9:40
Lester, Minneah 2:31
Lev/allen. Mary 11:31
Lewis, Betty L 10:19
Lewis. Donald 6:31
Lewis, Kennedy E. 7:31
Lewis, Virginia 6:31
Lewrew, Alverta 6:31
Lindamood. Charles 0 3:31
Lindamood. Roger L 7:31
Link, Carl R 10:19
Litten, Elizabeth W 3:31
Livenwood. Edwin 10:19
Livingston, Virginia 6:31
Lloyd, Cornelius 10:19
Lobb. Richard 6:31
Lohr, Milton 6:31
Long, Helen E 6:31
Long, Rodney 6:31
Long, Stella F 3:31, 6:31
Longenecker, Anna E 7:31
Longenecker. Earl 11:31
Lukens, Gladys 11:31
Lusk, Mary Jane 6:31
Lutz. Anna 8/9:40
Lutz, Harold J 8/9:40
Lutz. John 6:31
MacFarland. Evelyn 2:31
Machowiak. David 8/9:40
MacLeod, Robert 6:31
Main, Lorene 2:31
Manges, George 11:31
Marks. Charles F 10:19
Marsh. Robert 8/9:40
Marston, Linden 11:31
Martin. Katie 2:31
Martin. Lena 8/9:40
Martin. Orphia 6:31
Martin. Wilma J 10:19
Martz, James 11:31
Martzall, Elsie W 8/9:40
Martzall. Warren E 6:31
Mason. Erika L 3:31
Mason. Ida 2:31
Mason, Roy H 10:19
Mason. Roy H 8/9:40
Massimore. Earl F 10:19
Mastcrson, Esther 10:19
Mathews. Walter E 6:31
Mauck. Catherine V 3:31
Mauzy. Carl 2:31
Mauzy. James 11:31
Maxwell. Clarence 6:31
May, Charles K 3:31
May, Clifford E 8/9:40
McCann, Douglas 2:31
McClanahan, George 6:31
McCreary. Lloyd 11:31
McDaniel. Annie 6:31
McDaniel, Archie 11:31
McDonald. George 11:31
McDonald. Lillian 6:31
McGraw, Clara 6:31
McGuffin, Lois 2:31
McKendree. Sherrii 12:26
McMullen, Martha 6:31
McQuin. Allison 6:31
McQuin, Margaret 12:26
Meador. Hazel 12:26
Mellinger. Paul 10:19
Mellott, Bretherd 10:19
Mentzer, Melvin 2:31, 6:31
Method, Kathryn 6:31
Meyers, Janet L 7:31
Miles, Alma 12:26
Miles, Lillian 6:31
Miles, Ruth S 8/9:40
Miller, Dale V 7:31
Miller, DeWitt L 7:3, 10:19
Miller, Donna 8/9:40
Miller, Esther 12:26
Miller, Frank 6:31
Miller, Galen R 6:31
Miller, Harold 10:19
Miller, Harry C 6:31
Miller, Ira 8/9:40
Miller, J. Mark 6:31
Miller. Janet L 6:31
Miller. Martha 12:26
Miller. Melvin 8/9:40
Miller. Pamela 12:26
Miller, Raymond 2:31
Miller, Sophie 2:31
Miller, Verna 2:31
Miller, Versal 6:31
Miller, Martha 10:19
Minnich, Vera L 7:31
Minnick, Leona M 6:31
Mock, Betty 12:26
Mock, BIy 2:31
Mohler, John P 7:31
Mohler, Marie 12:26
Mohler, Virginia 12:26
Mohr, Robert B 10:19
Monn, Roger K 10:19
Montel, Ruble 6:31
Moore, Harold 6:31
Morgan, Floyd 12:26
Morningstar, Jean 8/9:40, 12:26
Morral, Janet E 7:31
Morrison, Howard 12:26
Mortland, Miriam 8/9:40
Moser,Edna 10:19
Motley, Vergie R 3:31
Moyer, Virgil 2:31
Moyers, Boyd 6:31
Movers, Grayson L 6:31
Moyers, Stephanie 12:26
Mull, Martin 2:31
Mumaw, Amos 7:31
Mumma, Esta 2:31
Mummert. Sheldon 2:31
Mummey. Willis 2:31
Myer. Clara B 3:3, 3:31, 6:31
Myer, Paul Kurtz 3:31
Myer, Ralph 8/9:40
Myers, Harold 2:31
Myers, James W 6:31
Myers, Letha A 6:31
Myers, Loretta 2:31
Naff, Herman C 7:31
Naff, Wesley 2:31
Nedrow, Louella 10:19
Neff, William 6:31
Neff, Wilmer, E 3:31
Nelson, Jesse 12:26
Nicholson, Mildred 2:31
Nickler, Zelma 8/9:40
Niehols, Cora 2:31
Nies, Raleigh 2:31
Nissley, Anna 8/9:40
Nissly, Ralph H 3:31
Noventy, Helen 6:31
Nugent, Herman F 6:31
Nutter, Barnee 6:31
Ober, D. Kenneth 6:31, 7:31
Ober, Mildred 2:31
Oberdick, James E 6:31
Obcrholtzer, Clair 3:31
Odem, James 6:31
Ohmart, Bernadine 2:31
Old, Maxwell 6:31
Ord, Clarence 12:26
Orebaugh, Charlotte R 3:31
Oren, Harold A 8/9:40
Orendorf, Beatrice 6:31
Orr, William 8/9:40
Orwig, John E 6:31
Ott, Clara 12:26
Ours, George 0 6:31
Overdorff, Harry 6:31
Owen, Morgan 12:26
Oyler, Mary Jane 12:26
Painter, Lisa A 3:31
Painter, Violet 12:26
Painter, Rosa 6:31
Paris, Dortha J 7:31
Parker, Martha Neiderhiser ....4:3, 6:31
Peer, Vincent E 3:31
Pelletier, Virginia 12:26
Pence, Marie 0 7:31
Pence, Marie 11:31
Pennington, Asa 6:31
Pennington, William 6:31
Pepple, Sarah A 6:31
Perdue, May 12:26
Perkins, Maxine 12:26
Perry, Julie 2:31
Peterson, Beulah B 7:31
Petterson, Josephine 12:26
Phillips, Georgiana 6:31
Phillips, Robert 6:31
Phillips, Wilda 2:31
Phillips, William M 3:31, 6:31
Pickeral, Larry 2:31
Plaugher, Erma J 11:31
Plum, Lowell 11:31
Plummer, Ethel 6:31
Plunkett, Galen P 7:31
Poling, Lucy 2:31
Polk, Glenn E 3:31
Popp, Louis 6:31
Poter, Jeff 6:31
Proctor, Ruth 7:31
Procter, Ruth E 6:31
Prophet, Waldo 12:26
Putney, Beth 6:31
Pugh, Lawrence 12:26
Ramer, Lottie 2:31
Ratlief. Velma 12:26
Ratliff, Olin G 7:31
Rattz, Lester 12:26
Reed, Gladys 12:26
Reed, Herbert 8/9:40
Reed, Martha 6:31
Reeds, Elizabeth 11:31
Reeves, Ernie 2:31
Regnier, Ruth 12:26
Reid, Rosie K.S 3:31
Reiman, Claire 2:31
Renner, Gladys 2:31
Resser, Lynda M 6:31
Ressler, Rhode 6:31
Rhodes, Nellie M 7:31
Rigney, Mary L 7:31, 11:31
Rimel, Dorothy V 6:31
Rinehart, Mary 6:31
Riner, Glendon 6:31
Rinsland, Helen 12:26
Risden, John 8/9:40
Ritchey, Arthur 2:31
Ritchey, Ethel M 6:31
Ritchie, Frank 12:26
Ritchie, John W 3:31
Ritchie, Virgil 6:31
Rittle, John 2:31
Roberts, George, Jr 6:31
Robertson, Carrie C 3:31
Robertson, Ruby G 7:31
Robinett, Frank 8/9:40
Robison, Clyde 12:26
Robison, Hamill 6:31
Roddy, Caitlyn 6:31
Rody, George 2:31
Rolston, Megrum 6:31
Roose, Marion 12:26
Rose, Mildred 12:26
Ross, Delmar E 3:31
Rotenberger, Linford J 1:3, 2:31
Rotz, Clarence 7:31
Roudybush, Howard 6:31
Rowe, Cora E 8/9:40
Roy, Albert 8/9:40
Rudy, Ada 6:31
Rudy, Monroe 6:31
Rudy, Ray H 6:31
Runion, Delia 11:31
Rupel, Claude 12:26
Rupel, Lucy W 6:31
Sager, Frances E 7:31
Sager, Preston L 3:31
Salmons, Edna E 7:31
Salonen, John 2:31
Sampson. Walter L 3:31
Sanderson. Miriam 11:31
Sands, Melba 2:31
Sanford. Lyia 2:31
Sanger. Lillian R 3:31, 6:31
Saul, Bobby Lee 6:31
Saylor, Rhonda 2:31
Scott, Charlena N 3:31
Scott, Dorothy 2:31
Scrogham, Samuel 12:26
Seeders, Paul 2:31
Sellers, Lydia C 6:31
Seilhamer, Joann 6:31
Sell, Emma E 6:31
Sencindiver, Ruth 6:31
Sencindiver. Ruth V 7:31
Senger, Russell 2:31
Shafer. Oren 6:31
Shaffer. Doris 12:26
Shaffer. John 12:26
Shaffer. J. Robert 11:31
Shaffer, Steven L 6:31
Shamberger, Chauncey 12:2
Shanaman, Fredrick L., Jr.. .6:31, 12:26
Shank, Grace 7:31
Sharon, Amanda 6:31
Shearer, Leon 7:31
Shelly, John S 3:31
Sherman, Lester 6:31
Sherman, Wade 6:31
Shetter, Huber D 6:31
Shifflett, Arthur F 3:31
Shipe, Rachel 12:26
Shiplett, Lester 12:26
Shirkey, Ruth R 3:31
Shirley, Lee 2:31
Shmid, Matilda 6:31
Shobe, Maxine 12:26
Shoemaker, Barry 6:31
Shoemaker, Earl 6:31
Shoemaker. Timmy R 3:31
Show. James 2:31
Showalter. Susan C 7:31
Showalter. Walter 6:31
Shue. James 1 3:31
Shull. M. Gladys 6:31
Simmons. E. Glenn 3:31
Simmons. Suzon 2:31
Simpson. Lee G 6:31
Small. Ruth V 3:31
Smith, Beverly 6:31
Smith, Dallas S 3:31
Smith, Eleanora 2:31
Smith, Elmer S 6:31
Smith, Hazel J 7:31
Smith, Lawrence 11:31
Smith, Robert 3:31
Smith, Vcrnice 3:31
Snader, Barbara 3:31
Snavel, Martha 6:31
Snavely, Dale 11:31
Snavely, Martha G 3:31
Snyder, Emerson 3:31, 6:31
Snyder, Reed 6:31
Sonafrank, Delia 3:31
Sortzi Sr., Cornell 3:31
Spangler, Hazel 3:31
Sparkes, Mary 3:31
Speicher, Genita B 3:31
Spencer, Marri 6:31
Spitler, Clark W 6:31
Sponaugle, Conda R 11:31
Stanton, John 6:31
Statler, Irene 6:31
Stauffer, Grace 3:31
Stees, Alice 11:31
Steiner, John C 6:31
Stephen, Carl 3:31
Sterner, Noah 6:31
Stevens, Clayton L 3:31
Stine, Benjamin A 11:31
Stirling, Stan 3:31
Stoersand, Ervin 6:31
Stombaugh, Lester 6:31
Stone. Lorene 3:31
Stotlemyer, Frances 6:31
Stover. Evelyn M 6:31
Strickler. Thelma M 6:31
Stroop. Jeanette E 3:31
Studebaker, Stanley 3:31
Stull, E. Lorain 6:31
Stump, Harley 6:31
Stump, June F 8/9:40
Stumpf, J. Adam 6:31
Stumpf, Jacob A 3:31
Slutzman, Earl 7:31
Stutzman. Ruth 6:31
Sumey, Lewis 6:31
Summers, Alfred F 3:31
Suter Hazel C 3:31
Sutton, Edward 6:31
Swisher, Mantie 6:31
Sword, Charlie 3:31
Sypherd, Lena 6:31
Tawney, Lewis 6:31
Taylor, Erma 7:31
Taylor. Lucille J 3:31. 6:31
Thomas. David Sr 6:31
Thomas. Nettie 7:31
Thompson. Grace 6:31
Thompson. Marvin 8/9:40
Thome. William 7:31
Throne, Feme C 7:31
Tribbey. James 11:31
Troup. Dessie 6:31
Truax. Floyd 3:31
Truax, Harry 7:31
Turner. Agnes 1 3:31
Turner, Hazel 3:31
Tuttle, Elvin 11:31
Upham, Jack 6:31
Vaniman, Glenn 6:31
VanNatta, Sue 11:31
Varnes. Eugene 3:31
Von Dyke, Ruth 6:31
Vore, Roger 6:31
Vought, Anna 3:31
Wade, Helen 6:31
Wagner, Paul 8/9:40
Waite, Evelyn C 8/9:40
Walker, Ivan 7:31
Walker, Mary 6:31
Walker, Mary W 3:31
Warner, Norma E 11:31
Watkins, Wilma 6:31
Watt, Doris 3:31
Watts, Doris 6:31
Wean, Earl G 11:31
Weaver, Everett 3:31
Weaver, Grace 3:31
Weaver, Linda J 3:31, 6:31
Weaver, Mabel V 11:31
Weaver, Rebecca M 8/9:40
Weaver, Urban 8/9:40
Weddle, Ethel H 11:31
Wenger, Edwin A 3:31
Wenger, Jay 1 7:31
Wenger, John H 7:31
Wertenberger, Dale 6:31
Wesner, Donald R 6:31
Westfall, Bill 6:31
Weyandt, Archie 3:31
Whalen, Christopher 8/9:40
Whetzel, Ronald 6:31
White, Thomas L 11:31
Wiele, Sherrii 7:31
Wilkins, Harvey F 6:31
Willey, Irene 6:31
Williams, Alice M 3:31
Williams, Stanley 7:31
Wilson, Charles 6:31
Wilt, Diana 3:31
Winand, Carl 3:31
Wine, Isaac J 11:31
Wineland, Zola 6:31
Winland, Viola 6:31
Winter, Mary E 6:31
Wise, Jesse 6:31
Wise, Levi 3:31
Wisler, Claude 3:31
Wisman, James 0 3:31
Witmer, George 8/9:40
Witmore, Nora 6:31
Wolf, Irene R 6:31
Wolf, Leona G 7:31
Wolfe, Galen 6:31
Worthington, Mary 6:31
Wright, Hester 6:31
Wright, Mary C 7:31
Wright, Rayford E 7:31
Voder, Alice 3:31
Voder, Eguene 6:31
Voder, Erma 6:31
Voder, Russell 6:31
Yohn, C. Samuel 6:31
York, Dora S 3:31
Young, Robert 3:31
Zellers, Abram B 11:31
Zimmerman, Donald 7:31
Zimmerman, Dora 8/9:40
Zimmerman, Jean 6:31
Zimmerman. Marian 3:31
Zimmerman. Virginia 1 7:31
Zirkle, Sarah F.G 3:31
Zook, J. Herbert 7:31
December 1997 Messenger 31
The dickens of being Scrooge
It says a lot about the size of the world we operate in
that our December cover story was/avet/ from Nairobi,
Kenya, still warm from the hands of writer Merlyn Ket-
tering. The article was late, and I was starting my editorial
(usually the last piece to put into place) when it came in. But
I knew I wasn't dependent on a slow boat from Mombasa.
Nairobi is just here in the suburbs of today's "global village."
1 had foreknowledge of the article's thrust, for it was
commissioned and designed to undergird our Christmas
Achievement Offering emphasis. But as 1 read it, I still
found myself personally wrestling anew with an ongoing
question for us "global villagers": Which neighbor and
whose poor am I to respond to?
1 have had a life-long habit of avoiding unpleasant duties
and obligations by impulsively giving higher priority to some-
thing else . . . preferably something else that is
rich young ruler grappled with, Paul spoke for us all as he
wrote, "I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do (
what I want, but I do the very thing I hate" (Rom. 7:15).
Very few of us get beyond making such an admission.
Helen Prejean (November, page 1 7) claims she got beyond
it by realizing, even as one who had "kept the command-
ments," that "to follow lesus Christ ... I couldn't simply
pray for poor folk, yet live apart from them. I had to
embrace their struggles."
I have known for a long time that I wasn't doing too
well with the eye of the needle, not only on the posses-
sions question, but on a lot of other questions as well.
And this has gotten more bothersome as I have grown in
awareness of the "global village" situation we live in
today. Have 1 got to worry about Sudan?
One's world was smaller in Jesus'
pleasant and distracting. 1 suppose the same lOuuy OUl ncl^nuOi S time. One didn't have to go even as far as
human frailty is at work in avoiding the hard n^^A rtjiy jinnr fnjbc nrp I^richo in order to satisfy both the letter
parts, the basic parts, of the New Testament. r J \ gjid the spirit of the law governing neigh-
Take the story of the man we commonly call pCOpLc SpVCUu ull 0V6V borliness. And if the rich young ruler had
the globe. We've got
the whole world on
our hands. What's a
"the rich young ruler" (Matt. 19: 16-24; Mark
10:17-25; Luke 18:18-25). He wasn't like the
Pharisees, trying to entrap lesus with his own
words. He was in earnest when he asked lesus
what to do to have eternal life. Okay, maybe he
did expect lesus to say, "Son, no sweat. You've
in fact, gone and sold his possessions and
given his money to the poor, he would
have distributed it among the needy folks
right there in his own community — "the
region of )udea beyond the Jordan."
Today our neighbors and our poor
got it made. You aren't wearing all those Sunday gOOu K^ni ISlian lO UO folks are people spread all over the
school attendance pins for nothing." But at least 1^^ ^ rn'sF lihf that'? globe. We've got the whole world on our
he was earnest in desiring eternal life.
When lesus spoke of keeping the commandments, the
young man took heart. He had kept them all, he claimed,
even loving his neighbor as himself. But, just to be sure, he
asked lesus, "What do I still lack?"
That's when the wind was taken out of his sails. He was
devastated by Jesus' response: "Go, sell your possessions, and
give the money to the poor . . . and then come, follow me."
The story ends with the young man going away "griev-
ing, for he had many possessions." The scripture doesn't
say what became of him. Was he grieving because it was
going to hurt so bad to give up his possessions? Or was he
grieving because he knew he couldn't bear to give them
up? (And, yet . . . oh, he did so want eternal life.)
I am sure it was the latter case. 1 know, because I am
that rich young ruler. And so is virtually everyone else who
claims to be a Christian. When it gets down to the nitty-
gritty parts of Jesus' demands on our lives, we say, "Uh-uh.
We sure like what you're doing. Lord, and, listen, we'll
write you a check. But this part about giving everything up
is just too hard. It's, well, not practical." And we camels are
stopped at the eye of the needle.
Paul touched on the same problem that defeated the rich
young ruler, albeit in a less down-to-earth way. Speaking of
sin in general, instead of a specific shoctcoming such as the
hands. What's a good Christian to do in
a case like that? Sudan yet? See what I mean?
I was just reading an interview with Wendell Berry, the
poet, essayist, and fiction writer, who "has a passionate
love for the land and a concern that people live in responsi-
ble relationship with the land and with one another."
Believing that "it has been too easy to be 'a good Christ-
ian' while destroying the world that (we are told) God
loves," Berry says "that if Christians quit worrying about
being 'Christians' or church members and just undertook to
do what Christ told them to do — love one another, love
their enemies, take care of the helpless and the friendless
and the unworthy and the no-account — then the 'church'
might sooner or later dissolve into something much better."
Berry was speaking more out of an environmental con-
cern that out of a desire to have eternal life, but what is
required in either case is essentially the same.
w;
1 1 !3
'hether admitted or not, for many Christians, the
^main purpose of their religion is its social utility.
But for me and others, there is the radical com-
mandment at the core of the gospel that requires one to
make a gift oi everything. It haunts us like Scrooge's ghosts.
How are you coming along with your Christmas gift
list?— K.T
32 Messenger December 1997
1998 Church of the Brethren Workcamps
Young Adult
Senior High Youth
Junior High Youth
San Salvador, El Salvador
June 5-14, 1998
Dominican Republic (BRF)
June 14-23, 1998
St. Croix, Virgin Islands
June 22-28, 1998
risburg, Pennsylvania
June 17-21, 1998
Orlando, Florida
July 5-9, 1998
Indianapolis, Indiana
July 8-12, 1998
Washington, D.C.
August 12-16, 1998
For more information, contact
Youth and Young Adult Ministries Office
Church of the Brethren General Board
1451 Dundee Avenue
Elgin, Illinois 60120
(847)742-5100 (800)323-8039
I oungsters three and four
look like toddlers when mal-
nourishment takes oven This
is the condition of 38 percent
of North Korea's children
under five.
Mass starvation in slow
motion: that's what world
food experts see unfolding in
North Korea. Periods of merci-
less rain, a season of drought,
and a recent tidal wave on the
west coast compound recov-
ery. At stake is the peace and
stability of a people and a
peninsula.
While the Church of the
Brethren's past shipments of
rice, canned beef, barley
seed, seed corn, and, most
recently, winter wheat carry a
value of nearly a half million
dollars, the cry resounds for
our ongoing response. The
newly established goal of the
Global Food Crisis Fund for
North Korea, from now
through Lent and Pente-
cost, is $100,000.
To the most recent Global
Food Crisis Fund appeal of
$75,000 for North Korea, the
Church of the Brethren came
forth with $125,000. The
church invites it members
once again to an outpouring
of love and compassion.
Come to think of it, in a
season of giving in the name
and spirit of Christ, what
more meaningful gift can
you bring?
>S*^
Global Food Crisis Fund
Church of the Brethren General Board, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120
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