the Brethren
Evangelist winter 2017
Notferom the utive or Exec Direct
“Where two or three gather...”
It is early in 2017 but we are already making plans to be together with all of you at the 2017 General Conference this summer. As we gather on the campus of Ashland University, we look forward to how the Holy Spirit will move among us. We lean into the promise we find in scripture where Jesus tells his disciples that His presence is with them when they are together. But Matthew 18 deals with so much more than just having Jesus in our midst when we gather together. Matthew 18:19-20 tells us “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” This teaching from Jesus reminds us that we have power when we are gathered together in Jesus name; that our prayers and requests of God carry weight when we come together in unity before God. Our time together last year was powerful! We called on the Holy Spirit to do a mighty work in us and our prayers did not go unanswered. In preparation for conference this year, I ask that you pray on behalf of your Brothers and Sisters in The Brethren Church. Please pray that we will come together in unity and that the Holy Spirit will be working in and through us as a body of believers. Please pray that we make requests of our Heavenly Father in unity and have the faith to believe that our requests are worthy of fulfillment! We have work to do for the Kingdom! We are knit together as a people and I look forward to celebrating with my family this summer. I know you will be blessed by your attendance. Please make plans to join us at this year’s conference. See you in July,
Steven
contents Note from Executive Director..............................2 The Purpose of Church.........................................3 Shannan Martin
General Conference Speakers..........................5 Conference Schedules..........................................6 Mid-Level Organizational Task Force...............8 by John Swope
Brethren Academy............................................. 10 ENGAGE Conference Information..................12 ENGAGE Conference Speakers...................... 13 Global Partners- Philippines............................ 14 WMS.................................................................... 16 Maker’s Mart...................................................... 17 Bits & Pieces........................................................ 18 Sing Love............................................................. 19 Donation Form.................................................... 20
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524 College Ave. Ashland, OH 44805
The Brethren Church
The Brethren Church National Office
The Purpose
Of Church by Shannan Martin
We walked down the back alley to the church balancing a topped-off bowl of cucumber salad, our bag of paper goods, our Bibles wedged between paper plates, and an unruly stack of napkins. Heat blistered up from the street and radiated down from a cloudless sky. As we passed the pink trailer parked in a neighbor’s back yard, I remembered how pretty it had looked back in February, when it seemed to be the only bright spot of color in a world that defaulted to gray. So much can happen in a year. Given just a bit of perspective — the snow melting into spring, the tiny buds leafing straight up into a hot summer sky — the old pain wrapped in triumph is enough to catch our breath. This alley owns a portion of my heart now. It’s a strange extension of our home, its lines and dips now grafted into my long-term memory. It’s part of what I’ll grab years from now when I want to remember this particular life season, with young kids who aren’t too young, our long days and short years, and the brick building at the end of the alley where God patiently waited for us, near us, with us, as we wrestled against His goodness arriving, at times, in the most inconvenient ways. Six years ago I wondered if church really mattered, “showing up doesn’t make someone a Christian,” and all of that. I asked Abba the hard questions, awaiting vindication, very sure He’d let me clean off the hook. He looked me square in the eyes and with so much kindness, began to answer. He still hasn’t stopped to take a breath. God is showing me the family He has provided for
me on Sunday mornings, Monday evenings, and the lucky Friday night. He’s showing me the profound honor of growing roots into the same rocky soil as people I might not always feel particularly inclined toward. He’s steering me toward brothers and sisters who refuse to turn away from my shadowy heart. He’s sending me people willing to endure my incessant rabbit trails along with my endless questions and hypotheticals. God is refining me through the ministry of easy laughter, frustrating meetings, and haphazard potlucks. We get it so wrong, but He keeps showing up for us, often disguised as each other. He reveals himself, quite improbably, through humans who struggle to get along, who have different opinions, who need a break and want an out. He delivers first-aid through His wild, unruly love wrapped in the human flesh of maxed-out misfits. I know this because on our walk back up the alley after Bible study, my seven-year old wrecked his bike and I got to be the one who washed his cuts and wrapped them in bandages. I, the one who had spent a solid hour earlier the same day grieving my unrecognized entitlement; I, the one who sometimes speaks sarcastically to my children; I, the one who so easily slips beneath the easy weight of martyrdom; I got to tend his wounds. I got to bear a tiny bit of his pain, never mind my shaky qualifications for being worthy of the job. This “mommy” moment is but a tiny pixel in the frame of why a community of saints matters.
The Brethren Evangelist 3
The Purpose of the Church
This is church. It’s you. And me. Bearing burdens, celebrating victories, and trading recipes when a certain lemonberry dessert demands to be shared. You might be a padded chair sort of person and I might lean a bit “Jonathan Edwards” in my proclivity for a solid walnut pew. Maybe you meet in a school or your church happens ev- Shannan, her husband Cory, and their four children ery Tuesday at ten. It doesn’t matter one lick. What God wants for us when it comes to community is that when we wreck our bike, there’s someone not far behind who will drop what they’re holding and sprint to us. What He intends is an earthly family made up of ordinary kids who, empowered only by their Dad’s love, will scoop us up when we’re hurting, walk our bike down the back alley when we can’t ride, kiss our sweaty cheeks, and carry us home. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. {Galatians 6:2}
4 SPRING 2017
Shannan will be speaking at General Conference this year in Ashland. She is the author of Falling Free: Rescued from the Life I Always Wanted.
JAMIE WHITE emcee
Shannan is the author of Falling Free: Rescued from the Life I Always Wanted and blogs at: www.shannanmartinwrites.com
Jamie is the co-planter of Radial Church, alongside her husband Dustin. They live in Canton, OH where they long to see their neighbors and neighborhood transformed into a tiny glimpse of the diversity of the kingdom. She currently is pursuing a Doctorate in Ministry at Ashland Theological Seminary after realizing that a year out of school is just too long to be away. In her spare time she enjoys reading fiction, crafting, and eating donuts with lots of sprinkles.
SHANNAN MARTIN speaker
Shannan Martin is a writer who found her voice in the country and her story in the city. She and her jail chaplain husband, Cory, have four funny children who came to them across oceans and rivers. Having sold their dream farmhouse, they now live entrenched in community on the wrong side of the tracks. They’re surprised every day by God’s goodness.
AU Rec Center 1-5 pm
Opening Celebration Banquet at PSBC gym 5pm SESSION 1 in Upper Convocation Center 7 pm
SESSION 1 Hugo Young Theatre
Morning Worship 9 am
TUESDAY JULY 18
MONDAY JULY 17
GENERALCONFERENCESCHEDULE
ATS Lunch at noon on ATS Campus Combined Worship at 2 pm in Upper Convocation Center
SESSION 2 Upper Convocation Center 7 pm
Beach Party 9 pm
SESSION 2 Hugo Young Theatre
ENGAGECONFERENCEHIGHLIGHTS
SESSION 3 in Upper Convocation Center 7 pm MAKER’S MART 1-5 pm
CEDAR POINT!
THURSDAY JULY 20
WEDNESDAY JULY 19
Business Session 9:30 am Upper Convocation Center
SESSION 4 in Upper Convocation Center 7 pm
Global Partners Dinner at PSBC gym 4:30 pm Combined Worship at 2 pm in Upper Convocation Center
SESSION 3 Hugo Young Theatre
FRIDAY JULY 21
NEW THIS YEAR!!! General Conference Registration is online. Please visit our website to register. Please remember registration for General Conference is different from Credentials. Credentials fees are typically paid by the church, holding a credential determines whether you are a delegate of the conference; and therefore can vote, or you are a guest with no voting privileges during the Business Sessions. It is very important and will help the check in process if everyone registers prior to the start of conference. The registration form also is the place to order any meal tickets. There are three banquets offered this year. Monday evening Opening Conference Celebration Meal ($15), Tuesday ATS lunch hosted on the ATS Campus ($12) and Thursday evening Global Partners Dinner ($20). We hope you make plans now to join us for all these banquets this year, it’s always a good time of fellowship. All meal tickets MUST BE ordered by JULY 3. Again, this year we are offering Kids Conference, which will be held at Park St. Brethren Church. NEW THIS YEAR will be a parent orientation meeting on Monday to ensure all parents know times and details for the Kids Conference. Please make sure at least one parent attends this meeting. KIDS CONFERENCE WILL FOLLOW THE ADULT CONFERENCE SCHEDULE. Each time there is a session, kids conference will be available. After kids are registered, parent will receive more specific information about the week. Kids Conference is for the kids age 4- 5th grade. We will also be offering a nursery for infant to 3 years, the nursery will be located in the Upper Convocation Center where the adults will meet.
Business Session 9:30 am Upper Convocation Center
Clean up & Check out
The Brethren Evangelist 7
REGIONALIZATION AND CHURCH PLANTING FROM THE MID-LEVEL ORGANIZATION TASK FORCE
John Swope
This is another article about the regional reorganization that was adopted by the General Conference. That reorganization includes transitioning from District Mission Boards to allowing the Regional Leadership Team (RLT) to decide how best to promote and support church planting in its region. This article hopes to clarify and provide help for that process. THE IMPORTANCE OF CHURCH PLANTING All Christians are called to share the love and truth of Christ in ways that grow the kingdom of God in the hearts and lives of others. One way that we do that collectively is to help plant new churches where they are most needed. In order to make the most of the resources and op-
8 SPRING 2017
portunities we share, some of our districts have formed a Mission Board to help oversee and support their efforts to plant new churches. This role will continue to be emphasized by the Regional Leadership Team, which will advocate and resource church planting and multiplication within the region. They will be assisted in this task by a Regional Resource Coordinator and MissioChurch. Each RLT will have the freedom to determine the best way to fulfill the responsibility for promoting and supporting church planting in their region. REGIONAL MISSION TEAM One option that RLT’s may choose is to form a team to oversee church planting on their behalf. This team could be made up of members from the region and can be as large or small as the RLT deems adequate for the job. In some cases it may be as simple as having some or most of the current members of the District Mission Board (if there is one) to continue to serve (at least temporarily) in this capacity. The RLT may find value in forming multiple church planting teams spread throughout the region or to work with specific church plants. Another option would be to appoint one or more individuals to be the advocates for church planting in the region. HOW WILL WE TRANSITION FROM A DISTRICT MISSION BOARD TO THE REGIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM OVERSEEING REGIONAL CHURCH PLANTING? When your District is ready to transition to a Region:
1. The newly formed Regional Leadership Team determines how to best promote and support church planting in their region. 2. The RLT implements its decision, either designating a team of those who will oversee this task or allowing the current District Mission Board to transition to a regional team, or appointing individual(s) to advocate church planting in their region. 3. As one of its final acts, the District should encourage congregations to maintain or increase their support for church planting in the future so that church multiplication may continue. HOW WILL THE RLT OR ITS DESIGNEE OVERSEE CHURCH PLANTING? The RLT or its designee will address all matters that pertain to the multiplication of churches in their region. Like any well-functioning team, it will be helpful to have plans and procedures in place to serve as guides for initiating, supporting, and supervising church planters in the region. The Regional Resource Coordinator will be on hand to provide assistance. Anyone interested in the material the Ohio District Mission Board has developed to guide its work may contact John Swope, its current chair, at 419606-4853 or jswope@ashland.edu. HOW WILL FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR CHURCH MULTIPLICATION BE MANAGED? Under the new reorganization, all regional funds will be housed at the National Office, to be disbursed in collaboration with the Regional Leadership Teams. All moneys currently held by District Mission Boards may be designated for church multiplication within their region. Congregations should be encouraged to continue
to fund church planting at the same level or higher than they do currently. It is recommended that churches commit at least 1% of their income for church planting in the region or nationally. Donations for regional church planting will be sent to the Brethren Church National Office to be held for disbursement according to their designation. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE REGIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM OVERSEEING CHURCH PLANTING? The benefits of the reorganization to regions are multifold. Regarding the mission of multiplying churches, the goal is to provide a smooth transition that allows what is working well to continue to do so. Our hope is that vital District Mission Boards will transition easily by assisting RLT’s to oversee the work of planting churches. For districts which do not have a functioning Mission Board, our hope is that the RLT might be able to develop a system that provides custom-fit help to initiate, support and supervise new church plants in their region. Bill Ludwig, director of MissioChurch shares: "This reorganization will offer The Brethren Church more opportunities to work closely together on church multiplication across local, regional and national ministries. I am looking forward to the ways in which this will further the exciting work that Jesus is already doing in our tribe!"
If you have questions about the regional reorganization process, contact Ronald W. Waters at 330-525-7169 or RonaldWWaters@gmail.com.
The Brethren Evangelist 9
JULY 21-28, 2017
WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND? GROW DEEPER IN FAITH Brethren Academy gives you an opportunity to explore challenging questions of faith and learn more about yourself and the world around you. Our sessions, activities, and spiritual formation options will stimulate your spiritual life and give you the resources to abide closely with Christ through the highs and lows of your journey. FORM LASTING FRIENDSHIPS Throughout the week you will form friendships with teens from all over the country with shared experiences and questions. Brethren Academy gives you the opportunity to form meaningful connections with others who are on the same journey as you so that you can encourage each other along the way. EXPERIENCE COLLEGE LIFE Brethren Academy is located on the campus of Ashland University. You will spend a week on campus living in a residence hall, eating in convo (the AU dining hall), worshipping and learning the AU chapel, and learning from experienced faculty and ministry leaders within the denomination. WHY SEND YOUR CHILD TO BRETHREN ACADEMY? Brethren Academy provides a valuable experience for your teenager to explore their faith and calling. Participants will have the unique experience of living on a university campus while growing in relationship with peers in small groups, dorm rooms, and mentors in their undergraduate counselors. WHAT THEY LEARN Students will listen to interactive speakers and discuss challenging ideas in a way that begins to prepare them for academics in college. Most importantly though, your son or daughter will come into contact with their faith in a way that expands their understanding of who Christ is, how their faith community shapes their identity, and how their unique gifts and personality can change the world. GAINING DEEPER SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING Ashland University and Ashland Theological Seminary operate with the conviction that preparing leaders for tomorrow requires more than clarifying calling and building competency. Maturity requires a firm understanding of our core identity and depth of character. Our ministry at Brethren Academy is structured with a view towards shaping students into Christ like leaders from the inside out.
Registration Open January 4, 2017 - May 31,2017
It may be helpful to download the PDF or Microsoft Word application file first and type answers to essay questions in a word processing document that can then be copied and pasted into the appropriate fields on the online form. The application fee is $50 which can be paid by credit or debit card via the online application. Once completed, you will receive a confirmation of registration and acceptance within two weeks.
“It made me feel more Brethren…it kind of made me feel like I’m part of a family, instead of just a church I go to on Sundays” –Hanna Strickland, Ohio
Register at: brethrenacademy.org
“Our daughter had such an enriching experience at Brethren Academy from start to finish. She learned tons about the Brethren faith. An absolutely amazing group of leaders, teachers, and peers surrounded her, encouraged her, stretched her and loved on her. As parents, we were thankful she was able to have an opportunity that has such an impact on her faith journey” -Mel Plank, Ashland OH.
The Brethren Evangelist 11
The theme for Engage Conference, this summer, is NOW. Because Now is your time. Now is for your generation. Now is the time to receive grace and forgiveness. Now is when you learn Who your identity is in. Now is when you are unleashed for ministry in your communities. Plan to spend a week this summer, being with other Brethren youth digging deeper into discovering what it means to live for Jesus Now . It doesn’t matter if you’re new to Engage Conference, or you’ve attended for years, this year is sure to be one of the highlights of your summer. Not only will you connect with friends, old and new -- participate in high energy worship -- stay up way past your bedtime -- but this year we’re planning to spend a day of thrills and spills at Cedar Point! If that’s not enough, we’re also super excited to welcome back our friends Sing Love Worship. Find out everything about Engage Conference by visiting our website at byic.org, and we’ll plan to see you in Ashland this July.
“
As a past recipient of the Marty Haskin Scholarship, I can truly attest to how much it is appreciated. Coming from a big family, events like conference are something we can rarely afford.
The Marty Haskins Scholarship Program
Thanks to this scholarship, I was able to go to conference for the first time 5 years ago, which is when I realized the importance of attending conference every year. I have learned so much from the Engage conference, especially about the importance of community and being around like minded youth.” Kelsey Ball Orillia, Ontario 12 SPRING 2017
If you would like to help other youth like Kelsey attend Engage Conference this year, please see the giving form on the back of this issue.
KURT STOUT speaker
Kurt has snorkeled Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, explored India on the back of an elephant, gone on safari in Africa, floated on Israel’s Dead Sea, and traced Paul’s missionary journeys in Greece. Kurt’s greatest adventures though center on his wife Heidi and their four children: Isaac (17), Caleb (15), Beletu (13), and Hanna (10). Their world in North Manchester, IN revolves around a lot of soccer and basketball, family games, campfires, and taking care of their 3 goats, 4 chickens, and too many cats! Kurt has been a pastor at the North Manchester First Brethren Church for the past twenty-two years. He is a graduate of Taylor University and Ashland Theological Seminary.
LUKE DOWDY emcee
Luke has been a full-time Youth Pastor at the Berlin Brethren Church since 2010. His passion is Jesus Centered Youth ministry, which explores ways to read the entire Bible through the lens of the person and work of Jesus. In his free time, Luke enjoys hanging with people, fishing, wrestling with his kids, sipping a variety of coffees, and taking part in anything resembling an adventure. He’s blessed with a wonderful wife, Amanda, and two children.
GINO HAYNES emcee
Gino pastors at Radial Church in Canton Ohio, where he longs to see, in this generation, a unified body of Christ. His hope for this generation is that they will be rich in ethnic and spiritual diversity as well as a body that engages in activism and the realm of advocacy for the oppressed. In his spare time Gino enjoys the gym, basketball, and video games.
Celebration in the Philippines On January 29, 2017, we, Jesus Firm Foundation The Brethren Church Philippines Bocaue, celebrated our 14th Year Anniversary. Our theme for this year is “Greater Harvest for God’s Greater Glory.” One hundred fifty members of JOFF Bocaue, from children to adult, gathered together to celebrate the said event. Pastor Gary Castro emphasized that the Lord’s calling to us is not only to be faithful to Him, but also, to be fruitful for Him. The vision of fruitfulness was emphasized and all the members were challenged to win and disciple people for God’s glory. Gary also shared the target regular attendees for this year is 200 regular attendees in JOFF Bocaue, and eventually, to open a second worship celebration to cater a bigger number of people. As of this month, JOFF Bocaue have fifteen small groups. After the service, all members stayed for lunch. The foods were brought by the members themselves. To God be the Glory!
If you enjoy hearing the updates about our Global Partners, you are going to want to make sure and purchase tickets for the Global Partners Dinner Thursday evening of General Conference. We’ll enjoy hearing about our partners around the world, fellowship with fellow Brethren and of course a great meal. Tickets for this event are only available until July 3 at a cost of $20. Be sure to get your tickets when you register online for General Conference.
n e m o W t n a e M rve e S to
On Monday, July 17 from 2:00-4:30 at Park Street Brethren Church in the Worship Center, Women Meant to Serve (WMS) will have their opening times of Conference to: •meet with sisters from all over this United States •rejoice with, pray for and learn about the amazing things God is doing with Brethren all over the world •hear the new challenges for our ministry projects •brainstorm ideas and thoughts •view the updates for the constitution •learn and celebrate what God continues to do through faithful women
Then continue to celebrate by joining all of our Conference attendees for a meal and much more in the gym at Park Street Brethren Church from 5:00-6:30. This is the Opening Celebration Banquet for our Conference! Tickets for this banquet are only available until July 3. Order your tickets when you register online for General Conference •Great food. Buffet for $15.00! •Favorite people. Brethren! •Celebrate God at work through WMS. Pucasana, Peru and more! See You There!
Dear Brethren, at this present time and moment, we are called as followers of Jesus to engage his mission to bring forth the Kingdom, NOW. Our theme for General Conference 2017 is NOW, and over the course of several days together we’ll more deeply explore what it means to practically follow Jesus, fulfilling his mission in our everyday lives. Our speaker, Shannan Martin, a well-known blogger and author of the book, Falling Free: Rescued From The Life I Always Wanted, will help lead us on the journey to discovering living for Jesus NOW. Holding fast to Isaiah 58, Shannan, along with her family has discovered the significance of practically and tangibly living for Jesus in the NOW, and she’ll share with us how we too are called to do the same. Join other Brethren from far and wide, as we together gather for 5 days on the beautiful campus of Ashland University. Whether you’ve attended year after year, for the past several decades, or you’re new to General Conference, you’re sure to experience the beauty of the Brethren family, as well as a fresh anointing of the Spirit through times of worship, teaching and being together. Plan now to make July 17-21 the best week of your summer. Register today, and lock in the lowest possible rate. Want to make the week of General Conference something your whole family experiences? You can, with the option to register your teen for Engage Conference, happening alongside General Conference, or register your children, for the Kid’s Conference. Pricing and registration information can be found online at: brethrenchurch.org/general-conference We hope to see you in Ashland this July as together we engage the call to live for Jesus NOW. 16 SPRING 2017
2nd Annual
Maker’s Mart Do you make ceramics? Create Wood Carvings? Produce Beard Oil? Craft Jewelry? Pour candles? We had such positive feedback last year that we are bringing back the Maker’s Mart this year and highlighting more of the creativity from our Brethren tribe. This will be held on Wednesday, July 19th from 1-5pm. If you would like to participate and secure a table to display and sell your items at this year’s conference, please fill out the attached form and we’ll get back to you with more details!
NAME: ____________________________PHONE: __________________ BUSINESS NAME (IF APPLICABLE): ________________________________ CRAFT/PRODUCT(S) MADE: ___________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ EMAIL: _____________________________________________________ PRODUCT WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA (IF APPLICABLE): ___________________ ANY OTHER INFO YOU WOULD LIKE US TO KNOW: _________________ ____________________________________________________________
Please return to: Jamie White 1247 10th St NW Canton, OH 44703
You can also email this form (or info from it) to: zwytedesign@gmail.com The Brethren Evangelist 17
June Livingston, 95 passed away December 10, 2016. June married Rev. William Livingston on September 27, 1941. He passed May 7, 1979. Rev. Livingston was the administer at The Flora Brethren Home, Flora IN and later pastor at the Cerro Gordo, IL Brethren Church. June is survived by her daughters, Donna Jean (Kenneth) Green, Karen Sue (Cody) Gentry and son, Robert. A private family funeral was held at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL.
Maria Miranda, 82
passed away January 11, 2017. Maria is survived by her husband of 63 years, Juan Carlos Miranda. Maria spent her life serving the Lord alongside her husband as pastors, church planters, Bible teachers and missionaries. She had 30 year awardwinning radio ministry, “Para Ti Mujer” (For You, My Dear Lady). The program, produced by Juan Carlos, had listeners in over 23 countries and was broadcast by more than 1600 radio stations. Maria is also survived by five children, Adriana, Gustavo (Gladys), Samuel (Lynn Newman), Michael and Yvonne (Tony), 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Paul Tinkel, 83
passed away on November 7, 2016. Paul is survived by his wife Judy and children Paula (Dan) Grey, Cheryl Kessler, and Deanna (John) Richards and many grandchildren. Paul was an ordained Brethren Elder, he & Judy faithfully served Brush Valley (PA), Roanoke (IN), Warsaw (IN), New Paris (IN), Milford (IN) and was the founding pastor at Meadow Crest Brethren (IN) as well as serving several Church of The Brethren congregations.
EXECUTIVEBOARD
N O M I N AT I O N
Applications are now being accepted for two open positions on the Executive Board of The Brethren Church. Applicants need to be passionate about the vision and direction of The Brethren Church and committed to working as a team to hear and discern God’s direction for our Church. Before completing the application process, applicants are asked to read the following documents. The documents can be found on the website along with an application. 1. The Governing Role in The Brethren Church 2. Nomination Process Explanation. 3. Manual of Procedure. Applications can be found online: http://www.brethrenchurch.org/nominations
Applications are Due by May 1, 2017. Any questions should be directed to Moderator Emery Hurd. emeryhurd@gmail.com
CORRECTION with apologies In the last issue of The Brethren Evangelist, we mistakenly used a photo of Bob French from Pennsylvania with the obituary of Bob French from Ohio. We are terribly sorry for the additional grief we caused both families. Bob French from Pennsylvania assured us he is alive and well and loves The Brethren Church. Again we are sorry for this mix-up.
The Brethren Conference has held a special place in the heart of the Sing Love community but even more so in my heart. The very first year I had the privilege of leading worship at the Brethren Conference was in Asheville, NC in 2008 while I was drumming in the band Attaboy. I have fond memories of the conference that year because of how powerfully the Lord moved through the week. I remember that working with Ryan, Tony, John, and the rest of the BYIC team was so so good. Their hearts for the Lord and for bringing students into a closer relationship with Jesus was extremely evident. Fast forward to a few years down the road to 2010 when Sing Love was asked to lead at the BYIC, it was an easy decision to for me to take the SL team to this amazing conference. And once again, we were all blown away by how the Lord moved through the leadership team in Ashland. Over the next 4 years Sing Love was blessed to be the band who the BYIC leadership team continued to ask to be apart of the conference. Every year it was awesome! Now it’s been a few years since the last time SL has been back so when Ryan called I was instantly excited to jump back into partnership with the BYIC team. This year will be a little different in the fact that we will be bringing both a student team and an adult team to lead at both the Breth18 SPRING 2017 16
ren adult and youth portions of the conference this year. And like past years, I am so excited and expecting the Holy Spirit to move in powerful ways in 2017! Can’t wait to see each and everyone of you at Ashland in July!
Because of Christ, Micah Beckwith Sing Love Worship
The Brethren Evangelist (SSN 0747-4288) is published quarterly by The Brethren Church, Inc., 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792 telephone: 419-289-1708; email: brethren@brethrenchurch.org. Authors’ views are not necessarily those of The Brethren Church. Subscription rates: Sent free to Brethren Church members; $15.00 per year to others. Member, Evangelical Press Association. Postage: Paid at Ashland, Ohio or additional mailing office at Mansfield, Ohio. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Brethren Church, 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792. Winter 17, Vol. 139, No. 1.
The Brethren Church 524 College Ave. Ashland, OH 44805
Please let us know when you are moving. This will save us much-needed funds for ministry.
The Marty Haskins Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Marty Haskins and his lifelong commitment to the youth of the Brethren Church. Marty served as the Youth Pastor at Carson Oaks Community Church in Stockton, CA and as the District Youth Pastor for the California District of the Brethren Church. Marty and his wife, Judy, were passionate about ministering to youth and gave their time and resources to positively impact the lives of the Brethren youth. It is the hope of the Brethren Church and the leaders of the BYIC to give all individuals who are interested in attending ENGAGE Conference the opportunity to do so. We are aware that the reality of our economy can make cost a limiting factor for attending Engage Conference. As such, the Marty Haskins Memorial Scholarship helps to offset the cost to attend Engage by providing a $100 scholarship. Would you prayerfully consider helping continue the tradition Marty began and care for our youth by giving to the Marty Scholarship fund? Your efforts to give to this fund will help ensure youth are able to attend Engage Conference, where they’ll have a life-changing encounter with their Heavenly Father. Thank you for choosing to continue to carry the legacy left to us by Marty.
Yes! I’d Like to Donate to the Marty Haskins Memorial Scholarship
Gift of: $ ________________ _______________________________________ Name
_______________________________________ Address
_______________________________________ City, State, Zip
_______________________________________ Phone #
_______________________________________ Home Church
Please complete the information above, detach this form, and mail it to the address below, or call the office. Secure contributions may be made online by going to
brethrenchurch.org/martyhaskins Thank You for Your Contribution! The Brethren Church 524 College Ave. Ashland, OH 44805