Evangelist THE BRETHREN
DEDICATED TO ADVANCING THE LIFE AND MINISTRIES OF THE BRETHREN CHURCH
Vol 133, No. 2 Mar/April 2011
A Closer Look I’ve been thinking about relationships lately. Relational is our first and most important Core Value, and has been described as the “glue” of our denomination. I’ve been wondering if relationships are truly the glue of our denomination, then, in recent years, how well have we been sticking together in unity with a shared purpose? How would we know if we were being transformed in our relationships? An article in the last issue of the Evangelist presented a compelling picture of “What If… God Actually Changes Us?” In regard to relationships it said, “If we are changed, the relational walls that used to divide us from one another will only require occasional energy to deconstruct.” Of course this statement assumes that we still struggle with relational walls, and that we need to apply significant and consistent energy to the deconstruction of those walls. Sometimes we don’t realize how divided we are as leaders or as congregations. One of the classic attributes of division is an inward “Us/Them” mentality which can still outwardly sabotage relationships. As a leader or part of a congregation, do you sometimes think of yourself or unconsciously behave according to a generational or perhaps a particular ideological sub-group? Are your best and deepest relational efforts and patterns restricted to your “group?” If so, some deconstructing of relational walls may be in order. Sometimes we do realize how divided we are as leaders or congregations! The “Us/Them” language patterns show up in our conversations. With our walls in place we go
KEEP OUT !
(This means you!)
Ken Hunn
on sentry duty to observe the slightest word or action that would indicate that our position is being breached. When challenged, fear tempts us to sound the battle cry to the rest of “Us,” so that we can stand firm against “Them.” When this scenario is in place the only remedy is confession that we have been party to maintaining walls, and in active repentance ask for God’s help to do our part in the wall deconstruction. I think we build walls because we are afraid. We are afraid of being hurt —especially if we have been hurt in the past. We are afraid of being found as less than perfect, forgetting the healing that comes from mutual confession. We are afraid that our personal advancement or the advancement of our ideas may not succeed. I am appalled and grief-stricken when I consider the level of my own relational fear, and my willingness to allow that fear to shape my behavior. Imagine with me the possibilities if individuals in each of our congregations were to intentionally begin to move toward each other in prayer, reflection on the Word, and engaging in mission with one another — allowing their lives and their community impact to be shaped not only by their own gifts but also by how those gifts synchronize with the gifts of others. Imagine the impact then if whole congregations were to behave this way. How about whole denominations freely sharing from their strengths for the missional impact of the Kingdom! The tragedy of this age is the temptation to go it alone. Some even succeed in their independence. Ultimately allowing the walls to persist, however, means that we settle for far less — no matter how successful we may appear on the surface. God’s vision for our lives and our mission is community, and he paid dearly for that vision. Fear builds walls, faith tears them down. Do you believe that the territory of our walls is holy ground, and to tolerate relational walls is a sacrilege? Do you believe God will care for you if you suffer at the hands of others for the sake of unity? Are you willing to leave your personal security and ideological advancement up to the One who owns us and is Lord of all things? We sometimes lament that we do not trust one another, and in a sense we shouldn’t, for our trust must essentially be in God, who is able to work through us if we deconstruct the walls and truly begin to partner together in his mission. Mission is what Jesus had in mind when he prayed for our unity (John 17:21 NIV). We can be an answer to his prayer. With his help we can overcome our fear and like Jesus take the relational risk, knowing it is the Father’s desire that we be one. We can start now. I’ve been thinking that my walls should come down. How about yours?
Relational … Missional … Sustainable … Reproducing … Global
“I think I know where I want to go, but I don’t know how to get there.” Recently I sat across the table from a young man who is preparing to graduate from seminary. He thinks he may be called to church planting, but is not too sure. His path has been like many others…begin to follow Jesus at an early age, discern a call to “ministry,” go to Bible college and then to seminary. He is sharp, well-read and very intelligent. As his academic training is coming to an end, however, he is beginning to ask himself “What am I really capable of? What am I really called to?” His questions are reminiscent of the deep questions “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” that sent the ancient (and modern) philosophers’ heads spinning. As we continued in conversation he lamented his lack of experience in actually implementing or trying many of the things he had been learning about over the last several years. He had undergone plenty of personal formation but had rarely had a chance to test his “ministry legs.” “I think I know where I want to go but I don’t know how to get there…” was his somewhat frustrated conclusion. I understood his frustration. When I began my ministry journey over 17 years ago there were very few opportunities for me to experience all that I did not know about my role in the body of Christ. Along the way I have learned that this is not an unusual dynamic within the body. When we began to envision what a healthy, sustainable church multiplication movement would look like in The Brethren Church, the responsibility to steward well the calling of a person investigating church planting became a top priority. Although every follower of Jesus has the same personal responsibility to multiply disciples of Christ, not everyone has been gifted and shaped to play the same roles in the body. MissioChurch and her partners have developed an intentional journey for those considering church planting that helps them not only understand the dynamics of church planting, but also helps them to clarify what part they have been uniquely created to play in it. We call it our PathWay and we believe that continued progress along this
Bill Ludwig | Church Planting Coordinator path will not only lead to healthier and more sustainable church planters, but also to more healthy churches who are intentionally planting more churches. The PathWay starts with an orientation that is designed to not only inform candidates of church planting practices and culture but to also give them a chance to interact with some of the tools church planters use to establish new congregations. We are currently working to make that orientation accessible all over the country so that travel-
reproduction deployment
training assessment
orientation ling to Ashland for a week (where it is currently held) is no loner a barrier for those interested in investigating this calling. If an individual is still interested they may proceed to the next stop on the PathWay of assessment. This part of the journey is designed to help the candidate (and their potential parent church or district) understand more deeply how they are wired to contribute to the planting of a new church. Assessment leads to training that is specific for the individual and the model or approach they will be using to accomplish their vision. After the individual is prepared through the above parts of the journey, and assuming they are continuing to
M u l t i p l i c a t i o n
How Do I Get There?
faithfully engage in the process, there is a build up to the deployment phase, where many of the risks inherent in the church planting experience are limited or managed. In this phase we take into account the culture and dynamics of the target area and people group as well as the support structure for the planter and plant. After the various risks are managed to everyone’s satisfaction they may proceed with deployment or, in other words, the actual planting of the church. After deployment the planter and their team proceed towards the reproduction phase where they focus on multiplying disciples, leaders and new churches. Men and women of The Brethren Church have worked hard to develop this PathWay and to provide the tools and structures needed to make it effective. I am proud to belong to a tribe of people who are beginning to once again place this much effort and energy into stewarding the gifts of the body and shaping the leaders of the next generations. It was an honor to say to that young seminarian on behalf of The Brethren Church, “If you have a sense that God is calling you to church planting, we can help you get there.” Thank you to all of you who made that moment and a growing number of others like it possible! If you are interested in investigating your potential calling to church planting or in supporting those who are engaging in this journey please contact the church planting Champion in your area:
Southwest: Jim Miller Jim@missiochurch.com Central: Terry Koons Terry@missiochurch.com Indiana: Larry Baker Larry@missiochurch.com Tim Garner Tim@missiochurch.com Sam Shultz Sam@misiochurch.com Ohio: Ron Waters Ron@missiochruch.com Gary Diehl Gary@missiochurch.com Southeastern: Mike Woods Mike@missiochurch.com All others: Bill Ludwig Bill@missiochurch.com
Visit www.missiochurch.com to find out more. .
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M o b i l i z a t i o n
A New Way of Being Christian
Over the past eight years I’ve dedicated much of my work to understanding how a new generation is applying the gospel in post-Christian societies. That work has informed and been illuminated in my just-released book, The Next Christians: The Good News About the End of Christian America where I hope to cultivate a rooted optimism that the future for the church in America is bright
by Gabe Lyons | Author, The Next Christians
Just looking across the pond to Europe, it’s easy to surmise what society can look like when the church loses its vibrancy. In Europe’s case, the potent edge that once catalyzed the Renaissance and much of her values became rubbish within only a few generations. It should be a stark reminder that just one generation stands between ultimate collapse towards the falling edge or a resurrection of what could be—or better said—what ought to be. So it is with the American church and our opportunity in this generation. If we have the eyes to see (and I can tell you from my experience that the next generation does) the greatest days for the church just might lay ahead.
own—venturing out too far from the fold could have dire consequences. The goal was to protect oneself from the corrupted nature of the world. Culture was sinful and our job was to man the fort, fight those who opposed it and in the pursuit of being faithful, win over as many converts as possible. The second approach I call the Cultural View. Cultural Christians saw the label “Christian” as an important part of their cultural identity. They were generally good people who identified with a form of religious Christianity. In some cases, their connection to faith was no more than a genealogical hand-me-down, something they were born into. For others, their understanding of being Christian meant being good citizens—volunteering their time in schools, hospitals and neighborhood community groups. They attended church on holidays and for special occasions, but never quite personalized the work of Jesus as the main motivator for the life and work they did. In both cases, the intentions have been good, but missed the holistic mark to which the gospel calls us forth. Which leads to the larger development at hand.
But to understand the opportunity, we need to remember where we’ve come from. The church of the 20th century had two dominant ways of teaching the modeling the Christian’s role in society. The first was to separate. The Separatist view urged Christians to spend time and money among their
I’ve observed, and many of our churches are experiencing a new, yet historic, way of seeing the faithful approach 21st century culture. Some aren’t quite sure what to do with it. Is this just a warmed over social gospel or is something deeper underway? For the Next Christians I describe, taking the gospel seriously means living within
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a tension of the two previously stated approaches to the world. They aren’t “throwing the baby out with the bath water. “Instead, they are bringing a much needed gravity to what the gospel demands from a follower of Christ in the West. Restorers, as I’ve come to call them, hold tightly to Jesus’s redemptive work on the cross and his resurrection as the main motivator for why they give their lives to bring God’s transforming love and renewal into every area of the world. The restorers exhibit the mind set, humility, and commitment that seems destined to rejuvenate the momentum of the faith. They have a peculiar way of thinking, being, and doing that is radically different from previous generations. I call them restorers because they envision the world as it was meant to be and, motivated by the Good News, they work toward that vision. They are purposeful about their careers and generous with their time and possessions. They don’t separate from the world or blend in; rather, they thoughtfully engage. Fully aware of the sea change underway, they are optimistic that God is on the move—doing something unique in our time. The Next Christians sit in your churches. Or maybe left a long time ago because they felt the church didn’t “get” them. But rest assured, they haven’t left God’s church and possess some of the greatest hope for how a new generation’s confidence
Brethren Peace Initiative
in the Christian faith will be restored. Sit down with them. Take them to coffee. Listen to their heart. Don’t judge their work, without understanding their motive. Mentor them, disciple them and then get out of their way. A new way of being Christian is bursting forth. Their lives are filled with tensions that demand love, discernment and engagement. When you get the chance, take them under your wing. And when they are ready to fly, unleash them to restore.
Love Your Enemies [This selection, by Art Gish and dated January 9th, first appeared in the 2007 volume, FRESH FROM THE WORD, Devotions for the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren — used by permission of Brethren Press. We share it as a tribute to Art and a challenge to all of us during this Lenten/Holy Week season.] GOD’S WORD: … Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you (Luke 6:27-28).
For Discussion … As we work to “Mobilize the People of God to BE the Church” together, here are a few questions to tackle at your next board or leadership team meeting to get the conversations started:
• How would you describe the current level of vibrancy of our congregation?
• How have you seen our congregation living out the “Separatist” view that Gabe Lyons talks about?
• In what ways have you seen us
attempt to live out the “Cultural” view?
• What individuals can you name
from our congregation who model the “Restorer” view? What have you seen in their life that indicates this?
• How have you seen us intentionally
or unintentianally marginalize those who Lyons describes as Next Christians in our church?
• What are some ways our leadership team could learn valuable insights from the Next Christians among us?
Gabe Lyons is author of The Next Christians: The Good News About the End of Christian America and the founder of Q (Qideas.org).
MEDITATION: Love my enemy? I have enough trouble loving my friends. But who is my enemy? Could it be a neighbor? A family member? A person with whom I disagree about religious or social issues? I hear our political leaders advocate killing our enemies. But Jesus tells us not to kill them. He also tells us to love them. It is not that difficult to refrain from killing the person I detest, but do I also have to love that person? It helps to remember that I do not have to like everyone — just love them, treat them with respect. We are to love our enemies because, even as we reject God, God loves us. In the gospel there is hope for redemption for everyone. We must believe that the enemy can be transformed. Though we may see our enemies as people we cannot reason with, as people for whom there is no hope, we can love them by doing good to them, blessing them, and praying for them. That is rather specific. Being spat upon, stoned, kicked, and punched by Israeli settlers during my work with Christian Peacemaker Teams in Hebron has tested my commitment to this teaching of Jesus. I have tried to respond in love and can say that some of the most exciting experiences of my life have involved enemy love: Israeli Jews visiting Palestinian Muslim families whose homes were demolished by the Israeli military; Muslims welcoming Jews and Christians into their homes; or Muslims, Jews, and Christians planting olive trees together. “Love casts out fear.” If I ask God to give me love for the people I do not like, my fear of them can be overcome. If I can acknowledge the pain my “enemy” has experienced, maybe I can love that person, for I also have experienced pain. FOR THE DAY: Whom does the world define as our enemies? Whom do you find difficult to love? PRAYER God, I cannot love my enemy alone. I need your help. Please give me love for those people I do not like. I pray for their salvation. Amen. [Art Gish, gentle peace activist, died last July in a tractor accident on his farm in southern Ohio, at age 70. His wife Peggy was a peace-worker in Iraq at the time. The Columbus Dispatch reported these words of Carol Kuhre, “Gish was a profound thinker and writer whose great depth of thought was eclipsed only by his actions. He never wavered in his commitment or beliefs. His was an intense life filled with quality work.” May his example inspire us all to be faithful to our Lord Jesus, loving and forgiving peacemakers par excellence.]
BRETHREN PEACE INITIATIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM, Phil Lersch, Facilitator
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All Creatures Great and Small
Aly Pflugfelder, Oasis Community Church Gilbert, AZ
Most of my adult life I’ve wrestled with the phrase, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” At almost 40, God is lifting the fog on this subject. With a small horse farm nestled against the foothills of the Superstition Mountains of Arizona, our family is blessed beyond measure. From the moment the first horse came to this property we have attracted kids from every direction, as if they were being pulled by some magnetic force. That force, I realized, was a
longing to connect with these giant creatures in my backyard. This summer, my husband James and I began to brainstorm ways to incorporate our horses with a ministry to the children of our community. Sharing this idea with a friend, she threw me a copy of Hope Rising by Kim Meeder. And here I am! Kids have always been around here. It’s as natural as getting up and brushing my teeth. But this one particular child was different; my meek little lamb. I will refer to her as Jenny. After being introduced to Jenny, I learned she suffered from social anxiety disorder, was a suicide survivor and struggled with life at home. She always carried her head low, eyes fixed on the ground, her shoulders rolled in as
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her feet scuffed along when she walked. One day I invited Jenny to our home to meet my backyard friends. I will never forget that particular trip as she sat next to me for twenty miles with her arms folded, not uttering a word. I wondered to myself if I was doing the right thing, and I prayed God would intervene in a mighty way. Only time would tell. In the ninety minutes following our arrival at the farm, I saw Jenny change. She began to relax. In the company of these docile giants Jenny found trust. The pressures of the world began to melt away, and the corners of her mouth began to curl as a smile broke out that stretched from ear to ear. She was transforming before my eyes. At last, Jenny felt safe. As I watched, I began to realize what Jesus knew all along. My horses were not meant to be here just for my pleasure alone. My ride home with Jenny was quite the opposite from the way things started out several hours earlier. My meek little lamb found her voice. She talked the entire ride home! Jenny recently brought a friend to youth in the hope of introducing her to our backyard friends. And as we closed the night in prayer, I could hear Jenny’s voice praying for her friends. This frightened, meek little lamb of a girl, who previously sat in the back corner of the room and rarely interacted socially, is being transformed by the power of God through some of his most unlikely yet most wonderful creatures.
Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” ~ John 21:15-17
For Discussion …
At your next leadership meeting, spend a few minutes reading Jenny’s story together again and talk through these questions. • How have you struggled with God’s design and purpose for your life in the past? • What do you think our congregation should strive to “be when we grow up?” • When you think about Jenny’s reaction to Aly’s horses, what do you think God was communicating to Jenny that she needed to hear? • Who are some of the “meek little lambs” God might be calling our congregation to tend to that we haven’t created a safe place for yet? • What are a few things God has blessed us with that might be meant for more than just our own pleasure?
Weekend Meals / Curbside Café Pastor Ron Waters North Georgetown, OH
At General Conference last July, Reggie McNeal stated that many elementary school kids are suffering from hunger. A February Associated Press story reported that four in ten elementary children in Ohio are receiving free or subsidized lunches at school. But those lunches are not available on weekends, so children in that situation often return to school on Mondays with empty stomachs. Accepting McNeal’s challenge, a group from North Georgetown First Brethren has helped form a team to address hunger in the West Branch and Sebring elementary schools. The team includes representatives from several area churches. North Georgetown stores the food and serves as the staging area for packing “weekend meals.” “When student’s stomachs are full, their minds are more receptive,” says Terry Shopbell, a retired elementary teacher who knows firsthand the need. The team has provided lunches for as many as 11 families, including 28 elementaryage children. While serving only one of the schools at present, the team hopes to expand to serving families in all four area elementaries soon. “It has been encouraging to see how much people have wanted to be involved in their community by donating food and money,” says Norma Waters, who is also part of a prayer team that remembers the families during the week. The team prays over the food and for the families who will receive it, as well as enclosing notes of encouragement each week. The team packs bags of food at the end of each week to be sent home for the weekend. They originally hoped to provide enough food for a Saturday and Sunday lunch, but soon realized that the families needed more help than just one meal per day. So the bags are brimming with food the kids can open and prepare themselves. And they provide extra food for longer holiday weekends. One joy has been to see some of the families become able to provide fully for their kids and be able to voluntarily opt-out of the ministry. Some of the parents who have been recipients of the weekly bags of food have pitched in to help with packing the meals. “It’s been a blessing to work with Christians from other churches—to see the same desire and passion to help others in the community,” added Diane Hill. Norma Waters, Terry Shopbell, and Diane Hill carefully pack bags of food for “weekend meals” for Beloit Elementary families.
Pastor Roger Stogsdill Tucson, AZ
First Brethren Church of Tucson, Arizona recently adopted Peter Howell Elementary School, just a few
short blocks away. This has been a most rewarding endeavor. The principal, David Overstreet, told us of a plan to reach out to the parents of the kids who attend school there. They wanted to start a Curbside Café, offering free coffee and doughnuts to parents dropping kids off for school on a Friday morning once every month or so. It was intended as a “thank you” to the parents for having their kids attend the school, as an encouragement to bring them on time, and as a way to build community. The school staff had two problems: they were short on people; and they were short on funds. When we asked if we could help, they said, “Yes!” We gave them some money to buy doughnuts and supplies. We lent them our large coffee pot. We gathered a crew of willing volunteers, and decided that we would serve them in this way without any desire to draw attention to ourselves or the church. The first time we helped, they simply couldn’t believe we were actually helping them. When they started to set up, we stepped in and said, “Let us do that.” When they started handing out doughnuts and coffee, we stepped in and announced, “We can do that for you.” When it came time to clean up, our team cleaned up and put everything away. The school staff was astonished that a church would actually be willing to help them without an agenda. In fact, they started introducing us to everyone that came around, telling them, “These people are from the Brethren Church on the corner of Columbus and Burns. They’re adopting us!” We also let them know that we would be praying for them and asked them to tell us about anything for which they would like us to pray. We have received several prayer requests. Principal Overstreet was recently off work with an illness. We e-mailed him and told him we were praying for him. He responded by saying, “You have made my life so much better.” What a blessing to hear that! The next time they had a Curbside Café, they trusted us to do all the work ourselves. This is only a taste of what we have been doing in partnership with the school. We are looking forward to more and more opportunities to serve the people of Peter Howell Elementary School in the future. This effort has helped us begin to see in a fresh way what Jesus meant in Matthew 25: 37-40 when he said that the things we do for “the least of these” is truly important in our Savior’s eyes. We can hardly wait to find new ways to be a blessing in the name of Jesus!
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A Firsthand Look at Haiti
Jim McGraw, Pleasant View Brethren Church On November 10, 2010 Pastor Al Chamberlain (Raystown Vandergrift, PA Brethren Church, PA), Bob Blose and I left for a week-long visit to Haiti. We
A side road and building. The “tent church” is located inside the compound to the left, behind the wall.
Peniel Church’s school building, located in mountains 80 miles from Port au Prince.
“Tent City”: tarps, cardboard, etc. form these “homes”.
Shops among the earthquake rubble. People display what they have to sell wherever they find a place.
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had to take our own food and bottled water with us as well as the normal necessities of travel. It took some time to get everything packed and keep the weight of the bags under 50 pounds! More important than the packing were the prayer partners that were lined up, thanks to Bonita Chamberlain, and already praying for our protection and guidance during the trip. At the Washington airport we were warned that our food would probably be confiscated when we got to Haiti, but God went ahead of us and prepared the way! As we made our way through the Haiti airport security areas, a man asked Pastor Al who was meeting us; Pastor Al told the man “Pastor Perval”. With that, the three of us were escorted past the remaining bag inspection area, through the airport doors to Pastor Perval, who was waiting for us! As the news services have been reporting, only 5% of the rubble from the earthquake has been removed. Much of the country looks like the earthquake just happened. More than a million people are living in plastic tarp “houses”. Smoke and dust were everywhere, making travel very difficult. We did not drive! And as it is in many countries, there are traffic laws or suggestions which no one obeys or follows! It made for some close encounters of the unwanted kind! But God was with us, and Pastor Perval was used to it all and we arrived safely wherever we were going. Many of the roads were not paved, or if they were, it was still slow going. It took two hours to go 20 miles on one occasion. Pastor Perval is 70 years old and oversees 60 churches, of which 20 or more were damaged or destroyed in the earthquake. He and his family are true servants of God and trust him to provide what is needed. The three of us who went were entrusted with money that had been given by the Brethren for Haiti. Brother Perval used the money to purchase much-needed generators for some of the churches. There is electricity in Haiti, but it is not available 24 hours a day; it comes and goes, and you never know for sure when you will have access to it! All the church buildings and homes had at least one lantern to provide light when there was no electricity. So the generators help to provide lighting during services — which gives the native an opportunity to recharge their cell phones! In spite of the fact that most of the people work hard just to get what they need for each day, they are strong in their faith and enthusiastic in their worship! Everyone wears their best clothes to worship services. There was much raising of hands and ‘dancing’. The children especially would gather at the front of the sanctuary and dance unto the Lord! It was a wonderful experience! Some songs we recognized by the music and others were new to us, but we all joined together to worship the same God. Bob and I were asked to share words of encouragement with the people, our own words along with scripture. Pastor Al gave the message at the six services we attended. At one service, held in the Peniel church, we anointed over 300 people! In addition to speaking at services, Pastor Al, Bob and I were able to mow some grass — including inside a very large tent — fixed several vehicles and lawn mowers, repaired a steel door, moved a large piece of metal that was to be used for a main support of a building, and re-staked part of the tent that had come loose during the hurricane. We did what we could without taking away from the work the local people need in order to survive. At the end of the seven days, we headed back to the USA and all the comforts we have. But the people of Haiti still have to contend with trying to survive each day as it comes. It was very difficult to see all the destruction and suffering of so many people and yet know how much we have. But the faith of the believers in Haiti, their joy and steadfast reliance on God will be a constant witness to me. Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti: pray that money and materials will be released to help the many who are in need; pray for believers like Pastor Perval who continue to faithfully serve God 24 hours a day; and pray that many more Haitian people will come to know the joy of Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.
Women’s Outlook Newsletter A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e Wo m e n’s M i s s i o n a r y S o c i e t y March/April 2011 Vo l u m e 2 4 , N u m b e r 4
The President’s Pen Dear Ladies, I am writing you from my position as the Sewing and Benevolence Coordinator of our National WMS. I come asking for your ideas, thoughts, and suggestions. As most of you know, every two to three years we WMS ladies have an auction at General Conference of the quilts and other items that we have made and donated for this event. Generally, during these auction years, we also quilt a quilt at Conference to be auctioned off. The proceeds from these auctions are donated for various missions projects. I think we have all enjoyed seeing the beautiful quilt squares that you have made to be included in these projects and the resulting items. And I so appreciate your faithfulness and creativity! My struggle is this — in recent years we have fewer and fewer quilts at Conference, and I have received fewer and fewer of the embroidered squares that are part of the quilts and other items. Also, it seems many times we failed to have auction bids that truly reflect the value of a hand-quilted item. This has been a frustration to a number of us, as we know the hours and talents that go into making a quilt. So I ask: do we continue to make quilts and such, knowing that they will most likely not be completed at Conference and, although they will garner some funds for the missions projects that are dear to our hearts, the final bids will most likely not reflect the true value of them? If your answer is, “Yes!”, then I will need more quilt squares from you
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Missionary Miscellany
The MARCH international missionaries-of-the-month are David and Cecilia Molina, who serve in Cacaeres, Espana (Spain). This is a church plant from The Brethren Church in Argentina. The national missionaries are those serving at New Hope, State College, PA, Chris and Leigh Anne Rufener and Ben and Shannon Frank. Chris’s letter was in the JanuaryFebruary Newsletter. Their new news is this: Jonathan Michael Rufener was born January 27, 2011. He weighed 8 pounds, 9 ounces, and was 22 inches long. Of course, he was welcomed by big brothers Marc and Luke. Congratulations!
The APRIL international missionaries are Italo and Rebecca Abuid, who are building an orphanage in Maldonado, Peru, and Luis Angel and Zoraida Morillas in Lima, Peru. The national missionaries are Bruce and Marylou Wilkinson, directing Pump House Ministries in Ashland. Bruce wrote: We have never been big on statistics or numbers in areas of ministry; however, as we begin to look at all that has been accomplished over the past year, let’s start with recorded volunteer hours for 2010: 51,480 hours served at the Pump House. Quite a staggering amount of hearts pointed in the right direction! Here is how many of those hours were spent: Our food pantry is headed by a full-time volunteer, who has a very diversified staff working with him to accomplish extraordinary things. 2,276 households were served, which means more than 6,000 were provided quality food and other household necessities. In other words, we opened our storehouse to those in need and shared more than 61,000 pounds of food. In addition to the food pantry, the hot
meal program provided nutritious breakfast, lunch, and dinner from the kitchens to serve over 17,000 hot meals. Most of these meals were prepared and served by the men from our Shelter, a great concept that works: those being served serving those being served. The men’s shelter, Homestead, averaged 37 guests per night, which means 6,205 were housed during the year. The Homestead is run by the men living there, with only minimal oversight from the outside. All of the guests share in the day-to-day operation, learning responsibility and pride while working as a team. Revival, our thrift store, is a major player in helping those in need. With a mixture of paid and volunteer staff, the manager sorts through mountains of donations daily. Much of what is donated is sold to help provide our services; however, we also support our community by giving to those who truly have a need. Beds, pots and pans, clothing, and baby needs are a few of the resources that we continually provide. The Carpenter Shop continues to move forward with many volunteers managing and sorting books. Although many book stores are closing, we are committed to keep a Christian book store in our community. Ironically, we too are in the Internet sales with our used books. The Pump House Grille continues to do well. We have a mailing of Favorite Customers of over 800 homes. Many men and women are trained in various restaurant positions. Some men from the Homestead help with dishes, food prep, and cooking. When we hire servers from
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District Doings
The Indiana district hosts three rallies each fall. Cindy Hanson, president, reported that the Burlington ladies hosted the South rally October 2. 44 members and 2 guests were present. The theme was “Unopened Gifts.” Joan Merrill gave the devotions about “Opened Gifts” that we give to others. The guest speaker was Matha Schleinitz, associate professor of Community Service, Southwest, Ohio Pickaway College. Her topic was “Unopened Gifts” in our lives. They may not be what we would have chosen, but God gives us what become blessings, as we progress and grow. College Corner hosted the Central rally October 9. 27 members and 2 guests enjoyed the theme “Aprons:” A is for Attitude, I Peter 3:8; P is for Patience, Romans 8:24-25; R is for Responsibility, Galatians 6:4-5; O is for Opportunities, Ephesians 3:7; N is for Needs, Proverbs 30:8. Ladies who decorated an apron themselves shared them. The Milford ladies hosted the North rally October 2. 37 members were present. Their theme was “The Heart of Service.” Linda Immel, guest speaker, shared about her recent trip to Peru and Chile. She told many experiences about the Brethren mission work and had lots of pictures displayed. The three rally offerings designated for Ashland Theological Seminary totaled $1,854.80. Each year we ask for your responses to the third commitment of WMS — how you demonstrate social outreach in World Relief, home and world missions, Riverside Christian School (RCS), and the youth of your church. Your responses are interesting! The Board is pleased with your interest and means of your support. Your suggestions are listed here so others may gain an idea. The name of the society is listed; please contact the president when you want more information.
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SOUTHEAST DISTRICT Linwood: supported the teachers at RCS, supplied the Blessing Closet at Shepherd’s Staff (a Christian community outreach) for one month, supported local Rescue Mission. Oak Hill: gave free clothing in fall and spring to community families, gave free cookies and hot drinks at the town’s Christmas parade, gave food for church food pantry, have a card ministry, sent money to Hope mission. St. James Ruth & Naomi: sent Christmas gift to McClungs in Canada, sent Thinking of You and birthday cards to missionaries, helped with “Children’s Need,” a local ministry. NORTHEAST DISTRICT Berlin: sent financial support to Argentina and pastors in India. Cameron: had a flea market and bake sale for World Relief, supported RCS and Blue and Gold Christian Center — a time out for school children 5 days a week, made a quilt for an auction and sent proceeds for a Brethren ministerial student, sent cards and letters to missionaries. Highland: donated school supplies for 12 students in our church, hosted a 5-day club for Vacation Bible School, sent box tops and soup labels to RCS, shipped 17 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child for Samaritan’s Purse. Johnstown III: sent an offering to ATS. Pleasant View: teach our Kids Church, held an indoor yard sale. Tables were bought by people of the church as well as by the community; we sold hot food and baked goods — a great way to become acquainted with people from the community, made fleece scarves for our WMS sisters at Sarver and Brush Valley, stay after our meetings to assemble and knot lap robes, sent birthday, anniversary, and holiday cards to all our missionaries and RCS staff, gave money for local church needs, gave money for a missionary family, RCS, ATS, and New Hope MOPS program, in lieu of a Christmas exchange we bought food for the local food bank, sent canceled stamps, educational and
soup labels, and craft kits for Home Ec classes to RCS, sent monthly boxes to 2 soldiers in Afghanistan, who did not receive any mail or packages (suggested by Chaplain Carl Phillips). Raystown: had a spaghetti meal for Haiti relief efforts. Valley: sent cards and financial support for an international missionary family and one national missionary family, sent labels, box tops, and canceled stamps to RCS, volunteered and financially supported local food pantry. Vinco: give monthly support for two orphans and one pastor in India, held two brunches after church for congregation, collected supplies and sent boxes (including cookies) to Chaplain Carl Phillips in Afghanistan, collected and packed 83 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, supported Camp Peniel, had a flea market/bake sale. OHIO DISTRICT Ashland Park St., Joy: to support youth we cleaned the kitchen and stocked the shelves at Camp Bethany prior to the summer camping season, sent canceled stamps, box tops, and Christmas love offering to RCS, gave money for MOPS program at New Hope, adopted a family at Christmas through Associated Charities. Canton Trinity, Juniorettes: sell entertainment books. Canton Trinity, Senior: sent money for bunk beds to orphanage in Peru. Louisville Beacon of Hope: give money to RCS, New Hope Church, and church plants, our youth, and the Good News Club held in our church, have an annual flea market, sell cheese balls at Christmas. New Lebanon Afternoon: sponsor garage sales and bazaars, distribute profits to church youth and home and world missions. INDIANA DISTRICT Burlington: wrapped Christmas presents for the Rescue Mission, collected items and packed shoe boxes for Samaritan’s Purse, contributed paper products to the Gilead House, which is an outreach ministry for women recovering from addictions.
Women’s Outlook Newsletter
College Corner: we have an auction at one meeting with money designated for Christmas gifts at RCS. Corinth: send cards to college students and pizza certificates for Valentine’s Day, encourage youth at our church by always paying attention to them. Cornerstone: gave money to World Relief for Haiti and to Chili for earthquake relief. Dutchtown: assisted three families in need with gift certificates and Angel Food ministry, gave money for beds in Peru orphanage, sent proceeds of potato bar to missionary family, sponsored Samaritan’s Purse shoe boxes, gave mittens to Cross Bars ministry, made wreaths and delivered them to Warsaw Meadows Home with singing and cards for the residents, gave financial support to youth for camp, presented a memorial stone for a deceased member. Flora: send box tops, coupons, and regular offerings to RCS, offerings to both world and home missionaries, support youth in their outings. Goshen: financial gift to the Kerners and to Matt Yoder. Loree I: sent financial gift to MOPS at State College, sent love gift to Mirandas for retirement. Loree Charity: received special offering for Haiti, one member worked at Samaritan’s Purse in NC for one week. Mexico: supported World Relief, Samaritan’s Purse, and local agencies: Local Birthright by collecting diapers, clothes, and money, Helping Hands by collecting food, monthly support for an Indian missionary, purchased sewing machines for Indian women, collected clothing and coats for RCS, contributed money to help a work team from our church at RCS. Nappanee: gave prayer support to youth, helped to finance campers, assisted with youth garage sale (a more detailed report was in the January-February Newsletter). New Paris: collect clean and slightly used clothing and blankets for Cross Bars 6 times per year, conduct three annual fund-raisers to support financially world-wide missions and local food pantry. North Manchester: purchase and send fast-food gift cards to 30 college students for Valentine’s Day, sewed 25 cloth bags for a women’s
March/April 2011
ministry in Chile. Roanoke : sent money to both world and home missions and to Camp Shipshewana, sent cards monthly to world and home missionaries. South Bend: gave RCS staff Christmas gifts, gave scholarship for camp. Tiosa: supplied 172 9” squares for the quilt to be quilted at National Conference, collected remnants of fabric to make children’s dresses for Haiti, cut 4” squares to make children’s blankets and crib quilts, supply Angel Food baskets for 3 disabled families in the community per month, made Christmas star decorations for each home in Tiosa, provided a funeral dinner. Warsaw: collected aluminum cans with proceeds designated for World Relief. (It is appropriate to do something that helps the environment and provides benefit to churches around the world through World Relief.) CENTRAL DISTRICT Cerro Gordo: send monthly financial support to RCS for teacher support, to Jan Solomon, and to Pump House Ministries, help to finance a mission trip to Mexico. Lanark: served two soup luncheons after morning worship with free-will offering designated for missions and ATS. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DISTRICT Carson Oaks: Mexican food fundraiser to benefit Hispanic Ministries, hosted Thanksgiving breakfast for home missions, gave gift cards from Target to help with special needs at Haven of Peace - a local women and children’s shelter, Christmas cookie walk to benefit Hope Ministries and Lighthouse Village, hosted annual crab feed to benefit international ministries, hosted a Filipino food fund-raiser, gave proceeds from soup lunch to World and Brethren Relief, contributed to Maria Miranda Ministries, supported a female Cambodian missionary, gave scholarships to high school women graduates, contributed to flood relief for Haiti and the Philippines, help to support a missionary through C-Ten Ministries.
(Presidents’s Pen continued) to proceed forward with them. The guidelines for these quilt squares are in the back of the WMS Service Guide. And, if you enjoy quilting, but have never been able to be a part of the WMS quilting at conference, I would encourage you to come and quilt in the future. (This year is not a “quilt” year, in case you were wondering.) In the years that we have not had the quilt auctions, I have tried to provide other benevolence ideas at Conference to encourage in these areas. Do you have any suggestions of what else I might be able to do that would help you and your societies in these endeavors? I welcome your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas. Thank you so much. May God richly bless you and keep you. Joan Merrill Joan can be contacted at: Joan Merrill 9300 S State Road 3 Muncie, IN 47302 Phone: 765-289-2384 e-mail: joanmerrill@juno.com
SEE THIS
Please make these changes in your directory: OHIO DISTRICT, The president for the Louisville Beacon of Hope society is Karen Moran, 7852 Georgetown, Louisville, OH 44641-9656. The president for the New Lebanon Afternoon society is Mary Falldorf, 513 Hazelhurst, New Lebanon, OH 45345. Phone: 937-687-1359. NORTHEAST DISTRICT, The president for the Wayne Heights society is Judy Stevens, 302 Barnett Ave., Waynesboro, PA 17268. INDIANA DISTRICT, Sandy Sharp, vice president: sharp1934shooter@mediacombb.net
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Missionary Miscellany (continued) the community, we tell them that we value everyone and we love them enough to guide them while they work with us. One of our servers sees a mentor from a local church weekly and loves it. His life is being changed because of this relationship. Another server couldn’t get a job because of her police record, but we gave her the opportunity to start anew. She is doing a fantastic job and with our help and that of other agencies, we believe she can make it. In addition to local needs, we also work with a group of faithful people in Kenya. Five years ago a medical team began, then a chicken and egg program was started to help with nutrition and a form of microenterprise. What a phenomenal thing to watch as God takes a $500 investment and distributes it in an entire village and then is transformed! This village, Mangu, now has a healthy growing church with over 80 members providing for their community. Seven additional churches, spread from Nairobi to Mombasa, follow in their footsteps. If you want to see the Book of Acts in the flesh in everyday life, come see the opportunity God has given the Pump House Ministry to be a part of in Kenya and in Ashland. This stuff really works! Look at Cross Bars Ministry in Indiana. Larry Hanson took the Pump House concept, adapted it to the needs in his community, and with a lot of prayer and hard work, lives are being changed. My wife, Marylou, began a women’s ministry. She wrote: Upon graduation in 2009 from ATS, the Lord led me to plan a ministry to serve women who need a new beginning. The Lord gave the vision for Morning Joy Women’s Community, based on Psalm 90:14 and Psalm 30:5b. It will be a large home where women may live, learn, and grow together. It is my hope and prayer that someone will give us a large house with some property and avoid that start-up expense. Morning Joy’s mission is to believe in and empower women who are ready to be actively involved in discovering more about God, themselves, and their future, so they may be positioned and equipped for a transformed life filled with endless possibilities.
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Financial resources are very difficult. It will cost approximately $350 per month per woman. Because of the cost, I have plans for the women to care for the cost either personally, through family or friends, local churches, or a scholarship which is dependent upon donations and their own entrepreneurship. Each one will be accountable to the leadership and to their financial supporters, or a partner will be chosen by them through local volunteers. Like Pump House, Morning Joy will have various businesses who help to cover the home and provide scholarships for less fortunate women. The Lord gave the idea to begin a sewing business, which would start by making designer pillows. Soon a pastor, whose wife recently died, called, looking for a ministry where he might give his wife’s sewing machines and supplies. He knew this would be his wife’s desire. Isn’t this just like our Lord to provide all of our needs! Soon the sewing ministry will be set up at the Pump House to use the tools the Lord has entrusted us with for His glory, while we wait on Him to provide the financial support and the home for His women.
General Conference July 13-17, 2011 Wednesday - Sunday Ashland, Ohio
WMS Luncheon
Park Street Brethren Church Thursday, July 14 (additional information coming)
The Editor’s Ending Dear Friend, Wonderful ministries! Indeed, you are Women Meant to Serve! I join with all your recipients to say thank you. Well done, good and faithful servants!
In addition to these gifts demonstrating Commitment 3, you give financial support through your thank offerings to world and home missions, Ashland Theological Seminary, Ministerial Student Aid, Ashland University Campus Ministry and scholarship. Your dues support publications and conference expenses. The national project for 2010-11 is contributing to the renovation of Camp DeQuecito in Argentina. This is the 2nd and final year of this project. Your district projects are in addition. Because some asked for clarification for the Commitments, listed on page 46 in the Devotional Guide, this is a brief review. No. 1 encourages your personal growth with Bible reading, prayer, and Christian literature. Several books are suggested, but you may choose others. No. 2 designates financial gifts to Brethren ministries. No. 3 suggests opportunities to give tangible assistance to others. The statistical report form is mailed to your president in the spring. She reports the activities of your society. The compilation of all your activities is included in this Newsletter. Although a few societies are not listed, I’m almost positive that you also serve. This is not a “brag session,” but an opportunity to show how God has blessed you and you, in turn, have blessed someone else. Now is a good time to review progress on your commitments. Are you remembering your gratitude journal with a goal of recording blessings? A different entry in my journal on February 10 gave thanks for a special Valentine from the Lanark Neoma Circle. This I appreciate! Your friend,
Joan
Winter Camp Focuses on Being Filled When the winter blues set in, most people could use a pick-me-up to revive their spirits. The kids (and adults) who attended Winter Camp at Camp Bethany (Ohio) found just that. Not even a near blizzard in the days before could keep the eager campers away; if anything, it brought more out of the woodwork. With the addition of some fresh snow, the camp’s sloped hills became the grounds for hours of sledding and snowball fights. For those, like me, who were not particularly fond of snow-based activities, there were alternative options available, such as building gingerbread houses, decorating freshly baked cookies, and battling each other on the Xbox Kinnect. The weekend was filled with not only fun, but also spiritual growth. The theme for this year’s Winter Camp was “Be Filled,” and the focus was on filling ourselves with the Holy Spirit. Speakers for the weekend, including Matt Black, Maggie McLinden, and Jeff Brownsberger, took on the task of
Maggie McLinden
explaining the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. Despite the difficulty of the topic, the kids took to it and were asking questions and interested in learning more. Talks from the weekend covered the roots of the Holy Spirit in the Bible, its role in our lives, and following its dictates. In between these sessions, the campers had plenty of options to keep them occupied. Erin Sevin, the director of Winter Camp, planned even more fun to fill up the weekend. The popular T.V. show “Minute to Win It” was brought to life as the campers competed in teams to complete the one minute challenges. One favorite was “shake your booty,” a game which involved tying an empty tissue box full of ping pong balls to your backside and shaking yourself until all of the balls were out. Other games included stacking cups into a pyramid and deconstructing it, putting together a puzzle made from a cereal box, and unwrapping a whole roll of toilet paper. The weekend at Winter Camp left the kids filled with a new energy and revitalized spirit, providing much-needed relief from the cabin fever of winter. It also started the annual countdown until summer camp, a countdown several new people have joined in on thanks to Winter Camp ’11.
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Nappanee Youth Host
Souper Bowl of Caring Ryan Smith When you think about the Super Bowl you think about one of three things generally: who’s going to win, which commercials will be funny or not, and how painfully awful the halftime show will be. The teens of Solid Source Youth from Nappanee First Brethren Church in Indiana also think about soup, however. That’s right — soup! For the past two years, the youth of NFBC have used this world-renowned event as an opportunity to bless those in need in their community. By partnering with the organization Souper Bowl of Caring (http://www.souperbowl.org), the youth of NFBC use their Super Bowl party to collect cans of soup for a local food pantry. This year the youth expanded their efforts to include the entire church, hoping that the increase in attendance would equal an increase in cans of soup collected. Fortunately, they guessed right, with several from the church coming out for the party. The first year we hosted our Souper Bowl of Caring party we collected a little over 40 cans of soup. This year, by inviting the entire church to participate, we were able to collect 85 cans of soup for one of our local food banks. The simplest and easiest way to collect soup is to require participants in the party to bring a can of soup, which acts as their “ticket” into the party. Of course there are several other creative ways to go about collecting soup, and the Souper Bowl of Caring website has lots of ideas to help. What’s great about Souper Bowl of Caring is it’s easy. Everyone has an extra can of soup in a cupboard somewhere; or if not, soup is cheap enough to go out and purchase a can before the game. Not only is Souper Bowl of Caring easy, the blessing and impact that 85 cans of soup can have on a community is huge. I have to be honest, the Souper Bowl of Caring is one of the easiest events we do as a youth ministry. The resources available on the website are a great help, there is little in the way of startup, and give teens free food and you instantly have a mob. The party practically runs itself. I’d encourage you to check them out and consider hosting your own party next year. Not only will those that come have a great time, but you’ll be able to make community impact by helping those in need with something as simple as a can of soup.
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The blessing and impact that 85 cans of soup can have on a community is huge.
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! d n e t t a o t W O Plan N
2011 General Conference July 13 - 17 (Wednesday - Sunday) Ashland University, Ashland, OH
•Featured speakers Reggie McNeal and Hugh Halter •7 informative and practical workshops •Brethren Annual Meeting AND Leadership Development Event •All main sessions available via LIVE webcast Make plans now to bring as many of your local leaders as possible with you. Experience together the kinds of challenges, teaching and inspiration that can help your local ministry move to even greater levels of effectiveness at BEING the Body of Jesus Christ in your community! Come, be with us as we continue our next steps forward into God’s NEW DAY for The Brethren Church! Registration forms are available in this Evangelist, or online at http://www.brethrenchurch. org/get-involved/generalconference/-registration
Reggie McNeal
Hugh Halter
for ms & info
Chris Folmsbee Featured Speaker
Chris is an author, speaker, volunteer youth worker, youth ministry consultant, and the director of Barefoot Ministries a non-profit youth ministry training and publishing company located in Kansas City. You might recall, Chris joined with Engage 2010 to provide Youth Advisor training. This year he’ll be helping us to more fully understand the STORYLINE of God and how our individual STORYLINEs intersect His.
DOWNLOAD the 2011 Engage Conference Registration Form at http://byic.org/#/engage-conference/forms-info or simply fill out and mail the form at left. ++OPEN SPACES++ COSTS: Youth Advisors do not miss this... Open $280 [postmarked on/by May 16] Spaces has been created to help you $325 [postmarked on/by June 13] and your group to participate in a $350 [up until the day of conference] shared experience. See a description at the web address above. Welcome to Engage Conference presented by the BYIC. You are invited to be a part— a character in what will become the STORYLINE of Engage Conference 2011. Thrughout the week of Engage, you will come to more fully discover the beauty of God’s STORYLINE as revealed in His Word. You will also come to understand how your story is intended to mash-up with his; how together we are being used by God to continue the story of redemption.
ENGAGE CONFERENCE
The Brethren Evangelist (SSN 0747-4288) is published bimonthly except July/August by The Brethren Church, Inc., 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792 (telephone: 419-2891708; email: brethren@brethrenchurch.org; fax: 419-281-0450. 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 addional mailing office at Mansfield, Ohio. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Brethren Church, 524 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805-3792. March/April 2011, Vol. 133, No. 2
The Brethren Church 524 College Ave. Ashland, OH44805
CHURCH MOBILIZATION
“Mobilizing the People of God to BE the Church Well!”
MOBILIZATION results in healthier existing churches that are intentionally working to multiply disciples, multiply leaders, and multiply communities of faith. Who We Are… Under the direction of Resource Facilitator Gary Diehl, we are a team with no “silver bullets,” no pat answers, no experts, and no desire to tell you what to do – or do for you what you need to learn to do for yourself! We are trained to use ministry tools and ask good questions to identify your next steps as a congregation. Congregational Vitality • Clarifying your image of a healthy church • Focusing on Ministries, Staffing, Facilities, & Finances • Learning and growing through healthy conflict
Ministry Transitions • Understanding your ministry season • Navigating the pastoral transition • Interim ministries with a purpose
Leadership Development • Intentional Prayer Partnerships • Intentional Coaching or Mentoring • Intentional Consulting
Does this sound like the kind of congregation you are hoping to pursue? Would your congregation benefit from some of the resources listed above? Is this the kind of ministry to which you would like to contribute?
Church Mobilization _____ Yes! I would like to make a gift of $ ________________________ toward Church Mobilization. ________________________________________________________________________________ Name and Address Phone or email ______________________________Home Church __________________________ Please complete the information above, detach this form, and mail it to the address at right. If you would like more information, call the toll-free number. Secure contributions may also be made online through PayPal by going to www.brethrenchurch.org/get-involved/contributions. Use one of the PayPal links in the “Church Mobilization” section and follow the prompts. You will be allowed to comment about your gift during the checkout process. Thank you!
The Brethren Church 524 College Ave. Ashland, OH 44805
1-877-289-1708