January 9, 2008
Pastors and Leaders,
We would like to extend a very Happy New Year to all of you! We hope your time over the Christmas Season was a Blessed and refreshing time for everyone!
A major role of the National Office is to maintain communication with our denomination. To keep all of our ministries up to date on what is going on in the Brethren Church, this “National Office Update” is a bi-weekly letter to inform pastors and leaders of the current events in our denomination.
It is our hope that by offering these updates, we will strengthen our communication as well as join together, so we may move forward in the mission of the Brethren Church. Please feel free to pass along this information to all of those in your church who are interested in staying up to date with the ministry of the Brethren Church.
Statistical Reports & Certification of Elders: Please be patient with us! With all of the transitions here in the office there is still a lot to learn. We are working hard to get all of this information out to you by this week. Thank you for your patience!
Opportunity to help Riverside Christian School, KY
“Riverside Christian is now collecting canceled stamps for redeeming at $6.00 per pound.
Carolyn and I have a number of churches and individuals sending us canceled stamps, that we take to a broker in Fort Wayne, Indiana and sell them.
All the proceeds are used for ‘Nickels for Nutrition’ here in the food service ministry with over 60% of the student body on complimentary lunches. The meals are intentionally planned for being well-balanced, fun with clever naming, and nutritional.
I write to inquire about the promoting of this effort through the Brethren communication channels (magazine, newsletters, emails, etc.). I did not know the denominational policy on such promotions by individual mission sites.
We are rejoicing in the challenge of being here and the comfort of feeling welcomed and included by the school staff and community. We have been surprised with the quickness of the assimilation that is somewhat guarded, but welcoming.
Please advice or give counsel on the above request.” - Terry Shumaker
Churches Looking for Pastors
Please be in prayer for these churches as they seek new pastors.
Mathias Brethren, WV
Lanark First Brethren, IL
Wabash First Brethren, IN
Elkhart First Brethren Church, IN
Roann First Brethren Church, IN
Winding Waters Brethren Church, IN
Eagle’s Nest Christian Fellowship, IN
Peru First Brethren Church, IN
North Georgetown First Breth., OH
Roanoke First Brethren Church, IN
County Line Breth. Ch., Lakeville, IN
Sarver Brethren Church, PA
Part Time Opportunities:
Park Street Brethren Church, Ashland, OH is seeking a Part Time Director of Children’s Ministry
The Winding Waters Brethren Church in Elkhart, IN is looking for a short-term interim pastor who will provide Bible teaching on Sundays and perhaps be available one other day of the week to assist with pastoral care. For more information contact District Pastor Tim Garner at 1-877-768-9185
Larry Hanson will conclude his ministry at the County Line Brethren Church around the first week of March.
Tim DeLaughter has concluded his ministry at Grace Community Church in Winchester, VA. He has joined an old classmate for a church plant with the C & MA church in New Jersey. We’ll list more contact info later, but for now Tim can be reached at tim@gracealliancechapel.org
Luke Kelley is the new pastor at Cornerstone Brethren Church in Muncie, IN. Luke is an Ashland, OH native and will begin part-time in January. Welcome Luke!
CONGRATULATIONS!!
To Chris & Leigh Ann Rufener, of St. College, PA, on the birth of their son Luke Robert!
More information on Richmond, VA and the Conference Center
Registration information will be coming soon!
Visit Richmond, VA websites at:
www.visit.richmond.com and www.richmondcenter.com
Resource Materials:
Here are some great materials available to help cast the NEW DAY vision
“The Present Future” by, Reggie McNeal
This is the book that was given out at the Leaders Luncheon at General Conf.
Willow Creek’s Reveal Now Video!
To order the “Reveal - Where Are You?” Book
Be sure to review the videos and get the book! The results of this Willow Creek self-study
have many implications for our NEW DAY journey. Be sure to note the kinds of strategies
transform people into mature disciples.
And also keep praying for NEW DAY activities in local congregations, in districts, among pastoral and leadership and around the denomination:
Brethren Pastors Conference “Color Your World” is set for March 25-27, 2008 in Belleville, OH, just down the road from Ashland. A Natural Church Development/NEW DAY agenda is planned. The cost is very reasonable; the topic is essential and transformational. Spouses are encouraged to attend if possible. Pastors, be sure to get this on your calendar now and seek congregational support for your attendance. We expect that all Brethren pastors will be there.
If you would like to order the “Color Your World…” book: Please contact us at the Brethren Church National Office. We have books available here at the BCNO for $12.00 plus $5.00 shipping. Books are normally $18- $20 plus shipping through Amazon.com or ChurchSmart.com.
