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With the Wind

This past Sunday was Pentecost Sunday, where we celebrate what happened to Jesus’ followers in Acts 2:1-4:


Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a violent wind blowing came from heaven and filled the entire house where they were sitting. And tongues spreading out like a fire appeared to them and came to rest on each one of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them.


I grew up in a Pentecostal church, where this passage was given high priority. I grew up having encounters with the Holy Spirit that are hard to explain. But before we dismiss the Pentecostal church as the crazy cousins of the Christian community, I would like to give you a word of caution. The Pentecostal church, which is the most recent church in history (starting just a little over 100 years ago), is already the second-largest church in the world. The only church bigger than the Pentecostal church is the Roman Catholic Church, which just so happens to be the oldest church in history. This demonstrates that God must be at work in the Pentecostal church. Thus, we cannot dismiss that God must be at work because it does not quite compute with our rationalistic minds.


However, I am not writing to convert you to Pentecostalism. I am writing to discuss the Holy Spirit. I want to start with a definition. I teach theology at Malone University in Canton, OH. There, I define the Holy Spirit as the “personal presence of God that is active in the Church and in the world.” In other words, if there is ever a moment where we say God performed some certain action, Jesus did something, or the Father did this or that, etc., then we are actually noticing the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is how God acts in the world.


Jesus tells us in the Gospel of John that it is better for his disciples if he were to leave the earth because then the Holy Spirit will come. Jesus, who is fully divine, is also fully human, which means that due to his physical limitations, he can only be in one place at one time. At the time of Jesus, God was considered to be only in one place: the temple in Jerusalem. Now that Jesus has died, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit could come. This is the description of Acts 2; because of this, the Holy Spirit is now available at all times to all people. We do not need to wait for a certain man to enter our homes or church buildings. We do not need to make special pilgrimages to a certain building in a certain city. We have the presence of God at all times and in all places because of the Holy Spirit. This is why Jesus says it would be better for him to leave.


If this is the case, we as the Church need to talk about what it means to always have God’s presence with us. Specifically, I would like to focus on what it means to be Spirit-led, which I would argue is more a defining feature of being Pentecostal than speaking in tongues. Look at what John 3:1-8 says:


Now a certain man, a Pharisee named Nicodemus, who was a member of the Jewish ruling council, came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. No one could perform the miraculous signs you do unless God is with him.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb and be born a second time, can he?”


Jesus answered, “I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must all be born from above.’ The wind blows wherever it will, and you hear the sound it makes, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”


This is a well-known passage in the Evangelical church and is where we get the term “born-again” Christian. Yet, that seems to be the misunderstanding that Nicodemus makes. The Greek word "anothen" can be translated as again or above. This explains Nicodemus’ confusion and why he asks whether or not someone can be born a second time. He even gives quite the picture by imagining a grown person climbing back into the mother’s womb only to come out again.


However, by Jesus’ response, we can tell he doesn’t mean a second physical birth. Instead, he is talking about a different kind of birth, a birth that cannot come from this earth but a birth that can only come from “above.” "Above" would have been associated with heaven. And simply put, heaven is God’s place. It is where he dwells and, most importantly, where he reigns. This is why Jesus connects this birth from above to the “kingdom of God.” In order to enter the reign and rule of God, you must undergo a new creation act generated from the place where God reigns and rules now. The question we should have after such a statement is the one that Nicodemus has: how does this work? Jesus says that it works through the Spirit.


This new creation act does not originate the way we were initially created; instead, it originates through the Spirit. In other words, the birth from “above” is a supernatural transformation. This means that all people who have had the new birth experience have been born of the Spirit. If the Spirit is the one that births us, then the Spirit will also lead us as we live this new creation life. You are only born to live, not just to be born. The metaphor of a new birth includes a new life. All people who claim to be disciples of Jesus have been born of the Spirit and now live a life that is led by the Spirit. The image Jesus gives for the Spirit-led life is the wind blowing. There is a mystery to the wind; we don’t know where it comes from or where it is going, but we do hear the sound of it coming. Jesus uses this metaphor, and sometime later in Acts 2, the description of the Holy Spirit coming upon people is described as the sound of the rushing wind.


The word for Spirit and wind both come from the Greek word pneuma. Jesus is definitely using a play on words here by using both meanings of pneuma interchangeably. Pneuma can also mean breath. These word associations of spirit, breath, and wind should bring to mind creation. In Genesis 2, we are told that God breathed into the first humans. It also makes sense that creation is at play here because of John 1. There, the writer of the Fourth Gospel calls to mind Genesis 1, when he describes the world as being created through the Logos who is Jesus. We shouldn’t be surprised, then, that John records a unique conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus that concerns new creation.


This new creation will now allow humanity to be who they were always meant to be: the co-rulers of God with the world. Hint: why does Jesus talk about entering the kingdom of God here? The new birth is tied to the kingdom of God because it allows humans to properly reflect the rule of God back to the world like they were supposed to. This is possible for humans because of the work that the Spirit plays in the new birth and the new life that is to follow. The disciple of Christ is not just reborn through the Spirit but also led by the Spirit. The disciple of Christ is not one who is firmly rooted in the past nor one who is caught up in the grand designs of the future. Rather, the disciple of Christ is captive to the present moment, waiting to hear the sound of the wind coming.


However, we do not like living this way. Why? Because it takes submission. We can’t master the Spirit, because the Spirit is God. So when we feel and hear the wind blowing, we begin to hang on because we are worried that we might get blown to a place that we would never choose. And when the Spirit blows, what is it that we hang on to the most to try to stop the wind from blowing? We usually default to our rationalism and we express that through clinging to the Bible.


There is a place to be word-led, in fact, we should be. As Brethren, we talk about the Outer Word (referring to Scripture) and the Inner Word (referring to the Spirit) pointing us toward the Living Word (Jesus). We hold word and Spirit in balance so that we can truly see Jesus. Yet, it seems in the church, we always default to the word over the Spirit. Why? Well, because the word is in black and white. We can do the linguistic hurdles necessary to get the word to say whatever it is we want it to say. We can use the word like a law book whereby we judge people, events, and even ideas by it. However, the word only ever has true power when we invite the Spirit into conversation with it. Why do we not do this? Well, there is a difference between the word and the Spirit: the Spirit is God and the word is not.


Being in the presence of God freaks us out, and if we invite the Spirit into the conversation, then we will be in God’s presence. Then we will have no choice but to submit. We would rather leave the Spirit out because being in the presence of God will remind us of who we truly are: the co-rulers and not the rulers. Inviting the Spirit into the conversation is to remind us that we are not the people who have the ultimate authority. It will even be a reminder that the word doesn’t have ultimate authority; rather, the Spirit does. The Spirit itself is the one that gives the word authority. However, we don’t want that. We would rather be able to control the word, we would rather be the god, and so we default to the word because we can control it. We can’t control the wind, but I can flip to whatever section of the book I want. If I choose, I can even close it.


The word gets abused all the time. It is easy to abuse because it can be relegated to just another text on the page. As believers, we believe that it is more than that because every faith statement regarding Scripture says that it gets its power through the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit, the word is just text on a page that can be abused, manipulated, and even marketed. It is why today you can shop online for such a thing as a God Bless the USA Bible. It includes not only the King James translation of Scripture but also a copy of the chorus “God Bless the USA” written by Lee Greenwood, The US Constitution, The Bill of Rights, The Declaration of Independence, and the Pledge of Allegiance. On the website for the God Bless the USA Bible, under the frequently asked question: “What makes this Bible unique and special?” The answer follows: “First and foremost, The God Bless The USA Bible is the ONLY Bible inspired by America’s most recognized patriotic anthem, God Bless The USA.” Right there in black and white on this Bible’s website, they are replacing the Spirit with a “patriotic” song. Why? Probably because after reading Scripture, it is much more comfortable to read the Constitution than to be convicted by the Holy Spirit.


However, the Spirit can also be abused. This is a tale as old as time. You can look all throughout church history and see time and time again, where charismatic leaders would come, claiming to be inspired by the Spirit and then go off the rails. This is part of the church’s hesitancy to embrace the Pentecostal movement because it is seen to be in line with all of the spiritual abuses of the past. And if you look at the history of Pentecostalism, you will see that the abuses of the past still come up in the present, and unfortunately, it is safe to assume that those abuses will continue to happen in the future as well. However, the answer to abuses of the Spirit is not cessation. It is not denying, stopping, or exiling the Spirit, rather, it is discernment. It is learning how to listen so that you know whether or not it is the wind that is blowing. The answer is to not stop the work of God or, even worse, replace him with the word that God produced; rather, it is to learn how to listen to God better.


So, how are we spirit-led? How do we ensure that we emphasize the proper Word-Spirit dynamic? I have three suggestions, all of which have already been mentioned. 


First and foremost, we need to have complete and total submission to the Holy Spirit. We cannot be blown by the wind if we are not willing to let go. We need to give up control. We need to fight the human impulse to lead ourselves. I am not saying that when you give up control the Spirit is going to tell you to quit your job and move to another country. I mean the Spirit could do that, but I have my doubts. I think your life will be changed in much more subtler ways. After all, Elijah encountered God through the still, small voice. This will make more sense in a moment, but for now, we need to have the willingness to completely and totally submit because the Spirit is God.


Second, being Spirit-led places importance on being in community. How do we discern that it is the wind blowing? Through community. The Brethren call this practice communal discernment. It can be painstakingly slow at times, but when the discernment process is finally over, it will be a moment of beauty. We know that the Spirit is not being abused when we are willing to submit together. If those who are coming together are Spirit-led people, then we can trust that the Spirit will lead through the voice of the community. This is how the church historically has led. We will get it wrong sometimes, and that is okay; we do not need to live in fear over making the wrong decision. Yet if we are truly following the Spirit, we will discover the error of our ways sooner rather than later. Most importantly, communal discernment means we cannot silence anyone but that everyone must have a voice at the table.


Last, the Spirit-led life is attuned to the present moment. This is exactly what the wind metaphor means by not knowing where you come from or where you are going. The Spirit-led person doesn’t believe the lies of nostalgia concerning the glory days, and it doesn’t believe the lies of the utopian future either. Instead, the Spirit-led person recognizes where God is at work in the present moment and comes alongside God to help accomplish that work. The Spirit-led person recognizes that the present moment is both the yesterday that we remember fondly and the future moment we have anxiously been waiting for. 


When I think about the Spirit-led life and Jesus’ metaphor of the wind blowing, I can’t help but think of the movie Forrest Gump. If you have never seen the movie, Forrest Gump is a fictional story of a man with a mental disability who has a profound impact on American life throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. He becomes a college football All-American, a Vietnam war hero, a world-champion Ping Pong player, the owner of a million-dollar shrimp company, one of the first investors in Apple computers, and my personal favorite, the person who called the cops about the break-in at the Watergate hotel.


The thing about Forrest is that he did not plan to do any of these grand accomplishments. In fact, because of his mental disability, the significance of the moment is typically lost on Forrest. He does not understand that what he is doing is necessarily spectacular and the reason is because he is just doing what the moment calls for. To press this illustration further, Forrest’s life is symbolized by a feather being blown in the wind. The opening scene of the movie is of a feather falling from the sky and landing on Forrest’s shoe. The movie ends with Forrest waiting with his young son for the school bus. While waiting, they open a book where the same feather has been placed in. The wind then blows the feather away, and it leaves the viewer asking the question: Where will the wind blow Forrest next?


That is an example of the Spirit-led life. It is doing whatever the moment requires. It is being able to hear the wind blow so that you know that it is coming. When it does, you don’t hang on to whatever anchor you can find, nor do you point yourself in a particular direction to ensure the most comfortable landing spot, but you let go and submit to wherever the wind may blow. The best news is that you don’t have to do this on your own because the Spirit that is leading you will also be the one empowering you, and that is why the Holy Spirit came 2,000 years ago. Happy Pentecost Church!


Drew Meziere

North Central Regional Resource Coordinator (RRC)

Raystown Brethren Celebrates Baptisms

By Al Chamberlain • February 12, 2025
Titus 3:4-7 says, “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” This past year, our church (Raystown Brethren Church, Raystown, PA) had the privilege of celebrating the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit with two individuals as they were baptized. We also had the immense privilege of taking in seven new members into our growing church family. We celebrate these incredible moments with joy, knowing how fleeting life can be as we have also seen four church members move on to be with the Lord in Heaven. We celebrated their lives and mourned their loss here on earth, knowing that they have finished their race and are now in Glory. We have also seen new life be born as we celebrate the birth of new family members to our congregants. We have had many reasons to celebrate as a church family throughout this past year. We hold fast to the hope we have in Jesus and to each other through all of life’s moments; praying for one another and cheering each other on. We look forward to all that the upcoming year has in store for us! Al Chamberlain Pastor, Raystown Brethren Church 

Philippine Brethren Celebrate Another New Church Plant

By Scott Soden • February 12, 2025
The past year has presented significant challenges for our partners in the Philippines, including six powerful typhoons and devastating flooding. Yet, even amidst these trials, the light of hope and joy has shined brightly, revealing remarkable reasons for celebration. In March 2024, a vibrant new church was established in Cay Pombo, a rapidly developing neighborhood outside Manila. This journey started with a humble gathering in Pastor Rolly Gubala's garage alongside his devoted friend and ministry partner, Pastor Efren Corido. By God’s grace, the church has begun to flourish, reflecting His love and purpose. One new church would be reason enough to celebrate; there’s so much more to this story! In the aftermath of the floods, the churches came together, inspired by Christ’s command to love our neighbors. They reached out to assist those who had lost everything, helping them relocate to a new neighborhood outside Bocaue. In their service, they addressed urgent needs for food and shelter while also ministering to the spiritual hunger within the community. This compassionate outreach led to the formation of a thriving Bible study that engaged hearts and transformed lives. On Sunday, November 24th, the first service of JOFF Brethren Church in Pandi was joyfully celebrated. Since that day, the church has continued to grow, filled with worship services, Bible studies, and outreach efforts that reflect the heart of Jesus. This is a powerful testament to what God is doing through the Brethren in the Philippines, showing that even in adversity, His light and love can shine through us.  Scott Soden Coordinator; Brethren Global Partners

Brethren in Puerto Maldonado, Peru Celebrate 8 Years of Ministry, New Facility

By Scott Soden • February 5, 2025
The Brethren Church in Puerto Maldonado celebrated its 8th anniversary on Sunday, January 26th! This milestone was incredibly inspiring for the congregation as they gathered in their new, still-under-construction facility. The day-long event featured two worship services, guest speakers, special dances, a meal, and new worship center's first wedding. It is genuinely an extraordinary testimony to the work that Jesus is accomplishing through the power of His Holy Spirit! We extend special thanks to Mount Olive Brethren Church, Smithville Brethren Church, and Brethren Church Global Partners, who generously contributed much of the funding for this building project. The new location has already become a blessing for the community, situated in an area many had previously chosen to avoid. Everything has changed now. This beautiful structure has transformed the landscape of what was once a neglected place, attracting people from all over to engage in worship and foster hope. Join us in celebrating with Pastor Segundo, his wife Vilma, and the entire congregation for eight years of meaningful ministry in Puerto Maldonado. We look forward to many more years of service from this new location, which the church proudly owns. This place will become the center for numerous church ministries and new congregations in the region. Praise God! Scott Soden Coordinator; Brethren Global Partners

Summit Ridge Team Assists in Spokane Fire Recovery

By Dan Acker • January 29, 2025
In mid-January, a team from Summit Ridge Community Church (Tucson, AZ) consisting of Randall Hartman, Tom Oberin, Bryan Bentz, and Dan Acker traveled to Spokane, Washington, to assist in the recovery efforts following the devastating summer 2023 wildfires. Partnering with Mennonite Disaster Services (MDS), the team joined other volunteers from the Pacific Northwest and Midwest. Over the course of a week, they contributed to the rebuilding process by drywalling, installing cabinets, and adding insulation to three homes. While working, the team had the opportunity to speak with the homeowners and hear their firsthand accounts of the fires. These homeowners shared distressing stories and even showed videos capturing the terrifying speed and destructive power of the flames, which left them with little more than the clothes on their backs. The work was physically demanding, but the team found deep reward in contributing to the rebuilding process and, most importantly, offering hope to these residents that recovery is possible, even after such devastating losses. Dan Acker Pastor, Summit Ridge Community Church West Regional Resource Coordinator

How Pokémon Cards are Leading Youth to Jesus

By Zac Yonko • January 29, 2025
At Vinco Brethren Church (Mineral Point, PA), we believe ministry happens when we listen to the people in our congregation—especially the youngest among us. That belief sparked the creation of a new youth ministry gathering called Proverbs & Pokémon , which has become a blessing not only to the kids but to the entire church. The idea for Proverbs & Pokémon began during a simple conversation with three of our youth after a Sunday service. They were chatting about their love for Pokémon cards—collecting, trading, and battling. Their excitement was contagious, and as we talked, the idea began to form: what if the church could provide a space where kids could gather, trade cards, and engage in fun Pokémon-themed activities? But beyond that, what if we could use this shared hobby as a way to teach the wisdom of Jesus? With that vision in mind, Proverbs & Pokémon was born. Every month and a half, kids come to the church to enjoy trading cards, participating in Pokémon-themed events, and sharing their enthusiasm for the cards with other fans. But the heart of the gathering is our time in scripture. We take these moments to teach timeless truths from the Bible, connecting the wisdom of Proverbs and the teachings of Jesus to their everyday lives—even to their hobbies. Every kid who comes leaves a gatherer, gathering more kids each time we meet. So far, we’ve hosted three gatherings, and the response has been incredible. Each event has brought in a few more kids, and the best part is their parents often stay, too. As they listen to the joy and laughter filling the room, they also hear the scriptures being taught and see how the gospel is influencing their children. It’s a powerful reminder of how faith can transform any space. We’ve also learned an important lesson: sometimes ministry starts with simply listening. When we take the time to hear what kids are excited about, we can find the crossroads where their interests meet the opportunity to make faith real. What might seem unrelated to religion—like Pokémon cards—can actually be the bridge that connects them to Jesus. Beyond the cards and games, the gatherings provide fellowship and food. It’s hard to beat the combination of pizza, friends, and fun, and many of the kids have expressed how much they look forward to coming back. Our hope is that this ministry encourages others to think creatively about reaching the younger generation. Listen to the kids in your church. What are their hobbies? What brings them joy? How can you create a space where their interests intersect with the gospel? Ministry doesn’t always have to look traditional—it just has to be intentional. Proverbs & Pokémon has been a gift to our church and community, reminding us that God can use even the smallest things—like a Pokémon card—to teach wisdom, build relationships, and reveal His love. We can’t wait to see how this ministry continues to grow and bless the lives of everyone involved. Pastor Zac Yonko Vinco Brethren Church

Bethlehem Brethren (Harrisonburg, VA) Celebrates Baptisms

By Gail Heiston • January 8, 2025
On November 3, 2024, three more people were baptized at Bethlehem Brethren Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Two adults who have been regularly attending for several months joined our church through the waters of baptism, along with one of our youth! As Pastor Gail’s mentor, Pastor Fred Miller of Mount Olive Brethren Church likes to say, “Your baptism is your first sermon.” Indeed it was! The baptisms were greeted with praise to God and a couple of questions about future baptisms! We have seven children attending Bethlehem right now and some of them have also expressed an interest in baptism. Our baptisms included a mother and daughter along with Pastor Gail’s granddaughter. Each person baptized was presented with a white beach towel, with their initials and date of baptism embroidered in blue on the towel. We held two baptisms earlier in the year and each of those received a towel as well. It was a suggestion from Susan Kidd in our church and one that we intend to continue as a wonderful reminder of a precious day. Bethlehem holds Fellowship Sunday on the first Sunday of each month, and we celebrate with coffee, donuts, or some other treat. This Sunday, we held it in the fellowship hall to add to the celebration of the baptisms in sweet fellowship with one another. Another thank you to the Southeast Regional Leadership Team for approving the purchase of a portable baptismal since ours is not in working condition. We give all thanks and glory to God for all He is doing in our midst. Gail Heiston Pastor, Bethlehem Brethren Church Southeast Regional Resource Coordinator

Handel's "Messiah," His Times, and Our Times

By Steve Longenecker • December 18, 2024
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash Comfort ye. These are the first two words in George Friderich Handel’s The Messiah. Then, the text repeats these words: “Comfort ye, my people.” “Comfort ye” is the theme of the Handel’s great oratorio. As Charles King points out in his wonderful new book, “Every Valley: The Desperate Lives and Troubled Times That Made Handel’s Messiah ,” Handel’s masterpiece proclaims hope for a dark world. Actually, Handel did not write the words. The great composer’s librettist was Charles Jennens, a conservative appalled by the times in which he lived. Jennens believed in inherited institutions. He rejected much that was theologically current, including Deism, rationalism, and the Enlightenment. Faith, like the monarchy, rested not on reason but on awe and mystery, anchored by the King James Bible. Politically, Jennens favored the old, deposed Stuart dynasty, exiled in France, which made him a distinct outsider and potentially treasonous. King also describes the personal life of Jennens, which had more than its share of darkness. Jennens never married and depression plagued him. Likewise, for English society the times were tumultuous. Civil, colonial, and European wars haunted recent memory. Deep poverty was widespread, and the international slave trade fueled the economy. Jennens was a significant investor in the South Sea Company, which trafficked in slaves, and Handel owned its stock for several years. In the midst of all this theological, political, and personal darkness, Jennens created a comforting libretto that exudes light. He wrote about wonder, promise, and the ability to nudge life in that direction. Suffering is part of the world, but God stays with us through it. Jennens’s Messiah exudes optimism. Jennens accomplished this in three parts. Part I states prophecy (the crooked will be made straight and the rough places plain). Then the libretto moves into struggle, (he was despised and rejected). But in Part III Jennens declares a glorious expression of hope. Hallelujah! Comfort ye, my people. Handel didn’t care about any of this. He was a gluttonous, gouty man of the world with a well-deserved reputation for prolific cursing. But he saw something in Jennens’s libretto that inspired him to write soaring, passionate, melodic, and memorable music that puts an exclamation point on the pathos and joy of the Jennens’s words. For many, today’s times resemble Handel’s (and Jennens’s). Like Jennens, many suffer personal pain. Young people, especially young men, feel darkness due to college debts, home unaffordability, career stagnation, or difficulty in forming relationships. In the public sector, apprehension about the future is at an all-time high. This is not the time or place to catalogue the many causes of darkness in today’s world, but whether conservatives who worry that the tides of history run against them on cultural issues or progressives who fear the worst in climate change, deep anxiety is an epidemic. Whatever our political taste—be ye red or be ye blue—we can easily tick off multiple causes for alarm. In all honesty, sometimes the darkness wins. I strive for realism, and I detest Pollyannaism, which is often a popular fallback in church circles. Consequently, I know that sometimes life gets very hard. But not always. In our times, like Jennens’s, all is not lost; there is a better way. In this season may we give our mental make-up a little more attention (comfort ye), nurture hope (the trumpet shall sound), and wait for an opportunity to make a difference. Can I get Handel’s (and Jennens’s) last word? Amen. Steve Longenecker is Professor of History, emeritus, at Bridgewater College (VA).

And the Things of Earth Will Grow Strangely Dim

By Lydia McCullough • December 10, 2024
As a brand-new member of Park Street Brethren Church in Ashland, Ohio, I must confess I do not have the long-lasting connection to the old sanctuary as many in my community do. However, I have heard many stories from the people who have been a part of the Park Street Brethren Church community for decades. I have heard stories of Joann Ronk, who was the organ player and often the glue that held the church together. I have heard stories of Pastor Arden Gilmer, the longest-serving pastor of the church and a spiritual giant, who is still talked about in reverent tones today. I had the honor of meeting Jerry Flora just last year when he joined Jason Barnhart for an episode of the Brethren Way Podcast, both gentlemen who have been influential in establishing the theological underpinnings of Park Street’s thought and practice through years of writing and teaching. Many “Brethren Greats” have worshipped in the hallowed, old sanctuary, and the history within its walls is palpable when you walk into the now dusty, decrepit space. Even so, as a church, a body of believers committed to following the leading of the Holy Spirit in every decision we make, Park Street members decided 5 years ago that it was time for the old sanctuary to come down to make room for what God has in store for our future. (If you would like to know more about this decision, read here ) This decision was not made lightly, and it came after hearing a staggering quote of one million dollars needed to restore it to a safe condition. As a people committed to the Jesus Way, we realized, after many tears, laments, and stories were shared, that the legacy of Park Street Brethren Church does not live in the old sanctuary but in the memories and hearts of those who make up the spiritual body of Christ. To tear the building down and rebuild something new and better suited to our needs, for a fraction of the cost, is better stewardship of the gifts we’ve been given and will serve us well as we follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in the next season of our church’s life. As demolition of the old sanctuary has begun and will be in full force after Christmas, The Lord has caused me to think of the hymn, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” The line, “And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace,” has been especially poignant to me, as the Ashland community has recently become aware of our five-year-old decision. Understandably, the community has many feelings of nostalgia, sadness, and anger regarding the news. I have been encouraged by many people sharing more stories of their time growing up at Park Street, and my heart breaks for them amid this loss. I have been disappointed in the responses that assume that we don’t care at all about our history and that we are simply throwing it away to build something “flashier.” While I understand that without being a part of the current Park Street community, many Ashland residents would have no way of knowing the heart behind our decision, I wonder if, as they are making these harsh assumptions, they may be missing some very important truths. When we hold too tightly to the things of earth, sometimes we forget that they will soon grow dim in the light of something so much better: God’s glory and grace. Certainly, when the things we know and love deeply here on earth pass away, there are very valid feelings of sadness, heartache, and anger that come with loss. However, when the things of earth pass away, it creates room for the glory and grace of God to shine through in a new way, which has always been the point. If the only legacy Park Street Brethren Church has to offer is a pretty building with nice stained glass windows, I say tear it down and tear down the new one, too. Instead, may our legacy be the lives transformed for good through Park Street Brethren Church and the Kingdom work accomplished by the body of Christ within it. Lydia McCullough Park Street Brethren Church O soul are you weary and troubled No light in the darkness you see There's light for a look at the Savior And life more abundant and free Turn your eyes upon Jesus Look full in his wonderful face And the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the light of his glory and grace His word shall not fail you he promised Believe him and all will be well Then go to a world that is dying His perfect salvation to tell Turn your eyes upon Jesus Look full in his wonderful face And the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the light of his glory and grace Written by Helen H. Lemmel, 1922

The Woman Responsible for Thanksgiving as a National Holiday

By RIchard C. Winfield • November 26, 2024
The following originally appeared in the November 1994 issue of The Brethren Evangelist and was written by then-editor Richard C. Winfield NEARLY EVERY AMERICAN knows that our annual observance of Thanksgiving Day looks back to the harvest festival held in Plymouth Colony in 1621. But many people may not realize that Thanksgiving Day has not always been a national holiday in the United States. Our nation’s first President, George Washington, proclaimed in 1789 that a day of thanksgiving should be observed that year by the 13 states that then constituted the nation. But it wasn't until 1863 and the presidency of Abraham Lincoln that Thanksgiving Day became an annual observance. And this came about only because of the tireless efforts of a person little-known to us today, a woman named Sarah J. Hale. Who was Sarah J. Hale? Sarah Josepha Buell was born in 1788 in Newport, New Hampshire. In 1813 she married David Hale, a lawyer. He encouraged her to write for local newspapers. How she managed to do this while having five children over the next nine years is anybody's guess. At any rate, when her husband died in 1822, Mrs. Hale had experienced enough success as a writer to enter into a full-scale literary career. In 1827 her first novel was published and was well-received. The following year, Rev. John L. Blake began a monthly woman's magazine in Boston and offered Hale the editorship. She accepted, moved to Boston, and edited Ladies’ Magazine there until 1837. The magazine featured fiction, poetry, essays, and criticism, and attempted to define and celebrate the wholesome and tasteful in American life. Mrs. Hale wrote most of the material for each issue. In 1837, Louis A. Godey bought out the magazine and changed the name to Godey’s Lady’s Book. He retained Mrs. Hale as editor, and she moved to Philadelphia, where for the next 40 years she headed a magazine that prided itself on being " a beacon light of refined taste, pure morals, and practical wisdom." A Thanksgiving campaign Mrs. Hale began her campaign for an annual, national Thanksgiving holiday in Godey's Lady's Book in 1846-a campaign that was to last 17 years and more. But her first public statements on this subject came long before that date. As early as 1827 she wrote, "Thanksgiving like the Fourth of July should be considered a national festival and observed by all our people..." Mrs. Hale saw a Thanksgiving holiday not only as a day for giving thanks for God's goodness and His blessings, but also as a unifying bond for our nation. In this regard, we need to remember that she waged much of her campaign for a national Thanksgiving holiday during the years leading up to the division of the Union and the Civil War. Mrs. Hale's efforts to establish a Thanksgiving holiday were not limited to her editorials in Lady's Book . She wrote letters to all the Presidents from 1850 to 1863 urging them to proclaim a national observance of Thanksgiving. She wrote to other influential people in government as well. And since there was no national observance of Thanksgiving Day, she also wrote to governors of states urging them to proclaim a state Thanksgiving holiday. Over the years she wrote literally thousands of letters - all by hand. By 1852, she was able to announce in Lady’s Book that all but two of the then 31 states had united in a common observance of a Thanksgiving Day. But she continued her campaign for a nationally-declared holiday. In 1861, the first year of the Civil War, she begged for a Thanksgiving Day of Peace, pleading that “we lay aside our enmities and strifes… on this one day." Her pleading failed. But two years later, in 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, her goal was achieved. On October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued what was the first National Thanksgiving Proclamation since the days of George Washington. All Mrs. Hale's efforts, her editorials, and her letters had finally borne fruit. For the next several years, she continued to urge President Lincoln and his successor to proclaim the fourth Thursday in November as a national Thanksgiving Day, for at that time each year's observance of the holiday was by annual proclamation of the President. Thanksgiving continued to be observed every year from 1863 on, but it wasn't until 1941 that a joint resolution of Congress legally established the fourth Thursday in November as a national Thanksgiving holiday. Some observations Mrs. Hale's example reminds us what one person can accomplish by persistent and dedicated effort. But her example also reminds us that great achievements often don't come easily or quickly. It was 36 years from her first public statement appealing for a national Thanksgiving observance until Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the holiday in 1863. And during those years she wrote dozens of editorials and thousands of letters campaigning for this holiday. We do well to remember this when we seek to bring about changes in government (for example, in laws concerning abortion, pornography, prayer in schools, a balanced-budget, etc.). In this day when we expect instant results, we need to take a longer view. And one or two letters to our congressmen may not be enough to get the job done. One additional thought: Mrs. Hale labored long and hard to make sure that our nation would set apart one day each year on which we, as a nation, would express our gratitude to God for His goodness and His abundant blessings upon us. Therefore, let’s make sure we use the day for that purpose. Let’s put some thanks into our Thanksgiving. And while we're at it, we might even want to express a word of gratitude as well for the dedication and persistence of Sarah J. Hale.

Brethren Academy Comes to Ashland

By Lydia McCullough • November 20, 2024
Brethren Academy 2024 took place November 8-10, and Ashland, OH was graced with the presence of 16 high school-aged, up-and-coming leaders of The Brethren Church! The weekend was full of teaching, fellowship, and communion with the Lord and the Body of Christ. The future of The Brethren Church looks brighter with these students in it! This year marked the last of a 3-year rotation of Brethren Academy themes. The first year of the theme rotation, students learn about their identity in Christ and their identity as members of The Brethren Church. In the second year, they learn about their God-given calling and how they are able to live that out in a uniquely Brethren way wherever they find themselves in life. This year, as the third year of this rotation, students learned what it means to have a Kingdom Witness and why it's important to share it with others. Students learned from Executive Board member and pastor of Gretna Brethren Church, Rob Starnes, and even had the opportunity to practice sharing their Kingdom Witness with the group. Students were led by mentors who walked alongside them, through the weekend, and helped process what the Lord was teaching them. These mentors included Brianna Freel, Chyann Mackey, Shelby Morris, Lydia Smith, Amanda Carriere, and Sarah and David Miller. Patrick Sprague also led students in worship. This is the second year Patrick has led worship and set the tone for the weekend in this meaningful way. Sara Moore, Ryan Smith, and Lydia McCullough also planned and orchestrated the weekend. Thank you, mentors and leaders, for being an integral part of Brethren Academy! On Saturday, students had the opportunity to learn what a Kingdom Witness looks like in unique contexts. They visited the Ashland Public Library and heard from their Community Engagement Manager, Lindsay Brandon-Smith, about how she can share her Kingdom Witness through her day-to-day work as a public library employee. Then, students were joined by a panel of speakers with different backgrounds and understandings of what sharing their Kingdom Witness can look like. Students learned that even though their Kingdom Witness may be different from others, it is still powerful to share because it might be the exact message someone else needs to hear to learn about God. Thank you to our panelists: Cory Smith, Ron Waters, Tony Basham, Louis Mancha, Sadie Vanderzyden, and Amber LeMaster! To end our time, students joined Park Street Brethren Church for their Sunday morning service and heard a timely message from Pastor Nate Bebout about the promises of God’s New Covenant in times of tension. Then, students were joined by local Brethren, Steven Cole, Dale Stoffer, and Alex Hill, to name just a few, who heard highlights from the weekend and prayed over the students as they prepared to return home, equipped with the confidence to share their Kingdom Witness with their friends and family. It was a beautiful time in which The Brethren Church's current and future leaders could gather and support one another. Thank you to all who participated in this beautiful, impactful weekend! The Lord is certainly raising up the future leaders of The Brethren Church, and we are so excited to see what He does in the lives of these students in the months and years to come! Starting in 2025, Brethren Academy will be fully funded by The Brethren Church. At General Conference 2025, our offering will go toward funding Brethren Academy so we can continue the work of raising young leaders for many years to come. Please consider donating to this worthy cause! Lydia McCullough Executive Assistant The Brethren Church
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