wfn.org | Newsline - Church of the Brethren news update

[COBNews@aol.com]

Date: April 4, 2003
Contact: Walt Wiltschek
V: 847/742-5100 F: 847/742-6103
E-MAIL: CoBNews@AOL.Com

NEWS
 1) Denomination shows loss of 984 members in 2002. 
 2) ABC board discusses denominational structure, benevolent care.
 3) Nigerian church elects new leaders at annual "majalisa."
 4) Bridgewater peace conference draws strong attendance.
 5) CPT delegation members expelled from Iraq; others arrive.
 6) Millard Fuller highlights Roundtable regional youth conference.
 7) Ministry Summer Service will have record group for 2003.
 8) New Life Ministries announces leadership, structure changes.
 9) The church mourns the death of J. Benton Rhoades.
10) Brethren home executives evaluate Shared Services program.
11) Brethren bits: Web feature, disaster relief, colleges, more. 

PERSONNEL
12) John and Janet Tubbs to retire as Nigeria mission coordinators.
13) Pacific Southwest calls Bryan Boyer as new executive minister.

****************************************************************

 1) Membership in the Church of the Brethren continued a long,
downward trend in 2002, though the rate of decline slowed slightly.
According to year-end figures in the Church of the Brethren
Yearbook, published by Brethren Press, the denomination showed a
net loss of 984 members last year.

The denomination's recorded membership now stands at 133,844. The
2002 decline, about 0.73 percent, follows losses of 1,051 in 2001
and 2,425 in 2000. The Church of the Brethren last showed an annual
net gain in membership in 1974, but the overall decline dates to
the early 1960s.

Only five of the denomination's 23 districts reported net
membership gains in 2002. Western Pennsylvania reported the largest
numerical and percentage gain, with a net increase of 129 members.
It jumped past Mid-Atlantic District to become the denomination's
fourth-largest. Others reporting gains were West Marva (a net gain
of 55 members), Virlina (54), Northern Indiana (19), and
Oregon-Washington (14).

Shenandoah -- which had a gain in 2001 -- reported the largest
numerical net decline in 2002, down 442 members (3 percent).
Atlantic Southeast, with a loss of 97 members, had the largest
percentage decline (4.92 percent). Two other districts reported net
losses of 3 percent or more, and seven others had a decline of at
least 1 percent. The four districts in the Area 4 Plains region
were all down at least 2.3 percent. 

Atlantic Northeast District remains the denomination's largest,
with 15,505 members at the end of 2002, followed by Shenandoah
(which has the most congregations), and Virlina. Idaho is the
smallest, with 703 members in six congregations.

The number of Church of the Brethren congregations in the US and
Puerto Rico also continued a downward slide, off three to 1,032 at
the end of 2002. There are also 32 fellowships and five projects;
each of these categories had a net increase of one in 2002. Total
reported worship attendance was slightly over half of reported
membership, at 72,746 per week. 

Total per-capita giving was down nearly 13 percent last year, at
$41 per person. Giving was down in all categories except gifts to
the Association of Brethren Caregivers. 

Yearbook figures are based on data provided by congregations that
turn in updated statistical reports; about 71 percent did so for
2002. The totals do not count overseas membership in the Dominican
Republic, Brazil, and the large Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria
(Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).

The Church of the Brethren Yearbook will be sent before Annual
Conference to all who have placed a standing order. To order, call
800-441-3712. It also will be sold at the Brethren Press bookstore
at Annual Conference.

 2) At its spring meetings March 21-23, the Association of Brethren
Caregivers (ABC) board discussed the present denominational
structure in light of ongoing concerns about the structure's
ability to meet the needs of the denomination. The board
acknowledged that this matter transcends its own agency's scope of
authority, but it affirmed an openness to consider new ways of
working with others in service to the Church of the Brethren. 

"Although the Association of Brethren Caregivers is positioned to
serve the caring ministries of the Church of the Brethren in the
coming years, we understand that a more effective framework for
fulfilling the entire mission of the church may be possible," said
ABC executive director Steve Mason. "ABC is prepared to participate
in a process which may create a new framework for serving the
denomination."

ABC board chair Bentley Peters said the board was of one mind
during the discussion. 

Mason also reported on ABC's positive financial results for 2002.
He said several factors contributed to ending the year in the
black, including an increase in donations from both congregations
and individuals, and cost containment in program areas. The board
approved the 2003 budget, which reflects a $58,890 deficit. Despite
the planned deficit, Mason told the board he was optimistic about
ABC's financial position. "ABC really is on a two-year funding
cycle when you consider that the Caring Ministries Assembly and
National Older Adult Conference are held biennially," Mason said.

Board members received a preliminary report from the Benevolent
Care Committee, a study committee formed to explore how Brethren
retirement centers assist residents who have run out of financial
resources to pay for their care and other issues related to
"uncompensated" care. The report summarized the amount of
uncompensated care being provided in Brethren-affiliated
facilities, difficulties in receiving reimbursements from state and
federal agencies, and the amount of benevolent funds available to
assist people whose funds are depleted.

The preliminary report also raised ethical issues such as an
individual's responsibility to prepare for his or her long-term
care, should that be required. The committee will continue to study
the issue and report its findings to the Fellowship of Brethren
Homes, one of ABC's nine ministry areas. 

The board authorized forming closer relationships with Friends
Services for the Aging and Mennonite Health Services, similar
agencies that share a common background and program focus. During
an October meeting between leaders from the three groups, a vision
statement was created to describe the group as "peace church
colleagues in health and human services." The relationship between
the three organizations has deepened as the groups have formed
similar programs for board leadership.

The board took the next step in its vision and planning process,
which began in March 2001, by approving five strategic goals and
objectives. At its next meeting, the board will receive an action
plan outlining how staff intend to carry out these goals. 

In other business, the board approved the creation of a new
caregiving award beginning in 2004; participated in an education
session on the agency's endowment and investment strategies; and
heard reports from its nine ministry areas, including the Older
Adult Ministry Cabinet's availability to provide "Age Wave"
workshops for congregations and agencies. Staff for the Brethren
Chaplains Network reported on the creation of a training track for
chaplains at Caring Ministries Assembly this summer. Prior to the
meeting, the board received the resignation of Gene Yeazell of
Arden, N.C.

 3) The 56th "majalisa," or annual assembly, of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa
a Nigeria-EYN (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) met March 26-29
at Kulp Bible College, Kwarhi, Adamawa State. The topic was "The
Role of the Church in Nigeria Today" with guest speaker James
Zoaka, pastor at the Jalingo #1 congregation in Taraba State.  

Zoaka also oversaw the start of the Jalingo #3 new church plant,
which is being supported by the Moscow Church of the Brethren in
Mount Solon, Va. Moscow pastor David Whitten previously served in
Nigeria.

General Board Nigeria mission coordinators John and Janet Tubbs
represented the US church at the majalisa, which brings together
delegates from each congregation across Nigeria once each year for
several days of worship, hearing reports of the church's ministries
throughout Nigeria, and acting on the business of the church.

Along with discussions about key concerns like evangelism and the
financial status of the church, a highlight of this majalisa was
the election of the president of EYN. In Nigeria, the pastors
nominate candidates for president. Pastors were seated by
districts, and each pastor wrote one name on a piece of paper. The
names were counted, and the three with the most votes -- Toma
Ragnjiya, Filibus Gwama, and Bitrus Bdlia -- made up the ballot.  

After the 667 majalisa delegates were seated by districts, a vote
was taken. Gwama was elected president, and Ragnjiya, who received
the second-highest number of votes, was named vice president. The
new officers will assume their roles May 1. The general secretary
is named by the Executive Committee (parallel to the General Board
of the US church) rather than being elected by the majalisa.
Yohanna Y. Balami was named to this post.

At the closing of the majalisa, the Executive Committee was asked
to come forward and stand around Gwama for prayer. Ragnjiya asked
John Tubbs to pray for the newly-called leadership of the church.

 4) About 100 people gathered at Bridgewater (Va.) College March
27-29 for a conference titled "At the Crossroads: A Historic Peace
Church in the 21st Century." Bridgewater chaplain Robbie Miller
said it was the best attendance ever for an event sponsored by the
school's Forum for Religious Studies.

The conference focused on the presentation of academic papers by a
variety of experts in the field, along with panel discussions and
responses. The speakers represented a wide swath of viewpoints,
including a retired military colonel, professors from Brethren
colleges and Bethany Theological Seminary, a Virginia
Commonwealth's Attorney, and some independent scholars.

Presentations covered topics including the historical and biblical
roots of Brethren pacifism, peace in daily life and in
congregational life, advice to peacemakers from a panel of
"consultants," and the nature of peacemaking in the 21st century.
Bethany faculty member Scott Holland wrapped up the conference with
a "State of Brethren Peacemaking" address on the final morning. 

Participants also engaged in a time of spirited conversation with
Annual Conference moderator Harriet Finney, who expressed optimism
despite the many challenges to peace. "Peacemaking in the 21st
century will not be simple, as it often has not been in the past,"
she said. "But I am hopeful. I am hopeful because I believe in the
power of prayer."

Other highlights included an evening love feast at nearby Montezuma
Church of the Brethren, led by Jim Beckwith and Dale Brown; a
banquet for participants; and a meditation on peacemaker John
Kline. The college presented the Sappington Award, named after
long-time Brethren scholar Roger E. Sappington, to Brown for
"distinguished scholarship in the field of Anabaptist and Pietist
studies."

Organizers plan to publish results of the conference on a CD-ROM
available later this year.

 5) Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) continues its presence in
Baghdad, but the representation it has there has shifted in recent
weeks. Seven CPT workers -- including Church of the Brethren
members Cliff Kindy and Peggy Gish -- were expelled by the Iraqi
government on March 29 after they walked through the city
documenting destruction in the streets without official escort.
Kindy said there was an "intense level of anxiety" in Baghdad.

The group exited to Jordan, but three of the team members,
including Kindy, were injured when the taxi they were traveling in
blew a tire. Kindy received 10 stitches for a head wound. None of
the injuries were life-threatening. Nine other CPT workers remain
in Baghdad, as a new delegation had arrived on March 25. Kindy has
since returned to the US.

In other Iraq-related developments:
*The Church of the Brethren Washington Office issued another Action
Alert last week, noting the massive financial and human costs of
the war, and urging Brethren to ask their representatives to speak
out against the special allocation request to finance the war. See
www.brethren.org/genbd/washofc/alert/CostOfWar.html for details.
The office this week joined 51 other organizations in signing on to
a letter asking Congress "to take a number of steps to limit
negative civilian impact of war in Iraq, to ensure US adherence to
international law, and to provide adequate funding and support for
civilian-led relief and reconstruction."

*Nearly 70 percent of respondents in a recent non-scientific
www.brethren.org poll expressed disagreement with the US decision
to press ahead with military action in Iraq. More than 400 people
voted in the March 17-26 poll.

 6) About 350 senior high youth and advisors from Maryland to
Florida, a sharp increase from the previous year, participated in
this year's Roundtable regional youth conference March 27-29 at
Bridgewater (Va.) College

Habitat for Humanity founder Millard Fuller was the keynote
speaker, addressing the theme "Let Your Life Speak." Fuller shared
his life journey and spoke about the importance of peace and
service in following Jesus Christ. "Never has there been a time in
this history of this country when we need the light of peace to be
shining more brightly," Fuller said, pointing to a peace candle lit
for each session. The gospel message, he said, "is not for the
timid."

He said that, through Habitat, "Houses are going up by the
thousands, and every one of those houses is a sermon about God's
love."

Local comedy team Ted & Lee provided their unique interpretations
on scripture in an evening presentation as the conference opened
with a Friday night program for the first time. General Board
Youth/Young Adult Ministry director Chris Douglas spoke at the
event's closing worship, leading a time of blessing and
commissioning.

Other highlights of the weekend included a wide range of workshops,
energetic group-singing times led by a band of Bridgewater
students, small-group sessions and Bible studies, a vesper service
focusing on peace, a variety show, performances by the Bridgewater
College Chorale and a theater group, and a coffeehouse featuring
the Bridgewater Jazz Band. 

 7) Ministry Summer Service, in its eighth year, will have a record
number of interns participating this summer. Eighteen young adults
are expected to be part of the program, which emphasizes leadership
development and the exploration of possible calls to ministry.

General Board Youth/Young Adult Ministry director Chris Douglas,
who coordinates the MSS program along with Ministry office director
Mary Jo Flory-Steury, said the previous high was 16, set last
summer. The 2003 group will hold orientation May 31 to June 6 at
Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. Interns follow
orientation by serving for nine weeks in a ministry setting,
working alongside a mentor.

This year's group -- about two-thirds female -- will be placed at
a variety of sites. Two will serve as youth workcamp assistants;
two on the Youth Peace Travel Team; one each in the Church of the
Brethren Washington Office, Illinois-Wisconsin District, and Camp
Blue Diamond; one in a joint project between the Brethren Service
Center in New Windsor, Md., and the Union Bridge (Md.) Church of
the Brethren; and the others in congregations in six states and
Washington, D.C.

 8) S. Joan Hershey, director of New Life Ministries since its
inception in 1997, has announced her resignation. The
evangelism-focused organization came about as an outgrowth of The
Andrew Center, a former ministry of the Church of the Brethren. It
also works closely with the Brethren Church, Mennonite Church USA,
and Mennonite Church Canada.  

Succeeding Hershey as director effective April 1 is Kristen
Leverton Helbert. Helbert is a staff member of Christian Community,
a long-standing New Life Ministries program partner that has been
responsible for many NLM resources. With Helbert's appointment,
operations and management for NLM will be transferred to
Indiana-based Christian Community.  

This new, closer partnership will expand New Life Ministries'
ability to develop new resources and do needed research on church
growth and decline, according to a release from NLM board chair
Paul Mundey. Two new resources, "Worship and Hospitality" and "100
Ways to Reach Young Adults," will be released this spring.

The New Life Ministries phone will continue to be 800-774-3360, and
the website will remain at www.newlifeministries-nlm.org. Mail
should now be sent to New Life Ministries, 6404 S. Calhoun Street,
Fort Wayne, IN 46807.

Hershey will continue her relationship with NLM by joining the
organization's board. Other board members include Fred Bernhard, Ed
Bontrager, Steve Clapp, Jeff Johnson, Bob Kettering, Dan Lawson,
Craig Smith, David Young, and Earl Ziegler.

 9) The church is mourning the death of J. Benton Rhoades, a
former Church of the Brethren missionary to Ecuador and a long-time
leader in advocacy for agricultural workers. Rhoades, who was 82,
died on March 19 in California, where he was a member of La Verne
Church of the Brethren. A memorial service was held at the church
on March 23.

Rhoades was a graduate of Manchester College and Bethany
Theological Seminary and did later studies in anthropology and
organizational development. He went to Ecuador in 1946 and helped
to found the Church of the Brethren's rural development program.
After 10 years of service with the denomination, he continued to
work with development issues in Ecuador for other agencies.

After returning to the US, he worked with mission education and
leadership development for the Church of the Brethren before
joining Agricultural Missions Inc., eventually becoming the
ecumenical organization's executive director. He also served many
years on the board of National Farm Worker Ministry.

In a letter written just after his death, Rhoades' children said
that he "spent his final weeks much the way he spent his entire
life: interested in the well-being of others, eternally grateful
for anything anyone did for him, and troubled nearly to grief about
the state of this world. Yet he was undiminished in his yearning
for both peace and justice. He has enriched the lives of each of
us, and the labors of his hands and his heart can be found on every
continent."

 
 10) Eleven chief executive officers of Brethren retirement centers
participated in a consultation held Feb. 27-28 at the Church of the
Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., to review, evaluate, and
plan for the Shared Services Program of the Fellowship of Brethren
Homes. The program is a four-year-old ministry of the Association
of Brethren Caregivers (ABC).

"A hoped-for outcome over the past few years has been that more of
the Brethren homes would be significantly involved financially and
mutually in the Fellowship of Brethren Homes," said Ralph McFadden,
coordinator of Shared Services for ABC. "However, given the strain
on the budgets of the homes due to the floundering economy, more
support financially may be out of the question."

Participants of the consultation and members of the Partner Council
-- the governing body for the Fellowship of Brethren Homes --agreed
to take a threefold approach in providing services. The group will
continue with much of the current program, aggressively market for
deeper involvement of Brethren homes in Fellowship of Brethren
Homes' programs, and continue to explore collaboration with
Mennonite Health Services and the Friends Services for the Aging.

Programs offered by the Fellowship of Brethren Homes include
awareness-raising and promotion at Church of the Brethren
conferences, education events such as an annual Brethren Homes
Forum, and faith-based supportive services for board and staff
development.

 11) Brethren bits: Other brief news notes from around the
denomination and elsewhere.
 *The Church of the Brethren is the "featured denomination" for
April on the www.FaithandValues.com website. A different faith
group is chosen each month; with the site's emphasis on the war in
Iraq and peace issues this spring, the site's administrators felt
the Brethren were a natural fit. General Board Communications staff
assembled the content for the feature page.

 *Another Annual Conference agency, On Earth Peace, holds its
spring board meetings today and tomorrow (Apr. 4-5). The group is
meeting at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The
spring board meeting season finishes Apr. 26-27 when the Brethren
Benefit Trust board meets in Elgin, Ill.

 *The Church of the Brethren General Board's Emergency
Response/Service Ministries office reported that 655 volunteers
gave more than 33,000 hours to disaster response projects in 2002,
assisting 69 families in seven locations. Disaster Child Care
caregivers made 758 child-care contacts.  

 *The Tok'ahookaadi Church of the Brethren and its associated
Lybrook (N.M.) Mission will hold a 50th anniversary celebration
July 24-27. Numerous Brethren have participated in the ongoing
mission efforts at the site. The major celebration event will be
held July 26, followed by worship Sunday morning the 27th. The
congregation is part of Western Plains District.

 12) John and Janet Tubbs, the General Board's mission coordinators
in Nigeria, have announced their retirement effective in mid-2003.
They have served the Nigeria mission through the General Board's
Global Mission Partnerships office for eight years.

John Tubbs' interest in Nigeria began through participation in a
workcamp to the country in 1988. He and Janet later served there
through the pastoral exchange program in 1993. They returned in
1995, when they served at Mason Technical School in Garkida. In
1999 they shifted to the newly created role of mission
coordinators, consulting with Nigerian leadership and coordinating
staff and joint ministries. 

 13) The Pacific Southwest District board has unanimously called
Bryan Boyer as the new executive minister of the district,
effective May 1. Boyer has most recently worked in private practice
as a professional counselor and as a part-time teacher at Azusa
Pacific University.

Previously, he had 10 years of pastoral experience. He is married
to Susan Boyer, pastor of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren,
where the district office is located. They and their two children
live in neighboring Claremont.

Boyer is a graduate of the University of La Verne, Cal
State-Fullerton, Bethany Theological Seminary, and the Illinois
School of Professional Psychology, where he earned his doctorate.

Newsline is produced by Walt Wiltschek, director of news services
for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on the first, third
and fifth Friday of each month, with other editions as needed.
Newsline stories may be reprinted provided that Newsline is cited
as the source. Mary Dulabaum, Karen Roberts, Merv Keeney, Jean
Clements, and Rachel Peterson contributed to this report.

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