SVMC
onnections
Winter 2018
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Welcome to the current edition of
SVMConnections
an occasional newsletter from the
Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center
January 2018
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- SVMC Celebrates 25 Years
- Upcoming Courses
- Upcoming Continuing Education Events
- Pastoral Crisis Intervention, WPA
- Reflections from an ACTS Graduate
- SVMC Governing Board
- Contact us!
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SVMC Celebrates 25 Years
1993-2018
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Colossians 1:10
". . . so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God."
Proverbs 9:9
"Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning."
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SVMC is celebrating its 25
th
anniversary in 2018 by rejoicing in our firm foundation, celebrating the present, and envisioning the future.
Originally known as the Susquehanna Valley Satellite (SVS), our name changed to the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center in 2004. Rooted in the original mission from 1993 designed by the founding districts Atlantic Northeast and Southern PA, along with Bethany Theological Seminary, and expanding the partnership to include the districts of Mid-Atlantic, Middle PA, Western PA and the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, SVMC has grown to offer certificate level training in ACTS and TRIM, host Bethany graduate courses, and offer excellent continuing education events.
Throughout 2018, we will observe this milestone with monthly meditations distributed by email on the 25th of each month; celebrations at district conferences, and express gratitude through a worship service and banquet on November 3, 2018. Our written history will be updated and made available, and our 25
th
anniversary will be highlighted at our various continuing education events throughout the year.
We have selected
“Rooted and Growing”
as our 25th anniversary theme, building on our tagline of
Rooted in Christ, Growing in Knowledge
. Our theme scriptures -- Colossians 1:10 -- challenges us to lead worthy lives, bear fruit in every good work, and grow in knowledge of God. And, Proverbs 9:9 illuminates a goal of ministry training.
The late Allen Hansell, a member of the planning team for regionally based ministry training which resulted in SVS, wrote in a historical booklet prepared for the tenth anniversary of SVS, “The period of formation of SVS was a time when people shared their dreams and concerns, planted seeds and ideas, and trusted God’s Spirit to lead the possibilities to fruition.”
As conversations and consultations were held, the observation clearly emerged that many men and women, some with little background in the Brethren heritage and beliefs, were attending non-Brethren seminaries and Bible schools. Several consultations and logistical work, detailed in Allen Hansell's historical booklet, occurred to make the launch of SVS a possibility.
The inaugural convocation was held at The Young Center, Elizabethtown College, on October 3, 1993. As Allen noted: “The creation of the satellite met a need of education in the geographic east. Church of the Brethren men and women could receive course work in Anabaptist and Brethren beliefs even if they attended a non-Brethren school. The formation of SVS fulfilled deeply-held dreams of many people.”
SVMC is a strong and vital ministry partnership as we move into our 25
th
anniversary year. Instructors, students, donors, congregations, our five partnering districts, Bethany Theological Seminary, and Brethren Academy have all played a part in the success of our twenty five years.
We anticipate a growing and meaningful ministry in the future as we continue to offer educational opportunities with discernment into how to serve a changing church and a never-changing God.
Join SVMC as we rejoice in our foundation, celebrate the present, and envision the future as we are Rooted and Growing in Christ!
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Upcoming Courses offered by SVMC
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SVMC offers ministry training options
adapted to students'
varying life circumstances.
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GRADUATE CLASSES
: Bethany Theological Seminary continues to provide full-time residential programs in a community of Brethren students at its Richmond, Indiana campus. SVMC provides students in our own region the opportunity to experience Brethren graduate education by hosting Bethany intensives at Elizabethtown and Juniata Colleges. Our next SVMC-hosted graduate course is:
- The Gospel of Peace taught by Dan Ulrich on the following Fridays (2 - 10 PM) and Saturdays (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM): September 7 & 8, October 12 & 13, November 9 & 10, 2018 at the Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon, PA.
TRIM CLASSES:
Training In Ministry is an educational track for persons seeking ordination in the Church of the Brethren. The TRIM program primarily serves individuals for whom full-time participation in a college or seminary degree is not feasible. SVMC works with Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership in course planning. The following TRIM courses are being hosted by SVMC in 2018:
- The Gospel of John: An online course taught by Andy Hamilton: January 29 - March 23, 2018.
- Church of the Brethren Polity & Practice: Elizabethtown College, September 28 & 29, and October 26 & 27, 2018. (Fridays 4 PM - 9 PM; Saturdays 8 PM - 4 PM). Instructor is Randy Yoder.
ACTS CLASSES
: Academy Certified Training System classes are intended for lay people who want to learn more about the faith and calling of Christian community, licensed ministers who are part of the certificate training program to fulfill minimal educational requirements for ordination, and ministers seeking continuing education. The following ACTS classes are scheduled in 2018. (Fall 2018 ACTS courses are in the process of being scheduled):
Atlantic NE District:
- Introduction to Theology: Begins January 8, 2018, Location, ANE District Office
- Interpreting the Bible: Begins March 20, 2018, Middle Creek Church of the Brethren
Mid-Atlantic District:
- Introduction to Theology: Begins January 13, 2018, Westminster Church of the Brethren
- Interpreting the Bible: Begins April 7, 2018, Frederick Church of the Brethren
Middle PA District:
- Introduction to Theology: Begins January 9, 2018, Middle PA District Office
- Interpreting the Bible: Begins March 22, 2018, MPA District Office
Southern PA District:
- Introduction to Theology: Begins January 9, Carlisle Church of the Brethren
- Interpreting the Bible: Begins March 20, 2018, Bermudian Church of the Brethren
Western PA District:
- Preaching: Begins February 17, 2018, Rummel Church of the Brethren
- Worship: Begins April 7, WPA District Office
ALL Districts:
- Communication Skills for Pastoral Ministry: February 24 and March 24, 2018, Carlisle Church of the Brethren.
(For more information on these classes, contact SVMC).
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Continuing Education Events
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S
VMC's continuing education opportunities cover a wide range of topics, feature excellent presenters, and welcome not only clergy, but also interested lay persons. Below are a few of the events being planned for 2018.
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Date: March 24th, 2018; 9 AM - 4 PM (Registration begins at 8:30 AM)
Presenter: Russell Haitch,
Professor of Christian Education, Bethany Theological Seminary
Location: Susquehanna Room, Elizabethtown College
Cost: $60 (includes light breakfast, lunch, and .6 CEUs)
- A major challenge for Christian thinking is bringing together the world of science and the world of God's spirit. By focusing mainly on ministry with youth and youth adults - the church of the future, which is also the church today -- this seminar offers information and insights into key areas of science and theology.
Date: April 14, 2018, 9 AM - 3:30 PM (Registration begins at 8:30 AM)
Presenter: Dave Weiss:
Dave is currently pastor of Springfield Church of the Brethren and incorporates the arts in his ministry. In addition to pastoral ministry, Dave presents programs using a unique combination of “speed painting” and storytelling which he calls “storypainting.” He has written and/or illustrated 19 books including the soon to be released “The Imaginative Church.”
Location: Mount Wilson Church of the Brethren
Cost: $60.00 (includes light breakfast, lunch, and .5 CEUs).
- Through David's leadership, we will explore creativity and the arts in three aspects of church ministry: Worship, Christian education, and Outreach. Or, as David says, "preaching, teaching and reaching." Each aspect of ministry will have some teaching as well as hands on/interactive projects. This workshop will stir creativity that is in all of us, even if we think we have none. Instruction will be based on David's books: Ministering to the Creative Soul, and The Imaginative Church.
Date: May 7, 2018, 9 AM - 3 PM (Registration begins at 8:30 AM)
Presenter: Jennifer Holcomb
, Director of Memory Support, The Brethren Home Community, New Oxford
Location: Cross Keys --The Brethren Home Community, New Oxford
Cost: 60.00 (includes light breakfast, lunch, and .5 CEUs)
- This learning event explores the world of dementia and what it means to live in the moment. Participants will learn about the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's disease, the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease, the physical changes that take place in the brain, and the need for sensitivity throughout the aging process. The session aims to prepare participants for difficult interactions with those diagnosed with a neurocognitive disorder. We will also consider what challenges may be experienced in providing pastoral care to parishioners with cognitive disorders. (.5 CEUs)
Gospel of Peace
Date: November 12, 2018, 9 AM - 4 PM, Juniata College
Presenter: Dr. Daniel Ulrich
, Wieand Professor of New Testament Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary
Cost: $60 Location: Juniata College
More information will be forthcoming. (.6 CEUs)
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Pastoral Crisis Intervention: Where to Start and What to Say
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Please note: This series is coordinated through the Western Pennsylvania District and Parish Team as a series over the next two years. SVMC will offer .5 CEUs. For more information or to register, please contact Pastor Dale Leverknight by:
- Calling: 724-254-9720, or 814-541-3684
- Emailing: pastor@montgomerycob.com
Dale Leverknight, Pastor of Montgomery Church of the Brethren, draws upon his years of experience as a pastor and counselor to provide a four-part series providing practical advice on what to say and do for people they are helping when disaster strikes. Whether you are new to pastoral care or would enjoy refreshing those skills with new methods and skills, please consider attending these events. Events will be offered on:
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Pastoral Crisis Intervention I
Friday, March 02, 2018
Dale Leverknight, Instructor
Indiana Church of the Brethren, Indiana, PA
Deadline to register is Feb. 17, 2018
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Pastoral Crisis Intervention II
Saturday, September 10, 2018
Dale Leverknight, Instructor
Ligonier First Church of the Brethren, Ligonier, PA
Deadline to register is August 25, 2018
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Information on the 3rd and 4th sessions will be available soon.
Cost
per session
is $10.00 which includes .5 CEUs from SVMC, a workbook, a continental breakfast, and hot lunch. Each session will run from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. (Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.)
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Reflections from 2017 ACTS Graduate
Donna Lefever-Hoover
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I am excited to share about SVMC and how it has impacted my life in ministry. After retiring from 36 years of teaching Special Education I became more involved in ministry in my home congregation at Annville. In 2013 I was called to the licensed ministry and wasn’t quite sure where to go with that at my age. Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center had exactly what I was looking for at this stage of my life. I wasn’t quite sure where my calling would lead me and I already had completed a bachelors and masters degree in education so I wasn’t looking for another full time education. I decided to enter the ACTS program which turned out to be very affordable with the district and my home church helping to each pay 1/3 of the tuition for my classes. The ACTS program gave me a well-rounded exploration of the multi-facets of religious education. Most of the required classes were taught by instructors who were pastors and had an expertise in the course topic. The required ACTS courses were under the categories of Biblical, Historical/Theological, and Ministry Skills. I thoroughly enjoyed going to class with other licensed ministers and learning what the instructors presented. I developed friendships with some of my classmates that have continued beyond the classroom. It is difficult for me to say which class was my favorite. I really enjoyed the Introduction to the Old Testament and Introduction to the New Testament because the instructor’s love for the topic was contagious.
SVMC requires a time of Supervised Ministry which turned out to be an awesome experience for me. Originally I was going to work with the pastor of my church but after we arranged the plan he announced he would be retiring at the end of June. Michael Shearer, another licensed minister from Annville and also an ACTS student and I got an idea to try an interim pastoral team ministry at Annville until a new pastor was hired. We also included a retired nurse as a lay parish nurse from our congregation in the team. The Annville congregation bought into the idea and we were set to go. It was a great learning experience that helped me to grow spiritually as we led the church as a team. Many congregants stepped up to help more with all kinds of activities and worship. I believe that ACTS classes from ACTS gave me the confidence and resources so that we successfully filled the interim for 18 months until our new pastors were hired. We even had eight new members join while we were pastoring.
I also was privileged to become a representative for the ANE District on the Governing Board for SVMC. I have been involved in the Academic Affairs part of the Board and really appreciate working with representatives from Bethany, the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, and representatives from five Brethren districts. I continue to learn more about SVMC through the Board and am so thankful and blessed that we have this asset available in our area for ministry training. Thank you to Donna Rhodes, Executive Director of the program and Karen Hodges, Program Coordinator! They are instrumental in helping to provide an excellent program which carries out the mission statement for SVMC : “To equip leaders for ministry in a regionally based, Christ-centered, culturally relevant context in ways that bear witness to the beliefs, heritage, and practices of the Church of the Brethren.”
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The Governing Board of Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center serves on behalf of all the partners of SVMC. We are grateful for their service as we celebrate our 25th anniversary and move forward with future ministry.
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2018 Governing Board Members
District Representatives
Linda Beachley (Western PA)
Ron Beachley (Western PA)
Joe Detrick (Atlantic NE)
Angela Finet (Mid-Atlantic)
Marlys Hershberger (Middle PA)
Donna Lefever-Hoover (Atlantic NE)
Tim Ritchey-Martin (Mid-Atlantic)
John Shelly (Southern PA)
William Spence (Atlantic NE)
Linda Titzell (Southern PA)
Randy Yoder (Middle PA)
Bethany Trustee Representatives
Miller Davis
David Miller
District Executives (ex officio)
David Banaszak (Middle PA)
Gene Hagenberger (Mid-Atlantic)
Pete Kontra (ANE)
Bill Waugh (Southern PA)
William Wenger (Western PA)
Staff (ex officio)
Donna M. Rhodes, Executive Director
Karen Hodges, Program Coordinator
Ray Flagg, Treasurer
Bethany Theological Seminary Administration (ex officio)
Jeff Carter, President
Steven Schweitzer, Academic Dean
Brethren Academy Administration (ex officio)
Janet Ober Lambert, Director
Ministry Office of the Church of the Brethren Mission & Ministry Board (ex officio)
Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, Director
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Pictured to the left: Ray Flagg (Treasurer), Karen Hodges (Program Coordinator), Lia Kopar (Student Assistant), Donna Rhodes (Executive Director).
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Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center
One Alpha Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Phone: 717-361-1450
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