District News and Activities
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We continue to pray for the family of Pastor Tim Sites, who passed away on July 16. Recently, he had been serving the Leake's Chapel congregation as the interim pastor. Condolences may be sent to his wife, Brenda, at 245 E. Lee Street, Broadway, Va. 22815-9111.
Read the obituary
here
.
In addition, please hold Ron and Karen Wyrick in prayer for Karen's ongoing illness.
The Global Mission Prayer Guide praises and prayers for the following nations:
- Nigeria - Praise for the successful Majalisa or annual conference held by Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) on July 14-16. The EYN Disaster Ministry continues its work and reports repairing 31 homes destroyed by Boko Haram. These homes are in remote areas and belong to widows and those who cannot perform the necessary repairs. Another completed project was the distribution of maize seeds and fertilizer to 1,200 families. Pray for the Disaster Ministry's continued work as its staff provides care and support for the victims of the insurgency.
- Haiti - Give praise for the arrival of a vegetable seed shipment that is part of a Global Food Initiative (GFI) grant and the completion of an Internet project funded jointly by Global Mission and Service and the Haiti Medical Project. The Internet installation will serve the entire headquarters of L’Eglise des Freres Haitiens (the Church of the Brethren in Haiti) in Croix des Bouquets. These capabilities are especially needed in the face of significantly reduced finances in 2021 due to COVID-19 factors. Unfortunately, COVID-19 seems to be spreading through the churches there. Many have fevers and report extreme tiredness. Continue to pray for the church in Haiti, those sick with COVID-19, the Haiti Medical Project and GFI work.
- Democratic Republic of Congo - Pastor Ron Lubungo has shared about transportation challenges for pastors, evangelists, and deacons. No one has a car. A few have bicycles. Pray for the church leaders as they seek to purchase more bicycles and possibly a motorcycle to continue their work.
- Burundi - The city of Gitega (officially declared the capital on January 16, 2019) is growing rapidly, with many people relocating there. Some land has been purchased, and the church would like to build a worship place in the city. Pray for the plans and funds for this new church. Pray also for the registration process of the Church of the Brethren in Burundi.
- Venezuela - In a Zoom meeting of the Country Advisory Team on July 16, prayers were requested for the growing needs of the people due to the deepening of the pandemic crisis.
- United States - Continue to pray for our country and the role of the church in each neighborhood.
- Ecuador - The director of Fundacion Brethren y Unida, Alfredo Merino, has asked for prayer for the COVID-19 spike in Quito. He reports that it is out of control, and the health system is overrun. The chef who was to be featured as part of the FBU online course last weekend tested positive for COVID-19, leading to a postponement of the course. The new date for the "Curso online elaboración de pasta artesanal" will be August 7 and 8, from 7-9 p.m. Central Time. Find more information here.
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From the desk of District Executive Minister John Jantzi
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There is a point of view regarding movies that the sequel is never as good as the original release. I am about to test that hypotheses with another story regarding adventures with my drone. You be the judge.
Sunday night, two weeks ago, I was sitting on the steps of our back porch, "hovering" the drone. I felt an increasing sense of pride and accomplishment as I moved the drone back and forth, up and down with ease, maintaining a height of about 12 - 15 feet with no problem.
And then… I kicked the throttle into a higher gear and the drone rose majestically into the late afternoon sky, still under control. However, it was a windy afternoon, and the combination of pilot error and a stiff breeze quickly had the drone flying out of control across the neighborhood along North Dogwood Drive. It was soon out of sight. Various images of catastrophe crossed my mind, including damaging someone's new BMW or crashing into a plate glass window.
I pulled frantically on the controls to reverse the direction of the drone. Back it came, buzzing the above ground swimming pool of our next-door neighbors. "There it goes," was their startled response. They are great and understanding neighbors.
I pulled back on the throttle to crash the drone. And crash it did, but where did it land? Again, filled with trepidation, I walked up the hill between two houses in the direction of Hartman Drive. The battery was still charging, so when I pushed the throttle forward, I could hear the drone's buzzing. There it was, lying peacefully, upside down, on our neighbor's driveway. I picked up the drone and "slunk" away (as much as one can slink at 6'4" tall). Thus, the saga ended.
There is a multitude of faith lessons that might apply.
- Risking, crashing and beginning anew. (I went right back and flew it again the same night.)
- The Spirit's leading is not linear; rather, it leads us into new and sometimes chaotic places.
- There are many winds potentially pushing us off course.
- God's providence.
The scripture, however, I wish to focus on is 1 Corinthians 13:12, "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known" (ESV).
Part of the reason for crashing was my sense of having mastered the drone. That hubris led to buzzing the neighbors swimming pool and ultimately crashing in another neighbor's driveway. Whew... Thank goodness the drone was small!
What's the point? If there ever was a time for humility of spirit, for a confessional approach to our faith, for acknowledging the limits of our expertise, it is now. On my best day, "I see through a mirror dimly." To pretend otherwise is to risk buzzing neighbors' swimming pools.
I inherited my Dad's sermons and treasure them greatly. My father was a conservative, Mennonite preacher wearing plain garb (plain button-up suit). He wrote this in 1954 at the end of one of his sermons. "This is what I have to share with the light I now have. I submit this for your consideration."
Those words are seared in my mind. Those are words to live by. Folks, one of the insidious temptations we face during times of great duress and stress, is to batten the hatches. To protect our turf, to see the other as our enemy. These words invite us to exhibit a different spirit. We confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior as a confession and invitation to others to be part of a new, redeemed way of living. Our words are not to defend but to invite. Our attitudes are not combative but merciful.
And so, I will continue to fly my drone with joy. However, my words are these, "when it comes to the flying of drones, I see through a mirror dimly"!
May the Peace of Jesus Christ be Yours,
District Executive Minister
Shenandoah District
July 30, 2020
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The process of planning the District Conference for 2020 has included these important processes and considerations:
- The communication of Program and Arrangements to the District Leadership Team
- The recommendations adopted by the District Leadership Team
- The meaning of the decision by the District Leadership Team
- The events being planned in lieu of the District Conference
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The following is a portion of the communication from Program and Arrangements to the District Leadership Team on July 14, 2020:
Dear District Leadership Team,
As Program and Arrangements has worked toward District Conference over the past months the following learnings have become evident to us.
- The uncertain times we live in, vis-à-vis the COVID-19 virus, makes the size and scope of fall gatherings very tentative, especially concerning the attendance and safety of our older adults. Many of our delegates are in that category.
- We have also become increasingly uncomfortable about the amount of work we would be asking the congregations to do, i.e., the number of members and pastors needed to implement the gathering(s). At a time when resources are stretched and pastors are working hard in preparation for regular Sunday morning and other congregational gatherings, this seems inconsiderate to the host congregation.
We have met on several occasions via Zoom and in person, and it became obvious to us that an in-person District Conference was
not feasible
under any configuration. We considered satellite gatherings and other forms of in-person meetings. In the end, we decided that, due to the reasons cited above, this was not a realistic option. Thus, the accompanying attachments and recommendations are written with that understanding in mind.
Our District Clerk/Parliamentarian, Bernie Fuska, has researched our Constitution and By-Laws to support the following recommended actions. Phil Stone, District legal counsel, has also reviewed and rendered an opinion. Both have concluded that the District Constitution and By-laws do not preclude the recommended action(s).
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Recommendations adopted by the Leadership Team on
July 14, 2020, via electronic vote:
Recommendation One
The Program and Arrangements Committee recommends to the District Leadership Team that the 2020 Shenandoah District Conference be canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Recommendation Two
In lieu of the 2020 District Conference, the members of the Program and Arrangements Committee suggest planning a number of events such as but not limited to, a CEU Pastor’s event via Zoom, a video tribute recognizing pastoral ordination anniversaries, a written tribute to District pastors for their service during this COVID-19 pandemic and preparation of a District Worship DVD for distribution to congregations.
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Opportunities for required ethics training are limited; act now
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The last opportunity to complete ethics training for ordination renewal looms. Contact
Sarah
as soon as possible as there are limited spots.
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Bridgewater
- full-time, Christy Dowdy, interim pastor, congregational profile forthcoming
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Garbers
- part-time, Ken Dolan, interim pastor, congregational profile forthcoming
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Leake's Chapel
- part-time, Tim Sites, interim pastor, congregational profile available
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Pine Grove
- part-time, Larry Aikins, current interim pastor, congregational profile available
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Staunton
- full-time, J. D. Glick, interim pastor, congregational profile forthcoming
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Sunrise - part-time, Paul Roth, pulpit supply, congregational profile forthcoming
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Waynesboro
- full-time, Dot Mellott, interim pastor, updated congregational profile available
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District congregations considering new initiative for supervised time for students
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In a recent email to area pastors and interested others, Wakemans Grove Pastor Mark Bowyer summarized a developing concept to "...provide supervised care for students in our churches on their off-school days." He said the initiative would target students in grades 6 through 8, with the possibility of adding grades 5 and 9, if interest dictates.
Key elements of the program include having participating congregations supply volunteers to oversee students in their studies, while also providing recreation, a Bible lesson and social time. The groups would be small, up to ten students, and precautions would be taken to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19. He also noted volunteers would be trained and work full days or half days. The program would run from 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Access to the Internet would be required at the hosting site. Groups of three or more congregations could work cooperatively to serve one group of students. If enough clusters of churches emerge, up to 250 or more students across the region could benefit. At the moment, Antioch and Wakemans Grove congregations are joining together to provide these services. Other congregations are also exploring the possibilities. Contact
Mark Bowyer
for more information about the initiative.
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Website update nearing completion
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District staff members are working on the final touches for the new website and preparing to begin training to use the site the first week in August. A launch date for the new website will be announced when the staff training concludes.
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Communications from the District in the future will include two issues of the Shenandoah Update monthly, on the second and fourth Thursdays, as well as any urgent news that may need to be distributed through an impromptu notice. Pastors will receive weekly emails on Fridays. This September, a new meditation will be released twice a month, tentatively planned for the first and third Mondays of each month. If you have any questions about the plans for upcoming communications from the District, please contact
Brenda
or
John
.
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Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center
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The Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center invites all to join Worship in the Woods, a virtual vespers service released weekly on Sundays at 7 p.m. Upcoming services feature Nathan Hollenberg and Linville Creek musicians, Ryan Cooper, the Shenandoah Valley Biblical Storytellers, and more. Learn more and watch
past services here
. New services are available weekly at 7 p.m. at the same address.
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Moderator town hall set for August 13, 7 p.m.
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Annual Conference Moderator Paul Mundey will address the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on the reopening of churches in a
web event
on August 13 at 7 p.m. He has invited Kathryn Jacobsen, Professor in the Department of Global and Community Health at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., to share current information regarding the COVID-19 crisis and to answer participants' questions.
An advertisement on brethren.org about the event states that "Jacobsen is a specialist in infectious disease epidemiology and global health who has consulted with a number of organizations during this pandemic. She is a member of Oakton Church of the Brethren in Vienna, Va., and values her connection to faith and the Church of the Brethren."
The event is limited to the first 500 people, so register early. For administrative q
uestions about this event, email the
moderator
. Participant questions about COVID-19 and the pandemic are encouraged to be submitted during the event.
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Brethren Disaster Ministry News
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Kits, masks and trips for Disaster Ministries
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Shenandoah District Disaster Ministries Coordinator Jerry Ruff said the District is employing recommendations for reducing the spread of COVID-19 in its ministry activities this year by evaluating upcoming project trip plans and isolating supplies and buckets dropped off at the District Office. Donated items will be placed in a separate location for at least one week. After a week or longer, the supplies may be processed and stored in their proper places.
Kits and Masks
The depot at the District Office is now receiving donations by appointment. There is still a need for supplies for school kits (see article below for details), cleanup buckets and people who can assemble pre-cut masks. The initial call for help with sewing 150 masks two weeks ago was a great success as only two dozen remain to be assembled. Additional masks for assembly will be forthcoming. Volunteers who desire to help sew masks are encouraged to contact Jerry at (540) 447-0306 to be placed on a list to obtain the pre-cut materials for construction when they arrive. Centers for Disease Control and applicable guidelines issued by the governor are being practiced during deliveries and processing of donations for kits.
Project Trips
Future service trips are planned. The first trip will be to Dayton, Ohio, August 16 - 22, to assist with recovery from the tornadoes in May of 2019. Other trips on the schedule include September 27 - October 3; October 18 - 24 and November 8 - 14. Locations this fall will be determined at a later date. Jerry advised that these trips are will be evaluated month-to-month for safety as COVID-19 outbreaks ebb and flow. Contact
Jerry Ruff,
Henry Elsea, or
Galen Halterman t
o become involved in service project trips.
Disaster Ministry Vehicles
With caution guiding day-to-day decisions, Jerry said the use of the disaster ministry vehicles is currently being limited to providing transportation for disaster trips.
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The Disaster Auction Coordinating Committee is asking for items for school kits. The kits will be assembled prior to the Church World Service "pick-up" in October. Participating churches may bring collected supplies to the District Kit Depot during the week of September 1 - 10. Participating congregations are encouraged to call the District Office at (540) 234-8555 before delivering supplies to confirm someone is available to unlock the building and receive the delivery. To download a list of needed supplies,
click here.
For those who would prefer to give money instead of going out to shop for supplies, please send a check by July 31 made out to the Shenandoah District, with a note in the memo line "for school kit supplies," and someone will do the shopping for you.
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Family Camp is a unique alternative for families that are ready to get outside. It’s also a fun and reasonably priced vacation alternative for families who may not be able to go on other trips planned for this summer. Find out more by
clicking here.
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Today at 1 p.m., a webinar called Exploring the Holy Spirit will feature "Drs. Kim and Kettering-Lane as they explore the Holy Spirit's significance within various Christian traditions, including the Church of the Brethren." CEUs 0.1.
Register here. Note, c
ontinuing education credit for Church of the Brethren ministers may be obtained at no cost from the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership when registering for this webinar.
The Christian Growth Institute is offering two classes this fall through the Zoom platform. The cost is $100 and 1.6 CEUs will be awarded for each class. The two classes are:
- Beliefs and Practices of the Church of the Brethren with Instructor David R. Miller. Classes are scheduled for September 19, October 3 and 24
- Ministerial Leadership and Administration with Instructor is John Jantzi. Classes are scheduled for September 12, 26 and October 10.
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Continuing the work of Jesus.
Peacefully. Simply. Together.
Shenandoah District website:
www.shencob.org
__________________________
Questions? Comments?
Contact Director of Communications
Today's photo courtesy of B. Diehl
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Shenandoah District Church of the Brethren
P.O. Box 67, 1453 Westview School Road, Weyers Cave, Va. 24486
Phone: (540) 234-8555; Toll-free (888) 308-8555; Fax (540) 234-8333
Staff:
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