And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left  their  nets and followed Him.

January 23, 2020
In Our Prayers
We join with our brothers and sisters in Nigeria in prayer as we mourn the loss o f Pastor Lawan Andimi, who was executed by Boko Haram on Mon. Pastor Andimi was an ordained minister with Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria, EYN , the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria. He had been missing and feared abducted after an attack on Jan. 2. Read the Church of the Brethren Newsline article here.

A proof of life video was released by his captors wherein Andimi praised God and told his loved one and friends, “...don’t cry, don’t worry, but thank God for everything...I have never been discouraged because everything is in the hands of God”. He summarized near the end of the video, “By the grace of God, I will be together with my wife, children, and colleagues, and if the opportunity has not been granted, then maybe it is the will of God.”

Nigeria is ranked number 12 on the World Watch List for the 50 countries where it’s most dangerous to follow Jesus.

Not All the Damage in Puerto Rico is Structural
We also continue to pray for Puerto Rico as they recover from multiple earthquakes this month. On Jan. 17, a Church of the Brethren Newsline article reported the people of Puerto Rico are still assessing the damage after the 6.4 magnitude event on Jan. 7, which is said to have been the most powerful earthquake on the island in a century(*). Thankfully, the loss of life has been minimal. However, the quakes continue daily, and electricity and water services have been interrupted. The people there do not feel safe sleeping inside of buildings. These experiences create enormous stress over time and have affected people deeply. To read the complete Newsline article, click here.

Financial contributions for the relief effort may be made online at www.brethren.org/edf  (Note: Write “Puerto Rico earthquake” in the comment box). Checks may be sent to the Emergency Disaster Fund, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 (Please indicate “Puerto Rico earthquake” in the memo).

District News
Congregational Giving to District Appreciated
Director of Finance Gary Higgs expressed his deep appreciation yesterday for the gifts received in 2019 for the work of the District. "I'd like to send a huge thanks to congregations for their donations last year," said Higgs as he reflected. "The District is closing out the year with a positive cash flow," he noted. The 2019 reports will be available in the near future after all billing has been received for Dec.
2020 Pulpit Supply List
Sarah Long has updated the pulpit supply list for 2020. Contact Sarah if there are additions or corrections to be made. Click here to download a copy.
Last Call:Contact Information for 2020 Leaders
As new board chairs and treasurers begin serving this month, District churches are reminded to send the names of new board chairs and their contact information to Sarah Long at the District Office. Updating information will help to  ensure correspondence to church leaders is properly routed. District staff desires to communicate effectively through email and other means so that important information gets to the right person on the first attempt.

Also, the names and contact information for new Disaster Auction representatives should be sent to Betty Morris at bettymorris0322@aol.com .
Pastoral Vacancies
Friends Run/Smith Creek - full-time, David Morris, interim pastor, congregational profile available
Garbers - part-time, congregational profile forthcoming
Leake's Chapel - congregational profile forthcoming 
Mill Creek - full-time associate pastor, congregational profile available
Pine Grove - part-time, congregational profile forthcoming

Pleasant Hill - part-time, congregational profile forthcoming
Waynesboro - full-time, Dot Mellott, interim pastor, updated congregational profile available
Big Beautiful World Curriculum Promo available

A promotional kit from Shine featuring the Big, Beautiful World Vacation Bible School curriculum for 2020 is available at the District office. Stop by the District Office and take a look.
District Events
Meetings at the District Office
Please take note of the following meetings and events scheduled for the District Office: 
-Jan. 22-30: Council of District Executives; John Jantzi out of the office; available by email and cell phone
-Feb. 6: 11 a.m., District Office staff meeting, phones unanswered
Mark Your Calendar
Feb. 1:  A Gaither-style Shenandoah Valley Homecoming singalong w ith the PromisedLand Quartet at Antioch ( 52503 Senedo Road , Woodstock), 5-9 p.m . Guest artists include : 3 in1 Quartet , The Crestmen Quartet , The Millers , Danny Figgins , Kevin Minnick, and the Antioch Worship Experience. The event features a live band for the sing-a-long segments. No tickets required; love offering received. Doors open at 4 p.m.

Feb 5: Charlottesville ( 1225 Rio Road East , Charlottesville) will be starting a mid-week prayer meeting at 7 p.m. that seeks to answer the question, "What is the value of a prayer meeting?" From the very beginning of the church, Christians have gathered to pray ( Acts 4:24 ; 12:5 ; 21:5 ). The series will continue weekly on Wed. evenings. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Pastor Tom .

LOOKING AHEAD:
Feb. 25 : Shrove Tues. Pancake Luncheon, Bridgewater ( 420 College View Drive , Bridgewater), 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  If Rockingham County Public Schools are closed, the snow date will be Tues., Mar. 3.  Menu: plain or buckwheat pancakes, biscuits, syrup, sausage gravy, chipped beef gravy, applesauce, fruit cup, coffee, tea or water. The Bridgewater Home Auxiliary is currently looking for fruit donations and volunteers. Please contact Laura Ipock Powell , if you are interested in assisting. For a list of all 2020 Auxiliary events , click here .

Mar. 6-7, 2020:  Children's Disaster Services Training , Fri. 4:30 p.m. to Sat. 4:30 p.m., Bridgewater Church   ( 420 College View Drive , Bridgewater). Registe r  online here .  Click here   for a flyer. A bulletin insert may be found here.
District Youth
THIS SAT. J an. 25: District Sr. High Winter Retreat will be held at Mill Creek ( 7600 Port Republic Road , Port Republic), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Interdistrict Youth Cabinet (IYC) will be leading sessions, and youth will have the opportunity to serve the community. It will be a great time to have fun and grow in faith. Times and more information will be forthcoming. Pastors are asked to forward this information to youth leaders. Please contact Rebecca House with questions at 430-2089 | rebecca@pleasantvalleyalive.org  to let her know how many youths are planning to attend. Click here for flyer .

Feb. 28-Mar. 1: Registration is now open for the Youth Roundtable at Bridgewater College ( 402 East College Drive, Bridgewater), featurin g Kyle Remnant, speaker. The theme will be 2020 Visio n: Seeing as Jesus Does. For more information or to register, click here. Check out the video here.

Mar. 13-14: District Jr. High Lock-in will be held on at Luray Church . More information will be forthcoming.
Brethren Disaster News
Donations of Auction Items are Coming In
Handcrafted items are beginning to arrive as plans for the May 15-16 auction are in full swing. Tom Wetsel is reminding those who are donating larger or more expensive items to send photographs and descriptions of the items for the auction booklet by Fri., Jan. 31. Donors with questions about participating in the auction should contact Betty Morris | (434) 985-7571 or Catherine Lantz | 896-7556.

Left: Woven basket by Nancy Lantz
(Photo by B. Diehl)
Last Opportunity for Auction Booklet Ads
There are a few spaces remaining for ads in the auction booklet. Act by Fri., Jan. 31 to have your church, business or honoree included. Contact Betty Morris | (434) 985-7571 or Catherine Lantz | 896-7556 for more information.
Urgent Request for School Kits-Update
The Disaster Auction Coordinating Committee is asking for bags for Church World Service school kits to meet an urgent need. Volunteers interested in constructing bags may download a pattern with instructions. It takes approximately one half of a yard of fabric to make each bag. Bags may also be purchased at myshopangel.com and donated to CWS. Contact Betty Morris | (434) 985-7571 or Catherine Lantz | 896-7556 with any questions about the project.

Update: School kits will be assembled on Fri., May 15, at 1 p.m. during the Disaster Auction and Sale. Click here for flyer.
F&M Offers Visa Credit Card to Benefit Disaster Ministry in the Shenandoah District
A new Visa card is available through F&M Bank, which supports the Shenandoah District Church of the Brethren Disaster Ministries. Upon choosing the BDM Visa Classic Card , the bank will return 1% of net spending to the Brethren Disaster Ministries. Click here and scroll down to learn more.
Brethren Woods
THIS SAT. Camp Rep Training and Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
Camp Reps, Pastors, Volunteers, and Friends are invited to Brethren Woods on  Jan. 25  for the Camp Rep Training and Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. The event will include two sessions, both held at the camp in the Pine Grove facility. A training session for pastors, camp representatives, and others who want to learn more about what's happening at camp and how they can be involved will start at 3:30 p.m.  The discussion will include a look at the role of camp reps, ideas for promoting camp in your church and community, and a preview of 2020 events and activities scheduled at camp.  Appetizers will follow at 5 p.m., and dinner will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The volunteer appreciation dinner is for all who served in 2019 and some who are already on board for 2020. This training is the perfect time to enjoy a delicious dinner, entertainment, and a chance to say thanks to the loyal, committed volunteers! 
 
To assist the camp with planning, RSVP by calling 269-2741, or emailing camp@brethrenwoods.org by Fri., Jan. 24. You may also complete this form online from the camp website at www.brethrenwoods.org/crt! 

Caving Adventure Day Feb. 15
The first Adventure Day of 2020 will take place on Feb. 15 when intrepid explorers will head underground for this half-day beginner caving adventure with WildGuyde Adventures . Participants will meet at 12:30 p.m. at the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren ( 420 College View Drive , Bridgewater) and travel to a cave site nearby. The group is slated to return by 6 p.m. All participants must be age 10 and older. Participants under 15 years old (or in 9th grade) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  
 
The cost is $40 per person and includes leadership, transportation, headlamp, caving helmet, and some additional gear. Participants are asked to bring a secondary light source (small flashlight), water bottle (plastic), and should wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty. Specific details, including a full packing list with instructions and permission slip and waivers will be sent by e-mail after registrations are received. Click to access a flyer .
 
To register by phone or email, contact the camp office at 269-2741 or camp@brethrenwoods.org . Online registration is available at  www.brethrenwoods.org . Registrations are due by Fri, Jan. 31.

Cabin Fever Family Night Feb. 29
Brethren Woods has the cure for "Cabin Fever" this winter during a Leap Year celebration at the camp. Everyone (singles, couples, families, youth groups, campers, staff, volunteers, etc.) is welcome to attend this free event with the Brethren Woods camp "family!" The itinerary includes:
 
4:30 p.m. - Gathering and group games
5 p.m - Indoor campfire with singing, stories, and scripture
5:30 p.m - Carry in meal (soup and bread provided by camp. Please bring a snack or finger food to share with everyone!)
6-7:30 p.m - Games, puzzles, and fellowship (Feel free to bring a favorite card or board game to play)
 
To assist with planning, please RSVP online or by contacting the Camp Office (269-2741 or camp@brethrenwoods.org) by Feb. 26.
Upcoming Classes and CEU Opportunities
Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership is hosting several upcoming classes. Click here and scroll down to view future educational offerings. New online courses include Nurturing Vital Spirituality in a Changing World with Instructor Rhonda Pittman-Gingrich, Jan. 22 – Mar. 17, and Spiritual Practices in Ministry with Instructor Reba Herder, Apr. 15 – June 9. Science and Faith with Russell Haitch is another offering that has been added for Apr. 29 - May 3.

Ethics for the Set-Apart Ministry: Basic Course is being offered for newly licensed ministers and others seeking basic clergy ethics training. Janet Ober Lambert will be the instructor. The new date for the course is Feb. 8. Click here for a registration form .
Job Opportunity
The West Richmond Church of the Brethren ( 7612 Wanymala Road , Richmond), is seeking a pianist/organist for choir rehearsals on Thurs. evenings and one Sun. service. Click here for job announcement.
Links to Upcoming Lectionary Readings
Revised Common Lectionary - Year A

Jan. 19 : Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 (6); John 1:29-42
Jan. 26 : Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 4-9 (1); 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23
Continuing the work of Jesus. Peacefully. Simply. Together.
Shenandoah District website:
www.shencob.org
__________________
Questions? Comments?
Contact Brenda Diehl
Director of Communications
Images through pixabay.com , unless otherwise noted.