2019 District Conference Edition
"Bearing Jesus' Fruit"
September 19, 2019
In Our Prayers
We are called to prayer this week by 2019 District Conference Moderator George Bowers for this year’s business items at District Conference: The Paper from the District Discernment team and the Slate of Suggested District Leaders.
District News
Grief Workshop is Open to All Who are Interested
Grief from the Inside Out:
Honoring Grief in the Midst of Anger, Fear and Shame | Agenda Here

Regina Cyzick Harlow
‘Honoring Grief’
Relationships with family, friends, and others are profoundly changed by grief. Some people walk toward and alongside the bereaved, while others step away. How can grievers and supporters become mutually empowered to nurture healthy relationships in grief? This workshop uses humor, real-life scenarios, and shared experiences to introduce participants to the family of Platitude Paul and Cliché Cathy. They, along with their children, named after some of the most common responses to grief, help explore how relationships change and how to more effectively communicate grief and encourage support for all. This workshop is appropriate for those grieving and those wanting to be a better friend to the bereaved, as well as deacons, pastors, parishioners, professionals and the general public. 
Honoring Grief Presenter Regina Cyzick Harlow is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and co-founder of the Sadie Rose Foundation , a for-purpose (non-profit) organization in Dayton, providing non-clinical peer support for those grieving the death of a child. Harlow developed and presented this workshop for an international child loss conference and has since shared it with medical students, churches and grief retreats. She and her husband Lee have three living children and are foster/adoptive parents. Harlow is an ambivert (a blend of introvert and extrovert qualities) who loves writing, singing, running, cooking, baking, and spending time outdoors with family. She is the author of the forthcoming memoir, "By Way of Sorrow: Confessions of a Woman Finding Her Center in Life and Loss." 

Joshua Keene
‘Healing From the Inside Out’
No one wants to stay in that place of grief, but understanding its’ role in emotional development and health is vital to being able to experience real joy in life. Identifying the emotional continuum and setting up opportunities to identify exactly where one is and how one is experiencing these emotions gives insight for caring for those experiencing grief in a real and empathetic way. Learn how to join alongside fellow members and walk with them through the pain they are experiencing and be able to communicate understanding through personal experience. Follow Elijah as he experiences the high emotions of victory on Mt. Carmel and the lowest valleys of fear in a cave after Jezebel threatens his life. God is present, He is real, He is all-knowing, He is powerful...and He is gently whispering to His prophets.

Joshua Keene is a licensed marriage and family therapist that works with individuals, families and marriages. Keene has his degree in Bible & Religion and Missions and his Masters of Science degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Harding University. He has over 10 years of experience in the therapeutic field and currently owns/operates Tasso Counseling in Staunton. Keene has a heart for pastors and missionaries that are working in the field and works to help support those whom have been called to God’s work in any way he can both at home and abroad.  

The workshop will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Pleasant Valley ( 91 Valley Church Road , Weyers Cave) on Sat., Sept. 28. The cost of the seminar will be $10, or $15 per couple. Registration form available here .
An Invitation from District Conference Moderator
All Brethren in the Shenandoah District are invited to worship together on Nov. 1 at Antioch ( located one mile west of the Woodstock Walmart on Route 42) as we celebrate the production of much good Jesus-Fruit in our valley. Beginning at 6:45 p.m., Spirit-filled music and preaching will help us rejoice together over what God is doing in and through our congregations. All are welcome and a good old fashioned ice cream social will follow in the fellowship hall. Come enjoy this special time as we celebrate the harvest and Bear Jesus’ Fruit! --Moderator George Bowers
Bearing Jesus' Fruit: District Conference Nov. 1-2
What fruit is Jesus bearing in the churches of the Shenandoah District? Delegates and conference attendees will have the opportunity to let other congregations know about the fruit being borne in their home churches. W orshippers are being encouraged to bring some written spiritual symbol of congregational fruitfulness that will be placed on a tree or other focus point in the chancel. The October/November edition of the Shenandoah Journal will feature several stories from District churches to assist with getting the conversation started. The Journal will be released on Sept. 30. Click here to be added to the Shenandoah Journal digital mailing list.

Here's a brief preview from the upcoming Shenandoah Journal of the kinds of things that churches may choose to identify as 'bearing Jesus' fruit' when they bring their written symbols to share during District Conference:

In the spirit of welcoming the community, the White Hill congregation in Stuarts Draft opens its facilities to a 200-member homeschool cooperative and the county’s parenting classes mandated through the court system. By providing space for community use, the church is planting seeds in the form of graciousness and love. They are reaching out to community members by bringing them into the church building where they may have an opportunity to meet them and demonstrate God's love to them. “We are the image bearers of Jesus,” Pastor Dave Chappell explained, “We need to be the disciples we were called to be and we need to make new disciples.” If hospitality and a heart for service are the keys to reaching the community, White Hill is making great strides toward ‘bearing Jesus’ fruit.’
Other District Conference Notes
  • Those planning to worship together at District Conference on Fri., Nov. 1, are encouraged to come prepared to make a generous love offering for the Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Initiative project which includes an initiative to plant fruit and coffee trees in Haiti. Checks should be made payable to the Shenandoah District
  • Special music will be provided by the Luray Churches Community Choir. 
  • Planning is well underway for a blend of worship and business on Sat.
  • District Conference delegate briefing is Sun., Oct. 13, 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Blue Ridge Chapel. See below for details.
  • On Fri., Nov. 1, the pre-conference activity will feature a Fred Pryor Seminar for Pastors and interested others from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wakemans Grove (668 Wakemans Grove Road, Edinburg). The cost of the seminar will be $100 and CEUs will be available. The topic for the seminar is "Dealing With Difficult People." Following the seminar, the Milestones in Ministry dinner for pastors and their spouses will host 2020 Annual Conference Moderator Paul Mundey from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Columbia Furnace (20910 Senedo Road, Edinburg). See District Sponsored Events below for registration information.
Plans Announced for Delegate Briefing;
Share-A-Meal Dinner, October 13
This year's delegate briefing will take place on Sun., Oct. 13, at Blue Ridge Chapel ( 19 Browns Lane , Waynesboro ), from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Shenandoah District Office Manager Sarah Long said District Conference registration forms are in the process of being emailed to all who have email, and mailed to the remaining persons tomorrow, Sept. 20 and Mon., Sept. 23. Those not receiving their delegate registration form within the week should contact the District at 234-8555. Pastors will receive additional information on Mon.

Note: There will be transportation from Blue Ridge Chapel (pictured above) to the Share-A-Meal site at 3 p.m. on Oct. 13 for any delegate's spouse or family members who would like to go Eddie Major's home early to hike or just relax prior to the meal. Contact Catherine Lantz by Sept. 29 at 896-7556 to arrange transportation and ticket purchases.

The Share-A-Meal dinner sponsored by the Disaster Auction Committee will provide a convenient option for dinner after the delegate briefing. The menu features BBQ Chicken with all the fixin's and will be held at the home of Eddie Major ( 502 Sandy Ridge Road, Waynesboro) at 5 p.m. Proceeds will be donated to the 2020 Disaster Auction.

A special musical performance with the  Good Time Gospel Quartet and the  Fagan Sisters will follow dinner. Guests are invited to arrive early for hikes through the woods, ridng the horse drawn wagon on the trails or just enjoying the nature all around. It should prove to be a very entertaining and relaxing afternoon and evening.

Tickets are $20 per person; children ages 12 and younger are by donation (call to reserve a spot for children). For tickets for q uestions about the dinner, contact:

Deadline for purchasing tickets is Tues., Oct. 1.
In Our Pastoral Family
Call Issued :
  • Ryan Cooper was called on Aug. 18 to be pastor at Beaver Creek.
Installation:
  • Scott Harris was installed as pastor at Greenmount on Sept. 15.
Retirements/Resignations :
  • Walt Crull will retire from Garbers Oct. 31.
  • Scott Duffey has announced his retirement from Staunton, Dec. 31.
Interim :
  • J.D. Glick has been called for a term of service as interim pastor for Sunrise from Sept. 1 through Nov. 24. Mike Hostetter has been called as interim pastor for Sunrise, beginning Dec. 1.
  • Christy Dowdy was called to serve as interim pastor at Bridgewater, beginning Oct. 1.
Licensing :
  • Tim Ball will be licensed Sept. 29 at Front Royal, 11 a.m.
Pastoral Vacancies
Emmanuel - full-time pulpit vacancy; congregational profile forthcoming
Friends Run/Smith Creek - full-time, David Morris, interim pastor, congregational profile available
Garbers - part-time, congregational profile forthcoming
Leake's Chapel - Ken Dolan, interim pastor, 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
Third Thursday Specials
Calendars:

Baptisms and Church Growth:
Antioch - recently baptized Brandy Wakeman and received Lee and Bernadette Hughes, Donnie Scott and Tiffany Cummins through rededication and transfer of letter. 
Mountain View Fellowship McGaheysville - baptized seven new members in the river on Aug. 25: Samuel Carter, Eli Harlow, Derek Mickelson, Louy Miller, Tahjanae Miller, Daniel Osinkosky and Haley Osinkosky.
Stone Church at Buena Vista -  had five baptisms this summer. Two were held in the fellowship hall and three river baptisms were conducted at Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista.
District Sponsored Events
Bridgewater Retirement Community Survey for Residents of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, and Augusta County who are 65 or older: What would make a difference in your quality of life? Please take the following online survey by Sept. 30 at brcliving.org/survey. Caregivers will be surveyed October 7–28. Click here for flyer.

Sept. 28: Grief From the Inside Out , 8:30 a.m. to noon, Pleasant Valley ( 91 Valley Church Road , Weyers Cave), .35 CEUs, cost $10 per person; $15 per couple. Click here for more info.

Oct. 13: District Conference Delegate Briefing , 3 to 4:30 p.m., Blue Ridge Chapel ( 19 Browns Lane , Waynesboro). Share-A-Meal dinner is available afterward nearby; see Delegate Briefing article above.

Oct. 19: Women’s Gathering Day with Debbie Dyches, Stone-Buena Vista ( 2162 Forest Ave ., Buena Vista), 10 a.m. For program information click here .

Nov. 1: Fred Pryor Seminar for pastors and interested others, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wakemans Grove ( 668 Wakemans Grove Road , Edinburg), Registration fee is $100, scholarships are available. CEUs awarded will be .6. Details and registration form on website.

Nov. 1: Milestones in Ministry with Paul Mundey , 5 to 6:30 p.m., Columbia Furnace ( 20910 Senedo Road , Edinburg) . This event is limited to pastors and their spouses. Invitations will be sent in October.

Nov. 1-2:  District Conference , Antioch ( 23502 Senedo Road , Woodstock).
Crop Walk Representatives Needed by Tomorrow
The CROP Hunger Walk ministry is 50 years old this year! In recognition of its 50 th  anniversary, a CROP Hunger Walk will take place on  Sun., Nov. 3,  at 2 p.m. at the Bridgewater Town Center. Representatives from congregations are needed to recruit walkers and supporters. All materials are provided. Bridgewater College Chaplain Robbie Miller encouraged congregational representatives to sign up by tomorrow, Sept. 20 . If interested in participating or for more information, please contact Bridgewater College Chaplain Robbie Miller at  rmiller@bridgewater.edu .
2020 Information Updated for Church Leaders
The website has been updated with a link to the Church of the Brethren's 2020 compensation for pastors information. Click here for link.
Meetings at the District Office
Please take note of the following meetings and events scheduled for the District Office:  

  • Sept. 19: 11 a.m., District Staff Meeting; phones unanswered
  • Sept. 21: 9 a.m., District Leadership Team meeting, Valley Bethel Church, transportation from the District Office will leave at 8 a.m.
  • Sept. 26: 11:30 a.m., District Staff Meeting; phones unanswered
  • Sept. 30: 4 p.m., Disaster Ministries Committee, District Office
Pastors for Peace Select Book for Group Study
Pastors for Peace will begin a discussion of Robert P. Jones's  " The End of White Christian America"   at it's Oct. 1 meeting. The group meets the first Tues. of each month, 1:30 p.m., at Montezuma ( 4937 Ottobine Road , Dayton). All are invited to participate. The first discussion will involve pages 1-44, or the "Obituary for White Christian America" and chapter 1, "Who is White Christian America?" Pastors for Peace is excited about this opportunity to read a book together and we are eager to share this conversation with any who have interest. Contact David R. Miller at dmiller.cob@gmail.com for questions.
Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center Needs Help
Martha Reish of the Brethren and Mennonite Heritage Center ( 1921 Heritage Center Way , Harrisonburg) i s currently reaching out to the church community to help provide lunches for volunteers working with field trips. The dates that lunches are needed are Oct. 17 and 31 and Nov. 7. This would be a good service project for a Sunday School class, a fellowship group or a church. Contact Martha at fieldtrips@brethrenmennoniteheritage.org .
 
There is also a need for guides for the field trips. This would be a great way to learn more about the Brethren Mennonite Heritage Center and also help support it. There is a field trip each Thurs., Oct. 3 through Nov. 21. Volunteers are welcome to help one, two, or more weeks. Contact Martha Reish at the email address above for more information.
Mark Your Calendar
TOMORROW, Sept. 20: Pasta and Praise with area pastors serving, 5 to 7 p.m., at Bridgewater United Methodist Church. Praise music will follow in the church sanctuary from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Freewill offering to benefit the Pastoral Care Endowment Fund, Bridgewater Healthcare Foundation. Flyer here.

SAT. , Sept. 21: Fall Bazaar at Blue Ridge Chapel ( 19 Browns Lane , Waynesboro), 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring: apple dumplings and bake sale, breakfast and lunch, Brunswick stew, yard sale and craft items, silent auction, gift baskets, book sale and activities for children. Click here for flyer .

SAT. , Sept. 21: Fall Fair at Barren Ridge ( 1790 Barrenridge Road , Staunton), sponsored by the Women's Fellowship. Doors open at 3 p.m., silent auction 3:30 to 6 p.m. Homemade soup, baked goods and other great food available while browsing the crafts, handmade items and various donated items from area businesses. Call 290-2984 for details or click here for flyer.

SUN ., Sept. 22: Reflections of a Life with MCC ," Ann Hershberger, 4 p.m., Harrisonburg Mennonite Church ( 15552 South High Street , Harrisonburg). Sponsored by the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center. This is one installment of the two-part Fall Lecture series on the theme of Service. This first installment features interim associate director of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), Ann Hershberger. A former professor of nursing at Eastern Mennonite University, Hershberger has served on MCC boards since 1996, including 10 years from 2009-19 as board chair of MCC US. She served with her husband Jim as MCC representative in Nicaragua from 1985-90 and again in 1999-2000. Her first service with the organization was in 1983 in El Salvador. She recently accepted a new position with MCC as interim associate director. A free-will offering will be received to support the work of the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center. To learn more visit: brethrenmennoniteheritage.org .

Sept. 23-27: Fall Revival at Mountain Grove Chapel Fellowship ( 1041 Sylvia Ridge Road , Dyke), 7 p.m., nightly. Brian Robinson will be leading the revival services. 

Sept. 28: Mt. Vernon ( 90 Mt. Vernon Road , Waynesboro) is hosting a free community event:  Supporting the Art of Living with Dementia  - Alzheimer's workshop, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Presenter Sharon DeBoever's program will look at the three basic stages of Alzheimer's and provide information about communication and behavioral issues and tips and resources for addressing those issues. Participants will also learn how to support the person with the diagnosis and their family, and to afford others the opportunity to provide support. This event is open to the community. To register, please e-mail Mt. Vernon at mtvernoncob@hotmail.com or call 943-8101. Flyer here .

Sept. 28: Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, Mt. Lebanon Fellowship , 5 to 7 p.m., at the Greene County Senior Center ( 222 Main Street , Stanardsville).  Cost: $10 for ages 7 to adult; $5 for children ages 6 and under. Spaghetti with homemad e meat sauce, tossed salad, garlic bread, desserts and beverages will be served. Meatless spaghetti sauce will also be available. There will be a 50/50 cash drawing as well as a silent auction with over 25 items available for bids.  Proceeds benefit the Mt. Lebanon (Barboursville) building fund to add a well and septic system as well as a Social Hall with a kitchen and restrooms. Call (434) 985-2373 for more information.

Sept. 29: Antioch ( 23502 Senedo Road, Woodstock) will be hosting a seminar on human sexuality with John Freeman from Harvest USA at 1 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

LOOKING AHEAD:
Oct. 2: Bridgewater Home Auxillary luncheon ,  11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Bridgewater Church ( 420 College View Drive, Bridgewater). Menu includes lasagna, garlic bread, salad, cookies and iced tea or coffee. Cost: $6.00, carry-outs available.

Oct. 5-6: Apologetics Workshop at Antioch ( 23502 Senedo Road , Woodstock) with special guest Greg Koukhl of Stand to Reason , 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Topics covered are how to think more clearly about your convictions and make an effective, even-handed, gracious case for classical Christianity. The event concludes on Sun. evening with a presentation at Shenandoah Community Fellowship ( 197 Patmos Road , near Antioch) featuring “Tactics,” which is his well-known method for discussions with atheists. No fee to attend. Click here for flyer.

Oct. 12: Fall Festival at Linville Creek (409 Brethren Road, Broadway), 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Homemade pies, crafts, yard sale, bake sale. Lunch features homemade soup, sandwiches, hot dogs, white beans and cornbread, pie and ice cream. Call 896-5001 or visit www.linvillecreek.org for more information. Flyer.

Oct. 13: District Conference Delegate Briefing , 3 to 4:30 p.m., Blue Ridge Chapel ( 19 Browns Lane , Waynesboro). A Share-A-Meal dinner to benefit Disaster Ministries will be held afterward at a nearby location for those who are interested. See District Conference Delegate Briefing article above.

Oct. 19: Gifted Words: A Women's Gathering , Stone Church at Buena Vista ( 2162 Forest Avenue , Buena Vista), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., lunch provided. RSVP by calling 261-6946 or send an email to   office@bvstonechurch.org . Click here for flyer.

Oct. 22: "This is My Story: Personal Stories from People of Faith" - Shirley Showalter and Fred Swartz, 7 p.m., Garbers ( 1275 Garbers Church Road , Harrisonburg). Sponsored by the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center. To learn more visit  www.brethrenmennoniteheritage.org .

Nov. 1-2:  District Conference , Antioch ( 23502 Senedo Road , Woodstock).

Nov. 1: Fred Pryor Seminar for anyone interested in learning more about " Dealing with Difficult People ." To be held at Wakemans Grove ( 668 Wakemans Grove Road, Edinburg) , 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., registration fee is $100. CEUs (.6) will be awarded. Click here for details and here for registration form .

Nov. 3:  CROP Hunger Walk, 2 p.m. at the Bridgewater Town Center . If interested in participating or for more information, please contact Bridgewater College Chaplain Robbie Miller at  rmiller@bridgewater.edu .

Nov. 17: "The Brethren Service Center: Standing on Holy Ground," 4 p.m., Bridgewater ( 420 College View Drive , Bridgewater), featuring Miller Davis, a director at the Brethren Service Center from 1971-1998. Sponsored by the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center, www.brethrenmennoniteheritage.org .

Dec. 14: A Heritage Christmas with the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center, ( 1921 Heritage Center Way, Harrisonburg), 2 to 6 p.m. Crafts, live music and singing and refreshments. Cost : $10 adults, $5 students, children 5 and under are free.
District Youth
Youth Event at Heritage Center
Youth from the Shenandoah District have been invited to a Church of the Brethren/Mennonite youth event at the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Cente r ( 1921 Heritage Center Way , Harrisonburg), Sun., Sept. 29, from 4 to 8 p.m. Youth will be able to do a service project, eat a free meal, worship in the woods and play a large group game across the property. This event is a collaborative event with our Anabaptist neighbors, and is a great way to meet and spend time with like-minded Christians. Please contact Gabe Dodd to RSVP or for more information.
Brethren Disaster News
Response to Hurricane Dorian
Hurricane Dorian devastated the Bahamas earlier this month, so it is only natural for Christians to want to help. The District has received multiple phone calls from area churches desiring to offer assistance. Shenandoah District Disaster Ministries Coordinator Jerry Ruff reported last week that the biggest need right now is money. Individuals and churches may send checks made out to 'Shenandoah District' with 'Hurricane Dorian' in the memo line. The District will collect the donations toward the disaster response. Mail financial gifts for Hurricane Dorian to:

Shenandoah District
PO Box 67
Weyers Cave, VA 24486
Brethren Woods
Big and Small Retreat Sept. 27-28 
Grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and other “bigs” may participate with a child (“small”), ages K-5th grade, in an overnight retreat at Brethren Woods. The theme for the camp will be “Jonah and God’s Big Love.” Using this “fishy” story from the Bible, campers may discover how much God loves us – and everyone – with a great, big love. This theme will be explored through games, Bible study, songs, crafts, fishing and canoeing, stories and nature exploration. There will be a campfire with s’mores and banana boats. Most activities will happen together as a group, working as “big” and “small” pairs, but there will be some time for “bigs” to get a little break while the “smalls” do some kid-friendly activities together with our staff. D inner will be served on Fri. evening at 5:45 p.m. and the camp will end around 4 p.m. on Sat. The cost is $85 per pair and covers lodging, three meals and all activities . Brethren Woods is located at 4896 Armentrout Path , Keezletown. Camp staff are available to provide more information by calling 269-2741 or emailing camp@brethrenwoods.org . Click here for flyer and paper registration form. Online registration is available at: www.brethrenwoods.org. Check out the Big and Small page under Annual Events.

Fall Workday and Fall Family Night Oct. 5
This year's fall workday will begin at 8 a.m. and wind down around 3 p.m., just in time to relax before the very f irst Fall Family Night at 5:30 p.m. It all starts with a carry-in meal (please bring a dish to share) and hot dog roast followed by an entertaining and faith-filled campfire. The cranking of homemade ice cream freezers and prepping of dutch oven desserts gets underway at 4 p.m. To assist the camp with planning and preparation, please RSVP by calling the camp office at 269-2741, or emailing camp@brethrenwoods.org by Tues., Oct. 1.

Coming this fall...
Men's Retreat Nov. 8-10
"Living the Adventure"
For: Men (age 18+)
Cost: $95

Renewing Our Faith Outdoors Dinner Dec. 8
Calendars fill up quickly in Dec., so families are encouraged to save the date.
Upcoming Classes
CGI Evangelism Class, Oct. 12 (Dave Chappell), Oct. 26 (Wayne Pence) and Nov. 23 (George Bowers). Location: District Office. Cost: $75. Contact Sarah Long at 234-8555 for more information. Advanced reading is required, so register early.
Continuing the work of Jesus. Peacefully. Simply. Together
Questions? Comments?
Contact Brenda Diehl
Director of Communications