We remember in prayer Bethel Pastor Larry Aikens and his family. His son, Nathaniel, died suddenly last week. May God bring comfort to all who grieve. | |
From the Desk of District Executive Minister
John Jantzi
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We are delighted to announce a full slate of pastor’s luncheons for the year at Bridgewater Retirement Community. We continue to be grateful for
the hospitality that BRC extends. Several weeks before each gathering we will send out a reminder and ask you to indicate whether you will attend. This is necessary to provide an accurate meal count. I thoroughly enjoyed our gatherings last year and anticipate good conversation and fellowship throughout 2023.
Serving Christ Together
John Jantzi
District Executive Minister
Shenandoah District Church of the Brethren
Below are the dates agreed upon by BRC for hosting pastors’ luncheons. The time for each is 11:30-1:30.
More specific information with regard to the topics will be forthcoming prior to each gathering.
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Thursday, February 23
Thursday, March 23
Thursday, April 27
Thursday, May 25
Thursday, June 22
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Thursday, July 27
Thursday, August 24
Thursday, September 28
Thursday, October 26
Thursday, December 14
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Emmanuel (Facebook page)
Part-time, Tim Ball, interim pastor, the congregational profile available
Directions
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Senior High Youth Retreat February 11 | SNL, Sunday Night Live, a periodic Church of the Brethren youth gathering in the central part of the Shenandoah District, is inviting all District senior high youth to attend an upcoming one-day retreat on February 11 at Mountain View, McGaheysville. | |
As the District Office transitions from its COVID-19 staffing plan, staff schedules will be finalized and released in the next Update. | |
District Meetings for January | |
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District Leadership Team retreat will be this Saturday.
Congregational Care Team-Thursday, January 26, noon, District Office
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The following congregations and organizations have announced activities:
Feb. 11: SNL will host a one-day senior youth retreat for ninth through twelfth graders at Mountain View-McGaheysville Church of the Brethren (8601 McGaheysville Road, McGaheysville) from 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. The cost is $5, plus a snack to share. This will be a day of fun, games and sessions led by the Interdistrict Youth Cabinet from Bridgewater College. Lunch and supper are included. If you have any questions or reservations, contact Rebecca House at rebecca@pleasantvalleyalive.org.
Mar. 23: The Bridgewater College Forum for Brethren Studies will sponsor a Conversation with the Moderator at 3:30 p.m. in the Boitnott Room at Bridgewater College. The Forum has asked Moderator Tim McElwee to offer brief remarks on the state of the denomination before opening the session for questions. The discussion will constitute the bulk of the time together.
July 2-18: Lands of the Bible with Bridgewater College chaplain Dr. Robbie Miller will tour Israel, Palestine and Jordan. The tour, conducted by the University of the Holy Land in Jerusalem https://uhl.ac/, will visit sites of biblical and religious importance including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jericho, Capernaum, Caesarea, Masada, Qumran, Petra and many more. The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership will provide 4.0 CEUs for the study tour. If you want an itinerary and more information, you may contact Dr. Miller at rmiller@bridgewater.edu or 540-421-2720.
For a complete listing of details regarding congregational events throughout the Shenandoah District, visit https://shencob.org/events/.
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Remembering Volunteers Who Died in Recent Weeks | |
During the Disaster Auction Coordinating Committee on January 10, the committee members briefly reflected on the recent deaths of three essential volunteers at the auction for many years. First, Nancy Rodeffer, the wife of Warren Rodeffer, died on December 22. She had volunteered to sell ads for the Disaster Auction booklet for several years. Pastor Jim Jinks, who died on December 26, helped in several capacities over the years, including working with the donations of Rubbermaid items. Finally, Pastor John W. Glick died on New Year's Day and was a long-time volunteer who consistently helped in the kitchen preparing meals. The committee is praying that God will call other volunteers to step up and serve in their places. | |
Auction Booklet Advertising Deadline Looms | |
Congregations and businesses desiring to be included in the 2023 auction booklet must provide information by January 31. This year, Gail Johnson has assisted with contacting some of the previous business advertisers. In addition, each congregation's auction representatives have been asked to solicit new ads and reconfirm previous advertising for the 2023 booklet. Advertising information is due to Tom Wetsel at sdcobda@gmail.com by January 31. | |
Submit Photographs for Auction Items Now | |
Photographs and descriptions of auction items, such as quilts and handmade furniture donated to the auction, are being received for the auction booklet and are due by January 31. Tom Wetsel is producing the booklet again this year, and photographs may be emailed to him at sdcobda@gmail.com. | |
Auction Volunteers Needed | |
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Before the COVID-19 limitations, Saturday morning breakfasts at the auction featured made-to-order omelets through the work of volunteers with the Mill Creek congregation. Unfortunately, those volunteers have been unable to continue serving in recent years. Still, they are willing to loan their omelet equipment to other volunteers if another large group steps forward to make omelets at the auction on Saturday morning, May 20. Please contact Catherine Lantz at catherinetlantz@gmail.com, or call 540-896-7556 for more information about carrying on this breakfast tradition.
In other volunteer news, willing workers are needed to help set up at the fairgrounds before the auction. However, there will be a change in plans for 2023. The equipment trailers will be on-site and ready to unload on Tuesday, May 16. In previous years, the unloading had started on the Monday of auction week. Please keep this in mind and plan to arrive on Tuesday this year to help set up. Contact Gary Shipe at 540-984-4874 for more information.
As always, helpers are needed to assist with all aspects of the auction, from arts and crafts, baked goods, ice cream scooping, plant sales, food preparation and sales and clean up. Reach out to Catherine Lantz to volunteer.
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Coin Auction is in Its Third Year | |
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Henry Hawkins is assisting with the coin auction again this year. In a recent communication with Tom Wetsel, Hawkins noted a donor "has agreed to donate three of the old Meyerhoeffer Store merchant tokens, and [will] give a brief history of those tokens at auction time before they are auctioned."
Organizers are planning to offer up to 50 lots for the auction, emphasizing that having donations identified in advance will help increase bids through advertising. Send photos and descriptions of coins to be donated to Tom Wetsel at sdcobda@gmail.com by January 31.
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The Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Returns March 18 | |
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The Services Ministry Team will host another appreciation dinner for past volunteers and those interested in getting involved with the Disaster Auction or the District's Brethren Disaster Ministry response and rebuilding projects. The dinner will be held at Pleasant Valley on Saturday afternoon, March 18, and the youth there will prepare the food.
This special dinner event will honor everyone who contributes to the auction or disaster ministry by volunteering their time to make items or baked goods for the auction, work at the auction, serve on committees or assist in any way with the trips and projects. Last year, nearly 100 people attended.
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Continuing the Work of Jesus.
Simply. Peacefully. Together.
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Questions? Comments?
Contact the Director of Communications
| | Today's feature graphic by B. S. Diehl | |
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Shenandoah District Church of the Brethren
Phone: 540-234-8555; Toll-free 888-308-8555; Fax 540-234-8333
Staff:
John Jantzi, District Executive Minister, johnjantzi@shencob.org
Sarah Long, Administrative Assistant, slong@shencob.org
Brenda Sanford Diehl, Director of Communications, brendadiehl@shencob.org
Gary Higgs, Director of Finance, garyhiggs@shencob.org
Larry Holsinger, Financial Sec./Bookkeeper, lawrence.holsinger@gmail.com
Jonathan Prater, Director of Ministry Services, JonPrater@shencob.org
Disaster Ministries Team, Jerry Ruff, Coordinator; ruffrev2@yahoo.com,
Henry Elsea, elseaclan@yahoo.com; and Galen Halterman, galenhalterman@aol.com
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