The Shenandoah Update

January 3, 2023

We remember in prayer the family of Pastor John W. Glick, who died on Sunday evening, January 1. He was a long-time pastor in the Church of the Brethren and most recently served as interim pastor with several congregations in the Shenandoah District. He also served on the District's Ministerial Placement Team. May God send His peace to those who are grieving.

I bid you welcome to this new year and the opportunities that are ours in serving as disciples of Jesus Christ. God’s best and blessings in the weeks ahead.

2023 promises to be a time of continued discernment and development of initiatives to deepen and clarify our direction and relationships. Building on the spirit of District Conference 2022, we trust that God will continue to “knit us together in the bonds of love.”

We ask you to be in prayer for the District Leadership Team retreat scheduled for Saturday, January 21. Pray for a spirit of wisdom and discernment as we look together at creatively engaging the challenges and possibilities that are with us for 2023.

My prayers continue for each congregation and congregational leadership. It is as each of you serve each other and your community in the name of Jesus that we find hope and renewal together.

With gratitude for your faithfulness,

John Jantzi

District Executive Minister

Email John

Director of Finance Gary Higgs has announced that January 9, 2023, will be the last day to receive funds for the year ending December 31, 2022. All gifts received in the District Office by January 9 will be included in the 2022 revenues. The mailing address is P. O. Box 67, Weyers Cave, Virginia 24486.

Shenandoah District Executive Minister John Jantzi will leave on Thursday, January 5, to attend the Council of District Executives meetings in Florida and return on Thursday, January 12. He will be responding to emails and cell phone calls during that time.

Ministerial Leadership Team-Tuesday, January 17, 6:30 p.m., District Office

District Leadership Team Retreat-Saturday, January 21, 9-11:30 a.m., the place to be confirmed

Congregational Care Team-Thursday, January 26, noon, District Office

We rejoice with those who have responded to the call to ministry:

• Bob Johnson was called as the part-time pastor at Briery Branch and officially began in this role on January 1.

Damascus-Crab Run (Websites)

Pastoral vacancy

Directions:

Damascus | Crab Run

Emmanuel (Facebook page)

Part-time, Tim Ball, interim pastor, the congregational profile available

Directions

Harrisonburg First (Website)

Full-time, Paul Roth, part-time interim pastor; profile available

Directions

Lebanon (Facebook page)

Full-time; profile available

Directions

Pleasant Valley (Website)

Full-time pastoral vacancy; more information is forthcoming

Directions

Wakeman's Grove (Website)

Full-time, Deb Horst, interim pastor; profile available

Directions

The following congregations and organizations have announced activities this month:

Jan. 8: Benefit for Blue Ridge Area Food Bank at Staunton, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 9-12: School for Leadership Training at EMU.

For a complete listing of details regarding congregational events throughout the Shenandoah District, visit https://shencob.org/events/.

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