H E A D L I N E R O F T H E. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." John 1:5 (NRSV)

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1 H E A D L I N E R C H U R C H B R E T H R N O F T H E MARCH 2016 "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." John 1:5 (NRSV) Carry the Light (John 1:1-5) in your heart Claim it in your church Focus it in your community Spread it in your world Be it The next time you see a leaf flutter in a gust of air or a blade of grass bend to the breeze, consider that it is being touched by a power that begins some 93 million miles away. Actually, every living movement on our earth begins with strength driven by the light of the sun. When we walk from one room to the next, we are burning the sunlight that brought the rain and grew the food that nourishes our physical bodies. Some of that power, from a solar panel for example, is very immediate - about eight minutes old. Some of it, coal for example, has been stored for thousands of years. It is all from the same source. As Christians we confess that there is one source for our spiritual being; one source for the meaning that powers our mental and emotional existence; one source for Life. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." John 1:1-5 NRSV The Gospel of John opens with this magnificent hymn in tribute to the relationship between word, life and light. They were all present in the beginning and they all came to focus in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. They were revealed in a person of history that we remember regularly in the act of communion; a person that we recognize as a source of our salvation; a person who, we confess, lives with us in the Holy Spirit and whose body is alive in our worshiping community of faith. This is a confession that is, at once, intimate and shared, personal and universal, present and eternal. It is a testimony that is closer than our own name and beyond our most faithful and imaginative comprehension; a testimony that we know Him who was "in the beginning." It is a testimony that a light that is as immediate as the Holy Spirit and as ancient as the texts of the Old Testament powers us. We claim a Light that comes to us across the space of two thousand years and across the space from the beginning of creation; a light that warms us, heals us, comforts us, nourishes us, guides us and grows us. For this, we rededicate ourselves to "Carry the Light." Andy Murray,, Moderator 2016 Annual Conference VIRLINA DISTRICT 3402 Plantation Road, NE Roanoke, Virginia Ph. (540) Fax (540) VIRLINA Toll Free David K. Shumate, DISTRICT EXECUTIVE Emma Jean Woodard, ASSOCIATE DISTRICT EXECUTIVE GARY L. BASHAM, DIRECTOR OF MINISTRY FORMATION James R. Kropff, COORDINATOR OF DISASTER RESPONSE 316.p65 1

2 L O C A L I N T E R E S T Bassett - Donna Martin by reaffirmation October 11, 2015, Michael (Mike) Amos by reaffirmation October 18, 2015, Cynthia (Cindy) Shively by baptism November 8. Beaver Creek - Audrey Shelor by baptism August 2, Korey Turpin and Jessie Quesenberry by baptism August 9, Harley Delorie and Tyler Smith by baptism October 25, Bethel - Anne Falstaff and Michael Tinnell, Sr. by baptism on February 7, Copper Hill - Jacob Blumhagen by baptism on May 3, 2015, Caleb Lowry by baptism on October 25, 2015, Madison Flinchum by baptism on December 6, Rita Smith by letter on December 6, 2015, Donald Wilson and Sandy Wilson by letter on December 6, 2015 Laurel Branch - Taylor Hawkins, Matthew Gardner, Matt Bary, Josh Bary and James Bary by baptism November 22, Chuck Bary and Kim Bary by letter November 22, Newport News, Ivy Farms - Melissa Cartwright and Joel "Richard" Hooper by baptism April 12, Pleasant Valley - Susan Dulaney by letter April 12, Nevaeh Quesenberry and Allison Midkiff by baptism December 13, Roanoke, Oak Grove - Fred Catron, Katrina Catron and Katie Woodard by baptism January 10, Ron Robinson, Stephanie Robinson, Lisa Newell, Don Pizzullo, Ralph Petcher and Phyllis Petcher by letter January 10, Roanoke, Williamson Road - Helen Starkey by letter May 10, Topeco - Destiny Harman and Bailey Underwood by baptism August 9, Baylee Conner, Parker Mason and Gavin Poff by baptism November 29, Jolie Ingram and Jordan Ingram by baptism December 20, SEED, SCATTERED AND SOWN - FEBRUARY 23, 2016 Seed, Scattered and Sown: Reaching Beyond This Generation, the mission resourcing campaign of the Virlina District has attained 113 pledges which total $260,959. As of the above date we have received $69,169 toward the fulfillment of these pledges. The majority of these first pledges were from the district and camp leadership. Lead Gift visitation is now underway in parts of the district. For more information, contact us at <virlina@aol.com> or < THE NEW, IMPROVED VIRLINA DISTRICT WEBSITE The Virlina District website has changed. Check out the new and improved < David W. Minnich from Durham, Peace Covenant is webmaster and been instrumental in getting a new website design and capabilities. Tabitha Hartman Rudy, our student intern and from Roanoke, Ninth Street is adding material and updating information weekly. Announcements, calendar, forms, news, and reports are being posted so there will be easier access to information. If you have not done so, check it out! PASTORAL PLACEMENT REPORT ANTIOCH - Full time position, profile meeting on February 28 - Eric Anspaugh has announced his retirement effective April 30, BASSETT - Full or part time position, profile circulating 2 - Clyde Hylton serving as interim pastor. BETHANY - Part time position, no profile available -Jessica A. Slusher serving as interim pastor. COPPER HILL - Full time position, profile circulating 1 - Maurice E. Wright serving as interim pastor. FERRUM - Part time position, no profile available - Millard Lee Bryant has resigned effective March 31, GREEN HILL - Full or part time position, profile circulating 5. James R. Worline serving as interim pastor. HOPEWELL - Part time position, profile circulating. R. Wayne Pennington serving as interim pastor. JONES CHAPEL - Full or part time position, profile circulating 7 - Harvey S. Leddy serving as interim pastor. MAPLE GROVE - Part time position, no profile available. Pulpit supply. MONETA-LAKE SIDE - Part time position, profile meeting on April 3. John N. Neff has resigned effective February 21, ROANOKE, CENTRAL - In negotiation, trial sermon and vote date to be announced. ROANOKE, HOLLINS ROAD - Full time position, profile pending - Horace D. Light, Jr. has announced his retirement effective after March 31, ROANOKE, WILLIAMSON ROAD - Full time position, profile pending - Leah O. Harness serving as interim pastor. SAINT PAUL - Part time position, no profile available - Pulpit supply with James Jones (non-brethren) covering the first Sunday, Mark Bolt covering the second and third Sundays, and Brian Riccio covering the fourth and fifth Sundays. SMITH CHAPEL - Part time position, no profile available. Pulpit supply (non-brethren). TOPECO - Full time position, profile pending - J. Michael Varner has retired effective January 31, TRINITY - Part time position, profile circulating - Pulpit supply. HEADLINER DEADLINE ON MARCH 25 Deadline for the May 2016 HEADLINER is March 25, Forward items to <EHeadliner@aol.com> or to 3402 Plantation Road, NE, Roanoke, VA Please make sure to change our address if you have not done so! LIKE OUR DISTRICT FACEBOOK PAGE! The Virlina District Resource Center now has a Facebook page. This allows for us to announce district events quickly to everyone who "likes" the page. To find the page, type "Virlina District Resource Center on Plantation Road" into the FB search function. Then "like" us. 316.p65 2

3 N E W S & E V E N T S DISTRICT RESOURCE CENTER CLOSED - MARCH In observance of the Easter Holiday, the Virlina District Resource Center will close at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, and re-open at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 28. We will, as always, monitor at <virlina@aol.com>. If there is an emergency, call Emma Jean Woodard at CHURCH DIRECTORIES NEEDED If your congregation has a printed or electronic church directory for 2016, the District Resource Center and Camp Bethel would appreciate receiving a copy. Please mail to Virlina District Resource Center, 3402 Plantation Road, NE, Roanoke, VA and to Camp Bethel, 328 Bethel Road, Fincastle, VA Or, send by to <virlina2@aol.com> or <campbetheloffice@gmail.com>. MUSIC AND PIANO/ORGANIST POSITIONS The Ninth Street Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Virginia has two music/worship positions open at this time. These two part time positions are available to work with adult, youth, and children's music. Responsibilities include weekly choir practice, leading/accompanying congregational singing Sunday morning worship, leading/accompanying special music with choir, seasonal music performances, and other selected church services as needed. Send resume to <officeninthstreet@verizon.net> or by mail to Ninth Street Church of the Brethren, 1103 Ninth Street S.E., Roanoke, Virginia OUR SYMPATHIES TO THE FAMILY OF David Addison Yingling, aged 75, of York, PA passed away on Wednesday, February 17, He was the husband of Judy (Kuntz) Yingling. The Yingling's observed their 54th wedding anniversary on December 16, Brother Yingling was born in Hanover, PA on October 4, 1940 the son of the late Charles P. and Meriam (Masemer) Yingling. He was a 1958 graduate of Eichelberger High School of Hanover and a 1965 graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary. In addition to his wife, Judy, he is survived by two sons and a daughter, five grandchildren and a sister. He retired as the pastor of York First Church of the Brethren in 2005 and previously served as pastor of Central Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, VA for 20 years. He served as past president of the Roanoke Valley Ministers Association and was a member of the American, York Area and Roanoke Valley Rose Societies. A Celebration of Life Service was held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the York First Church of the Brethren. Officiating were Don Hubbell and Cindy Laprade Lattimer. Interment was to be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Hanover, PA. ANNUAL REPORT FORMS It is important that the listed forms below be completed and returned as they comprise the mailing list for the HEADLINER and for other important information of congregations. If your congregation is listed in the delinquent list, please get the information mailed as soon as possible. REMINDER LIST (as of Feb. 23, 2016): Form A - Directory Information (will be mailed from General Offices in Elgin in early April 2016 and will be due May 14, 2016) Form B - Mailing Address Information (was mailed from General Offices in Elgin and due December 31, 2015) Blacksburg-Iglesia del Buen Pastor Fellowship, Blue Ridge, Boones Mill, Crab Orchard, Danville-Emmanuel, Fairview (Floyd County), Floyd-Iglesia Cristiana Renacer, Good Shepherd (Blacksburg), Henry Fork, Hopewell, Jeters Chapel, Jones Chapel, Lynchburg, New Covenant, New Hope, Peters Creek, Pulaski-First, Red Hill, Saint Paul, Saunders Grove, Schoolfield, Shelton, Smith Mountain Lake, Trinity,Virginia Beach-Christian Church Uniting, Wakefield Chapel, West Richmond Form E - Congregational Outreach Report (was mailed from General Offices in Elgin and due December 1, 2015: Bethlehem, Blacksburg-Iglesia del Buen Pastor Fellowship, Blue Ridge, Cedar Bluff, Crab Orchard, Danville-Emmanuel, Fairview (Floyd County), Ferrum, Floyd-Iglesia Cristiana Renacer Fellowship, Good Shepherd (Blacksburg), Henry Fork, Maple Grove, Oakvale, Olean, Peters Creek, PleasantDale, Pulaski-First, Red Hill, Roanoke-Hollins Road, Saint Paul, Saunders Grove, Schoolfield, Shelton, Spruce Run,Virginia Beach-Christian Church Uniting, Wakefield Chapel Statistical Form (will be mailed from the General Offices in Elgin to all congregations in early January 2016 and will be due by March 15, 2016) Additional Officers Form ( ed from District Resource Center in December/January Memo for Ministers and will be due January 15, 2016) Antioch, Beaver Creek, Bethany, Bethel, Bethlehem, Blacksburg- Iglesia del Buen Pastor Fellowship, Blue Ridge, Boones Chapel (Snow Creek), Boones Mill, Burks Fork, Cedar Bluff, Christiansburg, Coulson, Crab Orchard, Danville-Emmanuel, Duncan Chapel, Durham-Peace Covenant, Fairview (Floyd County), Ferrum, Floyd-Iglesia Cristiana Renacer Fellowship, Fraternity, Germantown Brick, Good Shepherd (Blacksburg), Hiwassee, Hopewell, Jones Chapel, Lynchburg, Maple Grove, Moneta-Lake Side Fellowship, Monte Vista, Mount Hermon, Mount Joy, Mount Union, New Bethel, New Covenant, New Hope, Nineveh, Oak Grove (South), Oakvale, Olean, Parkway, Peters Creek, PleasantDale, Pleasant Valley, Poages Mill, Pulaski-First, Red Hill, Red Oak Grove, Roanoke-Central, Roanoke-Hollins Road, Roanoke- Oak Grove, Roanoke-Iglesia Cristiana Renacer Fellowship, Saint Paul, Saunders Grove, Schoolfield, Selma, Shelton, Smith Chapel, Smith Mountain Lake, Smith River, Spruce Run, Trinity, Vinton, Virginia- Beach-Christian Church Uniting, Wakefield Chapel, West Richmond, White Rock. 316.p65 3

4 DISTRICT OFFICE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 3402 Plantation Road NE Roanoke, VA Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Roanoke, Virginia Permit #78 Continuing the work of Jesus. Peacefully. Simply. Together. RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S MARCH :30 PM Roanoke, Renacer Steering Committee (DKS) 7 1:00 PM New Church Development Committee (DKS) 6:30 PM Good Shepherd Facility Committee (DKS) 12 9:00 AM Christian Education Event at Roanoke, Oak Grove (EJW) Mission and Ministry Board in Oak Grove, IL (DKS) 14 8:30 AM Northern Area Ministers Meeting at Camp Bethel (EJW) 15 6:00 PM Mission Resourcing Campaign Committee (DKS) 18 7:00 PM Teaching Committee (DKS) 19 9:00 AM Nominating and Personnel Committee (EJW/DKS) 1:00 PM Program and Arrangements Committee (EJW) 21 6:00 PM Southern Area Ministers Meeting at New Hope (DKS/EJW) 25 District Resource Center Closed 26 9:00 AM Outdoor Ministries Committee Meetings at Camp Bethel (EJW) VACATION (DKS) APRIL VACATION (DKS) 4 8:30 AM Northern Area Ministers Meeting at Saunders Grove (DKS/EJW) 8 6:00 PM Commission on Ministry (DKS) 11 6:30 PM Lake Side Steering Committee in Moneta (DKS) 12 6:00 PM Mission Resourcing Campaign Committee at Germantown Brick (DKS) 14 6:00 PM Commission on Witness at Rocky Mount, First (EJW) 15 7:00 PM Commission on Stewardship` (DKS) 18 6:00 PM Southern Area Ministers Meeting at Fairview, Rocky Mount (DKS/EJW) 22 6:00 PM Teaching Committee (DKS) 25 6:00 PM Commission on Nurture at Mount Union (EJW) 316.p65 4

5 W I T N E S S O P P O R T U N I T I E S 2016 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - REGISTRATION INFO General registration and hotel reservations is now open for the Church of the Brethren 2016 Annual Conference. The conference takes place in Greensboro, N.C., on June 29 July 3, General registration is available at < / for both delegates and non-delegates. The Conference will meet at the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons and Koury Convention Center. The hotel and convention center are all in one location. You will receive your link to reserve a hotel room after you complete registration.the room rate is $108 per night plus tax for up to four persons. This is the lowest rate in ten years. The guest rooms are available with king-sized beds or two double beds. In addition, ADA compliant and mobility accessible rooms are available. There is free parking for hotel guests and free wi-fi throughout entire hotel and convention center. For any questions, call the Conference Office at (847) OUR SYMPATHIES TO THE FAMILY OF Mabel Amtower Sexton, aged 91, awoke to eternal life on Friday, February 12, She was the mother of Jackie S. Edwards, member of the Bassett Church and multi-term veteran of the Virlina District Board - Commission on Ministry, and the mother-in-law of Gary Wayne Edwards, formerly pastor of the Bassett and Mount Union congregations. She was born in Ridgeville, West Virginia on December 30, 1924, to the late William and Mae Amtower. She was married in Akron, Ohio on May 3, 1947 to Jack Allen Sexton. She took care of everyone when she was able and was very active in the New Haven Church of the Brethren near Sparta, N.C. She is survived by her husband, Jack Allen Sexton; a daughter, Jackie Edwards (Gary); three sons, Ken Sexton (Janet), Mickey Sexton (Debra) and Stanley Sexton; a sister; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter; seven brothers, two grandsons and a great-grandson. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, at the New Haven Church of the Brethren with Bobby Reed and Gary Wayne Edwards officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Margaret Chitwood Wright, aged 79, of Roanoke, passed away Monday, February 15, She was the daughter of the late Herbert Chitwood and Helen Davis Chitwood and was preceded in death by her brother, Ray Chitwood. She owned Marganns, a wedding and catering business for several years with her sister, Ann. Prior to that they owned and operated a fabric and notions shop in Rocky Mount. She served faithfully with her husband, Maurice, for over 60 years, in the ministry of the Church of the Brethren. Surviving are her loving husband of 61 years, Rev. Maurice Elton Wright; sons and daughters-in-law, Maurice Elton Wright, Jr. and wife, Jane Delicate Wright of Roanoke, Christopher Ray Wright and wife, Anita Hill Wright of Rocky Mount; four very special grandchildren, Morgan, Katherine, Kristen, and Kelly Wright Faulconer and husband, Justin; one great-grandchild, Madison Faulconer; and sister and brother-in-law, Ann Chitwood Altice and Raymond Altice of Rocky Mount. Funeral services were conducted on Thursday, February 18, 2016 with E. B. Shoemaker officiating. Interment followed at Mountain View Memorial Park near Boones Mill. Donations may be made to Poages Mill Church of the Brethren or Copper Hill Church of the Brethren. Jeanette Layman (Shorter) Wright, of Rocky Mount, passed away Saturday, February 13, 2016, due to pancreatic cancer. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank B. Jr. and Mary Naff Layman; her daughter, Andrea Jeanette Dodson; her sister, Sheri Layman Fecher (2009) and her brother, Ben Layman (2014).She is survived by her loving husband, Charles D. Wright Sr.; her children, Ray Dodson and his wife, Glenda; Susan Shorter Hogan and her husband, Ronnie; Michael E. Dodson; Alisha Ayers and Robby Clark; and Sarabeth Shorter. Her grandchildren are Kendall and Kara Dodson, Michelle Clonce and her husband, Andrew and their three children; Luke Hogan; Kyle and Kendra Ayers. She is also survived by her sister, Marilee Taylor; her sister (-in-law), Sandra H. Layman; and her brother-in-law, Don Fecher and his wife, Lynne. When Jeanette and Charles were married in April 2011, it was a real blessing to include his sons as part of their family, Tim Wright; Danny Wright and Deborah Perdue; Robert and Tonia Wright and their son, Joshua; and Steve and Sonia Wright and their daughter Kristen. She is also survived by special aunts and uncles and several nieces and nephews.jeanette was born and raised on Buzzard Rock Dairy Farm. Most of her life was spent living there. She was happiest, at all ages, going with her Dad whenever she could. Even after her children were born, they spent many Sunday afternoons in the back of his pick-up truck riding around/helping with errands or riding horses. Jeanette was a graduate of Virginia Western Community College and attended Bridgewater College. She retired from Wachovia Bank (now Wells Fargo) in Prior to Wachovia, she was employed by Pioneer Title. During her years at Pioneer Title, Jeanette was a member of the Roanoke Valley Secretaries Association and was named Secretary of the Year in Jeanette was a longtime member of Antioch Church of the Brethren where she directed the Children's Choir, served on the Church Board and served in many other capacities. She also loved her monthly gatherings with her Class of 62 girls. 316.p65 5

6 N U R T U R E O P P O R T U N I T I E S NORTHERN AREA MINISTERS - MARCH 14, 2016 The Northern Area Ministers of the Virlina District will meet on Monday, March 14, 2016 at the Camp Bethel at 8:30 a.m. The meal for this meeting will be $7.00. The program will be presented by Barry S. LeNoir, Camp Bethel Director. Ministers attending will receive.1 CEU. SOUTHERN AREA MINISTERS - MARCH 21, 2016 The Southern Area Ministers of the Virlina District will meet on Monday, March 21, 2016 at the New Hope Church of the Brethren at 6 p.m. The program for the meeting will be presented by David K. Shumate, District Executive Minister. Please notify Rick Randall, pastor of the New Hope Church of your planned attendance by calling him at (276) or by at <ronerandall@comcast.net>. The church is grateful for a forecast of the approximate attendance. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION TRAINING DAY - MARCH 12, 2016 The Christian Education Task Team is pleased to sponsor our first training day for congregational leaders and teachers on our theme Know, Teach, Grow, Live, from Deuteronomy 6:6-9. This informational and inspirational event will feature many voices from around the District and focus on How to Call, How to Equip, and How to Support those in congregational leadership and teaching positions. Insights will be shared by Eric Anspaugh, Gary Basham, Angela Carr, Tabitha Rudy, Barry Lenoir, and others. Sunday school teachers, deacons, age group leaders, Bible study facilitators, board and committee members, and all others interested in congregational leadership are encouraged to attend on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Roanoke-Oak Grove COB from 9am to 2:30pm. Lunch from Subway will be provided for a donation. For more information, visit the Virlina District website: < christian-ed-training-event.html>. Please let us know that you are planning to attend by March 9 via a telephone call to the District Resource Center at (540) , or by to Tara Shepherd at <tara.shepherd@msn.com>, or by submitting your name via the following registration link: < k5s0werpqq>. PILGRIMAGE XX - APRIL 1-3, 2016 Pilgrimage XX will be held April 1-3, 2016, at Camp Bethel. Pilgrimage is a spiritual retreat for adults of all ages, and God is working through this ministry in wonderful ways. The structure of the weekend includes talks, small groups, fun times, inspiring worship services, and much more. God knows where we are on our spiritual journey, and He meets us right there. Whether you need peace, or joy, or forgiveness, or encouragement, or hope, or revival, or a little extra time with Him...He gives more than we even desire. It is difficult to put into words how wonderful the weekend is. The only way to truly understand what Pilgrimage has to offer is to experience it! Prayerfully consider if this is your year to attend. If you would like more information, go to < or contact Karen Haynes at (336) or <haynesmk1986@yahoo.com>. ROUNDTABLE - APRIL 8-10, 2016 Roundtable will be held at Bridgewater College on April Roundtable is a Regional Youth Conference for Church of the Brethren high school youth, held each spring at Bridgewater College, and is planned by the Interdistrict Youth Cabinet. Tim and Audrey Hollenberg-Duffey of the Hagerstown Church of the Brethren in Maryland will speak on the theme of Carefree in Christ, using Matthew 6: Walking Roots Band will provide entertainment on Friday night. Make plans to participate in Roundtable to see old friends, make new friends, worship the Lord, and hang out at college. Registration is open online at <iycroundtable.wix.com>. MINISTRY AND MISSION IN VIRLINA MAY 7, 2016 The annual Ministry and Mission in Virlina event will be held on Saturday, May 7, at the Germantown Brick Church of the Brethren, 2363 Brick Church Rd., Rocky Mount, Virginia. The theme will be "Focus on Jesus" with Matthew 14:22-33 as the scripture text. Our day will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. followed by worship at 9:00 a.m. Our worship theme will be "Get our of the boat; your journey awaits." Anne Mitchell, pastor of the Lighthouse Church of the Brethren, will be our preacher and members of the Commission on Witness will provide leadership during the worship and throughout the event. Following worship, workshops from the commissions and committees of the District Board will be held throughout the morning. Workshop topics will include behavior management for leaders, conflict transformation, tax information for treasurers, and more. Lunch will be provided by the Germantown congregation and after lunch the Annual Conference Delegate Briefing will take place. The briefing will begin at 1:30 p.m. and conclude by 3:00 p.m. Please mark your calendars and plan to participate in all or part of the activities planned for the day. CEU (0.1) credit will be offered for ministers participating in workshops. SPIRITUAL RETREAT - OCTOBER 8 - SAVE THE DATE The Spiritual Development Retreat Committee is planning a spiritual retreat for Saturday, October 8, in the House of Pillars at Camp Bethel. Details and registration information will be forthcoming. Please mark your calendars and hold October 8 for this special event. DISTRICT CONFERENCE - NOVEMBER 11-12, 2016 The 2016 District Conference will be held on November at the Grandin Court Baptist Church, 2660 Brambleton Avenue, Roanoke, Virginia. The conference theme will be "Step out of the boat; the Lord is calling!" and the scripture text is Matthew 14: The Program and Arrangements Committee has met and started making plans. The conference officers are J. W. Rhoades - moderator, Tim Emmons - moderator-elect, and Charlene Lester - clerk. 316.p65 6

7 C A M P B E T H E L SUMMER CAMPS 2016 Our theme this summer is "NOT AFRAID, NOT ALONE: COURAGE IN COMMUNITY." On-line registration began January 1, with all Summer Camp information (brochure, forms, schedules) available at < Your favorite counselors are returning in 2016! Brochure packets will be mailed in late-january to all campers, churches, camp reps and pastors. Register early to guarantee your chosen program. NEW activities and adventures, NEW family adventures, and NEW pick-your-own pricing! SOW THE SEED BANQUET- MARCH 3, 2016 The "Sow the Seed" Scholarship Banquet will be held on Thursday, March 3, at 6:30 p.m. YOU can plant seeds of FAITH in the lives of children, youth and young adults! At $50 per person (larger gifts accepted), all costs and donations from the evening directly fund "camperships" and our summer camp ministries. RSVP by February 24 to <CampBethelOffice@gmail.com> or (540) Payments are accepted in advance or at the table, and your gift is tax-deductible! Our base fee for a week of camp in 2016 is $300. Give the gift of CAMP; it's an experience that can change a life forever. SPRING VOLUNTEER WORKDAY IS APRIL 2, 2016 Please come and help us on Spring Volunteer Workday! It begins at 7:30a.m. on Saturday, April 2, with a free breakfast and includes a free lunch at 1:00 p.m. Your help is needed to prepare camp for the spring and summer seasons. Workday projects (rain or shine; indoor and outdoor) for all skill levels and all ages. Please RSVP meals by March 27 to (540) or <CampBethelOffice@gmail.com>. SOUNDS OF THE MOUNTAINS - APRIL 15-16, 2016 Our 15th annual Sounds of the Mountains Festival of Music and Storytelling will be held on April 15-16, It will feature nationally known tellers, Kevin Kling, Barbara McBride-Smith, Bil Lepp, Antonio Rocha, excellent music, plus the Back Porch Studio Cloggers. This is one of Camp Bethel's most important fundraisers, so help spread the word. For more information go to the website at < MEMORIAL DAY FAMILY WEEKEND, MAY 27-30, 2016 Memorial Day Family Weekend will be held on May 27-30, Please check < for the schedule of activities and our concert schedule. Call Beth today at (540) or <CampBethelOffice@gmail.com> to reserve a campsite and your meals, all at special-low rates. Bring bikes, hiking shoes and swim suits as we start summer together. It's Camp Bethel at its best! FAMILY FUN DAY AND OPEN HOUSE - MAY 28, 2016 Family Fun Day and Summer Camp Open House will be on Saturday, May 28. Camp Bethel invites you to come walk the grounds, meet other families and the camp staff, check a cabin, and enjoy refreshments in the Ark Dining Hall on Saturday, May 28 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Meet at the Ark at 1:00 p.m. Stay all day and enjoy our special Memorial Day Weekend free swimming and a concert at 7:30 p.m. NEW CAMP BETHEL WEB SITE, SAME ADDRESS! We continue to add important pages to < Take a look, and also connect with Camp Bethel on social media: Facebook: "Camp Bethel Summer Camp and Event Center;" #CampBethelVirginia; YouTube Channel: CampBethelVirginia; Pinterest: Camp Bethel. SUMMER CAMP STAFF 2016: COUNSELORS NEEDED! Paid and volunteer positions are filled on a first-hired, firstfilled basis. See < for serving as a Senior Counselor, Junior Counselor or Volunteer Counselor/CIT. SUMMER KITCHEN STAFF AT CAMP BETHEL Camp Bethel is looking for ministry-minded individuals to help prepare and serve meals for over 1200 campers this summer. We prefer staff who are able serve for all nine weeks of summer camp, June 12-August 13, plus additional training days during the weeks of May 30-June 11. For position descriptions, pay, and shift schedules, Brigitte Burton at <CampBethelArk@gmail.com> or call (540) Apply at < 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - JUNE 11, 2016 The Virlina District Historical Committee is sponsoring a "150 Year Anniversary Celebration of District Work in Virginia" at Camp Bethel on June 11, The 2016 Annual Conference Moderator, Andy Murray, a native of the Cloverdale Church in Botetourt County, Virginia, will be the keynote speaker and the worship service will feature special music. Research is going forward on an updated history of the district over the past fifty to sixty years. Mary Sink Saint-John is serving as the editor of this work. 150TH ANNIVERSARY BANNERS NEEDED! Virlina is turning 150 and we re gonna celebrate...june 11...at Camp Bethel in Beautiful Botetourt County, Virginia! We want EVERY congregation in Virlina to bring a small, 9X12 banner with their congregation s name on it. That s all, just a 9X12 banner, with your congregation s name. It can be cloth, vinyl, strong paper...handmade or purchased at a sign shop. It s important that we are ALL represented at this great celebration. Have them at Camp Bethel, Deerfield Center by Friday, June 10 at 10:00 a.m. If you have questions, contact Carol Elmore at (540) or <carol@oakgrovecob.org>. OUR SYMPATHIES TO THE FAMILY OF Laurie Ann Pugh Cianelli, aged 50, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Saturday, December 26, She is survived by her precious daughter, Madison and her husband, Bill. She is also survived by her parents, Bill and Bennie Pugh; a sister, Susan Widdowson and husband, Greg; a brother, David and wife, Melody; two nephews, Garrick Widdowson and Evander Pugh; and one niece, Sophie Widdowson. The funeral service was held on Wednesday, December 30, 2015, at Oak Grove Church of the Brethren in Roanoke and officiated by Timothy P. Harvey. 316.p65 7

8 N E W S & E V E N T S YOUTH YARD SALE AT OAK GROVE - MARCH 5, 2016 The Annual Youth Yard Sale of the Oak Grove Church of the Brethren will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016, from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the church fellowship hall. Oak Grove is located off of Virginia 419 across from the Allstate Building. There will be a bake sale, great breakfast biscuits to start the day and amazing hot dogs for lunch. Everyone is invited to be as amazed as we are that we have filled the hall for another year with things you want, things you need, and all very good bargains indeed. The funds raised support our junior and senior high youth attending summer work camps and youth conferences. Our website is < Please join us on Saturday, March 5 at the Oak Grove Church of the Brethren, 2138 McVitty Road in Roanoke, Virginia. Our youth and their church family welcome you and appreciate your support. FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY BEGINS MARCH 7, 2016 This can change EVERYTHING! Your money. Your story. Your life. Learn God s ways of handling money with Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace University. For more information contact Laura Hoal Harrington at (540) or <tuneteacher4u@gmail.com>. Classes begin Monday, March 7 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ninth Street Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Virginia. GOOD SHEPHERD TAIZE SERVICE - APRIL 1, 2016 Good Shepherd in Blacksburg offers a half hour Taize service on the first Friday of every month at 6 p.m. Taize services include meditative, repetitive singing; spoken readings; and silence. Our service has instrumental accompaniment to the cantors who lead the songs. Readings are chosen from the Bible and a variety of other sources and call us to deepen our relationship with God and one another. Please come join us. Contact Goldie Terrell at <goldie.com@comcast.net> for more information. JONES CHAPEL 75TH ANNIVERSARY - APRIL 10, 2016 The Jones Chapel Church of the Brethren will celebrate their 75th Anniversary on Sunday, April 10, The morning worship speaker will be former pastor, Tom Fralin. The worship service will be followed by a fellowship meal. Jones Chapel is located on Virginia 108 in Figsboro, Virginia. OUR SYMPATHIES TO THE FAMILIES OF Kathy Alta Broyles Jones, aged 35, passed from this life Wednesday, February 10, She was born August 30, 1980, to Linda Kay Shafer Broyles and the late Dewey H. Broyles. She grew up on Curve Valley Farm located near Assurance, W.Va., which she was operating with her mom, brothers and their families. Kathy was a 1998 graduate of James Monroe High School and a 2001 Associate Degree graduate from Mountain State University. She had been the scale/sale clerk at the Narrows Livestock Market for 16 years and had just begun as the office manager prior to her death. Kathy attended the Spruce Run Church of the Brethren and served as the Sunday School Secretary/Treasurer and Youth Treasurer. Kathy attained the American FFA degree by being the State Star Farmer. She served as the South Eastern District Vice President for the WV FFA Association. She had been a member of the New Pioneer 4H club and placed third in the national 4H Lawn and Garden Tractor driving competition. Kathy is survived by her husband, Paul Jones, by her brothers, Dewey Vergal Broyles (Iwona) and Stephen Claude Broyles (Lorrie), her step-daughter, Tiffany O'Sullivan (Sean), and many other family and friends. Funeral Services were held on Monday, February 15, 2016, in Lindside, W.Va. with Dewey Broyles, Rodger Boothe and Karl Reese officiating. Burial followed at the Allen-Broyles Cemetery in Wikel, W.Va. Cassie C. Lowe, aged 79, of Nace, Virginia died Monday, February 22, 2016 following a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Cassie was born in Botetourt County on March 22, 1936 and lived in the area all of her life. She was the daughter of the late Ernest V. and Clarice C. Holland Conner. Cassie retired from General Electric after more than 20 years of service. She was a member of New Bethel meeting point of the Troutville Church of the Brethren, was a certified nursing assistant, midwife, and enjoyed gardening. She was preceded death by her husband, John Paul Lowe; several brothers and sisters. She is survived by her sons, Jackie Guilliams (Patsy Standifer) and Ernie (Janice) Guilliams all of Bonsack; daughter and son-in-law, Lorraine and Richard Hull of Cloverdale; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother, Riley Conner of Cloverdale; and a sister, Myrtle Conner of Nace.A celebration of Cassie's life was held on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at the Troutville Church of the Brethren with Pastor Terry Johnson officiating. Burial followed at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Grover Richard Radcliff, aged 90, passed away early Saturday morning. A lifelong resident of Blue Ridge, Richard was born on February 1, 1925 to Elsie and Dorsey Radcliff. He married Margaret Moyer in 1947 and they had two sons, David and Carlton. Richard graduated from Colonial High where he played in the first basketball game he ever saw. After graduation, he was drafted into the military, but later became a staunch opponent of war, based on his Christian convictions. His life revolved around his family and his involvements at the Blue Ridge Church of the Brethren, where among many other roles, he served as a Sunday School teacher for 70 years and as a counselor at Camp Bethel in his later years. He and Margaret opened the first full-service grocery store in Blue Ridge, and later built a Tastee Freez nearby. Other jobs included being a foreman at Webster Brick, starting a fencing company, and serving as a realtor as his final career. Richard was known for his affable manner and quick wit. He was preceded in death by Margaret and son Carlton. He is survived by son David, grandchildren Miriam, Daniel, Matthew and Amy, great-grandchildren Julia and Aaron, and his friend and companion Clara Orange. A memorial service was held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 31 at Blue Ridge Church of the Brethren. 316.p65 8