WEST MARVA DISTRICT MEMO JANUARY 2018

Transcription

1 WEST MARVA DISTRICT MEMO JANUARY Dennett Road Oakland, MD Kendal Elmore, Executive Minister J. Rogers Fike, Executive Minister Emeritus Brenda Harvey, Administrative Assistant A Gathering of God s people.. A Global Church of the Brethren Frederick Church of the Brethren, 201 Fairview Avenue Frederick, MD April 6-8, 2018 Behold! A gathering of people too numerous to count, from all across this earth, praising God in all sorts of languages and uniting to follow Jesus Christ, the Lord of Love. This is the heavenly vision of Revelation 7:9, and the Church of the Brethren is seeking to live into an earthly vision to match. Can you see it? Behold! A global Church of the Brethren a spiritual community bound together by a common passion to be followers of Christ, a common New Testament theology of peace and service, and a common commitment to be in relationship with one another. Mission Alive serves as an opportunity to: Rejoice in the growing presence of the Church of the Brethren across the globe. Explore what it truly means to be a global church and how each district, congregation, and individual can take part. Commit to investing in this vision. Sponsored by Church of the Brethren Global Mission and Service. For more information regarding registration deadlines, cost, and workshop options, please visit the Mission Alive webpage at or call (800) , ext Continuing education credits (CEUs) are available for an extra $10.00.

2 Kendal s Korner Looking Ahead... See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:19a (NIV) These words of Isaiah remind us that God, while never changing Himself, or His promising message of Hope, Peace, and Salvation for whosoever will nevertheless speaks to people in different ways at different times and places. As we are entering 2018, I would like for us to take a look at the following Guest Editorial, written by Noel Naff, Pastor of the Mount Hermon Church of the Brethren in Bassett VA, and is the most recent Board Chair of the Virlina District. I am grateful for fellowship with Brother Noel, and deeply appreciate the Gift that he is to the Body of Christ and the Mount Hermon Church of the Brethren, where my wife, Carolyn, grew up... Reaching a New Generation It is said: Christianity is always one generation from extinction. Although, most people shrug that off, there is a level of truth to it. It is up to the church to pass the torch, and be the revolution for the next generation. To continue to show the gospel of Jesus so that the next generation can understand, receive, and envelope discipleship and faith. Yet, for such a time as this, it takes more than just dragging your child to church. It is important to engage young people today in a way that encourages a real authentic and life-changing relationship with Christ. According to a Barna report: Nearly six in ten (59%) young people who grow up in Christian churches end up walking away. Also, in the past 20 years, American adults read the Bible less. It has gone from 54% to 42% with Millennials (22%) and Gen-Xers (18%). These numbers should be very alarming as well as discouraging, however; it is possible for the church to change its strategies for helping young people read the Bible and connect Scripture to life. First, it is up to the churches to find other ways to engage people with the Bible. Use: Texting Use media Use the dinner table Use podcast, or YouTube channels. Young people seem to salivate toward digital formats. Find ways to engage them AS A CHURCH. Second, pray and watch for opportunities to present the gospel. Younger generations are looking for real, authentic relationships. They are yearning for a deep sense of belonging. Studies show that teenagers today are more depressed than generations before and most would say it is because of the lack of face-to-face interaction. This coming new year, be a change you want to see. Think and strategizes in ways we can be the church for younger generations. We must live the life you want your child to live. And we must get serious about being a zeal and newness for people to receive the gospel of Christ. For that is the best gift this year you can give someone. You may reach out to Pastor Noel at seg6233@gmail.com Blessings!!!

3 A Christmas Memory...Brenda Harvey It was an unusually warm day for December 23rd, but the temperature dropped rapidly by evening. The dropping temperature did not hinder a large group of people from gathering at the old Allegheny Church located near Bismark for a very special Christmas Service. The church was built in 1883 or The Allegheny Church and the Locust Grove Church were part of the Allegheny Congregation which is no longer in existence. As you entered the church you were greeted by the soft lights from oil and Coleman lanterns as there is no electricity or heat in the building. This was the first time I had attended this service and I was struck by the beauty of the interior of the church, because the walls were constructed of hand hewn pine. The church was beautifully but simply decorated. There was a fat Christmas tree decorated with popcorn strings and homemade ornaments which had been provided by the youth of the Locust Grove Church. We were seated on pews that were very straight backed and so very different from what we are used to today. I learned that these benches can be folded down and can be used as communion tables. Everyone was encouraged to take home an ornament! James and Lois Reed, members of the Locust Grove Church and the youth from the church started this special Christmas service 15 years ago. It was their desire that for a time we slip away from the hustle and commercialism and simply enjoy the true meaning of Christmas. The program opened with the story of the birth of Christ which was read from Luke 2. Many youth of all ages participated with the lighting of Advent Candles and special poems and readings. Those assembled sang many much loved Christmas carols. James shared that many of the young adults who participated were from the original youth group 15 years ago. These young adults now have families and careers but make every effort to return each year to participate in this program which is dear to their hearts. None of this is rehearsed and parts are distributed to the youth participating just prior to the service. As the program came to a close, James reminded us that when the shepherds went away after seeing this special baby, they spread the word concerning what they had been told about the child. He encouraged us to go out and share to those around us that God sent us a very special gift His Son! The program closed with a beautiful prayer from John Walker, pastor of the Locust Grove Church. I would like to thank James and Lois Reed and the youth of the Locust Grove Church for all of their hard work. It is my desire to make this special service part of our Christmas traditions. I was so very touched by this special service. As I sat there with the soft lights flickering on those old beautiful beams, I wished that those walls could talk. I wished they could tell me about the many people who had worshipped within those walls. I wondered about their fears and concerns but also about their joys and blessings. How many people accepted Christ as their personal Savior over the years and were they bold enough to go out and proclaim that Jesus was born? Yes, the Christmas season is over, but we should continue to proclaim the good news that Jesus was born. But it does not stop there. We need to share that He gave His life on Calvary to redeem us from our sins, and that the grave could not hold Him and He was resurrected and is now with His Father in Heaven interceding on our behalf. It is so important that we help people understand that one day Christ will return to earth to take those who have accepted Him as their Savior back with Him to spend eternity in Heaven. But He will also return to judge those who refused to accept Him as their Lord and Savior. It should be our desire to see that no one is without that hope of spending eternity with Jesus. We need to be as bold as the shepherds and I would like to leave each one of us with this question are we? Look around we need to be!

4 NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE 2018 JULY 21-26, 2018 COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY FORT COLLINS, COLORADO ONLINE REGISTRATION WILL BEGIN JANUARY 18TH AT 6:00 PM CENTRAL TIME The registration fee is $ A non-refundable deposit of $ must be paid at the time of registration. The balance is due by April 30th. Register by midnight on Sunday 21st and receive a NYC drawstring backpack, free! The conference will begin at noon Saturday and end at noon on Thursday. Meals, lodging and programming are included in the registration fee. All youth who have completed ninth grade through one year of college (or age equivalent) at the time of NYC, are eligible to attend. All youth must be accompanied by an adult advisor. Please send at least one advisor for every five youth. If you are sending female youth, please send a female advisor and if you are sending male youth, please send a male advisor. All adult advisors must be a minimum of 22 years of age. Children of participants, advisors and staff are not eligible to attend NYC. Like the NYC2018 page on Facebook! Fb.com/nyc2018 on Instagram ATTENTION YOUTH LEADERS AND YOUTH Thelma Cox, Assistant Youth Counselor, has contacted our office and is willing to plan and organize a trip to NYC from West Marva. Here is her contact information: phone number and her address is queen2knights4@frontiernet.net ATTENTION ALL ORDAINED MINISTERS The West Marva Ministerial Leadership Team received a number of questions regarding CEU s for those attending District Conference following the 2017 conference. The team discussed these concerns and voted that anyone who is ordained needs to attend both Friday night and all day Saturday (in the same year) to receive.5 CEU s (one time during the 5 year period). This will begin with the 2018 District Conference. A sign-up sheet for Friday and Saturday will be made available for those who wish to receive these CEU s.

5 WATER WIND FIRE AND MORE Brethren Disaster Ministries, Children s Disaster Services (CDS) and Material Resources have been challenged with one of the most demanding late 2017 summer and fall disaster season in program history. Never have we responded to so many disasters at one time, and backto-back, without a break. Responding to these disasters, while continuing our ongoing work, stretched resources, staff, volunteers and all capacities. In less than two months, CDS responded to two hurricanes (Harvey and Irma), a flood in Missouri, the deadliest shooting in recent history (Las Vegas) and wildfires that engulfed thousands of acres overnight in California; Material Resources shipped 37 tons of Church World Service kits and blankets to locations in Texas and Florida, and shipped a container of kits, tarps and other supplies to Puerto Rico; BDM prepared to ship a container of emergency/recovery supplies and canned chicken to Puerto Rico; and BDM staff participated in myriad disaster coordination calls and discussions with National VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) partners and FEMA. In the meantime, CDS held three workshops, the Rebuild Program continued to respond in Missouri (due to several floods) and in South Carolina (following Hurricane Matthew), and globally BDM supported Hurricane Matthew recovery in Haiti and continued the largest response in BDM history in Nigeria. This has all been possible because of the amazing support of churches, individuals, families, district response programs and disaster response auctions THANK YOU. Together we are sharing God s love in a broken world. (The above article was reprinted from the Brethren Disaster Ministries Bridges magazine) WEST MARVA VOLUNTEERS NAMED FOR CHILDREN S DISASTER SERVICES Since 1980 Children s Disaster Services (CDS) has been meeting the needs of children by setting up child care centers in shelters and disaster assistance centers across the nation. Specially trained to respond to traumatized children, volunteers provide a calm, safe and reassuring presence in the midst of the chaos created by tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, wildfires any natural or human caused disasters. Volunteers from across the country participate in specialized experiential training, undergo a rigorous screening process, learn to work with children after a disaster and are capable of mobilizing rapidly and responding both locally and nationally. Volunteers arrive to a disaster location with a Kit of Comfort containing carefully selected toys that promote imaginative play. Volunteers give children individualized attention and encourage them to express themselves, thereby starting the healing process. Although many volunteers are motivated by faith, CDS training is open to anyone over 18 years old. CDS provides respite, education and individualized consultation for parents about their child s unique emotional needs after a disaster. Through consultation or workshops specifically tailored to each situation, CDS also works with parents, community agencies, schools or others to help them understand and meet the special needs of children during or after a disaster. We are very happy to announce that West Marva now has two certified volunteers. They are Catherine Forman from the Clifton Mills Church (Sandy Creek congregation) and Sue Overman from the Morgantown Church.

6 WEST MARVA DISTRICT WINTER REBUILD PROGRAM This Winter (January 2018) Rebuild Program trip will be a return to South Carolina, though not to Columbia as in January The Columbia project was closed the last week of August, The trip (January 28 through February 3, 2018) will be to Marion County, South Carolina. According to the Brethren Disaster Ministries Bridges Newsletter, Marion County was one of the poorest and hardest hit areas affected by Hurricane Matthew in October The Rebuild Program, with other long-term recovery groups, began there in September So far there are 12, of a possible 15, signed up on behalf of the West Marva District to make the pilgrimage to spend the week at the St. John AME Church in Marion to show God s work in assisting with the Rebuild Program. Leading us will be BVS volunteers Erv (retired Pastor from the Church of the Brethren) and Joan (a retired nurse) Huston from the Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren in the Atlantic Northeast District. If anyone is interested in going with us, please call Ron Gordon at (304) Since 2006, following Hurricane Katrina, Steve Sauder, put together a group to work with Brethren Disaster Ministries. In a past MEMO article Steve reminded us that getting away for the sole purpose of service can open our eyes and soften our hearts to being servants of Christ. Steve has gone home to be with the Lord but before he died he shared with Wallace Whitacre his desire to plan for volunteers from West Marva to go to South Carolina again. After his passing Wallace made the arrangements for this work project. This will be a very special Rebuild Project as it will be a Memorial Tribute in honor of Steve Sauder for his compassion and commitment of being a servant of Jesus Christ. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Ron and Sheila Gordon for continuing the work of this project. NEW DIRECTOR OF DISTRICT DISASTER AND RELIEF COMMITTEE AN- NOUNCED With great sadness we received a letter of resignation from Wallace Whitacre, who has served as the Director of the District Disaster and Relief Committee. Wallace shared that he would be resigning as Director due to health concerns but would love to continue to be involved as much as possible. Wallace began his term as coordinator in 2013 and has overseen many projects across West Marva District. He will be greatly missed because of his sweet spirit and his compassionate heart but we are also pleased to know that he will still be assisting when he can. We are happy to announce that the District Board has appointed Ron Junkins to serve as the Director of the District Disaster and Relief Committee during their meeting in November. Ron is a member of the Brookside Church. He is a self employed heavy machinery/ agricultural mechanic. Ron has served as a trustee for Camp Galilee. DISTRICT DISASTER & RELIEF COMMITTEE DIRECTOR: Ron Junkins, 132 Artenis Harsh Drive, Eglon, WV Ron Gnegy, 23 Ash Spring Run Rd., New Creek, WV Dennis Harvey, 5558 Oakland Sang Run Rd., Oakland, MD Dale Ray, P. O. Box 2105, Elkins, WV Donald Judy, 408 W. Ridge Loop Rd., Romney, WV

7 BRETHREN BITS FROM BETTY S DESK KNOBLEY CHURCH CONTINUED Knobley became independent 130 years ago as written in Allegheny Passage By 1887, the Greenland and Knobley groups had grown to a large size and on September 24 of that year a request for a division was granted. At an unrecorded date, a kitchen was added to the east side of the building. Following that, the church remained unchanged until the pastorate of Norman Harsh in the early 1950 s. At that time, the raised area to the north end was removed and two Sunday School rooms were constructed with the pulpit placed between. Formerly, the pulpit had been located at the west side between the two doors. It was decided in 1955 during the pastorate of Owen Stultz to replace the church with a new building. The new structure was placed on the opposite (west) side of Knobley Road, on land given by Charles and Bertha Whitaker. It was built in 1959 and a dedication ceremony held on November 6, Today, Knobley church is on the hillside overlooking the site of the original one by the roadside that was surrounded by the cemetery. The first employed minister, Robert Hoover came in and served jointly with Knobley and the Beaver Run congregations. Norman Harsh served here (which included a preaching place at Harness Run) and at Sunnyside from Those following were: Owen Stultz ( ), L. Gene Bucher ( ), Max Fisher ( ) and Herman Baliles ( ). It was in 1975 the yoked parish of Knobley and Sunnyside came to an end. From when Sam Goldizen began to pastor here in 1975 each of these congregations were financially able to support a pastor of their own. Sam Goldizen served until 1981, then Fred Keener was at Knobley from , followed by Gregory Bland in 1987, then Paul Dietz, before Roger Leatherman took over in early 1995 and Roger continues today. KNOBLEY CEMETERY: While burial in a church cemetery does not always indicate membership in a church, a review of the graveyard reveals the vast majority of graves are family names already mentioned in this Brethren Bits. If you were to canvas the Knobley cemetery, it would quickly become evident how a large percentage of graves are of the Rotruck and Leatherman families. The first grave was that of a Rotruck family member in It is a known fact, prior to the establishment of this graveyard, most families buried their loved ones on their farms. This cemetery surrounded the original church house. Not all our West Marva churches have graveyards adjacent to our houses of worship. In less than one hundred years, space was no longer available and in 1973 an additional 2.3 acres of ground was obtained for a first extension to the cemetery.

8 WEST MARVA DISTRICT WOMEN S FELLOWSHIP PROJECTS UPDATES CHILDREN S ASSISTANCE FUND: At the 2013 Fall Women s Rally a need was shared with the women concerning children. It was noted that there were children in our district who did not have appropriate foot wear or clothing. As a result a new program was established to help underprivileged children. It was decided that the most effective way of reaching the children s needs would be to work through the area schools. To date 195 children have been assisted. A committee was named and they began the process of determining the ways we would be able to help and the amount of funds that could be spent per child. A letter was sent to every school in our district, making them aware of the program. Individuals throughout the district agreed to serve as shoppers when a request was received. For the first two years, the number of request coming in was fairly slow. In some cases, schools seemed to be leery of using assistance from a Christian based organization. The schools that did request our assistance were grateful, but we still needed to find a way to get buy-in from more of the schools. This year changes were made to the letter that emphasized that we do not communicate with the child, nor do we include any gospel or other religious materials with the donations. We emphasized that we just want to meet the needs of children. We also asked the women to talk to as many teachers as possible and make them aware of the program. Something worked. We have received more requests this year than in any other year and needs are being met. We have had children who were wearing shoes that were taped together. We assisted a 5 year old boy who was wearing clothing that was so big on him, he had to tie his back pack straps to his belt loops to keep his pants from falling down. We have had other children who had NO warm clothes in these frigid temps. One family had come into the area with the clothes on their backs and that was all. The stories are enough to break your heart. But their needs were met. In some cases the money came completely from the women s fund, in other cases, people in the nearby churches or the shoppers themselves dug into their own pockets and helped supplement what the women could do. Over the past few years our criteria has been modified as prices have continued to rise and the needs seem to be greater. If you haven t shopped for clothing or shoes recently, take the opportunity to look at prices the next time you are in the store. To provide a child with shoes, socks, underwear, pants, shirts, and sometimes a coat requires a pretty significant amount of money. And unfortunately many of these children need all these items. We have been blessed by the donations that have been given and ask that you keep this fund in mind as you look for ways to reach out in love and service to God. CHILDREN PROTECTION SERVICE KITS: In October 2016, the women at the Fall Women s Rally voted to begin a second project for children. As the drug epidemic spreads throughout our district many children are being removed from their homes and placed into Child Protective Services. Often these children are taken with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Obviously this is a scary time for them and the women wanted to make the transition smoother. The women donated funds for this project. In talking with CPS we found that many infants are removed and there is a dire need for bottles, diapers, baby blankets etc. At women s camp last year they took this on as a project. They donated items and also made several blanket. With the funds that were collected at rally, additional items were purchased and a group of women gathered to assemble the kits. Age appropriate kits were assembled. Kits for infants, toddler and pre-school children began with a large canvas zipper bag. Inside the bag was a blanket, a stuffed animal, diapers, wipes, bottles and pacifiers (for infants and toddlers), and an age appropriate toy. The remainder of the kits began with an age appropriate back pack. The elementary age kits included a: blanket, stuffed animal, coloring book and crayons, children s book, and an age appropriate toy. The middle school kits included a: blanket, a stuffed animal, an age appropriate toy or craft activity, deodorant, body wash, comb or brush, and shampoo. The high school kits included a: blanket, deodorant, body wash, comb or brush and shampoo. All kits contained a toothbrush and toothpaste. Middle and High School girls also received feminine hygiene products. CPS was very pleased to receive these kits. It gives the children something to call their own in this very difficult time in their lives. We still have additional back packs and supplies available when needed.

9 MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR SUMMER CAMP DATES! CAMP GALILEE: CAMP HOPE: Senior Citizen s Day - June 5 Primary Camp - July 6-8 Youth Camp - July 8-13 Youth Camp - July 8-14 Junior Camp - July Alumni Camp - July Primary Camp - July Junior High Camp - July Junior Camp - July Women s Camp - August 9-11 Please share this information with your congregation!! Registration forms available at the District Office CAMP GALILEE TRUSTEES ANNOUNCE NEW CAMP MANAGER AND CARE- TAKER: Mark Seese, chair of the Camp Galilee Trustees, has announced that Asa Smith has been hired to serve as the Camp Caretaker. Asa, his wife Cassie and their daughter Asalynn are now residing at Camp Galilee. They would also like to announce that Elizabeth Thorne has accepted the position of Camp Manager. Elizabeth served as the Assistant Camp Manager during last years camping season. IRS SETS 2018 MILEAGE RATE: The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2018 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2018, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be 54.5 cents for every mile of business travel driven.

10 Income Report January 1, 2017 December 31, 2017 Church Allocation YTD Giving Church Allocation YTD Giving Asher Glade $ 2, $2, Pine Grove $ 1, $ 1, Bean Settlement $ Peasant Hill $ Bear Creek $ 4, $4, Pleasant Valley Beaver Run $2, Red Creek/Bethel $ 1, $ 1, Bethesda $ $ Romney $ $ 1, Bowden $ 1, Salem $ 3, Brake $ 5, Shady Grove $ Brick $ $ Shiloh $ 2, Brookside $ 3, $3, South Mill Creek $ 1, Capon Chapel Sugarland Cherry Grove $2, Sunnyside $ 1, $ 1, Clifton Mills $ $ Tearcoat $ 1, $ 1, Danville $ 1, $ 1, Terra Alta/Whitedale $ Elkins $ $ Valley River $ Fairview $ 1, $1, Walnut Grove Frostburg Westernport Georges Creek $ $ White Pine Glady Wiley Ford $ 1, Gortner Union $ Totals $64, $ 85, Hanging Rock 85, Harman $ 4, $ 2, Cong. Outreach $ 85, Harness Run $ Individual Giving $ 11, Harpers Chapel $ District Event Offering $ 3, Hazelton $ $ From Reserve Funds $ 10, Savings Jordan Run $ $ Total Income 2017 $110, Kelley Chapel $ 2, $ 2, Keyser $ 1, $ 1, Knobley Brenda Harvey, Laughlin $ $ Financial Secretary Laurel Glen $ $ Livingstone Locust Grove $ 2, $2, Maple Spring $ 7, $7, Moorefield $ 1, $ 1, Morgantown $ 1, $ 1, Mount Zion $ Mountain Dale $ Oak Dale $ 2, $2, Oak Grove, MD $ 5, $5, Oak Park $ 10, $10, Old Furnace $ 2, Onego $ $ Petersburg $ 1, $1,200.00

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12 Church of the Brethren NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION West Marva District Office U. S. POSTAGE 384 Dennett Road PAID Oakland, MD OAKLAND, MD JANUARY 2018 Issue PERMIT NO. 68 Address Service Requested IN GOD WE TRUST District Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM; Kendal generally is in the office Monday-Thursday, 10 AM to 4 PM and other times by appointment. The West Marva District Churches exist to be obedient to, and reflect the Great Commandment and Great Commission texts: Matthew 22: Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. NKJV Matthew 28: And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen NKJV UPCOMING EVENTS January Kendal out of office (Winter CODE meeting) 27 District Board meeting, Oak Dale Church 9:00 a.m.