Do we really mean everyone?

Transcription

1 The Dove Central Church of the Brethren November 2013 Tim Harvey, Pastor Do we really mean everyone? I recently had a conversation with another pastor who is a good friend of mine. He shared with me a painful experience he had just been through. A woman in the congregation had come to him and reported that one of the men in the church had touched her in an inappropriate way. As part of the process of responding to this event, the pastor went to the leadership in the church, only to discover that they were reluctant to confront the offender because this person was a good giver to the church. As the story unfolded, my friend became aware of other women in the church who had also been inappropriately touched by this man. Until all was said and done, eight families left the church. I shared this story with our Leadership Team at our October meeting, and asked several questions: Is our congregation a safe space? If something like this happened at Central, would people bring that to the attention of leadership? Would we have the courage to confront an offender directly? This story provoked a significant conversation among the Leadership Team. Among other things, it allowed us to have a very wide-ranging conversation about what it means for our congregation to be a safe place that really welcomes everyone. As we shared together, several topics were mentioned: How would we handle a case of sexually inappropriate behavior? How do we minister to persons with mental illness? How would we respond to someone who is a registered sex offender? Do we do a good enough job including all persons into the normal relationships and conversations of church life? Are our conversations a safe place for persons of divergent understandings and opinions? As time was getting late, the Leadership Team decided to pause this conversation until another meeting, leaving us with three understandings and a good amount of work to do: Being a safe space is really hard work. Do we really welcome everyone? Where can we go to find some help to understand how to welcome all persons into the congregation, while setting appropriate boundaries for our behavior and speech? We have more questions than answers for now. But we will continue working. Do you have any thoughts to add to this conversation? If so, please let me know. Pastor Tim

2 Pastor Tim s blog and Church Calendar Pastor Tim s blog: CLICK HERE Church calendar: CLICK HERE Sermon and Bible Study Calendar Sermon Topics 11/3: Doctrine of Creation 11/10: Doctrine of the Fall 11/17: Doctrine of Redemption 11/24: Thanksgiving Sunday Bible Study 10/30: Keith Farmer, Straight Street 11/6: Seeking the peace of the city Jeremiah 29:7 11/13: Pastor Steve Norman Jesus is Lord Assembly of Love 11/20: Humble before God Nehemiah 8 and 9 Small Groups Pathfinders Sunday School International Lesson, Genesis and Exodus Covenant Sunday School Great Figures of the New Testament Genesis Sunday School Ephesians Hunger Group alternate Tuesday evenings, member homes Hunger Report Young Adult Small Group Sunday evening, 6:30 p.m. Philippians Bell Choir Thursday morning, 11:00 a.m.

3 Central Updates Upcoming events of importance: October 27: Gifts Discernment Church Council Meeting and Youth Fundraiser November 24: Church Council Meeting Budget; 2014 Ballot; Proposed change to Church Constitution; and 1 other potential item of business. More specific information will be available after November Leadership Team meeting. November 26: Community Thanksgiving Service, Christ Episcopal Church, 7:00 p.m. Note the date change: We will meet on Tuesday evening this year. December 11: Breakfast with Santa At a recent Congregations in Action meeting, we were informed of an increase in aggressive panhandling in Downtown, especially on Sunday mornings in church parking lots. Women are typically approached, often as they are getting into or out of their car. Central is far enough away from the downtown core to not have a significant problem with panhandling. It is, however, helpful to keep several things to keep in mind. First, Central s policy is to never give cash to someone who asks. Refer all requests of this nature to Pastor Tim, or to one of the male deacons. Second, in recent times we have generally declined to assist in cases like this, preferring to utilize the resources of the RAM House or Rescue Mission. Third, when coming and going at church, it is always good to have a buddy with you. Fourth, we try to only unlock those doors that are closest to any given church event. (For instance, during Sunday morning worship, only the Sanctuary doors are unlocked.) It is not, however, always possible to keep close control over this. If you ever see anyone walking around the building that seems out of place, please bring this to someone's attention. We are glad to welcome Erin Duffy to Central as our newest Brethren Volunteer Service worker at Highland Park Elementary. Erin moved to Roanoke on Saturday, October 12 and began work at Highland Park on October 14. She has already been to Witness Team meeting and the Young Adult Bible Study group. Erin is currently living with Wayne and Vicky Chapman, while we arrange more permanent housing for her, hopefully within walking distance of Highland Park Elementary. A BVS worker costs approximately $13,000 to host for one year. The most significant variable in this amount is the cost of housing. To help fund Erin s position, there are several income sources: $3,250 from other CIA congregations $3,640 left over from the funds allocated to pay for MaryBeth Fisher s position The balance will be paid from the Memorial fund.

4 Congregations in Action Congregations in Action met on Thursday, October 17 at Beth Israel Synagogue. important pieces of information and updates were shared with the group. Erin Duffy is settling in well in her new role as BVS worker/teachers aide. Several 87 families benefit from Pack-a-Snack. Tuesday, November 5 is a Teacher Appreciation Meal. CIA provides several of these throughout the year. Central is asked to bring breads and crackers for 45 persons, and have these to the school by 11:15 a.m. for an 11:30 a.m. meal. On Wednesday, November 13 at 9:00 a.m., Highland Park will host a second Volunteer Orientation in the cafeteria. This is a great time to learn ways to be involved in CIA, as well as the basic expectations of volunteers. Pastor Tim plans to attend, and will be glad to take Central members along. There continues to be a need for tutors in the areas of reading and writing, as well as mentors. Men are very much needed to serve as mentors to male students. Stay tuned for a potential Coat and Hoodie Drive for later this fall. The Hunger Group provides 2 pieces of fruit and bread from Entenmann Bakery Outlet. Central is assigned to the 2 nd Thursday of each month to pack the bags (in addition to being on call for times when others can t be there). If you are available to assist with this, see Ginny West or Bob Iseminger. NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES 5 Charlie Ann Oliver 2 Tom & Jennie Waering 8 Andrew Malloy 7 Cory & Leslie Wagner 10 Eunice Bateman 7 Ray & Kim Snow 10 Ron Berkheimer 26 Chuck & Lorrie Hite 17 Leo Burton 27 Dale & Donna Jamison 24 David Green 25 Lindsey Wray 26 Judy Garst

5 Virlina District News STEWARDSHIP CURRICULUM PRODUCED BY VIRLINA DISTRICT What is the purpose of the creation?...is the earth ours to use for ourselves or to share with all?...what did you and God promise each other in the covenant of baptism?...how do good stewards balance faith and reason?...do you shop for what you want or what you need?...do you treat your body as a sacred gift from God?... Would you willingly show Jesus your check book, investment statements, credit card invoices and savings account?...do you thank God every day for air, water, and earth or take the environment for granted?...how does the church use people's talents?... Have you ever passed by someone in need because you were too busy?... How do you share the gift of Jesus Christ with others?...is money evil or is it how we use it?...in our giving, where can we get the most bang for our buck? Give of the First Fruits: A Study of Stewardship for the 21st Century Church addresses these and many other thought-provoking questions. It describes stewardship as meaning wholistic faithful discipleship. Produced by the Virlina District Board - Church of the Brethren, the book contains thirteen chapters, easily adaptable for a quarter's worth of youth or adult church school classes, midweek Bible studies, or personal and family devotions. Each chapter is authored by a different church leader in area Church of the Brethren congregations. Churches large and small will find it to be a helpful resource that can be used again and again. Stewardship is more than money, for all that we are and that we have are a gift and trust from God. This resource, for use by district congregations, should be available for distribution in early-mid November. It is equivalent to the quarterlies produced by Brethren Press, David C. Cook, Union Gospel Press, Standard and other publishers. We encourage all of our congregations to plan to use this foundational curriculum as a one quarter replacement for that which you normally use. While primarily designed for adult and youth Sunday School classes, it may be used for study in mid-week services, Bible Studies, youth groups, women s and men s fellowships and other faith forming activities. It is designed for use with any standard translation of the Holy Scripture VIRLINA DISTRICT CONFERENCE It is less than four weeks until District Conference. Our theme is Come near to God and He will come near to you. The scripture text is from James 4:7-8a: Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. (NIV) The District Conference will be held on November 8 and 9 at Greene Memorial United Methodist Church in downtown Roanoke. Conference will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening with worship. The Saturday activities begin at 7:30 a.m. with registration, activities for children and youth, morning and afternoon business sessions, closing worship and Conference will conclude at 5:00 p.m. Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, 2014 Annual Conference Moderator, will be the preacher for Friday and Saturday worship. The 2013 conference officers are Frances S. Beam - Moderator, Gary L. Basham - Moderator-Elect and Rosalie R. Wood - Clerk. Central s delegates are Becky Rhodes, Bob Iseminger, John Poff and Jennie Waering. Pastor Tim is again serving as Conference Parliamentarian. Central will also be hosting the Ministers and Spouses dinner on Friday, November 8.

6 2013 DISTRICT CONFERENCE- NEW BUSINESS ITEMS The Virlina District Conference will be held on November 9, 2013 at the Greene Memorial United Methodist Church in downtown Roanoke. The following business will be on the agenda at the Virlina District Conference: Item One: Item Two: Election - Candidates and Biographical Information in the Conference Booklet. Proposed District Board Budget for Proposed Budget in the Conference Booklet Item Three: Proposed Reprinting of The Brethren In Virginia and Creation of a Companion Volume Resolved, that the Virlina District Board recommends to the Virlina District Conference meeting at Roanoke, Virginia on November 9, 2013 that the Mid-Atlantic and Shenandoah Districts be invited and encouraged to participate with us in the reprinting of The Brethren In Virginia, and Be it further resolved, that the publication of a second volume be undertaken that reviews the history of the three districts, their member congregations and their leadership from 1960 forward, and Be it further resolved, that a committee be formed, pending the participation of the aforementioned districts, to carry out this task, and that this committee consist of seven persons including two appointed by each district board and one appointed by the Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center DISTRICT CONFERENCE - JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH YOUTH ACTIVITIES The Junior and Senior High youth (grades 6-12) and advisors will be registering Saturday morning at 8:20 AM on November 9 at Greene Memorial United Methodist Church in downtown Roanoke for the District Conference Youth event. (Reminder: there is no overnight youth retreat this year.) Immediately after registration, we will travel to the Roanoke Rescue Mission where the Junior Highs and leaders will make beds in the overnight shelter, while the Senior Highs (ages 16 and older) and leaders will work in the Thrift Store. (All participants should dress modestly and must wear closed-toe shoes while working at the Rescue Mission.) Please bring new winter gloves or hats, children and adults sizes, which will be donated to the Rescue Mission! After a morning of work projects, we will go on a tour of the Mission facilities including the chapel, the dining room, and the Men's, Women's and Children's shelters. We will eat lunch together in the dining room with the Mission staff and guests. Weather permitting, we will leave the Mission and explore the Farmer's market downtown, then we will return to the church for games and wrapup. Those wishing to attend closing worship should plan to stay until 5:00 PM. If you have any questions, please contact Mary St. John at <virlinayouthministries@gmail.com>. ANTIOCH CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN BELL CHOIR The Antioch CoB bell choir will be in concert at Germantown Brick Church of the Brethren on Sunday, November 3 at 4:30 p.m. All proceeds of the concert will go to Caring for our Community, a food-assistance program for Boones Mill Elementary School students.

7 Church of the Brethren News National Youth Conference 2014 Registration for National Youth Conference opens on Friday, January 3, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. Anticipation is already building among our youth, both with those who have attended once before and with those who will be attending for the first time. You have already had (or soon will have) the opportunity to participate in 2 meal events which support the youth trip to Fort Collins, CO. More are coming in the future. Thank you so much for your generous support for our youth. In addition to the fundraisers and budgeted giving for NYC, our youth group in consultation with parents, Nurture Team and Leadership Team has also pledged $2,000 of their own money to help fund the expected $10,000+ trip costs. Other important trip information: Date: July 15-26, 2014 (including bus trip) Approximate cost: $ 1,200 per person. Please make sure you use your Kroger shopping card, as the rebate from grocery purchases directly impact our youth fundraising efforts Junior High Workcamps Junior High Workcamps for 2014 are offered in the following locations: Brooklyn, NY June Camp Harmony, PA June Harrisburg, PA June Columbus, OH July 6-10 South Bend, IN July 9-13 Crossnore, NC July Roanoke, VA July 30 August 3 Seattle, WA August 6-10

8 Entries sought for Bethany Peace Essay Contest Bethany Theological Seminary is encouraging seminary and graduate school, college, and high school students to think creatively about peacemaking and to share those thoughts for the greater good. The Bethany Peace Essay Contest is being reinstated this coming January as part of the peace studies program at the seminary. The contest, open to all full-time students in the categories above, invites reflections on how personal and local peacemaking efforts can address universal concerns. Participants may choose to explore this theme in one of the following areas, relating to personal experience: art, music, or poetry; the just peace movement; protest or change movements; social media, or interfaith efforts. Prizes of $2,000, $1,000, and $500 will be awarded for the top three essays. A natural fit within the teaching and learning in peace studies at Bethany, the essay contest is underwritten by the Jennie Calhoun Baker Endowment, funded by John C. Baker in honor of his mother. Described as a Church of the Brethren woman ahead of her time, Jennie was known for actively pursuing peacemaking by meeting the needs of others, providing community leadership, and upholding the value of creative and independent thinking in education. John Baker saw her vision and modeling of contemporary peacemaking reflected in Bethany s collaborative leadership among the three Historic Peace Churches and thus selected the seminary to administer the endowment s programs. John Baker, a philanthropist for peace with a distinguished career in higher education, and his wife had also helped establish the peace studies program at Bethany with an earlier endowment gift. John and Elizabeth Baker were deeply committed to building cultures of peace, says Scott Holland, professor of theology and culture and director of peace studies and cross-cultural studies at Bethany. This peace essay contest is intended to encourage thoughtful writing on peace in essays that are informed by the rich traditions of God's shalom and Christ's peace yet articulated in voices that are public, ecumenical, and interfaith. There is also the hope that this contest will lead to international networking and partnerships in pursuit of peace. Judges of the essays include Holland and Valentine; Randy Miller, editor of the Church of the Brethren magazine Messenger ; and Anna Groff, associate editor of The Mennonite. Essays can be submitted between Jan. 1-Jan. 27, 2014, and results will be announced by the end of February Plans are being made to publish the winning essays in some of the journals and magazines of the Church of the Brethren, Friends, and Mennonite faith communities. For guidelines, terms, and submission procedures, go to Contact Bekah Houff athouffre@bethanyseminary.edu or for additional information. Jenny Williams is director of Communications and Alumni/ae Relations for Bethany Seminary. This article is reprinted from the October 11 issue of Newsline.