District Highlights. Western Pennsylvania Church District of the Highlights Brethren. November 202 Vol. 12 No fax

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1 Western Pennsylvania Church District of the Highlights Brethren D i str i ct Me n s Fe l l ow s h ip District Highlights November 202 Vol. 12 No. 9 STAFF: Ronald D. Beachley Suzanne G. Moss Abby R. Shaffer CONTACT: 115 Spring Rd. Hollsopple, PA fax WEBSITE: OFFICE HOURS: Monday ~ Friday 7:30 a.m. ~ 3:30 p.m. Staff meeting each Monday, 8:00 a.m. Please send all Highlights information to the District Office by the 10th. HIGHLIGHTS EDITOR: Carolyn Willoughby Deffenbaugh carowill@homeside.to (Subject: Highlights) DISTRICT CONFERENCE WRAP-UP The Lord provided another beautiful day, as the business of the 146 th District Conference of the Western PA District was completed at the Fred M. Rogers Center on the campus of St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. The conference seemed to go very smoothly, thanks to the competent staff of the center and the cooperation of all the participants. For those of you that were not present on October 20, the theme chosen by Moderator Ronald J. St. Clair of I have placed before you an open door from Revelation 3:8 was highlighted throughout the day. Several Open Door Stories were shared by persons who were open to the leading of the Holy Spirit to move in new directions and step through doors that were placed in front of them. Music was part of the day as well, as we worshiped during the business of the district. Two insight sessions were held in the morning one highlighting the work of Brethren Benefit Trust and of Bethany Theological Seminary, and one concerning the process of calling pastoral leadership to congregations. Conference participants were encouraged to browse the exhibit tables for information about the District Mission Program (Honduras and Puerto Rico), Bethany Seminary, Brethren Volunteer Service, Brethren Benefit Trust, Camp Harmony, the Brethren Home Community Windber, and a number of others. They were also invited to review and purchase items from Brethren Press. The Financial Resource Team again presented the District Auction Jive (written by Linda Stoner), reminding conference-goers that the 7 th Annual District Auction will be held on November 3 at Camp Harmony. Several business items that were approved concerned the updating of the District Constitution to reflect a reduction in the number of persons serving on the District/Camp Charitable Trust Board and the Brethren Home Charitable Trust Board, as well as approving that persons serving on the Program & Arrangement Committee may serve a second term. Two items accepted with sadness were the disbanding of Journey s Way Fellowship and the Pittsburgh Church of the Brethren. Timothy E. Resh, pastor of the Brothersvalley congregation was installed as Moderator for 2013, and Homer A. Foster of the Center Hill congregation was installed as Moderator Designate. Other persons affirmed on the slate included: Program & Arrangements Committee-Dottie H. Grew (Meyersdale); District Leadership Team Chair-James E. Houghton (Pleasant Hill); CYOM Team members-carole A. Nedrow (Greensburg) and Adele Madera (Scalp Level); O&S Team members-kristina Peters and Sandra M. Peterman (Plumcreek); SpF Team- Brandan (Brandy) Liepelt (Somerset); Camp Harmony Board of Directors-Shelby F. McCoy (Sipesville) and Dorothy Gindlesperger (Shade Creek/Ridge); Gifts Discernment Team-Crystal L. Reiber (Somerset), Randy A. Derck (Plumcreek), and Daniel R. Ishman (Center Hill). The delegates also appointed Carole J. Horner to another three-year term as District Treasurer A budget of $187,833 for 2013 was approved. The total reflects a 5% decrease. There were officially 195 attendees (173 delegates, 19 non-delegates, and 3 children) and 49 congregations were represented. The offering, in the form of approximately 851 kits for Church World Service, was valued at approximately $11,946. Thanks and keep those kits coming! Thanks also to everyone who helped make the day a success! Shalom, Suzie Moss, your administrative assistant November 2012

2 Western Pennsylvania District Highlights District News: December 2012 /January 2013 HOSPITALIZED and RECOVERING Charles B. Statler, pastor of the Shade Creek/ Ridge congregation, for tests. Elsie Beachley, mother of District Minister Ron Beachley, for tests & treatment. Elizabeth Brougher, mother of licensed minister Linda Beachley, for tests & treatment. SYMPATHY to the family of Lee Smith, pastor of the Mount Joy congregation, in the death of his grandmother, Hilda Smith in Virginia. NEW MEMBERS Roxbury congregation Donna Kelley Wanda Maldet Pam Sajatovich Center Hill congregation Dave Metz Cindy Metz Randy Barrett Allison Barrett Skylar Fiscus Devon Rosenberger Scott Cawthorne Colin Cawthorne David Cummings Berkey congregation Lesly Roose Michael Roose Joshua Roose Justin McMillen Shannon Dom Cassidy Eash Abigail Bush Amber Gibbons Patty Sigmund Michael Yourich Brianna Drenning Jennie Bozic WELCOME! LEADERSHIP Congratulations to David L. Herring on his ordination in the Christian ministry of the COB at the Union Chapel congregation on June 24. Larry E. & Judy M. Walker resigned at pastors of the Mount Pleasant COB as of June 30. Linda E. Beachley has been called as PT pastor at the Nanty Glo congregation as of Aug. 1. Welcome to Timothy L. Vaughn who has been called to serve as FT pastor of the Beachdale congregation as of October 1. Tim and his wife, LeAnn, come to Western PA from the Dry Run congregation in the Southern PA District. Barron K. Deffenbaugh has resigned as FT pastor of the Arbutus COB as of October 31. He has acdepted a call to serve as Associate Camp Director at Camp Harmony as of November 1. November 2012 Highlights Deadline: November 10, 2012 Your friends here at the D.O. want to remind you to fall back for Sunday, November 4. We want you to get to church on time! :) Thanksgiving Day... Start it out with praise and fellowship! The Johnstown ministers invite everyone to their annual Thanksgiving morning service on November 22 at 8:00 am. This year it will be held at our beautiful Camp - up in Heritage Lodge. (The upper gate will be open so you can drive right in.) Take time to thank God in front of a roaring fire, with brothers and sisters! REMINDER - REPORT FORMS! Please be aware that the annual report form for congregations (Form B) has been sent out from the denominational offices in Elgin, Illinois. The form will update contact information about your congregation s board or leadership chair, the treasurer, a deacon contact, a nurture contact, a stewards contact, a witness contact, junior high advisor, youth advisor, and several other contact persons. This information is important to both the district and the denomination. Please be sure to review the information and make updates as they are needed. Complete addresses and phone numbers are appreciated, as well as addresses if they are available. The updated form must be sent back to Elgin by December 31, 2012 and they provide a copy for the District Office. If you have a question about the form, please don t hesitate to contact Suzie at or Thanks for your prompt attention to this task! The District HIGHLIGHTS is the official publication of the Western PA District Church of the Brethren. This newsletter is published 10 times a year by the Western PA District Office at 115 Spring Road, Hollsopple, PA Postage paid at Johnstown, PA.

3 AbbsTract November 2012 Western Pennsylvania District Highlights Make it so, Number One. If I had thousands of dollars, I would have a contest to see which of you could tell me who says this all the time. But I don t, so I ll just tell you it s Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the USS Enterprise. You know, Star Trek. The Next Generation. And he s talking to Commander Riker, his first officer. Sometimes I say this out loud to people. Make it so, Number One. Any other fans out there?** When Capt. Picard says this to Riker, it means Go ahead and do it, or Enough talk, do it already! He says it in various tones, in various situations. Each time, it is a call to action. Make it so. Whatever we were just discussing, get it done. Now. It was kind of Picard s way of saying, Amen. Amen. It s a word we use ALL the time. Do we know what it means? Or do we say it so much that it s become a nonword that means nothing to us? We say it at the end of table grace, we say it when we strongly agree with someone, we say it when we hear: and all God s people said Amen is so much more than that. Like most Hebrew words, it is full of unplumbed meaning. It means it is so, or let it be. It means verily, truly, certainly. It s an expression of agreement. It s an affirmation of what s been said. It means firm, faithful. May it be fulfilled. In Revelation 3:14, Amen is even the name used for Jesus, the One Who Stays True. It s a pretty powerful word, yes? Be careful when you say it. If it s powerful, be careful with it. If you say Amen to something, you re affirming it and saying Make it so, Number One. It s a powerful word, but don t be afraid to say amen, either. Ephesians chapter 4 really encapsulates the power of Amen. We are to be one Body in the Spirit. Whatever irritations we suffer with each other, we are to be one. We are to agree on the Truth as it s been revealed through Christ, and we are to live this Truth. We are to be people of Amen living out with integrity the lifestyle to which we ve been called. If you re gifted to be an evangelist or a teacher or a pastor, do it! Make it so! If you re supposed to be serving behind the scenes or encouraging or sharing your artistic abilities, do it! Make it so! If your gift is working with preschoolers or youth or the elderly, do it! Make it so! Prison ministry, soup kitchen, sewing things, building things, disaster ministry make it so! Ephesians 4 also tells us that we re not to be confused, like people who live in darkness. God s Truth brings light His Word is a lamp to our feet, remember? We are to state our purpose with conviction, not waver with each passing trend. We re admonished to take on a certain character one that is helpful and kind, honest and true. We are to live lives that exemplify the essence of Amen. Now. Can you imagine what would happen to Riker if he ignored or directly disobeyed Capt. Picard s order to make it so? Bad things, very bad things. Why do we think that disobedience to the God of the Universe is any less dangerous? Let us learn to LIVE our Amen when we say it. That His will might truly be done here on Earth as it is in Heaven. Amen? Amen. :) Abby **I m also fond of Kirk s leadership style, though it is worlds different. And so far, Janeway of Voyager is my favorite. Haven t gotten to DS9 or Enterprise, so I can t comment on Sisko or Archer. My apologies. November 2012

4 Western Pennsylvania District Highlights Good stuff to know: Thanksgiving Hymn Sing Oakland United Methodist Church in Johnstown is hosting a community hymn sing on Sunday, November 18 at 6:00 pm. Come and raise your voice to the Lord in song! District Women s Ministries Spring Event: May 4 & 5, 2013 Reflecting the Beauty of the Lord. Psalm 90:17 says, Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us. Laying out the Fleece... The Children's Christmas Party is happening on December 15 and we'd like to engage the kids in a service project. They'll be making scarves to send to No Walls Ministry, which aids homeless folks in Pittsburgh. We need your help! If you have some large, clean pieces of fleece (not felt), please consider donating to our project! We can also use pony beads. Additionally, if you'd like to send clean hats, scarves or gloves for these people, bring those as well. Please bring donations to Camp or the District Office by December 10th. We are blessed to be a blessing - THANK YOU!!! Watch for more details in upcoming Highlights and through mailings to your church. God wants to show you that He made you beautiful from the inside out! For more information call Pastor Judy Walker at MISSIONARY HOUSING: A Johnstown area couple has an apartment for use by missionaries on furlough, evangelists, or speakers needing a place to stay. The apartment is fully furnished, has a kitchen, living room, den, bedroom, full bath, and a laundry area. However, it is not handicap accessible; you must be able to go up ten steps. There is no charge for the use of the apartment. However, donations to help cover cost of utilities would be appreciated. For more information, call (814) Christmas Craft Show & Bazaar Still wondering how to get all the Christmas shopping done? The Indiana COB is gathering vendors for a day of locally made craft items! You can browse and shop indoors from 8:00-4:00 on Saturday, December 1 or you can apply for a table as a vendor. If interested in selling, contact Ramona at ramonaedwards65@yahoo.com. Vendor applications must be in and paid by Nov. 24. PASTORAL SUPPORT: OUR WITHIN- THE-DISTRICT MISSION FUND The Outreach & Service Team invites congregations in our district who are facing the challenge of meeting pastoral salary and benefits to contact them about the possibility of receiving mission funds. The O&S Team would be glad to meet with church leaders to discuss the use of these funds. Congregations that apply for such funding will be required to supply a yearly budget, a plan for future growth, and a rationale for the use of any reserve money the congregation has in its possession. If your congregation is interested in learning more, please contact Pastor Bill Wenger, O&S chairperson, at (814) Thank you. November 2012

5 Western Pennsylvania District Highlights Local Church News: Join with the Connellsville Brethren on Saturday, November 3 as they present Saturday Nite Live, a variety show of praise! It starts at 7:00 pm - call Dottie Davis at to learn more. Join with the folks at Berkey on Sunday, November 18 for a Calendar Party! It s from 1:00-3:00 and benefits their Bus Fund. Call the church office at for $10 tickets. Enjoy food, fellowship and entertainment! Worship with the Mt. Joy congregation on Wednesday, November 21 (Thanksgiving Eve) as their choir presents a mini-cantata. It s called We Have Come in Thanksgiving, in Praise, in Worship and the service starts at 7:30 pm. You ll also be blessed to hear the children s choir sing a few numbers. Call for more information. You re invited to Rummel CoB on Tuesday, November 6 for an Election Day of Prayer. From 7:00 am until 8:00 pm the sanctuary will be open and staffed with deacons - come as you re able and humbly pray for the election and for our nation. This church building is a polling place, so come and be a part of the witness! Regardless of our political views, God wants us to seek His will for our country. Also at Rummel: Luella Krieger will bless us with her portrayal of Martha of Bethany on Sat. November 10 at 6:00 pm. All are welcome! Members of the Hooversville CoB and the Middlecreek CoB met on Sunday evening, September 22 at Camp Harmony for a time of Pie, Prayer & Praise. These two congregations are prayer partner churches and are pastored by Paul Hamilton and John & Linda Stoner. Devotional time was shared, songs were sung and prayers for Camp Harmony were lifted. The participants were pleased to be joined by Camp Director Janice Kaltenbaugh. A joyful time of fun and feasting ensued! Vendor Show Penn Run Christian Outreach Center Saturday, November 10 // 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Lunch is served & there will be a bake sale. You'll find your favorite companies all under one roof for one-stop holiday shopping! Some of the vendors participating include: Pampered Chef, Close to My Heart, Premier Designs Jewelry, Davis Rada Cutlery, Simply Soy Candles, Mary Kay, Tupperware, Scentsy, Lia Sophia, Thirty-One Gifts, Creative Memories, Tomboy Tools, and more. Call or the church office at for more info. As always Keep your prayer partner church lifted up and be sure to encourage your college students and those who are homebound! The Chords of Praise will present a Christmas concert on Sunday, December 2nd at 3:00 pm at the Sipesville Church of the Brethren. Come hear the dulcimers! The offering will benefit their ministry. Refreshments will follow in the social room. An Aloha Christmas Plan to join us at Middlecreek CoB (226 Middlecreek Road just beyond Posey Corner s Camp Ground) on Saturday Evening - December 8, 2012 to experience Christmas in Hawaii and our traditional live nativity! We ll start at 6:30 pm and go until 8:00 pm; come and go as you re able. Enjoy live animals and Biblical characters plus decorations and refreshments like those enjoyed by our Island brothers and sisters. Plus, hear from special guests Larry and Judy Walker as they share through song. The evening is free and we will accept donations for The Brethren Home Community in Windber. Join the folks at the Little Church with the Big Heart for a tropical Christmas! Questions? Contact John and Linda Stoner - Phone: jnljaunts@floodcity.net November 2012

6 AVAILABLE SPEAKERS LIST November 2012 ORDAINED BALDEO, ISAAC Glen Eden Rd, Cranberry Twp, BAUGHMAN, CARL L Homewood Dr, Butler, BROWN, JOSEPH E River Rd, Fairhope, EASH, JOHN E Friendship Ln, Hollsopple, FORRY, ROGER L Lincoln St, Somerset, HAY, CHARLES R E Main St, Berlin, HIRONIMUS, BERTHA Bent Tree Hill, Ligonier, HOSLER, WILBUR H First St, Clymer, HOUGHTON, JAMES E Lindberg Ave, Johnstown, HOUGHTON, SALLY M Lindberg Ave, Johnstown, ICE, ROGER L., SR. 48 N Grove St, Scottdale KABLER, ERIC P Clermont St, Johnstown LONGWELL, ERIC M Oak Hill Rd, Shelocta, MARSHALL, HOMER H W Church Ave, Masontown, MARSHALL, PATRICIA M W Church Ave, Masontown, MARTIN, NOAH S Freedom Ave, Johnstown, OTT, CLIFFORD W. - PO Box 444, Jerome, REININGER, LINDA L Davis St, Johnstown, RUMMEL, DALE E Greenville Pike, Grampian, RUPERT, JACK State St, Johnstown, SHAFFER, JUDITH A. - PO Box 319, Donegal, SHAULIS, M. ERIC - 25 Sixth Ave, Meyersdale, SMITH, A. HARRISON - 22 Hawes Rd, Farmington, STEIN, ROBERT R. - PO Box 375, Chalk Hill, SWICK, MICHAEL R Greenville Rd, Meyersdale THOMAS, RODGER J Veil Ave, Windber WALKER, JUDY M Morningside Ave, Jeannette WALKER, LARRY E Morningside Ave, Jeannette WHIPPLE, CHARLES D Wyoming St, Greensburg, WESTLAKE, ELVA JEAN Pony Farm Rd, Kittanning, WILCHER, JOEL A R 13 th St, Oakmont, WILLOUGHBY, CAROLYN S Kenneth Ave, Johnstown, LICENSED BAUGHMAN, KAREN L Homewood Dr, Butler, GREEN, GARY W Somerset Pike, Hollsopple, GREW, DOTTIE H Sherman St, Meyersdale, ISHMAN, DANIEL R Todd Rd, Freeport, MARSZALEK, CHERYL A Herman Ave, Wilmerding, PERUSO, RUSSELL J Blackner Rd, Johnstown, SHAFFER, ABBY R. - (office) 115 Spring Rd, Hollsopple, SHAFFER, DANIEL P. 135 Holly Path, Windber, THOMAS, SCOTT R Carpenters Park Rd, Davidsville, LAY SPEAKER RAMER, DONNA L Franklin Dr, Greensburg,

7 Springs of Living Water Much Accomplished; Much Potential Ahead What a marvelous Springs training/retreat event was held recently at the Somerset Church of the Brethren! With high spirit, renewal teams of churches participated in worship, listened to messages by Bob Krouse, and teaching on spiritual discernment by David and Joan Young. Aspects of the renewal process were covered as churches discerned their vision and next steps of renewal. A significant highlight of the day was to hear testimonials from many churches that had made real progress in renewal from reaching out, to shaping a Bible study on forgiveness, to changed lives through the spiritual disciplines folders and Bible study, to increased giving to go over budget, to reaching out in the community. The stories we hear are genuinely moving and bring tears of joy. At this four-year milestone, we are in a period of discernment of how to proceed. At least four churches would like to proceed with the renewal process. At the same time, we are looking for other churches who would like to enter into the renewal process. For them it will mean a discernment process to ask, Where is God leading our Church? This is something for a congregation to decide. Besides the Springs of Living Water, Christ-centered Renewal book, in the next step there will be additional resources, plus a new emphasis on discipleship. Chapter 15 of the Springs book covers that topic. Another resource will be Sizing Up Your Congregation for New Member Ministry, which shows the strength and approach for each size of a congregation. A cluster or clusters will be formed. Churches continuing may need to add persons to their renewal teams or otherwise organize to take the next step toward renewal. Springs will assist as these churches complete the self-study portion and then implement their plan as a whole congregation. All churches will continue in the spiritual disciplines with a review of the basic folder on 12 spiritual disciplines lifted up by Richard Foster. In order to discern direction, new churches can receive materials on the Springs website at to consider this renewal initiative or by ing. A DVD made by David Sollenberger on the Rileyville Church is available for viewing. You may call Ron Beachley or David Young at to learn more about this exciting initiative for church renewal. The challenge of funding is before us. In this next step of the journey, we anticipate each church would contribute in order to make this home mission possible. If you have any questions, please call for various alternatives. Every church that desires renewal will be enthusiastically welcomed. The main query to consider is, Where is God leading our Church? That discernment is central. Would you please join in thanking God for the new life that has come to our district churches, and for the promise of new life to come? We just stand back and marvel at what God has done. Joan and I are so grateful for the many faithful servants in Western PA and to Ron and Suzie for their vital role. Would you please be in prayer as we consider the next steps God has in store? In gratitude, Joan and David Young, Renewal Servants Springs of Living Water, Christ-centered Church Renewal.

8 Wider Church News Western Pennsylvania District Highlights 2013 Brethren Workcamps are Coming Up! Position Openings The Church of the Brethren seeks a FT Packer for Material Resources in New Windsor, MD. Also, a Director for Intercultural Ministries. Camp Swatara of the Atlantic Northeast District seeks an Administrator/CEO/CFO. Fahrney-Keedy Home seeks a Marketing/Admissions Coordinator. Hillcrest Home seeks a Fundraising Professional. The Cedars, Inc. seeks a Development Officer. More information about these and other positions is available at On November 12, the PA Council of Churches is sponsoring an event for CEU credit at the Camp Hill UMC. The theme is Faithful Response to Burning Issues in the Church: Sexual Offenders in Congregations and Pornography Use by Clergy. If you re interested, contact the Atlantic Northeast COB District Office at Be in prayer for Mission Alive, a conference happening November in Lititz, PA. The theme is Entrusted with the Message, from 2 Corinthians 5: Visit missionalive2012 to learn more. If you re older than a 6th grader, get online & visit workcamps to learn more about ways you can serve others in From Pennsylvania to California, from South Dakota to Puerto Rico; whether you re 12 or 82, there s a place for you! Registration opens January 9, Annual Conference Nominations are due in by December 1. There are 7 positions that are open to persons in our district. Visit to see position descriptions and make a nomination! Brethren Disaster Ministries is in need of your assistance! If you're able to give a week or a day of service, please call Herb Ewald at You don t need to have much skill, just a willing heart and adaptability to new situations. Visit to read about BDM s accomplishments and upcoming projects! Global Mission District Advocate The Global Mission and Service agency of the Church of the Brethren has launched the Global Missions Advocate Network. The network aims at equipping districts and congregations to promote Brethren mission efforts at the individual, congregational, and district levels. The Outreach & Service Team of our Western PA District is looking for a volunteer who would be willing to serve as our District Global Missions Advocate. If you have a heart for missions and feel that being our District Mission Advocate would be a wonderful way to serve the Lord, please contact Pastor Bill Wenger, chairperson of the District Outreach & Service Team at (814) Thank you! For Your Information: November 4 is Junior High Sunday in the Church of the Brethren. ( It is also International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. ( November 11 is Stewardship Sunday in the wider Church. ( November 25 is the first Sunday in Advent. Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, cobnews@brethren.org or ext November 2012

9 2013 Brethren Disaster Ministries TEAM WORK SCHEDULE for Western PA District Teams January December Brethren Disaster Ministries is alive and well with the following dates for The dates have been secured and the locations will be announced as they become available. All work sites require one week stays, except the week after Easter which will only be four (4) work days, with food and housing provided. The only out-of- pocket expenses will be the food and drink consumed on the way to and from the job sites. The amount of $75.00 is normally more than adequate, and some volunteers get away with less. It s up to you! All job sites are a one day drive (approximately twelve hours) from the district office. We also have one day trips available to New Windsor, Maryland, approximately a three-hour drive from the district office. I wanted to get this schedule out early so that if one or more of these trips are on your bucket list, or one of your new year s resolutions, you could plan for the trip, especially for those of you who are working and have a vacation schedule to contend with. We need your help, so please contact your congregational coordinator expressing your interests. If you don t have a congregational coordinator, please contact me at (814) to get you scheduled. We need your help to get GOD S work done and get families back into their homes!!!! IN GOD WE TRUST Herb Ewald

10 2013 Brethren Disaster Ministries TEAM WORK SCHEDULE January December January 6-12 July March August April September April 28-May 4 October 6-12 May November June 9-15 December 8-14 PLEASE NOTE: LOCATIONS FOR THE ABOVE DATES WILL BE ANNOUNCED!! 2013 DAY TRIPS TO NEW WINDSOR, MARYLAND Thursday, February 7 Tuesday, February 19 Thursday, April 4 Tuesday, April 23 Thursday, June 6 Tuesday, June 18 Thursday, August 8 Tuesday, August 20 Thursday, October 3 Tuesday, October 22 Thursday, December 5 Tuesday, December 17 PLEASE--- post this schedule and refer to it often, YOUR help is needed and appreciated!!!

11 Please help us decorate the Christmas Tree of Stars in this 29 th year of our program. Your donation will not only honor or memorialize a loved one or friend, it will help us provide benevolent care for our residents. Names of persons being remembered will be hung on the Christmas tree located in the Home s Circle Lounge. Please return the bottom portion with your contribution to: Church of the Brethren Home 277 Hoffman Avenue Windber, PA Attn: Tree of Stars Thank you for showing your love and concern by supporting the Please Shine a Light in Memory of: OR Please Hang an Ornament in Honor of: Donated by: Amount: $ Address City State Zip

12 BREHREN HOME COMMUNITY NOVEMBER 2012 NEWS BRETHREN HOME NAMED SIMPLY THE BEST Readers of the Johnstown Tribune Democrat voted our Home the best personal care home in the Johnstown area in the 21 st annual Simply the Best awards. This the sixth time that the Home has won this award, thanks to everyone who was able to cast a ballot for the Home. BON VOYAGE & BEST OF LUCK TO BECCA Becca Hoffman, who has been serving as the BHCW church and community relations director has resigned her position to spend a year as a missionary in Puerto Rico. We wish her God s speed and many blessings in this endeavor. Look for more details on her trip in the autumn edition of the Home Horizons. DOLLARS & SENSE Thanks to the efforts of maintenance director Dennis Clark and his staff, the Home has received a rebate of $1,925 from First Energy. To qualify for the program, they installed 60 light switch sensors throughout the Home. The sensors automatically turn lights off and on as activity occurs in a room. The sensors will provide future money and energy savings throughout the Home as they increase the life of light bulbs and light ballasts. HOME COOKBOOKS The new edition of the COB Home Cookbook has been edited and will be ready for holiday giving. Check with the Home office at for details. HOME AUXILIARY NEWS The Auxiliary to the Home has been busy making life brighter for our residents! At their August meeting, they approved a total of $2,000 in purchases including foam bed wedges, gel cushions, fire alarm boxes and replacement mattresses. At its November meeting, the annual soup, craft and bake sale will be held beginning at 10 AM in the basement chapel. Everyone is welcome! At the afternoon meeting, Home Chaplain Linda Reininger will officiate at the installation of the officers. As always, the Auxiliary has both Sheetz coupon books and Eat N Park tickets available from any Key Lady or at the Home office.

13 CAMP HARMONY 1414 Plank Road, P O Box 158 Hooversville, PA harmony@campharmony.org (814) FAX: (814) Inviting all people to experience the wonder of creation, and find harmony with God, with nature, and with one another OMA Comes to Camp Harmony The Outdoor Ministry Association of the Church of the Brethren will be having their national convention at Camp Harmony during November The Association is made up of all the Church of the Brethren Camps throughout the United States and its members. Our theme, Move in our Midst will give everyone from Directors, Office Staff, Program Staff, Food Service Staff, to Maintenance Staff, and friends of Outdoor Ministry an opportunity to let the Holy Spirit Work within our Camp Ministries and ourselves. All are welcome to stop in during this time and visit just let us know if you are coming. * * * * * 52 GOD BLESS YOU 2012 TEAM As of this date 82 families have joined the GOD BLESS YOU TEAM with total contributions of $9,500. The more persons who are attached to God s ministry, the stronger Camp becomes. Give a donation to Camp for $52 ($1.00 a week) and help with the debt reduction. We are helping to reach out to God s children. Thank You. * * * * * THANKSGIVING SERVICE Start your Thanksgiving Day by joining others at Camp Harmony on Thursday, November 22 at 8:00 AM for a service of giving thanks. The service is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren Johnstown Clergy and is open to all area congregations. Speaker for the morning is Barron Deffenbaugh, Associate Camp Director. * * * * * A special THANK YOU is extended to all those who helped and contributed to the Heritage Festival. With everyone working together, many blessings are received.

14 CAMP HARMONY 1414 Plank Road, P O Box 158 Hooversville, PA harmony@campharmony.org (814) FAX: (814) Inviting all people to experience the wonder of creation, and find harmony with God, with nature, and with one another The following fact is one that everyone needs to remember and take notice, because it affects the future of Camp Harmony. Those persons using Camp Harmony year round either through our programming or by outside groups using Camp to further the spreading of the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20), means that more people are coming through the THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR TRUST IN US TO DO YOUR WORK. FAITH PROMISE CHALLENGE Goal $200,000 And they fell heir to what others had toiled for.psalm 105:44 Benefit Dinner See and hear about our Camp Ministry in Action Through videos and actual representatives November 30, :00 PM - Fellowship 6:30 PM - Dinner Invitation Only Contact the Office (9 persons have already given monetary endorsements) Let s be BOLD in our faith Maybe there is a friend who would be willing to help. The Lord has sent us a ministry can we take care of it? * * * * * * THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU ANNOUNCEMENT.ARCHERY HAS BEEN ADDED AT CAMP HARMONY. Through recent donations from Tire Hill Congregation, Maple Springs Men s Fellowship, Jerome Sportsmen s Club, and Floyd and Nancy Lehman, Camp was able to purchase 5 Mathews Genesis archery kits. We will now be able to add archery to our camp programming. Thank you so much to all those who helped to make this possible.

15 2012 District Events and Meetings EVENTS ARE CODED AS... District Events open for anyone in the District to attend - CAPS Meetings such as District Leadership Team, Camp Board, Home Trustees, and events beyond the District - small print Youth and Children s Activities - ITALICS & CAPS SUGGESTIONS FOR USE... KEEP FOR REFERENCE WHEN SETTING LOCAL CHURCH DATES. Each month check this page in District HIGHLIGHTS for changes/additions. Keep your calendar updated. NOVEMBER Brethren Home Auxiliary, 1 p.m. 3-7 th ANNUAL DISTRICT AUCTION, 9 a.m., Camp Harmony 4 - DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS (Turn clocks BACK one hour) 4 - NATIONAL JUNIOR HIGH SUNDAY 8 - Core Leadership Team, 6 p.m., District Office 10 - SVMC/BRETHREN ACADEMY PROGRAM, 9 a.m., Moxham Church Disaster Team Work Camp Prattsville, New York MISSION ALIVE CONFERENCE, Lititz Church of the Brethren, Lititz, PA 17 - District Leadership Team, 9 a.m., Salisbury Church 19 - Brethren Home Trustees Executive Committee, 6:30 p.m HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! 26 - Camp Harmony Board of Directors Committees, 6:30 p.m. Board, 7 p.m. DECEMBER FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Disaster Team Work Camp Town Creek, Alabama (Contact Herb Ewald ) 9 - SECOND SUNDAY of ADVENT 13 - Day Trip to New Windsor, Maryland Work Day (Contact Herb Ewald ) 16 - THIRD SUNDAY of ADVENT 17 - Brethren Home Trustees, 6:30 p.m Day Trip to New Windsor, Maryland Work Day (Contact Herb Ewald ) 23 - FOURTH SUNDAY of ADVENT 25 - MERRY CHRISTMAS!! 30 - VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DINNER, 6 p.m., Camp Harmony 31 - NEW YEAR S EVE PLEASE NOTE Dates will be added or changed as needed. If your District group, team, or committee has additions or changes to this calendar, please contact the District Office as soon as possible. If you have 2013 dates planned ahead, please contact the District Office by NOVEMBER 10, 2012, with that information. Your help is much appreciated!

16 Western Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren 115 Spring Road Hollsopple, PA NOVEMBER 2012 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 122 JOHNSTOWN, PA The benefits of gratitude Christians realize that gratitude has spiritual benefits, but now scientists are confirming its physical and emotional benefits, as well. Professor Robert Emmons found that people who counted their blessings instead of their burdens were healthier and more optimistic, exercised more and made more progress toward achieving goals. Evidence shows that gratitude can even ease chronic health conditions. Emmons, author of Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier (Mariner Books), acknowledges that gratitude seems harder to practice during tough times. But, he notes, In the face of demoralization, gratitude has the power to energize. In the face of brokenness, gratitude has the power to heal. In the face of despair, gratitude has the power to bring hope.

17 Western Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren 115 Spring Road Hollsopple, PA RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED NOVEMBER 2012 U.S. Postage Paid Non Profit Organization Permit No. 122 Johnstown, PA SP# Ch# Name Address W H A T S H A P P E N I N G A T H O G A R E N M A N U E L... El Hogar de Niños ENmanuel San Pedro Sula, Honduras A Christian Home for homeless, abused, and severely neglected children Happy Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is a North American holiday and is not celebrated in Honduras. However, I can t help thinking about several Thanksgiving Days at Hogar de Ninos Emanuel. It was Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2002, when Bill and I arrived at the Home with a work team of twelve people to begin what we refer to as the Roof Project. The main dormitory of the Home, originally constructed in the early 1980 s, was built with wooden trusses that had nearly been destroyed by termites and the tin roof was terribly rusted. I remember being inside the kids rooms during a thunderstorm and realizing that it was raining inside nearly as hard as it was outside. During the following four months, thanks to over 130 volunteers from Western Pennsylvania, the roof was replaced offering a safe and dry home for the children who were living there. Over the years many American volunteers who have traveled to Honduras certainly introduced the children to our American holiday and its traditions. In 2010, Brethren Volunteer Service volunteer, Lauren Farrell, helped in preparing a full Thanksgiving feast complete with roasted turkey and pumpkin pie for all the children, staff and invited guests to enjoy. They loved it! Last year, another one of our work teams said their farewells to the kids on Thanksgiving Day. Reflecting on these days made me think about just how much God has blessed this Home. HE has provided a safe haven for many hurting children to have the opportunity to learn about Him and even more than that the kids are now able to pass their blessings unto others in so many ways. This year we lift our hearts and hands in true thanksgiving for what the Lord has done and is doing in this place. From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16 MEET Six year old Jesus Enrique says he is happy to be living at Hogar C h i l d - o f - t h e - m o n t h Emanuel although he loves his biological family very much. He joined the Hogar Emanuel in May 2011 as a sick little guy after he was removed from the streets where he found begging to help support his family. He is a very bright young boy who is now healthy and has just completed his first year of school at Hogar s Jardin de Enmanuel (kindergarten) where he says he enjoys learning how to read and write in Spanish class. He is always trying to help others and is one of the first in line when it comes to welcoming new children into the home. He says that his best friends are Mark and David Pineda and enjoys watching TV shows with super heroes and Nascar; his favorite movie character is Zimba from the Lion King. On his wish list is a Tonka truck or remote control car. Please pray for Jesus this month.

18 Please provide your name and address on the reverse side and mail this coupon with your donation PROVIDING FOR HOGAR de NINOS ENMANUEL THROUGH WESTERN PA DISTRICT CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN MISSION PROGRAM - HONDURAS 115 Spring Rd. Hollsopple, PA If you prefer to receive this newsletter electronically ONLY, please that request to hogaremanuel@verizon.net and/or sponsorship coupons are also available on the website at Partnering in the success, I pledge to keep the Enmanuel Children s Home in my prayers as well as offer my financial support. Please use my donation for the following fund: $ General Fund use where needed most Child Sponsorship providing for the basic needs of the children. If you desire to be assigned to a specific child, contact Rona. Staff Sponsorship providing for the on-site care of the children. Maintenance & Development providing for the maintenance and improvement of the facilities Nursery Fund providing for infant care. Gift Fund providing for birthday/christmas gifts New Bridge Program helping our adolescents prepare for independent living. Special fund (specify) $ TOTAL ENCLOSED 11/12 Clip and mail with your donation HOGAR DE NINOS ENMANUEL CHECK IT OUT! We re on the web! You are joining to help us when you pray for us. 2 Corinthians 1:11 This month we are pleased to introduce another new staff member as we continue to ramp up our preparations to increase the number of children who can be rescued by Hogar de Ninos Emanuel. MAGDELENA lives in a neighborhood not far from the Home so is able to walk to work to share her nights with the intermediate-aged girls. She holds a degree in arts and sciences and feels that being a parent of two beautiful daughters of her own (ages 13 and 16) helps her to better relate to our girls. She says that working with the girls six days a week made it easy for her to STAR EMPLOYEE quickly learn to appreciate their individual personalities and become attached to each of them. Previous to coming here, she worked at a clothing store but feels that helping the children is a very important and fulfilling job for her. She loves to eat pizza and says that she enjoys TV shows involving law and justice such as Case Closed. Please join us in welcoming Magdalena to our Hogar family and pray for God to lead and guide her as she ministers to the children in her care. The children living at Hogar de Ninos Emanuel are very thankful and indeed have been blessed by the outpouring of love from all of you. However, there are so many more that are waiting and praying that they, too, will be rescued: As you join with your family and friends on this day, Please include the less fortunate in your thoughts as you pray! There are many among us who have no holiday fare, In every corner of the world, there are homeless out there! Perhaps, due to circumstances and through no fault of their own, They now find themselves hungry, destitute and oh so alone! In whatever prayer of thanks you offer; no matter what words you say, Please add this simple verse - help someone else find their way! "Lord, help me to help those who have nothing to celebrate today; To make their lives better, please show me the way!" If you put "self" aside each day for a moment or two, Show compassion for others, you'll be amazed at the good you can do! FOR MORE INFORMATION: Rona Hemminger, editor Mobile: hogaremanuel@verizon.net And, next year when you gather to give thanks once again, You can say... "Thanks for helping me make a difference Lord... thank you Amen!" By Rita