WEST MARVA DISTRICT MEMO MAY 2016 384 Dennett Road Oakland, MD 21550 301-334-9270 Kendal Elmore, Executive Minister J. Rogers Fike, Executive Minister Emeritus Brenda Harvey, Administrative Assistant www.westmarvachurches.org
Kendal s Korner W e have arranged an opportunity for everyone in the District, especially those serving as Delegates to the 2016 Annual Conference in Greensboro, North Carolina this summer, to MEET THE MODERATOR. We are planning to gather at the Keyser Church of the Brethren at 2:30 PM, Sunday, May 22. Many of you will recall that among the items being considered this year may include the two queries that were sent to Standing Committee from our District Conference last September. Come, Meet Andy! New Business Item 1: Query: Same Sex Weddings. The question being asked of the conference is, How shall districts respond when credentialed ministers and/or congregations conduct or participate in same sex weddings? New Business Item 2: Query: On Earth Peace Reportability/Accountability to Annual Conference. The conference is being asked, to consider if it is the will of Annual Conference for On Earth Peace to remain an agency of the Church of the Brethren with reportability and accountability to Annual Conference. Standing Committee Delegates, John Moyers, Grover Duling, and I plan to be present, as well to share some aspects of the conference. A brief video will be shared with an overview of conference. It should be noted, that Annual Conference is SO MUCH MORE than business decisions. There is 2016 Annual Conference Moderator, Andy Murray absolutely WONDERFUL WORSHIP, as hundreds of voices blend in harmony singing familiar old hymns as well as the refreshing choruses and songs of today. Anointed preaching in several worship services. This year s preachers are, (Top from left)andy Murray, Kurt Borgmann, Dennis Webb, (bottom from left) Dawn Ottoni- Wilhelm, Eric Brubaker. Spontaneous fellowship occurs among folks who may have met for the first time, or those who ve known one another since childhood. Meals are shared and ice cream is always somewhere nearby! Luncheons with programs, insight sessions and there are exhibits that interpret a myriad of ministries and opportunities for all to learn and have opportunities to serve in what are perhaps, new ways. Come to Keyser, May 22, at 2:30 PM and Meet Andy and find out more.
Church Planting Conference May 19-21, 2016 Hosted by Bethany Theological Seminary Richmond, Indiana Dear church planting partner, Are you looking for a spiritually rich and creative space to worship, learn, network, and grow? Would it be helpful to you to be in conversation with other Jesus followers who are exploring new forms of mission, church planting, and shaping community? If so, then be sure to join us for the May 19-21, 2016 new church development conference provided by the Church of the Brethren and hosted at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Indiana. This year's conference will focus on how hope, mission and imagination give rise to new mission communities, transformative churches, and vital congregations. We are blessed with the returning leadership of Efrem Smith from World Impact, and a new experience with Mandy Smith, pastor of the University Christian Church in Cincinnati. Once again we will be offering support for Spanish speakers through a Spanish language track and translation throughout the event. This conference (our eighth!) and other efforts to support new church planting do make a difference! Since 2008 over 35 new projects, fellowships and congregations have been established! Our goal is to see at least 250 emerge by the end of this decade. It is a modest goal, but one that we feel God is calling us to reach toward. We're expecting 125 participants for this year s conference, with a challenge goal of 150! Why not join us, to add your voice and energy to this great mission work? Won t you come alongside others with a heart for evangelism, outreach, service, and disciplemaking for three days of prayerful and Spirit-filled engagement? Early registration is available through April 15 with a special rate for first time attendees at $99.00 and for those of you returning at $119.00. On April 16 all registration rates will be the regular rate of $129.00, so don t delay. Register today at www.brethren.org/churchplanting/events.html! (note: this year attendees are responsible for their own housing. Conference rooms are available at reduced rates, but reservations must be made directly with the hotel. Hotel information is available on the website) Thank you for your partnership and I look forward to seeing you in May. In Christ's Peace, Jonathan Shively, executive director Congregational Life Ministries 1451 Dundee Ave, Elgin, IL 60120 1-800-323-8039, x303
A TIME OF Refreshing For All Who Minister Ministers and spouses are encouraged to attend a special dinner at 6:30 PM Friday, May 6 th at the Oak Park Church of the Brethren Family Life Center. Special Music is to be shared by Brenda Harvey, of the Pine Grove Congregation in the Swallow Falls area of Garrett County Maryland. Brenda also serves as Administrative Assistant for the West Marva District in the Office in Oakland. Pastor Junius Lewis serves as Pastor of Suncrest United Methodist Church in Morgantown WV. As a WVU student (1975-79), he was an outstanding basketball player. He later played professional basketball in France. He has been blessed to have more than 30 fruitful years serving the Lord. His passion is to see people reach their potential and become the best at what God has called them to. A phrase he often shares is potential is only good if you use it; use yours in the service of others and you will succeed." He desires to see the Body of Christ come into maturity and serve the Lord with joy and gladness. He is married to Rebecca, who works at the Department of Justice and is a substitute teacher for Monongalia County schools. They are the parents of Junele, Junius III, and Jonathan and the grandparents of Aaron. Churches are encouraged to send their pastor and spouse as guests of their congregation. For Additional Information Contact the West Marva District Office 301-334-9270 or wmarva@verizon.net
Registration form for Ministers and Spouses Dinner May 6, 2016 at the Oak Park Church - 6:30 p.m. The cost (which we encourage the minister s congregation to pay) is $15.00 each or $25.00 for a couple. The menu for the buffet, which is being catered by Fred and Marge Roy, is to be: Baked steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, cole slaw, rolls and butter, coffee, tea or lemonade. Desserts will also be provided. Name Church Address Phone Number Single $15.00 Couple $25.00 Make checks payable to West Marva District, 384 Dennett Road, Oakland, MD 21550 Please return to District Office by April 29, 2016 **************************************************************************** Annual Conference 2016 June 29 July 3 Greensboro, NC Koury Convention Center and Sheraton Hotel The 2016 Annual Conference theme is Carry the Light. Program and Arrangements Committee is inviting all congregations to send creative pictures of different ministries from your church the choir, the youth activities, mission work, fundraising events, fellowship, etc. that show how your congregation carries the light of Christ. We would like to develop a congregational collage that will be displayed on the video screens in the main hall before and after gathering for worship and business. Brother David Sollenberger will use his creativity to develop the collage. We are requesting no more than ten (10) pictures in jpeg format. If would be good if one of them could be your church building. If you use a phone or tablet, the format might be different, but we encourage you to send them as jpeg files, if possible, and make sure they are clear and are your best set. This might make a good project for your youth or others in your congregation interested in media. These pictures can be emailed to accob2016@gmail.com with the subject as Collage and [the name of your congregation.] Please send them no later than May 15, 2016.
A MESSAGE FROM THE STAGGS FAMILY On March 17, 2016, around 11:45 p.m. our lives were forever changed. We were awakened by our neighbors banging on our door that Kevin s mom and dad s house was on fire. As most of you already know, Kevin lost his mom and his dad, me my mother-in-law and father-in-law, and Logan his grandparents due to the fire. While our hearts are broken, we have a peace in knowing that Dutch and Rosie are in heaven where there is no more pain, no more sorrow and no more tears. A few weeks prior to their passing, Rosie mentioned to a friend that she hoped that she and Dutch could pass together. We know that one could not have survived here on earth without the other. Dutch and Rosie were almost always together here on this earth, so we also find peace in knowing that they walked through Heaven s gates together. God has been with us through this time of sorrow by sending us you, our family and friends, who have sent thoughts, prayers, cards, flowers, visits, phone calls, messages, food, and the list could go on with the love and kindness that we have seen in the past two weeks. We have received cards from individuals and cards from many of the churches in our district. Thank you cannot even begin to express our gratitude for your thoughtfulness. We ask that you share this note with your church to express our thanks to them. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Kevin, Petula and Logan Staggs
Allocation Report January 1, 2016 March 31, 2016 Church Allocation YTD Giving Church Allocation YTD Giving Asher Glade $ 2,500.00 $ 2,693.19 Pine Grove $ 1,600.00 $ 1,600.00 Bean Settlement Peasant Hill Bear Creek $ 4,500.00 Pleasant Valley Beaver Run $ 2,592.00 $ 648.00 Red Creek/Bethel $ 1,000.00 Bethel $ 5,000.00 $ 5,000.00 Romney $ 600.00 Bethesda $ 400.00 $ 100.00 Salem $ 3,300.00 $ 825.00 Bowden $ 200.00 Shady Grove $ 500.00 Brake $ 2,000.00 $ 5,000.00 Shiloh $ 3,235.00 Brick $ 250.00 $ 250.00 South Mill Creek $ 1,300.00 Brookside $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 Sugarland Capon Chapel Sunnyside $ 1,500.00 Cherry Grove $ 2,500.00 Tearcoat $ 250.00 $ 250.00 Clifton Mills Terra Alta/Whitedale Danville $ 1,200.00 $ 1,200.00 Valley River Elkins $ 600.00 $ 600.00 Walnut Grove Fairview $ 1,500.00 Westernport Frostburg White Pine Georges Creek $ 75.00 Wiley Ford $ 1,750.00 Glady Gortner Union Totals $ 75,402.00 $ 37,938.19 Hanging Rock Harman $ 4,000.00 Harmony Harness Run $ 122.00 Harpers Chapel $ 100.00 Hazelton $ 225.00 Jordan Run $ 250.00 $ 250.00 Kelley Chapel $ 2,400.00 $ 2,400.00 Keyser $ 1,500.00 $ 375.00 Knobley Laughlin $ 400.00 Laurel Glen $ 500.00 Livingstone Locust Grove $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 Maple Spring $ 7,000.00 $ 1,750.00 Moorefield $ 1,000.00 Morgantown $ 250.00 Mount Zion Mountain Dale $ 500.00 Oak Dale $ 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00 Oak Grove, MD $ 3,000.00 Oak Park $ 10,000.00 $ 2,500.00 Old Furnace $ 2,000.00 $ 500.00 Onego $ 400.00 Petersburg $ 1,200.00 $ 1,200.00
ATTENTION ALL ORDAINED MINISTERS CEU REQUEST FORM NAME DATE This form is designed to assist pastors in requesting CEU credit for their participation in a variety of activities. Below is a list of activities that have been preapproved by the District Ministerial Leadership Team. If you participate in any of these, please send a copy of this form along with the documentation noted in that section to the District Office. It will be recorded in a database which is very beneficial when it comes time for the 5 year ordination renewal. TYPE OF REQUEST Ministry Related Class CEUs will vary depending on contact hours for class Please include a copy of the certificate as well as the schedule or syllabus explaining what was covered in the class and the total number of hours the class was held Most classes sponsored by hospitals, churches, or colleges are eligible for CEU/CEEs. A certificate of completion needs to be submitted and must include the date and the number of contact hours for the class. Please note that the number of CEU/CEEs awarded is based on contact hours and will not always agree with the number of CEUs a particular agency awards Annual Conference 1 CEU Limited to one time in the 5 year ordination cycle To receive credit the pastor must attend business meetings at conference. Additional credit can be received for attending insight sessions with the appropriate documentation from the class. District Board Work 0.3 CEU per year. To receive the CEU the pastor must have attended 75% of all board meetings and all commission meetings.) If the pastor meets the criteria all three years, the third year will be issued at 0.4 CEUs to give the equivalent of 1 full CEU for 3 years of active service. District Leadership- ie Moderator/Moderator Elect 0.4 CEU per year To receive credit the person must attend 75% of the meetings that the person is listed as a member or ex-officio member of. Counselor or Pastor in Residence at Camp Hope, Camp Galilee or other Brethren Christian Camp 1 CEU for full week; 0.4 for partial week (ie Primary Camp) This is limited to one time in the 5 year ordination cycle To receive credit the pastor must lead at least one Bible Study and one other service during the week. CAMP DATES ATTENDED CAMP DIRECTOR SERVICES LEAD (Continued )
Week Long Mission Trip 1 CEU This is limited to one time in the 5 year ordination cycle LOCATION OF MISSION TRIP DATES CHURCH/GROUP ATTENDED WITH Attendance at Ministry Training Program 0.4 CEU for each session To receive credit the pastor must complete the reading assignments for the class and attend the full session from 2-6:15pm 0.6 CEU will be awarded if the pastor completes the written assignments as well Biblical or Ministerial College Course CEU s vary as described below 5 CEUs will be awarded for a 3 credit class completed with proof of a passing grade 3 CEUs will be awarded for a 3 credit class completed with verification of attendance at each class session. Book Reports CEU s vary as described below The book must be related to one of the 8 areas of ministry as given in the CEU guidelines. After reading the book, the pastor must write a brief outline of the chapters, and write a paper explaining what they got out of the book and how it will be helpful to them. 0.25 CEU s/100 page book will be granted upon completion of the paperwork. Pastors are encouraged to check with the commission if they are unsure whether or not a book would be qualified for use to obtain CEUs. OTHER CLASSES CEU will vary as described below The denomination allows some of your CEUs to be in a category which they describe as General Enrichment. They describe this category as follows: The opportunities are unlimited and could include things like healthcare, the arts, mechanical endeavors, development of skills in a sporting interest, a science project, etc. OTHER If there is some other academic work you have completed, or some experience you have had related to your ministerial duties, you can submit the information to determine if it is approved for CEU credit. The final decision will be made by the Ministerial Leadership Team. Please include the date(s), times, and a description of the experience or activity so the MLT can have the necessary information to make a decision. ************************************************************************************************************************** To be completed by Ministerial Leadership Team or Appropriate Representative Pastor Name # CEUs Approved Signature of MLT Representative (if not a class or activity that is preapproved
Church of the Brethren NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION West Marva District Office U. S. POSTAGE 384 Dennett Road PAID Oakland, MD 21550 OAKLAND, MD May 2016 Issue PERMIT NO. 68 Address Service Requested IN GOD WE TRUST UPCOMING EVENTS April 8-9 Youth Roundtable, Bridgewater College 9 Peacemaker Workshop, Westernport 16 Decade of Discipleship Workshop, Moorefield 17 Decade of Discipleship Workshop, Oak Park 23 Peacemaker Workshop, Westernport May 6 Ministers and Spouse Banquet, Oak Park COB 11 District Women s Spring Rally, Walnut Grove Church 22 Meet the Moderator (Annual Conference) Keyser Church 30 Office Closed Memorial Day June 4 District Mission and Ministry Board meeting Brick COB 7 Senior Citizen s Camp at Camp Galilee