WEST MARVA DISTRICT MEMO MARCH 2018 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 Don t Miss The Brethren Prayer and Worship Summit planned for this spring in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Theme: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 A REMINDER: YOU are invited to gather in a denomination-wide BRETHREN PRAYER AND WORSHIP SUMMIT at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds, just South of Harrisonburg, VA on Route 11, on April 20-2l, 20l8. ONSITE Check-in and Registration begins at 4pm FRIDAY, April 20. There is no cost to attend this event. Offerings will be received. Most of the leadership for this event are volunteering their time and travel. The following speakers have been invited to focus on the following topics: Julian Rittenhouse (Shenandoah District): Repentance and Confession. Stafford Frederick (Virlina District): Grace and Forgiveness. Joel Billi (President of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN) The Church of the Brethren in Nigeria): Healing and Hope. Lunch on Saturday, is provided IF Your registration is submitted on or before, Tuesday, April 10. You may register online HERE. Reduced prices for Hotel Reservations may be accessed, here: ACCOMMODATIONS. Additionally, the Fairgrounds can accommodate on site RV Campers for $40 per night All Church of the Brethren folks are encouraged to attend, regardless of viewpoint on current issues in the church. This is not a time to argue, debate, or posture for positions A time to be humbled. A time to be challenged. A time to be revived. A time to move forward.
Kendal s Korner S eeking the Peace of the City Nick Miller Kauffman is a 2012 MA graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary. He is a patrol officer with the Goshen, Indiana, police department. - Some people were surprised when I became a police officer. Others those who saw me, as a child, pour chocolate milk into coffee mugs and pretend to write police reports might have seen it coming. But I set that dream aside to pursue my education in peace studies and theology, beginning with a degree in peace studies from Manchester University. Along the way I participated in the antiwar movement during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, mentored juvenile offenders, wrote for Messenger, and worked for a nonviolence training service in California. Needing a job when I arrived at Bethany, I applied with Earlham College Campus Security. This was not a law enforcement role, but through that position I built relationships with law enforcement officers. My interest was rekindled. I then worked as a reserve officer in Goshen for three years, driving up from Richmond on weekends, and finally transitioned into full-time police work in 2015. This journey has left me with an interesting reflection about the word call. It s a word used a lot at Bethany, where people talk about being called to particular areas of ministry. I was always uncomfortable with the word because I didn t feel like I had ever been called anywhere. I didn t go to Bethany because I felt called; I went because I was interested in studying theology. Now I understand a little better. I feel called to be a police officer in that I never doubt that I m doing exactly what I m meant to be doing. No work has made me come alive more than being able to respond to situations in which people have nowhere else to turn. One thing has been consistent in all the areas I ve sought to work: I always knew I was moving towards s service career of some kind. But what Guest Editorial stands out to me now is context. In any other role, I could do a lot of good for those who come through my door. As a police officer, however, I have encounters with people who might never make it through the door. Often those encounters are negative, and sometimes they turn violent. My hope, though, is that by being one of those who enters these tumultuous situations, I can do my part to seek the peace of the city (Jer 29:7). While I can t identify ways that I directly use the content knowledge from my theological education in my current career, it helped lead me here. I took the study of theology and used it in a job working with college students who were engaged in questions of meaning making. There, I learned to go deep, to appreciate and engage with the passions and interests of students, even especially when trying to understand the motives for poor decisions or behavior. And those skills help me as a police officer, because it is always a challenge to humanize people who are at their worst. It s impossible to know if I d be in a similar place without having gone to seminary, but if I had the opportunity to go back and choose not to attend Bethany to spend my time and money on something that would have a clearer payoff I wouldn t. To me, seminary is not just for building the technical competencies required for employment. Seminary is for anyone who wants to engage more deeply with their faith, to really spend some time on meaning making. Those are skills that, no matter my vocation, I am always going to use. - The above article appeared in Wonder & Word, Fall/Winter 2017-18, published by Bethany Theological Seminary. Reprinted with permission.
HUNGRY CHILDREN ISSUE IN WEST MARVA At the recent Mission and Ministry Board meeting, the Mission and Evangelism team took on an emerging issue brought to the attention of the Board. After reaching out for additional information, I submit the following for all Churches to please read, pray about and let us know if your Church is able to help as the letter explains. Thank you for your anticipated time and reflective prayer on this matter. Sheila Gordon 304-257-4540 Although you may find this hard to believe, children who are not getting enough to eat is a real problem throughout our district. Recently teachers from one area shared with a church that many of their high school kids eat lunch at school and then have nothing else to eat until lunch the next day. They come to school hungry which affects their ability to learn and participate. As this church talked with other teachers, they found that this was the case in several schools. We often assume that government assistance provides for these families. But in some cases, food is traded for drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes. The opioid epidemic has created significant changes in family life and structure. Unfortunately it is children who are suffering the most. Although many of the schools have breakfast, lunch, and weekend backpack programs, this is not the case in all schools. As a result some students, especially those at the middle and high school level are not getting enough to eat. Even in those schools that have breakfast and lunch, there are no provisions for the evening. Imagine being a growing teenager and going from the 11:30 lunch at school until the 8:30 breakfast the next morning with nothing to eat. Not just once, but every day of the week. At the recent Mission and Ministry Board Meeting, this issue was raised and discussion occurred on how we could help these children. We believe that the first step is to determine how many churches are willing to provide food for the schools in their area. This would involve purchasing/receiving donations for food items that kids can eat when they arrive at school or grab to take home to have something to eat for the evening meal. The food would need to be simple items that are easy to prepare and require no additional ingredients. Examples would include individual mac and cheese, fruit cups, pudding cups, granola bars, etc. One of the churches in our district is already doing this and would be glad to provide a list of items. If you can provide funding but not purchase the food, we have some people who would be willing to help shop for the food. Once we know how many churches are willing to participate, we can begin contacting schools to see where the need is and if they are willing to allow the churches to bring food in. Given the lateness of the academic year, this would be a program that would start in September with the new school year. Again, at this point we are just asking you to let us know whether or not your church would like to participate. We are NOT asking you to start purchasing/donating food yet. Please contact the District Office at 301-334-9270 or Westmarva@brethren.org and let Brenda know whether or not your church is willing to participate. We would appreciate it very much if you could respond before April 15 th.
A MESSAGE FROM CAMP HOPE Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, CAMP HOPE IS ON A MISSION to provide an outstanding camping experience to approximately 88 campers during the upcoming camping season. In order to do this we need your church's assistance. CAMP HOPE is not just an ordinary summer camp. It provides an opportunity for young people to make new friends, enjoy good meals, play games and most important; learn about the love of Jesus Christ. This is achieved under the leadership of loving, dedicated directors, counselors, and pastors. Many of the campers come from Brethren churches in northern West Virginia. However, the camp is also able to provide this camping experience to unchurched children in neighboring communities. These children would never have the opportunity to attend a summer camp. They come from dysfunctional homes or their families are just not able to afford the cost. Their camp fees are underwritten by Brethren churches in the area through scholarships and donations. The camp is ministering and changing the lives of these children. One camper remarked that he hoped Heaven was like Camp Hope. Campers were gathered around the campfire for the Junior-Junior High Camp. There were 12 campers accepting the Lord, there was crying, joy, excitement and a lot of hugging. All of a sudden I heard a lot of wailing on the other side of the campfire circle. I told one of my counselors to go and see what was happening with the young man. She did and asked me to come over. I came over and took him to the dining hall. He said he knew his brother had just died. I was talking with him, when the phone rang, and it was his stepfather. His mother was at the hospital, so the stepfather was calling. He said his brother had just died, but don t tell him. The stepfather would tell him the next day when camp was over. He went to bed and the next morning, Josh (name has been changed) came to me. His stepfather came and told him, but Josh wanted to stay at camp for one more night. The next morning, he came down to the dining hall and told me he wished God would have spared his brother, but let him (Josh) die instead because he was the bad son. We had another good conversation. About two months later we saw Josh and his mother. We learned that he had accepted the Lord and had already been baptized. What a miracle! God has a plan for each of our lives. LuAnne Poling, Camp Manager CAMP HOPE has a total of three camps in July (Primary, Junior/ Junior High and Youth). Each camp has one special activity appropriate for that age group. These activities consist of swimming for the primary camp at a cost of $150.00 and the other two camps go roller skating which is $85.00 per group. Each camper s fee ranges from $35.00 to $50.00 depending upon the camper s age. When camp is not being held, the camp is available throughout the year for weekend church retreats, church picnics, and family reunions. A work camp also utilizes the camp when it comes into our area to deliver services. CAMP HOPE this year has been hit with financial problems. The cost of operating the camp during the 2017 year far exceeded any previous years. The start-up funds going into 2018 are very limited. We need financial support to be able to continue to offer this experience to all campers who wish to attend. Please prayerfully consider what your church could do to support this vital and ongoing ministry. Your support would be welcome! You may consider a one-time gift, monthly or quarterly gift, or your church might wish to provide a swim or skating night. Please send your donation to Camp Hope % Merinda Clayton at 3514 Mountaineer Road, Phillipi, WV 26416-7560. Not only does the camp need financial help, it needs people who are willing to volunteer their time. It needs counselors, people to help with activities, individuals who will lead worship services, i.e. If you are able to help in any way, it would be greatly appreciated. If you should have any question about the camp or its programs, please feel free to contact Lou Ann Poling, Manager at 304-457-1236. We prayerfully submit these requests to you and faithfully trust that the camp's needs will be met. We believe it is your prayers, your love, and support that keeps Camp Hope in His service. Thank you and God bless! God is in control, Manager, Staff and Trustees of CAMP HOPE
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE SONG NIGHT SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018 CHERRY GROVE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN 7:00 P.M. Pastor and songwriter, Rodney Durst will be sharing the inspiration behind some of the gospel songs that he has written and then he will preform the song. The guest songwriter for the evening will be Sam Coughenour, pastor of the Abundant Life Christian Center in Berlin, Pa. He is the founder of Crimson River Records and has been writing and singing songs for the Lord for years. Everyone is invited to come and join us for this night of inspiration, entertainment and fellowship. There is no cost for the program however a freewill offering will be received. The Cherry Grove Church is located at 3992 Chestnut Ridge Road, Grantsville, MD. For more information contact Rodney Durst at 240-609-6372. CONNECTING OUR CHURCHES & SHARING OUR PAS- SIONS QUESTIONNAIRE Last month Betty Dzubba prepared and shared a questionnaire in our MEMO requesting information about your congregation. We hoped to find out about the passions, the outreach or mission work you are involved in, we may get ideas where we could grow and reach our, and at the same time learn about churches around us. We hope that you will take the time to prayerfully fill out this questionnaire and return it to the District Office by mail (384 Dennett Road, Oakland, MD) or email westmarva@brethren.org LICENSING SERVICE HELD A licensing service was held on Sunday, March 11, 2018 for Thomas Woods, Jr., at the Living Stone Church of the Brethren in Cumberland, MD. Tom was also installed as the Associate Pastor. Please keep Tom, his family and the congregation in your prayers as he begins this new phase in his life.
A Special Night for Those who Minister! West Marva Ministry Family Fellowship Night is planned for, Friday, May 4 th at Moorefield Church of the Brethren, at 6:00 p.m. The Spiritual Growth and Ministerial Leadership Teams are planning a very special night for all ordained ministers, all licensed ministers, and all students who are currently enrolled in the West Marva Ministry Training Program and their families. Meats are being provided, and all are requested to bring a covered dish. Come expecting to enjoy a time of fellowship. Bring your family! Children are welcome, Please make sure that you let us know the number of children you will be bringing when you register as we will try and have some fun activities planned for them. No long sermons allowed! There will be a devotion and special music provided by the Durst Brothers, from the Cherry Grove Church, but the primary focus will be: Fellowship Encouragement Enjoyment in a relaxed and safe setting. Reservations need to be made by calling the District Office, 301.334.9270 or by e-mail, WestMarva@brethren.org, so that arrangements will be appropriate no later than April 20, 2018.
Brethren Disaster Ministries When disasters strike and they surely do What can Brethren Do? A better question is What DO the Brethren DO? Devastating floods, hurricanes, tornados and other disasters DO come What DO we DO? We have a long and strong history of HELPING those impacted by disaster. Our primary FIRST RESPONSE is to provide child care for victims enabling the children to receive loving care and attention. This also allows the parents an opportunity to apply for the necessary government and non-government agencies for relief resources. We are very well known for coming in, NOT AT FIRST, but later and staying for extended periods of time and rebuilding homes for displaced persons. While these two responses are better known, there is a third opportunity that we are able to embrace when circumstances permit. Making facilities available for Emergency Shelters for those immediately impacted and displaced. This is where the story becomes fascinating! In 2012, the Maple Spring Congretation in Eglon, WV, finalized the specific plans for their yet to be built Family Life Center Fast forward to 2016, in the Greensboro NC Annual Conference. Bob Spaid, ordained minister in the Maple Spring congregation attended an Insight Session presented by Brethren Disaster Ministries, staff leader, Jenn Dorsch. She outlined all of the requirements for Emergency Shelter Facilities. Bob was stunned when he realized that the Family Life Center of the Maple Spring congregation, which was still being constructed, already had met ALL of the criteria to be used as a shelter facility. PRAISE THE LORD! Roy Winter is scheduled present a workshop on Brethren Disaster Ministires and more specifically, how the Family Life Center at Maple Spring can be used to provide necessary shelter in time of need. Winter is the Associate Executive Director of Brethren Disaster Ministries, a part of Church of the Brethren Global Mission and Service. His office is in New Windsor, MD. The Maple Spring congregation is hosting the event, under the auspices of the West Marva District Mission and Evangelism Team of the District Mission and Ministry Board. The event is scheduled from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Saturday, May 5. A light lunch is to be served. It will help with lunch planning if persons could call in reservations for the meal to the West Marva District Office, 301.334.9270, by Wednesday, May 2..5 CEU S will be available for this workshop!
WEST MARVA DISTRICT WOMEN S SPRING RALLY MAY 9, 2018 TEARCOAT CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN THEME: Buzzing With the Love of the Lord Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37 NIV TIME: Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., with dismissal at 2:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served during registration. Don t forget that we will also be set up at registration for all of the Gift of the Heart kits: this includes postage on the kits. Make checks payable to Church World Service. PROGRAM: We will be taking a look at scriptures to energize your life based on Thelma Wells book the BuzZ. BEE prepared to join in this interactive program as seven groups will lead us in examining Joy, Purpose, Perseverance, Prayer, Hope, Faith, and how to Bee anxious for nothing when we have the Peace of the Lord. The Tearcoat Church will provide the noon meal. Please call the church at 304-496-7841 with the number attending and please leave your name and phone number just in case we need to reach you or call the District Office 301-334-9270 by May 1, 2018. Please also advise the church if you will need child care prior to the Rally so that they can plan accordingly. CAN T WAIT TO HEAR ALL THE BUZZ AT RALLY!!
SPRING DISTRICT BIBLE STUDY SCHEDULED: FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT The West Marva District Spiritual Growth Team is sponsoring the Fruit of the Spirit Bible Study. Those who attend the Fruit of the Spirit study will examine all nine fruits (Galatians 5:22-23) using numerous Bible verses, group discussion, and questions that might help us understand the true meaning of each fruit. We will examine the life of the Spirit vs. the sinful nature, and the life of Jesus our master example of a life filled with good fruit. Our presenter for this class will be Lucy Webster. The class will be held on May 12, 2018 at the Moorefield Church of the Brethren, from 9:00 4:00 p.m. Come and see how the spirit works in and through believers and how we are to live according to the spirit. To register, please contact the District Office at 301-334-9270 or e-mail them at westmarva@brethren.org no later than May 4, 2018 so we can make sure that we have enough materials. There is no cost for this event. Lunch from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m., it is on your own. There are several restaurants in Moorefield..5 CEU s will be available for this study. KEEP YOUR FORK DESSERT IS ABOUT TO BE SERVED Inglenook Desserts is coming to your kitchen this summer. The cookbook continues the Inglenook tradition of the Church of the Brethren by featuring favorite desserts that have been passed from generation to generation. The recipes have been tested in kitchens across America, and selected for their value, excellence, and simplicity. The success of Inglenook cookbooks has been their appeal to everyday people those who embody the principles of simple living and value good food, tastefully prepared. Now dessert is being served. Brethren Press follows The New Inglenook Cookbook (2013) by publishing Inglenook Desserts. This sweet new cookbook reflects our rich Brethren heritage, bringing together some of the best dessert recipes from across he country. With over 175 recipes it is a simple yet profound way to unite our kitchens around memories and traditions of cooking and eating together. Whether it s in a sprawling farmhouse or a compact urban apartment, Inglenook Desserts will create delicious ending to meals that enrich our lives. Brethren Press is offering generous early-bird discounts off the retail price of $25, to ensure that the cookbook finds its way into your kitchens. For individual copies ordered before April 9, the price will be $21.00 each. If your congregation makes a group order of 10 or more copies before April 9, the price will be $18.00 each. Contact information: Brethren Press at 1-800-441-3712 or www.brethrenpress.com
Focus on Women of West Marva Brethren Bits by Betty Dzubba West Marva Women s Fellowship concluded a project and offered the History of the Women s Fellowship Groups at the October 11, 2017 Rally held at the Westernport Church. It was composed in 2016, written by Nina Mason of the Bean Settlement Church and typed by Tammy Timbrook of the Tear Coat Church. Requests were made over the past few years for women to submit historical information about their Womens Fellowship groups. The following can be found within the pages of the booklet. Photos and names of the ladies who have served as President of the District Women over the years since West Marva became a district are included. Actually, the first president (of West Marva Women) was Myrtle Puffenberger of the Petersburg Memorial Church. She had been in that office since 1951-1967. Other ladies who served were Olive Blough, Margaret Chaney, Phyllis Marsh, Nellie Miller, Betty Wolford, Nina Mason, Barbara Harmon and Brenda Harvey. You learn that groups of Brethren women who met in churches generally were known as Sister Aid Societies but more familiar, Ladies Aid Societies. Later, the ladies were known as Women s Work and since 1959, the name was changed to Women s Fellowship. Most church women it seems did not begin organizing before 1925 only a couple of groups were in existence earlier. Our ladies have participated in collecting the Love Offering for many decades. In fact it has become a major source of income toward the countless outreach projects our women have supported over the years. It is interesting to note the Love Offering began in 1957. Originally, ladies saved at least a penny per day throughout the year, then brought this to the Fall Rally where a cause would be selected and the gifts dedicated. This current booklet lists the fact the West Marva Women s Fellowship Constitution was adopted on October 19, 1968. It is interesting to review the lists showing where the Rally's were held and the attendance (in the 1980 s often there were 130 to 180 ladies attending). Of course, the themes were listed from the programs. Often as many as 35 churches were represented. The Love Gift Offerings are impressive over the years indicating our district ladies are a very caring and sharing group. Along with historical facts about their congregations, we observe the uniqueness of each group. Bean Settlement group has made and sold applebutter, they have an annual fall pancake supper and they are active in attending the Women s Rally twice a year. Beaver Run, the oldest established Church in our district dating back to 1785 has had an active group of women who in the early years have supported the growth of the congregation in the days long before women thought of organizing. During the era of all day Love Feasts when hundreds came together, these ladies prepared foods of proportions that would amaze us today. A really interesting tradition should be mentioned. The Ladies Aid/Women's Fellowship gave newlyweds at Beaver Run, the Inglenook Cook Book for many years. In past years they have made quilts for the district auctions. Beaver Run women have notably, always been very good cooks. Several years ago they had ice cream socials and smorgasbord dinners as fundraisers. They continue to prepare food boxes (including homemade cookies) at Thanksgiving and Christmas for needy families. More recently the ladies sold soup beans and corn bread at the Burlington Apple Harvest weekend, plus their chili suppers. These ladies have their own Emergency Fund. Their main goal is helping in and around the church community such as filling needs locally, donating to Warm the Children, the local after school lunch program, countless bereavement meals, food sales at auctions and blood drives. Also, in the past many of these ladies traveled to New Windsor to volunteer with other district women and to work at the soup kitchen in Washington, DC. The late Frances Ludwick is fondly remembered for working with the Beaver Run group as well as actively serving on the District Women s Cabinet many years. Another highlight of their group was the annual birthday celebration covered dish dinners featuring a table with special cake for every month. Fairview ladies cannot give a certain date when they formed the Ladies Aid Group, but they have been very active for many years. Their projects include sewing, quilting, crocheting and other hand work. Most of the items the ladies group made were donated to a family or someone either in the community or for a needy project in our district. Each year they made applebutter with the help of the men in the congregation. As a reward for all the hard work, Pauline Cooper made homemade biscuits which were spread with tasty apple butter. Other projects included making and selling gallons of soup, homemade noodles and an assortment of candies. Fairview ladies have collected recipes and published several cookbooks over the years. Most of these activities were fundraisers to help with church expenses or maintenance. Sometimes the group meets in each other s homes, in the church basement, or they gather at a local restaurant for food, fun and Christian fellowship. Fairview church was organized in 1885 with 30 members.
Harness Run has records showing September 29, 1953 was the date when Frances Ludwick from neighboring Beaver Run (and a very active lady in the district women s work) came to meet with their pastor, Norman Harsh and the church ladies. Some of the main activities of this group were the making of apple butter and preparing hand pieced quilt like comforts. According to records, apple butter was made in the fall of 1954 and sold for $1.50 gallon. In 1958, eighty gallons were made which sold for the same price. During the winter months the group met in different homes to make comforts for foreign relief to victims of catastrophes, as well as when needed locally. Usually three days each winter were set aside for this, also with covered dish dinners. Some of the men, it should be noted, also helped with the apple butter making and occasionally sometimes with the comfort knotting. Also, in 1958 the first of several food sales were held. Most of the money from this project was given to the building fund for the new church which was started in September 1958. This was to replace the original meeting place, the Harness Run School which was built in 1913 and served as Harness Run Church until the new building project got underway in 1958. Oak Park being one of our younger churches in the district has had a women's group since around 1953 or 1954. Brethren pioneer Rev. Jonas Sines put into motion the establishment of a church at Oakland in the 1940 s. Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Spoerlein made a thorough survey of Brethren families in the area several years later and found sufficient interest to establish a church. During these early days of Oak Park, a women s work group was organized and began to give support in enthusiasm and funds. The first money contribution was a check of $2.00 given by Mrs. W. E. Spoerlein on September 28, 1954. This cancelled check is now kept in the Oak Park archives. A ground breaking service was held in April 1957 and the first meeting in the new church building was on December 19, 1957. In 1966 a new educational unit was dedicated. More changes have added over the years. Tear Coat can trace their beginnings to 1949. A little booklet of mimeographed pages has been kept from this time. Tammy Timbrook who submitted the Tear Coat information which informs us, as the ladies of Yester Year and currently today, the group of women who love and serve the Lord at Tear Coat want to share His gift of Eternal life amongst ourselves, our church and others. Their ministry includes providing funeral meals for those who have lost a loved one; making quilts for victims of fire, making lap robes and bibs for our local Nursing Homes, sponsoring a pancake supper with all the fixings the Friday before Thanksgiving as a fundraiser, and hosting an in-house auction as a fundraiser to help replenish our funds to keep our ministry going. In addition to these activities, they gift their High School graduates, help with local and in-house missions, and provide lunches for auctions. Ladies at Tear Coat meet March through December but do not meet in January and February due to winter weather. They have Bible study with Roll Call being answered with a scripture of our choice. At one time their group had as many as 25 ladies. Today, with women working to help make ends meet, the group is no longer as large as it once was. However few we may be, we can still be mighty together to bring the Love of God to others. Tear Coat was established around 1860 when services were held in homes and in the Shickle Schoolhouse. Also, Love Feasts were held in barns. The original Tear Coat building was built in 1875 after breaking away from the Beaver Run Church. This first church was about one and one half miles east of our present location. The logs were marked and drug by horses to the new location where our building now stands since 1905. Membership then was recorded at about 45. Originally there were two entrance doors, men entered and sat on one side, women on the other side. The ministers table was on the level with the congregation all this in the classical Brethren style. In 1966 major changes occurred in the building, then again in the 1978, 1982 and most recently the Family Life Center in the late 1990 s into early 2000. Many changes have taken place at Tearcoat men, women and children sit together in worship, have plenty of space for classrooms. The church facility now is very spacious including a large floor space for use as social hall and gymnasium to accommodate a Wednesday night program for youth of all ages. (note: The ladies at Tearcoat often graciously invite the West Marva women to hold their spring or fall Women s Rally's in this facility.)
Church of the Brethren NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION West Marva District Office U. S. POSTAGE 384 Dennett Road PAID Oakland, MD 21550 OAKLAND, MD MARCH 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 22:37-40 37 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 28:18-20 18 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 March 30 Office Closed Good Friday April 6-8 Youth Roundtable, Bridgewater College 9-13 District Executive Minister out of office Bethany Seminary 20-21 Prayer Summit, Harrisonburg, VA 21 Inspiration Behind the Song Night, Cherry Grove COB 7:00 p.m. May 4 Ministry Family Fellowship Night, Moorefield COB 5 Brethren Disaster Ministries Workshop, Maple Spring COB Family Life Center 9 District Women s Spring Rally, Tearcoat COB 12 Fruit of the Spirit Bible Study, Moorefield COB