Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Friday, December 01, 2006
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Generation Gap
Generation Gap
Not willing to share the spotlight, the next NOAC will happen in 2008 and again in 2009 where it will begin a biennial pattern. The new schedule will eliminate the conference occurring on the same years as National Youth Conference. NOAC also added, "NYC never visits, they never write, they don't even call. Kids these days... just wait until they have kids of their own." Not surprisingly, NOAC has no plans to establish a presence on MySpace.
Not willing to share the spotlight, the next NOAC will happen in 2008 and again in 2009 where it will begin a biennial pattern. The new schedule will eliminate the conference occurring on the same years as National Youth Conference. NOAC also added, "NYC never visits, they never write, they don't even call. Kids these days... just wait until they have kids of their own." Not surprisingly, NOAC has no plans to establish a presence on MySpace.
Friday, October 20, 2006
GB Purport
General Bored Purport
Meeting for the first time since 2004, the General Bored may conduct business this weekend as they gather at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Illinois.
Meeting for the first time since 2004, the General Bored may conduct business this weekend as they gather at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Illinois.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Bingo October 2006
Buzzword Bingo
It's time again for the General Bored Meetings. Take along Buzzword Bingo.
If you're not happy with the sheet that you're initially presented, click Reload until you get a card that looks like a winner.
It's time again for the General Bored Meetings. Take along Buzzword Bingo.
If you're not happy with the sheet that you're initially presented, click Reload until you get a card that looks like a winner.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Second Coming Clothing
One of the growing concerns that comes to serious followers of Christ, is the increasing evidence of immodesty in dress. However, not every Chirstian clothier has the same concerns. One company's mission is not focused on modesty but, instead, it is to spread the Gospel in the "Great Commission" by focusing the attention of the world on Jesus Christ. Meanwhile, another company makes products that feature a one-of-a-kind pattern designed with a meaningful Christian concept. Intertwined to form this unique pattern are five symbols Christianity: the Cross, the fish, the ark, the dove and the olive branch. And being 100% American made, they couldn't possibly be any more Christian.
One of the growing concerns that comes to serious followers of Christ, is the increasing evidence of immodesty in dress. However, not every Chirstian clothier has the same concerns. One company's mission is not focused on modesty but, instead, it is to spread the Gospel in the "Great Commission" by focusing the attention of the world on Jesus Christ. Meanwhile, another company makes products that feature a one-of-a-kind pattern designed with a meaningful Christian concept. Intertwined to form this unique pattern are five symbols Christianity: the Cross, the fish, the ark, the dove and the olive branch. And being 100% American made, they couldn't possibly be any more Christian.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Seven Deadly Sins
Lest we forget, the 7 deadly sins are not Sleepy, Grumpy, Happy, Sneezy, Bashful, Doc and Dopey.
Lest we forget, the 7 deadly sins are not Sleepy, Grumpy, Happy, Sneezy, Bashful, Doc and Dopey.
New Software Helps With Stewardship Drives
It's that time of year. The air gets chilly, the leaves begin to change colors, and sermons focus on the topic of stewardship. Churches everywhere are gearing up for that annual tradition; the stewardship drive. While the goal is a budget and the pledges to support it, the pathways to get there are myriad. Now churches can add one more tool to their bag of tricks. A new software application offers the promise of raising funds for your cause.
It's that time of year. The air gets chilly, the leaves begin to change colors, and sermons focus on the topic of stewardship. Churches everywhere are gearing up for that annual tradition; the stewardship drive. While the goal is a budget and the pledges to support it, the pathways to get there are myriad. Now churches can add one more tool to their bag of tricks. A new software application offers the promise of raising funds for your cause.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Brethren Art Treasure Recovered
A new ad campaign launched by the owner of the Wilbur Bud brand aims to make eating dark chocolate a scream.
Shortly after the candy company offered 2 million dark chocolate Wilbur Buds for the return of "Beahm Scream," a painting by Edvard Munch, "Beahm Scream" and "Madonna" have been found. "We are 100% certain they are the originals. The damage was much less than feared," police said. The paintings had been missing since two armed men ripped them from the wall and threatened staff at the Munch Museum in the Norwegian capital in August 2004.The candy campaign accompanies the permanent addition of dark chocolate candies to the Wilbur Bud product line, which was announced earlier this month.
"We've received tremendous interest from Brethren to make Wilbur Buds Dark Chocolate a permanent offering," a vice president of marketing at the company said in a statement.
The campaign aims to bring some fun into the dark chocolate category, which is perceived to be more serious.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Youth Future
Our Youth Are the Future of the Church
The 38th annual Southeastern District Conference, cleverly scheduled on July 28-30, was led by moderator Jim Hoffman on the theme, "Mostly Together in God's Presence." Emphasising that the youth are the future of the church, but not the present, a total of 94 delegates represented 27 congregations, and a total of 167 adults were in attendance while youth and leaders who were returning home from National Youth Conference in Colorado.
A time was held during the business to have small group discussions as part of the denominational study process Mostly Together: Conversations on Being the Church. Discussion focused on the question, "What does it mean to be the church today?" This was a very productive time of conversation, co-executive minister Martha Roudebush reported. Saturday night's insight session provided leadership training for individuals to lead their congregations in this conversation.
Roudebush said that the district faced a "productive" situation this year. "The parliamentarian was at National Youth Conference," she said, "and the moderator-elect was also at NYC."
The 38th annual Southeastern District Conference, cleverly scheduled on July 28-30, was led by moderator Jim Hoffman on the theme, "Mostly Together in God's Presence." Emphasising that the youth are the future of the church, but not the present, a total of 94 delegates represented 27 congregations, and a total of 167 adults were in attendance while youth and leaders who were returning home from National Youth Conference in Colorado.
A time was held during the business to have small group discussions as part of the denominational study process Mostly Together: Conversations on Being the Church. Discussion focused on the question, "What does it mean to be the church today?" This was a very productive time of conversation, co-executive minister Martha Roudebush reported. Saturday night's insight session provided leadership training for individuals to lead their congregations in this conversation.
Roudebush said that the district faced a "productive" situation this year. "The parliamentarian was at National Youth Conference," she said, "and the moderator-elect was also at NYC."
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Come and Dance
Come and Dance
As youth across the denomination are receiving their NYC DVD's, the Youth and Young Adult Ministries office would like them to know that National Youth Conference will also be available in other media.
Just released this week, NYC: Patio Dance Revolution is a video game that is available for several systems including the X-Box and Sony Playstation.
As youth across the denomination are receiving their NYC DVD's, the Youth and Young Adult Ministries office would like them to know that National Youth Conference will also be available in other media.Just released this week, NYC: Patio Dance Revolution is a video game that is available for several systems including the X-Box and Sony Playstation.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Bingo 2006 June
Buzzword Bingo
Bored of Annual Conference business sessions? Take along Buzzword Bingo.
If you're not happy with the sheet that you're initially presented, click Reload until you get a card that looks like a winner.
Bored of Annual Conference business sessions? Take along Buzzword Bingo.
If you're not happy with the sheet that you're initially presented, click Reload until you get a card that looks like a winner.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Product Placement
In a bold marketing move, the Church of the Brethren has entered the world of product placement.
In exchange for an unspecified sum, Blue Bunny is featured prominantly on the cover of the June Messenger magazine. The General Board's hope is that this new revenue stream will not only help Messenger to improve production quality and possibly increase staff while keeping rates low but that additional income through product placement will bolster other General Board program as well. Not ones to look a cash cow in the mouth, other Brethren agencies are also expected to dip their feet in the product placement pool. This summer, alert conference goers will spot product placements in presentations by ABC and the Annual Conference Office as well as the Live Report.
In a bold marketing move, the Church of the Brethren has entered the world of product placement. In exchange for an unspecified sum, Blue Bunny is featured prominantly on the cover of the June Messenger magazine. The General Board's hope is that this new revenue stream will not only help Messenger to improve production quality and possibly increase staff while keeping rates low but that additional income through product placement will bolster other General Board program as well. Not ones to look a cash cow in the mouth, other Brethren agencies are also expected to dip their feet in the product placement pool. This summer, alert conference goers will spot product placements in presentations by ABC and the Annual Conference Office as well as the Live Report.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Behind the Veil of Secrecy
Not unlike the DaVinci Code, it appears that the Church of the Brethren has it's own links to mystery and conspiracy.
Not unlike the DaVinci Code, it appears that the Church of the Brethren has it's own links to mystery and conspiracy.
Just what part did the Presbyterians play in the faking of Elvis’ death (Rev. Giles Card denies any knowledge, but what do you expect him to say?) How much did the Church of the Brethren know before 9/11? What part did the Assembly of God play in the Kennedy assassination? Why did a group of Lutherans suddenly change their minds and not board the Titanic?
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Is You Is, or Is You Ain't?
A new workshop has been added to the list of those to be offered at this summer’s Youth Jesus Conference. “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t Church of the Brethren?” will be offered to help youth attending YJC to be better able to explain the denomination to others and identify how the Church of the Brethren differs from other denominations. Led by Phil McGraw, the workshop will compare and contrast the Church of the Brethren to the other historic peace churches, many mainline denominations, as well as with some lesser known sects and cults.
A new workshop has been added to the list of those to be offered at this summer’s Youth Jesus Conference. “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t Church of the Brethren?” will be offered to help youth attending YJC to be better able to explain the denomination to others and identify how the Church of the Brethren differs from other denominations. Led by Phil McGraw, the workshop will compare and contrast the Church of the Brethren to the other historic peace churches, many mainline denominations, as well as with some lesser known sects and cults.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Where's Merlyn?
While Jim Hardenbrook begins interim work for the Church of the Brethren's Sudan Initiative, long-time Management Consultant and Development Advisor Merlyn Kettering appears to have inconspicuously left the fold of General Board employement. Along with the Kenyan government, one can't help but wonder these days... where's Merlyn?
While Jim Hardenbrook begins interim work for the Church of the Brethren's Sudan Initiative, long-time Management Consultant and Development Advisor Merlyn Kettering appears to have inconspicuously left the fold of General Board employement. Along with the Kenyan government, one can't help but wonder these days... where's Merlyn?
Saturday, May 13, 2006
BVS for Life
Ruined For Life
Brethren Volunteer Service announced today that Johnny Lechner, a long-time student who has no long-term career plans, has decided to apply for a volunteer position once he graduates. BVS hopes that his tour of service will be a long and productive one; the organization feels that his involvment in the program will also serve as an endorsement which will bring in many more candidates.
Brethren Volunteer Service announced today that Johnny Lechner, a long-time student who has no long-term career plans, has decided to apply for a volunteer position once he graduates. BVS hopes that his tour of service will be a long and productive one; the organization feels that his involvment in the program will also serve as an endorsement which will bring in many more candidates.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
DaVinciCode
DaVeni DaVedi DaVinci
As a True Christian™ whose amber-paneled prayer room contains only King James Bibles, I must admit that I initially found reading an entire work from start to finish (instead of cherry picking the sentences most suitable for needle-pointing onto throw pillows) a revolutionary, and potentially dangerous, approach to understanding a book. ...Read the full review.
As a True Christian™ whose amber-paneled prayer room contains only King James Bibles, I must admit that I initially found reading an entire work from start to finish (instead of cherry picking the sentences most suitable for needle-pointing onto throw pillows) a revolutionary, and potentially dangerous, approach to understanding a book. ...Read the full review.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Counting The Cost
Count Well the Cost
While many Brethren are known for their environmentally conscious view we are more widely know for our frugality and tight purse strings. Just look at the Annual Conference FAQ page and you'll note that most of the frequently asked questions deal with keeping costs low. But now, whether you think “eco” means “ecology” or “economy”, there’s an eco-webpage for Brethren traveling to Annual Conference this summer. However, keep checking back. Although Annual Conference is just a few scant months away, construction may cause travel delays.
While many Brethren are known for their environmentally conscious view we are more widely know for our frugality and tight purse strings. Just look at the Annual Conference FAQ page and you'll note that most of the frequently asked questions deal with keeping costs low. But now, whether you think “eco” means “ecology” or “economy”, there’s an eco-webpage for Brethren traveling to Annual Conference this summer. However, keep checking back. Although Annual Conference is just a few scant months away, construction may cause travel delays.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Holy Kiss
Bethany Celebrations
Celebrations are being planned at Bethany Theological Seminary in order to both honor retiring president Gene Roop and to ring in the seminary's new logo and identity. The Bethany board officially unveiled the new logo at its recent meetings. This is the first design change since 1963, when the previous logo was created to mark the seminary’s move to its former Oak Brook (Ill.) location.
Along with remembering the highlights of Roop's career, the celebrations will also include performances by the Christian tribute band, "The Rolling Stones (away from the tomb)," along with the premiere of the independent film "The Relocation Horror Picture Show."
President Roop describes the new logo as evocative. “It has features that are clear and confessional and others less tangible, inviting imagination and wonder. It serves as an invitation to join our community, which features both of those dimensions.”
“Consistent with Bethany’s mission to educate witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the cross is prominent at the center of the logo, arising from baptismal waters and rehearsed in the practice of foot washing, both important worship practices in the Church of the Brethren,” said a release from the seminary. “The bottom perimeter of the symbol suggests lips and water. The lips represents the holy kiss. At the bottom of the waters is a fish, the symbol early Christians used to express their commitment to Jesus Christ, the son of God. Atop the waters is a form which lends itself to several symbolic possibilities. As a book, it denotes both Bethany’s biblical foundation and striving for academic excellence. As a dove, the lines lift up both the dove of divine presence at baptism and the dove of peace, representing one of the living testimonies of the Church of the Brethren.”
Celebrations are being planned at Bethany Theological Seminary in order to both honor retiring president Gene Roop and to ring in the seminary's new logo and identity. The Bethany board officially unveiled the new logo at its recent meetings. This is the first design change since 1963, when the previous logo was created to mark the seminary’s move to its former Oak Brook (Ill.) location.
Along with remembering the highlights of Roop's career, the celebrations will also include performances by the Christian tribute band, "The Rolling Stones (away from the tomb)," along with the premiere of the independent film "The Relocation Horror Picture Show."
President Roop describes the new logo as evocative. “It has features that are clear and confessional and others less tangible, inviting imagination and wonder. It serves as an invitation to join our community, which features both of those dimensions.”
“Consistent with Bethany’s mission to educate witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the cross is prominent at the center of the logo, arising from baptismal waters and rehearsed in the practice of foot washing, both important worship practices in the Church of the Brethren,” said a release from the seminary. “The bottom perimeter of the symbol suggests lips and water. The lips represents the holy kiss. At the bottom of the waters is a fish, the symbol early Christians used to express their commitment to Jesus Christ, the son of God. Atop the waters is a form which lends itself to several symbolic possibilities. As a book, it denotes both Bethany’s biblical foundation and striving for academic excellence. As a dove, the lines lift up both the dove of divine presence at baptism and the dove of peace, representing one of the living testimonies of the Church of the Brethren.”
Monday, March 27, 2006
whiny children
Childcare Options
Childcare will have a new look in Des Moines this year as Annual Conference is gearing up to try something new. With the growing chasm between conservative and progressive Brethren, two childcare options will be offered. Families who pre-register for childcare will receive a survey which will determine into which program the children will be placed. Recent studies have shown that young children show tendencies which are predictive as to what politics will attract them as they mature. With this program, it is hoped that both conservative and progressive children will receive the nurturing that they seek.
Childcare will have a new look in Des Moines this year as Annual Conference is gearing up to try something new. With the growing chasm between conservative and progressive Brethren, two childcare options will be offered. Families who pre-register for childcare will receive a survey which will determine into which program the children will be placed. Recent studies have shown that young children show tendencies which are predictive as to what politics will attract them as they mature. With this program, it is hoped that both conservative and progressive children will receive the nurturing that they seek.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Report From The Stewardship of Properties Committee
Elgin Operations to Shut Down
Notice is being sent out to Church of the Brethren members that day to day operations at the Elgin Headquarters will be halting until further notice. Now that the report from the Stewardship of Properties Committee has been published Elgin staff will be busy unpacking now that their expected move has been cancelled. Once everything is back in place, operations will commence.
Members should also be aware that New Windsor is also non-functional for the time being now that they find that change is not in the offing. Eastern staff are conducting an unpacking of their own.
In related news items, BVSers are poised for an intense dumpster diving effort once it is revealed exactly what assets the General Board will be disposing. And cheating buzzword bingo players everywhere are feeling foolish now that "relocation" never came up.
Notice is being sent out to Church of the Brethren members that day to day operations at the Elgin Headquarters will be halting until further notice. Now that the report from the Stewardship of Properties Committee has been published Elgin staff will be busy unpacking now that their expected move has been cancelled. Once everything is back in place, operations will commence.
Members should also be aware that New Windsor is also non-functional for the time being now that they find that change is not in the offing. Eastern staff are conducting an unpacking of their own.
In related news items, BVSers are poised for an intense dumpster diving effort once it is revealed exactly what assets the General Board will be disposing. And cheating buzzword bingo players everywhere are feeling foolish now that "relocation" never came up.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Bingo 2006 March
Buzzword Bingo
Bored of Board meetings? Take along Buzzword Bingo.
This time, there's an ethical dilemma involved. Do you take the bingo card that you're initially presented? Or do you click Reload until you get a card that includes the word "relocation"?
Bored of Board meetings? Take along Buzzword Bingo.
This time, there's an ethical dilemma involved. Do you take the bingo card that you're initially presented? Or do you click Reload until you get a card that includes the word "relocation"?
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Tempest in a Teacup
Just The Facts
A bit of a tempest in a teacup was brewed when the Dunker Journal posted an allegedly deceptive post about a conference at Manchester. While trusting and unwary surfers may have been misled, the DJ blogger has assured everyone that nothing has been posted but the facts; and perhaps the item was of interest to that blog's readers.
And a wide range of interests it is that the DJ blog caters to. The Lord only knows why DJ surfers are interested in the goings on of the Communist Party of Thailand. But discerning surfers were able to follow the provided links.
Much can be said about what is not said. Then again, another Dunker blogger points out that if it could have been said, then indeed, it was.
You must discern.
A bit of a tempest in a teacup was brewed when the Dunker Journal posted an allegedly deceptive post about a conference at Manchester. While trusting and unwary surfers may have been misled, the DJ blogger has assured everyone that nothing has been posted but the facts; and perhaps the item was of interest to that blog's readers.
And a wide range of interests it is that the DJ blog caters to. The Lord only knows why DJ surfers are interested in the goings on of the Communist Party of Thailand. But discerning surfers were able to follow the provided links.
Much can be said about what is not said. Then again, another Dunker blogger points out that if it could have been said, then indeed, it was.
You must discern.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Dunker INH Beam
Little Man Comes Up Big in Dunking Contest
While Americans across the country were watching the Winter Olympics or American Idol, many Brethren chose not to conform. Instead, they were tuning in to a different contest. Proving himself to be not just a dunker but, indeed, one of the best, Brother Beahm took home the title during the recent NBA All-Star Festivities.
While Americans across the country were watching the Winter Olympics or American Idol, many Brethren chose not to conform. Instead, they were tuning in to a different contest. Proving himself to be not just a dunker but, indeed, one of the best, Brother Beahm took home the title during the recent NBA All-Star Festivities.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Passion Messenger
In This Issue
- Merlyn Kettering: The Brethren Mr. Fixit
- Trade Negotiations: Annual Conference for Sudan Office and a Cartoon Bunny to be Named Later
- WWJD?
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Saturday, January 28, 2006
iCobnook Cookbook
iCob
Introducing the iCob, the mp3 player for plain folk.
Playing Music: Peacefully, Simply, Together
Please check out the Gospel Messenger Store.
Introducing the iCob, the mp3 player for plain folk.
Playing Music: Peacefully, Simply, Together
Please check out the Gospel Messenger Store.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Noffsinger Speech
Speaking at a recent event, Stanley Noffsinger related the following anecdote, "As I was coming in I felt a little tug at my jacket and I looked and there was a little girl maybe 8 or 10 in her first party dress and she said, 'Because of you I want to be General Secretary someday.' And I just - well, that didn't actually happen. Awwww, but it could have."
Speaking at a recent event, Stanley Noffsinger related the following anecdote, "As I was coming in I felt a little tug at my jacket and I looked and there was a little girl maybe 8 or 10 in her first party dress and she said, 'Because of you I want to be General Secretary someday.' And I just - well, that didn't actually happen. Awwww, but it could have."
Saturday, January 14, 2006
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