DISTRICT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
“District News and Announcements" is sent to Church of the Brethren members in the Northern Plains District. District Leaders, Commissions, Committees, and those appointed to special ministries are asked to share news and announcements related to their programs and activities. Local churches are encouraged to share invitations to events and news of church activities.
Send information to:
Tim Button-Harrison, District Executive, nplainscob@sprintmail.com
Nancy Davis, Secretary, npofficesecretary@earthlink.net
 | ||||||
Northern Plains District
Continuing the work of Jesus . . . Simply. Peacefully. Together.
Church of the Brethren
News!
PAST NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PAST NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
TOPICS FOR FEBRUARY !9, 2010
1. APPEAL FOR HAITI RELIEF SUPPLIES AND FUNDS
2. PANTHER CREEK SERVING AS KIT COLLECTION CENTER
3. ONEALS SERVING WITH BRETHREN DISASTER MINISTRIES
4. CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR CEDAR RAPIDS BUILD BLITZ
5. DISTRICT BOARD HIGHLIGHTS
6. CHILDREN’S DISASTER SERVICES WORKSHOP IN MINNEAPOLIS
7. NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE UPDATE
8. DES MOINES (STOVER) YOUNG ADULT GROUP
9. FAIRVIEW SPIRITUAL RENEWAL WEEKEND RESCHEDULED
10. PANTHER CREEK INVITATION TO SPECIAL EVENTS
11. SOUTHEAST IOWA CLUSTER NEWS
12. CENTRAL IOWA CLUSTER NEWS
13. NORTHEAST IOWA / SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA CLUSTER NEWS
14. NEWS FROM SISTER CONGREGATIONS - Cedar Rapids, English River, Fairview, Ivester, Open Circle, Panther Creek, Peace, Prairie City, Root River, South Waterloo
15. CAMP PINE LAKE HAPPENINGS
16. INVITATION FROM NEW CHURCH DEVELOPMENT & RENEWAL COMMITTEE
17. ANNUAL CONFERENCE ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 22
18. CALENDAR OF EVENTS
19. DISTRICT STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION
DISTRICT NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – February 19, 2010
“District News and Announcements” is sent to Church of the Brethren members in the Northern Plains District. District Leaders, Commissions, Committees, and those appointed to specials ministries are asked to share information related to their programs and activities. Local churches are also encouraged to share news and invitations. Send information to:
Tim Button-Harrison, District Executive, nplainscob@sprintmail.com
Nancy Davis, Secretary, npofficesecretary@earthlink.net
1. APPEAL FOR HAITI RELIEF SUPPLIES AND FUNDS
The Church of the Brethren is appealing for funds and relief supplies for Haiti earthquake survivors, including Hygiene Kits, Baby Care Kits, Tarps, and a specially designed Family Household Kit. For information on the Church of the Brethren Haiti Response, go to http://www.brethren.org and explore the links under “Haiti Response.” You will find details on kit assembly, a bulletin insert, video clips, and a link for online donations.
2. PANTHER CREEK SERVING AS KIT COLLECTION CENTER
The Panther Creek Church of the Brethren near Adel, IA is serving as our District’s collection center for Church World Service Kits for Haiti relief. Brethren Disaster Ministries will coordinate pick-ups of the kits the first of March and first of April. Panther Creek is planning to assemble 250+ hygiene and school kits in February and March and invites other congregations to match their number in total so that 500+ kits can be delivered in March. The current count is 300+ hygiene kits, 5 baby kits, and 65 school kits. These have come, so far, from Panther Creek, Ivester, Open Circle, Hands of Christ, Root River, Lewiston, and Living Peace. If you have any questions, please contact the Panther Creek church office at 515-993-4096. 3. ONEALS SERVING WITH BRETHREN DISASTER MINISTRIES
On January 14, 2010, the Dallas County Newspaper ran an article on the volunteer work and plans of Alan and Denise Oneal with Brethren Disaster Ministries. The Oneals are members of Panther Creek Church of the Brethren and will serve as site coordinators for the Cedar Rapids Ecumencal Rebuild effort this April and May. To see the article, click here.
4. CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR CEDAR RAPIDS BUILD BLITZ
Brethren Disaster Ministries is starting projects in Cedar Rapids in April. It is called Ecumenical Build Blitz and is in cooperation with several other denominations. The Church of the Brethren has been asked to provide at least 10 volunteers each week. The blitz will last for 6 weeks – April 11 through May 21.I have only heard from a few congregations about the Congregational coordinator I asked for in the District News and Announcements recently. I have mailed each congregation a form called Volunteer Skills assessment. Minimum age of workers is 16 years of age. I would like for each congregation to ask the members who would volunteer to help to place their name on this and what their experience level is. Also someone should be considered a team leader and listed on the top of the form. That would be my contact person. The volunteers of the Church of the Brethren will be housed in the Cedar Rapids Baptist/Brethren Church building. There is sleeping quarters, showers, and a kitchen to prepare meals. The ideal process is to arrive in Cedar Rapids on Sunday evening for orientation work during the daytime for a week and leave for home on either Friday evening or Saturday morning. However if you can’t work for the entire week it can be arranged to work for a shorter time. You will be working with volunteers of other denominations during the day. On Tuesday evenings there will be a fellowship meal at St Wenceslaus Church with all volunteers present. There will be approximately 140 workers. The morning and evening meals will be served in the host Church. Funds are available to help with travel expenses to travel to Cedar Rapids. All meals from Monday morning through Friday evening will be provided as well as lodging at no charge. I am asking each congregation to pick a team leader or congregational co-ordinator and get the skills assessment filled out and send a copy to me as soon as possible. If there are questions, you may e-mail or call me. Richard Williams, District Disaster Coordinator, rlwkmw@iowatelecom.net, 641-667-3862, P.O. Box 145 Ollie IA 52576. 5. DISTRICT BOARD HIGHLIGHTS
The February 5-6 meeting that was scheduled to be held at our Sheldon and Worthington churches was cancelled due to hazardous driving conditions. Instead the Executive Committee met by telephone on February 5 and the Board met by phone on February 6.
During its phone meeting on February 6, the Northern Plains District Board decided to hold its next meeting on April 30-May 1 at the Church on Northland (Cedar Rapids Brethren/Baptist Church) and to devote Saturday to volunteering with the flood rebuilding project. The Board also decided to purchase and begin assembling a District Tool Trailer for use in Brethren Disaster Ministries projects and also for use in special service projects of congregations within our district. Funds for the trailer come from a generous donation from the Mon-Dak Area Committee upon its closure last summer, as well as from the Big Sky congregation (Froid, MT), along with other gifts of churches and individuals. 6. CHILDREN’S DISASTER SERVICES WORKSHOP IN MINNEAPOLIS
Children’s Disaster Services is offering a workshop to train volunteers in Minneapolis on Feb. 26-27. Children’s Disaster Services is a Church of the Brethren ministry working cooperatively with FEMA and the American Red Cross to provide care for children and families following disasters. The program has been meeting the needs of children since 1980. Cost for attending the workshop is $55.
Children’s Disaster Services volunteers provide a calm, safe, and reassuring presence in the midst of the chaos that follows disaster by setting up and operating special child care centers in disaster locations. Parents are then able to apply for assistance and begin to put their lives back together, knowing their children are safe.In recent years, Children’s Disaster Services volunteers spent some 12,000 hours caring for thousands of children affected by flooding and ice storms in the Midwest, Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, the Metrolink train accident in southern California, and California wildfires. A Critical Response Childcare Team provided care for families of airplane crash victims following the crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407 in which 50 people were killed near Buffalo, N.Y.Information learned at the Volunteer Workshop can be beneficial to anyone working with children. The workshop trains participants to understand and respond to children who have experienced a disaster. Designed for people who have a heart and passion for children, the training will help participants recognize and understand the fears and other emotions children experience during and following a disaster. Participants also learn how child-led play and various art mediums can start the healing process. Participants will experience a simulated shelter, sleeping on cots and eating simple meals.Once the training is completed, participants have the opportunity to become a certified Children’s Disaster Services volunteer by providing two personal references and a criminal and sexual offender background check.Although many volunteers are motivated by faith, Children’s Disaster Services Volunteer Workshops are open to anyone over 18 years of age.
The Children’s Disaster Services office may be contacted at cds@brethren.org or 800-451-4407 ext. 5. Go to www.childrensdisasterservices.org for more information about the program.7. NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE UPDATE
The deadline to get a discount registration of $425 for National Youth Conference (NYC) has been extended to March 1. The fee will increase to $450 after that date. This Church of the Brethren conference for senior high youth and adult advisors will be held in Fort Collins, Colo., on July 17-22. Register by logging in to http://www.brethren.org/ and then going to www.brethren.org/nycreg . Questions should be directed to the Youth and Young Adult Office at 2010nyc@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 246. 8. DES MOINES (STOVER) YOUNG ADULT GROUP
The next young adult Bible Study will be on Sunday, March 7 at Stover Church at 4:30 p.m. Amanda Steele will be leading that session. And we will have another young adult Bible Study right after church on Sunday, March 28 at Stover. This will also be a time for us to plan for a worship service we’re organizing near the end of the school year. A pizza movie and game night is also being planned for April 17th.If you are interested in these activities or know of young adults living in the Des Moines area interested in or connected with the Church of the Brethren, please contact Jess Hoffert (jess.hoffert@drake.edu) and/or Barbara Lewczak (bwlewczak@netins.net) 9. FAIRVIEW SPIRITUAL RENEWAL WEEKEND RESCHEDULED
Greetings, Brothers & Sisters. Since this is the Iowa-Witer-That-Won’t-Quit… Fairview has RESCHEDULED our Spiritual Renewal Weekend. Rather that Feb 27-Mar 1, we will happily host David Shumate this fall – OCTOBER 16-18. Thank you for noting the February Date we had publicized earlier… please spread the news of our new date to those in your congregation/district. We hope you can join us in October. Diane Mason (on behalf of Fairview)
10. PANTHER CREEK INVITATION TO SPECIAL EVENTS
April 16, 7:00 p.m., McPherson College Choir, Panther Creek Church of the Brethren. Housing needed for 65+ persons. Cookies needed for after the meal.April 25, 25th Anniversary Panther Creek Handbell Choir Concert, “Handbells and Harmony”, 11:30-1:00 hamballs dinner. 1:30 concert.11. SOUTHEAST IOWA CLUSTER NEWS
The Churches of the Brethren located in Southeast Iowa met together in their “Cluster Meeting” at the Ottumwa Church on Sunday afternoon, January 24, for a time of discerning, discovering, and discussion about spiritual gifts. Diana Lovett of the English River congregation led a process to individually discern God-given strengths and gifts. Participants spent time in scripture discovering how these gifts were used in the early church and also discussed with one another how their gifts can be used in the church today. There was a light carry-in supper and a joint worship service following the afternoon discussions. This process was very helpful to each church member. Church Boards, Deacons, and Nominating Committees were especially encouraged to attend.
12. CENTRAL IOWA CLUSTER NEWS
The pastors of the Central Iowa cluster meet on a monthly basis for professional and spiritual support. This year they have met on January 6 (Stover) and February 10 (Ankeny) and their next meeting is scheduled for March 3 from noon to 3:00 at the Stover Memorial Church of the Brethren in Des Moines.For the past two years the central Iowa churches have held Love Feast together on the first Sunday of October (World Communion Sunday) meeting at the Panora Church in 2009 and the Panther Creek Church in 2010.13. NORTHEAST IOWA / SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA CLUSTER NEWS
The pastors of our congregations Northeast Iowa and Southeast Minnesota gathered at the South Waterloo Church of the Brethren on January 28th. Special thanks to the Women’s Fellowship of South Waterloo for providing the noon meal. The next meeting of this pastors group will be at noon on March 18 at the South Waterloo Church. 14. NEWS FROM SISTER CONGREGATIONS
CEDAR RAPIDS
January 31 is the 3rd Annual Chili Cook Off at the Cedar Rapids church. A prize will be awarded for the “best chili” and the All Church Talent Show will follow the supper.The youth of the Cedar Rapids church enjoyed a ski trip to Afton, MN. The congregation has begun a six week series on “Life on Purpose. An All Church Birthday party is planned for February 28. Their church will host volunteers coming to help rebuild Cedar Rapids following the floods of 2008.
ENGLISH RIVER
Despite the howling winds and zero visibility driving conditions, the Men & Boys Fish Fry at the English River church was well attended. All 100 pounds of ocean perch was cooked and eaten by the ninety people who were there. The entertainment for the evening was two foreign exchange students from the former Soviet Union. The English River youth will be holding a soup supper February 13 to raise funds to finance their trip to National Youth Conference. The congregation is collecting items for Hygiene Kits to be sent to Haiti.FAIRVIEW
After sending a heifer to HPI using the 2008 Quarter Tube, Fairview has gotten it out again and plans to send a “flock of sheep” by Easter in remembrance of the “Lamb of God” from the cradle to the resurrection.
Past Annual Conference moderator, David Shumate, will be the guest speaker at Fairview’s rescheduled Spiritual Renewal weekend – October 16-18. He will be speaking Saturday, Sunday, and Monday on topics from the Sermon on the Mount. Evening worship is at 7:00 each night with Saturday & Monday preceded by supper at 6:00. Sunday morning worship is at 10:45 and a lunch follows. All are invited to come and join in the fellowship and worship.
IVESTER
The Ivester Youth sponsored a Chili Supper to raise funds for their trip to National Youth Conference. They also collected food for “Souper” Bowl Sunday. The Ivester congregation has been asked to be the sponsoring church for a Michael Card concert April 18 which will benefit the Foods Resource Bank. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. and doors open an hour earlier.
The Ivester Congregation reminds Eighteen-year old Conscientious Objectors to War: Do not register on the Internet, but go to the post office and fill out the registration card. Above your signature write “I am opposed to participation in war in any form because of my moral and religious beliefs.” Photo copy the card for your records before mailing. Selective Service microfilms the registration and enters it into the computer. More information can be obtained on the web site www.centeronconscience.orgOPEN CIRCLE (Burnsville, MN)
Two weeks ago we submitted a grant application to the county for monies that have been made available to neighborhoods and organizations to create or expand community gardens. Although we have had a small raised-bed garden for Open Circle folks who need a garden space, this grant would allow us to set aside a larger piece of land for up to 20 plots, fence it in, and install a water line out to it.
The garden would be a community garden: open to church members, neighbors who need a plot of land, and especially those living in nearby and mostly low-income apartments. It would be part of phase two of our effort take out beautiful 2.5 acres of turf lawn and turn it into a church and community asset with wildflower gardens, prairie grasses, the rain garden and a community garden.
The community garden will be a community-run garden. Those who garden there will organize themselves and make decisions about allocation of plots, rules of the garden, etc. The overall landscaping plan with the community garden lay out is available to view online. (From Jay Steele on Open Circle’s February 1 e-Newsletter)
PANTHER CREEK
On Sunday, January 24, Alan & Denise Oneal shared about their experiences in Chalmette, LA during the morning worship service.
Panther Creek youth enjoyed snow tubing and zipfy sledding February 7. A Valentine’s Day Italian Dinner is planned for February 14. Proceeds from the Freewill Offering will help offset the cost of the Panther Creek Retreat in August. A family Game Night is planned for February 27. The congregation is assembling Valentine’s Care Packages for College Students that include cookies, candy, highlighters, “Post-It Notes”, hot chocolate, microwave popcorn and other small items.
PEACE CHURCH (COUNCIL BLUFFS)
There will be a time change for our Easter Sunday Service only. We will have a breakfast at 8:30 a.m. with worship at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome if in the area. (Gary Gahm, Nurture Chair, Peace COB).PRAIRIE CITY
The Prairie City congregation received three new members in December. The church is assembling Hygiene Kits for Haiti. ROOT RIVER
Through their monthly food drive, the Root River congregation donated over 200 pounds of food to their local food pantry in 2009. Their church farm and Ladies Fellowship contributed $1050 to Foods Resource Bank last year. They, too, are working on assembling Hygiene Kits for Haiti.SOUTH WATERLOO
Wednesday night activities continue at the South Waterloo church. A fellowship meal, Kid’s Club, PEP, and Youth Activities round out the evening. A new Sunday School class “Exploring the Christian Faith through the Eyes of the Brethren” – will help participants examine their faith and roots. A Saturday class on Habits of Faith “Spiritual Disciplines” will be led by Pastor Dave will be starting February 20. 15. CAMP PINE LAKE HAPPENINGS
Man vs. Nature River Trip. Camp Pine Lake and Pastor Tim Peter (Prairie City COB) invite men young and old for a weekend trip down the Iowa River. Start Time: 5 p.m., Friday, May 14. End Time: Noon, Sunday, May 16. Ages: All ages, men under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Friday includes dinner, campfire and just time to hang out. Saturday is a full-day trip down the river, concluded with campfire cooking. Fees: $35/person. Register online at www.camppinelake.com or contact camppinelake@heartofiowa.net or (641) 939-5334.
Paint at Camp = $$ for NYC Trip. District youth, their families and friends are invited to help camp paint hail damaged cabins and earn $$ to fund the NYC trip. Anyone who shows up to paint and support the youth Saturday, April 17 will be ‘paid’ hourly for their work. All proceeds will be paid to the District NYC fund. Email camppinelake@heartofiowa.net or call (641) 939-5334 with questions or to RSVP. Lunch provided. Start Time: 9 a.m. End Time: 5 p.m.Camp Work Day - Saturday, May 1. Start Time: 9 a.m. End Time: 5 p.m.Come help camp get ready for the season! A combination of spring cleaning and work projects. Lunch provided. Email camppinelake@heartofiowa.net or call (641) 939-5334 with questions or to RSVP.
Keep up to date by going to http://www.camppinelake.com/news.php
16. INVITATION FROM NEW CHURCH DEVELOPMENT & RENEWAL COMMITTEE
The New Church Development and Renewal Committee would like to invite each church to participate in Plant Generously, Reap Bountifully, the New Church Planting Conference at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Indiana from May 20-22.We challenge each church to send one or more participants and use the information for your specific congregation. Car-pooling can be arranged by contacting members of the New Church Development and Renewal Committee listed below. District funds are available to cover costs of participants. Barbara Lewczak, from the Stover Memorial Church in Des Moines, has attended and offers these insights: “Great fellowship, music, worship, spiritual awakening! Well worth the time and resources! The best 4 days I have experienced as part of the Church of the Brethren!” Marlene Neher attended as part of the past Ivester Pastoral Team. She sates, “The two workshops I attended were very inspiration and uplifting. Our pastoral team came back from the first with several ideas which we used to enhance our worship time at church….if more people attend, possibly more effect and excitement will be generated in the local congregations.”
For information and to register, go to this link or type www.brethren.org/churchplanting in your web address bar. We pray for faith in this journey together. Please contact any one of us with your questions and desire to register for this event.
Barbara Lewczak (bwlewczak@netins.net), Ida VanWeston (vanclan@swwnet.com), Betty Kingery (ljackart@iowatelecom.net), Alice Draper (alicefarms@heartofiowa.net), Lucinda Douglas (nightowl21@q.com), Kim Hill-Smith (khsmith@uswireless.com), Doyle Harper (dharper@shive-hattery.com), Tim Button-Harrison (nplainscob@sprintmail.com), Kathy Mack (kmack@magnaspeed.net).
17. ANNUAL CONFERENCE ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 22
Registration for the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference and Conference housing will open at www.brethren.org/ac this Monday, Feb. 22, at 12 noon (Central time). The 2010 Conference is planned for July 3-7 in Pittsburgh, Pa., with leadership by moderator Shawn Flory Replogle.
To register on Monday after 12 noon (Central time), please go to www.brethren.org/ac Pastors and congregational leaders, please share this information with your church members.
A Conference packet is available online (click here) and may be helpful to have on hand during the registration process. The packet includes schedule and fee information, more about the Conference hotels, details on children's and youth activities, meal events, insight sessions, special speakers, opportunities to earn continuing education credits, and much more.
In order to get your choice of the six Conference hotels, be sure to register immediately on Monday afternoon or evening. Remember that utilizing the hotels in the Annual Conference room block contributes money to the rental costs for the Convention Center and meeting room spaces.
For more information about the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, go to www.cobannualconference.org. (Chris Douglas, Director of the Conference Office)
18. CALENDAR OF EVENTS
February 22, Beginning of online registration for 2010 Annual Conference
February 26-27, Children’s Disaster Services Workshop, Minneapolis
March 1, Deadline for “early bird” registration for National Youth Conference
March 3, Central Iowa Brethren Pastors, noon-3:00, Stover COB
March 7, Young Adult Meeting/Bible Study at Stover Church (Des Moines), 4:30 pm.
March 18, NE IA/ SE MN Pastors meeting at South Waterloo COB, noon
March 22, Day of Prayer for Immigration Reform
March 28, Young Adult Meeting/Bible Study at Stover Church (Des Moines), after worship
April 1, Maundy Thursday – Love Feasts
April 4, Easter
April 9-11, Regional Youth Conference, McPherson College in Kansas
April 12-15, Council of District Executives West Meeting
April 17, Camp Painting Day Fundraiser for National Youth Conference
April 12 – May 21, Cedar Rapids Ecumencial Build Blitz
April 16, McPherson College Choir, Panther Creek COB, 7 p.m.
April 25, 25th Anniversary Panther Creek COB Handbell Choir Concert, “Handbells and Harmony”, 11:30-1:00 hamballs dinner, 1:30 concert.
April 30-May 1, District Board in Cedar Rapids, Ecumenical Build Blitz
May 1, Camp Pine Lake Work Day, 9-5
May 2, Stover COB Music Festival, 4 p.m.
May 14-16, Man vs. Nature River Trip, Camp Pine Lake
May 20-22, Church Planting Conference, Bethany Seminary, Richmond, IN
May 29-31, National Young Adult Conference, Camp Blue Diamond, Petersburg, PA
June 25-27, Young Adult Get-Together at Camp Pine Lake
July 3-7, Annual Conference, Pittsburgh, PA
July 12-16, Junior Youth Camp
July 17-22, National Youth Conference, Ft. Collins, CO
July 23-24, Primary Overnight Camp
July 27-30, Youth Camp
July 30-August 1, District Conference, Camp Pine Lake, Eldora, IA
August 2-6, Middler Camp
September 4-6, All Ages Camp
September 18, Brethren Heritage Day at Camp Pine Lake, Eldora, IA
October 16-18, Fairview COB Renewal Weekend with 2008 COB Moderator David Shumate
---- 2011 ----
July 2-6, Annual Conference, Grand Rapids, MI
---- 2012 ----
July 7-11, Annual Conference, St. Louis, MO
19. DISTRICT STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION
Tim Button-Harrison, District Executive, 1211 Clark Ave., Ames, IA 50010, 641-485-5604, nplainscob@sprintmail.com
Nancy Davis, Office/Financial Secretary, P.O. Box 493, Ankeny, IA 50021, 515-964-4816, npofficesecretary@earthlink.net
Lois Grove, Leadership Development, 6 Grenville St., Council Bluffs, IA 51503, 712-326-8266, grove19@msn.com
Matt and Betsy Kueker, Camp Managers, 23008 W Avenue, Eldora, IA 50627, 641-939-5334, camppinelake@heartofiowa.net
Barbara Lewczak, Camp Program Director, 26505 195th St., Minburn, IA 50167, 515-240-0060, bwlewczak@netins.net
Northern Plains District Website, www.northernplainsdistrict.com/
Camp Pine Lake Website, www.camppinelake.com
Church of the Brethren Website, www.brethren.org
