eBrethren, March 27, 2014

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March 27, 2014 Sign up by April 1 to lend a hand! Click here. CONTENTS Respond Plant generously Calling out gifts “God calls us to follow Jesus’ example and be fearless in our living, our giving, and our service.”Photo by Mike Lantzy www.brethren.org/givingmag RespondAdapted from “God’s First Responders” by Michelle Cobb. Every day our attention is grabbed by news stories of public servants who respond to emergencies. They are known by their well-recognized garb: hats, boots, and coats that identify these persons as first responders in times of great need. In the local church community, we also have the opportunity to be first responders—of a different kind. God’s generosity was revealed when God gave the world Jesus Christ, who expressed the ultimate depth of God’s generosity. In turn, God calls us to follow Jesus’ example and be fearless in our living, our giving, and our service. The local church community is a perfect place for cultivating an attitude and practice of generosity. It is the place where we are taught what it means to be stewards of all that we have, and how to offer the time, spiritual gifts, skills, and finances with which we have been entrusted. When the soil of the heart is fully responsive to the message of God’s generosity, the result is abundant, fearless living (Mark 4:8). Fearless disciples who live their lives with this belief create fearless and generous congregations. God also works through us to reveal God’s generosity to others. Paul reminds us that we “cannot begin to think or imagine” how this God in whom we trust will work through us and through the church to accomplish God’s will in the world (Eph.3:20). So let us live, give, and serve fearlessly as God’s first responders. May we be easily recognized as carriers of God’s grace-filled generosity in a hurting world. Michelle Cobb is a district superintendent for the United Methodist Church. This story was published in full in the most recent edition of Giving magazine, a timeless resource produced by the Ecumenical Stewardship Center and distributed by the Church of the Brethren. Order complimentary copies of past issues at www.brethren.org/givingmag , and watch your church mailbox for the 2014 edition, coming in April! Forward to a friend Back to top Find worship resources for National Youth Sunday atwww.brethren.org/youthsunday . Plant generously “God who is of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all; we thank you for what you have given us. Please move in our midst and remind us of what we can do through this journey together. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.” National Youth Sunday is May 4. This prayer written by Zander Willoughby is from a full set of worship resources atwww.brethren.org/youthsunday . Forward to a friend Back to top www.brethren.org/messenger “To really do the work that Christ calls us to do, means calling out the gifts in each of us. You know, the priesthood of all. That’s my hope, that’s my dream, that’s my vision for what it is to serve.” —Mary Jo Flory-Steury in “Women in ministry: checking the climate"in the most recent issue of Messenger magazine . See something you like?  Share eBrethren with your friends!   Watch for our next issue on April 10, 2014. Do you have a story about how you and your congregation practice stewardship? E-mail it to ebrethren@brethren.org ! eBrethren: Stories of Brethren Stewards, is produced every other week by the Church of the Brethren donor communications team.

Minute for Mission, March 25, 2014

"That is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” —2 Corinthians 5:19-20
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Minute for Mission  Issue 20 March 25, 2014   Life change Thomas Lauer recently led a group to serve in the Haitian city of Cap-Haitien. He reflects on the group's experience: From February 1-8, a team of 23 people traveled to Haiti on a short-term mission trip. The trip was arranged and facilitated by the New Fairview Church of the Brethren in York, Pennsylvania, yet there were at least five denominations represented among our group. I know of no other experience that touches lives so deeply. Through the mission experience and the work of the Holy Spirit, there is dramatic and dynamic life change. After a week in Haiti, people are so excited to tell the stories of the trip, the relationships that developed, and the ways their eyes have been opened that I can only simply say, "Praise God!" I believe the church in the United States is so isolated, comfortable, and wealthy that it is nearly impossible to break through and connect the church with God’s heart for his people in all other places and situations. We are ignorant of the great need and sadly comfortable in our ignorance. A trip like this removes the isolation and lands people next to brothers and sisters who live out their faith daily in their struggle, literally, to survive. Sharing in the reality of the struggle, poverty, and marginal life, our unknowing becomes understanding and our comfort at home becomes unexpectedly very uncomfortable. We are immediately aware that neither we nor they decided where to be born or what situations we would experience as a normal life. The disparity is shocking, and even after days of rationalization, it is unexplainable. Here in their hometown, in their neighborhood, in their church, we are in their lives, and here God connects His overwhelming love for the oppressed with our hearts and our lives. It is life-changing! The Cap-Haitien congregation had purchased a property with a building that had been used for residences—this needed to be converted to a worship center. We also led three days of vacation Bible school for local children. A work project always draws many spectators, and this provides a great outreach opportunity to the community from the local church. On the second day of work, there were over 200 children taking part in the activities. From an American sense, we had a very successful work project. We did far more than anyone expected or imagined, and I suppose that's good. I know some people believe that is the full measure of the trip: "What needed to be done?" and "Did we get it done?" That answer is a resounding yes! I am convinced, however, that that measure is a narrow view of the purpose, and I personally measure success in terms of engagement of the local brothers and sisters through one-on-one interactions and relationships as well as mutual worship. Again, I say, "Praise God!" By each of these measures this trip was by far the most successful I have ever participated in. The congregation was excited to work with us—43 of their members teamed with us. They were dedicated, cooperative, and willing to both teach and learn as we worked side by side all day every day. Many people from our group continue to mention working together as a major highlight of the trip, probably second only to worshiping together. Worship is a high point of many trips. The enthusiasm, joy, and thanksgiving in worship are things that always stand out when compared to our worship at home. As teams participate in worship, their many reactions are refreshing and inspiring to me as part of the mission experience. We chose to participate in three worship services during the week. One service, which included communion, was in Croix-des-Bouquets with the local congregation at the Brethren guesthouse. It was a great time together and one that is mentioned often as people talk about our trip. We also were with the local congregation in Cap-Haitien two evenings for worship. Each experience was different, but all were rewarding and provided varied opportunities for our group to connect with our Haitian brothers and sisters. All three services are mentioned with joy often. I would gladly promote and lead another group like this. The spiritual impact is beyond explanation, and I would love to continue to be involved in this type of life change for as many people as possible. Haiti photos courtesy of Tom Lauer. Church of the Brethren Annual Conference July 2-6, 2014, in Columbus, Ohio We invite you to the Global Ministries dinner on Friday, July 4, at 5:00 p.m. The Brethren Volunteer Service luncheon (PDF) will take place the same day at 12:30 p.m. Other Global Mission and Service events at the Conference include several insight sessions: Thursday, July 3 9 p.m. BVS and Congregations: Models of Partnership Changing Times in Disaster Ministries Friday, July 4 9:00 p.m. Going to the Garden When Disaster Strikes: Serving Around the World Saturday, July 5 12:30 p.m. South Sudan : Building a Brethren Presence for Peace in a Country Familiar with War 9:00 p.m. 70 Years of Service: A Look at Heifer International’s Early Years Short-Term Mission Trips : The Good, the Bad, the Powerful Find descriptions of all insight sessions here. We hope to see you in Columbus! Calling all advocates: a special Annual Conference note for members of the Global Mission Advocate Network Please join us for a Global Mission Advocate gathering on Thursday, July 3, at 12:30 p.m. Hear from and share with other advocates about how global mission is being shared and promoted across the denomination. Global Mission and Service staff and personnel will be available for questions. We would love to have you join us at the Global Mission dinner on July 4! Contact mission@brethren.org for one complimentary ticket per advocate. Service opportunity Brethren Disaster Ministries is seeking new project leaders. A two-week training in August will give new leaders the tools needed to help manage the volunteer household, manage weekly volunteers, and support the construction projects. No specific skills are required, but some construction experience is very helpful. Project leaders stay on the work site for a month or more each year. Please contact Jane Yount at jyount@brethren.org or call 800-451-4407. Prayer requests Pray for the members of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN), the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, as they continue to fall victim to the violence and destruction of Boko Haram. Pray for God's presence as they gather for their annual conference, the Majalisa. Pray for peace to reign in Nigeria. Pray for Global Mission workers Robert and Linda Shank as they return to their service in North Korea. Pray for health and energy so they may focus on their teaching and supportive work. Pray for the thousands of displaced people in South Sudan who have fled their homes in search of safety. Pray for Global Mission worker Anthanasus Ungang as he manages the distribution of vital supplies to displaced people in the villages of Lohila and Lafon. To remember these and other prayer concerns, please print and distribute the April 2014 Global Prayer Guide.
"Minute for Mission" is published by Global Mission and Service, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 800-323-8039 ext. 362; www.brethren.org/partners © Church of the Brethren Church of the Brethren is a non-profit religious and educational organization recognized by the Federal and State governments. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Share this message with a friend Unsubscribe or change the messages you receive Contact us or change your e-mail address

Deacon Update, March 2014

DEACON UPDATE

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Are you Doris?

March 2014

This is the second week I’ve taken a meal to my friend Doris' home. Her husband lost his job a few months ago, they have two small children, and Doris works a couple of part-time jobs. I know the family well enough to know that Doris is the one holding it all together—I'm sure you know someone like Doris.

And, if your Doris is like mine, it's not easy to get her to accept any kind of support other than a hug and a card. It took a lot for her to let me drop off a casserole and some brownies, but when she came down with the flu she finally agreed.

My question for you is this: might you be Doris, too? Deacons—and pastors—often are. Caregivers by nature, we often find it difficult to accept help from another, unless it's truly a crisis. But what does that say about us as congregational leaders, as models of discipleship, as Brethren, a people who are quick to affirm the importance of living and sharing and caring in community? Are we inadvertently sending the wrong message about discipleship, about following Jesus, by silently (or not!) declaring our own self-sufficiency?

Just as Jesus came to serve, not to be served (Mark 10:45), our role in a ministry of caregiving is first and foremost to be of service to others. But think of the way Jesus lived, graciously accepting food and drink and shelter from others, virtually every day of his life. Think about your own "Doris life." As the song goes, do you have the grace to let others serve you? Think about the blessings we receive when we minister to others—who are we to deny that blessing when someone asks how they might help us?

Happy are the people to whom such blessings fall; happy are the people whose God is the Lord. ~~Psalms 144:15

Donna Kline
Director of Denominational Deacon Ministry
dkline@brethren.org
847-429-4306

Church of the Brethren | 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, Illinois 60120

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NEWSLINE, March 18, 2014

Newsline The Church of the Brethren e-mail news service

March 18, 2014 "Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find" (Matthew 7:7a). NEWS 1) Good giving and investment report, Brethren Service Center discussion, board development work highlight Mission and Ministry Board meeting 2) Denomination receives insurance dividend, Brethren Mutual Aid named a top agency by Brotherhood Mutual 3) Fellowship of Brethren Homes members awarded 2014 Continuing Education Grants 4) Winners of NYC speech and music contests are named UPCOMING EVENTS 5) Jeff Carter to be inaugurated as president of Bethany Seminary 6) March 27 webinar focuses on ‘Leading Teams: Positives, Pressures and Potentials’ 7) Killbuck Creek Song and Story Fest to be hosted by Inspiration Hills 8) Bridgewater College inaugurates David W. Bushman as 9th president 9) Juniata College hosts 'Reconstructing Peace Studies' conference FEATURE 10) A prayer request from Maiduguri, Nigeria 11) Brethren bits: Corrections, camp resignation, BDM volunteer milestone, US-Africa Environmental Justice Tour stop at First Chicago, congregations in the news, installation of executive in Southern Pennsylvania, new Children’s Fund in West Marva, college events, more. Find the full text of this Newsline in one document at www.brethren.org/news/2014/newsline-for-march-18-2014.html ****************************************************** Quote of the week: “It...matters what we seek and pursue, both in our relationships and faith. If we look for conflict and knock on its door, we will find it. Likewise, if we search for wisdom and pursue it with persistency, we will learn and grow beyond ourselves.” -- Duane Grady writing in the 2014 Lenten devotional from Brethren Press, “Real Rest: Devotions for Ash Wednesday Through Easter” ( www.brethrenpress.com ). ****************************************************** 1) Good giving and investment report, Brethren Service Center discussion, board development work highlight Mission and Ministry Board meeting A good giving and investment report for 2013, discussion of the Brethren Service Center, and several hours of board development work marked the spring meeting of the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board. The meeting March 14-17 at the denomination’s General Offices in Elgin, Ill., was led by board chair Becky Ball-Miller. In other business the board approved the Church of the Brethren Annual Report for 2013, amended a minute on India that dates back to 2010, and received numerous reports on recent events and updates on programs, as well as presentations on the work of fellow Annual Conference agencies Bethany Seminary, Brethren Benefit Trust, and On Earth Peace. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/mission-and-ministry-board-meets.html 2) Denomination receives insurance dividend, Brethren Mutual Aid named a top agency by Brotherhood Mutual The Church of the Brethren denomination has received a large insurance dividend of $174,984 from Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, through its Partnership Group Program. Brethren Mutual Aid is the sponsoring agency for the program, which rewards the claims experience of the congregations, camps, and districts that make up the group along with the denominational organization. In related news, the Brethren Mutual Aid Agency has been recognized by Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company as one of the company’s top 15 agencies for 2013. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/denomination-receives-insurance-dividend.html 3) Fellowship of Brethren Homes members awarded 2014 Continuing Education Grants By Kim Ebersole Eight retirement communities that are members of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes have been awarded Continuing Education Grants for 2014. The grants, up to $1,000 per retirement community, are funded by the denomination’s Health Education and Research Fund, which supports nursing in the Church of the Brethren, and are administered by Congregational Life Ministries. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/fellowship-of-brethren-homes-facilities-receive-grants.html 4) Winners of NYC speech and music contests are named The winners of the National Youth Conference (NYC) Music Contest and Speech Contest have been announced by the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office. Speech Contest winners will share their speeches during the Sunday morning worship service at NYC, and the Music Contest winner will have the opportunity to perform his song on stage sometime during the week. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/winners-of-nyc-contests-are-named.html UPCOMING EVENTS 5) Jeff Carter to be inaugurated as president of Bethany Seminary By Jenny Williams The Bethany Seminary community in Richmond, Ind., is preparing for an event that seldom occurs in the life of an educational institution: the inauguration of a president. On Saturday, March 29, Jeff Carter will be inaugurated as the seminary’s tenth president in its 108-year history. Bethany invites all to join in the event via webcast at 9:45 a.m. (Eastern time). Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/jeff-carter-to-be-inaugurated.html 6) March 27 webinar focuses on ‘Leading Teams: Positives, Pressures and Potentials’ Congregational Life Ministries is offering a webinar on Thursday, March 27, 3:30-5 p.m. (Eastern time), on the topic of “Leading Teams: Positives, Pressures and Potentials” with presenter Fran Beckett. This is the second of two webinars exploring the theme of leadership hosted by the Church of the Brethren and organized together with Urban Expression, Bristol Baptist College, and BMS World Mission, partners based in the UK. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/march-27-webinar-on-leading-teams.html 7) Killbuck Creek Song and Story Fest to be hosted by Inspiration Hills The Killbuck Creek Song and Story Fest on the theme, “All God’s Critters Got a Place in This Choir!” is planned for July 6-12 at Inspiration Hills, an outdoor ministry center in Burbank, Ohio. This annual family camp features Church of the Brethren musicians and storytellers, and is co-sponsored by On Earth Peace. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/killbuck-creek-song-and-story-fest.html 8) Bridgewater College inaugurates David W. Bushman as 9th president By Mary Kay Heatwole Bridgewater (Va.) College will inaugurate David W. Bushman as its ninth president on April 11 at 10:30 a.m., on the campus mall. The inauguration of Bushman, who took office June 1, 2013, will celebrate ideals for which the college stands as reflected in the four Latin words appearing on the Bridgewater College seal: Bonitas, Veritas, Pulchritudo, and Concordia, which mean Goodness, Truth, Beauty, and Harmony. Read the Bridgewater College release at www.bridgewater.edu/news-and-media/releases/1544-bc-will-inaugurate-david-w-bushman-as-9th-president-april-11 9) Juniata College hosts 'Reconstructing Peace Studies' conference By John Wall The Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., will bring in a team of nationally known scholars to determine how best to identify success in student learning and curriculum at the conference "Reconstructing Peace Studies: Assessing New Knowledge and Outcomes," held March 20-23. Read the Juniata College release at http://services.juniata.edu/news/index.html?action=SHOWARTICLE&id=5870 FEATURE 10) A prayer request from Maiduguri, Nigeria The following prayer request is from a member of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) living in the city of Maiduguri. It was received this weekend by an Annual Conference officer and shared with the Mission and Ministry Board on Sunday during worship. The city of Maiduguri was attacked this past weekend by the terrorist group Boko Haram: Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2014/a-prayer-request-from-maiduguri-nigeria.html 11) Brethren bits In this issue: Corrections, Camp Galilee manager resigns, Brethren Disaster Ministries volunteer milestone, a US-Africa Environmental Justice Tour stop at First Chicago, congregations in the news, installation of new district executive in Southern Pennsylvania, a new Children’s Fund in West Marva, college events, and much much more. Read the full Brethren bits at www.brethren.org/news/2014/brethren-bits-for-march-18.html Contributors to this issue of Newsline include Jan Fischer Bachman, Jim Beckwith, Stan Dueck, Kim Ebersole, Duane Ediger, Bob Gross, LeAnn Harnist, Elizabeth Harvey, Mary Kay Heatwole, Tim Heishman, Elsie Holderread, Rebekah Houff, Jon Kobel, Stan Noffsinger, Abbie Parkhurst, Ken Kline Smeltzer, John Wall, Dan Watson, and editor Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren. The next regularly scheduled issue of Newsline is planned for Tuesday, March 25.

Newsline is produced by the news services of the Church of the Brethren. Contact the editor at cobnews@brethren.org. Newsline appears every week, with special issues as needed. Stories may be reprinted if Newsline is cited as the source. Forward Newsline to a friend    Subscribe to Newsline  Unsubscribe   Change your e-mail address Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120

The People of Whitestone: Sweet

I posted this on my personal blog back on April 6, 2009. I thought of it this year as winter broke and spring approached, and was glad that I was able to retrieve it.

Here are some good spring memories of a trip Kim, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Jeremiah's friend Adrian McCarthy, and I made up to Frank and Betty Holmes' place to see their sugaring operation. Re-posted with their permission--and my thanks. --Pastor Jim

Sweet

For our friends Frank and Betty Holmes the sweetness of Spring tastes like maple.  Frank’s father planted a small grove of Ohio sugar maples back in the early 60′s, and Frank and Betty carry on the family tradition of sugaring.  It’s certainly unusual to find this in Washington State, but the family history goes back to Vermont, so they come by it honestly.

Last Saturday they began the process of boiling the sap they have been collecting through March, so we drove up to take a look.  (We picked up Adrian, a friend of Jeremiah’s, on the way.)  As you can see by the T shirts and shorts, our weather has warmed up enough to stop the flow of sap. 

It takes warm days and cold nights to get the sap flowing just right, with the perfect window usually sometime in March.  The sap rises during the warmth of the day, then flows back down in the evening as the chill settles in again.  Some of that down-flowing sap trickles out of the taps and into the collectors.  Frank and Betty use milk jugs, as you can see on the trees behind Betty.

Back at the sugar shack we waited for Frank to fire up the propane burners again.

We were able to dip a tin cup into a big tub of sap and take a sip; it’s like water with just a touch of sweetness to it.

Frank had turned everything off while taking a break, but he quickly got everything organized again.

It wasn’t long before the sap was bubbling away.  It takes 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup.  They collected 70 gallons of sap this year.  So they will hope to get a good gallon and a half of syrup.

So Frank will be out here in the sugar shack for awhile, but he figures he should get it all boiled down by the end of this week.

He’ll end up with enough syrup–and this is the good stuff–to give some away to family and selected friends (which includes us, I am very happy to say.)  It will come in small jars, as befits such a rare and precious elixir.  And he’ll still have plenty for his breakfast pancakes, each taste of which will be a taste of his family roots and heritage.

Sweet.

eBrethren, March 13, 2014

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March 13, 2014 Ready for Sunday? Click here. CONTENTS Learning Plant generously Worship is... Chris and Jenna Horgan, Brethren Volunteer Service workers in El Salvador. Photos courtesy of Chris and Jenna Horgan Learningby Jenna Horgan When I walk out of the school on Friday I feel a little bit like a rock star. Kids come running to say goodbye. “Jenna! Adios! See you Monday for music class!” I can’t leave without a giant hug from every child, and groups of first and second graders watch me walk down the street until I’m out of sight. My husband Chris and I teach music education to over 300 children at our Brethren Volunteer Serviceplacement in Suchitoto, El Salvador. Kids here don’t know many songs (singing is more for churches than children), so we give them the opportunity to sing, play instruments, and learn about music from different cultures. I also regularly visit La Mora, a rural community where I teach music to another group of 75 school age children. When I first started working in La Mora, I was uneasy about what I should do during the students’ 45-minute recess. I felt that I should work, or prepare for class—the American way. But then came little Michelle, with her pigtails and her big brown eyes. Every time I came to La Mora, she would bound into my classroom and say, “Let’s play!” I’d tell her I was working but she wouldn’t have it. “No, let’s play!” I have never felt so loved and appreciated. The children here are so fascinated by me; they want to sit by me (all of them) and stare and ask what my favorite color is…. But sometimes I feel guilty. Receiving so much love and attention can be uncomfortable and overwhelming. Why me? Why am I so special? I don’t deserve their love. Fortunately, these little ones are patient with me as I learn. I’m not there yet, but I have made progress. Now, when Michelle invites me to join her at recess, I accept. I talk with her and the other kids and their teachers, and though my Spanish is still not perfect, it is good to be with them. They are teaching me to not take myself so seriously. They are teaching me to rest. They are teaching me to play. They are teaching me to accept the love that I receive, and to give it back with all my heart. Jenna Horgan is a Brethren Volunteer Service worker in El Salvador. Visit www.brethren.org/bvs to learn more and support this important core ministry of the Church of the Brethren. Forward to a friend Back to top Click here to see a video from the 2012 Church Planting Conference. "I (Paul) planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth." 1 Corinthians 3:6 www.brethren.org/churchplanting  Plant generously God is doing a new thing through the Church of the Brethren. A movement of emerging mission points and church planting is gaining momentum. Join us to learn how. May 15-17 Richmond, Ind. New Church Development Conference Attend a variety of workshops and hear teaching from Efrem Smith, Alejandro Mandes, and Annual Conference moderator, Nancy Sollenberger Heishman. www.brethren.org/churchplanting Early registration discounts end March 17! Forward to a friend Back to top www.brethren.org/basinandtowel “Worship is about celebrating our life together in Christ and offering our gifts to God. Involving the congregation in the planning and celebrating of worship makes worship a living reality that uses our gifts and nurtures our life in community.” —Jeanne Davies in "Celebrating Worship in Community," published in the most recent issue of Basin and Towel. See something you like?  Share eBrethren with your friends!   Watch for our next issue on March 27, 2014. Do you have a story about how you and your congregation practice stewardship? E-mail it to ebrethren@brethren.org ! eBrethren: Stories of Brethren Stewards, is produced every other week by the Church of the Brethren donor communications team.