BMH Editor's Blog

Travel Argentina With The Underwoods

Posted by Terry White on October 31, 2007  |  No Comments

Pastor Gary Underwood (pictured) from the Delaware, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church and his wife, Jennie, are off on a trip to Argentina. You can follow their progress by clicking on http://underwoodsinargentina.blogspot.com/ Here are a few introductory comments from the blog they are keeping.

Welcome to Gary & Jennie’s trip blog, travel log, and journal updates for our trip to Buenos Aires for short-term missions. The people on the left are Dave & Ruth Ann Martin, missionaries with GBIM (Grace Brethren International Missions) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Long-time members of our church, Dave and Ruth Ann sensed God’s call to full-time missions work in the late 1990s, and have been serving Christ with a team of missionaries there for a while.

Jennie and I will update this blog on a regular basis throughout our trip, or as we are able.

A trip like this has been “in the works” and planned by our missions team at Grace for several years. We’ve wanted to send a pastor/leader from our church overseas as a way to encourage and help missionaries, research future opportunities, and also to keep our hearts focused on God’s worldwide command to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Iraq Vet Thanks Los Altos Brethren Students

Posted by Terry White on October 30, 2007  |  No Comments

USAF Maj. Randy Skeen talks to students at Los Altos Brethren School in Long Beach about a letter he received from Katy Feller, left in the front row, when he was wounded in Iraq. He came to the school to surprise Katy who he had never seen before. (Steven Georges / Press-Telegram)

Read the entire story by clicking on http://origin.presstelegram.com/news/ci_7316881

Ed Lewis Proves You Can Go Home Again

Posted by Terry White on October 30, 2007  |  No Comments

From the Rockbridge Weekly (Buena Vista, Virginia):

The Rev. Ed Lewis will be the guest speaker this Sunday, November 4, in the 10:50 a.m. Worship Celebration at First Brethren Church in Buena Vista.

Ed Lewis grew up and attended school in Buena Vista from 1954 to 63. His father, the Rev. Ed Lewis, Sr., pastored First Brethren Church during that time.

After High School Ed attended Grace College and Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana. In 1972 the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches (FGBC) selected him as its National Youth Director. In 1985, he became the Executive Director of the FGBC’s National Christian Education Department (now called CE National).

Under Lewis’ leadership CE National has grown to include The National Institute for Youth Ministry and the 412 Commission, a year-long program to develop young adults in ministry. He also led in developing the Urban Hope Training Center in Philadelphia, PA and expanding the Momentum national youth conference.

The church’s pastor, Christian Becker was enthusiastic about Lewis’ visit.

“Ed is one of the most dynamic and inspiring preachers I have heard. Many people in the area know Ed from his days in Buena Vista and the times he has been back to speak. We invite everyone who knew him or his father to come and surprise him this Sunday!”

First Brethren Church is located in Buena Vista at 100 E 29th Street (U.S. 60 E). Assisted listening devices are available and the church is handicapped accessible. For more information call (540) 261-6425.

Upcoming Fireside Dialogues Announced

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on October 29, 2007  |  No Comments

Three Fireside Dialogues are coming up at the Russell Center in Winona Lake. Hosted by CE National, guests are welcome to attend any of the events. The Russell Center is located on Presidential Drive (just past the east side of Grace College’s Alpha parking lot) in Winona Lake.

Upcoming sessions are:

“Grace Brethren History, Part 2” by Pastor Todd Scoles, 9 a.m., Thursday, November 1 — Todd took us through a fascinating history from Acts to Alexander Mack. Come hear “the rest of the story.”

“Triune Immersion” by Dr. David Plaster, 2 p.m., Wednesday, November 7 — A look at our ordinance of baptism.

“The Role of a Pastor’s Wife” by Mrs. Cindy Thornley, 4 p.m., Thursday, November 8 — Cindy is a pastor’s wife in Waldorf, Maryland.

Gateway Church Breaks Ground for New Building

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on October 29, 2007  |  No Comments

The Gateway Grace Community Church, a Grace Brethren church in Parkesburg, Pa., broke ground on Sunday, October 28, dedicating their 34 acres in Chester County, Pa. for the Lord’s use.

They expect to begin construction on a new 20,000 square foot multi-purpose worship facility on five acres of that land. It will allow the growing congregation, which is pastored by Dan O’Deens, to move from a cramped, rented facility where more than 400 people worship in two services, to a building of their own.

The rest of the facility will be developed with athletic fields, picnic area, and a wedding gazebo next to a spring-fed pond.

In the photo above, the pastoral team, led by Pastor Dan O’Deens and his wife, Gay, (her back is to the camera, he is next to her), took the first slice into the ground.

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on October 29, 2007  |  No Comments

After the ground breaking, members of the church were encouraged to write the name of an unsaved person on a rock, plant the rock in the ground, and pray for that individual. Members of the church scattered throughout the property to place their rock in the ground, then spent some time in prayer.

The groundbreaking service was followed by a chicken barbeque and harvest party on the church grounds.

Below are more photos of the event.

Soldotna’s Randall Named Chaplain of the Year

Posted by Terry White on October 28, 2007  |  No Comments

Chaplain Keith Randall (pictured), who is also pastor of the Peninsula Grace Brethren Church in Soldotna, Alaska, recently received the Chaplain of the Year award from the Alaska Police and Fire Chaplains Ministries. (Photo by M. Scott Moon) Here is a short excerpt–the entire article may be accessed at http://www.peninsulaclarion.com/stories/102807/news_4396.shtml

Keith Randall’s job takes him out in the community as well, though in a different capacity than Hale. Volunteering as CES’s chaplain, Randall is a presence at many family emergencies the department has been called to. Randall’s skills as senior pastor at Peninsula Grace Brethren Church largely come into play when he’s out on a call with firefighters or paramedics, but he said it’s faster paced.

“Sometimes it’s just listening,” he said. “(Other times) it’s getting the family and patient connected to their support network.”

It’s hard to find a school kid here on the Kenai Peninsula who hasn’t met Captain Burn-ee, Hale’s red-nosed alter-ego. And even though Randall’s recognition is somewhat quieter, he’ll often receive acknowledgement from a community member he helped during an emergency.

It is Hale’s exuberance, Randall’s empathy and the passion they both display for community outreach that earned them the Public Fire Educator of the Year award and Chaplain of the Year awards.

Women’s Leadership Summit Winds Down

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on October 28, 2007  |  No Comments

Melinda Cosentino, of Canton, Ohio, leads worship at the end of Saturday’s evening session at the Women’s Leadership Summit, which concludes this morning in Wyomissing, Pa.

Last night, key speaker Donna Seyfert, continued her thoughts on wisdom, speaking about balancing priorities. She concludes this morning (Sunday) with a discussion of “Wisdom’s Woman Builds Ministry Potential” as the summit participants look at “Unlocking Potential.”

The leadership summit is sponsored by Women of Grace USA. It will be held next year on October 24-26 at the same location.

Below are more photos from the weekend.

Afternoon at the Women’s Leadership Summit

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on October 27, 2007  |  No Comments

It’s the midway point in the 2007 Women’s Leadership Summit, being held this weekend in Wyomissing, Pa. Dr. Christy Morr, faculty member at Grace Theological Seminary, led a lunch session on self awareness.

The Summit is sponsored by Women of Grace USA. Click here to see more photos from the weekend activities.

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on October 27, 2007  |  No Comments

Following lunch, ladies had a variety of opportunities. Some went shopping at the nearby VF Outlet Village, others continued to get acquainted or took the opportunity to rest. This Intrepid Blogger drove to nearby Ephrata with Viki Rife and Cindy Bushen to visit the Ephrata Cloister, an early Brethren attempt at communal living. Founded by Conrad Beissel in 1732, the cloister had about 300 members at its zenith in the 1740s and 1750s.

The lifestyle of the celibate members was characterized by severe discipline and self-denial. They became known for their music, calligraphy, and printing.

Following the death of the last celibate member in 1813, the married congregation formed the German Seventh-Day Baptist Church.

Members continued to live and work at the cloister until 1934. It has been owned and operated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a National Historic Landmark since 1941.

Dr. Whitcomb Speaks at Englewood This Weekend

Posted by Terry White on October 27, 2007  |  No Comments

From Friday, October 26, to Sunday, October 28, BMH Books author Dr. John C. Whitcomb (pictured) will be speaking on prophecy at the Englewood Grace Brethren Church in Englewood, Ohio. For more information, call Dan Hensley at 937-237-0646.

Marilyn Laszlo Reflects on Grace College Audience

Posted by Terry White on October 27, 2007  |  No Comments

Veteran missionary stateswoman Marilyn Laszlo (pictured) spoke at the Grace College (Winona Lake, IN) annual missions conference this past week. She posts some of her reflections on being with the students on her blog. Here is a short excerpt–the entire blog may be accessed at http://marilynlaszlo.blogspot.com/2007/10/poetry.html

I just returned recently from Grace College, Warsaw, Indiana…just 1 ½ hours from home (Valparaiso, Indiana) with 1,300 students. Before Grace College I was in Santa Barbara, CA, at Westmont College, with 800 students (you can hear my talk online). Two colleges in a row and two totally different cultures, but it is so rich to be around these very dedicated students who want to serve the Lord and make a difference and a positive impact on people’s lives. I love being on the college campuses around all that energy and passion.

All of these students want to serve the Lord in some capacity, whether it is in teaching, engineering, medicine, or whatever. My job is to uplift them, encourage them, and make them feel special, because they are. We are ALL special to God, and the mission field is wherever God puts you. People need the Lord.

There are often students who attend these Christian Colleges and Universities that are not Christians, but because these schools have such high standards, morals, and integrity, and cost less money than most universities, they are compelled to go there. I can tell you, their lives become more meaningful, self-assured, and purposeful as they are impacted by the staff and students whose focus is God.

Women’s Leadership Summit Provides Networking Opportunities

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on October 27, 2007  |  No Comments

Janet Minnix, president of Women of Grace USA, shared this morning about the various ways the organization can facilitate women’s ministries in Grace Brethren churches. It was part of the annual Women’s Leadership Summit, being held this weekend at Wyomissing, Pa. and is sponsored by Women of Grace USA.

She also announced that next year’s leadership summit will be held at the same location on October 24-26.

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on October 27, 2007  |  No Comments

The 2007 Women’s Leadership Summit, sponsored by Women of Grace USA, has provided an opportunity for women from around the country to talk about the women’s ministries in their churches. This morning they gathered by size of church and then type of ministry to share ideas about what has worked and what hasn’t.

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on October 27, 2007  |  No Comments

Chery Boehm, of Macedonia, Ohio, has coordinated the Women’s Leadership Summit, which is being held this weekend in Wyomissing, Pa.

Worthington to Honor Custers November 4

Posted by Terry White on October 27, 2007  |  No Comments

The Worthington (Columbus), Ohio, Grace Brethren Church will honor Pastor Jim Custer (pictured) and his wife Triceine and their family for 40 years of ministry with the church on Sunday, November 4 at 10:30 a.m.

An e-mail invitation says, “Some special surprises are planned, so don’t miss it. Afterward, you’re invited to stay for a luncheon in honor of the Custers. Please let us know if you plan to attend by e-mail, by calling 614-410-4245, or by completing the “Ministry Reply” panel of your Sunday bulletin and turning it in to an usher or the Welcome Center. Pick up a flyer at the Welcome Center for more information on this special occasion.”

Custer had been pastor of the church since 1968, and was succeeded earlier this fall by Dr. David Plaster.

November-December FGBC World Is On Its Way to You!

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on October 27, 2007  |  No Comments

The November-December issue of FGBC World, the newspaper for the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, will be shipped to you this week. Below are promotional announcements that can be used in your church bulletin or newsletter.

To see a pdf file of the newspaper or to read web-only content, click here.

Elysée Joseph is at the forefront of efforts to plant Grace Brethren congregations in Haiti. His church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has opened a Church Resource Center to help train Haitian leaders to return to their home country to begin new churches. Read more about Pastor Joseph in the November-December issue of FGBC World, which is available at (INSERT LOCATION) or see www.bmhbooks.com/fgbcworld.

It was a radical thing to do. The law forbade it, and other religious people didn’t approve. But it didn’t stop Alexander Mack from following God’s Word and leading seven other people in believer’s baptism in the Eider River. That baptismal service became the foundation of the Brethren movement. Read more about this founding father in the November-December issue of FGBC World, which is available at (INSERT LOCATION) or see www.bmhbooks.com/fgbcworld.

Stacy Householder began sewing when she was four or five. Today she is responsible for costuming the 200 to 250 participants in the yearly Living Christmas Trees (LCT) performances at the Grace Brethren Church of Columbus, Ohio. Look behind the scenes at this annual production in the November-December issue of FGBC World, which is available at (INSERT LOCATION) or see www.bmhbooks.com/fgbcworld.

It sounds like a plot in a television crime drama or a scene from a movie like Bonnie and Clyde. It’s a chronicle that rivals any Hollywood script. But for Ted Rondeau, it’s a testimony of how God worked in a dramatic way to bring a defiant teenager to a saving knowledge of Christ. Learn more about Ted’s Christmas miracle in the November-December issue of FGBC World, which is available at (INSERT LOCATION) or see www.bmhbooks.com/fgbcworld.

A bulk quantity of FGBC World is sent to congregations in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. If you would like to change the quantity your receive or to receive a free copy in the mail to your address, send an e-mail to Ann Myers at the Brethren Missionary Herald Company (amyers@bmhbooks.com).

Women’s Leadership Summit Begins the "Search for Wisdom"

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on October 26, 2007  |  No Comments

Donna Seyfert (pictured) is the keynote speaker for the 2007 Women’s Leadership Summit, which began Friday night in Wyomissing, Pa. The theme for the weekend is “The Search Is On!” and focuses on looking for wisdom.

More than 40 women, many who are leaders in women’s ministries in their home churches, are participating. The event is sponsored by the Women of Grace USA.

Meet George Stagg, Twin Cities Church-Planter

Posted by Terry White on October 26, 2007  |  No Comments

YIB (Your Intrepid Blogger) is in Minneapolis this late-October weekend, and it was my delight this morning to sit down for several hours to enjoy scones, coffee, and conversation at Babettes in Uptown with George Stagg (pictured), who is seeking to plant a network of Grace Brethren churches in the Twin Cities area.

George and his wife, Anna, and their four children moved to the Twin Cities several months ago after some months of commuting from their home in Ames, Iowa, to conduct a Sunday-evening Bible study.

George has a large vision, and is working with Tim Boal of GBNAM and under the direction of GBNAM career missionary Ron Boehm to bring that dream of multiple congregations into reality. They are currently focusing on southwest Minneapolis, with particular attention to the Uptown and lakes communities.

Pray for George, that he will have wisdom in knowing how best to spend his time, where to find the resources needed, and good savvy in making contacts both in discipleship and evangelism. He and his group were rejoicing recently in the salvation of an individual who is involved in the management of several restaurants in the Twin Cities area.

I’d encourage all to pray for George and to communicate with him as you can, welcoming him into the FGBC family. His e-mail address is gstagg@qwest.net.

Simi Students Hear ‘Pirates’ Director

Posted by Terry White on October 26, 2007  |  No Comments

From the Simi Valley (CA) Acorn. John McIntosh is pastor of the sponsoring church, Grace Brethren Church of Simi Valley.

Gore Verbinski, the director of the three “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, came to Grace Brethren school to meet with the students in the Performing Arts Department.

Accompanying him was Raphael Sanchez, one of the camera and lighting crew directors.

Verbinski showed clips of his films and discussed the role of a director in film, as well as film production in general.

Sanchez said, “As director, Gore is the engine car of the train. Where he goes the whole movie follows, with all of its complex parts.”

Verbinski also answered questions to help the students understand how to succeed in the industry. “Hollywood is fickle,” he said. “There has to be a sense that this job is going to be your last. Do something that will challenge you personally and that you will be proud of.”

He also inspired the students to challenge themselves intellectually and creatively. “Mediocrity is like gravity, constantly pulling us down to it. We have to continuously challenge ourselves if we will succeed.”

Attending the seminar were the cast of Grace Brethren’s upcoming theatrical production of “The Curious Savage”; the drama, film and technological theater classes; and an alumnus attending film school at USC.

Grace Brethren Junior/Senior High School will host an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3.

For more information, visit www.gracebrethren.com.