BMH Editor's Blog

Canadian Church Uses ‘Re-Gifting’ as Outreach

Posted by Terry White on December 20, 2007  |  No Comments

One Grace Brethren church in Canada is reaching out to its community through a “re-gifting” concept. This article appears in today’s Milton (Ontario) Champion:

Local church gives out $50 to each family at recent service

Recipients asked to use money to perform acts of kindness

By Stephanie Hounsell

Have you experienced a random act of kindness lately? A free coffee? A shoveled driveway?

If you have, you just may have been “re-gifted.”

A local church — the Village Community Church — recently invested $2,500 to carry out a unique initiative to spread unexpected kindness throughout the community.

Each family that attended the church December 2 received an envelope containing $50. They were asked to use that money in any number of creative ways to brighten someone’s day.

“This year we wanted to do something groundbreaking,” said lead pastor Rob Stanley.

“The whole idea is an attempt to go viral with the idea of giving.”

Along with the good deed, participants were asked to leave behind a “re-gift” card with their first name written on it.

The card explains a bit about the initiative, and asks the recipient to in turn pay forward their own act of kindness, writing their own name on the card and passing it along.

The idea is for each card to be passed along several times — tangible proof of a good deed being carried forward.

“Instead of adopting a family and helping them, or raising money for other charitable needs, we’re trying to take things to a more grass roots level by empowering all of our people to make a difference,” Stanley said.

The church has also created a website, www.re-gift.ca, for residents to share stories, get giving ideas and comment on how their lives have been touched by the campaign.

The Village Community Church meets at Galaxy Cinemas every Sunday at 10 a.m.

For more information, visit www.villagechurch.ca.

Cedar Rapids Cancer Volunteer Featured

Posted by Terry White on December 19, 2007  |  No Comments

Pastor Gary Austin of the Grace Brethren church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, alerts us that one of his church’s members, Mary Stadtmiller, was on CBS-TV this week, highlighting her volunteer work with the American Cancer Society.

The article is entitled “Road to Recovery” Roadblocks and can be found at http://www.kgan.com/csArticles/articles/000057/005755.htm

What’s so phenomenal about Mary, according to Pastor Austin, is that she is a quadriplegic but has the ability to use her computer to make phone calls, write letters, etc.

He says, “She’s a great organizer, too. She uses her skills to glorify God. Her faithful husband is Gene. Mary is also the Women of Grace leader for CR Grace.”

Water-Quality Expert Joins Grace Faculty

Posted by Terry White on December 19, 2007  |  No Comments

Grace College, Winona Lake, Indiana, is pleased to announce that Dr. Nathan S. Bosch will be joining the Grace faculty as director of the Grace College Water Quality Project and assistant professor of environmental science.

Dr. Bosch will serve as part-time director for 1½ years as he completes his post doctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan. He will begin his full-time role in fall 2009.

He will direct the Water Quality Project (assisted by Luke Hunt and Eileen Boekestein) and plan the college’s new degree in environmental science.

Dr. Bosch is a graduate of Trinity Christian College (IL) and the University of Michigan. He has also studied at the Au Sable Environmental Institute in Mancelona, Michigan. He has taught at the University of Michigan and has extensive experience in environmental science projects.

Update on Ogden/Brown Wedding in Sebring

Posted by Terry White on December 17, 2007  |  No Comments

Jason Brown, son of Christine Brown who is marrying Pastor Dave Ogden in Sebring, Florida, later this month, sends along the following update and information:

Our family is overwhelmed with joy. God’s providence and His faithfulness w/ regard to my mom & Pastor Dave has been amazing to witness.

We’ve (family and our church) have been receiving a lot of inquiries as to gifts etc. for their wedding Dec. 29th.

If you would like to send gifts of encouragement, a card shower will be presented to them at the reception after the wedding ceremony–Please send gifts or cards to… The Sebring Grace Brethren Church 3626 Thunderbird Rd. Sebring,FL 33872, ATT Dottie Smith.

It’s great to have ‘Love Blossoming’ here in Sebring and knowing we have two amongst a cloud of witnesses cheering the whole thing on! Thanks to everyone who wishes to be a part of it.

Merry Christmas,

Jason Brown

Wooster Man With ‘Right Values’ Featured

Posted by Terry White on December 17, 2007  |  No Comments

David Rhoad (pictured), from the Grace Brethren church in Wooster, Ohio (Robert Fetterhoff, pastor), is featured in the current edition of the Wooster Daily Record. Here is a short excerpt–to read the entire article click on http://www.the-daily-record.com:80/news/article/3009681

WOOSTER — Wooster Community Hospital Manager of Marketing and Public Relations David Rhoad has never let himself forget what it’s like to be a kid.

And the 44-year-old father of two is quite thankful for that.

Be it talking about the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, or his work with student ministries at the Wooster Grace Brethren Church, Rhoad’s enthusiasm and zest for life often rubs off on those around him.

“He’s a good man,” said friend and former employer Mike Reardon, president of United Titanium. “He’s got all the right values, a good character and a good parent. He worked for us for 10 years doing inside sales and human resources work, and he was hard working, enthusiastic. He’s just so outgoing that everybody’s attracted to him.”

An avid baseball fan of all levels, including the games his sons Andrew (16) and Michael (13) play at Wooster High and Edgewood Middle Schools, Rhoad said sports play a key role in his family.

“Sports in a big deal for our family,” said Rhoad, a Cincinnati native and 1981 Indian Hill High School graduate. “Both my kids play baseball, and also both played Upward Basketball at the Grace Brethren Church where we attend. And I’ve gotten involved in that program doing announcing. My kids don’t play anymore — actually my oldest son coaches now, but I’m still announcing.”

Shopping in a Winter Wonderland

Posted by Terry White on December 17, 2007  |  No Comments

Shoppers at the Tree of Life Bookstore and Brethren Missionary Herald Company in Winona Lake, Indiana, are navigating huge drifts and narrow snow tunnels this Monday morning.

Shortly after Saturday evening’s combined church Christmas concert ended, the snow began, and by Sunday morning the Warsaw/Winona Lake area was blanketed with 13 inches of snow (18 inches by some reports) with drifts up to three feet.

All church services were cancelled on Sunday, but by Monday morning traffic was moving again.

Grace College, Seminary Announce Restructuring

Posted by Terry White on December 16, 2007  |  No Comments

Dr. Ronald E. Manahan, president of Grace College and Seminary, Winona Lake, Indiana, has announced a number of organizational and curricular changes that will take place after several years of analysis and planning that resulted in a comprehensive strategic plan to guide Grace through 2010.

“The most significant changes involve the realignment of the college’s academic programs into four schools encompassing all our undergraduate and graduate degrees,” Dr. Manahan explained.

“They are the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Ministry Studies, the School of Music, and the School of Adult and Community Education, effective for the fall 2008 semester.

“These changes will include the addition of new faculty in some areas and reduction in others,” Dr. Manahan continued.

“The new structure will help us achieve not only new instructional and financial efficiencies, but also significant growth in enrollment in both the undergraduate and graduate programs and enhance academic programs in areas that are growing the most.”

Additional program adjustments may be announced in the next few months. Current students in the majors that are being affected will be given several options and counseled into the plan that is most advantageous for their personal situations.

They may be able to finish their current program or transfer into the newly-designed program at Grace. In a limited number of situations it may be the best option for a student to transfer to another school with the existing major, and in these cases Grace personnel will assist with this process. No student will be required to take more credits in order to finish his or her degree.

The college will add faculty in the Art, Business, Graduate Counseling, English/Journalism/Linguistics, History, Science and Mathematics, and Teacher Education Departments for the fall semester 2008, Dr. Manahan said. An earned doctoral degree is one of the requirements for faculty applicants.

“Our 2006-2010 Strategic Plan,” he continued, “provides for a number of challenging strategic goals for enhancing our structure and academic offerings, increasing diversity and enrollment, and continuing to improve and expand academic majors to prepare graduates for competency and service.

“In addition, we will enhance Grace College’s unique first-year-experience program for freshmen and continue to carefully review and improve structure, facilities, funding, and effectiveness.”

Further enhancements are also planned in athletics, the School of Music, and School of Ministry Studies programs.

Four-Church ‘Rejoice’ Pageant Debuts Tonight

Posted by Terry White on December 14, 2007  |  No Comments

Four Grace Brethren churches in the Warsaw/Winona Lake, Indiana, area are combining for a festive Christmas choir concert and pageant to be presented without charge tonight (Friday, December 14) and tomorrow (Saturday, December 15) at 7 p.m. in the Rodeheaver Auditorium in downtown Winona Lake.

More than 100 choir members, actors, dancers, soloists, and pageant cast members will be presenting an upbeat presentation with full costuming, set design, and lighting.

The four cooperating churches are Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church (Bruce Barlow, lead pastor), Leesburg Grace Brethren Church (Tim Sprankle, pastor), New Horizon Community Church (Scott Barger, pastor), and Warsaw Community Grace Brethren Church (Tom Abbitt, executive pastor).

Dave Rank, who directs music and worship at the Winona Lake church, is the coordinating director for the production.

Grace College Appoints Psychologist to Faculty

Posted by Terry White on December 14, 2007  |  No Comments

The Grace College Graduate School in Counseling and Interpersonal Relations has announced the appointment of Dr. Scott Edwards (pictured) to its faculty in the fall 2008. Edwards will be assistant professor and clinical coordinator in the department.

He earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Anderson University, Anderson, Indiana, and completed a Master’s degree in Counseling and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Ball State University. After returning to Indiana from Minnesota, where he trained in Child Clinical Psychology and Pediatric Neuropsychology at the University of Minnesota Medical School, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at Associates in Mental Health in Muncie.

Dr. Edwards has taught as an adjunct at the community college level and been on the undergraduate faculty of Indiana University Kokomo and Taylor University.

He comes to Grace with nearly 20 years experience in the mental health field and has held posts in community mental health centers, church and university-based counseling clinics, hospitals, youth treatment centers, and private practice. He currently serves children and families through his private practice, Lighthouse Family Counseling, in Kokomo.

Dr. Edwards and his wife, Sabrina, have three children.

Dr. Edwards stated, “I have been so deeply blessed through interactions with folks during the selection process; it has felt more like a family reunion than first and second introductions. So, my heart is quickened with the thought of being part of the Grace community. I am eager to join with you next fall in serving our good God through the ministries at Grace.”

Biola, Cedarville to Host Summer Youth Conferences

Posted by Terry White on December 14, 2007  |  No Comments

CE National of Winona Lake, Indiana, has announced the dates and locations for its two youth conferences during the summer of 2008.

Momentum Youth Conference West 2008 will take place at Biola University in La Mirada, California, Monday, June 23-Saturday, June 28, 2008. The conference schedule will combine training and challenges with two days of hands-on ministry.

Cost for the entire week of ministry and challenge will be $329 for students and $299for Youth Workers. Francis Chan will start off the week with worship music by Todd Proctor and his band.

Because of the unique schedule, Momentum West will be limited to 500 participants. CE National will provide opportunities for youth groups to have a two-day mission experience on Wednesday and Thursday and work on projects as youth groups during those two days. An overnight stay may be granted for those in wanting to be part of a Mexico ministry or another extensive ministry.

The ministry options may include building homes in Mexico, ministering to the homeless, ministering to Muslims, working with a women’s shelter, or distributing foods to needy people. There will also be ministry opportunities for those who choose to remain closer to campus. Challenging programming will be available Wednesday and Thursday nights with opportunities for testimonies.

Momentum East will be held at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio, Monday, July 21-Sunday, July 27. Momentum East will include two major carnival events, one in Columbus, and one in Dayton, on Saturday, July 26, provided through cooperation with Convoy of Hope and networked local churches.

Students attending Momentum East will use part of the day Friday to distribute flyers, set up events, contact people, and spiritually prepare for an effective day of reaching people.

Both carnivals will include free groceries, free dental checkups, school registrations, blood pressure checks, children’s games, special programs, and, of course, opportunities to share Jesus. Each carnival will have a prayer tent where students and adults can pray for specific requests people share.

The cost for Momentum East will not increase from last year. The price will remain at $444 for students and $306 for counselors for the entire week which includes all programming, meals, lodging, air-conditioned facilities, and ministry opportunities.

Francis Chan will begin the week at Cedarville and Steve Fee will lead worship. David Nasser will be on the program once again, as will Jeff Bogue and others. For more information and to register, log onto http://www.buildmomentum.org/.

Barnhart Christmas Light Show Featured

Posted by Terry White on December 14, 2007  |  No Comments

The annual Christmas light show at the home of Richard and Kathy Barnhart in Winona Lake, Indiana, is once again front-page news of a local paper.

The Paper (pictured) currently features them in a lead story. The Barnharts are both employed by Grace College, and their home is directly across from Alpha Hall on the Grace campus.

To read an online version of this latest story, click on http://www.the-papers.com/OnlinePubs/default.aspx?pub=TP&subpub=KOA&pubdate=12-12-07-12-18-07

Portis Church Participates in Outreach Program

Posted by Terry White on December 14, 2007  |  No Comments

The Grace Brethren Church of Portis, Kansas (Dave Sarver, pastor) is participating in a community outreach project this Christmas. The following appears on a Portis-oriented blog:

The communities of Portis and Harlan are again planning an event organized by the Community Outreach Project.

This will be a soup and chili supper at the Wolters Auction Building in Portis on December 29th. Food will be served from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, with fellowship and gospel singing to follow. The main courses are being furnished by the churches; attendees are asked to bring a small dessert or relish tray, if able.

Our Portis/Harlan Community Outreach is a combined project sponsored by three local churches: Portis United Methodist Church, Grace Brethren Church in Portis, and the Harlan Church in Harlan.

GBIF Letter of Appreciation

Posted by Terry White on December 13, 2007  |  1 Comment

To: FGBC Colleagues and GBIF Investors
From: Grace Brethren Investment Foundation, Inc.
Larry Chamberlain, CEO and President
Ken Seyfert, VP and Executive Director of Operations
Date: December, 2007

This has been another very successful year of ministry operations. We wish to thank our investors for their faithfulness and for helping GBIF make a significant contribution to the continued growth and outreach of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.

This past year, in fact, represents one of the best years in our history in terms of making new loans to exciting and growing churches in the Fellowship. We are very pleased that we are able to respond positively to new loan requests from churches that are eager to reach their communities for Christ. Your investments in GBIF make that possible, and we are very grateful for your strategic partnership in the work of the Great Commission!

Grace Brethren Investment Foundation is a proud and long-standing member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), which calls its members to very high standards of financial integrity and fiduciary responsibility.

Our records were recently submitted for a standard review by one of ECFA’s field auditors, and we were pleased with their summary comment: “We found Grace Brethren Investment Foundation in full compliance with ECFA’s Standards. You are to be commended for your continuing commitment to these Standards.”

In addition to ECFA’s recent review, we submit our financial records for annual audit by Capin Crouse, CPA’s, and their reports find us to be in full compliance with the high standards of the accounting profession for a financial institution.

We are grateful for a strong, independent board of directors that provides excellent governance of our ministry. We are grateful, as well, for a quality staff of professionals (pictured) dedicated to integrity and high standards of excellence.

We are most grateful, however, for the faithful partnership of our investors across the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. You make it possible for us to continue to be a viable and strategic ministry in the building of His Church.

Note: This letter of appreciation does not constitute an offer to sell the Foundation’s Investment Accounts. Such an offer is made only to persons affiliated with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches and only by means of the Foundation’s Prospectus that provides a detailed description of the Investment Accounts and the Foundation. For a free Prospectus and Account Application, contact the GBIF staff toll-free at 888-340-4243 or email at csoto@gbif.com.

Posted by Terry White on December 13, 2007  |  No Comments

Grace Brethren Investment Foundation staff, left to right: Linda Leonard, Cindy Bushen, Brenda Byers, Ken Seyfert, Judi Rose, Larry Chamberlain, Carol Soto, Susanne Kessler

Dr. Ngoumape Reports on CAR Youth Conference

Posted by Terry White on December 13, 2007  |  No Comments

Dr. Francois Ngoumape, who heads the seminary and Bible schools for the Grace Brethren work in the Central African Republic, has sent a report on a recent youth conference held in the CAR.

“I asked you last week to pray for our trip from Bata to Yaloké and Bangui to Yaloké. God has protected us during the trip. We had a great ministry in Yaloké High School among the students.

“140 people participated in the camp. Sixty made decisions before the Lord,and three came to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior. It was a very good time for me and my team to minister together with those young people for three days.

“Now please pray for them, for faithfulness to the Lord in their engagement and perseverance in their confession.

“How great it is to see young people being committed to the Lord. Imagine them becoming one day the ruler of this country! This is our prayer and why it is so important to minister to young people. Thank you for partnering with us in this ministry.”

Betty Poyner Obituary

Posted by Terry White on December 13, 2007  |  No Comments

The following obituary was prepared by Betty Poyner’s family:

Elizabeth (Betty) Jean Poyner, 71, slipped peacefully into the presence of her heavenly Father after a courageous two-year battle with ovarian cancer on Monday, December 10, 2007, surrounded by her loved ones and devoted husband of 50 years.

Born October 10, 1936, in Waterloo, Iowa, Betty was the youngest of three children of Wert and Violet Van Eaton. After growing up in Waterloo, Betty’s professional nursing career began when she completed her RN degree at Kahler Methodist Nursing School in Rochester, MN.

She then went on to earn her BA Professional Arts degree from St. Joseph College in Windham, ME and a MBA from Frostburg University in Frostburg, MD. From 1991 to 2005, Betty was the director of Flagler Hospital’s Home Health Services in St. Augustine, FL, retiring in December of 2005.

In 2004, Betty was selected to become an elite member of the Certified Home/Hospice Care Executives. After retiring from Flagler Hospital, she continued to work part-time for Parkview Baptist Church located in Palm Coast, FL.

Betty was married on June 7, 1958 to Randall Eugene Poyner of Jesup, Iowa. During these 50 years of endearing companionship, Betty was a devoted wife, loving mother, and doting grandmother.

Because of Betty’s love for her God and innate sense of service, she also embraced the pastoral ministry alongside her husband, Rev. Dr. Randy Poyner, by directing women’s ministry and Christian education in Goshen, IN; Johnstown, PA; Lansing, MI; Fort Myers, FL; Hagerstown, MD; Little Rock, AR; and Palm Coast, FL. Betty’s home-style cooking was just one of her many endless gifts of hospitality.

Survivors include her husband, three children – Susan (Mike) Blackwell (Ft Myers, FL), Timothy (Sue) Poyner (Winona Lake, IN), and Mark (Christy) Poyner (Charleston, SC), seven grandchildren – Keith and Harmony Blackwell, Jordan, Jacob and Karly Poyner, Cameron and Ashley Poyner, siblings – Janie (Lindsey) Russell, James (Helen) Van Eaton, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Elizabeth (Betty) Jean Poyner will be held Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 10 am at Parkview Baptist Church located at 5435 Bell Terre Pkwy in Palm Coast, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Betty’s name to the Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129. Arrangements are under the care of Clymer Funeral Home in Palm Coast, FL.

Buy a Football, Help thequest

Posted by Terry White on December 13, 2007  |  No Comments

thequest, a Columbus, Ohio, urban church network pastored by Mike Jentes, has come up with a unique way to raise some funds using a football autographed by legendary Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel. According to Jentes:

“One of our folks was able to secure a Jim Tressel-autographed football which he designated to be used to be a fund raiser for non-profits….so we are doing a little auction…to raise a little money…and for one of you to have a great present! All proceeds from the auction of this football go to thequest!

“Details: The football has a Certificate of Authenticity. Bids are open today and close at noon on Dec 21st. Opening bid- $75 Suggested value: at least $100. Columbus metro-area will have free delivery. For those outside of the metro area, shipping and handling charges will apply.

“When you bid, you will be added to the list of those who will receive an update when someone bids on the football. Each time the bid raises, everyone on the list will receive an email about the current bid…up until noon on 12/21 when the highest bidder gets the football–and donates to thequest!

“To bid and for questions contact Kathy: kathy@thequestcolumbus.com”

Tour England’s Literary Sites With Dr. Sauders

Posted by Terry White on December 12, 2007  |  No Comments

Dr. Paulette Sauders of the Grace College (Winona Lake, IN) English and literature department is leading a tour of London and Oxford, England, open to all friends of Grace College & Seminary, the dates of February 29 through March 9, 2008.

Cost for the trip will be $2550, which covers round-trip airfare, hotels in London and Oxford, breakfasts, entrance fees into all the sites visited, transportation in London, and private bus transportation around England.

Some of the sites on the itinerary include Oxford, Stratford-on-Avon, C.S. Lewis’ home, Shakespeare’s birthplace/home/burial, Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Jane Austen home/museum, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Parliament Buildings, British Museum, Charles Dickens’ Home, WW II Cabinet War Rooms, and many more.

Contact Dr. Paulette Sauders at (574) 372-5100, ext. 6154 or e-mail her at sauderpg@grace.edu for more details.

FGBC Leaders Meet for Updates, Strategy Sessions

Posted by Terry White on December 12, 2007  |  No Comments

Next year’s Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches moderator John McIntosh (center), along with Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey (left) led discussions this morning as gathered leaders of the Fellowship concluded three days of update and strategy meetings at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana. Grace Brethren Investment Foundation CEO Dr. Larry Chamberlain is at right.

In the three-day meetings, updates were given by the executives of all the national organizations, along with any plans for the future which will bring change.

Tuesday morning a group of attorneys from the Ice Miller law firm in Indianapolis met with the group to discuss in general litigation in today’s society, and in particular, how 501(c)3 organizations can structure themselves and operate in such a way as to operate at maximum legality and with the highest ethics.

Sandy Barrett of the FGBC office was hostess for the meetings. Those participating included FGBC present moderator Jim Brown, past moderator Tim Boal, and next year’s moderator John McIntosh.

National organization leaders participating included Ron Manahan and Bill Katip from Grace College and Seminary; Joel Richards from the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers; Janet Minnix and Viki Rife from Women of Grace USA; Larry Chamberlain and Ken Seyfert from the Grace Brethren Investment Foundation; Dave Guiles from Grace Brethren International Missions; Terry White from Brethren Missionary Herald Co; Ed Lewis from CE National; and Tom Avey from the FGBC office.

The leadership group will next meet on Friday, January 25, 2008, at Seal Beach, California, when leaders met with, and give updates to, members of the Fellowship Council.

Chadian Layman Leads Evangelism Efforts

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on December 11, 2007  |  No Comments

Dadje Samuel (pictured at right) has a passion to reach people for Jesus.