BMH Editor's Blog

Gates to Become BMH Director January 1

Posted by Terry White on December 31, 2009  |  2 Comments

Liz Cutler Gates

Liz Cutler Gates has been named Executive Director of the Brethren Missionary Herald Co. (BMH) of Winona Lake, Indiana, effective January 1, 2010. Gates will replace Terry White, who has directed the company since 2003, and who will continue part-time as the publisher of BMH Books.

Gates has served the past three years as Editorial Director for the denominational communications agency and publishing company. Prior to that she served nearly a decade as director of communications for the Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

A native of Wooster, Ohio, Gates earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Grace College and a master’s degree from Ball State University. She has taken additional postgraduate work in marketing and higher education administration at The Ohio State University.

Gates was a reporter for “The Paper” in Milford, Ind., and the “Times-Union” in Warsaw, Ind., and also directed communications for the Brethren Home Mission Council, the church-planting arm of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.  After moving to Ohio, she served as communication director for a large church there, and also worked in publications and public relations with Ohio State University Extension. Gates and her husband, Doug, reside in Warsaw, Ind.

BMH, founded in 1940, is the communications and publishing arm of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, located in Winona Lake, Ind. Its mission is to build bridges of communication among the people and churches of the FGBC. BMH’s media outlets include a bi-monthly periodical with an accompanying website, BMH Books with its accompanying website, a “BMH Editor’s Blog” which carries updates and immediate news, and contract communication services in publishing newsletters and handling communications for a number of related agencies.

BMH offices are located at 1104A Kings Highway in Winona Lake, where they also lease space to the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches administrative offices and to Tree of Life Bookstore and Café.

For more information on BMH log onto www.fgbcworld.com or www.bmhbooks.com or call the office at (574) 268-1122.

Multnomah Co-Founder Aldrich With the Lord

Posted by Terry White on December 26, 2009  |  No Comments

Chuck Winter out in the Northwest has alerted us to the following:
Dr. Willard Aldrich died November 27, 2009, in Camas, Washington. He was 100. One of the founders of Multnomah School of the Bible, he served as president for 35 years and as a faculty member for 40 years

He was the speaker for the ground breaking for the Harrah Grace Brethren Church and later for the dedication of the new facility.

There is a link to his full obituary at the following Multnomah link. It appears on the home page.

www.multnomah.edu/

Dennis Holsinger, Rittman, Ohio, With the Lord

Posted by Terry White on December 26, 2009  |  No Comments

Dennis Holsinger of the Rittman, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church, has gone to be with the Lord. His pastor, Bud Olszewski, described Holsinger as “a very active member of Rittman Grace: Moderator and Vice Moderator, Finance Officer, Sunday School Superintendent, Trustee, worship leader and incredible soloist for our choir.” Holsinger is the brother of Terry Holsinger, former board member of Grace College & Seminary and Pastor Bud also reminds, “They are also distant (time line) relatives of Henry Holsinger – the great progressive of our movement many generations ago.”

Dennis V. Holsinger, 75, of Wadsworth died Tuesday, December 22, 2009, at Magnolia Village.

He was born July 28, 1934 in Akron to Wilbur V. and Lucille (Romesberg) Holsinger and lived in Wadsworth since 1958.

Dennis was employed at the Medina Gazette and retired as advertising director in 1996. He graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1952 and attended Kent State University and Manchester College.

He was an active member of the Grace Brethren Church in Rittman where he was a song leader and soloist. Dennis was past-president of the Ohio Newspaper Classified Clinic and was a former member of the Medina County Fair Board. He enjoyed his family and traveling.

Surviving are his wife, Janet (Brickel) Holsinger; children, David (Lori) Holsinger of Copley, Gail D. (William) Adley of Wadsworth, and Marilyn (Robert) Mick of Stuart, FL; grandchildren, Sarah (Mike) Patterson, Lori (Jeremy) Williams, Tracy (Dustin Glass) Adley, Franklin Adley, Sam, Melissa and Andrew Mick, Austin Holsinger and Amber Payton; 7 great-grandchildren; a brother, Terrell (Sandy) Holsinger of Hurst, TX.

Graveside services and burial will be at 9:30 A. M. Tuesday at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wadsworth. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grace Brethren Church, 44 S. First St., Rittman with Pastor Bud Olszewski officiating. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 28 at Gillman Funeral Home, 360 W. Sunset Dr., Rittman.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Brethren Church, 44 S. First St., Rittman OH 44270.

Church-Planting Vision Takes Shape in Twin Cities

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on December 21, 2009  |  No Comments

George Stagg has a big vision for a big metropolitan area. Learn more about new Grace Brethren ministries in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn. in the November-December issue of FGBC World, which is available at no charge at your local Grace Brethren church or online at fgbcworld.com.

FGBC World is an all-fellowship, all-Grace Brethren newspaper that is published six times a year. In its pages you will find stories about the Grace Brethren family around the world – from individuals who are on the front line of ministry to organizations that help impact lives for Jesus. Pick up your free copy of the November-December issue at your local Grace Brethren church, see fgbcworld.com or subscribe online to have your free copy delivered directly to your mailbox.

Help Needed Now for CAR Literature Project

Posted by Terry White on December 19, 2009  |  No Comments

Greg Burgess, who works with the literature ministry in the Central African Republic, sends this urgent request:

Immediate need–Literature Ministry Printing Machines At A Standstill

With its two printing machines irreparably damaged, the work of “The Foyer,” the Grace Brethren publications ministry in the Central African Republic, has nearly come to a halt.

Usually, at this time of the year the Foyer team would be would be in full swing producing the documents for their biggest sales event in the year, the C.A.R.’s Grace Brethren national conference attended by the leaders of 900 churches. This year they have been forced to outsource a few documents to a local Catholic printer.

However, the bulk of what the pastors, women and young people depend on in terms of Christian literature will not be available. This in turn means that the Foyer will not have the revenue it needs to provide the capital to purchase new equipment and to produce essential Christian literature. It’s a vicious circle. Such is life in this landlocked nation, one of the top ten of the world’s poorest.

An Opportunity To Get The Foyer Back In Business

The Foyer produces thousands of women’s Bible study books, youth group manuals and Bible study books and commentaries each year. To get them back to where they have been in the last six years is only a matter of funding the purchase and shipping of some new machines.

To purchase two new Risograph printing machines costs approximately $3000. Joe Sands of Sands Office Equipment in Warsaw, Indiana, has been helping to find the appropriate equipment at a reduced cost. He has even arranged for a third Risograph to be donated to the Foyer.

Shipping equipment from the United States to the C.A.R. is a challenge. Currently there is an opportunity to get the machines to the Foyer quickly through ICDI who will be sending a container in January. Unless the machines are purchased and sent now, the Foyer’s work will be crippled for many long months.

Pray–Foyer Director Seeks To Groom Young Leader

Pastor Marc Dounia (pictured) is one of Central Africa’s faithful church leaders. He is the director of the Foyer, as well as the pastor of the Chypre Church in Bangui. His ministry has spanned four decades, though it has not been without hardship.

While he was leading the literature ministries in 2003, war broke out. The work was devastated. Books, machines and buildings, all was lost, except for Pastor Dounia’s heart for the Lord. A lesser man would have thrown in the towel, but he moved to Bangui and started over from scratch.

Pastor Dounia’s current challenge is to find his successor. He is praying that the Lord will provide a dedicated young man to follow in his steps. Would you pray that God would provide this godly new leader?

Opportunity To Give

$6,300 are needed to get the Grace Brethren Literature Ministry in C.A.R. up and running again:

• $3,000 for printing machines ($1,500 per machine)
• $3,300 for shipping from Indiana to C.A.R.

For this equipment to be sent this January, funds are needed now. Even if only one machine can be purchased and shipped, this will help the Foyer get on its feet again. Would you consider helping?

Please send your gift to:

GBIM
Project #8028
P.O. Box 588
Winona Lake, IN 46590

GBIM is a qualified tax-exempt organization. All gifts will receive a tax-exempt receipt.

Wooster Worship Team Releases CD

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on December 18, 2009  |  No Comments

The music team at the Grace Brethren Church, Wooster, Ohio, has released their first CD –

It is available from the Wooster Grace Brethren Church, 4599A Burbank Rd., Wooster, Oh 44691. The cost is $10 for one, $35 for five, plus shipping.

Wooster’s Lawson Receives Volleyball Honors

Posted by Terry White on December 18, 2009  |  No Comments

From the Wooster, Ohio, Daily Record. Stephanie is the daughter of David and Julie Lawson–David is the administrative pastor for the Grace Brethren Church of Wooster.

By CHRISTY JOHNSON, Daily Record Sports Writer

Steph Lawson (pictured), a Triway High School graduate, finished her sophomore season playing volleyball for Grace College in Indiana. Lawson, a middle hitter, led the Lancers, and the Mid-Central College Conferences, in aces with 54.

Lawson also led the team with 322 kills, averaging 2.93 kills per set, and was second on the team in digs with 238.

The sophomore received second-team honors from the Mid-Central Conference this season, and was also named to the 2009 NCCAA Mid-West Volleyball All-Region team.

Friday Feature: Learn to Share Christ with Those Closest to You

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on December 18, 2009  |  No Comments

Now on sale through Monday, December 28!

ICDI Makes Plans to Expand Operations

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on December 18, 2009  |  No Comments

Jim Hocking (pictured above), founder and director of Integrated Community Development International (ICDI) updated friends and donors this morning at breakfast in Warsaw, Ind. In addition to reporting on the varied programs of the organization, Jim announced that ICDI is making plans to move into Chad and Congo, and in order to do that, is developing a new base of operations at Grimari in the Central African Republic.

Jim also introduced Nanga Kaye, a Chadian who has just joined the ICDI staff as agricultural specialist. An agronomy graduate of the University of Nebraska, Kaye is responsible for helping the Africans learn to effectively grow nutritious food.

“We work with about 100 Central Africans — we’ve poured our lives into them,” Hocking said. “We’ve seen the impact they’ve made on thousands of their countrymen,” he added, explaining that the goal of ICDI is to help the Africans help themselves. “We’ve also watched God bring people to himself through our programs.”

Waterloo, Argentine Churches Team Up to Help Filipinos

Posted by Terry White on December 17, 2009  |  No Comments

Viv Weimer (Waterloo, Iowa) has alerted us that a number of the Grace Brethren ladies in Berazategui, Argentina (pictured) have teamed up with the Waterloo church to sew clothes for the many children who were affected by the recent flooding in Manila, Philippines.

Viv says, “I think this is an awesome idea to have GBC women in the US and GBC women in Argentina helping to meet needs in the Philippines. Through technology, we were able to communicate with them what type of clothing, fabrics etc. to use and we all are off and running with this.”

The Weimers’ son, Jason, will be one of a group from the Waterloo Grace Brethren Church who will take the clothes to Manila the end of January as part of the Philippines Coalition through GBIM.

The clothes will be given to the local GBC pastors in the Marikina, GBC and Pasig, GBC to distribute as part of their community outreach following the devastating floods.

Gary McCaman, who works with GBIM in Argentina, says, “It’s always rewarding to see churches work together to help others who have been affected by calamity. The international collaboration on this project makes it particularly exciting!”

Columbia City Calls Lead Pastor

Posted by Terry White on December 15, 2009  |  No Comments

Community of Hope Grace Brethren Church, Columbia City, Indiana, has announced the appointment of Steve Adriansen as the church’s lead pastor.

Steve and Kathy Adriansen currently live in Commerce, Michigan, where Steve has served as a pastor for the past 18 years. Their son, Dan, is a freshman at Cedarville University and their daughter, Rachel, is a senior at Lakeland High School. The Adriansen family enjoys serving together, traveling together, and having fun together in a variety of ways.

Steve and Kathy met at Grace College and married shortly after Steve finished his studies at Grace Theological Seminary. After focusing their time and energy on student ministry from 1984 until 2000, they have been focusing on “adult ministry” for the past nine years.

The Adriansens are passionate about connecting with other Christ-followers while at the same time pursuing those in their community who do not yet have a relationship with Christ. Their hearts are most excited when they see the church function like a family and when they “team-up” with others in the church to reach out to those outside the church family.

God has used a variety of people and experiences to shape Steve and Kathy’s ministry over the past 25 years. They possess a unique passion for helping those in their church family experience the one-anothers of the New Testament within smaller, more intimate settings.

The Adriansens have also led many mission teams, which have been comprised of people of all ages, to a variety of locations and ministries. Whether sharing life together within God’s family or inviting others to join God’s family, Steve and Kathy deeply desire to see lives and relationships changed as people experience God’s love more and more deeply.

Steve will begin his ministry at Community of Hope on January 3, 2010. Jeremy Wike will continue his excellent ministry at Community of Hope under Steve’s leadership. Pray for Steve and Kathy as they engage in ministry at Columbia City and deal with common transition issues such as a house sale and the completion of their daughter, Rachel’s last year in high school.

Grace’s Coach K Reaches 600 Wins

Posted by Terry White on December 15, 2009  |  No Comments

by Zane Gard

After 33 years, Coach Jim Kessler (pictured) of the Grace College (Winona Lake, Ind.) Lancers basketball team has finally reached 600 wins. Kessler made the 600-victory milestone Friday, December 11, against then-ranked No. 11 Cornerstone University.

“I think that Coach Kessler is a man of God that genuinely cares about strengthening his own relationship with Christ as well as helping his players become men that seek after God in all we do,” said senior captain David Swanson. “He taught me to play the game for something bigger.”

Kessler, who has coached more games than any other active MCC coach (1,069), has a 600-469 career record and a .561 winning percentage. After being NCCAA Coach of the Year in 1982 and 1992, Kessler was inducted into the NCCAA Hall of Fame in 1994. He was also named the 1992 NAIA Coach of the Year and has won nine MCC titles.

“It’s a product of two things,” Kessler said. “You have to have good people around you and you have to be at a place for a long time. I’ve had great assistants and great players through the years. When you have young men of character around you, you will win your share.”

Zane Gard is a Sports Management and Journalism Major at Grace College.

Christy Hill’s Mother With the Lord

Posted by Terry White on December 15, 2009  |  No Comments

Marilyn J. Morr, the mother of Grace College and Seminary faculty member Dr. Christy Morr Hill, is now with the Lord. Marilyn J. Morr, age 72 of Ashland, OH., passed away at her residence Monday, December 14, 2009.

On July 2, 1937, in Long Beach, California, Mrs. Morr was born to the late Roger and Marguerite (Garrison) Sherman. She had been a resident of Ashland most of her life. Mrs. Morr was a homemaker and pre-school teacher formerly at Grace Brethren Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, and most recently at Park St. Brethren Church. She loved her children and grandchildren and was known by most as “Nana”.

She had been an active church volunteer over the years at many of the local churches, Grace Brethren, Trinity Lutheran, Park St., and most recently Evangelical United Methodist Church. She served her Lord and enjoyed everyone she met.

On August 31, 1962, Marilyn married Harold F. Morr who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons and daughters-in-law: David H. (Jennifer) Morr of Ashland, Andrew (Lulu) Morr of Garden Grove, California; 2 daughters and sons-in-law: Barbie (Brett) Martin of Ashland, Christy (Jim) Hill of Winona Lake, Indiana; 7 grandchildren: Addison, Lindsey, Lauren, and Julia Morr, Aleesa, Elizabeth, and Anthony Martin; 1 brother, Douglas (Kathy) Sherman of Long Beach, California; and 1 sister, Roberta (Keith) Neely of Granger, Indiana.

Services will be held 11:00 am Friday, December 18, 2009, at Heyl Funeral Home, 227 Broad St., Ashland, OH., with Pastor John Guliano officiating. A private family graveside service will be conducted at Ashland Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the funeral home.

Sam Hornish, Jr., Lives Out His Faith

Posted by Terry White on December 15, 2009  |  1 Comment

Here’s an interesting article about how a well-known sports figure from another branch of the Brethren church lives out his faith. Thanks to Dunker Journal for pointing us to the article. This is an excerpt–to read the entire article, click here. (Sam Hornish Jr. photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Hornish living out his faith behind the scenes

By Lee Warren

KANSAS CITY, Kansas (BP)–Three-time Indy Racing League champion and current NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Sam Hornish Jr. is known for being a shy, mild mannered, behind-the-scenes kind of guy who is always aware of the needs of people around him.

West Milton Hosts Christmas Gift Giveaway

Posted by Terry White on December 14, 2009  |  No Comments

The following article appeared on the WDTN website today. Steve Peters is pastor of the West Milton church.

Church hosts Christmas gift giveaway

Chelby Kosto

WEST MILTON, Ohio (WDTN) – The Community Grace Brethren Church in West Milton is working hard to make Christmas special for hundreds of children in the Miami Valley.

The church is giving toys away to dozens of less fortunate families for the second year in a row. Associate pastor Brian Orme said this year the need is greater than ever.

“Obviously there are lots of people that have a great need during this economic crisis and with the holidays its a really tough time.” He said.

Belinda Gillard was at the church Thursday night and picked out toys for her great nieces and nephews.

“They are going to be thrilled. Overjoyed.” She said.

In addition to the free gifts, each family also went home with a bag of groceries.

Orme said helping others gives the church a sense of the true meaning of Christmas

” We want to bless people in our community and serving people is a great way to celebrate the birth of Christ.

The church will hold one more gift giving night before Christmas, Thursday December 17, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

It is located at 2661 South Miami Street in West Milton.

Winona Lake Holds ‘We Care Warsaw’ Event

Posted by Terry White on December 12, 2009  |  No Comments

From the Warsaw (IN) Times-Union for Saturday, December 12:

‘We Care Warsaw’ Event Today In Winona Lake

Jennifer Peryam
Times-Union Staff Writer

WINONA LAKE- Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church and many local businesses are teaming up today to help those in need.

The church, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake, is holding its second annual “We Care Warsaw” day today from 2:30 to 7 p.m. at the Gordon Recreation Center, 100 Rupe Drive, Winona Lake, and at the church.

Dave Rank, Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church assistant pastor, came up with the idea for the event to serve the community and is the event’s coordinator.

Last year was the first year for the event when 250 people attended, and the church is preparing to serve 400 people in need today.

“The purpose of the day is to encourage those in our community who are hurting in these tough economic days,” Rank said.

Services that will be provided today to those in need include haircuts, manicures, makeovers, HINI flu shots, family photos, oil changes, free bags of groceries, cookie decorating, children craft tables and a kids zone with inflatable games, pedal car races, balloon figurines and face painting.

Participating businesses include Fiesta Hair Salon, Expressions Hair Salon, J-Three, professional photographers Karen Geswein and Mary Beth Hanniford, World Compassion Network, Elliott’s Heating & Air Conditioning, County Health Clinic, Ab & Tom’s Auto Care and Grace College.

A hot dinner will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church by church members. The dinner will include ham, au gratin potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls and butter, red jello salads, apple or pumpkin pie, cookies, brownies, lemonade and water.

There will be door prizes every 10 minutes for gift cards to Owen’s, Marsh, Aldi, Wal-Mart and gas cards.

There also will be Christmas dinner in boxes available to 30 people with canned ham, ingredients for green bean casserole, au gratin potatoes, sweet potatoes, cake mix with frosting, toys, small appliances, towels and blankets.

There also will be grand door prizes at the end of the evening with a $75 gift card to Marsh and two $100 gift cards to Wal-Mart.

Aiken Students Serve the Community

Posted by Terry White on December 11, 2009  |  No Comments

From the Aiken (SC) Standard. Steve Taylor is pastor of the Aiken church.

By ROB NOVIT
Senior writer

Kaitlyn Lawless, an Aiken Christian School sophomore, recently joined her high school classmates on a trip to Charlotte, N.C., to work with the Operation Christmas Child project.

“We packed boxes to send all over the world,” she said of the collection of toys, school supplies and hygiene items to donate to low-income children. “It’s good to go out and help others.”

Soon after he formally joined the school staff as headmaster last June, Pat Deveney introduced the Alpha Service Project. Students are required to contribute a minimum of 30 hours of community service during the school year.

“I’ve been doing this in schools I’ve worked at for many years,” Deveney said. “We’ll do a number of things throughout the year. We’ve served our whole campus here at Grace Brethren Church, cleaning up the grounds and even pouring concrete to help with a building project.”

The middle school students recently visited the Head Start Center in Aiken to spend time with the 3- and 4-year-old children.

“We read to the kids, including Christmas books, Dr. Seuss and books about colors,” said sixth-grader Ally Jones. “They listened well to us and enjoyed it, and that made me feel good. I probably would like to do that again sometime.”

Bookkeeper Laura Foreman is providing coordination for many of the service projects.

“It’s teaching the children the act of service for the community for those who are less fortunate,” she said. “It gives them the opportunity to serve, and the kids love it.”

The students are also expected to do good work on their own in the community. Lawless said she has helped out at church.

“We have students who are already in the 160-hour range,” Deveney said. “Many will go over 100.”

Waterloo Seeks Worship Leader

Posted by Terry White on December 4, 2009  |  No Comments

Waterloo,Iowa, Grace Brethren Church is seeking part-time Worship Leader.

Music degree or two years experience preferred. Qualifications should include ability to read music, play piano and/or guitar and sing solo quality vocals. Must have a working knowledge of MS Office programs, i.e., PowerPoint. Regular duties to include planning musical aspects of service along with Lead Pastor and Worship Ministry Committee, preparing for and leading Worship Team and Band rehearsals and leading congregation during corporate worship times.

Interested candidates should mail resume and references to:

gbcwloo@gracebrethrenwaterloo.org Attn: Worship Ministry or Grace Brethren Church Attn: Worship Ministry 1760 Williston Ave Waterloo, IA 50702.
gbcwloo@gracebrethrenwaterloo.

Wooster Church Concerts Scheduled for Next Weekend

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on December 4, 2009  |  No Comments

The Wooster, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church (Bob Fetterhoff, pastor) is hosting their annual Christmas concert next weekend. Beginning December 11 and continuing through the 13th, the church’s Celebration Choir and Orchestra and Drama Team of Grace with the Children’s Choir will perform First Christmas, a musical including five orginal dramas based on true stories from families in the congregationa and spectacular Christmas music including three original songs written by Randy Moomaw, associate pastor of worship ministries.

Below is a part of a story that appears in today’s (December 4) Wooster Daily Record. To read the complete story, click here.

Home-grown production depicts ‘first’ Christmases

They decided to go a step further this year, creating their own holiday performance almost from the ground up.

That doesn’t mean the vignettes are invented, however. Each one represents a true story and most of those stories come from within the congregation.

“First Christmas,” to be presented at Wooster Grace Brethren Church next weekend, tells stories of families experiencing change and stress at Christmastime.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Happy Birthday, Boss!

Posted by Liz Cutler Gates on December 3, 2009  |  No Comments

Today, the fearless leader of the Brethren Missionary Herald Company, Terry White, celebrates a birthday. The staff of BMH and the FGBC offices gathered in our Winona Lake, Ind., conference room for some celebratory razzleberry pie and ice cream.