BMH Editor's Blog

Friday Feature: Book Explores God’s Relationship With Man Through Worship

Posted by admin on November 24, 2009  |  No Comments

Now on sale through Friday, November 27!

Worship: The Golden Thread is a masterful exposition of scriptural teaching on worship along with examples from real-life, including Bruce Triplehorn’s work in Brazil and his use of marriage as a metaphor.

“The Scriptures are a history of God’s relationship with man through worship,” Triplehorn says. “Worship is the underlying theme of every page and the glue that ties its long history together.” It is the key, he stresses, that unlocks both the meaning of the Bible and also the foundation of God’s redemptive plan.

For use as a small group or study text, the book contains “Where to Start” suggestions and questions after each chapter. After discussing misconceptions about worship, Triplehorn reveals in successive chapters worship in truth, worship as a choice, and the transforming power of worship. The second part of the book focuses on the place of worship in the areas of evangelism, discipleship, and leadership in the church

Don Shoemaker to be Parade Grand Marshal

Posted by admin on November 24, 2009  |  No Comments

Vicki Barilla, Director of Community Ministries for the Grace Brethren church in Seal Beach,California, has informed us that the Seal Beach Parade Committee has unanimously selected Pastor Don Shoemaker (pictured) as this year’s Seal Beach Christmas Parade Grand Marshal.

Vicki said, “We were happy to be informed by the Seal Beach Parade Committee and Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce Board Member Brian Warner who attends Grace with his wife Jane.”

It is this year that Pastor Don has been serving the Seal Beach church and the Seal Beach Community for 25 years giving additional significance to this honor. He has served as Seal Beach Police Chaplain for more than five years, and actively supports the engagement of the church in many community activities.

The Seal Beach Christmas Parade is Friday, December 4, 2009, at 7 pm.

An Early Thanksgiving at ESL

Posted by admin on November 24, 2009  |  No Comments

An early Thanksgiving dinner was served this Thursday morning to students and their family members who participate in an ESL (English as a Second Language) class offered by the Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church as an outreach.

Carving and serving the turkey were (bottom photo, left) Dr. Don DeYoung, whose wife, Sally, is one of the ESL teachers, and retired GBIM missionary Diana Davis (right), who roasted the turkey and directs the ESL program. Bruce Barlow is lead pastor of the Winona Lake Church. (Sharon White photos)

Altoona Grace Brethren Packs Shoe Boxes for Needy Children

Posted by admin on November 9, 2009  |  No Comments

The Altoona (Pa.) Grace Brethren Church (Rodney Lingenfelter, pastor) is featured in today’s (November 9, 2009) Altoona Mirror in a story about the church preparing boxes for Operation Christmas. To read the complete story, click here.

Area resident now helps other children

Lejla Allison had survived three years in wartorn Bosnia when she decided she wanted to die.

Eleven years old at the time, Allison had to walk to school through snow and slush in shoes so old and worn her toes poked through.

“I was praying to God every day for a pair of shoes,” Allison said. “I decided there was no such as God, because if there, he would not let me live like this.” … Despondent, Allison headed to a local school, planning to steal a coat to keep warm.

When she arrived at the school, she was greeted by people handing out shoe boxes filled with gifts. A man presented her with one of the boxes, which contained several little gifts – and a pair of shoes.

There were more than 200 boxes distributed that day in 1993, and only one contained a pair of shoes, which fit Allison perfectly.

“At that moment, I knew God was real, and he answers prayers,” Allison said. “That’s why those three attempts didn’t work.”

The shoe boxes were being distributed by Operation Christmas Child, which collects them throughout the U.S. and gives them to needy children in 130 countries.

Allison, now 27, helps coordinate collection efforts at Grace Bible Church in Hollidaysburg.

She moved to the area with her husband, a U.S. Air Force veteran she met in Bosnia, in 2001.
Allison, who was raised in the Muslim faith, asked that her hometown not be identified, as she and her family have received threats because of her work with the Christian organization.

It wasn’t until her sister-in-law was packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child that Allison realized that the program was behind the shoes she’d received in Bosnia.

Grace Brethren Church has been participating in Operation Christmas Child since 1998, said Shannon Krater of Altoona, site coordinator. Last year, the church collected 3,246 shoe boxes; this year, they’re aiming for 10,000.

Soldotna Church Mourns Boy Killed at Fair

Posted by admin on August 27, 2009  |  No Comments

The Peninsula Grace Brethren Church in Soldotna, Alaska (Keith Randall, pastor) is mourning a young parishioner killed in a freak accident. Here is a portion of the story from the Homer News. To read the entire article, click here.

Boy killed in accident at fair

By McKibben Jackinsky

Nine-year-old Mathias “Matti” Nikola Martin of Soldotna died as the result of injuries sustained in an accident at the Ninilchik Fairgrounds at about 9 a.m. Friday morning.

The tragedy struck as a growing number of participants and vendors were preparing for Friday morning’s opening of the Kenai Peninsula State Fair. Martin had tied a rope around his waist and was attempting to lead the family milk cow when the cow bolted. He became entangled in the rope and was trampled by the animal.

Martin was the son of Blair and Ronna Martin of Soldotna. His grandparents are Carrol and JoAnne Martin, also of Soldotna, and John and Delores Lindeman of Ninilchik. The families are well known for their long-standing involvement with the fair, peninsula rodeo events and 4H.

Blair Martin was one of the first on the scene, helping subdue the cow and cut the rope so CPR could be given to his son.

Numerous 911 calls were immediately placed as those on the fairgrounds rushed to offer assistance, according to Fair Manager Lara McGinnis. Ninilchik Emergency Services responded, as did LifeMed Alaska, who dispatched an air ambulance from Soldotna to Ninilchik and flew Martin to Providence Hospital.

The injuries Martin sustained were such that his death probably occurred within seconds of being drug, Blair Martin told the Homer News Saturday.

“All our efforts, in hindsight, were futile,” he said, adding that the family has given permission for Martin’s heart valves and corneas to be harvested.

As news of Martin’s death spread, a somber atmosphere settled over the fair. Organizers, as well as fairgoers, drew together in a show of support for the family.

Grace College Increases Student Aid

Posted by admin on July 28, 2009  |  No Comments

Grace College increases student aid
Will help make up for state shortfall

WINONA LAKE, Ind. (WANE) – The State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana (SSACI) has reduced its financial aid for students by 31 percent for the 2009-2010 school year.

SSACI reduced its financial aid because of a 34 % increase in applicants for the 2009-2010 school year. Grace estimates the additional aid it will provide to its students will total $778,000 to make up for the SSACI shortfall.

Ronald Manahan, Th.D., president of Grace College, says recent gifts to the school allow it to make up for that reduction.

“We are grateful to the Lord for providing these extra funds this year,” Dr. Manahan said. “We have informed the affected students that we will be compensating for the state’s reduction. Letters have been sent to the affected students informing each about the amount of his or her financial aid.”

The SSACI had previously notified each student about the amount of aid. However, the commission has sent new award letters to notify students of the reduction in aid funds. The extra aid from Grace College applies to new students, as well as returning students.

Hello world!

Posted by admin on July 3, 2009  |  1 Comment

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OB Team Impacts Frederick, Maryland

Posted by admin on July 2, 2009  |  No Comments

The following report on one of the Operation Barnabas teams was taken from an e-newsletter published by CE National. R. Greene is pastor of the Frederick church.

Geoff Seidel, a member of Grace Community Church in Frederick Md., very much appreciated the Tri-State team’s visit. Geoff sent this email to TK, Operation Barnabas Director.

“We had the Tri-State OB group at Grace Community Church last week (June 22-28) and at yesterday’s worship services. WOW !! I forgot about the energy, smiles, and passion for Christ that these students bring in the blue bus……it must be the bus…..right ??

“They were awesome. They painted and trimmed and cleared brush at our church, did super outreach downtown, befriended some of Frederick’s homeless, prayed for our City, did more awesome outreach at Middletown Park, and then ministered to our church.

“I don’t know what y’all do to these students or where you find them, but they were and are a blessing. Our worship was energized by their passion and excitement about our Lord and Savior and the opportunity to be ALL IN for Him. I am still working on that in my life. The Holy Spirit was present and we did Church!! Their spirit was contagious!! They ministered to us.

“Thank you for sending them to GCC Frederick.”

To read reports and see pictures from each team, go to operationbarnabas.net.

Happy 85th Birthday, Pastor Charles Ashman!

Posted by admin on June 3, 2009  |  No Comments

Members of the FGBC and BMH staff gathered yesterday to celebrate the 85th birthday this week of longtime Grace Brethren pastor Charles Ashman (seated). Pastor Ashman, who since retiring as pastor of the Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church, has been assisting the fellowship coordinator’s office, still preaches most Sundays and continues consulting with churches when needed.

Shown here with Pastor Ashman are (from left) Sandy Barrett, administrator in the FGBC office; Frances Ashman, Pastor Ashman’s wife; and fellowship coordinator Tom Avey.

Cindy Bushen Marks Ten Years at GBIF

Posted by admin on April 15, 2009  |  No Comments

Ken Seyfert, Executive Director of Operations for Grace Brethren Investment Foundation, Winona Lake, Indiana, recently recognized Cindy Bushen (pictured) for her ten years of faithful ministry as bookkeeper and customer service representative at GBIF.

Larry Chamberlain, President and CEO, stated in a letter of appreciation, “The strength of GBIF goes beyond its financial statements. The strength of GBIF is represented in the faithfulness of people behind the scenes who are working daily as fiduciaries of assets entrusted to us by godly people wanting to use their finances for kingdom purposes. It’s a sacred trust, and we are very gratified that you make a significant contribution, every day, to meet and exceed those expectations.”

Congratulations, Cindy!

Raleigh Church Plans for Multi-Site Featured

Posted by admin on April 2, 2009  |  No Comments

An excellent video interview with pastors Mike Lee and Dave Patchin of Hope Community Church, a Grace Brethren church in Raleigh, North Carolina, is currently on the web.

Hope is launching two campuses this fall. In the video, recorded at a multi-site town meeting, Lee and Patchin introduce the campus pastor and field questions from the congregation. Poster Jim Tomberlin of Third Quarter Consulting says it is “one of the best multi-site envisioning experiences I have witnessed. Watch and learn!”

To view the video, click here.

Book on Worship and Song Released by BMH Books

Posted by admin on February 4, 2009  |  No Comments

A stimulating new book on the biblical approach to music and worship has just been released by BMH Books. Entitled Worship in Song, it is written by Scott Aniol, a rising figure in the church music and musicology world.

Aniol, who has studied both theology and musicology (master’s degree in musicology from Northern Illinois University), uniquely blends his knowledge of music and musical styles with a thorough study of scripture and historical approaches to music in worship.

Aniol says, “Few books have been written that carefully distinguish between secular music that we listen to every day, and sacred music . . . after discussing some foundational matters, the first section considers how to make God-pleasing choices regarding the secular music we listen to, and the second deals more narrowly with sacred music.”

Contending that much of the confusion about the music issue is primarily a theological misunderstanding, Aniol discusses such issues as “What does Sola Scriptura really mean?”, “The nature of biblical affections,” “The essence of biblical worship,” and “The purpose of music in the church.” Cultural issues discussed include “Meaning in music,” “The nature of pop culture,” and “different kinds of emotion.”

Each chapter concludes with aids for discussion so that the book may be used in small groups and classrooms. Further resources are available at www.worshipinsongbook.com or at the website for Aniol’s music and consulting ministry, www.religiousaffections.org.

The 281-page paperback is fully indexed by subject and by scripture. It retails for $17.99 and the ISBN number is 9780884692621. To order, log onto www.bmhbooks.com, call (toll-free) 1-800-348-2756, or obtain through any local bookseller.

Vision Ohio Debuts New Website

Posted by admin on November 19, 2008  |  No Comments

Vision Ohio, a cooperative church-planting venture that seeks to plant 250 Grace Brethren churches in Ohio over the next ten years, has established a new website.

On the site, individual information and prayer requests are available for nine specific locations where church-plants are currently underway. Officers of Vision Ohio, which has been granted provisional status by the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches as a regional, cooperating agency, includes the following staff people: Tony Webb – Director; Ron Boehm – VisionOhio Senior Missionary; Chery Boehm – Mentor-Coach to Women; Nathan Wells – Vision Ohio Missionary–Northeast Ohio; Dr. Terry Hofecker – Training Coordinator; Martin Guerena – Assessment Coordinator.

The new website is http://www.visionohio.org.

Women’s Leadership Summits Focus on Developing the Leader from Within

Posted by admin on September 17, 2008  |  No Comments

Developing the leader’s inner life will be the focus of the Women’s Leadership Summits this fall and winter. Sponsored by Women of Grace USA and open to all women in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, the summits will be offered in two locations: Reading, Pa., on October 24-26 and repeated in the west at Seal Beach, Calif. on January 30 – February 1, 2009.

Featured speaker for both summits will be Teressa Pierce. Chery Boehm is the coordinator for the events.

The identical events offer women the opportunity to process leadership development with others who serve in similar ministries through vital interactions and intentional guided discussions. Participants will take home resources that will help them develop leaders in their local ministries.

“Leaders who are deeply impacted by God are able to facilitate holistic, meaningful life change in others,” say Robert E. Logan and Tara Miller in their book From Followers to Leaders. They stress that such leaders are “connected with God, growing in intimacy, living out their calling, using their God-given gifts, investing in healthy relationships with others.”

This is the fifth year for the Women’s Leadership Summit, which has previously been held in Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.

Click here for more information.

Women of Grace Haiti Project Still Has Needs

Posted by admin on August 20, 2008  |  No Comments

There is still time to give toward the Women of Grace Celebration ‘08 (FGBC national conference) projects. Gifts will be received through August 31 and will help children who attend schools that are sponsored by Grace Brethren churches in Haiti. The goal for the project is $3,500. So far, only $2,180 has been received.

Two projects are available — provide school supplies for children in grades 1-12 or provide tuition for the children.

School supplies needed include pads of paper (both with small lines or with big lines), three-ring notebooks, large pencils, regular pencils, big crayons, regular crayons, ballpoint pens, folders, chalk, backpacks, calculators, rulers, individual pencil sharpeners, glue, scissors, and construction paper.

Individuals or groups may ship their items for the project to:

Ocala Grace Brethren Church
6474 NE 7th St.
Ocala, FL 34470

Please specify that they are for the Women’s Celebration ‘08 project.

Tuition for a child for a year is $7. With an 80 percent unemployment rate in Haiti and an average annual income of $400, many families cannot even afford that.

Financial gifts toward tuition (or even to ship school supplies) should be sent to Women of Grace USA, P.O. Box 711, Winona Lake, IN 46590. Please mark your gift: Haiti – School supplies or Haiti – Tuition. Checks should be written to Women of Grace and mailed by August 31.

For more information, click here.

Posted by admin on August 4, 2008  |  No Comments

Malcolm Stevens from the United Kingdom was one of the first to report church-planting progress and prayer updates from the continent of Europe. Stevens gave his life to the Lord at age 19, while training to be a teacher. Today he is the Lead Professional in the area of Special Needs. He was the first elder at the Shirley (Birmingham) church. He and his wife Tina have three children. Reports and prayer requests were given from each country in Europe, and small-group prayer followed each set of requests.

———————-
Malcom Stevens del Reino Unido fue uno de los primeros en reportar sobre el progreso de la plantación de iglesias e informar sobre los pedidos de oración en el continente europeo.

Stevens dio su vida al Señor a los 19 años, mientras se entrenaba para ser un maestro. Hoy es el Líder Profesional en el área de Necesidades Especiales. Él fue el primer anciano en la iglesia de Shirley (Birmingham). Él y su esposa Tina tienen tres hijos. Reportes y pedidos de oración fueron presentados por cada país en Europa y un pequeño grupo de oración siguió a cada uno de ellos.

———————-

Malcom Stevens, du Royaume uni était l’un des premiers à donner des nouvelles de l’implantation d’Eglise ainsi que des sujets de prières pour le continent Européen. Stevens a donne sa vie au Seigneur lorsqu’il avait 19 ans alors qu’il étudiait pour devenir enseignant. Aujourd’hui il est un professionnel pour des gens qui ont des besoins spécifiques. Il fut le premier ancien de l’église de Shirley (Birmingham). Lui et sa femme Tina ont trois enfants. Des rapports et des sujets de prières ont été donnes pour chaque pays d’Europe, et des petits groupes de prières ont été mis en place pour chaque sujet de prière.

More Grace Prison Grads From Wabash Facility

Posted by admin on June 20, 2008  |  No Comments

From the Terre Haute (IN) TribStar. To read the entire article, click here.

CARLISLE — In October 1994, the very first Wabash Valley Correctional Facility college semester was under way. Twelve students made up the entire class.

On Thursday, 154 graduates graced the stage at the facility near Carlisle. The Indiana Department of Correction-funded program has now graduated a total of nearly 2,000 people from Grace College, Indiana State University and Ivy Tech.

Each school offered different degrees Thursday. Grace gave associate’s and bachelor’s of science, ISU gave an associate’s of arts and a bachelor’s of science, while Ivy Tech awarded vocational and GED diplomas.

A bachelor’s degree cuts two years off a prisoner’s sentence, an associate’s cuts a year and all other degrees cut three to six months.

At the ceremony, comments were made by several correctional officials and the inmate band The Anointed played before keynote speaker Jeff Pittman, Ivy Tech chancellor, took the stage.

After 50 Years in Communications, Ken Herman Retires

Posted by admin on April 4, 2008  |  1 Comment

After 50 years, Ken Herman (seated, blue shirt and tie) has retired from a fruitful and faithful career in Christian publishing. The staffs of Brethren Missionary Herald Co. and the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches celebrated Ken’s retirement today and invited a number of his family members to participate.

Seated to Ken’s left is his daughter Judy Daniels, who edits communications and the alumni magazine for Grace College and Seminary. Her husband, Denny Daniels, in red shirt, is standing behind. To Ken’s right is his wife, Kathy. Seated immediately behind Kathy is the Hermans’ other daughter, Cindi, with her husband, Don Fluke, and their daughter Bethany.

Ken Herman was working as the managing editor of the Dayton (OH) Shopping News (one of his co-workers was the humorist Erma Bombeck) when he was called to Winona Lake, Indiana, to join the staff of the Brethren Missionary Herald Company as assistant to the editor, Arnold Kriegbaum, in June of 1958.

Later, in 1961, Herman was named business manager of BMH. During those years a BMH Quartet traveled and sang in churches accompanied by Kriegbaum and Kriegbaum’s wife, Laura. Members of the quartet included Herman, Leland Larmon, Sherwood Durkee, and Wayne Guthrie.

Herman served with BMH for 33 years. When BMH’s print operation was sold to Evangel Press of Nappanee, Indiana, in 1991, Herman went with Evangel in the area of print sales and served there until retiring this March 31. Evangel has leased office space for Herman in the BMH building, enabling daily contact with BMH and FGBC staff.

Ken and Kathy Herman, their two daughters and families are all longtime members of the Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church.

BMH salutes Ken’s many years of faithful and congenial service and wishes him well in retirement.

Fellowship Council Hears Organizational Reports

Posted by admin on January 25, 2008  |  No Comments

The Fellowship Council meetings in Seal Beach, California, are focusing today on report and updates from various national organizations that articulate with the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.

Representatives of all national organizations are answering questions and sharing insights from their ministries with the Fellowship Council members throughout the day.

Posted by admin on December 26, 2007  |  No Comments