Southern Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren · between brothers and sisters. I must be honest I do not like the reality that we are in. I do not like working from home

“I am making

all things

new.”

Rev. 21:5 (NIV)

A Message from our District Executive

Southern Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren

Volume 39, Issue 1

Feb / Mar 2021

“I am making all things new” Rev.21:5 (NIV)

Welcome to 2021! If there ever was a beginning of the year that we wanted to claim that promise from scripture, this is it. 2020 was a different year for all of us. We survived, the outbreak of Covid 19, lockdowns, shortages, and the most contentious presidential campaign that I can remember. Church leaders had to carefully decide how to do worship and pastoral care during a pandemic as well as become technology experts in a short time. My heart goes out to health care providers and first responders who faced long hours in caring for those who were sickened by the virus.

We find ourselves divided as a nation, families, and yes, the church. I cannot for the life of me understand how we can so easily choose sides and try to name the other as evil. I found myself hearing these lyrics from a song that Russ Taff sang, “We Will Stand”, running through my head. I offer them to you to mull over.

Sometimes it's hard for me to understand Why we pull away from each other so easily Even though we're all walking the same road Yet we build dividing walls between Our brothers and ourselves But I, I don't care what label you may wear if you believe in Jesus you belong with me The bond we share is all I care to see And we can change this world forever if you will join with me Join and sing, sing You're my brother, you're my sister So take me by the hand Together we will work until He comes There's no foe that can defeat us When we're walking side by side As long as there is love We will stand The day will come when we will be as one And with a mighty voice together We will proclaim that Jesus Jesus is King And it will echo through the earth It will shake the nations And the world will see See that You're my brother, you're my sister So take me by the hand

continued on page 2

I N S I D E

T H I S

I S S U E :

New & Events

Throughout the

District

2-23

Training

Opportunities 24-32

Giving Report &

Budget Planning

10-11

Meeting & Event

Schedule 34

Page 2 Southern Pennsylvania District

SO PA District COB

3375 Carlisle Rd, Ste A

Gardners, PA 17324

717-778-2264

Note changes:

we have moved

Rev. Dr. William A. Waugh

District Executive

724-875-0958 cell

[email protected]

Carolyn Jones

Office Manager

SOPADistrict@

brethren.org

The song reminds me that it is not up to us to separate from one another over the things that divide us today. Christians, or more accurately, “Christ Followers” do not always agree on every jot and tittle of the Word of God or even on how verses are to be interpreted. The older I get, the more I want to try to work with others even if I do not agree. But that is not the spirit of the age. I think that social media has exposed the evil in all our hearts as we engage in Facebook or Twitter wars to prove we are correct and anyone who disagrees with us is wrong or worse, not a Christian. It is almost as though we relish the divisions.

But as we turn the corner into a new year, I celebrate hope. God is still on the throne and he promises that one day all things will be made new. No more sickness, death, or mourning. I also believe that in the new, we will be one. It has been said that in heaven there will be two surprises: those who are there, and those who will not be!

2021 Annual Conference Moderator, Paul Mundey, had this to say in an article titled “Empathy.”

“…historian Jon Meacham reflected on cultural division. Surprisingly, he remarked: "division is part of the oxygen of democracy." The problem: most are unwilling to learn from “the other,” typecasting “the other” as an enemy rather than a companion. But we are companions. Thus, Meacham calls for respect, for "democracies depend on empathy. If we cannot see each other as neighbors, we're not going to make it." So too for churches; if we cannot see each other as neighbors, we're not going to make it. Thus, among life choices, we must opt for understanding, electing empathy. It is striking that most of the Apostle Paul's letters were written to Christ-followers in conflict. Rather than surrendering to rancor, Paul sought reconciliation. Mind you, such peacebuilding did not expunge differences; that's unrealistic. But Paul tempered difference, amplifying humanity over hostility. "[D]on't let the passion of your emotions lead you to sin! Don't let anger control you or be fuel for revenge, not for even a day...And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others…Lay aside bitter words, temper tantrums, revenge, profanity, and insults. But instead, be kind and affectionate toward one another..." (Ephesians 4:26-32 TPT). Such self-control emerges as we view difference as strength, bolstering life.”

I would hope that in 2021 we will dedicate ourselves to build bridges and stop building walls of division. Unity is not necessarily uniformity. We have work to do and a witness to give of the new life Christ brings to us. Divisions and breaking away from each other are not to the Glory of God or our Neighbor’s Good. Let us determine, as in the words of President Biden, to “open our souls instead of hardening our hearts.”

Bill

continued from page 1

Congregational Leadership Updates These congregations are currently in the pastoral (or additional staff) search process:

• Bermudian COB, Pastor, anticipated vacancy as of 7/31/21, Pastor Larry is retiring

• Tuscarora Fellowship


2021 SO PA District Conference

September 17 & 18

York First COB 2710 Kingston Road

York, PA

Hello Southern PA District:

We bring greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Our year has been very different from previous times. Schedules change and

change again. However, our Lord Jesus calls us to follow him.

The theme for our Conference is based on Matthew 9:9 as Jesus calls Matthew to

follow him. We as Christians are called to be his disciples and follow him in our

daily mission as we are representatives of Jesus.

We are looking forward to our District Conference which will beheld in

September.

Ray Lehman District Moderator

Jesus CALLS US TO FOLLOW HIM

Matthew 9:9

A Big Thank You! The District Witness Commission is sending out a hearty thanks and God bless you to all who participated in this year’s Carlisle Truck Stop Ministry cookie distribution. The most recent tally reported was 11,000 bags, with more still on the way. Though last year’s total was higher, Chaplains Craig and Dave are thankful for the response in the midst of the COVID crisis. The truckers are always grateful for the home-baked goodness. Your outreach and witness to the men and women that transport our goods is noticed!


News from around the so pa district

Praise & Prayer

The District Office has a new physical location.

Thank you for your prayers, concern and patience during this year.

You may find us at:

3375 Carlisle Road Suite A

Gardners, PA 17324

717-778-2264

We want to recognize and thank the volunteers who helped with moving, renovation projects, organizing

the library, cleaning, etc.

Ron Bell, Free Spring COB

Paul Bentzel, New Fairview COB

Chris Elliott, Knobsville COB

Grace Elliott, Knobsville COB

Dave Finkenbinder, Ridge COB

Dustin Finkenbinder, Ridge COB

Jay Finkenbinder Sr, Newville COB

Jay Finkenbinder, Newville COB

Joyce Finkenbinder, Newville, COB

Kim Finkenbinder, Newville, COB

Wes Gingrich, Huntsdale COB

Greg & Carolyn Jones, Frederick COB

Ray Lehman, New Fairview COB

Roger Miller, New Fairview COB

Gary Mills, Chambersburg COB

Jerry Moore, Chambersburg COB

Eric Myers, West Shore Fellowship

Terry Smith, Free Spring COB

Bill and Dawn Waugh, Madison Avenue COB

Bob Witter, Chambersburg COB

Leon Yoder, Chambersburg COB

Mark Zeigler, Free Spring COB

(I hope we didn’t forget anyone.)

Volunteers are needed to paint trim, purge files and clean. If you are willing to help please contact

Carolyn 717-778-2264 [email protected]

Thank you so much and please continue to pray for us during this transition.


The Man2Man event scheduled

for 2/20/21

has been rescheduled

for 2/19/22.

NURTURE COMMISSION UPDATES

Rescheduled to 2022

Women’s Camp

June 7 & 8, 2021 - Camp Eder, Fairfield, PA

Witness, Mission and Evangelism Ideas

The District Witness Commission welcomes submissions of our district’s congregational activities to share the message of Christ and His church! Included here are a few ideas from West Shore COB.

• “You Were Seen” business-size cards to hand out as folks go through their day to stores,

doctors, etc. The cards, provided by Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), feature a short thank-you note, and provides the YouWereSeen.com website address, which links to the PeaceWithGod.net BGEA website.

• Gideons International has business-size cards with a scannable Gideon Bible app where one can download a Gideon Bible for free. West Shore COB is putting them in the welcome letter to new neighbors in the area.

• WSCOB collected items (toilet paper, canned food, gifts) and dropped them off to local ministries: Bethesda Mission and New Hope Ministries.

• Donated bagged cookies and Jesus DVD’s to the Carlisle Truck Stop Ministry.

Submitted by Pastor Beth Nonemaker Please forward your congregation’s ideas to the Witness Commission for future newsletter articles to Chris Elliott – cwelliott56gmail.com


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West Shore Church of the Brethren's Christmas Eve service featured a 5-minute original skit, Road to the Inn, by Morgan Hahn, Jr. View it at https://www.facebook.com/1747384435525498/videos/1152766781806586

In December we donated 35 bags of cookies, Jesus DVD's and Gideon Bible App cards to the Truckers Ministry, a big box of food to Bethesda Mission and clothing, toys and other gifts to New Hope Ministries. In January, our Women's Fellowship monthly missions support went to Jen Cook and Joy Dodd, missionaries in Honduras, who in addition to the Church of the Brethren Disaster Relief and Billy Graham's Samaritan's purse, have been ministering physically and spiritually there.

Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021, Outdoor Son-rise Service, 7:00 AM, overlooking the field at the church parking lot.


Goma Church of the Brethren

Left: Pastor Aluta of the Goma congregation

Right: Pastor Ron, head of the Congo COB

Africa Great Lakes Church of the Brethren Gisenyi and Goma Church Building Proposal

January 2021 The Gisenyi congregation of the Church of the Brethren Rwanda purchased land several years ago and were able to build a small meeting house. They have since added a water tank which collects rain from the roof and an outdoor toilet/privy. Rwanda’s government is a little more active and restrictive than most African countries; they have deemed the building too small for the size of congregation to meet in under COVID-19 requirements. Also at issue is the fact that Gisenyi is the “mother church”, so to speak, of the other three Rwanda congregations. This creates a need for office space so there can be a sort of denominational center. Long-term goals would be to provide schooling and a medical dispensary. The budget for the project is approximately $40,000. So far, the Rwanda Brethren have raised about $2,500 (quite a feat, considering the poverty level of Rwanda) and have that in savings until there is enough to begin construction. Across the border from Gisenyi, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, lies the city of Goma. A small Church of the Brethren congregation, about 70 people, meets in a tin shack. Since this is a borrowed facility, they would like to purchase land and eventually construct a simple meeting house. Because Goma is a large city, land is relatively expensive. Project budget is approximately $35,000. Land prices are higher in the city, but building costs are lower. How can you help?

• Along with your prayers, we are asking at this time for funds to assist with construction for both Gisenyi and Goma.

• Donations may be sent to: Southern PA District Office, 3375 Carlisle Rd. Gardners, PA 17324. Please write Africa Great Lakes on the memo line.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Chris Elliott at 717 262 3154 or [email protected]

https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F1747384435525498%2Fvideos%2F1152766781806586&data=04%7C01%7Csopadistrict%40brethren.org%7Cfdf247953e634a5440ab08d8b7254b4f%7C74cf6ddc0f344e5180486f967e3e5e67%7C1%7C0%7C637460

https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F1747384435525498%2Fvideos%2F1152766781806586&data=04%7C01%7Csopadistrict%40brethren.org%7Cfdf247953e634a5440ab08d8b7254b4f%7C74cf6ddc0f344e5180486f967e3e5e67%7C1%7C0%7C637460

mailto:[email protected]


2020 Giving Report

THANK YOU!

December 2020

FOR SUPPORTING

THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT


Items for 2021

Church Budget Consideration

2021 Salary Table for

Pastors is on the COB Ministry

Office webpage:

https://www.brethren.org/ministr

yoffice/wp-

content/uploads/sites/15/2020/09/

2021-salary-table.pdf

2021 Annual Conference will

be held in Greensboro, NC,

June 30 - July 4.

$125 registration fee for non-

delegates

$305 registration fee for

delegates

$119/night (+tax) for the

Sheraton Hotel, includes free

parking

2021 District Conference will be held at York First COB,

York, PA, September 17-18.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2021, the standard mileage rate for the business use of cars, vans, pickup or panel trucks will be 56 cents per mile, down 1.5 cents from 2020.

Here is a link to the IRS webpage with information on the 2021 mileage rate for business and charitable use.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-standard-mileage-rates-for-2021

https://www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/09/2021-salary-table.pdf











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Attn: Congregational Disaster Relief Coordinators

Leonard Stoner is ready to accept your requests for Brethren Disaster Relief trips in 2021. Call him at 717-515-0355 or email [email protected]

Locations are Bayboro NC and Dayton OH

After your trip date is confirmed contact the SO PA District Office for a Disaster Relief Trip Grant Reimbursement Application..














From the Compelling Vision Team


Barb Lehigh, from the Upper Conewago congregation, continues to operate a small Christian bookstore, Daniel Lehigh’s Bookstore.

She is offering discounts to churches and pastors and will special order the books or curriculum that you need.

The store also features boxed cards and children’s books. Stop by to check it out.

The store is located at her home, 3206 Lake Meade Road, East Berlin, PA 17316

She does not currently have set hours of operator but if she’s home (and it’s not Sunday) she’s open.

Please contact her at 717-292-4362 to place an order or schedule a visit.

It’s best to call ahead. Thank you!

Daniel Lehigh’s

Bookstore

Laptops for Missions Did you recently upgrade to a new laptop computer? Do you have an unused one lying around with power supply? Dayton Unger of the Shippensburg congregation will refurbish and update older computers for use by missionaries, seminary students and pastors. Windows 7 or newer is preferred. You may contact him at 717 385 6271 (leave a message) or [email protected]. Your old laptop may find a new life in Latin America or Africa!

mailto:[email protected]


MEETING & EVENT SCHEDULE

Deadline for the next District Newsletter is March 15, 2021 Please email items to [email protected]

Disclaimer: Info in this newsletter is accurate as of the date of publication, please check with the author of each item if events are continuing as listed.

Documents

Southern Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren · between brothers and sisters. I must be honest I do not like the reality that we are in. I do not like working from home