September 12, 2019
In Our Prayers
We are called to prayer this week by 2019 District Conference Moderator George Bowers for the Holy Spirit’s presence at District Conference this year and for our sensitivity to Him.

Please remember Pastor Chuck Davis and his wife Linda as he recovers from a stroke this week. We thank God for His goodness to District pastors who are recovering from recent surgeries. May He continue to heal and bless our pastoral leaders.
District News
In Our Pastoral Family
Call Issued:
  • Ryan Cooper was called on Aug. 18 to be pastor at Beaver Creek.
Installation:
  • Scott Harris will be installed as pastor at Greenmount on Sept. 15.
Retirements/Resignations:
  • Walt Crull will retire from Garbers Oct. 31.
  • Scott Duffey has announced his retirement from Staunton, Dec. 31.
Interim:
  • J.D. Glick has been called for a term of service as interim pastor for Sunrise from Sept. 1 through Nov. 24. Mike Hostetter has been called as interim pastor for Sunrise, beginning Dec. 1.
  • Christy Dowdy was called to serve as interim pastor at Bridgewater, beginning Oct. 1.
Licensing:
  • Tim Ball will be licensed Sept. 29 at Front Royal at 11 a.m.
Pastoral Vacancies
Emmanuel - full-time pulpit vacancy; details forthcoming
Friends Run/Smith Creek - full-time, David Morris, interim pastor, congregational profile available
Garbers - part-time, congregational profile forthcoming
Leake's Chapel - Ken Dolan, interim pastor, congregational profile forthcoming 
Mill Creek - full-time associate pastor, congregational profile available
Pine Grove - part-time, congregational profile forthcoming

Pleasant Hill - part time, congregational profile forthcoming
Waynesboro - full-time, Dot Mellott, interim pastor, updated congregational profile available
Grief Workshop Set; Open to All Who are Interested
Grief from the Inside Out:
Honoring Grief in the Midst of Anger, Fear and Shame | Agenda Here

Regina Cyzick Harlow
‘Honoring Grief’
Relationships with family, friends, and others are profoundly changed by grief. Some people walk toward and alongside the bereaved, while others step away. How can grievers and supporters become mutually empowered to nurture healthy relationships in grief? This workshop uses humor, real-life scenarios, and shared experiences to introduce participants to the family of Platitude Paul and Cliché Cathy. They, along with their children, named after some of the most common responses to grief, help explore how relationships change and how to more effectively communicate grief and encourage support for all. This workshop is appropriate for those grieving and those wanting to be a better friend to the bereaved, as well as deacons, pastors, parishioners, professionals and the general public. 
Honoring Grief Presenter Regina Cyzick Harlow is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and co-founder of the Sadie Rose Foundation , a for-purpose (non-profit) organization in Dayton, providing non-clinical peer support for those grieving the death of a child. Harlow developed and presented this workshop for an international child loss conference and has since shared it with medical students, churches and grief retreats. She and her husband Lee have three living children and are foster/adoptive parents. Harlow is an ambivert (a blend of introvert and extrovert qualities) who loves writing, singing, running, cooking, baking, and spending time outdoors with family. She is the author of the forthcoming memoir, "By Way of Sorrow: Confessions of a Woman Finding Her Center in Life and Loss." 

Joshua Keene
‘Healing From the Inside Out’
No one wants to stay in that place of grief, but understanding its’ role in emotional development and health is vital to being able to experience real joy in life. Identifying the emotional continuum and setting up opportunities to identify exactly where one is and how one is experiencing these emotions gives insight for caring for those experiencing grief in a real and empathetic way. Learn how to join alongside fellow members and walk with them through the pain they are experiencing and be able to communicate understanding through personal experience. Follow Elijah as he experiences the high emotions of victory on Mt. Carmel and the lowest valleys of fear in a cave after Jezebel threatens his life. God is present, He is real, He is all-knowing, He is powerful...and He is gently whispering to His prophets.

Joshua Keene is a licensed marriage and family therapist that works with individuals, families and marriages. Keene has his degree in Bible & Religion and Missions and his Masters of Science degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Harding University. He has over 10 years of experience in the therapeutic field and currently owns/operates Tasso Counseling in Staunton. Keene has a heart for pastors and missionaries that are working in the field and works to help support those whom have been called to God’s work in any way he can both at home and abroad.  

The workshop will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Pleasant Valley ( 91 Valley Church Road , Weyers Cave) on Sat., Sept. 28. The cost of the seminar will be $10, or $15 per couple. Registration form available here .
Bearing Jesus' Fruit: District Conference Nov. 1-2
What fruit is Jesus bearing in the churches of the Shenandoah District? District Moderator George Bowers invites congregations to come celebrate the harvest of Jesus’ fruit at Antioch Church ( 23502 Senedo Road , Woodstock) on Nov. 1 at 6:45 p.m. Spirit filled singing and Biblical preaching will focus our worship and an offering will be collected for Brethren Coffee and Fruit Tree Planting initiatives in Haiti. Special music will be provided by the Luray Churches Community Choir. Planning is well underway for a blend of worship and business on Sat. Antioch Church is located one mile west of the Woodstock Walmart on Route 42.

In keeping with the District Conference theme of Bearing Jesus' Fruit, the October/November edition of the Shenandoah Journal will feature a few stories from District churches to get the conversation started. The Journal will be released on Sept. 30.

In advance of the conference, there will be a delegate briefing on Oct. 13 at Blue Ridge Chapel ( 19 Browns Lane , Waynesboro ) . On Fri., Nov. 1, the pre-conference activity will feature a Fred Pryor Seminar for Pastors and interested others from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wakemans Grove ( 668 Wakemans Grove Road , Edinburg). The cost of the seminar will be $100 and CEUs will be available. The topic for the seminar is " Dealing With Difficult People ." Following the seminar, the Milestones in Ministry dinner for pastors and their spouses will host 2020 Annual Conference Moderator Paul Mundey from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Columbia Furnace ( 20910 Senedo Road , Edinburg). See District Sponsored Events below for registration information.
District Sponsored Events
Last call for Ethics training . Ethics classes begin Sat. For a complete listing of District training dates,  click here and scroll down to view . To register, download the registration form and return completed form to Sarah Long. Those who have questions about the requirements for Ethics training are encouraged to call the District Office at 234-8555 by Fri.

Bridgewater Retirement Community Survey for Residents of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, and Augusta County who are 65 or older: What would make a difference in your quality of life? Please take the following online survey by Sept. 30 at brcliving.org/survey. Caregivers will be surveyed October 7 – 28. Click here for flyer.

Sept. 28: Grief From the Inside Out , 8:30 a.m. to noon, Pleasant Valley ( 91 Valley Church Road , Weyers Cave), .35 CEUs, cost $10. Click here for more info.

Oct. 13: District Conference Delegate Briefing , 3 to 4:30 p.m., Blue Ridge Chapel ( 19 Browns Lane , Waynesboro).

Nov. 1: Fred Pryor Seminar for pastors and interested others, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wakemans Grove ( 668 Wakemans Grove Road , Edinburg), Registration fee is $100, scholarships are available. CEUs awarded will be .6. Details and registration form on website.

Nov. 1: Milestones in Ministry with Paul Mundey , 5 to 6:30 p.m., Columbia Furnace ( 20910 Senedo Road , Edinburg) . This event is limited to pastors and their spouses. Invitations will be sent in October.

Nov. 1-2:  District Conference , Antioch ( 23502 Senedo Road , Woodstock).
Crop Walk Congregational Reps Needed by 9/20
The CROP Hunger Walk ministry is 50 years old this year! In recognition of its 50 th  anniversary, a CROP Hunger Walk will take place on  Sun., Nov. 3,  at 2 p.m. at the Bridgewater Town Center. Representatives from congregations are needed to recruit walkers and supporters. All materials are provided. Bridgewater College Chaplain Robbie Miller encouraged congregational representatives to sign up by next Fri., Sept. 28 . If interested in participating or for more information, please contact Bridgewater College Chaplain Robbie Miller at  rmiller@bridgewater.edu .
2020 Information Updated for Church Leaders
The website has been updated with a link to the Church of the Brethren's 2020 compensation for pastors information. Click here for link.
Meetings at the District Office
Please take note of the following meetings and events scheduled for the District Office:  

  • Sept. 12: 11:30 a.m., District Staff Meeting; phones unanswered
  • Sept. 16: 6 p.m., Disaster Auction Committee, District Office
  • Sept. 17: 6:30 p.m., Gifts Discernment Team
  • Sept. 19: 11 a.m., District Staff Meeting; phones unanswered
  • Sept. 21: 9 a.m., District Leadership Team meeting, Valley Bethel Church, transportation from the District Office will leave at 8 a.m.
  • Sept. 26: 11:30 a.m., District Staff Meeting; phones unanswered
  • Sept. 30: 4 p.m., Disaster Ministries Committee, District Office
Mark Your Calendar
THIS SAT. , Sept. 14: Promisedland Quartet at Antioch ( 23502 Senedo Road , Woodstock), 7 p.m. No tickets required; a generous offering will be taken. Click here for flyer. Call 481-0773 for more information or visit the website .

THIS SAT. , Sept. 14: Spaghetti Supper to benefit Sadie Rose Foundation , hosted by Dayton ( 202 Main Street , Dayton), 4 to 7 p.m. To donate or volunteer at this event, please contact Vonda at 271-2635 or Deborah at 820-3446 or email djthompson1229@aol.com . The Sadie Rose Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization offering support to families and individuals who have experienced grief, especially the loss of a child. Find out more at sadierosefoundation.org . Click here for flyer .

Sept. 20: Pasta and Praise with area pastors serving, 5 to 7 p.m., at Bridgewater United Methodist Church. The meal will be prepared by the youth of Bridgewater United Methodist Church. Praise music will follow in the church sanctuary from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Freewill offering to benefit the Pastoral Care Endowment Fund, Bridgewater Healthcare Foundation. Flyer here.

Sept. 21: Fall Bazaar at Blue Ridge Chapel ( 19 Browns Lane , Waynesboro), 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring: apple dumplings and bake sale, breakfast and lunch, Brunswick stew, yard sale and craft items, silent auction, gift baskets, book sale and activities for children. Click here for flyer .

Sept. 21: Fall Fair at Barren Ridge ( 1790 Barrenridge Road , Staunton), sponsored by the Women's Fellowship. Doors open at 3 p.m., silent auction 3:30 to 6 p.m. Homemade soup, baked goods and other great food available while browsing the crafts, handmade items and various donated items from ar ea businesses. Call 290-2984 for details or click here for flyer.

Sept. 23-27: Fall Revival at Mountain Grove Chapel Fellowship ( 1041 Sylvia Ridge Road , Dyke), 7 p.m., nightly. Brian Robinson will be leading the revival services. 

Sept. 28: Mt. Vernon ( 90 Mt. Vernon Road , Waynesboro) is hosting a free community event:  Supporting the Art of Living with Dementia  - Alzheimer's workshop, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Presenter Sharon DeBoever's program will look at the three basic stages of Alzheimer's and provide information about communication and behavioral issues and tips and resources for addressing those issues. Participants will also learn how to support the person with the diagnosis and their family, and to afford others the opportunity to provide support. This event is open to the community. To register, please e-mail Mt. Vernon at mtvernoncob@hotmail.com or call 943-8101. Flyer here .

LOOKING AHEAD:
Oct. 2: Bridgewater Home Auxillary luncheon ,  11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Bridgewater Church ( 420 College View Drive, Bridgewater). Menu includes lasagna, garlic bread, salad, cookies and iced tea or coffee. Cost: $6.00 (Carry-outs Available).

Oct. 5-6: Apologetics Workshop at Antioch ( 23502 Senedo Road , Woodstock) with special guest Greg Koukhl of Stand to Reason , 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Topics covered are how to think more clearly about your convictions and make an effective, even-handed, gracious case for classical Christianity. The event concludes on Sun. evening with a presentation at Shenandoah Community Fellowship ( 197 Patmos Road , near Antioch) featuring “Tactics,” which is his well-known method for discussions with atheists. No fee to attend. Click here for flyer.

Oct. 13: District Conference Delegate Briefing , 3 to 4:30 p.m., Blue Ridge Chapel ( 19 Browns Lane , Waynesboro).

Oct. 19: Gifted Words: A Women's Gathering , Stone Church at Buena Vista ( 2162 Forest Avenue , Buena Vista), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., lunch provided. RSVP by calling 261-6946 or send an email to   office@bvstonechurch.org .

Nov. 1-2:  District Conference , Antioch ( 23502 Senedo Road , Woodstock).

Nov. 3:  CROP Hunger Walk, 2 p.m. at the Bridgewater Town Center . If interested in participating or for more information, please contact Bridgewater College Chaplain Robbie Miller at  rmiller@bridgewater.edu .
District Youth
Youth Event at Heritage Center
Youth from the Shenandoah District have been invited to a COB/Mennonite youth event at the Brethren/Mennonite Heritage Cente r ( 1921 Heritage Center Way , Harrisonburg), Sun., Sept. 29, from 4 to 8 p.m. Youth will be able to do a service project, eat a free meal, worship in the woods and play a large group game across the property. This event is a collaborative event with our Anabaptist neighbors, and is a great way to meet and spend time with like-minded Christians. Please contact Gabe Dodd to RSVP or for more information.
Brethren Woods
2019 Golf Tournament: Largest Net Proceeds to Date
The record-setting 24th Annual Brethren Woods' Golf Blast and Elzie Morris Memorial Tournament was held at the Lakeview Golf Course in Harrisonburg, Sat., Sept. 7. It was an absolutely beautiful and a perfect golf day with clear blue skies and moderate temperatures. One hundred eight golfers, making up 27 teams of four, participated in the Captain's Choice tournament, which kicked off with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. and play ended around 1 p.m. Patty Sturrock, Brethren Woods Food Service Manager, catered the delicious lunch which featured pulled pork sandwiches (pork donated and cooked by Joe Morris), green beans, cheesy potatoes, chips, eclair cake and beverages. Afterwards, Director Doug Phillips and Assistant Director Linetta Ballew shared their appreciation for everyone's support of camp and encouraged golfers to stay connected by attending upcoming fall and winter events and programs happening at camp. Thirty-two individuals and businesses donated prizes that were given away.  Prizes were awarded for the top three teams in each of three flights, as well as recognition for the golfer with the longest drive and for golfer who was closest-to-the pin. A drawing was held for additional prizes. Tournament totals are still being finalized, but the estimated net funds raised after expenses will be over $26,000 - the highest total ever. This total includes a portion of individual golfer fees as well as donations from 128 sponsors at various levels. Photos from the tournament, sponsor and prize donation names, winners, and more coming soon online at  http://brethrenwoods.org/annual/golfblast/

Big and Small Retreat Sept. 27-28 
Grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and other “bigs” may participate with a child (“small”), ages K-5th grade, in an overnight retreat at Brethren Woods. The theme for the camp will be “Jonah and God’s Big Love.” Using this “fishy” story from the Bible, campers may discover how much God loves us – and everyone – with a great, big love. This theme will be explored through games, Bible study, songs, crafts, fishing and canoeing, stories and nature exploration. There will be a campfire with s’mores and banana boats. Most activities will happen together as a group, working as “big” and “small” pairs, but there will be some time for “bigs” to get a little break while the “smalls” do some kid-friendly activities together with our staff. D inner will be served on Fri. evening at 5:45 p.m. and the camp will end around 4 p.m. on Sat. The cost is $85 per pair and covers lodging, three meals and all activities . Brethren Woods is located at 4896 Armentrout Path , Keezletown. Camp staff are available to provide more information by calling 269-2741 or emailing camp@brethrenwoods.org . Click here for flyer and paper registration form. Online registration is available at: www.brethrenwoods.org. Check out the Big and Small page under Annual Events.

Coming this fall...
Fall Workday and Fall Family Night Oct. 5
This year's fall workday will begin at 8 a.m. and wind down around 3 p.m., just in time to relax before the very f irst Fall Family Night at 5:30 p.m. It all starts with a carry-in meal (please bring a dish to share) and hot dog roast followed by an entertaining and faith-filled campfire. The cranking of homemade ice cream freezers and prepping of dutch oven desserts gets underway at 4 p.m. To assist the camp with planning and preparation, please RSVP by calling the camp office at 269-2741, or emailing camp@brethrenwoods.org by Tues., Oct. 1.

Men's Retreat Nov. 8-10
"Living the Adventure"
For: Men (age 18+)
Cost: $95

Renewing Our Faith Outdoors Dinner Dec. 8
Calendars fill up quickly in Dec., so families are encouraged to save the date.
Brethren Disaster News
Response to Hurricane Dorian
Hurricane Dorian devastated the Bahamas earlier this month, so it is only natural for Christians to want to help. The District has received multiple phone calls from area churches desiring to offer assistance. Shenandoah District Disaster Ministries Coordinator Jerry Ruff reported on Mon. that the biggest need right now is money. Individuals and churches may send checks made out to 'Shenandoah District' with 'Hurricane Dorian' in the memo line. The District will collect the donations toward the disaster response. Mail financial gifts for Hurricane Dorian to:

Shenandoah District
PO Box 67
Weyers Cave, VA 24486
Shenandoah District Disaster Ministries
Children's Disaster Services
The Children's Disaster Services (CDS) teams stood by ready to deploy last week in the face of Hurricane Dorian. Brethren Disaster Ministries reported on their website, "The American Red Cross requested that CDS deploy two teams to provide childcare in evacuation centers in North Carolina prior to Hurricane Dorian’s arrival there and then to deploy where needed once the storm passed. Two other teams were on stand-by for immediate deployment in South Carolina but as the impact was less than expected they were not needed. As a domestic program, it is not likely that CDS will be asked to respond in the Bahamas, which bore the brunt of Hurricane Dorian. For up-to-date information please visit the  CDS Facebook page  or contact  cds@brethren.org . "
Shenandoah District Disaster Ministries
This Just in...
Henry Elsea reported late yesterday that he and the team had arrived in W. Va. They are staying in Meadow Bridge at Calvary Baptist Church and are working on a house in Rainalle. They have stayed there before and remember it as being a good place to stay. Henry said they, "Could use a couple more volunteers" for next weekend's trip. See below.

W. V a.Trip Set for Next Week; Volunteers are needed
Another trip is planned next week for W. Va. Henry Elsea is seeking additional volunteers to assist the week of Sept. 22. Interested workers are asked to contact Henry at 271-1533. The volunteer form may be found here .
Share-A-Meal Tickets Available near Waynesboro
Meal Tickets for Sale : The 2019 Shenandoah District Disaster Auction has several Share-A-Meal tickets remaining for the Oct. 13, 5 p.m. dinner hosted by the Disaster Auction Committee at Eddie Major's home ( 502 Sandy Ridge Road , Waynesboro) . Contact Catherine Lantz at 896-7556 or Betty Morris at (434) 985-7571.

The menu will consist of BBQ chicken and all the fixin's. S pecial music after the meal will be provided by the Good Time Gospel Quartet and the Fagan Sisters . Eddie invites g uests to dress casually and come early to hike the trails near his home. The tickets are $20 each. For more information about the venue, contact Eddie at 943-1244.
Job Opportunities
Brethren Benefit Trust is seeking to fill the position  Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services . If you or someone you know is interested in this position, please submit a letter of interest, resume, salary requirement and three professional references as soon as possible to the attention of Donna March at  dmarch@cobbt.org . Please read the attached announcement for further details.

Upcoming Classes
McPherson College is offering a slate of classes in their Ventures in Christian Discipleship series this fall. Click here to see a complete listing. Featured topics include:

  • Kirk MacGregor: “God’s Relation to the Natural World and Creation Care”
  • Sharon Yohn: “Faith Through Action: Effective approaches to solving the climate challenge”
  • Melanee Hamilton & Rick Polhamus (On Earth Peace Partnership): “We’d Prefer to Avoid That: Conflict in the congregation.”

Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership is offering the following classes this fall:
  • Interim/Transitional Ministry: More than Mere Maintenance, Sept. 25 through Nov. 19. This course is a practical exploration of the gifts and challenges specific to interim/transitional ministry. We will explore the necessary tasks for success and the personality characteristics most helpful to develop for the practice of this specialized area of congregational leadership. We will examine the unique calling of persons to walk with congregations in both short term and long term intentional ministry situations.
  • Introduction to New Testament, Oct. 16 through Dec. 3. Instructor: Matt Boersma. Online Registration deadline: Sept. 11. The Church of the Brethren has long held that it has “no creed save the New Testament.” Yet, the New Testament itself is a collection of books and letters of a wide range of genres, none of which resemble a traditional creed. This course will look at the various books of the New Testament, explore the world which created these texts, and look at how the texts may have interacted both with each other and the Hebrew Scriptures. In addition, what the ancient authors of the texts might have been trying to say to their audiences as well as what they are still saying today, will be examined. Cost: $295. Click here for flyer.
Questions? Comments?
Contact Brenda Diehl
Director of Communications