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February 2000 News Archive

2/25/00

Strinestown, Pa. The Community Care Center at Strinestown, a subsidiary organization of the Strinestown Church, is celebrating its first anniversary. During the past year, this self-financed organization developed partnerships with a number of social service and ministry organizations to offer life-transforming ministries to the residents of northern York County, Pennsylvania. Gamblers Anonymous, a counseling program, a mobile health service, and some parenting programs are all available on-site now because of these partnerships. The Strinestown Church is celebrating the first anniversary of the CCC by taking a special offering in its support on February 27. More information on the CCC is available on its web site: www.strinestown.org.

A New Role in a New Place. Ruth Ann Price recently relocated from Dallas, Texas, to the new Wycliffe US office in Orlando, Fla. At the same time, she took on a new title and new responsibilities. She sent the following update:

"The first week of January, I assumed the responsibility of Vice President of Core Programs for Wycliffe Bible Translators US. That means what comes under my responsibility are the following sections of departments:

  • Mobilization: recruitment of new members all the way through personnel processing and to their position of assignment (including some areas of training).
  • Member Care: responsibility for linking and providing the necessary care to those who are US members serving around the world.
  • Communications: responsibilities for communicating with the US audience for Wycliffe Bible Translators, including web sites, publications, videos--the corporate message for our work.
  • Prayer Ministries: including Bibleless Peoples Prayer Project and other intercessory prayer ministries for Wycliffe's worldwide work.
  • Church Relations: responsibilities for primary contacts with the church audience.

"This is the structure as it looks now, but everything's pretty flexible right now, as we're dealing with the exciting possibilities of reengineering our organization.

Annual Jugbreaking in Auburn, Ind. Roberta Carnahan writes: "Our Jugbreaking will be held on Sunday, March 5, at the Hopewell UB church. For those of you who don't know what jugbreaking is, here goes:

"We have plaster acorn banks made and then painted brown. Mainly the kids, but also some adults, take these banks and for a year fill them up with coins or bills. We then have one day a year that we break these jugs. All, 100%, of these funds then goes to a missions project. This year our funds will go to Denis Casco and his Hispanic ministry in the United States.

"It is such a wonderful sight to see young and old work so hard to help with missions. The Jugbreaking is at 9:30, and Russ and Nellie Birdsall will speak in our 10:30 service.

"March 20th will be here before we know it. We will be heading to Hallse Hall, Jamaica, to help pour the floor for the church. It has been such a blessing to see the different stages that this church has gone through. Please pray for the 19 people (6 teenagers) who will be leaving our families behind.

"Our youth group has been very busy. Coming up this weekend is their 30-hour fasting with three other youth groups in our area. In addition to fasting, they will collect food for the Samaritan Center in Auburn. Then in March they will head to Muncie for Acquire the Fire. The youth had such an exciting trip last year that they are ready and willing to see what will happen this year."

Huntington, Ind. A group of 18 college students from College Park UB will head to Honduras May 22--July 2. This is the first college-age trip College Park has hosted.

Pastoral Change in Canada. Neal Cudney resigned as pastor of Grace UB of Sherkston, Ont., effective February 1. He and his wife, Elizabeth, will jointly pastor the Port of Grace UB church, a church plant in Port Colbourne, Ontario which has been going for several years and began under Neal's leadership as an extension of Grace UB. Elizabeth, holds a local conference license, has been pastoring the church for the last couple years.

Youth Seminar on April 8. First UB at Blissfield, Mich., is hosting a Simulcast from Dallas, Texas, April 8, all day Saturday. Doug Fields, well known youth pastor from Saddleback Community Church in California, is the speaker for the seminar. This is an excellent opportunity for youth pastors and youth leaders that need direction in their youth programs. The cost is $40 per person. If you are interested in participating, call (517) 486-2187 for reservations.

Mt. Carroll, Ill. Center Hill UB celebrated New Years Eve with the showing of the video, "Treasures in the Snow." Plenty of finger foods and the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" completed the evening's fellowship.

Runners for Christ at Rhodes Grove. Rhodes Grove Camp will host the first annual "Runners For Christ" Retreat September 22-23. The purpose is "To connect and fellowship with other Christian runners, improve running, and get closer to God."

The retreat will start on Friday night with a pasta supper and end on Saturday night. The retreat will include workshops, praise & worship, devotions, plenty of food, recreation time, a 5K (name your own time) run, and an excellent keynote speaker (Buddy Farris). Buddy gives a great testimonial entitled "Shadow Of Death". It is very memorable and inspiring.

The total cost for the retreat, which includes food, lodging, awards, a T-shirt and entry into the 5K run is $40.00. For an information packet call Rhodes Grove Camp at 717-375-4162 or e-mail Stan Becker at sjbecker@innernet.net or write to:

Stan Becker
Rhodes Grove Camp
7693 Brown's Mill Rd
Chambersburg, PA 17201

Chanute, Kansas. On January 30, Highland Avenue UB's youth group held a Bible Bowl Tail-Gate Party. The youth performed a skit challenging everyoen to be ready to play for Jesus. Grilled hamburgers, salads, and cookies were served. Part of the freewill offering was given to missions.

2/24/00

Alan DeCristoforo: a UB Minister Facing both Leukemia and Paralysis. Since early in the year, Alan DeCristoforo, pastor of Highland Heights UB of New Castle, Pa., has had many low times. It started with a diagnosis of acute leukemia. Then, after a couple falls at the end of January, coupled with the growth of a cancerous tumor on his spine, he became paralyzed from the waist down. It's a situation which calls for prayer from the UB constituency.

UB Youth Summit. The denominational Youth Leadership Team wants to get the word out to the churches and especially youth workers that the 2000 UB Youth Summit is set for May 15-18 at Good Shepherd UB church in Huntington, Ind. This will be the second annual youth summit. A goal is to attract as many of our fulltime, part-time, and volunteer youth ministers as possible. Further details will be announced soon.

People and Projects Needed for STUMP. Adult leaders are still needed for this summer's STUMP (Summer Teen United Ministry Project) trip. Do you know any adults who might be interested? Urge them to apply. Also, any group that would like to sponsor Bibles or film or other general craft supplies would be welcomed. Call toll-free: (888) 622-3019.

On-Site Report from Honduras. Michindoh Ministries organized a trip to Honduras to build a home for a UB pastor. Those who went included ten from the Hillsdale UB church. One of the team members, Grady Jones, sent an on-site report. Grady is a layman from the Richfield Road UB church in Flint, Mich.

"I have never worked so hard and enjoyed it so much. We laid 284 blocks today, and have only one more row to go to complete the outside walls. The inside walls are about halfway up. Hopefully we will finish all the walls tomorrow, and start the forms for the columns. We started working until dark today so that hopefully we can have a roof on before we leave.

"Several of us drove over to Olanchita on Thursday to look at a church that needs finishing. Olanchita is about 120 kilometers from here and crosses the mountain range. We saw some beautiful country. We also had the opportunity to visit La Uba and see the work that was done there and to evaluate what still needs to be finished.

"We went to church four times last week, a new personal record for me, and I loved every minute of it. I can't understand a word they say, but when these people sing and pray, it brings tears to my eyes. The music is great! Last night we had two guitars and a tambourine, and everybody claps their hands. We sang "I've Got a Mansion," the congregation in Spanish and us in English, and we all enjoyed it.

"I have never been a part of a more caring and nurturing group of people than this team. I know that I have made some friends for life."

DeWitt, Mich. Ron Watterly, a former pastor in Central Conference, has been named pastor of the UB church in DeWitt, Mich, effective March 5. The Watterly family is moving from Greenfield, Ohio. The DeWitt church has been without a pastor since last fall. Michigan Conference Superintendent Dave Burkett writes, "The DeWitt people are to be commended on the way they have kept things going in the interim. The people of the church have done almost all of the preaching, led all of the different groups, held elections, reorganized for the new year, and even held a planning retreat--all without a pastor! Maybe more of our UB churches need to have a interim between pastors when they can learn to pull together for the glory of God."

Ontario Conference. On February 12, the United Brethren Church in Canada's Church Planting Commission sponsored a "Growing a Healthy Church" seminar at the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, Ontario. Every church had its board members present, averaging six board members per church. All but one of the conference pastors attended. Says President Brian Magnus, "We're looking for God to do some great things in our churches in regard to their vision and purpose as a result of our lay leadership being challenged like this." They'll hold the "Growing a Healthy Church II" seminar at the same place on September 23.

Hillsdale, Mich. Les Smith, pastor of the UB church in Hillsdale, Mich., sent this report: "On National Marriage Day, Sunday, February 13, I preached on the marriage theme and interviewed a couple in front of the congregation who had been divorced after suffering through years in a destructive relationship. While they were divorced, God began working in the lives of Paul and Rose Haas. Within the same time period, both of them gave their hearts to the Lord without the other being aware of it. They were remarried three years ago and are active members of our church. As they testified of the pain of the first marriage and the difference a Christ-centered relationship makes, there were a number of tears shed by those in the congregation."

The Emmaus Walk--a Testimonial. From Holly Hill, Fla., Chuck and Vicki McKeown write: "The Daytona Church has had 15 pilgrims experience The Walk to Emmaus in the last six months, and we'll have another 15-20 before this year is up. The Walk is a ministry of The Upper Room organization, based in Tennessee. The three-day spiritual retreat bathes the pilgrims in agape love and the grace of God. Our church is using this experience as a leadership development tool. It is the most impactful weekend retreat experience we've ever encountered, and it strongly encourages people to serve the Lord through the local church. There are Emmaus communities all over the world. Check the web to find one in your area. We highly recommend it!"

Chambersburg, Pa. On February 19th, Rhodes Grove Camp held its annual Old Fashion Potpie Supper. It raised nearly $2,000 for the ministry. The camp is gearing up for another exciting summer of camps and retreats. In addition to seven weeks of youth camp, there will be Horse Lovers Weekend, Family Camp, Campmeeting 2000, Couples Retreat, and Runners Retreat. Brochures with all the details are available by contacting the camp at 7693 Brown's Mill Rd., Chambersburg, PA 17201 or e-mailing rgc@innernet.net.

Strinestown, Pa. The Strinestown Church is trying a creative approach to implementing a second worship service. Beginning March 5, a late morning "mini-service" will be held from 11:00-11:45. The unusual part is that it will contain a pared-down version of the previous week's service. Thus the second service may appeal to a wide variety of people--those who may prefer a later worship time, those who prefer a shorter service, and those who may have missed the previous week's early service and want to get caught up.

Headed to the Nationals. Eight members of the Huntington College track team qualified for the NAIA Indoor Nationals to be held this Friday and Saturday at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. The following will be participating.

  • Tim Holtz--weight throw
  • Bethany Manter--weight throw
  • John Ngure--5,000 meter run
  • Danille Vohs--1,000 meter run
  • 4 x 800 relay--Rachel Kaser, Jennie Mach, Aimee Sullivan, Danielle Vohs Distance Medley--Danielle Vohs, Sarah Lightcap, Jennie Mach, Rachel Kaser

Upcoming trip to Romania. On March 30, David Shisler and layman Robert Gricewich will leave for a short-term mission trip to Romania. David writes: "Mr. Gricewich owns several small businesses in our area and will be presenting a seminar starting a small business, as well as assisting me in presenting a seminar to local orphanage directors on 'Nurturing and Developing a Work Ethic in Street Children.' Robert will also speak to the local Chamber of Commerce. I will teach a seminar on 'The Gifts of the Holy Spirit' in the local Christian college, and will conduct teacher training classes. I will also have the joy of preaching in several churches in the Cluj area." In the past, David Shisler has made numerous trips to Romania.

2/22/00

Good Shepherd UB, Huntington, Ind. Dave Rahn, a professor at Huntington College, has been named Senior Teaching Minister at Good Shepherd UB, effective March 12. Since last summer, he has been serving their as interim minister. The church will be seeking a

Dillsburg, Pa. South Mountain Union UB held Spiritual Enrichment Services February 2-4. Pastor Greg Helman reports: "Chris and Amy Connell, along with Tim Spirk of the Way of the Cross Ministries, led the services. Amy and Tim used music to create an environment of worship, while Chris inspired everyone to a deeper faith walk with Jesus through a mixture of stories and God's Word. Four people made commitments during the services. Already this year, seven people have placed their trust in Jesus."

Monroe, Ind. Eight youth and two adults from Monroe UB will travel to Honduras March 24--April 2 for a work/evangelism trip. A drama has been prepared to minister to Honduran people.

New Arrival in Harrisburg, Pa. Derek and Kristen Thrush had a baby girl born on January 15. Her name is Anna Mei, weighed five-and-a-half pounsd and was 17.5 inches long. Derek is the Youth and Worship Pastor at Devonshire Memorial UB. He is the son of Pastor Dale and Vilia Thrush at Mt. Washington Church of York, Pa.

Minister of Music/Associate Pastor in Churchville, Va. Jerusalem Chapel UB a growing rural church with an average worship attendance of around 400, with many valuable lay people committed to ministry. Responsibilities: Oversee the music ministry (children's and adult choirs, and the worship team). Personal musical abilities a plus! Music responsibilities partnered with church visitation to assist the current pastoral staff. Send resume to: P.R.C., Jerusalem Chapel, 314 Chapel Road, Churchville, VA 24421 or email resume.

Youth Pastor in Churchville, Va. Jerusalem Chapel UB has a position available in their rural community of the Shenandoah Valley. We have tremendous potential to reach kids of all ages, but the main focus would be on middle and high school-aged youth and their families. Responsibilities: oversee the total youth ministry, Vacation Bible School, and one-on-one interaction especially focused on the teens. Possible opportunities to help train and equip laypersons as well. Send resume to: P.R.C., Jerusalem Chapel, 314 Chapel Road, Churchville, VA 24421 or email.

2/15/00

Travels in the Far East. Bishop Ray Seilhamer and Missions Director Kyle McQuillen are currently in the Far East,visiting Hong Kong and Macau. Kyle will go on to India, while Bishop Seilhamer will return to the United States to conduct annual conferences in California and Arizona.

2/9/00

A $500,000 Gift for HC. Plans for a new science building got a big boost when a $500,000 gift was received from Homer and Marjorie Hiner of Huntington. The couple designated the gift toward the new 75,000-square-foot, $16.5 million facility. In recognition of the Hiners' gift, a large lecture auditorium on the second floor of the new building will be designated "Hiner Hall." The multi-purpose facility will feature seating and workspace for up to 70 students. The auditorium will be wired for computer-enhanced multi-media presentations and satellite down-links.

Other News from HC

  • Amy Bechtel has become the all-time leading scorer in HC women's basketball. As of last Saturday, she had scored 1,931 points in her career at H C.
  • Meanwhile, the men's basketball team has climbed to number 4in the national NAIA Division II rankings.
  • You can hear the men's and women's basketball games live on Huntington College Radio. For details, check out www.hcradio.net.

Pastoral Changes

  • Glenn Flint will become associate pastor of Anchor Community UB Church (Fort Wayne, Ind.) effective February 21. For the past ten years, he has been associate pastor/minister of worship at Emmanuel Community UB in Fort Wayne.
  • Ron Watterly has been named pastor of the UB church in Dewitt, Mich.
  • Ron Cook has been named pastor of Salem UB of Chambersburg, Pa. (a church he served in years past).
  • John Shubert, formerly pastor of Salem UB, is the new pastor of Blue Rock UB of Waynesboro, Pa., effective April 1.

2/7/00

Walbridge, Ohio. Main Street UB ministered to over 1400 people during its annual Christmas Dinner Theatre this past December. Six performances over two weekends were sold out in just over four hours. The dress rehearsal was added as a seventh performance.

Over 100 people from the congregation combined their gifts and talents to minister through a professionally catered, free dinner and first-rate quality musical. The musical was the Broadway-style "The Christmas Post."

The dinner theatre is a major evangelistic outreach of the church year. This year's effort saw nearly 120 unchurched families attend one of the performances and be challenge by a story of renewed and newly-found faith that with God, "anything can happen."

Main Main Street bought 33 acres of property for a major relocation within the next 2-3 years. This is necessary due to a 70% increase in attendance over the past six years. "Most of the growth has been the result of new converts," says Pastor Ron Ramsey.

The land is situated about two miles from the current facilities. It has frontage on a major four-lane limited-access highway with an exit at both ends of the property, as well as a beautiful pond that will be used in the landscaping design of the new building.

"Our vision," Pastor Ron Ramsey said, "is really not in property and buildings but in people who need to know Christ. It has been exciting to watch God change lives."