April 2002 News Archive

April 30, 2002

New Albany, Ohio. Pastor Mike Brown of Franklin UB writes, "Associate Pastor George McCombs and I just returned from a 12-day trip to the Philippines. It was great to see God at work and the free spirit in which the Filipino people worship (as is true in many other countries). I had hoped to use Campus Crusade for a basketball ministry outreach, but I couldn't pull it all together this time. George and I were able to preach in four different churches. Greatest of all: in the Province of Nueva Vizcaya, we held a three-night crusade in one village. Six hundred people attended, and there were 200 decisions for Christ.

We then moved to a village for another crusade. This one had no advance planning or notice. We did house-house publicity a couple hours before the crusade. Results weren't as good as the first crusade. The crusade lasted two nights with 50 in attendance (besides the 30 workers), and there were probably 15 decisions for Christ."

Among Ministers

• George Speas will retired in mid-June as pastor of the Kilpatrick church in Woodland, Mich. Darrel Bosworth, who has been associate pastor of Sunfield UB (Sunfield, Mich.), will then become pastor of Kilpatrick.
• As of May 1, Burton Lange is senior pastor of Cold springs UB of Fayetteville, Pa. He previously served as interim pastor at Cold Springs.
• Jennifer Barlow is the new youth pastor of First UB in Columbus, Ohio.
• Tim Bordeaux is the new youth pastor of Heart O' the Lakes UB, Brooklyn, Mich.

Huntington, Ind. Jason Boothman, a senior student at Huntington College, has had three of his photography works published in the May/June 2002 issue of Discipleship Journal. This is a Christian magazine published by The Navigators. Jason is 20 years old and a member of the Kunkle UB church in Kunkle, Ohio.

Sandusky Conference. Dan Southerland, author of the book "Transitioning," will be the keynote speaker at Sandusky Annual Conference on July 12th. The conference is being held at the Richfield Holiday Inn, Richfield, Ohio (southeast of Cleveland). This event is open to the public. The cost is $50 per person. To register, call Superintendent Randy Carpenter at 419-898-6700. He will send you a registration form. Lunch can be provided at an additional cost (prices haven't been determined yet). The conference times at 9-5 p.m.

April 25, 2002

Huntington, Ind. The United States National Board held its first-ever meeting on April 23 (the scheduled two-day meeting finished up in one day). Thirty-two delegates were chosen from ten different conferences in the United States. The two largest conferences, Central and Mid-Atlantic, had six delegates each, Michigan and Michindoh Conferences had four delegates each, and the other conferences each had two delegates. The delegations were split 50/50 between clergy and laypersons.

The Bishop and the directors of Education and Global Ministries were members by virtue of their position. In addition, four members of the Executive Leadership Team who were not elected as delegates from their conferences were also voting members of the US National Board.

Altogether, the US National Board had 39 voting members. Of those, only two were missing: Global Ministries Director Gary Dilley, who was in Myanmar; and Steve Gilbertson, superintendent of Arizona Conference.

The main agenda item concerned the debate over HC Professor John Sanders and his writings on Open Theism and Inclusivism. This has been a turbulent subject for over a year now, and especially during the last six months or so.

A lengthy report on that part of the US National Board meeting has been posted. There are links to a variety of other relevent resources, including statements from individual conferences addressing the subject.

Last summer, Rock River Annual Conference chose to disband and become a church extension district, operating directly under the supervision of the bishop. They had dwindled to the point where they couldn't sustain the structure and requirements of an annual conference. The US National Board made official the creation of the Rock River Church Extension District. They will not have voting representatives on the National Board or the National Conference.

April 24, 2002

La Ceiba, Honduras. Mrs. Maisy Cameron passed away April 23 at 3:50 in the afternoon. She was the wife of Archie Cameron. Archie and Maisy, along with their three daughters, went to Honduras in 1952 as UB missionaries. Archie retired as field superintendent in 1984, but he and Maisy have continued living in La Ceiba, Honduras, their home for 50 years.

Marilyn Reeck, their youngest daughter, and her husband Roger are missionaries with Wycliffe and living in La Ceiba, where they are involved in translating the Bible for the Garifuna people. The Reecks have been on furlough in Huntington, Ind., for the past several months. On Sunday, April 14, Marilyn received a call saying that her mother was near death. She left the next day for Honduras.

Maisy had been in ill health for many years. She passed away at her home in La Ceiba. She had stopped eating, and was being fed intravenously for two weeks.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, April 25, at the Bethel church in La Ceiba. Son-in-law John Kingrey (married to oldest daughter Heather Cameron) will conduct the funeral.

Sometime next week, according to Marilyn, Archie will travel with John and Heather to their home in Idaho, and eventually make his way to Huntington, where he will stay for a while. Then, when the Reecks conclude their furlough, he will travel south with them to Dallas and New Orleans on the way back to Honduras. He wants to travel back to Toronto, where he grew up, sometime during that period.

Archie and Maisy have six children--three daughters born in Canada, and three sons adopted in Honduras. Daughters Heather and Sharon live in the United States, daughter Marilyn is a missionary in Honduras, sons Robert and Arturo live in Honduras, and son Dino lives in Ontario.

The family has not yet determined how to direct people concerning memorials. If you want to send memorial money in Maisy's behalf, you can send it to the Global Ministries office, and it will be forwarded to the Cameron family or used as they direct. Send to: Global Ministries, 302 Lake St., Huntington, IN 46750.

Chapter 34 of the book Tio Archie, published last summer, is entitled "Maisy." You can read it here.

April 22, 2002

Lakewood, Calif. Easter Sunday saw the return of Pastor Bill Miller to the pulpit of Open Arms UB for a 6:00 sunrise service. Bill is still recovering from a six-way bypass. Over 45 people attended. The new Hispanic congregation was in attendance in force.

Macau. Jana Hoobler, director of the Macau mission, sent this report on April 22:

• "I'm so excited. This afternoon Michael, a teenager at Living Word Church, accepted Christ after Pastor Connie Sung shared the gospel with him. Michael was one of our first tutoring students at Living Word, starting six or seven years ago. He's been faithfully coming to church for the past few months. His mother is also a member of our church, but she hasn't been attending for a long time. However, I believe she'll be supportive of him in his decision. I think Michael is the first "second generation" Christian in our churches.
• "Byrdena Schuneman returned to her home in Illinois safely yesterday. We're thankful for God's provision of an escort, through the insurance company, to travel with her. Continue to pray for her as she waits for her broken foot to heal. We're going to miss having her here!
• "I'll be traveling to Myanmar (Burma) this week with Rev. and Mrs. Gary Dilley. Pray for a safe trip and that we'll all learn a lot about the mission work being done there by Go Chin and Karman.
• "Pastor Karis from Living Water is involved in a difficult situation in a local organization right now. She serves on its board. Pray for wisdom and protection for her and other board members as they work through difficult decisions this week."

Oak Harbor, Ohio. The Oak Harbor United Brethren church with Pastor Randy Carpenter and his wife Alicia, recently returned from a short-term trip to the Craighead UB church in Jamaica (April 4-11, 2002). The group included persons from the Bethel UB church in Elmore, Ohio, and from First Lutheran church of Findlay, Ohio. The group helped expand the church walls to make more sanctuary space, along with office space. A total of 13 persons went on the trip.

Dayton, Iowa. The mother of Dale Schoening, pastor of McGuire Bend UB, passed away Tuesday, April 16. He writes, "I was with her, and she went home to Jesus very peacefully. She was not able to respond at all that day, as she was very heavily medicated for pain. The funeral was Friday. I returned to work today. I'm doing pretty well."

Auburn, Ind. Union Chapel UB welcomed the new pastor, Gary Reiber, and his family at the end of December. He formerly pastored Kilburn Avenue UB in Rockford, Ill.

Deb Barton, secretary, writes, "Good things are happening in a few short months: expanding Sunday School classes next quarter, have added midweek studies for all ages, started a young couples and singles group that meets once a month, opened our youth building back up, and have new families."

April 19, 2002

Chambersburg, Pa. King Street UB in Chambersburg has two position openings. They are accepting applications until May 10.

• Maintenance worker: 40 hours per week. Working with another fulltime and part-time custodian for set ups and cleaning. Also responsible for light maintenance work and emergencies.
• Business Administrator: Oversee the day to day operations, including oversight of all support staff and volunteers; upkeep of computer systems (mainly Mac) and training of staff as needed; oversight of all scheduling and communications. Should have background in Microsoft Office and Filemaker Pro; development of policy and procedure manuals; work closely with staff in carrying out the vision of the ministry.

The church's address is: King Street Church, 162 East King Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201. Phone: 717-264-4651.

April 18, 2002

Michigan. On December 21, Kim Parish was broadsided by another vehicle after she dropped her kids off at school, and she began 86 days in a coma. While on the operating table after the accident, she suffered a stroke. Kim is the wife of former Michigan Conference pastor Steve Parish, and the daughter of Gerald Galloway, current pastor of McCallum UB in Delton, Mich. On April 5, Kim's two sisters were at her hospital bedside when she emerged from the coma and began communicating with them. She is now in a wheelchair and is talking. The family is considering options for possibly entering her in a rehabilitation hospital.

La Ceiba, Honduras. On April 14, Marilyn Reeck received a call that her mother, Maisey Cameron, was near death. Maisey has been ill for several years now. The extended family was being asked to return to La Ceiba. Marilyn, husband Roger, and daughter Eliza have been on furlough with Wycliffe, staying at the Myers Mission House in Huntington, Ind. We have not received further word on Maisey's condition.

April 15, 2002

Findlay, Ohio. On the weekend after Easter, First UB of Findlay held special weekend services for the deaf. This is the second year they have done that. There is a luncheon and service on Saturday night, and then a Sunday morning service for everyone.

Each Wednesday night, the deaf have their own special service, a Bible study, at the church. On Sunday morning, Sue Atkins interprets for the deaf while the pastor preaches.

Macau. Jana Hoobler, director of the Macau Mission, sent the following items on April 14:

• "The Dedication Service at Living Word Church was a great encouragement to all of us. Nearly 70 people attended. It was exciting to once again see our local church members taking ownership at the new place. Continue to pray for Pastor Connie Sung as she gets everything set up at the new facility, continues to work with the Education Department to get a license for the tutoring and ELP classes, and seeks to push our church members to a deeper commitment to spiritual growth and evangelism.
• "Rev. Gary Dilley and his wife, Rhonda, arrived in Hong Kong on Friday, April 12. They'll be staying in Asia for about three weeks. Praise the Lord for this time that we can spend with the new director of United Brethren Global Ministries. Pray that our time together will be quality time!
• On Friday night, March 8, retired volunteer Byrdena Shuneman fell down after her ELP classes and broke her foot. She underwent surgery the next night. Doctors anticipated an eight-week recovery time, with about two weeks in the hospital. Jana writes: "Last week, Byrdena Shuneman's doctor informed us that she won't be able to walk on her foot until the end of May. It is healing as well as can be expected, but it will take that long for her to be able to put pressure on it. Therefore, we have decided that it will be best for her to return to the States earlier than she planned. We are working with her insurance company now to make arrangements for someone to come and accompany her back to the States at the end of this week. Please pray for Byrdena as she deals with this big disappointment. Pray especially for Carmen and Wendy, two ELP students who have spent countless hours with her over the past couple of weeks. Neither of them is a Christian. Pray that they will see the Truth. Pray for a safe trip back to the States for Byrdena. It's a long trip, even when you're feeling well!"
• "The past couple of weeks have been busy ones for Melissa Hull and me as we've been covering extra things for Byrdena and also helping to care for her. Pray that we'll know how to care for all the details concerning her departure. Pray also for wisdom in how to cover things over the next couple of months as only the two of us will be here. Pray that we'll both get some rest during the next two weeks, as we have a short ELP break."

Dayton, Ohio. Jessyca Phoenix, secretary of Lighthouse Community Church in Dayton, sent this note: "I'd like to share about the vandalism that occurred at our church just before Christmas. It happened on a Saturday afternoon. Children between the ages of 7 and 15 were the culprits. There were things destroyed in every room of the church that was accessible downstairs and upstairs. It was as if a Tazmanian devil had been unleashed. The destruction was horrifying. It was very hard to believe and quite sorrowful that children had done such a thing.

"All of the local news stations covered the story. The response of generosity and concern was overwhelming. We received monies, food stuffs, labor, and the like from all around the city and beyond. Even though the damage was reprehensible, our spirits were not dampened and we held a special prayer service the next day. We held and do not hold any grudges against those that were responsible, realizing that "they know not what they do," to borrow a phrase from our Lord Jesus.

"As of today, we are in a renovation project. Most of the carpet in the building is being replaced. We have started a building fund with the monies that were donated to us after the vandalism. That money, coupled with our insurance monies, is being used to renovate and update our facilities.

"We have some new and exciting programs to reach out to the children in the neighborhood, and already we are seeing success. God is good all the time, and we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are the called according to His purpose according to Romans 8:28. Please keep us in your prayers as we endeavor to build the ministry that God has called us to."

Columbus, Ohio. Pastor Bob Lust writes, "First UB of Columbus is doing a spiritual ministry called 'Forty Days to Pentecost.' It began 40 days prior to Pentecost Sunday with a 40-hour prayer vigil, and will end the same way 40 hours before Pentecost Sunday. Emphasis of the preaching is "Unity." The ministry will include a five-day revival ministry with Dr. O. D. Lovell as evangelist. The goal of the ministry is to bring the church into a unified focus of vision for the future and ministries of the church, beginning with the individual being brought into unity of spirit with the Lord Jesus."

This emphasis will coincide with the anniversary of the passing of Roger Martin, who pastored the church for 39 years. It will also mark the first anniversary of the ministry of Pastor Bob Lust. Submitted by Pastor Bob Lust

Allentown, Pa. International UB held its first Youth Summit in February, using the topic, "Relationships: What is the Reality?" About 30 kids from age 10 to 15 attended. The summit discussed abstinence and sexually-transmitted diseases. On May 4, the church will hold a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for the youth group, called Generation XXI.

A women's meeting recently began on Tuesdays. They are developing some themes related to self-image, self-esteem, communication, and other issues.

Stryker, Ohio. The Stryker UB church held a Lenten Luncheon every Wednesday during Lent from 11:30 to 12:30. The last luncheon just before Easter was cancelled due to snow. However, the soup and sandwich luncheon was attended by an average of 50 people. The soup and sandwiches were provided by the women and families of the Stryker church. Stryker community ministers led the service and preached, and community people did special music. Among the special speakers was retired UB pastor Ernest Belella.

Jackson, Mich. Vicky Lorencen, former church administrator, has taken on a new staff position as Director of Children's and Student Ministries (as of March). Jim Gray is the Congregational Care Coordinator, and Robin Chaffin is the newly hired Administrative Secretary.

Dimondale, Mich. For three nights over the Easter weekend, West Windsor UB presented the play "The Last Supper." Thirteen men from the church played the part of Jesus and the 12 disciples. Most grew beards. Three teens helped with the set, a replica of the Da Vinci Last Supper. The hour-long performance included a narrator, three hymns, and two duet specials. Over 100 people attended. Pastor Dick Thorp organized and directed the play from a play he had seen some 20 years ago.

Sally Hock-Harrison writes, "As of this writing, no one has made a commitment, but we feel that we planted lots of seeds and let the community know that we at West Windsor care, that we are here, and that things are happening at West Windsor. We loved serving the community."

Saginaw, Mich. Calvary Community UB began Easter Sunday at 8:30 by baptizing 15 people. The service was attended by 98 people. A pancake breakfast followed at 9:30, with the regular worship service at 10:30 (about 160 people). Says secretary Sherry Bocek, "It was really wonderful to celebrate the baptisms and Christ's rising on the same day."

April 12, 2002

The Far East. Global Ministries Director Gary Dilley, along with wife Rhonda, left on Wednesday, April 10, for a three-week tour of the United Brethen work in the Far East. They'll visit Hong Kong, Macau, and Myanmar.

Orlando, Florida. Ruth Ann Price is spending April 3-21 in South Asia doing consulting and training with Wycliffe colleagues in that part of the world. She is teamed on the trip with Russ Rogers, a consultant and trainer with InterAct Associates, who was Ruth Ann's major professor during her graduate studies in 1988-1990. he has consulted on projects with Wycliffe for the last ten years.

Ruth Ann's brother, Jim, died on February 6. She writes, "To those of you who knew, thank you for your prayers, for writing, calling, and for giving your support in so many ways to me and my family through the sudden hospitalization and eventual loss. It's been an adjustment to realize he's not here. At the same time, it's joy and rejoicing, knowing He's with Jesus! He was my brother, he was my friend. I miss him."

Macau. Jana Hoobler sent this note on March 24:

"We held our first worship service at the new Living Word today. It was an exciting time. The church members had a special prayer and fasting service. It's been such a blessing to me to see the church members really taking ownership of this move. Last Sunday afternoon we moved everything by hand down to the new church (it's only about two blocks from the old one). Everyone cooperated incredibly well, and they all were just so joyful as they were moving things. Even many of the children really helped. We're all looking forward to the dedication service on Easter Sunday afternoon."

Byrdena Shuneman, who went to Macau in January for her second volunteer term with the English Language Program, broke her foot. Jana says:

"Since Byrdena Shuneman broke her foot, I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support the missionary community in Macau has offered to us. Between Melissa's unexpected time in the States in January and Byrdena's time in the hospital, missionaries from four different missions have offered to help us teach ELP classes. This would be sort of like having four different churches in town offering to help your church cover Sunday school classes! I have experienced the family of God in a deeper way on the mission field than at any other point in my life.

"Byrdena is still recovering in the hospital. The doctor has said that she may be able to return home on Friday. We are looking for someone who can stay with her during the days to help her with shopping, cooking, etc., as she still isn't able to put any weight on her foot. Please pray for God to encourage her as she is tired of being laid up! Also pray for Melissa Hull and me as we help care for her.

"The Education Department asked us to make some changes at their inspection of Living Word Church. The contractor has made those changes, and we're waiting for a second inspection. Pray that we'll have approval by the middle of April, so that we can stop renting the old place. (We are still holding tutoring and English classes there.)"

Huntington, Ind. Bishop Emeritus Clarence Kopp wrote on April 3, "Today I came home from an unplanned five-day stay at the hospital. Last Friday I suddenly fainted out and Ginny and the neighbors had to call the Meds. They took me to the ER at Huntington, where they decided I should be in ICU at the mother hospital (Parkview) in Fort Wayne. They determined it was a severe infection in the urinary tract. They did all the many tests and said "It is not a stroke or anything like that," but the blood pressure stayed very low for a few hours.

After some sleepless nights and many injections, etc., things straightened out and they sent me home feeling quite good as of today in the afternoon. Thank you for your many prayers and the many family phone calls to bed side

San Pedro Sula, Honduras. A note from Benulda Saenz on March 28 reported that her husband, Moises, suffered a stroke. Benulda wrote, "Right now, he is not at home, because the doctor asked me to let him have quietness and rest. If he stayed at home, he wouldn't, because he would be trying to do work, so I sent him with his brother to the village where he can really rest. He is getting better and is taking the treatment." Both Moises and Benulda are ordained ministers in Honduras Conference.

Mason, Mich. Eden United Brethren Church in Christ is looking to hire a fulltime youth pastor to take over the existing youth group program. Other duties include working with student leaders, youth coaches and parents, and managing the schedule for a Family Life Center. Candidates should have a four-year degree in ministry. Resumes and references, as well as inquiries, should be submitted by June 15, 2002, to the following address:

Attn: Personnel Chairperson
Eden UB Church
1938 Eden Rd.
Mason, MI 48854

Dayton, Iowa. McGuire Bend UB was featured recently in an article in the Fort Dodge Messenger about rural churches. Pastor Dale Schoening was interviewed for the article, as was long-time member Janice Ford. The reporter was absolutely fascinated, especially by the cemetery.

Pastor Shoening, since May 1998, has pastored the McGuire Bend church in addition to a circuit of four United Methodist churches:

• Calvary United Methodist Church, Stratford, IA
• South Marion United Methodist Church, Stratford, IA
• Homer United Methodist Church, Homer, IA
• Duncombe United Methodist Church, Duncombe, IA

On February 17, McGuire Bend joined with the four United Methodist churches to sponsor "A Summer Band Concert in the Dead of Winter." The concert was held in the school gym in Stratford and featured the Boone Municipal Band (in which Pastor Dale Schoening plays the trombone). An ice cream social followed. There was a good turnout and the churches enjoyed working together on this event.

As of July 1, 2001, Pastor Shoening will become pastor of the United Methodist churches in Slater and Sheldahl, Iowa. McGuire Bend will continue to share pastoral leadership with the four United Methodist congregations, with the United Methodists supplying the pastor.

Mason, Mich. On Maundy Thursday, a group of men dressed in biblical costumes presented a dramatization of the Last Supper, Christ's arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the journey to Calvary. This included several songs, such as, "The Calvary Road" and "Rise Again," and distribution of communion to the congregation. Pastor Wes Emerson concluded with a gospel presentation, and three people received Christ.

On Saturday, April 6, six members of the Eden congregation flew from Detroit to Battersea, Jamaica, to continue working on the parsonage project that they helped with last year. They're working on floors and walls for the second floor. They will return on Saturday, April 20. They also hope to present Bible lessons to children in the area. Those going are Brian and Debbie Gallaway, Linda Andreas, Sue Davis, Andy Emerson, and Angela Oesterle.

In July, Tara Andreas, who is 19, will spend the month in Australia with Teen Mania. They will present the gospel on the streets by using choreography. Last year, Tara went to Mexico with Teen Mania.

Eden Church is embarking on an ambitious building program with the help of Injoy Stewardship Services from Atlanta, Georgia. Eight pairs of people, besides the pastors, Wes Emerson and Dan Bentz, and the co-directors, Brian Gallaway and Andy Cox, comprise a Campaign Leadership Team, which will organize several activities, such as a prayer vigil and fast, and celebration, to promote the whole concept. The stewardship campaign is aimed at increasing everyone's level of stewardship in the areas of time, talent, and treasures.

Annette Haines, publicity chairman, writes, "The goal for this campaign is to raise at least $600,000 over three years so we can begin building an extension onto the church. This will be called a Family Life Center and will be used as a gym for church activities and for people in the community to use also. When the present sanctuary is outgrown, the Center can be used as a sanctuary also, seating up to 800 people. There will also be several classrooms around the main room and a large kitchen for receptions and church dinners."

Eden Church will present a series of old-fashioned revival services from Friday, April 19, through Sunday, April 21. Ronnie Rathbone and Shaun Horn from South Carolina will present music and a gospel message at each service.

Ontario. Jim Asher, an ordained elder in the Canadian national conference, is chaplain in the US Navy stationed out of Camp LeJeune. He is currently aboard a ship serving "somewhere" in support of the current US military action. He sent the following note recently:

"Ever since September 11th, we have not been able to say where we are or where we are going. Even [my wife] Yvonne is not exactly sure where I am. We celebrated Easter on board the ship. Shipboard life is unique in that every day is pretty much like every other, since the ship has to keep running. Sunday is a bit different. But not much.

"One thing you find out when you are in the military, and especially when you are at sea, is how many people are Christian only in name. There are more than what you want to believe. People who talk about how devoted to church they are, never, or very rarely, come to Bible studies or worship services. Oh, they talk about reading their Bible and praying, but not as often as they should. At least, sthose are the words out of their own mouths. Furthermore, their lives are no different than those who profess to have no belief at all. Yet, they talk about their home church and how much they like it and their pastor.

"Baptists are no different than Methodists, Pentecostals no different than Lutherans. Most cuss, drink, smoke, swear...you get the picture. But there are a few that are very devoted. A Chaplain truly sees that the way to heaven is narrow, and very few travel it--even though some churches are packed to the point of overflowing. Yes, it is sad.

"In our churches we need to emphasize the marks of a changed life. That Christians are different from those in the world, and that wherever they are, they gather for worship and study with other believers. That is the only way they are going to grow in their Christian walk. That is the only way they are going to stand when temptations surround them. This is a great concern of mine, and the only way that it is going to change is for parents to teach their children, and the local church to teach their people, about the importance of living like a believer. Emphasis must be placed on corporate worship and corporate study, as well as personal worship and study. When parents and churches don't do this, it makes corporate worship and Bible study an option to a person. But when does Satan attack a believer? Usually when that believer is alone in his faith.

"We did conduct a Palm Sunday service, Good Friday service, and Easter Sunday service. All three were wonderful. Continue to keep us in your prayers."

Traverse City, Mich. Carlson and Naomi Becker plan to go to Macau from August to December 2002 to serve as volunteers. Carlson recently retired as pastor of Northland UB in Traverse City, Mich.

Carlson writes, "Northland had another great trip to Honduras in February. We started the church at LaUba and then a crew from Central Conference finished up the project. We had 14 go in our group--8 men and 6 women. All were from Northland, except for three person from Indiana who were former parishoners of mine at Union Church in Huntington (Ron, Nancy and Greg Beaver).

"With Macau in the picture, I guess I will not be going to Honduras this next year. I'll miss that, since we have gone for the last three years. I am still involved in getting money given by Rotary in Traverse City and International Rotary to put a water well in for a children's home in Yoro, Honduras, and also buying equipment for a vocational school in Yoro that was started by the United Brethren and is now run by the Association of Evangelical and Reformed Churches of Honduras. The well will cost about $8,000 and the equipment we hope to buy should run about $38,000."

Toronto, Ontario. The Toronto UB has a new name: New Hope Community Church. John Duyck is the pastor.

Among Ministers

• Victor R. Scalise has been appointed supply pastor at Kilburn Avenue UB, Rockford, Ill., effective April 1, 2002.
• Joe LePard is no longer an associate pastor at Kilpatrick Church in
• Woodland, MI.
• Louis (Buzz) Stone has been named senior pastor of Pleasant View UB, Blanchard, Mich.
• Glenn Flint is concluding two years of ministry as associate pastor of Anchor UB (Fort Wayne, Ind) on April 14. On April 15, he will begin serving as Minister of Music at Fairview Missionary Church in Angola, Ind.
• Roger Burk is the new senior pastor of Mount Hope UB (Carson City, Mich.) effective April 1. The previous pastor, Larry Clark, is unassigned for the present time.
• George Hudnall has been named senior pastor of Mount Morris UB, Mt. Morris, Mich.
• Lee Reams resigned on March 27 as associate pastor of Fountain UB in Keyser, W. Va. He is entering fulltime mission work.

Huntington College. The speakers for the 104th Commencement Exercises, to be held Saturday, May 18, have been announced.

Dr. Paul R. Fetters, Professor of Practical Theology, will deliver the baccalaureate address at 10:30 on Saturday morning. After pastoring several United Brethren churches, he served as Dean of the Huntington College Graduate School of Christian Ministries from 1972 to 1997. At that point, he became a professor in the undergraduate program. Dr. Fetters is retiring this summer after more than 30 years of service to Huntington College. In addition to his service at Huntington College, Dr. Fetters has written or edited a number of books and scholarly publications, including two major works on the history and theological perspectives of the United Brethren denomination.

Dr. Henry F. (Fritz) Schaeffer III will deliver the commencement address during the graduation ceremonies, which begin at 3:00 Saturday afternoon. Schaefer is the Perdue Professor of Chemistry and Director of the Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry at the University of Georgia. His research involves the use of state-of-the-art computers and theoretical methods to solve important problems in molecular quantum mechanics. This Nobel-prize nominee is among the most frequently-cited chemists in the world. A thoughtful Christian scholar, Schaefer says, "The significance and joy in my science comes in the occasional moments of discovering something new and saying to myself, 'So that's how God did it!' My goal is to understand a little corner of God's plan."

Dr. Schaefer will receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Huntington College in recognition of his cutting-edge research. Two additional doctorates will also be awarded.

Mrs. Lynette S. Merillat will receive an honorary Doctor of Christian Service degree. Mrs. Merillat's life has been devoted to a number of faith-based organizations. A former active member of the Trenton Hills UB church in Adrian, Mich., Lynette has given countless hours of service and volunteer leadership to the Adrian Community Nursery Board, American Bible Society, American Red Cross, Bill Glass Prison Ministries, Christian Family Centre, Lenawee Christian School, Lenawee Humane Society, Tau Delta Sorority, WBCL Radio, and other organizations.

Her husband, Richard Merillat, will receive an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree. Mr. Merillat is a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist. From age 13 until he retired in 1996, he served the family business in Adrian, Mich., working in the Merillat Woodworking factory and in various management positions, including vice president of manufacturing and president of Merillat Industries. Today, he continues as chairman of the board. Mr. Merillat has shared his significant expertise and financial resources with numerous ministries and non-profit organizations.

Richard and Lynette Merillat were instrumental in creating the Merillat Scholars Program at Huntington College. This program provides substantial financial assistance to Huntington College students who are members of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, student leaders of Youth for Christ, or children of Huntington College alumni.