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On May 25, Bishop Paul Hirschy had his fifth of six chemotherapy treatments. He also learned that cat-scans gave him a clear report, showing no swelling in the lymph nodes. He will only need one more chemo treatment, which will occur in three weeks. Bishop Hirschy is grateful for everyone’s prayer support.
Mid-Atlantic and Michindoh Conferences met during May. Michindoh re-elected George Kreger as conference superintendent. Mid-Atlantic elected two new superintendents to replace Pat Jones and Rick Fischl. The two continuing superintendents, Anthony Blair and Michael Mudge, took on new areas of responsibility. Here is the new Mid-Atlantic line-up:
* Anthony Blair: Administration.
* Michael Mudge: Pastoral Development.
* Billy Simbo: Church Multiplication and Urban Ministry.
* Jim Bolich: Church Growth and Renewal.
Rev. Alfred “Bud” Price passed away Tuesday evening, May 25. He pastored the Blissfield UB church (Blissfield, Mich.) for over 30 years (1952-1986), and also served as fulltime superintendent of Michindoh Conference. The funeral will be held at 11 am on Saturday, May 29, at the Central UB church in Montpelier, Ohio. Viewing will be on Friday, May 28, at the Wilson-Geesey Funeral Home in Montpelier.
The UB Historical Society will hold its annual meeting July 29-30 in southern Ontario. You are encouraged to take part in this event, which will include a tour and banquet.
Huntington College has approved several new programs.
Master of Education. HC plans to begin offering the Master of Education degree in 2005. Master of Education concentrations will be available in Elementary Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Reading, Early Adolescent Education, and Adolescent and Young Adult Education.
Business: Economics and Finance. Starting next fall, HC will offer a new bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance. The program will prepare students for employment in fields such as financial services, banking, insurance, risk management and real estate. Since 1997, business program enrollment has grown 37 percent. Over that same time period, enrollment in the economics track has grown over 300 percent. The new Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Finance is designed to meet this demand and serve greater numbers of students.
Digital Media Arts. In the fall of 2004, the Communication Department will launch a new Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Media Arts. It will prepare students for careers in web design and publishing, disc authoring, television production, film making, photography and image editing, illustration, 2D and 3D animation, advertising, and design.
Political Studies. Also beginning this is a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Studies program. It will prepare students for careers in public administration, the legal professions, teaching, public service, and political research and writing.
Social Work. Huntington College will launch a bachelor’s degree in social work in the fall semester of 2005.
Sports Ministry. A bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Sports Ministry will begin this fall. It will meet the needs of recreation and sports ministries in the local church, youth organizations, and other related agencies.
Worship Leadership (fall 2005). A Bachelor of Science degree in Worship Leadership will offer students a unique combination of ministry leadership preparation and specialized skill development in such fields as music, multimedia, and theater.
In addition to the seven new academic programs to be launched in 2004 and 2005, Huntington College is currently studying the feasibility of developing a new undergraduate degree in nursing.
HC held its annual appreciation dinner for faculty and staff May 11. Randy Neuman was recognized as Staff Member of the Year. Neuman, the College’s associate director of library services and director of the United Brethren Historical Center, was chosen by faculty and staff members. He has served the College for 22 years.
Congratulations to Scott and Lydia Stover, proud parents of new daughter Kimber Lee Ann, born April 29. This is their first baby. Scott and Lydia are key participants in our NorthPointe Church and Scott is also working on his MDiv at Ashland Seminary in preparation for ministry.
Also: congratulations to and prayers for Ryan and Becky Clark. Their son Michael was born on April 27. Michael has had some complications and is currently a patient at Dayton’s Childrens Hospital. Ryan began his tenure as pastor of the Van Wert UB Church (Van Wert, Ohio) on April 18. This is their third child.
Bishop Emeritus Wilber Sites and his wife, Mossie, will return to teach at Jamaica Bible College this fall. They will be there for two terms, stretching from September 7 to late March. Mossie will teach Practical Christian Education to second-year students, and also volunteer at the New Hope Orphanage, which has 25 children under the age of 5. She has also been invited to teach at a Women’s Ministry center, where young women, most with babies, learn a skill so they can provide for the baby and for themselves.
Wilber will teach Systematic Theology and Homiletics, Romans, and Administrative Leadership. They will also lead a small group on Thursdays during chapel, speak several times in chapel, assist with the annual fundraiser in November, and speak in various churches on Sundays.
