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11 Jan

January 11, 2008 |

Nativity Shelter

Lancaster UB Nativity

Sharon Lucas, secretary at Lancaster UB (Lancaster, Ohio), sent this Christmas report: “Lancaster United Brethren Church held a Live Nativity this year for the first time in several years. It had been a fixture in the community for several years.

The Theme was “Follow the Light.” With a large billboard and a rented spotlight, folks from miles away were drawn to the presentation. The Nativity featured a new shelter house, many live animals (including two camels), and most importantly featured the Gospel message presented with live acting to many in the community who otherwise may not hear it any other way.

“God blessed us with the opportunity to meet with hundreds of folks from the community, many of whom are unchurched. The show ran for fifteen minutes, three times an hour, and played to an audience of 40-80 at each showing throughout the weekend. Refreshments were served in the Merillat Center between shows, and connections were made with families looking for a church home.”

11 Jan

January 11, 2008 |

A couple days ago, in Part 1, I discussed my dismay over the many churches that are disobedient to the Great Commission. Now I’d like to tackle a second issue that has concerned me as I interact with our churches.

2. The amount of conflict that exists in so many of our churches.
There are people in conflict with the pastor, pastors in conflict with the people, and people in conflict with other people in the church. Dealing with conflict in churches is without a doubt the most tiring part of this job. I’ve come to the conclusion that these two issues are related. Let me put it this way: if you aren’t going to fish, you will probably fight and may ultimately flee.
(more…)

09 Jan

January 9, 2008 |

Wow, 2008 already. I have been reflecting over the past two years of my term as bishop. People often ask me if I enjoy what I do. I usually laugh and tell them I am not sure this job is supposed to be enjoyed. That is, however, not altogether true. I then explain that some aspects of my work are very enjoyable. They have included:

  • Opportunity to ordain a pastor.
  • Seeing congregations decide to become healthy.
  • The National Conference 2007, where God showed up!
  • Speaking in many of our churches, meeting some great people.
  • Working with a fine staff: Pat, Gary, Steve, Marci, Tom, Donna, Marilyn, Cathy, Darlene, Phylis, and Mabel. They truly have a heart to serve you.
  • Seeing some sparks of renewal in a few places and trying to fan those sparks into an inferno.
  • The privilege to serve the United Brethren in Christ, USA
  • Serving on the Huntington University board of trustees.
  • Talking with pastors who have a passion and vision for the ministry God has given them.
  • Working with our leadership teams.
  • Helping to develop and participating in our weekend assessments of various congregations.
  • And probably a lot more if I just thought about it.

However, certain aspects have been very challenging. When thinking about the challenges, I can’t help but think of that great “theologian,” Pogo, who once said, “We have met the enemy and he is us.”

There are two issues that I would like to discuss with you. I’ll post one today, and the second one on Friday.
(more…)

08 Jan

January 8, 2008 |

Cheryl Leighton, wife of Pastor Joe Leighton of Salem Chapel UB church (Junction City, Ohio), passed away early this morning. Since the beginning of September, she has been fighting cancer.

Both the viewing and the funeral will be held at the Lancaster UB church in Lancaster, Ohio. It is located at 1125 Pleasantville Road in Lancaster. Here are the times:

Viewing: Friday, January 11, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
Funeral: Saturday, January 12, 10 a.m.

If you would like to make a contribution, Cheryl has requested that your gift be made out to the Fairfield County Humane Society or to Salem Chapel–Global Ministries.

08 Jan

January 8, 2008 |

Donelle Raab, wife of Michigan minister Dick Raab, was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on her spinal column this week. She began radiation this week to be followed up with chemo.  She is in a good bit of pain despite medication.

Dick and Donnelle served 42 years in the pastoral ministry, retiring in January 2007 from their last pastorate, Richfield Road UB church in Flint, Mich. Donelle holds a Specialized Ministries license, and until the end of 2007 was a member of the denominational Women’s Ministry Team. They now live in at 1914 Jack Pine Court, Dorr, MI 49323.

08 Jan

January 8, 2008 |

Pastor Esdras, one of our Guatemalan pastors, was seriously injured several years ago. His injuries left him confined to a wheelchair. His wheelchair is his only means of travel, and constant trips up and down the hill to his church and visits to his parishioners have taken their toll on the chair. He needs a heavy-duty motorized wheelchair. Cost: $2000. If you or your church could underwrite this expense, please contact Donna Hollopeter in Global Ministries by email (donna@ub.org) or by calling toll-free 888-622-3019.

08 Jan

January 8, 2008 |

Rev. Carlson Becker, and his wife, Naomi (right), have been serving in the role of English speaking pastor at Living Stone Church on Taipa, Macau (adjacent to southern China), along with working with the English Language Program. Their three-year term ends this summer.

Living Stone Church has inquired about another person or couple coming to follow for the Beckers for an additional three-year term. This would allow Living Stone to continue its international ministry, and would give our Chinese co-worker, Michael Chan, additional time for his studies.

Global Ministries is looking for an individual/or couple with experience in ministry, who can provide sound biblical preaching, offer ministry mentoring to Michael Chan, and perhaps have some involvement in the English Language Program or other ministry opportunities. Persons interested would need to raise their support by partnering with churches and individuals in North America.

For more details, contact Donna Hollopeter at Global Ministries by email (donna@ub.org) or by calling toll-free 888-622-3019.

07 Jan

January 7, 2008 |

“Leading Change: Challenges and Opportunities for the 21st Century Church,” is the title of the next continuing education class being offered through the Ecclesiastes Institute, a ministry of Rhodes Grove Camp in Chambersburg, Pa. The class will be led by Anthony Blair, dean of Academic Affairs at Easter College (Philadelphia, Pa.) and a UB minister, and Jo Ann Kunz, a member of the pastoral staff of Hosanna Christian Fellowship. The text Forgotten Ways: Reactivating the Missional Church, will be used as a tool and is available to purchase through Rhodes Grove. A buffet lunch will be provided by the camp.

Date: Monday, February 9, 2008
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The classes are offered in partnership with Lancaster Bible College and qualify for a .5 CEU rating and an accompanying certificate.

21 Dec

December 21, 2007 |

Donna Hollopeter has been named Acting Director of Global Ministries. Gary Dilley, the director since 2001, is resigning to become senior pastor of College Park UB church in Huntington, Ind. Donna joined the Global Ministries staff in 1993 as Executive Secretary of the Women’s Missionary Fellowship. Her title more recently has been Associate Director of Global Ministries.