Former Bishop Ray Seilhamer has published his autobiography. “My Journey” is available on Amazon–$9.95 in paperback, $4.99 in epub format.

“My Journey” covers his life from growing up on the farm in Pennsylvania, through Huntington College, serving as president of Evangelical Seminary in Pennsylvania, his eight years at bishop, six years leading the graduate school at Huntington College, and pastoring at nine United Brethren churches, two of which he started (Emmanuel and Devonshire). It’s been a very full life. He and Ruth continue pastoring the UB church in Zanesville, Ind.

Roger and Marilyn Reeck have been endorsed UB missionaries since the 1970s, serving with Wycliffe in Mexico and Honduras (where they continue living). They sent this update on February 24:

One time someone told me, “When a person retires they need to sit under a coconut tree in a hammock and sip on Coke all day long”——-Naught! Not the retired people we know! God has given us so many opportunities since we retired at the end of July.

We returned to Honduras at the end of September. Since then Marilyn has led four Healing Groups and three Trauma Healing Trainings. In December, she began mentoring four very capable and committed young people to continue on doing Healing Groups here in Honduras in her absence. We have several churches who have requested that we hold one for their congregation, so there are many opportunities ahead. It is such a blessing to hear the testimonies of people being healed from so many of their hurts.

Roger continues on doing Bible translation with language groups in Guinea Bissau by Zoom. One of the groups that he has been working with over the last 8 years just completed the translation of the whole New Testament! His next assignment is with a language group called Manjaco, and they will be working on the book of Esther.

We now leave back to San Antonio for three months. Part of the time we will be visiting churches in the eastern part of the US. Roger is flying straight to the US and Marilyn is stopping off in Mexico. She will be holding a Healing Group for Huastec Indians February 28-March 5. It is a large group of one and a half million speakers. There are New Testament translations in the 3 different dialects of the language. This is the first step toward producing Story Based Trauma Healing in their language. Another couple will help with the Healing Group and then Marilyn will stay on for a few days mentoring the translation team in how to produce the materials in their own language. We are very excited about this new Project!

God has been so good to us and we praise Him for His goodness to us. We thank Him for letting us continue serving Him, for His protection and His wonderful provision. We praise Him that so many of those who have supported our work for so many years are still being supportive during this new phase in of our lives.

Huntington University will begin an undergraduate Electrical Engineering program in the Fall of 2022 through the University of North Dakota. Check out the video below to hear from Dr. Jeff Lehman, Associate Dean of the Sciences and Professor of Computer Science, about this exciting opportunity for future Foresters! For more information about Huntington University’s Electrical Engineering program, go here.

Rhodes Grove Camp and Conference Center (Chambersburg, Pa.) is seeking an Executive Director for the camp. RGC is in covenant with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ and has a long history of partnership and ministry with the denomination.

Those interested in the position can email the RGC Board at board@rhodesgrove.com.

To find out more about the camp, visit www.rhodesgrove.com.

Position Description

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide overall creative vision and empowering leadership for the operations, promotion, and fundraising of Rhodes Grove Camp and Conference Center. This position will lead a full-time, part-time, seasonal, and volunteer staff necessary to fulfill the mission of Rhodes Grove.

The Executive Director will empower and encourage the creation, development, and ongoing effectiveness of all programs and activities. All functions will be performed within the stated mission and core values of Rhodes Grove Camp and Conference Center.

Strategic Vision and Direction

  • Works with the Board to prepare a long-range vision and strategic plan for Rhodes Grove Camp and Conference Center. The strategic plan includes programming, human resources, facility, financial, and fundraising. Thus, the Executive Director serves as an ex-officio member of all Board committees.
  • Reports regularly to the Board the progress toward and measurement of organizational objectives, financial status of the organization, and other issues of concern.

Operational Leadership and Administration

  • Develops an annual operating plan consistent with the Rhodes Grove mission, strategic plan goals, objectives, and approved budget.
  • Provides fiscal responsibility of the camp stewardship.
  • Develops and fosters a cooperative and cohesive team environment.
  • Serves as an effective coach and mentor for the Ministry Director and the Operations Director.
  • Initiates and prepares the development of organizational policies for Board approval.
  • Oversees the overall staffing structures and processes having final authority in hiring and firing.
  • Provides written and verbal reports related to finances, facilities, programming, and so forth at scheduled Board meetings or as needed.

Promotion and Development

  • Serves as a key communicator of the mission of Rhodes Grove Camp and Conference Center to various constituencies and stakeholders including individuals, churches, local organizations, local government, and other organizations.
  • Serves as a liaison between Rhodes Grove Camp and Conference Center and all regulatory bodies and accrediting agencies.
  • Develops, modifies, and implements Rhodes Grove’s overall marketing and camper/conference retention plans consistent with approved policies and standards.
  • Takes leadership in developing and implementing Rhodes Grove’s annual fundraising plans by initiating and maintaining positive relations with donors and supportive community organizations and churches.

Position Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Camping and Recreation or related field preferred; or equivalent education and work experience.
  • Minimum of five years’ experience in a related organization working at the Director level. Must have supervisory experience along with programmatic and budgetary planning and control.
  • Experience in resource development and fundraising is preferred.
  • Must have advanced computer skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
  • Must possess strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally with staff members, Advisory Board members, regulatory agencies, donors, conference leaders, and campers of all ages.
  • Possess a passion for God’s Word and prayer.
  • Must be in agreement with Rhodes Grove’s mission, core values, and Christian beliefs.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Must pass and maintain Criminal Background Checks and Child Abuse Clearance.

Registration is now open for the various UB pastoral summits scheduled for this spring. All three will be held in Daytona Beach, Fla., during April and May at The Plaza Resort & Spa (600 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL).


Pastor & Spouse Summits

Every two years, we hold summits for senior pastors and spouses. This year there will be two summits, based on the church’s attendance.

April 25-28: for pastors and spouses from churches with an attendance of 0-299. Register here.

May 2-5: for pastors and spouses from churches with an attendance over 300. Register here.


Ministry Leaders Summit

April 25-29. The Ministry Leaders Summit is for persons serving in staff positions in United Brethren churches. This includes such roles as pastoral care, youth, worship, assimilation, adult education, visitation, counseling, missions, discipleship, children, etc. It is not for senior pastors. The annual Youth Workers Summit is being folded into this event for 2022. Register here.


Idea to Action Symposium

One other event to get on your schedule is the Idea to Action Symposium, sponsored jointly by the denomination and Huntington University. It will be held entirely online.

Date: Monday, March 28, 2022.
Topic: Young Adults and the Church

Details will be announced here closer to the event.

Cochranton Community Church (Cochranton, Pa.) is looking to hire a fulltime staff person to serve as Pastor of Student and Family Life. The person would start as soon as practical.

Job Description
To build young disciples for Christ by developing and implementing a comprehensive approach to child and youth ministry (in the areas of group building, worship, discipleship, mission, and outreach) while serving as a spiritual leader and role model. Fostering spiritual development for the entire family by providing resources and opportunities for parents to learn and excel in their ability to create a Christ-centered environment in the home.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee and coordinate all aspects of the children’s and student ministry (cradle through 12 grade).
  • Be an advocate for youth and educate the congregation about the hopes, concerns, and needs of youth in the local church and community.
  • Work closely with current and future student leaders for training, equipping and encouragement.
  • Provide opportunities for students to serve within the church and community.
  • Create a presence in the community by building relationships with local middle school and high school leadership.
  • Recruit and equip lay leaders for all areas of Family Ministries.
  • Help plan, organize, and oversee our Sunday morning children’s activities (Orange curriculum), and Sunday evening student activities.
  • Recruit and train volunteers who work with youth in all aspects of youth ministry and ensure adequate volunteer support and adult to youth ratios.
  • Lead meetings with volunteers and parents to increase communication and address any concerns.
  • Support and guide the work of the Youth Commission and the Christian Education (CE) Commission in directing monthly planning sessions, prudently overseeing commission budgets and annually evaluating the achievements, vision, and goals of both ministries.
  • Coordinate Sunday school curriculum for youth and recruit teachers in partnership with the Christian Education Commission chair.
  • Make yourself available to youth in a variety of ways (i.e. Motzing Center, visitation, times of crisis, etc.).
  • Build relationships with parents for ongoing ministry opportunities.
  • Be the “cheerleader” for the mission and values of the Church.
  • Assist with the pastoral needs of the entire congregation (pastoral care, leadership, teaching, preaching etc.).
  • Overseeing and attending all Kamp 4 Kids meetings and activities.

Qualifications
Bachelor Degree in Ministry/related subject or Highschool Diploma/GED along with at least 4 years of youth/ministry related experience.

Expectations

  • Average work week will consist of 45-50 per week with two days off per week (hours include evenings, weekends, and extracurricular work-related activities). This would include 20-30 hours per week in the office on average (can include a reasonable amount of personal devotion/study time). Remote office work may occasionally be permitted with approval from the Senior Pastor.
  • Attend the worship service when not participating in children’s activities.
  • Teach and/or provide teachers for the Sunday morning student Bible classes.
  • Be on time or early to all meetings and events.
  • Work towards UB licensing and ordination.

If Interested
Forward cover letter and resume to Senior Pastor John Authenreith at: john@ccubchurch.org

Rev. Donald Merillat, 80, passed away January 29, 2022, at his home in Morenci, Mich. He cited the Munson UB church in Morenci as his home church, and was converted in 1953.

Don owned his own carpentry business from 1974 to 1982 prior to entering Huntington University to prepare for the ministry. He graduated from HU in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree, and received the Master of Christian Ministry from HU in 1989. He was ordained as a UB minister in 1989. He pastored the Victory Chapel UB church (Liberty Center, Ohio) for many years, and also served as a conference superintendent in Michindoh Conference.

The funeral service was held at 11:00 am on February 1, 2022, in Morenci, Mich.

Donald and Carol were married in 1960 in Hudson, Mich. and have three children. Condolences can be sent to Carol at this address:

Carol Merillat
301 Lincoln St.
Morenci, MI 49256