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Mildred Griffin from Avlon UB church (Bremen, Ohio) passed away July 11. She was the mother of Jane Baker, who served as a missionary in Sierra Leone with her husband, Dr. Ron Baker. Mildred was well-known in the old Scioto Conference. She spent her latter years in a care facility in California.
Brent Birdsall (right), pastor of College Park UB church in Huntington, Ind., since 1993, has resigned to accept a position on staff with a church in Minnesota. Starting August 13, he will be Adult Ministries Pastor at Berean Baptist Church in Burnsville, Minn., overseeing all ministries from post-college through senior adults.
Brent and Sandie Birdsall and family served two stints as missionaries in Sierra Leone, and pastored the Emmanuel UB church in Fort Wayne, Ind., in between. Their second term in Sierra Leone was cut short by the civil war; they were part of the emergency evacuation of all UB missionaries on a military transport.
Brent served as a member, and then chairman, of the Global Ministries Leadership Team, and also served on the Executive Leadership Team.
Gary Dilley (left), director of Global Ministries, was named Interim Pastor of College Park Church, effective July 1. On top of his duties with Global Ministries, he will give about 20 hours a week to leadership at College Park and will preach about half of the Sundays. He was asked to serve during this transition time.
Jennifer Blandin, UB missionary in Macau, sent these notes on June 17.
Parkview Huntington Hospital has awarded a $75,000 grant for Huntington University’s new nursing program. This gift is in addition to Parkview’s $100,000 grant in February 2006.
“We could not imagine starting a program without the support of Parkview Huntington Hospital,” said Dr. Norris Fr5iesen, vice president and dean of the university, “and we anticipate a long-term partnership. Parkview Huntington Hospital not only provides financial support like this grant, but will also work with us to provide hands-on training for our future nurses.”
The funds will be used for start-up costs for the nursing program.
“This partnership enhances our already strong ties with the university and addresses the national shortage of experienced nurses,” said Darlene Garrett, chief operating officer for Parkview Huntington Hospital. “The stability and quality of our nation’s health care system relies on a sufficient supply of well-educated and skilled nurses. The addition of a nursing degree program at Huntington University is a major step toward meeting these needs.
Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne, Ind., donated 12 beds to Huntington University’s nursing clinical lab. The beds are the same type used in Lutheran’s clinical care areas. They were placed in two classrooms in the newly renovated lower level of the Science Hall, eight beds in one room and four in the other.
Read more about Huntington University’s nursing program.
Daniel Drake has been appointed as supply pastor for the Olive Branch UB Church, Lakeville, Ind., effective June 24, 2007.
On Sunday, July 1, Franklin UB church (New Albany, Ohio) held its third annual Faith & Freedom Sunday. The purpose is to give thanks to God and recognize local citizens who have gone above and beyond the ordinary to support their country. It is also a time of recognition of the church’s military veteran as America’s birthday is celebrated.
This year an award of appreciation was given to members of Lima Company. Lima Company is a Columbus, Ohio, based Marine reserve infantry unit that was called to duty in the spring of 2005. In a period of just two months, 23 men were killed in action, and most of others in the unit were injured. The subject of a book, a movie, and national news, Lima Company came home in September 2005; many of the men carried scars that will last a lifetime.
Special invitations were sent out to area politicians, Proclamations and recognition were received from the offices of the Ohio governor and Columbus mayor, and an aide to Senator George Voinivich attended, along with many other local elected officials.
After the church service, members picnicked on an “All American” meal. Local media coverage was generous, with, newspapers and local CBS, ABC, and Fox news crews on hand to do stories for the evening news casts.
On May 19, Huntington University awarded degrees to 200 students during Commencement Exercises. Four new programs at Huntington University saw their first graduates walk the aisle
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| HU Board Chairman Ed Souers (left) and Dean of the College Norris Friesen (right) conduct the hooding ceremony for Roger Skinner. |
Huntington University awarded four honorary degrees at its 2007 Commencement Exercises on May 19. Among them was Roger Skinner, a United Brethren endorsed missionary serving as USA executive director of OMS International. He was awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree for his long-time enablement of missionaries to serve around the world. He then delivered the Commencement address.
Skinner holds a degree in philosophy from Huntington University and a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife, Mary Lou, served as OMS missionaries in Ecuador from 1973-1995, initially in evangelism and church planting, and later at Evangelical bible Seminary and in a pastoral role. They returned to the US in 1995 to work at the OMS International headquarters in Greenwood, Ind., where they now live.
Previously, Roger Skinner received the Alumnus of the Year award from Huntington University and was inducted into the HU Athletic Hall of Fame.
Other honorary degrees went to:
Alan and Doris MacDonald left Wycliffe Bible Translators at the end of 2006 after over 30 years of service in the Philippines, Hong Kong, and several stateside assignments. no longer serving as missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Alan is now Pastor of Global Engagement at Fairfax Community Church in Fairfax, Va.
Doris is half of the music group The Braeded Chord, whose music has been described as “a mixture of folks-rock-gospel-blues.” She and Sharon Dennis have now released three albums, the latest one being “Radio Lane” in October 2006. In February, The Braeded Chord was awarded a WAMMIE (Washington Area Musicians Association) for Best Gospel/Inspiration Group of 2006, the second year in a row they received this award. Bob Schieffer, CBS newsman, who calls himself a “fledgling songwriter,” hosted the ceremony. Doris and Sharon serve as worship leaders for Church of the Word in Gainesville, Va., and perform in local coffeehouses, churches, festivals, and benefits. They have also been the featured musicians at several United Brethren missions events.
Doris is the granddaughter of Dr. Y. T. Chiu, founder of many UB churches in Hong Kong and a former professor at Huntington University. She grew up in the Glendale UB church in Glendale, Calif.
Hillsdale, Mich., has the nation’s only teenage mayor, which has earned him celebrity status. Mayor Michael Sessions (right) has appeared on Letterman, Good Morning America, etc. after winning election as a write-in candidate by two votes while still a high school senior. Now a 19-year-old freshman at Hillsdale College, Mayor Sessions accepted an invitation to the Dedication Service of the Ministry Office Center of the Hillsdale UB Church on Febuary 25. Bishop Ramsey was the keynote speaker before a congregation of over 300 who braved a winter storm despite the cancellation of services by several churches in Hillsdale County.
The Ministry Office Center was the result of a seven month renovation of the former parsonage next door to the church. Pastor Smith’s new office is his former bedroom. The garage was enlarged and serves as a beautiful new classroom. All the staff have relocated to various rooms of the former house and the basement serves as a conference room.
On Friend Day, March 25, Mayor Sessions returned to Hillsdale UB. Over 200 people in the first service witnessed the baptism of nine people. Over 300 attended the second service, which was followed with a “Friendship” potluck meal.
