18 Feb Introducing a New UB Logo

A new logo has been developed for United Brethren churches in the United States. That’s what you see above.

We are not replacing the familiar United Brethren logo (below). That logo remains the official logo of the international United Brethren church, and local churches are free to continue using it. But the new logo applies specifically to the United States National Conference–the UB churches in the USA.

The US logo is easily identifiable with the international logo, and incorporates the three main elements:

• The linked figures (the “United Brethren” part).
• The cross, representing Christ.
• The flame, representing the Holy Spirit.

The Need for a US Logo

The United Brethren churches in the United States haven’t had our their logo since 2001, which is probably news to you. When we adopted an international structure in 2001, with sovereign national conferences in what is now 10 different countries, the familiar logo became the logo of the international church. We have continued using that logo.

Left: The international UB logo. Right: The Canadian logo.

However, it was felt that we should have a logo specifically for the US National Conference. The UB Church in Canada, many years ago, developed their own logo (right), but none of the other national conferences have followed suit. Which is fine. The international logo works universally.

But this new logo, with some modern twists on the international logo, recognizes the US National Conference as a distinct entity within the worldwide body.

As a local United Brethren church, you are free to use the logo on your website, in your publications, and in any other way you see fit. Or, you can continue using the international logo. No need to run out and redo all of your stationery, or make a new church sign. Use the new logo as it fits your needs.

A Little Background

In the 1970s, we produced a denominational logo with three key elements–two linked figures, a cross, and a flame. The logo was refined by a professional design firm in 1979. They actually gave us three versions (right), and churches were free to use any of them. Probably not a great idea, as opposed to settling on a single logo which would be used consistently, but flexibility was desired and that’s what we did.

In the 1990s, we digitized the logo and settled on just one version–entirely black, with no outlined areas. We also changed the font to something less dated. That’s what you see above, beside the Canadian logo. We’ve been using this logo in all publications for about 20 years.

In 2001, General Conference adopted an international structure consisting of sovereign national conferences, and the logo we had been using became the official logo of the international church. The Canadian national conference developed their own logo, incorporating a maple leaf into the symbol, but none of the other conferences adopted a specific logo for their country.

During the past few years, the US National Conference developed logos for the national office (Healthy Ministry Resources) and for Global Ministries. Then, in late 2011, we began working on a logo to represent the US National Conference.

We hired a Christian graphic designer out of Dallas to develop the initial concepts, with these requirements:

• The logo needed to be easily identifiable with the international logo.
• The logo needed to include the official name of the US churches: “Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA.”
• The symbol needed to incorporate the three main elements of the international logo: the linked figures, the cross, and the flame.
• The symbol needed to be usable by itself, without the words.
• The logo needed to be institutional yet modern.

And so, after going through a variety of concepts, we narrowed it down to a specific design, which was then refined. Then we passed everything on to another designer for a few further refinements.

And now you see the result–an official logo specifically for the United States churches.

Ready for You to Use

The logo has been posted in the Resources area of the UB website in a variety of formats and sizes (JPG, PNG, GIF, EPS). This includes formats with the words, and formats with just the symbol. The official logo includes the words “Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA.” However, you may have needs for which the symbol, by itself, works better.

The vector formats (EPS) can be scaled to very large sizes. The other formats–JPG, PNG, and GIF–can be reduced in size without distortion, but will lose some clarity if you increase them in size.

The United Brethren logo is being used by UB churches around the world. In many cases, local people have drawn or painted the logo onto church walls, signs, and banners. And the have taken some creative liberties with the logo, adding their own interesting twists to the familiar design.

The video above shows photos of the logo as used and adapted in various countries. The two concluding slides are the official international logo, and then the new US National Conference logo.

18 Feb Annual Reports Were Due February 15

A reminder that annual reports for churches and ministers were due February 15, 2013. If you have not submitted your report to Bishop Phil Whipple, please do so right away.

This is a basic requirement for all member United Brethren churches, and for all licensed United Brethren ministers.

14 Feb Cathy Reich’s Mother, Carolyn, Passes On

Cathy Reich (right), administrative assistant to Bishop Phil Whipple (and earlier to Bishop Ron Ramsey), is mourning the death of her mother. Carolyn Brandon, from Bryan, Ohio, passed away around 6 pm Wednesday, February 13.

Cathy wrote on Facebook: “She had a peaceful home-going. We spent much of the day singing praises and she lifted her hand in praise. She has left such a legacy for all of us, a life well lived that pointed people to Jesus. She loved him so, and was passionate about letting others know it. I’m going to miss her until I get there. Then we’re going to have a party!”

Arrangements:

Viewing: 5-8 pm Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013.
Viewing Location: Greenisen Chapel, 225 E. High Street, Bryan, Ohio 43506
Funeral: 4pm Sunday, Feb. 17. Viewing 2-4 pm.
Funeral Location: First Brethren Church, 13050 County Road C, Bryan, OH 43506

Contact Cathy Reich at:

Cathy Reich
302 Lake Street
Huntington, IN 46750
Email: cathy@ub.org
Facebook

08 Feb UB Facebook Page: 700 and Growing

The United Brethren Facebook page reached a new milestone: 700 likes. In fact, we’re at 701. The Facebook page is especially handy for urgent prayer needs.

Here are subscription numbers for our various email newsletters.

• 985 people subscribe to the Connect newsletter. This is the official denominational newsletter.
• 99 people subscribe to the UB Daily News (daily posts on UBCentral.org delivered to your inbox). So we’re on the edge of a milestone there.
• 221 people subscribe to the UBCentral posts using Feedburner. It does the same thing as the newer and better-looking UB Daily News.
• 105 people receive the monthly Global Ministries Prayer Guide.

Subscribing to the UB Daily News is the best way to keep up on what’s happening in the United Brethren world–missions, urgent prayer needs, pastoral changes, UB events, local church news, mission trips, etc.

You can subscribe to any of these e-letters here.

11 Jan Todd Fetters to Join National Office Staff

Phil Whipple, bishop

I am pleased to announce the addition of a new staffperson at the national office. On February 4, 2013, Todd Fetters (right) will join the staff as Director of National Ministries.

Todd has pastored United Brethren churches since 1989–six years at Lake View UB church in Camden, Mich., and the past 18 years as senior pastor of Devonshire Church in Harrisburg, Pa. He has served in various leadership positions, including cluster leader and, since 2005, member of the denominational Executive Leadership Team.

Todd grew up in a minister’s home as the son of Dr. Paul and Barbara Fetters. Todd’s two brothers, Brooks and Luke, are also ordained UB ministers. He graduated from Huntington University in 1989 with a degree in Bible & Religion, and in 1991 with the Master of Christian Ministry. More recently, in 2005, he received a Master of Arts in Religion from Evangelical Seminary in Myerstown, Pa.

Todd and his wife, Lisa, were married in 1988. They have two sons, Jordan and Quinn, both of whom attend Huntington University.

Todd’s responsibilities will include various administrative duties, such as assisting with the process in stationing ministers, overseeing the national ministries staff, and developing strategic initiatives to move the UB church forward in such areas as leadership development and healthy church ministries. Todd will also oversee the cluster system, assuming responsibilities which Denny Miller has handled on a part-time basis for the past two years.

Todd announced this decision to the Devonshire congregation on January 6. He told them that the position blends his love for the local church, and his love for the denomination which is so much a part of his identity.

I am excited about bringing Todd aboard and working closely with him in the years ahead.

02 Jan Annual Reports Due February 15

The annual reports for the year 2013 will be mailed to all UB ministers and churches the first week of January. They are due back at the bishop’s office by February 15, 2014. Completed reports are a basic requirement of all ministers. All reports can be downloaded at the UB website, and most can be filled out online.

18 Dec Dec 18 Update on Dan Paternoster

Dan Paternoster

Dan Paternoster (right) has made tremendous improvement since his horrific accident in August. He is now walking, talking, and eating. Dan’s wife, Nancy, wrote on December 8, “Our main areas of concern are still his left eye (doesn’t move properly due to a damaged nerve and causes double vision), his left ear (previously had muffled sounds and now there’s humming), and his left shoulder (having testing done soon to determine if it’s a muscle, nerve, or tendon problem).”

The neck and back braces were removed at the end of November. Dan continues to undergo regular therapy, but is talking about going to back to work in his veterinary practice. As a member of the denominational Executive Leadership Team, he has even been engaging with official issues by email.

Now another thing has struck: last week, Nancy was diagnosed with breast cancer. She will undergo surgery this week.

Dan and Nancy are from Fowlerville UB church in Fowlerville, Mich.

07 Dec Christmas with the Graduate School Folks

Steve Holtrop as Santa and Lori Garde, program assistant for the graduate counseling program, as Mrs. Claus.

Dr. G. Blair Dowden, president of Huntington University, makes a stop at the treats table in Shelly Francka’s office.

Kristi Welker, online admissions counselor, and Tanya Horvath, admissions counselor for professional programs, are among the elves.

The Healthy Ministry Resources staff takes it turn at the sweets table. L-r: Bishop Phil Whipple, administrative assistant Cathy Reich, Finance Director Marci Hammel, and Global Ministries administrative assistant Peggy Sell.

Steve Dennie, Communications Director

The Healthy Ministry Resources national office in Huntington, Ind., shares its building with the Huntington University Division of Graduate and Adult Studies. The graduate school moved to our building back in 2001, and a local nonprofit organization rented out offices in the back of the building. The HU EXCEL Adult Degree Programs moved into the latter offices about five years ago. With just a dozen employees on the United Brethren side, we have plenty of room to spare.

On one side of the building are the main offices for the Masters programs (Counseling, Education, and Youth Ministry), including the office of the guy in charge, Steve Holtrop (left), Dean of Graduate and Professional Programs. Then in the back of the building are the offices for the EXCEL Adult Degree Programs. They have four offices, into which they cram a lot more than four people. Shelly Francka (right), whose office is just around the corner from mine, is Director of Professional Programs (meaning, I guess, in charge of EXCEL).

It’s been a great relationship. The HU folks are fun and friendly, they laugh a lot, and they tolerate us when we UBs get far too noisy. And, most important of all, whenever they bring food, they invite us to partake.

During this Christmas season, the university ran a little office-decorating contest. Eight entities–the Registrar’s office, the library, the business office, the food service, the department of nursing, the Learning Center, the President’s Office, and the graduate/adult programs–participated.

Our friends in the UB Building really went to town. They decorated all of the doors, put up a bunch of Christmas trees (three of them just down the hall from me), adorned walls, and generally made the place very festive. To get in the spirit, we in Healthy Ministry Resources decorated our doors, too.

Then, today, people went around to the various offices. For the Division of Graduate and Adult Studies, the alotted time was 1-3 pm. Shelly Francka had way too much sweet stuff on a table in her office, with a punch bowl in the hall. On the other side of the building, people got their pictures taken with Santa Claus, aka Steve Holtrop. Most of the staffpersons were dressed as elves. I tell you, they went all out.

During our regular afternoon break, the Healthy Ministry Resources staff was invited to Shelly’s office, where a massive sugar rush awaited.

We don’t know how the voting will turn out yet. We certainly hope our friends in the building will win. They deserve it.

11 Oct 2013 Pastor Salary Guidelines Approved

The Executive Leadership Team, during its October 8-9 meeting, approved the Pastoral Compensation guidelines for 2013. Many UB churches use this formula to set salaries and budgets for the coming year.

The minimum fulltime salary (called Standard Base Salary) for senior pastors was set at $37,233 for 2013. This is an increase of 1% over the 2012 figure.

The Standard Base Salary is only the starting point. Other factors–such as experience, education, church attendance, staff size–add to the base salary.

Benefits such as parsonage, utilities, SECA, insurance, and pension round out the total compensation package.

To be a fulltime pastor, the compensation package must meet all of these criteria in full. If a church cannot meet these guidelines, a pastor may pursue supplemental employment to achieve the compensation level.

You can read the current compensation recommendation on the UB website.

18 Sep UB Bookstore is Closing It’s Walk-In Display Room

At the national office in Huntington, Ind., we’ve had a small public bookstore for 30 years. Most business involves shipping Sunday school materials to UB churches throughout the country. But for local people, and for visitors from out of town, we had the walk-in bookstore.

However, the public bookstore is closing within a couple months. There will no longer be a room in which people can browse for materials.

We will continue carrying and shipping Sunday school literature, and will continue ordering Bible study books upon request. We will also have available:

• A variety of United Brethren items (certificates, booklets, etc.)
• GROW materials.
• VBS materials.
• Bulletin and envelope services
• Communion supplies

Jane Seely will continue as manager of the marketing operation. To place an order, you can reach Jane in these ways:

E-mail, jane@ub.org,
Phone, 260-356-2312 ext. 314,
Fax 260-356-4730

Or, stop in the building and ask for Jane Seely.

On October 1, we begin an inventory reduction sale to get rid of the materials in the bookstore. We’ll have 25% off of books, gifts, and other non-UB items.

Thank you for all your support in the past. We hope to continue to service you in the areas listed above.