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18 Feb

February 18, 2013 |

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

February 18, 2013 |
The Cayes medical team (Team #11).

The Cayes medical team (Team #11).

The UB Church in Canada sent two teams, back to back, to Haiti in early 2013. The first team worked mostly on construction issues (read their story here). The second team held medical clinics, and you can read their story here. Joan Sider (right), from New Hope Community Church in Toronto, led both teams and filed daily reports. Some of the daily reports were written by other team members.

Tuesday, February 4, 2013

Merrilee Trussler was the first writer for Haiti Team #11. This is her first visit to Jamaica.

The travel from Toronto to Montreal to Port au Prince went smoothly. We all got called into customs at Haiti and most of the bins were opened and inspected. Several bins were set aside, and there was concern that they would be kept. But God works in mysterious was! A customs official let us and all of our bins with supplies go for a soccer ball, a pump, and a stuffed animal for his son. A very small price to pay.

We arrived at the guest house and quickly settled in. We unloaded all 14 bins and started sorting. It was great to be joined by Dr. Germain, his friend, and his son. Halfway through we got a welcome relief of dinner. It included a very nice green salad, rice, bean sauce and roasted turkey. Joan shared that she missed the main event but was able to see the turkey alive and well in the morning and on the plate at night.

After dinner the team finished the bin sorting. It is amazing how quickly everyone is working together. We then had a brief devotional time outside (there was a nice breeze).

Today has been a great start and I pray that we will be able to bless the Haitian people through our stay.

The for locations where clinics were held in Cayes.

The for locations where clinics were held in Cayes.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

(more…)

18 Feb

February 18, 2013 |
The work team from Union Chapel UB church (Fort Wayne, Ind.).

The work team from Union Chapel UB church (Fort Wayne, Ind.). Dwight and Patti Kuntz are standing in the middle.

The work team from Salem UB church (Chambersburg, Pa.).

The work team from Salem UB church (Chambersburg, Pa.).

Dwight Kuntz

Dwight and Patti Kuntz (right) are Global Ministries JumpStart staff serving in Jamaica. They filed this report on behalf of Regent College of the Caribbean. The school was formerly called Jamaica Bible College, but underwent a name change to appeal to a broader base of students throughout the Caribbean region.

Construction began in June 2012 on the new dining hall complex with the site preparation and the laying of the foundation in solid rock. We returned in January 2013 with a team of seven from the Union Chapel UB church in Fort Wayne, Ind. We began by laying block, starting at the ground floor level, and did backfill around the building foundation and in some rooms to bring them to floor level.

It was a great sight to watch the walls going up all around the building and getting a feel for just how big the building would be (126-by-80 feet). After two weeks, the building was really taking shape.

The Fort Wayne team was followed by a team of eight from Salem UB church in Chambersburg, Pa. They spent six days continuing the work by building and filling columns around the building and extending the height of a few short walls. Between the two teams and three Jamaican masons, over 3000 blocks, a ton of steel, tons of gravel, sand, marl, and cement were used, plus hundreds of gallons of water.

We are happy with what has been accomplished to this point, but sad to say that we have run out of funds for now. We do not know from where or from whom more funds will be coming, but our God does. So we ask for your prayers that hearts will be open to his voice and leading. We are in need of more teams to come in with working funds to help with the construction, or churches/individuals who can contribute any amount to the project.

If you would like more information about the project, please email me, Dwight Kuntz. Or you can send contributions through Global Ministries, 302 Lake St. Huntington, IN 46750, marked for RCC Dining Complex. We will be back in the States after March 20 for 2-3 months and I will be happy to speak to any group or church about the work at Regent College of the Caribbean, and how you can be a part of God’s work here in Jamaica.

18 Feb

February 18, 2013 |
Sen. Jim Banks (right) presenting the Sagamore of the Wabash award to Dr. G. Blair Dowden on January 25 during a special luncheon with the Huntington’s Board of Trustees.

Sen. Jim Banks (right) presenting the Sagamore of the Wabash award to Dr. G. Blair Dowden on January 25 during a special luncheon with the Huntington’s Board of Trustees.

Huntington University President G. Blair Dowden was recognized with one of Indiana’s top honors, the Sagamore of the Wabash. The award is the highest honor the Governor of Indiana can bestow, and is given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the governor.

The term “sagamore” was used by the American Indian tribes of the northeastern United States to describe a lesser chief or a great man among the tribe to whom the true chief would look for wisdom and advice. The Sagamore of the Wabash award was created during the term of Gov. Ralph Gates, who served 1945-1949.

Former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels selected Dowden for the award because of his contributions to education over his 22 years as president of Huntington University. Dowden will retire at the end of the school year.

“Not only is Dr. Dowden’s contribution to HU substantial, but his impact on the State of Indiana over the past two decades in leading a great institution has made higher education in Indiana among the best in country,” said Indiana Sen. Jim Banks, who nominated Dowden for the award.

Banks presented Dowden with the award on Friday, January 25, during a special luncheon with Huntington’s Board of Trustees.

Dowden came to Huntington in 1991 as the university’s 12th president. Under his leadership, the university achieved a reputation for academic excellence, moving from the second tier to the Top 15 among the Midwest’s baccalaureate colleges ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Huntington was recognized five times on the magazine’s list of best values in the region. Huntington also earned recognition from The Princeton Review as a “Best Midwestern College.” Forbes includes Huntington on its elite list of “America’s Top Colleges.”

A recognized leader in Christ-centered higher education, Dowden has served as chairman of the Board of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and currently serves on the boards of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) and the American Council on Education (ACE).

16 Feb

February 16, 2013 |
Huntington University award winners in the Fort Wayne ADDY Awards on February 16, 2013.

Huntington University award winners in the Fort Wayne ADDY Awards on February 16, 2013.

Huntington University’s digital media arts students shined at the Fort Wayne ADDY Awards Saturday night, February 16, 2013, taking home 13 student golds and eight student silvers in the annual creative advertising contest. Senior Tyler Johnson also took home the People’s Choice Award for “Epic Adventures of a Heroic Man.” This is the largest representation by Huntington ever at this event.

This annual competition recognizes advertising creative excellence from students and local advertising and media professionals. Entries are judged on creativity, originality and creative strategy.

“We are so proud of our students who pour themselves into their films and animations. This is a terrific way to celebrate their art and accomplishments,” said Dr. Lance Clark, professor of digital media arts film and communication. “Our digital media arts program is really getting a reputation for excellence.”

The Student ADDY Awards Competition is a unique national awards program designed specifically for college students. Work entered at the local level can move up to the regional and national judging.

14 Feb

February 14, 2013 |

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

13 Feb

February 13, 2013 |
Dr. Dennis Marke, former Mattru surgeon and UBC member, chairs a team developing a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) of the hospital finances.

Dr. Dennis Marke, a United Brethren member and former Mattru surgeon , chairs a team developing a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) of the hospital finances.

Jeff Bleijerveld, Director of Global Ministries

The strategic planning meeting at Mattru UBC Hospital began today with the presence of hospital, conference, and regional leaders, including the Paramount Chief for the Bonthe district.

Bishop John Pessima opened our meetings, we heard a summary of an assessment done in November, and I led the strategic planning portion of the meeting.

Continue to remember our meetings in prayer.

Dr. Dennis Marke, former Mattru surgeon and UBC member, chairs a team developing a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) of the hospital finances.

12 Feb

February 12, 2013 |

Maritta Fiedler, a Global Ministries staffperson serving in Germany, is mourning the death of her father. Hansjakob Wiederhold, 83, passed away at 1:50 pm on Tuesday, February 12. He had struggled with cancer for several years.

Galen Fiedler wrote of his father-in-law, “During the morning he was aware of us but struggling with his breathing; he left quietly with a smile on his face and with us around him.” That would include his wife, Ruth Wiederhold.

Galen says his father-in-law was one of the early pioneer missionaries in both East Africa and Papua New Guinea. “In a time when he wasn’t even recognized as a ‘real’ missionary (because he worked in agriculture), he was serving the Lord whole-heartedly. There is much rejoicing in heaven today because of this humble man who made such an impact on those around him.”

Condolences can be sent to Maritta Fiedler at Galen’s email address: gmfiedler@yahoo.de.

12 Feb

February 12, 2013 |

Jeff Bleijerveld, Director of Global Ministries

Jeff Bleijerveld is currently in Sierra Leone with Bishop Phil Whipple and associate director Donna Hollopeter.

We came through the Rutile mines and visited three churches. All three have a little more than 300 in attendance, operate schools, and support their own pastors. However, visiting Danville Church was probably the highlight of our day.

The Danville Church was the first United Brethren mission station, established in 1861. The original block house is still there and a church is located beside it. Quite a few gathered with us at the missionary cemetery a short walk through the bush. The first grave I saw was that of Betty Harvey. She arrived in 1861 and died in 1866. They told us the majority of missionaries died of malaria within a very short time. We also saw the grave of Dr. Dewitt Baker’s son who drowned when a barge overturned in the Mattru Jong River, which was their only route inland at that time.

Later we met Charlie Harvey. It was no coincidence that he bears the same name as Betty Harvey, whom I mentioned earlier. Her family took one of his ancestors into their family and gave him their name. Charlie, a layperson, was responsible for planting the Kissy Road Church in Freetown. He served there for 12 years until Bishop John Pessima became pastor.

Before we left, the members of the Danville congregation who joined us at the cemetery sang “Guide Me Oh Thou Great Jehovah” in the Mende language and with a local flair. It was a beautiful yet troubling time as we considered the incredible cost some paid to serve God, and the relative ease we face today. Can we ever take it so for granted?

Anyhow, it was a good day. Tomorrow (Wednesday) we meet to discuss and plan for the future of the Mattru Hospital. The paramount chief, local health officials, conference leaders and hospital board members will be present. Pray for me as I seek to lead them through this process, and that what we conclude and commit to will indeed take place. Half measures will not be enough. We need doctors, surgeons, administrators, and community health workers who will demonstrate the same passion to follow God wherever he leads and at whatever the cost.