Todd Fetters, Bishop

The coronavirus has been on people’s minds, and the urgency is escalating dramatically. The coronavirus is impacting schools, travel, conventions, concerts, the stock market, business operations, athletic events, store inventories, and much more. On a personal note, Jeff Bleijerveld and I were scheduled to fly to Jamaica this Saturday for General Conference, the international gathering of United Brethren leaders. On Wednesday, that event was cancelled and rescheduled for 2021.

Obviously, the coronavirus will impact church life. How should we respond?

None of us should be alarmist; Scripture cautions against living in fear. But neither should we tell people it’s all an over-reaction. Conditions and knowledge are constantly evolving. All we can do is act on what we know right now. Next week, we can act on what we know then. Fortunately, there is much we do know about the coronavirus—how it spreads, who it preys upon, and sensible steps we can take.

What advice do I have for United Brethren churches in the United States? Let me suggest a few things.

1. Mobilize your church leaders to prepare.
Some church boards have been discussing what they need to do to prepare for the worst. Some are making contingency plans in case services are cancelled. Someone needs to be buying hand sanitizer. Think ahead. At this point, there is no excuse for being caught off-guard. I’m pleased to see that some UB churches are already making plans and preparing their congregations for what may be ahead. I would love to hear what you are communicating to your congregation.

2. Do what’s necessary to keep from spreading the virus.
We know for certain that the coronavirus is highly contagious. So, in the weeks and maybe months ahead, advise your fellow churchgoers on practical ways to avoid spreading the virus. No hugging. Replace handshakes with elbow bumps. Cough into your elbow. Place bottles of hand sanitizer in the lobby. Wipe down doorknobs, light switches, and table surfaces. Use common sense.

3. Give vulnerable people permission to stay home.
We know the coronavirus is especially deadly for elderly people, and for people with compromised immune systems. You know who those people are in your church. Be proactive. Tell them, “I know you want to be in church and that you’re not afraid of catching this virus. But we don’t want anything to happen to you. We encourage you to skip church on Sunday morning, just until this blows over.”

4. Instruct people who don’t feel well to stay home.
It may or may not be the coronavirus. But err on the side of caution. Err on the side of protecting your congregation.

5. Think ahead about creative ways to stay relationally connected.
The Church is the Church, whether or not people gather in the sanctuary on Sunday morning. Some of our pastors preach via Facetime when services are cancelled because of a snowstorm. Use technology—phones, email, Facebook, texting—to keep communication channels open. Make sure people are kept informed about anybody who is hospitalized with the virus.

6. Be sensitive to the many ways the virus affects people in your congregation.
If schools close, working parents will scramble to make arrangements for their kids. Some people will suffer financial hardship because of their line of work—layoffs, shutdowns, etc. Vulnerable people still need to go out—to get food, fill prescriptions, meet doctors’ appointments, etc. In times like these, let the Church be the Church.

7. Pray.
Pray for God’s protection over your pastor(s), who will most likely be at greater risk of exposure than others. Pray for the vulnerable people in your congregation. Pray for those affected financially. Pray for our national, state, and local government officials, as they make drastic and unpopular decisions to safeguard public health.

I can’t predict what will happen in the weeks ahead. Things could get far worse…or maybe they won’t. We just don’t know. So let’s be smart. Let’s engage in practices that can prevent spreading the coronavirus. Let’s be especially protective of the vulnerable people in our midst. And let us not live in fear. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV).

On Tuesday, the United Brethren National Office sent out information about the General Conference meeting. It was to begin this coming Sunday in Jamaica.

Well, things can change quickly. The event has been put off until March of 2021. The following message was sent to General Conference delegates and attendees:

“In light of concerns regarding the coronavirus and the declining number of travelers able to attend our General Conference, we regret to inform you that we will not proceed with our General Conference as planned. We have decided that we will postpone the conference until March 13-18, 2021. It will still take place in Jamaica.”

UB Global is working on refunding airline tickets.

On Tuesday, Jamaica announced their first case of the coronavirus–a Jamaican woman who had recently returned from a trip to Great Britain. Our Jamaican churches had planned big services for this coming weekend as part of their annual national conference meeting, but they have now cancelled those services.

We also mentioned that Honduras, where we have 110 churches, hadn’t yet confirmed a case of the coronavirus. Well, on Wednesday Honduras confirmed two cases, both involving Honduran women–one of whom returned from a trip to Spain, the other from a trip to Switzerland.

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

The UB Association will sponsor a three-hour workshop on Saturday, March 21. The topic:

“A Sure Foundation: How to Take a Stand o Shifting Social Issues Based on the Sure Foundation of Scripture.”

Date: March 21, 2020
Time: 9:00 am to noon
Location: Rhodes Grove Camp and Conference Center, 7693 Brown’s Mill Road, Chambersburg, Pa.

This workshop is a “how-to” on developing personal convictions and group positions on controversial issues. It will cover such areas as:

  • How do we reconcile scientific evidence and Bible truth?
  • How do we embody compassion and understanding?
  • How do we use the bible as our guide?
  • How do we preserve our unity when others are dividing?

Hear an academic dean, a Christian attorney, and a seminary resident share their experience of leading their denomination through controversies in a way that resulted in a business session that ended with a spontaneous standing ovation.

The facilitators are:

  • Dr. Luke Fetters, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty at Huntington University, Huntington, Ind. Dr. Fetters is an ordained UB minister, and a former UB missionary and pastor.
  • Joni Michaud is an attorney in Michigan. She is a member of Pleasant Valley UB church in Lake Odessa, Mich., and is a member of the denominational Executive Leadership Team.
  • Dr. Anthony L. Blair is president of Evangelical Seminary in Myerstown, Pa. He is an ordained UB minister.

This three-hour workshop is free of charge, but seating is limited, and registration is required. To register, telephone 717-375-4162 or e-mail ubassociation@rhodesgrove.com

For more information, a bulletin insert and online registration, visit www.ubassociation.org

Optional Lunch $12.00: make check payable to Rhodes Grove Camp

Jason and Melanie Carter and children.

Jason Carter has been appointed senior pastor of College Park UB church (Huntington, Ind.) effective March 1, 2020. He and his wife, Melanie, have three children: Isaiah (12), Sophia (9), and Jonah (6).

Jason graduated from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro in 1999 with a degree in Philosophy, and in 2010 received a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Ill. Melanie holds undergradaute and graduate degrees in Vocal Performance.

From 1998-2004, Jason served in youth ministry at two different churches, one in North Carolina and the other in Champaign, Ill. From 2004-2007, he was Worship & Outreach Pastor at Deer Grove Covenant Church in Palatine, Ill. For the past 12 years, 2007-2019, he has been associate pastor of Village Church of Gurnee in Gurnee, Ill.

May 4-8, 2020 (Monday – Friday)
Daytona Beach, Fla.

The Ministry Leaders Summit is for United Brethren 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 summit begins with dinner at 6:00 pm on Monday, and concludes with hotel checkout on Friday morning. It occurs at the same time as the third Pastor & Spouse summit to accommodate shared travel of staff and pastor.

Previously, two separate events were held–the annual Youth Workers Summit, and an Associate Summit for other persons in staff roles. This year, we are combining the two events at a beachfront hotel in Daytona Beach, Fla.

For registration questions and updates, contact Cathy Reich at cathy@ub.org or 260-356-2312, ext. 311.

Every two years, we hold summits for senior pastors and spouses of churches of all sizes. In the past, the denomination has covered all costs except for transportation and a few meals. The 2020 summits will be held at a beachfront hotel in Daytona Beach, Fla. Here are the dates.

April 20-23, 2020 (Monday – Thursday)
Summit for senior pastors and spouses from churches with an attendance above 300.

April 27-30, 2020 (Monday – Thursday)
Summit for senior pastors and spouses from churches with an attendance of 150-300.

May 4-7, 2020 (Monday – Thursday)
Summit for senior pastors and spouses from churches with an attendance less than 150. This will occur at the same time as the Ministry Leaders Summit.

Summit details and registration links will be sent to each pastor for the summit(s) they are invited to attend. For registration questions and updates, contact Cathy Reich at cathy@ub.org or 260-356-2312, ext. 311.

The UB History Course is held periodically in regional locations. Two classes are scheduled for March 2020. Both will be held in conjunction with the Idea to Action Symposium.

Date and Time

In both locations, the course will be held 3-6 pm Monday, March 30, and 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Tuesday, March 31

Huntington, Ind.

Location: UB National Office in Huntington, Ind.
Instructor: Rev. Robert Bruce

Harrisburg, Pa.

Location: Devonshire UB church, Harrisburg, Pa.
Instructor: Dr. Daryl Elliott

The United Brethren History Course is a requirement for ministerial licensing in the United Brethren denomination. The cost is $200 for persons seeking a ministerial license, $100 for everyone else.

Go here for full information and to register.

Rev. Ralph Fry (right), 79, a UB minister in four states going back to 1967, passed away November 27, 2019. He was from the former Beecher Street United Brethren church in North Baltimore, Ohio, and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Huntington University in 1970 and 1971. He was ordained in 1972.

Fry served the following United Brethren churches:

  • 1967-1971: Welcome Chapel (Van Buren, Ind.).
  • 1970-1971: Mt. Zion UB (Warren, Ind.).
  • 1973-1975: Victory Heights (Franklin, Pa.),
  • 1973-1974: Oil City UB (Oil City, Pa.).
  • 1976-1996: Faith UB (Lake Brantley, Fla.)
  • 1997-2005: Ebenezer (Greencastle, Pa.)

He is survived by his wife, Bev, whom he married in 1959. They had five children. At the time of his death, they were living in Hendersonville, N. C.

Dr. Luke Fetters (right), an ordained United Brethren minister, has been named vice president for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty at Huntington University, effective January 1, 2020. He had been serving in that role in an interim capacity since August 1, 2019.

Dr. Fetters earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from HU in 1982 and 1984, and served in UB pastoral ministry 1980-1986 (including founding Shoreline UB church in Oak Harbor, Ohio, in 1984). He and his wife, Audrey, were part of the team that founded the UB mission in Macau in 1986. After concluding his missionary service in 1997, he became executive assistant to the President at Huntington University, and has served as a professor and graduate dean since then.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty is the senior administrator of the University’s academic programs. This role includes the following responsibilities within the academic area: supervising faculty as well as assistant and associate deans, planning and operating all academic programs, preparing the academic budget, supervising the library and academic registration, and overseeing the academic facilities.

Rev. Brooks Fetters (right), an ordained United Brethren minister, has been named Chief Marketing and Development Officer for Pathfinder Services, Inc., in Huntington, Ind. At the end of 2019, he completed eight years as mayor of the city of Huntington.

He served in United Brethren ministry 1985-1997, followed by 13 years as a funeral home director in Huntington, Ind., before being elected to the first of two terms as mayor in 2012. He and his wife, Barbara, also own the Purviance House Bed & Breakfast in Huntington.

Rev. Dr. Harold R. Cherry, age 94, passed away on December 27, 2019, at his nursing home facility in Huntington, Indiana.

Visitation: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Tuesday, December 31, 2019.
Funeral: 1:30 pm.
Location: Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, East Chapel, 1730 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48912

Following the funeral service, burial will be beside his wife Ruby at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte, Mich.

Dr. Cherry and his wife, Ruby, served nine churches over a 44-year period in central and western Michigan. His other leadership roles include:

  • Nine times elected as a delegate to General Conference.
  • Eight years on the Huntington University board of trustees.
  • 54 years as recording secretary for Michigan Conference.
  • 31 years as treasurer for Michigan Conference.
  • 39 years on the conference council for Michigan Conference.
  • 30 years on the board of directors for the Lane Dulcenia Memorial Home.
  • Many years as dual pastor and conference superintendent.

He also served on the Michigan Conference boards of Publications, Missions, and Preacher’s Aid.

The full obituary can be read here.

Harold was born October 1, 1925, at Charlotte, Mich., the second son of Richard R. Cherry and Ruth L. (Snore) Cherry. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1942 as class valedictorian. He went on to graduate twice from Huntington College (Huntington, Ind.) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1945 and a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1947.

He was converted to Christ at age 13 and immediately experienced the call to Christian ministry. He married his college sweetheart, Ruby M. Rawley, July 8, 1948, in Virginia. They celebrated 60 years of marriage in 2008. Harold and Ruby had four children. He lived most of his life in Michigan except for his last few years in Huntington, Ind.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby, his parents, and his three brothers Maurice, Howard, and Herbert. He is survived by son Judge Paul (Kristi), daughter Dr. Constance, son Rev. R. Kevin (Sharon), son Ronald (Debbie), daughter-in-law Jeanette, 11 grandchildren, and several great grandchildren.

Having a life-long strong interest in education, he earned two Masters degrees from Calvin Theological Seminary and Western Michigan University and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University in Rhetoric and Public Address.

He devoted his life to fulltime Christian ministry. He was ordained a minister by the Michigan Conference of the United Brethren in Christ denomination in 1949.

He wrote published commentary for adult Sunday School books for 10 publications over 20 years. He edited a sections of the UB history book, Trials and Triumphs, and wrote a chapter in the UB theology book, Theological Perspectives.

As a committed Bible believer, Harold read his Bible daily from age 11 for 83 years to the time of his death. He enjoyed Christian music, gardening, and watching college football and basketball, especially the MSU games. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Ruby, twice to the Holy Land, and three other trips to Europe and the British Isles. Years ago Harold and Ruby established an endowed scholarship fund at Huntington University for aspiring ministerial students.

Suggested memorial contributions are to Lane Dulcenia Memorial Home or to Huntington University.