Gary Reiber, pastor of Union Chapel (Fort Wayne, Ind.), was hospitalized just before New  Year’s with what’s been diagnosed as Toxic Shock Syndrome. After a scrape in a basketball game, his leg swelled up bright red. His body began shutting down, and he ended up in Intensive Care. For a while, there was concern about whether or not he would survive, and the family was called in. That serious.

Gary is now at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. His protein and oxygen levels are still low, but he’s progressing, and is back to eating solid food. He’s expected to remain in the hospital another week or so, and be out of commission for several weeks after that. We’ll keep you informed about his progress.

On another health-related note: Sandie Birdsall came home from the hospital on January 3.

Sharon Cherry, wife of Pastor Kevin Cherry of Heart O the Lakes UB (Brooklyn, Mich.), has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, January 7.

Kevin writes:

The doctors are not greatly concerned, but cancer is cancer.  Hers, fortunately, is one of the four better kinds and is highly treatable. She will begin radiation after surgery.

However, she also is to have an MRI [probably Monday or Tuesday] to check out the other spots that are deeper in her chest.  If they are found suspicious, a more radical surgery will likely take place on January 7.  If more is discovered, then she will receive chemo as well.

We are both very much at peace with this, knowing our God is able to heal,  and able to see us through whatever comes. His strength is ours.  We are His. We are not losing sleep,  we are not anxious (I keep asking her and don’t sense it in her),  but there are moments of emotion.  This is your invitation to join us in prayer!

Please do join in prayer for Sharon. Sharon is the daughter of Russ and Nellie Birdsall, who spent their lives in service to the United Brethren church as missionaries in Sierra Leone, at Huntington University, in the pastorate, and as short-term missionaries in Macau and Jamaica.

We trust you’ve all have a wonderful News Year’s Day, regardless of whether or not your team won (sorry about that, to all of our constituents in Pennsylvania). 

The Healthy Ministry Resources office is closed until Monday.

May this be a great year for the United Brethren in Christ!

The National Conference nominating committee always has an important job, especially when a new bishop will be elected. That’s the case right now.

Upon the recommendation of Bishop Ron Ramsey, Executive Leadership Team approved a nominating committee of three ministers:

  • J. Michael Caley (Banner of Christ, Byron Center, Mich.). He’s the chairman.
  • Greg Reed (Morning Star, Kokomo, Ind.).
  • Todd Fetters (Devonshire UB, Harrisburg, Pa.).
  • Greg Voight (Lancaster UB, Lancaster, Ohio).

They, in turn, selected several laypersons to serve on the committee. 

The nominating committee will put together a ballot for:

  • Bishop.
  • 8 members of the Executive Leadership Team (1 layperson and 1 minister from each of the four US districts). 

Keeps these folks in your prayers as they go about discussing candidates and contacting people. They already held one meeting. 

Brad Kittle, pastor of The Rock (Findlay, Ohio), reports: “The Rock and First UB of Findlay held a combined Christmas Eve service this year. It was an awsome experience for both churches. About 200 people attended, and that didn’t even represent all of the people from both churches!

“Darwin Dunten, pastor of First UB, I were very pleased with the experience and the turnout. We also believe that this service was the beginning of a closer partnership between the two churches, which has been needed for many years. I praise God that I could be a part of such a rich and fulfilling experience!”

Ron Ramsey, Bishop
United Brethren churches do a lot of neat things over the Christmas holidays. 

  • Helping needy families
  • Participating in programs like Operation Christmas Child.
  • Putting on special Christmas programs.
  • Special gifts and recognition for the pastor and staff.

What did your church do this year? Let me know, so we can share it with others.

An ice storm hit northeast Indiana last Friday, knocking out power to businesses and homes all over the area. Most power was finally restored today. But trees are down everywhere.

Such was Jeff Bleijerveld’s welcome back from his trip to Sierra Leone. He arrived on December 23. He’ll no doubt have plenty to report.

Anyway, all is well. We hope your church has a wonderful Christmas season (what’s left of it), and that you personally have a joyous time. The office was closed today, and will be closed on Friday, the 26th. But we’ll see you next Monday

Global Ministries cleaned out some old cabinets and came across various printed materials that might interest you. We’re talking coin folders, letterhead, envelopes, and more. These are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis. All you need to do is cover the shipping cost. Check the Global Ministries site for more info.

Some of your teens would no doubt enjoy taking part in the Big MAC Ski Attack. This youth ski retreat started as a ministry of the former Mid-Atlantic Conference, thus the MAC. But UB youth from Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio have taken part during the last few years. It’s open to any UB youth.

Bobby Culler, youth pastor of Mount Pleasant Church (Chambersburg, Pa.), heads up the Big MAC event, and also chairs the denominational Youth Ministry Team, He says they have around 500 people at Big MAC. So this is no small thing.

You can find complete information on the UB Youth website. Here are some basic details:

Date: February 6-8
Location: a Mennonite conference center in Laurelville, Pa. (near Pittsburgh).
Cost: $80 registration, plus an activity fee of $10-$40, depending on the activity you choose.