12 Jan “There Shall be No Connection….”
Found on the internet, in an obituary: “They are consistent members of the United Brethren church and he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.”
It’s always amusing when stuff like this surfaces.
09 Jan Update on Bishop Sites
Bishop Emeritus Wilber Sites, Jr., has improved greatly since Wednesday. He was suffering from congestive heart failure which is now being managed and is under control, and he is headed the right direction. The other complication was an upper respiratory infection (rather than the suspected double pneumonia). The family
greatly appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers at this time, as well as the graciousness of God in Wilber’s life.
09 Jan Electing a New Honduran Superintendent
Honduras Conference is meeting right now, and they’ll be electing a new superintendent–possibly today. Francisco Raudales has served in that role since 1996.
Jeff Bleijerveld, Director of Global Ministries, is attending the conference. He’ll be presenting a plaque of recognition and appreciation to Francisco.
08 Jan Christmas: Gifts for Kids in a Local School
MaryAnn Hancock of New Hope Church (Camden, Mich.) sent the following:
For the past three years we have given the teachers at Camden-Frontier school (next door to the church) construction paper Christmas ornaments. The teachers write items that they need for their classroom. We hang them on a tree in the church and attendees pick one and purchase the items requested.
Gifts are presented to classrooms along with a candy cane for each child just before Christmas break. We enjoy thanking our teachers for the contribution they make to our community. An added blessing is the thank you notes received from the teachers and many times the children.
08 Jan The National Conference Covenant
Every two years, United Brethren churches are required to sign the National Conference Covenant, which includes your affirmation of six statements.
The unsigned covenant was mailed to your church in December. When Bishop Ramsey receives the signed covenant, he’ll sign it and return it to your church. The deadline for returning the covenant: March 15.
By signing the covenant, your church is affirming these six statements:
You are committed to the United Brethren Confession of Faith.
- You agree with the core values of the United Brethren in Christ, International.
- You agree to abide by the Constitution and Discipline of the US National Conference.
- You are passionate about fulfilling the Great Commission through our local church.
- You will support the ministry and mission of the United Brethren Church, USA, through the annual partnership fee.
- You will participate in a cluster.
The covenant is discussed in chapter 15 of the UB Discipline.
07 Jan Christmas: Blue Rock (Waynesboro, Pa.)
Blue Rock UB held a Christmas program on Sunday, December 21, performed by everyone from preschool through the senior choir. On Christmas Eve, they held two full-length candlelight services.
07 Jan Prayer: Bishop Wilber Sites, Jr.
Bishop Emeritus Wilber Sites has been hospitalized with double pneumonia. About 11:00 Wednesday morning, he checked into the Chambersburg Hospital (Chambersburg, Pa.).
Wilber Sites served as bishop 1977-1989. He is the father of Denny Sites, senior pastor of Jerusalem Chapel UB in Churchville, Va.
Please keep Bishop Sites and his wife, Mossie, in your prayers.
07 Jan Prayer: Bishop Wilber Sites, Jr.
We received word that Bishop Emeritus Wilber Sites has been hospitalized with double pneumonia. About 11:00 this morning, he was checked into the Chambersburg Hospital (Chambersburg, Pa.). They are trying to drain the excess fluid, since it affects his heart.
Wilber Sites served as bishop 1977-1989. He is the father of Denny Sites, senior pastor of Jerusalem Chapel UB in Churchville, Va.
Please keep Bishop Sites and his wife, Mossie, in your prayers.
07 Jan Obit: Norma Tinker
Norma Tinker, a longtime UB member and trustee of Huntington University, passed away January 5 at Swiss Village in Berne, Ind. She is the mother of Pat Bergdall, wife of Huntington University professor Dr. Chaney Bergdall.
Visitation: Thursday, January 8, 4-7 p.m., and 1 hour before the funeral service.
Location: Myers Funeral Home, 2901 Guilford Street, Huntington, Ind.
Funeral Service: Friday, January 9, 2 p.m.
Funeral Service Location: Myers Funeral Home.
Burial will be in Sacramento, California at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14.
Preferred memorials are to the Huntington University Scholarship Fund.
07 Jan Christmas: A Spa for Women at a Shelter
Jim Pryor, pastor of Richfield Road UB (Flint, Mich.), sent the following about Christmas activities at his church.
This Christmas our women’s ministry team really thought out of the box. They planned an outreach event focusing on one of the women’s shelters in the community. This shelter is for recovering addicts and abused women. These women stuggle with identity and issues of self-worth.
Our women’s ministry set up a spa day for 25 women. The women were treated and pampered for four hours with massages, hair styling, make-up, manicures, and pedicures. They were also treated to a meal at the church and door prizes, and sent home with gift baskets full of items these ladies could use.
It’s funny–we were told by the director that the ladies didn’t want to come to the church because of perception issues on both sides. But by the end of our time together you saw how powerfully the love of God breaks down barriers and builds the bonds of relationships. These women, who didn’t want to be touched or to touch, were crying, hugging, laughing, not wanting to leave. In fact, this coming Sunday we expect a number of them to come worship with us.
I am so proud of the team here at Richfield Road Church and their willingness to reach out and minister to these women who have such needs in their lives. What a way to minister in our community during the greatest time of outreach that the world has ever known. It made the days of Christmas a little brighter and a little lighter, and many here were touched in ways like never before. We thank God for allowing us to play a part in HIs plans for our community.