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08 Jun

June 8, 2016 |

Jeff Bleijerveld, Director of Global Ministries

On July 1, Michelle Harris will join the Global Ministries staff as one of the three associate directors (alongside Frank Y and David Kline). She brings over 25 years of cross-cultural experience in mentoring, training, and teaching in a variety of settings. Michelle will work with our short-term missions program, oversee some of our staff serving abroad, be a great resource to those seeking to work with refugees and immigrants, and use her gifts in writing.

In 2012, Michelle and her family moved to Fort Wayne, Ind., after serving 1994-2012 with InterVarsity Link in Europe and Africa. During those years, they lived a year in Paris, 11 years in the African nation of Gabon, and the last seven years in Nice, France. Michelle has been a teacher in an international school, a student minister, and a team leader. Since relocating to Fort Wayne, she has coordinated low-cost translation services at the Reclamation Project, which works in 18 languages.

Michelle graduated from Ball State University in 1990 with a degree in Education, and this summer will complete a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at Ashland University in Indiana. Her husband, Scott, is an InterVarsity campus minister working with international students in Fort Wayne. They have two children, Justin and Anna. Michelle serves with the women’s ministry at Emmanuel Community Church in Fort Wayne.

Michelle is passionate about the beauty of the international church and the ways we can learn from and serve one another. She loves to write and read. She is excited about this next chapter with Global Ministries.

07 Jun

June 7, 2016 |
Participants in the baptisms. Pastor Kevin Whitacre is on the right.

Participants in the baptisms. Pastor Kevin Whitacre is on the right.

Watching from the shore.

Watching from the shore.

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Kevin Whitacre (right) and Tomi Cardin (left) conduct one of the eight baptisms.

Kevin Whitacre (right) and Tomi Cardin (left) conduct one of the eight baptisms.

Anchor UB church (Fort Wayne, Ind.) held its annual baptismal service and church picnic on Sunday, June 5. After the morning service at the church, the congregation adjourned to the home of parishioners whose property includes a large pond.

Eight persons were baptized. Associate pastor Kevin Whitacre, who is leading the church until a senior pastor is officially assigned (following the departure of former pastor Tim Hallman in April), conducted the baptisms. He was assisted by Tomi Cardin, who chairs the church’s administrative board. She is also executive director of Redemption House, a faith-based alternative to incarceration for women; six of the women baptized were residents of Redemption House.

After the baptisms, everyone stuck around for a potluck, volleyball, swimming and more. Fortunately, the forecasts of rain proved wrong.

06 Jun

June 6, 2016 |

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Early Bird Registration for the UB Women’s Conference ends in 10 days, on June 16, so don’t delay and get registered! (After that time, room rates will increase!)

Make plans to join hundreds of other women in Gettysburg on September 30 – October 2, where you will be surrounded by historic landmarks, Civil War-era charm, and stunning scenery. Come enjoy fellowship, encouragement, valuable teaching and a lot of fun!!

Visit the conference site for all the details, including schedule and pricing, and for a link to register. If you’d prefer to register over the phone, give Cathy a call at 260.356.2312.

31 May

May 31, 2016 |

Mark Ralph (right), pastor of Mt. Zion UB church (Wayne, Ohio), is mourning the death of his mother. Leona Elizabeth Ralph passed away on Saturday, May 28, 2016, in Jupiter, Fla. She and her husband, George, spent their life in the ministry; at her death, she and George had been married 73 years. You can read the complete obituary here.

The funeral will be held Friday, June 3, at Grace Immanuel Bible Church in Jupiter, Fla.

Rev. Mark Ralph, a 1974 Huntington University graduate, has served United Brethren churches since 1975 in Michigan, Alabama, and Ohio.

Condolences can be sent to Mark Ralph at 7481 Bays Rd, Wayne, OH 43466.

19 May

May 19, 2016 |

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Come to Gettysburg in September 30 – October 2, and join hundreds of other women for the 2016 United Brethren Women’s Conference. We will be surrounded by historic landmarks, Civil War-era charm, and stunning scenery.

Keynote Speaker

Our guest speaker is Nicky (Boelter) Poarch. Nicky and her husband, James, and their three children served as missionaries in Indonesia for 11 years, eventually working in the village where James grew up. Then, in 2013, James died suddenly. Nicky and her three children returned from the field and now live in Arizona.

Nicky will share her amazing story and her passion for living the Gospel in front of people.

Event Cost

$75 (includes 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch).

Wives of pastors may request a $50 reduction, compliments of long-time supporter Harold Hazen in memory of his late wife, Phronsie.

Hotel Cost

You’ll be staying at the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel, which is located on a 100-acre campus just minutes from the battlefield, with modern amenities and world-class dining. Hotel costs below are for two nights, based on number of persons in the room. All beds are Queen beds.

Early Bird, Before June 16

$70 per person (4 persons in a room).
$95 per person (3 persons in a room).
$145 per person (2 persons in a room).
$285 per person (1 persons in a room).

All hotel prices increase $25 after June 16 (for example, $95 per person for quad occupancy). After August 16, assuming rooms are still available, prices rise another $25 ($120 per person for quad occupancy).

Schedule

Friday Night
4:00 Registration
7-9:00 Evening Session
Saturday
7:30 Breakfast
9:00 Workshops/Morning Session
Noon Lunch
1:00 Free time
Dinner on your own
7:00 Evening Session
Sunday
7:30 Breakfast
9:00 Morning Session
11:30 Dismissal

For More Information….

Go to the conference website at UBWomen.org. You’ll find a flyer you can download and print off for women in your church.

18 May

May 18, 2016 |

Wilson’s key responsibilities include community worship and teaching, spiritual development and growth for students and staff, pastoral care, and leading campus ministries and outreach opportunities. As a member of the senior leadership team, Wilson will also be involved in the University’s strategic and long-term planning.

“I am truly thankful for the opportunity God has given me to collaborate with staff and faculty in keeping Christ-at-center here at Huntington University,” said Wilson.

In 2004, Wilson graduated from Taylor University Fort Wayne with a degree in pastoral ministries. In 2012, he earned a Master of Arts degree in youth ministry leadership from Huntington University.

18 May

May 18, 2016 |

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Interested in becoming a nurse? Are you a high school student entering your junior or senior year? Come to Huntington University July 11-15 for the Nursing Career Academy.

This week-long, college-like, nursing camp explores the field of nursing in a hands-on environment. Participants will have the opportunity to become CPR certified and learn basic first aid and nursing skills. They will also tour area hospitals and trauma centers and interact with a variety of nursing professionals. Campers will stay in the dorms with current and past HU nursing students. Here are photos from the 2015 camp.

The cost is $300. That covers all educational supplies, meals, housing, field trips, activities, and camp shirt.

The Huntington University website has complete information (what to wear, what to bring, etc.), plus a link for registering. Below are some photos from the 2015 camp.

18 May

May 18, 2016 |
Julie Hui with Luke and Audrey Fetters.

Julie Hui with Luke and Audrey Fetters.

The hooding ceremony.

The hooding ceremony.

Julie Hui participated in Commencement exercises at Huntington University on Saturday, May 14. She received the Master of Education in TESOL Education. Julie, from our UB churches in Hong Kong, will soon join our international missionary team in Thailand.

18 May

May 18, 2016 |

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On Saturday May 14th, Huntington University honored 247 graduates during its 118th Commencement ceremonies.

  • 25 Master of Arts degrees.
  • 6 Master of Education degrees.
  • 61 Bachelor of Arts degrees.
  • 4 Bachelor of Music degrees.
  • 116 Bachelor of Science degrees.
  • 18 Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.
  • 10 Bachelor of Social Work degrees.
  • 7 Associate of Science degrees.

The Commencement speaker was Dr. Larry Mercer, vice chairman of the board at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas.

16 May

May 16, 2016 |

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The seven United Brethren churches in Hong Kong held a joint service for their 37th annual mission conference on Sunday, May 15. Frank Y, associate director of Global Ministries, was able to attend. He is in Asia to visit UBs in Hong Kong, Macau, and China.