Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# Charis Fellowship

Planting Churches | Training Leaders

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://charisfellowship.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Reflections on Charis Alliance Conference 2023](https://charisfellowship.com/reflections-on-charis-alliance-conference-2023/) - As I sit in my office each week, working on all that pastoral ministry demands of us, I realize how easy it would be to give little attention to what took place at our Charis Alliance conference in Kenya a few months ago. After all, we have sermons to write, people to visit, meetings to
- [Happy Church Hosts Camp for Flood Survivors](https://charisfellowship.com/happy-church-hosts-camp-for-flood-survivors/) - In July 2022 eastern Kentucky was hit with a devastating flood. The Happy Church in Jackson, Ky., was impacted by the flood, but continued to minister to their community. Read more about the early efforts to restore the church here. When recently asked how things were going, Pastor Mike Tabor said, “We are doing really
- [Remembering, Reflecting, and Envisioning](https://charisfellowship.com/remembering-reflecting-an-envisioning/) - At the end of April, Pataskala Grace Church in Central Ohio celebrated their fiftieth anniversary. The church began with a few families meeting for a Bible study in early 1973. As the group grew, Bill Gardner was called as interim pastor and they made plans for constructing their own building. The church was welcomed into
- [Women and Biblical Truth](https://charisfellowship.com/women-and-biblical-truth/) - “We want you to get into the Word until the Word gets into you.” [1] I love that quote. Do you want the Scriptures to soak deeply into your life and be the overflow of your mouth and ministry? I do. I believe how we get into the Word effects how the Word gets into
- [Controller at Encompass World Partners](https://charisfellowship.com/controller-at-encompass-world-partners/) - Encompass World Partners, a Christ-centered missions agency dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the least reached places of our world, is seeking a dedicated Controller to oversee financial operations and support our vision and mission. This is more than a career opportunity—it’s a calling. You’ll play a key role in advancing the
- [Pastor at Kenai Grace Brethren Church (Kenai, Alaska)](https://charisfellowship.com/pastor-at-kenai-grace-brethren-church-kenai-alaska/) - Kenai Grace Brethren Church is prayerfully seeking a pastor who loves Christ, faithfully teaches God's Word, and has a heart for shepherding His people. We are looking for a servant leader who desires to walk alongside the church family as we grow together in worship, discipleship, fellowship, and gospel outreach. Who We Are Kenai Grace
- [Lead Pastor at Maumee Valley Church (Maumee, Ohio)](https://charisfellowship.com/senior-pastor-at-maumee-valley-church-maumee-ohio/) - The current Lead Pastor is retiring and we are looking for someone who is interested leading the Church with a clear, innovative strategy. Maumee Valley has a group of solid believers who are open to creative ideas. The Church is on ten acres and debt free. The property has a pond, pavilion, volleyball court, softball/soccer
- [Worship & Creative Arts Pastor at Thrive Church (York, Pa.)](https://charisfellowship.com/worship-creative-arts-pastor-at-thrive-church-york-pa/) - Thrive’s story is as unique as each of our own. Starting as a home Bible study in 1952, our church has always had a passion to see lives changed through personal relationships and the power of God’s Word. Over the years, our methods have changed, but our mission remains the same: helping everyone take the next
- [Mount Rushmore of Discipleship](https://charisfellowship.com/mount-rushmore-of-discipleship/) - And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the
- [The Victor is Alive](https://charisfellowship.com/the-victor-is-alive/) - Let me tell you about the greatest basketball game ever played. June 19, 2016. Game 7. Cleveland Cavaliers versus the Golden State Warriors, who had just won 73 games in the regular season — the most in NBA history — and were playing in their second consecutive Finals. The Warriors had built a 3-1 series
- [The Book that Doesn’t End](https://charisfellowship.com/the-book-that-doesnt-end/) - Here's something curious about the book of Acts: it doesn’t have an ending. At least not in the traditional sense. Not a cliffhanger, exactly. It just stops. Paul is in Rome, preaching in a rented house, waiting on a trial whose outcome Luke never records. And then the book is over. No resolution. Nothing that
- [The Comfort that Passes Through](https://charisfellowship.com/the-comfort-that-passes-through/) - I bleed orange and brown. I am a Cleveland Browns fan. Not a casual, “oh I’ll watch if they’re doing well this year” kind of fan. The real kind. The kind who has an orange and brown Christmas tree. Every December, while the rest of the world hangs garland and silver baubles, I trim a
- [Into the Fire](https://charisfellowship.com/into-the-fire/) - In 2021, youth pastors from four Charis churches came together to start a camp experience just for middle schoolers. The first year of Ignite Middle School Camp, 80 students from Grace Polaris Church, Bellefontaine Grace Church, Marysville Grace Church, and Movement Church spent a week together at Camp Cotubic learning what it means to ignite
- [In Him All Things Hold Together](https://charisfellowship.com/in-him-all-things-hold-together/) - For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.Colossians 1:16,17 Have you ever had a verse that you have read a dozen times, but one day it
- [Pastoral Resident/Youth Pastor at Grace Community Church (Northwood, Ohio)](https://charisfellowship.com/pastoral-resident-youth-pastor-at-grace-community-church-northwood-ohio/) - If you are an energetic young man who is passionate about teaching people God’s Word, building relationships with both unbelievers and believers, and serving Christ’s church by training people to serve and walk with new believers then Grace Community Church’s full-time, year-long, paid Pastoral Resident position is for you (salary/package of $39,000/year). This position can
- [Worship Leader (Part-Time) at Grace Fellowship Church (Anderson, S.C.)](https://charisfellowship.com/worship-leader-part-time-at-grace-fellowship-church-anderson-s-c/) - At Grace Fellowship, worship is an invitation — not a performance. We gather to encounter the living God, and every element of our Sunday service is crafted to draw people into authentic communion with Jesus. We value worship that belongs to the congregation, not just the stage.We expect believers and seekers alike to be in
- [From Here to the Nations: Outreach Conference at Calvert Grace](https://charisfellowship.com/from-here-to-the-nations-outreach-conference-at-calvert-grace/) - “To inspire, challenge, and equip the church to share the Gospel with the lost from here to the nations.” This is the goal of Calvert Grace Community Church’s annual outreach conference. Calvert Grace Church, located in Owings, Md., strives to have a robust missions culture. While they regularly pray for their missionaries and hear testimonies of their work during Sunday services, their outreach conference
- [Lead Pastor at Hope Bible Church (Roanoke, Va.)](https://charisfellowship.com/lead-pastor-at-hope-bible-church-roanoke-va/) - About Hope Bible ChurchHope Bible Church is a small, established congregation in the Hollins community of Northern Roanoke, Virginia.We have a faithful core of people who love God and one another. After a period of plateaued ministry, we have entered a partnership with Assist Church Expansion and are working through a structured revitalization process with
- [Marysville Grace Church Receives Momentum’s Church of the Year Award for 2025](https://charisfellowship.com/marysville-grace-church-receives-momentums-church-of-the-year-award-for-2025/) - Each year, Momentum Ministry Partners names a Church of the Year to recognize a local church that is faithfully serving its people, its community, and the broader mission of the Gospel. It is an honor given carefully, not casually. Marysville Grace Church in Marysville, Ohio, who was the recipient in the summer of 2025, reflects
- [The Joy of a Tended Field: A Devotional for Pastors and Ministry Leaders](https://charisfellowship.com/the-joy-of-a-tended-field-a-devotional-for-pastors-and-ministry-leaders/) - Somewhere along the way, most of us picked up the wrong measuring stick. You know the one. It measures attendance against attendance, reach against reach, growth against growth. It shows up on Sunday afternoons when your soul is already tender, and it whispers that the work isn’t quite enough. That you’re a little behind. That
- [God Delights in You](https://charisfellowship.com/god-delights-in-you/) - God delights in you, and your greatest delight is found in Him. As this season of Charis Women’s DELIGHTED Conferences concludes, there is much to celebrate and be thankful for. More than 750 women were gathered across these six events where intentional space was created for connection, encouragement, and practical, faith-filled teaching for everyday life.
- [THRIVE Pastors’ Wives Retreat in Ohio Highlights](https://charisfellowship.com/thrive-pastors-wives-retreat-in-ohio-highlights/) - What do you get when you put two dozen Charis Fellowship pastors’ wives from four different generations together in a cabin for an entire weekend? Exceedingly and abundantly more than I asked or imagined. When receiving the baton as the Director of THRIVE Pastors’ Wives Network a few years ago, one of my biggest dreams
- [Next Generation Pastor at Main Street Church (Chelsea, Mi.)](https://charisfellowship.com/next-generation-pastor-at-main-street-church-chelsea-mi/) - The Next Generation Pastor serves as a visionary leader responsible for the spiritual development and discipleship of children, teenagers, and young adults. This role encompasses comprehensive ministry leadership across multiple age groups, creating cohesive pathways for spiritual growth from early childhood through young adulthood. The Next Generation Pastor works to build thriving ministries that align
- [Senior Pastor of Grace Brethren Church of West Kittanning (Kittanning, Pa.)](https://charisfellowship.com/senior-pastor-of-grace-brethren-church-of-west-kittanning-kittanning-pa/) - We are a vibrant, multi-generational community focused on sharing the grace we have been given in Christ Jesus as a part of our call to fulfill The Great Commission. (Matthew 28:19-20). We are prayerfully seeking a full time senior pastor to shepherd and lead our church of approximately 60 attendees and members. In addition to
- [Associate Pastor of Next Generation Ministries at Grace Fellowship Church (Brunswick, Md.)](https://charisfellowship.com/associate-pastor-of-next-generation-ministries-at-grace-fellowship-church-brunswick-md/) - Grace Fellowship Church in Brunswick, Maryland is seeking a full-time Associate Pastor of Next Generation Ministries to lead and develop environments where students, young adults, and emerging leaders can grow into lifelong followers of Jesus. This role is central to our mission of helping people know the story of Jesus, live it in everyday life,
- [The Forgotten Power of Preaching](https://charisfellowship.com/the-forgotten-power-of-preaching/) - Let’s be honest — preaching can feel like planting seeds in a windstorm. You spend hours in prayer and preparation. You labor over every word, every illustration, every point of application. Sunday comes and you deliver the message God laid on your heart. And by the time you hit the parking lot, someone’s asking if
- [King on a Cross](https://charisfellowship.com/king-on-a-cross/) - Behold your King. That is what Pontius Pilate said when he brought Jesus before the crowd. The Roman governor gestures toward a battered man standing beside him—face swollen, back torn open by whips, a crown of thorns driven into His head—and he says with a hint of scorn, “Behold your King.” Pilate means it as
- [A Personal King](https://charisfellowship.com/a-personal-king/) - A few years ago I set the goal for myself to read the Bible cover to cover, and to gain more knowledge of the Word. The journey for knowledge that I set myself on would quickly turn into heart knowledge and experiences of beholding my King. This knowledge of His character helped me trust Him
- [Just as He Said](https://charisfellowship.com/just-as-he-said/) - There’s incredible beauty when someone keeps their word! When someone makes a promise, however great or small, and they follow through — keeping that promise — it’s a breath of fresh air, a cold glass of water on a hot summer day. When promises are kept consistently over time, an undeniable confidence is built. God’s
- [Prophecy Fulfilled](https://charisfellowship.com/prophecy-fulfilled/) - What does it mean to behold something? To gaze, to ponder, to treasure, to notice? Beholding something is not passive. It is more than giving something a cursory glance. No, beholding is an active response. It’s pausing what we are doing to truly take in what is before us. Behold is a command. It requires
- [Regional Disaster Response Training Event](https://charisfellowship.com/regional-disaster-response-training-event/) - Charis Disaster Response (CDR) has again partnered with On Mission Network to provide a regional disaster response training in Eastern Pennsylvania. On Mission Network is a ministry network with decades of experience in training and empowering people and churches to effectively respond when disaster strikes. Each year, On Mission Network ministry partners provide tens of
- [Speakers Announced for Charis Fellowship Conference 2026](https://charisfellowship.com/speakers-announced-for-charis-fellowship-conference-2026/) - Charis Fellowship Conference is a three-day gathering of pastors, ministry leaders, and committed church members for the purpose of studying the Bible, fellowshipping with other believers, and equipping for ministry. During main sessions we will worship together and receive biblical insight and instruction that will refocus our hearts on Jesus, what He did for us, and our
- [Grace Fellowship Receives Momentum Partner of the Year Award](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-fellowship-receives-momentum-partner-of-the-year-award/) - Momentum Ministry Partners exists to create spaces where leaders are equipped, relationships are formed, and the Gospel moves forward through the local church. This year, that mission is clearly reflected in the church named Momentum’s Partner of the Year: Grace Fellowship – Pickerington Campus, in Central Ohio. In announcing this year’s awards, Momentum celebrated Grace
- [Following to Lead](https://charisfellowship.com/following-to-lead/) - I vividly remember when the thought first struck me. “We’ve been singing it all wrong… backward!” What song, you may be wondering? The Sunday School classic, I Will Make You Fishers of Men. Okay, Okay…hear me out! The first verse is not what Jesus said to Simon and Andrew. His seaside words were, “Follow me,
- [Pataskala Grace Church Received Church on the Rise Award from Momentum Ministry Partners](https://charisfellowship.com/pataskala-grace-church-received-church-on-the-rise-award-from-momentum-ministry-partners/) - Momentum Ministry Partners’ Church on the Rise award recognizes churches experiencing healthy, mission-shaped growth. These are churches investing in discipleship, developing leaders, reaching the next generation, and positioning themselves for a faithful future. This year’s recipient, Pataskala Grace Church, reflects that vision through a season marked by renewal, clarity, and forward momentum. According to Momentum
- [The Men Whom the Church Delights to Honor](https://charisfellowship.com/the-men-whom-the-church-delights-to-honor/) - It was the year 1920. Thirty-eight years had passed since the forefathers of the Charis Fellowship were ousted from the historic church they loved (1882) primarily because of their passion for the Gospel, their commitment to the Great Commission, their disdain for legalism, and their embrace of innovative ministry methods to reach more people for
- [Charis Women Launches New Podcast](https://charisfellowship.com/charis-women-launches-new-podcast/) - Charis Women has been a longtime national ministry partner of the Charis Fellowship with a mission of connecting and equipping women of the Charis Fellowship. They pursue this mission in a variety of ways including hosting events, providing trainings, and producing resources. Recently Charis Women launched a new podcast titled, Beyond Sunday Morning. Beyond Sunday
- [The Ministry of Relationships](https://charisfellowship.com/the-ministry-of-relationships/) - As Callie came up out of the water, baptized in Christ, I couldn’t help the tears flowing down my cheeks. I had prayed for this moment for over eight years. Eight years of on and off contact, not knowing where she and her sister were living. Hoping they were okay. Not sure what God’s plan
- [Charis Equip Event on Biblical Prophecy](https://charisfellowship.com/charis-equip-event-on-biblical-prophecy/) - Jesus came. Advent provides vivid reminders through the Virgin Birth, heavenly heralds, and majestic songs that God keeps His word. More than fifty direct prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus’ First Coming. Sadly, most people in Jesus’ day failed to make these connections. They flunked Prophecy 101. Only with hindsight and help from the Holy Spirit
- [A Memorable Christmas](https://charisfellowship.com/a-memorable-christmas/) - Each year on Christmas Day we celebrate the remarkable events that took place two millennia ago. That holy night, a sacred birth, the incarnate Son of God arriving to redeem a fallen world! Did you know that Christmas Day holds a special place in the story of the Charis Fellowship for an additional reason? If
- [Joy of Every Longing Heart](https://charisfellowship.com/joy-of-every-longing-heart/) - It’s no secret to any parent that Christmas morning arrives with enormous expectations. Every year seems to come with the unspoken pressure to create the best Christmas morning in the history of Christmas mornings. And if we’re honest, we often carry a few of our own expectations into the season as well.But beneath the decorating, the
- [Hope of All the Earth Thou Art](https://charisfellowship.com/hope-of-all-the-earth-thou-art/) - Christmas is such a festive time of year. Lights start to twinkle from neighborhood homes, holiday music begins to play (sometimes much earlier than we would prefer), and beautifully wrapped presents appear under the tree. Growing up an only child, watching the presents under the tree multiply brought great excitement and anticipation. I don’t remember all
- [Born to Set Thy People Free](https://charisfellowship.com/born-to-set-thy-people-free/) - Have you ever awaited something with great anticipation and excitement, longing for the day it would finally arrive? You’ve prepared and prayed and planned, and now you wait with eager expectation. Perhaps it was the birth of a child, the homecoming of a loved one from a faraway place, the completion of a degree, or a much-desired
- [Discipleship Through Worship Leading](https://charisfellowship.com/discipleship-through-worship-leading/) - In the fall of 2020, worship leaders from Grace Community Church in Warsaw, Ind., were asked to lead worship at a youth ministry outreach event. Over the following year, 909 Collective was established as they continued to receive requests for leading worship outside of their church. Tristan Spuller, worship director at Grace Community, said, “As
- [A Thankful Heart Is a Happy Heart](https://charisfellowship.com/a-thankful-heart-is-a-happy-heart/) - The songs we learn as children have a way of sticking with us. I am a product of the 1990s VeggieTales era and can still sing along with hits like “Where Is My Hairbrush?” and “The Cheeseburger Song” and “Barbara Manatee.” While the lyrics to these Silly Songs with Larry embedded entertaining lyrics deep in
- [Thank You, Pastor](https://charisfellowship.com/thank-you-pastor/) - Thank You, Pastor October is Pastor Appreciation Month. The Charis Fellowship would not exist if not for the hundreds of pastors who shepherd our churches week in and week out. We are grateful for their leadership in our local congregations, national Fellowship, and global family. Their sacrificial care and love for God’s people and their
- [Celebrating Baptism in the Charis Fellowship](https://charisfellowship.com/celebrating-baptism-in-the-charis-fellowship/) - “...baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)From the earliest chapter of the Church, baptism has served as a public act and an embedded expression of our faith in Jesus, and it marks us in our new identity as a child of God. In
- [Steady until Sunset](https://charisfellowship.com/steady-until-sunset/) - “So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and
- [Discipleship Pathways Webinar Announced](https://charisfellowship.com/discipleship-pathways-webinar-announced/) - Interested in learning more about discipleship pathways? Join us for a webinar where Charis Fellowship Executive Director Tim Sprankle will facilitate a discussion among leaders that will highlight key insights from various Charis Fellowship churches and how they disciple their congregations. Anyone interested in developing or refining discipleship pathways is invited! Find out more info
- [Radio Ministry Reaches Latin America with the Gospel](https://charisfellowship.com/radio-ministry-reaches-latin-america-with-the-gospel/) - “We believe radio is an important instrument in bringing people to salvation,” said Daniel Sandoval, executive director of Spanish World Ministries (“El Camino de la Vida” in Spanish), a recently approved cooperating ministry of the Charis Fellowship. Spanish World Ministries has a mission to assist local churches in the Spanish speaking world, to carry out
- [Clancy Cruise Receives Church Multiplication Award](https://charisfellowship.com/clancy-cruise-receives-church-multiplication-award/) - “It’s one thing to plant a church. It’s a different level to multiply leaders who can multiply churches.” Clancy Cruise, pastor at Marysville Grace Church in Marysville, Ohio, said this upon receiving the Ed Jackson Church Multiplication Award. Clancy is the second recipient of this award, presented by Assist Church Expansion at their ministry-sponsored meal
- [Charis Fellowship Annual Meeting Report](https://charisfellowship.com/charis-fellowship-annual-meeting-report-3/) - The Charis Fellowship held its annual Charis Conversation business meeting on Thursday, July 31, 2025, on the final day of Charis Fellowship Conference in Lititz, Pennsylvania. A 24-page delegate report was sent to all registered delegates on July 5. Details were reviewed during the Charis Conversation. Voting was then conducted throughout the week following Conference
- [Charis Disaster Response Training](https://charisfellowship.com/charis-disaster-response-training/) - When disaster strikes, it turns people’s lives upside down. In a matter of moments, a flood, hurricane, tornado, or manmade crisis can rob someone of everything they’ve worked so hard to build. Lost, lonely, and hopeless, they are searching for help from someone they can trust. Driven by your faith in Christ, you can be
- [The Gospel Changes Everything](https://charisfellowship.com/the-gospel-changes-everything/) - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV) I remember where I was the first time I truly heard and paid attention to this verse. I was in a college gymnasium, surrounded by two thousand other teenagers in southern Mississippi. It
- [By Faith](https://charisfellowship.com/by-faith/) - In early June, 11 Charis churches gathered for the fifth annual Ignite Camp. The camp began in 2021 when four youth pastors came together to create a camp experience for middle school students. The camp has grown from 87 students and four churches to nearly 200 students and 11 churches. “Ignite exists to reach middle
- [Meet Julia Wood – Influencer of the 1880s](https://charisfellowship.com/meet-julia-wood-influencer-of-the-1880s/) - Julia Wood was only 21 years old when the Civil War broke out. Growing up as the eldest daughter of a wealthy landowner in Virginia, she received a classical education and encountered an array of difficult life experiences that God used to craft her into a remarkable woman who loved the Lord, studied the bible,
- [The Task Laid on Our Hearts](https://charisfellowship.com/the-task-laid-on-our-hearts/) - Two years ago Pastor Billy Tweeddale of Oceanview Fellowship in Melbourne, Fla., had an encounter at the South Focus Retreat that led to an ongoing partnership for ministry in the Bahamas. The partnership came out of a series of conversations with Charis pastors connected to churches and ministries in the Caribbean. At the retreat, Pastor
- [Cristo Ahora Ministry in Cuba](https://charisfellowship.com/cristo-ahora-ministry-in-cuba/) - In January 2025, a team of people spent a few weeks in Cuba meeting with churches, pastors, and seminary students. The team members were Pastor R and Debbie Greene (former senior pastor Community Grace Church Frederick, Md.), Chaplain James and Elizabeth Schaefer, Ted Offut (International Director of Church Planting with Encompass World Partners), Enrique Sandoval (deacon at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in
- [Grace Church Lake Campus Celebrates One Year of Services](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-church-lake-campus-celebrates-one-year-of-services/) - Sunday, May 4, 2025 marked one year of Sunday gatherings for Grace Church Lake Campus in Indian Lake, Ohio. The church celebrated with a special service at Old Field Beach on Indian Lake that included a reflection on the history of the church campus plant, a time of worship, a special honoring of those who
- [Stepping Into Unknown Territory](https://charisfellowship.com/stepping-into-unknown-territory/) - I knew what God was calling me to, but I didn’t know where to start. Being a woman in full-time ministry was a foreign concept to me, and yet I found myself desiring to make this a reality. There were women in my local church, and in my community, who had been reaching out to
- [In Celebration of Threefold Communion](https://charisfellowship.com/in-celebration-of-threefold-communion/) - In Celebration of Threefold Communion Proper understanding of the significance of a celebration is necessary to fully appreciate it. So it is with Communion. Without knowing the historical context of why we do it, the spiritual significance for our lives now, or the implications for the church, our practice of Communion would lack some of
- [A Broader Theological Vision](https://charisfellowship.com/a-broader-theological-vision/) - Theological vision is the goal of the Charis Symposium. In his 1993 book The Fabric of Theology, Richard Lints describes theological vision as the effort “to capture the entire counsel of God as revealed in the Scriptures and to communicate it in a conceptuality that is native to the theologian’s own age.” Such a theological
- [It All Started with a Prayer](https://charisfellowship.com/it-all-started-with-a-prayer/) - In September 2024 Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida and continued to move inland. By the time it reached the mountains of western North Carolina, it had weakened to a tropical storm. It hovered over the region, dropping record-breaking amounts of rain. This caused flooded rivers and devastating mudslides, affecting thousands of people who were
- [Speakers Announced for Charis Fellowship Conference 2025 in Lititz, Pa.](https://charisfellowship.com/speakers-announced-for-charis-fellowship-conference-2025-in-lititz-pa/) - At Charis Fellowship Conference this summer, we’ll look at discipleship from different angles: one-on-one relationships, church culture, intentional outreach, and disciple making in the home. Join us as we explore what it means to be ALL IN. Charis Fellowship Conference is a three-day gathering of pastors, ministry leaders, and committed church members for the purpose of studying the Bible,
- [Ministry Over the Long Haul](https://charisfellowship.com/ministry-over-the-long-haul/) - I know that there are those who have far exceeded my brief 45 years of full-time ministry. But God has graciously allowed me to serve in three locations…the last being 34 years in Meyersdale, Pa. I’ve learned that longevity in any ministry is not due to the ability of the servant, but the grace and
- [The Role of a Pastor’s Wife](https://charisfellowship.com/the-role-of-a-pastors-wife/) - Being a pastor’s wife is a unique calling. It is a role of both immense joy and immense weight. Ministry, vocation, and family often blend together as you serve side by side, opening your lives to those God has called you to shepherd. What makes the role of a pastor’s wife unique is that no
- [A Sanctuary of Hope](https://charisfellowship.com/a-sanctuary-of-hope/) - On January 7, a series of wildfires broke out across Southern California in the Los Angeles area. NBC News reported the two biggest fires, Palisades and Eaton, burned a combined total of over 37,000 acres before being nearly contained as of Thursday, January 30. In addition to thousands of businesses lost, entire neighborhoods and communities
- [The Centrality of Relationships in Reaching the Next Generation](https://charisfellowship.com/the-centrality-of-relationships-in-reaching-the-next-generation/) - You don’t need me to quote statistics to know Christian young people are fleeing the church at an alarming rate. But not only the local church…they are walking away from their faith altogether. Just to make sure we’re all on the same page, humor me and read this next part carefully. According to a pre-COVID study,
- [From Anchorage to St. Petersburg](https://charisfellowship.com/from-anchorage-to-st-petersburg/) - At the end of October, a group from Eagle River Grace in Anchorage, Alaska, traveled to Florida to assist with hurricane response. Roger Nelsen, Ryan Mahoney, and Greyson Culbert spent several days serving alongside Charis Disaster Response and On Mission Network in St. Petersburg, Fla. Roger, whose family has been actively involved in various ministry
- [In Zealous Pursuit of Others](https://charisfellowship.com/zealous-pursuit-of-others/) - The natural outflow of knowing Jesus and what He has done is a zealous pursuit of others. They are merely sheep without a shepherd. We were in the same position until Jesus “saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy” (Titus 3:5). The most compassionate and loving act would be
- [Registration Now Open for Charis Fellowship Conference 2025](https://charisfellowship.com/registration-now-open-for-charis-fellowship-conference-2025/) - Registration is now open for Charis Fellowship Conference 2025, taking place in Lititz, Penn., on July 29–31. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and
- [Calvert Grace Church Aided in Disaster Response](https://charisfellowship.com/calvert-grace-church-aided-in-disaster-response/) - In the fall of 2024 Florida was hit by two consecutive tropical storms. Hurricane Helene made landfall as a category 4 storm, and just a few weeks later Hurricane Milton landed as a category 3. Both storms caused extensive wind damage, record-breaking storm surges, and an outbreak of tornados. As soon as it was safe
- [A Word on the Hymns of Christmas](https://charisfellowship.com/a-word-on-the-hymns-of-christmas/) - Every year we discover afresh that Christmas is an interesting stew of nostalgia mixed with commercialism, cliche mixed with deep spiritual truths. Add to that a healthy dose of weirdly strong opinions and it can be a hazardous emotional and spiritual maze to navigate, maybe especially so within the church. My main contention here is
- [Charis Disaster Response Partners with On Mission Network](https://charisfellowship.com/charis-disaster-response-partners-with-on-mission-network/) - Earlier this year Charis Disaster Response launched in an effort to help Charis Fellowship churches minister to people and areas affected by natural disasters in the United States. One of the ways Charis Disaster Response is ministering to affected areas is through partnering with the organization On Mission Network. Tim Hodge, who was instrumental in
- [Discover, Disciple, Deliver](https://charisfellowship.com/discover-disciple-deliver/) - “As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them” (Luke 24:15). This passage has been a guiding principle for the aptly named Journey Church, a Charis Fellowship church located in eastern Pennsylvania outside of Philadelphia. Pastor Adam Johnson, along with his wife Megan and their
- [Making Disciples: Creativity as a Recipe to Share the Gospel](https://charisfellowship.com/making-disciples-creativity-as-a-recipe-to-share-the-gospel/) - There are regions where spreading the Gospel faces formidable challenges—legal restrictions, cultural barriers, and apathy towards Christianity. In such contexts, creativity emerges as a powerful ingredient, offering innovative ways to engage with different people groups and overcome obstacles on the path to making disciples. Now, imagine you have this incredible recipe for spreading the Gospel.
- [Rothen Bedford Received Youth Pastor of the Year Award](https://charisfellowship.com/rothen-bedford-received-youth-pastor-of-the-year-award/) - Each year at youth conference, Momentum Ministry Partners honors one youth pastor who is faithfully discipling the next generation and investing in the lives of students. This person is selected by a panel of Momentum staff, based on meeting certain criteria. In July 2024 the Student Ministries Pastor of the Year Award recipient was Rothan
- [A Look Back at Charis Fellowship Conference 2024](https://charisfellowship.com/a-look-back-at-charis-fellowship-conference-2024/) - It’s been almost four months since nearly 600 people gathered at Grace Polaris Church in Columbus, Ohio, for the annual Charis Fellowship Conference in early July. The theme for the week was, “How Good is the Gospel?” and emphasized the grace, peace, power, and hope we have in Jesus Christ. Each session included a time
- [A Reminder of God’s Faithful Provision](https://charisfellowship.com/a-reminder-of-gods-faithful-provision/) - At the end of July, Lanham Grace Church in Lanham, Md., completed some much-needed renovations in their building with the help of a team from Grace Polaris Church in Columbus, Ohio. A few years ago Lanham Grace entered into a revitalization partnership with Assist Church Expansion. At that time Eric Smith, who was serving as
- [Hurricane Milton Response Update from Charis Disaster Response](https://charisfellowship.com/hurricane-milton-response-update-from-charis-disaster-response/) - In response to Hurricane Milton, Charis Disaster Response (CDR) is actively working to organize response efforts in St. Petersburg, Florida. On Mission Network (OMN), an organization specializing in disaster response, is partnering with CDR to set up a central hub to minister to surrounding areas. CDR coordinator Todd Derry is currently part of a convoy of vehicles and equipment
- [Inaugural Ed Jackson Church Multiplication Award](https://charisfellowship.com/inaugural-ed-jackson-church-multiplication-award/) - This summer Assist Church Expansion launched the Ed Jackson Church Multiplication Award. The award is named after an influential leader in the Charis Fellowship who had a big impact in the life of many churches around the country. Ed Jackson served in the US Marine Corp during World War II and with the Ohio State
- [Church Plant Partners with Charis Disaster Response](https://charisfellowship.com/church-plant-partners-with-charis-disaster-response/) - On March 14, 2024, Western Ohio was devastated by an EF3 tornado. The tornado had a path 1,000 yards wide and winds that reached 155 mph. The areas of Russel’s Point and Indian Lake received heavy damage to homes, trees, businesses, and mobile homes. Three people were killed, 27 were injured, and over 900 people had
- [Charis Women Announces New Conference Tour Dates & Locations](https://charisfellowship.com/charis-women-announces-new-conference-tour-dates-locations/) - Charis Women announced their next conference tour starts this fall at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church. Delighted Conference will be a two-day event for all ladies ages 14+. Psalm 37:4 instructs us to “delight ourselves in the Lord,” but “delight” isn’t always the best description of our walk with God. If we are honest, distractions and disappointments
- [Charis Disaster Response Launched](https://charisfellowship.com/charis-disaster-response-launched/) - Charis Disaster Response is a new initiative to help Charis Fellowship churches minister to people and areas affected by natural disasters in the United States. The development of Charis Disaster Response comes out of several years of discussion with leadership from Encompass World Partners and Charis Fellowship to determine the best way to facilitate these
- [Todd Shoemaker Receives Inaugural Momentum Partner of the Year Award](https://charisfellowship.com/todd-shoemaker-receives-inaugural-momentum-partner-of-the-year-award/) - Each year at youth conference, Momentum Ministry Partners honors various people with awards recognizing their commitment to the next generation. This year they launched a new award called the Partner of the Year Award. The award recognizes an individual who is exceptional in how they lead, serve, and partner with Momentum, particularly in leading trips
- [Get to Know Executive Director Tim Sprankle](https://charisfellowship.com/get-to-know-executive-director-tim-sprankle/) - At the beginning of August, Tim Sprankle began serving a two-year term as the executive director of the Charis Fellowship. This is a role that is nominated by the Fellowship Council and approved by a vote of delegates and can last from one to three years. As executive director, Tim will help provide leadership to
- [Interactive Prayer for New Leaders](https://charisfellowship.com/interactive-prayer-for-new-leaders/) - Walking into the prayer room at Charis Fellowship Conference might have made you stop, turn around, and check to see if you were in the right place. To your left, a LEGO station; in the corner, a large wooden cross and backpack full or rocks; straight ahead, an elegant table set with candles, bread, and
- [Charis Fellowship Annual Meeting Report](https://charisfellowship.com/charis-fellowship-annual-meeting-report-2/) - The Charis Fellowship held its annual Charis Conversation business meeting on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, on the second day of national conference in Columbus, Ohio. A 26-page delegate report was sent to all registered delegates on July 5. Details were reviewed during the Charis Conversation, followed by a time for Q&A. Voting was then conducted
- [Hope on Mission](https://charisfellowship.com/hope-on-mission/) - One of the ways Charis Fellowship churches live out their commitment to our common mission is by supporting ministries and global workers who share the same mission, both in finances and in prayer. Churches often find creative ways to raise awareness among their congregation for those they support through Sunday morning announcements, screen slides, prayer
- [The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts](https://charisfellowship.com/the-whole-is-greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts/) - A clever book in the 1980s titled All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten is both correct, and incorrect, simultaneously. The same can be said about the notion that all I ever needed to know about theology I learned in Sunday school. Or seminary. The truth is, we learned foundational principles, key
- [Restoring the Role of Churches in Our Communities](https://charisfellowship.com/restoring-the-role-of-churches-in-our-communities/) - “If your church closed its doors, would anyone in the community care?” That’s a question that keeps pastors and church leaders up at night, but it isn’t a question for them alone. Every Christian should be invested enough in their local church to wrestle with that dilemma. We are all called to love our neighbors,
- [Two at Two](https://charisfellowship.com/two-at-two/) - At the beginning of this year, Grace Fellowship Church in Columbus, Ohio, launched a new initiative with a focus on evangelism. Called “2 at 2,” the goal of initiative is to encourage their congregation to pick two people to commit to praying for every day at 2:00 p.m. “We strive to be an ‘and’ church
- [See a Need, Meet a Need](https://charisfellowship.com/see-a-need-meet-a-need/) - See a need, meet a need. This was the driving idea behind the Northern Atlantic District rallying together to help Grace Community Bible Church in Philadelphia, Pa., last fall. The church, which has been serving its community for more than 125 years, was in need of major renovations to keep the building in good working
- [Thrive Announces New Director](https://charisfellowship.com/thrive-announces-new-director/) - Three years ago, Anne Brown prayerfully sought a way to help connect and support the pastor’s wives in the Charis Fellowship. Thrive Pastor’s Wives Network was born through monthly Zoom meetings for prayer, regional shepherds offering encouragement, and even a few regional gatherings. Thrive set out to gather, encourage, and equip the women who find themselves called
- [Disaster Response to Recent Western Ohio Tornado](https://charisfellowship.com/disaster-response-to-recent-western-ohio-tornado/) - It’s been three weeks since the town of Indian Lake, Ohio, was hit by an EF2 tornado on the evening of March 14, 2024. Weather reports say the tornado was on the ground for about 45 minutes, reaching a maximum speed of 155 mph with a mile-wide path. There were three fatalities, dozens of injuries, and
- [Your Labor is Not in Vain](https://charisfellowship.com/your-labor-is-not-in-vain/) - “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV). Easter is a monumental occasion in the Christian faith. For those of us who have trusted in Jesus Christ as our Savior, there is perhaps no greater cause
- [More than Teacups and Doilies](https://charisfellowship.com/more-than-teacups-and-doilies/) - The first recollection I have of women’s ministry is mother-daughter banquets. They were always held at Knott’s Berry Farm Chicken Dinner Restaurant. They were beautifully decorated, and the program always included something silly like a skit or a funny fashion show and someone who sang special music. These banquets felt special because, as a child,
- [She Is the Lord’s](https://charisfellowship.com/she-is-the-lords/) - In 2017 when Courtney Cherest was asked to take over women’s ministry at Grace Church in Waldorf, Md., she knew she wanted to kick off the new ministry with a big fall launch event. She began thinking through hosting a simulcast event when her pastor said to her, “We don’t need that; we have you.”
- [The King’s Redemptive Work](https://charisfellowship.com/the-kings-redemptive-work/) - The fourth and final At the Table Charis Women Conference took place in Southern California at the end of January. Over the past two years, Charis Women have held regional conferences in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California, with more than 800 women in total attending. Grace Community Church of Seal Beach hosted the conference. In
- [Prophetically Speaking](https://charisfellowship.com/prophetically-speaking/) - The Legacy of Tom Julien (1931–2023) Tom Julien was a prophet. Not in the Old Testament sense of revealing God’s will to His people, but in the church-era sense of revealing how God’s perfect and unchanging Word reshapes how we engage with a broken and changing world. Sensing a call to vocational ministry, yet discouraged
- [Charis Fellowship Conference Registration Now Open](https://charisfellowship.com/charis-fellowship-conference-registration-now-open/) - Charis Fellowship Conference, previously known as Access Conference, is a three-day gathering of pastors, ministry leaders, and lay people for the purpose of studying the Bible, fellowshipping with other believers, and equipping for ministry. During main sessions we will engage in musical worship and receive biblical insight and instruction from Charis Fellowship pastors that will refocus our hearts on Jesus and what He
- [A New Home for Movement Church](https://charisfellowship.com/a-new-home-for-movement-church/) - In early February, Movement Church in Hilliard, Ohio, celebrated the opening of their first permanent home. The church, which was planted in 2012, has been meeting in the local YMCA for the past decade. Lead pastor Mark Artrip reflects on the journey that brought them to where they are now. How did Movement Church start?Movement
- [You’ve Got Mail](https://charisfellowship.com/youve-got-mail/) - In November, three Charis Fellowship pastors from northern Indiana collaborated on a traveling sermon series. Each pastor prepared a message from a Pauline letter, and the three pastors rotated through each other’s churches for a three-week series. Pastors Tim Sprankle (Leesburg Grace Church in Leesburg, Ind.), Jeremy Wike (Community of Hope Grace Brethren Church in
- [Resources from God](https://charisfellowship.com/resources-from-god/) - “We haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of the depth of the resources from God.” This week dozens of pastors and ministry leaders from Southern California gathered for the Southwest Focus Retreat. Dan Allan, Charis Fellowship executive director, led the group through a look at some of the ways God resources our souls. During
- [Christ Centered Witness](https://charisfellowship.com/christ-centered-witness/) - Waynesboro Grace church in southern Pennsylvania is creatively living out their mission and vision through serving their community and building relationships. One way they are seeking to do this is through ministering to families with young kids in their community. In addition to hosting their first Creative Kidz Camp as an alternative to the traditional
- [The Joy of Christmas](https://charisfellowship.com/the-joy-of-christmas/) - “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.’” (Luke 2:10,11) I’m not a particularly “joyful” person. Those who know me well
- [Walking in the Way of Love](https://charisfellowship.com/walking-in-the-way-of-love/) - Seven years ago, Three Creeks church in Gahanna, Ohio, had the idea of opening a one-day, pop-up toy store at Christmas for their community. The goal was twofold: to support as many Christmases for residents of Gahanna as possible and to support their local school district. Over the years the Gahanna Gift Shop has grown,
- [The Love of Christmas](https://charisfellowship.com/the-love-of-christmas/) - “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:4,5).Christmas is about the salvation of God appearing on earth. Jesus was and is the fullness
- [A Common Mission](https://charisfellowship.com/a-common-mission/) - Charis Fellowship churches across the country have a shared mission of planting churches, training leaders, and doing good for the sake of the Gospel. This mission expands to our global Charis Alliance family, a network of churches around the world who are carrying out this mission. A commitment to this common mission is what led
- [The Peace of Christmas](https://charisfellowship.com/the-peace-of-christmas/) - “Gentlemen may cry, ‘peace, peace’; but there is no peace. The war has actually begun.” Those words, uttered by Patrick Henry at the outset of the American Revolutionary War, warned Colonists that the war was already raging. Henry’s proclamation actually came from the book of Jeremiah, who criticized false prophets who said: “…‘Peace, peace’…when there
- [The Hope of Christmas](https://charisfellowship.com/the-hope-of-christmas/) - “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) HOPE. As a word it is a little hard to describe and define, let alone live out. Getting a firm grip on it, or teaching hope to the next generation, is a bit like grabbing
- [More than Conquerors](https://charisfellowship.com/more-than-conquerors/) - In October, 26 families who are serving in ministry in remote Alaska gathered for a Ministry Family Retreat. The week-long event, held at Victory Bible Camp in Glacier View, Alaska, was the twentieth annual event of its kind hosted by Arctic Barnabas, the newest cooperating ministry of the Charis Fellowship. Read more about Arctic Barnabas
- [Still There is Room](https://charisfellowship.com/still-there-is-room/) - “So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done,
- [Confidence for Your Soul](https://charisfellowship.com/confidence-for-your-soul/) - “Today my soul finds confidence in...” The theme for Focus Retreats this year is Reservoir: Resourcing the soul through the Word of God, the people of God, and the Spirit of God. Part of resourcing your soul is filling your reservoir with confidence in God. More than 80 people gathered Ocean City, Md., this week for
- [Lack No Good Thing](https://charisfellowship.com/lack-no-good-thing/) - My kids don’t all like to eat the same things and I don’t love to cook. At any given meal, someone has to go without their preference. And I often have to go without appreciation for how hard it is to try to please everyone. One is finicky about cheese, one detests vegetables, and one
- [Florida District Provides GCBI Scholarship](https://charisfellowship.com/florida-district-provides-gcbi-scholarship/) - This fall, the Florida district of Charis Fellowship churches provided a full-ride scholarship to one student attending Great Commission Bible Institute (GCBI) in Sebring, Fla. GCBI is a ten-month discipleship program designed to help young adults establish a solid understanding of God’s Word while participating in-depth discipleship and ministry experiences. Read more about GCBI in
- [Resourcing the Soul](https://charisfellowship.com/resourcing-the-soul/) - Where is your heart finding strength right now? What is supplying confidence for your soul? Charis Fellowship Executive Director Dan Allan posed these questions at the Central Focus Retreat. Nearly 80 pastors and ministry leaders gathered at Maumee Bay in northern Ohio from October 9–11. Andrew Saunders, networking coordinator, emceed each session and a worship team
- [Grace College Professors Coauthor Interdisciplinary Commentary on Proverbs](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-college-professors-coauthor-interdisciplinary-commentary-on-proverbs/) - Dr. Tiberius Rata, Grace Seminary associate dean and Old Testament studies professor, and Dr. Kevin Roberts, provost and behavioral science professor, recently coauthored an interdisciplinary commentary on Proverbs called Sacred Wisdom. The book, published by Brethren Mission Herald Co., was released this summer and can be purchased on Amazon. This is Dr. Rata and Dr. Roberts’ second collaborative
- [God Caused the Increase](https://charisfellowship.com/god-caused-the-increase/) - At the end of August, Blue Ridge Grace Brethren Church in Winchester, Va., celebrated their fortieth anniversary. They marked the occasion with a special service followed by a meal. Pastor Davey Ermold, who has been the lead pastor at Blue Ridge since 2018, said, “Our goal was to make it about the Lord’s faithfulness in
- [Grace College Welcomes Unprecedented Number of Students to Campus in its 75th Year](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-college-welcomes-unprecedented-number-of-students-to-campus-in-its-75th-year/) - As Grace College celebrates its 75-year history, it welcomes an unprecedented 1,364 new and returning students to its Winona Lake campus for the 2023–24 school year. In addition to a campus full of traditional undergraduate students, Grace’s total enrollment of 2,271 is helped by strong numbers from Grace Theological Seminary, Grace Online and College Launch, its associate degree
- [A Look Back at Access 2023](https://charisfellowship.com/a-look-back-at-access-2023/) - In July over 400 people gathered in St. Petersburg, Fla., for Access, the national conference for the Charis Fellowship. Sessions, meals, and workshops were held in the history Mahaffey Theater with lodging accommodations at the Hilton Hotel across the street. Attendees also had time to enjoy the nearby beaches and local restaurants. Rich Davies was
- [Strengthening & Encouraging in Remote Alaska](https://charisfellowship.com/strengthening-encouraging-in-remote-alaska/) - In July, Arctic Barnabas was voted and approved as the newest cooperating ministry of the Charis Fellowship. Arctic Barnabas has a mission to strengthen and encourage pastors and missionary families serving in remote Alaska so they can more effectively advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Arctic Barnabas was founded in 2000 by Joel Caldwell, owner
- [Get to Know Charis Fellowship Executive Director Dan Allan](https://charisfellowship.com/get-to-know-charis-fellowship-executive-director-dan-allan/) - In August Dan Allan began serving a one-year term as the executive director for the Charis Fellowship. This is a role that is nominated by the Fellowship Council and approved by a vote of delegates and can last from one to three years. Dan will serve through Charis Fellowship Conference in July 2024. As executive
- [Charis Fellowship Annual Meeting Report](https://charisfellowship.com/charis-fellowship-annual-meeting-report/) - The Charis Fellowship held its annual business meeting on Thursday, July 13, 2023, on the final day of national conference in St. Petersburg, Fla. An online informational meeting was previously held on July 6, with audio and video recordings made available to all registered delegates to help provide greater awareness of items that were to be
- [Forty Year Ministry Veteran Receives Volunteer of the Year Award](https://charisfellowship.com/forty-year-ministry-veteran-receives-volunteer-of-the-year-award/) - Momentum Ministry Partners knows youth ministry can’t happen without faithful volunteers. Each year at Youth Conference they honor those who are committed to ministering to the next generation by serving the youth in their church. They also present one person with a Volunteer of the Year Award. This person is selected by Momentum staff out
- [Creative Kidz Camp Ministers to Community in New Ways](https://charisfellowship.com/creative-kidz-camp-ministers-to-community-in-new-ways/) - Waynesboro Grace Church in southern Pennsylvania hosted a new kind of kids camp in lieu of a traditional Vacation Bible School (VBS) called Creative Kidz Camp. The camp was held over the course of three evenings in late June. “As we were thinking about VBS this year we really wanted to think through the why.
- [Momentum Students Serve Community](https://charisfellowship.com/momentum-students-serve-community/) - Momentum Youth Conference hosted more than 2,000 students and leaders for their week-long conference, which was held at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Ind., from July 18–23. During the week, dozens of groups went out into the community to serve in a variety of ways. “Momentum's goal of sending students into the community is twofold,”
- [An Evening with Steven Curtis Chapman](https://charisfellowship.com/an-evening-with-steven-curtis-chapman-2/) - Access Conference attendees had the privilege of welcoming a special guest during the week. On Wednesday, July 12, award-winning Christian musical artist Steve Curtis Chapman played a concert at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, Fla., in conjunction with the conference. The concert was open to the general public but conference attendees could purchase their
- [Charis Celebration Sunday 2023](https://charisfellowship.com/charis-celebration-sunday-2023/) - Year after year, we’re astounded by all the incredible things God is doing through our movement, which is why our churches around the world observe Charis Celebration Sunday each fall. During this year’s celebration on October 29, our churches will recognize all the work God is doing through the amazing women of our movement. Everyday,
- [Seventh Brethren World Assembly Meets in Pennsylvania](https://charisfellowship.com/seventh-brethren-world-assembly-meets-in-pennsylvania/) - Several hundred spiritual descendants of Alexander Mack (1679–1735) recently celebrated the coming of the Brethren to America 300 years ago. The Seventh Brethren World Assembly, sponsored by the Brethren Encyclopedia board, met July26–28, 2023, on the campus of Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania to hear scholars, panels, and presentations about the coming of the Brethren to
- [Surprised by Joy](https://charisfellowship.com/surprised-by-joy/) - “I want to share the joy of the Lord through my art with as many people as I can.” Beth Heisey, long-time member and attender at Grace Polaris Church in Westerville, Ohio, uses her paintings to spark Gospel conversations about being forgiven. “My art is about how I feel when I confess my sins —
- [Jordan Gillette Awarded Student Ministries Pastor of the Year](https://charisfellowship.com/jordan-gillette-awarded-student-ministries-pastor-of-the-year/) - Each year at youth conference, Momentum Ministry Partners honors one youth pastor who is faithfully discipling the next generation and investing in the lives of students. This person is selected by a panel of Momentum staff, based on meeting certain criteria. This year’s Student Ministries Pastor of the Year Award recipient is Jordan Gillette, student
- [Access Session Livestreams Now Available](https://charisfellowship.com/access-session-livestreams-now-available/) - Main sessions from Access conference, held July 11–13 at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, Fla., are now available to watch on our YouTube here. You can also select individual sessions to watch from the list below. Session One: Fresh Models for Local Church Ministry (Jeff Bogue)Session Two: Fresh Models for Global Impact (Mike Yoder)Session
- [Access Conference Set to Begin on Tuesday](https://charisfellowship.com/access-conference-set-to-begin-on-tuesday/) - Access, the national conference for the Charis Fellowship, begins Tuesday in St. Petersburg, Fla., at the Mahaffey Theater. Nearly 400 people will attend the 3-day conference with a focus on fresh models for ministry. Each main session will be emceed by Church Planters Dayne Carraway (Church at the Well in Towson, Md.) and Wade Rininger
- [United in Ministry](https://charisfellowship.com/united-in-ministry/) - Mike Yoder’s path to becoming executive director of Encompass World Partners, a role he began on July 1, started when he was just a teenager. He grew up in a Charis Fellowship church and was involved in and connected to several ministries during his formative years. “If someone could be born into the Charis Fellowship,
- [Speakers Announced for Access 2023](https://charisfellowship.com/speakers-announced-for-access-2023/) - How do we share the unchanging hope we’ve found in Jesus with a rapidly changing world? At Access 2023, a variety of speakers will share how the Gospel changes lives while offering encouragement, wisdom, and fresh models for moving forward into the future of ministry. Get more information about Access on our website here. Pastor
- [Dedication and Connection at Northwest Focus Retreat](https://charisfellowship.com/dedication-and-connection-at-northwest-focus-retreat/) - The Northwest Focus Retreat, which was held on May 21–23, began with a special dedication service and dinner at Clear Lake Grace Brethren Camp in White Pass, Wash. Pastor Greg Howell, who passed away in November 2021, had a strong connection to Camp Clear Lake. Not only did he have an impactful experience there as
- [Workshops Announced for Access 2023](https://charisfellowship.com/workshops-announced-for-access-2023/) - Access features opportunities to engage in discussion and learning experiences that can help provide valuable ideas and resources for ministry and Christian living. These limited workshops were chosen specifically to facilitate conversation and education on topics related to moving forward in our ministry. We encourage everyone attending Access to participate in one workshop on Wednesday
- [Former BMH Executive Director Terry White Honored](https://charisfellowship.com/former-bmh-executive-director-terry-white-honored/) - Terry White, former executive director of Brethren Missionary Herald Co., was recently honored for his contributions to journalism. He served the organization from 2009–2012 and had a significant impact on the organization. He has also been involved in various other Charis Fellowship ministries. Read more about his impact at BMH in an archive post here.
- [A Product of Our Movement](https://charisfellowship.com/a-product-of-our-movement/) - “Not only was I exposed to our movement growing up, but I became a direct product of it.” Dave Guiles, who will step down from his role as executive director of Encompass World Partners in July, has spent his entire life in and around the churches and ministries of the Charis Fellowship. Dave’s roots trace
- [Legacy of Alexander Mack](https://charisfellowship.com/legacy-of-alexander-mack/) - On a sultry Sunday evening in late August, fifty men and women crowded into a small room at the old millhouse near Schriesheim, Germany. The windows and doors were tightly shut, and their joyful singing and intense prayer did little to mask the palpable tension in the room. Without warning, a sharp pounding on the
- [Grace Theological Seminary Introduces Online Master of Divinity Degree](https://charisfellowship.com/568187-2/) - Beginning in Fall 2023, Grace Theological Seminary will offer an online Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree for pastors and ministry leaders seeking a flexible and virtual means of advancing their education. “The M.Div. is a quintessential seminary degree, highly regarded among pastors in the field, and it’s time to give ministry leaders access to Grace
- [Florida District Provides Scholarship for Bible Training](https://charisfellowship.com/florida-district-provides-scholarship-for-bible-training/) - Churches in the Florida district are joining together to provide scholarship opportunities for students enrolled at Great Commission Bible Institute (GBCI). This will help facilitate a stronger connection with GCBI, the Florida district, and the Charis Fellowship. GCBI is a ten-month discipleship program based in Sebring, Fla. It is designed to help young adults establish
- [God Rescues Witchcraft Practicer in Africa](https://charisfellowship.com/god-rescues-witchcraft-practicer-in-africa/) - Mboi is one of Encompass’ partner evangelists in the Central African Republic (CAR). One day when he was taking a trip to a remote village, he decided to rest in a village along the way. There he saw a man with a reputation for practicing witchcraft. The man approached Mboi and asked him for a
- [A Man of Faith and Family](https://charisfellowship.com/a-man-of-faith-and-family/) - Behind the bearded countenance of the gentle giant that is Travis Dailey lies a heart of gold — a man who loves Jesus and isn’t ashamed to tell you about it. The Syracuse man earns his living working as a master embroiderer at T-Zone Custom Apparel in Milford. When he’s not there, however, you can
- [Finding Your Back Porch Place](https://charisfellowship.com/finding-your-back-porch-place/) - This morning I’m sitting on my back porch with a fresh cup of joe. This is one of my favorite places on earth. I love spending time out here in the cool open air and looking at the beauty of the trees and sky. This is where the Lord and I meet. Over the last
- [Faithful Proclamation of the Word](https://charisfellowship.com/faithful-proclamation-of-the-word/) - This past weekend Pastor Jim Custer was honored for his decades of ministry and widespread impact in the Central Ohio area. Assist Church Expansion, a national ministry of the Charis Fellowship with a mission to empower churches for healthy expansion, hosted the banquet at East Side Grace Brethren Church in Blacklick, Ohio. Jim’s ministry in
- [Don’t be Too Cool for Sunday School](https://charisfellowship.com/dont-be-too-cool-for-sunday-school/) - Sunday schools started in our movement of churches before the United States declared Independence. What began initially as a form to train children and teenagers in biblical knowledge grew to include adult Bible fellowships and served as a place of connection and training outside of the Sunday worship service. Over time these groups faced challenges
- [The Legacy of the Chateau](https://charisfellowship.com/the-legacy-of-the-chateau-2/) - It has been nearly 60 years since Encompass World Partners first acquired the Chateau in Saint-Albain, France. Despite being located in a de-Christianized country, we utilized it as a Christian retreat center with the purpose of facilitating encounters with God. This ancient structure has a long history within religious circles. It was built in the
- [Remembering Greg Howell](https://charisfellowship.com/remembering-greg-howell/) - It was five years ago that I found myself sitting in the basement of one of our district churches. Across from me sat the bulk of the Northwest District pastors. Their eyes looked up from the exam before them. Then, down again. Then, back to me again. I shifted nervously in my seat, awaiting their
- [The Story of Changed Lives](https://charisfellowship.com/the-story-of-changed-lives/) - The year was 1964 and the dilemma was clear. A variety of impersonal methods to share the Gospel were yielding little fruit among spiritual resistance in eastern France. Tom and Doris Julien were discouraged by the response. In God’s providence, however, an opportunity arose regarding an old castle in a quaint village – the Château
- [You’re Not Alone](https://charisfellowship.com/youre-not-alone/) - Viki Rife and Liz Sprankle, members at Leesburg Grace Brethren Church in northern Indiana, have been meeting together for years for encouragement, support, and prayer as they both navigated their anxiety. A friend recommended the book Finding Quiet by J.P. Moreland to Viki, who read it and in turn recommended it to Liz. The author
- [Caught in the Rain](https://charisfellowship.com/caught-in-the-rain/) - A commonly heard expression in the part of Texas where I live is, “If you don’t like the weather, just stick around for a few minutes. It’ll change.”Maybe that’s a true sentiment where you live, too. Changes in the weather rarely catch us off guard. We have television channels and apps on our phones that
- [A Platinum Age of Theology](https://charisfellowship.com/a-platinum-age-of-theology/) - Years ago, several leaders in our Fellowship declared it the “Golden Age of Relationship.” The Charis Fellowship had found its stride in a common mission and identity. It linked arms with a global family. It rebranded and reformatted conferences to increase access to one another. These were good days. I almost expected a resurgence of
- [Releasing the Generations](https://charisfellowship.com/releasing-the-generations/) - Each spring Grace Church in Ashland, Ohio, hosts an event for seniors called North of 55. The goal is to inspire and equip older generations to invest well in younger generations. This one-day event is hosted and organized by Grace but is open to all Charis Fellowship churches, especially in the northeast Ohio and northcentral
- [A Look Back at Access 2022](https://charisfellowship.com/a-look-back-at-access-2022/) - The Charis Fellowship is blessed with many gifted speakers and teachers. Last summer we had the chance to hear from five of them at Access, which was held at Grace College in Winona Lake, Ind. During the conference’s five main celebrations, speakers presented on various elements of relationships, each highlighting a different component. See photos
- [An Aroma of Christ](https://charisfellowship.com/an-aroma-of-christ/) - “We are seeking to serve Him, and we can have a lot of fun doing that.” In February, 50 youth from Bellefontaine Grace Church (BGC) in Bellefontaine, Ohio, participated in a Supermarket Sweep for charity. The youth group raised money, hosted a gameshow night at a local grocery store, and purchased food to donate to
- [Walking Where Jesus Walked](https://charisfellowship.com/walking-where-jesus-walked/) - Bob Fetterhoff first experienced the Holy Land in 1994 on a trip led by Pastor Jim Custer. At the time, Jim was the lead pastor of Grace Polaris Church in Westerville, Ohio, and Bob was the senior pastor at Grace Church of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio. “The Scriptures really came alive to me on that
- [Grace College Chemistry Graduate Serves with Mercy Ships Before Medical School](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-college-chemistry-graduate-serves-with-mercy-ships-before-medical-school/) - Grace College graduate and Warsaw-native Austin Bowell is spending the next four months aboard Mercy Ships, a Christ-centered nonprofit organization that provides free healthcare around the world with its hospital ships. A 2022 chemistry and biology graduate, Austin is seeking to serve and gain cross-cultural healthcare experience before attending medical school this fall. “Mercy Ships brings people together from around
- [Faithful in Every Season](https://charisfellowship.com/faithful-in-every-season/) - When Jenn Avey studied mathematics at Grace College, she had no idea the journey God would take her on that would ultimately lead her to becoming the executive director for Charis Women. “Being willing and available to serve how God sees fit opens doors,” she said. Jenn was saved at a young age and grew
- [Having a Clear Vision](https://charisfellowship.com/having-a-clear-vision/) - This week pastors and ministry leaders gathered for the South Focus Retreat in central Florida. The retreat had the theme “48-Hour Refresh” and provided an opportunity for attendees to find rest and refreshment. Dan Allan, the incoming executive director for the Charis Fellowship, and Andrew Saunders, networking coordinator for the Charis Fellowship, led the sessions
- [Charis 2023 Forum](https://charisfellowship.com/charis-2023-forum/) - About once every five years, Charis leaders from around the world gather together to discuss matters that affect the entire organization. On March 5–10, the Charis 2023 Forum was held in Nairobi, Kenya. At this meeting, 64 people met to refine our Common Mission Statement, brainstorm how our churches can practice interdependency, and discuss the
- [More of Us](https://charisfellowship.com/more-of-us/) - “The more I got to know pastors across our Fellowship, the more I came to appreciate their stories.” Tim Sprankle, lead pastor at Leesburg Grace Church in northern Indiana, launched a new podcast in February with Trent Lambert from the Center for Thriving Leaders at Grace Seminary. Tim has been a pastor in the Charis
- [Mischelle Hill Joins Fellowship Office Staff](https://charisfellowship.com/mischelle-hill-joins-fellowship-office-staff/) - In February Mischelle Hill joined the Fellowship Office staff as the registration and events manager. Mischelle’s main responsibilities will be assisting with event planning and registration for Focus Retreats and Access Conferences. Mischelle was born in Mexico City, Mexico, and lived there until her family moved to Indianapolis, Ind., when she was five. She graduated
- [Seventh Brethren World Assembly Set for July 26–29](https://charisfellowship.com/seventh-brethren-world-assembly-set-for-july-26-29/) - Members and friends of Charis Alliance churches are invited and encouraged to attend a three-day Brethren World Assembly that will focus on historical aspects of the Brethren coming to America, settling in the new land, and beginning church expansion westward. The Seventh Brethren World Assembly will be held at the Young Center for Anabaptist and
- [Pastor Mark Artrip to Open Momentum Youth Conference in July](https://charisfellowship.com/pastor-mark-artrip-to-open-momentum-youth-conference-in-july/) - Momentum Ministry Partners is thrilled to announce the opening night speaker for Momentum Youth Conference 2023 is our long-standing and valued partner, Pastor Mark Artrip. Growing up in Rittman, Ohio, Mark got started in ministry by watching his father lead youth in the church. 1998 at Momentum Youth Conference, he responded to the invitation to
- [Charis Women Connection & Leadership Brunch](https://charisfellowship.com/charis-women-connection-leadership-brunch/) - “We need each other and your ministry and service matters to the mission of Christ.” Last week twenty women from Central Ohio gathered at East Side Grace Brethren Church in Blacklick, Ohio, for a time of connection, fellowship, and encouragement. East Side hosted the brunch in conjunction with Charis Women. Jenn Avey, executive director of
- [Registration is Now Open for Access 2023](https://charisfellowship.com/registration-is-now-open-for-access-2023/) - Access is the national conference of the Charis Fellowship and is a vital connection point for people in Charis churches and ministries. The three-day conference is designed to build relationships, deepen biblical knowledge, and strengthen ministry. Each day consists of teaching and worship during celebrations, smaller group instruction and discussion, shared meals, and time for
- [Renew, Restore, Refresh](https://charisfellowship.com/renew-restore-refresh/) - Meredith Russell has been part of Neighborhood Church in Sebring, Fla., since 2014. Her husband, Ben, serves as the lead pastor. Recently, a long-held desire of Meredith’s to have a women’s retreat came to fruition. Below, Meredith shared how the women of Neighborhood Church Sebring came together to plan and host their first ever women’s
- [Grace College and Momentum Ministry Partners Take Their Partnership to the Next Level](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-college-and-momentum-ministry-partners-take-their-partnership-to-the-next-level/) - “I believe that Momentum Ministry Partners is a great strategic partner for Grace College Akron because of our national presence, our history of reaching and training young people in ministry, and our effectiveness in giving young people a vision for how God might use them in vocational ministry.”
- [Regarding and Relating to One Another](https://charisfellowship.com/regarding-and-relating-to-one-another/) - At the end of January, pastors and ministry leaders gathered in Southern California for the Southwest Focus Retreat. Charis Fellowship Executive Director Phil Sparling led group discussions on a variety of topics. They examined 2 Corinthians through the lens of interdependence and discussed Paul’s instructions to believers in how they should regard and relate to
- [Encompass Earthquake Relief](https://charisfellowship.com/encompass-crisis-response-earthquake-relief/) - Eastern Turkey and northern Syria were hit by successive powerful earthquakes early on Monday, February 6. As of mid-February, the death toll has surpassed 40,000. God is on the move in the midst of tragedy, and you can help! As a global Church, let’s go further together to help address physical suffering and to offer spiritual
- [Grace College & Theological Seminary Professor Releases New Book on 2 Peter and Jude](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-college-theological-seminary-professor-releases-new-book-on-2-peter-and-jude/) - Professor of New Testament Studies at Grace College & Theological Seminary Dr. Matt Harmon recently released his latest book, “The God Who Judges and Saves.” In the theology of 2 Peter and Jude, Harmon examines five unique themes of the books, addressing topics such as false teaching, God’s authority and the new heavens and the new earth, and giving Christians comfort and motivation in the face of serious challenges and opposition to the Gospel.
- [Same Mission, Fresh Model](https://charisfellowship.com/same-mission-fresh-model/) - Each one of us has a story of how we’ve been captivated by the Gospel. But how do we share the unchanging hope we’ve found in Jesus with a rapidly changing world? At Access 2023, a variety of speakers will share their own stories of how the Gospel changed their lives and offer encouragement as
- [Momentum Youth Conference Theme Announced](https://charisfellowship.com/momentum-youth-conference-theme-announced/) - Students at Momentum Youth Conference this summer will spend a week in life-changing sessions and experience hands-on ministry, all centered on the theme of KNOWN. To know, and be known, by our Lord, Jesus Christ. At Momentum Youth Conference, the desire is for students to connect to God, understand where they belong in God’s Kingdom and how
- [At the Table](https://charisfellowship.com/at-the-table/) - “God is worthy of our praise regardless of our circumstances.” Sue Fenker, director of children’s ministries at Community of Hope Grace Brethren Church in Columbia City, Ind., opened up the Charis Women’s At the Table conference with this reminder of God’s goodness. And in His goodness, He has set a place for everyone at His table. The
- [Loving Like Jesus](https://charisfellowship.com/loving-like-jesus/) - Grace Church of Aiken, South Carolina, was founded in the 1970s. Today it remains one of the few Charis Fellowship churches in the state. When Pastor Steve Taylor retired in 2016 after serving the congregation faithfully for more than forty years, the church entered a period of transition.In early 2020 the church elders agreed they
- [Prepared for Ministry](https://charisfellowship.com/prepared-for-ministry/) - Looking back on the trajectory of Viki Rife’s life, one can see the pieces God was putting into place to ultimately lead her into the role of executive director for Charis Women. From her early language-learning years to the women who impacted her life, God was preparing her for her future ministry. When Viki was
- [Obituary for Tom Julien](https://charisfellowship.com/obituary-for-tom-julien/) - Tom Julien, retired Charis Fellowship pastor and global worker with Encompass World Partners, died on January 16, 2023. Tom and his wife, Doris, were instrumental in starting the ministry of the Château de Saint Albain in France where they were involved in evangelism, training, and church planting. Visitation is planned for Friday, January 20, from
- [Equipping through Discipleship and Development](https://charisfellowship.com/equipping-through-discipleship-and-development/) - “Equipping is simultaneously discipling and developing.” After recently working through a new vision statement based on Ephesians 4, Gateway Church in Parkesburg, Pa., began seeking new ways to equip their people. They believe equipping is multifaceted and wanted to develop methods that were both beneficial to the one being equipped and that would utilize the
- [Agents of Hope, Help, and Healing](https://charisfellowship.com/agents-of-hope-help-and-healing/) - “All of us who follow Jesus have a rescue story. Every one of those rescue stories is worth celebrating. It’s amazing that God takes broken, imperfect, messed up people like you and me, and invites us to join Him in His rescue efforts around the world. We get to be His agents of help, hope, and healing in the lives of those around us, both locally and around the globe.”
- [Light in Darkness](https://charisfellowship.com/light-in-darkness/) - At Bellefontaine Grace Church (BGC) in Bellefontaine, Ohio, their mission in relating to the Gospel is to “learn it, live it, give it.” Since its founding in 2016, BGC has pursued this mission in creative ways both inside their church and out in their community. For several years BGC helped Marmon Valley Farm, a local
- [A Theology of Worship](https://charisfellowship.com/a-theology-of-worship/) - “Above all else, the text comes first,” Davey said of how he selects music for Sunday mornings. He explains the songs to the congregation and how the Gospel is presented in the lyrics and why that matters. The congregation has embraced this theology and the music Davey introduces. “When there is a clear Gospel message in a song, it’s hard not to see the benefit of that,” he said.
- [Full Circle Missions](https://charisfellowship.com/full-circle-missions-2/) - For Elise Klawitter, her experience with Encompass World Partners is coming full circle. She is preparing to embark on a Gospel work journey that is both familiar and entirely new. Born in France to global worker parents, Elise has spent most of her life in the mission field. Her parent’s journey began shortly after college,
- [Pointing Toward Jesus](https://charisfellowship.com/pointing-toward-jesus/) - Joel Zook is one pastor who benefited from this model of training. He was the first person to complete the two-year residency program at Grace Polaris Church in Westerville, Ohio, serving from 2019–2021. Prior to his residency, he received a bachelor’s degree and Master of Divinity from Grace College and Seminary. Part of the shared mission of Charis Fellowship churches is training leaders. While there are a variety of ways to do this, many Charis churches utilize hands-on ministry training through internships and residencies as a central tool for preparing young leaders for future ministry. Joel Zook is one pastor who benefited from this model of
- [Heritage of Faith](https://charisfellowship.com/heritage-of-faith-2/) - Discipling and investing in the next generation is essential, and it’s hard to think of a better example than Paul’s relationship with Timothy. In the opening and closing remarks of the first chapter of his first letter to Timothy, Paul addresses him as, “my son.” Paul’s letters to Timothy are full of advice, encouragement, admonition,
- [Hearts for Discipleship](https://charisfellowship.com/hearts-for-discipleship-2/) - In the early 1900s, Alaska drew more than just prospectors and explorers. Missionaries also ventured into the area and many churches were built in the remote villages. More than a century later, most of these church buildings sit empty and only eight percent of Alaskans attend an evangelical church (Pew Research, 2014). Roger and Melissa
- [Part Two: Mobilization in Europe](https://charisfellowship.com/part-two-mobilization-in-europe/) - Part two of this series was written by MaryAnn Barlow, Jason and Crystal Horner, and Dave Guiles. MaryAnn reflects on their ministry over the decades, Jason and Crystal discuss how their ministry shifted during the Covid-19 pandemic, and Dave looks to the future of Encompass’s involvement in ministry in the U.K.
- [Part One: Mobilization in Europe](https://charisfellowship.com/part-one-mobilization-in-europe/) - It’s been four decades since global workers with Encompass World Partners first entered the United Kingdom. Since then, several families have served in England by planting churches, training leaders, and leveraging social clubs for the Gospel. In celebration of this fortieth milestone, a few workers reflected on their time in England.
- [Fostering Love](https://charisfellowship.com/fostering-love-2/) - “It’s the most rewarding thing you’ll ever do and it’s the hardest thing you’ll ever do. You’ll get your heart broken over and over again.” January marked thirty years since Mark and Janice Workman began their foster care journey. “When our youngest started school, we decided we weren’t done having babies in our home yet,” Janice
- [Faithful Partnerships](https://charisfellowship.com/faithful-partnerships/) - Bob Sidwell has been leading construction teams for most of his life. He is a trained civil engineer and made a career out of construction management. Twenty-five years ago when his home church, East Side Grace Brethren Church in Blacklick, Ohio, was undertaking a major construction project, Bob managed it. “After that project, I sort
- [Momentum Travel Teams Registration Now Open](https://charisfellowship.com/momentum-travel-teams-registration-now-open/) - A version of this story originally appeared in a newsletter from Momentum Ministry Partners. Find more information on their website here. It’s time for high-school students to start applying for Momentum Travel Teams! These traveling ministry-training teams provide an intensive opportunity to equip participants to make a difference in their local churches and communities by focusing
- [Hurricane Ian Response](https://charisfellowship.com/hurricane-ian-response/) - Encompass World Partners and Assist Church Expansion are in the early stages of collaboration with the Florida Charis Fellowship churches on a response to Hurricane Ian. Your prayers and giving will make a difference in serving and equipping local Charis churches to reach out to their church families and communities as they recover from Ian’s
- [Giving Hope by Meeting Practical Needs](https://charisfellowship.com/giving-hope-by-meeting-practical-needs/) - A version of this story originally appeared in a newsletter from Momentum Ministry Partners. Find more information on their website here. What if there was a practical way for you to deliver the Hope of Jesus and serve others this Christmas season? Momentum Urban Centers are providing an incredible opportunity for you to do just
- [Until We All](https://charisfellowship.com/until-we-all/) - “The Fellowship gave me brothers.” Dr. John Teevan, veteran Charis Fellowship pastor and professor at Grace College, closed out the Central Focus Retreat by sharing his view of interdependence. While sharing his life story and ministry experiences, he stated that he always wanted to have a brother and that he is grateful for the connectivity
- [29 Years and 2,000 Students](https://charisfellowship.com/29-years-and-2000-students/) - In the last 29 years, if you have been a student on Travel Teams, led a Travel Team, or sent a student on one, you certainly know who Sherilyn Rank is. After three decades of faithful service at Momentum Ministry Partners, and working with over 2,000 high school students, Sherilyn is retiring this month from vocational ministry.
- [Grace College Celebrates Inauguration of Seventh President, Dr. Drew Flamm](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-college-celebrates-inauguration-of-seventh-president-dr-drew-flamm/) - Grace College & Theological Seminary commemorates the inauguration of the institution’s seventh President, Dr. Drew Flamm, with a Presidential Inauguration Ceremony on Friday, November 4, at 10:30 a.m., in the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center, located at 610 Wooster Rd., Winona Lake. The ceremony is open to the public and will also be streamed online here.
- [Wearing the Same Jersey](https://charisfellowship.com/wearing-the-same-jersey/) - “How I feel about someone and how I relate to them is my definition of interdependence.” As the East Focus Retreat drew to a close on Wednesday morning, Charis Fellowship Executive Director Phil Sparling shared his view of interdependence. Phil is in his last year of serving in this role and he reflected on how
- [Home with Jesus](https://charisfellowship.com/home-with-jesus-3/) - Kenneth Cosgrove Kenneth Cosgrove went home to be with the Lord on October 20, 2022. Kenn pastored as several Charis Fellowship churches in Iowa, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. He was a member of Inspire Charis Pastors Network and served a mentor in the Charis Fellowship North Atlantic District. Read Kenn’s full obituary here. Jan Bell Jan
- [Off for Northwest Focus Retreat](https://charisfellowship.com/off-for-northwest-focus-retreat/) - This rainy Friday afternoon in Winona Lake, Indiana marks two beginnings. The first is BMH's entry into the blogosphere with this post. Hopefully, this can become a tool to connect people and churches of the FGBC in ways that are mutually helpful and really help advance the Great Commission teamwork. The second "beginning" is a
- [Charlie and Jeff Raise Bucks for Grace Village](https://charisfellowship.com/charlie-and-jeff-raise-bucks-for-grace-village/) - Tonight Sharon played 90 minutes of background music for a prime rib dinner for about 70 invited guests to an endowment fund raiser for Grace Village, the Grace Brethren retirement complex on Wooster Road here in Winona Lake www.gracevillage.org. Charlie Turner--former Executive Director of BMH -- was the featured speaker and he explained that many
- [Northwest Focus Retreat Ends](https://charisfellowship.com/northwest-focus-retreat-ends/) - Whew! I'm bushed tonight and am writing from a hotel in Seattle following the conclusion of the Northwest Focus Retreat which was held Monday, Tuesday and today at Camp Clear Lake near Whites Pass. The crowd at the retreat was fairly small--about 18, I think--but we had a wonderful, wonderful time. It was an excellent
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/10-2/) - Pastors, laymen, national organization reps gathered for a three-day retreat at Camp Clear Lake May 17-19.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/11-2/) - Tom Avey, FGBC Coordinator, led one of the sessions at the Northwest Focus Retreat.
- [This and That on a Friday](https://charisfellowship.com/this-and-that-on-a-friday/) - Tonight we go to the renovated Westminster Hotel here in Winona Lake for an all-community dinner and hymnsing. Grace College is sponsoring it--Don Ogden leads the music, Barb Manahan will play piano and Sharon White will play organ. We've heard that perhaps about 150 people have signed up for either the dinner or the hymnsing
- [Morning Meditation](https://charisfellowship.com/13-2/) - Tom Ireton (left), a lay leader from the Kent, Washington, church and pastor Dave Marksbury (Kent, WA, right) spent some quiet time Tuesday morning meditating on a Second Corinthians passage at the Northwest Focus Retreat.
- [Early Morning Fishing](https://charisfellowship.com/14-2/) - Bill Kirchner, a layman from the Kent, WA church, got in some early-morning fishing and digital photography at the Northwest Focus Retreat held at Camp Clear Lake near White's Pass, Washington.
- [HymnSing Highlight](https://charisfellowship.com/17-2/) - A highlight of the hymnsing was a "President's Quartet" singing "Stand Up for Jesus." At left are former Grace College & Seminary presidents John Davis, Ron Manahan (current president), Homer Kent, Jr., and at right is former Dean Bill Male.
- [Dr. Kent Delivers Mark Commentary Manuscript](https://charisfellowship.com/dr-kent-delivers-mark-commentary-manuscript/) - BMH Books is off and running again! Last night Dr. Homer Kent, Jr. delivered to us the finished manuscript of a project he's been working on--the updated and expanded commentary on the book of Mark. He did a shorter,"lightweight" version some years ago, but this new version is meatier, has a chapter for each of
- [Before You Pray--Consider Privacy Issues](https://charisfellowship.com/before-you-pray-consider-privacy-issues/) - Oh goody. Here's something else we can be concerned about! According to several reports I've read recently, pastors and church leaders must be much more careful about praying for people in public--you can't reveal too much about their situation, even in praying for their welfare, because of the recent HIPAA act. University of Chicago's Martin
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/21-2/) - Pastor Charles Ashman (standing, right) was honored Tuesday morning, June 1, 2004 for reaching his 80th birthday. Several dozen friends and Grace Brethren national organization staff people gathered in the lobby of the GBNAM building. Ashman's wife, Frances, is seated at right (white blouse). Sandy Barrett of the FGBC Coordinator's office (standing, at left) helped
- [Grace Brethren Pastor Neil Cole Featured in Charisma Magazine](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-brethren-pastor-neil-cole-featured-in-charisma-magazine/) - 'Coffeehouse Ministry' Thrives Outside Traditional Settings Neil Cole traded his pulpit for a patio table at a trendy California coffee shop -- and started the first of his unusual churches. In 1999, Cole jettisoned his traditional pastoral ministry in Alta Loma to launch Awakening Chapel -- founding it literally in the smoking section of The
- [Discussing Microenterprise Development As Mission](https://charisfellowship.com/discussing-microenterprise-development-as-mission/) - What a great gathering Grace Brethren International Missions (GBIM) has been having this week! Missionary businesspeople from all over the world have gathered for a Microenterprise Development Conference, which is being convened by Stuart Hake, the CFO of GBIM. I'll reproduce here an article on the conference that has been prepared for the July, 2004
- [Microenterprise Development Summit Held](https://charisfellowship.com/24-2/) - Missionaries, nationals, and selected individuals from various Grace Brethren national organizations participated in the GBIM-sponsored Microenterprise Development Summit this past week. (Jay Hocking photo)
- [A Personal Remembrance of Ronald Reagan](https://charisfellowship.com/a-personal-remembrance-of-ronald-reagan/) - Among the many tributes to President Reagan that have flowed through the BMH office since the weekend was this one by a personal friend and former colleague, Pat Nolan. Pat (who once rode as Tommy Trojan at USC) is a former Republican leader of the California state assembly, and is now the president of Justice
- [The Guy Who Sang 'Amazing Grace'](https://charisfellowship.com/the-guy-who-sang-amazing-grace/) - I've heard nobody in the commentary of the Reagan funeral say much about Ronan Tynan, the tenor who sang at the National Cathedral service. Most news reports only say that President Reagan "wanted an operatic singer" to perform at his funeral. In fact, Tynan has an amazing story. Here it is: Tenor Ronan Tynan hails
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/30-2/) - Strolling musicians playing familiar American melodies on traditional folk instruments were part of Saturday's Billy Sunday Festival in Winona Lake. These musicians strolled among the spectators for the 1860s-style baseball game on Tabernacle Field, the former site of the Billy Sunday Tabernacle.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/31-2/) - The "Blue Laws" team from Winona Lake beat a Warsaw team 16-7 in this game played Saturday on Tabernacle Field in Winona Lake. Uniforms, rules and procedures are quaint replicas of the games played in the 1860s. Huzzah!
- [Postmodernism and the Emergent Church](https://charisfellowship.com/postmodernism-and-the-emergent-church/) - My attention has been drawn lately to the "Emergent Church" and the movement within evangelicalism that calls itself "Postmodern." I recently attended a panel discussion which included about eight leaders in this movement. I didn't catch the names of all of them, but Doug Pagitt, pastor of Solomon's Porch in Minneapolis, was the moderator of
- [Thomas Hamill "Laid it in God's Hands"](https://charisfellowship.com/thomas-hamill-laid-it-in-gods-hands/) - Here's a piece of the Thomas Hamill hostage story I hadn't heard before. This is a short excerpt from a piece by Stefan Bos as distributed by the ASSIST News Service. Hamill made clear that at the end God is in control. "I've been a Christian all my life, but it's hard to say exactly
- [Alzheimer's, my Father and Stem Cell Research](https://charisfellowship.com/alzheimers-my-father-and-stem-cell-research/) - Only those of us who have had a close-up encounter with Alzheimer's Disease can understand the poignancy of what Nancy Reagan has been going through for a decade. My father--a brilliant, godly and wise leader in his community and in the Kittanning, PA Grace Brethren Church--recently died at age 94 after a 10-year decline with
- [Grace Brethren Chaplain Asks for Prayers](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-brethren-chaplain-asks-for-prayers/) - Kathy Allison of Grace Brethren North American Missions forwards this letter from Grace Brethren Chaplain James Schaefer and asks that Grace Brethren remember to pray for James and other chaplains who serve so gallantly and fearlessly in dangerous situations. Here, as relayed by FGBC Chaplains Endorsing Agent John Schumacher, is a slightly-edited version of James'
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/12-2/) - High atop a monster-rock outcropping over the Clear Lake spillway and dam, Tom Avey (left) and John Teevan (right) saw some 20 elk in an early-morning walk. Camp Clear Lake is just to the right of John's elbow in this photo.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/33-2/) - "Ma Is In the House" Mrs. Helen "Ma" Sunday, as portrayed by Kathy Allison of the Grace Brethren North American Mission staff, welcomed visitors to the restored Billy Sunday home during Saturday's Billy Sunday Festival. Entitled Mount Hood, the Sunday home (which perches atop Evangel Hill above the Rodeheaver Auditorium in Winona Lake, Indiana) was
- [Celebrating Sunday on Saturday](https://charisfellowship.com/celebrating-sunday-on-saturday/) - What a great weekend this was in Winona Lake, Indiana! It was the annual "Billy Sunday Festival" when the town celebrates one of its most famous former residents--evangelist Billy Sunday (1862-1935). It is estimated that the former professional baseball player preached to over 100 million people and had over one million converts to Christ in
- [With My Cello on my Back . . .](https://charisfellowship.com/with-my-cello-on-my-back/) - Wow! What a blockbuster weekend in Winona Lake for history and music lovers! Not only was this the Warsaw Sesquicentennial celebration weekend, but the MasterWorks orchestra, all 110 of them, played two concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings. The keystone work was the Brahms Second Symphony, which was played with great depth and precision. Conductor
- [Sebring Church Plans Bible Institute](https://charisfellowship.com/sebring-church-plans-bible-institute/) - Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, under the leadership of Associate Pastor Bruce Barlow, had a fun weekend hosting Dr. Randy Smith this past weekend. Smith, who is well-known as a Bible teacher and expert in Israel (he lived there a number of years), taught sessions on the Gospels and did a two-hour seminar on Leviticus
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/48-2/) - Dr. Randy Smith, pastor of the Sebring FL Grace Brethren Church, taught seminars in Winona Lake over the weekend and revealed plans by the Sebring Church to begin an intensive one-year Bible institute program in conjunction with the church and its ministry.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/53-2/) - Terry Eichorst (standing), now in the insurance business in Houston, was one of Lloyd Woolman's former soccer players who returned to the Grace campus this weekend to honor the former coach, who is seated, at left. Woolman's son, Gary (white shirt), is seated at right. Eichorst presented Woolman with several cans of Steed additive (on
- [Time Magazine Meets Joe Blog](https://charisfellowship.com/time-magazine-meets-joe-blog/) - The current issue of Time Magazine is featuring an article on the popularity and growth of blogs. Here are just a couple paragraphs to whet your appetite: Meet Joe Blog Why are more and more people getting their news from amateur websites called blogs? Because they're fast, funny and totally biased By LEV GROSSMAN; ANITA
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/50-2/) - A little Milhaud with your coffee? While MasterWorks festival is in town, several performances a day by students occur around the Village of Winona. Here a woodwind quintet plays a Milhaud piece Wednesday afternoon on the porch of the Clock Tower Bakery on Park Avenue. MasterWorks is a joint project of the Village at Winona,
- [Purpose-Driven Wins ECPA Book of the Year](https://charisfellowship.com/purpose-driven-wins-ecpa-book-of-the-year/) - Rick Warren's The Purpose-Driven Life has won the prestigious Book of the Year award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA). This year 471 books from 58 publishers were entered into the Gold Medallion Awards competition, which is judged by a panel that includes bookstore owners, managers, buyers, editors and book reviewers. The judges selected
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/52-2/) - Grace Professor Steve Grill, an expert in the history of Winona Lake and head of the Reneker Museum of Winona History, led walking tours Saturday morning during the Grace Alumni gathering. Here, on the steps of the Beyer Home overlooking the former site of the Billy Sunday Tabernacle, Grill explains the significance of the Beyer
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/54-2/) - Chet Kammerer, former basketball standout and coach at Grace College who now works with the NBA as a scout and in player development, was present Saturday to tell anecdotes and give tribute to his former coach and colleague, Lloyd Woolman. Woolman, now retired and living in Everett, Washington, was honored by many of his former
- [How Patriotic Should a Church Be? Biker Church Weighs In](https://charisfellowship.com/how-patriotic-should-a-church-be-biker-church-weighs-in/) - This week's column by a good friend, Jim Dahlman, who teaches journalism at Milligan College in Tennessee and writes weekly for his local paper, raises a good issue. In it he quotes Vic Young, pastor of "The Biker Church" which will be hosting the FGBC later this month when Celebration Conference convenes in Kingsport, Tennessee.
- [Notes From a Global Prayer Meeting](https://charisfellowship.com/notes-from-a-global-prayer-meeting/) - Wednesday nights are really rich. That’s when our Global Prayer Group meets, and when we pray ‘round the world for Grace Brethren missionaries and mission spots. Last night, because of the SALT (Strategic Alliance Leadership Training) course which Tom Julien is conducting this week here in Winona Lake, we had several guests with us to
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/39-2/) - Tom Julien of Grace Brethren International Missions led some 30 S.A.L.T. trainees through material this week at GBIM headquarters in Winona Lake. Participants came from around the U.S. (including Alaska) and five other countries.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/40-2/) - Jennifer McCaman, Grace College sophomore daughter of Argentine missionaries Gary and Linda McCaman, translated S.A.L.T. sessions into Spanish from an adjacent room. Watching proceedings via closed circuit TV, she sent wireless transmissions into headsets in the seminar room which were worn by those who preferred to hear the sessions in Spanish.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/41-2/) - "After it rains, he pours." When Friday morning's rain had blown through the town of Winona Lake, Indiana, work on exterior updates to the BMH building continued. A new sidewalk will make it easier for BMH and bookstore patrons to get from the parking area into the building.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/42-2/) - After the sidewalk, landscaping updates are next for the BMH building on Kings Highway in Winona Lake. The building was built in 1956 when Arnold Kriegbaum was head of the Brethren Missionary Herald Co. Exterior and interior renovations have been under the direction of Ann Schwartz Myers, project manager for BMH.
- [Emergent Church Featured in USA Today](https://charisfellowship.com/emergent-church-featured-in-usa-today/) - Relevant Magazine and Relevant Books--the publisher of Kary Oberbrunner's new book (student ministries, Powell, OH, Grace Brethren Church)-- are the subject of a cover feature in the Life section of yesterday's USA Today. The article offers a behind-the-scenes view of 28-year-old founder Cameron Strang and Relevant's approach to reach 20-somethings with the Gospel. "Sight, sound,
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/44-2/) - An "Author's Autography Party" by numerous Warsaw/Winona Lake, IN area authors was held Saturday in the Warsaw Community Library as part of the town's Sesquicentennial celebration. BMH author Homer Kent, Jr. (seated right, along with his wife, Beverly) autographed copies of his many commentaries as part of the celebration. BMH Books will publish a newly-written,
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/45-2/) - Dr. John Davis (left) autographs one of his books for visitors to the "Author's Autograph Party" during the Warsaw, IN Sesquicentennial celebrations Saturday afternoon, June 26. Davis' wife, Carolyn, is at right. Currently BMH Books is discussing with Davis several potential publishing projects, including the updating of his 1970s book on counterfeit religions and the
- [Be Careful When Using Church Discipline](https://charisfellowship.com/be-careful-when-using-church-discipline/) - This recent "Sightings" column alerts us to some issues regarding privacy and church discipline. Confidences -- Duane R. Bidwell A minister who is licensed by the state of Texas as a mental-health professional cannot claim First Amendment protections for a breach of confidentiality, a Texas appeals court has ruled. The case alleges that Fort Worth
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/32-2/) - Care for a carriage ride? Available for hire, the elegant horse-drawn carriage took tourists out around MacDonald Island and back down Park Avenue (pictured here, in front of Rodeheaver Auditorium) as part of Saturday's Billy Sunday Festival.
- [Enjoying the Brethren Flow-Through](https://charisfellowship.com/enjoying-the-brethren-flow-through/) - One of the advantages of living in Winona Lake, Indiana, is seeing so many Grace Brethren-connected people flow through this town, which houses most of the Grace Brethren national organizations. This week, for example, we saw Linda Mensinger in church. She’s on her way to the Northwest to care for her parents, leaving Eddie—for the
- [SMM Transfers to Women of Grace](https://charisfellowship.com/smm-transfers-to-women-of-grace/) - Women of Grace USA is pleased to announce that the organization has accepted responsibility for overseeing the SMM program. SMM (Serving My Master) is a long-standing ministry of Grace Brethren churches in which women train girls to live godly lives. Women of Grace acknowledges with deepest gratitude the unparalleled contribution CE National has made to
- [What Does John Edwards Believe?](https://charisfellowship.com/what-does-john-edwards-believe/) - Christians now have an important new hobby to pursue--analyzing the faith and values stances of the just-announced Democratic vice-presidential candidate. A very helpful and insightful article is on the current blog of ChristianityToday.com. Rather than reproduce it entirely, I've selected just a few paragraphs here and there that give the flavor. I highly recommend reading
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/66-2/) - A group of Native American dancers from the Ho-Chunk tribe entertained at the GBIM International Cafe on the grounds of U. Wis. LaCrosse Sunday afternoon. There was also a German polka band, strolling accordionist, and a group of Hmong native dancers in costume.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/67-2/) - Sue (left) and Dave Griffiths, missionaries to France, served cheese at the International Cafe on the grounds of the BNYC conference Sunday afternoon. Many international foods were available and hundreds of teens enjoyed the food, took part in the entertainment, and discussed cross-cultural missions work with stateside missionaries.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/68-2/) - Dewey Bertolini, center, with microphone, answered questions under the lunch tent Sunday noon. Bertolini directs the National Institute which prepares young people for youth ministry, and he fielded questions as the "Bible Answer Man" from teens who listened as they ate a picnic lunch at the Brethren National Youth Conference.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/69-2/) - Sunday night's session with Dewey Bertolini as speaker was held in the U. Wisc. LaCrosse football stadium. It was a picture-perfect night, with a light breeze coming off the rock bluffs on the other side of the valley as 2,400 teenagers gathered in the stadium to sing and to hear a challenge from Bertolini.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/70-2/) - NAC Competitors are used as prelude numbers before each of the main sessions. On Monday morning these interpretive dance performers provided pre-service worship.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/71-2/) - A choir from the Chesapeake District, comprised of singers from seven different Grace Brethren churches on the eastern seaboard, performed in music and sign language prior to Monday morning's main session.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/72-2/) - Thank goodness it wasn't yesterday! The Hoeschler Clock Tower courtyard, which Sunday had hundreds of people milling around, performing and eating as part of the International Cafe, was under about two feet of water after Monday's noontime flash flood rain and hailstorm.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/73-2/) - Monday's noontime storm took roofs off buildings and downed trees in the downtown section of LaCrosse, Wisconsin. By God's grace, however, the UWL campus where BNYC is occurring was largely untouched, and some of the students were able to pray and minister to those who were affected by the storm.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/74-2/) - As part of Monday's "Blitz" activities, students fanned out across the city doing service projects such as cleaning rooms, tearing down vines, shredding documents, and more. Here two students help at the local Red Cross office, where one of their tasks was to fly new American and Red Cross flags above the office.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/75-2/) - A men's quartet from the Osceloa, Indiana, Grace Brethren Church opened Tuesday's morning session at Brethren Youth Conference with several foot-tapping Southern Gospel numbers.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/57-2/) - Sherwood Lingenfelter, president of the Grace Brethren International Missions (GBIM) board and Professor and Provost/Senior Vice President of Fuller Theological Seminary in California, is teaching the morning sessions at the GBIM "Family Reunion" this week. About 45 stateside missionaries, along with board members and some GBIM staff, are participating in the weeklong meetings. Lingenfelter's wife,
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/58-2/) - Bruce Barlow, Associate Pastor of Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, baptized a number of believers by triune immersion off Rainbow Point in Winona Lake on Sunday, July 11.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/59-2/) - On a picture-perfect summer afternoon, members and friends of Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church gathered at the lakeside home of Mike and Becky Grill for a service of believer's baptism Sunday, July 11.
- [Will We Grace Brethren Be Any Different?](https://charisfellowship.com/will-we-grace-brethren-be-any-different/) - In just a few days, Grace Brethren will be gathering in LaCrosse, Wisconsin (youth) and Kingsport, Tennessee (adults) for our annual national conferences. As I read the current blog of columnist and friend Terry Mattingly, I wondered about the values and directions that we Grace Brethren express and experience. To stimulate our thinking, here is
- [Off to LaCrosse With the Teens](https://charisfellowship.com/off-to-lacrosse-with-the-teens/) - Last day in Winona Lake for awhile—your Intrepid Blogger takes off in the morning for Brethren National Youth Conference in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Posts from here on will contain photos and reports of what’s happening with 2,300 teenagers at BNYC. In LaCrosse we’ll be teaching young journalists seminars on writing, photography, website content, and how to
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/62-2/) - An enthusiastic youth choir opened the 2004 Brethren National Youth Conference in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, at the 6:15 p.m. session Saturday evening, July 17. Other music in the session was by Todd Proctor and Waiting for Iris.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/63-2/) - Over 2,400 teens, sponsors and counselors have gathered on the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse campus for the 2004 Brethren National Youth Conference, which began Saturday, July 17 and continues through next Thursday
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/64-2/) - Barry St. Clair was the opening speaker for the BNYC conference Thursday evening. Further reports and photos may be found at www.bnyc.net.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/65-2/) - A unique "Splat Experience" by Christian performance artist Marc Eckel was a highlight of "The Rock" session at 10 p.m. Saturday at the Brethren National Youth Conference. Eckel, whose work may be found at www.splatexperience.com, created the painting in about 10 minutes in front of hundreds of teenagers. Performing to a pre-recorded soundtrack, he uses
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/81-2/) - Performance art continues to be an effective way to share the Gospel message. Here a group performs prior to Francis Chan's main address in the Tuesday evening session.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/77-2/) - Tuesday's Blitz community outreach activity consisted of teams who fanned throughout the LaCrosse, Wisconsin community, offering to do small labor tasks free and distributing a customized newspaper explaining the Christian Gospel and the week's BNYC activities. Here a team prays at the corner of 28th and Birch Streets before beginning their door-to-door walk.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/80-2/) - In the Tuesday evening session teens reported on Blitz opportunities to lead people to Christ, to pray with people for rededication, and to share a significant Gospel witness.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/76-2/) - David Thornton of Soldotna, Alaska, performed a solo number with the BNYC choir as backup at Tuesday morning's main session.
- [Nearing the End of BNYC](https://charisfellowship.com/nearing-the-end-of-bnyc/) - It's Wednesday afternoon. We've just finished lunch--some in the REC Center and some in the tent--and made our way through the rain into the afternoon's activities. An article on the rain's effect on community service projects appeared in yesterday's LaCrosse Tribune newspaper. This morning's main session featured Shawn McBride, an energetic speaker from the Washington
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/89-2/) - Moderator John Teevan (right) interviews singer/author/speaker John Fischer (left) at the beginning of the 2004 Celebration conference of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches meeting in Kingsport, Tennessee. Fischer spoke three times on Saturday, including a Q&A session in the afternoon sponsored by the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/90-2/) - Pastor Mike Jentes of the quest in Columbus, Ohio, (right, with mike) addresses a question to John Fischer in the afternoon Q&A session. At left is Grace Brethren missionary to Portugal Margie Hull.
- [Thundering Harleys Open Sunday Worship](https://charisfellowship.com/thundering-harleys-open-sunday-worship/) - With a few pops and growls that quickly crescendoed into a roaring thunder bouncing off the concrete walls and floors of the cavernous Freedom Hall Civic Center Arena in Johnson City, Tennessee, some 19 roaring Harleys slowly snaked their way down the tunnel, circled around the platform area, and ground to a halt in front
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/92-2/) - CE National named a number of winners tonight, Sunday, in its annual awards ceremony. Individuals and churches were recognized for best outreach program, idea-of-the-year, and much more. Some winners were present to receive awards, and others were represented by their pastors or other church staff members.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/93-2/) - Moderator-elect Dan Allan, pastor of the Ashland, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church, gave the annual Moderator's Address in the 7 p.m. session Sunday at the Celebration Conference of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/78-2/) - Throughout the week, 15,000 newspaper are to be hand-delivered to every home in the LaCrosse area by teens from the BNYC conference.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/79-2/) - This distribution team, consisting of Amanda and the two Steves, assisted an elderly lady Tuesday afternoon with some minor roof repair, and then prayed with her at her request.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/84-2/) - Shawn McBride, who pastors a church in Washington, DC, was the speaker for the Wednesday morning session. At the conclusion, he urged the teens to be "lights in the world" and waved a large lightbulb while leading them in singing "This Little Light of Mine."
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/85-2/) - Phillip Klawitter, son of Grace Brethren European missionary Paul Klawitter, was one of the recipients of the Grace College scholarships.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/86-2/) - A number of scholarships to Grace College were awarded to NAC competition winners in the Wednesday morning session. Dr. David Plaster (center), Academic Dean of the college, was present to award the scholarships to the winning students.
- [And We're Off For Tennessee!](https://charisfellowship.com/and-were-off-for-tennessee/) - Leaving BNYC a day early, a number of us are now hustling down to Kingsport, Tennessee, for the adult Celebration conference of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. A Phil Keaggy concert kicks things off Friday night, with the first full day of conference being Saturday. We will once again be reporting from the conference,
- [Off to a Good Start in Kingsport](https://charisfellowship.com/off-to-a-good-start-in-kingsport/) - The 2004 Celebration Conference of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches officially convened this morning (Saturday, July 24) at 10 a.m. with a session directed by conference moderator John Teevan, who is also pastor of the Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church. Meeting in the cavernous assembly hall of the Marriott MeadowView Resort in this
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/83-2/) - Shopping cart races are a fun way to work off energy during afternoon "hang time."
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/110-2/) - This pile of rubble is all that's left of Gamma Dorm A as of Tuesday afternoon, August 10. There was also surge damage to the electrical panel at Beta Hall, but no other damage is known. Several area residents contacted the college after the fire offering to open their homes to students if housing was
- [MasterWorks Festival Featured in WORLD](https://charisfellowship.com/masterworks-festival-featured-in-world/) - The July 31, 2004 issue of WORLD magazine carries a very expansive (2,055 word) four-page article on the MasterWorks Festival recently held in Winona Lake, Indiana, in conjunction with Grace College. Founded by Patrick Kavanaugh, who will join the college music department faculty this fall, the festival drew brilliant young musicians and dedicated Christian professional
- [Miriam Uphouse Honored](https://charisfellowship.com/miriam-uphouse-honored/) - Miriam McKeefery Uphouse was honored last week at the Kosciusko (IN) County Fair in the "Our Lady of Kosciusko" event. Mrs. Uphouse, 86, received the award for her accomplishments and involvement in family, community, world and church activities. She was Associate Dean of Students at Grace College from 1964-1984 and, after the death of her
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/105-2/) - And here's Todd, 13, with one of his catches from the wiley deep.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/112-2/) - Too close for comfort! The former Gamma Dorm is directly across the street from the Brethren Missionary Herald offices, the Herald Bookstore, and the Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church. Here's the view of the rubble from BMH's front door!
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/113-2/) - Tuesday morning firemen watched as the rubble of the Gamma Dorm was pushed into the foundation. Some 18 Grace College men were to have occupied it next week for the coming school year.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/114-2/) - No cause for the fire has been determined, but a vigorous thunderstorm moved through Winona Lake about midnight Monday. The fire was discovered at 12:15 a.m., and the presumed cause was a lightning strike.
- [Grace College Dorm Gamma A Destroyed by Fire](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-college-dorm-gamma-a-destroyed-by-fire/) - Grace College's Gamma Hall men's dorm, a perimeter dorm located on King's Highway in Winona Lake, Indiana, was completely destroyed by fire Monday night. Tuesday morning workmen pushed in the rubble after nearly 40 firemen from Winona Lake and Warsaw fought the blaze for 50 minutes in the middle of the night. Lightning is suspected
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/94-2/) - Ed Lewis of CE National gives a report of CE's activities of the past year. Behind him is the Harley-garage set used as a backdrop for the morning worship service, as well as the Harley motorcycle owned by Fountain of Life Church pastor Vic Young, who gave the morning message.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/95-2/) - 1,599 and counting! Beth Bryant of Canada (left) had a vision to send "goodie bags" to all the wives of military men at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, a unit served by Grace Brethren Chaplain James Schaefer. So every day at national conference, people are going out and buying bags of candies, shampoos, soaps, bath oils,
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/96-2/) - Tuesday morning the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers named Pastor John McIntosh (right), pastor of the Simi Valley, CA Grace Brethren Church, the 2004 "Pastor of the Year." Making the presentation (left) is Dr. Ken Bickel, current president of the AGBM. McIntosh has been at the Simi Valley church for 21 years as pastor, having
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/97-2/) - Tuesday was "Grace Brethren International Missions Day" with the GBIM corporate meeting and update report at noon. In the evening conference session (pictured here), a number of new missionaries were commissioned. Praying for the missionaries were GBIM board members and pastors of the sending churches. Tom Julien, retired Executive Director of GBIM, was the evening
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/98-2/) - Dr. Jerry Young (right) was honored today (Wednesday) by the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers with the association's "Lifetime Achievement Award." Young recently retired from a long-time pastorate in Lititz, Pennsylvania, and also has served many of the Grace Brethren national organizations as well as many years as a chaplain. In the center is Young's
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/99-2/) - Grace Brethren North American Missions conducted a commissioning service for new missionaries during the Wednesday evening session at the Grace Brethren national conference. Kneeling are Steve Galegor, Jr., who ministers among Albanians in New York City, and at right are Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Ong, who are pioneering a work in San Francisco.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/100-2/) - Dadje Samuel (right), a businessman and evangelist from the Chad, Africa, addressed the Wednesday evening session of the Grace Brethren Conference. Speaking in French, he was translated by European Director for Grace Brethren International Missions, Paul Klawitter, at left.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/101-2/) - Doni (left) and Gail Cosgrove (center) display two quilts that were created by children in the childcare area of the Grace Brethren national conference this week. The children made handprints and other art on quilt squares. When the Cosgroves finish stitching the quilts, they will be returned to the Kingsport area to be used in
- [The Grace Brethren Head Home From the Hills](https://charisfellowship.com/the-grace-brethren-head-home-from-the-hills/) - Whew! What a wonderful, rich week it's been in Kingsport, Tennessee, as the Fellowship of Grace Brethren family gathered from all over the globe to fellowship, to learn, to share information, and to worship and pray together. Conference concluded shortly after noon today, and most of the attendees took off for the drive/flight home (except
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/106-2/) - About taking a little time off for fishing with the grandkids...here's Chad, 10, with a largemouth bass he's just pulled out of Heritage Lake. We're havin' fun now!
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/107-2/) - It was a three-missionary night! Wednesday night at Global Prayer Group, Dave and Sue Griffith (right), veteran missionaries to LeCreusot, France, showed a PowerPoint presentation and gave updates on their ministry. They will be visiting supporting churches in Indiana and Michigan, in addition to getting their youngest son, Jeremy, started as a freshman at Grace
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/108-2/) - The bags have arrived at Schofield! Dick and Kay Kessler (shown here) from the Western Reserve Grace Brethren Church in Macedonia, Ohio, were among the hundreds of national conference attendees who helped stuff goody bags for military wives at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, which Grace Brethren Chaplain James Schaefer serves. A note from Beth Bryant
- [Exploring our Anabaptist Roots](https://charisfellowship.com/exploring-our-anabaptist-roots/) - Want a wonderfully informative and interesting historical presentation of the Anabaptist roots of the Grace Brethren movement? Visit the Menno-Hof complex on the west side of Rt. 5 just south of Shipshewana, Indiana, about 40 miles north and east of Winona Lake. We visited it yesterday--what a delightful experience, and so informative! Opened in 1988,
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/111-2/) - The 80-year-old former residence, according to the Warsaw Times-Union, is a total loss at about $200,000. Dean of Students Jim Swanson says, "We're fine as far as adequate housing. We're making plans to reassign the students from Gamma--our goal is to keep as many of the guys from the dorm together as possible."
- [Musings on a Monday Morning](https://charisfellowship.com/musings-on-a-monday-morning/) - Today is Monday, 16 August, 2004. BNYC and National Conference are over, and the beginning of the school year and the fall are bearing down on us fast. This weekend was filled with a number of interesting and enlightening activities. I met for nearly three hours on Saturday morning with Jerry Young, who is on
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/117-2/) - Gamma A in the pre-fire days.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/118-2/) - This group of veteran missionaries to Africa were part of the Wednesday evening Global Prayer Group that heard Eddie Mensinger's report. Back row, from left, included Roy and Ruth Snider, Marvin Goodman and Linda and Eddie Mensinger. Front row, from left, included Dorothy Goodman and Miriam Uphouse. According to Eddie, there have now been 200
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/119-2/) - Linda and Eddie Mensinger, veteran missionaries to Africa, last night told a gripping and emotional story of their recent time in Africa as Eddie closed out his official ministry there as a seminary and Bible Institute teacher. After spending three months in the Cameroon, Eddie was able to return to the war-torn area of the
- [Web Designer Signs Off](https://charisfellowship.com/web-designer-signs-off/) - Chris goes off to seek his fortune. Chris Solyntjes (center) finished his summer internship with BMH this Friday the 13th. A 2004 graphic arts graduate from Grace College, he will be working for a television production firm in the Cleveland area. Chris is from the Grace Brethren Church in Sebring, Florida, and during his summer
- [Grace Church Orange Deacon Lost in Forest](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-church-orange-deacon-lost-in-forest/) - This urgent prayer request message came in this morning from Don Byers, former pastor at Grace Church, Orange, CA. Current pastor Ed Trenner is on the scene--check website for updates. We just learned that a good friend from our church in CA is lost in the Sequoia National Forest. It's almost been 48 hours and
- [Did John the Baptist Wash Feet Here?](https://charisfellowship.com/did-john-the-baptist-wash-feet-here/) - AP: Cave Found Linked to John the Baptist KIBBUTZ TZUBA, Israel (AP) - Archaeologists said Monday they have found a cave where they believe John the Baptist anointed many of his disciples - a huge cistern with 28 steps leading to an underground pool of water. During an exclusive tour of the cave by The
- [Is He Following a Stream?](https://charisfellowship.com/is-he-following-a-stream/) - Mon., 8/16, 2:30pm Ed Trenner called in from the field to report that the SAR team has found Bob's name and a date along the creek they were following. It was dated 8/15 (yesterday), but this is the first solid evidence we have that this is really Bob's trail. Good news! Mon., 8/16, 1:16pm Alex
- [Search Update](https://charisfellowship.com/search-update/) - Sun., 8/15, 10pm The team from GCO was able to get into the campground. The search was called off for the night, but will be re-grouping at 6:30am Monday. The Dorst Creek campground was evacuated due to contaminated water, but all the Gnewuch family and their friends were allowed to remain. Arrangements for another helicopter
- [Kittanning Church Sponsors Community Day](https://charisfellowship.com/kittanning-church-sponsors-community-day/) - The Grace Brethren Church of West Kittanning, Pennsylvania (Pastor John Patrick), was highlighted in Saturday's Kittanning Daily-Leader Times. Here is the article: Maybe it's just luck, or perhaps help from a higher power, but a community day planned by Grace Brethren Church for Sept. 11 really came together this year. This year, the third such
- [Bob's Entire Dramatic Rescue Story](https://charisfellowship.com/bobs-entire-dramatic-rescue-story/) - The Fresno Bee newspaper has a full accounting of the rescue story. Here are the first few paragraphs. To read the entire story, click here. Experienced searchers say it's the third day when worry turns to dread.On Sunday, the second night that Bob Gnewuch was lost in Sequoia National Park, rescue teams planned an inch-by-inch
- [And the Song Goes On . . .](https://charisfellowship.com/and-the-song-goes-on/) - The Heralds of Grace ride again! The quartet, originally formed 44 years ago in the fall of 1960, traveled and sang on behalf of Grace College and Seminary for about seven years in the 1960s. The group got together Friday night for a cookout and songfest in central Ohio--they'll be singing during the Grace Homecoming
- [Latest Warning, Helps from CMA](https://charisfellowship.com/latest-warning-helps-from-cma/) - Here are two items from the latest newsletter of the Christian Management Association. The first warns local churches and pastors of the importance of keeping receipts for reimbursable expenses, and the second offers help to churches wishing to know more about safeguards in using volunteers, particularly in overseeing children's ministries. IRS Asserts Sanctions Against Minister
- [Christian Conservatives and the GOP Convention](https://charisfellowship.com/christian-conservatives-and-the-gop-convention/) - Today's Los Angeles Times has a very good wrapup article summarizing why conservative Christians are leaving the GOP Convention in New York with optimism. Here are the first several paragraphs. To read the entire article click here. Christian Conservatives Leave Convention in Great Spirits by James Rainey, Times Staff Writer NEW YORK — They may
- [Fine Music on a Fine Summer Afternoon](https://charisfellowship.com/fine-music-on-a-fine-summer-afternoon/) - The Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Edvard Tchivzhel, played a free Hillside Labor Day Weekend concert at Winona Lake on Sunday afternoon, September 5. Playing from a tent situated at one end of the former site of the Billy Sunday Tabernacle, the ensemble played a repertoire of light classical and pops numbers.
- [Grace Grad Requests Prayer for Beslan Pastor's Family](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-grad-requests-prayer-for-beslan-pastors-family/) - Grace Seminary alumnus and former administrator Dr. Robert Provost, now head of the Slavic Gospel Association, requests prayer for families affected by the recent hostage-taking and massacre in Beslan, in southwest Russia. Specifically, he requests prayer for the children of church-planting pastor Sergei Totiev, whose children were in the Beslan Middle School. In the photo
- [Russian Pastors' Children Confirmed Dead](https://charisfellowship.com/russian-pastors-children-confirmed-dead/) - After days of searching for them, two pastors in the Russian southern town of Beslan have now discovered that six of their eight young children died in the local school hostage drama that shocked the nation. An official of the U.S.-backed Russian Ministries said Wednesday that brothers and pastors Taymuraz and Sergey Totiev from the
- [Found! Praise the Lord!](https://charisfellowship.com/found-praise-the-lord/) - Bob's Back! This page was last updated: Monday, 8/16 at 6:21pm Bob Gnewuch was discovered around 5:40pm. He has been airliftedback to the Dorst Creek Campground where he has been re-united with family and friends! On behalf of the Gnewuch family,thank you all for your prayers and encouragement during this ordeal.To the National Park Service
- [Christian Relief Rushing to Florida](https://charisfellowship.com/christian-relief-rushing-to-florida/) - How did Hurricane Charley affect our churches in Florida? Very little news has been coming out, with phones inoperative and e-mail not working, but our inquiries did get this reponse from Bill Smith, pastor of Grace Christian Ministries in Maitland, in the Orlando area: "We fared well and are praising the Lord. We talked to
- [Fort Myers GBC Survives Charley](https://charisfellowship.com/fort-myers-gbc-survives-charley/) - Good news! Pastor Steve Shipley, from the Fort Myers, Florida, Grace Brethren Church, sends this post-Charley report: Thanks for your concern. While everyone here had much debris from fallen limbs and were inconvenienced with power outages ranging from day one until the present (four days; my home was off two and 1/2; the church three
- [Touring the Great Smokies](https://charisfellowship.com/touring-the-great-smokies/) - Your intrepid blogger is out of town for a few days on a mission that is more personal than Grace Brethren. Sharon and I have been in Knoxville, Tennessee, this weekend, playing piano and organ for a wedding at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church. We attended this great church Sunday morning, and reconnected with some friends
- [BMH Welcomes 'Dr. Laura'](https://charisfellowship.com/bmh-welcomes-dr-laura/) - Laura Bloomingdale, who will graduate from Grace College after this semester, began working today as the BMH editorial intern for the fall semester. In a program arranged by Dr. Paulette Sauders of the college's journalism program, Laura (known to her online friends as "Dr. Laura") will assist with writing and editing for FGBC World, BMH
- [Stowell Resigns Moody Presidency](https://charisfellowship.com/stowell-resigns-moody-presidency/) - For the complete news release, click here. CHICAGO - (Aug. 26, 2004) On Aug. 26, Moody Bible Institute (MBI) President Dr. Joseph M. Stowell announced to students, faculty and staff his resignation effective February 2005. He told those gathered in Torrey-Gray Auditorium, on Moody's campus, that his decision was guided by a growing sense of
- [Jerry Jenkins Coming to Fort Wayne November 4](https://charisfellowship.com/jerry-jenkins-coming-to-fort-wayne-november-4/) - A very long (2,242 words) and mostly favorable article by staff writer John Silcox featuring Jerry Jenkins, co-author of the "Left Behind" fiction series, appears on page 1 of the C section of today's Fort Wayne Journal Gazette. Jenkins, who is giving $60,000 of his own money to Taylor University/Fort Wayne's professional writing program for
- [Plans Develop for '04 Grace College Homecoming](https://charisfellowship.com/plans-develop-for-04-grace-college-homecoming/) - Grace College class of 1964 planning team, under the direction of class president Dan Pacheco (standing, left), met recently to begin planning the class's 40th year reunion at the Grace College Homecoming this November 5 and 6. Other officers and members of the planning team included (seated, left) Paulette Macon Sauders, Sharon Auxt White, and
- [Navigators Name Brit to Succeed White](https://charisfellowship.com/navigators-name-brit-to-succeed-white/) - The Navigators, a worldwide partnership focused on evangelizing and discipling the nations, has appointed a new international president, Englishman Michael W. Treneer, former Africa director. The selection came after a four-month process that concluded with a vote of the international council. The council, chaired by Dr. Jerry White, the current international president of 18 years,
- [How Much Goal-Setting is Right?](https://charisfellowship.com/how-much-goal-setting-is-right/) - This stimulating entry appears on the current blog of WORLD magazine. How do we, as Grace Brethren, react? Should we be setting numerical goals for conversions and baptisms? Is our over-arching goal of every church being a church-planting center realistic, reachable, and biblically defensible? If we are to continue the Progressive Brethren tradition, we need
- [Dayton Cundiff Services This Morning](https://charisfellowship.com/dayton-cundiff-services-this-morning/) - C. Dayton Cundiff, 86, went to be with the Lord at 9:20 p.m. Friday, August 13 from Grace Village Healthcare Facility in Winona Lake, Indiana. Services are at 10 a.m. today (Tuesday, 17 August) at Titus Funeral Home in Warsaw. A native of Union, Iowa, Cundiff was a graduate of Whitworth College in Spokane, WA,
- [Coaches Teach Basketball, AIDs Prevention in Kenya](https://charisfellowship.com/coaches-teach-basketball-aids-prevention-in-kenya/) - Grace College basketball coach Jim Kessler (center, red shirt), recently returned from leading a group of eight coaches who led basketball clinics, taught about AIDS, and shared the Gospel in three cities in Kenya, Africa. Five of the eight coaches were from the Community Grace Brethren Church in Warsaw, Indiana. Kessler and the coaches conducted
- [Urban Encounter Staff Conduct Boat Auction](https://charisfellowship.com/urban-encounter-staff-conduct-boat-auction/) - Clive Craigen (left), Amy Hunter (center) and Shawn Kantenwein (right) were present for the opening of the GBNAM/Urban Encounter Boat Auction at New Horizon Community Grace Brethren Church in Winona Lake on Saturday morning, September 4. Craigen is the Chicago team leader for Urban Encounter, Amy Hunt is a staff associate, and Kantenwein is a
- [Wanna Buy a Boat?](https://charisfellowship.com/wanna-buy-a-boat/) - An auction of donated boats throughout the Labor Day week is being conducted by staff of Urban Encounter, the Chicago church-planting initative of Grace Brethren North American Missions. From September 4-11 bidders can vie for the watercraft via bidsheets in the tent on the grounds of the auction. For more information, or to make a
- [Making Amends With Anabaptists](https://charisfellowship.com/making-amends-with-anabaptists/) - The current blog of Christianity Today carries this interesting item on efforts to make amends for the persecution our Anabaptist forebears endured: Catholic, Lutheran, and Reformed churches are seeking to make amends for persecuting Anabaptists in the 16th and 17th centuries. A Vatican-appointed delegation last fall concluded five years of meetings with a group from
- [Stephen Olford With the Lord](https://charisfellowship.com/stephen-olford-with-the-lord/) - Known as “A Preacher’s Preacher,” Dr. Stephen Olford, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Olford Ministries International, passed away late Sunday night, August 29, 2004, having suffered a massive stroke. According to a press release received by ASSIST News Service (ANS), Dr. Olford was born on in Zambia on March 29, 1918, as the
- [North Long Beach Brethren Church Reunion Held](https://charisfellowship.com/north-long-beach-brethren-church-reunion-held/) - Some 400 former members and attenders of the North Long Beach Brethren Church in southern California gathered last Saturday, September 18, for a reunion at El Dorado Park. (Ivan Schuler photo)
- [Grace Village Plans Senior Gathering](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-village-plans-senior-gathering/) - Grace Village Retirement Community in Winona Lake, IN, is sponsoring its second annual "Senior Gathering" the mornings of Tuesday through Thursday, September 14-16. A committee headed by retired GBIM missionary Roy Snyder has planned a full program culminating with a free lunch after the closing session on Thursday in the FV dining center. During the
- [Why This Election Matters](https://charisfellowship.com/why-this-election-matters/) - Today's editorial is from Grace Seminary grad and former Grace faculty member John H. Stoll, Ph.D. The coming election of our president will have a far greater effect on our nation than previous elections. There are at least two underlying reasons for this: how the coming president will handle world affairs, especially increased hostility and
- [Most Popular Praise & Worship Choruses](https://charisfellowship.com/most-popular-praise-worship-choruses/) - Do you ever wonder what songs other churches are using, and how your worship repertoire compares? Here, according to a recent communication from CCLI, are the recent Top 25 Reported Songs from their royalty reports: 1. Here I Am To Worship – Tim Hughes 2. Open the Eyes of My Heart – Paul Baloche 3.
- [Larry Poland Organizes Hollywood Media Prayer Breakfast](https://charisfellowship.com/larry-poland-organizes-hollywood-media-prayer-breakfast/) - Grace Seminary grad and former Grace faculty member Larry Poland, who for a number of years has headed an outreach ministry to media and entertainment professionals in Hollywood, is the founder and organizer of an annual Media Prayer Breakfast. Excerpts from a release giving details on this year's event follow: “Prayer” and “Hollywood” don’t often
- [Pataskala Church Helps Freshen Community Facility](https://charisfellowship.com/pataskala-church-helps-freshen-community-facility/) - Dana Landrum, an artistically-inclined young wife and mother from the Pataskala, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church (Pastor Fenton McDonald), is featured in her community newspaper this week for work she and the church did in renovating part of a community swimming pool facility. Pastor Fenton McDonald says, "Dana and her husband, Gary, attend our church. She
- [A Mess Now, But Better by Conference](https://charisfellowship.com/a-mess-now-but-better-by-conference/) - Kings Highway in Winona Lake is this week being milled down, repaved, and fitted with new curbing, sidewalks, and more. Although traffic in and around Grace College and Seminary, Jefferson Elementary School, and Brethren Missionary Herald Co. is snarled and slow right now, the improvements will be completed in time for Equip05 visitors for next
- [Osceola Plans "Touchpoint Weekend"](https://charisfellowship.com/osceola-plans-touchpoint-weekend/) - The Osceola (IN) Grace Brethren Church will host its "world-famous annual 'Touchpoint Weekend' community outreach events and hog roast" this year on Sept. 25-26. The hog roast will follow community service projects in and around Osceola on the 25th. Come join us for a great time of community fun and, even better, food during our
- [Yoders Participate in "Jesus-tag" in Berlin](https://charisfellowship.com/yoders-participate-in-jesus-tag-in-berlin/) - Mike and Letitia Yoder, GBIM missionaries to Berlin, have been requesting prayer for "Jesus-tag" as they were to distribute copies of the Jesus film to university students during the event today. Here are excerpts from a release on the event. JESUS DAY: 40,000 MARCH THROUGH BERLIN SINGING AND PRAYING Remembering the Victims of 9/11 and
- [Adrian Rogers Announces Retirement](https://charisfellowship.com/adrian-rogers-announces-retirement/) - CORDOVA, Tenn. (BP)--Adrian Rogers, who helped lead the Southern Baptist Convention back to its biblical, historical roots, announced his retirement as pastor of the Memphis-area Bellevue Baptist Church Sept. 12. Rogers' retirement is effective next spring, although a specific date has not yet been given. The goal is to have a new pastor in place
- [History of Anabaptism Now Available on DVD](https://charisfellowship.com/history-of-anabaptism-now-available-on-dvd/) - During the 16th century the Anabaptists were rejected and persecuted by Catholic and Protestants alike. This Spring, almost 400 years later, Catholic, Lutheran and Reformed bodies have sought reconciliation and forgiveness for their treatment of the Anabaptists. (see archived items on this blog August 7 "Exploring Our Anabaptist Roots" and August 18 "Making Amends With
- [Canton, OH, GBC Marks 100th Anniversary](https://charisfellowship.com/canton-oh-gbc-marks-100th-anniversary/) - The Grace Brethren Church of Canton, OH, is celebrating its 100th anniversary with events planned for October 2 & 3, 2004. Here are excerpts from the church's notice about anniversary events: Our theme is "Honor our Heritage~ Challenge our Future." On Sat., Oct. 2, we will meet at the "old church" at 2nd & Hartford,
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/161-2/) - Have a donut! Food available at the WLGBC Block Party included fresh donuts, popcorn, hot dogs, slurpees, chips&salsa, and much more.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/162-2/) - Members of the Winona Lake Fire Department were on hand with a pumper truck and a "small house with fake flames" to allow children to put out the fire with a real firehose. Lines were very long for this attraction!
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/163-2/) - Part of the goal in the Block Party was to expose neighborhood families and children to ministries of the church--such as SMM. Every balloon at the SMM booth had a "secret message" in it.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/164-2/) - What's a Block Party without face-painting? Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church held a neighborhood Block Party Wednesday evening, September 15. The goal--in addition to attracting neighborhood children--was to have families of Awana and Pre-School children mix with church families and have a good time getting acquainted. Names and addresses were collected (i.e. registration for
- [George Bush's Faith--Private vs. Public Interplay](https://charisfellowship.com/george-bushs-faith-private-vs-public-interplay/) - There is a very lengthy and insightful article in this morning's Washington Post by Post staffer Alan Cooperman on the interplay between George W. Bush's private faith, and how it plays out in public life. Excerpted here are several paragraphs. To read the entire article, click here. George W. Bush is among the most openly
- [CBS Bias Likely, Says Olasky](https://charisfellowship.com/cbs-bias-likely-says-olasky/) - By Michael Foust NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--World Magazine's editor-in-chief, Marvin Olasky, says he believes that bias -- and not messy reporting -- likely was at the heart of CBS News' use of disputed National Guard documents. "Could it be gross incompetence? It's theoretically possible. But it seems perhaps the reason for gross incompetence was incredible bias,"
- [Pennsylvania Pastor Rescued By Boat](https://charisfellowship.com/pennsylvania-pastor-rescued-by-boat/) - The following story ran in today's (September 23) Daily Leader-Times from Kittanning, PA. By Mitch Fryer NORTH BUFFALO, PA -- A six-foot wooden cross lies flat in Sherry Zelinsky's yard. It was the last of her outside property to give in to the deluge of water from nearby Glade Run during last Friday's flooding. "I
- [Rick Warren Features Ken Brown BMH Book](https://charisfellowship.com/rick-warren-features-ken-brown-bmh-book/) - Rick Warren, in his Ministry Toolbox Issue #173, features and endorses BMH Books' latest publication, "Timely Insights Into Timeless Truth" by Ken Brown. To obtain a copy of the book, click here. Editorial Review -- A few gifted people have the insight to observe ordinary events of life - what people say and do and
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/169-2/) - Ken Brown's BMH Book "Timely Insights Into Timeless Truth" is featured in the current "Ministry Toolbox" e-mail from well-known California pastor and best-selling author Rick Warren.
- [Wooster Church Sponsors Men's Training Event](https://charisfellowship.com/wooster-church-sponsors-mens-training-event/) - The National Training Center of Man in the Mirror is partnering with the Wooster, Ohio, Grace Brethren Chuch to bring pastor's and men's ministry leaders an eight-hour training course on "Discipling Men's Heart." The course will be held Friday evening, October 1 and Saturday morning, October 2 in the South Fellowship Hall of the Wooster
- [FGBC Joins BMH in Winona Lake Office Complex](https://charisfellowship.com/fgbc-joins-bmh-in-winona-lake-office-complex/) - Offices of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches (FGBC) moved into the BMH office complex in Winona Lake this past week. Tom Avey (seated), Fellowship Coordinator for the FGBC and FGBC staff member Sandy Barrett (standing) will now be working in the BMH building, along with Assistant Fellowship Coordinator Charles Ashman, who will also work
- [Kavanaugh Announces Programs, Column Debut](https://charisfellowship.com/kavanaugh-announces-programs-column-debut/) - One of Grace College's newest faculty members, Dr. Patrick Kavanaugh, who is also director of the Christian Performing Artists' Fellowship and MasterWorks festival, is featured in yesterday's Warsaw (IN) Times-Union newspaper. The first several paragraphs are reproduced here. To read the entire article, click here. Kavanaugh is in Washington, DC today, participating in a prayer
- [Newspaper Features Osceola Community Day](https://charisfellowship.com/newspaper-features-osceola-community-day/) - The "Touchpoint Weekend" community service project of the Osceola, IN, Grace Brethren Church was featured in last Wednesday's South Bend Tribune newspaper. Reproduced here are the first several paragraphs--to read the complete story with photographs click here. Good Samaritans Church members do community service projects By LISA KOCAHNOWSKITribune Correspondent Linda Szuba, of South Bend does
- [Keeping an Eye on Mount St. Helens](https://charisfellowship.com/keeping-an-eye-on-mount-st-helens/) - A live webcam at the Johnson Ridge observatory, about five miles from the crater of Mount St. Helens, is available online. A new image is automatically posted about every five minutes. To see the webcam, click here: https://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/volcanocams/msh/
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/184-2/) - The youth center of the Sebring, Florida, Grace Brethren Church as it appeared in the aftermath of Hurricane Jeanne. Anyone wishing to help with labor, prayer or funds can call 888-880-8538.
- [Sebring GBC in Post-Hurricane Recovery Mode](https://charisfellowship.com/sebring-gbc-in-post-hurricane-recovery-mode/) - The immediate neighborhood of the Sebring, Florida, Grace Brethren Church was left in shambles after Hurricane Jeanne. Pastor Randy Smith says, "Without a doubt this has been a challenge, but one our folks at Sebring have risen to! We have had greater opportunity to minister than at any time in my life."
- [Weakened Billy Graham Opens Kansas City Crusade](https://charisfellowship.com/weakened-billy-graham-opens-kansas-city-crusade/) - Billy Graham's message still clear despite his age & diminished voice By Bob Baysinger KANSAS CITY, Mo. (BP)--There wasn't much power in Billy Graham's voice at the opening night of the Heart of America Billy Graham Crusade in Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium, but that didn't stop the 85-year-old Southern Baptist evangelist from preaching a powerful
- [A Fine Day for Carriage Ride, Surprise Party](https://charisfellowship.com/a-fine-day-for-carriage-ride-surprise-party/) - An elegant horse and carriage, driven by Jeff Wilcoxson of the Village at Winona, delivered Anabelle Snyder to her surprise 80th birthday party yesterday (Sunday, September 26) at the Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church. Anabelle has served WLGBC for many years in handling church finances, and was an employee of the Rodeheaver Hall-Mack Music
- [Message from Bangkok--4 Billion "Oral Learners"](https://charisfellowship.com/message-from-bangkok-4-billion-oral-learners/) - In an earlier entry (October 3) we told you about some of the Grace Brethren leaders who were attending the Lausanne Evangelism conference in Thailand. This release from Baptist Press on that meeting should stimulate some thinking about the four billion oral learners who will likely not hear of Christ by the traditional means. Reaching
- [Ohio State University Sees the Light](https://charisfellowship.com/ohio-state-university-sees-the-light/) - Ohio State University Revises Policy, Allows Religious Clubs to Remain 'Religious' by Jim Brown October 8, 2004 (AgapePress) - One of the largest public universities in the country has reversed course and will now allow the Christian Legal Society and other evangelical student groups to limit their membership to Christians. In a dramatic about-face, Ohio
- [Off to Focus Retreat No. 1](https://charisfellowship.com/off-to-focus-retreat-no-1/) - YIB (Your Intrepid Blogger) will be offline much of this week. Today begins the first of five Focus Retreats around the country for Grace Brethren pastors and church leaders--this one is at Pokagon State Park 'way up in the northeast corner of Indiana. Likely won't have internet access from there, so I'll have some photos
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/191-2/) - Gettin' a little crazy. Pastors and church leaders at the Central Focus Retreat took a little time from serious business to enjoy some fun songs and activities Tuesday afternoon.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/192-2/) - Part of Tuesday's agenda at the Central Focus Retreat was some "alone time" with God to reflect and meditate. Here the current moderator of the Fellowship, Pastor Dan Allan of Ashland, Ohio, finds a serene moment on the porch of the Potawatomi Inn overlooking Lake James.
- [Central Focus Retreat Now in Progress](https://charisfellowship.com/central-focus-retreat-now-in-progress/) - Grace Brethren pastors and church leaders are gathering Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the Potawatomi Inn in Pokagon State Park in northeast Indiana for a Focus Retreat. Sessions are titled "Guard Your Heart," "Restoring Your Heart," "Others and My Heart," "Ministry From the Heart" and "How to Run and Not Lose Heart." FGBC Coordinator Tom
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/194-2/) - An excellent panel discussion of "How to Run and Not Lose Heart" this Wednesday morning concluded the Central Focus Retreat at Pokagon State Park in Indiana. Panel members, from left, included Tom Gale (associate pastor, Norton, OH north campus); Pastor Bob Arenobine (solo pastor in Fort Wayne, IN for 21 years) and Pastor Will Lohnes
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/195-2/) - One of the presenters at the CMA event is John Lynch, a storyteller, writer and playwright who is also the teaching pastor at Open Door Fellowship in Phoenix, AZ. Lynch is shown here giving a humorous reading as part of an informal "tell your story" gathering on Saturday night. Part of the retreat program was
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/196-2/) - The Chatlos Memorial Chapel, highlighted here in the late afternoon October sun, is one of the "jewel pieces" of The Cove Billy Graham Training Center, near Asheville. Set on 1,600 acres, the training property is just gorgeous this time of year. We're here along with about 40 others in a four-day retreat sponsored by the
- [Checking in From The Cove: Learning to Manage Better](https://charisfellowship.com/checking-in-from-the-cove-learning-to-manage-better/) - Your Intrepid Blogger and wife are spending Thursday through Sunday at The Billy Graham Training Center, "The Cove," near Asheville, North Carolina, with managers and CEOs of other Christian organizations. The retreat is sponsored by Christian Management Association--we are leading music for the worship sessions and enjoying meeting ministry peers from around the US and
- [Sebring Church Suffers from Jeanne](https://charisfellowship.com/sebring-church-suffers-from-jeanne/) - The following note was received from Dr. Randy Smith, pastor of the Sebring, FL, Grace Brethren Church. The Sebring church is in the process of beginning a Bible institute--that is one of the buildings he talks about here. The three hurricanes that passed through Sebring have all left their mark, but none more than Jeanne.
- [Tex Hudson With the Lord](https://charisfellowship.com/tex-hudson-with-the-lord/) - Word has been received that former Grace Brethren missionary and pastor Tex Hudson went to be with the Lord last Friday afternoon, September 24. Services were held September 26 for Hudson, who had suffered in recent years with a rare form of terminal cancer. After missionary service in France, church-planting with GBNAM, and pastoring, Tex
- [Mike Jentes Interview: thequest](https://charisfellowship.com/mike-jentes-interview-thequest/) - There is an excellent interview with Mike Jentes, founding pastor of the innovative Columbus-area church entitled "thequest" on Brian Orme's blog. Here are the first three paragraphs--to read the entire interview click here. Interview with Mike Jentes from "The Quest" 1. Tell us about the origin of your church. thequest (www.thequestcolumbus.com) came about through the
- [Millennium Park and Learning with Fellow Publishers](https://charisfellowship.com/millennium-park-and-learning-with-fellow-publishers/) - Your Intrepid Blogger has just returned from an overnight stay in the heart of downtown Chicago, having attended a seminar on "High-Powered Religious Publishing: Getting Down to Business" at Fourth Presbyterian Church at Chestnut and Michigan. Wow! The new 24.5-acre Millennium Park on Michigan Ave. is well worth a trip to the Windy City! You
- [Guiles, Yoder, Nunez Attend Bangkok Meeting](https://charisfellowship.com/guiles-yoder-nunez-attend-bangkok-meeting/) - Dave Guiles, Grace Brethren International Mission’s executive director, Mike Yoder, GBIM missionary to Germany, and Jorge Nunez, national church leader in Argentina, are representing the FGBC at the 2004 Forum for World Evangelization (Lausanne) in Bangkok, Thailand. Held each decade, the purpose of this encounter is “to examine through unprecedented global inquiry, the trends and
- [Worthington Celebrates 40th Anniversary](https://charisfellowship.com/worthington-celebrates-40th-anniversary/) - Grace Brethren Church of Worthington (Columbus), Ohio, (Jim Custer, pastor) celebrated its 40th anniversary with a series of events last weekend. Here is an article from Suburban Newspapers describing the event: Grace Brethren Celebrates 40 Years By SCOTT TAKAC Grace Brethren Church of Worthington marked four decades in the community last weekend with an anniversary
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/183-2/) - Dr. Randy Smith, pastor of the Sebring, Florida, Grace Brethren Church, sends these photos of the damage Hurricane Jeanne did to the church's youth center. "She left us without a youth center roof," he writes, "and with a thoroughly soaked building at the Bible Institute." He indicates that crews have been working tirelessly to aid
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/185-2/) - Post-Hurricane Jeanne, this is the back yard of Pastor Randy Smith of the Sebring, Florida Grace Brethren Church.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/200-2/) - Pastor Dan Allan, FGBC Moderator for 2004-05, led off the Sandy Cove Focus Retreat with a challenge to "Guard Your Heart....The Wellspring of Life" based on Proverbs 4:23. The retreat, attended by approximately 50 pastors and church staff members and leaders from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and other eastern states, will continue until about Wednesday noon.
- [Did the Grace Brethren Elect George Bush?](https://charisfellowship.com/did-the-grace-brethren-elect-george-bush/) - Here's an interesting thought. Were Grace Brethren voters a major factor--perhaps THE deciding factor--in re-electing George Bush as president? All the world is aware of how important Ohio was in this election. And it is well-recognized that evangelicals turned out, voted, and were the major factor in his return to office. Grace Brethren are mainstream
- [Rick Warren Featured in Ladies' Home Journal](https://charisfellowship.com/rick-warren-featured-in-ladies-home-journal/) - LADIES’ HOME JOURNAL FEATURES “THE PURPOSE-DRIVEN® CHRISTMAS” BY AUTHOR RICK WARREN The New York Times bestselling author of The Purpose-Driven® Life, Rick Warren, is featured in the December issue of Ladies’ Home Journal, with a specially-penned article, “The Purpose-Driven Christmas.” The December issue hits newsstands on November 9. "Rick Warren delivers in his warm, wise
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/217-2/) - Grace College Homecoming activities began Friday night with the crowning of the homecoming queen and king, naming of the Parents of the Year, and a variety program. Clint Johnson, 23, of Warsaw, Indiana, was named Homecoming King and the Homecoming Queen is Kristina Freel, 22, from Osceola, Indiana. Johnson is a criminal justice major at
- [Youngs Truck Stolen, Plans in Jeopardy](https://charisfellowship.com/youngs-truck-stolen-plans-in-jeopardy/) - Pastor Jerry Young (right), who was at the Sandy Cove Focus Retreat earlier this week, flew home to Phoenix with his wife, Loreen, Wednesday night only to discover that their truck had been stolen. Jerry says it's not likely to be recovered, for the police have said, "It's probably in Mexico, or on an Indian
- [Cary Church 'Votes' For President](https://charisfellowship.com/cary-church-votes-for-president/) - Uncle Sam leads the way to the presidential voting booth at the Hope Community Church (Raleigh, NC) Fall Family Fun Festival. Among the many festival celebrations, early "voting" for the presidential candidates was a highlight as votes were cast based on candidate likes/dislikes (favorite treats, favorite sports, etc.), while their actual names were kept off
- [Mary Ann Habegger With the Lord](https://charisfellowship.com/mary-ann-habegger-with-the-lord/) - Retired GBIM missionary Mary Ann J. Habegger, 80, a resident of Swiss Village in Berne, Indiana, died Monday, November 1, 2004 at Adams County Memorial Hospital, Decatur, Indiana. Friends and family were able to gather and say goodbye during her brief but severe illness. Born December 29, 1923, Habegger was deployed in 1952 as a
- [Chaplain Schaefer Reports From Afghanistan](https://charisfellowship.com/chaplain-schaefer-reports-from-afghanistan/) - Grace Brethren US Army Chaplain James Schaefer (standing, right) in Afghanistan, reports, "I had the chance, with my Col. Pedersen, to lead my Muslim Mullah leaders in prayer for the Break of Fast last Thursday, 21 Oct, during our post-dusk meal during Ramadan. We had a great time to talk about the times, the families
- [130 Lititz Guitarists Jam With Keaggy](https://charisfellowship.com/130-lititz-guitarists-jam-with-keaggy/) - Bryan Nelson, director of music at the Lititz, PA Grace Brethren Church, recently used a Phil Keaggy concert as an outreach, inviting community guitarists to join Keaggy for a "jam." About the event, Nelson says, "Thought you'd like to see the 130 guitars from the community from our guitar jam with Phil Keaggy. Only three
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/218-2/) - Joel Curry (left) and J. D. Woods, current Grace faculty members, are among the variety acts for a "Saturday Morning GC Live" program to be held at the Gordon Center on the Grace College campus this Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. Alumni Director Tim Ziebarth has a whole weekend of activities, including a "Sounding Board
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/219-2/) - The Heralds of Grace Quartet, who traveled and represented Grace College and Seminary from 1959 until about 1968, were the first "alumni act" in last evening's Grace College homecoming activities. Members include, from left, David S. Miller, Dennis Beach, Garry Butt, Don Farner, and Terry White. (Sharon White photo)
- [Hobie's Dad With the Lord](https://charisfellowship.com/hobies-dad-with-the-lord/) - Theodore Hobert Sr. ORRVILLE , OH- Theodore Kiefer “Ted” Hobert Sr., 82, 11563 Back Massillon Road, Lot 9, was transported to Heaven through death on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004, at his home after an extended illness. Services will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Berlin Christian Fellowship, with Pastor Tim Troyer officiating. Burial will be
- [Wayne Snider Honored at Homecoming](https://charisfellowship.com/wayne-snider-honored-at-homecoming/) - Prof. Wayne Snider (left) was honored by Grace College President Ron Manahan (right) at this weekend's Homecoming activities for his 50 years of service teaching history. Manahan is holding a large notebook of congratulatory letters from Snider's students. Other Homecoming weekend activities included athletics, musical concerts, and class reunions for Grace College classes of 1959,
- [East Focus Retreat is Underway](https://charisfellowship.com/east-focus-retreat-is-underway/) - A praise and worship team from the Calvert County Grace Brethren Church in Owings, Maryland (Robert Wagner, pastor) led off the East Focus Retreat this afternoon (Monday) at the Sandy Cove Retreat Center near North East, Maryland. This is the second of five Focus Retreats this year, and the emphasis for pastors and church leaders
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/202-2/) - Pastor Jeff Thornley, from the Waldorf, MD Grace Brethren Church, spoke during the Tuesday evening testimony time about the several-year struggle he and his family have had with Lyme's Disease and God's faithfulness through this and other trials.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/203-2/) - Pastor Dan White of the York, Pennsylvania, Grace Brethren Church, led the 1 p.m. session on "Others and My Heart...Friends and Family" with a challenge from scripture. The Focus Retreat will conclude at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/204-2/) - This is the majority of the group of pastors and church leaders who are currently participating in the East Focus Retreat at Sandy Cove Retreat Center in North East, Maryland. The center is located at the tip of the Chesapeake Bay, which appears in the background of the photo. The retreat will conclude Wednesday morning
- [Colorful Focus Retreat Concludes](https://charisfellowship.com/colorful-focus-retreat-concludes/) - The closing panel this morning for the East Focus Retreat included (seated, from left) Mike Brubaker, associate pastor at Frederick, MD; David Kennedy, pastor at Richmond, VA; and Rick Clark, pastor at Pike Grace Brethren Church in Johnstown, PA. Standing at left is Conference Coordinator Tom Avey, who emceed the panel and conducted the focus
- [Cary Church Features Presidential Election](https://charisfellowship.com/cary-church-features-presidential-election/) - Hope Community Church to Feature Unique Presidential "Voting Booth" at Fall Fun Festival CARY / RALEIGH, NC -- What's really on everyone's mind this Halloween? The coming presidential elections, of course. Hope Community Church will host their own family fun version of this important voting event at their annual Fall Family Fun Festival on October
- [Biblical Issues in This Election](https://charisfellowship.com/biblical-issues-in-this-election/) - Statement Regarding Biblical Issues in the 2004 Elections, October 2004 Crosswalk.com editor's note: While we may choose to disagree on certain matters of public policy, or support different political parties, the fact remains that we as Christians have an objective standard of truth – the Bible -- to base our decisions on. No matter how
- [Columbus GBC in the Political News](https://charisfellowship.com/columbus-gbc-in-the-political-news/) - The following article, featuring one of our Columbus churches, appeared in this morning's San Francisco Chronicle: Candidates' final appeal to sway a divided electorate ON THE OHIO TRAIL: Religious voters torn between candidates Zachary Coile, Chronicle Political Writer Monday, November 1, 2004 Westerville, Ohio -- Inside Grace Brethren, an evangelical Christian mega-church in the suburbs
- [Why Do Americans Romanticize the Amish?](https://charisfellowship.com/why-do-americans-romanticize-the-amish/) - There's a very interesting and thought-provoking article in the October, 2004 issue of Washington Monthly by Sasha Issenberg entitled "The Simplest Life: Why Americans Romanticize the Amish." Since the Grace Brethren have some common roots with the Amish, we are reproducing here the first several paragraphs with a link to the rest of the article.
- [East Focus Retreat is Next](https://charisfellowship.com/east-focus-retreat-is-next/) - Your Intrepid Blogger is off again, this time to the Chesapeake Bay and Sandy Cove Retreat Center in Maryland for the East Coast Focus Retreat (via a family wedding in Baton Rouge enroute). Do pray for longtime Grace Brethren pastor Gilbert Hawkins, who is currently in Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne for tests on his
- [A Lovely Wedding in Baton Rouge](https://charisfellowship.com/a-lovely-wedding-in-baton-rouge/) - Grace alums from the mid-1960s may remember Erik (Rick) Auxt (left) of Hagerstown, Maryland, who married Tecca Wilging (right) of Mansfield, Ohio. Tonight (Saturday, October 23) their daughter, Erin, was married to J.R. Crain at Parkview Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- [Miriam Uphouse Weds David Christensen](https://charisfellowship.com/miriam-uphouse-weds-david-christensen/) - Miriam Uphouse, former Dean of Women at Grace College, today wed David Christensen in a ceremony at Winona Lake (Ind.) Grace Brethren Church conducted by Pastor John Teevan. Mrs. Uphouse, 87, had known David Christensen, 89, since their college days together in Philadelphia. Each had previously lost a spouse to death, and many of their
- [Rainbow Room Prayer Meeting Led to Tonight's Billy Graham Crusade](https://charisfellowship.com/rainbow-room-prayer-meeting-led-to-tonights-billy-graham-crusade/) - Tonight in Los Angeles, Billy Graham, 86, returns to the Rose Bowl to begin a crusade that will have 20,000 volunteers from over 1,200 churches representing 95 denominations working together in the four-day crusade slated for November 18-21. It was 55 years ago, in 1949, that a young Billy Graham preached a tent revival in
- [Ashland University Takes a Conservative Turn](https://charisfellowship.com/ashland-university-takes-a-conservative-turn/) - Ashland University (formerly Ashland College) played a key role in the history of Grace College and Seminary and of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. It was a group of Ashland faculty members--including Drs. Herman Hoyt and Alva J. McClain--who parted company with the Ohio school in the late 1930s and founded what is now
- [College Sousa Concert Brightens the Weekend](https://charisfellowship.com/college-sousa-concert-brightens-the-weekend/) - Dr. Tim Sanborn, of the Grace College music faculty, was trombone soloist for the college's Sousa concert by the wind ensemble over this past weekend. (Al Disbro photo)
- [Robert Gordon Dies at 93](https://charisfellowship.com/robert-gordon-dies-at-93/) - ROBERT GORDON, 93, a major benefactor of Grace College and Seminary and the father of Grace College business professor Bill Gordon, went to be with the Lord on November 16. Mr. Gordon and his wife, Frances, have been faithful friends of Grace and generous donors to the campus for many years. They donated fund to
- [National Conference for Twenty-Somethings Set for June](https://charisfellowship.com/national-conference-for-twenty-somethings-set-for-june/) - Kary Oberbrunner, student ministries pastor at the Powell, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church, today announced a national conference for 20-somethings to be held on the campus of Kenyon College, about an hour from Columbus, OH, the dates of June 15-18, 2005. Aimed at young people ages 19-29, the conference will seek to better connect and motivate
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/231-2/) - The Grace College Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Martin Becker, played a concert of Sousa numbers over the weekend. Supplemented with a few community and professional players, the ensemble played a wide selection of marches and other numbers by Sousa and Percy Grainger. One of the ensemble's tuba players, David Sanborn, had played under
- [Berne, IN, Church Hosts Prophecy Conference](https://charisfellowship.com/berne-in-church-hosts-prophecy-conference/) - The Bethel Brethren Church, located at 718 East Main Street, Berne, Indiana, will host a three-day Bible prophecy conference beginning Sun., Nov. 28, with evangelist Mike Wingfield of Roanoke, Virginia as guest speaker. Wingfield is a 1975 Master of Divinity graduate of Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Ind. and has 33 years of ministry
- [Sproul Appoints New Ligonier President](https://charisfellowship.com/sproul-appoints-new-ligonier-president/) - R.C. Sproul, founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries, a Christian educational ministry located in Orlando, Florida, has appointed Timothy A. Dick to succeed him as president of Ligonier Ministries effective immediately. "I am proud and excited to announce that Tim Dick has been promoted from executive vice president to president of Ligonier Ministries. This move
- [CT is 'Shaken Up by the Peace-Lovers'](https://charisfellowship.com/ct-is-shaken-up-by-the-peace-lovers/) - Chris Armstrong, one of the editors and writers at Christianity Today magazine, shares his thoughts as the CTI staff was preparing the current special issue which focuses on some of the Anabaptist groups that figure in the history of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. His comments include: Our hosts at the center— Steve [Scott,
- [Boat Auction Raises Nearly $14K for Chicago Urban Ministry](https://charisfellowship.com/boat-auction-raises-nearly-14k-for-chicago-urban-ministry/) - Clive Craigen (pictured, with boat), director of the Chicago Urban Encounter ministry under the direction of Grace Brethren North American Missions, recently reported that $13,750 has been realized from a boat auction conducted this fall to support the ministry. Seven donated watercraft were sold, some at the site of the sale in September and some
- [Author, Beekeeper Don Wardell Dies at 84](https://charisfellowship.com/author-beekeeper-don-wardell-dies-at-84/) - Don Wardell, 84, who was well known to generations of Grace College and Seminary students, died at 5 p.m. Thanksgiving Day in the Kosciusko Community Hospital in Warsaw, Indiana. The "Wardell Ranch" at the end of Robson Road in Winona Lake was a favorite spot for those wishing to purchase fresh honey, and to chat
- [Former BMH Editor, General Manager Charles Turner Dies](https://charisfellowship.com/former-bmh-editor-general-manager-charles-turner-dies/) - Former BMH editor and general manager Charles Turner, 78, was found dead in his Winona Lake, Indiana, home Saturday afternoon, apparently from a heart attack. Turner, who was pastor of the Grace Brethren Church of Rittman, Ohio, from 1957-1971, took over the Brethren Missionary Herald Company in Winona Lake in 1971. Turner steered BMH through
- [November is Board Meeting Month](https://charisfellowship.com/november-is-board-meeting-month/) - November is board meeting time for several of the Fellowship national organizations. The Brethren Missionary Herald board (pictured here) is currently meeting, as is the CENational board. Grace College and Seminary board met recently in southern California, as well. BMH board members and staff pictured here include (front row, from left) Jesse Deloe, Nathan Bryant,
- [Arafat Clearly Heard, Understood the Gospel](https://charisfellowship.com/arafat-clearly-heard-understood-the-gospel/) - Yasser Arafat, who was buried today in Ramallah, clearly heard and understood the Gospel on several occasions, according to those who were present at the time. This story, from ASSIST News Service, details several occasions on which Arafat was given the message of salvation. I think you will find the details quite interesting and intriguing.
- [Grace Performs Bach's "Christmas Oratorio"](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-performs-bachs-christmas-oratorio/) - Jerry Polman, a recent Grace College graduate now teaching public school music in northern Indiana, was one of four featured soloists in Friday evening's Grace Community Orchestra and Festival Chorus presentation of Bach's Christmas Oratorio. Grace Prof. Ardis Faber directed the production, which was held in the Rodeheaver auditorium. (Al Disbro photo)
- [Grace Faculty Present Papers at ETS](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-faculty-present-papers-at-ets/) - Six Grace Theological Seminary faculty members, along a number of other theologians with Grace Brethren connections are attending the 56th annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society in San Antonio, Texas, this week. The meeting, which begins Wednesday, November 17 and concludes Friday noon, is centered around the theme “What is Truth?” Thursday morning several
- [Make 'Editor's Blog' Your Home Page](https://charisfellowship.com/make-editors-blog-your-home-page-2/) - Today I spent the morning with the Southern Ohio district ministerium. We were discussing the BMH webpages (fgbcworld.com and bmhbooks.com) and one of them made an excellent suggestion. "Show us how to make the Blog our home page," he suggested, indicating that one is much more likely to read it regularly if it pops up
- [Former Grace Prof. Daniel Wonderly Dies](https://charisfellowship.com/former-grace-prof-daniel-wonderly-dies/) - Daniel E. Wonderly, who taught biology at Grace College in the middle 1960s and 1970s, died December 3 in Garrett County Memorial Hospital, Oakland, Maryland, according to today's Warsaw Times-Union newspaper. Wonderly, 82, is survived by his wife, Edna; a daughter, Eunice Stackhouse of Montreat, NC; a son, Philip, of Warsaw, IN; a grandson and
- [MKs Explain Christmas Customs](https://charisfellowship.com/mks-explain-christmas-customs/) - A panel of Grace Brethren MKs (missionary kids) presented a program earlier this week for some 70 Women of Grace at Grace Village Retirement Center in Winona Lake, Indiana. The panel discussed how Christmas is celebrated in the cultures in which they have lived--the host was Grace College professor Jacqueline (Julien) Schram. Panel members (from
- [Larry Downs Joins Nelson Spanish Publishing Unit](https://charisfellowship.com/larry-downs-joins-nelson-spanish-publishing-unit/) - Larry Downs, a 1986 Grace College graduate, has left his job as president of Editorial Unilit to become vice president of Caribe-Betania Editores, the Spanish publishing imprint of Thomas Nelson. Caribe-Betania is a Spanish publishing industry leader providing books based in core Christian values. The Spanish book market generates approximately $1.5 billion in annual sales
- [Pacific Halibut a Hit at Simi Valley](https://charisfellowship.com/pacific-halibut-a-hit-at-simi-valley/) - The following story appeared in today’s Ventura (CA) County Star newspaper, featuring Tom Bohn, whose Pacific halibut, the writer says, “has been requested at many receptions in his church, Grace Brethren in Simi Valley.” Read it and drool! His coolest dish is freshly caught fish By Eva Smythe, CorrespondentDecember 1, 2004 Name: Tom Bohn. City:
- [World Magazine: "The Year of the Blog"](https://charisfellowship.com/world-magazine-the-year-of-the-blog/) - World Magazine, along with other sources, is calling 2004 "The Year of the Blog" because of the meteoric rise of this form of communication and its impact on public life. At least four Grace Brethren blogs (Tom Avey, Brian Orme, Ivanildo Trindade, BMH Editor's Blog) are accessible through FGBC's website, (click "short cuts") and there
- [Ted Ruiz Reports on Typhoon Damage](https://charisfellowship.com/ted-ruiz-reports-on-typhoon-damage/) - Four typhoons over a span of three weeks have wreaked havoc in at least five regions in the Philippines, sources report. As of Dec. 2, the number of people dead or missing in flash floods and landslides has reached nearly a thousand, while thousands more have been rendered homeless. More than 160,000 people fled to
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/247-2/) - Carolers on the porches of Park Avenue businesses in the Village at Winona ushered in the season in today's "Winona Holiday Festival" in Winona Lake, Indiana.
- [Gingerbread and Carols Kick Off Season in Winona](https://charisfellowship.com/gingerbread-and-carols-kick-off-season-in-winona/) - Decorate-your-own gingerbread house was a popular event as dozens of families kicked off the holiday season at the Rodeheaver Auditorium in Winona Lake today with the Winona Holiday Festival, sponsored by the Village at Winona.
- [Grace Musicians Present 'Light of His Coming'](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-musicians-present-light-of-his-coming/) - "The Light of His Coming," Grace College's annual Christmas concert, took place Friday evening at Rodeheaver Auditorium in Winona Lake, IN. Participating groups included the Grace Brass, Chamber Singers and Chamber Ensemble, and the women's vocal ensemble "Cantate!" (Al Disbro photo)
- ['60 Minutes' to Feature Christian Artists](https://charisfellowship.com/60-minutes-to-feature-christian-artists/) - Evangelical Christian music's impact on mainstream media will be the focus of a piece Wednesday on '60 Minutes,' the CBS primetime news magazine. Correspondent Bob Simon will report on Christian artists' crossover appeal and how Christian entertainment now brings in $4 billion a year. The program is scheduled to air at 8 p.m. EST. Simon
- [2005 FGBC Directory Now Available](https://charisfellowship.com/2005-fgbc-directory-now-available/) - The new 212-page handbook listing all Grace Brethren churches, pastors, national organizations and other pertinent information is now available. New features this year include a "Ministry Index" listing personnel by position type, and a 47-week prayer calendar. The directories are produced by Tom Avey in the Fellowship Coordinator's office. Churches and pastors will automatically receive
- [Our Forebears Paid a Terrible Price](https://charisfellowship.com/our-forebears-paid-a-terrible-price/) - The current issue of Christian History & Biography magazine (Fall, 2004) carries an excellent article by Chris Armstrong and Jeff Bach entitled "A People of Conscience" which gives further background and context to our forebears, who paid a terrible price for following what they believed to be Scripture's teaching on the baptism of adults, rather
- [Grace Brethren's Biggest Little Running Back](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-brethrens-biggest-little-running-back/) - Today's Los Angeles Daily News carries a story about perhaps the best-ever running back to come from Grace Brethren High in Simi Valley, CA. By Ramona Shelburne, Staff Writer When the legend of Chad Kackert is shared with future generations at Grace Brethren High in Simi Valley, the story will begin during the fourth week
- [Ohio Pastor Leads Accordion Band, Outreach](https://charisfellowship.com/ohio-pastor-leads-accordion-band-outreach/) - Pastor Steve Makofka of the Centerville, OH, Grace Brethren Church, is shown here directing the Oakwood Accordion Band in the lobby of the Schuster Center for the Performing Arts in Dayton, Ohio. Makofka, whose interest in the accordion and ethnomusicology increased after a mission trip to Africa, joined the band to gain some more facility
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/240-2/) - Charlie Turner, shown here earlier this year in the BMH offices with a mounted page from the 1743 Christopher Sauer Bible, went to be with the Lord Saturday, November 27, 2004 in his home in Winona Lake, Indiana.
- [Richard Holmes, Former Grace Board Member, Dies](https://charisfellowship.com/richard-holmes-former-grace-board-member-dies/) - Richard Holmes, 80, former long-time member of the Grace College and Seminary board, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 21 following a two-month-long illness. Holmes served a total of 34 years on the college and seminary board, beginning in 1960 and continuing through the administrations of all five of the schools' presidents
- [Waterloo Kids Learn About God After School](https://charisfellowship.com/waterloo-kids-learn-about-god-after-school/) - Today's newspaper from the Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Iowa, area carries a story about after-school Bible clubs and mentions several Grace Brethren women (Vivian Weimer and Rita Kehoe) who are involved. Here is a short excerpt--the entire story may be read by clicking here. Students Learning About God After School By TINA HINZ, For the Courier With
- [Grace Receives $997,791 Lilly Grant](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-receives-997791-lilly-grant/) - According to the lead story in this morning’s Warsaw (IN) Times-Union newspaper, Grace College has received a grant of nearly $1 million from Lilly Endowment, Inc. as part of Lilly’s initiative to recruit and retain intellectual capital for Indiana higher education institutions. According to Grace’s president, Dr. Ron Manahan, the grant will be used to
- [Simi's Gourley Named Coach of the Year](https://charisfellowship.com/simis-gourley-named-coach-of-the-year/) - Pastor John McIntosh of the Simi Valley, Grace Brethren Church, has notified FGBC World that Grace Brethren High School football coach Terry Gourley has been named the 2004 ABC7/National Football League’s High School Coach of the Year for the Southern California Region. This is in addition to a previous award as Coach of the Week.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/257-2/) - Our home is your home. This is BMH's front lobby/reception area--offices for BMH and FGBC are back the hall, with the conference room at the end. Come see us the 16th or anytime you're in the area!
- [Natorg Heads Gather to Discuss, Pray](https://charisfellowship.com/natorg-heads-gather-to-discuss-pray/) - The executive directors/heads of the major Grace Brethren cooperating organizations gathered this week for a festive Christmas dinner and their annual lengthy discussion about the Fellowship--the bright spots, issues to address, reports on activity, and ways to pray for Grace Brethren churches and people. Held in the conference room of the newly-renovated offices of Brethren
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/264-2/) - You're invited to a Holiday Open House this Thursday, December 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the combined offices of Brethren Missionary Herald Co. and the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, 1104A Kings Highway, Winona Lake, IN.
- [Do Church-Hunters Use the Internet?](https://charisfellowship.com/do-church-hunters-use-the-internet/) - Some do--at least in eastern Pennsylvania. The following excerpt is from a weekly e-mail Pastor Scott Distler of the Lititz, PA Grace Brethren Church sends to all who request it. Is YOUR church's website being kept up-to-date and infused with fresh material? Maybe someone is visiting your site to see if your church is for
- [First Winona Snowfall of the Winter (Skycam)](https://charisfellowship.com/first-winona-snowfall-of-the-winter-skycam/) - First snowfall of the winter-- The skycam atop the science building on the Grace College campus shows McClain Hall and adjacent buildings after this morning's first snowfall. Classes end this week and resume January 11. The skycam, which changes live photos every five minutes, can be accessed by clicking "campus skycam" on Grace's website at
- [Good-bye, Dr. Laura, and Thanks](https://charisfellowship.com/good-bye-dr-laura-and-thanks/) - Today was the last day of work at BMH for Laura Bloomingdale--known on the internet as Dr. Laura--in her role as fall editorial intern with FGBC World and BMH Books. Laura graduates tomorrow from Grace College and will be returning to Dayton, OH to live and work, where she is a member of the Basore
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/268-2/) - Denny and Judy Daniels and Charlotte Austin check out some of the photos on Tom Avey's office wall in today's BMH/FGBC Open House. BMH's Ann Myers is visible in the hallway.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/269-2/) - Sharon White entertained at the keyboard in the front reception room with a steady stream of carols and holiday music at today's BMH/FGBC Holiday Open House.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/270-2/) - Tracy Owen (left) and Ken Herman (right) settle some difficult world problems in the conference room during today's Holiday Open House at the BMH/FGBC offices in Winona Lake.
- [BMH, FGBC and Friends Enjoy Holiday Open House](https://charisfellowship.com/bmh-fgbc-and-friends-enjoy-holiday-open-house/) - About 125 friends, neighbors, and fellow FGBC National Organization employees enjoyed a Holiday Open House this noon at the newly-renovated BMH/FGBC offices on Kings Highway in Winona Lake, IN. A highlight for many of those who attended was the opportunity to greet newly-arrived European missionaries Kip and Mary Cone and Larry and Vicky DeArmey. Those
- [Prayers Requested for David Ogden](https://charisfellowship.com/prayers-requested-for-david-ogden/) - Russ and Betty Ogden of Indianapolis request prayer for their son, David, a Grace Brethren pastor in Florida. David is a single parent, having lost his wife to cancer several years ago. We will post updates here as they are available. [UPDATE: Russ and Betty have decided to go to Florida and are leaving 9
- [You're Invited to a Holiday Open House](https://charisfellowship.com/youre-invited-to-a-holiday-open-house/) - The combined offices of Brethren Missionary Herald Co. and the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches invite you to a holiday Open House next Thursday, December 16 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. We'll have a light lunch for you, some live Christmas music, and lots of fellowship and good conversation in our newly-renovated offices. We're
- [Tim Boal Named GBNAM Exec.](https://charisfellowship.com/tim-boal-named-gbnam-exec/) - The Board of Directors of Grace Brethren North American Missions is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Tim Boal as the new Executive Director of GBNAM. Dr. Boal is the senior pastor of the Penn Valley Church of Telford, Pennsylvania, a position in which he has served since 1992. He will begin his duties
- [Pastor Tim Boal to Lead GBNAM](https://charisfellowship.com/pastor-tim-boal-to-lead-gbnam/) - Pastor Tim Boal of the Penn Valley Grace Brethren Church, Telford, PA, is the newly-named Grace Brethren North American Missions executive director. His duties with GBNAM begin January 1, 2005.
- [Lexington Pastor Expresses Christmas Thoughts](https://charisfellowship.com/lexington-pastor-expresses-christmas-thoughts/) - The following editorial by Pastor Jason Carmean of the Lexington, OH Grace Brethren Church appeared in this morning's Mansfield, OH newspaper: I wake up on Christmas morning with the anticipation of homemade cinnamon rolls and a fresh hot cup of coffee knowing that there are gifts under the Christmas tree with my name on them.
- [Family Business From Ripon, CA, Church Featured](https://charisfellowship.com/family-business-from-ripon-ca-church-featured/) - The Floyd Cover family from the Ripon, Calif., Grace Brethren Church (Glen Shirk, pastor) is featured in today's edition of the local newspaper, the Manteca Bulletin. The family, which operates a wholesale-retail nursery business called Park Greenhouse, is featured as a family-run, three-generation small business. Viki Cover Rife, who directs communications for the Women of
- [Winona Lake Prayer Meeting Key to Success of Billy Graham](https://charisfellowship.com/winona-lake-prayer-meeting-key-to-success-of-billy-graham/) - Billy Graham, 86, returned in late November, 2004 to the Rose Bowl to conduct a four-day Los Angeles crusade. Held from November 18-21, it was Graham's 416th worldwide crusade. Almost 13,400 people made a commitment to Jesus Christ, according to crusade officials. The crowd the final day nearly filled the 92,000-seat stadium, the largest U.S.
- [Health Insurance -- Getting a Better Deal](https://charisfellowship.com/health-insurance-getting-a-better-deal/) - by Ron Dorner God's Word tells of one of the largest insurance plans in the world. We read in Genesis 41:34-36 of God's divine plan to accumulate grain to preserve life through Joseph during his stay in Egypt. God's plans always work out well. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for some of the health
- [Women Find Common Ground at Leadership Summit](https://charisfellowship.com/women-find-common-ground-at-leadership-summit/) - The breakfast room at the Comfort Suites in Berlin, OH, was crowded as guests stopped in for a quick breakfast before heading out for their day's activities. It was a big weekend for this community in the heart of Ohio Amish country. Berlin was one of the stops in a quilt hop--a directed tour of
- [Tracy Presents Thanksgiving by the Bay](https://charisfellowship.com/tracy-presents-thanksgiving-by-the-bay/) - by Sharon MacMillan Puppeteers from the Tracy, CA, Grace Brethren Church who helped provide the program for internationals in San Francisco at Thanksgiving time included (from left) Julie Chivers, Veronica Manzo, and Danielle Erichsen Working feverishly to finish decorations for the San Franciscan Thanksgiving, the women of Tracy, CA, Grace Brethren Church met Nov. 20
- [2005 CityReach Short-Term Ministry Opportunities](https://charisfellowship.com/2005-cityreach-short-term-ministry-opportunities/) - January 3
- [David Jeremiah on God's "Very Best"](https://charisfellowship.com/david-jeremiah-on-gods-very-best/) - Grace Seminary alumnus David Jeremiah has recently joined Baptist Press as a columnist. Jeremiah is senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, Calif., and has been featured on the "Turning Point" radio and television ministry since its launch in 1982. Here are excerpts from his first BP column: God Sent the Very
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/276-2/) - David Jeremiah, Grace Seminary alumnus, debuts his Baptist Press column this week with thoughts on God's "Very Best" present.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/278-2/) - Players and cheerleaders from Grace Brethren High in Simi Valley, CA, were featured on local television following Monday Night Football this week.
- [David Ogden Update -- The News is Good!](https://charisfellowship.com/david-ogden-update-the-news-is-good/) - The following update from Russ and Betty Ogden on their son, David, who is pastor at Okeechobee, Florida, Grace Brethren Church, comes as welcome good news to the many who have been praying for David and this family. When we heard of David’s hospitalization on December 16 with a pulmonary embolism, we asked God for
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/277-2/) - Simi Valley cheerleaders pose for TV cameras following Brethren High's championship season.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/283-2/) - Terry Gourley, coach of the Simi Valley Grace Brethren High football champs, holds high the trophy.
- [Simi Valley Coach Displays Trophy](https://charisfellowship.com/simi-valley-coach-displays-trophy/) - Terry Gourley, Simi Valley's Grace Brethren Coach-of-the-Year, has had an outstanding football season record of 13-1-0. Not only did his team with the 11-man championship in their division, but Gourley was also named Coach of the Year.
- [Althea Miller With the Lord](https://charisfellowship.com/althea-miller-with-the-lord/) - The following message was received this Christmas Eve afternoon from David S. Miller, son of Robert and Althea Miller. The Millers are well-known throughout the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches for Robert's many years of pastoring, teaching, and evangelism. Althea for many years wrote a column for the Brethren Missionary Herald magazine entitled "Under the
- [Cones Relocate Their Ministry to U.S.](https://charisfellowship.com/cones-relocate-their-ministry-to-u-s/) - Mary Cone, recently-returned GBIM missionary to Germany, was the Sunday morning soloist today at the Maranatha Grace Brethren Church in Hagerstown, Maryland (Jay Fretz, pastor). Mary, her husband Kip, and their boys were visiting Mary's parents, CM and Marie Hicks, who are founding members of the Maranatha church. The Cones have served nine years in
- [Hawaii Grandfather Shepherds His Athletic Family](https://charisfellowship.com/hawaii-grandfather-shepherds-his-athletic-family/) - Today's Honolulu Star-Bulletin carries a story about Randall Senas, a grandfather from the Waipio Grace Brethren Church in Mililani, Hawaii (David Mitchell, pastor), who serves as a mentor and father-figure for a group of unusually talented athletic grandchildren. Here is a short excerpt from the article -- to read the entire story click here. (Star-Bulletin
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/279-2/) - Simi Valley's Grace Brethren team clinched its division championship this year with a 13-1-0 record.
- [Simi Valley Wins Division Title](https://charisfellowship.com/simi-valley-wins-division-title/) - Grace Brethren High, affiliated with the Simi Valley, CA, Grace Brethren Church (John McIntosh, pastor) has clinched the title in its football division with a 13-1-0 season. First-year coach Terry Gourley was named Coach of the Year and was featured this week on local television following Monday Night Football. This was Grace Brethren’s first 11-man
- [Grace Students Replicate Rainbow Prayer Meeting](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-students-replicate-rainbow-prayer-meeting/) - The Friday, November 19 entry in this blog (see November archive) detailed the all-night prayer meeting in the Rainbow Room of the Westminster Hotel in Winona Lake, Indiana, which preceded the Billy Graham 1949 Los Angeles crusade. That article will also appear in the January/February issue of FGBCWorld, soon to arrive in homes and churches.
- [David Ogden Update--Doing Better](https://charisfellowship.com/david-ogden-update-doing-better/) - This PRAISE! update, dated December 21st, on Pastor Dave Ogden is from his father, Russ: "When we arrived [at the hospital] on Friday, we didn’t know if [Dave] would live or die. He has several blood clots in his left leg (not the right one which was injured). On Saturday the doctor implanted a filter
- [Brookville, OH, Go2Trinidad Team Lays Church-Plant Foundation](https://charisfellowship.com/brookville-oh-go2trinidad-team-lays-church-plant-foundation/) - Trinidadian children were part of the ministry focus of the recent Go2Trinidad team from the Brookville, OH, Grace Brethren Church. (Kathy Allison photo) For ten days this past October, a Go2Trinidad team from the Brookville, OH, Grace Brethren Church, poured themselves into ministry to the people of the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. Chuck
- [Diary of a Cambodia Mission Trip](https://charisfellowship.com/diary-of-a-cambodia-mission-trip/) - Members of the recent short-term missions team to Cambodia included (from left) Theresa Jamison, Joan and Mike McCracken, Miriam Pacheco, Roger Snyder, Roberto Recillas, and Brent Hollinger. Editor's Note: Miriam Pacheco, from the Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church and a Grace Brethren International Missions board member, recently participated in a short-term ministry leadership training
- [Twenty-Somethings Conference Planned for June](https://charisfellowship.com/twenty-somethings-conference-planned-for-june/) - Driven! Engage, Accelerate, Motivate Citing studies that young people ages 19-29 generally struggle to find their place in Christian churches, a group of young Grace Brethren pastors has announced the first-ever national conference for Twenty-Somethings to be held near Columbus, OH, the week of June 15-18, 2005. Meeting on the historic campus of Kenyon College
- [Make 'Editor's Blog' Your Home Page](https://charisfellowship.com/make-editors-blog-your-home-page/) - Make 'Editor's Blog' Your Home Page By Terry White, FGBC World Editor We've been very pleased with the number of people who indicate they've been reading the "Editor's Blog" on our www.fgbcworld.com webpage. Recently I spent a morning in southern Ohio with pastors from that district. We were discussing the BMH webpages (www.fgbcworld.com and www.bmhbooks.com
- [Equip05 Preview: Mark Soto: Learning to Study the Bible](https://charisfellowship.com/equip05-preview-mark-soto-learning-to-study-the-bible/) - Dr. Mark Soto By Laura Bloomingdale Many of us read the Bible and long to be able to discern for ourselves exactly what it means. Dr. Mark Soto is offering us that opportunity. Soto will teach a class called "Feeding Yourself From the Word of God" at the Equip05 conference to be held in Winona
- [Charles Turner, Former BMH Head, Dies](https://charisfellowship.com/charles-turner-former-bmh-head-dies/) - Charles W. Turner Charles W. Turner, 78, former editor and general manager of the Brethren Missionary Herald Company, died at his residence in Winona Lake, IN on November 27, 2004. A graduate of Bob Jones University and Grace Theological Seminary, Turner held several Grace Brethren pastorates prior to assuming the BMH responsibilities. He moved to
- [Grace Brethren Family Photo Album](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-brethren-family-photo-album/) - A Thanksgiving Wedding Miriam Uphouse, former Dean of Women at Grace College, wed David Christensen in a November 27 ceremony at Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church. Miriam Uphouse, former Dean of Women at Grace College, wed David Christensen in a November 27 ceremony at Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church conducted by Pastor John
- [Operation Enduring Friendship](https://charisfellowship.com/operation-enduring-friendship/) - Where did those bags go, and what good did they do? By Beth Bryant Military wives at the Schofield Barracks in Hawaii were the grateful recipients of more than 2,000 care bags stuffed with notes, personal care items and other gifts from the women of the FGBC. Most of the women have husbands who are
- [Bayaka Pygmies Learn Blacksmithing, Agriculture](https://charisfellowship.com/bayaka-pygmies-learn-blacksmithing-agriculture/) - Babay Jean-Marie, one of the Pygmy Grace Brethren pastors from the Bayaka people in Central African Republic, demonstrates garden tools manufactured after learning techniques from a visiting blacksmith. Nathan Zuck, a Grace College senior from the Elizabethtown, PA, Grace Brethren Church, spent five weeks among the Bayaka Pygmy people in Central African Republic the summer
- [Bits 'n Pieces](https://charisfellowship.com/bits-n-pieces/) - With the Lord Mary Ann J. Habegger Mary Ann J. Habegger, 80, retired GBIM missionary, died Monday, November 1, 2004 at Decatur, Indiana. Habegger was deployed in 1952 as a registered nurse to Yaloke, Central African Republic. She spent 40 years working in Africa using her medical training and skill and retired in 1992 to
- [Almanac](https://charisfellowship.com/almanac-7/) - Ten Years Ago
- [2005 Calendar of Grace Brethren Events](https://charisfellowship.com/2005-calendar-of-grace-brethren-events/) - Events of general interest among Grace Brethren Churches. Details and registration information are available from sponsoring organizations or through www.fgbc.org. Jan. 3-8 -- Apostolic Church Planting Seminar (ACT Strategy), Philadelphia, PA (GBIM) Jan. 4-10
- ['Understanding Islam' Course Offered at Grace](https://charisfellowship.com/understanding-islam-course-offered-at-grace/) - Grace College and Seminary will offer an enrichment course entitled "Understanding Islam" on Tuesday evenings (6-8:50 p.m.) from January 11 to April 26 on its Winona Lake, Indiana, campus. The course is open to all and will be taught by Grace alumnus Fred Plastow. Plastow studied Islamics at the L'universite Libre de Bruxelles and served
- [SuperBowl Outreach Kits Available](https://charisfellowship.com/superbowl-outreach-kits-available/) - The Superbowl is Sunday, February 6 this year, and many churches have found ways to build outreach programs around the football game. Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Sports Spectrum magazine are making available a "Power to Win" halftime outreach kit which includes a video featuring Kurt Warner of the New York Giants and Christian musicians
- [Tsunami Relief -- How NOT to Help](https://charisfellowship.com/tsunami-relief-how-not-to-help/) - Relief Agency Brethren is the suggested channel for Grace Brethren churches and people who want to funnel assistance to Tsunami victims in southeast Asia. More information is available at www.fgbc.org and www.gbim.org. Through Relief Agency Brethren (RAB), GBIM is pleased to serve as a clearinghouse for churches and individuals who desire to help meet the
- [Southern California Pastoral Couples Fellowship](https://charisfellowship.com/southern-california-pastoral-couples-fellowship/) - Bellflower, CA, Brethren Church pastor Tom Hocking, who is currently moderator of the Southern California-Arizona District, recently got district pastors and their wives together for a post-Christmas couples dinner party at a bowling alley. Grace Brethren national organizations (including Brethren Missionary Herald Co.) contributed books, CDs, videos, candy, nuts, mugs, shirts, combs and more which
- [BNYC Planning for 2005 Well Underway](https://charisfellowship.com/bnyc-planning-for-2005-well-underway/) - Representatives of the Grace Brethren national organizations met in the CENational facilities this noon to strategize on their involvement in Brethren National Youth Conference (BNYC) this year. Dave Rank (standing, striped sweater), who is BNYC coordinator, chaired the meeting. BNYC annually attracts more than 2,000 Grace Brethren teens and will be held on the campus
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/295-2/) - SPRING ARBOR, MI - Junior David Richmond hit a three-pointer with less than a minute to play as Grace College, Winona Lake, IN, pulled off a 70-67 men's basketball victory over Spring Arbor College Tuesday. With the win, head coach Jim Kessler picked up the 500th of his career, all at Grace in 28 years.
- [Grace Coach Jim Kessler Gets 500th Win](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-coach-jim-kessler-gets-500th-win/) - Grace College men's basketball coach Jim Kessler picked up his 500th career win Tuesday night as the Lancers defeated Spring Arbor 70-67. Dave Richmond's three-pointer with 47 seconds left broke a tie score as Grace improved to 12-4 on the season. Kessler has coached 28 years at Grace and holds a 500-407 career record. He
- [East Side Bible Conference February 5](https://charisfellowship.com/east-side-bible-conference-february-5/) - Columbus, OH East Side Grace Brethren Church (Chip Heim, pastor) has announced its Winter Bible Conference for Saturday, February 5 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the church's facilities at 7510 East Broad Street in Blacklick, OH. Keynote speaker is GBIM missionary Barb Wooler, who has pioneered work with the Pygmies in the forests of the
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/305-2/) - The Larry DeArmey family were able to all be together in Winona Lake, IN, for Christmas this year, the first time in many years for an all-family gathering. Pictured are (from left) Mathieu, Ginette, David, Marc, Vicki, Larry, and Luc. (photos courtesy Larry DeArmey)
- [Where in the World Are You Going?](https://charisfellowship.com/where-in-the-world-are-you-going-2/) - Nine new term missionary candidates are involved in a week-long core training on GBIM's vision and values at the Grace Brethren International Missions headquarters in Winona Lake, IN, this week. All have been approved for service and will now be raising support for their ministries in France, Argentina, Cambodia, Chad, and southeast Asia. Candidates include
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/298-2/) - Grace Brethren Chaplain James Schaefer, who serves in Afghanistan, celebrated this Christmas with a camel-ride in the desert. He asks prayers, reporting that "We just lost two more soliders--pray for the impact for Christ."
- [Of Camels and Carols--Christmas in Afghanistan](https://charisfellowship.com/of-camels-and-carols-christmas-in-afghanistan/) - A praise band and Christmas carols in the desert--Chaplain James Schaefer sends these photos noting that he had an "awesome time" with all 11 of his infantry units, which he gets to see about bi-weekly. (photos courtesy James Schaefer)
- [Teens' T-Shirt Business Also Shares Christ](https://charisfellowship.com/teens-t-shirt-business-also-shares-christ/) - Yesterday’s Long Beach (CA) Press Telegram newspaper carried a story by staff writer Joe Segura on some Southern California teens, at least one from a Grace Brethren church, who have turned a T-shirt business into witnessing opportunities. A few paragraphs are excerpted here—to read the full story click here. Four Millikan High students — Buzzy
- [Lost Leg a 'Blessing in Disguise'](https://charisfellowship.com/lost-leg-a-blessing-in-disguise/) - A pastor with Grace Brethren roots was featured in columnist Steve Pollick's article in today's Toledo (OH) Blade newspaper. A portion of the article is reproduced here--to read the entire piece click here. John Fahrbach shot this 8-pointer on opening day of black powder season. He’s back afield after doctors replaced his leg. Hunters who
- [ACTS Training Underway in Philadelphia](https://charisfellowship.com/acts-training-underway-in-philadelphia/) - About 50 current and potential church planters are participating in ACTS training this week in Philadelphia, PA. Cosponsored by Grace Brethren International Missions and Grace Brethren North American Missions, the course is being taught by GBIM Executive Director Dave Guiles and by GBIM's Regional Director for Europe Paul Klawitter. The course looks at the concepts
- [Love Feast: a Place to Remove Shoes and Meet Jesus](https://charisfellowship.com/love-feast-a-place-to-remove-shoes-and-meet-jesus/) - The current issue of Christian History and Biography features an article by Frank Ramirez, a Church of the Brethren pastor from Everett, PA, in which he give some historical background and details step-by-step the procedure and meaning of the threefold communion service, which is also observed by Grace Brethren churches. Several paragraphs are excerpted here...to
- [Pastor Evaluates ACTS Training](https://charisfellowship.com/pastor-evaluates-acts-training/) - Pastor Dan White of the York, PA, Grace Brethren church has written the following short evaluation of this week's ACTS training at the request of Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey. White was one of about 50 who participated in the training at MetroGrace in Philadelphia, conducted by GBIM's Dave Guiles and Paul Klawitter. Information on the
- [DeArmeys Become Grace Missionaries-in-Residence](https://charisfellowship.com/dearmeys-become-grace-missionaries-in-residence/) - Larry and Vicki DeArmey, recently returned GBIM missionaries to Madrid, Spain, are serving this spring semester as Missionaries in Residence at Grace College, Winona Lake, Indiana. Larry is a 1964 graduate of the college and 1992 graduate of the seminary, and Vicki is a 1968 graduate of the college. The DeArmeys served in Dijon and
- [Warsaw 20-Somethings Ministry Featured](https://charisfellowship.com/warsaw-20-somethings-ministry-featured/) - A new ministry for 20-somethings headed by BMH Operations Manager Ann Myers and her husband, Kent, is featured on the front page of today's Warsaw (IN) Times-Union newspaper. The article, written by staffer David Slone, credits the Myers with providing an alternative to young adults who want to choose wholesome entertainment and fellowship over the
- [Tsunami Donations Tax Deductions Accelerated](https://charisfellowship.com/tsunami-donations-tax-deductions-accelerated/) - The following item appears on today's blog of World Magazine. This legislation, which was signed by the president Friday, (check with your tax preparer), gives all the more motivation to give a gift in the next 21 days through Relief Agency Brethren. See more details at www.gbim.org or www.fgbc.org. Tsunami donations deductible for 2004 tax
- [Worthington Hosts Funeral for Slain Officer](https://charisfellowship.com/worthington-hosts-funeral-for-slain-officer/) - The Grace Brethren Church of Columbus, OH, is this noon hosting a funeral for officer Bryan Hurst, 33, who was killed Thursday during a bank robbery attempt. Thousands are attending the funeral of Hurst, who had been a police officer for eight years in Columbus. Dan Hammers, pastoral care pastor at the Columbus church, explained
- [Top 25 Worship Songs From CCLI](https://charisfellowship.com/top-25-worship-songs-from-ccli/) - These are the songs most used by churches reporting to Christian Copyright Licensing Inc., for its most recent six-month reporting period: 1. Here I Am to Worship 2. Open the Eyes of My Heart 3. Lord, I Lift Your Name on High 4. Shout to the Lord 5. Come, Now is the Time to Worship
- [Argentina on-the-spot GO Team Report](https://charisfellowship.com/argentina-on-the-spot-go-team-report/) - Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church member Miriam Pacheco, who is currently in Argentina with a women’s GO Team on a short-term missions trip, sends this on-the-spot report which has been slightly edited. For a fuller report, lists of participants, and many photos, go to www.womenofcharis.net. MONDAY: God blessed us yesterday with some lovely, cooler
- [Visit to Tsunami Area Opens Doors](https://charisfellowship.com/visit-to-tsunami-area-opens-doors/) - Wayne Hannah, the GBIM director responsible for southeast Asia, is currently concluding a visit with Ted Rondeau to the area of Thailand most affected by the tsunami. He gives this gripping and optimistic report: As I write this, I am sitting in a hotel room of a half-demolished resort a few yards from the beach
- [The Last Day of an Argentine Mission Trip](https://charisfellowship.com/the-last-day-of-an-argentine-mission-trip/) - Today is the final day for the women’s GO team which has been ministering in Argentina. Excerpted here are some final comments by Miriam Pacheco (standing, at right), of Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, who is one of the team’s leaders. Additional information and photos may be found at www.womenofcharis.net. (photo from womenofcharis.net) Today we
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/315-2/) - "Dinner and a Ministry" is a once-a-month Sunday evening event at the Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church. Modeled after Steve Sjogren's concept of "servant evangelism," the program is organized and directed by WLGBC associate pastor Bruce Barlow. Service teams do community outreach, work on the church building, write notes of encouragement, call shut-ins and
- [A Bag of Sidewalk Salt in Jesus' Name](https://charisfellowship.com/a-bag-of-sidewalk-salt-in-jesus-name/) - Lisa Gill (left) and Jill Dimatteo (right) were two of the several dozen young people who distributed small bags of sidewalk salt door-to-door in the Warsaw/Winona Lake, Indiana, neighborhoods this evening as part of "Dinner and a Ministry" at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church. Each bag of sidewalk salt included a note which had church
- [Larry Chamberlain's Father Dies](https://charisfellowship.com/larry-chamberlains-father-dies/) - Leslie L. Chamberlain, Jr., 77, father of Grace Brethren Investment Foundation Executive Director Larry Chamberlain, died last evening, January 17, in Grace Village Retirement Center, Winona Lake, IN, where he resided. A native of Johnstown, PA, Chamberlain moved to Indiana in 1997. He was a U.S. Army veteran, and had retired from Bethlehem Steel Company
- [McClain's 'Greatness of the Kingdom' Newly Republished by BMH Books](https://charisfellowship.com/mcclains-greatness-of-the-kingdom-newly-republished-by-bmh-books/) - The Greatness of the Kingdom, Dr. Alva J. McClain's penetrating analysis of the Kingdom of God as taught in both the Old and New Testaments, has just been republished in a handsome hardback, dust jacket edition by BMH Books of Winona Lake, IN. The 556-page masterwork, which retails for $24.99, is available online through www.bmhbooks.com
- [Survey: Graham and Warren Influence Church the Most](https://charisfellowship.com/survey-graham-and-warren-influence-church-the-most/) - NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--Billy Graham and Rick Warren, both Southern Baptists, hold the top two spots on a list of leaders who pastors say have the greatest influence on churches, according to a survey by The Barna Group. Barna asked the pastors to name three individuals whom they believe have the greatest influence on churches and
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/340-2/) - In a just-for-fun singing time, attenders of the Southwest Focus Retreat this morning sang "His Banner Over Me Is Love" complete with hand motions.
- [Tsunami Response is Generous and Strategic](https://charisfellowship.com/tsunami-response-is-generous-and-strategic/) - Upon hearing of the post-Christmas tsunami disaster in southeast Asia, Grace Brethren churches and people everywhere felt an immediate impulse to respond with God’s love. “Can we go over there and help?” “Where can I send donations?” “What is really needed?” “Do our Grace Brethren churches have any coordinated response effort to help?” These were
- [Asia's Earthquake: Cracks in the 10/40 Window](https://charisfellowship.com/asias-earthquake-cracks-in-the-1040-window/) - The following article, written and distributed by Baptist Press of the Southern Baptist Convention, accurately and succinctly portrays what many Grace Brethren leaders believe to be a proper and biblical perspective on the southeast Asia tsunami disasters. Along with the succeeding article on Grace Brethren tsunami response, you are encouraged to thoughtfully and prayerfully read
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/322-2/) - Prayer is requested for these nine potential church-planter family units who just today concluded a Church Planter's Assessment process in Chambersburg, PA. (photos courtesy Ron Boehm)
- [Church-Planter Assessment Seminar Concludes](https://charisfellowship.com/church-planter-assessment-seminar-concludes/) - Ron Boehm, Midwest Regional Career Missionary with Grace Brethren North American Missions, sends the following report (at our request) of the Church Planter’s Assessment just completed today in Chambersburg, PA. Ron reports: We had eight that were assessed. We started the process Thursday afternoon and planned to finish by 1 p.m. Saturday, but when we
- [Urbana No Longer to be in Urbana](https://charisfellowship.com/urbana-no-longer-to-be-in-urbana/) - Intervarsity Christian Fellowship recently announced it would no longer host the Urbana conference at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Though the Urban-Champaign facilities had served the Intervarsity Fellowship well for 50 years, the growing number of participants each year has strained available resources and space needed to conduct the conference successfully. St. Louis, the
- [THIS is the Day that the Lord Hath Made...??!!??](https://charisfellowship.com/this-is-the-day-that-the-lord-hath-made/) - 'Blue Monday' most depressing of 2005 A psychologist has predicted that today is the most depressing day of 2005. Cardiff University's Cliff Arnalls used a complicated mathematical formula to calculate that January 24 is truly a "Blue Monday". He said fading memories of Christmas, mounting debts, poor weather, failed New Year resolutions and the long,
- [Olsons to Perform at Marysville, Ohio Church](https://charisfellowship.com/olsons-to-perform-at-marysville-ohio-church/) - Marysville, OH, Grace Brethren Church, which meets at Navin Elementary, 16265 County Home Rd., Marysville, Ohio, will be hosting an evening of worship with Jeremiah & Marcie Olson and ‘40 miles north,’ a grassroots soulful acoustic rock duo. The Olsons are worship leaders at Grace Community Church in Goshen, Indiana, (Jim Brown, pastor) and have
- [GBIM Coordinating Tsunami Relief Efforts](https://charisfellowship.com/gbim-coordinating-tsunami-relief-efforts/) - Grace Brethren International Mission's Ted Rondeau (right) surveys flood damage and the search for additional missing people during a recent tour of the tsunami-damaged area of southeast Thailand. GBIM's Wayne Hannah will leave next week for a "setup trip" to scout and coordinate ways in which Grace Brethren personnel and relief funds may best be
- [Hospital Named for Slain Soldier](https://charisfellowship.com/hospital-named-for-slain-soldier/) - Grace Brethren Chaplain James Schaefer, serving with his troops in Afghanistan, sent this message from one of his troops, Edward Leyshon, explaining the naming of the PFC Jerrod Dennis Combat Hospital, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Here is a slightly-edited version of soldier Leyshon’s explanation. (photo courtesy James Schaefer) On April 25, 2003 there was a major
- ['Driven' Conference Website Debuts](https://charisfellowship.com/driven-conference-website-debuts/) - "Driven," the new national conference for young adults to be held June 15-18, has debuted a new website containing program, schedule, and registration information. To be held near Columbus, OH, the conference is designed to call and equip those in the years 19-29, which have often been branded as the "Lost Decade." DRIVEN was set
- [John Pearson Leaving CMA Next December](https://charisfellowship.com/john-pearson-leaving-cma-next-december/) - Jerry White, chairman of the board of directors of the Christian Management Association, announced this month that John Pearson, CMA’s president/CEO since 1994, is resigning his position, effective Dec. 31, 2005. Pearson is launching a new consulting firm in 2006 to serve ministries, churches and associations. He has served as CEO of three associations for
- [Prayer Vigil for Iraqi Elections Planned](https://charisfellowship.com/prayer-vigil-for-iraqi-elections-planned/) - As insurgents in Iraq pledged to greet the nation’s historic democratic election with violence and bombings, Christians in the U.S. vowed to pray for God’s peace and protection for the Iraqi people. In a statement released Thursday, the Rev. Patrick Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition said several top evangelical bodies are planning to partake
- [Ashland University Reverses Hiring Decision](https://charisfellowship.com/ashland-university-reverses-hiring-decision/) - Trustees of Ashland University, a private Ohio college, have reversed their decision to hire only Christians and Jews as teachers and administrators. Ashland University trustees agreed Monday to drop the hiring policy that they put in place last October. Instead, faculty members and administrators will be required only to express support for the school’s commitment
- [William Tyndale College Closed](https://charisfellowship.com/william-tyndale-college-closed/) - FARMINGTON HILLS, MI - William Tyndale College of Farmington Hills, Michigan, founded in 1945, ceased operations effective December 31, 2004. The closing is due to a significant funding shortfall that will not support continued operations beyond the end of the Fall term. The magnitude of the funding shortfall was beyond the ability of Tyndale to
- [Hagerstown Teen is 'Called to Dance'](https://charisfellowship.com/hagerstown-teen-is-called-to-dance/) - Today's Herald-Mail newspaper from Hagerstown, MD, carries a story by Wanda T. Williams entitled "Called to Dance" featuring a young dancer from the Valley Grace Brethren Church in Hagerstown (Dan Pritchett, pastor). The lead paragraphs are reproduced here--to read the entire article, click here. (Herald-Mail photo by Joe Crocetta) Like a minister who teaches from
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/335-2/) - Grace Brethren Church of Long Beach, now at 36th and Linden, is the successor to L. S. Bauman's "Fifth and Cherry" mother-church which burned down in the 1960s.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/336-2/) - The welcome tent in the courtyard of Long Beach Grace Brethren Church is well-stocked with literature and friendly folk to tell you about the ministry of the church. And a free mug or water bottle is offered to visitors, along with a free cup of flavored coffee--Starbucks could do no better!
- [You Won't Do THIS in Indiana in January!](https://charisfellowship.com/you-wont-do-this-in-indiana-in-january/) - Good coffee...warm fellowship...and a gentle warm breeze in the courtyard by the fountain...you won't do THIS in Indiana in January! Today I visited Grace Brethren Church of Long Beach (Lou Huesmann, pastor) and had a wonderful time of fellowship with the congregation there. Tomorrow begins the Southwest Focus Retreat at San Juan Capistrano, followed by
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/338-2/) - Mitch Cariaga (left) of Grace Community Church in Rialto, CA, shares fellowship with Pastor Dan Allan (right) of the Ashland, OH Grace Brethren Church at the Southwest Focus Retreat. Allan is attending and help lead all four of the Focus Retreats this year as part of his duties as moderator of the Fellowship of Grace
- [Southwest Focus Retreat Begins With Worship](https://charisfellowship.com/southwest-focus-retreat-begins-with-worship/) - Doug Lee (seated, at piano), pastor of the Fountain Community Church in Fontana, CA, is worship leader for the Southwest Focus Retreat which began this afternoon at 4 p.m. The theme of the retreat is "the leader's heart." The retreat is being held at Rancho Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano at the southern tip of
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/341-2/) - Robert MacMillan, pastor of the Tracy, CA, Grace Brethren Church, led off the early-afternoon session of the Southwest Focus Retreat today with a talk on "Others and My Heart...Friends and Family." The retreat is focusing on various aspects of the leader's heart and tomorrow will discuss "How to Run and Not Lose Heart."
- [Maryland Coffeehouse Featured](https://charisfellowship.com/maryland-coffeehouse-featured/) - Stacey Mayne (left) and Davada Irons (right) of Thurmont, MD, clap along with the Hagerstown Grace Brethren Praise Band at In God's Hand Coffeehouse in Thurmont. A story in today's local paper marks the one-year anniversary of the coffee house. (Gazette photo) Here are several selected paragraphs from the story. To read the entire article
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/350-2/) - River City Grace Community Church of Sacramento, CA (Greg Stoever, pastor) is hosting the FGBC's Fellowship Council three-day meeting, now in progress. Today, Friday, part of the agenda was hearing brief reports from a number of the national organizations affiliated with the FGBC.
- [Fellowship Council Meets in Sacramento](https://charisfellowship.com/fellowship-council-meets-in-sacramento/) - Approximately 25 of the FGBC's top leadership people--including moderators, elected representatives and national organization representatives--are meeting yesterday, today and tomorrow in Sacramento, CA, to discuss current priorities, strategic directions for the future, and much more. Three new Fellowship Council members are attending their first meeting -- Robert MacMillan from Tracy, CA; Dan Gregory from Columbia
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/352-2/) - Moody Bible Institute of Chicago has named Dr. Michael J. Easley, a twenty-year veteran pastor from Virginia, to succeed Dr. Joseph M. Stowell, who served as MBI's seventh president for 18 years and concludes his tenure on Feb. 28, 2005 The 119-year old Moody Bible Institute (MBI) named Easley, 47, its eighth president on February
- [Chico Church Hears About Church Growth](https://charisfellowship.com/chico-church-hears-about-church-growth/) - From today's Chico, California, Enterprise-Record newspaper: Grace Brethren Church, 355 Panama Ave.: ""The Whys and Hows of Church Growth," joint session of all adult Bible classes with Tom Avey and Dan Allan; 10 a.m. "It's All About Grace," from Dan Allan, moderator for Grace Brethren Churches, Winona Lake, Ind.; 11 a.m. "Power-Power-Power," from the Rev.
- [Grace Music Faculty Perform Recital](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-music-faculty-perform-recital/) - Tammie Huntington, soprano, sings "Lucy's Aria" from "The Telephone" by Gian Carlo Menotti as part of the Grace College music department's faculty recital program this Sunday afternoon at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church. Also on the program were Judie Meulink, piano; Carol Streator, soprano; Elena Dunegan, clarinet; Dawn Engler, flute; Dr. Patrick Kavanaugh, guitar; and
- [Oahu Impacted by Helicopter Crash](https://charisfellowship.com/oahu-impacted-by-helicopter-crash/) - Pastor David Mitchell of the Waipio Grace Brethren Church in Mililani, Hawaii, sends along the following urgent prayer request: Our island has been stunned and shocked to hear that 27 of the 31 Marines who died in the helicopter crash in Iraq yesterday came from our Marine base in Kaneohe, located on this island of
- [Northern Atlantic Fellowship Pastors Retreat](https://charisfellowship.com/northern-atlantic-fellowship-pastors-retreat/) - Pastors from the Northern Atlantic Fellowship are gathering today, tomorrow and Wednesday at the Traber Center near Pottstown, PA, for a retreat. Relaxing here by the fire are Al Kidder (left), Jason Holt (right) and others, during an afternoon break. Pastor Keith Shearer of the Myerstown church is one of the key speakers for the
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/358-2/) - Keith Shearer, pastor of the Myerstown, PA, Grace Brethren Church and next year's moderator of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, is teaching the SALT (Strategic Alliance for Leadership Training) strategy as part of the Northern Atlantic Fellowship pastors' retreat the first three days of this week.
- [Northern Atlantic Pastors Learn SALT Principles](https://charisfellowship.com/northern-atlantic-pastors-learn-salt-principles/) - Meeting at the Traber Center near Pottstown, PA, the Northern Atlantic Fellowship pastors are being taught SALT principles by Pastor Keith Shearer (right) from Myerstown, PA.
- [Casting Crowns, Switchfoot Lead Dove Nominees](https://charisfellowship.com/casting-crowns-switchfoot-lead-dove-nominees/) - (BP)--Nominees for the 36th annual Dove Awards, gospel music's top awards show, were announced Feb. 7. Nominees from the major categories are:-- Song of the Year: "Blessed Be Your Name" (Matt Redman, Beth Redman); "Dare You to Move" (Jonathan Foreman); "Friend of God" (Israel Houghton, Michael Gungor); "Glory Defined" (Jim Cooper, Kenny Lamb, Jason Roy);
- [Word Received of Paul Bauman Death](https://charisfellowship.com/word-received-of-paul-bauman-death/) - The following message was received this morning regarding Dr. Paul Bauman, son of L. S. Bauman, well-known as a pastor and educator in the FGBC for many years. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available. I received word that Dr. Paul Bauman went to be with the Lord Tuesday morning, Feb. 8 at
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/342-2/) - About 80 pastors, church staff members, and lay leaders have gathered the first three days of this week at Rancho Capistrano near San Juan Capistrano, CA, for the Southwest Focus Retreat. The retreat concludes Wednesday at noon.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/343-2/) - Fellowship Coordinator Tom Avey (left) and Bellflower, CA, pastor Tom Hocking (right) congratulate Oscar Chavez after his baptism by trine immersion Tuesday afternoon in the the pool at the Rancho Capistrano as part of the Southwest Focus Retreat.
- [Baptism Highlights SW Focus Retreat](https://charisfellowship.com/baptism-highlights-sw-focus-retreat/) - A special highlight of this year's Southwest Focus Retreat was the baptism this afternoon, by trine immersion, of Pastor Oscar Chavez of Northridge, CA. Chavez pastors the Iglesia Biblical De Fe, an independent Hispanic congregation, which he would like to bring into the FGBC as a Grace Brethren Church. In his comments prior to being
- [TIME Lists 25 Most Influential Evangelicals](https://charisfellowship.com/time-lists-25-most-influential-evangelicals/) - TIME Magazine released its list of The 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America as a special feature to its Feb. 7 issue. The feature, which is prominently displayed on the magazine’s front cover, focuses on “those whose influence is on the rise or who have carved out a singular role,” according to TIME. Topping the
- [12 Grace Seniors Named to 'Who's Who'](https://charisfellowship.com/12-grace-seniors-named-to-whos-who/) - Twelve Grace College seniors have been selected for inclusion in the 2005 edition of Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, according to a release from the Winona Lake, IN, college. The 12 were selected as outstanding campus leaders based on their academic achievement, service to the community, leadership in extracurricular activities, and
- [Kackert Decides on New Hampshire](https://charisfellowship.com/kackert-decides-on-new-hampshire/) - The Blog has carried several stories this past month about Chad Kackert, the standout running back from Grace Brethren High School in Simi Valley, CA. This week it was announced that Kackert has accepted an offer from University of New Hampshire coach Sean McDonnell to play at UNH. Here is the announcement from the UNH
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/349-2/) - Kurt Miller, director of church planting for Grace Brethren North American Missions, presented a stimulating and challenging report on the urgency of increasing church-planting on the part of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.
- [Moody Names Virginia Pastor 8th President](https://charisfellowship.com/moody-names-virginia-pastor-8th-president/) - Dr. Michael J. Easley, the new president of Moody Bible Institute, and his wife, Cindy.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/362-2/) - Kork's "Worship Poet," aka "Lone Wolf," (right) has composed over 150 poems which Still Waters church uses in worship. They will soon be posted on the church's website at www.besidestillwaters.net.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/363-2/) - Kork Moyer (center), the church-planting pastor of Still Waters Home Church and Worship Center in Pottstown, PA, counsels with some of his parishioners during the Wednesday night soup-and-sandwich distribution in downtown Pottstown.
- [Serving Soup, With Love, in Pottstown](https://charisfellowship.com/serving-soup-with-love-in-pottstown/) - Melissa Moyer (right), wife of Pastor Kork Moyer, helps distribute potato soup, chili and sandwiches from a water company parking lot at the corner of Washington and Chestnut Streets in Pottstown, PA. The Moyers have been involved in this street ministry for the past 12 years, and may serve as many as 40 people some
- [Warren to Become LHJ Columnist](https://charisfellowship.com/warren-to-become-lhj-columnist/) - Rick Warren, author of the best-seller "The Purpose-Driven Life," has signed on with Ladies' Home Journal to provide an exclusive monthly column called "Purpose." The column, which debuted in the February issue, will address topics of spirituality and the search for meaning among American women and their families. "Rick clearly has touched a chord in
- [AGBM Leadership Plans New Directions](https://charisfellowship.com/agbm-leadership-plans-new-directions/) - The officers and leadership of the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers (AGBM) this Friday conclude a three-day strategy and planning meeting, held at the Traber Center in southeastern Pennsylvania. AGBM president Tim Boal (upper left) is convening the meeting, and much of the agenda is focused on recommendations issuing out of the study and research
- [Paul Bauman Dead at 97](https://charisfellowship.com/paul-bauman-dead-at-97/) - Dr. Paul R. Bauman, 97, Vice President Emeritus for Special Ministries at LeTourneau University, Longview Texas, went to be with the Lord Tuesday morning, February 8, 2005, in Amarillo, Texas, at the age of 97. A memorial service for Bauman will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, in Speer Chapel on the LeTourneau University
- [A Pastor's Valentine's Day Editorial](https://charisfellowship.com/a-pastors-valentines-day-editorial/) - The following opinion piece by pastor Don Smith of the Cornerstone Grace Brethren Church in Mansfield, OH, appeared in today's Mansfield News-Journal.Men, love your wives as Christ loves His churchValentine's Day is near, and our thoughts turn to love. But what is true love? And how can a husband give such love to his wife?Love
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/369-2/) - Each "Second Sunday" concert is concluded with a hymnsing led by Dr. Patrick Kavanaugh (third from left), director of the Christian Performing Artists Fellowship and the MasterWorks Festival. The next program is at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 13 in the Rodeheaver Auditorium in Winona Lake, IN, and it is entitled "Around the World." Succeeding
- [An Evening of Candlelight, Love Poetry, and Great Music](https://charisfellowship.com/an-evening-of-candlelight-love-poetry-and-great-music/) - The concluding number of tonight's "Second Sunday Series" of free concerts at the Rodeheaver Auditorium in Winona Lake, IN, was a trio composed of Elena Dunegan, clarinet; Barbara Kavanaugh, cello; and Jennifer Jackson, piano. They played two movements from the Trio in A Minor, Op. 114 by Johannes Brahms. Other performances tonight included piano, mezzo-soprano,
- [Taking the ABF on a Trip Back in Time](https://charisfellowship.com/taking-the-abf-on-a-trip-back-in-time/) - How do you make your ABF series of lessons on Old Testament Survey come alive? Take the students on a field trip to the Oriental Institute Museum on the campus of the University of Chicago, of course. That's what Bruce Barlow, who has been teaching the "Real People" ABF at Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren
- [Kavanaugh Announces Warsaw Symphony Orchestra](https://charisfellowship.com/kavanaugh-announces-warsaw-symphony-orchestra/) - Today's Warsaw (IN) Times-Union newspaper carried this announcement by Dr. Patrick Kavanaugh, who directs the Christian Performing Artists Fellowship and the MasterWorks Festival.Kavanaugh Announces Formation Of Warsaw Symphony OrchestraBY TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff WriterWINONA LAKE – “Warsaw is ready for its own symphony orchestra,” said Dr. Patrick Kavanaugh. “There are so many talented musicians in
- [Remembering Those Who Sacrificed](https://charisfellowship.com/remembering-those-who-sacrificed/) - Elizabeth Schaefer, whose husband, James, is a Grace Brethren military chaplain in Afghanistan, sends along this personal note and a link to a website that honors those who have recently made the ultimate sacrifice. This is a hard page to look at--it is all the men we have lost from our units here in Hawaii,
- [Africa Report: Meeting the Orphan Care Team](https://charisfellowship.com/africa-report-meeting-the-orphan-care-team/) - GBIM board member Miriam Pacheco is currently in the Central African Republic on a six-week trip to assist GBIM missionary Barb Wooler with her orphan and Pygmy ministries. Here are some excerpts from yesterday's e-mail report from Miriam:TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH Yesterday we spent relaxing some to get rid of the jet lag, and started to
- [Today's Africa Report: Shopping for the Trip](https://charisfellowship.com/todays-africa-report-shopping-for-the-trip/) - GBIM board member Miriam Pacheco, in the Central African Republic for six weeks to assist missionary Barb Wooler with orphan and Pygmy ministries, is sending occasional reports. Here are exceprts from one received today:The sun is breaking through the haze a little more today so it looks like it will be a bit warmer. But
- [Auto Buyer Teaches Survival Skills](https://charisfellowship.com/auto-buyer-teaches-survival-skills/) - Jim Shipley, of the Grace College faculty, gave a seminar yesterday afternoon in Westminster Hall on how to choose a car correctly as part of the Survival Skills Seminar series offered by the college. Organized and directed by Kathy Barnhart of the college staff, the series is open to students and alumni and offers practical,
- [Rugged Relief Workers Needed Immediately](https://charisfellowship.com/rugged-relief-workers-needed-immediately/) - GBIM's Wayne Hannah, left, consults with Thai families over lists of the missing and dead from the December tsunami disaster. Grace Brethren International Missions (GBIM) and Thailand Campus Crusade are combining efforts to raise up early-stage tsunami relief teams. The first one is scheduled for March, only several weeks away. Right now there are lots of
- [Mike Taylor India Trip Featured](https://charisfellowship.com/mike-taylor-india-trip-featured/) - GBIM's Mike Taylor and a medical team returned this week from a ministry/assessment trip to India to help tsunami victims. The report was featured on the front page of today's Warsaw (IN) Times-Union newspaper. A few paragraphs are duplicated here--to read the entire article click here.WINONA LAKE, IN - To do what they could, several
- [GO Team Hikers Needed for Spain](https://charisfellowship.com/go-team-hikers-needed-for-spain/) - Are you in reasonably good shape, enjoy long-hiking, want to mix with other cultures, get a good tan, and have opportunity to share your faith?Our missionaries in Spain have an opportunity for you, and if you don't speak German or Spanish or French, English will get you by!A GO Team to northwest Spain is forming
- [Africa Report: Arriving at M'baiki](https://charisfellowship.com/africa-report-arriving-at-mbaiki/) - Miriam Pacheco (center) is assisting several of the most promising Pygmy students with their literacy lessons. GBIM missionary Barb Wooler says: "We had an opportunity to sit with three of our students to do remedial work with them yesterday afternoon. We were encouraged and amazed at how much these three fellas were able to absorb
- [Hagerstown Grace Band Releases CD](https://charisfellowship.com/hagerstown-grace-band-releases-cd/) - The following article appeared in this morning's Hagerstown (MD) Herald-Mail newspaper, featuring a band from the Hagerstown Grace Brethren Church, Dean Pryor, pastor:Seven-year-old Christian band releases first albumby ANDREA ROWLANDMembers of the local contemporary Christian band Forgiven use music as a means to spread their spiritual beliefs. "We just want to get out and use
- [Love Letter from the Grave](https://charisfellowship.com/love-letter-from-the-grave/) - by Ron Dorner "Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her..." Ephesians 5:25 Who doesn't like love letters? I know my wife does. In fact, she still gets out those letters I wrote to her more than 40 years ago and reads them! I want to talk
- [Grace Brethren Almanac](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-brethren-almanac/) - Ten Years Ago - March, 1995 -- Dave Mitchell, pastor of the Waipio GBC in Hawaii, traveled to China with four other men to hand deliver Christian material and Bibles to Chinese pastors. -- The Lexington, OH, GBC, Dave Adkins, pastor, commissioned 60 people from their congregation to begin a new church in Mt. Vernon,
- [BMH Books Revitalized, McClain Classic Republished](https://charisfellowship.com/bmh-books-revitalized-mcclain-classic-republished/) - BMH Books, the book publishing division of Brethren Missionary Herald Co., has been reorganized as a stand-alone independent publisher and is now producing both new products and republished older works. Publishing "Theology You Can Trust" since 1940, BMH Books traditionally focused on adult Sunday School curriculum and works by Grace Seminary faculty and Grace Brethren
- [How Quickly Life Can Change](https://charisfellowship.com/how-quickly-life-can-change/) - Along with the shock and horror we've all felt at seeing the tsunami destruction in southeast Asia, we've also been reminded of how quickly life may be changed-or taken from us. If you should suddenly be taken from this life, by a natural disaster or accident or health crisis, do you know for sure that
- [Time to Renew BMH Corporation Membership](https://charisfellowship.com/time-to-renew-bmh-corporation-membership/) - The Brethren Missionary Herald Co. operates as an independent corporation comprised of a voluntary membership that elects a board of directors to move the ministry forward. You can have a significant part in the ministry of BMH by becoming a corporation member for the 2005 calendar year. All that is required is a tax-deductible gift
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/383-2/) - "We just celebrated our third birthday as a church this past Sunday and had a great time with great food," writes Pastor Mike Tabor of the "Happy Church" in Jackson, Kentucky.
- [AGBM, BMH Announce Partnership](https://charisfellowship.com/agbm-bmh-announce-partnership/) - AGBM, BMH Announce Partnership for Communication and Office ServicesThe Association of Grace Brethren Ministers has formed an agreement with Brethren Missionary Herald Co. of Winona Lake, IN, for web and print communication services and to provide an office “home” for the association, according to AGBM president Tim Boal.Boal, who is pastor of the Penn Valley
- [Happy Church Has Happy Third Birthday](https://charisfellowship.com/happy-church-has-happy-third-birthday/) - A cake and a fellowship dinner celebrated the third birthday of "Happy Church" in Jackson, Kentucky, this past Sunday. Pastor Mike Tabor, who spoke at national conference this past summer about the challenges of church-planting in one of the most economically-challenged counties in the U.S., says he has reason to be encouraged."Good things are happening
- [Grace Alumni Plan Rockies, Diamond Tours](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-alumni-plan-rockies-diamond-tours/) - A Canadian Rockies Tour is being conducted especially for Grace College and Seminary alumni the dates of June 18-25, 2005.To include Edmonton, Fort Edmonton Park, West Edmonton Mall, Jasper, Columbia Icefields, Lake Louise, Banff, and Calgary, the trip will include eight days and 11 meals and will cover a route first used in the 1800s
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/386-2/) - Want to tour baseball parks with Grace alumni this summer? See details below.
- [GMA Inducts Evie, Mylon, Ronn Huff & Others](https://charisfellowship.com/gma-inducts-evie-mylon-ronn-huff-others/) - Walter Hawkins, Mylon Le Fevre, Evie Tornquist, The Lewis Family, Ronn Huff, Don Light and Lou Hildreth were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame Feb. 22 near Nashville, Tenn.John W. Styll, president of the Gospel Music Association, said each is deserving of the honor "not only for their individual artistic contributions to gospel
- [A Birthday For This Semester's Intern](https://charisfellowship.com/a-birthday-for-this-semesters-intern/) - Readers of FGBC World are seeing the byline of Ashley Woodworth this semester as this Grace College senior serves as editorial intern with the Brethren Missionary Herald Co. Yesterday was Ashley's birthday, which the BMH and FGBC office staff celebrated with an impromptu party. Ashley, who is from Waterloo, Indiana, is assisting with writing and
- [CA Pastor's Daughter Awarded Scholarship](https://charisfellowship.com/ca-pastors-daughter-awarded-scholarship/) - Grace College students Kathryn MacMillan and Rebekah Pinkham have been awarded "Honor Her" Scholarships for 2005. These scholarships are provided by Women of Grace USA (formerly WMC), a cooperating organization of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. The scholarships are awarded to Grace College and Seminary women who have hearts for missions and are planning
- [Hodel Retiring as Focus President](https://charisfellowship.com/hodel-retiring-as-focus-president/) - Donald Hodel is retiring as president of Focus on the Family and will be succeeded by James D. Daly, the organization's current chief operating officer, it was announced Feb. 25.Hodel, 70, had served as president and chief executive officer of Focus on the Family, the Colorado-based pro-family organization, since April 2003. The move is effective
- [A Very Difficult Week in Akaland](https://charisfellowship.com/a-very-difficult-week-in-akaland/) - After Barb Wooler's AkaLand Expedition in January of 2005, Balemagna (right) talked of wanting to return to that region to help start a church where his sister (left) was. Balemagna drowned this week in a controversial incident. Church-planting and pastor-preparation are well underway, even though this week's activities have had sobering effects.We have been posting
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/392-2/) - Groups of workers from the Sebring, FL, Grace Brethren Church are working long hours to hang drywall, complete wiring and plumbing, and generally prepare the Sebring church's downtown property for the opening of the first Institute class this fall.
- [Sebring Readies 4/12 Institute Facility](https://charisfellowship.com/sebring-readies-412-institute-facility/) - Pastor Randy Smith of the Sebring, FL, Grace Brethren Church stands in front of a property that has been made available to the church to house the first of the "4/12 Commission" student institutes. Located at 109 W. Center Street, right on the town square of downtown Sebring, the former hotel is being renovated to
- [Africa Report: Treating for Worms and Leaving the Forest](https://charisfellowship.com/africa-report-treating-for-worms-and-leaving-the-forest/) - Our from-the-heart-of-Africa reports from Miriam Pacheco and Barb Wooler continue. Here is an edited version of Sunday’s e-mail report from Miriam: The mourning and wailing quieted Friday night in Moale, replaced with a full-fledged community “sala ngia” ~ making joy/gathering for fellowship ~ around the fire with lots of singing. We found out in the
- [South Focus Retreat Begins in Florida](https://charisfellowship.com/south-focus-retreat-begins-in-florida/) - The South Focus Retreat got off to a good start this afternoon as Scott Avey led the pastors and church leaders in worship music. Dan Allan, current moderator of the FGBC, introduced the subject of the leader's heart with opening comments on "Guard Your Heart...The Wellspring of Life." The retreat is at Haines City, Florida,
- [Israel Study Trip Begins Today](https://charisfellowship.com/israel-study-trip-begins-today/) - A group of 19 students, spouses, and faculty from Grace Seminary, Winona Lake, IN, left today for "the Israel Experience," a 10-day study trip to the Holy Land.The group is being led by Dr. Jeff Gill, dean of Grace Theological Seminary, and by Dr. Terry Hofecker, adjunct professor at the seminary and pastor of Northwest
- [Ohio Church Reaches Thousands With With 'Wordless Walking Stick'](https://charisfellowship.com/ohio-church-reaches-thousands-with-with-wordless-walking-stick/) - John Jones, pastor of the Marion, OH, Grace Brethren church, displays one of the "Worldless Walking Sticks" and the accompanying brochure which members of his church use for outreach and witness at fairs and farm shows. (Ron Boehm photo)"It's so exciting," says Gary Beery of the Marion, OH, Grace Brethren Church. "It's a great way
- [Lois Wilson Reaches Africa From Central Pennsylvania](https://charisfellowship.com/lois-wilson-reaches-africa-from-central-pennsylvania/) - Lois Wilson Lois Wilson, longtime missionary to the Central African Republic, was one of the Grace Brethren International Missions personnel forced to evacuate the C.A.R. because of civil strife in November of 2002. Raised in a Christian home near Philadelphia, Lois first trained as a nurse, and then attended Grace College in Winona Lake, IN,
- [Bits 'n Pieces](https://charisfellowship.com/bits-n-pieces-2/) - With the Lord Althea S. Miller, 93, died December 24, two weeks after suffering a stroke. She is survived by her husband Robert E. A. Miller, who was a member of Grace Theological Seminary's first graduating class, and eight children--Bill, David, Dorotheann, Sharon, Paul, Althea, Ardyth, and Mark, their spouses, 15 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
- [Missionaries Survive Dramatic Sinking of the Zamzam](https://charisfellowship.com/missionaries-survive-dramatic-sinking-of-the-zamzam/) - Eleanor Anderson, who was nine years old at the time of the sinking of the Zamzam, has written a book retelling her family. Less than a year before America became involved in World War II--on March 20, 1941--a refitted Egyptian freighter left Pier F in Jersey City for Africa. Among the 322 people aboard were
- [2005 Calendar of Grace Brethren Events](https://charisfellowship.com/2005-calendar-of-grace-brethren-events-2/) - Events of general interest among Grace Brethren Churches. Details and registration information are available from sponsoring organizations or through www.fgbc.org. Feb. 28-March 2 - South Focus Retreat, Haines City, FL (FGBC) March 4-6 - The BIG Retreat for youth workers, Atlanta, GA (CEN) March 5-13 - Grace College and Seminary Spring Break March 18 -
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/397-2/) - Spending some "alone time" with God is built into the schedule of each Focus Retreat. Here FGBC moderator Dan Allan (center, red shirt) enjoys some solitude on the dock during the Tuesday afternoon quiet session. (double-click on photo to enlarge for viewing)
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/398-2/) - Early afternoon--just after lunch--can be tough without a few exercises and "action songs" to get the body moving and the mind engaged again.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/399-2/) - Pastor Ron Smals from the Ocala, FL, Grace Brethren Church, led the early afternoon Tuesday session of the South Focus Retreat on the subject "Others and My Heart...Friends and Family." Other speakers today included Dan Allan and Kurt Miller.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/400-2/) - A blindfolded Wayne Hannah takes direction from the group as they try to steer him through an obstacle course which included balls, obstacles, and set mousetraps. The game focused on trust and group dynamics as the afternoon session of the South Focus Retreat began today in Haines City, Florida.
- [A Full Tuesday at the South Focus Retreat](https://charisfellowship.com/a-full-tuesday-at-the-south-focus-retreat/) - Gathered on the dock of the FFA Training Center in Haines City, Florida, are attendees of the South Focus Retreat. Organized and conducted by FGBC Conference Coordinator Tom Avey, the retreat is the final of four scheduled around the US this year. The retreat concludes at noon tomorrow.
- [Panel Concludes Focus Retreat](https://charisfellowship.com/panel-concludes-focus-retreat/) - A panel of pastors closed the South Focus Retreat on Wednesday morning with a discussion of "How to Run and Not Lose Heart." Participating (from left) were Denny Brown, Sebring, FL; John Nelson, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Jesus Munoz, Brandon, FL; and Roland Maust, Millersburg, OH.
- [Africa Report: Visiting With Orphans](https://charisfellowship.com/africa-report-visiting-with-orphans/) - Here is the latest report from GBIM board member Miriam Pacheco, who is currently in the Central African Republic assisting GBIM missionary Barb Wooler in ministry with orphans and Pygmies. For a more complete report and photos from the Women of Charis website, click here:We’re getting into the orphan part of the ministry time here.
- [Prayer Requested for Pastor Howard Mayes](https://charisfellowship.com/prayer-requested-for-pastor-howard-mayes/) - Your continuing prayer support is requested for the health needs of Howard Mayes, pastor of the Clinton Grace Brethren Church in Clinton, Maryland.For the past two weeks he has been hospitalized with infection, fever, and pneumonia, and doctors have not been able to pinpoint the cause of the problems.According to the Clinton church staff, Pastor
- [Africa Report: Meeting the President (almost)](https://charisfellowship.com/africa-report-meeting-the-president-almost/) - We continue with reports from Miriam Pacheco, GBIM board member, who is assisting missionary Barb Wooler for six weeks in the Central African Republic with her Pygmy and orphan-care ministry.SATURDAY, MARCH 5 -- Yesterday was a hard day! We took a day trip up-country to Yaloke. We left around 6:30 am and it was relatively
- [Valley Installs Assistant Pastor](https://charisfellowship.com/valley-installs-assistant-pastor/) - Allen Robinson (right) was installed this morning as assistant pastor of the Valley Grace Brethren Church in Hagerstown, MD (Dan Pritchett, pastor). Robinson previously was involved in a camping ministry. The dedicatory prayer was offered by Ray Shirey, a founding member of Valley GBC and the father of GBIM missionary Vicky DeArmey. The church's vice-moderator,
- [Africa Report: Getting Ready for the Election](https://charisfellowship.com/africa-report-getting-ready-for-the-election/) - Miriam Pacheco, shown here playing educational games with orphans in the Central African Republic, is currently on a six-week trip to the CAR to assist GBIM missionary Barb Wooler in her ministry with Pygmies and orphans. Here are excerpts from Miriam's latest e-mail report:Let me tell you a little bit about what's happening around the
- [Switchfoot Leads Top Ten](https://charisfellowship.com/switchfoot-leads-top-ten/) - Billboard Magazine released its list of top ten contemporary Christian albums in this week's issue. They are:1. "The Beautiful Letdown," Switchfoot. Sparrow. (Platinum - signifying more than 1 million copies sold) 2. "WOW Hits 2005: 31 of the Year's Top Christian Artists and Hits," Various Artists. Word. 3. "Casting Crowns," Casting Crowns. Beach Street. (Platinum)
- [MasterWorks Day of Prayer Monday](https://charisfellowship.com/masterworks-day-of-prayer-monday/) - MasterWorks Festival and Christian Performing Artist Fellowship, headed by Grace College music faculty member Dr. Patrick Kavanaugh, have set Monday, March 14 as a day of prayer for the spiritual impact of the MasterWorks Festivals and invite interested believers to join them in prayer that day.Praying every five minutes on the hour from 9 a.m.
- [GBIM Announces Prayer Initiative](https://charisfellowship.com/gbim-announces-prayer-initiative/) - A forthcoming concerted prayer effort and resources for churches and individuals in the FGBC will soon be announced by Grace Brethren International Missions, Winona Lake, IN.Ron Guiles has been named coordinator of the new effort, which will include materials and emphasis of a Day of Prayer on Sunday, May 1. A prayer video will be
- [Mayes Condition Unchanged](https://charisfellowship.com/mayes-condition-unchanged/) - We have had several requests for updates on the physical condition of Pastor Howard Mayes of the Clinton, Maryland, Grace Brethren Church, reported on this blog several days ago.According to the secretaries in the church office, with whom we have just talked, there is essentially no change in his condition.He is still in Washington Hospital
- [Chaplain's Unit "Adopts" Afghan Orphans](https://charisfellowship.com/chaplains-unit-adopts-afghan-orphans/) - Grace Brethren chaplain James Schaefer, serving in Afghanistan, has sent along this photo of some children at an orphanage in Kandahar, Afghanistan, which his troops have “adopted” for long-term friendship and communication. This was “Friendship Day”on March 3 at the Shaeed Abdul Karzi orphanage in Kandahar when 3-7 Field Artillery (one of the units attached
- [Hocking Reports on Africa Opportunities](https://charisfellowship.com/hocking-reports-on-africa-opportunities/) - Jim Hocking, long-time missionary to Central African Republic, recently returned from a four-week trip to Africa. Hocking heads Integrated Community Development International (ICDI), a non-governmental non-profit organization working in healthcare, AIDS awareness, literacy, orphan care and well drilling. Here are excerpts from his report of his most recent trip. For more information on ICDI, click
- [Africa Report: Pizza Tonight!](https://charisfellowship.com/africa-report-pizza-tonight/) - Miriam Pacheco, who is currently in the Central African Republic assisting GBIM missionary Barb Wooler in Pygmy and orphan-care ministries, is sending periodic e-mail reports of her visit. Here are excerpts from her latest, dated Friday, March 11: Bala mingi ~ (bah lah MEENG ghee, Many greetings) We have been having fun getting to meet
- [Lawlors' Faith Endures Incredible Hardships](https://charisfellowship.com/lawlors-faith-endures-incredible-hardships/) - This morning's Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette newspaper carries the incredible faith story of a Grace College alumnus and her husband. Larry and Cheryl Lawlor have been through separation of conjoined twins (Journal-Gazette photo), job loss, destruction by tornado of their home, and diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening cancer. Cheryl sums up, "God has never promised
- [GBIM to Host Planned Giving Web Conference](https://charisfellowship.com/gbim-to-host-planned-giving-web-conference/) - Ted Rondeau, chief development officer for Grace Brethren International Missions, sends the following open invitation to a web/phone conference: Grace Brethren International Missions would like to invite you to participate in a free, interactive web conference, hosted by one of our ministry partners, PhilanthroCorp. For some time now, GBIM has benefited from a relationship with
- [Happy 50th, Sandi Avey!](https://charisfellowship.com/happy-50th-sandi-avey/) - Sandi Avey, wife of FGBC Coordinator Tom Avey, was suprised at noon today with a party at Byers Music Hall on the Grace College campus honoring her 50th birthday. Sandi is secretary in the music department--those attending included her children and grandchildren, music faculty and students, college administrators, and personnel from the FGBC and BMH
- [Hostage Reads 'Purpose-Driven Life' to Alleged Killer](https://charisfellowship.com/hostage-reads-purpose-driven-life-to-alleged-killer/) - Hostage reads 'Purpose-Driven Life'to alleged Atlanta courthouse killerBy Erin CurryATLANTA (BP)--Ashley Smith, the Atlanta-area woman taken hostage by the subject of the largest manhunt in Georgia history March 12, calmed the alleged killer by reading an excerpt from "The Purpose-Driven Life" and talking with him about God. She escaped by persuading him to let her
- [GBIM announces decisions concerning Tsunami Relief efforts:](https://charisfellowship.com/gbim-announces-decisions-concerning-tsunami-relief-efforts/) - GBIM announces decisions concerning Tsunami Relief efforts: (updated March 15, 2005)Immediate Response (January – February): Within days of the disaster, funds were quickly sent to ministries in Thailand and India. Personnel were sent to these regions to assist with tsunami relief efforts and to assess opportunities for continued ministries. The FGBC was alerted and many
- [Grace Begins 'Youth Emphasis Week'](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-begins-youth-emphasis-week/) - Shawn McBride, pastor of New life Community Church in the Washington, D.C. area, is one of the speakers for this week’s ‘Youth Emphasis Week’ at Grace College in Winona Lake, IN, sponsored by CENational, The National Institute, and Grace College.The week focuses on drawing attention to the importance of youth and youth ministry. Special guests
- [Grace College Art Department, BMH Books Announce Partnership](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-college-art-department-bmh-books-announce-partnership/) - Recent Grace College art graduate Sarah Pratt (left) and Grace College Art Department chair Prof. Art Davis (right) display several of the illustrations Sarah has done for a forthcoming BMH Book entitled "Heroes Who Live On, Vol. 2." The illustrations shown here are of Dr. Orville Jobson and of Frances and W.A. Ogden.The Grace College
- [Hagerstown Pastor Comments on Schiavo Case](https://charisfellowship.com/hagerstown-pastor-comments-on-schiavo-case/) - The Terri Schiavo case in Florida is giving some Christian spokespersons opportunity to comment in the media on this issue which has biblical and ethical implications. This morning's Hagerstown, MD Herald newspaper contains the following quotes from a Grace Brethren pastor:Pastor Dean P. Pryor of Hagerstown Grace Brethren Church said Michael Schiavo gave up his
- ['Driven' Conference Deadline Approaches](https://charisfellowship.com/driven-conference-deadline-approaches/) - Pastor Kary Oberbrunner of the "Driven" conference committee sends along this urgent reminder of a registration deadline for the Twenty-Somethings conference, to be held on the campus of Kenyon College in Ohio this June 15-18.We are pleased to announce the tremendous support from the national organizations regarding our first-ever national young adult conference DRIVEN. This
- [Elener Norris Grossman Dies](https://charisfellowship.com/elener-norris-grossman-dies/) - Word has been received in Winona Lake of the death, at 9:40 a.m. today, of Elener Norris Grossman, who taught journalism and English and advised publications at Grace College for a number of years.Mrs. Grossman, who had been fighting cancer for several years, died in Tennessee. In recent years she and her husband, Gil, lived
- [One Worshiper's Response to Communion](https://charisfellowship.com/one-worshipers-response-to-communion/) - Most Grace Brethren churches this Easter week are observing the threefold communion service that is one of the distinctives of the Grace Brethren movement. Based on scripture, the communion service includes footwashing, the fellowship supper, and the bread and the cup.Pastor Scott Distler of the Lititz, PA, Grace Brethren Church, shares this response from someone
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/436-2/) - The backstage orchestra, directed by Arts and Media Director Randy Kettering, gets a view that the audience never sees.
- [Zahn to Discuss 'Purpose-Driven' Tonight on CNN](https://charisfellowship.com/zahn-to-discuss-purpose-driven-tonight-on-cnn/) - It may have saved one woman and inspired an alleged killer to give up. What is the message in "The Purpose Driven Life"? Paula Zahn hosts a special edition of "NewsNight" tonight at 10 p.m. ET on CNN.
- [Africa Report: Over the River and Through the Forest](https://charisfellowship.com/africa-report-over-the-river-and-through-the-forest/) - Barb Wooler, GBIM missionary to the Central African Republic, is currently involved in church-planting among the Pygmies in the forest. Here is an edited version of her experiences of the last two days:Yesterday I left Bangui at around 9:30 a.m. headed for Moale via Nguma. Inspite of plenty of experience to the contrary, I left
- [2005 MasterWorks Festival Schedule Announced](https://charisfellowship.com/2005-masterworks-festival-schedule-announced/) - Dr. Patrick Kavanaugh, director of the MasterWorks Festival in Winona Lake, IN, has released the following schedule of works, performers and dates for this coming summer's festival. All performances are free and open to the public, and most will be in the Rodeheaver Auditorium in Winona Lake. For more information click here.THE MASTERWORKS FESTIVAL 2005Sunday,
- [St. Patrick Explains St. Patrick](https://charisfellowship.com/st-patrick-explains-st-patrick/) - Dr. Patrick Kavanaugh, of the Grace College music faculty and MasterWorks festival, spoke on "St. Patrick of Ireland" last night at the Winona Lake Community Appreciation Dinner, held at Lakeland Christian Academy in Winona Lake, IN. Jeff Carroll, CEO of Grace Retirement Village and a member of the Winona town council, was emcee. This year's
- [Brazil Team Returning Tomorrow](https://charisfellowship.com/brazil-team-returning-tomorrow/) - These pictures are from a GO Team that is serving in Brazil this week. The team is a cooperative effort of the Huber Heights and Centerville Grace Brethren Churches in Ohio. GBIM missionaries Wayne and Ellen Patton are from the Centerville GBC.The team is doing an "extreme makeover" of the Pattons' residence as well asmaking
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/425-2/) - Replacing flooring in the home of GBIM missionaries Wayne and Ellen Patton was one of the work projects done by the Brazil GO team from Ohio.
- [Grace Professors Present at ETS](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-professors-present-at-ets/) - Grace Theological Seminary professors Herb Bateman and Brent Sandy are attending the Midwest meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society in Kansas City today and tomorrow, March 18-19. Sessions are being held at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Bateman is secretary/treasurer of the society and Dr. Sandy will be presenting a paper. Part-time Hebrew instructor, Ben
- [Children's Concert Tomorrow](https://charisfellowship.com/childrens-concert-tomorrow/) - The Grace Community Orchestra,under the direction of Professor Ardis Faber, will present its annual Children's Concert on Saturday, March 19 at 4 p.m. in Rodeheaver Auditorium in Winona Lake, Indiana. Appearing in the concert will be the winners of the GCO Concerto Competition, held in January. They include: Junior Division winner, Benjamin Meulink, 7; Senior
- [Africa Report: The Story of One Orphan](https://charisfellowship.com/africa-report-the-story-of-one-orphan/) - GBIM board member Miriam Pacheco this week concludes six weeks of ministry in the Central African Republic with missionary Barb Wooler among the Pygmies and with orphan-care. Here is an edited version of her report from yesterday. More information and photos are at www.womenofcharis.net. THURSDAY ~ MARCH 17 Balo-o, lango ndjoni? ~~ Hello, did you
- [Grace Brethren Hams Invited](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-brethren-hams-invited/) - FGBC pastor Chuck Winter (Sunnyside, Washington) sends along this invitation to anyone interested in amateur radio:Grace Brethren amateur radio operators are invited to join other Christian hams on a daily 20 meter Fellowship net. The net is sponsored by the ARMS Christian Fellowship Group, formerly the Amateur Radio Missionary Service Fellowship. This world-wide net meets
- [An Amazing Alaska Easter Sunday 'Resurrection'](https://charisfellowship.com/an-amazing-alaska-easter-sunday-resurrection/) - Pastor Dan Thornton of the Peninsula Grace Brethren Church, Soldotna, Alaska, tells of this amazing incident in his church Easter Sunday. You can keep up with Pastor Dan's blog at www.xanga.com/longhikes. Yesterday was an Easter Sunday worship service that my church will never forget. A dear man, Dale Richard, died and was resuscitated right during
- [Falwell in Hospital, Condition 'Critical'](https://charisfellowship.com/falwell-in-hospital-condition-critical/) - LYNCHBURG, Va. (BP)--Liberty University Chancellor Jerry Falwell is in critical condition in a Lynchburg, Va., hospital after being admitted late March 28 for difficulty breathing. Lynchburg General Hospital released a statement saying that Falwell is on a ventilator and his condition has stabilized, the Associated Press reported. Church officials and hospital officials told AP that
- [Hymns: The Next Worship Music Craze?](https://charisfellowship.com/hymns-the-next-worship-music-craze/) - According to a Religion News Service release by Beau Black, the next "hot thing" in Christian music may be hymns. Here is an excerpt from the release: The oldest Christian music may again become the hottest -- if the term "hot" can be applied to hymns, that is. Over the coming months, several Christian artists
- [Easter Baptism Cold, but Joyful](https://charisfellowship.com/easter-baptism-cold-but-joyful/) - Pastor Mike Tabor, of the "Happy Church" in Jackson, Kentucky, sends along the following report:T.J. and Kimmie Molands have taken over the teens and are doing a fantastic job. T.J. was baptized today (Resurrection Sunday) in the river and both of us were numb when we came out! T.J. said the weather wasn’t going to
- [No More ‘Atta boys’ From Ellie](https://charisfellowship.com/no-more-atta-boys-from-ellie/) - Roger Peugh, Grace Seminary faculty member and former GBIM missionary who was taught English Composition as a college freshman by Elener Norris Grossman, officiated yesterday at her graveside service in Mentone, Indiana. "Ellie" died Easter week at age 68 after a 31-year battle with cancer.By Terry White, FGBC World editorMy journalism teacher just died.As we
- [Navigators' Lorne Sanny Dies at 84](https://charisfellowship.com/navigators-lorne-sanny-dies-at-84/) - Dr. Lorne Sanny, second president of The Navigators, died March 28.His death was attributed to complications from pneumonia following several months of serious health issues and a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. He was 84.Sanny, a native of Iowa, committed his life to Christ as a teen. He attended Bible Institute of Los Angeles (now
- [It's the Season for Easter Musicals](https://charisfellowship.com/its-the-season-for-easter-musicals/) - "Just For You" was the title of the musical drama produced for Columbus, OH, area residents this past weekend by the Grace Brethren Church of Worthington, OH. (dress rehearsal photos by Liz Cutler Gates)
- [Africa: A Final Report Before Leaving](https://charisfellowship.com/africa-a-final-report-before-leaving/) - GBIM board member Miriam Pacheco this weekend concludes six weeks of ministry in the Central African Republic with GBIM missionary Barb Wooler. Here is an edited version of her final report:This will be the last update from me in CAR. We made our fourth visit of this month to the established orphan care group and
- [Praise the Lord With Howard Mayes](https://charisfellowship.com/praise-the-lord-with-howard-mayes/) - Many have been praying for Pastor Howard Mayes of the Clinton, MD, Grace Brethren Church, who has had a lengthy hospitalization for a mysterious illness. There is good news--this report was received Easter Sunday evening:After nearly six weeks in the hospital and rehab facility, I am grateful to be home expecting full recovery. It was
- [The Brethren Governor--Who Knew?](https://charisfellowship.com/the-brethren-governor-who-knew/) - Todd Scoles, senior associate pastor of the Northwest Chapel Grace Brethren Fellowship in Dublin, Ohio, recently unearthed this little factoid.In 1870, the Pennsylvania Brethren Sunday School came up with a plan to encourage children to memorize verses. A red card was to be given for each verse memorized and a blue card when ten verses
- [Chaplain Penfold ‘Instructor of the Year’](https://charisfellowship.com/chaplain-penfold-instructor-of-the-year/) - A recent communication from Larry Chamberlain and the Eagle Commission announces that Grace Brethren U.S. Army Chaplain Mark Penfold has received the “Officer Instructor of the Year” award for 2004 at the Headquarters US Army Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Monroe, Virginia.The competition included all TRADOC Service Centers and schools in the U.S. Army.
- [Brethren Encyclopedia Board Meets](https://charisfellowship.com/brethren-encyclopedia-board-meets/) - Members of the Board of Directors of the Brethren Encyclopedia Project, representing six branches of Brethren groups tracing their heritage to Alexander Mack, met today at Ashland (OH) Seminary for their semi-annual meeting.Groups represented include Old German Baptist Brethren, Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, Church of the Brethren, The Brethren Church (Ashland), Conservative Grace Brethren
- [Falwell 'Making Progress'](https://charisfellowship.com/falwell-making-progress/) - LYNCHBURG, Va. (BP)--Jerry Falwell remained in serious but stable condition March 31 but was showing improvement and even sitting in an armchair talking to family members and grandchildren, hospital officials said in a statement.Falwell, 71, was admitted to Lynchburg General Hospital in Virginia late March 28 after having difficulty breathing. He initially was listed in
- [Chico to Honor Pastoral Care Pastor](https://charisfellowship.com/chico-to-honor-pastoral-care-pastor/) - A special farewell service will be held tomorrow morning at the Grace Brethren Church of Chico, CA, for Rev. George and Lorraine Link, after 55 years of ministry. Link has been pastoral care pastor at the Chico congregation.Pastor Rick Boswell will speak on, "A Man After God's Own Heart." An 11 a.m. luncheon follows service.
- [Goshen Dedicates Building Tomorrow](https://charisfellowship.com/goshen-dedicates-building-tomorrow/) - The Goshen, Indiana, congregation of Grace Community Church (Jim Brown, pastor), will dedicate its new building tomorrow, April 3, in the 10:30 a.m. service.The church has been blessed with recent growth—1,263 people were in attendance on Easter Sunday and 25 people gave their lives to Christ on that day. Pastor Jim Brown described the atmosphere
- [Grace Coach Honored for Character](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-coach-honored-for-character/) - This morning's Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette newspaper announces that Grace College basketball coach Jim Kessler, who recently won his 500th career game, has been named the winner of the 2004-2005 Coach of Character Award by the NAIA.Kessler, who is currently in his 28th year at the Indiana college, is the first recipient of the award
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/454-2/) - Pastor Jim Brown (black shirt, kneeling on platform), led the Goshen congregation and guests in a prayer of dedication for their new building Sunday morning. He prayed that the building would enable the Goshen church family to reach "thousands" with the saving message of the gospel.
- [Goshen Congregation Dedicates New Facility](https://charisfellowship.com/goshen-congregation-dedicates-new-facility/) - Grace Community Church, a Grace Brethren congregation which meets on the southwest corner of Goshen, Indiana, this morning had a dedication service for its new 600-seat auditorium and multipurpose facility. Today was the congregation's second Sunday in its new facility, according to Pastor Jim Brown.
- [Fort Myers Church Funds CAR Bibles](https://charisfellowship.com/fort-myers-church-funds-car-bibles-2/) - A critical shortage of Bibles in the Central African Republic has recently come to light. Because of the collapse of a previous Bible distribution system, and because of the destruction of so many Bibles and Christian literature during recent uprisings, in some cases as many as six Bible school students have been having to share
- [Coloring Literacy Charts for Africa](https://charisfellowship.com/coloring-literacy-charts-for-africa/) - An all-day coloring party was held today in Winona Lake, Indiana, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with an open invitation to anyone who wished to participate in coloring Sango literacy charts for use in Africa.The charts, which are being prepared under the direction of GBIM missionary Barb Wooler, will be laminated and used in
- [Music Events, Salvations Noted at Grace](https://charisfellowship.com/music-events-salvations-noted-at-grace/) - Here are three news-note items from the weekly "Connections," which is distributed free by e-mail from the Grace College and Seminary campus in Winona Lake, IN by Judy Daniels in the advancement communications office. To obtain your free weekly subscription, contact her at connect@grace.edu.YOUTH EMPHASIS WEEK was held March 22-24 with Jay Delp and Shawn
- [Summit Mills Church Spared in Burglary](https://charisfellowship.com/summit-mills-church-spared-in-burglary/) - From today's Somerset Co. (PA) Daily American newspaper:Burglar bypasses donation jarBy VICKI ROCKDaily American Staff WriterPolice forces from Meyersdale Borough, Summit Township and the Pennsylvania State Police are looking for a burglar who possibly had enough of a conscience to keep him from stealing a donation jar.Officer Rick Brown said two burglaries happened Saturday night
- [New Canadian Church Planter Family Arrives](https://charisfellowship.com/new-canadian-church-planter-family-arrives/) - Bill and Bambi Walker and their two children, Elisha and Moriah, have arrived in the Toronto area to join Team Canada as prospective church planters. Bill Walker, a native of Maine, accepted the Lord through a Billy Graham telecast during a very dark period in his life. Educated at a Bible Institute in New Brunswick
- [Courses Offered for Church Leadership, Staff](https://charisfellowship.com/courses-offered-for-church-leadership-staff/) - The following news release was mass-distributed today to media, syndicates and news aggregators. All blog readers are encouraged to copy and distribute the release to any news media in your area or for use on your own church, personal and organizational websites and e-mail lists.Twenty-three courses and workshops on topics of interest to church leaders
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/466-2/) - Dr. Randy Smith, pastor of the Sebring, Florida, Grace Brethren Church, was one of the speakers for today's "North of 55" Day Away for seniors at Wooster, Ohio. Other speakers included Pastor Dan Allan of Ashland, Ohio, and testimonies were given by Herb Carr and Ed Jackson. Ed Lewis was the emcee and Seniors Pastor
- [Survey: Prayer is #1 Need](https://charisfellowship.com/survey-prayer-is-1-need/) - NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)--A LifeWay Christian Resources survey of more than 1,300 evangelical leaders from around the world revealed that the need for consistent and passionate prayer in church and personal life is the No. 1 issue in today's churches.The April 11 announcement of prayer as the No. 1 issue culminates a LifeWay e-business initiative to
- [GBNAM Restructures, Begins New Era](https://charisfellowship.com/gbnam-restructures-begins-new-era/) - Dr. Tim Boal, newly-appointed Executive Director of Grace Brethren North American Missions (GBNAM), has announced a number of changes as he assumes his new responsibilities.Grace Brethren North American Missions is beginning a new era with a new executive director and a recently-reorganized board structure.Larry Chamberlain will continue to lead Grace Brethren Investment Foundation. Dr. Tim
- [Over 200 Registered for Wooster 'Day Away'](https://charisfellowship.com/over-200-registered-for-wooster-day-away/) - Pastor Bud Olzewski of the Rittman, OH, Grace Brethren Church, is coordinating publicity for the "Over 55 Day Away" to be held this Friday, April 15, at the Grace Brethren Church of Wooster, OH. Here is an edited version of his latest report: It’s the last minute! Our Day Away is Friday, but anyone can
- [Kavanaugh Interview in WORLD Magazine](https://charisfellowship.com/kavanaugh-interview-in-world-magazine/) - An interview with Patrick Kavanaugh, director of the MasterWorks Festival and Grace College music department faculty member, is in the current (April 16, 2005) issue of WORLD magazine on page 12.Here are several of the questions and answers by Kavanaugh, who wrote The Spiritual Lives of the Great Composers. To see the remainder of the
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/465-2/) - More than 200 seniors enjoyed an excellent noontime meal together in the Wooster, OH, Grace Brethren Church in the "Day Away" function sponsored by CE National.
- [200+ Seniors Enjoy 'Day Away' in Wooster](https://charisfellowship.com/200-seniors-enjoy-day-away-in-wooster/) - Nancy Messner from Akron, Ohio, played a mini-concert on the piano at today's Day Away seniors event in Wooster, Ohio. Nancy, whose father was Grace Brethren pastor Russell Weber, is now organist at The Chapel in Akron.
- [Grace Featured in Lilly Endowment Report](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-featured-in-lilly-endowment-report/) - Grace College’s Orthopaedic Scholar Initiative is featured in the newly-issued 2004 annual report of Lilly Endowment, Inc. Grace received a $750,000 grant from the Endowment in December, 2003, which resulted in a partnership with orthopaedic companies in the Winona Lake/Warsaw (IN) area.The Lilly report begins: “Within a few miles of Grace College’s campus in Winona
- [Flagpole Specials No More](https://charisfellowship.com/flagpole-specials-no-more/) - Today was a sad day for generations of Grace College and Seminary students as a local icon in the Warsaw/Winona Lake (IN) area bit the dust."The Flagpole," a well-known ice cream shop on East Winona Avenue that dates at least back into the 1950s was torn down today to make room for an office complex
- [Help Equip a Haitian Pastor](https://charisfellowship.com/help-equip-a-haitian-pastor/) - Grace Brethren North American Missions (GBNAM) and the Editions Cle publishing house have put together an excellent project so that individuals, churches, Sunday School classes and others can provide a 16-book library for French-speaking pastors in Haiti and among Haitians in Florida.The cost of one set of 16 books is $100, and the deadline is
- [New Graham Headquarters to be Dedicated](https://charisfellowship.com/new-graham-headquarters-to-be-dedicated/) - CHARLOTTE, NC (ANS) -- In the latest stage of the organization’s growth that began in Minneapolis, Minnesota, more that 50 years ago, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) will celebrate the opening of its new home in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a special dedication ceremony. (Pictured: Franklin and Billy Graham).Some four years after announcing a
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/472-2/) - This is but one scene, depicting an adult baptism in 1525, from the 265-foot, 10-foot tall cyclorama painting by Heinz Gaugel at the Behalt interpretive center near Berlin, Ohio. An Amish guide traces the history of Anabaptism and its branches (including the Brethren) in an hour-long tour around the massive painting.
- [Learn About Anabaptists at Behalt](https://charisfellowship.com/learn-about-anabaptists-at-behalt/) - If you live in the Midwest and want an educational, inspirational half-day with lasting value, we suggest you consider visiting the Behalt Interpretive Center near Berlin, Ohio, about a half-hour south of Wooster.A free 15-minute video is available on the history of the Anabaptist (rebaptizer, so named for instituting baptism of adult believers, rather than
- [Paper Features Jim Hocking's Work](https://charisfellowship.com/paper-features-jim-hockings-work/) - Today's Warsaw (IN) Times-Union newspaper features the current work of former GBIM missionary Jim Hocking in Africa. Here is the story, as written by one of the paper's staff writers:BY DAVID SLONE, Times-Union Staff WriterOrphans, AIDS, clean water, enterprise and mass communication. They’re the big issues Integrated Community Development International is taking on in Africa,
- [Bushes, Cheneys Give Big to Charities](https://charisfellowship.com/bushes-cheneys-give-big-to-charities/) - (BP)President Bush and Vice President Cheney are setting an example for the nation by giving at least 10 percent of their income to churches and charitable organizations.Tax information released April 15 by the White House indicates Bush and his wife, Laura, paid $207,307 in federal income taxes on taxable income of $672,788 in 2004. The
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/476-2/) - Tony Webb, pastor of the Southwest Grace Brethren Church in Columbus, OH (Grove City), was the convener and the host for Thursday's Micropolitan church-planter summit. His church not only provided meeting room and materials, but a delicious lunch and snack breaks as well.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/477-2/) - A second group of about 30 pastors met in Columbus, OH on Thursday for a Micropolitan Church-Planting Summit. This group focused specifically on church-planting in non-metropolitan communities of about 10,000 to 50,000 in population. Speakers included Ron Boehm and Terry Hofecker.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/478-2/) - Portions of the Raleigh church's new building were used for the first time this past Sunday. Mike Lee is pastor, and the Hope Community Church of Raleigh hosted the pastors who met there Monday and Tuesday to discuss church planting. (Ed Trenner photo)
- [Church-Planting Momentum Builds](https://charisfellowship.com/church-planting-momentum-builds/) - Two groups of Grace Brethren pastors met informally this week to discuss plans and enthusiasm for church-planting in the Fellowship. This group met Monday and Tuesday at Hope Community Church in Raleigh, NC, which is pastored by Mike Lee. (Ed Trenner photo)
- [Lititz Student May Have Saved Mother's Life](https://charisfellowship.com/lititz-student-may-have-saved-mothers-life/) - The following dramatic account comes from an e-mail distributed by Pastor Scott Distler of the Lititz, PA, Grace Brethren Church:One of our elementary school students at Lititz Christian School recently may have saved his mother’s life. This mother is a juvenile diabetic and began having seizures around 2:30AM causing her to go in and out
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/481-2/) - Dr. Don DeYoung, of the Grace College physical science department, was the featured speaker for the conference. Here he demonstrates a model of Noah's ark and points out that God's instructions for the ark's measurements are identical to those of modern engineers who proportion boats and barges for maximum stability. He also gave a biblical
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/482-2/) - Jason and Doni Weimer from the Waterloo (IA) Grace Brethren Church, will this summer be going, along with their two children, to serve for a year in the Philippines. Jason will be assisting missionary Clay Hulett with church-planting opportunities, and Doni will be teaching second grade at Faith Academy in Manila.
- [Iowa District Conference Features Missionaries, Creationism](https://charisfellowship.com/iowa-district-conference-features-missionaries-creationism/) - About 140 pastors, church leaders and guests gathered today in a lovely rustic lodge at the Squaw Creek State Park in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for the Iowa-Midlands district conference. Pastor Gary Austin of the Cedar Rapids church was the host and emcee, and groups came from other churches across Iowa. The worship team from the
- [2005 Calendar of Grace Brethren Events](https://charisfellowship.com/2005-calendar-of-grace-brethren-events-3/) - Events of general interest among Grace Brethren Churches. Details and registration information are available from sponsoring organizations or through www.fgbc.org. May 7 - Grace College and Seminary Commencement May 11-14 - PrimeTime (women's ministry experience) at Urban Hope (CEN) June 19-July 17 - MasterWorks Music Festival, Grace College June 15-18 - "Driven" Conference for Twenty-Somethings,
- [Presenting the Gospel no Illusion at Harrah](https://charisfellowship.com/presenting-the-gospel-no-illusion-at-harrah/) - Well-known Christian illusionist and evangelist Andre Kole proved a popular draw for an outreach event sponsored by the Harrah, Washington, Grace Brethren Church at a nearby high school. "This is something a small church can do to make a big impact," says Peter Touhey, pastor of the Grace Brethren Church of Harrah, WA, referring to
- [Grace for Your Senior Years](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-for-your-senior-years/) - By Ron Dorner One of the blessings of being an obedient servant of the Lord is a long life. Many of us will live well into our eighties and perhaps nineties. Longevity brings some unique financial challenges and lifestyle decisions. It is best to prepare financially as though you will live to be 100, but
- [His Resurrection Was Different](https://charisfellowship.com/his-resurrection-was-different/) - The amazing story about the resuscitation of a dying man in an Easter worship service (see Alaska Church Sees 'Resurrection' on Easter) could be an illustration of the Easter resurrection itself except that the restored man--like Lazarus of old--will ultimately die someday. That is different from Christ's resurrection; He rose from the dead never to
- [GBNAM Begins New Era](https://charisfellowship.com/gbnam-begins-new-era/) - Grace Brethren North American Missions is beginning a new era with a new executive director and a recently-reorganized board structure. Larry Chamberlain will continue to lead the Grace Brethren Investment Foundation. Dr. Tim Boal, pastor of Penn Valley Grace Brethren Church in Telford, PA, has been named the new executive director of GBNAM, and a
- [GBIM, BMH Boards Meet This Week](https://charisfellowship.com/gbim-bmh-boards-meet-this-week/) - The Executive Committee of Grace Brethren International Mission's Board of Directors met all day this past Friday. The entire Board of Directors came together that evening to begin their annual meeting. Many strategic and financial decisions are expected be made in this meeting, affecting Grace Brethren missions around the world. The board's annual Day of
- [Injured Pastor is also Police Chaplain](https://charisfellowship.com/injured-pastor-is-also-police-chaplain/) - Pastor Joel Richards, who was injured in a severe auto accident Wednesday, has served La Loma Grace Brethren Church in Modesto, CA, since 1974. He began his ministry as youth pastor, then in 1979 accepted the position of senior pastor. He is a graduate of Biola University and holds a degree of Master of Exegetical
- [FGBC Communicators Attend Press Convention](https://charisfellowship.com/fgbc-communicators-attend-press-convention/) - Three FGBC journalists are currently attending the Evangelical Press Association convention in Chicago. From left are Barb Wooler of Grace Brethren International Missions, who has new communication duties with GBIM, and Terry White and Ashley Woodworth of Brethren Missionary Herald Co.Some 350 Christian journalists are attending the convention, which concludes Wednesday evening. Keynote speakers include
- [Modesto Pastor, Wife, Injured in Collision](https://charisfellowship.com/modesto-pastor-wife-injured-in-collision/) - Joel Richards, pastor of the LaLoma Grace Brethren Church of Modesto, CA, and his wife, Jane, were injured in this accident which occurred about 5:20 p.m. Wednesday afternoon near the Modesto Junior College West Campus in Modesto. (photo by Marty Bicek, The Modesto Bee)Both were taken to the hospital. Pastor Joel sustained a concussion and
- [York GBC to Honor Police Officers Sunday](https://charisfellowship.com/york-gbc-to-honor-police-officers-sunday/) - The following "heads-up" note and request for prayer comes from Pastor Dan White of the York, PA, Grace Brethren church. Pastor Dan also serves as a police chaplain.The first Sunday of May comes around each year with little attention. Most of us are looking toward the second Sunday--Mother's Day.But, the first Sunday has gotten our
- [Twelve Reasons to Attend DRIVEN](https://charisfellowship.com/twelve-reasons-to-attend-driven/) - By Kary Oberbrunner The DRIVEN committee recently met at Kenyon College in Ohio to put the finishing touches on this summer's first-ever young adult conference. Online and mail-in registrations are coming in at a steady pace. A buzz of excitement is filling the Fellowship. Here are the top 12 reasons why you should come: 12.
- [Excitement Building for Equip05 Conference](https://charisfellowship.com/excitement-building-for-equip05-conference/) - Interest is high, and registrations are strong for Equip05, the national equipping conference for Grace Brethren people to be held in Winona Lake, IN, this July 31-August 5. Many are registering for courses that yield seminary credit, and others are simply choosing topics and workshops that will be helpful in all aspects of church ministry,
- [Equip05 Preview: Gene Wood: Leading Turnaround Churches](https://charisfellowship.com/equip05-preview-gene-wood-leading-turnaround-churches/) - By Ashley Woodworth Gene WoodIs your church declining or has it stopped growing? If so, this year's FGBC conference includes a class designed to equip your leaders to stop church decline and start development. "Leading Turnaround Churches," taught by Gene Wood, will be offered at the Equip05 conference this summer in Winona Lake, IN, July
- [Grace College Art Department, BMH Announce Partnership](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-college-art-department-bmh-announce-partnership/) - Sarah Pratt (left), a recent art graduate of Grace College, is producing illustrations for the forthcoming BMH Books publication Heroes Who Live On, Vol. 2. Prof. Art Davis (right) is coordinating the new relationship between BMH Books and the college art department. Sarah is holding her illustrations of Dr. Orville Jobson (left) and W.A. and
- [Bits 'n Pieces](https://charisfellowship.com/bits-n-pieces-3/) - With the Lord-Paul R. Bauman -Elener Norris Grossman Pastoral Staff/Church Changes 4:12 Commission Sites Readied All Hams Invited White Joins Encyclopedia Board Smoke and Roses Chaplain Honored as Instructor BMH to Service Ministers Hispanic Pastor Baptized With the Lord Dr. Paul R. Bauman went to be with the Lord February 8, 2005, in Amarillo, Texas,
- [Disciples Remember Schaeffer](https://charisfellowship.com/disciples-remember-schaeffer/) - Dr. Francis Schaeffer founded L'Abri shelter and study center in Switzerland 50 years ago this spring. Several Grace Brethren leaders reflect on how the L'Abri experience has impacted their ministry.It was 50 years ago--in 1955--that Christian theologian, Presbyterian pastor and apologist Francis Schaeffer and his wife opened a chalet in Huemoz, Switzerland, that became known
- [Grace Brethren Almanac](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-brethren-almanac-2/) - Ten Years Ago - 1995 - Dr. Randall Smith resigned at Ft. Lauderdale GBC to return to his Jerusalem-based ministry in Israel. (Presently, he is pastoring at Sebring, Fla.) - Dedication services were held April 2 for the new building at Community GBC in Goldendale, Wash., Greg Howell, pastor; and on April 9 for the
- [Auburn Church Reoccupies its own Building](https://charisfellowship.com/auburn-church-reoccupies-its-own-building/) - Remember the story about the little boy who owned his boat twice-once because he built it, and the second time because he bought it back? That's about what happened to the Grace Brethren congregation in Auburn, California. They built a beautiful new building. Then, bowing to financial pressures, they had to relinquish it. Now, due
- [Ohio Couple 'Hits the Target' with Bowhunting Witness](https://charisfellowship.com/ohio-couple-hits-the-target-with-bowhunting-witness/) - Lee Cornelius (left) and his wife, Joy, have found a satisfying outreach ministry with local bowhunters in the southwestern Ohio area. They are members of the Community Grace Brethren Church of West Milton, Ohio (Steve Peters, pastor). A stick and a piece of string have enabled Lee and Joy Cornelius of Tipp City, Ohio, to
- [A 'Screaming Eagle' Returns to 'Nam](https://charisfellowship.com/a-screaming-eagle-returns-to-nam/) - As a young G.I. in 1970, Robert Smoker experienced some of the worst horrors of war in Operation Ripcord, the last great battle of the Vietnam conflict. Now a Grace Brethren pastor in Pennsylvania, he is returning to Vietnam to bring the love of Christ to those who were once considered "the enemy." (photo courtesy
- [Alaska Church Sees 'Resurrection' on Easter](https://charisfellowship.com/alaska-church-sees-resurrection-on-easter/) - Dale Richard, whose heart stopped in the Easter Sunday morning service of the Peninsula Grace Brethren Church in Soldotna, Alaska, was resuscitated, had a pacemaker implanted, and is once again on the road to recovery. (photo courtesy Dan Thornton) Easter worshipers at Peninsula Grace Brethren Church in Soldotna, Alaska, saw a rare sight on Easter
- [Literature Remains Unprinted, Unavailable](https://charisfellowship.com/literature-remains-unprinted-unavailable/) - By Greg Burgess Pastor Dounia Marc, who once headed a thriving literature ministry in the Central African Republic, is now the lone survivor after Grace Brethren printing materials and facilities were destroyed in the recent war. He is seeking to revive the literature operation and begin printing again. (Jim Hocking photo) The literature work in
- [Fort Myers Church Funds CAR Bibles](https://charisfellowship.com/fort-myers-church-funds-car-bibles/) - A critical shortage of Bibles in the Central African Republic has recently come to light. Because of the collapse of a previous Bible distribution system and the destruction of so many Bibles and Christian literature during recent uprisings, in some cases as many as six Bible school students have been sharing one Bible. Missionary Jim
- [Lititz Outreach Program Featured](https://charisfellowship.com/lititz-outreach-program-featured/) - "The Crosswalk Show," an outreach program of the Grace Brethren Church of Lititz, PA (Scott Distler, pastor), is featured in the current issue of Outreach magazine.Six local churches in America and the successful events they are using to reach people for Christ are featured. Pastor Distler says, "It was exciting to see Grace Church of
- [Twombly on Church's Mission and Vision](https://charisfellowship.com/twombly-on-churchs-mission-and-vision/) - Jerry Twombly, former Director of Development for Grace College and Seminary and a Grace Seminary graduate, is featured in an interview with journalist Ron Keener in the April issue of "Church Business" magazine. More information is available at www.churchbusiness.com.BUILD A CHURCH THAT’S DESIGNED FOR IMPACTQ & A with Organizational Developer Gerald H. TwomblyIn this interview
- [Laura Peugh Dies at 91](https://charisfellowship.com/laura-peugh-dies-at-91/) - Laura Peugh, who faithfully served for many years in the Harrah, Washington, Grace Brethren Church, died Thursday, April 28, at 5:20 a.m. at Grace Village Health Care in Winona Lake, Indiana. Mrs. Peugh had been living in Indiana since 1989, and was a member of the Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church.Born in Grandview, WA, Mrs.
- [Grace Grads Publish Local History Book](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-grads-publish-local-history-book/) - Grace College graduates Frank and Suanne Woodring were featured over the weekend in their local newspaper, the Hagerstown (MD) Herald-Mail, for a new book they have published on the history of a local park. (Herald-Mail photo by staff photographer Yvette May)Frank, a 1967 grad with a BA in History, and Suanne (Kuhn), a 1970 grad
- [Jenkins, LaHaye on Dateline Wednesday](https://charisfellowship.com/jenkins-lahaye-on-dateline-wednesday/) - JENKINS & LAHAYE ON DATELINE NBC WEDNESDAY. Dateline NBC will air an interview with “Left Behind” series (Tyndale) authors Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday, just prior to NBC’s mini-series “Revelations.”The story will focus on the success of “Left Behind,” and the public's interest in end times prophecy. Dateline will air
- [May/June FGBC World Now Available](https://charisfellowship.com/mayjune-fgbc-world-now-available/) - The May/June 2005 issue of FGBC World, the connecting publication for the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, is now arriving in homes and churches of the Fellowship. Here are some promotional paragraphs you can use in church bulletins, newsletters, and websites to let people know it is available.WEEK 1The May/June 2005 issue of FGBC World,
- [Not Your Father's Bob Jones University](https://charisfellowship.com/not-your-fathers-bob-jones-university/) - For many years--particularly before the founding of Grace College--Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC was a feeder school for Grace Theological Seminary and men going into Grace Brethren pastorates. Today's Washington Post carries a lengthy analysis article by Peter Carlson on recent changes at the school. A brief excerpt is reproduced here--to read the entire
- [NCO Pastors Are On Mission](https://charisfellowship.com/nco-pastors-are-on-mission/) - Todd Scoles, of the Northwest Chapel staff in Dublin, OH, and the coordinator for the North Central Ohio district, has sent along a list of North Central Ohio Grace Brethren pastors who will be on mission trips this spring and summer.The NCO district includes 22 churches, 90 clergy staff, and has an aggregate attendance of
- [Uniontown Church One of Many to Participate in NDOP Thursday](https://charisfellowship.com/uniontown-church-one-of-many-to-participate-in-ndop-thursday/) - Many Grace Brethren churches are set to participate in Thursday’s National Day of Prayer activities in communities around the nation. Typical is the participation of Pastor Nicholas Philiposian of the Uniontown, PA, Grace Brethren church, as noted in this excerpt from a news item in the Uniontown, PA, Herald-Standard newspaper:This year's theme is "God Shed
- [Today is the National Day of Prayer](https://charisfellowship.com/today-is-the-national-day-of-prayer/) - Today is the National Day of Prayer, ordered by an act of Congress 54 years ago, proclaimed by President George W. Bush, and supported by millions of Americans across the nation. While the National Day of Prayer, which falls on the first Thursday of May, is mostly a Judeo-Christian celebration, it invites the entire nation
- [Former Bowling Green Musician Dies](https://charisfellowship.com/former-bowling-green-musician-dies/) - This obituary of a former Grace Brethren Church musician appears in today's Toledo (OH) Blade newspaper:FINDLAY, OH - Betty Brauneller, a member of the Jericho Road gospel quartet who organized and promoted artists at the Lighthouse here as well as the Hancock County Fair, died Tuesday in Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center of complications of
- [Grace Honors Achievers; Former Coach Dies](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-honors-achievers-former-coach-dies/) - Grace College and Seminary school year concludes this weekend with commencement services this Saturday morning, May 7.Awards chapel was held April 28 and students publicly honored for their accomplishments over the past year included Scott Borchelt and Megan Walter, recipients of the Dean of Students Award, and Jennifer Brook and Nathan Zuck, who were honored
- [Heller Evangelism Book Released](https://charisfellowship.com/heller-evangelism-book-released/) - BMH Books, Winona Lake, Indiana, is pleased to announce the release and immediate availability of an exciting new book on personal evangelism by a Grace Brethren author.“How to Start a Kingdom Conversation” is by Dr. Duke Heller, a dentist from the Worthington, OH, Grace Brethren church, who has had a distinguished career both in oral
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/504-2/) - David Thornton, linebacker for the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, spoke to the Warsaw (IN) high school athletes Wednesday after a chance encounter on a plane with Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church's associate pastor Bruce Barlow. (Colts photo)
- [Chance Encounter Leads to NFL Appearance](https://charisfellowship.com/chance-encounter-leads-to-nfl-appearance/) - Bruce Barlow (pictured), associate pastor at Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church, was on a plane last February with his son, Trent, enroute to a college visit.They struck up a conversation over Trent’s high school jacket with a fellow traveler, who turned out to be David Thornton, a six-foot, two-inch 230-pound linebacker with the NFL’s
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/506-2/) - The York, PA, crew of workmen left York about 7 p.m. Thursday, drove all night, and arrived in Winona Lake about 4:50 a.m. Friday. Working Friday and Saturday, they will leave for York Saturday evening and arrive home approximately in time for Sunday morning church services tomorrow.
- [York Work Crew Helps CE National](https://charisfellowship.com/york-work-crew-helps-ce-national/) - While Grace College and Seminary was having Saturday morning commencement services in the Gordon Center at Winona Lake, Indiana, across town on the CE National campus a crew of workers from the York, PA, Grace Brethren Church (Dan White, pastor) was putting a new roof on the Philemon Center and building a covered shelter over
- [Grace Hires New AD](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-hires-new-ad/) - Roger Newton has been named as the new athletic director for Grace College, Winona Lake, Indiana, replacing Jeff Kowatch, who resigned in June of 2004.Newton, who will likely begin full-time at Grace in early August, has a bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Kentucky and a master’s degree in sport management from
- [East Side Group Ministers in Ukraine](https://charisfellowship.com/east-side-group-ministers-in-ukraine/) - by Pat PhillipsOn Friday, May 6th, Pastor Chip Heim of East Side GBC said goodbye. Oh, he isn’t retiring and no, he wasn’t forced to resign. Instead, Chip and four other adults from the East Side GBC in Columbus, OH will be spending the next two weeks in Zaporozhye, Ukraine, at the Zaporozhye Bible College
- [Quality Education Needs Biblical Literacy](https://charisfellowship.com/quality-education-needs-biblical-literacy/) - The following release, posted today at www.christianpost.com, points out the importance of biblical literacy to being generally well-educated.Biblical literacy gives students educational advantages but most American teens lack basic knowledge of the Bible Biblical literacy gives students educational advantages but most American teens lack basic knowledge of the Bible, according to surveys presented at the
- [Regressive Assimilation and Voiceless Dental Fricatives](https://charisfellowship.com/regressive-assimilation-and-voiceless-dental-fricatives/) - Kevin and Holly High, currently in Spanish language school enroute to missionary service in Argentina, send along this message, excerpted from a longer e-mail. Bottom line? Pray for the Highs!!The end of the Spring semester in Spanish language school at the Rio Grande two-hour each day final starting at 8:15. Monday’s final is on conversation.
- [Tracy, CA, Church Targeted for Picketing](https://charisfellowship.com/tracy-ca-church-targeted-for-picketing/) - The Tracy, California, Grace Brethren Church (Robert MacMillan, pastor, pictured) has been targeted by a notorious hate group for picketing on Sunday, June 12, according to news reports.The Tracy church, along with five other Tracy churches and the local high school, will apparently be picketed by one of two teams from a Kansas church well-known
- [Combs Advises Creation-Science Museum](https://charisfellowship.com/combs-advises-creation-science-museum/) - Bob Combs, pastor of the Norton (OH) Grace Brethren Church-South Campus and past moderator of the FGBC, is serving as advisor to a new creation science museum in the Akron area. (photo by Ken Crisafi)Today's Akron Leader carries the following article, which quotes Combs extensively and gives background on the new museum.By Stephanie Kandel COPLEY
- [Infoline Announces ‘Honor Her’ Scholarships](https://charisfellowship.com/infoline-announces-honor-her-scholarships/) - The Spring/Summer, 2005 issue of “Women’s Infoline,” the newsletter for women’s ministry and Women of Grace USA leaders, announces the awarding of two “Honor Her” scholarships to be used for involvement in short-term missions.Awarded by Women of Grace USA, the scholarships are designed to encourage young women in their desire to reach others with God’s
- [Editor's Blog Gets a Nice Mention](https://charisfellowship.com/editors-blog-gets-a-nice-mention/) - This blog by YIE (Your Intrepid Editor) got a nice mention and tip-of-the-hat earlier this week from fellow blogger Ray Pritchard, who is senior pastor of Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, IL, and is a regular blogger on crosswalk.com.Pastor Ray's blog is well worth reading, as is his newest book from Crossway, entitled "The
- [Further Background on Tracy, CA, Picketing](https://charisfellowship.com/further-background-on-tracy-ca-picketing/) - The following article appeared earlier this week in the Tracy, CA, Press newspaper. It gives a little more background on the planned pickets in Tracy on June 12, which includes the Grace Brethren Church of Tracy.Members of the Westboro Baptist Church apparently can't get enough of what they see as Tracy 's dens of iniquity.
- [Church-Planting Class Underway](https://charisfellowship.com/church-planting-class-underway/) - Dave Guiles (standing, dark shirt), executive director of Grace Brethren International Missions, began this morning teaching a five-day class on Apostolic Church-Planting Strategies in Winona Lake, Indiana. Approximately 40 are in the class, including a number of Hispanic church planters, Grace Brethren pastors from Iowa, Florida, California, Indiana and Ohio, and a variety of others
- [BusinessWeek Magazine Features Evangelicals](https://charisfellowship.com/businessweek-magazine-features-evangelicals/) - The May 23, 2005 issue of BusinessWeek Magazine features a major section on evangelical churches in America. Geared to the business audience, the article is entitled, "Earthly Empires: How evangelical churches are borrowing from the business playbook."Here is a brief excerpt from one of the lead articles. To read the entire article, click here.So successful
- [GBNAM, AGBM Bloglinks Now Live](https://charisfellowship.com/gbnam-agbm-bloglinks-now-live/) - Observant readers will note some new live-links in the left column of this blog template.Dr. Tim Boal, who is both president of the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers and also the new Executive Director of Grace Brethren North American Missions, is posting to both the GBNAM and the AGBM blogs.Check them regularly for updates and
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/502-2/) - Dr. Duke Heller, well-known dentist and personal evangelist from the Worthington, OH, Grace Brethren Church, is the author of the newly-published "How to Start a Kingdom Conversation." Copies may be obtained from www.bmhbooks.com or by calling (toll-free) 1-800-348-2756.
- [German Brethren Meet in Pennsylvania](https://charisfellowship.com/german-brethren-meet-in-pennsylvania/) - The Old Order German Baptist Brethren, a sister group to the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, is currently meeting in Pennsylvania. The group, which traces its heritage to Alexander Mack and 1708 as does the FGBC, is one of six groups (along with the FGBC) which participates in the Brethren Encyclopedia Project.Here is an excerpt
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/520-2/) - This group used Play-Dough to demonstrate the concept of the various parts of the body of Christ articulating together. Other groups used parable, PowerPoint, drawing, rap, and drama.
- [By Thursday, You Have to be Creative](https://charisfellowship.com/by-thursday-you-have-to-be-creative/) - Needing some variety in a five-day course on church-planting, ACTS course instructor Dave Guiles subdivided the current 40 students taking the class into groups and assigned them to devise a creative way to demonstrate the biblical concept of the church as the body of Christ. This group used pantomime and music to show that all
- [BMH Books Releases Kent Commentary on Mark](https://charisfellowship.com/bmh-books-releases-kent-commentary-on-mark/) - BMH Books proudly announces the release this week of a newly expanded and re-written commentary on the Gospel of Mark by Dr. Homer Kent Jr., former dean of Grace Theological Seminary, former president of Grace College and Seminary, and world-respected scholar of New Testament and Greek.Subtitled "The Beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ," the
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/523-2/) - Bob Steiger, who is from the Centerville, OH, Grace Brethren Church (Steve Makofka, pastor) has already spent time ministering in Chad, Africa, and is on his way back there to teach English, teach Bible, and other ministries.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/524-2/) - Jay and Deb Hocking will soon be leaving Indiana to spend 15 months in France as host couple at the Chateau St. Alban. Jay has been working in media and information technology at the Grace Brethren International Missions headquarters in Winona Lake, IN, and they are members of the Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church (John
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/525-2/) - Jason Weimer (left) from the Waterloo, Iowa, Grace Brethren Church (Kelvin Cooke, pastor) will soon be leaving with his wife, Doni, for a year in the Philippines, helping to plant churches. Viseth Hou (right) is a Cambodian who has been very successful as an evangelist and church-planter and Campus Crusade staff member. He is currently
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/526-2/) - Carlos Peralta, an Argentine native now planting a Hispanic church in Coatesville, PA, is doing so under the sponsorship and guidance of Gateway Grace Community Church (Dan O'Deens, pastor). Carlos' congregation, Encuentro Latino, is currently averaging about 80 in Sunday morning services--last Lord's Day 100 were in attendance.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/528-2/) - Kirk and Kay Carver are from the Calvert County (MD) Grace Brethren Church (Robert Wagner, pastor). They have spent some short-term missions time in the Czech Republic and are looking to where the Lord may want them to serve. Kay is a massage therapist and Kirk is a chiropractor, currently doing graduate studies at Capitol
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/529-2/) - Deb and Jim Momeyer have served in Africa with Grace Brethren International Missions, and will be returning there after some time in the States for further studies and fund raising. They are from the Community Grace Brethren Church in Warsaw, IN.
- [Meet Some Church Planters](https://charisfellowship.com/meet-some-church-planters/) - Let me introduce you to just a few of the wonderful people I've spent this past week with, taking a course in the ACTS church-planting strategy from Dave Guiles of Grace Brethren International Missions. Please...take a few moments and pray for each of these if you are so led. Rich and Jill Elledge, pictured here,
- [Habecker Named President of Taylor U.](https://charisfellowship.com/habecker-named-president-of-taylor-u/) - Eugene Habecker, who for the past 14 years has been the president of the American Bible Society in New York City, has been named president of Taylor University in Indiana.Habecker, a 1968 Taylor grad, replaces David Gyertson, who is returning to a faculty position at Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA, an institution he co-founded
- [Former Grace Music Professor Dies](https://charisfellowship.com/former-grace-music-professor-dies/) - Dr. K Marie Stolba, an internationally-acclaimed musicologist, music historian, violinist, music educator and composer who taught music at Grace College in the 1970s, died Wednesday, May 18 in Fort Wayne, IN.A professor emerita of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, she had also served as a visiting professor and lecturer at universities and musicologists meetings all
- [Mark Commentary Now Available for Purchase Online](https://charisfellowship.com/mark-commentary-now-available-for-purchase-online/) - "Studies in Mark," the newly-rewritten and expanded commentary on the Gospel of Mark by Dr. Homer Kent, Jr., is now available for purchase online at www.bmhbooks.com. The 248-page commentary is the first of a 15-volume matched set BMH is producing entitled The Kent Collection. Cost is $14.99.
- [Christian Bookseller Passes](https://charisfellowship.com/christian-bookseller-passes/) - (from the Christian Booksellers Association e-newsletter):Larry Hair, director of retail stores at Christian Publications for nearly 32 years, passed away late last week from complications resulting from surgery. The memory of Larry’s life on earth was celebrated on May 21, at Hope Grace Brethren Church in Dillsburg, PA (George Traub, pastor). Please remember in prayer
- [Don't Park in the Pastor's Spot!](https://charisfellowship.com/dont-park-in-the-pastors-spot/) - Joel Curry, director of institutional communication and publication for Grace College and Seminary, spotted this sign recently while touring the 13th century Church of St. Multose in Kinsale, Ireland. Be careful where you park!
- [Ed Goes to Tecate, Asks Prayer](https://charisfellowship.com/ed-goes-to-tecate-asks-prayer/) - Ed Lewis, executive director of CE National, will be the featured speaker at a joint US/Mexican youth conference this weekend. This annual event was featured in the July/August, 2004 issue of FGBC World, page 5 (see archived issues). Here is part of Ed's prayer request for the event:Just wanted you to know that I would
- [Willow Valley Honors Officers](https://charisfellowship.com/willow-valley-honors-officers/) - Grace Church at Willow Valley, the Grace Brethren church in Lancaster, PA, (John Smith, pastor) recently held its Annual Peace Officers Memorial Service, which recognizes police officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. Chet Barofski, NJ State Trooper and pastor of Grace Community Church in Hope NJ, was the speaker. Chet
- [New Evangelism Book Noted in Review](https://charisfellowship.com/new-evangelism-book-noted-in-review/) - "How to Start a Kingdom Conversation," BMH Books' new release on personal evangelism by Dr. Duke Heller of the Worthington, OH, Grace Brethren Church, recently received a nice review and "push" on one of the nation's best-read Christian websites, www.crosswalk.com.Dr. Ray Pritchard, pastor of Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, IL, and a regular weblog
- [Natorg Heads Meet, Share, Pray](https://charisfellowship.com/natorg-heads-meet-share-pray/) - Leaders of the Grace Brethren national organizations met this week in the conference room of the BMH/FGBC office for their twice-yearly overview of church health, Fellowship progress and priorities, and general sharing. Those participating included (clockwise, from left) Tim Boal of Grace Brethren North American Missions; Tom Avey, Fellowship Coordinator of the FGBC; Ed Lewis
- [Robert Andringa Leaving CCCU](https://charisfellowship.com/robert-andringa-leaving-cccu/) - Robert Andringa has resigned as president of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, Washington, D.C., effective June 30, 2006. He will have served 12 years as president and CCCU will mark its 30th year in 2006. "When I turned 60,” said Andringa, “I adopted the motto 'peak at 80,' and so I look forward
- [Two Urgent FGBC Family Prayer Requests](https://charisfellowship.com/two-urgent-fgbc-family-prayer-requests/) - Here are two urgent prayer requests from FGBC family members. The first is from Steve Galegor, Jr., who works as a Grace Brethren North American Missions church-planter in New York City:Please pray for us as we face a terrible family event. Yesterday, Melanie's dad, Lyle Galey, collapsed and suffered a heart attack which prolonged and
- [Osceola Float Distributes Candy, After All](https://charisfellowship.com/osceola-float-distributes-candy-after-all/) - The Grace Brethren Church of Osceola, IN, thought they wouldn't be able to distribute candy from the church's float in yesterday's annual Memorial Day parade. (South Bend Tribune photo by Greg Swiercz)But it all worked out well, after all. Here are several paragraphs from the Tribune story. To read the entire article, click here.Robyn and
- [Chaplain Asks Prayer for Family of Slain Mullah](https://charisfellowship.com/chaplain-asks-prayer-for-family-of-slain-mullah/) - Grace Brethren military chaplain James Schaefer (standing, right) asks prayer for the family of an Afghanistan mullah friend (seated) who was recently murdered. Here is Chaplain Schaefer's message:I am saddened to report that my dear friend and Afghan religious leader, Mullah Fayez, was murdered today in Kandahar.I met with Mullah Fayez, the senior religious leader
- [Earning Eagle Scout, A Continent Away](https://charisfellowship.com/earning-eagle-scout-a-continent-away/) - Jacob Patton, son of Grace Brethren International Missions missionaries Wayne and Ellen Patton, currently serving in Brazil, recently completed his Eagle Scout Board of Review with his scout leaders in Indiana via telephone long-distance from Brazil. (Patton family photograph, GBIM)Jacob lived in Winona Lake, IN, with his parents for three years while they were finishing
- [thequest Hosts Plasters, Parisian Cafe](https://charisfellowship.com/thequest-hosts-plasters-parisian-cafe/) - The "Plasters of Paris," Rob and Nichole Plaster who are Grace Brethren International Missions missionaries to Paris, France, were the featured guests last Thursday night at a special "Parisian cafe" hosted at the home of Pastor Mike Jentes of thequest church-plant in Columbus, OH. The Plasters reported on their work and those attending were able
- [A Weekend to Browse and Buy Art](https://charisfellowship.com/a-weekend-to-browse-and-buy-art/) - The Juried Art Fair was the main event in Winona Lake, IN, this past weekend, with several thousand visitors prowling artists' booths Saturday and Sunday for artwork. Next weekend is the "Gas and Brass" antique auto show, and the following week is the opening of the month-long MasterWorks classical music festival.
- [Brethren Heroes Book Sent to Press](https://charisfellowship.com/brethren-heroes-book-sent-to-press/) - BMH Books, Winona Lake, IN, announces that Heroes Who Live On, Volume 2 went to press today and should be available for shipping within a month. The book features 13 men and women who have played a significant role in the development and history of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.The Heroes project was initiated
- [Pastor/People Newsnotes From Around the Fellowship](https://charisfellowship.com/pastorpeople-newsnotes-from-around-the-fellowship/) - Baby BogueAnn and Norm Johnson, proud grandparents, send along this news note about the family of Jeff Bogue, pastor of the north campus of the Norton, OH, Grace Brethren Church:We had a great weekend with the birth of healthy grandchild #9. Heididelivered Naomi Cleonise Joy Bogue at 12:45 a.m. Sunday June 5. What ablessing!Elizabeth Schaefer
- [Galegor Prayer Request Follow-Up](https://charisfellowship.com/galegor-prayer-request-follow-up/) - Blog readers were asked last week to pray for a sudden emergency situation with the father-in-law of Steve Galegor, Jr., missionary with Grace Brethren North American Missions to New York City. Here is an excerpt from Steve's report, followed by a paragraph from the tribute he gave at the funeral:Though many of you heard, I
- [Visitors to BMH Always Welcome](https://charisfellowship.com/visitors-to-bmh-always-welcome/) - One of the fun things about living in Winona Lake, IN -- especially in the summer -- is the opportunity to meet many missionaries, pastors, lay leaders, and special people in the FGBC as they come through town. Yesterday the BMH offices had a special visit by Kevin and Holly High and their three children
- [questers Gather at the River](https://charisfellowship.com/questers-gather-at-the-river/) - Shall we gather at the river? They did...in downtown Columbus, Ohio...this past Sunday. Pastor Mike Jentes baptized three believers from his church, thequest, in an outdoor service on the banks of the Scioto River in Columbus--more photos and some good articles on baptism are available on his website and blog at www.thequestcolumbus.com
- [Ahhh....Summer in Winona!](https://charisfellowship.com/ahhh-summer-in-winona/) - This view down Park Street, from in front of the Billy Sunday Museum looking toward the ClockTower Bakery and business district of Winona Lake,IN, is a reminder that long-awaited summer is finally coming. Last weekend Winona Lake was colorfully dotted with sailboats racing in the regatta and throngs of visitors will be coming in next
- [Spiffing Up for Equip05 Visitors](https://charisfellowship.com/spiffing-up-for-equip05-visitors/) - With the Grace Brethren national conference, Equip05, fast approaching, BMH and other Winona Lake, IN, organizations are getting their facilities ready for Open Houses to be held Tuesday, August 2, from 4:30-6 p.m. Open House at the Brethren Missionary Herald Co. (pictured here) will include an autograph party by some of BMH Books' most popular
- [Grace Library Receives Latest Kent Book](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-library-receives-latest-kent-book/) - Dr. Homer A. Kent, Jr. (left) this morning donated a copy of his newest book "Studies in Mark: The Beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ" to Bill Darr, head librarian at Grace College and Seminary. The Mark book, the first in the new Kent Collection being published by BMH Books, is a newly-rewritten and
- [Ohio Mayor Recognizes Pastor, Church](https://charisfellowship.com/ohio-mayor-recognizes-pastor-church/) - Andy Wirt (right), associate pastor of the Western Reserve Grace Brethren Church of Macedonia, Ohio, poses with senior pastor Jason Haymaker and the mayor's certificate of appreciation given to Wirt and the church earlier this week. (Ron Boehm photo)The certificate of appreciation, presented by Macedonia mayor Donald J. Kuchta on behalf of himself and the
- [July/Aug FGBC World is off to Press](https://charisfellowship.com/julyaug-fgbc-world-is-off-to-press/) - The July/August 05 issue of FGBC World, the free paper distributed throughout the Grace Brethren world to better connect people and churches, went off to press just before noon today. Copies should arrive in homes and churches on or about July 1.One of the front-page features is Norm and Ann Johnson (pictured), from the Ashland,
- [Grace Grants Prison Degrees](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-grants-prison-degrees/) - The following note is from the "Grace Connection" e-mail update, distributed free each midweek by Judy Daniels in the communications office at Grace College and Seminary. You, too, may receive the Grace Connection, simply by e-mailing Judy at connect@grace.edu and typing ADD in the subject line.Nineteen of Grace College's prison extension students at the Indiana
- [Pray for Tracy this Weekend](https://charisfellowship.com/pray-for-tracy-this-weekend/) - Just a reminder to pray for the testimony of Pastor Robert MacMillan and the Grace Brethren Church of Tracy, CA, this weekend as this is the Sunday a hate group from Kansas has chosen to picket the church, along with some others. Here is a brief excerpt from this morning's Tracy newspaper -- see earlier
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/560-2/) - The approximately 35 "gas and brass" antique cars lined up on Canal Street in Winona Lake, IN, today were a reminder of the rich history of the town. Most were manufactured about 1912 or earlier, in the years Winona historian Steve Grill refers to as the "glory years" in the history of the town. The
- [The Clock Turns Back a Century](https://charisfellowship.com/the-clock-turns-back-a-century/) - Shades of yesteryear! The 1900-1912 vintage cars on display at the "gas and brass" festival in Winona Lake, IN, today were common transportation in the town known as "a kind of religious chautaqua" under the leadership of Solomon C. Dickey. William "Billy" Sunday arrived in 1895 with his wife, Nell, and the baseball evangelist eventually
- [Pickets Past, No Damage Done](https://charisfellowship.com/pickets-past-no-damage-done/) - The following news report from this morning's paper gives a report and update on yesterday's picketing of the Tracy, CA, Grace Brethren Church by a hate group from Kansas. By Malcolm MaclachlanSan Joaquin News Service Last updated: Monday, Jun 13, 2005 - 07:24:50 am PDT If this weekend's performance is any indication, members of the
- [Living Bible Author Taylor, 88, Dies](https://charisfellowship.com/living-bible-author-taylor-88-dies/) - Wheaton, Ill., Tyndale House Publishers founder Kenneth Taylor, whose The Living Bible helped millions of people discover they could read and understand Scripture, died Friday, June 10 at age 88 in his Wheaton home. "Making Scripture accessible for all people was my father's passion," said his son and Tyndale President Mark Taylor. "Many, many people
- [Off to Ohio for DRIVEN!](https://charisfellowship.com/off-to-ohio-for-driven/) - Reports for the next several days will be from the campus of Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, where we'll be reporting from, and participating in, the first-ever DRIVEN conference for Twenty-Somethings.Take a look at www.driven05.org for the whole lineup of speakers and workshops.BMH will be creating a daily conference newsletter (DRIVEN World) and we'll be
- [Holbrook Elected to Head CMA](https://charisfellowship.com/holbrook-elected-to-head-cma/) - Mark Holbrook, shown here teaching the adult Sunday School class at the Grace Brethren Church in Orange, CA (Ed Trenner, pastor) was recently elected chairman of the board of directors of the Christian Management Association.Holbrook, who is president and CEO of the Evangelical Christian Credit Union in Brea, California, succeeds Jerry E. White, president of
- [MD Grace Brethren Student Wins Arts Competition](https://charisfellowship.com/md-grace-brethren-student-wins-arts-competition/) - The following is excerpted from an article in a Calvert County, Maryland, newspaper from this morning:Owings Girl Wins Congressional Arts CompetitionCongressional Arts Competition Veronica Loveless from Calvert County WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) congratulated Veronica Loveless today as the winner of the 5th Congressional District High School Congressional Arts Competition. Loveless visited the
- [DRIVEN Conference Underway in Ohio](https://charisfellowship.com/driven-conference-underway-in-ohio/) - DRIVEN, the national Grace Brethren conference for Twenty-Somethings got underway this evening on the campus of Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio with Ezra Wimberly (pictured) and his team from the Norton, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church North Campus leading worship. Tomorrow is a full day of workshops and activities, with main speakers Dr. David Hoffeditz of
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/568-2/) - Neil Cole, Grace Brethren pastor and church-planting expert, taught a Thursday-afternoon seminar on "Organic Church Movements" at the DRIVEN conference.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/569-2/) - Pastor Steve Edmonds of the Grace Brethren Church in Columbus, Ohio, was one of the Thursday afternoon presenters at DRIVEN, giving a workshop on "Achieving Intimacy in Relationships."
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/570-2/) - A wild game of "Ultimate Frisbee" was one of the Thursday afternoon recreation options at the DRIVEN conference for Twenty-Somethings on the Kenyon College campus in Gambier, Ohio.
- [Reporting Live from DRIVEN in Gambier](https://charisfellowship.com/reporting-live-from-driven-in-gambier/) - Directed noontime Round Table discussions, with designated leaders and suggested discussion questions, helped DRIVEN attendees get to know each other better, and to focus on the subjects of "Engage," "Accelerate," and "Incarnate." The conference concludes at noon on Saturday.
- ['From the Top' in Winona Saturday](https://charisfellowship.com/from-the-top-in-winona-saturday/) - The following excerpt is from an article in today's Warsaw (IN) Times-Union newspaper:National Public Radio will host its show “From The Top” at Rodeheaver Auditorium, Winona Lake, Saturday. “We’re very excited to be part of this event. It should be a great experience for all those who can attend,” Brent Wilcoxson, Winona Restoration manager, said.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/573-2/) - Following the footwashing service, the bread and cup portion of communion were observed in a solemn ceremony in the historic Holy Spirit Chapel on the Kenyon College campus. California-based church planter Neil Cole was the speaker for the morning and for the 8 p.m. evening session. The conference concludes Saturday morning with an address by
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/574-2/) - Following the example of Jesus, a footwashing service was held following the Love Feast. Footwashing is part of the historic Grace Brethren communion service, based on John 13.
- [DRIVEN Conferees Experience Threefold Communion](https://charisfellowship.com/driven-conferees-experience-threefold-communion/) - Following the Love Feast this evening, participants in the DRIVEN conference in Gambier, Ohio, gathered on the lawn beneath the Kenyon College dining hall for an outdoor footwashing service. Mike Mason of thequest church in Columbus (standing on chair, at right) read scripture and made comments to prepare hearts for the experience. The conference, which
- [John and Ruth Gillis Celebrate 50 Years](https://charisfellowship.com/john-and-ruth-gillis-celebrate-50-years/) - John and Ruth Gillis--John has pastored Grace Brethren churches in a number of locations--recently were highlighted for their 50th wedding anniversary in the Alaska Star newspaper. Here is an excerpt:Former Eagle River residents John and Ruth Gillis celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary June 11. They were married June 11, 1955, at the Grace Brethren Church
- [Soccer Camp Sees Salvations](https://charisfellowship.com/soccer-camp-sees-salvations/) - This week's institutional update from the Grace College campus shares the good news that a number of young people attending Lancer Soccer Camps have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.Soccer coach Roy Danielian said, on June 14, "The Lord really blessed today as soccer staff saw 20-plus kids raise their hands saying that they received
- [Lititz Church Helps OB Get New Bus](https://charisfellowship.com/lititz-church-helps-ob-get-new-bus/) - One of the great programs of CE National is Operation Barnabas, which each summer sends teams of young people around the US (and overseas) to be of assistance and encouragement to Grace Brethren churches and people. Bus transportation is key to the trips, and the following note from Scott Distler, pastor of the Lititz (PA)
- [New Issue of FGBC World Posted](https://charisfellowship.com/new-issue-of-fgbc-world-posted/) - The July/August, 2005 issue of FGBC World, the bi-monthly publication of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, is now posted and available online at www.fgbcworld.com. The paper edition of the paper should arrive in homes and churches around July 1.The lead stories for the current issue include the Norm Johnson/Ann Nichols marriage after each had
- [Wells, Construction Progressing in CAR](https://charisfellowship.com/wells-construction-progressing-in-car/) - Jim Hocking, whose organization in the Central African Republic is currently hosting a team from Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church, sends along the following update and list of prayer requests:God has truly been blessing the work of the drill team. They have completed three wells in four days and are today completing the fourth
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/581-2/) - Tomorrow is Chad's 11th birthday (June 24) and he came back from Minneapolis with his grandparents to spend a week at Winona Lake. Here's our annual fishing photo at Heritage Lake -- we've got largemouth bass....
- [Chad and Grandpa Go Fishin' (again)](https://charisfellowship.com/chad-and-grandpa-go-fishin-again/) - ...and we've got bluegills. But after Minnesota fishing, this is no great thrill!
- [July/August FGBC World Promotional Copy](https://charisfellowship.com/julyaugust-fgbc-world-promotional-copy/) - The July/August 2005 issue of FGBC World is now arriving in churches and homes. Here are several paragraphs you may use in your church bulletin, newsletter, website or blog to call attention to it over the next several weeks. Use one a week for maximum effectiveness.Europeans are notoriously hard to reach with the gospel. Read
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/584-2/) - The first piece of this evening's concert was a chamber orchestra playing Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 with a violinist and two flutes as soloist. Then the full orchestra joined for a thunderous rendition of Smetana's "The Moldau" and concluded with Dvorak's "New World Symphony." Tomorrow evening the Dvorak will repeat, and the feature will
- [MasterWorks Opens with Bach, Smetana and Dvorak](https://charisfellowship.com/masterworks-opens-with-bach-smetana-and-dvorak/) - The spelling may be faulty, but the music is not! This evening opened the month-long MasterWorks Festival with a 115-piece orchestral concert led by New Zealander Andrew Sewell at the podium. The festival continues through mid-July in Winona Lake, IN. Details may be found at www.christianperformingart.org.
- ['Singing Auctioneer' Grace Alum Featured](https://charisfellowship.com/singing-auctioneer-grace-alum-featured/) - Grace College and Seminary alumnus Dane Bailey, originally from the Bethel Grace Brethren Church in Berne, IN, is featured in today's Section C of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette newspaper as the "Singing Auctioneer." (Journal Gazette photo by Dean Musser, Jr.)Here is an excerpt--to read the entire article, click here. Bailey's website is www.singingauctioneer.com.Singing for
- [Hard Work in Cleveland 'Paying Off'](https://charisfellowship.com/hard-work-in-cleveland-paying-off/) - Rich and Reida Bartley, whose inner-city mission to Cleveland, OH, reaches out creatively to urban residents, recently reported with enthusiasm on some positive events and outreach contacts from their ministry. Here is an excerpt from Rich’s report—learn more at www.villagegrace.org. We found out about a church that was closing its doors. The pastor called and
- [African Leaders Get ACTS Training in France](https://charisfellowship.com/african-leaders-get-acts-training-in-france/) - Dave Guiles, (center, rear of photo), executive director of Grace Brethren International Missions, sent along the following update on June 25 (his birthday) regarding the current ACTS in AFRICA training sessions with African Grace Brethren church leaders being held at the Chateau St. Albain in France. Here is an excerpt from his report:Twelve key leaders
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/589-2/) - A hot-dog feed in the parking lot helped increase the attraction for VBS registration. Here Mark McCollum (left) and Bob Jackson serve up the tube steaks.
- [It's That VBS Time of Year!](https://charisfellowship.com/its-that-vbs-time-of-year/) - It's Vacation Bible School time of year again! At Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church, registration for the "Ramblin' Road Trip" VBS started Sunday afternoon and VBS continues each morning through Thursday. Statistics show that MANY long-time church leaders first committed their lives to Christ through VBS programs.
- [Gilead: Pastor-Recommended Summer Reading](https://charisfellowship.com/gilead-pastor-recommended-summer-reading/) - Steve Makofka, pastor of the Centerville, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church, sends along the following endorsement for some thoughtful summer reading:I just finished reading Marilynne Robinson’s novel “Gilead,” and I'm recommending that every Grace Brethren pastor take a little time this summer to soak in this high-quality work of inspiring fiction. Its recent recognition with a
- [Mike Jentes Wraps Up DRIVEN Conference](https://charisfellowship.com/mike-jentes-wraps-up-driven-conference/) - Pastor Mike Jentes of thequest in Columbus, OH, was one of seven young pastors who planned and implemented the recent DRIVEN conference for approximately 100 young Twenty-Somethings. Here is his wrapup report, which capsulizes well the week and its activities. (pictured, Ezra Wimberly, left, leads worship with the Norton North team)DRIVEN wrapwww.driven05.org By Mike JentesMore
- [Columbus Shares Musical Resources](https://charisfellowship.com/columbus-shares-musical-resources/) - by Liz Cutler Gates A full orchestra directed by Randy Kettering (seated, center) accompanies live stage productions and records accompaniment tracks which Grace Media Group makes available to other churches and musicians. (photo by Liz Cutler Gates) It could be the Grace Brethren version of the well-known question "Will it play in Peoria?," when New
- [Bits 'n Pieces](https://charisfellowship.com/bits-n-pieces-4/) - Mayor Honors Ohio Church Andy Wirt, right, and Jayson Haymaker (Ron Boehm photo) Andy Wirt (right), associate pastor of the Western Reserve Grace Brethren Church of Macedonia, OH, poses with senior pastor Jason Haymaker and the mayor's certificate of appreciation recently given to Wirt and the church. The certificate of appreciation, presented by Macedonia mayor
- [Grace Brethren Almanac](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-brethren-almanac-3/) - Ten Years Ago - July, 1995 Home Missions (now GBNAM) approved the beginning of a work in an eastern suburb of Philadelphia with Pastor Dan O'Deens. CE National's TIME teams began ministry June 5 in Navajo land and June 26 along the Mexican border in southern California. National Conference convened in San Diego with Ed
- [2005-06 Calendar of Grace Brethren Events](https://charisfellowship.com/2005-06-calendar-of-grace-brethren-events/) - Events of general interest among Grace Brethren Churches. Details and registration information are available from sponsoring organizations or through www.fgbc.org. July 1-2 - Grace College and Seminary Summer Alumni Weekend July 23-29 - Brethren National Youth Conference, Cedarville, OH (CEN) July 31-August 5 - Equip05 Conference, Winona Lake, IN (FGBC) Aug. 7-13 - Explorer's Week,
- [L. S. Bauman: Inspiring Others by Example](https://charisfellowship.com/l-s-bauman-inspiring-others-by-example/) - Dr. L. S. Bauman (pencil drawing by Sarah Pratt) The following article is excerpted from the new BMH Book BMH Book Heroes Who Live On, Vol. 2. The project was originated by CE National, and text was written by Robert Cover, Sr. and Viki Rife, with illustrations by Sarah Pratt. Written for upper grade school
- [Brethren Heroes Vol. 2 Released](https://charisfellowship.com/brethren-heroes-vol-2-released/) - BMH Books, Winona Lake, IN, has released Volume 2 of Heroes Who Live On, featuring 13 men and women who have played a significant role in the development and history of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. The Heroes project was initiated by CE National under the direction of Ed Lewis, and his organization published
- [Weimers Depart for Philippines Today](https://charisfellowship.com/weimers-depart-for-philippines-today/) - Jason and Doni Weimer and their family (shown here earlier this year addressing the Iowa District Conference) leave Minneapolis-St. Paul airport for the Philippines, where they will have an extended ministry in church-planting and where Doni will teach in a Christian academy. The Weimers are from the Grace Brethren Church of Waterloo, Iowa--prayers are requested
- [Another Pastor Enters the Blogosphere](https://charisfellowship.com/another-pastor-enters-the-blogosphere/) - Yet another pastor enters the blogosphere this week as Steve Makofka, pastor of the Centerville, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church, announced the advent of his blog at https://revpharoah.blogspot.com/ We now know of at least a dozen--and there are probably lots more--Grace Brethren pastors who use blogs regularly to inform their constituents and who spread salt and
- [Evangelism Book is Having an Impact](https://charisfellowship.com/evangelism-book-is-having-an-impact/) - Very encouraging reports are coming in from the impact of the recent BMH Books release, "How to Start a Kingdom Conversation" by Duke Heller of our Columbus, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church.Here is just one report from Duke: "Some people have come to make a commitment to Christ from reading the book and using the book
- [Sunday Festival Follows Equip05](https://charisfellowship.com/sunday-festival-follows-equip05/) - The Billy Sunday Museum (pictured) in Winona Lake, Indiana, will be the focus for a one-day Billy Sunday Festival to be held the day after Equip05 closes this summer. Here is an explanation and invitation from Bill Firstenberger, curator of the Sunday museum:Hello Billy Sunday Fans,Just wanted to drop you a quick note regarding this
- [Chaplain Schaefer Awarded Bronze Star](https://charisfellowship.com/chaplain-schaefer-awarded-bronze-star/) - Grace Brethren Army chaplain Maj. James Schaefer has been awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, according to a release from Larry Chamberlain, director of The Eagle Commission.The citation, issued by General Olson and the Secretary of the Army, said, in part, "Major Schaefer's tactical proficiency, selfless
- [CAR Construction Team Returns](https://charisfellowship.com/car-construction-team-returns/) - The team of construction workers from Winona Lake, Indiana, Grace Brethren Church (John Teevan, pastor) arrived back in the States yesterday after a successful time of building an orphan care center in the Central African Republic.Missionary Jim Hocking said, "God has been so good and the rains did hold off enough for us to get
- [Internationals USA Announces Changes](https://charisfellowship.com/internationals-usa-announces-changes/) - Internationals USA, headed for the last 11 years by Ivanildo Trindade (pictured), has announced some major structural changes. Excerpted here is part of the announcement from IUSA board member David Lawson, executive pastor of the Wooster, OH, Grace Brethren Church.We are writing this letter to all Grace Brethren Churches across the nation, as well as
- [Klawitter Debuts Summer GBIM Blog](https://charisfellowship.com/klawitter-debuts-summer-gbim-blog/) - A new summer blog by Grace Brethren International Missions Europe director Paul Klawitter has debuted. One of the current postings is this photo of the GBIM Europe team joined by recent ministry visitors from the Ashland, OH, and Penn Valley (Telford, PA) Grace Brethren Churches.The purpose of the blog, according to Klawitter, is as follows:
- [Christian Blogging Conference Set For October](https://charisfellowship.com/christian-blogging-conference-set-for-october/) - Roy Halberg (thanks Roy!) from our Alta Loma church in California has called to our attention a Christian blogging conference to be held at BIOLA University this October.Here's the capsule description: "The Torrey Honors Institute of Biola University is proud to announce that the first ever GodBlog Convention will be held at Biola University on
- [AGBM Website Goes 'Live'](https://charisfellowship.com/agbm-website-goes-live/) - The Association of Grace Brethren Ministers (AGBM) website went "live" at noon today and is available for viewing at www.agbm.org.Although the site is in its early-development stage, it will be updated regularly by AGBM president Tim Boal, by research and development director Jerry Young, and by the Brethren Missionary Herald staff, which has been contracted
- [Andre Thornton Headlines Ashland Wifflefest](https://charisfellowship.com/andre-thornton-headlines-ashland-wifflefest/) - Retired Cleveland Indians baseball star Andre Thornton was the featured guest this past week for the Ashland, Ohio, Southview Grace Brethren Church's annual Wifflefest outreach event. Thornton's pro career stretched from 1973 to his retirement in 1987.The September/October 2004 issue of FGBC World featured a story on Wifflefest (see archived issues on www.fgbcworld.com). The former
- [What's a 'Kingdom Conversation?'](https://charisfellowship.com/whats-a-kingdom-conversation/) - Duke HellerDuke Heller's new book, How to Start a Kingdom Conversation, is designed to equip those who wish to share their faith in Christ with others. Heller asks, "Can you point to the exact time you accepted Christ as your personal Savior?" If the answer is "no," then he suggests there is no better time
- [The Pilgrim's Fountain: Going Where the Seekers Are](https://charisfellowship.com/the-pilgrims-fountain-going-where-the-seekers-are/) - GBIM missionary Rick Satterthwaite (left rear) will be the host for several weeks this summer at the Pilgrim's Fountain roadhouse on St. James' Way in Spain. Others in the photo are hikers from Berlin, Tel Aviv, and Italy. (Larry DeArmey photo) Mission work in Europe is notoriously difficult. The average European, in the general perception,
- [After Losing Mates, Johnsons Find Ministry Together](https://charisfellowship.com/after-losing-mates-johnsons-find-ministry-together/) - Norm and Ann Johnson, each having lost a mate to death, are now married to each other and are moving on in ministry through the Ashland, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church. Norm and Ann Johnson are newlyweds with a history together that goes back nearly 30 years. Norm, who is well-known in the Grace Brethren Fellowship
- [Equip05 is More Than Courses](https://charisfellowship.com/equip05-is-more-than-courses/) - Keith ShearerRegistrations are strong and enthusiasm is high for the 20-plus courses that are being offered as part of the Grace Brethren national conference, Equip05, to be held July 31-August 5, 2005, in Winona Lake, IN. However, the conference is more-much more-than the excellent educational opportunities. Business sessions, inspiring plenary meetings, worship and devotional times,
- [GBIF Celebrates 50 Years of Ministry](https://charisfellowship.com/gbif-celebrates-50-years-of-ministry/) - by Kathy Allison This note by eight-year-old Mike Terry of Sunnyside, Washington, gave birth 50 years ago to the Grace Brethren Investment Foundation The note was carefully printed by a child's hand. "Dear Mr. Grubb," it read, "My name is Mike Terry. I am 8 years old. I go to the First Brethren Church in
- [Gospel of Mark Commentary Released](https://charisfellowship.com/gospel-of-mark-commentary-released/) - Dr. Homer A. Kent, Jr. (left), former president and professor of Greek and New Testament at Grace College and Seminary in Winona Lake, IN, recently presented a copy of his latest book to Bill Darr (right), head of library services for Grace College and Seminary. The commentary, entitled Studies in Mark, is newly-rewritten and expanded
- ['Love in Action' Helps Chadians Help Themselves](https://charisfellowship.com/love-in-action-helps-chadians-help-themselves/) - Dr. Tom Stallter, former missionary to Africa, is the founder and director of Love In Action International. (LIAI photoBy Ashley Woodworth Love in Action International (LIAI) has taken a different approach to ministry. Instead of simply helping others, it helps others help themselves. Tom Stallter, former Grace Brethren International Missions (GBIM) missionary and co-founder of
- [BMH Books Releases Evangelism Resource](https://charisfellowship.com/bmh-books-releases-evangelism-resource/) - BMH Books, Winona Lake, IN, is pleased to announce the release and immediate availability of an exciting new book on personal evangelism by a Grace Brethren author. How to Start a Kingdom Conversation is by Dr. Duke Heller, a dentist from the Worthington, OH, Grace Brethren Church, who has had a distinguished career both in
- [Prayer Asked for Eric Abel](https://charisfellowship.com/prayer-asked-for-eric-abel/) - Todd Scoles, of the North Central Ohio district, tells us: Just received the following note from Larry Edwards (Ashland, OH, Southview GBC): "Eric Abel on staff at our W. Main GBC in Ashland and administrator of the Ashland Christian School really needs our prayers at this time. He is in the Cleveland Clinic and had
- [Women of Grace Release Resource Magazine](https://charisfellowship.com/women-of-grace-release-resource-magazine/) - Women of Grace USA has just released the first 40-page issue of its new annual resource publication entitled "Women's Spectrum."According to the group's president, Janet Minnix, the annual publication has a two-fold purpose. The first is to inform and challenge individual readers, and the second is to serve as a versatile tool and resource that
- [Osceola Church Hosts Community Theater](https://charisfellowship.com/osceola-church-hosts-community-theater/) - The Grace Brethren Church of Osceola, IN, is hosting a community theater production this weekend. Reproduced here is the notice from the Elkhart Truth newspaper:Osceola Community Players cast members rehearse for their production of "Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." From left are Taylor Calderone as The Narrator, Scott Pontius as Reuben, Dale Rader as
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/608-2/) - Arnold Kriegbaum, right, traveled with a variety of teams from Grace College and Seminary, representing the schools in Grace Brethren churches while Kriegbaum was Dean of Students at the college. The Heralds of Grace Quartet traveled with Kriegbaum for some eight years, logging more than 100,000 miles on behalf of the schools. In this photo
- [Kriegbaum Returns to Visit BMH Offices](https://charisfellowship.com/kriegbaum-returns-to-visit-bmh-offices/) - Arnold Kriegbaum, center, returned today after a 20-year absence to visit Winona Lake, Indiana. Kriegbaum was editor and business manager of the Brethren Missionary Herald Company from September 1953 to August of 1961, when he left to become Dean of Students at Grace College and Seminary. The current Herald building, at 1104 Kings Highway in
- [London Grace Brethren Safe Following Bombings](https://charisfellowship.com/london-grace-brethren-safe-following-bombings/) - The current posting on www.womenofcharis.net gives the following updates in the wake of this morning's bombings in London:The word from the London team via a phone contact with Rhonda Weaver is that they are all safe after the subway/bus bombings that occurred Thursday (July 7) in London during morning rush hour.Bill Kiddoo (GBIM England) wrote,
- [Baptism by Triune Immersion](https://charisfellowship.com/baptism-by-triune-immersion/) - Here on my blog is an item from Dan Thornton's blog which he got from Steve Makofka's blog. (don't you love this networking age???)Baptism by Triune ImmersionThe Grace Brethren Churches are some of many churches that practice baptism by triune immersion (lovingly called "triple dippers"). I don't haggle over this issue a lot, but I
- [Grace Board Member Bill Hoffman Dies](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-board-member-bill-hoffman-dies/) - The Grace College and Seminary administrative offices have received word of the death this morning of Grace board member Bill Hoffman. Bill served on the Grace Board for 12 years. A CPA, he was a member and elder at the Ashland, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church (Dan Allan, pastor). You are asked to please remember his
- [Any Ohio Clergy Who Golf on Mondays?](https://charisfellowship.com/any-ohio-clergy-who-golf-on-mondays/) - A businessman from the Grace Brethren Church in Homerville, Ohio, owns a golf course which has a special for clergy on Mondays. Details are available at https://www.rollingacresgolfclub.com
- [Visitors, Concerts and Passings on a Winona Weekend](https://charisfellowship.com/visitors-concerts-and-passings-on-a-winona-weekend/) - A weekend of stunningly gorgeous midsummer weather set a perfect backdrop for interesting visitors and events in Winona Lake, Indiana. Larry Poland (pictured) was among the guests. In town to visit his father, Frank, who is a resident of Grace Retirement Village, Larry gave a presentation Sunday evening about his organization, MasterMedia International, whose ministry
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/615-2/) - Pastor Dan O'Deens, center, reports on a very successful "biker outreach" this past Sunday.
- [Gateway Has 'Biker Outreach Sunday'](https://charisfellowship.com/gateway-has-biker-outreach-sunday/) - Pastor Dan O'Deens of the Gateway Grace Community Church in Parkesburg, Pennsylvania, sends along the following photos and short news item about a biker outreach his church did yesterday.Thought you might like to hear about an outreach we had this past Sunday, July 10, 2005, at Gateway Church. We had a couple, Rich and Linda
- [Kent Collection Second Volume Goes to Press](https://charisfellowship.com/kent-collection-second-volume-goes-to-press/) - The second volume of The Kent Collection, a new BMH Books issuing of New Testament commentaries by Dr. Homer A. Kent, Jr., has gone to press. "Light in the Darkness: Studies in the Gospel of John" should be available for public purchase by the end of July, in time for the Equip05 national conference.In all,
- [George Bullard Named Interim Baptist Exec.](https://charisfellowship.com/george-bullard-named-interim-baptist-exec/) - George Bullard, pictured here as he consulted with Grace Brethren leadership at a "Gathering" last March in Winona Lake, Indiana, has been engaged several times as a growth and church-planting consultant for the FGBC. Today's Baptist Press release announces new leadership duties for Bullard. In photo at lower right is Grace Seminary faculty member Ken
- [A Report from the St. James Way Walk](https://charisfellowship.com/a-report-from-the-st-james-way-walk/) - The current (July/August, 2005) issue of FGBC World featured a unique outreach walk in Spain on the St. James Way. Pictured here (photo courtesy Larry DeArmey) is the group near the beginning of their walk.Grace Brethren International Missions employee Janelle Armstrong sent this report part-way into the walk:We just finished our 4th day of walking
- [Heroes, Vol. 2 Book Now Shipping](https://charisfellowship.com/heroes-vol-2-book-now-shipping/) - Copies of "Heroes Who Live On, Volume 2" have now been delivered from the press to the BMH Books warehouse and are available for immediate shipping.The 106-page paperback, which retails for $9.99 a copy, was written by Viki Rife and Robert Cover, Sr., and features the lives and personalities of 13 "Heroes Who live On"
- [Volunteers Pack BNYC Boxes for Church Groups](https://charisfellowship.com/volunteers-pack-bnyc-boxes-for-church-groups/) - Ten volunteers came to the CE National campus in Winona Lake, Indiana, today to pack the registration boxes for Brethren National Youth Conference, which will be held on the campus of Cedarville University in Ohio July 23-29. The boxes contain the 42-page full-color BNYC magazine, wristbands, lanyards and other items necessary for each church to
- [MasterWorks Concludes 2005 Festival](https://charisfellowship.com/masterworks-concludes-2005-festival/) - The MasterWorks Festival, the month-long sumptious diet of classical music which inhabits Winona Lake, Indiana, for a month each summer, concludes its 2005 Festival with a series of glorious concerts today and tomorrow.The thundering 115-piece MasterWorks full orchesta, pictured here (photo by Al Disbro, double-click on photo to enlarge for viewing), will play Rachmaninoff's Symphony
- [Second Kent Commentary Goes to Press](https://charisfellowship.com/second-kent-commentary-goes-to-press/) - "Light in the Darkness: Studies in the Gospel of John," the second New Testament series in the Kent Collection being re-issued by BMH Books of Winona Lake, has now gone to press and should be available for shipping July 29, and will be available at Equip05 national conference.The 275-page quality paperback is matched with the
- [If In Chico, Stop For Spaghetti](https://charisfellowship.com/if-in-chico-stop-for-spaghetti/) - Spaghetti mission trip fundraiser Sunday A spaghetti feed will be held Sunday to raise travel expense funds for a missionary work team from Grace Brethren Church, which will soon spend more than two weeks at the Buseko Children's Home in Zambia, Africa. The dinner, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the church, 355 Panama Ave.,
- [Martinsburg to Minister in Czech Republic](https://charisfellowship.com/martinsburg-to-minister-in-czech-republic/) - Hello, from our church welcoming committee!Actually, these are Roman Guards from the Passion Play presented this past March 25-27 by the Grace Brethren Church of Martinsburg, Pennsylvania (Jim Laird, pastor).Please pray for a GO-Team from the Martinsburg, Pennsylvania, Grace Brethren Church that is leaving for Prague, Czech Republic today, Saturday, July 16. The team will
- [Summer Grace Magazine Now Available](https://charisfellowship.com/summer-grace-magazine-now-available/) - The latest edition (summer, 2005) of the Grace Magazine, the quarterly magazine of Grace College and Seminary is now off the press and will be in the mail within the next few days.Although published primarily for alumni of Grace, the 32-page full-color magazine is available to anyone by request, according to the editor, Judy Daniels
- [Nancy Peugh Recovery Update](https://charisfellowship.com/nancy-peugh-recovery-update/) - Many are aware that Nancy Peugh, wife of Roger Peugh (former GBIM missionary to Germany, now faculty member at Grace College and Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana), was stricken with a heart attack over the weekend and has been receiving treatment in a Fort Wayne hospital.Here is the latest update from Roger, along with his
- [Bob Arenobine's Mother With the Lord](https://charisfellowship.com/bob-arenobines-mother-with-the-lord/) - Dorothy Arenobine, long-time member of the Valley Grace Brethren Church in Hagerstown, MD, and the mother of Fort Wayne Grace Brethren Church Pastor Bob Arenobine, went to be with the Lord Monday. Pastor Bob has been at the Fort Wayne church for 25 years, and he also serves as a board member and secretary of
- [Art Sale Gets Hockings Enroute to France](https://charisfellowship.com/art-sale-gets-hockings-enroute-to-france/) - Jay and Debbie Hocking, who are planning to spend at least a year as short-term missionary hosts at the Chateau St. Albain in France, relieving Marlin and Sue Weaver, went "over the top" with an art sale of their jewelry and photographs over the weekend. Displaying and selling their artwork in the lobby of the
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/630-2/) - Jay and Deb Hocking leave this weekend for France--read below about the creative way they reached their fund-raising goal! Jay, son of former GBIM missionary to Africa Jim Hocking, has been working at Grace Brethren International Missions in tech support areas.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/631-2/) - "Oh my word!!" exclaims CE National executive director Ed Lewis, who was lured into a surprise birthday party last evening at the BoatHouse Restaurant on Winona Lake in Indiana. At right is Tim Kurtaneck (T.K.), who is on the CE National staff and directed this summer's Operation Barnabas teams.
- [First We Party, Then We Have BNYC](https://charisfellowship.com/first-we-party-then-we-have-bnyc/) - First we party, then we have BNYC. CE National's Ed Lewis and crew leave this morning for Cedarville University in Ohio, where Brethren National Youth Conference begins Saturday. Some 2,500 teens from across America and other parts of the world are expected to attend. YIB (Your Intrepid Blogger) will be reporting by text and photo
- [Evangelists to Gather in October](https://charisfellowship.com/evangelists-to-gather-in-october/) - A gathering for all those gifted in evangelism or with a special passion for evangelism has been set for October 7-9, 2005, at the Grace Brethren Church of Worthington (Columbus), Ohio.According to an announcement on the Grace Brethren North American Missions website, "We need to honor and network the evangelists in the Grace Brethren Movement,
- [GBIM 'Family Reunion' Meeting at Winona](https://charisfellowship.com/gbim-family-reunion-meeting-at-winona/) - Approximately 40 members of the Grace Brethren International Missions staff, missionaries and board members are gathered in Winona Lake, Indiana, this week for the “GBIM Family Reunion 2005.” (Ed Trenner photo)Pastor Bob Combs from Norton, Ohio, is the resource speaker for the week, and Jeremiah Olson from Goshen, Indiana, is leading music and worship. Yesterday
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/635-2/) - GBIM executive director Dave Guiles was available for individual meetings and to speak to the group.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/636-2/) - "The French Connection" -- Tom Julien (left) and Dave Hobert (right), who have both served many years in France, chat with Tom Barlow (England).
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/637-2/) - Roy Snyder (Africa, retired) and Lisa Triplehorn (Brazil) compared notes.
- [GBIM 'Family Reunion' Concludes Today](https://charisfellowship.com/gbim-family-reunion-concludes-today/) - The Grace Brethren International Missions Family Reunion concluded today. Missionaries on home service, missionary candidates, GBIM staff members, and GBIM board members have been enjoying fellowship, prayer/praise/worship, debriefing, and just being together this week in Winona Lake, Indiana. This and the following several photos are courtesy of GBIM staffer Blaine Horst.
- [Grace Student Thailand Ministry Featured](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-student-thailand-ministry-featured/) - The following story on a Grace College student appeared in yesterday's Napa (CA) Valley News:Napan rolled up his sleeves to rebuild tsunami-battered ThailandFriday, July 22, 2005By HEATHER OSBORNRegister Staff WriterTHAILAND -- Hundreds of Napa residents joined thousands of people around the world by donating money after the devastating tsunami that hit southeast Asia in December.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/640-2/) - The gymnasium at Cedarville College was the scene of a busy, but orderly, registration this afternoon of some 2,500 teenagers, youth leaders and staff for Brethren National Youth Conference 05.
- [BNYC 2005 Opens on Cedarville Campus](https://charisfellowship.com/bnyc-2005-opens-on-cedarville-campus/) - "Now guys, here's what we're gonna do!" Some 2,500 teens and leaders from Grace Brethren churches all over the U.S. convened this afternoon on the campus of Cedarville College near Springfield, Ohio, for the 2005 Brethren National Youth Conference.In the opening session at 6:15 p.m., California pastor Francis Chan was the main speaker, with worship
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/642-2/) - Quadruple "suspension jumping" along with a wide assortment of inflatable attractions keeps teens busy on a hot summer Sunday afternoon at BNYC.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/643-2/) - Friendly jousting is just one of the parking-lot attractions.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/644-2/) - A strolling mariachi band, an Irish string ensemble, and other ethnic music treats reinforced the international flavor of GBIM's International Cafe on Sunday afternoon.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/645-2/) - GBIM missionaries (from left, in green shirts) Bob Steiger, Kip Cone, and Jay Bell were among the GBIM staff manning ethnic food tables at this afternoon's International Cafe. Part of the rationale in the fun event was to engage teens in conversation with the many missionaries, GBIM staff, and missionary appointees (such as Steiger) while
- [International Cafe Highlights Sunday Afternoon](https://charisfellowship.com/international-cafe-highlights-sunday-afternoon/) - "Welcome BNYC 05" is painted on a large rock just outside the Cedarville dining facility. Brethren National Youth Conference this afternoon enjoyed a foreign missions International Cafe on the grounds of the dining facility, with food treats and musical ensembles available in the various tents and canopies. The next scheduled session is 6:15 p.m. today,
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/647-2/) - Holly Angle (missionary to Ireland) and Seth Peck, right, use hand misters to help keep BNYC participants cooled off. Also popular was the misting frame--a walk through subjects you to a cooling mist. All part of the service of Grace Brethren International Missions at BNYC.
- ['Faster for the Master' Races at BNYC Monday](https://charisfellowship.com/faster-for-the-master-races-at-bnyc-monday/) - "Faster For the Master" pedal-car races sponsored by Grace College saw teams of teens competing for valuable prizes on Monday afternoon. Grace brought a busload of faculty to southern Ohio for the youth conference, seeking to engage many of the teens in conversation about continuing their education at Grace College. Hundreds more photos and articles
- [GBNAM Director Narrowly Escapes Tragedy](https://charisfellowship.com/gbnam-director-narrowly-escapes-tragedy/) - Tim Boal, pictured here earlier this summer speaking at the DRIVEN conference, narrowly escaped a real tragedy with his family this weekend when their car was totaled while enroute to Brethren National Youth Conference in Ohio.The accident happened Saturday, near Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Boal, who is pastor at Penn Valley Grace Brethren church in Telford, PA,
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/650-2/) - Steve Galegor, Jr., whose primary ministry in New York City is with Albanians, explains his ministry to one of the teens browsing the exhibits at the GBNAM "City Fair" on Tuesday afternoon.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/651-2/) - "Dunk Phil!" was one of the most popular exhibits at the GBNAM "City Fair" this afternoon at BNYC. Philip Bryant, who is moving to Vancouver to church-plant, egged on the teens who tried to dunk him. For each "score," GBNAM was donating $5 to the "Vancouver Transition Fund" for the Bryants. At right is new
- [GBNAM Sponsors "City Fair" at BNYC](https://charisfellowship.com/gbnam-sponsors-city-fair-at-bnyc/) - Grace Brethren North American Missions "City Fair" was the feature of this afternoon at Brethren National Youth Conference on the Cedarville U. campus in Ohio. Exhibits featuring GBNAM's work in Toronto, San Francisco, Philadelphia, New York City, Chicago and other cities were featured.
- [Reporters, Photographers Stream Material From BNYC](https://charisfellowship.com/reporters-photographers-stream-material-from-bnyc/) - Brethren National Youth Conference in Ohio is at the mid-point today, with about 2,600 teens, youth pastors and youth leaders attending the event. In the communications office, we have a half-dozen writers and photographers who are writing articles daily and posting hundreds of BNYC photos on the internet under the direction of CE National's Steve
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/654-2/) - Sarah, from Fort Wayne, Indiana, was one of those who found a taker for the offer of "seven-minute servant" on Wednesday afternoon.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/655-2/) - A team of three young ladies from Fort Wayne participated in Blitz activities Wednesday afternoon in downtown Dayton, Ohio. They prayed with one couple who are trying to sell their house, and they talked with several others.
- [Teens Blitz Ohio Cities With Servant Evangelism](https://charisfellowship.com/teens-blitz-ohio-cities-with-servant-evangelism/) - A group of teens gathered in downtown Dayton, Ohio, to pray Wednesday afternoon before fanning out into neighborhoods to do servant evangelism. Though reports have not all come back, at least one salvation decision was reported by teens from the Penn Valley church in Pennsylvania, and many teams had stories to tell about people they
- [Missionary Keith Altig With the Lord](https://charisfellowship.com/missionary-keith-altig-with-the-lord/) - Keith Altig, retired Grace Brethren International Missions missionary to Brazil, died at 9:45 Wednesday morning, July 27, at the age of 94. Altig had pastored Grace Brethren Churches prior to his long service in Brazil and was a member of the Grace Brethren Church of Whittier, California. Memorial services will be held at Town and
- [Peugh, Barlow Health Updates](https://charisfellowship.com/peugh-barlow-health-updates/) - From time to time we post prayer updates on health needs of Fellowship members who are times of particular need. Here is an update from Grace professor Roger Peugh on his wife, Nancy, who has had several heart-related incidents lately:PTL, Nancy Peugh came home from the hospital on Monday, july 25, with an excellent report
- [NCO Beats Chesapeake in Dramatic Quiz Contest](https://charisfellowship.com/nco-beats-chesapeake-in-dramatic-quiz-contest/) - In a dramatic come-from-behind win, the North Central Ohio quiz team beat the Chesapeake team at noon Thursday to become the national quiz champions at Brethren National Youth Conference.Ray Feather, Quiz Master, conducted the final quiz between the top two teams—North Central Ohio and Chesapeake. Chesapeake leaped into the lead with the first question, and
- [Debbie Black Named Youth Sponsor of the Year](https://charisfellowship.com/debbie-black-named-youth-sponsor-of-the-year/) - Debbie Black, center, from Brookville, Ohio, was named National Youth Sponsor of the Year by CE National today at the Brethren National Youth Conference. She's shown here surrounded by some members of her youth group. (Sam Pedace photo)Additional photos and articles from BNYC are online at www.bnyc.net.
- [Long Beach Church Staff Leads Community Project](https://charisfellowship.com/long-beach-church-staff-leads-community-project/) - In the following article from this morning's Long Beach (CA) Press-Telegram, a staff member of the Grace Brethren Church of Long Beach (Lou Huesmann, pastor) is highlighted as leading a community project. Eric Marsh is on the church staff as the director of Hope for Long Beach. ROCKHarbor church, mentioned in the article as the
- [Duke and Zig Golf and Witness Together](https://charisfellowship.com/duke-and-zig-golf-and-witness-together/) - BMH author Duke Heller (left) and motivational expert Zig Ziglar (right) played golf together four days this past week in New Mexico. Both men are enthusiastic evangelists, seeking to lead to Christ anyone who is open to a hearing of the gospel. Ziglar's foreword to Heller's new book, How to Start a Kingdom Conversation, says
- [Keith Altig Obituary](https://charisfellowship.com/keith-altig-obituary/) - Dr. J. Keith AltigApril 1911 – July 2005Born the youngest of four brothers, Keith grew up in Colorado and came to California with his family in 1929. He attended the Bible Institute of Los Angeles, (now BIOLA University in La Mirada) graduating in 1932. He married Vivian Force in August of that year. They had
- [Equip05 National Conference Begins Sunday](https://charisfellowship.com/equip05-national-conference-begins-sunday/) - "Welcome to Winona Lake" signs are popping up various places in Winona Lake, Indiana, as participants in the Equip05 national Grace Brethren conference roll into town. Some 700+ have requested tickets for Monday night's business meeting dinner, which is now well over capacity. More than 350 have registered for week-long courses, as this year's conference
- [Equip05 Registration Opens](https://charisfellowship.com/equip05-registration-opens/) - Pastor Glenn Shirk from Ripon, California (center, yellow shirt) was among those registering at 2 p.m. today for Equip05. Registration was held in the Gordon Center on the Grace College & Seminary campus--the first activity of the week of national Grace Brethren conference is the 4:30 p.m. meeting today of the Association of Grace Brethren
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/667-2/) - Pastor Howard Mayes was honored this afternoon by the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers (AGBM) with their Lifetime Achievement Award.Presenter of the award was David Knight, associate pastor at the Clinton, Maryland, Grace Brethren Church, where Mayes has been pastor since 1992. Mayes was ordained at the Norwalk, CA, Grace Brethren Church in 1966, and
- [Grace Brethren Ministers Honor Three](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-brethren-ministers-honor-three/) - Pastor Robert Wagner (center) of the Calvert County, Maryland, Grace Brethren Church, was honored this afternoon by the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers as the Pastor of the Year.AGBM president Tim Boal (left) presented the award, and R. Greene, pastor of the Frederick, MD Grace Brethren Church (at right) read the citation for Wagner's award.Wagner
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/669-2/) - Taking a break for lunch...students stream out into the August sunshine from Westminster Hall on the Grace College & Seminary campus after the first morning's classes in Equip05. Nearly 25 courses are being offered--some for seminary credit--and are being held in a five-day format in Westminster Hall, Mount Memorial, and McClain Hall on the Grace
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/670-2/) - Bryan Nelson, who has been the music and media director at the Grace Brethren Church in Lititz, Pennsylvania for the past eight years, is teaching a course on "Effective Worship Services Using Music and Media." Nelson is a writer and arranger, and his major instruments are guitar, keyboards, and trombone.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/671-2/) - Dr. Rosalie de Rosset, Ph.D. (standing, at left), professor of Literature, English and Biblical Message Preparation at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, is teaching a class entitled "Preparing a Biblical Presentation" in the "Uniquely for Women" track of Equip05.
- [Week-Long Classes Begin at Equip05](https://charisfellowship.com/week-long-classes-begin-at-equip05/) - Randy Frazee, senior pastor of Pantego Bible Church in Arlington, Texas, is teaching "The Connecting Church" in Westminster Hall at the Equip05 national conference of the FGBC this week in Winona Lake, Indiana. This course, along with more than twenty others, are week-long learning opportunities for pastors, lay leaders, and serious believers who want to
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/673-2/) - Kevin Mincey (center), church planter from Washington, DC, was interviewed by FGBC conference moderator Dan Allan (left) at last night's business meeting as Mincey's church was one of five voted into membership in the FGBC. The five included Still Waters church in Pottstown, PA (Kork Moyer, church planter); Iglesia Biblical de Fe, Lancaster, CA (Oscar
- [Open Houses, Barbecue, Hymnsing Follow Classes Today](https://charisfellowship.com/open-houses-barbecue-hymnsing-follow-classes-today/) - Open Houses at all the Grace Brethren national organizations' headquarters in Winona Lake, Indiana, will follow the conclusion of today's classes at 4:30 at Equip05.At Grace Brethren International Missions, a reception at 5 p.m. will honor retiring missionaries to Africa Eddie and Linda Mensinger and Lois Wilson. At the Brethren Missionary Herald Co. (pictured), the
- [Is Harry Potter Queer?](https://charisfellowship.com/is-harry-potter-queer/) - Christian Becker (pictured), pastor of the First Brethren Church of Buena Vista, Virginia, recently sparked interest with a Christian worldview article in his local newspaper. Reproduced here is the article from the Rockbridge Weekly.Pastor’s Corner Is Harry Potter Queer? By Rev. Christian Becker Last week I got a call from a Fox Radio program to
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/676-2/) - Prof. Don Ogden, who began the Grace College choir 50 years ago in 1955, last night re-convened a group of alumni to sing the signature "A Mighty Fortress" eight-part arrangement which Grace choirs sang on all their tours.
- [Hymnsing Draws Enthusiastic Crowd](https://charisfellowship.com/hymnsing-draws-enthusiastic-crowd/) - A volunteer choir, joined by Grace College choir alumni, was one of the featured presentations in a BMH-sponsored hymnsing last night in the Grace Retirement Village chapel in Winona Lake, Indiana.The hymnsing, one of the voluntary activities of the Equip05 national FGBC conference, drew an enthusiastic crowd who sang favorite hymns and gospel songs accompanied
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/678-2/) - Chery Boehm, standing, was one of the teachers for today's courses which were part of "Women's Day" at Equip05. Her course was "True Colors," focusing on how a crisis can test our foundations and challenge our passion for being on mission.Other courses as part of Women's Day included Janet Minnix teaching "What's Happening for Women
- [Today is 'Women's Day' at Equip05](https://charisfellowship.com/today-is-womens-day-at-equip05/) - Donna Miller (seated, blue blouse), along with Glenn Byers, Jessica Robertson, and Sharon MacMillan, led a workshop this morning on "Caregiving: A Love Assignment" as part of Women's Day at the Equip05 national Grace Brethren conference. The conference continues through Friday afternoon.
- [Shearer Delivers Moderator's Address](https://charisfellowship.com/shearer-delivers-moderators-address/) - Next year's moderator of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, pastor Keith Shearer of New Beginnings Grace Brethren Church of Myerstown, Pennsylvania, delivered the moderator's address in tonight's session of the Equip05 conference. His theme was "Jesus: His Word, His Church, His Mission." In addition, Grace Brethren International Missions commissioned 21 new missionaries in this
- [Mensingers, Lois Wilson Honored on Retirement](https://charisfellowship.com/mensingers-lois-wilson-honored-on-retirement/) - Eddie and Linda Mensinger (left) and Lois Wilson (right) were honored at an Open House at Grace Brethren International Missions Center this week upon their retirement from long and faithful service as missionaries to Africa. (Barb Wooler photo)The Mensingers served for 40 years, and Lois for 35. All three have been involved in leadership training
- [Barlow Health Update](https://charisfellowship.com/barlow-health-update/) - Many have asked for an update on the health of GBIM missionary Tom Barlow, who was hospitalized in the Dayton, Ohio, area with suspected heart irregularities during Brethren National Youth Conference last week. Barlow has been released from the hospital and is resuming a normal schedule. He and Mary Ann will present their missionary work
- [Grace Students Head for Urban Hope](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-students-head-for-urban-hope/) - Youth ministry students from Grace College are heading for the Urban Hope Training Center in Philadelphia for a Youth Ministry Module, to be held August 4-10. Approximately 30 students will take the Cross-Cultural Youth Ministry class, co-taught by Dr. Randy Smith, Brian Gornik, Tommy Carrington, and Kyuboem Lee. The students will also be involved in
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/684-2/) - Approximately 40 attendees of Equip05 participated in a "Brethren Heritage Tour" sponsored by Brethren Missionary Herald Co. last night.
- [An In-Depth Look at Grace Brethren History](https://charisfellowship.com/an-in-depth-look-at-grace-brethren-history/) - Dr. David Plaster (left, red shirt), academic vice president for Grace College and Seminary, conducted a very informative and helpful tour of the Brethren history murals in the Quinter-Miller auditorium on the grounds of Camp Alexander Mack near Milford, Indiana. Plaster, who wrote the BMH Books classic history of the Grace Brethren Fellowship, "Finding Our
- [Bill Schaffer's Magic Fingers Coming to Fort Wayne](https://charisfellowship.com/bill-schaffers-magic-fingers-coming-to-fort-wayne/) - Grace alumnus Bill Schaffer, who appeared as the "mystery musical guest" at the BMH-sponsored hymnsing at Equip05 national conference this week, will return to Taylor University in Fort Wayne, IN, on September 29 for a special appearance with Steve Brown's "Great American Medicine Show." Double-click on the poster to enlarge it to read details. We'll
- [More of Todd's Historical Nuggets](https://charisfellowship.com/more-of-todds-historical-nuggets/) - Todd Scoles, senior associate pastor at Northwest Chapel Grace Brethren Fellowship in Dublin, OH, and vice-chair of the Brethren Missionary Herald Co. board, has again been digging around in Grace Brethren history archives.Here are a few nuggets he recently shared with his colleagues in the North Central Ohio district:The first National Conference (then called Annual
- [Gospel of John Commentary Now Shipping](https://charisfellowship.com/gospel-of-john-commentary-now-shipping/) - "Light in the Darkness: Studies in the Gospel of John" has now been received in the BMH Books warehouse from the printer and is available for shipping. This second volume in The Kent Collection, a republishing and updating of the commentaries on 15 New Testament books by the former president of Grace College and Seminary,
- [50 Million Blog Visitors in the U.S.](https://charisfellowship.com/50-million-blog-visitors-in-the-u-s/) - Since this blog went online in May of 2004, its small but loyal audience has been growing steadily. Many Grace Brethren pastors are finding a blog to be an effective communication tool--just follow the chain as we link to one another. The following article by Bambi Francisco on Marketwatch.com gives a little background and update
- [Winona Hosts Billy Sunday Festival](https://charisfellowship.com/winona-hosts-billy-sunday-festival/) - A "Billy Sunday Festival" was held in Winona Lake, Indiana, yesterday, featuring events to commemorate Winona Lake's best-known resident from the past, baseball evangelist Billy Sunday. The Winona Lake Blue Laws (pictured, photo by Al Disbro) are a vintage base ball team, playing by 1860s rules, who played yesterday at Tabernacle Field, the site of
- [Grace Brethren Twins Oldest at Festival](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-brethren-twins-oldest-at-festival/) - Twins Days in Twinsburg, Ohio, is the world's largest annual gathering of twins. Every August since 1976, twins, supertwins, and parents of same from around the world descend on this small town about 30 miles south of Cleveland for a weekend of socializing, celebration and fun.Twins Days this year took place August 5, 6, and
- [Martha Brickel With the Lord](https://charisfellowship.com/martha-brickel-with-the-lord/) - Martha M. Brickel, age 84, of Lewisburg, OH, formerly of Brookville, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 7, 2005, at Reid Hospital in Richmond, IN following a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, five sisters and by her husband, long-time Grace Brethren pastor, Rev. Clair
- [Service Saturday for Slain Ohio Marine](https://charisfellowship.com/service-saturday-for-slain-ohio-marine/) - A memorial service for Marine Sgt. Justin F. Hoffman 27, of Delaware, Ohio, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 13, 2005 at the Grace Brethren Church of Powell, Ohio. Hoffman was killed Aug. 3 when his amphibious assault vehicle was attacked by an improvised explosive device while he was conducting combat operations south
- [Archaeologist Finds Baptism Site](https://charisfellowship.com/archaeologist-finds-baptism-site/) - The following article is adapted from TheTimesOnline from the UK:First baptism site's source found By Dalya Alberge, Arts Correspondent A British archaeologist has discovered a monumental water system dating from the 8th century BC. It lies near an extraordinary cave, found west of Jerusalem last year, with a ritual baptism pool and rock carvings linked
- [CE National Honors Brightbill](https://charisfellowship.com/ce-national-honors-brightbill/) - Andy Brightbill, youth pastor at the Grace Brethren Church of Lititz, PA, was recently honored by CE National. The following tribute, as passed along this week by Lititz senior pastor Scott Distler, was written by T.K. Kurtaneck of the CE National staff.Each year, Operation Barnabas teams give out awards to deserving individuals. The Roger Ward
- [Possible Pool of Siloam Uncovered](https://charisfellowship.com/possible-pool-of-siloam-uncovered/) - Pool of Siloam, where Jesus healedblind man, uncovered in JerusalemBy Erin CurryBaptist PressJERUSALEM (BP)--What is believed to be the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus healed a man blind from birth in John 9, has been unearthed in Jerusalem, and a Southern Baptist archeologist is convinced the find is authentic."I've seen it. It's a phenomenal, monumental
- [John Teevan's Mother With the Lord](https://charisfellowship.com/john-teevans-mother-with-the-lord/) - Mrs. Jean Teevan, mother of Pastor John Teevan of Winona Lake (IN) Grace Brethren Church, went to be with the Lord late this morning. She had been in declining health since having heart surgery some months ago. The memorial service will be Monday, August 15, at 2 pm in the Southminster Presbyterian Church, 916 E.
- [Grace Grad and Son Cycle Lewis & Clark Route](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-grad-and-son-cycle-lewis-clark-route/) - Today's Warsaw (IN) Times-Union newspaper carries a feature story on Pardee A. Gunter, a 1969 Grace College grad with a B.S. in Elementary Education, who with his son is retracing on bicycles the route of Lewis and Clark on the 200th anniversary of their original voyage. Here they are shown just entering the 670-mile stretch
- [Elaine Bearinger With the Lord](https://charisfellowship.com/elaine-bearinger-with-the-lord/) - Elaine Bearinger passed away on August 5, 2005, in Bradenton, Florida, after a brief illness. She was 87. Elaine was the widow of Rev. Ernie Bearinger, former Grace Brethren National Youth Director, pastor in Southern California, and missionary to Brazil. She had lived in the Bradenton Missionary Village for the past 18 years. She was
- [Seminary, GBNAM Announce Church Planting Partnership](https://charisfellowship.com/seminary-gbnam-announce-church-planting-partnership/) - Grace Seminary & GBNAM Announce Training PartnershipNew program will launch church planters from call to conception in 18 monthsWinona Lake, Indiana – August 17, 2005 -- Grace Brethren North American Missions and Grace Theological Seminary announce a new coalition training program geared at creating a new church multiplication movement in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/701-2/) - The motor for Born Again II is a Chevy 350 engine from a 1974 Malibu. But the car also contains parts from a 53 Buick, a 54 Pontiac, a 74 Chevy nova, a 57 Chevy, a 74 Lincoln Continental, and two tops from 67 Fords.
- [](https://charisfellowship.com/702-2/) - DeWitt and Caroline Powell, long-time members of Maranatha Brethren Church, frequently show Born Again II at car shows, and always make this tract available, which explains a little about the car, gives the plan of salvation, and refers interested people to contact Maranatha church.
- [Maranatha Outreach to Feature 'Born Again II'](https://charisfellowship.com/maranatha-outreach-to-feature-born-again-ii/) - This Saturday morning Maranatha Brethren Church in Hagerstown, MD (Jay Fretz, pastor), will be providing a free car wash to people who live in the neighborhood of the church building. A special attraction will be the showing of "Born Again II," a composite car constructed by Maranatha member DeWitt Powell.Pastor Jay Fretz says, "This is
- [Willow Valley to Host Strobel Satellite Seminar](https://charisfellowship.com/willow-valley-to-host-strobel-satellite-seminar/) - Pastor Kork Moyer, coordinator of the Northern Atlantic Fellowship, calls our attention to the following opportunity, hosted by Grace Brethren Church at Willow Valley in Lancaster, PA (John Smith, pastor)."The Case for a Creator"Sunday, August 28 from 5:45-8:00 pm at Grace Church at Willow Valley Did all this happen by chance or does the complexity
- [First Randy, Now Betty Poyner Needing Prayer](https://charisfellowship.com/first-randy-now-betty-poyner-needing-prayer/) - Betty Poyner, shown here with her husband Randy when they visited their son, Tim, and his family in Winona Lake, IN, earlier this summer, is recovering from unexpected surgery and will appreciate the prayers of the Fellowship for her recovery.Last Friday, August 12, Betty had a malignant, football-sized tumor removed from her abdomen. Doctors felt
- [Additional Hymnsing Photos Posted](https://charisfellowship.com/additional-hymnsing-photos-posted/) - Tim Ziebarth, alumni director at Grace College and Seminary, has posted a number of gallery photos from the BMH-sponsored hymnsing on Tuesday night of the recent Equip05 conference. Click here to view them.
- [Imogene Immel, 86, With the Lord](https://charisfellowship.com/imogene-immel-86-with-the-lord/) - Eunice Imogene “Imy” Immel, 86, mother of Grace Brethren pastor K. Howard Immel, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior August 16, 2005, at the Meadowview Nursing Home, Seville, Ohio.Imy was born in Homerville, Ohio, on April 11, 1919, to Levi and Lula Frank. She was a member of Rittman Grace Brethren
- [St. James Way Walk Report Posted](https://charisfellowship.com/st-james-way-walk-report-posted/) - An excellent summary and photos of the St. James Way Walk ministry (front-page feature of the July/August 2005 FGBC World) is currently posted on Paul Klawitter's Europe blog. To get the full report, click here.
- [Mexico Ministry Gains Momentum](https://charisfellowship.com/mexico-ministry-gains-momentum/) - Some very encouraging reports are coming in from Grace Brethren ministries in Mexico, where Brenda Welling and Bess Farrell have labored for many years. Eleven baptisms at a recent family camp, new team members coming to join the ministry....see photos and reports on the Women of Charis website. Click here to read more.
- ['Billy Graham? Yes--He's My Dad!'](https://charisfellowship.com/billy-graham-yes-hes-my-dad/) - Retired Grace Brethren pastor Gerald Polman was giving tours of the Reneker Museum of Winona History in the historic Westminster Hall in Winona Lake, IN, a few months ago, as he does every Thursday afternoon from noon to 5 p.m.“Do you recognize this young man at the pulpit?” he asked, pointing to a photo of
- [Dayton Marine Returns Safely From Iraq](https://charisfellowship.com/dayton-marine-returns-safely-from-iraq/) - The following story By Dale Huffman is from the Dayton, OH, Daily News (Daily News photo).In the early morning on Saturday, a group of folks, about 75 strong, welcomed Lance Cpl. Nathan Ryerson back from the war in Iraq to his home in West Milton.The hastily arranged greeting included flags, signs, tears, a song, and
- [Grace to Build $7.3 Mill Community Center](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-to-build-7-3-mill-community-center/) - The following story appeared in this morning's Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette newspaper:Grace College to build community-convention centerBy Rebecca S. GreenThe Journal GazetteGrace College announced plans Thursday to build a 56,000-square-foot convention and community center on its Winona Lake campus, a center named for three biomedical companies that contributed significantly to the cost of the building.The
- [Pastor's Conference to Feature Knute Larson](https://charisfellowship.com/pastors-conference-to-feature-knute-larson/) - Our Church of the Brethren friend, Craig Alan Myers (click "Dunker Journal"), has called to our attention that Ashland Theological Seminary is sponsoring a pastor's conference, "Pastors That Last: Moving Beyond Just Surviving to Thriving" on Monday, October 17, 2005. Presenters will be Gary Kinnaman and Knute Larson, and the location is The Chapel Green
- [Paper Features Village at Winona](https://charisfellowship.com/paper-features-village-at-winona/) - The recently-reborn Village At Winona in Winona Lake, IN (Al Disbro photo) was featured in this morning's Fort Wayne Journal Gazette newspaper. Here is the article:The boats are neatly tied up at the docks, the fountains spray glistening droplets in the sun, and the tourists are smiling as they wander among the shops.It’s just another
- [Hockings Chronicle First Weeks of Ministry](https://charisfellowship.com/hockings-chronicle-first-weeks-of-ministry/) - A delightful report on Deb and Jay Hockings' first few weeks in their new ministry position at the chateau in France is available on their website. Pictured here is a recent CEF cookout with the historic castle in the background. Read more and see photos (including Jay cleaning the tile roof) by clicking here.
- [Trends and Sources Document Available](https://charisfellowship.com/trends-and-sources-document-available/) - A four-page WORD document entitled “Trends and Sources in Bible and Theology” was prepared in July, 2005, by professors Skip Forbes, Bernon Lee, and Brent Sandy of the Grace College Department of Religious Studies. It offers brief updates on current issues and recent books on subjects such as biotechnology, women’s roles, the emerging church, new
- [BMH Welcomes Intern Theresa Clark](https://charisfellowship.com/bmh-welcomes-intern-theresa-clark/) - Theresa Clark, a Grace College junior from Delaware, Ohio, joined the Brethren Missionary Herald staff today as the fall editorial intern. A college junior majoring in journalism, Theresa is a graduate of Delaware Christian High School (class valedictorian) and plays on the Grace College varsity basketball team. Each semester a journalism internship is arranged in
- [Michael Reagan Coming to Winona October 20](https://charisfellowship.com/michael-reagan-coming-to-winona-october-20/) - Michael Reagan, eldest son of President Ronald Reagan, best-selling author and radio talk show host, will be the featured speaker at the American Lyceum Lecture on Thursday, October 20, 2005, at 7:30 p.m. at Rodeheaver Auditorium in Winona Lake, Indiana. The American Lyceum Lecture Series is sponsored by Grace College and Seminary and the Village
- [September/October FGBC World Now Online](https://charisfellowship.com/septemberoctober-fgbc-world-now-online/) - The September/October 2005 issue of FGBC World, which should arrive in paper form in churches and homes just before September 1, is now online and viewable at www.fgbcworld.com.The paper, which is distributed free to all Grace Brethren churches and individuals who request it, appears six times a year. The current issue features photos and reports
- [Youth Group Helps Raise Disability Awareness](https://charisfellowship.com/youth-group-helps-raise-disability-awareness/) - The following article appeared in ThisWeek Newspapers of the northern Columbus, OH, suburbs today:Wheelchair races to bring awareness of challengesThursday, August 25, 2005By NICOLLE RACEYThisWeek Staff Writer In an effort to raise money and awareness of the day-to-day struggles faced by those with disabilities, Goodwill Industries will host a first-ever Wheel-a-Thon in Delaware County. Goodwill
- [Ground-Clearing Begins on Grace Campus](https://charisfellowship.com/ground-clearing-begins-on-grace-campus/) - Ground-clearing has begun for the new facility on the Grace College and Seminary campus in Winona Lake, IN. Following are several notes from this week's edition of "Grace Connection," sent free by e-mail request from Judy Daniels. To subscribe, e-mail connect@grace.edu.WORK BEGAN THIS WEEK to prepare the property for the construction of Grace's new Orthopaedic
- [Canada Explorers Week a Success](https://charisfellowship.com/canada-explorers-week-a-success/) - The following report, taken from the supporters/prayer letter of new Grace Brethren Canadian church planter Bill Walker, gives the flavor of activities during the recent Explorers Week, held August 7-12.(Bill Walker photo)On the heels of the Grace Brethren Equip05 National Conference we headed right back home to help out with Explorers Week. This proved to
- [Evangelists Invited to Meet](https://charisfellowship.com/evangelists-invited-to-meet/) - Mike Jentes sends along this reminder:GBNAM is sponsoring The Evangelists Gathering, a gathering of evangelists within the FGBC for the purpose of encouragement, conversation and movement.This gathering is for those who believe God has called and given them as Evangelists to the Body. Since many evangelists are not in full-time ministry, we are meeting on
- [Everett Church Burglarized](https://charisfellowship.com/everett-church-burglarized/) - Community Grace Brethren Church of Everett, PA (Jeff Peeler, pastor) was one of several recently burglarized, according to a report this morning by WJACTV news from Johnstown, PA:BEDFORD COUNTY -- The Weyant United Methodist Church in King Township, Bedford County is a place of worship, a place where the needy can come for help. But
- [Brethren Historian Donald Durnbaugh Dies](https://charisfellowship.com/brethren-historian-donald-durnbaugh-dies/) - Noted Brethren historian and Brethren Encyclopedia Board member Donald F. Durnbaugh (pictured here, back row, second from left in the Brethren Encyclopia Board) passed away this morning in a Newark, NJ, hospital. He was not feeling well so he and his wife, Hedda, hurriedly returned home from Europe. Donald Durnbaugh was a noted historian of
- [Marlin Weavers Have Family Tragedy](https://charisfellowship.com/marlin-weavers-have-family-tragedy/) - Marlin and Sue Weaver, longtime missionaries to the Chateau in France, experienced a family tragedy over the weekend as reported here in an e-mail to his congregation by Pastor Scott Distler of the Lititz, PA, Grace Brethren Church. Your prayers for the Weavers will be appreciated:I received a quick note from Marlin Weaver, our missionary
- [4:12 Commission Students Come to Call on BMH](https://charisfellowship.com/412-commission-students-come-to-call-on-bmh/) - Approximately thirty 4:12 Commission participants and their sponsors/instructors visited the Brethren Missionary Herald offices today at noon for a briefing on BMH's ministry, followed by pizza in the conference room.Accompanied by Ed Lewis and Lois Maxson of CE National and Ryan and Lori Rodeman from the Akron campus, the students are beginning their second week
- [Durnbaugh Legacy Detailed](https://charisfellowship.com/durnbaugh-legacy-detailed/) - The following report from the General Board of the Church of the Brethren explains in more detail the impact and legacy of the late Brethren historian Donald F. Durnbaugh (see blog entry for 8/27):Donald F. Durnbaugh is remembered as `dean of Brethren historians.'Church of the Brethren historian, educator, and church leader Donald F. Durnbaugh died
- [Maxson Named to College Leadership Post](https://charisfellowship.com/maxson-named-to-college-leadership-post/) - Randy Maxson, a 1974 graduate of Grace College who has been serving as associate professor of English at Ivy Tech Community College in Warsaw, Indiana, has been named the interim executive dean of the school.Maxson, whose previous experience includes service on the pastoral staffs of Grace Brethren churches in Indiana and Pennsylvania, has been full-time
- [Katrina Aid Channel Opened](https://charisfellowship.com/katrina-aid-channel-opened/) - Grace Brethren North American Missions announced today the establishment of a fund for victims of Hurricane Katrina which hit the Gulf Coast on Monday. The fund will collect monies from Grace Brethren Churches and people and will channel those monies through our partner in the Mission America Coalition, The Christian Emergency Network (CEN). The Network
- [Magazine Welcomes Parents](https://charisfellowship.com/711-2/) - This beautiful 16-page full-color magazine for parents of new students to Grace College is being given to parents of new students at Welcome Weekend. It is a joint project between the Student Development Department and the Publications Office. Edited by Judy Daniels (BA 72) and designed by Terry Julien (BA 80), the magazine helps to
- [Here Come the Grace Students!](https://charisfellowship.com/here-come-the-grace-students/) - Here come the college students! Grace College and Seminary, Winona Lake, IN, are about to begin another academic year. Students leaders are already on campus for training, and new student orientation takes place August 20-23.Welcome Weekend is an orientation time for new and transfer students, led by the student development staff and about 150 student
- [Ryerson Baby Born](https://charisfellowship.com/ryerson-baby-born/) - A friend from the Dayton, OH, area updates the "Marine Returns Safely" story with this news:"Thomas Klyne Ryerson was born August 17th. He is in the neo-natal intensive care due some breathing problems most likely due to his early arrival."
- [Grace College & Seminary Announces Web Solutions](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-college-seminary-announces-web-solutions/) - Grace College Expands Constituent Services Through Jenzabar Solutions; Web Portal and Learning Management System Build on ERP Capabilities CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 22, 2005--Jenzabar, Inc., the pioneer of Total Campus Management (TCM) solutions for higher education, today announced that Grace College and Theological Seminary is implementing Jenzabar's Internet Campus Solution (JICS) Web portal and Learning Management
- [Grace Sports Blog Up](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-sports-blog-up/) - Jason Knavel, Sports Information Director at Grace College, has a new Grace Sports blog up. Check it out at:https://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=sports_info
- [Grace Students Serve Local Community](https://charisfellowship.com/grace-students-serve-local-community/) - As part of their leadership training week, 170 Grace College student leaders participated in "Incarnate: Love Made Visable" this past Wednesday, August 17. The event, coordinated by Scott Feather, associate dean of character and leadership development at Grace, was planned in conjunction with the local United Way's "Day of Caring" which brings organizations and individuals
- [DeArmey Reports on Pilgrim House Ministry](https://charisfellowship.com/dearmey-reports-on-pilgrim-house-ministry/) - Larry DeArmey, GBIM missionary to Spain (second from left in photo), sends along this photo and brief followup to the cover story on Pilgrim House in the July/August 2005 issue of FGBC World.We had another great time on the St. James Way serving pilgrims as they walked by our house. It was a challenge this
- [Church Planter Workshop Held in Pennsylvania](https://charisfellowship.com/church-planter-workshop-held-in-pennsylvania/) - GBNAM Northeast Career Missionary Jim Snavely sends along this photo and brief report on a recent church planter workshop held in his region:The Northeast has a wonderful team of dear people planting churches, or for some, considering church planting. GBNAM Northeast hosted a three day church-planter workshop, August 21-23, at Carlisle, PA. It was learning
- [Amy Foundation's Jim Russell Passes Away](https://charisfellowship.com/amy-foundations-jim-russell-passes-away/) - Note from Terry White: A courageous crusader who has had enormous impact in the area of encouraging journalists to impact the world for Christ has passed away. When encouraging churches to sponsor Christian writers groups I always suggest they refer to the Church Writers Group material on Jim's website at www.amyfound.org. This article by Michael
- [Ohio Pastor Rick Nuzum Featured](https://charisfellowship.com/ohio-pastor-rick-nuzum-featured/) - The following article appeared this morning in the Marietta, Ohio, News:Ex-Tiger serves as pastor From the gridiron to the pulpit. Bill Robinson, The Benchwarmer From Marietta High to the University of Kentucky, the Los Angeles Rams, the Green Bay Packers, and then into the ministry.Even as a child, Rick Nuzum thought about spreading the word
- [O'Deens Part of Katrina Response Team](https://charisfellowship.com/odeens-part-of-katrina-response-team/) - Pastor Dan O'Deens of the Gateway Grace Community Church in Parkesburg, PA, sends along the following quick note both for information and as a request for prayer. We'll provide more details and followup as they become available.So you might pray: I am a National Responder/Chaplain DSHR with the RedCross. Have trained for the past three
- [Goshen Team Heads to Gulf Coast](https://charisfellowship.com/goshen-team-heads-to-gulf-coast/) - Pastor Jim Brown of Grace Community Church in Goshen, Indiana, sends along this news note and prayer request:Be in prayer for us ... I am leading a team of nine from our church to head to the Gulf Coast to help out with cleanup and rebuilding and loving on people. We are going under the
- [Washington Home Available to Hurricane Victims](https://charisfellowship.com/washington-home-available-to-hurricane-victims/) - A former member of the Community Grace Brethren Church in Goldendale,Washington, has offered a three-bedroom home located about 12 miles north ofGoldendale, if it can be of use to victims of Hurricane Katrina. If you know of anyone who might be helped by this offer, please feel free tocontact the Goldendale GBC (goldgbc@gorge.net or 509-773-3388)
- [Firebaugh Study on Happiness, Wealth Receiving Wide National Attention](https://charisfellowship.com/firebaugh-study-on-happiness-wealth-receiving-wide-national-attention/) - A study on happiness and wealth by a Grace College alumnus is currently receiving wide national attention and distribution through the press.Glenn Firebaugh (pictured), who graduated from Grace College, Winona Lake, IN, in 1970 with a social studies major and psychology minor, is currently Liberal Arts Research Professor of Sociology and Demography at Pennsylvania State
- [Crusader Football Seeks to 'Honor Jesus'](https://charisfellowship.com/crusader-football-seeks-to-honor-jesus/) - By Liz Cutler Gates Crusader Football's roots are in a challenge issued during a Sunday morning sermon. It has grown into a region-wide program which now involves nearly 300 families and includes a football team, cheerleaders, and a marching band. But Crusader Football is more than sacking opponents, rooting for a team, and leading the
- [4:12 Commission Set to Open in Two Locations](https://charisfellowship.com/412-commission-set-to-open-in-two-locations/) - Ryan and Lori Rodeman, from the Grace Church North Campus in Norton, OH, are site coordinators for the 4:12 Commission program in the Akron area. An exciting new one-year program to help young people gain in-depth biblical knowledge and leadership experience is set to open in two locations this September. Entitled "The 4:12 Commission," named
- [Moderator Urges 'Ignite Biblical Fervor'](https://charisfellowship.com/moderator-urges-ignite-biblical-fervor/) - Dr. Keith Shearer, pastor of the New Beginnings Grace Brethren Church of Myerstown, PA, and incoming moderator of the Fellowship, delivered the Moderator's Address Wednesday night of the Equip05 conference in the Rodeheaver Auditorium in Winona Lake, IN. Dr. Keith Shearer, pastor of New Beginnings Grace Brethren Church of Myerstown, PA, is the moderator of
- [Equip05 National Conference Equips Hundreds](https://charisfellowship.com/equip05-national-conference-equips-hundreds/) - National organization Open Houses were held Tuesday afternoon of Equip05, immediately after classes ended for the day. The Open House at Brethren Missionary Herald Co. hosted approximately 100 people for an autograph party that featured BMH Books authors Robert Cover and Viki Rife, Jesse Deloe, Dr. Homer Kent, Jr., and Dr. John Davis. When FGBC
- [The Romans Road to Peace](https://charisfellowship.com/the-romans-road-to-peace-2/) - Do you seek peace with God and a personal relationship with Him? In How to Start a Kingdom Conversation, recently published by BMH Books (www.bmhbooks.com), author Duke Heller shows the "Romans Road" explanation to peace with God. It's named that because all the essential verses are from one book in the Bible--the book of Romans,
- [Orville Jobson Exemplified Dedication](https://charisfellowship.com/orville-jobson-exemplified-dedication/) - The following article is excerpted from the new BMH Book Heroes Who Live On, Vol. 2. Originated by CE National, the text was written by Robert Cover, Sr., and Viki Rife, with illustrations by Sarah Pratt. It features 13 Grace Brethren leaders from the past and is available for $9.99 at www.bmhbooks.com or by calling
- [Second Kent Collection Volume Available](https://charisfellowship.com/second-kent-collection-volume-available/) - Light in the Darkness: Studies in the Gospel of John, the second volume in The Kent Collection, has just been released by BMH Books of Winona Lake, IN. The collection, which includes the re-issued commentaries on 15 New Testament books by former Grace College and Seminary president Homer A. Kent, Jr., is upgrading and re-editing
- [Young Adults Enjoy 'DRIVEN'](https://charisfellowship.com/young-adults-enjoy-driven/) - By Mike Jentes A three-fold Grace Brethren communion service which included footwashing, the Love Feast, and the bread and the cup climaxed the young adult DRIVEN conference which was held on the historic Kenyon College campus in central Ohio in June of 2005. More than one hundred Grace Brethren gathered at Kenyon College in Gambier,
- [2005-06 Calendar of Grace Brethren Events](https://charisfellowship.com/2005-06-calendar-of-grace-brethren-events-2/) - Events of general interest among Grace Brethren Churches. Details and registration information are available from sponsoring organizations or through www.fgbc.org. Sept. 16-17 - Sibs Weekend (visit days for brothers/sisters), Grace College Sept. 18 - Mid-Atlantic District CE Celebration, Hagerstown, MD (CEN) Sept. 19 - Northern Atlantic District CE Celebration, Smoketown, PA (CEN) Oct. 7-9 -
- [BNYC Draws 2,600+ Teens and Youth Workers](https://charisfellowship.com/bnyc-draws-2600-teens-and-youth-workers/) - Todd Proctor and his band led the enthusiastic praise and worship for many of the main sessions of BNYC, held in the Jeremiah Auditorium on the campus of Cedarville University in Ohio. (Jenna Hollinger photo) Steve Galegor, Jr. (burgundy shirt) manned his display Tuesday afternoon at the City Fair to explain his ministry to Albanians
- [Bits](https://charisfellowship.com/bits/) - Grace Brethren are Oldest Twins Alice Garber Peer and Angie Garber (right)Twins Days in Twinsburg, OH, is the world's largest annual gathering of twins. Every August since 1976, twins from around the world descend on this small town about 30 miles south of Cleveland for a weekend of socializing, celebration, and fun. Twins Days this

## Pages

- [Home](https://charisfellowship.com/) - Passionate about Jesus in truth, relationship, and mission!
- [Staff & Leadership](https://charisfellowship.com/staff-leadership/) - Staff & Leadership Leadership & Staff Team The Executive Team (executive director, Fellowship coordinator, and networking coordinator) and staff members (Charis Retirement Plan manager & bookkeeper, creative & design manager, editor & communications manager, and registration & events manager) help to provide organization and administration to various initiatives designed to be a blessing and encouragement
- [Focus Retreats](https://charisfellowship.com/focus/) - Focus Retreats One way we seek to fulfill our mission of training leaders is by providing opportunities for connection and instruction throughout the year. Focus Retreats are designed for leaders to enjoy times of fellowship, engage in meaningful discussions on ministry-related topics, pray for one another, and collaborate on new initiatives. The goal is for
- [Ministry Positions](https://charisfellowship.com/ministry-positions/) - Ministry Positions Ministry Positions These ministry positions have been submitted by churches and ministries that are associated with the Charis Fellowship. Any ministry engagement (paid or volunteer) that comes as a result of this announcement should be entered into with due diligence and legal review. The Charis Fellowship does not guarantee the accuracy of this
- [Year In Review](https://charisfellowship.com/year-in-review/) - Year in Review What makes for a good year in the life of your church or ministry? For us, it's getting to celebrate you! The Year in Review highlights and celebrates life in the Charis Fellowship over a ministry year, establishing connection points across our churches and ministries. This large-format, full-color book is made available and
- [Resources](https://charisfellowship.com/resources/) - Resources This page has moved. To view these resources, visit the Charis Documents page. CHARIS DOCUMENTS
- [Ministries](https://charisfellowship.com/ministries/) - Ministries The Charis Fellowship partners with dozens of ministries to equip, enable, and encourage member churches as they pursue the Great Commission. National Ministries The Charis Fellowship is blessed to collaborate with several incredible organizations for hands-on training and resource development to equip our churches for effective ministry. The combined impact of our national ministries
- [Events](https://charisfellowship.com/events/) - Events The Charis Fellowship hosts events throughout the year to equip, enable, and encourage member churches as they pursue the Great Commission. Focus Retreats Focus retreats are regional retreats designed to provide church staff with a time to recharge, connect with other ministry leaders, and brainstorm ministry ideas. Each retreat serves a different region of
- [Charis Store](https://charisfellowship.com/charis-store/)
- [Charis Journal](https://charisfellowship.com/charis-journal/) - Charis Journal Charis Journal provides thought-provoking articles on topics related to theology, ministry, family, and more. Written by the Fellowship, for the Fellowship. Stepping Into Unknown Territory I knew what God was calling me to, but I didn't know where to ... See More In Celebration of Threefold Communion In Celebration of Threefold Communion Proper
- [Charis Documents](https://charisfellowship.com/charis-documents/) - Charis Documents The Charis Fellowship is governed by and functions in accordance with several guiding documents. Below are the six documents that pertain to what Charis Fellowship churches believe and how the Charis Fellowship operates. Commitment to Common Identity This document is a summary of the biblical convictions, mutual commitments, and common practices of our
- [National Ministries](https://charisfellowship.com/national-ministries/) - National Ministries Upcoming Events Momentum Youth ConferenceMomentum Ministry Partners July 15-20, 2025 MORE INFORMATION
- [History](https://charisfellowship.com/history/) - History Our History The Charis Fellowship traces its origins to 1708 in Schwarzenau, Germany. A small group of anabaptist pietists joined together to form a church faithful to the teachings of the Bible and only the Bible. Together they were baptized by triune immersion. While some freedoms were initially enjoyed, persecution soon drove these early
- [Baptism and Communion](https://charisfellowship.com/baptism-and-communion/) - Papers on Baptism & Communion Our Statement of Beliefs (Charis Commitment to Common Identity) states the following regarding communion and baptism:We affirm that Jesus Christ gave ordinances to the church: Baptism testifies to the reality of our salvation and identifies us as disciples of the Triune God. We therefore encourage the practice of triune immersion.
- [Additional Resources](https://charisfellowship.com/additional-resources/) - Additional Resources
- [Beliefs](https://charisfellowship.com/beliefs/) - Mission & Beliefs Shared Mission Charis Fellowship churches plant churches, train leaders, and do good for the sake of the Gospel. We affirm that the church is God's plan for this age and commit to mobilize our churches, members and resources to plant new churches. We affirm that a leader is a person who influences
- [Who We Are](https://charisfellowship.com/who-we-are/) - We are the Charis Fellowship The Charis Fellowship is a family of more than 230 interdependent churches, campuses, and ministries in the United States and Canada who are passionate about Jesus in truth, relationship, and mission.Charis Fellowship churches and ministries are strongly committed to our shared mission to start new churches, develop leaders, and do
- [Directory](https://charisfellowship.com/directory/) - Directory The Charis Fellowship directory is intended only for the those in the Charis Fellowship family of churches and national ministries. If you are currently listed in the directory, you can access the directory with the link below. You will be asked to reset your password the first time you log in; please follow the
- [Get In Touch](https://charisfellowship.com/get-in-touch/) - Get In Touch
- [National Conference](https://charisfellowship.com/conference/) - What is National Conference? The three-day conference is designed to build relationships, deepen biblical knowledge, and strengthen ministry. Each day consists of teaching and worship during celebrations, smaller group instruction and discussion, shared meals, and time for fellowship. More information coming soon.
- [Charis Connect](https://charisfellowship.com/connect/) - Propelling vision and mission through celebration, connection, education, and inspiration. Surprised by Joy "I want to share the joy of the Lord through my art with as ... See More Jordan Gillette Awarded Student Ministries Pastor of the Year Each year at youth conference, Momentum Ministry Partners honors one youth pastor who is ... See
- [Charis Retirement Plan](https://charisfellowship.com/charis-retirement-plan/) - For decades, Charis Fellowship has provided a Retirement Investment Plan option, in partnership with OneAmerica. This plan is available to all pastors and all employees of Charis Fellowship churches and ministries. To learn more, reach out to us using the contact form below. What are the benefits of participating in the Charis Retirement Plan?
- [Privacy Policy](https://charisfellowship.com/privacy-policy/) - Effective Date: 02/18/23 Notice Version: 1.0 Data Controller Contact Information: Charis Fellowship P.O. Box 284 Winona Lake, IN 46590 office@charisfellowship.com Andrew Saunders Our privacy notice governs the privacy practices of our website charisfellowship.com. Our privacy notice tells you what personal data and nonpersonal data we collect from you, how we collect them, how
- [Terms Conditions](https://charisfellowship.com/terms-conditions/) - Charis Fellowship P.O. Box 384 Winona Lake, IN 46590 Your Phone Number office@charisfellowship.com Effective Date: 02/17/2023 This web page represents a legal document and is the Terms and Conditions, from now on called (Agreement) for our website, www.charisfellowship.com - Website. By using our Website, you agree to fully comply with and be bound
- [Job Posting](https://charisfellowship.com/job-posting/)
- [GraceConnect Magazine Archives](https://charisfellowship.com/graceconnect-magazine-archives/) - GraceConnect Magazine Archives The GraceConnect Magazine carried on a long tradition of printing Charis Fellowship news. It served the Fellowship from its first edition in the spring of 2013 that highlighted church planting efforts to its last edition in the summer/fall of 2021 that focused on the idea of hope. Over the years, the GraceConnect
- [Churches](https://charisfellowship.com/churches/) - The Charis Fellowship has more than 200 churches in 32 states and provinces across North America. Browse the map below to find more information about a church near you.
- [Manual](https://charisfellowship.com/manual/)
- [Constitution](https://charisfellowship.com/constitution/)
- [Resolutions](https://charisfellowship.com/resolutions/)
- [Positioning Statement](https://charisfellowship.com/positioning-statement/)
- [CCI](https://charisfellowship.com/cci/)
- [BMH](https://charisfellowship.com/bmh/)
- [Podcast](https://charisfellowship.com/podcast/)
- [Videos](https://charisfellowship.com/videos/)
- [Global Family](https://charisfellowship.com/global-family/)
- [About](https://charisfellowship.com/about/)

## Recipes

- [Facebook – All Posts](https://charisfellowship.com/uo-recipe/facebook-all-posts/)

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://charisfellowship.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [Church Stories](https://charisfellowship.com/category/church-stories/)
- [Ministry Updates](https://charisfellowship.com/category/ministry-updates/)
- [Archived Posts](https://charisfellowship.com/category/archived-posts/)
- [BMH Books](https://charisfellowship.com/category/bmhbooks/)
- [National Organizations](https://charisfellowship.com/category/natorgs/)
- [News](https://charisfellowship.com/category/s9-news/)
- [Obituaries](https://charisfellowship.com/category/obituaries/)
- [History](https://charisfellowship.com/category/history/)
- [Grace Stories](https://charisfellowship.com/category/grace-stories/)
- [Church Planting Archive](https://charisfellowship.com/category/church-planting-2/)
- [Leadership Development Archive](https://charisfellowship.com/category/leadership-development-2/)
- [Church News](https://charisfellowship.com/category/church-news/)
- [Charis Meetings](https://charisfellowship.com/category/charis/)
- [Cooperating Organizations](https://charisfellowship.com/category/cooperating-organizations/)
- [GraceConnect Magazine](https://charisfellowship.com/category/graceconnect-magazine/)
- [Integrated Ministries](https://charisfellowship.com/category/integrated-ministries/)
- [Grace Exchange](https://charisfellowship.com/category/grace-exchange/)
- [Eagle Commission](https://charisfellowship.com/category/eagle-commission/)
- [Home](https://charisfellowship.com/category/s7-home/)
- [MarginsConference](https://charisfellowship.com/category/marginsconference/)
- [Faces of Grace](https://charisfellowship.com/category/faces-of-grace/)
- [Grace College](https://charisfellowship.com/category/grace-college/)
- [Podcasts](https://charisfellowship.com/category/podcasts/)
- [Exclude from RSS](https://charisfellowship.com/category/exclude-from-rss/)
- [PDF](https://charisfellowship.com/category/c23-pdf/)
- [Brethren Digital Archive](https://charisfellowship.com/category/bda/)
- [Leadership Development](https://charisfellowship.com/category/leadership-development/)
- [Church Planting](https://charisfellowship.com/category/church-planting/)
- [Charis Journal](https://charisfellowship.com/category/charis-journal/)
- [Ministry Positions](https://charisfellowship.com/category/ministry-positions/)
- [Charis Fellowship Conference](https://charisfellowship.com/category/s9-news/charis-fellowship-conference/)

## Tags

- [BMH Books](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/bmh-books/)
- [marriage](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/marriage/)
- [2015](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/2015/)
- [FGBC](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/fgbc/)
- [Grace Church](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/grace-church/)
- [Simi Valley](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/simi-valley/)
- [Ephrata](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/ephrata/)
- [Grace Brethren](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/grace-brethren/)
- [Erin Bakker](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/erin-bakker/)
- [Community Grace Brethren Church](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/community-grace-brethren-church/)
- [Warsaw Christian School](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/warsaw-christian-school/)
- [Waynesboro Pa](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/waynesboro-pa/)
- [Ashland Ohio](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/ashland-ohio/)
- [quizzing](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/quizzing/)
- [feeding hungry](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/feeding-hungry/)
- [Larry Edwards](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/larry-edwards/)
- [West Kittanning Grace Brethren Church](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/west-kittanning-grace-brethren-church/)
- [Harrah](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/harrah/)
- [Pacific Northwest](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/pacific-northwest/)
- [Caribbean Vision Ministries](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/caribbean-vision-ministries/)
- [Haiti](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/haiti/)
- [Grace Community Church Seal Beach](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/grace-community-church-seal-beach/)
- [volunteerism](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/volunteerism/)
- [Grace Polaris](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/grace-polaris/)
- [Worthington Christian School](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/worthington-christian-school/)
- [English Education](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/english-education/)
- [Grace College](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/grace-college/)
- [Paulette Sauders](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/paulette-sauders/)
- [Drama Camp](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/drama-camp/)
- [Upper Arlington Grace Brethren Church](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/upper-arlington-grace-brethren-church/)
- [adoption](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/adoption/)
- [Flinch Conference](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/flinch-conference/)
- [Movement Church](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/movement-church/)
- [Grace Brethren Church-Middlebranch](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/grace-brethren-church-middlebranch/)
- [teacher](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/teacher/)
- [Grace Church-Bath Campus](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/grace-church-bath-campus/)
- [graceconnectsus](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/graceconnectsus/)
- [sports ministry](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/sports-ministry/)
- [Calif.](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/calif/)
- [Home Forever](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/home-forever/)
- [Long Beach](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/long-beach/)
- [orphan care](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/orphan-care/)
- [Grace Brethren Church of Calvert County](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/grace-brethren-church-of-calvert-county/)
- [Maryland](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/maryland/)
- [worship music](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/worship-music/)
- [Fifth and Cherry](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/fifth-and-cherry/)
- [Grace Church-Medina Campus](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/grace-church-medina-campus/)
- [Encompass World Partners](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/encompass-world-partners/)
- [missionary](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/missionary/)
- [church planting](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/church-planting-3/)
- [Grow New England](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/grow-new-england/)
- [Osceola Grace Brethren Church](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/osceola-grace-brethren-church/)
- [Centershot Hawaii](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/centershot-hawaii/)
- [Centershot Ministries](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/centershot-ministries/)
- [Waipio Grace Brethren Church](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/waipio-grace-brethren-church/)
- [Grace Brethren Church of West Kittanning](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/grace-brethren-church-of-west-kittanning/)
- [South view Grace Brethren Church](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/south-view-grace-brethren-church/)
- [Wifflefest](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/wifflefest/)
- [MetroGrace](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/metrograce/)
- [Philadelphia](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/philadelphia/)
- [Northern Atlantic Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/northern-atlantic-fellowship-of-grace-brethren-churches/)
- [partnerships](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/partnerships/)
- [Relationships](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/relationships/)
- [church-planting](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/church-planting-2/)
- [GBCanada](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/gbcanada/)
- [Hilliard](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/hilliard/)
- [Movement](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/movement/)
- [Ohio](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/ohio/)
- [Brethren history](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/brethren-history/)
- [camp](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/camp/)
- [Clear Lake Grace Brethren Camp](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/clear-lake-grace-brethren-camp/)
- [Collin Curfman](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/collin-curfman/)
- [enews](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/enews/)
- [history](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/history/)
- [Beau Stanley](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/beau-stanley/)
- [Bob Combs](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/bob-combs/)
- [East Side Grace Brethren](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/east-side-grace-brethren/)
- [Car Show](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/car-show/)
- [Chambersburg](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/chambersburg/)
- [John Bayer](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/john-bayer/)
- [Delaware Grace](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/delaware-grace/)
- [Fifth Sunday](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/fifth-sunday/)
- [Jeff Martin](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/jeff-martin/)
- [Lehner's Pumpkin Farm](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/lehners-pumpkin-farm/)
- [Dave Nicodemus](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/dave-nicodemus/)
- [Momentum](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/momentum/)
- [Momentum Ministry Partners](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/momentum-ministry-partners/)
- [Assist](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/assist/)
- [Assist Church Expansion](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/assist-church-expansion/)
- [Nathan Bryant](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/nathan-bryant/)
- [Wade Rininger](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/wade-rininger/)
- [Asia's Hope](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/asias-hope/)
- [earthquake](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/earthquake/)
- [Nepal](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/nepal/)
- [Coachnet](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/coachnet/)
- [VisionOhio](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/visionohio/)
- [VisionUSA](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/visionusa/)
- [Canada](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/canada/)
- [evangelism](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/evangelism/)
- [Toronto](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/toronto/)
- [Alzheimer’s](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/alzheimers/)
- [Women of Grace USA](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/women-of-grace-usa/)
- [Brethren Digital Archives](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/brethren-digital-archives/)
- [FGBC World](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/fgbc-world/)
- [tennis](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/tennis/)
- [Grace College Athletics](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/grace-college-athletics/)
- [Lancers](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/lancers/)
- [Nike](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/nike/)
- [alumni](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/alumni/)
- [Denny Duncan](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/denny-duncan/)
- [charter schools](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/charter-schools/)
- [Grace College softball](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/grace-college-softball/)
- [NCCAA](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/nccaa/)
- [Grace College baseball](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/grace-college-baseball/)
- [CE National](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/ce-national/)
- [Pastorpedia](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/pastorpedia/)
- [pulpit communications](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/pulpit-communications/)
- [Grace Theological Seminary](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/grace-theological-seminary/)
- [graduation](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/graduation/)
- [On Mission](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/on-mission/)
- [crisis relief](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/crisis-relief/)
- [Barb Wooler](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/barb-wooler/)
- [earthquake relief](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/earthquake-relief/)
- [Jared Burkholder](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/jared-burkholder/)
- [Mark Norris](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/mark-norris/)
- [counseling](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/counseling/)
- [track and field](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/track-and-field/)
- [cross country](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/cross-country/)
- [journalism](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/journalism/)
- [truth](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/truth/)
- [writer](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/writer/)
- [writing](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/writing/)
- [softball](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/softball/)
- [GraceConnect](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/graceconnect/)
- [Momentum 2015](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/momentum-2015/)
- [Momentum Youth Conference](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/momentum-youth-conference/)
- [2016](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/2016/)
- [Afghanistan](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/afghanistan/)
- [Chaplains](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/chaplains/)
- [Eagle Commission](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/eagle-commission/)
- [Mark Penfold](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/mark-penfold/)
- [Veterans](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/veterans/)
- [Momentum Urban Centers](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/momentum-urban-centers/)
- [Charis Fellowship](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/charis-fellowship/)
- [Ed Lewis](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/ed-lewis/)
- [GBIF](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/gbif/)
- [Ken Seyfert](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/ken-seyfert/)
- [Liz Cutler Gates](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/liz-cutler-gates/)
- [Tom Avey](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/tom-avey/)
- [body of Christ](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/body-of-christ/)
- [spiritual friendships](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/spiritual-friendships/)
- [Equipping](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/equipping/)
- [Grace Church Wooster](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/grace-church-wooster/)
- [Released Time Bible](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/released-time-bible/)
- [News](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/news/)
- [Blue Ridge Grace Brethren Church](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/blue-ridge-grace-brethren-church/)
- [Randi Walle](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/randi-walle/)
- [Davey Ermold](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/davey-ermold/)
- [Worship](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/worship/)
- [Destiny Rescue](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/destiny-rescue/)
- [Bob Sidwell](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/bob-sidwell/)
- [The Happy Church](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/the-happy-church/)
- [Jackson Hole](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/jackson-hole/)
- [Kentucky](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/kentucky/)
- [Malcom Stevens](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/malcom-stevens/)
- [England](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/england/)
- [UK](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/uk/)
- [Jason and Crystal Horner](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/jason-and-crystal-horner/)
- [David and Becky Schwan](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/david-and-becky-schwan/)
- [Tom and MaryAnn Barlow](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/tom-and-maryann-barlow/)
- [Dave Guiles](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/dave-guiles/)
- [Bill and Beckie Kiddoo](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/bill-and-beckie-kiddoo/)
- [Elise Klawitter](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/elise-klawitter/)
- [France](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/france/)
- [Dijon](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/dijon/)
- [Mark and Janice Workman](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/mark-and-janice-workman/)
- [Winona Lake](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/winona-lake/)
- [Foster Care](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/foster-care/)
- [Southview Grace Brethren Church](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/southview-grace-brethren-church/)
- [Grace Polaris Church](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/grace-polaris-church/)
- [Joel Zook](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/joel-zook/)
- [Vision Alaska](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/vision-alaska/)
- [Alaska](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/alaska/)
- [Roger and Melissa Holl](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/roger-and-melissa-holl/)
- [Eagle River Grace Brethren Church](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/eagle-river-grace-brethren-church/)
- [Sterling Grace Community Church](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/sterling-grace-community-church/)
- [Tim Lansing](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/tim-lansing/)
- [Momentum Urban Center LA](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/momentum-urban-center-la/)
- [Los Angeles](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/los-angeles/)
- [Grace Brethren Church of Norwalk](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/grace-brethren-church-of-norwalk/)
- [Bellefontaine Grace Church](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/bellefontaine-grace-church/)
- [Bellefontaine Ohio](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/bellefontaine-ohio/)
- [Ethan Bunce](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/ethan-bunce/)
- [City Christmas](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/city-christmas/)
- [Gateway Church](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/gateway-church/)
- [Parkesburg](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/parkesburg/)
- [Jenn Baker](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/jenn-baker/)
- [Brittney Turpin](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/brittney-turpin/)
- [Scott Feather](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/scott-feather/)
- [Charis Women](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/charis-women/)
- [Viki Rife](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/viki-rife/)
- [Shannon Hollinger](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/shannon-hollinger/)
- [Aiken South Carolina](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/aiken-south-carolina/)
- [Revitalization](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/revitalization/)
- [Jenn Avey](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/jenn-avey/)
- [Goshen Indiana](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/goshen-indiana/)
- [At the Table](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/at-the-table/)
- [Access](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/access/)
- [Access Conference](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/access-conference/)
- [Matt Harmon](https://charisfellowship.com/tag/matt-harmon/)