WEST MARVA DISTRICT MEMO MARCH/APRIL 2016 The Church mourns loss of Associate General Secretary Mary Jo Flory-Steury

Mary Jo Flory-Steury, associate general secretary of the Church of the Brethren and executive director of the denomination’s Office of Ministry, died Friday morning, March 4, at Hershey (Pa.) Medical Center. She had been hospitalized and underwent surgery after having suffered bleeding in her brain on Feb. 21. At the time, she and her husband Mark Flory Steury were driving home to Elgin, Ill., following a visit in Shen-andoah District and with family in Pennsylvania. “Your continued prayers for Mark, [their children] Joshua, and Jessica, and for the many friends and colleagues who have been touched by Mary Jo’s ministry are appreciated,” said a prayer request from interim general secretary Dale Minnich. A strong leader in the church: Over the course of her career Flory-Steury held numerous leadership positions in the Church of the Brethren and was active in key roles in the denomination. She oversaw the Office of Ministry, a position she held since 2001. Her appointment as associate general secretary came in 2011. Her work included oversight of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership--a partnership between the Church of the Brethren and Bethany Theological Seminary, and the human resources department of the denomination. Her re-sponsibilities included support for district executives and district offices, in particular assisting districts with the hiring of staff, and the ministry training, certification, and placement of pastors, and continuing education requirements, among other services. Also in the purview of her work were the Ministry Summer Service program, ministry training for pastors in sister churches in Haiti and elsewhere, and service as staff liaison for the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advi-sory Committee. Most recently she led development of a major revision of the denomination’s ministerial leadership polity, which was adopted by Annual Conference in 2014. She also shepherded a revision of the Ethics in Ministry Relationship paper passed by Annual Conference in 2008. She has been part of a group working on a new minister’s manual to be pub-lished by Brethren Press. Over the years she helped convene some major meetings and consultations about the nature of leadership in the church, including a 2012 leadership summit held in northern Virginia, as well as a unique event examining the role of young adults in church leadership. She also helped organize retreats for clergywomen. She took an active interest in the mission efforts of the denomination, having been born in India to parents who served in the Church of the Brethren missions in China and India. As a young woman, she taught at Hillcrest School in Nigeria. In 2003 she was part of a delegation from the Church of the Brethren that visited in India, doing work that led to official recognition of the India Brethren. In 2010 she traveled to China with a group that visited the Ping Ding hospital, cele-brating the 100th anniversary of the arrival of western medicine in Shansi Province brought by Brethren medical mis-sionaries. In 2012 she was on an ecumenical delegation to Israel and Palestine, a trip that helped renew Brethren com-mitment to a place sacred to the faith tradition, and called for the expression of love to all the people involved in the violent struggles ongoing in the Middle East. Her volunteer service to the denomination included a term of service on the former General Board from 1996-2001, during which time she was named as chair. Her earlier career included some 20 years as a pastor in Ohio. She served at least two congregations in Ohio: Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in Kettering, and Troy Church of the Brethren. She was a 1978 graduate of Bridgewater (Va.) College and earned a master of divinity degree from Bethany Theologi-cal Seminary in 1984. She is survived by her husband, Mark Flory Steury; son, Joshua (Stacy) Bashore-Steury and granddaughter Olivia Grace; and daughter, Jessica (Logan) Strawderman and grandson Owen Titus who was born on March 8th.

Kendal’s Korner

W e have been talking about the “Decade of Discipleship” for some months now. This emphasis is intended to help all of us focus more clearly on following Jesus. In the first

chapter of John, we see persons coming to Jesus who would become his disciples as time went by.

Jesus told Andrew, “Come and See…” Andrew brought his brother, Peter, to Jesus… Jesus “found” Philip who invited Nathaniel to come, Je-sus told Nathaniel “Come and See…”

These “Come and See…” invita-tions were invitations to come and “follow.” Follow Jesus… Those who followed Jesus then and now, are “DISCIPLES” of Jesus. Those of us who look to Jesus as our “Savior,” must also look to Him as “Lord.” I believe the function of Jesus as Lord, is understood to mean He’s the BOSS. When we come to Christ, we SURRENDER self and become SUBMITTED and SUBJECTED to Jesus. At least, we SHOULD. We are, however, created with a FREE WILL. We will continue to be SUBJECT to Jesus whether or not we are SUB-MITTED to Him.

One of our pastors and I were talking recently, and he lamented the reality of congregational decline across the spectrum of churches in the US and the sadness of it in the West Marva District. We further shared our views on the decline of Evangelism… It is my firm belief that our evangelism is so weak because we are not functioning as DISCIPLES of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Perhaps we are like the church at Ephesus. John reported in the second chapter of The Revelation, that they had “lost their first love.”

I believe most of us remember the depth and breadth of our love for Jesus when we first experi-enced the New Birth, and identified with Christ through water baptism and becoming members of His church.

Are we, as baptized church members, actually “DISCIPLES?” (or… just church members?)

Consider that the twelve whom Jesus called as His disciples literally lived with Him. They travelled to-gether, they ate and slept together. The twelve ob-served the things he did, and heard the things he said. As Peter wrote in his epistle: “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitness-es of His majesty.” 2 Peter 1:16 (NKJV)

Consider also the description of the early church in Acts“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellow-ship, in the breaking of

bread, and in prayers… Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord add-ed to the church daily those who were being saved.” (From Acts 2:42-47)

My feeling is that we need to fall in love with Jesus all over again! Review Matthew 22:37-39 and 28:19-20… In these texts we are told, BY JESUS to Love God, Love Others, and GO MAKE DISCIPLES.

On page 4 of this issue, is information about our first events in the Decade of Discipleship pro-cess. Everyone who can, please take advantage of the opportunity to attend. Register by phone, by e-mail, by USPS mail. Even if you cannot register in time to get a Participant Guide Book, we need to know how many are coming in order to prepare food. (Brethren DO eat!)

PLAN TO ATTEND!

“Come and See!...”

Jesus is Alive!

Historical Christianity has always placed a supreme emphasis on the bodily resurrection. We think of Christ’s resurrection, for it is the validation and cornerstone of our faith. We anticipate our own resurrection, for it is the ultimate hope that we have. For, although death is inevitable, the believer in Christ knows he will be delivered from the power of death, and life will go on.

As we look to Easter–the Resurrection Day–we read the Gospel accounts of this mighty miracle. One of the most familiar is in Matthew 28:1-8. What does this passage point out?

Jesus is Alive! His atoning work was finished. That horrible day–Good Friday–was past. However, the events of that day have had lasting effects. There is nothing more that needs to be done to bring man and God together except for a person to trust in that redeeming work to save him from hell. We cannot add to that work, or take away from it. We simply accept it, and then we are justified, or declared right with God.

Jesus is Alive! God’s power is triumphant (Matthew 28:2-4). It had appeared as if the devil was in charge now, with the death of Jesus on the cross. However, Easter changed all that. Christ’s defeat was temporary–and Satan’s defeat is eternal. As the old preacher said, “Friday’s here, but Sunday’s coming!”

Jesus is Alive! He proved who He said He was–the Son of God (v. 6). It was just as He had foretold with the illustrations of Jonah being three days and three nights in the fish, and of the Temple being rebuilt in three days.

Jesus is Alive! History is changed forever! The Resurrection was an historical event, and the evidence was witnessed by hundreds of individuals who saw Jesus alive days after He was most certainly dead. It was a unique event that a man would rise from the dead on his own, never before seen and never again repeated.

Jesus is Alive! We can truly live now (v. 8). That Easter day saw the beginning of changed lives in the disciples and others who saw Jesus. They left the empty tomb with “fear and joy.” When we trust in Christ now, we begin to have the Holy Spirit change our lives that we can more fully reflect Jesus, and have the rich, full life intended for us by God.

Jesus is Alive! Forevermore! He had a similar, yet new kind of body that would no longer be subject to death. He can never die and rise again; He has died once for all, and now Jesus lives unto God forevermore. What’s more, when we trust Him, we also die (to sin), and live for God.

As we celebrate Easter, and participate in the services leading up to that glorious day, we keep in mind the great price paid for our sins by God Himself in Jesus Christ. We cannot pay the price great enough to go to Heaven on our own. We need Jesus. We need a Living Jesus. A dead Jesus could not pay for our sins, and if He is still in the tomb, we are still in our sins.

Yet the Bible proclaims that Jesus is alive, and therefore we, too, have life, and have had our sins forgiven based on what Jesus did on the Cross. That is the core of our faith.

Do you know Jesus Christ? Have you trusted Him as your Saviour? Do you know that you are going to Heaven when you die? Won’t you make sure of that at this wonderful season of resurrection celebration? Put your faith in Christ–and do it today. If you have done so, live in victory and assurance of sins forgiven!

Craig Alan Myers Reprinted with permission, from BRF Witness Vol. XX

The time is drawing nearer for our sessions to begin the Decade of DISCIPLESHIP process. You may choose the Saturday sessions OR the Sunday afternoon sessions, depending on your location and schedule.

The sessions are scheduled as follows:

Saturday,April 2nd at Moorefield Church of the Brethren 10 AM – 3 PM.

Sunday, April 3rd at Oak Park Church of the Brethren, 2 PM – 7 PM.

Saturday, April 16th at Moorefield Church of the Brethren 10 AM – 3 PM.

Sunday, April 17th at Oak Park Church of the Brethren, 2 PM – 7 PM.

The video presentations led by Quaker theologian Richard Foster, will be followed by discussion. It is essential for everyone to obtain the Participant Guide ($6 each) for the series. Topics to be studied are:

Meditation

Prayer

Fasting

Study

Solitude

Submission

Service

Confession

Worship

Guidance

Celebration

Participant Guides are still available at a cost of $6 each so please contact the District Office immediately if you wish to attend.

One (1.0) CEU’s will be earned by ordained ministers, who request that credit and attend both classes. Call Brenda or Kendal at 301.334.9270 for additional information and directions to these two churches.

REGISTRATION (Return this portion to the District Office; 384 Dennett Rd; Oakland MD 21550

Name Mailing Address Phone #

I intend to participate as follows (Check Appropriate Box):

Saturday, April 2, Moorefield Church of the Brethren (10 AM to 3 PM)

Sunday, April 3, Oak Park Church of the Brethren (2 PM – 7 PM)

Saturday, April 16, Moorefield Church of the Brethren (10 AM to 3 PM)

Sunday, April 17, Oak Park Church of the Brethren (2 PM – 7 PM)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Have you ever had to deal with someone who frustrates you, causes you to feel tense, or who just can’t seem to get along with others? It might be someone in your family, a friend, a co-worker or even someone in your church. If so this class is for you. The class will be presented in two parts and is based on Ken Sande’s book called “Peacemaker”

In the introduction to his book, Sande writes “When people lock horns in a courtroom, a congregational meeting, the bedroom, or the workplace, relationships are often severely damaged. Conflict robs us of immeasurable time, energy, money, and opportunities in ministry or business. Worst of all it can destroy our Christian Witness. ….But the opposite is also true. When Christians learn to be peacemakers, they can turn conflict into an opportunity to strengthen relationships, preserve valuable resources, and make their lives a testimony to the love and power of Christ. Sande’s entire book gives a comprehensive approach to resolving conflict, based solidly on God’s Word, that is effective in every type of conflict. It is based on four basic principals called the 4G’s : Glorify God, Get the Log Out of Your Eye; Gently Restore; and Go and Be Reconciled. PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND PLAN TO JOIN US: Session 1 – April 9th 9am-4pm at Westernport Church of the Brethren. This session includes:

The Slippery Slope of Conflict Conflict Provides Opportunities Conflict Starts in the Heart Confession Brings Freedom Just Between the Two of You Forgive As God Forgave You

Session 2- April 23rd 9am-4pm at Westernport Church of the Brethren. This session includes:

Speak the Truth in Love Take One or Two Others Along Overcoming Unforgiveness Look Also to the Interest of Others Overcome Evil with Good Cultivating a Culture of Peace in Your Church

The classes will consist of Bible Study, Group Activities and Lots of great discussion. It is open to everyone. Pastors who attend the classes will be given 0.6 CEU’s for each day. At this point, registration has closed for these classes. If you would like to attend and have not pre-registered, you should contact the District Office as soon as possible. We will try to get additional workbooks in time for the class, but we can not guarantee that we will have them. It is important that all participants bring a Bible with them. Lunch will be provided and a donation basket will be available.

A TIME OF Refreshing

For All Who Minister Ministers and spouses are encouraged to attend a special dinner at 6:30 PM Friday, May 6th at the Oak Park Church of the Brethren Family Life Center.

Special Music is to be shared by Brenda Harvey, of the Pine Grove Congregation in the Swallow Falls area of Garrett County Maryland. Brenda also serves as Administrative Assistant for the West Marva District in the Office in Oakland.

Pastor Junius Lewis serves as Pastor of Suncrest United Methodist Church in Morgantown WV. As a WVU student (1975-79), he was an outstanding basketball player. He later played professional basketball in France. He has been blessed to have more than 30 fruitful years serving the Lord. His passion is to see people reach their potential and become the best at what God has called them to. A phrase he often shares is “potential is only good if you use it; use yours in the service of others and you will succeed." He desires to see the Body of Christ come into maturity and serve the Lord with joy and gladness.

He is married to Rebecca, who works at the Department of Justice and is a substitute teacher for Monongalia County schools. They are the parents of Junele, Junius III, and Jonathan and the grandparents of Aaron. Churches are encouraged to send their pastor and spouse as guests of their congregation.

For Additional Information Contact the West Marva District Office 301-334-9270 or wmarva@verizon.net

Registration form for Ministers and Spouses Dinner

May 6, 2016 at the Oak Park Church - 6:30 p.m.

The cost (which we encourage the minister’s congregation to pay) is $15.00 each or $25.00

for a couple. The menu for the buffet, which is being catered by Fred and Marge Roy, is

to be: Baked steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, cole slaw, rolls and butter, cof-

fee, tea or lemonade. Desserts will also be provided.

Name __________________________________ Church __________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________________

Phone Number ______________________

Single $15.00 ________________ Couple $25.00 _______________________

Make checks payable to West Marva District, 384 Dennett Road, Oakland, MD 21550

Please return to District Office by April 29, 2016

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Annual Conference 2016

June 29 – July 3

Greensboro, NC

Koury Convention Center and

Sheraton Hotel

The 2016 Annual Conference theme is “Carry the Light.” Program and Arrangements Committee is

inviting all congregations to send creative pictures of different ministries from your church – the choir, the

youth activities, mission work, fundraising events, fellowship, etc. that show how your congregation

carries the light of Christ. We would like to develop a “congregational collage” that will be displayed on the

video screens in the main hall before and after gathering for worship and business. Brother David

Sollenberger will use his creativity to develop the collage.

We are requesting no more than ten (10) pictures in jpeg format. If would be good if one of them could be

your church building. If you use a phone or tablet, the format might be different, but we encourage you to

send them as jpeg files, if possible, and make sure they are clear and are your best set. This might make

a good project for your youth or others in your congregation interested in media. These pictures can be

emailed to accob2016@gmail.com with the subject as “Collage and [the name of your congregation.]”

Please send them no later than May 15, 2016.

Sunnyside Church Mission Trip Guatemala 2016 Amy DelSignore

Sunnyside Church was able to serve the Lord on a mission trip in Guatemala. Three members

from the church, Randy Shoemaker, Fred Roy, and Amy DelSignore went with a team of 13

individuals to Casa Para Ninos Aleluya Children’s Home. The Lord says: How then will they

call on him of who they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they

have never heard. And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to

preach unless they are sent? How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!

Romans 10: 14-15

So it is with this in mind that we began our mission in Guatemala. While in

Guatemala, our team was able to feed over 300 families physically and

spiritually with rice, black beans, sugar, salt, oil, and oatmeal. We also were

able to provide a bible written in Spanish to each family as well as toothpaste,

toothbrushes, and candy for the children. We prayed a special blessing on each

village and with the people who came to receive the supplies.

We continued carrying out blessing at Casa by playing and loving on all the children there. We

hosted a game night for the college age kids by playing “Minute to Win It” games. Each winner

received a candy bar for their efforts. We hosted a hot dog roast for each of the dorms where

children roasted hot dogs over a fire and received a bag of chips and a can of soda as well.

Dr. Thorne , Judy Iser, Joshua Thorne, and myself were able to do some

dental work at Casa and Hilmar’s village. Dr. Thorne pulled about 100

wisdom teeth as well as filled cavities and did some restorative work on

the children. We were able to also help the workers at Casa and in the

villages. Dr. Thorne had purchased a folding dental chair that weighed

about 40 pounds that you carry like a backpack. This chair runs on solar

battery and we were able to take it into Hilmar’s village to perform some

dental work there as well.

Diana Ketterman Thorne was able to present a disaster preparedness

lesson to the entire school regarding earthquakes. She was also able to

go to the school and conduct mental health sessions to the older children

Randy, Grover, Fred, and Charlie were able to install windows and do

some electrical work on the new hospital at Casa. Wendy, Jodi, and Genevieve were able to sort

clothes and shoes in the baby dorm.

A special blessing was delivered in the form of a new refrigerator for dorm parents Chad and

Abby at the baby dorm. They unselfishly gave up their personal refrigerator for the canteen at

the baby dorm and did not have one. Judy Iser and her church from Romney were able to

provide that for them.

The team delivered 26 suitcases filled with supplies such as dresses, t-shirts, stuffed animals,

school supplies, medicines, toothbrushes, shoes, hats, gloves, and toys to Casa.

This was my very first mission trip and I feel very blessed to have been apart of this team and

plan to continue my work in the mission field. As friends in Christ: Two are better than one

because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down one can help them

up, but pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY We would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest sympathy to the family of Kevin Staggs, pastor of the Bear Creek Church. Kevin’s parents Ervin ‘Dutch’ and Rosalie ‘Rosie’ Staggs perished in a tragic house fire. Dutch and Rosie were members of the Sunnyside Church and they served on many boards and various committees for many years. Cards of sympathy can be sent to Kevin and Petula at 13929 Knobley Road, Keyser, WV 26726

PRAISE GATHERING SCHEDULED Please mark your calendars for a very special event! A ‘Praise Gathering’ is sched-uled to be held May 7th at the Larenim Park, Patterson Creek Road, Burlington, WV. It is being held from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. There will be numerous groups and individuals sharing their musical talents. You are welcome to bring a light lunch and there will be drinks available. Please be advised that this event is handicap accessi-ble. For more information you can contact Thelma Cox at 304-289-3027.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU FROM ARVIN HARSH Many of you will remember that the district had been in prayer for Arvin Harsh. Arvin is a member of the Maple Spring Church and for many years served as a trustee at Camp Galilee. Arvin had a 4 by-pass heart surgery earlier this winter. Arvin is doing well but is still having some physical therapy. Arvin and his family would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and for the many cards he re-ceived. Please continue to pray that he will soon regain all of his strength so he can get back to doing the things he loves!!

SENIOR CITIZEN’S MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The Senior Citizen’s Camp has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at Camp Galilee. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Look for more information in the upcoming MEMO.

UPDATE—WEST MARVA DISTRICT SURVEY – GROVER DULING, MISSION AND MINISTRY BOARD CHAIR Recently the West Marva District Mission and Ministry Board voted to send out a District survey for all pastors and board chairs asking them to share with the District Leaders their feelings on the Districts’ operation. The Executive Committee and the Executive Ministry Consultant Team re-viewed the results. The responses were very helpful and we would like to thank all that participated. This information can be used to make the District operation even better than it already is. Again, thanks for your interest and may God bless each of you.

BRETHREN BITS from Betty’s Desk . . . 2016 Love Feasts & Brethren Meals How often does your church celebrate Love Feast and Communion? It seems many of our congregations have only one or two of our traditional Brethren Love Feasts dur-ing the calendar year. Perhaps one should be careful mentioning “traditional Brethren Love Feasts” since it is fairly well known there are about 70 ways of “doing things” in our 66 West Marva congregations! During the Easter Season many of our churches celebrate this sacred meal but as you will note in this article, research shows that more than one hundred years ago, the Brethren often gathered for Love Feast and Communion in the fall of the year. Those of us who have been members of the Church of the Brethren for all or most of our lives … or at least for several years are very well aware how much “we Brethren enjoy food and fellowship.” As we look back over the records of Brethren Love Feasts held in the years after the Civil War here in our area, we quickly learn these Love Feasts were an important event in the lives of our people and churches. Actually, John Kline mentions in his diary as early as Septem-ber 1835 he attended a Love Feast at Bro. Daniel Arnold’s house near Beaver Run, before leaving the next day to con-tinue his horseback journey to visit the Brethren in Ohio. Originally this Brethren Bits was intended to tie in the Love Feast meal fellowship with other meals we so greatly enjoy in our local churches. My discoveries about Love Feasts in the mid and late 1800’s as I was researching led me along a different path—I was fascinated by what I was reading and thus intend to share some facets I’d forgotten. I believe you may also be interested in reading on. Dr. Emmert Bittinger once more offers some valuable word pictures about those early Brethren. Love Feast a century ago was a principal event—not only in the life of the church but of the community as well. Dr. Bittinger writes… “Communion was usually held once a year in the fall. All members in good standing were expected to attend.” Brethren from other congregations often participated also. On page 457 in Allegheny Passage we read …” Love Feast was usually held on Saturday evening, preceded by an afternoon of ser-mons and singing. The Love Feast itself, beginning around five to six o’clock would last for two to three hours with much time given to singing, preaching and interpreting the scriptures.” … Records of this period report a large attendance by community people—many of other faiths or no affiliation. Love Feast was an occasion to see what was going on, meet your friends and participate in a social event. Consequently, there were frequently more people outside than inside. Often vendors would sell their wares, including food and whiskey, nearby off the grounds.” (see page 457 for more information). “It was customary for the host church to feed the large congregation, including nonmembers. Provisions were also supplied for the horses of visit-

ing members. … Such lists are now relics of the past but bring disbelief from those who have forgotten the old ways.” … Page 457 of Allegheny

Passage includes this …”By 1850 a quite sizable congregation existed at Bear Creek… which attracted Brethren pilgrims from other nearby con-

gregations such as Cherry Grove, Maple Grove, Sandy Creek, Beaver Run, Summit Mills, Georges Creek and Elk Lick( latter three from Pennsyl-

vania.)”

There is considerable evidence the Beaver Run ministers attended Love Feasts all around the communities where our Brethren had settled. This was also the practice across the nation within the Church of the Brethren. Keep in mind since travel was by horseback, thus time consuming and covering the miles took considerable time, Communion and Love Feast became a weekend in length rather than a one evening event. It was a church service with local and visiting min-isters and elders taking turns preaching. There was no possibility for these Brethren traveling distances to “go home” after the service closed late in the evening. Lodging had to be provided. Local members made their homes available. When bed space ran out, sleeping on the floor was a common practice. Food had been collected by the host congregation to serve their guests as well as preparing the Love Feast meal. An evening meal on Saturday was served before the Communion began. Since there were overnight guests—breakfast was prepared at the church the next morning.

Dr. Emmert Bittinger in his book, Allegheny Passage gives us some insight. Minutes of the Beaver Run congregation

reveal the amounts of food prepared for the Communion service which was a two day affair, held on October 17 and 18,

1874: …”Twenty-nine families were listed as having given items of food and/or money to supply the need. Donated were 58 pounds of butter,

103 loaves of bread and 208 pounds of meat (that is 150 pounds of beef and 58 pounds of mutton), 8 gallons of apple butter ...”

Once more on Sunday morning, those ministers in attendance continued interpreting the Bible in a worship service

which was followed by a church dinner before the departures.

Some comments about the non-Brethren visitors may also cause us to ponder. Only those Brethren who were in “good standing” were welcome at the Love Feast table. The “closed communion” practice set the Brethren members apart. Often, the whole community came, if not to observe, at least for the food and visiting. They were not allowed to partici-pate in the service if they were not Dunker members. Rather, they sat on benches around the outside wall and watched. Children and youth who were not yet members were also observers—although frequently young men found alternate activity outside. Many of us recall hearing how young men and women often were given more choices in “partners for life” from these large social gatherings. If you read above about the vendors selling their wares, as reported in Allegheny Passage …“including food and whis-key nearby but off the church grounds…” another article that came across my desk had the information…”until after 1850 “the cup of the New Testament” normally held a low alcohol wine…” which surprises most of us. After the Temper-ance movement in the United States, the Church took action to use grape juice for communion purposes which contin-ues until today. This could be considered part one of a two part series since it becomes very clear we Brethren no longer need over two

hundred pounds of meat or more than a hundred loaves of homemade bread for our Love Feast and Communion ser-

vices; but there is no doubt we are avid lovers of tasty, home cooked, delicious “feasts” for countless numbers of occa-

sions in our churches!

Pastoral Placement Update Churches in search at this time are Wiley Ford, Gortner Union Church, Morgantown Church, Petersburg Memorial and the Pleasant Hill Church. Please keep these churches in your prayers!

Ordination Service Held David Ziler, Assistant Pastor of the Danville Church, was ordained on March 13, 2016 at the Danville Church of the Brethren.

District Directory Corrections: Address changes: Ordained Minister: Chester Fisher, 125 Tochnoma Lane, Augusta, WV 26704 Camp Planning & Promoting: Jeanne Whitehair, 204 Rhine Hill Road, Aurora, WV 26705 District Assistant Youth Counselor: Thelma Cox, 4649 Headsville Road, Keyser, WV 26726 Auditing Committee: Roger Sisler, 8614 Friendsville Rd., Friendsville, MD 21531 301-746-5476 Service time correction: Mt. Zion Sunday School: 9:00 a.m Worship Service: 9:30 a.m. Term Corrections: Camp Galilee Trustees Robert Spaid (2019-2) Roger Strawser (2016-2) Cathy McGoldrick (2017-1) John Morton (2018-1) Craig Howard (2020-1)

Church of the Brethren NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION West Marva District Office U. S. POSTAGE 384 Dennett Road PAID Oakland, MD 21550 OAKLAND, MD March/April 2016 Issue PERMIT NO. 68 Address Service Requested IN GOD WE TRUST

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 25 Office Closed—Good Friday April 2 Decade of Discipleship Workshop, Moorefield (See article in MEMO) 3 Decade of Discipleship Workshop, Oak Park (See article in MEMO) 8-9 Youth Roundtable, Bridgewater College 9 Peacemaker Workshop, Westernport (See article in MEMO) 16 Decade of Discipleship Workshop, Moorefield (See article in MEMO) 17 Decade of Discipleship Workshop, Oak Park (See article in MEMO) 23 Peacemaker Workshop, Westernport (See article in MEMO) May 6 Ministers and Spouse Banquet, Oak Park COB 11 District Women’s Spring Rally, Walnut Grove Church 22 “Meet the Moderator” (Annual Conference) Time and location to be announced 30 Office Closed — Memorial Day June 4 District Mission and Ministry Board meeting—Brick COB 7 Senior Citizen’s Camp at Camp Galilee