Lee Dice With the Lord

Word has been received of the homegoing of longtime Grace Brethren pastor and AGBM secretary/coordinator Lee Dice. Here is information received so far. Further details will be posted when available.

Lee Dice went to be with Jesus last evening, Tuesday, Nov. 24th. The observances will be: Sunday, Nov. 29 visitation at Robert's Funeral Home, Wooster from 2-5 p.m. and the Memorial Service will be Monday, Nov. 30th at 11 a.m. at the Wooster Grace Church.

Obituary:

Pastor Lee H. Dice, 80, of Wooster, Ohio, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, November 24 from his residence. Lee was born December 19, 1928 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Arling and Lila {Davis}Dice. He graduated with a B.S. degree from Iowa State College. He married Reva Ford on September 3, 1950.

He served in the US Army during the Korean War. Following the war, Lee found purpose, reason, and direction for life when he was saved in the Grace Brethren Church in Cedar Rapids. He then earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Grace Theological Seminary.

From 1962 to 1984 Lee served as Senior Pastor for Brethren Churches in Flora, IN, Philadelphia, PA, Indianapolis, IN, and Dillsburg, PA before serving as Seniors Pastor of the Wooster Grace Brethren Church from 1985 until his retirement in 1995. During his ministry, Lee focused on evangelism and missions.

Lee was state president of DeMoley in Iowa and had served as president of the Wooster Noon Lions Club. He enjoyed geneology, Bible study, and writing.

Lee will be deeply missed by his wife Reva, children Lou Ann Lawrence of New Oxford, PA and L. Scott Dice of York, PA.; grandchildren Ashley (Troy) McEvers, Molly VanLieu, Krystal and Katrina Dice and a great-grandson Isaiah McEvers.

A brother Richard Dice died previously.

Friends may call Sunday from 2 to 5 pm at the Roberts Funeral Home – Sherwood Chapel, Wooster. A celebration of life service will be Monday at 11am at the Wooster Grace Brethren Church with Pastors Bud Olszewski and David Lawson officiating. Burial will be at Sherwood Memorial Gardens Wooster.

Online tributes may be made at www.robertsfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Brethren Church, Brethren Sharing Fund 4599-A. Burbank Rd, Wooster, OH 44691.

Certificates of Baptism Available at bmhbooks.com

It is now possible to order certificates of baptism on the BMH Books website. The certificates indicate baptism by trine immersion and come in packs of 50. One pack is available for $10.50.

Order now!

Prayer Requested for Russ Ogden

David Ogden in Sebring, Florida, sends the following news and prayer request for his dad, Dr. Russ Ogden, who is a longtime Grace Brethren pastor including the Lanham, MD, Grace Brethren church which he pastored from 1975 until 1993.

The Ogdens would appreciate your prayers for my dad, retired Grace Brethren pastor Russ Ogden. He spent the night at an emergency room in Indianapolis -- Monday night / Tuesday morning.

They expect he had another T.I.A. ("mini-stroke") as he did a couple years ago. His speech was confused Monday evening and my mom called a neighbor (a male nurse who has been very helpful) to come over. He immediately drove them to the hospital.

By 8 a.m., when I spoke to my mom, Dad's thinking and speech had cleared up completely and the medical staff were preparing him for a precautionary M.R.I. before releasing him to go home.

Please pray for both my dad and my mom (they're both 84 -- until November 30, when my dad will celebrate his 85th birthday)

Christian Becker's Mother With the Lord

Christian Becker, pastor of the First Brethren Church in Buena Vista, Virginia, has sent notification of his mother's homegoing. Here is Christian's note:

As you may have heard, my mom had a major stroke on Wednesday that caused massive bleeding and swelling in her brain. She passed peacefully on Thursday afternoon into the Lord's presence.

Thanks to all who prayed for my family.

Here's the link to mom's obituary.

www.northeastobits.com/posts.cfm?obit=30678

Rick Clark's Mother With the Lord

Word has been received of the death of Patricia Bush, mother of Rick Clark, former pastor of the Pike Grace Brethren Church in Johnstown, Pa.

Rick writes: My mother fell 2 weeks ago and broke her neck. She was a quadriplegic. She had many challenges ahead. Tuesday morning (November 3) she went home to be with the Lord. She grew up and was saved and baptized at the Vicksburg GBC and was a member for many years at Leamersville GBC when my brothers and I were growing up.

The viewing will be Friday (November 6) from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Leslie-Miller Funeral home in Claysburg and the funeral will be at the Greenfield UCC church in Imler at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 7.

To see her complete obituary from the Altoona Mirror, click here.

Mother of Dan Ramsey, Nancy Kennedy, Dies

Sympathies are expressed to Grace Brethren pastor Dan Ramsey (Grace Church, Loveland, Ohio) and Nancy Kennedy, wife of Pastor Dave Kennedy (Community of Grace, Richmond, Va.) on the death of their mother, Virginia Lois Ramsey, of Cincinnati, Ohio, a long-time member of the Grace Brethren Church, Canton, Ohio.

She is also survived by her husband, Richard, of Cincinnati, and another daughter, Ann (Andrew) Ramsey-Moor of Ellicott City, Md.; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and brothers Harvey Lesh Jr. of Maine and Don Lesh of North Carolina.

Services were held October 29 at the Grace Brethren Church in Canton, Ohio.

Prayer Requested for Lee Dice

Please pray for Pastor Lee and Reva Dice. Lee has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer and needs your prayers for God’s wisdom, comfort, peace, and perfect will to be done.

Lee most recently served as associate pastor at the Grace Brethren Church of Wooster, Ohio, but has also served as senior pastor in churches in Pennsylvania and Indiana. He will also be recognized by many pastors because of his faithful role as secretary for the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers. As expected, Lee and Reva have handled the news with great faith, filled with their steadfast hope in Jesus Christ.

Lexington, OH, Seeks Family Ministries Pastor

Associate Pastor of Family Ministries

The Grace Brethren Church of Lexington, Ohio, is looking for an Associate Pastor of Family Ministries to oversee ministries to our youth and children.

Our average attendance on Sunday morning is roughly 150. The youth group currently consists of about 25 teenagers representing families inside and outside the church. Our children's ministry currently consists of Sunday School as well as a flourishing AWANA ministry that draws children and families from outside of the church.

Any interested candidates may contact Pastor Jason Carmean for more information at pastorjason@gracelex.org or 419-884-2687

pastorjason@gracelex.org

Larry Richeson Hospitalized

Jim Franklin, pastor of the Flora, Ind., Grace Brethren Church sent this message yesterday evening.

Pastor Larry Richeson of Indian Heights GBC has been admitted to Howard Community Hospital in Kokomo IN. His blood pressure is very high and the docs want to get it under control. Larry had some routine tests done today. Please pray for Larry and his wife, Norma.

Update: As of late this afternoon, Larry was scheduled to be discharged, pending lab results. Continue to pray for the Richesons during this time.

Update (October 7, 2009): Larry has reported all is well with his blood pressure, but when the doctors checked some other, unrelated, symptoms, it was revealed that he has a small tumor on his pituitary gland. At this time, it is believed it is not malignant, but will need to be removed non-surgically at some time in the future.

Howard Immel Hospitalized With Heart Attack

Gary Austin, pastor at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, sent this e-mail early Friday afternoon, September 25. The Immels recently retired to the Warsaw/Winona Lake (IN) area after retiring from the pastorate in Iowa.

Dear Co-Workers in ministry,

One hour ago Howard Immel was flown from Kosciusko
Community Hospital, Warsaw, IN, to Lutheran Hospital, Ft.
Wayne, IN. He had had a heart attack earlier today while
working. At KCH he was experiencing extremely low blood
pressure and the start of kidney failure.

Please pray for Howard's recovery, for his wife June, and
for their daughter Lisa who is also experiencing some
serious issues that has put her in ER in Merriville, IN,
as well. Sons Karl (in PA) and Kirk (in OH) are traveling
to be with mom so pray for their safety.

Jonathan Herron Takes Pastorate in Michigan

Jonathan Herron, former church-planter with The Catalyst in Kent, Ohio, announced the following on his blog this week:

As of this Sunday, I am privileged to serve as the new lead pastor of Colwood Church in Caro, Michigan.

As we pack up our house in Ohio and slowly move to Michigan permanently over the next several weeks, our family appreciates your prayers and encouragement.

Further details are available on Jonathan's blog by clicking here.

Dave and Jeff Bogue's Mother With the Lord

The following message was received from CE National Friday morning, Sept. 25. Jeff Bogue is senior pastor of Grace Church, the Grace Brethren Church in the Norton/Akron area of Ohio. His brother, Dave Bogue, is the pastor of the Grace Brethren Church in Upper Arlington, Ohio.

Ed [Lewis] emailed from Urban Hope last evening to tell us that Jeff Bogue’s mother died in her sleep the night before last. She was visiting Susan in Pittsburgh. All the family are gathering there now.

Update:

Viewing (Phyllis J. Bogue) Sunday from 5-8 pm

Funeral Service - Monday at 10:30 am

Both viewing and service will be held at:

Tobias Funeral Home

3970 Dayton Xenia Road

Beavercreek, OH 45432

(937) 427-1361

Pennsylvania Church Seeks Pastor

Pastor Sought

Grace Fellowship Church of Avis, Pa. located near Williamsport, is seeking a part- time pastor to grow into a full-time position. We are a group of fifty plus people. Applicant should have Grace Brethren experience, with a heart for reaching the lost.

Please send resume to: Grace Fellowship Church P.O. Box 299 Avis, Pa 17721-0299. or respond by email to Ben Carson at bcarson5@verizon.net, or by phone to Ken Terry at 570-398-7755

bcarson5@verizon.net

Darrell Anderson Out of Surgery and Recovering

Pastor Gary Underwood of the Delaware, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church reports that Pastor Darrell Anderson is out of surgery and doctors are saying he did well and his heart is responding well to the pump. Please keep praying - apparently, the first 24 hours are critical. Thanks to everyone for praying and remembering our brother Darrell Anderson and his family!

NCO Examines Four

The current e-newsletter from the North Central Ohio district reports on four men who were examined yesterday. Mac Cordell (Mt. Sterling Church Plant), Aaron Jones (Woodville GBC), and Christian McAllister (Licking County GBC) were recommended to their respective congregations for licensure as elders in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, while Bill Crabbs (Woodville GBC) was recommended for ordination.

Thanks to all who came to participate in the exams, and congratulations to these men!

Pray for Darrell Anderson's Heart Surgery Thursday

Gary Underwood, pastor of the Delaware, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church, is requesting prayer for Pastor Darrell Anderson, who is having a surgery to put a device/pump on his heart tomorrow morning (Thursday) at 7:00am. Darrell is associate pastor at the Delaware church.

Thompsons Relocate to Tennessee

Ron Thompson, formerly of the staff of the Grace Brethren Church, Aiken, S.C., has relocated to Tennessee, where he hopes to do pulpit supply. "I am praying for ministry opportunities in this beautiful state," he writes. You may reach Ron and his wife, Thelma, at 602 Oakland Road, Limestone, TN 37681.

Fall AGBM Elections Coming Soon

The latest edition of AGBM president Joel Richards' electronic updates is now in the e-mail. Here is one article from the current issue:

Fall Election Coming Soon

Nominations were announced at the annual meeting in July for the re-election of three officers and four directors.

The officers are:

Joel Richards (president), Daniel White (secretary), and Bud Olszewski (treasurer).

The directors standing for re-election are:

Ken Bickel, Mark Saunders, Randy Smith, and Randy Weekley.

A ballot for the re-election of these officers and directors will be mailed later this fall. Please look for it and participate in voting before the end of the year.

Pastor's Wife Helen DeArmey With the Lord

This notice, from today's Johnstown (PA) Tribune-Democrat, was passed on by Bill Darr of the Grace library staff:

DeArmey, Helen E. (Shaffer)

DeARMEY – Helen E. (Shaffer), 85, Friedens, formerly of Thomasdale, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, went home to be with the Lord Sept. 6, 2009, at her home. Born April 24, 1924, in Jenner Township, Somerset County, daughter of William W. Sr. and Mary B. (Berkey) Shaffer.

Preceded in death by parents; husband of 56 years, the Rev. Max A. DeArmey, on April 6, 2002; sisters, Daryle (Heckman) Bittner and Lois Lohr; brother, Paul Georg; sisters-in-law, Catherine (DeArmey) Baith, Jean (Huster) Shaffer, Geraldine (Felix) Shaffer and Joann (Riblett) Shaffer; brothers-in-law, Warren Baith, the Rev. Richard DeArmey, Leslie "Lee" Rose, Frank Sofaly and Richard Hemminger; and nephew, Kenneth Lohr. Survived by children: Cary L., married to Hazel Works, Ashland City, Tenn.; E. Sue, married to Jack C. Lipscomb, Huddleston, Va.; Timothy J., Manassas, Va.; and Mary Kay "Katy," married to the Rev. D. Wayne Lasure, Jenner Township; grandchildren: Douglas Moyer, married to Crystalin Sheldon, Richmond, Va.; Bill DeArmey, married to Stephanie Lee, Durham, N.C.; Eric Lasure, married to Tammie Schrock, Friedens; Travis DeArmey, married to Amy Shurin, Johnstown; Scott DeArmey, married to Liza Potter, Savanna, Ga.; Matthew Lasure, married to Jenilee Speigle, Davidsville; Tarah (Lasure), married to Darin Mauzy, Las Vegas, Nev.; Julie (DeArmey), married to Matthew Larkin, Culpepper, Va.; and Jesse Lasure, married to Amanda McVicker, Fishertown; five stepgrandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 14 stepgreat-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Also survived by brothers and sisters: William W. Shaffer Jr., Jenner Township; Robert C. Shaffer, and wife, Gloria, Westmont; Lee J. Shaffer, Jenner Township; Margaret Hemminger, Berlin; and Florence Sofaly, Friedens; brother-in-law, Robert Lohr, Sun City, Fla.; and sister-in-law, Lois (McAchren) DeArmey, Osceola, Ind.

She was a 1942 graduate of the former Boswell High School. Helen's life touched many as she served along side her husband and pastor at the Listie Grace Brethren Church, the Gray Alliance Church and the Jenner Grace Brethren Church.

She was a member of the Somerset Alliance Church, where she enjoyed being part of the WDS Group. Viewing will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Hoffman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 109 Church Road and Route 403, Davidsville. Viewing also will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Friday at Somerset Alliance Church, the Rev. Scott T. Ream, officiating. Interment, Thomas Mennonite Cemetery, Thomas Mills, with the Rev. Wayne Lasure officiating. Memorials to the Somerset Alliance Church, 708 Stoystown Road, Somerset, Pa. 15501, would be appreciated.

Published in the Johnstown Tribune Democrat from 9/8/2009 - 9/9/2009

Study Grant Available for Pastoral Leaders

Louisville Institute Offers Study Project Grant Opportunity for Pastoral Leaders

Through its Pastoral Study Project program, the Louisville Institute offers pastoral leaders the opportunity to engage in thoughtful study and inquiry on issues related to Christian life, religious institutions, and ministry.

The PSP program seeks to support the intellectual work of pastoral leaders who have the capacities for research, teaching, and writing that can reach broad audiences. The program welcomes proposals on a wide range of topics and interests related to the challenges facing Christian life and practice, religious institutions, and the practice of Christian ministry in North America today.

The program grants awards of up to $15,000 each. The study period may vary according to the needs and availability of the applicant. Possible options include an extended period fully away from work, designated days each week or month away from work, designated part-days off, or periodic blocks of time off. There are no residency requirements.

To see the complete RFP (request for proposal), click here.

Sermon's Over--How Did I Do?

From Ray Pritchard's blog. See the original by clicking here.

Five Sunday Night Questions Preachers Should Ask

As any preacher will tell you, some of the most agonizing moments of the week come after the sermon is over, after the service has concluded, after the sanctuary is empty, after the people have gone home, and after the Sunday afternoon nap.

Preachers are people too, and they naturally wonder, "How did I do today?" Besides being evaluated by the people who heard the sermon, they also wonder what the Lord thought about it. Rare is the preacher who can deliver a message and then walk away from it without another thought.

And in the nature of things, a lot of that introspection happens on Sunday night. So here are five questions to help you turn that musing into something productive. It's worth thinking about these things, and it's probably worth jotting down a few notes to yourself.

1. What happened during the sermon that surprised me? This wide open question reminds us that no sermon ever goes exactly as planned. Sometimes the first part of the service took longer than planned so you had to squeeze the sermon at the end. Or people may have been distracted by the weather. Maybe that hard section you struggled over all week suddenly flowed easily. Perhaps something you hadn't prepared came to mind as you preached. Or an illustration didn't connect. Or (and this often happens) something that clicked in one service seemed to fall flat in another. Perhaps God gave great liberty at the very end to press home the gospel. Or maybe you had trouble landing the plane on the first try. All sorts of things happen when we preach and we do well to take note of them.

2. What response (beyond the ordinary) did I receive? The phrase "beyond the ordinary" is meant to block out the usual "Nice sermon, Pastor" that you receive from some people every week. Did someone tell you "God spoke to my need through your message"? Did you receive a note or an email of encouragement this afternoon? Did someone thank you for lifting up the cross of Christ? Did someone trust Christ for salvation today? It's important that we take time to remember how the Lord used the sermon to change lives for eternity.

3. What did God speak to my own heart through my sermon? This question reminds us that we are both hearers and speakers of the Word of God. While we give out the Word, we must also be hearers of the Word. The pastor ought to be part of the congregation while he preaches. If we believe in the Holy Spirit, then we ought to expect to be challenged to praise, worship, obedience, forgiveness, kindness, boldness and prayer. Perhaps the Lord nudged you with something specific like "Call George." Only you know that means. But if your sermon leads you to that thought, then you'd better call George-and sooner rather than later.

4. What should I remember if I preach this sermon again? It's true that most sermons only get preached one time. But you never know so before you put the sermon to bed and move on, think about what notes you need to write that might help you next time. Perhaps your introduction needs sharpening. Maybe you need to shorten the second point. Did you hear a story between services that you used in a later service? Write down your thoughts using the "Comments" feature in most word processing software. A few sentences tonight may produce a more powerful sermon next time.

5. What should I be thinking about regarding next Sunday? Remember that even if you aren't in a series, your people hear your sermons as a connected whole. One sermon always leads to another. So ask yourself what you heard as you talked to your people today. We should expect the Holy Spirit to give us some early sense of what needs to be stressed next Sunday. Whatever comes to mind, jot it down. Don't trust you memory on something this important. Did someone ask you a leading question? Perhaps you prayed with several people today with the same problem. These early thoughts may lead you to some important insights regarding your sermon for next Sunday.

Since all preachers spend time evaluating, these five questions can help you do it in a more productive way. And it shouldn't take long. You should be able to answer all five questions in ten or fifteen minutes. And having done this self-analysis, remember that God is the final judge and you won't get his verdict until much farther down the road. Ask the questions, jot down your answers, thank God for the privilege of being a preacher, commit your work to the Lord of the Harvest, and then go to bed and have a good night's sleep.

Ron Thompson Retires this Weekend

Ron Thompson, with his wife, Thelma, concludes his ministry at Aiken, South Carolina, today. Here is an article from the Aiken newspaper. To see the original, click here.

Retirement has begun for local pastor and his wife

By ROB NOVIT

Ron Thompson was called into the ministry at the age of 18, shortly before he finished high school.

Fifty-six years later, a career that has taken him to several pulpits, itinerant pastoring and an evangelical ministry is coming to a formal end.

After nine years as Grace Brethren Church's associate pastor, Thompson and his wife Thelma are retiring and will move near one of their daughters in Tennessee. Church members will honor them and family members with a celebration at Aiken Electric Cooperative today from 4 to 6 p.m.

"This is where God wanted us to be," said Thompson. "The people here are so warm, and we've never been part of a church like this. It gives 47 percent of its total budget, and Pastor (Steve) Taylor is almost a missionary himself."

Thompson has always had an interest in music, taking lessons and playing the organ in church as a teenager in Hopewell, Va. He has returned to music in the past 20 years, especially at Grace Brethren as keyboardist and pianist. He plays with the church's praise band and helps with the church choir and general accompaniment as needed.

Music is just one of Thompson's strong points, said Howard Brounce, a church member and close friend, who cited Thompson's work with the "primetimers," the seniors in the church. Thompson also would take his friends to North Carolina to volunteer with the Samaritan's Purse program of Billy and Franklin Graham, filling shoe boxes with gifts to send to needy people overseas.

"We've gone to nursing homes to do songs and scripture readings for those in the homes," said Brounce. "Pastor Ron is an all-around good guy and absolutely very spiritual."

Brounce also praised the contributions of Thelma Thompson "as a fine, fine lady who was in charge of the nursery and was always available to help in any area she was needed."

Thompson and his wife grew up together and were in a youth group with the Church of the Brethren, a more liberal denomination. He enrolled at Bridgewater College and pastored at rural churches on weekends.

After he and Thelma married in 1957, they were sent to a church in Buena Vista, Va., which had stones 16 inches thick that had been hauled out of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Thompson later enrolled at Grace Theological Seminary, which provided the sound, conservative training he had been seeking.

For several years, he traveled extensively in working with crusades. His wife had stayed home with their two young daughters. Thompson wanted to be with them and took a church pastorate in Roanoke, Va. A few years later he accepted a call to a Richmond, Va., church, then returned to Roanoke for 17 years. During that time, Thompson became the national board chairman for the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.

That experience led him to a ministry in Mexico, teaching evangelism to pastors in a seminar-type format there as well as in Argentina and Guatemala. Thompson has met many others who have influenced him - a lay leader in Virginia who loaned him money for college, pastors in Virginia and Indiana and an evangelistic leader in Mexico named Juan Isais, who had worked with Billy Graham.

Don Soule, Grace Brethren's pastor of youth and families, will succeed Thompson as associate pastor. Jim Murray has been hired as pastor of youth and young adults.

Thompson is preaching this morning, and he will encourage people "to keep on keeping on and trusting the Lord."

"An important part of the ministry here is not to give up but to be amazed at some of the good things that God has blessed us with," he said.

The Thompsons are moving to Limestone, Tenn., where their daughter is a Christian school principal. Pastor Ron is heading for what he calls a partial retirement "where we will be open to whatever ministry door God wants us to go through for His honor and glory."

Lititz Worship Arts Post Changes Hands

Scott Distler, pastor of the Grace Brethren church in Lititz, Pennsylvania, has announced on his blog a change in the church's music and worship ministry. Here is his post:

Over the last several years we have enjoyed the ministry of Matt McElravy (pictured) who has served as our Worship Arts Director here at Grace Church. Matt began his relationship with us as an intern under Bryan Nelson. He was then hired part-time to oversee music under Bryan’s leadership. When God called Bryan and Lisa Nelson to Topeka, Kansas, Matt stepped in as our Interim Worship Arts Director and within a few months was offered and accepted the permanent position. Matt had some very big shoes to fill in following Bryan, and as a young man right out of college, Matt did a tremendous job in leading us into a more meaningful worship ministry.

It is now time for a new chapter in Matt’s life. As a young, single man, Matt is ready to embark on some new challenges and, as a result, has submitted his letter of resignation. Matt’s final Sunday with us as our Worship Arts Director will be September 13th.

Matt’s passion to lead worship has been very evident and has been used greatly by the Lord here at Grace. His musical abilities and knowledge amazed us all. And over the last several years we have had the privilege of being greatly ministered to by the original songs that Matt wrote and shared with us here at Grace Church as part of our week to week worship. We are very grateful for the part Mat has played in the life of our church as well as the role Grace Church has played in Matt’s life. Below is part of Matt’s letter to Pastor Tim Auld, our Executive Pastor, notifying us of his resignation:

“I wish to thank you, Pastor Scott, and the rest of the family here at Grace for their understanding, support, guidance, and love during these past two and a half years, and particularly during the past few months as I have been wrestling with this decision. I have always been able to count on your support, and for that, I am grateful beyond words.”

As saddened as we are to see Matt leave, we are equally as excited to announce David Felty as our Interim Worship Arts Director beginning the first week of September. He and Matt will overlap for about 2 weeks to help in the transition. This Interim position is beginning as a 6-month position as we look to evaluate and set our strategy to fill this role permanently.

Most of you are aware of who David is as you have seen him sing several times in recent months here at Grace on Sunday morning. David has amazing vocal and acting talent. In my blog tomorrow I will share with you more about David’s accomplishments. David is also married to Jennifer, who is the head of the music department at Lititz Christian School and who has sung and acted many times on Sunday mornings at Grace as well.

Please be praying for both Matt and David as they transition into these new roles and as they began these new chapters in their live and ministry. Please also be praying for our ministry overall as we seek God’s guidance for the filling of this permanent position.

Simms Headed to Youth Position at Kish Valley

Matt Simms and his wife, Danielle, are headed to Kish Valley Grace Brethren Church, in Reedsville, Pa., this week. He will be serving as youth pastor/associate pastor with Pastor Doug Sabin.

A Grace College graduate, for the last year he has worked with Grace Brethren International Missions in the area of mobilization.

McCarthys Move to Englewood, Ohio

Former Grace Brethren pastor Dick McCarthy and his wife, Lee, have moved to the Grace Brethren Village in Englewood, Ohio. Until recently, they have lived in Columbus, Ohio.

Lee writes: Dick is in a wheelchair. Last year he had his aortic valve replaced and in June he had a stroke that affected mostly his right leg, now this year in June he had two stents put in his older heart grafts. PTL he's here in our cottage, and we like the nice atmosphere. There is a nursing home available here, too.

Write to Dick and Lee at 1010 Taywood Rd., Cottage 404, Englewood, OH 45322

AGBM President's Father-in-law With the Lord

From Joel Richards (pictured with his wife, Jane, enroute home from Equip09 last month in Columbus, OH), pastor at Modesto, California, and current president of AGBM:

Hello friends. On Wednesday night at around 10:00 pm Jane's dad went home to be with the Lord. We are obviously saddened but know his suffering is now over. His services will be next Wednesday.

Who's the Oldest Living Grace Brethren Pastor?

Now that Henry Rempel has died at age 105, several have asked who the oldest living Grace Brethren pastors are.

Can you help by suggesting the name and verified age of your nominee?

Send to Terry White at tdwhite@bmhbooks.com or reply in comments section of this post.

Thanks.

New Website Connects Blogging Pastors

From ChristianPost.com. This is an excerpt. To read the entire article, click here.

New Website Connects Blogging Pastors to Utilize Experiences

By Joshua A. Goldberg

A new website is connecting blogging pastors and ministers to one another on a single platform in hopes of raising newer generations of believers and Christian leaders while also encouraging and inspiring even more experienced ones.

Launched last month by The Christian Post Company, The Shepherd Post allows Christian leaders to share experiences from their ministry fields – both positive and negative – to steer others from the pitfalls they’ve encountered and to ultimately encourage quick developments in ministry tactics and strategies.

The website’s motto: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” from Proverbs 27:17.

"Today we're living in a time where society is speeding up and forcing us to adapt to changes much more quickly than we're used to. This in turn is having a big effect on the Church," says Joseph La Fleur, CEO of The Christian Post Company. "The Shepherd Post is great in that it brings the greatest minds in the Church all to one place to share their thoughts on our changing world."

For visitors to the site, The Shepherd Post features a wide range of key topics – including Missions, Leadership, Finance, Technology, Family and Theology – on a simple, easy to navigate interface.

Terrific Israel Travel Opportunity for Pastors & Wives

Dr. Randall Smith, experienced Israel guide and Bible teacher and pastor of the Grace Brethren church in Sebring, Florida, extends the following invitation to pastors in the Fellowship.

Christian Travel Study Programs, Ltd. (USA) present:

A Pastoral Seminar: “Preaching and Teaching the Life of Jesus”

November 10-18, 2009

$1500.00 Flight, Hotels, Seminar and Meals (Breakfast, Dinner daily; inclusive from US*)

This powerful seminar has two goals: First, we want every teacher or preacher of the Bible to experience the land and setting of the Bible as an aid to teaching the Word. Second, we want every Pastor to gain insight into how the travel and study ministry will be helpful for them in developing discipleship and relationships in the local church.

Israeli tourist developers (including airlines and the hotel associations) are involved in subsidizing the cost of the trip (normally $3,000 per person) in the hope that you will see sincere value in bringing back church groups in the future. Dr. Smith of CTSP, Ltd. is donating both teaching services and media materials (normally $450 per person) because of his passion for pastoral leadership training.

Investing one week in the Holy Land, you will receive:

A full notebook of diagrams and insights on preaching and teaching the Gospels.
Notes for dozens of expository messages from the Gospels.
DVD overviews of the lessons from the land.
Seven intense days of instruction in the Word from Dr. Randall Smith.
Fellowship with other preachers and teachers from around the country.

All this cannot be done at a more reasonable rate! Act now and your wife can travel with you at the same price!

www.randalldsmith.com
www.shepherdtools.org

Hagerstown Maranatha Seeks Executive Pastor

Executive Pastor

Maranatha Brethren Church in Hagerstown, Maryland, is seeking a candidate for the position of Executive Pastor. The Executive Pastor will serve on the Pastoral Leadership Team of the church.

The focus of the ministry will be vision casting, oversight, and management. Although preaching will be shared, he must be able to perform all the duties of a traditional pastor with the heart of a servant-leader. He will be an equal member of the Pastoral Leadership Team which will set the spiritual tone for the church.

The Team will also coordinate the vision/direction casting for the church. He will also serve as the liaison to the Elder Board and other oversight committees. Among other operational duties he will serve as the "go to person" on a day-to-day basis.

Maranatha has recently averaged approximately 200 for Sunday morning with a blended service. Send resume or inquiries to: Pastor Search Committee, Maranatha Brethren Church 19835 Scott Hill Drive, Hagerstown MD, 21742; 301-733-1717 or maranathagbc@live.com

maranathagbc@live.com

301-733-1717

Louisville Institute Invites Applications for Pastoral Leaders Sabbatical Grant Program

The Louisville Institute, a program funded by the Lilly Endowment and based at Louisville Seminary, offers grants to support both pastoral sabbaticals and research by scholar/pastors and scholar/educators that help strengthen the religious life of North American Christians and their institutions while simultaneously advancing American religious and theological scholarship.

Through its 2009 Sabbatical Grant for Pastoral Leaders grant competition, the Louisville Institute will award up to forty grants for eight-week ($10,000 each) and twelve-week ($15,000 each) sabbaticals. During their sabbaticals, recipients will devote themselves to a season of prayer, study, renewal, and reflection on their vocations and ministries. Recipients must be released from all pastoral duties during the entire grant period.

Recipients are free to use the grant award at their discretion. Previous grantees have used their awards for the purchase of books, research material and equipment, conference and seminary expenses, salary replacement, travel, etc.

For more information, see the Philanthrophy News Digest or the complete RFP (request for proposals).

Florida Church Needs Pastor

Senior Pastor

Semi-retired, partial self-supporting or bi-vocational pastor needed for an established church in central Florida. Needs to be energetic, experienced and committed to several years of a rebuilding ministry.

Church is debt free with 10 acres of beautiful property and a well kept, equipped, and attractive facility. Congregation is mostly senior adults but has a number of well trained middle adults and a few young adults. This will be a challenge but the rewards far outweigh the challenge.

If you think you might be the man God is calling to this type of ministry contact Chuck.

chuckdavis1@cox.net
pcbbeachbum09

Andy Saunders to Penn Valley

Note from Andy Saunders:

Well it's finally official now....we are leaving Palmyra GBC to serve at Penn Valley Church as the associate pastor of family ministries!

Miamisburg, Centerville OH Churches Merge

From the Tri-State Fellowship blog:

July 1, 2009

Two Churches Become One

Cornerstone Grace, which was meeting in Miamisburg, Ohio, for the last 3-4 years,
and Centerville Grace, have merged effective July 1st to become one combined church. Cornerstone Grace was hit especially hard with the economy and about 70% of their families were transferred out of the area. Through this rather rapid decline, they sensed God's leading to look for other ministry opportunities, rather than trying to rebuild on their own with the small group of families that remained.

Through the months of April, May and June, the leadership of Cornerstone Grace and Centerville Grace were meeting, and praying that God might use them together as a new church, to be stronger and more vibrant than the original two churches were individually. Effective July 1, both churches approved merging together at the Centerville Grace facility, and approved a budget for four pastoral staff:

Dave Holmes as lead pastor
Ned Denlinger and Tim Nixon as Associates
Matt Trego as Associate of Worship Arts

The two churches are now one, and are enjoying getting to know each other better, and discovering how each member's gifts might be used to begin ministering to the Centerville community. Five to ten years from now, we want the Centerville/Miamisburg community to be transformed through the grace of the Lord Jesus as we are obedient in loving our neighbors.

Forero Examined, Licensed in Florida

Word comes from Jesus Munoz in Florida that Javier Forero, who is a pastor at Iglesia Comunal La Esperanza, a Grace Brethren church in Valrico, Fla., has been examined by the Florida-Caribbean District of Grace Brethren Churches and has been recommended for licensure. At right, Javier shows members of the La Esperanza congregation around the property that the church purchased in January.

Iowa Memorial for Don Bowlin Set for June 27

Via Pastor Gary Austin of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Grace Brethren Church, we have learned that an Iowa memorial service will be held for longtime Grace Brethren pastor Don Bowlin, who died last week in southern California (see Editor's Blog).

The memorial service for Don in Iowa will be on Saturday, June 27, at 3:00 p.m. at Fellowship Community Church, 225 North Ave., Norwalk, Iowa.

Aiken Calls Jim Murray to Pastoral Staff

Jim Murray, who has served as an intern pastor of youth since January, has been unanimously called as Pastor of Youth and Young Adults by the congregation of the Grace Brethren Church of Aiken, SC. He is a recent graduate of Columbia Biblical Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. He will begin his duties September 1.

Sunnyside Church Has Two Summer Interns

From Chuck Winter in Sunnyside, WA:

Nathan Dick, a member of the Wooster (OH) GBC and a senior at Grace College (graduating this December) , is the summer youth intern at Sunnyside (WA) GBC and began his ministry May 24th. Collin Curfman, a junior at Westminster Seminary in Escondido, California, is the associate intern and will begin his ministry June 7th.

GBC in Howe, IN, Looking for Lead Pastor

Lead Pastor

The body of believers at Brighton Chapel in Howe, IN, is seeking the man called by God to fill the position of Lead Pastor at our church.

Brighton Chapel is a vibrant, family-oriented church that is on the grow with roots seated deeply in the conservative, rural farming community of Brighton in northeastern LaGrange County, Indiana. We stand out because of our strong worship and youth programs and our effective small group ministries.

We are a unified and healthy church that recently became an affiliate of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. Our vision is to reach up in intimate worship of God, to compassionately reach out to the community and to reach in for authentic fellowship with our brethren.

Our church averages an attendance upwards of 200 in Sunday morning worship with the most prevalent demographics being the married thirty-somethings and their children in the zero to ten age group. We recently completed a building project that included the addition of classrooms, offices and a new foyer.

We have a strong foundation in biblical preaching and teaching and strive to provide concrete instruction for the application of biblical principles in everyday living. Our congregation is seeking a man who is a passionate preacher with dynamic leadership skills. He should be of an age that will enable him to relate well to the young adults of our church. He should have well-developed interpersonal relations skills and be willing to spend time with the members of his flock. He should also be self-motivated and organized.

Candidates who feel this may be a good match for their gifts and skills should submit a resume and digital (CD, DVD, MP3) copy of a sermon they have delivered to Rev. Kenneth Bickel at kebickel@grace.edu. If a CE or DVD needs to be mailed, it should be sent to: 1115 S. 8th Street, Goshen, IN 46526.