Annual Reports were presented at the January meeting of the Fellowship Of Churches

Thursday’s Child has been in operation since the end of June and has served 159 children. While some of those were repeats, it is gratifying to know that another community need is being met. Contributions of baby clothes and consumables are always welcome.

The Thrift Shop logged 388 volunteer hours last month and continues to do maintenance work on their building. The volunteer appreciation event at the December FOC meeting was well attended. They are grateful for contributions of winter clothing, as well as the Christmas Cookies for their clients.

REACH served 19 clients last month, ten with housing needs and nine with utilities. Reach is especially grateful for the year-end contributions that helped so many.

The Food Pantry served 675 individuals and 19 new clients last month. There is a need for someone to make the daily bread-run and pick up items donated by the New Market. People are needed to help move inventory on March 1 to the adjoining building. A walk-in freezer will fit in that space and a search is underway. Contact Rowena Greer (982-2325)

The Fellowship of Churches Food Pantry has been managed faithfully by Rowena Greer for years. She now realizes the time has come to find someone else to take over. Based on the number of individuals helped weekly that fall within the income guidelines, it is obvious the pantry is much needed in the community and should continue. 

 

Church Women United continue to be part of Church World Service Indiana Kentucky Kit Project. Our North Manchester goal this year is 200 blunt scissors and 200 of the 70-count spiral (or tape) bound pad or 8” x 10 !/2” ruled paper. These items can be brought to the church, World Day of Prayer, March 4, or May Friendship Day, May 6 (places to be announced). Let us help make a world of difference in the lives of refugees, dislocated people and victims of natural disasters.           Dorothy Weldy, Church Women United

 

What do you get when you get 25 Brethren youth together to play four-square? A record in the Guinness Book of World Records of course! Come watch Manchester college students from the Simply Brethren group play four square in the Manchester College Union for a good cause on February 25-26, 2011. Money raised will be sent to Camp Mack. To donate, you can write a check to Manchester College and bring it by when we are playing. Witnesses and time-keepers are needed. If you want to be a witness or time-keeper you cannot be an employee or student at Manchester College. For more information, please contact: 4square@manchester.edu

 

The South Central Indiana Church of the Brethren District Board is pleased to announce the calling of Beth Sollenberger to the position of District Executive Minister at our January 29, 2011 District Board Meeting. Beth is solidly grounded in Scripture and the Church of the Brethren with 29 years of experience working at congregational, district, and denominational levels. She is passionate about sharing her faith and full of energy, creativity, and joy. Beth and her husband Tim currently attend the Bethany COB, New Paris, IN where Tim serves as their pastor. Beth and Tim have two sons, Keith and Craig. Beth was raised in a Church of the Brethren home and congregation in Everett, PA and was ordained there in 1981. She attended Juniata College, Huntington, PA and received a seminary degree in 1981 from Bethany Theological Seminary. Beth will begin serving our District on Monday, February 21, 2011.

The District Board invites you to a special Worship Celebration and Installation Service for Beth Sollenberger on Sunday, February 20 @ 3:00 pm at the Kokomo Church of the Brethren. We will also recognize Carol Waggy, Interim District Executive Minister, for her special ministry to us. A Reception will follow giving you an opportunity to meet Beth and express gratitude to Carol.

Mark Stahl, Board President

Registration opens on February 22. While our delegates are pre-registered, you may wish to attend this year since the Grand Rapids location is near enough to be do-able. The 70-page information packet is available in the church office.

We are looking forward to 2011 being a year of growth. We strive to find ways to improve the products and service that we offer our members. There are 18 workshops available if your Sunday School class, small group, enrichment event, committee, or gathering has an interest in learning more, please contact Loyce Borgmann and she will work with appropriate staff to determine availability and time frame. We attempt to honor all requests for these sessions, but they are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. 

(1-847-622-3364 or lborgmann_bbt@brethren.org)