January 2006
Welcome to the first issue of Momentum in the New Year! Just as before, our aim for Momentum is to stimulate dialogue. On our part, we want to report leadership news and developments from across the church – including items of special interest from our website. We hope that you will let us know what you think – about the website and any of the stories that follow.
2006 Week of Prayer
BIC congregations all over North America were called to start the year with a week of prayer, and many responded, shaping this year's prayer emphasis for their own context. More >>
Bienvenido à Miami
The General Conference in Miami, Florida fits the rotation prescribed in the Manual of Doctrine and Government – east, west, east, north – but places the biennial event far from the population center of the church. Why the shift? As General Secretary, Darrell, explains, “We are trying to raise awareness that Miami is right in the heart of the fastest growing edge of the Brethren in Christ Church.” More >>
Reorganization of the Council for Women in Ministry and Leadership Continues
The Council for Women in Ministry and Leadership recently finalized a new vision statement and an organizational structure document that moves the women’s initiative toward more formal status with greater input from a variety of women and men. And you're invited to participate. More>>
New Year’s Resolutions for Congregations
Atlantic Conference leaders John Pletcher, Craig Sider, Doug Sider, and Nate Yoder collaborated recently on a list of New Year's resolutions for congregations. As you set direction for 2006, you may want to consider one or more of these resolutions for your church (others on the list will just make you laugh). More >>
Studying War Some More
As the U.S. presence in Iraq continues, leaders from several Anabaptist denominations – including BIC Moderator Warren Hoffman – traveled to Washington, DC to voice their concerns about the possibility of reinstatement of a military draft in the United States. More>>
Not Over Until the Last Check is In
We’ve broken through the $3 million mark for CM 2005, and the counting continues. The books on the past year’s Cooperative Ministries will remain open until mid-January, at which point we should have blown the roof off our CM giving bank. More>>
A One-time Tax Break for Some 2005 Givers in the U.S.
Generosity may be its own reward, but for some 2005 givers in the U.S., Congress added a little something extra to the equation via the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act (H.R. 3768). More>>
Creative Peace Teaching
When Eric Seibert is not teaching Old Testament at Messiah College, he is an active contributor to the wider ministry of the BIC Church – with a passion for peace, biblical studies, justice issues, and mediation. More >>
I’m So Brave Right Now, It Must Be God
Elena fled her abusive husband, seeking help in a domestic violence shelter 900 miles from her family and friends. Five years later, she tells the story of how prayer changed her life and enabled her to live in peace. More>>
Share Your Insights
You receive Momentum because you are a leader in the church – within a congregation, a regional conference, the General Church or all three. You may have asked to be included on the mailing list for Momentum or your name may have been picked up automatically when you entered your current position of leadership. Regardless of how you have come to Momentum, your feedback is important. Please let us hear from you.
Warren Hoffman & Darrell Winger
General Church Leaders
Contact Information:
Email: bic@messiah.edu
Phone: 717.697.2634
Fax: 717.697.7714
Web: www.bic-church.org
