Listening to Chris Sharp, the newly named interim executive director of BIC World Missions, talk about her move from the local church to a global ministry, you quickly sense that this is someone for whom geography is not a limiting factor. Chris is passionate about winning souls for Christ—here, there, and everywhere—and her goal is to partner with whoever shares her enthusiasm for evangelism, wherever they are.
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Update on Bishop Ken Letner

When Ken Letner, bishop of the Susquehanna Conference, and his wife Linda met with his surgeon on Friday, February 29, for a post-up consultation and pathology report following surgery to remove a tumor from the frontal lobe of Ken’s brain, they learned that the tumor was a PNET (primitive neuron endodermal tumor), a variety of tumor usually found in children and rarely in adults. Before recommending a treatment plan for Ken, the surgeon has ordered a spinal tap and mylogram to check on possible spread of tumor cells through the spinal fluid. Ken will then meet with a specialist at Johns Hopkins University on March 10, with his case to be discussed at a tumor round-table on March 11. In the meantime, Ken continues with physical therapy to increase his strength and balance.

Although physically and emotionally exhausted, Ken reports that he is being well cared for by Linda and their family. He also speaks with appreciation for the many hundreds of friends who are supporting him and Linda with their prayers, encouraging words, and acts of kindness. Cards and letters can be mailed to Ken and Linda at the Susquehanna Conference office. The address is: 14 Industrial Circle, Mifflintown, PA 17059.

Exploring health insurance options

The campaign trail isn't the only place where health insurance is a hot topic these days. Denominations, including the Brethren in Christ Church, are also struggling to provide pastors and other ministry staff with the best possible health care coverage at the best possible price. Currently, we are in the information-gathering stage, as pastors and other employees of local congregations who work at least 20 hours a week, are completing a Statement of Physical Condition. This is a critical step in the exploration process, because the more complete the information we gather about the current health situation of our whole denomination-wide workforce, the more confident we can be in the rate quote we will receive from the potential insurance provider.

So thank you to those who have already completed the survey. And to those who should, but haven't yet completed a Statement of Physical Condition, please do so as soon as possible.

Peek inside General Conference Board meeting

If you’ve wondered what the the General Conference Board talks about when it meets, take a look inside the agenda of the February 7-9 meeting, which was held at the Manor BIC Church in Lancaster, Pa. Read more »

No more shouting

In today’s polarized context, civility is hard to come by when politics come into the conversation, and it doesn’t really seem to much matter on which side of the U.S. and Canada border we find ourselves. Add faith to the mix and the sparks really fly. So what can pastors and other congregational leaders do to encourage polite conversation and appropriate involvement by Brethren in Christ church goers in political life? The answer: enroll in Left, Right and Jesus, a new Impact Seminar from BIC Equipping for Ministry. Read more »

Count down to General Conference 2008

With slightly less than four months to go until congregational delegates gather in Richmond Hill, Ontario for the 2008 General Conference, registrations are beginning to trickle in, even as planning continues for the biennial meeting. Although the program committee isn’t ready to release a speakers’ roster, based on hallway conversations around the General Church office, this promises to be an exciting, inspirational conference. Read more »

Reading ahead for General Conference

At every General Conference, delegates take action on issues that are critical to the future ministry effectiveness of the North American BIC Church, and so it is important that everyone come to Conference well-versed in the issues that will be considered. That’s why we will be posting statements of explanation and sponsorship on the denomination website for each of the recommendations that will come before the 2008 General Conference, beginning with the following two items. We encourage congregational delegates to review the materials in advance of making the trip to Ontario.

Recommendations to General Conference 2008
GCB membership selection – Sponsor: GCB member Ron Bowell,
Structure of BIC World Missions – Sponsor: GCB member Bill Strausbaugh

Cooperative Ministries feels impact of sluggish economy

As 2007 came to a close, it was obvious that softening within the economy had taken a toll on church incomes – and by extension, on funding available to the General Church in support of our shared ministries. For a second year, actual contributions to Cooperative Ministries by churches came in below the amount that the churches had committed at the beginning of the year.

Extra-mile commitments from several churches and gifts from individuals (specifically in support of BIC World Missions) provided some budget relief. Even so, it was necessary to draw $110,000 from the General Church’s Vision Fund, a step that has severely depleted our operating reserves. There’s no denying that proactive steps are required in 2008 and beyond. Read more »

Honor Roll of U.S. Congregations

The mission momentum of the General Church depends upon the generous, voluntary, and until now, almost anonymous, participation of congregations in Cooperative Ministries. This year, we’re going public with our recognition of churches’ participation in CM with an Honor Roll of Congregations. The churches on the list have earned their spot by setting goals of extra mile generosity (above 12%), by committing to a sustaining contribution of 10-12%, or by advancing by 1% or more toward the 10% threshold. All of these congregations have taken the Apostle Paul's instruction to heart: "At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need" (2 Corinthians 8:14).

In addition to inclusion on the Honor Roll, each of the churches will receive a certificate of appreciation indicating its status as an “extra mile,” “sustaining,” or “advancing” congregation.

Spring issue of In Part on its way

The spring issue of In Part is in the mail, and we know you are going to be blessed by the focus on salvation. If you just can’t wait for your copy to arrive, you can access the latest issue of In Part at inpart.org. And while you’re there, we encourage you to check out In Part Online, where you’ll find stories and resources that the communications team couldn’t fit into our 16-page magazine.

Thank you from Brethren in Christ churches in India

Because North American churches opened their hearts and their finances to flood victims in India, more than 4,000 families have been assisted in rebuilding their lives and their homes. Read more »

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Don McNiven and Warren Hoffman
General Church Leaders

Contact Information:
Email: bic@messiah.edu
Phone: 717.697.2634
Fax: 717.796.4781

Web: www.bic-church.org

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