Western Pennsylvania District Highlights

March 2014

STAFF:

Ronald D. Beachley

Suzanne G. Moss

Abby R. Shaffer

Carole J. Horner

CONTACT:

115 Spring Rd.

Hollsopple, PA 15935

814-479-7058

814-479-2181

814 479-2506 fax

WEBSITE:

www.westernpacob.org

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday ~ Friday

7:30 a.m. ~ 3:30 p.m.

Staff meeting each

Monday, 8:00 a.m.

Please send all Highlights information to the District Office by

the 10th.

HIGHLIGHTS

EDITOR:

Carolyn Willoughby

Deffenbaugh

carowill@homeside.to

(Subject: Highlights)

D i str i ct Me n ’s Fe l l ow s h ip

District Highlights Western Pennsylvania Church of the Brethren

March 2014 Vol. 14 No. 2

WINTER WONDERLAND

This morning as I see the bright sunlight touching the new fallen snow, it

brings to my mind a “winter wonderland,” beautiful to behold. While talking to my

sister yesterday, she remarked, “This soft, fluffy snow reminds me of the snow

globe we had in our home while growing up. When you picked it up and shook

it, the snow swirled around creating a “winter wonderland.” Even though it is dif-

ficult to get about from time to time, the fresh fallen snow reminds us of God’s

purity and care. It covers the ground with a blanket of soft fluffy flakes, which

add beauty and moisture to the ground below.

I recently read these lines in a poem by Percy Shelley, “I dreamed that,

as I wandered by the way, bare winter suddenly changed to spring.” As I’ve

plowed, shoveled, pushed and swept the snow from the parking lot and walks—

those lines of poetry have become real in my mind as I thought of the coming of

spring. I dreamed that beneath the snow and frozen ground there are bulbs al-

ready beginning to come to life. I even heard, and then saw, a robin chirping

from the branches in a tree last week. That robin’s presence was a gentle re-

minder that spring is coming. The seasons come and go, and God’s love and

grace continue to surround and bless us in all seasons of life.

At a recent meeting the idea of not complaining was shared by the lead-

er. The leader talked about a movement which challenges persons to go for

twenty one days without complaining. This movement began by a pastor in Kan-

sas City and has gone world-wide. Persons wiser than me suggest it takes

twenty one days to develop a habit. So, if we can go for twenty one days without

complaining it can become a habit. The leader gave us a bracelet to be worn as

a reminder of the commitment to not complain.

So, if you see me wearing a handmade bracelet ask me about it. I know

it has been difficult not to complain during the long cold days of winter. Howev-

er, when we think of spring, the beauty of the new life bursting forth before our

eyes we can rejoice and give praise. There is much to look forward to as we

“march” toward spring – Ash Wednesday on March 5, the Lenten Season, Palm

Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday as we worship and

give thanks to God for His love, grace and mercy.

Will you join me as together we look for the positive and go for twenty-

one days without complaining. Giving thanks and praise for all the beauty,

blessings and grace we receive during this special time of the year.

RDB

Western Pennsylvania District Highlights

March 2014

District Office News

NEW MEMBERS

Conemaugh congregation Joel McDaniel Jr. Mary McDaniel Sandra McDaniel Ellexus McDaniel Atallex McDaniel Uniontown congregation Logan Rankin Eve Wable

April 2014

Highlights Deadline

March 10, 2014

HOSPITALIZED

Farrel Abraham, pastor of the Robinson congregation – hospital treatment and recovery at home after a fall.

Isaac Baldeo, retired ordained minister in the Good Samaritan congregation for hospital treatment and recovery at home following a car accident.

Peter C. Kaltenbaugh, senior pastor of the Meyersdale congregation for surgery and recovery at home.

Horace E. Derr, co-pastor of the Conemaugh congregation for treatment.

Charles Smith, husband of Outreach & Service Team member, Marsha Smith, for tests.

SYMPATHY

to Linda & John Stoner, in the death of Linda’s mother, Rozella Spoerlein. John & Linda are the co-pastors of the Geiger congregation.

FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE The 2014 District Directory has been emailed it to congregations and contact persons in February. If you would like a paper copy or a CD, please contact the District Office at 814 479-2181 or email Suzie Moss at smoss@brethren.org. REMINDER for paper copy subscribers to the District HIGHLIGHTS, you will receive a renewal notice approximately one month before your subscription expires. For anyone that has not subscribed for a paper copy that is sent by postal mail, please send a $15 check for a one-year subscription made out to Western PA District COB and noted in the memo line “HIGHLIGHTS subscription.” Make sure you have included your full mailing address. Thank you!

A Note from Mount Joy congregation

We recently did some renovations here at our church and we have available a glass entrance door (double doors) with framing and hardware which we would like to donate to a church in need. Do you know of any church that would be able to use these doors? Any questions or if anyone is interested, they can call our church at 724-547-3670. The office is open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and they can call then and the message would be passed on to the appropriate person.

Brethren Heritage Festival Quilt Patches

PLEASE send your quilt patch block in ASAP!!!

Send to: Pastor Judy Walker 425 Morning Side Ave Jeannette, PA 15644

Western Pennsylvania District Highlights

March 2014

DISTRICT

MEN'S FELLOWSHIP

SPRING BREAKFAST SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2014

SOMERSET CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

606 Berlin Plank Rd, Somerset, 15501 8:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

FREE WILL OFFERING

Please Contact:

Homer Marshall 369 W Church Ave

Masontown, PA 15461 Or call: 724-583-7073

(We need to know how many are coming. Thank You!)

AbbsTract March 2014

Hello, friends! Suzie has reminded me of our little deadline, and I am having a rough time coming up with something

useful to say. I have endured a very difficult week, and because I am proud of myself just for remaining upright in my

office chair, I think I will try something different. I will let others speak for me. I have lately been studying historical

Christians and what they did in the Church, so I would like to share some time-honored bits of wisdom with you. Enjoy.

From St. Jerome (c. 345-420), who translated the Bible into Latin:

-“The scars of others should teach us caution.”

-“Virginity can be lost by a thought.”

-“Be ever engaged, so that whenever the Devil calls he may find you occupied.”

From St. Augustine (354-430), who bore a dramatic testimony:

- “If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself.”

-“Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues, hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist there cannot be

any other virtue except in mere appearance.”

From St. Boniface (c. 680-754), a missionary among Germanic peoples:

“In her voyage across the ocean of this world, the Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life's

different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship but to keep her on her course.”

From Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), a French abbot and reformer:

“There are those who seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge; that is Curiosity. There are those who seek knowledge

to be known by others; that is Vanity. There are those who seek knowledge in order to serve; that is Love.”

From Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855), a Danish philosopher:

“God creates out of nothing. Wonderful, you say. Yes, to be sure, but He does what is still more wonderful: He makes

saints out of sinners.”

From Corrie ten Boom (1892-1983), a Dutch missionary:

-“No pit is so deep that He (Jesus) is not deeper still.”

-“Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow

ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

-“You can never learn that Christ is all you need, until Christ is all you have.”

-“Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when

you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.”

From Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), a German pastor:

-“In a word, live together in the forgiveness of your sins, for without it no human fellowship, least of all a marriage, can

survive. Don’t insist on your rights, don’t blame each other, don’t judge or condemn each other, don’t find fault with

each other, but accept each other as you are, and forgive each other every day from the bottom of your hearts…”

-“Those who love their dream of a Christian community more than the Christian community itself become destroyers of

that Christian community even though their personal intentions may be ever so honest, earnest, and sacrificial.”

-“I can no longer condemn or hate a brother for whom I pray, no matter how much trouble he causes me.”

So there you go – wise thoughts from wise people. Won’t it be nice if folks are still reaping the benefits of YOUR life,

long after you’re gone? Let’s strive to live in that way!

Abby

Western Pennsylvania District Highlights

March 2014

Women’s Ministry Report—Uniontown We’re thrilled to share some information

about our “Sisters in Spirit” Women’s Ministry here at the Uniontown Church of the Brethren. Our core team consists of ten spirit filled ladies: Charlotte Cable, Amber Cole, Pamela Jacobs, Cheryl Kalivoda, Judith Means, Lauren Stein, Sandra Stein (our leader), Pam Wable, Wilma Wilson, and Paula Works. The Core Team meets regularly to pray and carefully study our ministry goals and program plans.

Our fellowship then takes place on Saturday mornings from 10:00 a.m. through 11:30 a.m. in January, March, May, September, and November. We have approximately 36 regular attendees and average 60 participants for our Mother-Daughter event each May. Our women’s fellowship is open to all females, beginning at age 14; and you don’t need to be a member of our congregation to attend!

Our first year was in 2012 with a “Seaside Escape” theme. Our fellowship time consists of

Scripture, song, skits, prayer, and meditation mixed with loads of laughter, sometimes tears, and always delicious snacks.

A few of our service projects for 2012 were Dress for Success, Center of Hope, and funding to girls at the Hekima Place who have lost parents to AIDS. In 2013, our theme was “Cozy Mountain Lodge” where we built a strong foundation in Christ and basked in God’s presence. Our service projects were Camp Harmony, Disaster Aid Buckets, and bean soup mixes for a community project that provided crock pots for young mothers.

We have started into our 2014 theme, “Café Chocolat” sharing a sweet time with each other and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our first service project this year was a monetary donation to the Hogar de Niňos Emmanuel Children’s Home in Honduras.

Our church family kindly donated the seed money to begin our Women’s Ministry; however, we now have only one fundraiser in the autumn of each year which is our “Country Store” and this supports our financial needs for the entire year. We have been truly blessed and pray this important ministry for women will continue to grow.

LENTEN EVENING SERVICES 2014

The Johnstown Area Churches of the Brethren Theme: Names for Jesus

Ash Wednesday: 6:00-6:45 p.m.

March 5 Pleasant Hill Terry Gindlesperger & Phil King “Where’s the Repentance in the Seven Feasts of Israel?” Leviticus 23

Sunday Evenings: 6:45 p.m. Hymn Sing 7:00 p.m. Worship

Date Host Church Speaker Topic Text

March 9 Moxham Linda Reininger Jesus Is Our Righteousness (Jehovah Tsidkenu) Matthew 7:13-14

March 16 Roxbury Gary Mosorjak Jesus Is Our Healer (Jehovah Rapha) Matthew 9:1-8

March 23 Walnut Grove Guy Myers Jesus Is Our Companion (Jehovah Shammah) Matthew 28:16-19

March 30 Tire Hill Bill Wenger Jesus Is Our Provider (Jehovah Jireh) Romans 4:18-25

April 6 Westmont Frank Young Jesus Is Our Peace (Jehovah Shalom) Romans 5:1-11

Childcare is provided. A time of refreshment and fellowship will follow the worship service each evening.

The offerings will be split evenly between New Day, Inc. and the Cambria City Mission. “Calls to Giving” will be shared

by New Day and Cambria City Mission with persons coming to the services from those ministries to give these short talks

right before the offering. No collection will be taken on Ash Wednesday but an offering plate will be available for you to use.

Western Pennsylvania District Highlights

March 2014

2014 Theme: “WOMAN OF GOD”

Growing in Grace. 2 Peter 3:18

The District Women’s Ministries

invite you to the first “Gathering” of the year

“A Lovely Brunch”

Being held at the Conemaugh Church of the Brethren.

Save the date: Thursday – April 10 - You will not want to miss

any of the events this year.

Registration starts at 9:30am

The Welcome starts at 10:00am

A special guest from Samaria will be coming to share her learned wisdom with us. She goes by the name of Pastor Brandy Liepelt now. You will be blest by hearing ‘the rest of the story.’ Closing around 1:00pm

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Please send reservations by MARCH 27.Cost: $10.00

Church_________________________No.____Amount $_______

Please include the names with this slip.

Please let us know if child-care is needed.

Send to: Arbutus Blough, 845 Speigle Rd, Hollsopple, PA 15935

814 629-9279 for more information.

Western Pennsylvania District Highlights

March 2014

WOMEN of GOD Growing in Grace

2 Peter 3:18

You are invited to a very special

SPRING EVENT! Just for you!

It is being held at a place where

the SON is always shining.

When: May 2-3, 2014

Friday evening thru Saturday – 3:30

Where: At Antiochian Village Convention Center

Hotel accommodations – excellent food

6 miles north of Ligonier

Come and discover where God has planted you and GROW.

“We are planted with Love, nurtured by Grace, pruned with

Mercy, watered by the Spirit and harvested with Joy.”

We want to give the women of the district the opportunity to take time to relax, make new friends, worship God and have a deeper

relationship with Jesus.

There will be plenty of God-time, free time and pampering -

(manicures, pedicures and massages).

Come Join the Garden Party.

The Spring Event is sponsored by the District Women’s Ministries.

Western Pennsylvania District Highlights

March 2014

We are so excited to announce: the cost of the Spring Event

“Women of God—Growing in Grace”

has stayed the same price as the Spring Event last year.

All prices are per person:

4/5 in a room—$100.00 all inc. Commuters—2 days—$70.00 includes

3 in a room—$110.00 all inc. supper, lunch, snacks & retreat

2 in a room—$ 120.00 all inc Friday only—$30.00 includes supper & retreat

1 in a room—$ 130.00 all inc. Saturday only—$50.00 (no breakfast)

Pampering (Manicures, Pedicures and Massages) will be extra.

We pray that the hearts of women of all ages will relax and connect with God through this meaningful event.

There are some exciting surprises and wonderful things in store for you at the 2014 Spring Event!!!!! Come to the garden.

REGISTRATIONS must be received before March 4th. Balance must be paid in full by April 10th.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

PLEASE SEND A SEPARATE SLIP FOR EACH PERSON. MAIL: ASAP

“Women of God—Growing in Grace”

Name_______________________________________Phone_________________

Address____________________________________________________________

Congregation_______________________________________________________

People to room with__________________________________________________

Down payment non-refundable ($50.00)_____________________________or

Paid in full $_____________________ Date______________________________

Make check out to: W. PA. District Women’s Ministries

Send to: Pastor Judy Walker, 425 Morningside Avenue, Jeannette, PA 15644-1954

For information call 724-522-5260

Complete payment is due by April 15, 2013. We must know if you’re coming by March 12.

Christ-centered Church Renewal: Springs of Living Water

9 p.m. Friday Evening Insight Session Plus 10th Anniversary Celebration with testimonials & gifts

A Closer Walk: Spiritually growing in Christ personally, as servant leaders, and as churches

Workshop Description: Growing in the spiritual life is the thread that runs

through exciting new life for individuals and new life for churches.

Come to learn and explore how to take your next step in faith, to grow as servant leaders, and to grow the spiritual life of your congregation.

Hear a stirring message and testimonials of what is happening in churches in renewal, and the closer walk that is developing personally and congregationally.

Presenters: David and Joan Young, renewal servants, and persons in the Springs Initiative giving testimonials.

Photo by Glenn Riegel

Celebrate New Life in Churches: 10th Anniversary of Springs gifts for all:

1) A gift of a CD by Anna Mow on practical guidance of growing in a joyous faith. 2) A new DVD on Springs of Living Water: a foundational message by David S. Young on

the woman at the well scripture, the exciting new Springs Academy for pastors over the phone, and the Springs Initiative in congregations: video by David Sollenberger.

Leave with a renewed sense of commitment to take next steps in renewal.

Western Pennsylvania District Highlights

March 2014

Denominational News go to www.brethren.org for the most complete and up to date news from the Church of the Brethren

Cookbook News

The New Inglenook Cookbook website has all-new content: www.InglenookCookbook.org. Share your favorite Inglenook recipe or story on our new blog, Kitchen Scrapbook. Visit the online store to see all our cookbooks and merchandise, including mugs and aprons. And don’t forget to check the home page for a link to an updated list of cookbook corrections. (If you don’t have access to the Internet, call Brethren Press Customer Service at 800-441-3712 to receive the list of corrections by mail). Stay connected, spread the word, and keep cooking!

New Curriculum for Sunday School

Shine is for congregations that want to share the vibrant message of Jesus with children. It starts this coming fall, right after the final quarter of Gather ’Round. Advance copies of the fall materials will be available by the end of March so that congregations have plenty of time to review them. Free sample sessions can already be found at www.shinecurriculum.com , and Starter Kits will be available soon. (The website is also where individuals can sign up to receive updates by e-mail.)

Shine is offering two training opportunities:

The first, held jointly with our Mennonite publishing partner, is a full-day event on Saturday, March 29, at the Westin Convention Center in Pittsburgh. The cost is $10 per congregation, and those interested can reserve a spot by contacting Dorothy Hartman at DorothyH@MennoMedia.org or 540-908-2438. Postcards are being mailed to congregations within potential driving distance of Pittsburgh.

The second opportunity is an insight session on Thursday evening, July 3, at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Columbus.

Many will find online training to be more convenient, so short videos will be posted on the website within several months.

We’re pretty excited about Shine, and we hope you are too. Teaching children is a ministry of the whole church, and it’s a privilege to be part of that effort. In a time when many church publishing houses have had to abandon Sunday school curriculum, it’s gratifying that our congregations are still supporting the creation of well-thought-out resources from a Brethren and Mennonite perspective. Thanks for your involvement in that mission.

Please let us know if you have questions about Shine. You can contact Jeff Lennard at jlennard@brethren.org or 847-429-4321.

Newsline Quote of the week:

“I believe that as long as there is war, there will be conscientious objection. The need for our work will go on.”

-- Bill Galvin, counseling coordinator at the Center on Conscience and War, in an interview for the news piece [in January 25, 2014 Newsline] on state laws that automatically register young men for the draft when they apply for a driver’s license or state i.d. The Center on Conscience and War in Washington, D.C., was founded in the 1940s by religious organizations including the Church of the Brethren and other peace churches, and was formerly known as NISBCO, the National Interreligious Service Board for Conscientious Objectors. The center helps protect the rights of conscientious objectors, is active in the G.I. Rights Hotline, monitors laws such as the automatic registration into the draft, and helps immigrants and people of different religious backgrounds apply for conscientious objector status. Find out more at www.centeronconscience.org .

Brethren Home Community Windber

March, 2014

Our Valentine’s Day was made much

brighter by the many cards we received.

Thanks to each group or person who was able

to participate in our Valentine’s Day project.

Your cards made us feel loved! Our Home

was also able to join in giving to others on

Valentine’s Day by becoming involved in a

project sponsored by the Hindman Funeral

Homes. The residents made and submitted cards that the company

forwarded to deployed troops as a morale booster. The cards were

delivered in time for Valentine’s Day. Mr. Hindman volunteers for

this project to be sure that the troops overseas know how much people

at home appreciate their service.

Home Director of Nursing Retires: Mrs. Celia Adams, who has been a registered nurse supervisor at the Home since 1978, and Director of Nursing since 1998, has retired. Mrs. Adams is a native of Windber and a graduate of the Conemaugh Hospital School of nursing. She was a nurse at the Windber Hospital and several nursing homes in the York area before she accepted a nursing position at our Home. During her years as DON, she helped guide our staff through the many changes in state regulations and geriatric care standards. The perfect state inspection the Home achieved stands out as a high point in her memory, as well as loving the residents and working with their families and volunteers. Home Administrator Edie Scaletta has fond memories of her work with Mrs. Adams and the challenges they faced in bringing about required care changes throughout the years. Mrs. Scaletta is especially appreciative of the diligence and sense of humor she brought to her position, along with her tenacious drive to provide higher standards of care to our facility. Mrs. Adams has been well liked and admired by our staff. Her outgoing, positive personality has been an asset to our Home, and she will be truly missed. We wish her well as she enjoys gardening, vacationing and spending time with her two daughters Sonia and Abbe and their families. Brenda Mathis, who has been serving as assistant DON will be accepting the position as Director of Nursing.

Home Dietary Department: The Home Dietary department, under the direction of Lynette Orozco and Shawn Boast , strives to provide our residents with the finest dining experience. They work closely with the medical staff to ensure that each resident receives the proper diet for optimum nutrition. With the assistance of the Sodexo dieticians, they have actively embraced new trends in senior meal planning. Residents now select from a varied menu at each meal, enjoy expanded dining hours, and are being introduced to therapeutic dietary liberalization. The department has also become an integral part of Home activities. From providing light snacks for our Auxiliary meetings to preparing beautiful holiday buffets and banquets, they are always up to the job. They cooperate with the activities department to provide special programs such as the recent Hydration Splash to educate and entertain. In addition to benefiting the Home, the department has become involved in philanthropic activities. It is a large part of the Home’s efforts for the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center during Breast Cancer awareness month, and holds fund raisers and collects food items for local food pantries. We are pleased that Sodexo has become such a positive partner in our programs, and grateful that Lynette, Shawn and the dietary staff work with us.

Coming Events - Please Join Us!

Annual Chicken Barbecue

Saturday, June 6, 2014

Dine In or Take Out

12:00 noon – 6:00 PM

Delicious chicken dinners grilled

to perfection!

Be sure to visit Grandma’s Attic

and Pappy’s Shed!

Home Auxiliary

Annual Spring Tea

Sunday, April 27

2 – 4 PM

Tea and homemade treats served to

residents and families on stations

2,5, and 6.

1414 Plank Road, P O Box 158

Hooversville, PA 15936-0158 E-mail: harmony@campharmony.org

http://www.campharmony.org

(814) 798-5885 FAX: (814) 798-2225

C A M P H A R M O N Y

CELEBRATES 90 YEARS OF MINISTRY 1924 – 2014

1800's Long before the property was purchased for a camp and sometime after the Civil

War, the original building known as "The Lodge" was built. An addition to this

building was constructed in the 1930's.

February 5, 1924 The original 19 acres of Camp Harmony was purchased for $8,000.

March 3rd

1924 Camp Harmony officially incorporated.

July 21, 1924 The first camp, known as the Founders, began. The first Camp Manager was W. J.

Hamilton.

1924 to 1945 The cabins were developed during this period.

1930's The original swimming pool was constructed. It was renovated in the 1950's,

late 1970's and mid 1980's but remains pretty much as originally constructed.

1930's An open air pavilion type structure, known as the Tabernacle was

constructed. This facility was sponsored by the men of the Walnut Grove

Church of the Brethren.

1947 To allow indoor services. this open air pavilion was replaced with a new

concrete block Tabernacle for a cost of $25,000.

Early 1960's Additional land was purchased for the future development of Camp

Harmony. After a period of years a 75' wide strip of ground was 'purchased

through a land trade to allow access to this new purchase of land.

Stay tuned for the rest of the story…..

Camp Harmony continues to lift up His Name until the whole world hears…….

90th

Anniversary Celebration May 30, 31 and June 1

May 30 - Open House Celebration for area businesses, Laurel Highlands Visitors

Bureau, Somerset Chamber of Commerce, and Greater Johnstown Visitors Bureau

May 31 – Open House Celebration for community residents

June 1 - Chicken BBQ, Worship Celebration, Recreation

* * * * * *

2014 “52 God Bless You Team” 17 families and/ or congregations have attached to the 2014 “52 God Bless You Team” for $2,500.

They are helping Camp Harmony bless others. Join now for a $1.00 a week for 52 weeks. This support

helps the ministry of Camp as it reaches out to others. Thank You.

“Inviting all people to experience the wonder of

creation, and find harmony with God, with nature, and

with one another

CAMP HARMONY

1414 Plank Road, P O Box 158

Hooversville, PA 15936-0158 E-mail: harmony@campharmony.org

http://www.campharmony.org

(814) 798-5885

FAX: (814) 798-2225

LOOKING FORWARD

YOUR CAMP REP AND PASTOR HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION OR

CONTACT CAMP

Camp Escape Days – Contact Camp – All ages

March 15 – Snow Much Fun – 1 – 5 PM

April 5 – Scavenger Hunt Day

May 24 – Campfire Cooking

Zumba – Tuesdays and Thursdays – 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

February 4 – April 24 - $5 / Class or $30 / Month

Pastors and Camp Representatives Luncheon – March 1 – 11:30 AM

Children’s Retreat – Grades 2 – 5 – March 7-9 - $100

Scrapbook Retreat - April 11 – April 12 - Join the growing group of Camp Harmony

Croppers

WISH LIST Often groups or individuals are looking for items and/or projects that they can do for

Camp. This list is constantly changing and we thank you for all your help.

--mulch --hot pads, oven gloves

--vacuum sweepers --water shoes, tennis shoes (inexpensive)

(used for creek stomping)

--fishing poles --1” binders

--magnifying glasses

--materials for Ga Ga Court and/ or construction

--materials for Four Square Vertical and/ or construction

(the last two are great projects for men’s groups or youth groups – contact camp

for details)

--don’t forget we are always collecting Labels for Education (Campbells)

JOB OPENINGS

Inquire at Camp or go online www.campharmony.org and obtain a general application with a resume and

reference letter and mail to Camp – Attn. Janice

--Maintenance – 40 hours a week

--Part Time Cleaning – Flexible hours depending on the need at Camp

--Cook, Kitchen Assistants – Flexible hours depending on the need at Camp

“Inviting all people to experience the wonder of

creation, and find harmony with God, with nature, and

with one another

CAMP HARMONY

As you can see noted below and on the back of this page, the reports are

coming in. THANKS VERY MUCH!! Form B was sent to the churches from the denominational offices. This form updates contact information about your congregation’s board or leadership team chair, the treasurer, a deacon contact, a nurture contact, a stewards contact, a witness contact, junior high advisor, youth advisor, and several other contact persons. Please be sure to review the material provided on that form and make updates as they are

needed. Complete addresses and phone numbers are appreciated, as well

as email addresses, if they are available. Also, an Additional Officers Form

for 2014 was sent from the District Office in October. Congregations should have received the Statistical

Information for 2013 Form in December of 2013, also. This form is due back in the Yearbook Office by

March 17, 2014.

In addition, the Congregational Outreach Form for 2013/2014 was sent from the COB Stewardship Office. If you cannot locate the form, you will need to contact Mandy Garcia at 800-323-8039, ext. 361, at the

denominational office. The deadline for completing this form was December 2, 2013. A downloadable version of the form, as well as a new fillable option is now available at www.brethren.org/stewardship. Feel free to use that option in order to switch to paperless reporting. The forms listed below were received as of February 18. This information is important to both the district and the denomination. The updated forms get sent to Elgin and they provide a copy for the District Office. If you have a question about a form, please don’t hesitate to contact Suzie at 814 479-2181 or 1-866-279-2181. Your prompt attention to this task will be appreciated. Thanks!

Church Code

Church Name

Form A

Form B

2013 Statistical Report

Additional Officers

Self-Allocation

37-010 Arbutus ● ● ●

37-015 Beachdale ●

37-020 Bear Run ● ●

37-030 Berkey ● ●

37-050 Bethel ●

37-060 Brothersvalley ● ● ●

37-068 Canaan ● ● ●

37-070 Center ● ●

37-080 Center Hill ● ● ●

37-090 Conemaugh ● ● ●

37-100 Connellsville ● ● ● ●

37-110 County Line ● ●

37-130 Elbethel ● ● ●

37-140 Erie Community United

37-150 Fairchance ● ●

37-160 Fairview

37-170 Farmington Bethel

37-190 Geiger ● ●

37-195 Good Samaritan

37-200 Greensburg ●

37-210 Greenville ●

37-220 Hooversville ● ● ●

37-230 Hostetler ● ●

37-240 Hyndman ●

37-250 Indiana ● ●

37-310 Ligonier First ● ●

37-320 Locust Grove ● ●

37-340 Maple Glen

37-350 Maple Grove ●

37-360 Maple Spring ●

37-373 Markleysburg

37-380 Meyersdale ● ● ●

37-390 Middlecreek ● ●

37-400 Monroeville ●

37-410 Montgomery ●

Church Code

Church Name

Form A

Form B

2013 Statistical Report

Additional Officers

Self-Allocation

37-260 Morrellville

37-420 Mount Joy ● ● ●

37-430 Mount Pleasant

37-270 Moxham ● ● ●

37-440 Nanty Glo ● ● ●

37-450 Natrona Heights

37-460 Oakdale ●

37-470 Penn Run

37-475 Pike Run ●

37-480 Pleasant Hill ● ● ●

37-500 Plumcreek ● ● ● ●

37-505 Purchase Line

37-508 Rayman

37-510 Robinson ● ● ●

37-520 Rockton

37-530 Rockwood ● ●

37-280 Roxbury

37-540 Rummel ● ● ●

37-550 Salisbury ●

37-560 Scalp Level ● ● ●

37-570 Shade Creek/Ridge ● ● ●

37-580 Sipesville ● ● ● ●

37-590 Somerset ● ● ●

37-600 Sugar Grove ● ●

37-620 Ten Mile

37-630 Tire Hill ● ● ●

37-635 Union Chapel

37-640 Uniontown ● ●

37-290 Walnut Grove ●

37-645 Way of Hope ●

37-300 Westmont

37-650 Windber ● ● ●

37-660 Wooddale ● ● ●

2014 District Events and Meetings

EVENTS ARE CODED AS... District Events open for anyone in the District to attend - CAPS Meetings such as District Leadership Team, Camp Board, Home Trustees, and events beyond the District - small print Youth and Children’s Activities - ITALICS & CAPS

SUGGESTIONS FOR USE... KEEP FOR REFERENCE WHEN SETTING LOCAL CHURCH DATES. Each month check this page in District HIGHLIGHTS for changes/additions. Keep your calendar updated.

MARCH 2014 1 - SVMC/BRETHREN ACADEMY PROGRAM, 9 a.m. – Moxham Church 5 - ASH WEDNESDAY 6 - Day Trip to New Windsor, Maryland – Contact Herb Ewald-814 539-8530 6 - BHCW Auxiliary, 1 p.m. 7 - WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 9 - DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS (Turn clocks AHEAD one hour) 9 - FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT 15 - SVMC/BRETHREN ACADEMY PROGRAM, 9 a.m. – Moxham Church 16 - SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT 16 - ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING 17 - Brethren Home Trustees Executive Committee, 6:30 p.m. 18 - Day Trip to New Windsor, Maryland – Contact Herb Ewald-814 539-8530 18 - SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER ACADEMY, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., phone conference call 23 - THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT 24 - Camp Harmony Board of Directors – Committees, 6:30 p.m.; Board 7 p.m. 25 - Johnstown Area Pastors, 12 noon, Windber Church 29 - SVMC/BRETHREN ACADEMY PROGRAM, 9 a.m. – Moxham Church 30 - FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT APRIL 2014 6 - FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT 8 - SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER ACADEMY, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., phone conference call 10 - DISTRICT WOMEN’S MINISTRY SPRING GATHERING – more information to come 12 - SVMC/BRETHREN ACADEMY PROGRAM, 9 a.m. – District Office 13 - PALM SUNDAY 17 - MAUNDY THURSDAY 18 - GOOD FRIDAY 20 - ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN! HAPPY EASTER! 21 - Brethren Home Community Trustees, 6:30 p.m. 22 - Johnstown Area Pastors, 12 noon, Nanty Glo Church 26 - SVMC/BRETHREN ACADEMY PROGRAM, 9 a.m. – District Office 27 - ANNUAL SPRING TEA, 2-4 p.m., Brethren Home Community Windber 28 - Camp Harmony Board of Directors – Committees, 6:30 p.m.; Board 7 p.m. 29 - SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER ACADEMY, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., phone conference call

MAY 2014 1 - NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER 1 - Day Trip to New Windsor, Maryland – Contact Herb Ewald-814 539-8530 1 - BHCW Auxiliary, 1 p.m. 2-3 - DISTRICT WOMEN’S MINISTRY RETREAT – Antiochian Village Conference & Retreat Center [SEE ENCLOSED FLYER] 4 - NATIONAL YOUTH SUNDAY 8 - Core Leadership Team, 6 p.m., District Office 10 - SVMC/BRETHREN ACADEMY PROGRAM, 9 a.m. – District Office 11 - HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!! 13 - Day Trip to New Windsor, Maryland – Contact Herb Ewald-814 539-8530 17 - District Leadership Team, 9 a.m., County Line Church 19 - District Women’s Ministry Cabinet, 1 p.m., District Office 19 - Brethren Home Trustees Executive Committee, 6:30 p.m. 26 - Camp Harmony Board of Directors – Committees, 6:30 p.m.; Board 7 p.m. 27 - Johnstown Area Pastors, 12 noon, Brethren Home Community Windber 29 - ASCENSION DAY 30-31 - CAMP HARMONY CELEBRATING 90 YEARS – more information to come JUNE 2014 1 - CAMP HARMONY CELEBRATING 90 YEARS - more information to come 7 - BHCW CHICKEN BBQ, Brethren Home Community Windber – more information to come 8 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHURCH!! (Pentecost Sunday) 12 - DISTRICT WOMEN’S MINISTRY CAMP DAY – more information to come 15 - HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!! 16 - Brethren Home Community Trustees, 6:30 p.m. 23 - Camp Harmony Board of Directors – Committees, 6:30 p.m.; Board 7 p.m. JULY 2014 2-6 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE, Columbus, Ohio 10 - Day Trip to New Windsor, Maryland – Contact Herb Ewald-814 539-8530 14 - District Women’s Ministry Cabinet, 1 p.m., District Office 19-24 - NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE (NYC) - Fort Collins, Colorado 21 - Brethren Home Trustees Executive Committee, 6:30 p.m. 22 - Day Trip to New Windsor, Maryland – Contact Herb Ewald-814 539-8530 24 - Core Leadership Team, 6 p.m. (District Conference Business) 28 - Camp Harmony Board of Directors – Committees, 6:30 p.m.; Board 7 p.m. AUGUST 2014 1 - District Leadership Team, 6 p.m., Arbutus Church (District Conference Business) 7 - BHCW Auxiliary, 1 p.m. 9 - SVMC/BRETHREN ACADEMY PROGRAM, 9 a.m. – location to be announced 16 - DISTRICT WOMEN’S MINISTRY SUMMER TEA – more information to come 18 - Brethren Home Community Trustees, 6:30 p.m. 23 - SVMC/BRETHREN ACADEMY PROGRAM, 9 a.m. – location to be announced 25 - Camp Harmony Board of Directors – Committees, 6:30 p.m.; Board 7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 2014 1 - LABOR DAY 4 - Day Trip to New Windsor, Maryland – Contact Herb Ewald-814 539-8530 4 - BHCW Auxiliary Key Ladies Luncheon, 12 noon 4 - Core Leadership Team, 6 p.m., District Office 6 - SVMC/BRETHREN ACADEMY PROGRAM, 9 a.m. – location to be announced 8 - District Women’s Ministry Cabinet, 1 p.m., District Office 13 - District Leadership Team, 9 a.m., Purchase Line Church 15 - Brethren Home Trustees Executive Committee, 6:30 p.m. 16 - Day Trip to New Windsor, Maryland – Contact Herb Ewald-814 539-8530 20 - BRETHREN HERITAGE FESTIAL, Camp Harmony 21 - DAY OF PRAYER FOR PEACE 22 - Camp Harmony Board of Directors – Committees, 6:30 p.m.; Board 7 p.m. 27-28 - Ethics Training for ALL Ministers – more information to come OCTOBER 2014 5 - WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY 9 - DISTRICT WOMEN’S MINISTRY HOME DAY – more information to come 11 - SVMC/BRETHREN ACADEMY PROGRAM, 9 a.m. – location to be announced 18 - District Conference, 9 a.m., Camp Harmony 20 - Brethren Home Community Trustees, 6:30 p.m. 25 - SVMC/BRETHREN ACADEMY PROGRAM, 9 a.m. – location to be announced 27 - Camp Harmony Board of Directors – Committees, 6:30 p.m.; Board 7 p.m. NOVEMBER 2014 1 - NINTH DISTRICT AUCTION, 9 a.m., Camp Harmony 2 - NATIONAL JUNIOR HIGH SUNDAY 2 - DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS (Turn clocks BACK one hour) 6 - Day Trip to New Windsor, Maryland – Contact Herb Ewald-814 539-8530 6 - BHCW Auxiliary, 1 p.m. 6 - Core Leadership Team, 6 p.m., District Office 8 - SVMC/BRETHREN ACADEMY PROGRAM, 9 a.m. – location to be announced 11 - District Women’s Ministry Cabinet, 1 p.m., District Office 15 - District Leadership Team, 9 a.m., Geiger Church 17 - Brethren Home Trustees Executive Committee, 6:30 p.m. 18 - Day Trip to New Windsor, Maryland – Contact Herb Ewald-814 539-8530 24 - Camp Harmony Board of Directors – Committees, 6:30 p.m.; Board 7 p.m. 27 - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! 30 - FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 2014 7 - SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT 14 - THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT 15 - Brethren Home Community Trustees, 6:30 p.m. 21 - FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 22 - Camp Harmony Board of Directors – Committees, 6:30 p.m.; Board 7 p.m. 25 - MERRY CHIRSTMAS!! 30 - VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DINNER, 6 p.m., Camp Harmony 31 - NEW YEAR’S EVE

PLEASE NOTE Dates will be added or changed as needed. If your District group, team, or committee has additions or changes to this calendar, please contact the District Office as soon as possible. Your help is much appreciated!

AVAILABLE SPEAKERS LIST MARCH 2014

ORDAINED BALDEO, ISAAC - 4555 Glen Eden Rd, Cranberry Twp, 16066-3001 - 724 452-0923 BAUGHMAN, CARL L. - 130 Homewood Dr, Butler, 16001-1960 - 724 283-1051 BROADWATER, KEVIN L. - 475 Keystone St, Meyersdale, 15552-6943 - 814 442-5684 DAVIS, KENNETH A. - 301 Walker St, Garrett, 15542-8427 - 814 634-8173 DEFFENBAUGH, BARRON K. - 207 Churchill St, Johnstown, 15904 - 814 266-9758 EASH, JOHN E. - 131 Friendship Ln, Hollsopple, 15935-6732 - 814 629-0206 FORRY, ROGER L. - 341 Lincoln St, Somerset, 15501-1308 - 814 443-2979 GREW, DOTTIE H. - 509 Sherman St, Meyersdale, 15552-1239 - 814 634-5329 HAY, CHARLES R. - 1127 E Main St, Berlin, 15530-1428 - 814 267-3205 HIRONIMUS, BERTHA - 142 Bent Tree Hill, Ligonier, 15658-3202 - 724 238-3984 HOSLER, WILBUR H. - 525 First St, Clymer, 15728-1417 - 724 254-9764 HOUGHTON, JAMES E. - 124 Lindberg Ave, Johnstown, 15905-3019 - 814 255-2431 HOUGHTON, SALLY M. - 124 Lindberg Ave, Johnstown, 15905-3019 - 814 255-2431 ICE, ROGER L., SR. - 48 N Grove St, Scottdale, 15683 - 724 887-4340 KABLER, ERIC P. - 126 Clermont St, Johnstown 15904-2132 - 814 266-2734 LONGWELL, ERIC M. - 225 Oak Hill Rd, Shelocta, 15774-3144 - 724 599-8690 MARSHALL, HOMER H. - 369 W Church Ave, Masontown, 15461-1651 - 724 583-7073 MARSHALL, PATRICIA M. - 369 W Church Ave, Masontown, 15461-1651 - 724 583-7073 MARTIN, NOAH S. - 614 Freedom Ave, Johnstown, 15904-2206 - 814 266-6489 MCCOY, SHELBY F. - 1809 Geiger Rd, Friedens, 15541-7500 - 814 233-5383 MOORE, EDWIN E., JR. - 107 Sabra Court, Uniontown, 15401-9729 - 724 970-2505 OTT, CLIFFORD W. - PO Box 444, Jerome, 15937-0444 - 814 479-2374 PETERMAN, SANDRA M. - 2288 N Ridge Rd, Shelocta, 15774-7225 - 724 354-3533 REININGER, LINDA L. - 229 Davis St, Johnstown, 15906-1517 - 814 539-1345 RUMMEL, DALE E. - 6171 Greenville Pike, Grampian, 15666-1959 - 732 319-0099 RUPERT, JACK - 409 State St, Johnstown, 15905-2642 - 814 255-7793 SHAFFER, JUDITH A. - PO Box 319, Donegal, 15628-0319 - 724 516-9191 SHAULIS, M. ERIC - 25 Sixth Ave, Meyersdale, 15552-1444 - 814 634-8740 SMITH, A. HARRISON - 22 Hawes Rd, Farmington, 15437 - 724 329-5973 STEIN, ROBERT R. - PO Box 375, Chalk Hill, 15421-0375 - 724 438-2226 SWICK, MICHAEL R. - 4127 Greenville Rd, Meyersdale 15552-8518 - 814 634-8158 THOMAS, RODGER J. - 1700 Veil Ave, Windber 15963 - 814 509-6399 WALKER, JUDY M. - 425 Morningside Ave, Jeannette 15644 - 724 522-5260 WALKER, LARRY E. - 425 Morningside Ave, Jeannette 15644 - 724 522-5260 WHIPPLE, CHARLES D. - 317 Wyoming St, Greensburg, 15601-3947 - 724 600-6332 WESTLAKE, ELVA JEAN - 436 Pony Farm Rd, Kittanning, 16201-4639 - 724 548-4901 WILCHER, JOEL A. - 658 R 13th St, Oakmont, 15139-1020 - 412 828-3690 WILLOUGHBY, CAROLYN S. - 207 Church St, Johnstown, 15904 - 814 266-9758

LICENSED

DERCK, JOY E. - 3089 Dutch Run Rd, Shelocta, 15774-2224 - 724 354-3386 ISHMAN, DANIEL R. - 116 Todd Rd, Freeport, 16229 - 724 525-2901 MARSZALEK, CHERYL A. - 409 Herman Ave, Wilmerding, 15148-1206 - 412 829-2253 PERUSO, RUSSELL J. - 151 Blackner Rd, Johnstown, 15905-7408 - 814 288-4529 SHAFFER, ABBY R. - (office) 115 Spring Rd, Hollsopple, 15935-7412 - 814 479-2181 SHAFFER, DANIEL P. - 135 Holly Path, Windber, 15963 - 814 244-5470 SISITKI, KIMBERLY A. – PO Box 204, Bolivar, 15923-0204 – 724 676-4465 THOMAS, SCOTT R. - 2996 Carpenters Park Rd, Davidsville, 15928 - 814 288-2094

LAY SPEAKER

RAMER, DONNA L. - 102 Franklin Dr, Greensburg, 15601-1305 - 724 836-0594

DREAMS BECOME REALITY!

When a child living at Hogar Enmanuel reaches their 18th birthday,

they have been given the opportunity to receive a good education,

grow socially, and develop their faith in Jesus. Even with all of that,

it can be difficult to move from the Home into independent living.

They still need the necessary life skills training that can

only be learned from experience. After many years of dreaming, plan-

ning, and fund raising for the New Bridge Program, our work team from

Pennsylvania swooped in to give the finishing touches to this first transi-

tional home. We went shopping for supplies, brought in furniture and ap-

pliances, and put everything in place to begin housekeeping. It is now

ready for its first tenants to take the next step to living on their own, finding and hold-

ing down jobs, and budgeting money.

The “BRIDGE TO HOPE HOUSE” was dedicated to the Lord with a

blessing ceremony on Friday, February 7. It is a three-bedroom/ two bath

single family house that is not far from the Home and close to easy public

transit. The first ones to be given this chance happen to

be four girls who range in age from eighteen to twenty

years old. They will share the house with a housemoth-

er whose goal is to help them understand what it takes to stand on

their own two feet and to see things through the eyes of an employer

and landlord. Since this is a brand new undertaking for Hogar de

Ninos Enmanuel, the guidelines will need honed as time goes on, but we are thrilled to

move into this next stage of programming —— a dream that has

been a long time coming!

What a blessing to actually turn the key in the door of our first tran-

sitional home! Please pray for all who are working to make this

program a success, and especially pray for our pioneer girls who

are nervous as well as excited about moving into their new home.

WHAT ’ S HA P P EN ING A T HOGAR ENMANUE L . . .WHAT ’ S HA P P EN ING A T HOGAR ENMANUE L . . .WHAT ’ S HA P P EN ING A T HOGAR ENMANUE L . . .

Maria Rafaela Maria Rafaela Maria Rafaela Maria Rafaela

Valle MartinezValle MartinezValle MartinezValle Martinez

Rafaela was one of

thirteen new children who

arrived at Hogar

Enmanuel in November

2013 from the government-

run home. Her birthday is

January 2, 2013, so she is

just a little over one year

old. She is just now

learning to crawl, but she

lacks some muscular

control. She enjoys playing

with toys that make noise

and have lights. Her

mother has come to visit a

few times. She most

definitely won the hearts of

the members of our work

team, especially Elaine who

would be found with little

Rafaela in her arms every

chance she could get.

Please pray for Rafaela.

Me e t our ch i ldr enMe e t our ch i ldr enMe e t our ch i ldr en

SP# _______ Ch# ______

Name ___________________________

Address ________________________

________________________________

Western Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren 115 Spring Road Hollsopple, PA 15935-7412

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

U.S. Postage Paid Non Profit Organization

Permit No. 122 Johnstown, PA

MARCH / APRIL 2014 El Hogar de Niñ

os Enmanuel

El Hogar de Niñ

os Enmanuel

El Hogar de Niñ

os Enmanuel

El Hogar de Niñ

os Enmanuel

San Pedro Sula, H

onduras

A Christian Hom

e for homeless, abused, and

severely neglected children

“Lord, it is good for us to be here.” “Lord, it is good for us to be here.” “Lord, it is good for us to be here.” “Lord, it is good for us to be here.” Matthew 17:4Matthew 17:4Matthew 17:4Matthew 17:4

Joseline, Karen, Cinthia, and Kimberly

Elaine holding her new

sponsored child, Rafaela.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Rona Hemminger, editor Mobile: 540-649-3111

Email: hogaremanuel@verizon.net

HOGAR DE NINOS

ENMANUEL

You are joining to

help us when

you pray for us. 2 Corinthians 1:11

CHECK IT OUT!

We’re on the web!

www.hogaremanuel.com

PROVIDING FOR

HOGAR de NINOS ENMANUEL THROUGH

WESTERN PA DISTRICT CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN MISSION PROGRAM - HONDURAS

115 Spring Rd. Hollsopple, PA 15935

$ General Fund—use where needed most

Child Sponsorship—providing for the basic needs of the children. If you desire to be assigned to a specific child, contact Rona.

Staff Sponsorship—providing for the on-site care of the children.

Maintenance & Development—providing for the maintenance and improvement of the facilities

Nursery Fund—providing for infant care.

Gift Fund—providing for birthday/Christmas gifts

New Bridge Program—helping our adolescents prepare for inde-pendent living.

Special fund ________________ (specify)

$ TOTAL ENCLOSED

Partnering in the success, I pledge to keep the Enmanuel Children’s Home in my prayers as well as offer my financial support. Please use my donation for the following fund:

Please provide your name and address on the reverse side and mail this coupon with your donation

If you prefer to receive this newsletter electronically ONLY, please email that request to hogaremanuel@verizon.net

and/or sponsorship coupons are also available on the website at www.hogaremanuel.com

Mar/Apr 2014

Clip and mail with your donation

It is always good to be back at the Home and we love sharing it with everyone. As we

arrived on this Friday afternoon (Jan 31), included in our group of ten was Arbutus

Blough. It was she and her husband John (deceased July 2013) who

headed up the fund raising efforts to build the very first dormitory

building here in 1981. Then realizing the need for continued sup-

port, they founded the Child Sponsorship Program for El Hogar de

Ninos Enmanuel through the Western Pennsylvania District Church

of the Brethren that is still the main supporting program for this

children’s home today. It was the Bloughs who first encouraged my

husband, Bill, to go with them to Honduras in 1995 and it was with their prodding and

God’s leading that I finally agreed to go there for the first time in 2001. Therefore, it

was exciting to stand beside her as a plaque of recognition was presented to John &

Arbutus Blough (John -posthumously) for their life-long dedication to the children of

Honduras. Thank you, John and Arbutus, for touching more lives than we can count!!!

With Arbutus here, it was also a suitable time to plan a HOMECOMING party for the

those who were raised at the Home but have since moved on. Thirty-two young men

and women came to reunite with us and each other. The big hit of the day was remi-

niscing with smiles and giggles over a box full of photographs from when they were

babies/ young children — provided by Arbutus. Before they left, a young husband of

one of our graduate girls tearfully shared with me his gratitude for the Home. It was

an emotional, yet heartwarming way to spend our Sunday afternoon.

Although we spent much of the following week getting the BRIDGE TO

HOPE HOUSE ready, we also had the opportunity to help give approxi-

mately 220 pairs of TOMS SHOES ™ to those attending a school for

children of single working moms. Later we visited Nueva Esperanza, the

government-run children’s home. What we saw there was difficult to ex-

perience, however, seeing this made it abundantly clear why we need to

grow Hogar Enmanuel to help even more children.

The team tackled many other projects, too, such as helping the

children plant an herb garden, painting rooms, cement patio furni-

ture, and a playhouse, and replacing torn basketball nets. One

morning we served breakfast to 38 hungry preschool and kindergar-

ten children who were beginning their 2014 school year this week

at Jardin de Enmanuel. We were very busy, indeed!

Everyone returned to Pennsylvania totally exhausted from all that we did, but with a

great sense of accomplishment and a deepened awareness of the needs in Honduras and

a shared bond with the children who live there that will forever be in our hearts.

Yes, it was another great week in Honduras!

Blessings, Rona

Anyone can count the seeds in an apple,

but only God can count the number of apples in a seed. ~Robert Schuller~

Bill & Rona Hemminger with Ann Zeigler, BVS onsite volunteer