Newsletter

District News & Announcements – November 2020

District News & Announcements

November 2020

“District News and Announcements” is a monthly e-newsletter for members and friends of the Church of the Brethren in the Northern Plains District.  District Leaders, Commissions, Committees, and those doing special ministries share information on programs and activities.  Local churches share news and invitations.  Send submissions by November 24th for inclusion in next month’s newsletter to Hannah Button-Harrison, Director of Communications, communications@nplains.org.

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In this issue

  1. In Our Prayers: Jerry Tobias (1948-2020)
  2. Pastor’s Professional Growth Event
  3. Message from Iowa Faith Leaders: Voting Matters
  4. Continuing Education Opportunities
  5. Moderator Moment
  6. Holiness in our Midst
  7. Leadership Development Musings
  8. Fairview Church of the Brethren Calls Thomas McMullin as Pastor
  9. Dane Mauslein Concludes Ministry at Hammond Avenue Brethren Church
  10. Treaty prohibiting nuclear weapons receives 50th ratification
  11. Reminder: Allocation Deadline December 15th
  12. Congregational Newsletters

Quick info

Calendar of Events | District Staff & Leadership Contacts | Documents & Resources

Banner photo: Picture shared by Bwambale Sedrack who writes, “The Church of the Brethren in Uganda is engaging in crop farming to increase food production which will provide food security to the orphans, widows and the poor families in our community. Please join us to thank Brother Gordon Hoffert and his wife Uli for their generous financial support towards this project. We will keep you posted!”  Send in your photos for future newsletters!  Email communications@nplains.org.

District News & Announcements – September 2020

District News & Announcements

September 2020

“District News and Announcements” is a monthly e-newsletter for members and friends of the Church of the Brethren in the Northern Plains District.  District Leaders, Commissions, Committees, and those doing special ministries share information on programs and activities.  Local churches share news and invitations.  Send submissions by September 24th for inclusion in next month’s newsletter to Hannah Button-Harrison, Director of Communications, communications@nplains.org.

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In this issue

  1. In Our Prayers: Jerry Tobias
  2. BDM Work Trip September 3rd-7th
  3. Moderator Town Hall meeting on Racism with Andrew Young
  4. Northern Plains Holds Historic 2020 Virtual District Conference
  5. Northern Plains District Board Reorganized for 2020-2021
  6. Continuing Education Opportunities
  7. Host/Camp Assistant position and College Connections at Camp Pine Lake
  8. Moderator Moment – District Conference Moderator Paul Shaver
  9. Holiness in our Midst
  10. Leadership Development Musings
  11. Rev. Patrick Jackson Called to The Church on Northland
  12. News from the Church of the Brethren in Uganda
  13. Bill and Lois Grove Move to McPherson, Kansas
  14. Congregational Newsletters

Quick info

Calendar of Events | District Staff & Leadership Contacts | Documents & Resources

Banner photo: Randy Boldt, member of the Panther Creek Church of the Brethren, uses his truck to help clear away felled trees from the derecho that hit Iowa in early August.  Photo by Kris Marshall.  Send in your photos for future newsletters!  Email communications@nplains.org.

District News & Announcements – August 2020

District News & Announcements

August 2020

“District News and Announcements” is a monthly e-newsletter for members and friends of the Church of the Brethren in the Northern Plains District.  District Leaders, Commissions, Committees, and those doing special ministries share information on programs and activities.  Local churches share news and invitations.  Send submissions by August 25th for inclusion in next month’s newsletter to Hannah Button-Harrison, Director of Communications, communications@nplains.org.

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In this issue

  1. In Our Prayers: Phyllis Kingery Ruff (corrected version)
  2. Northern Plains Holds Historic 2020 Virtual District Conference
  3. Northern Plains District Board Reorganized for 2020-2021
  4. Camp Pine Lake Virtual Camp Report and Updates
  5. Postponing Sabbath Renewal Time, Continuing Work for Justice and Peace
  6. Moderator Moment – District Conference Moderator Paul Shaver
  7. Holiness in our Midst
  8. Leadership Development Musings
  9. Congregational Newsletters

Quick info

Calendar of Events | District Staff & Leadership Contacts | Documents & Resources

Banner photo: Around 50 people joined together on Zoom for the fellowship time after the Friday night worship service, including insight session leader Frank Ramirez, UN award winner Rebecca Dali and her husband Samuel Dali.  Send in your photos for future newsletters!  Email communications@nplains.org.

District News & Announcements – July 2020

District News & Announcements

July 2020

“District News and Announcements” is a monthly e-newsletter for members and friends of the Church of the Brethren in the Northern Plains District.  District Leaders, Commissions, Committees, and those doing special ministries share information on programs and activities.  Local churches share news and invitations.  Send submissions by July 25th for inclusion in next month’s newsletter to Hannah Button-Harrison, Director of Communications, communications@nplains.org.

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Quick info

Calendar of Events | District Staff & Leadership Contacts | Documents & Resources

Banner photo: Minnesota Brethren – Carol Wise, Gordon Hoffert and Kathy Mack – joined the Interfaith Silent Clergy March on June 2nd in Minneapolis to bear witness for justice in the wake of the death of George Floyd.  Photo taken by Kim Hill-Smith.  Send in your photos for future newsletters! Email communications@nplains.org.

Special District Conference Announcements

District Conference 2020

Our 2020 Northerns Plains District Conference will be a virtual conference this year on July 31 – August 2!  We will be using the technology platforms of ZOOM and YouTube. The planning committee is planning a meaningful program of worship, an insight session, along with our worshipful work business session and some fun, fellowship time!  We are still asking you to register for conference this year.  For you to take part in conference, we need your email address and your phone number along with your mailing address so we can share needed information with you. We are very aware and sensitive about those without email and/or computer. We are doing our best to accommodate these persons.

Full Registration Packet – To be printed, filled out, and sent by mail – DUE JULY 22
– Cover Letter
– Registration Form
– Schedule
– Service Projects

Online Registration – You can register here instead of using the packet

District Payment Website – For donating and ordering printed DC booklets

Registration and other District Conference information may be found at nplains.org/dc2020/.   Please check back for updates and information of how to log-in to District Conference events.  Please let me know if you have any questions!

District Conference Support, Ida Van Westen
phone/text 507-360-7387 email: dc-suppport@nplains.org

Northern Plains District Conference

July 31,  August 1 and 2, 2020
Moderator, Lucinda Douglas
2020 THEME

One body together, helping each other!
Galatians 6:2     |     1 Corinthians 12: 12-31

Moderator Sermon

Since she is unable to visit in person, our 2020 District Conference moderator, Lucinda Douglas, has recorded a sermon to share with all congregations in the district.  Please click the image above to view and share Lucinda’s message!

District News & Announcements – March 2020

District News & Announcements

March 2020

“District News and Announcements” is a monthly e-newsletter for members and friends of the Church of the Brethren in the Northern Plains District.  District Leaders, Commissions, Committees, and those doing special ministries share information on programs and activities.  Local churches share news and invitations.  Send submissions by March 25th for inclusion in next month’s newsletter to Hannah Button-Harrison, Director of Communications, communications@nplains.org.

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In this issue

  1. In our Prayers: Todd Himlie (1958-2020)
  2. Panora Soup Luncheon: March 15 & Ecumenical Service: April 9
  3. Shawn Kirchner and the LA Master Chorale in Iowa City: March 28
  4. Jr. Youth Lock-in: March 28-29
  5. Camp Pine Lake: Cleanup Day: April 4, Call for Campers & Counselors
  6. Continuing Education Courses
  7. Nurture Commission Announcement: Youth and Young Adult Scholarships
  8. District Conference 2020 Updates
  9. Message from the Moderator
  10. Holiness in our Midst – On Small Groups
  11. Leadership Development Musings
  12. Congregational Newsletters
Quick info
Calendar of Events | District Staff & Leadership Contacts | Documents & Resources

Banner photo: South Waterloo Church serves monthly at Waterloo Salvation Army.  Photo taken by Diane Sittig. Send in your photos for future newsletters! Email communications@nplains.org.

District News & Announcements – February 2020

District News & Announcements

February 2020

“District News and Announcements” is a monthly e-newsletter for members and friends of the Church of the Brethren in the Northern Plains District.  District Leaders, Commissions, Committees, and those doing special ministries share information on programs and activities.  Local churches share news and invitations.  Send submissions by February 23rd for inclusion in next month’s newsletter to Hannah Button-Harrison, Director of Communications, communications@nplains.org.

Get a printable version of the newsletter here.

Trouble viewing pictures and videos?
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In this issue

  1. In our Prayers: A Letter from the Himlie Family
  2. District Executive Sabbath Renewal Plan 2020
  3. Continuing Education Courses
  4. Faithful Readiness Workshop in Ames: March 5
  5. Western Plains Men’s Retreat: March 27-28
  6. Shawn Kirchner and the LA Master Chorale in Iowa City: March 28
  7. Nurture Commission Announcement: Youth and Young Adult Scholarships
  8. Camp Pine Lake: Dates & Employment Opportunities
  9. Message from the Moderator
  10. Holiness in our Midst – On Stewardship
  11. Leadership Development Musings
  12. District Peace & Justice Commission
  13. Dr. Tod Bolsinger & Dr. Michael Gorman to speak at 2020 Annual Conference
  14. Moderator Paul Mundey’s “Trail Thoughts”
  15. Global Women’s Project Resources
  16. Congregational Newsletters
Quick info

Calendar of Events | District Staff & Leadership Contacts | Documents & Resources

Banner photo: August 16, 1990 – Two young pastors in Northern Plains District, Tim and Mary Jane Button-Harrison, in front of a red horse trailer belonging to Fred and Dee Reynolds.  All their worldly possessions are In that trailer as they are being moved from Panora, IA, where they had been serving as student pastors, to Ankeny, IA where they have been called to serve as Co-Pastors of the Ankeny Church of the Brethren.”   Photo taken by Dee Reynolds. Send in your photos for future newsletters! Email communications@nplains.org.

District News & Announcements – December 2019

District News & Announcements

December 2019

“District News and Announcements” is a monthly e-newsletter for members and friends of the Church of the Brethren in the Northern Plains District.  District Leaders, Commissions, Committees, and those doing special ministries share information on programs and activities.  Local churches share news and invitations.  Send submissions by December 29th for inclusion in next month’s newsletter to Hannah Button-Harrison, Director of Communications, communications@nplains.org.

Get a printable version of the newsletter here.

Trouble viewing pictures and videos?
Click here to view the newsletter in your browser.

In this issue

  1. In Our Prayers: Marilyn Coffman & June Grove
  2. Celebrating New Life: Justus Paul Mauslein
  3. Abbey Beck Brunk to Conclude Work as Camp Director
  4. Employment Opportunities at Camp Pine Lake
  5. District Advent Calendar & Panora Festival of Trees: Dec. 8th
  6. Nurturing Vital Spirituality Course with Rhonda Pittman-Gingrich
  7. Allocations Deadline: December 20
  8. Message from the Moderator
  9. Holiness in our Midst – On ‘Filling Your Cup’
  10. Leadership Development Musings
  11. National Young Adult Conference Reflection
  12. Remember BVS Volunteers this Christmas
  13. Congregational Newsletters
Quick info

Calendar of Events | District Staff & Leadership Contacts | Documents & Resources

Banner photo: Ivester Church’s World Communion Sunday worship center, featuring eleven breads from around the world.  Photo by Marlene Neher. Send in your photos for future newsletters! Email communications@nplains.org.

District News & Announcements – May 2019

District News & Announcements

May 2019

“District News and Announcements” is a monthly e-newsletter for members and friends of the Church of the Brethren in the Northern Plains District.  District Leaders, Commissions, Committees, and those doing special ministries share information on programs and activities.  Local churches share news and invitations.  Send submissions by May 25th for inclusion in next month’s newsletter to Hannah Button-Harrison, Director of Communications, communications@nplains.org.

Get a printable version of the newsletter here.

In this issue

  1. Global Women’s Project Mother’s Gratitude Project
  2. Spring Women’s Retreat: May 2-4 & Speaker Carol Leland: May 3rd
  3. An Ecumenical Prayer for Peace in Kansas City: May 15th
  4. Camp Updates & Manchester Choir Concert: May 21st
  5. Ivester Garage & Bake Sale: June 1st
  6. Ethics for Set-Apart Ministry: Basic Course training on June 1st
  7. National Older Adult Conference
  8. District Conference Updates
  9. Holiness in our Midst
  10. Leadership Development Musings
  11. Witness Service Projects
  12. Todd Yeaton, Fredericksburg Pastor, to Retire
  13. COB Uganda Pastor Bwambale’s Easter Greeting
  14. Congregational Newsletters
Quick info
Calendar of Events | District Staff & Leadership Contacts | Documents & Resources

Banner photo: A group of singers share a piece of music at the Ankeny Stover music festival.  Photo by Barbara Wise Lewczak. Send in your photos for future newsletters! Email communications@nplains.org.

Hammond Avenue Church Calls New Pastor: Dane Mauslein

Tim Button-Harrison, District Executive
de@nplains.org

On December 10, 2017, Hammond Avenue Brethren Church (Waterloo, IA) called Dane Mauslein as their new pastor.  He is from Nebraska and Kansas, is married to Caitlin, and recently graduated from Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio with an M.Div. degree.  Dane and Caitlin arrived in Waterloo January 20, he officially starts February 11, and his installation service is February 18 during worship followed by a Soup for the Soul meal.  Tim Button-Harrison, Church of the Brethren District Executive, will preach the installation sermon, and Lee Compson of the Brethren Church will lead the installation.  District folks are encouraged to attend the installation service and/or send notes of welcome and support to Dane and Caitlin Mauslein, 1614 Hammond Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50702 or Pastor.HABC@gmail.com.

Last year Hammond Avenue’s Pastor Larry McKinney announced his plans to retire.  He began his ministry with Hammond Avenue in April 2012 and the congregation held a special celebration of his ministry on January 21.  Notes of appreciation for his ministry and involvement in the district may be sent to Larry and Linda McKinney, 2209 Cypress, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 or lmckinney@cfu.net.

Dane Mauslein shares the following on his background, work and education.

“I was born in Falls City, Nebraska and was raised in Hiawatha, Kansas. Growing up, I attended Falls City First Brethren Church. In May of 2009, I graduated with my Associate of Arts degree from Highland Community College (HCC) in Highland, Kansas. While there, I was an academic tutor and also a member of the Academic Excellence Challenge team. I was also a member HCC’s Track and Field team. After graduating from HCC, I continued my education at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. My time at Washburn was quite fruitful. I was an AmeriCorps volunteer at a community-based resource organization, known as Let’s Help, Inc. I served people pursuing their general education degree and helped in several other areas. Also, I was able to complete an addiction counseling internship of over 700 hours with Valeo Recovery Center of Topeka, Kansas.

“I graduated from Washburn University with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services with an emphasis in Addiction Counseling, Summa Cum Laude. Prior to graduating I was licensed within the State of Kansas as an addiction counselor. Most important of all my wife, Caitlin, and I met during our time at Washburn, as Caitlin was also studying to be a nurse. Upon graduating in December of 2011, I moved to Norton, Kansas to work as a Licensed Addiction Counselor for Valley Hope, a nationally-recognized residential addiction treatment program.

“After reconnecting, Caitlin and I were married on June 8, 2014. We then moved to Ashland, Ohio where I recently completed my Master of Divinity degree this past December. We were able to actively participate in ministries at Park Street Brethren Church in Ashland, Ohio. I also had the privilege of serving Trinity Brethren Church of North Canton, Ohio as their Intentional Transitional Pastor. Caitlin and I are now settling into Waterloo, Iowa. We are excited to engage in what God is already doing at Hammond Avenue Brethren Church and the surrounding community.”