MARCH/APRIL 2000

REVIVAL RALLY

The two words above are the fewest number of words that can be used to describe the Brethren Alive 2000 Conference to be held at Elizabethtown College, July 28-30, 2000. The Brethren Alive event is sponsored and underwritten by Brethren Revival Fellowship. The Conference is one way of keeping alive our perceived need to continue working at revival in the Church of the Brethren. The need for revival includes all of us--those who identify with BRF and those who do not.

The gathering is designed to reach back and discover anew what were the spiritual dynamics of the early apostolic church, and how to fan the flames of devotion for today. The major sessions will focus on New Testament doctrine, worship, fellowship, and evangelism. There will be workshops and classes for children, youth, family, seniors, and a session on "hot potato" issues. There will be time for fellowship and recreation, including an ice cream social.

The registration fee covers two nights of lodging and four full meals. The lodging and meals, along with the extra spiritual blessings, can be experienced for less money than it would cost to vacation for an equal time at a low cost motel. We will even consider a reduced rate if someone has special financial needs.

We hope that groups and families will seriously consider attending, and that people will come to the Brethren Alive 2000 Conference by van loads and even in busses. We have up to 400 spaces reserved. In case your group is looking for a retreat event, why not use this event as the basis of your retreat. This can be a way of vacationing with a purpose, as well as receiving some long-lasting spiritual benefits.

ARE YOU ON THE LIST?

The Brethren Mission Fund has concluded its first year of operation with considerable interest being shown. The Fund was started by BRF to try and help stimulate and resource increased missionary activity in the Church of the Brethren. BMF has a separate newsletter from the BRF Witness. The mission newsletter is designed to help keep people abreast of what is going on. Copies will be sent free of charge to individuals or congregations, and all who receive them have permission to make additional copies for distribution. As Christians, we need regular stimulation about missionary activities and developments. You can request a paper copy of the newsletter (and have your name added to the mailing list) by writing to Brethren Mission Fund, P. O. Box 251, Lititz, PA 17543, or by e-mailing BRF. You may also request to receive the BMF newsletter by e-mail.

MAINIACS NEEDED

Volunteers are needed for the yearlong BVS/BRF program in Lewiston, Maine. Orientation for the next unit will start in August, 2000. The needs in Maine include a married couple (with or without children) to serve as houseparents, as well as singles to do volunteer work at the Good Shepherd Food Bank. A teacher's aide position will also be available at the Lewiston Area Mission School. This unit of volunteers is a part of the Brethren Volunteer Service Program but is given oversight by the Brethren Revival Fellowship Committee.

BUENOS DIAS

Many high schoolers these days are given at least an introduction to the Spanish language. A BRF sponsored youth work camp is planning to go to the Dominican Republic from June 25 to July 5, 2000 to help with new church planting, with building construction, and related projects. If you are a teenager, or know one who may be interested, please write for a brochure. Write to James F. Myer, 234 Keener Road, Lititz, PA 17543. Volunteers will find the experience to be spiritually and culturally enriching. You will also learn that "buenos dias" is a Spanish greeting that means "good day."

CHANGE OF ADDRESS?

It is a constant task to keep our mailing list current. You can help us:

1) Promptly report any changes in your address.

2) If there is a duplication on our mailing list, please tell us about it.

3) If you need more (or fewer) copies of the WITNESS for your congregation, let us know.

4) If you do not want to receive our brochures, we will delete your name from the list if you let us know.

5) If you know of congregations or individuals that would appreciate receiving the BRF WITNESS, don't hesitate to ask us to include them on our mailing list. We send it free of charge to all who want to read it.

If you currently get the BRF WITNESS, and want to make any changes (address updates, number of copies, deletions, etc.), please send us the address label from your mailing. This will help us serve you better.


• THE NEXT BEST THING TO BEING THERE


The General BRF Meeting was held on September 11, 1999 at the Tearcoat Church of the Brethren in the West Marva District. People came from eight states and 32 different congregations. At least one was there who lives on the West Coast. If you would like to listen in to the meeting by way of tape, contact:

Leon J. Wenger 130 Clearview Drive Ephrata, PA 17522

Please send him $3.50 for each tape. There is one for the morning session and one tape for the afternoon session. The focus of the day was on exploring mission attitudes, past and present, in the Church of the Brethren. You will also learn how one of the speakers delivered his sermon without even showing up at the meeting.