Shimer Darr Recovering from Quadruple Bypass

Many have been praying for retired FGBC Pastor Shimer Darr, who was to undergo bypass surgery in Johnstown, PA, earlier this week. Here is today's update from his son, Bill, who is director of library services at Grace College and Seminary:

We returned home last night. Dad's surgery was delayed by a day, so it was performed on Tuesday. It ended up being a quadruple bypass.

He is progressing very well. He was moved to a progressive step-down unit late yesterday afternoon. If things continue at the current rate he may be able to come home on Saturday or Sunday.

We appreciate all of the prayers on his behalf. Post-operative concerns for this type of procedure are infections and pneumonia.

Shimer Darr Bypass Surgery Today

Please pray for retired Grace Brethren pastor Shimer Darr of Meyersdale, PA, who is scheduled for bypass surgery today in Johnstown, PA.

Union City Calls Reifsnider as Interim

Daystar Church in Union City, Ohio, has called Brian Reifsnider as Interim Pastor until such time as their Lead Pastor position can be filled.

Brian and his wife Janie (pictured) are members of Greenville Grace in Greenville, Ohio. Brian currently serves Greenville Grace as a lay elder, and works full-time as a Human Resources professional.

He has been gifted in the areas of shepherding and teaching, and is being used of the Lord as he begins this new ministry.

Your Favorite NT Book From Which to Preach?

Pastor Roy Halberg of the Alta Loma (CA) church passes along this cool bit of information:

Sermoncentralpro.com recent survey asked pastors their favorite New Testament book to preach from.

Here are the results: (double-click to enlarge image)

More Pastoral Changes

Yesterday the Grace Brethren Church of Columbus, Ohio, extended a call to Dr. David Plaster to be senior pastor, and Plaster has accepted.

Also, pastor Jim Laird of the Grace Brethren Church of Martinsburg, PA, has announced that he will be concluding his ministry at the Martinsburg church.

Kenn Cosgrove in Accident--Safe, but Sore

The following note and prayer request were received Friday from the Northern Atlantic Fellowship networking contact Kork Moyer. Kenn Cosgrove is pastor of the Grace Brethren church in Royersford, PA.

Yesterday, around 1:30 pm, Kenn Cosgrove was in a head-on car accident while working his part-time transit job.

He is fine.

Kenn was on his way to pick up a young client, and was alone driving, when a car crossed over into his lane. There was no area for Kenn to go in order to avoid the crash. He spent the rest of the day in the Pottstown Memorial Medical Center's Emergency Room to insure that he was okay, before being released around 9:00 in the evening.

He is very sore, mostly from the airbag and the seatbelt. He has bruised fingers, a bruised arm and his leg, and he is very stiff. I was able to visit with him at home and was amazed at God's protection as Kenn told us what happened. This could have been far worse considering the severity of the accident.

There are things that he will need to do for his transit work, and all the necessary formalities following an accident.

Please keep him in prayer while he recovers physically, emotionally, and as things get worked out within his company.

We have no word yet about the woman who was driving the other vehicle, so please keep her in prayer too.

How the Internet is Changing Denominations

Here's some thought-provoking information on "How the Internet is Changing Denominations" from Keith Drury, of the Wesleyan Church. How does this fit with your experience? I'm especially fond of the Chris Anderson "long-tail" concept and so I'm glad to see his explanation of it here.

Read it all at http://www.drurywriting.com/keith/Internet.changed.denominations.htm

Latest SOA(jr) Is In Your Inbox

The latest e-mail newsletter update from AGBM president Joel Richards should have arrived in your inbox by now. Here is an excerpt--his president's message. If you're not on the list to receive, please e-mail Joel at jerichards@sbcglobal.net.

Please pray for your AGBM officers as they meet this week in Winona Lake to conduct the business of our organization.

Especially pray for wisdom in finalizing the ballot for the new Board of Directors and going over your input for the new by-laws. Additionally, there are other important matters that we must address and pray about.

I'm sure most of you are aware of the deep concern of at least one of our brothers as it relates to the Fellowship's commitment to the Bible, the whole Bible and nothing but the Bible. These matters are important to us and to you. We will be giving attention to these concerns.

Speaking of the ballot, we will be looking at a way for you to vote electronically. We are probably just getting up to speed on this, but at least you should have a more user-friendly method so all can be involved and make their voice known.

Board of Directors Ballots Coming

The following article appears in the "Sharpening One Another" AGBM newsletter which will be arriving to members shortly. Ballots will be forthcoming for the board of directors election.


ANNOUNCEMENT

BALLOT FOR THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
ASSOCIATION OF GRACE BRETHREN MINISTERS

At the annual meeting of the Association of Grace Brethren Ministers held last July 30 - August 3, 2006, members present for the meeting approved a plan to elect directors and officers by means of a mail ballot sent to all Association members. This action is significant because it sets in motion two historic events.

First, this marks the first time since the Association’s founding in 1894 that members all over the world have been empowered to elect their officers. Until this year, members were required to be physically present at the annual meeting in order to cast a ballot.

Second, this marks the first time that a board of directors has been chosen to direct the work of the Association. Officers have been elected on a regular basis, but they were never supported by a board of directors who were empowered to make decisions on behalf of Association members.

On August 3, 2006, members approved the following nominations to the offices indicated. The term of service for each office is 2007-09.

Joel Richards, of Modesto, CA President
Dan White, of York, PA Recording Secretary
Bud Olzewski, of Rittman, OH Treasurer

Members also approved the following nominations to a future board of directors. The term for directors will normally be three years. However, since the new bylaws require a third of the board to stand for election every year, an adjustment in the length of terms will be necessary. This adjustment is not yet determined since the board is not yet elected.

Ken Bickel, of Goshen, IN
Ralph Molyneux, of Roanoke, VA
Doug Courter, of Hagerstown, MD
Mark Saunders, of Dayton, OH
Terry Daniels, of South Pasadena, CA
Randy Smith, of Sebring, FL
Bob Fetterhoff, of Wooster, OH
Robert Soto, of McAllen, TX
Greg Howell, of Goldendale, WA
Randy Weekley, of Pinellas Park, FL

Ministers who have renewed their membership not later than September 30 may expect a mail ballot to arrive at their addresses before the end of the year. Look for it.

AGBM November Calendar

The following November dates are all listed on the AGBM "events" calendar on the AGBM website at www.agbm.org with live links.

Please remember to pray for the AGBM officers as they gather in Winona Lake, Indiana, the dates of November 13-16.

Thursday, November 09
West Penn Ministerium

Friday, November 10
Apologetics Weekend, EastSide Columbus

Saturday, November 11
Training Center Dedication

Tuesday, November 14
NAF Ministerium

Don Smith Leaves Ontario Church

From the current North Central Ohio district update:

Don Smith has announced his resignation after a lengthy and faithful ministry at Cornerstone Grace Brethren Church in Ontario, Ohio. Please pray for Don and for the church in this transition. If you would like to send a note of encouragement to Don, you may contact him at rdonsmith@yahoo.com.

Mount Vernon Ordains Roger Tickle

An ordination service and reception affirmed Roger Tickle at the Mt.Vernon, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church on October 28. Walt Malick gave the message and joined Al Hockley, Todd Scoles, and Gene Witzky in a prayer of dedication.

The church has also made provision for Roger to pastor full-time beginning in 2007.

Dale Harris to Pastor Brookville, OH, GBC

Dale Harris sends along the following note:

"I will be pastoring at the Brookville, Ohio, Grace Brethren Church. The church voted to call me as the pastor as well as to bring Dan Grabill into a more permanent position. He is now pastor emeritus after having served as interim pastor.

"We're excited to see how God will work through our relationship as we seek to bring the good news of Jesus to Brookville and Montgomery County."