Fear, Faith and Fig Trees:
an Alternative Vision for Security
What makes our sisters and brothers in other parts of the world afraid and how does that compare with the fears of U.S. residents after Sept. 11? How are governments around the world responding to these fears, and what do we as a church have to offer as a more hopeful alternative?
Bethany Spicher is the Legislative Assistant for Domestic Affairs at the MCC Washington Office. She lives with six other MCC volunteers near the zoo in the lively Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, and works at a farmers market down the road nearly every Saturday. Before joining MCC, Bethany gardened in Topeka, KS for a year with Mennonite Voluntary Service, received an agriculture degree from Eastern Mennonite University, a completed a year-long editorial internship with Sojourners Magazine in Washington, DC. Bethany follows immigration, poverty and women's issues in the Washington Office.
J. Daryl Byler is director of the Mennonite Central Committee's Washington Office. Prior to his current role, he served for six years as pastor of Jubilee Mennonite Church and as a staff attorney with East Mississippi Legal Services, both in Meridian, Mississippi. Byler received a B.S degree from Eastern Mennonite College in 1979 and an M.A. from Eastern Mennonite Seminary in 1985. He received his law degree from the University of Virginia in 1988. Byler is married to Cynthia Lehman Byler from Kidron, Ohio. They have three children, Jessica (20), Holden (19) and Jeremy (14).
In connection with his current work, Byler follows and writes about U.S. policy affecting the Middle East. (See, e.g., "Thirdway Cafe".) He has traveled frequently to the region, including visits to Iraq, Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Israel-Palestine. He was recently appointed as a member of the Executive Board for Mennonite Church USA.
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among the great powers near and far. They will hammer their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nations will never again go to war, never prepare for battle again. Everyone will live in peace among his own vineyards and fig trees, and no one will make him afraid. The Lord Almighty has promised to do this." -- Micah 4:3-4 |
The biblical story begins in the garden, but it ends in the city. Our society (TV and movies especially) tell us that the city is a dangerous place. But is that what God intended? We will explore the role of Christians serving in the city whether it is for a week, a year, or a lifetime.
Jeff Delp, a native of Telford, PA, is currently
City Director of the
DOOR
program in Atlanta.
Jeff is a graduate of Messiah College with a BA in History and Political Science.
Katie Delp is Assistant City Director of
Mission Year
and Administrative Director of the Community Fellowships program in Atlanta. Katie graduated from
Texas Tech University with a BS in Business Administration.
Jeff will also have information about the DOOR program ("Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection") for youth and young adults.
| Friday, February 6 | |
| 7:00 PM | Check-in |
| 8:00 PM |
Opening program for All Music, sharing of peace stories |
| 9:30 PM | Snack* |
| 11:00 PM | Bedtime (Quiet) |
| Saturday, February 7 | |
| 8:00-8:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM | First Adult Session and Youth Session |
| 10:30 AM | Adult Discussion / Free Time** |
| 12:00-12:30 PM | Lunch |
| 12:30 PM | Free Time** / Videos / Discussion |
| 5:30-6:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:15 PM | Second Adult Session and Youth Session |
| 9:30 PM | Snack* |
| 11:00 PM | Bedtime (Quiet) |
| Sunday, February 8 | |
| 8:00-8:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00-10:30 AM | Final Adult and Youth Session |
| 10:45 AM | Worship Service with Communion |
| 12:15-12:45 PM | Lunch |
Most rooms accomodate up to four people (a double bed and a bunk bed with private bath), and one or two additional family members may be accomodated in the same room on the floor if you wish to bring sleeping bags for them. Single adults who wish to room together should send in their registration forms together, otherwise they will be paired with other singles if space is limited.
Name_________________________________________________________
Address______________________________________________________
City, State___________________________________ZIP____________
Phone______________________________E-mail____________________
Child's Name Age Sex
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____Adults @ 100.00 each* __________
____Children @ $24.00 each __________
____Youth @ $60.00 each __________
(Additional donation __________ )
TOTAL___________
Amount Enclosed___________
Amount Due at Check-in _____________________
Make checks payable to:
Eastern District Conference
Mail this registration form to:
Becky Felton
942 Camp Trail Road
Quakertown, PA 18951
Registration deadline is January 14, 2003
Any questions? Need more information?
Call Becky Felton, 215-536-7935, E-mail: bfelton@netcarrier.com
or Robert Walden, 610-861-0653, E-mail: RWaldenPA@entermail.net
If you wish to pay the actual cost of the retreat, it would be greatly appreciated. Other donations to the retreat are also welcome.
Some financial help is available for those who find it difficult to pay the amount we charge. We want to enable as many people as possible to attend this retreat. (Contact Bob Walden, 610-861-0653.)
If you have dietary restrictions or require other special accomodations (e.g., diabetic, or vegitarian, or difficulty climbing stairs, etc.) please include information about your needs.
Location: http://efpjc.ppjr.org/efp042.htm