BMC NewsNet
November 2011
1. SCN Pastor’s Retreat
2. Progressive Brethren Gathering -- Registration Open!
3. Connecting Families East and West
4. On Earth Peace Inclusion Statement
5. College News
6. BMC Gathering
7. Beyond Brokeback
8. Travel
1. SCN Pastor’s Retreat
A Circle Ever Wider, A People Ever Free was the theme of the SCN Pastor’s Retreat, held this past month  at Camp Friedenswald in Michigan. A group of 20 Mennonite and Brethren pastors engaged in vibrant conversation about the opportunities and challenges of leadership for the inclusive movement within the church. In addition to several specific denominational decisions, a committee was named to begin work for an SCN conference to be held in 2012.
A small group of former Mennonite Brethren who have been negatively impacted by anti-gay sentiments within the MB also met during the denominational times at the retreat. Click here to read about the content of that meeting.
John Linscheid from the Germantown Mennonite congregation offered reflections on Faith After Inclusion as one of the keynote presenters. Click here to read his presentation.
Church of the Brethren SCN Pastors pose
2. Progressive Brethren Gathering – Registration Open!
On-line registration is now available for the Progressive Brethren Gathering, November 11-13 at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, IL. Because of the events at the most recent Annual Conference, the format of the gathering has been revised to include opportunities to hear and discuss various proposals and specific courses of action as we pursue the theme, Pressing On, No Turning Back. Sharon Welch will be the keynote speaker. To register, either download a brochure or register online at www.progressivebrethren.org.
3. Connecting Families East and West
Connecting Families Weekend is a relaxing time for Mennonite and Brethren families with lgbt members and lgbt people to gather, share common experiences, and support one another. For nearly two decades this event has been a place of healing and hope for many families and individuals.
BMC is pleased to announce that BMC Oregon is planning a West Coast Connecting Families Weekend. The event will be held on March 30- April 1, 2012 at Camp Myrtlewood in Bridge, Oregon. For additional information, contact bmcoregon@earthlink.net or view Connecting Families West Coast on Facebook.
Connecting Families East will be held on April 20-22, 2012 at the Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center in Reisterstown, Maryland. Randall Spaulding will be the featured presenter. To download a brochure to register for this event, go to www.bmclgbt.org.
 4. On Earth Peace Inclusion Statement
On Earth Peace (Church of the Brethren organization) issued the following statement as a result of the events that happened at the 2011 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference:
We are troubled by attitudes and actions in the church which exclude persons on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or any other aspect of human identity. We believe God calls the church to welcome all persons into full participation in the life of the faith community.
5. College News
During this year’s homecoming celebration Goshen College awarded two members of the LGBT community: Vance Y. George ’55 the Culture for Service Award and Kelli Holsopple ’99 with the Decade of Servant Leadership Award. Click here to learn about their achievements. Congratulations to Vance and Kelli!
This fall, Bethel College formed a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), which has been given official club status. Way to go, Bethel College!
If you have news from your Church of the Brethren or Mennonite college or university, please let us know so that we can share it with the larger community.
6. BMC Gathering
The quiet woods of Michigan at the Ronora Lodge were the site of the BMC’s Fierce and Fabulous Gathering last month. Adam Hostetter and Amy Short coached six BMCers to share in a marvelous evening of storytelling that was punctuated by several spontaneous tales as well. Adam and Amy also hosted a story cottage where they taped longer stories for historical and educational purposes. Workshops, free time, generous meals, reflections about BMC and its 35 years, and a roaring campfire complete with camp songs rounded out the relaxing weekend. A big thank you to Kirsten Freed who coordinated the event.
7. Beyond Brokeback
 Come to Beyond Brokeback, an evening beginning with a showing of the movie Brokeback Mountain. Afterward, there will be a panel discussion with a producer of the film and readings, poetry, and music inspired by the movie. Ryan Harrison and Shawn  Kirchner of the BMC community will perform music from “Meet Me on the Mountain,” their CD of original songs inspired by the novel and motion picture. It will take place on November 13, beginning at 2:00pm at Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Tickets are $25-$15. For more information and a schedule of the events go to auditoriumtheatre.org.
9. Travel
November 11-13: Carol to Progressive Brethren Gathering in Elgin, Illinois
November 17-19: Carol and Reuben to Bethel and McPherson College
If we're going to be in your area, let us know! We'd love to meet with you.
BMC Staff
Carol Wise - Executive Director, SCN Coordinator
Reuben Sancken - Kaleidoscope Coordinator, BMC Volunteer
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