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Hello fellow Young Adults! As you may have seen on social media, we made the difficult decision to have National Young Adult Conference (“Round Two!”) online again this year. A year ago, this is not what we had hoped! We hoped in 2021 we could restore our favorite face-to-face parts of NYAC and Brethren-ness by being together in person. However, COVID decided that this will not be the case. We must take the necessary precautions to keep as many people as healthy and safe as possible. Have no fear! We will be together virtually to worship, sing songs, make art, and learn. We hope to see your face, and as many other faces as possible throughout the weekend. Last year, we absolutely loved seeing young adults from all over join in on our “zoom” fun! As we continue to prepare for NYAC 2021, reflect on the theme, Unfolding Grace, and read the scripture 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. Pray for the leadership, as they prepare for virtual worship and messages. We cannot wait to see you all join us online May 28-31! With love,
Young Adult Steering Committee
Reflections on the theme “Unfolding Grace” BY MEGHAN KNIGHT
For many people, 2020 was quite a year. The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the hardest trials the world has had to face; the pandemic has affected everyone in at least one way. It has shut down everything - schools, workplaces, churches, etc. Many folks have had to quarantine. Some folks have had to continue working in the public, while many others were left without a job. One of the toughest trials that many have faced is losing loved ones to Covid-19. The pandemic has left people feeling stressed, frustrated, broken, and so much more. However, staying close to God and calling on Him through the trials of our lives is important. We need God’s grace to keep us moving forward. God’s grace will not only keep us going, but it will help bring us closer to Him. Having a relationship with God will help us see that our trials will not last forever. Everything here on earth is temporary. It says in 2 Corinthians 4:17 that “our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” God is preparing a home for us in heaven that all of us will go to someday where we will have eternal life. Better days are ahead! But until we all go to our eternal home with the Lord, let us lean on what is unseen and press toward heaven. May we all lean on the love and unfolding grace of God as we walk our life journeys. 2
National Young Adult Conference May 28 – 31, 2021 (online)
Worship, fellowship, workshops, recreation, campfire, music – and more!
Speakers include: LaDonna Nkosi, Madalyn Metzger, Eric Landram, and Greg Davidson-Laszakovits.
Worship planning by Hannah Shultz and Emmett Witkovsky-Eldred. Music coordination by Seth Hendricks.
Register at www.brethren.org/yac Young adults aged 18 - 35 • Cost: $75 3
N YAC L E A D E R S H I P Where are you from?
What is your vocation?
What is the first image that pops into your mind when you think of the word “unfolding”? How about “grace”?
How are you witnessing God’s unfolding grace in this season?
Emmett Witkovsky-Eldred I’m from Hollidaysburg, PA in the Middle PA District. Currently, I live in New Haven, CT. I’m still figuring that out! But I’ve always appreciated Frederick Buechner’s definition of vocation: the place where our deep gladness meets the world’s deep need. One of the things that makes me gladdest is telling stories, be it by writing, podcasting, or (because I’m a law student) even in a boring legal document. And I think the world needs more people who are willing to share true and moving stories, as well as people who are willing to listen and be truly moved. Books! I recently started working with an initiative at my school called the Million Book Project. The mission of MBP is to place a “Freedom Collection” of 500 books in jails and juvenile detention centers around the US. Books are powerful tools of liberation and dignity, particularly in an environment where people are so frequently dehumanized. Books can provide comfort and healing, expand people’s horizons, and help people shape their own self-image. In the words of Frederick Douglass, when we read, we become “forever free.” But many incarcerated people lack any functional access to books. Putting books in the reach of incarcerated people is a gesture of grace and mercy, but it also recognizes their own unfolding story--that nobody is defined by the worst mistake, and everyone deserves the chance to author a new chapter in their life. The work also reminds me of my own need for grace for being part of a system that puts so many people behind bars, disproportionately people of color, and the long unfolding story of systemic racism. In MBP I see an example of God’s unfolding grace: how justice and mercy lead to wholeness and empowerment, and ultimately, to truth, conciliation, and loving community. 4
Hannah Shultz I’m from Baltimore, Maryland but currently call Atlanta, Georgia “home”. I work as the Program Associate at Georgia Interfaith Power and Light When I think of the word “unfolding” I think of a flower blooming; of beauty revealed in the sprouts of new life. When I think of the word “grace” I think of a fresh start and new possibilities; of the peace that comes with an early morning and a cup of freshly brewed coffee. I’ve witnessed God’s unfolding grace in this season through communities that have continued to show up for each other and support one another in new, creative, and impactful ways during the pandemic.
Seth Hendricks I am from the Midwest (Kansas, Indiana, and Ohio). Currently living in North Manchester, IN. I am the Pastor of Youth & Congregational Life at Manchester Church of the Brethren. My passion is journeying with folks of all ages and assisting in their spiritual formation. When I think of the word “unfolding” the first image is of my children knocking over all of the laundry that I have neatly stacked and organized.:) The first “grace” image is the table grace that we often sing before our meals as a family. Sometimes we fight over what song, sometimes the singing is stale, but nevertheless we give it away and love imperfectly! I am witnessing God’s unfolding grace in how we are caring for one another. Each mask that is worn for another’s benefit, learning new technology to connect in different ways, digging deep creatively, and stepping faithfully into unfamiliar territory. These are hard times and the seeds planted will bear resilient fruit. 5
LaDonna Nkosi I grew up in Missouri, went to the University of Missouri and have made my home here in Chicago for 20++ years. I am a minister, video podcaster and poet. Flowers. A thankful smile. The love and patience of friends and family even though we live far from each other, we remain connected in new ways.
Greg Davidson Laszkovits So many places have shaped me. I’m a Jesus pacifist who was born on a military base in Germany. Schooled on the multicultural playgrounds of AZ. Blessed by the cities of Washington and Chicago. Gifted the experience of Brazil. I live to empower God’s transformation. In myself. In others. In the world. When I hear “unfolding” I think of a flower or leaf coming into its fullness. Grace is the gift of the environment that makes it possible: the soil, the rain, the air and sun that allow the miracle to unfold. As followers of Jesus we’re not so different. By God’s grace we’re all gifted a setting in which we can unfold into who God wants us to be. I am witness to God’s unfolding grace when I see people bravely reach out across all of those human-made barriers— like race and politics—that are set up to divide us.
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Eric Landram I grew up in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. Currently living in Lititz, PA in Lancaster County. I’m a Pastor, Professional Kid, and Playground Aficionado. When I hear the word “unfolding” I think of a flower opening up to reveal what has been inside all along. Perhaps every life journey and story is one of grand unfolding by taking root, growing, branching out, and blooming into what we’ve carried within and becoming what we’ve meant to be from the start. God’s grace, creativity, and possibility is the water that nourishes us in that journey. I’ve been witnessing God’s unfolding grace in this season through creativity and and an abundance of new and fresh ideas and also renewed ways of seeing and being in the world around us.
Madalyn Metzger My family tree will show you that my DNA is inherited from ancestors who called Indiana, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Germany, and Vietnam. My memories will tell you that I grew up in Illinois. I now call northern Indiana home, though. In my professional life, I’m the Vice President of Marketing for Everence Financial, a faith-based financial services organization founded by the Mennonites. In my personal life, I am committed to cultivating community (which, fortunately, lines up pretty well with my professional life, too). Unfolding: Peeling back layers (like puff pastry); Grace: A big bear hug full of love, support, and compassion. From COVID-19 to racial injustice, financial lives and physical lives hanging in the balance, all of us are trying to figure out the right things to do, the right things to say, the right ways to cope. Life is complicated, and the events of this past year have made it even more complicated. We’re all doing the best we can, and I see God’s unfolding grace as we care and support each other through all of the changes and uncertainty we’ve been experiencing, collectively. 7
God’s Good Grace BY ROBIN SHULTZ
This past year was CRAZY. Everything changed. One day we could freely go to the grocery store (without a mask on), now there are limitations on the number of (masked) people allowed in stores. We could freely worship in church without jeopardizing anyone’s health.Various lockdowns and shutdowns created chaos. However, 2020 ended with something I never thought would have happened: my father had a stroke in November.
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in a while. Hitting rock bottom really makes a person look up. I asked the chaplain at my school why all these trials and mayhem had to happen one right after another, creating this feeling of hopelessness. She responded with a verse, Lamentations 3:23, which will forever be embedded in my mind, “God’s mercy and grace are new every morning.”
God’s mercy and grace are new every morning.
I dropped everything, including college schoolwork to make sure that the house was wheelchair ready for his return. Not being able to see him in the hospital was the worst feeling ever. I cried and had panic attacks; my doctor prescribed me antidepressants. With the help of my doctor and my church family, I got through the month that he was in the hospital. However, seeing my father the weakest he has ever been was challenging. I have always been “daddy’s little girl” and have always looked up to him as the strong, supportive father. To see him need help walking and getting dressed was something I never thought would happen at the age of twenty.
Through that verse, I realized there are good things coming out of all the mayhem in my own personal life and in the world. For example, the goodness of God’s grace to have my father live through his stroke. God’s good grace to prevent him from getting COVID, even though the hospitals were packed with patients. Grace to be able to become closer to my father and have our roles reversed, where I am the one taking care of him.
‘Unfolding Grace’ is this year’s theme for NYAC, and I can honestly say that I have felt God’s grace through this past year. I was able to lean on my church family and faith when I needed them the most. I felt closer to God and to my faith than I have
God’s grace has impacted me and made me grow stronger in ways that I could have never imagined. Though this pandemic has been hard on everyone, it has shown me what is really the key to a happy life: family, friends, and faith... in God’s good grace!
LAMENTATIONS 3:23
March 24 8 - 9 PM Eastern
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwscemgr jovGdV78YKcTzZFQD7YJExncqI0 Remember when you used to get a letter in the mail? In this workshop, you will be creating artwork for someone important to you AND you will be crafting a one-of-a-kind envelope from SCRATCH! Personalize your artwork for someone that has really been there for you this past year. Join artist and Community Arts Minister at the Washington City Church of the Brethren, Jessie Houff, as she teaches you how to make a special envelope and letter from materials you have lying around your home. 9
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YOUNG ADULT IN ACTION:
STAND with Jenna Walmer BY JENNA WALMER
I was first introduced to advocacy when I attended Christian Citizenship Seminar (CCS) during my freshman year of high school. We learned about our carbon footprints and how we can take individual actions to reduce our carbon footprint, but also how we can make a difference at the governmental level through advocating for certain policies and speaking to our congresspeople. I attended CCS three times during high school, and I look forward to being an advisor for the first time this year! My passion for peace took a step further in how I think about using my voice to make a difference for those who do not have as much privilege or capability of advocating on behalf of themselves. During college, I took a step back from advocacy efforts, as I focused more on academic endeavors, my swimming career, and other clubs on campus. However, during graduate school, I realized that I wanted my research to have a more “applied” impact. One of my Church of the Brethren friends introduced me to the organization, STAND, the student-led movement to end mass atrocities. I started my role as co-policy and co-education lead on STAND’s managing committee in the summer of 2020. STAND operates mainly through action committees, state advocacy leads, and a handful of high school and university chapters. Each semester, we have lobby meetings with our representative and senators. This year, we have been advocating for the “Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act,” the “Burma Human Rights and Freedom Act,” and the “Youth, Peace, and Security Act.” In my lobby meetings, I connect my time advocating during CCS with the importance of the “Youth, Peace, and Security Act,” as this bill would aim to involve youth more in the peacebuilding processes around the world.
In addition to the lobbying efforts, I spearheaded our Conscious Consumption Campaign that launched on February 1st. Recognizing that three of our action committees (East Turkistan, Burma, and Yemen) had goals of reducing the consumption of goods created using forced labor or in connection to genocidal militaries, we created a semester-long campaign to educate our audience about conscious consumption. Additionally, we encouraged a variety of bottomup actions related to individual consumption of ethical products and top-down approaches related to policy change at both the national, local, and university level. My favorite part of the campaign is how we connect conscious consumption to athletics. Many athletic brands have been accused of having forced labor in their supply chains. The United Nations and the International Olympic Committee boast the importance of building peace and reconciliation through sport. Despite this commitment, the 2022 Winter Olympics are being hosted in Beijing, China, right next door to where the Chinese government is systematically persecuting thousands of Uyghurs in East Turkistan. My time in STAND has strengthened my commitment and interest in genocide prevention, which stems from my calling for peacebuilding and conflict resolution. The Church of the Brethren’s identity as a historic peace church and the teachings related to this in my youth continue to be a part of who I am and what I feel called to do in my young adulthood.
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YOUNG ADULT IN ACTION:
Featuring: Mylea Evans BY BRIEL SLOCUM
Mylea Evans has been an active young adult for a few years in Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren. Alyssa Parker and another young adult Dinesti Owens came up with the idea to paint a mural for a social justice/ reconciliation library inside of the Church Coffee room. This opportunity excited Mylea because she loves to paint and truly believes that children are consumed by their phones. The mural speaks for the past, present, and future, and features the following images. MLKJ tried in efforts to bring people together. Black Lives Matter is a movement which asserts that black people must be heard and affirms that hearing all voices is morally important. The hands on the globe stand for what is to come; hopefully, people coming together to stop violence and to create communities of peace. Mylea has been glad to be involved and enjoys being asked for input for things. She felt blessed for the opportunity and is excited to paint more for the Church.
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Peace Essay Contest The Peace Studies program at Bethany Theological Seminary is now accepting entries for its 2021 Peace Essay Contest. Made possible by the Jennie Calhoun Baker Endowment, the contest has a deadline of May 15, 2021. Essays should be 1500-2000 words and written in response to the following theme:
CIVIL RESISTANCE AND NONVIOLENT SOCIAL CHANGE IN AN INCREASINGLY VIRTUAL WORLD The contest is open to students in high school, college, seminary, or graduate school.
PRIZES OF $2000, $1000, AND $500 WILL AWARDED TO THE TOP THREE ENTRIES.
Learn more:
bethanyseminary.edu/2021-peace-essay-contest-launched
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Life Moves Fast BY KARLY EICHENAUER
In my favorite movie, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the main character Ferris reflects at the end “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” In our work/school/play, life moves very fast. We busy ourselves with daily tasks or assignments. We plan events and meetings into the day. This year has been tough for most people. In addition to great loss and suffering, social distancing and safety protocol have canceled many fun events that get planned into our schedules. Due to the pandemic, there have been fewer in-person social events to connect with friends, family, and the church community. Even hobbies have been modified to reduce social contact. These changes, layered on top of our busy daily schedules contribute to stress, anxiety, and loneliness. Despite this season of stress and loneliness, may we find the time to stop and look around, to slow life down, and appreciate where we are right now. In our own ways, we have experienced new growth and persevered through trying times. Wherever we are, God is guiding us and promises to be by our side. Slow down for a minute: breathe new energy into your body, to center your mind to focus your thoughts, and to release your worries to Him. May we open our eyes to find the joy that is all around us: the blooming of the daffodil flowers, the warming of spring days, and the birds singing in the morning. May we open our hearts to God’s call through the bustle of daily life: to changing paths, to stepping into the unknown, to trying something new. May we focus our sights on the glimmer of hope on the horizon: that we may soon be through this dark season once and for all, and we can reconnect with everyone in our community soon!
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(Previously COB Workcamps)
All 2021 FaithX events are open to participants of all ages and we'd love to see young adults get involved! Check out the FaithX summer schedule at www.brethren.org/faithx and register by April 15th for a trip in your area!
Apply Now to be a 2022 Assistant FaithX Coordinator Visit www.brethren.org/faithx for job description, application, and FaithX info or @cobfaithx contact Emily Tyler at etyler@brethren.org 15
FROM THE COV An Interview with Krystal Bellis (Brethren, Young Adult, and a Nurse) BY MARIO CABRERA
Who are you, what do you do for a living and what do you enjoy doing? My name is Krystal Bellis, and I currently work in healthcare at a skilled living facility. In my free time I enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking, and baking! When covid started spreading around the US what where your thoughts and reactions of what was going on? When Covid first initially started to spread around the United States, I was in a little bit of denial. I did not think it would get as bad as it did. It quickly became obvious to me that this was something we had not seen in a long time. I felt like I was very naive to how long this would last, and how great of an impact that it would have on everyone. ABOVE - KRYSTAL BELLIS. BELOW - FULL PPE.
As a nurse what are the things that changed and the things you had to deal with that you didn’t have to in the past? When Covid first came to Iowa it started to make things a little bit more realistic to how many things we were going to have to adapt to. I was in nursing school at the time, and we all of the sudden had two weeks for spring break. At first I was pumped to have the extra time to get assignments done, however it quickly changed to finishing the semester all online. Then from there, things that I did not have to think about before quickly became essential. I was so much more focused on watching for any symptoms, getting tested multiple times a week, and wearing full PPE. (Personal Protective Equipment) Since I work in a skilled care facility, we quickly went on lock down. My role immediately became so much more of a supporter for patients. We could not allow families into the facility just to try and keep everyone safe. Watching people not being able to interact with their families and loved ones was heartbreaking. We also had to keep patients in their room just to try and isolate any cases we would have. Knowing that I was possibly someone’s only interaction with others in a day was beyond eye opening. My heart hurt so much for them. As I would get new patients, they wouldn’t even know what I truly looked like just because I was in so much gear. My facility at one point did have a Covid outbreak, and I worked on the Covid wing of the facility. To this day the memories of this are so fuzzy. It was so crazy just trying to keep up with everyone’s needs, and to care for them holistically.
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VID FRONTLINE What are some things from covid era that you would like not to change when we go back to normal? It is hard to imagine what going back to normal will feel like. Thankfully, I have had the vaccine, and I still always wear a mask when I go out into public places. I think one thing that I would like to continue when things go back to “normal” is the care that people have been giving to one another. Thankfully I do work in an area where people have been beyond kind and generous. Just doing whatever they can to help us out. From writing letters to patients who may not have much family, to donating to our town’s food bank. I am sure that has not been the case across the board in other places. I would hope that this kindness and generosity spreads itself all around. Is there anything else you would like us to know? I think something else that really stood out to me about this whole pandemic is how much it has impacted the mental health of everyone. Humans are social creatures, and this isolation is taking its toll. Please check up on each other because you never know what someone is going through. :)
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YOUNG ADULT IN MINISTRY:
Featuring: Alyssa Parker BY BRIEL SLOCUM
Alyssa has been surrounded by the Church of the Brethren her whole life, which has led her to pursue a life of peace and justice through her journey with Christ. She is now serving as the Operations Manager at bcm PEACE and is a faithfully active member of Harrisburg (PA) First Church of the Brethren. She feels “blessed to have a strong support system in a church family and community.” Recently, she has been leading the young adults in painting murals around the city, connecting with the broader neighborhood, and instilling a sense of purpose and drive in young adults in the community. She dreams of a “Beloved Community,” built intentionally by those who engage in suffering for the pursuit of peace and justice. Although it has been a few years since she graduated Bridgewater College and interned at On Earth Peace, she uses the passion of justice to come alongside her neighborhood - one that is seemingly forgotten - to shift the narrative to reflect the life and purpose
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of Jesus as liberation and love. From work in racial justice, to event planning, to leading young adults and sitting on a Board of Directors, Alyssa is making waves in the Church of the Brethren and beyond. As a woman of color in a predominately white denomination, she has faced trials - but also found people who mentor her and support her as she finds her identity through her church family, service, and community. Through her work at Harrisburg First, she was able to see the spiritual gifts she has to offer the neighborhood. She leads food distribution each Friday and has remembered the names of over 60 regular attendees. She has created a relationship with other young leaders ready to make a difference in the community. She has changed the way bcm PEACE functions and remained resilient through transitions. Alyssa has found her voice and is ready to use it as a vessel to share God’s shalom in her community and beyond.
PURPOSE Formed by funds generated from the sale of the campus of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, the BFIA Fund provides grants to Church of the Brethren congregations to fund outreach ministries that serve their communities, strengthen the congregation, and expand the reign of God. WHO MAY APPLY Church of the Brethren congregations, fellowships, and projects. AMOUNT Grants of up to $5,000 per project one-year period are awarded, with a maximum of $15,000 toward to any one project over multiple years. For more about the BFIA see: www.brethren.org/faith-in-action.
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CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN COMPELLING VISION STATEMENT:
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” Join an intergenerational, nation-wide gathering of Brethren for Bible study related to parts of the Compelling Vision statement. The series is on Sunday evenings between now and Annual Conference this summer. Check out Youth Young Adult social media for dates, times, and links. 20
Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2021 “Imagine! God’s Earth and People Restored” - Join us virtually, from April 18th - 21st, for EAD 2021 to advocate for Climate Justice! EAD 2021 is an opportunity to support this global movement centered on and led by the people and communities most vulnerable to climate impacts due to historic racial and colonial inequities. Together, we will passionately advocate and reimagine a world that lives out the values of justice, equity and the beloved community.
Tickets are $15 for Students/Limited Income, $25 for Early Bird, and $40 for Early Bird plus Donation. Scholarships are available to those who cannot afford the registration fee. Please email info@advocacydays.org for information. To register please go to: https://attendify.co/ecumenical-advocacy-days-pbfNWPy
ETown Lecture Tune in on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 7:00 pm EST for a virtual lecture on “Weapons Transfers as Foreign Policy: Theological Ethics, Economics and Strategy” by Office of Peacebuilding and Policy director Nathan Hosler. This lecture is hosted by the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College. The church has always contended that matters of killing must be subject to theological ethics. Though many traditions have not rejected all use of deadly force, all have made judgments on when, how, and by whom this can be done. One of the “tools” within US foreign policy is the selling or giving of weapons and related systems. This practice is used to strengthen diplomatic relations, further national interests, and bring economic benefit to the US arms industry. This lecture will describe how this process is seen within the strategic planning of Washington, challenge underlying assumptions, and argue that such transfers cannot be separated from warmaking and must be subject to ethical reasoning. To watch the lecture live, please go to: https://etown.zoom.us/j/97163203147 21
Cover Photo by Tomoko Uji on Unsplash
