Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, April 8, 1995                   TAG: 9504110024
SECTION: RELIGION                    PAGE: A5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

RELIGION BRIEFS

The Rev. Glenn D. Stevens has begun his work as manager of Camp Bethel, a Church of the Brethren retreat center in Botetourt County. A native of Bedford County and graduate of Staunton River High School, Stevens was educated at McPherson College, Indiana University and Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Ordained in the Church of the Brethren, Stevens has served as a pastor and for 20 years was director of the Youth Services Bureau in Elkhart, Ind. He is married to Pat Stevens, who also is from Bedford County.

A step closer

If the United Church of Christ and the Disciples of Christ agree as expected to enter into a covenanting relationship later this year, the first formal step will be taken toward bringing several major American church bodies closer together. The UCC will vote on the covenant at its national convention in Oakland, Calif., while the Disciples of Christ will have the vote on its October agenda in Pittsburgh. The covenant encourages local ecumenism, respect for denominational tradition and practices, and working jointly toward social justice.

Other denominations that have been studying some form of union through COCU for more than 20 years include the United Methodist Church, the Episcopal Church, the International Council of Community Churches, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Church Zion, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Feast of Ridvan

The Spiritual Assembly of Baha'is in Roanoke County will begin observance of the eight-day Feast of Ridvan on April 21. It commemorates the 1863 proclamation of the prophet-founder of the faith, Baha'u'llah, that he was the promised one foretold by various religions since the beginning of time.

The Roanoke County assembly is one of several in Western Virginia that have at least nine adult adherents. During Ridvan it is customary to elect officers for the assemblies. When a national meeting of Baha'is takes place later this month, James A. Williams will represent the Southwest Virginia groups.

Christmas in April

Volunteers from Bedford churches will participate in their annual Christmas in April mission project on April 29. The goal this year is to clean and repair 10 homes whose occupants, for health or economic reasons, need help with their maintenance.