An updated listing of Church of the Brethren congregations offering online worship services
When life is chaotic and out of control, how do we stay strong in faith?
Weighing heavy on my heart is the violence and political unrest being experienced in Minnesota. Most of the activity is occurring in Minneapolis, but there is an ICE presence here in Rochester as well.
‘Imagine: Our Gifts Can Do More,’ a new matching gift campaign through March 31
At the heart of the Church of the Brethren is a deep trust in God’s promise to work powerfully through faithful people. Scripture reminds us that God can “do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power at work within us”—bringing glory to God through the church, now and for generations to come (Ephesians 3:20–21, NIV).
Traci Rabenstein resigns as executive of Mission Advancement for the Church of the Brethren
Traci Rabenstein has resigned as executive director of Mission Advancement for the Church of the Brethren, effective April 3. She will complete more than nine years of employment with the denomination.
Court of Appeals will hear argument in sensitive location lawsuit on Feb. 5
On Thursday, Feb. 5, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in Washington, D.C., will hear opening oral arguments in an appeal for injunctive relief in the “sensitive locations” lawsuit, “Mennonite Church USA et al., v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, et al.” The Church of the Brethren is a plaintiff in the lawsuit.
Traci Rabenstein to serve as Southern Pennsylvania District executive minister
The Southern Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren has called Traci Rabenstein to serve as district executive minister starting April 6. She resides in Enola, Pa., from where she will serve in this fulltime role.
Brethren bits
In this issue: A new webpage offers resources for interim ministry, the Arlington congregation is among those to use the new hymn “Just Like Selma” during Black History Month, 2026 Blackwell Prize in Music goes to Church of the Brethren composer Shawn Kirchner, the next episode of Brethren Voices, and more
Sydney Goldsborough joins staff of On Earth Peace
Sydney Goldsborough has been hired by On Earth Peace in the new role of director of Administration and Communication. The fulltime appointment is to the permanent staff of the organization. On Earth Peace is an agency of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference.
Gene Hollenberg announces his retirement from leadership of Camp Mack
Gene Hollenberg has announced his plan to retire as executive director of Camp Alexander Mack in Milford, Ind., at the end of the year. He has served in the position for almost 10 years, since September 2016. He previously gave 40 years of volunteer leadership.
Intercultural Ministries imagines a beloved community vision that inspires and challenges us
As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I dream of a day when we embrace discomfort as part of our sacred calling to live in unity—many stories, one Spirit, one body in Christ. Hope is born when love refuses to remain silent. Justice, after all, is love made visible, and kindness is faith in action.