The Church of the Brethren has begun a formal partnership with ADNet, the Anabaptist Disabilities Network. Based out of Elkhart, Ind., ADNet is a strong voice for disabilities and mental health advocacy both within the Mennonite Church USA and ecumenically. The good work they have done and their clear passion for this ministry recently led the Church of the Brethren’s Congregational Life Ministries to develop this partnership.
Donna Kline, director of deacon ministry for the Church of the Brethren, is now a member of the ADNet board, in an ex-officio capacity. To better understand the mission, vision, and breadth of ADNet, visit www.adnetonline.org .
Church of the Brethren congregations are invited to participate in the ADNet Congregational Partnership program, which offers significant print and other resources. More information on this program, including registration forms, can be found at www.brethren.org/disabilities/ADNet . Questions can be directed to Christine Guth at ADNet, cjguth@adnetonline.org or 574-343-1362.
The Church of the Brethren disabilities ministry will only be strengthened through this partnership. While certain aspects of the ministry (including the Open Roof Award), will remain specific to the denomination, many of the resources offered will now come through ADNet. In addition, resources currently specific to the Church of the Brethren (like the We Are Able! workcamp) now will be publicized more broadly through this partnership.
Additional information about the ADNet partnership is included in the March Source packet mailing to all Church of the Brethren congregations.
(Deacon Ministry director Donna Kline and Manchester University student Lucas Kauffman contributed to this report.)