Brethren Bits for Dec. 22, 2015

In this issue: Church of the Brethren districts seek executive ministers, Children’s Aid Society seeks executive director, job opening in Brethren Press customer service, workcamp registration opens online Jan. 7, prayer requested for nation of Burundi, Dominican Republic pastors hold retreat, Waterford Church of the Brethren closes, and more news by, for, and about Brethren.

Pacific Southwest District Conference Meets on the Theme of ‘Justice’

Brethren from Arizona and California gathered the second weekend of November for the 52nd District Conference of the Pacific Southwest District in La Verne, Calif. Eric Bishop was this year’s moderator, choosing the theme of “Justice: Called to Be Just Christians” from Matthew 5 and 25.

District Terminates Ordination of Pastor Who Performed Same-Sex Marriage

On Dec. 10 the Shenandoah District Leadership Team “terminated with possibility of reinstatement” the ordination of Chris Zepp, associate pastor of Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren. This action was taken at the recommendation of the district’s Ministerial Leadership Team, after Zepp officiated at a same-sex marriage.

EYN President Samuel Dali Addresses Nigerian Nation in Christmas Message

Samuel Dante Dali, president of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), addressed the nation of Nigeria from the capital city of Abuja as part of a national Christmas celebration. Dr. Dali spoke to the country in a televised address on Sunday, Dec. 13, from the National Christian Center. The theme of his presentation was, “We Thank Thee, O Lord.”

Newsline for Dec. 22, 2015

NEWS
1) Queries address same-sex marriage, On Earth Peace, life together in the church, Creation care
2) District terminates ordination of pastor who performed same-sex marriage
3) EYN president Samuel Dali addresses Nigerian nation in Christmas message
4) EYN choir tour proves ‘phenomenally successful’
5) BBT Board increases benevolent grant levels
6) Pacific Southwest District Conference meets on the theme of ‘Justice’
7) New Ventures session offer opportunity for story of grief, healing
8) Brethren bits

EYN Choir Tour Proves ‘Phenomenally Successful’

This update on the EYN Women’s Fellowship Choir and BEST tour has been prepared by the secretary and chair of the EYN Visit Planning Committee from Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and Atlantic Northeast District. The EYN 2015 Fraternal Visit turned out to be a phenomenally successful “God event.” It strengthened the bond of Christian love and fellowship between EYN (Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria) and the Church of the Brethren more than any other experience in recent years.

New Ventures Session Offer Opportunity for Story of Grief, Healing

The newest offering in the Ventures sessions hosted at McPherson (Kan.) College comes up on Jan. 16, titled “The Road We Travel…a Journey Shared.” Deb and Dale Ziegler will share about their journey of loss, grief, and healing since September 2012 when their 19-year-old son–a college student at McPherson–was killed while riding his bicycle.

Queries Address Same-Sex Marriage, On Earth Peace, Life Together in the Church, Creation Care

Five queries have been acted on by district conferences this year and received by the officers of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, for consideration in 2016 by the Standing Committee and/or the Annual Conference. The Standing Committee of district delegates makes recommendations about the business items that will be presented to the Conference.

Brethren Bits for December 12, 2015

In this issue: Invitation to simulcast Christmas Service from Bethlehem, alert for nonprofits about proposed IRS rule changes, Highland Avenue church to host special music and worship weekend led by Shawn Kirchner, S. Pennsylvania District plans “Man 2 Man,” National Council of Churches announces new leaders, NCC welcomes Assyrian church, and more.

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