By Kelsey Murray, National Youth Conference coordinator “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on
eBrethren
Do not be afraid
By David Steele, General Secretary. “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring
Pass on the gift
By Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission and Service My family has a tradition on Thanksgiving Day of going around the table two or three times and making a list of the things we are especially thankful for in the past year. This list is a testimony of the goodness of God manifested in
Rejoice on Giving Tuesday
By Matt DeBall, coordinator of Donor Communications “The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoice” (Psalm 126:3). Blessed are you, Lord, our God, Ruler of the Universe. We praise you for your steadfast love and for your mighty works in the world. Thank you for redeeming and restoring us, your church. Ignite
Loving our enemies
By Matt DeBall, coordinator of Donor Communications “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:43-45). The words of Jesus have always been radical.
What to preach
A sermon starter written for the 2017 Advent Offering by Thomas Dowdy, pastor of Imperial Heights Church of the Brethren in Los Angeles, Calif. “When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the
Get out of the boat
By Becky Ullom Naugle, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries “Before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him… they were terrified… Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’ ‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you
Blessings Box
By Angela Finet, pastor of Nokesville (Va.) Church of the Brethren “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35, NIV). At the beginning of 2017, our Sunday School class began a study of the
Peacemaking and serving
By Nathan Hosler, director of the Office of Public WitnessIf all politics were controversial before, they have gotten even only more so in the past year. We may ask, “How do we advocate—engage in policy debates with our distinctive voice—when our own body also experiences many divisions?” The Office of Public Witness as a ministry
United: serving the Lord together
A theme interpretation written by Matt DeBall, coordinator of Donor Communications, for the 2017 Mission Offering “How wonderful it is when God’s people dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1). Indeed, it is wonderful to see the body of Christ work together as one. Every person feeling connected to the mission and giving of themselves to the