Brethren bits

— Camp Mack near Milford, Ind., is hiring a Cleaning and Maintenance supervisor. This is a full-time, year-round position that includes onsite housing and other benefits. The supervisor is primarily responsible for camp housekeeping and scheduled maintenance, working as part of a team responsible for keeping the buildings and grounds clean and welcoming for campers and guests. This is an ideal job for someone who enjoys the beauty of nature, is detail-oriented, can work independently, and wishes to be part of an established and respected ministry. Find more detailed information at www.campmack.org/employment

— The Church of the Brethren’s Illinois and Wisconsin District seeks a district conference coordinator to fill a contract position that can be renewed annually by mutual consent. Most of the work would occur from Aug. 15 to Nov. 15 each year, averaging about 10 hours a week in that span, with the heavier workload likely in the period immediately leading up to and at the district conference that is held on the first full weekend in November each year. A few meetings via Zoom would be required between January and August for planning the event with the district’s Program and Arrangements Committee. Candidates should be a member of or have familiarity with the Church of the Brethren. Experience with office software such as the Microsoft Office suite, Google applications, Zoom, etc., is required. Some conference/event coordination experience is preferred. It is hoped that the candidate could attend this year’s conference, Nov. 7-8 in Bloomington, Ill., to get some orientation to the event and the position’s needs. A full position description with additional details is available. Apply by sending a resume, letter of interest, and two professional references by Sept. 30 to Church of the Brethren Illinois/Wisconsin District Office, 1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard, IL 60148 or iwdde@outlook.com. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

— Bethany Seminary’s Joelle Hathaway, assistant professor of theological studies and director of the MATW program, has contributed a chapter to a new book, Naming the Spirit: Pneumatology Through the Arts (Intervarsity Press, 2025). The chapter is co-authored by Devon Abts under the title “The Spirit as Breath: Poetic Imagination and the Word-Bearing Breath.” Read more at https://bethanyseminary.edu/dr-joelle-hathaway-publishes-chapter-in-new-book

— Dan Ulrich, Wieand Professor of New Testament Studies at Bethany Seminary and a member of Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., will be one of the speakers at the “Larry Hayes First Amendment Forum” on Sept. 13 at 1-5 p.m. at the Allen County Public Library Theater in Fort Wayne. The event is hosted by Hoosiers for Separation of Church and State and is intended to help participants understand the impact on their lives of the political movement called Christian Nationalism. For more information and to register, go to www.mobilize.us/au/event/807713

— McPherson (Kan.) College has been approved by the Higher Learning Commission to offer a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science starting in August 2026. “The degree further diversifies the college’s academic offerings and builds on the existing strengths in the health science and sports studies programs, aligning with the mission to foster advances in rural and community health,” said a release. “Designed to meet the growing demand among college-bound students for careers in health, fitness, and sports-related fields, the program will offer two areas of emphasis: strength and conditioning or exercise physiology…. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in strength and conditioning is projected to grow by 14% over the next decade, while jobs in exercise physiology are expected to increase by 10%. Graduates will be prepared for diverse career paths in sports performance, clinical rehabilitation, corporate wellness, and preventative healthcare.”

— Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 academic year at Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, part of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and attached to the University of Geneva, Switzerland. “These internationally recognized programs offer unique opportunities for theological formation, intercultural exchange, and ecumenical engagement,” said an announcement. Four distinct study options are available including Certificate of Advanced Studies in Ecumenical Studies; Complementary Certificate in Ecumenical Studies, a more extensive program; Master of Advanced Studies in Ecumenical Studies; and Intensive English Summer Course held prior to the academic year to support students who wish to strengthen their English proficiency for ecumenical study and dialogue. Applications are open to students from around the world with a background in theology, religious studies, or related fields. Admission is selective and places are limited. The application deadline is Nov. 30. More information is at https://oikoumene.org/what-we-do/the-ecumenical-institute-bossey/application-process

— A World Prayer for Ukraine has been announced by the World Council of Churches (WCC) for Sunday, Aug. 24, hosted by the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations on the theme scripture from Psalm 18:2-3. The “global prayer chain will ask for a just and lasting peace—that God will stop the war and that light will overcome darkness,” said the announcement. “The prayer will be held on the day when Ukraine, during ongoing Russian military aggression, will celebrate its 34th Independence Day. An online prayer calendar allows churches and individuals to sign up for prayer times, and the prayer website lists prayer needs and provides other resources for reflection and sharing. The prayer will also urge the protection of Christians in the occupied territories and for all those who minister under persecution; for the return of abducted children and healing for wounded families; and for comfort for those who have lost loved ones and for emotional and spiritual restoration. About 700 temples and churches of various denominations have been destroyed or damaged as a result of the military actions in Ukraine. More than 70 Ukrainian pastors and priests have been killed by Russian troops.” Learn more at www.prayforukraine.org.ua

A “preview” event for youth advisors is offered on Oct. 11-13 in advance of the Church of the Brethren’s 2026 National Youth Conference (NYC) at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colo. Because it will be a new location for many of the advisors who will bring youth, it seemed helpful to offer a chance to experience the location before NYC. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the campus, check out the food and lodging, see what recreation options are like, and enjoy sessions led by Charles (Chuck) Hunt on the book Faith Beyond Youth Group. The sessions will build on work by the Fuller Youth Institute, where Hunt is senior director of training. Continuing education credit will be available. Registration costs $375 and includes two nights of double-occupancy lodging, four meals, and all sessions. Registrants are responsible for their transportation to and from the YMCA of the Rockies. (Denver International Airport is the most convenient airport, and there is shuttle service to the YMCA.) See www.brethren.org/yya/advisor-preview-weekend-for-nyc-2026 or contact Becky Ullom Naugle, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, at bullomnaugle@brethren.org or 847-429-4385.

The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference office has shared a note from David MacMillan, director of the Rockingham Male Chorus based in Bridgewater, Va., which gave a concert at the 2025 Annual Conference on July 5. “The music and fellowship was wonderful and the experience will be fondly remembered for many years,” he wrote. “If you are interested in having the RMC sing at your church, please contact us. We have a few openings in the fall of 2025 and are currently scheduling for 2026. We do not charge a fee to provide a program; however, we only ask that you lift a Love offering during the program to help with our expenses. Programs are usually an hour in length, but can be adjusted to suit your needs. The RMC began in 1966, spreading the gospel, and with God’s help, we will continue for many years to come.” Contact MacMillan at mrdmac53@gmail.com or 540-421-4188.