Dear Beloved Community of the Church of the Brethren, I write today with particular concern for our Haitian church members and their families. Following the expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) on July 27, many now face the possibility of detention, deportation, and family separation. Among those affected are approximately 300 Haitians who are part of Church of the Brethren congregations across the United States.
Deportation Defense Response Team encourages generous support for Haitian church members
In this time in which many of our Haitian sisters and brothers no longer have valid work permits due to the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, it is more important than ever that the church give generously to the Legal and Mutual Aid Fund. This fund directly supports our Haitian Church of the Brethren members in the US, among others.
World Council of Churches invites churches worldwide to celebrate the Season of Creation
From Sept. 1 to Oct. 4, churches worldwide will mark the Season of Creation, at the invitation of the World Council of Churches. (The Church of the Brethren is one of the founding members of the WCC.) The Season of Creation runs for five weeks, and is given to prayer and action for the care of creation. The theme this year is “Living Water,” drawn from Ezekiel 47.
Brethren bits
In this issue: Correction, remembering Suely Inhauser and David Jehnsen, prayer requests from around the world, Jesus in the Neighborhood videos, Brethren Volunteer Service units begin and end service, latest issue of Rooted, and much more.
Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center seeks ‘Weird and Wonderful Stories’
The SVMC office is collecting short stories from ministers who have odd stories to tell. Maybe you remember a wedding mishap or a funeral gone awry, a hospital miracle, a bizarre Sunday morning experience, or an unbelievable moment at camp.
Northern Ohio District churches participate in Peanut Butter and Canned Food Drive challenge
Fourteen of our churches participated in a Peanut Butter and Canned Food Drive challenge within our district. An amazing total of 56,490.64 ounces (3,530.67 pounds) were collected.
Crest Manor enters into ‘Shalom Partnership’ with Dismas House, celebrates vitality of Sunday Discussion Group and Book Club
Crest Manor Church of the Brethren and Dismas House of South Bend, Ind., have entered into a “Shalom Partnership” to offer mutual friendship, support, and community for residents of Dismas House seeking to find their way back into society following incarceration.
CDS volunteers support ‘Faith and Fellowship’ memorial event in Kerrville
On Friday, July 3, while many were beginning their Independence Day celebrations, two Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) volunteers were aiding the Kerrville, Texas, community in a very different commemoration.
Pastors ordained for Church of the Brethren ministry in South Sudan
Two pastors were ordained for pastoral ministry in the Mangateen IDP [Internally Displaced Person] camp in June: Daniel Mawer and Paul Makuar. Mawer was trained in the Presbyterian tradition but due to conflicts in the leadership of the Presbyterian Church in South Sudan, he asked if he could join the Church of the Brethren.
The speakers for National Youth Conference 2026
The National Youth Conference office is excited to announce all of our speakers for NYC 2026! For some 10 weeks in advance of NYC, a speaker was announced on NYC social media pages as part of a series titled “Speaker Saturday.” Read below to find out a bit about each of our speakers.
