Brethren Disaster Ministries has directed grants from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) to continued support for the Nigeria Crisis Response, to aid those affected in three central African countries by the warfare in Goma and the surrounding area, to aid those affected by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, and to aid those affected by the war in Ukraine, among others.
Annual Conference organizers announce preacher line up for 2025
The Annual Conference office has announced the daily line up of preachers for the 2025 annual meeting of the Church of the Brethren, as well as the daily themes and scripture texts and the worship planning team and music leadership.

Keynote speakers are announced for National Older Adult Conference
The keynote speakers for the 2025 National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) have been announced. The event takes place Sept. 1-5 in Lake Junaluska, N.C., a Spirit-filled gathering of adults 50 and older. This year’s theme is “Alive in the Spirit!” (Romans 15:13).

Brethren Volunteer Service begins ‘BVS Visionary Voices’ online speaker series
“Mark your calendar for BVS Visionary Voices!” said an announcement from the Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) office. This new quarterly speaker series highlights inspiring professionals sharing what they do, why they do it, and how you can get involved.

Grant opportunity for congregations is offered by Global Food Initiative (in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole)
Looking to address hunger in your community? Congregations are invited to apply for a Global Food Initiative (GFI) grant to support efforts to address domestic hunger and homelessness.

April Ventures course to focus on communities of belonging
The April offering from the Ventures in Christian Discipleship program at McPherson (Kan.) College will be “A Place for Everybody: Creating Communities of Belonging” to be presented by Jeanne Davies, executive director of the Anabaptist Disabilities Network.

Brethren bits
In this issue: Remembering Doris Cline Egge, prayer for the Democratic Republic of Congo, immigration vigil and advocacy visits in Washington, D.C., job openings at camps, installation service for Mid-Atlantic District executive Douglas Veal, book launch of Christ in the Rubble, ’10 Books Every Brethren Should Read,’ David Jehnsen and Barbara Daté receive awards from On Earth Peace, Womaen’s Caucus address change, and much more

‘Dinner Church in Every Context’ is next webinar from Fresh Expressions
A new webinar, free to attend, is offered on Wednesday, March 26, at 2 p.m. (Eastern time), offering 0.1 continuing education credit. “Dinner Church in Every Context” is presented by Verlon Fosner, director of Dinner Church Collective, Fresh Expressions North America.

Church of the Brethren signs ‘Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge’
The Church of the Brethren has signed the “Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge” as one of the Covenant Members of Church World Service (CWS).

Beckner and Bollinger head the ballot for the 2025 Annual Conference
The Nominating Committee of the Standing Committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference is presenting the following ballot for the 2025 Conference taking place in Greensboro, N.C., on July 2-6.
