Church of the Brethren general secretary David Steele is extending care for Haitian migrants and the community of Springfield, Ohio, and is calling for a cessation of verbal and physical violence in this volatile period of time in our country. The statement follows in English, Haitian Creole, and French (translation into Spanish will be made available soon)
Bridgewater symposium explores perspectives on 21st century challenges for the Church of the Brethren
After comparing the decline in membership across what he called the “Ecumenical Church” (often referred to as the mainline Protestant churches) to the rise in membership and political influence of the evangelical church over the past century, David Hollinger asked what he thought was a more important question: Which has had a stronger influence in American society?
Walt Wiltschek resigns from part-time work for Brethren Volunteer Service
Walt Wiltschek has resigned his part-time position as office assistant for Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., as of Oct. 3.
Dear church family: Nominating Committee seeks nominations for leadership positions in the Church of the Brethren
We all share in the nominating responsibility for the leaders of our church. The Nominating Committee has been in touch with every district in the denomination, but we seek your help as ambassadors to stir up the spirit of calling.
Letter of lament and blessing is sent to the former Church of the Brethren congregations in Puerto Rico
The 2024 Standing Committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference authorized and approved a “Letter of Lament and Blessing to the Puerto Rico Brethren” on July 2, 2024, during the group’s pre-Conference meeting. Below are the English and Spanish versions of this letter. The Spanish translation was mailed to the leadership of the former Church of the Brethren in Puerto Rico on July 30, 2024.
Learning by serving at Bethany
Just a couple of weeks into the fall semester, students in the Bethany BOLD program are already engaged in the Wayne County, Ind., community.
Upcoming urban ministry course takes place in Atlanta
The upcoming urban ministry course offered by a partnership of Bethany Theological Seminary, the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, and the Church of the Brethren Discipleship and Leadership Formation department, is titled “A Place of Refuge: Ministry in the Urban Context.” It takes place on Jan. 7-15, 2025, in Atlanta, Ga.
Peace witness at Raytheon/RTX brings together Church of the Brethren and other participants
Over 50 people gathered outside Raytheon/RTX, one of 10 weapons contractors in Fort Wayne, Ind., on the afternoon of Sept. 5. Participants representing at least six Church of the Brethren congregations from the two church districts in Indiana, and a group of 10 from the Manchester University Kenapocomoco Peace Coalition, were joined by other Christians, Muslims, Jews, and non-faith folks to say a strong “NO!” to the Israeli/US genocide against Gaza.
October Ventures course to focus on the Psalms
The October offering from the Ventures in Christian Discipleship program at McPherson (Kan.) College will be “Happiness in Hard Times: A View from the Psalms” to be presented by Stephen Reid, vice provost for Faculty Diversity and Belonging at Baylor University in Texas. The course will be held online in two sessions, Tuesdays, Oct. 8 and 15, both at 6:30-8:30 p.m. (central time).
Brethren bits
In this issue: Remembering James Earl Jones; prayer for flooding in Maiduguri, Nigeria; Material Resources shipments; new additions of historic Church of the Brethren videos on YouTube channel; news from congregations; and more
