The National Council of Churches is making a number of the response to Newtown tragedy available online, along with worship and action resources for churches to address gun violence and help parishioners deal with the aftermath of a tragedy that has affected the entire nation.
Year: 2012
NCC Press Conference Will Call for Meaningful Action on Guns
The National Council of Churches (NCC) has been active since the school shooting in Newtown, by making available resources to congregations and encouraging religious leaders to address the issue of gun violence. Tomorrow the NCC holds a press conference in Washington, D.C., where religious leaders will speak out on gun violence.
Prayer, New Carol Text Are Written by Brethren Pastors After the Tragedy
Following are worship resources by two Church of the Brethren pastors, a prayer sparked by the tragedy at Newtown and a new version of the Christmas carol, “What Child Is This?”
General Secretary Responds to School Shooting in Connecticut
General Secretary Stanley Noffsinger expressed his deep sorrow today upon hearing the news of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
‘12 Days of Christmas’: Featuring the Writings of Kenneth I. Morse
This is the first in an occasional Newsline series in the run-up to the 2013 Annual Conference. The 100th anniversary of the birth of poet and hymnwriter Kenneth I. Morse will be remembered when the Conference meets on a theme based on his hymn, “Move in Our Midst.” From now until Annual Conference, Newsline will take a look back at Morse’s work on the editorial staff of “Messenger” magazine during the turbulent 1960s and ’70s, when he made creative contributions to the church that still speak today. Morse wrote the lyrics for this alternative Christmas carol, and a new tune with harmonization by Wilbur Brumbaugh.
Newsline for Dec. 13, 2012
1) Brethren Disaster Ministries celebrates with Pulaski. 2) Fund makes grants to start new Brethren disaster project, aid Congolese refugees. 3) Brethren make efforts to support Nigerians in the face of violence. 4) Nigerian Brethren development center graduates 167 women. 5) Pacific Northwest District announces its new name. 6) New Life Ministries concludes its ministry, passes baton to E3. 7) ‘Brethren Voices’ is now broadcast across the country.
8) Mission office sends new program volunteers to South Sudan, Nigeria. 9) Dranesville holds Peace Service marking anniversary of Civil War battle. 10) Workcamp office highlights ‘We Are Able’ event. 11) Springs of Living Water Academy in Church Renewal launches in 2013.
12) Advent reflection: 75th anniversary of the disappearance of China missionaries. 13) Brethren bits.
Brethren Make Efforts to Support Nigerians in the Face of Violence
Several efforts to support and encourage Nigerian Brethren affected by violence are being made by American Brethren, responding to concern for Nigeria expressed during the Annual Conference in July and to news of continuing incidents of terrorist violence. A season of prayer for Nigeria has been announced by Annual Conference moderator Bob Krouse.
Dranesville Holds Peace Service Marking Anniversary of Civil War Battle
At the start of the Civil War, Union and Confederate troops met at Dranesville, Va., in a short, bloody battle that left more than 50 dead and 200 wounded. Today, part of the battlefield belongs to Dranesville Church of the Brethren. On Dec. 16, at 7 p.m., the congregation will gather to remember the battle and pray for peace.
Brethren Bits for Dec. 13, 2012
Brethren bits remembers former denominational staff member and a groundbreaking woman pilot, announces faculty openings at Bethany Seminary along with new writing positions for Brethren and Mennonite curriculum, internship and volunteer opportunities, more disaster response and Advent events, amid lots of Brethren news!
Springs of Living Water Academy in Church Renewal launches in 2013
The Springs of Living Water initiative for church renewal is announcing a new academy for pastors and church leaders, which will offer courses with formal learning objectives that participants will localize in their own settings.