The annual Advent Offering for Church of the Brethren ministries is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 13, the third Sunday of Advent. The theme, “Rejoice: The Lord Has Done Great Things,” is inspired by Luke 1:46-49, the opening verses of Mary’s “Magnificat.”
Year: 2015
Advent Devotional, Winter Quarter of Guide for Biblical Studies Provide Seasonal Focus on Gifts
New resources from Brethren Press provide a seasonal focus on gifts, with the 2015 Advent Devotional on the topic “In the Fullness of Time,” written by Anita Hooley Yoder, and the Winter quarter of A Guide for Biblical Studies on the theme “Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings,” written by Herb Smith, with the Out of Context feature written by Frank Ramirez.
Church of the Brethren Issues Position Posting for General Secretary
The Church of the Brethren has posted a position opening for General Secretary, as the next step in the search process for a candidate to fill the top executive staff position in the denomination. The application deadline is Dec. 15.
Mission and Ministry Board Adopts 2016 Budget of $9.5 Million for Denominational Ministries
The Mission and Ministry Board of the Church of the Brethren held its Fall meeting on Oct. 15-19 at the denomination’s General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The meeting was led by chair Don Fitzkee, and chair-elect Connie Burk Davis.
Workcamp Schedule Is Announced for 2016
A schedule of Church of the Brethren workcamps for the summer of 2016 has been announced by the Workcamp Ministry. Workcamp experiences are offered for junior high youth, senior high youth, young adults, intergenerational groups, and those living with disabilities. The Workcamp Ministry theme for the year is “Blazing with Holiness,” inspired by the scripture text from 1 Peter 1:13-16 in “The Message.”
Denomination Records Stellar Giving, but Core Ministries Giving Suffers
The Church of the Brethren is recording exceptionally generous giving to its denominational ministries this year, the Mission and Ministry Board learned at its Fall meeting. The financial reporting was given by treasurer Brian Bultman and assistant treasurer Ed Woolf. For a full report from the meeting, and a report of the 2016 budget decision, see the story below.
Newsline for Oct. 22, 2015
1) Denomination records stellar giving, but Core Ministries giving suffers. 2) Mission and Ministry Board adopts 2016 budget of $9.5 million for denominational ministries. 3) Church of the Brethren issues position posting for General Secretary. 4) Districts take action addressing same-sex marriage. 5) Workcamp schedule is announced for 2016.
6) Brethren bits
Brethren Bits for Oct. 22, 2015
In this issue: Remembering Tracy Stoddart Primozich, registration remains open for the 2015 Presidential Forum at Bethany Seminary, Global Mission and Service requests prayer for the presidential election in Haiti, 160 participate in Cane Awareness Day in Vietnam, Brethren Disaster Ministries holds leadership training, Kulp Bible College has reopened in Kwarhi, Nigeria, Outdoor Ministries Association plans annual retreat, ecumenical partners express concern for violence in Israel and Palestine, and more.
At Least Three Church of the Brethren Districts Are Addressing the Topic of Same-Sex Marriage
At least three Church of the Brethren districts are addressing the topic of same-sex marriage. One of them has adopted a query on same-sex marriage, which will be sent on to Annual Conference. West Marva District at its conference on Sept. 18-19 adopted a query that asks Annual Conference to consider “how shall districts respond
Newsline for Oct. 15, 2015
1) Brethren representative reports from United Nations 70th anniversary event. 2) World Council of Churches condemns escalation of conflict in Syria. 3) Atlantic Southeast District holds its ninth Family Peace Camp. 4) Fred Bernhard resigns from Bethany Seminary. 5) Summer orientation held by Brethren Volunteer Service and Brethren Revival Fellowship. 6) Brethren bits