By Norm and Carol Spicher Waggy
In December 2019, Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) hosted a gathering of representatives from seven global Church of the Brethren denominations. A second gathering in person was not possible this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the first virtual Global Church of the Brethren Communion meeting was held on Nov. 10.
Despite some technical difficulties with Internet connections and time zone confusions, 15 brothers and sisters representing 5 of the 11 international Church of the Brethren denominations met together by Zoom conference call. No business was conducted. Instead, this was a time for trying out the Zoom/Internet connection, addressing time zone and translation issues, sharing joys and concerns, and expressing prayers and support for each other. The world COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all groups and continues to be a prayer concern.
Another Zoom meeting is scheduled for Dec. 15. We hope to be able to arrange for representatives from all 11 Church of the Brethren denominations around the world to meet together for sharing, support, and to begin addressing organizational matters.
— Norm and Carol Spicher Waggy are interim directors of Global Mission for the Church of the Brethren.
Find more Church of the Brethren news:
- Brethren Disaster Ministries works to help coordinate response with districts
- Church World Service distributes thousands of disaster kits, offers support to survivors in wake of hurricanes
- Children’s Disaster Services places two teams of volunteers in North Carolina
- Districts respond with aid to hurricane survivors, collections of relief goods and monetary donations
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