— Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) is inviting church members and congregations to send Christmas cards to the current BVS volunteers. “Our volunteers love receiving cards and greetings from supporters and congregations!” said the invitation. The address list for the 10 current BVSers is available from the BVS staff. Contact bvs@brethren.org.
— “It’s not too late to apply for the next BVS orientation, which will be held Jan. 18 to Feb. 4 at Camp Bethel in Fincastle, Va.,” said another announcement from Brethren Volunteer Service. “If you or someone you know is interested, please see our website for more information on the application process, as well as available projects.” Go to www.brethren.org/bvs.
— The Annual Conference is sharing a study and discussion guide for Tod Bolsinger’s plenary session on “Doing Church in Uncharted Territory,” which was featured at this summer’s Conference. Find it at www.brethren.org/ac/resources where the video of the plenary session also is available. The study and discussion guide was made available by past moderator Paul Mundey.
— President of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), Joel S. Billi, has dedicated the theme and devotional materials for next year 2022, at the EYN Headquarters in Kwarhi in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The EYN theme for 2022 is “Attaining to the Whole Measures of the Fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13) or in the Hausa language, “Kai Ga Matsayin Nan Na Falalar Almasihu.” The devotional books are “Daily Link with God” or “Saduwa da Allah Kullayaumin” and a Bible study guide or “Jagorar Nazarin Littafi Mai Tsarki.”
Reported EYN head of media Zakariya Musa: “Speaking during the dedication on Nov. 15, Billi applauded the EYN Resource Persons Committee under the chairmanship of former general secretary Y. Y. Balami, for making the materials ready in November. It is the first time we are making available our devotional material for the approaching year. He therefore charged members to patronize the materials and to avoid dumping them, warning that many pastors dumps our publications at the detriment of spiritual growth of members. The secretary of the committee, Daniel I. Yumuna, thanked God for his helping hands and the EYN leadership for their continued support towards the development targeted at strengthening the spiritual capacity of the entire congregation.”
— Julia Allen began Nov. 2 as administrative assistant for Institutional Advancement at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. She has a background as an office manager as well as an entrepreneur. Among her duties will be to maintain the database, create mailing lists, and answer telephone calls from seminary alumni.
–– Carolyn Jones has retired as office manager for Southern Pennsylvania District, effective Dec. 2. The new district office manager will be Amy Weaver. The district contact information will remain the same.
— Juniata College, a Church of the Brethren-related school in Huntingdon, Pa., was represented at the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference by Dennis Plane, professor of Politics; Matthew Powell, professor of Geology; Saraly Gonzalez, class of 2022; and Kali Pupo, class of 2022. The group travele to Glasgow, Scotland, to observe the negotiations. Find a full release at www.juniata.edu/about/news/archive.php?action=SHOWARTICLE&id=7008.
— Juniata College has honored four alumni with awards: Carol Eichelberger Van Horn (’79) who earned the Alumni Achievement Award; Jeremy Weber (’05) who was awarded the Young Alumni Achievement Award; Harold Yocum (’64) who received the William E. Swigart Alumni Humanitarian Award; and Craig Eisenhart (’70) who was honored with the Harold B. Brumbaugh Alumni Service Award. Find out more at www.juniata.edu/about/news/archive.php?action=SHOWARTICLE&id=7004.
— Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services are the focus of the December episode of the television show Brethren Voices, produced by Portland (Ore.) Peace Church of the Brethren. The two Church of the Brethren ministries are “Alternative Gift Giving Suggestions” for viewers “who already have all the stuff they need,” said an announcement from producer Ed Groff. “We recommend a financial gift to Brethren Disaster Ministries to help families rebuild following disasters. Our host, Brent Carlson, one of Santa’s helpers, is seen getting psyched up to share the message about BDM and CDS. Mike Stern, a regular at the Brethren Song and Story Fest, provides the theme music, ‘Higher Ground,’ setting the tone for the whole program.” View at www.youtube.com/brethrenvoices.
— “We invite you to receive your CPT Advent Calendar!” said an announcement from Christian Peacemaker Teams. “Each day, from 1 December to 25 December, you will have the opportunity to open a new door and meet a CPT Peacemaker of Christmas. From quotes, to reflections, to fun and interesting videos–each day will bring a different activity so don’t miss out!” Open the English calendar at https://cptaction.org/advent. Abre el Calendario en Español: https://cptaction.org/adviento.
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