— Eder Financial seeks candidates for the position of Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable associate. This is a full-time, exempt position working for a not-for-profit, faith-based organization that aligns with peace church traditions. Employees practice their faith in a diverse array of worldviews and denominations. This Finance Department position requires candidates who can appropriately solve for the spoken and unspoken needs of external and internal customers. This position involves processing receipts from banks and third-party vendors, preparing transactions for cash collections and disbursements, processing approved accounts payable, reconciling credit card transactions, creating and overseeing documentation of electronic file transactions, and assisting with month-end closing. While this position does require regular onsite presence, most of the work is done remotely and candidates must work well independently. Requirements include at least a bachelor’s degree; a business major preferred; one to three years of experience; effective oral and written communication skills; adaptable problem-solving skills; attention to detail and documentation. This position requires a person who enjoys working in a team environment. The ideal candidate is both data and detail oriented, and is proficient in computer systems, particularly with a knowledge of Excel. The individual will use this background to apply accounting standards to protect the integrity of the organization and its clients. Eder offers a fair compensation structure with a strong benefits package that includes organizational contributions for retirement, medical, life, and long-term disability, as well as options to add dental, vision, and short-term disability coverage. In addition, Eder offers 22 days of vacation, accrued at the start of the year, and flexible work hours within a basic workday structure. To learn more about Eder Financial, visit www.ederfinancial.org. To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and three references to Tammy Chudy at tchudy@eder.org.
— On Earth Peace seeks a Racial Justice Organizer intern focused on supporting the Church of the Brethren Standing with People of Color study/action team. The position description can be found at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gpzfa38s5PxyLOXNzW08L–kZnzdPu0Vhitwqg7529w/edit. Apply by sending a cover letter and resume to Marie Benner-Rhoades at mrhoades@onearthpeace.org by Sept. 8. Further information and application instructions for this paid internship can be found at www.OnEarthPeace.org/internships.
— Camp Inspiration Hills seeks a full-time interim executive camp director. Camp Inspiration Hills is a ministry of the Northern Ohio District of the Church of the Brethren and is located at 4819 West Easton Road, Burbank, Ohio. The camp seeks a gifted and visionary individual with a passion for outdoor ministry to serve in the position. This position is designed for two years with a possible opportunity to extend. Inspiration Hills is a camp designed to allow persons of all ages to grow in awareness of God and deepen their commitment to Christ so that we may continue the work of Jesus, peacefully, simply, together. Housing on the camp property is available. The interim executive camp director will work with the camp staff to manage the day-to-day operations of the camp as well as oversee all camp staff. Equally important, the position will work to help restore the camp’s financial stability, including working collaboratively to design and implement marketing campaigns to help improve continued communications with the congregations in the district as well as encourage camp use by independent groups. A link to find out more about qualification and responsibilities is at www.nohcob.org/ministries/camp-inspiration-hills. Apply by submitting a resume and/or send questions to krishawk@nohcob.org.
— COBYS Family Services seeks an executive director. The organization based in Leola, Pa., is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing education, empowerment, and support for children and families at risk in Lancaster County and the surrounding area. Founded in affiliation with the Church of the Brethren in 1979, COBYS is motivated by Christian faith to care for children and families through foster care, adoption, counseling, family life education, and permanency services. COBYS seeks to best serve clients by valuing the sanctity of life, and demonstrating integrity, faith, teamwork, and servanthood. COBYS’ dedicated team of seasoned professionals daily strives to ensure families receive the highest quality care, delivered with compassion, dignity, and hope. The executive director will provide executive leadership and advance the COBYS mission, vision, and values; in partnership with the board of directors will recommend and implement programming, policy, and operational developments within the organization; will be responsible to navigate complex industry regulations while compassionately and consistently leading all team members and furthering the goals of COBYS. The ideal candidate will be able to strategically engage relational leadership and exhibit a deep understanding of nonprofit business operations to continue to guide COBYS into a sustainable future. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, required; continuing education a plus; minimum of seven years providing successful leadership to a department or organization; business acumen including finance and budgets; experience in a highly regulated, multi-faceted industry; experience in leadership of a nonprofit organization and relating to a board of directors strongly preferred; social-services experience a plus; excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; community involvement strongly preferred. Submit a resume and cover letter at www.NorthGroupConsultants.com/jobs.
Prayer request from Nigeria: News was received yesterday from the EYN Media office that one of the Chibok schoolgirls who was abducted by Boko Haram in April 2014 has been rescued by a Nigerian military operation in Borno State this past Monday, Aug. 21. “Glory be to God, one of our Chibok abducted girls Mary Nkeki from Kuburmbula was released 4 days ago. We talked with her father by the grace of God they will go and bring her back from Maiduguri soon,” said a text message from Joel Tabji, the EYN District Church Council secretary for Chibok, which was shared by email with Church of the Brethren staff in the US. EYN Media head Zakariya Musa shared this prayer request: “Pray for Mary who is now 27, to reunite with her parents after almost 10 years in captivity.”
A service of presentation for The Peace Table: A Storybook Bible is available from the Shine curriculum, a joint project of Brethren Press and MennoMedia. The order of service is intended for use by congregations in worship, as copies of The Peace Table are presented to children and families. The presentation service was written by Chrissie Muecke, Shine’s curriculum editor and one of the authors of The Peace Table. Along with the order of service, included are preparation notes, personalization ideas, music suggestions, a PowerPoint presentation to use during the scripture litany, and a bulletin insert. Find links to the presentation service and related resources at https://shinecurriculum.com/extras. Purchase copies of The Peace Table to present to children and families in your church at www.brethrenpress.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=9781513812267.
— Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., is hiring an admissions recruiter. A full job description, qualifications, and instructions on how to apply can be found at https://bethanyseminary.edu/jobs/admissions-recruiter.
— A call for nominations of candidates for positions on the 2024 Annual Conference ballot has been issued by the Nominating Committee of the Standing Committee of district delegates. “Please review the open positions, discern qualified candidates, and go to brethren.org/ac/nominations to make your nominations,” said the announcement. Open positions include moderator elect, Program and Arrangements Committee, Mission and Ministry Board representing Area 4 (the districts of Northern Plains, Western Plains, Missouri and Arkansas, and Southern Plains) and Area 5 (the districts of Idaho, Pacific Northwest, and Pacific Southwest), Bethany Theological Seminary trustee representing the Brethren colleges, and the On Earth Peace board. A bulletin insert with this information is available, contact your district’s Standing Committee representatives.
— Brethren Volunteer Service reported that Western Plains District held a BVS 75th anniversary reunion event on July 22 at the Cedars retirement community in McPherson, Kan., with dozens of people gathering to celebrate and share their BVS memories. Monica Rice Frye, Cedars director of development and constituent relations, hosted. “Those attending ranged from a ‘seagoing cowboy’ who served in BVS’ early years to a volunteer who had just recently completed her service,” said the report. “Monica called it ‘an amazing group of loving and generous people’ and said, ‘As we shared our units and placements around the room it became clear that the impact of BVS has been both global AND personal!’ Also holding a BVS session at its district conference in August was Northern Ohio District. Those interested in planning a BVS anniversary event are invited to contact bvs@brethren.org.
— Fairview Church of the Brethren’s 130th anniversary gained media attention from The Star newspaper, which published a story with photos earlier this spring. “More than 200 folks turned out Saturday, April 29, for tours of the remodeled Fairview Church of the Brethren near Cordova [Md.]. There was a great deal of interest in the ‘Brethren way,’” the report said. Along with food and activities as well as musical entertainment that included Fairplay, Fairview’s own band, the celebration featured a tour with information about the love feast and views of historical hinged wooden benches, among other sacred objects. An anniversary cake was made by Darlene Hutchison, whose daughter Lisa Marvel chaired the committee. Said the article: “The church was originally named for its ‘fair view’ of the beautiful countryside. Its guiding principle is: peacefully, simply, together.’”
— Bridgewater (Va.) College announced in a release that it is committing to “transparency about college costs, changing its published undergraduate tuition price from $40,300 to $15,000 to better reflect the true cost of an education. The new tuition, for all current and new students, takes effect at the start of the 2024-2025 academic year.” Said president David W. Bushman in the release, “A college education is one of the most important investments an individual can make–for economic success and a fuller life. Most private colleges use a high tuition/high discount model in their pricing, setting a high ‘sticker price’ and then offering deep discounts through financial aid. We believe the published tuition price should reflect the real cost of your education, not be a complicated and confusing pricing strategy…. When students think about Bridgewater, we want them to think about the connections to great mentors, inspiring classmates and life-changing experiences we offer–not a price tag that makes us seem out of reach.” The release noted that “tuition discount rates are at an all-time high according to the most recent study by the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). On average, private colleges cut 56.2% of tuition for first-time undergraduate students.” For more information, visit www.bridgewater.edu/real.
— The two camps in Illinois and Wisconsin District are both celebrating 75th anniversaries this year. Camp Emmaus is holding an anniversary lunch and open house on Sept. 16. Camp Emmanuel is celebrating on Sept. 30 with a fish fry and other activities. Visit www.campem.com for Camp Emmanuel news and www.campemmaus.org for Camp Emmaus news.
— Registration is now open for the National Council of Churches (NCC) annual Christian Unity Gathering. For more information and to register, go to https://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/christian-unity-gathering-2023.
— “Join us in celebrating the Season of Creation!” invited Creation Justice Ministries. Sept. 1 marks the beginning of an annual ecumenical observance that began with Sept. 1 as a day of prayer for creation in the Orthodox Church, and then was recognized by Pope Frances in 2015, and soon after was expanded into a worldwide Christian observance by the World Council of Churches. “Since then, Christians all around the world have come together in this season to pray for, celebrate, and protect God’s creation,” said the invitation. “Whether it is new to you or an annual observance, Creation Justice Ministries invites you to participate in this season of celebrating God’s creation and our place in it.” Find out more at https://seasonofcreation.org
A “Green Lectionary Podcast” is launching this year as Creation Justice Ministries’ offering for the Season of Creation. It will be “a conversation on scripture through the lens of creation justice. We have invited scholars, activists and preachers to join the CJM staff in discussing how we might preach well known passages with an eye towards caring for all that God has made.” The first episode launches on Aug. 28. Listen to a sample at https://greenlectionary.podbean.com/e/the-green-lectionary-podcast-teaser.
— Chris Crater of Chicago (Ill.) First Church of the Brethren was named a recipient of this year’s The Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Award. Said the Illinois and Wisconsin District newsletter: “This award recognizes African American men in the community who have inspired others through excellence, vision, leadership, exceptional achievement, and the commitment to empowerment in multiple ways. Congratulations!”
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