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Brethren bits

— The Church of the Brethren seeks candidates for the position of executive director of Global Mission. This full-time salaried position guides and implements the Church of the Brethren’s global mission program, directs and administers denominational mission efforts, generates a responsive and integrated denominational mission structure with grassroots support and involvement, and nurtures an ongoing conversation about mission (evangelism, church planting, service, peace, and reconciliation) among membership. Skills and knowledge required include grounding in Church of the Brethren heritage, theology, and polity; ability to articulate and operate out of the vision and mission of the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board; significant understanding of mission theology and practice, with specific knowledge of relief, development, and/or church planting mission operations in the international context; extensive management and organizational skills developed through experience supervising multiple staff and administering multi-site programs; skills to coach highly educated and self-motivated professionals, many of whom are off-site domestically and internationally; ability to coordinate multiple processes and projects; strong skills in verbal and written communication; knowledge of cross-cultural adjustment, dependency issues, ecumenical cooperation, and interfaith challenges gained from working internationally; language capabilities in addition to English. A seminary or master’s degree in a relevant field is required. Full COVID-19 vaccination is a condition of employment. This position is based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.; location is negotiable. Applications are now being received and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Apply by sending a resume to COBApply@brethren.org; Human Resources Manager, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 847-429-4367. The Church of the Brethren is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Awards won by the Church of the Brethren’s Messenger magazine at the “2023 Associated Church Press Best of the Church Press” event included an award of merit (second place) in the category “Science writing for the world of faith – Long Format” for the article titled “The bird carrier: A story of ecological knowledge, lament, and hope” by William L. Miller; and an award of merit (second place) in the category “Convention or meeting coverage (Magazine)” for coverage of Annual Conference 2023.

— Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., is hosting the “Fort Wayne Solar Congress: Building a Bright Future for Rooftop Solar in Indiana” on Saturday, June 8, from 12-3:30 p.m. This free event “brings together solar supporters, with a focus on northeastern Indiana residents who want to learn about and discuss the current state and future of solar energy in the region and state,” said the website. Said an announcement from the church: “Come for all or for part. Come to learn more about Community Solar. Come to support Brian Flory’s work.” Find out more and register at www.eventbrite.com/e/fort-wayne-solar-congress-registration-880328344777.

Photo courtesy of Anet Satvedi

— Church of the Brethren members of Indian heritage made up the majority of the congregation at a special event held at the Gujarati Fellowship at Wheatland Salem Church and Salt and Light Ministry in Illinois. “We had a great gathering on May 18, six Indian church choirs, testimony from a Punjabi Church woman, Living Word preached by Rev. Dr. Sam George of Wheaton College and songs by the Gospel Singer Thomas Puthoor with appetizers and banquet meal,” reported Anet Satvedi. “We had around 175 people. The Gospel Singer sang in several Indian and African languages and also involved the people to sing with him. It was a blessed time of musical worship. We thank and praise God.” He wrote to Newsline that the Wheatland Salem Church Gujarati Fellowship was started by Church of the Brethren families living in the Bolingbrook area.

— Chicago (Ill.) First Church of the Brethren celebrated with long-time member Erma Purnell, who was recently featured at an event and in a series of profiles of Chicago legacy gardeners. From the event’s description: “Through the Legacy Gardener Project, the Chicago Community Gardeners Association (CCGA) captures the rich and living histories of outstanding community gardeners who have tirelessly provided guidance to many while helping community members build relationships with each other and the land. Their own journeys from rural farms to Chicago’s sidewalks and blocks are the stories we cherish. As their habits have become traditions, their traditions have become their legacies.” Purnell’s work with the New Horizons Garden, a garden that was started by Chicago First in the 1980s and continues today, was highlighted. The garden is adjacent to the church’s property and provides a place of respite in the city, as well as cultivation of native plants and vegetables to share with the community.

Chicago (Ill.) First Church of the Brethren celebrated with long-time member Erma Purnell. Photo courtesy of Heidi Gross

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