— Remembrance: Donald L. Stern, 99, who for more than 30 years served as stewardship and planned giving staff for the Church of the Brethren denomination, died on June 26 in Lacey, Wash. His service to the Church of the Brethren began in 1956 when he started work as assistant secretary of the former Brotherhood Fund and stewardship education for the former General Board. Beginning in 1963, he and his wife, Betty, served an eight-year term as mission workers in Nigeria during a time of rapid growth of the church there. In 1970, the couple returned to the US and Stern started a term of service on the Stewardship Enlistment Team of the denominational staff. A highlight of his work during that time was giving leadership to the Lafiya funding program that made it possible for the Rural Health Program to be launched in Nigeria. In the 1980s, he began to devote fulltime work to planned giving and organized an expanded planned giving program for the denomination. He also was a leader in the life of the National Council of Churches’ Commission on Stewardship. He retired in 1990 after 33 years of service to the Church of the Brethren, having filled the role of director of Planned Giving as of the time of his retirement. He told a friend that over the course of his professional life he had visited more than 1,000 Church of the Brethren congregations. He said in an article about his retirement: “The financial side of life is always important, and this is especially true in times of crisis or major change. It is very natural to deal with financial matters as pastoral concerns.” He was born in Freeport, Ill., on Sept. 16, 1924, to the late Roy E. and Ethel (Fike) Stern. He married Betty Reeves of Albia, Iowa, on Aug. 24, 1947. He was a graduate of McPherson (Kan.) College and Bethany Seminary. In 1980 he completed a doctor of ministry degree from Bethany. In addition to his work on the denominational staff, he also was a pastor of Oklahoma City Church of the Brethren early in his career, and served as vice-chair of the Western Regional Board. Most recently, he lived in Olympia, Wash., and considered the Wildwood Gathering Church of the Brethren to be his home congregation. He is survived by his son, Andrew. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
— Remembrance: Louise Bowman, 97, a former staff of the Church of the Brethren’s Washington Office, died on April 22. While working as the executive director assistant at the Washington, (D.C.) Office of the Church of the Brethren during the 1970s and 1980s, she attended the conference for the Panama Canal Treaty in 1978, was a representative at the World Conference of the United Nations Decade for Women held in Copenhagen in 1980, and worked intensively on the Equal Rights Amendment. She was a founding member of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Rights. She is remembered for having gifts for public speaking for human rights, organizing conferences, and following bill through the House and Senate for civil rights. She was married to her husband, Leonard, who stood beside her in her work. “She dedicated her life to human rights, justice for all, and peace through negotiation,” said a remembrance from her children, Nelson Bowman (Janice), and Gale Bowman-Harlow (Malcolm).
— Brethren Disaster Ministries seeks a volunteer to fill a short-term position as office manager disaster project leader. This volunteer will work at various domestic disaster recovery projects for two months this fall and then for one to two weeks at periodic times of the year. This person will become part of the recovering community by helping to foster good relationships with weekly disaster response volunteers and disaster survivors. The volunteer will work with other disaster project leaders as part of a leadership team. The position is responsible for supporting the volunteer housing site and office management including working in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace and being a primary source of project communications by phone, in person, and via email. Responsibilities also include tracking and reporting of finances and paperwork for volunteers and clients. The office manager also completes other project responsibilities as needed, supports the volunteer housing site coordination, builds relationships with local partners, coordinates scheduling with the Brethren Disaster Ministries office, and supports incoming volunteer groups and leaders. This volunteer must be at least 21 years old, willing to serve around the country depending on project location need, and willing to represent the Church of the Brethren while being a Christian witness. The length of service needed immediately is for Sept. 15 through Nov. 16 (two months) with some training in advance. Other periods throughout the year will include one to two weeks as a substitute for the long-term office manager when they are away on a break. Other requirements include good interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills; flexibility; and a valid driver’s license. Housing, meals, and transportation are provided. A stipend is available, as needed. Contact Jenn Dorsch-Messler for more information or questions at jdorsch-messler@brethren.org or 410-635-8737.
— The Church of the Brethren seeks candidates for the position of executive administrative assistant for the General Secretary’s Office, a fulltime salaried position based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The position’s primary role involves providing support for the General Secretary and managing the General Secretary’s Office in all activities assigned to it. Skills and knowledge required include commitment to operating out of the Church of the Brethren’s vision, the Mission and Ministry Board’s mission and core values, and dedication to denominational and ecumenical objectives; understanding and appreciation of the Church of the Brethren heritage, theology, and polity; excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to handle confidential information responsibly; excellent people skills and self-awareness; excellent time management and planning skills and ability to prioritize work; ability to work well independently and collaboratively within a team environment; ability to be organized, flexible, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment; proficiency in Microsoft Office applications particularly Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, and PowerPoint, and a readiness to learn new software applications; proficiency with video conferencing platforms; ability to work within a multicultural and multigenerational team environment; at least five years or more of work experience as an executive administrative assistant; relevant experience with computer technology, organizational, and planning skills; a bachelor’s degree in business administration, communication, or a related field. Full COVID-19 vaccination is a condition of employment. Applications are received and 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.
— Brethren Woods seeks an innovative, dedicated program director to plan and implement a vigorous, year-round ministry of program opportunities including summer camp, retreats, outdoor education, the challenge course, and adventure trips. Brethren Woods is an ACA accredited camp and retreat center located near Harrisonburg, Va. The program director is responsible for overseeing the planning, registration, and implementation of all program opportunities, including recruiting/hiring additional paid staff and securing volunteer support, coordinating publicity and promotion, and ensuring that all supplies, equipment, transportation, food service, aquatics, health care, and other logistical needs are met. The successful candidate must be committed to the camp’s ministry and able to plan and lead programs and events to ensure quality outcomes and superior customer service within the Church of the Brethren context and beyond. Demonstrated skills and experience in leadership, event planning, staff training and supervision, organization, time management, written and verbal communication, and a willingness to learn new skills is highly desired. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in education, recreation, biology, or a related field, and/or experience in an equivalent program or leadership role, is required. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and flexible, with the ability to work independently, and also exhibit a spirit of cooperation and commitment to a team relationship with other paid and volunteer camp staff. This is a full-time, year-round, salaried position based on an average of 40 hours per week including occasional evenings and weekends. Benefits include a salary based on experience and within the context of a nonprofit environment, camp-provided housing and utilities, paid vacation and sick leave, a generous holiday schedule, a pension plan, and professional growth funds. Apply by submitting a cover letter, resume, and three references to Linetta Alley, Executive Director, Brethren Woods, 4896 Armentrout Path, Keezletown, VA 22832; or director@brethrenwoods.org. The position is open until filled, with review of resumes beginning Aug. 19. For more information go to https://brethrenwoods.org/employmentopportunities.
— Antelope Park Church of the Brethren in Western Plains District will hold a 135th Anniversary celebration on Sept. 14-15. The event will start with a light meal on Saturday at 5 p.m., followed by the congregation’s annual ice cream social with neighbors. On Sunday, from 9-10 a.m. the Sunday school hour will be a time to share memories in the fellowship hall, followed by worship led by Blaine Miner, one of the new district executive ministers for Western Plains District. A catered meal will follow. Said an invitation: “Please RSVP by August 15th to lincolnbrethren.org if you can come celebrate with us!”
— The Church of the Brethren’s Middle Pennsylvania District is planning a Retirement Open House Celebration for district executive minister David Banaszak on Sunday, Aug. 4, from 1-4 p.m., at The Bistro; The Village at Morrisons Cove in Martinsburg, Pa. “Come and share this time with David and his family,” said an invitation.
— “Our bi-national grassroots organization has recently donated its archival collection to the Tretter Collection in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Studies at the University of Minnesota,” announced the Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests (BMC). “Created between the 1970s and the 2020s, BMC’s archive offers an unprecedented look into the grassroots activism of LGBTQIA+ Anabaptists across Mennonite Church USA, Mennonite Church Canada, and the Church of the Brethren.” The announcement added that the archive is expected to be accessible in its new home by the end of this year. The move of archival materials is from the Brethren Historical Library and Archives in Elgin, Ill., and Faith Mennonite Church in Minneapolis, Minn., to the Tretter Collection. Two virtual events are planned for the afternoon of July 24 including “Behind the Scenes at the Archives” and “Queering Our Anabaptist Archive,” offering an opportunity to learn more with speakers including executive director Annabeth Roeschley, board chair Xaris A. Martínez, and Tretter curator Aiden Bettine. Details and a press release are at www.bmclgbt.org/tretter-collection-press-release.
— “What’s it like to be a young person in 2024?” asks the latest episode of Brethren Voices, a television program produced by Ed Groff and Peace Church of the Brethren in Portland, Ore. “Brethren Voices meets with 16 youth of the Manchester Church of the Brethren of North Manchester, Indiana,” said an announcement. “Interviewed in a town hall setting, the focus of the program is, ‘What is it like to be a young person today?’ With life changing so quickly, it is not the same as it was 10, 15, or 20 years ago. Host Brent Carlson is joined by the youth pastor, Seth Hendricks, asking some questions that are fun and others that are thought provoking. What are youth concerned about in 2024? What are some of the concerns that they might face in 10 years? Are youth getting the support needed to deal with on-going issues?” The group of 16 youth traveled to Portland to participate in a Faith X short-term service experience. During the week, they volunteered at SnowCap Community Charities and, during off times, enjoyed the Columbia River Gorge and other scenic sites including the Oregon Coast. Music for the program was provided by Mike Stern, folksinger, song writer, composer, and certified laughter leader. Bill Jolliff provided the introductory music, “The Jesus Way.” Find this and previous episodes of Brethren Voices on YouTube.
— On “Solidarity Sunday,” July 21, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) and its 35 member denominations and communions are calling on congregations in the US and worldwide to pray for peace in Gaza and the broader Middle East. The Church of the Brethren is a member denomination of CMEP. Four sub themes are offered: 1. Solidarity Sunday: Standing with Christians in the Holy Land; 2. Solidarity Sunday: Praying for Peace in Gaza and the Middle East; 3. Solidarity Sunday: Calling for a Comprehensive Ceasefire; 4. Solidarity Sunday: Working Together to Prevent Genocide. Resources are provided to shape Sunday prayers, worship, liturgy, and other aspects of Solidarity Sunday services, including videos featuring Palestinian Christian voices in the region. Resources are ecumenically and politically diverse, allowing each community to shape their Solidarity Sunday around their own traditions and commitments. “This day of prayerful solidarity and calls for justice comes just days before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated to speak before the US Congress,” said an announcement. “Mark your calendars and encourage your churches to join us in this faithful call for comprehensive ceasefire and peace for all in the Holy Land.” Go to https://cmep.org/event/solidarity-sunday.
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Find more Church of the Brethren news:
- Office of Peacebuilding and Policy signs letter opposing rescissions package
- Superfund site clean-up in Elgin gets assist from Church of the Brethren General Offices
- Brethren Disaster Ministries promotes World Refugee Day on June 20
- James Miner to retire from the Church of the Brethren Yearbook staff
- Mishael Nouveau resigns as office manager for the Ministry Office