Recent Brethren Faith in Action grants go to eight congregations

The Brethren Faith in Action Fund (BFIA) in its latest round of grants, approved in late 2024 through early 2025, has given grants to eight Church of the Brethren congregations. The fund provides grants using money generated by the sale of the upper campus of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.

Find out more about the fund and how to apply for grants at www.brethren.org/faith-in-action.

Grants of $5,000:

Circle of Peace Church of the Brethren in Peoria, Ariz., received a grant for its Open House and mailer outreach projects. The church is building a new worship center and the construction project provides an opportunity to reach out and re-introduce the congregation to its neighbors. Upon receipt of the Certificate of Occupancy in early January or February this year, and before the Grand Opening, the church will host several open house dessert receptions as a way to thank neighbors for their patience during construction and to give interested community members a “sneak peek” tour. In addition, in early 2025 the congregation is planning outreach mailings including a community saturation mailer to Maricopa County and ongoing monthly direct mail to new people moving into the area.

Shepherd’s Heart Fellowship received a grant to support people in Osceola, Ind., focusing on those experiencing physical, spiritual, or financial needs. The church will use the grant funds for the following outreach ministries: “Hands of the King” focusing on medical expenses, home repairs, and appliance purchases; the monthly Pantry offering paper and hygiene products; a month Community Meal serving an average of 40 to 50 people; Holiday Food Baskets provided to families in need each December; and seasonal events such as Trunk or Treat, local parades, and music/craft festivals.

Spirit of Peace Church of the Brethren received a grant for the Gun Buy Back Program carried out with other congregations and groups in Lansing, Mich., on Oct. 5, 2024. The guns were received for destruction by the Lansing Police and Ingham County Sheriff’s Office. Participation in the program is a significant extension of the congregation’s witness against gun violence after the community experienced the trauma of a Mass Shooting at Michigan State University in February 2023.

San Diego (Calif.) Church of the Brethren received a grant for its ministry to help immigrants and asylum seekers entering the US. The Welcoming Heart Ministry has been a source of strength in building up the faith of church members by allowing them to be active and involved in loving their neighbors. Members see firsthand how genuinely expressing simple acts of caring for others, with food, clothes, a room for shelter, and a ride to the doctor, are all results of their love in action. The church’s outreach ministry is based on the ongoing need to assist asylum seekers who enter daily at the US border south of San Diego. Currently, the congregation can work with up to two families and only up to six people at a time. The congregation has repurposed space to provide living quarters and receives donations to help with the cost of supporting and caring for the immigrants and asylum seekers, but the expenses are considerable.

Grants of less than $5,000:

A grant of $4,870 was given to Veritas, a Church of the Brethren congregation in Lancaster, Pa., for funding related to five missional outreach opportunities to the wider community including providing “Freshman Survival Kits” for Franklin and Marshall College students, connecting with the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship; a Trunk or Treat event for children; a Coffeehouse and Open Mic Night featuring Christian performer Matt Wheeler; a Christmas Movie and Craft Night; and a Bunny Hop for children and parents promoting the upcoming Easter season events at Veritas.

A grant of $4,618.65 was given to Onekama (Mich.) Church of the Brethren for its ministry to support homeless people, in a partnership with the nonprofit ECHO His Love that “networks and mobilizes area churches to transform lives by meeting physical and spiritual needs with the love of Jesus.” Onekama members volunteer with ECHO, supplying seven volunteers every Saturday night when ECHO’s Safe Harbor indoor overnight shelter is open. The congregation also is involved in the TENTS ministry providing essential needs for temporary shelters from April 1 to Oct. 31 each year. Church members watch for tents and camping gear at resale stores, yard sales, and sales to procure tents and camping equipment for the homeless ministry.

A grant of $2,500 was given to Eden (N.C.) Church of the Brethren for its community meal outreach ministry called Brethren Bistro, an ongoing ministry since 2022. The congregation is a USDA Soup Kitchen Partner. For the past two years, this project has fed people in need twice a month, consistently serving 80 to 100 meals each day, with the highest service at 115 meals. The congregation recently began working with Second Harvest Food Bank, but supply depends on availability. The church also gives produce to people in need from its community garden. The church’s food ministry costs approximately $115 per meal, including food and serving supplies. Meals served “to go” required the purchase of an electric steam table to help ensure safe food temperatures.

A grant of $1,000 was given to Roaring Spring (Pa.) Church of the Brethren for its Wednesday night ministry called the Recharge Program, providing a purpose for church members seeking service opportunities. Every Wednesday evening during the school year, from Oct. 2, 2024, through May 2025, church volunteers prepare meals; instruct children, youth, and adults; help with children’s crafts and music; and provide clean-up. While family time is the focus of this ministry, there are opportunities for fellowship and Bible studies. In 2023-2024, the ministry has attracted an average of 32 children and 47 adults per evening.

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