Brethren bits

— Bridgewater (Va.) College seeks candidates for the position of college chaplain and director of Spiritual Life. Serving as a guide for religious and spiritual community, with a deep understanding of the role of faith and spirituality within the liberal arts tradition, the chaplain serves as the primary pastoral presence for the college community. The new chaplain must be prepared to engage positively with individuals from any faith background and be committed to fostering the development and deepening of positive relationships through a diverse range of spiritual and faith-based programs and services. Historically reporting to the associate dean of students for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the chaplain serves a diverse population and must be sensitive to all belief systems, religious traditions, spiritual perspectives, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds. The next chaplain should be a visible, approachable, and accessible spiritual resource for the entire campus community, supporting all individuals in expressing, exploring, and practicing their traditions, beliefs, and perspectives in a respectful and inclusive environment, while collaborating closely with other campus support resources. Serving as a guide and mentor to students, faculty, and staff, the chaplain supports the spiritual identity development of individuals from all religious and spiritual traditions, including those who identify as non-religious. The chaplain meets students where they are, creating an optimal environment that encourages students to progress through developmental milestones. Collaborating closely within the Division of Student Life, the director and chaplain should demonstrate a commitment to the ideals of the Student Life Curriculum, fostering critical thinking, a sense of community, cultural appreciation, and identity development in all aspects of their work. In addition, the director and chaplain will assist in managing crises, address issues related to grief and bereavement, and conduct regular and meaningful outreach with students through events, programs, and one-on-one conversations, while also providing ministerial support for campus events as needed. The chaplain must understand the values and identity of the Church of the Brethren and be sensitive to its traditions. Qualifications include a master’s degree in theology, divinity, religious studies, or a related field; at least three years of experience in a college or university setting or equivalent relevant experience; experience in pastoral counseling; ordination (preferred) or training/education toward ordination; among others. Pay is competitive, and salary is commensurate with experience. This full-time position offers a full benefits package, including paid tuition at the college for eligible dependents. Bridgewater College is an equal opportunity provider and employer and is a welcoming and vibrant community committed to supporting a diverse workforce and actively seeks applications from women, minorities, and other persons from traditionally underrepresented groups. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Find a non-discrimination notice at www.bridgewater.edu/legal/non-discrimination-notice. Find the detailed job description at https://bridgewater.app.box.com/s/ygsrerlhrrb6jaz2k1kfamvf8p3obdhn. To learn more about Bridgewater College see www.bridgewater.edu. Apply by completing the online application at www.bridgewater.edu/careers. For additional information email humanresources@bridgewater.edu. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

— “Welcome to our third edition of Agape!” said an announcement from On Earth Peace about the online publication of the third issue of its peacemaking magazine for children called Agape. The new issue explores “how we can pursue justice in our communities!” said the announcement from Emi Kawamura, editor and organizer for Children and Youth Peace Formation. “You don’t need to do big things that change the world or be an adult to pursue justice. You all, as kids, have a super power to move people towards change that adults don’t have! That’s why at On Earth Peace, we wanted to give you a toolbox and a resource to help you in your peacemaking journey…. Use this magazine as a tool to learn how to stand up to microaggressions, create safe spaces, acknowledge your privilege, move through fear with love, apologize, and more. Keep being curious about the world and ask ‘why?’ Keep learning and growing in your peacemaking journey. We believe in you! You got this.” For more information go to www.onearthpeace.org.

— The Church of the Brethren’s Illinois and Wisconsin District has shared new address and contact information following the district office’s move to York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill. Mail should be sent to Illinois and Wisconsin District, Church of the Brethren, 1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard, IL 60148. The new district office email address is peg.district@gmail.com. The new district office phone number is 630-644-4259.

La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren has offered space to the Pasadena Chorale to continue rehearsals after the Eaton Fire destroyed the group’s longtime meeting place in Altadena. The chorale previously met in the historic Altadena Community Church, which was destroyed in the fire. “Tragically, many in the choir not only lost their special venue but also their homes,” said a report from ABC Channel 7 Eyewitness News. “Many are displaced and staying with friends or are living in fear on the edge of an evacuation zone. What they haven’t lost is their community love and dedication to uniting in song to lift one another up.” Find the full report and a video of the chorale in rehearsal at https://abc7.com/post/california-fires-pasadena-chorale-continues-meet-after-eaton-fire-destroys-longtime-meeting-place-altadena-community-church/15793318.

Openings are still available for those wanting to join the new Intercultural Ministries “Café Cohort.” The ICM Café Cohort will have monthly opportunities to participate in intercultural skills to learn and share with congregations and other church members, to become competent culturally, together. “The Six Intercultural Skills we will attempt to work on: empathy, communication skills, openness, conflict management, solution orientation, and tolerance of differences. We will use Zoom video conferencing, or our cell phones, to be in 90-minute skill building online events with our colleagues,” said an announcement. The cohort group will prepare to meet up face-to-face at the 2025 Annual Conference in July in Greensboro, N.C. Use this link to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdfPVNN_zydlj-H2mIEYd0qtEXlcbJaABy12frvcSEBcGdE1w/viewform.

Save the date for New and Renew 2025 to be held on May 14-16 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., and livestreamed virtually. The theme is “God Is Doing a New Thing” (Isaiah 43:19). Registration will open on Feb. 10. Early bird pricing: $129/person until April 20 for both onsite and virtual registrants. Regular pricing: $179/person starting April 21 for both onsite and virtual registrations. Continuing education credit will be available for both live sessions and recordings. Said a description: “New & Renew is a vibrant hybrid gathering focused on church planting and church renewal that is rooted in worship and prayer that equips, nurtures, and stimulates creative, practical ministry. Sponsored by the Church of the Brethren through the Office of Discipleship and Leadership Formation and the New & Renew Advisory Team.”

The Children’s Disaster Services spring 2025 volunteer training schedule has been set. Three training events have been announced for new volunteers wanting to join the program: March 28-29 at Creekside Church of the Brethren in Elkhart, Ind.; April 5-6 at La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren; and May 2-3 at McPherson (Kan.) Church of the Brethren. For more information go to www.brethren.org/cds/training.