— Prayers are urgently requested for the Democratic Republic of Congo Church of the Brethren members, congregations, and leadership in the Goma area. A prayer request from Brethren Disaster Ministries reports that “a well-armed rebel group called M23 is reported to be invading the area near Goma, pushing government forces into the city. Church leaders have requested prayers as the crisis unfolds.” A report from Faraja Dieudonne shared: “The situation in Goma is not good at all, but the people remain resilient while facing the rising food prices and terror of ongoing violence.” He also shared movement is prohibited in Goma by “security forces,” meaning Goma residents and church members are sheltering in place. Members of the Magunga congregation, a new church near Goma, have been forced to flee their homes. Dieudonne continued that the “humanitarian needs are immense, especially for our church members and other vulnerable residents of Goma.” The Brethren Disaster Ministries staff will be working with DR Congo church leaders to develop a relief and response plan to help alleviate hunger and suffering. Brethren Disaster Ministries has been supporting relief and recovery programs in the DR Congo since fighting began in 2021.
— The Brethren and Mennonite Heritage Center in Harrisonburg, Va., invites applications for the role of executive director. This is a fulltime salaried position. Application review will begin immediately, with the position opening on May 5, 2025. A position description and application information can be found at https://brethrenmennoniteheritage.org/employment.
— Shepherd’s Spring is looking forward to its 35th anniversary on Saturday, May 17 (date to be finalized). This camp and outdoor ministry center in the Church of the Brethren’s Mid-Atlantic District “opened as a gathering place for summer camp and outdoor ministry programs and retreats…to help fulfill one of the major missions of the district to foster unity and fellowship,” said an announcement. “This spring event will focus on remembering and celebrating the thousands impacted at Shepherd’s Spring and envisioning its future ministry over the next 35 years. It will allow district congregations to meet Doug Veal, the new district executive minister, fellowship with other congregations, and encourage a spirit of unity and fellowship.” The event will include short programs and discussions about the camp and district, and fun activities for children, youth, adults, and families, including “a grand picnic feast” as well as bonfires, hikes, music, and more.
A webpage of “Know your rights” resources is offered by the Church of the Brethren Intercultural Ministries. These resources follow on the denominational day of prayer and fasting for immigrants and the statement from the Mission and Ministry Board, focused on the scripture theme “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). “The Intercultural Ministries office and Intercultural Ministries Advisory Committee (IMAC) are encouraging our congregations and districts to help members to know their constitutional rights,” says the webpage. “As a denomination, we are striving to be a resource and referral space providing tangible information. Our goal is to support the districts with a plan to help guide our undocumented, and even our documented Brethren.” Go to at www.brethren.org/intercultural/kyr-resources.
— Powerhouse regional youth conference takes place at Camp Mack in Milford, Ind., from Feb. 7-9. Registration is now open online. Cost is $170 for advisors, and $170 for youth with checks payable to the Northern Indiana District Church of the Brethren, “DYSCO-Powerhouse” on the subject line. For more information contact the district youth advisors, Val Kline or Lucas Kauffman, at 765-606-8541 or v3kline@hotmail.com or 574-312-0225 or lucaskauffman1210@gmail.com. Register using this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1uY4kTzgyXY2E4hEY0vv0uChrDHzwIyxi_4D8GN3jQhk/viewform.
— A correction to the dates of the Roundtable regional youth conference: Although the registration brochure gives the date of March 1, the correct dates are Feb. 28-March 2.
— Registration for the 2025 Song and Story Fest at Camp Brethren Woods in Keezletown, Va., is now available. This annual Church of the Brethren family camp is co-sponsored by On Earth Peace and scheduled for July 6-12. “We are again offering online registration and payment. This really helps streamline the process,” said an announcement. “You may pay online (additional 3% fee) or send a check to On Earth Peace, after submitting your registration online. It is our preference that folks use the online registration form, but if anyone wishes to do it the old way, you may print page 4 of the brochure and mail it to the address on the form, with your check as payment. Please contact us if you have any questions. We hope to see you all at Camp Brethren Woods, July 6-12!” The planning committee includes Ken Kline Smeltzer, Rhonda Baker, Chris Good, Rachel Long, Clara McGilly, Carolyn Neher, Mikah Overman, and Tina Rieman. For more information and registration go to www.onearthpeace.org/song_and_story_fest_2025 and https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfsMbe4qIv4DpOn4-U6WSnW1z74kZoAxMKzRehW2U-Ou0Hzrw/viewform.
— Church World Service (CWS) has issued a statement expressing “deep concern over a number of new executive orders from the Trump Administration reversing decades of precedent for welcoming those fleeing violence and persecution. This includes an executive order indefinitely suspending the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), as well as multiple actions that will limit access to asylum protection for people seeking safety.” CWS is a longstanding ecumenical partner organization of the Church of the Brethren and Brethren Disaster Ministries. Said CWS president and CEO Rick Santos in the release: “The sweeping executive actions put refugees, immigrants and other vulnerable families, including many with young children, at risk. They undermine our nation’s ability to live up to our values of welcome, generosity and compassion. For many decades people of faith and conscience have welcomed refugees through resettlement and walked alongside them as they have become a vital part of our American communities—they are our co-workers, neighbors, community leaders, and friends.” The USRAP executive order suspends refugee resettlement and directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to submit a report within 90 days regarding whether the resumption of refugee admissions under the USRAP would be in the interests of the United States. “Though the order purports to permit case-by-case exceptions to the ban, it sets an extremely high bar for such an exception by requiring both Secretaries of State and of Homeland Security to jointly determine that the refugee’s admission is in the national interest and does not pose a threat to the security or welfare of the United States,” said CWS. “For over forty years, USRAP has enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support. The program benefits communities across the United States, brings enormous economic benefits, and strengthens U.S. national security. CWS calls on the administration to rescind this executive order and honor the American tradition of welcoming newcomers with compassion and generosity.” Read the full release at https://cwsglobal.org/press-releases/new-executive-actions-target-vulnerable-families-ban-refugees-and-harm-people-in-need-of-protection.
— Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) in a Jan. 23 release has called for de-escalation, demilitarization, and support of a permanent ceasefire and lasting peace between Israel and Hamas and in the broader Middle East. The release noted Jan. 20’s inauguration of President Trump as “a pivotal moment as our nation observed the inauguration of new leadership” and called for “reflection, accountability, and a renewed commitment to the pursuit of justice and peace both at home and abroad.” The release said that although the inaugural speech “committed not only to winning wars but to ending them–citing the release of the Israeli hostages as a fulfillment of these commitments,” initial actions “indicate policy shifts that contradict the principles of peacebuilding.” CMEP identified the lifting of sanctions on Israeli settlers and the reintroduction of 2,000-pound bombs into conflict zones “which will undermine the fragile foundations necessary for reconciliation and healing” as among policy shifts that “do not reflect a commitment to peace but a prioritization of militarization and destruction over diplomacy and justice.” CMEP is a partner organization for the Church of the Brethren and its Office of Peacebuilding and Policy. Read the full release at https://cmep.salsalabs.org/pr-jan232025.
— “Stones Cry Out” (Luke 19:40), a peace camp sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) for young adults on March 10-15 in Akron, Pa., and Washington, D.C., will have a focus on the global threats of climate change and forced migration. The event is recommended by the Office of Peace Building and Policy as it is organized with the Climate Advocacy and Education Coordinator for MCC. The theme is intended to encourage young adults who are “eager to join a collective cry for positive change.” Find out more and register at https://mcc.org/events/stones-cry-out-peace-camp.
— Jennifer Hosler, a pastor at Washington (D.C.) City Church of the Brethren, was one of the speakers at the People’s March in Washington. Her speech, in front of a crowd of tens of thousands, is posted on YouTube and www.facebook.com/jgordonhosler/videos/2303503403355565.
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