Brethren bits

Prayer concerns shared by Global Mission:

— Prayers are urgently requested for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where violence is forcing mass displacements of people, and for neighboring countries where refugees have fled. From l’Eglise des Frères au Congo (the Church of the Brethren in the DRC), news of violence comes from the provinces of North and South Kivu “where most of our congregations are located are going through one of the most trying periods in their history,” said the prayer request, in part. “The incessant violence has forced displacements, and humanitarian crises are plunging thousands of families into suffering and uncertainty. Our lands, once sources of life, have become fields of tears, and our communities live in fear of tomorrow. Added to this insecurity are the rise of alarming health challenges, such as the MPox epidemic, which is hitting the most vulnerable very hard. Yet, in the heart of this darkness, our faith remains unshakeable. The Church of the Brethren in DR Congo refuses to give in to despair and courageously commits itself to remain alongside the displaced, the victims, and the orphans. Through our humanitarian actions and our ministry of reconciliation, we bring the light of Christ where darkness seems to want to reign. We call for prayer, solidarity, and action. Together, let us support those who suffer. Together, let us refuse to let fear and pain have the last word. In Christ we find the strength to rise again and build a future of peace and hope. May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ accompany us all as we pray for peace.”

Brethren Disaster Ministries is recommending this article, published on Feb. 26, explaining the escalation of violence in the Goma area of the DRC: https://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/terrifying-escalation-goma

*A camp in Burundi for people displaced from the DRC. Photo by Expert Bukene / Burundi Church of the Brethren*

— Related prayer requests come from the Churches of the Brethren in neighboring countries of Rwanda and Burundi where many refugees from the DRC have fled for safety. Said the prayer requests: “Pray for all who are suffering from displacement and privation, some of whom are Church of the Brethren members. Pray, too, for the leaders of the Church of the Brethren in these countries as they coordinate relief efforts with the assistance of Brethren Disaster Ministries. Above all pray for peace.” The Church of the Brethren in Burundi specifically asked for prayers “at a time when we are receiving and caring for many refugees from DR Congo. Pray that God will protect them and that Brethren Disaster Ministries may be able to help as many refugees as come our way. We pray for you with thanksgiving for your prayers and support.”

— Honduras Church of the Brethren, la Iglesia Cristiana Viviendo en Amor y Fe, is the newest member of the Global Church of the Brethren Communion with formal affiliation on Dec. 3, 2024, shared this prayer request: “In the middle of 2024, we wrote a plan for a community social project called Pastoral Action: Hands of Hope. Its purpose was to provide medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, oxygen tanks, and nebulizers to sick people and those with limited economic resources in the Flor del Campo community (50,000 inhabitants). We are dancing and overflowing with joy because this project is a reality! We have received the donation of chairs and walkers from the Church of the Brethren, and very soon we will be inaugurating the program. We ask for your prayers that the Holy Spirit will relieve the physically and spiritually dejected souls of those who seek this benefit and that the Holy Spirit will teach us about how best to do our task. Pray that we will bear witness to unity and service together with the 15 pastors and churches of other denominations with whom we are coordinating this action. In the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, amen.”

Registration for the 2025 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference opens at 1 p.m. (Eastern time) on Wednesday, March 5, at www.brethren.org/ac

This year’s pre-Annual Conference Ministers’ Association continuing education event focusing on the theme “A Place for Every Body: Disability, Accessibility, and the Church” offers a window into ways in which the church can offer welcome to persons with various disabilities so that, together as the body of Christ, we can ensure that the church is truly a place for Every Body. The conference will be presented by Jeanne Davies, executive director of the Anabaptist Disabilities Network, who will offer sessions on “What Disables Us?,” “Creating Accessible Congregations,” and “Accessible Worship.” Registration begins March 5. Plan to arrive on Tuesday, July 1, in time for the Meet and Greet dinner and the opening session that evening. The Wednesday, July 2, sessions conclude at 4 p.m. Find the registration link and flyer at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/sustaining/#event

“BVS Visionary Voices: A Quarterly Speaker Series” is a new quarterly Zoom event. Said an invitation: “Join Brethren Volunteer Service and experts in the Brethren community for a quarterly Zoom event to discuss current issues and how they are being addressed. Our 2025 speaker series will focus on the four BVS goals: Caring for Creation, Working for Peace, Advocating Justice, and Serving Human Need.” The first event will take place Tuesday, March 18, at 8 p.m. (Eastern time) with Avery Davis Lamb, executive Ddrector of Creation Justice Ministries, who will share about the work around creation care, new policy developments, and how we can help. “Folks who attend all four events will receive a gift from BVS!” said the announcement. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4vQHXJazQEe8O_LvGzsVKQ

Job openings:

— The Church of the Brethren is seeking candidates for a fulltime salaried position of director of sales for Brethren Press. The director of sales develops and implements sales plans for Brethren Press, the publishing house of the Church of the Brethren. Brethren Press publishes curriculum, church resources, and books for congregations and individuals across the Church of the Brethren. The director of sales is responsible for the functions of customer service, shipping, and management of the inventory and warehouse, working in a unit dedicated to the publishing and communication ministries of the church, and also communicating frequently with other denominational staff, the wider church, and colleagues in other denominational publishing houses. Skills and knowledge required include the ability to work with sales and inventory management systems and other computer programs used within Brethren Press, experience supervising people and systems, strong interpersonal skills and experience working well within a team, knowledge of the Church of the Brethren or ability to learn, and ability to articulate and operate out of the vision and values of the Church of the Brethren and to represent Brethren Press favorably in denominational and ecumenical settings. Experience and education required include experience in sales, especially within the business of publishing and within a church setting. A bachelor’s degree is preferred. Knowledge of the Church of the Brethren is preferred. This position is based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Applications will be received beginning immediately and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Apply by sending a resume to COBApply@brethren.org. Human Resources, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 847-429-4367. The Church of the Brethren is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

— The Church of the Brethren seeks candidates for a full-time salaried position of director of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA). The BHLA promotes the history and heritage of the Church of the Brethren. The director administers the BHLA and facilitates research and the study of Brethren history. Skills and knowledge required include familiarity with Church of the Brethren heritage, theology, and polity; extensive knowledge of Church of the Brethren history and beliefs; ability to articulate and operate out of the vision of the Church of the Brethren; familiarity with library and archival disciplines; customer-service skills; research and problem-solving skills; proficiency in Microsoft software and experience with OCLC products; at least three to five years of experience in a library or archives; a master’s degree in library science/archival studies or a public history related program; a graduate degree in history or theology and/or certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists. This position is based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Applications will be received beginning immediately and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Apply by sending a resume to COBApply@brethren.org. Human Resources, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 847-429-4367. The Church of the Brethren is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

— The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership seeks a coordinator of English-Language Ministry Training Programs to coordinate current and future English-Language ministry training and development programs for the Church of the Brethren. This is a half-time, salaried position. Duties and tasks include working with students, district coordinators, and supervising pastors to provide guidance in all areas of TRIM and EFSM; organizing details for onsite and online courses; discussing TRIM and EFSM programs with prospective students; reporting students’ progress to district leadership; coordinating orientation for TRIM and EFSM; among others. Skills and knowledge required include grounding in Church of the Brethren heritage, theology, and polity; ability to articulate and operate out of the vision of Bethany Seminary and the Church of the Brethren; strong interpersonal skills and communication skills; skills in developing educational experiences in ministry training; ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds who have varied understandings of the church; among others. Experience required includes five years of effective leadership in pastoral ministry and ordination and active membership in the Church of the Brethren. Education required includes a Master of Divinity degree (preferred), successful completion of a ministry training program (required), and a record of regular continuing education experiences. Relocation is not required. Home location is negotiable, but candidates must be willing to travel as needed. The Brethren Academy offices are located at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and will be accepted until the position is filled. Apply by sending a resume, letter of interest, and contact information for three references by email to Janet L. Ober Lambert, Director, Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, academysearch@bethanyseminary.edu. Bethany Theological Seminary’s policy prohibits discrimination in employment opportunities or practices with regard to race, gender, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or religion. Find out more at https://bethanyseminary.edu/jobs/coordinator-of-english-language-ministry-training-programs-2

— The Church of the Brethren’s Middle Pennsylvania District seeks candidates to fill the roles of a three-member District Executive Team, namely one half-time district executive minister position and two quarter-time district executive minister positions. Applications for any of the positions are welcomed at this time. The district is a coalition of 53 congregations in rural, small town, and city settings. The district seeks a team to share the responsibilities that foster the work of Jesus through the congregations. Members of the team may work remotely or on location at the district office in Huntingdon, Pa. Compensation will be negotiated in reference to the denominationally recommended salary and benefits for district executive ministers. Travel is required both within and outside of the district. Responsibilities are outlined in the position description available upon request and will include, through the work of the entire team, the primary areas of pastoral/congregational transitions, pastoral support, leadership development with respect to calling and credentialing of ministers, consultations with congregations and throughout the district structure, and management and administration of district staff and oversight of district finances. These primary areas of responsibility provide direction, coordination, management, and leadership of the district ministries, as authorized by the District Conference and implemented by the District Coordinating Team (district board); work with the congregations in calling and credentialing ministers and in the placement/call and evaluation of pastoral staff; provide support and counsel for ministers and other church leaders; share and interpret program resources for congregations; provide an important link between the congregations and the district and denomination by working collaboratively with the Council of District Executives, Annual Conference, appropriate denominational entities, and their staff. Qualifications and experience include ordination through an accredited program, a minimum of Brethren Academy ACTS level training program or a master of divinity preferred for the half-time position; personal skills in organization, administration, and communication; commitment to the Church of the Brethren locally and denominationally and willingness to work ecumenically; demonstrated leadership skills; pastoral experience. Apply by sending a letter of interest and a resume to Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, Director of the Ministry Office of the Church of the Brethren, via email at officeofministry@brethren.org. Applicants are requested to contact three people to provide letters of reference. Upon receipt of the resume, a Candidate Profile will be provided that must be completed and returned before the application is considered complete. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

— MennoMedia has announced a “Living Forward: Anabaptism at 500 Essay Contest” offering eligible students the opportunity to earn a scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. This contest invites students to reflect on the enduring values of the Anabaptist tradition—which includes the Church of the Brethren–and their relevance in today’s world. The overall winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship, and the first runner-up will be awarded a $500 scholarship. Scholarships may be used toward tuition, book costs, and related course fees. Participants should write a 750 to 1,000-word essay responding to the prompt: “Timeless Values in a Changing World.” Writers will identify the distinctive values of the Anabaptist tradition and discuss how these values are shaping the future of the church and influencing broader society in the decades to come. Applicants must be current high school seniors, current college students, or students returning to college after a break from academics and enrolled fulltime (at least 12 credit hours per semester) during the 2025-2026 academic year at an accredited two-year or four-year undergraduate or trade school program in the United States or Canada. Submit application and all required documentation postmarked or emailed by April 19. Find out more at www.mennomedia.org/living-forward-essay-contest

— A prayer webinar has been announced for Monday, March 3, at 7 p.m. (Eastern time) “as NCC calls the nation to prayer at the start of the Lenten Season,” said an invitation from the National Council of Churches of Christ in the US (NCC). “Several ecumenical bodies and faith organizations are uniting to be on one accord in prayer and fasting during the 40 days of Lent, when we will focus on sacrifice, service, lament, repentance, reflection, and renewal. This offers another opportunity for visible unity. Please join us as we gather together and lift our petitions before God.” Register for the webinar at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_O6yLeEnqS9i6r4HZ5Lchtw#/registration

— Creation Justice Ministries, of which the Church of the Brethren is a partner denomination, has released its “Green Lectionary: Lent Edition” for use during this year’s season of Lent. This podcast resource is designed as an aid to pastors and preachers. “As threats to the environment increase, we hope that creation justice will become more and more a focus of what comes from the pulpit,” said an announcement. “We’re grateful for returning guests like Rev. Dr. Leah Schade and Rev. Josh Scott as well as a collection of new voices that will help us think about where Creation can be found in our sacred texts.” The first two episodes are already available online, for Feb. 14 focused on the topic “Unnatural Disasters” (Joel 2 and Matthew 6) and for Feb. 21 focused on the topic “Feasting and Fasting” (Deuteronomy 26 and Luke 4). Find out more at www.creationjustice.org/green-lectionary-podcast.html

*Photo credit: Anna Carin Stenbeck/Uniting Church of Sweden*

— “As the Christian world enters the Lenten season, the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Water Network will launch its annual Seven Weeks for Water campaign…. WCC’s Seven Weeks for Water 2025 urges faith communities to act on glacier preservation,” said a release. The annual campaign this year aligns with the 2025 World Water Day theme of “Glacier Preservation,” highlighting the urgent need to address the devastating impact of climate change on the world’s glaciers. “With glaciers melting faster than ever, it severely impacts the availability of water for billions of people. It is leading to floods, droughts, landslides, and rising sea levels,” said Dinesh Suna, WCC program executive for Land, Water, and Food, and coordinator of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network. “Communities and ecosystems worldwide are at risk. Recognizing this crisis, the Seven Weeks for Water campaign calls on faith communities to take action by reducing emissions and advocating for policies to combat glacial melt.” The campaign will feature weekly biblical and theological reflections from prominent theologians and church leaders worldwide, and webinars organized with contributors to the Seven Weeks for Water. It will align with global efforts such as the UNESCO and World Meteorological Organization’s “Decade of Action on Cryospheric Science (2025–2034),” which will be launched alongside the UN World Water Development Report 2025: “Mountains and Glaciers – Water Towers.” Weekly reflections and campaign details are at https://oikoumene.org/events/seven-weeks-for-water-2025-protecting-our-glaciers-sustaining-life

#MissionAndMinistryBoard #StrategicPlan #RacialJustice #LoveOurNeighbors #Discipleship #NewTestamentGiving

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