Brethren bits

Prayer request for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), from the Global Mission office: The following is shared from an update provided by Church of the Brethren leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where church members have been affected by increased violence: “Thank you for…your continued prayers. The security situation remains extremely tense in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri. On the Uvira side, the M23 has not yet officially taken control of the city of Uvira, but their advance is worrying, and the city is on constant alert as they have already taken control of the mid-level plateaus overlooking Uvira. Many residents live in fear, and the humanitarian crisis is worsening with shortages of food and basic necessities due to the blockade of several supply points, particularly the mid-level plateaus and Tanganyika province through the ports of Uvira…. Several families who are members of our local churches in Uvira…were able to cross the border between the DRC and Burundi and are currently stuck in the refugee transit camp set up in Gihanga where they continue to warn of the shortage of food supplies due to the limited services offered by the UNHCR in collaboration with the Burundian government.” Find out more about the Global Mission of the Church of the Brethren at www.brethren.org/global.

— Remembrance: Doris Cline Egge, 101, who had served on the former General Board of the Church of the Brethren, died on Jan. 10 in Roanoke, Va. She was born in Harrisonburg, Va., on Aug. 28, 1923, the daughter of A. Fred and Frances (Zigler) Cline, both of whose families were members of the Church of the Brethren since the colonial era in America. She grew up in the Church of the Brethren and throughout her life was very active in the local, district, and denominational church. She graduated from Bridgewater (Va.) College in 1946. She later earned a master’s degree from the University of Virginia. She had a long career as a high school teacher and guidance counselor, and also taught classes at the Women’s Center at Hollins College. She concluded her professional career as a psychotherapist in private practice. Her leadership in the Church of the Brethren included, among others, service on the former General Board of the denomination, participation in the Annual Conference committee for the 1983 paper “Human Sexuality from a Christian Perspective,” and service on the board of Bethany Theological Seminary. On the district level, she served on the board of Virlina District and was reportedly the first woman to serve as District Conference moderator of the Virlina predecessor district, when she led the last District Conference of the First District of Virginia in May 1971. On the local level, she served as moderator, deacon, and Dorcas Circle president for Williamson Road Church of the Brethren, where she also taught Sunday school for more than 60 years. She received the Outstanding Service Award from Bridgewater College and the Leadership Award from the Hollins College Women’s Center. She married Dean L Egge on June 28, 1946, and they remained married until his death in May 2004. She is survived by their children Frances Christine “Tina” Egge, Meredith Carol “Merry” Egge, Alan Carter Egge, and Kimball Scott Egge, and grandchildren and great grandchildren. Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced. Memorial gifts are received to Bridgewater College. Find a full obituary at https://memorial.oakeys.com/doris-egge/5536156/index.php

— The Outdoor Ministries Association of the Church of the Brethren is sharing the following job openings at camps:

Camp Eder in Southern Pennsylvania District seeks candidates for two positions: Camp Coordinator and Program Coordinator. The Camp Coordinator fills a director role responsible for the total operations and security of Camp Eder, which includes supervising, hiring and supporting other staff, administrative responsibilities, public relations, and whatever else needed to make camp run well. The Program Coordinator role is to provide leadership for all Camp Eder-sponsored programs, to assist the Camp Coordinator in promoting Camp Eder programs, to develop and operate programs within the mission, and to make fiscally responsible programming decisions within the budget of the organization. The Camp Eder Board is now accepting resumes. Please contact Stan Goodwin, vice chair of the board, with applications or questions. Find links to full position descriptions and how to apply at https://omacob.org/camps-2/employment.

Camp Koinonia in Cle Elum, Wash., in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, seeks candidates for the position of Executive Director with responsibilities for fostering a Christ-centered culture, serving as the chief administrator, supervising staff, and collaborating with the Board of Directors. The role involves acting as a spokesperson, maintaining the website, leading marketing campaigns, and cultivating relationships with churches and community organizations. Additionally, the position manages the camp’s finances, including a $1-plus million budget, donor development, fundraising, and collaboration with grant writers, while ensuring compliance with government regulations, safety standards, and ACA guidelines. The position also oversees site maintenance and cleanliness; works with the board and staff to establish long-term strategic plans, defining ministry vision, staffing, and resource needs; collaborates with the Program Director to develop and execute ministry programs, lead staff meetings, and ensure alignment with budget and operational goals. Find links to full position descriptions and how to apply at https://omacob.org/camps-2/employment.

— Also from On Earth Peace: A special introduction to Kingian Nonviolence for Women’s History Month is scheduled for March 20 at 4 p.m. (Eastern time). Said an announcement: “Mary Lou Findlay, JoanMay Cordova, and Pam Smith will communicate the core of the Kingian Nonviolence Legacy, grounding in stories and examples from their own lives and the broader Movement. In honor of Women’s History Month, we will be incorporating stories and wisdom from the women of the civil rights movement, including Coretta Scott King, Fannie Lou Hamer, JoAnn Robinson, and more!” Find out more and register at www.onearthpeace.org/2025_3_20_2hr_intro_kingian_nonviolence

— The mailing address has changed for the Womaen’s Caucus. “Due to circumstances beyond our control, our mailbox has been closed and all mail has been returned to sender,” said an announcement. “We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused.” The announcement closed with appreciation: “We do love to hear from you, and look forward to gathering with you online and in person this year!” The new mailing address is Womaen’s Caucus, 4898 E 1400 N, North Manchester, IN 46962.

— The March episode of Brethren Voices, a television show created for use on public access stations and in congregations and study groups by producer Ed Groff and Portland (Ore.) Peace Church of the Brethren, is titled “Are We All Illegals, as We Inhabit the Sacred Lands of America?” The opening scenes feature “breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty to the reading of Emma Lazarus’ well known sonnet,” said an announcement. The program “shares the stories of people who have come to this country for the freedoms as exemplified by the Statue of Liberty. It is Hebrews, in the New Testament which provides the best text of hospitality: ‘Continue to love each other like brothers and sisters. Remember always to welcome strangers, for by so doing, some have entertained angels without knowing it’ (Hebrews 13:2). The Statue of Liberty was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States. It’s recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. So, what does it mean today, as there are many in this country, fearing for their lives. Those living in fear are people who have come to the United States, seeking a better life. Many are attempting to escape from violence in their home countries.” View this episode and previous Brethren Voices shows on YouTube.

— The Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) 2025 Advocacy Summit on the theme “The Courage to Keep on Speaking” (Acts 18:9) is scheduled for March 19-20 in Washington, D.C. Washington City Church of the Brethren is hosting the first day of the event. “This summit will provide an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Middle East, strengthen your advocacy skills, and engage directly with policymakers on Capitol Hill,” said an announcement. The agenda includes keynote talks by H.E. Dr. Ambassador Hassassian, Palestinian Ambassador to Denmark, and Cori Bush, former Congresswoman; forums on “Christian Sustainability in the Holy Land” and “Policy and Engagement,” a panel discussion on “Prophetic Responses in Times of Crisis,” and a full day set aside for advocacy meetings scheduled at offices on Capitol Hill. The final deadline to register is March 17. Tickets are available on a sliding scale, with discounts for first-time attendees and those with financial need. Go to https://cmep.org/cmep-events/2025-advocacy-summit.

— The World Council of Churches (WCC) has released a seminar report titled “Indigenous Spiritualities, Land Rights, and Climate Justice” edited by Lori Ransom, WCC indigenous peoples consultant. Said a release: “The report serves as a platform for the clear, urgent, and much-needed voices of Indigenous peoples to expose the climate catastrophe through which we are living. The report, a collection of voices that continue the tradition of Indigenous peoples in the ecumenical movement, is the fruit of the WCC Indigenous Peoples Network Reference Group and its first in-person gathering in October 2024.” Download the report at www.oikoumene.org/resources/publications/indigenous-spiritualities-land-rights-and-climate-justice

— A 2025 National Faith and Climate Forum is planned for March 27. “Deepen your faith, engage in creation care, & connect with other faith leaders for a day of interactive sessions and inspiring keynotes accessible through a live-streamed online broadcast, or in person at host locations across the U.S.!” said an invitation. Register for free at nationalfaithandclimateforum.org

In a related initiative, the organization One Home One Future is offering a free Earth Day Tabling Kit to support Earth Day events and activities in congregations. Each kit will include signage, printed handouts, and talking points. One Home One Future is a multi-faith campaign to strengthen environmental work of local congregations nationwide, and includes a number of Christian denominations, the National Council of Churches and other ecumenical groups, as well a environmentally focused faith-based organizations. Go to www.onehomeonefuture.org/earth-day