Brethren bits

— Remembrance: Pierre Ferrari, former president and CEO of Heifer International, died on March 29. Heifer International was started by the Church of the Brethren and founder Dan West as the Heifer Project. Ferrari led Heifer International from 2010 to 2022, and in the years that followed he remained a passionate champion of the mission to end hunger and poverty for smallholder farming communities. “His impact on our organization—and the global movement to end hunger and poverty—is profound and enduring,” said a remembrance from Heifer International. “A visionary leader, Pierre brought bold ambition and his business acumen to Heifer at a time of transformation. Under his leadership, we moved from a broad collection of small projects to large-scale, community-driven programs designed for lasting impact. He pushed us to be more strategic, focused, and accountable to the farmers we serve…. That transformation continues to shape our work and our mission. Heifer International extends its heartfelt condolences to Pierre’s family, his friends and all those who were fortunate to work alongside him as he dedicated himself to improving the lives of millions of rural families in Africa, Asia and the Americas.” Ferrari was born in 1950 in the Belgian Congo (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) to Edouard and Huberte Ferrari. He and his family fled Congo in 1960 following the eruption of civil conflict. Subsequently as a child he moved from Brussels to Nairobi, Kenya, and finally to boarding school in England. He earned a master’s degree in economics from Cambridge University, then attended Harvard Business School. While at Harvard, he met and married Lalor Cadley, with whom he had sons Peter and Oliver. The couple divorced after 23 years of marriage. His professional career began with two decades in the beverage industry, where he became Senior Vice President of marketing for Coca-Cola USA. In 1995, he answered a deep calling to serve the poor with a dramatic career change, becoming special assistant to the president of the humanitarian organization CARE. Following that role, he worked on an array of social and environmental ventures including as board chair of Ben & Jerry’s and in management of the Hot Fudge Social Venture Capital Fund. He invested in Guayakí Sustainable Rainforest Products and so enjoyed working with the young Californians who led it that he took on a full-time role with the company. He met artist and designer Kimberly Youngblood in 2002 and they married seven years later. He became stepdad to daughters Olivia and Elsa. In 2010, he became president and CEO of Heifer International. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, sons Peter and Oliver, and stepdaughters Olivia and Elsa. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.mckoon.com. Find a full obituary at www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/pierre-ferrari-obituary?id=58046068

— Remembrance: George A. Etzweiler, 105, who was well known as a long-distance runner into his older age, died on March 16. He started running at age 49 and continued until age 104. He ran the Mount Washington Road Race in Jackson, N.H., (7.6 miles, 4,618 feet ascent) 13 times and held 3 age-group records. In 2016, he was inducted into that race’s Hall of Fame and completed his last race 2 years later at age 98. He also ran local races and was a former president of the Nittany Valley Track Club in central Pennsylvania. In 2007, he formed a team called “The Old Men of the Mountains” (named after a famous rock formation in New Hampshire, although the team often included women) to run the Tussey MountainBack 50-Mile Relay Race. Team members were at least 65, but he strove to include older runners, and the average age was often 75 or older. He participated in each relay race as captain of the team until and including the October 2024 race. Three times he participated in “Over the Edge” rappelling events to raise money for charities and twice rappelled down Beaver Stadium, the university football stadium at Penn State, the last time in October 2024. Also a mountain climber, he climbed many peaks in the White Mountains including all 48 peaks higher than 4,000 feet. At age 101, he climbed Mount Nittany in Lemont, Pa., with his great-grandson E. Kodiak Stauffer (“Kody”), then aged 3. He continued mountain-hiking with friends until he was 104. He held a doctorate in electrical engineering from Penn State, where his professional career culminated with service on the university faculty and as an undergraduate student advisor. He won the Outstanding Advising Award in 1969, 1985, and 1989. In 1990, he retired but continued to teach into retirement. In 1956, he joined his spouse’s denomination, the Church of the Brethren, and remained active in the church until his death. He did volunteer work for his congregation, University Baptist and Brethren Church in State College, Pa., and for CentrePeace in Bellefonte, Pa., as well as Camp Blue Diamond, a Church of the Brethren outdoor ministry center, and others. For more than 30 years, until 2003, he was treasurer for the Church of the Brethren’s Middle Pennsylvania District. He also participated regularly in CROP walks benefiting Church World Service. Born March 14, 1920, in Derry Township, Mifflin County, Pa., he was the son of Charles and Esther (Lash) Etzweiler. At 105, he knew no one older than himself. He was predeceased by his wife of 68 years, Mary (Richard) Etzweiler, daughter Shirley Fye, and all of his siblings. He is survived by sons Larry, Charles (Sharon), and son-in-law E. Ray Fye, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorial gifts are received to University Baptist and Brethren Church, Heifer International, CentrePeace, and by subscribing to a local newspaper in honor of his support for local journalism. A memorial service is planned for Sunday, May 25, at 2 p.m. at University Baptist and Brethren Church. Find a full obituary at www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/george-etzweiler-obituary?id=57971132

*The New & Renew Planning Team are continuing the “March Madness” special registration price of $99 through April 21. Register online at www.brethren.org/dlf/newandrenew*

**Next Tuesday, April 8, at 3 p.m. (Eastern time) Church World Service (CWS) will host a webinar titled “Beyond the Signature: Living Out the Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration.”** The event is to support the continued effort represented by the ecumenical declaration that was signed by the covenant members of CWS including the Church of the Brethren as a founding member of the organization (see the Newsline article at www.brethren.org/news/2025/ash-wednesday-declaration). The webinar will feature covenant member groups in CWS, congregations providing real-world examples of how they are taking action, and policy expertise from CWS. Go to https://cwsglobal-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PemV_Xy3TzeQjCD2RWSdhQ#/registration

“How the Ugandans ‘Do Church’” is the title of a special Zoom event featuring Bwambale Sedrack, leader of the Uganda Church of the Brethren, and Gordon Hoffert, country advisory team representative for Uganda on behalf of the Church of the Brethren Global Mission office. This “equipping session” is part of the Northern Plains District Conference but all are welcome to attend, said an invitation from Hoffert. The online event takes place next Tuesday evening, April 8, at 7 p.m. (central time). Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82734662131?pwd=amlwcXcvWkRGSEtRL1VWQVYyRGUvdz09

–– Clarification of a recent position announcement: The Church of the Brethren’s Middle Pennsylvania District has clarified its previously announcement seeking candidates to fill the roles of a three-member District Executive Team. That team structure was suggested by interpretation of the results of a survey completed by church members in the district. However, the District Coordinating Team and the Search Committee are clarifying the intent is NOT to limit of the working of God in the process of finding effective leadership. People feeling led to fulltime opportunities in district-level ministry are still encouraged to apply. The district is open to fulltime or three-quarter time leadership within the limits of available compensation. Contact Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, director of the Ministry Office for the Church of the Brethren, at officeofministry@brethren.org for more information about the position opening and application process.

— The Church of the Brethren seeks applicants for the position of administrative assistant for Discipleship and Leadership Formation, a fulltime salaried position located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The major responsibility is to enhance and support the ministries of Discipleship and Leadership Formation through administration of a variety of tasks and projects assigned by the executive director. Skills and knowledge required include bilingual ability in English and Spanish, preferred; strong communication skills in English, both verbal and written; skill in Windows-based computer systems and applications, particularly Outlook, Word, Access, Excel, Explorer, and Publisher, with the capability and willingness to learn new software applications; ability to problem solve; good judgment in prioritizing tasks; ability to work independently; knowledge of financial processes; ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality; ability to communicate effectively with multiple agencies and constituencies and deal gracefully with the public; ability to work with minimum supervision, be a self-starter, readily adapt to change, work well in a multi-dimensional program; excellent organizational skills, ability to work with details, complex assignments, and simultaneous tasks; ability to work with established style guides and have an eye for print and image design; appreciation for the role of congregations and their leaders in the life of the church, perspective on the church’s role in mission, and an awareness of the Church of the Brethren’s values; sensitivity to other cultures and an understanding of organizational development and capacity building; ability to work as part of a diverse team. Required experience includes three to five years of administrative assistant experience with a preference for experience in a not-for-profit environment. Required education includes a bachelor’s degree or other education relevant to the position. Applications are being received and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Apply by sending a cover letter with a resume to COBApply@brethren.org. The Church of the Brethren is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

— Bridgewater (Va.) College’s Robert R. Newlen & John C. Bradford Special Collections will commemorate the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism with a new exhibition from April 11 to Oct. 3. Titled “A Showcase of Historic Brethren Artifacts: Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of Anabaptism,” the display will include more than 20 artifacts selected from the Newlen-Bradford Special Collections and the Reuel B. Pritchett Museum Collection, dating from the 18th through the 20th centuries. Read more at https://augustafreepress.com/news/anabaptist-artifacts-on-display-in-bridgewater-college-exhibition

— The annual Mother’s Day celebration and fundraiser from Global Women’s Project has been announced. “Consider a contribution to GWP in honor of a mother or other important woman in your life. The honoree will receive a card from Global Women’s Project notifying them that a gift was made by you in their honor,” said the announcement. Checks should be made out to GWP and mailed with addressee name(s) and information to Global Women’s Project, c/o Karlene Tyler, 333 South Lakeside Dr., Unit 1, McPherson, KS 67460. All requests must be mailed by May 1 for the recipient to receive a card by Mother’s day.

— Church World Service (CWS) issued an invitation to this summer’s Refugee Council USA’s Refugee, Asylum, and Humanitarian Protection Advocacy Days on June 2-4 in Washington, D.C. “Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or completely new to advocacy, you are invited to come to DC and meet in-person with Members of Congress and their staff to urge your elected officials to pressure the federal government to restore refugee and asylum protections,” said the invitation. Registrants are required to attend at least three virtual policy and advocacy trainings before June 2, which will be scheduled via RCUSA following registration. Those who have personally experienced displacement are invited to an additional day-long leadership training on June 2. There is no fee to attend Advocacy Days, but participants are responsible for the cost of travel and accommodation. Learn more and register by Friday, April 18, at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzHQHHcmOuWN7DrGP-uSLvAuEQzTbteuUEFPe197ouUXHZ3A/viewform

— April 19 is the application deadline for “The Living Forward: Anabaptism at 500 Essay Contest” offering students “your chance to showcase your writing skills and win financial support for your education,” according to an announcement from MennoMedia. Eligible students are invited to submit an essay to compete for a scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. The student with the best essay will receive a scholarship of $1,000 and the first runner-up will receive a scholarship of $500. Go to www.mennomedia.org/living-forward-essay-contest

— Don and Carolyn Fitzkee and family were featured in a Lancaster Online article about a recent public prayer service for Gaza and for refugees held in Penn Square in Lancaster, Pa. Don Fitzkee is moderator-elect of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. Read the news article at https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/mennonites-hold-prayer-service-for-gaza-refugees-in-penn-square/article_79ed5ddb-161d-4cc4-8bea-1d60587850a4.html

— Tamisha Tyler, visiting assistant professor of theology and culture and theopoetics at Bethany Theological Seminary, was featured at the Huntingdon Museum in Los Angeles, Calif., in a panel discussion on “Sowing Community: Living with Octavia E. Butler’s ‘Parables.’” The event was part of the museum’s Founder’s Day celebration on March 26. Reported a Bethany release: “The sold-out event attracted nearly 400 audience members, including noted actor Lavar Burton.” Read more at https://bethanyseminary.edu/dr-tamisha-tyler-featured-at-huntingdon-museum-event

At left: The Illinois Mennonites are sharing an invitation to a special event featuring John Sharp.

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

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