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Brethren bits

— Bethany Theological Seminary seeks a coordinator for Bethany BOLD, a community engagement program that connects students with meaningful volunteer opportunities. This is a fulltime, exempt, administrative faculty position. Location is in close geographical proximity to the seminary campus in Richmond, Ind., allowing for regular onsite work. The seminary seeks an energetic, enthusiastic person to plan events, do administrative assistance, and track and support students to meet program requirements. The job includes networking and building relationships in Wayne County and other communities where Bethany students live. For more information and how to apply, go to https://bethanyseminary.edu/jobs/coordinator-for-bethany-bold

— The Anabaptist Disabilities Network seeks a project director for “All In: Immersive Worship for Everybody,” a five-year project funded by the Lilly Endowment’s Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative. It is a cooperative learning project with congregations to create accessible, intergenerational worship that engages children with disabilities. The “All In” project director will: direct and coordinate the project including education, support, and resources; oversee the project budget, communications, and plans for sustainability. For more information about the position, a link to a job description, and how to apply, go to www.anabaptistdisabilitiesnetwork.org/about/staff


On Earth Peace is offering another round of in-depth training in Kingian Nonviolence. “Come and join us during April and May for transformational weekends exploring Dr. King’s philosophy and methodology of nonviolence,” said an invitation. “This workshop has helped thousands of people in various social justice movements, prisons, schools and other communities understand the depth of the philosophy of nonviolence and conflict reconciliation…. If you have attended a 2-Hour Intro to Kingian Nonviolence at On Earth Peace or come to any of our events, this is a perfect next step to deepen your Kingian practice!” This 16-hour core training is offered online as a virtual workshop on two upcoming weekends. The 16 hours will be offered from 4-8 p.m. (Eastern time) on Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27, and on Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4. The facilitation team includes Joshua Brockway of the Church of the Brethren’s Discipleship and Leadership Formation staff; Mandy Park of Brownsville Church of the Brethren who is involved in the Gun Violence Prevention organizing campaign of On Earth Peace and co-facilitates the Church of the Brethren Action Team; Robin McMahon of Hatfield Church of the Brethren; and JoanMay T. Cordova, who has served as a senior advisor to On Earth Peace’s Kingian Nonviolence team and who co-edited the textbook, Resist, Organize, Transform: An Introduction to Nonviolence and Activism. Cost to attend is on a donation basis. Email knv-fellow@OnEarthPeace.org with any questions. Register for this training at www.onearthpeace.org/2025_april_knv_core

In remembrance of the Armenian Genocide, with condolence to the worldwide Armenian community, on the 110th anniversary of the start of the genocide April 24, 1915. On this solemn anniversary Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), a partner organization for the Church of the Brethren, issued a statement in remembrance and mourning to honor the victims and their enduring legacy, honor the lives lost, and honor the resilience of survivors and their descendants. See https://cmep.org/press-news/public-statements-letters Find out about the connection between the Church of the Brethren and disaster aid to those affected by the genocide in an article from the 100th anniversary: www.brethren.org/news/2015/genocide-sparked-100-years-of-brethren-relief-work Shown here: The “forget-me-not” flower has become a symbol for the Armenian people. This photo is from the 100th anniversary commemoration (photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford).

BVS Visionary Voices will continue its virtual speaker series on June 25 at 8 p.m. (Eastern time) with Jenn Hosler, a pastor in Washington, D.C., and manager of the Global Food Initiative, speaking about her activism for Middle East peace. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/njku4xyWS4yExFvvNrh1GQ#/registration
The announcement from Brethren Volunteer Service added: “Last month we kicked off the series by hearing from the executive director of Creation Justice Ministries, Avery Davis Lamb. If you missed the event, you can watch the recording here!” Go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GMgWhTy520

CHANGE OF DATE NOTICE: The concert featuring the historic Kurtz organ (shown at right) will take place at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Sunday, May 18, at 4 p.m. This is a change from the previously announced date of May 25. The rest of the information about this concert remains the same. Find out more at www.brethren.org/news/2025/kurtz-organ-to-be-played-in-concert

— Ambler (Pa.) Church of the Brethren is hosting the “Ambler Ending Gun Violence Day” on Sunday, April 27, with events starting at 3 p.m., in collaboration with Heeding God’s Call and other partner organizations. The day “will bring together faith communities and local residents to unite and educate around the urgent issue of gun violence,” said an announcement. The event will include: a procession with signs and music; arrival at the Montco Memorial to the Lost; and a communal prayer service displaying “a strong and steadfast commitment to ending the carnage of gun violence.”

— Shepherd’s Spring Outdoor Ministry Center in Sharpsburg, Md., is celebrating its 35th anniversary on Saturday, May 17, weather permitting (for any rescheduling information go to the camp’s website for information). Plans for the day include food, fun, and fellowship, at no charge, “remembering and celebrating children/youths, schools, campers, families, retreaters, and others over the past 35 years and visioning the ministry of SS in the years ahead,” said an announcement. “Please invite children, grandchildren, volunteers, and others” who have been part of Shepherd’s Spring, the announcement said. Activities and games will be offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., along with nature hikes, indoor discussions, Global Village tours, storytelling, labyrinth walks, etc. Lunch will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. More field games will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. The celebration program from 2 to 3 p.m. includes a camp sing-along, storytelling, and s’mores around the campfire. Reservations are requested for an approximate count. The event is free but donations are encouraged. Bring your own lawn chairs and picnic place settings. Volunteers can reserve lodge rooms or cabins for May 16 at a reduced rate, call 301-223-8193. For more information contact 301-223-8193 or hsmith@shepherdsspring.org.

— McPherson (Kan.) College in August 2026 will begin offering a new degree in mechanical engineering. This new degree “further diversifies the college’s academic offerings and advances its position as a practical, future-oriented, and innovative campus,” said a release. “The mechanical engineering degree builds on the college’s historic academic strengths in Automotive Restoration, Natural Sciences, and Mathematics while considering the local and regional economy.” According to Amanda Gutierrez, vice president for automotive restoration, the decision to add a degree in mechanical engineering comes after a national study to explore how McPherson can build on the success of automotive restoration. “In fall 2023, McPherson College contracted with the Center of Automotive Research, an internationally recognized, independent organization based in Detroit that researches significant issues related to the future of global mobility,” said Gutierrez. “The purpose of the study was to explore the viability of McPherson College starting an engineering program.” Building on the success of the automotive restoration program’s experiential learning model, the new engineering program will include industry-informed labs and co-op and internship opportunities.

— Additional upcoming opportunities from Church of the Brethren districts and camps:

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

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