Brethren bits

— An urgent prayer request was shared by the Global Mission office of the Church of the Brethren following an automobile accident involving a regional Church of the Brethren team in the Great Lakes area of Africa. On Sunday evening, Sept. 7, the group was returning from the Musenyi Congolese refugee camp in the Rutana Province of Burundi, after having been in the camp for four days to implement aid activities including distributions in support of the refugees, workshops on gender-based sexual violence, trauma-healing workshops, and a visit to a temporary church building under construction on some recently purchased church land. Members of the team included Expert Bukene, president of the Church of the Brethren in Burundi; program accountant Uhangya Norbert; the driver; a volunteer; a facilitator; and Shabani Bitiens, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “By God’s grace, most of the brothers are already feeling better,” reported Global Mission executive Sharon Brugger Norton. “However, Pastor Shabani Bitiens has suffered painful injuries to his legs, which are inhibiting his ability to walk. He is undergoing further tests to establish a precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Please pray for these leaders and staff that they may soon recover completely and return home safely.”

— The Church of the Brethren mission in South Sudan delivered aid supplies to people in Mayom County of Unity State and Abiemnom County of Ruweng Administrative Area in mid-August. The aid reached some 6,500 households or some 30,500 people, and gained media attention from King Media. Kerbino Pow, program manager for the mission and the Brethren Global Services, is among several people quoted in the report at https://kingmediassd.com/brethren-church-donates-non-food-items-to-mayom-abiemnom-residents

— A first-ever volleyball tournament gained media attention for Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). Organized by the denominational leadership, the tournament saw 12 district teams participate at EYN headquarters in Kwarhi, reported the Sunday Trust, via a post on MSN. “Jimeta District Church Council (DCC) has emerged champions,” the report said. “Jimeta DCC defeated Maiduguri DCC in the final while Yola DCC clinched the third position. The president of EYN, Reverend Dr. Daniel Mbaya…said the weeklong event was aimed at promoting unity in the church using sports.” Go to www.msn.com/en-xl/africa/nigeria/jimeta-dcc-wins-maiden-eyn-volleyball-tourney/ar-AA1MbW53

— The Church of the Brethren seeks candidates for the part-time, 20-hour weekly position of Buildings and Grounds assistant at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill. This position performs custodial services for the General Offices and provides support for tasks such as room set-up, mail, supplies, equipment, maintenance, warehouse operations, and other duties as assigned by the director of Buildings and Grounds. Key performance accountabilities include maintaining a high standard of safety, cleanliness, and efficiency. Required skills and knowledge include ability to relate with integrity and respect within and beyond the organization; knowledge and experience in building operations and facilities management; ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer; skills in oral and written communication; ability to work with minimal supervision. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical skills are helpful but not required. At least five years of Buildings and Grounds operations experience is helpful but not required. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Applications are being received and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to COBApply@brethren.org. The Church of the Brethren is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This fall’s Intercultural Jubilee has been postponed. The organizers plan to share more information soon.

— The National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) holds its 75th anniversary celebration gathering on Oct. 13-16 in Boston, Mass. “The National Council of Churches was founded in 1950 during a time of tumult following the end of World War II. Now, 75 years later, we are in another time of tumult where Christian unity and witness for justice is vitally important,” said an announcement. “You are invited to join us in Boston as we celebrate the dedicated work of generations of leaders who have shown us the way as we face today’s challenges and chart a course for the future. Come and remember those who came before us, celebrate today’s Christian witnesses, and experience the future of ecumenism.” Learn more and find a registration link at https://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/ncc75