By Jennie Waering
Dear BFIA,
I wanted to let you know that your grants to Central Church of the Brethren have led to actions that have been featured in two articles and three recordings.
First, we are thankful that BFIA [the Brethren Faith in Action Fund, see www.brethren.org/bfia] gave Central a grant in 2019 to provide extra protein in our Pack a Snack weekend backpacks to students at Highland Park Elementary School. That program is featured in an article just published in Faith & Leadership, a magazine of Duke Divinity School. See https://faithandleadership.com/study-care-and-patience-church-makes-long-term-commitment-help-one-family-time
More recently, BFIA gave Central a grant to have Dr. Drew Hart speak at Roanoke (Va.) College on Reparations on Sept. 26, and at Oak Grove Church of the Brethren on Standing with People of Color on Oct. 27. Central was also blessed with his sermon on Sunday, Sept. 28. We made full use of our grant!
The events were recorded and links to the recordings are below. The Roanoke College event was also the subject of an excellent article in The Roanoke Tribune, a local Black newspaper that has been publishing for 75 years. I have included a link to that article as well.
Central thanks you for having faith in us to use your funds wisely, and we believe that we have.
The Roanoke Tribune article on the Roanoke College Reparations event: https://theroanoketribune.org/renowned-minister-author-ignites-the-flames-of-justice-infused-theology
The Roanoke College Reparations event recording: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bnv1qTzQYiE&t=2042s
The Oak Grove Church of the Brethren Standing with People of Color recording: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT4VYiLM5Qs&t=3112s
The Central Church of the Brethren sermon recording: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffwoZZ9srTM&t=3477s
— Find out more about the Brethren Faith in Action Fund and how to apply for a grant at www.brethren.org/bfia
#MissionAndMinistryBoard #StrategicPlan #RacialJustice #LoveOurNeighbors #Discipleship #NewTestamentGiving
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Find more Church of the Brethren news:
- Mission and Ministry Board extends general secretary’s term, recognizes Material Resources, approves 2026 budget parameter, among other business
- Deportation Defense Response offers new online giving option to support Church of the Brethren members, shares requests for prayer and praise
- Brethren Disaster Ministries shares domestic program survey
- Faith leaders condemn administration efforts to abandon historic US refugee program
- Join a Children’s Disaster Services volunteer training in Spring 2026