— Remembrance: Nancy Moore Link, 89, a former Church of the Brethren mission worker in Nigeria, died Feb. 16. She was born Oct. 27, 1936, in Staunton, Va., to Ernest Franklin and Lydia Wright Moore. She was a graduate of Bridgewater (Va.) College. She earned a degree in Home Economics in 1957 and that same year married her husband, Don Link. They moved to Edinburg, Va., where she taught elementary school briefly, before having children. From 1966 to 1972, the Links served in Nigeria as mission workers and spent six years teaching at teachers’ training and secondary schools and working as missionary school dorm parents. After returning from Nigeria, Nancy Link began teaching second grade in Augusta County. Her additional service on the denominational level included as a Children’s Disaster Services volunteer. In retirement, she and her husband maintained a 50-plus box bluebird trail in Augusta County, Va., participated in a workcamp in Nigeria, volunteered on a Navajo reservation, and completed a goal to visit all 50 states. She loved to sing and was a member of the New Hope Chorus as well as the choir at Lebanon Church of the Brethren in Mt. Sidney, Va., where she held many roles including teaching Sunday school. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don, and grandson Daniel Sheffer. She is survived by daughter Debra Sheffer and husband Curtis of Mt. Sidney, Va.; son Gary Link of Phoenix, Ariz.; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 1, at 2 p.m. (Eastern time) at Lebanon Church of the Brethren. Memorial gifts are received to the Memorial Fund at Lebanon Church of the Brethren. Find a full obituary at www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/weyers-cave-va/nancy-link-12749808
— The Church of the Brethren seeks a Manager of Accounting and Treasurer Assistant, a fulltime salaried position at the denomination’s General Offices in Elgin, Ill., responsible for handling the general ledger processes and report generation, providing account analysis and reconciliations, providing internal audit processes, and carrying out other assigned functions. The position leads audit preparation for an annual CPA audit. Required skills and knowledge include accounting skills and knowledge of computerized general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll systems; ability to work and communicate well with others; maturity of judgment and character and ability to maintain confidentiality; excellent organizational skills; ability to work independently as well as within a team; analytic and problem-solving abilities; spreadsheet and word processing software skills; proficiency at 10-key. Required experience and education includes at least three years of accounting experience, fund accounting preferred; at least three years working on a computerized financial accounting software system; a bachelor’s degree in accounting or business; training in computers; with fund accounting classes preferred. Pay: $70,000 to $75,000 per year. Benefits include health insurance, health savings account, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, employee assistance program, paid time off, parental leave, professional development assistance, flexible schedule. Applications are being received and reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Apply by sending a cover letter and resume to COBApply@brethren.org; Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. The Church of the Brethren is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Office of Peacebuilding and Policy staff are among the Church of the Brethren ministers and members who have signed an open ecumenical letter titled “A Call to Christians in a Crisis of Faith and Democracy.” Circulated by the Center for Faith and Justice among other groups, the letter is part of a wider effort at joint advocacy and the website offers a variety of opportunities to become involved including signing the letter, participating in trainings and learning opportunities, downloading worship liturgy and music as well as Bible studies and more. Go to https://acalltochristians.org
— The Church of the Brethren Office of Peacebuilding and Policy will have an opening for an associate starting this August. The position/fellowship is through Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS). Applications are now open through BVS at https://lnkd.in/gHpq6kCq. The position description is at https://lnkd.in/gepvXnBd. Deadlines for application: for Early Enrollment the deadline is Feb. 26, for Summer Orientation the deadline is May 20, for Fall Orientation the deadline is June 24. For questions contact Nathan Hosler, director of the Office of Peacebuilding and Policy, at nhosler@brethren.org
— On Earth Peace is receiving applications for an internship as the agency’s Church of the Brethren Nonviolence Organizer. The intern works specifically with Church of the Brethren constituency especially related to faith formation in the face of authoritarianism, nonviolence capacity development as part of the 1,000 Brethren Kingian Nonviolence Training Program, support for teams working on specific issues in the church, support for On Earth Peace involvement in other Church of the Brethren programing, and more. Submit applications by March 15 to Marie Rhoades at mrhoades@onearthpeace.org. For more information about the internship program including application instructions, go to www.OnEarthPeace.org/internships
— The National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) is hiring a new director of Finance and Operations. This senior role keeps the organization running, overseeing budgets, payroll, HR, compliance, technology, and operational systems, while supporting national campaigns to end torture and solitary confinement in US prisons, jails, and immigration detention. The complete job listing can be viewed on Idealist at www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit-job/7300da8712f842b092447bead1cc1c4e-director-of-finance-and-operations-national-religious-campaign-against-torture-washington
— A Women’s History Month Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation training webinar is offered by On Earth Peace at 5 p.m. (Eastern time) on March 26 as an online event. The two hour webinar covers the four pillars of Kingian Nonviolence, initial introduction to the six principles and six steps—the “will” and the “skill” of Kingian Nonviolence, and the social dynamics of Kingian Nonviolence. This training will be co-facilitated by co-founders of the Addie Wyatt Center for Nonviolence Training in Chicago, Pam Smith, a historian and genealogist living in Portland, Ore., and Mary Lou Finley, a sociologist and Professor Emerita at Antioch University Seattle. Register at www.onearthpeace.org/2026_03_26_knv_2_hour
— On Feb. 3, Bethany Seminary president Jeff Carter offered the invocation at the beginning of the current session of the Indiana State House of Representatives. He appeared at the invitation of Rep. Brad Barrett of District 56, which includes the city of Richmond where Bethany’s campus is located. The invocation read, in part, “We ask your grace upon this House—its members, their staff, those who support the work of this chamber, and their families. For we know the mantle of authority can be heavy for those who serve and the circle that surrounds them. May your grace be known and may we honor the enduring principles of justice, liberty, and the common good to the flourishing of all who call Indiana home.” Find the full Bethany release at https://bethanyseminary.edu/president-carter-at-the-statehouse
— Also from Bethany, the seminary is sharing a video podcast series titled “Conversations with the President!” featuring various faculty members joining president Jeff Carter for conversations that touch on a variety of topics. The most recent features Denise Kettering-Lane, associate professor of Brethren Studies and editor of the journal Brethren Life & Thought. The first in the series featured professor emeritus Scott Holland. Find the video podcasts on the seminary’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@BethanySeminary
— Lower Miami Church of the Brethren in Dayton, Ohio, is raising urgently needed legal aid funds for an immigrant church family whose asylum hearing is scheduled for April. “Join us Saturday, March 21st between 4-7 pm for an evening of soup supper, music, and games for the whole family,” said an announcement in the district newsletter. “This event will be held at Happy Corner CoB which is graciously giving use of their kitchen and gym space. $10 at the door with further donations appreciated. Dinner will be served between 4:30-6:30 pm, with multiple soups and sides available to accommodate a variety of dietary needs.”
— Eel River Church of the Brethren in Silver Lake, Ind., is hosting a Brethren Building Beloved Community (B3C) training led by Rhonda Baker and Cliff Kindy on “Standing in Solidarity with Our Immigrant Neighbors.” The event on Saturday, March 7, is designed for attendees to learn nonviolent skills, ask questions, and find ways to use their own unique gifts to support the most vulnerable members of their communities. There will be music, speakers, discussions, and time for being in community. The morning session from 10-11:45 a.m. is on “How to be an Anabaptist Rebel” discussing Brethren history and why this voice is needed. A potluck will follow. Eel River will provide main course and drinks, other guests are invited to bring salads, breads, and desserts. The afternoon training from 1 to 3 p.m. will include training in nonviolence followed by an opportunity to get involved in specific activities for committees. Other guest speakers and performers are to be announced. Full day participation is appreciated but not required. Contact kindy@cpt.org or rhondabake@aol.com
— Western Plains District has shared information received from Quinter (Kan.) Church of the Brethren, after several months of not hearing from Brother Alex, pastor of a Church of the Brethren congregation in Chernihiv, Ukraine: “Word has been received from him that the family is ok. They have some intermittent utilities, communication is difficult as internet is spotty, and prayers are appreciated. This is good news and gives reason to celebrate. Brother Alex and his son visited the States and attended District Conference several years ago. The Quinter congregation has funds that Brother Alex can draw from. Past donations from the district, other congregations, and individuals are appreciated. Please keep Brother Alex, his family, and our brothers and sisters in the church there in your prayers.”
— Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community in New Oxford, Pa., is hosting a Brethren Heritage Series of in-person presentations highlighting the history and traditions of the Church of the Brethren. “Join us during this unique experience and learn about the foundations of CKV and its partnership with the Brethren community!” said an announcement. The series is sponsored in part by the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center. The series includes “Rediscovering Our Roots: Moving Forward in Faith” featuring Warren Eshbach on Wednesday, March 11, at 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Eastern time); “What Is Love Feast?” featuring Denise Kettering-Lane on Friday, March 13, at 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Eastern time); and “What Does Love Feast Look Like?” featuring Denise Kettering-Lane on Friday, March 13, at 1:30-2:30 p.m. (Eastern time). Presentations will take place in the Nicarry Meetinghouse at Cross Keys Village in New Oxford, Pa. Learn more and register at www.crosskeysvillage.org/heritage
— “The Historical Jesus and the Kingdom of God, Part 2” is featured by Brethren Voices, the community television program of Portland (Ore.) Peace Church of the Brethren. “The first gathering of the Progressive Brethren took place in November 2008,” said an announcement from producer Ed Groff. “It featured Keynote Speaker, Robert Miller, the Rosenberger Professor of Christian and Religious Studies of Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA. He shared that the Historical Setting of Jesus is very important in understanding the teachings of Jesus. Miller stated, ‘For Jesus, the kingdom of God, is not a place or future state, but is present, here-and-now, because God is already king, in the real world, despite all the evidence to the contrary.’ In the time of Jesus, such a statement would have sounded politically dangerous, but to others, it was Good News. This three-part series, with the contributions of Robert Miller, provides us with an in depth look at the life of Jesus, in the context of the times in which he lived.” Find this and other episodes of Brethren Voices on YouTube.
— Church World Service (CWS) in its “State of Play” newsletter included a statement of grief for a visually impaired refugee who was found dead after his release from Border Patrol custody five miles from home. “Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a 56-year-old Arakan Rohingya refugee from Myanmar, was found dead five days after Border Patrol dropped him off at a coffee shop five miles from his home. Mr. Shah Alam had been held after a misdemeanor arrest. When he reached a plea deal, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office notified Border Patrol of his release, and the agency placed an immigration detainer on him. After realizing he was not deportable, Border Patrol released him but did not inform his family of where he had been taken, despite his limited vision and vulnerability. Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan said his death was preventable. Mr. Shah Alam is survived by his wife and two sons. We grieve his passing and the many others who have been needlessly killed by reckless ICE and CBP actions or in their custody.”
— A new World Council of Churches (WCC) campaign, “From Condemnation to Consequences,” is planned for March 4-18 to call on countries around the world “to hold Israel accountable for ending the illegal occupation of Palestine,” said a release. “In light of the escalating crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the clear, yet unfulfilled, legal obligations of the international community, the campaign will demand concrete, legally-grounded consequences for Israel’s persistent violations of international law.” The initiative is organized by the WCC Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, and “is firmly rooted in recent landmark decisions by the WCC and the International Court of Justice, and will directly address the urgent need to challenge the system of impunity that has allowed the occupation and the related severe violations of international law and human rights to deepen.” The campaign will include stories from the ground, webinars, factsheets, calls to action, and advocacy tools to approach decision-makers and policymakers. Advocacy will focus on the specific legal and moral obligations of the international community to act. Find out more at https://oikoumene.org/what-we-do/eappi/from-condemnation-to-consequences
— The Vinikilang No. 1 congregation of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), has shared news of its upcoming Golden Jubilee Celebration on May 11-17, submitted by communications staff John Yusuf. He also sent a report by senior pastor Bayo Tella Mshelia from a recent annual meeting highlighting the congregation’s accomplishments this past year including a total membership registration of 1,223, conducting of a total of 57 baptisms and 22 marriages, and dedication of 72 children. Activities for spiritual growth included the introduction of a Romans project and Bible reading challenge, which has “impacted the lives of several members of the church to understand their identity as Christian, thereby enabling them to demonstrate true Christian life rather than religious display.” Church leadership also engaged in a vigorous effort to visit all the homes of church members, especially those who were sick. Special projects include the purchase of 10 hectares of farmland and a solar project.
#MissionAndMinistryBoard #StrategicPlan #RacialJustice #LoveOurNeighbors #Discipleship #NewTestamentGiving
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Find more Church of the Brethren news:
- Conference business includes resolutions on weapons transfer, care for immigrants and refugees, polity adjustments for licensed and commissioned ministers
- Essential services of ordinances now available online as For All Who Minister prepares for reprinting
- Brethren Disaster Ministries Rebuilding Program serves Hurricane Helene and Western Maryland storm survivors
- Shine Everywhere free six-week worship series helps churches nurture faith at home
- Feature for Earth Month and Poetry Month: Invitations to look up, to seek abundant life