Messenger and Communications receive six awards from the Associated Church Press

Awards of Excellence (1st place)

Eric Bishop, Emmett Witkovsky-Eldred, and Erika Clary, “Reflections on a Study of Denominational Leadership” (Oct. 2025 Messenger). This cluster of three pieces by the Annual Conference study committee on Calling Denominational Leadership won in the category Feature Article: Denominational Politics – Long Format. The judge wrote: “Those who are drafted to serve in any denominational legislative session would do well to read a primer as well assembled as this one. In a well-designed, informative, and instructional package, readers are guided on a path that promises to be both effective and rewarding.” www.brethren.org/messenger/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/Calling-2025-10.pdf

William L. Miller, “A Mountaintop Moment” (April 2025 Messenger), in the category Feature Article: Science Writing for the World of Faith. The judge wrote: “The author writes with authority as a wildlife biologist, and the piece remains accessible, personal and theologically grounded. It moves gracefully from a childhood encounter with Acadia National Park to conservation policy, ecosystem services, public lands, biodiversity, stewardship and the moral responsibility of Christians toward creation. The article’s strength is that it does not merely mention science; it teaches readers how ecological systems, public conservation and faith-based stewardship are connected.” www.brethren.org/messenger/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/A-mountaintop-moment-wm-2025-4.pdf

Wendy McFadden, Take Heart (Church of the Brethren Annual Report video), in the category Visual Communications: Video – Editorial/Documentary Style/Educational. www.brethren.org/about/annualreport

Award of Merit (2nd place)

Editorial team of Messenger, “Hope” theme issue (April 2025), in the category Reporting and Writing: Theme Issue, Section, or Series. With contributions from Josh Brockway, Mary Jessup, Don Fitzkee, Greg Davidson Laszakovitz, Laura Stone, Debra Lynn, Virginia Rendler, and Purvi Satvedi. www.brethren.org/messenger/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/Hope-2025-4.pdf

Honorable Mention (3rd place)

Walt Wiltschek, “The Exchange” (a page in each Messenger), in the category Reporting and Writing: Department. The judge wrote: “This is a highly engaging recurring department with a clear personality. Its mix of quotations, historical notes, ‘by the numbers’ items, puzzles and short educational features creates an accessible entry point for readers across ages and interest levels. The best parts are its ability to connect faith, history, culture and curiosity in a compact package.” www.brethren.org/messenger/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/The-Exchange.pdf

Gimbiya Kettering, “Unnecessary Things” (March 2025 Messenger), in the category Reporting and Writing: Humor. www.brethren.org/messenger/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/unnecessary-things-GK-2025-3.pdf