— Remembrance: Michael (Mike) Brian Leiter, a staff member of Eder Financial, died unexpectedly on May 13 at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Md., after a brief and sudden illness. At the time of his death, he was a client services manager at Eder Financial, an agency of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. In a statement mourning his death, Eder Financial said, “We are stunned and deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved colleague, Michael Leiter. Mike joined Eder Financial as Client Services Manager in 2023, and his contributions were invaluable. His work experience was a unique mix of leadership, relationship building, product experience, and organizational management. He was well-suited to work at Eder because he had previously served in various Brethren retirement communities over the years and we especially appreciated the servant’s heart Mike brought to his work. He will be remembered by our staff as a gentle, kind man who cared for others and did his work with integrity. We will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with the network of people touched by his lifetime of service and our deepest sympathies are with Mike’s wife, Cynthia Mason, and his two adult children, Caitlyn Leiter-Mason and Evan Leiter-Mason. We are committed to supporting our employees, members, and clients as we navigate this loss.” Born in 1962, Leiter grew up in Waynesboro, Pa., with his parents and three siblings. He studied business at Messiah College and later earned an MBA at Hood College. Following college, he joined Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) and volunteered at Cornerstone Center for Justice and Peace in Denver, Colo. He then was hired by the Church of the Brethren denomination as co-staff sharing a position in international personnel and BVS recruitment at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., from 1988-1989. It was there that he met his life partner, Cynthia Mason, and they married in 1989. He worked in several other church-related ministries in following years including the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio; Cross Keys Village in New Oxford, Pa.; Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village in Boonsboro, Md.; and briefly with On Earth Peace. For most of his career, he was an administrator at nonprofit retirement communities. He has served on the board of Brethren Benefit Trust, now Eder Financial. He was a resident of Frederick, Md., for almost 26 years, and a member of Living Stream Church of the Brethren, a virtual congregation. He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Cynthia Mason; their children Caitlyn Leiter-Mason (Nathaniel Salzman) and Evan Leiter-Mason; his mother, Barbara Leiter; siblings Edward (Marcia) Leiter, David (Pat) Leiter, and Julie (Jan) Zimmerman; and a large extended family and community of friends. A memorial service will be held on June 14 at 2 p.m. (Eastern time) at Trinity United Methodist Church in Frederick, Md., with a musical prelude beginning at 1:40 p.m. The service will be live-streamed and recorded by the Living Stream congregation at www.livingstreamcob.org. A celebration of his life will continue at Fox Haven Farm and Environmental Center. Memorial gifts are received to the Church of the Brethren denomination and to the Global Women’s Project.
— The Church of the Brethren seeks candidates for the full-time salaried position of Mission Advancement advocate. The major responsibility is to strengthen and nurture the individual and congregational stewardship, direct gifts, planned-giving, and enlistment programs of the Church of the Brethren through face-to-face visits with individuals and congregations, with a primary focus on positively affecting individual and congregational giving in support of denominational ministries. Skills and knowledge required include grounding in Church of the Brethren heritage, theology, and polity; ability to articulate and operate out of the vision of the Church of the Brethren; at least three years of experience in planned/deferred giving and/or five years in development-related activities in the not-for-profit sector, or other comparable experience; ability to inter-relate with individuals and groups; basic computer skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, e-mail, internet; some analytical skillset/knowledge base, ability to analyze datasets to determine giving trends and glean information to aid in the development of donor/congregation relationship strategies; a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is required; location is flexible, the candidate must be willing to travel to Elgin, Ill., for individual and department meetings as needed. Applications are being received and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Apply by sending a cover letter and resume by email to COBApply@brethren.org or mail to Human Resources Manager, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120; 847-429-4367. The Church of the Brethren is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The fifth and final session in Annual Conference moderator Dava Hensley’s series of online workshops about grief and how to better navigate losses in the church and society today takes place on Thursday, June 5, at 8 p.m. (Eastern time). Registration is required, go to https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/UfVKs1puTKy9xVn23qio0w
Children’s Disaster Services is announcing the first events in a Fall 2025 schedule of trainings: Sept. 26-27 at Warrensburg (Mo.) First United Methodist Church; and Oct. 17-18 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. Find out more about how to volunteer and participate in the CDS trainings at www.brethren.org/cds/training
— The Church of the Brethren seeks candidates for the part-time position of Buildings and Grounds assistant at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The position provides custodial services and support services such as room set-up, mail, shipping, supplies, equipment, maintenance, warehouse operations, and other tasks. Skills and knowledge required include ability to relate with integrity and respect within and beyond the organization; knowledge and experience in building operation and facilities management; knowledge in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical helpful, but not required; ability to bend, stoop, climb, lift 50 pounds, and carry; ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments; handling of hazardous materials and exposed to hazardous situations; ability to access, input, and retrieve information from the computer; ability to work with minimal supervision; skills in oral and written communication; at least five years of Buildings and Grounds operations experience helpful but not required; a high school diploma or equivalent required. Applications are being received and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Apply by sending a cover letter and resume by email to COBApply@brethren.org or to Church of the Brethren, Human Resources, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. The Church of the Brethren is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
— Brethren Disaster Ministries has conducted an orientation event for new district disaster coordinators.
Seven new district disaster coordinators have been welcomed: Troy Barnhart as a co-district disaster coordinator in Middle Pennsylvania District; Gary Benesh in Southeastern District; Wendy Russell in Michigan District; and the South Central Indiana District team of Bill Baxter, Bill Gay, Seth Hendricks, and Kay Theel.
The following district disaster coordinators are retiring after giving faithful service to Brethren Disaster Ministries: Cliff Kindy in South Central Indiana District, Bob Schnepp in Michigan District, and Pam and Rick Brady in Southeastern District.
— Freeport (Ill.) Church of the Brethren on Sept. 7 will celebrate its 105th anniversary as a congregation. Worship and reminiscing will be at 10 a.m., followed by lunch. RSVP to 815-232-1938.
— Moler Avenue Church of the Brethren in Martinsburg, W.Va., gained media attention for its upcoming celebration of 85 years. The Journal reported on plans for the celebration happening this Sunday and interviewed paper Bob Miller and his wife, Linda. The origins of the church including a June 2, 1940, event in which “members of the Church of the Brethren congregation marched from the High Street Church, where they first gathered to study the scriptures, to the newly built church on Molar Avenue. They were led by a brass band and sang ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ and had 2,000 people attend their dedication service…. To Miller and the rest of the congregation, celebrating the 85th anniversary of the church is a chance to honor the people who first established it.” Read the full article at www.journal-news.net/journal-news/moler-avenue-church-of-the-brethren-marks-85-years-of-faith-and-community/article_6c36602b-c034-5c8e-9e29-fa417f786233.html
–– Pastor John Coleman of Walnut Grove Church of the Brethren in Taylors Valley, Va., was quoted in an article from Governor Youngkin’s website about the “Community Day of Recovery and Renewal in Taylors Valley after Hurricane Helene.” “For me, the Adopt-a-Family Action Day in Taylors Valley was the fulfillment of a dream,” said Coleman. “It was my joy to see each household that was impacted by the floodwaters of Hurricane Helene, connected with a caring church, business or individual who came in this special day to serve the ongoing needs following the flood. Community members working together with government officials and volunteers. Teams and families eating together, laughing and celebrating the restoration of the village. This is what recovery looks like.” The special day of action was held May 9 with more than 45 volunteers from across the state gathered in Taylors Valley organized by the Governor’s Outreach Team under the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Read the full release at www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2025/may/name-1046714-en.html
— Washington (D.C.) City Church of the Brethren hosted the Heifer International board for meetings during the week of May 19. Pastors Nathan and Jenn Hosler, who also serve as director of the Church of the Brethren’s Office of Peacebuilding and Policy and manager of the Global Food Initiative, respectively, helped host the event.
— Good Friday this year was “better together” for several congregations in Atlantic Northeast District. “For Good Friday Services, the Ridgeway Community Church of the Brethren, Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren, Brooklyn First Church of the Brethren, and Living Stream Church of the Brethren teamed up to share a Tenebrae Service,” according to the district newsletter. “Held at the Harrisburg First church building, dozens gathered to sing, pray, and share scripture joining together, in person and across the miles, in the service of darkness commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus…. While the solemnity of Good Friday meant that those gathered didn’t take the opportunity to share fellowship quite as robustly as usual, it was nonetheless a deep blessing as these four congregations came together for such a special service.”
— Gettysburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren is offering free garden plots for anyone who is interested, according to an article in Gettysburg Connection. “Whether you have a backyard or just a balcony, it’s easy to grow your own food. A simple pot of tomatoes or basil can brighten your home and your dinner plate. And for those seeking more space, the Church of the Brethren in Gettysburg has a generous offer: free garden plots.” The church is offering prepared 16-by-20-foot plots at no cost. Community members are welcome to grow fresh vegetables, herbs, or flowers throughout the season. “This initiative not only supports personal wellness and food access but also encourages giving back. The Adams County Gleaning Program already tends two plots on-site to share produce with those in need. Residents with existing gardens are encouraged to plant an extra row for neighbors, friends, or the Gleaning Project,” said the article. Contact 717-334-5066 or info@gettysburgcob.org. Read the full article at https://gettysburgconnection.org/grow-your-own-garden-no-yard-needed
— “Immigration and deportation are important issues and concerns these days,” said an invitation from Mid-Atlantic District. “You can find out more about them by attending Phyllis Dodd’s presentation ‘Love Has No Borders’ on Sunday, June 8th at Westminster [Md.] Church of the Brethren. Phyllis’ presentation with a discussion to follow lasts about an hour and a half and begins at noon in the Fellowship Hall.” The last day to register for this event, sponsored by the congregation’s Peace and Justice Forum, is Thursday, June 5. Register online at https://forms.gle/pzqHahbH7Z5Z822x6
— The “Patchwork Ladies” of Green Tree Church of the Brethren in Oaks, Pa., have gotten media attention for their 50 years of making items for people in need. “The group consists of retirees roughly aged between 80 and 90 years old,” said a report from Channel 6 ABC Action News. “They meet every Wednesday from September to May. They mostly produce blankets and bags that can be draped over walkers for seniors. They make donations to local organizations including nursing homes, childrens’ hospitals, pregnancy centers, veterans’ hospitals, and more. Most products are created using recycled and donated materials.” Find the full report including a video at https://6abc.com/post/meet-patchwork-ladies-handcraft-blankets-good-cause/16505265
— Daleville (Va.) Church of the Brethren in Virlina District “will say farewell to the building on Sunday June 1, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.,” said an announcement from the district. Although the congregation is saying goodbye to its building, which is being sold to Roanoke Chin Christian Church, the Daleville congregation plans to gather for worship via Zoom, and will continue in fellowship, study, and service as it discerns its next steps in continuing the work of Jesus, said the district. All are invited to the closing celebration for the building “to celebrate the history and ministry that has served us well. This corner of Valley Road and 220/Roanoke Road was home to the Church of the Brethren since 1851. We will have a time of fellowship following the service.”
— In more news from Virlina District, Hopewell Church of the Brethren in North Prince George, Va., “has decided to discontinue its ministry,” according to the district newsletter. Also, Virginia Beach (Va.) Christian Church Uniting, dually affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the Church of the Brethren, “has made the decision to discontinue its ministry,” said the newsletter. A closing service celebrating the Virginia Beach congregation’s ministry and blessing the remaining members took place on Sunday, May 25.
— Southern Ohio and Kentucky District’s Brethren Disaster Ministries program “has had a busy winter and spring purchasing supplies and assembling kits/cleanup buckets for Church World Service,” reported the district newsletter. Potsdam Church of the Brethren and Beavercreek Church of the Brethren assembled 1,220 hygiene kits and Oakland Church of the Brethren and Eaton Community Church youth assembled 2,060 school kits. There was also an assembly of 240 cleanup buckets. “CWS greatly appreciates these kits and buckets,” said the newsletter, “for many have been distributed with all the recent disasters.”
— “From Ashes and Teardrops: Healing and Hope Come to Lahaina” is the title of the latest episode of Brethren Voices, a television show designed for community television and produced by Ed Groff and Portland (Ore.) Peace Church of the Brethren. This June 2025 episode features the story of the horrific wildfire on Maui in August 2023, which destroyed the town of Lahaina. The Red Cross became involved in serving survivors and the Church of the Brethren’s Children’s Disaster Services and its volunteers were called to serve children and families. Brethren Voices captures the stories of Craig Weber, a resident of Lahaina whose home was destroyed and now lives in a travel trailer on the same property; and Soakai Taufa and his family, who live south of Lahaina and who although they did not lose their home nevertheless had their lives come to a screeching halt. Taufa has felt a calling to do more for the community and used his construction skills to build a giant teardrop sculpture as a memorial. “His heart-felt words conclude this Brethren Voices program,” said an announcement. “If someone needs help, help them.” Find this and other Brethren Voices episodes on YouTube.
— “90 days after judge’s order, Trump administration has failed to restart refugee program,” reports Religion News Service (RNS). “Faith groups say thousands remain locked in limbo as the administration drags its feet.” A lawsuit by plaintiffs including Church World Service (CWS) which is a partner organization for the Church of the Brethren, among other faith-based groups, resulted in an order by US District Judge Jamal Whitehead in late February ordering the Trump administration to resume accepting refugees cleared under the federal refugee admissions program. An executive order had frozen the program. The judge’s order argued that “the record shows concrete and severe harms to the individual and organizational plaintiffs flowing directly from” the administration’s decision to freeze the program. “These harms are mostly irreversible and warrant immediate intervention to stop more harm from befalling Plaintiffs.” However, RNS is reporting that now, “three months later, the administration has not begun to admit the estimated 128,000 refugees already approved to enter the US, roughly 12,000 of whom had travel plans booked before Jan. 20, when Trump issued his order. The faith groups involved in the case say the harm to refugees has only worsened. The refugees — many who fled religious persecution, brutal war and relentless violence around the globe — remain locked in limbo, the groups say, some in refugee camps where they wait to hear whether they will again be approved to enter America.” Read the full RNS report at https://religionnews.com/2025/05/29/a-judge-ordered-trump-to-restart-the-refugee-program-three-months-ago-he-still-hasnt
— An Armenian Heritage Conference has closed with a statement urging coordinated international action to protect Armenian religious and cultural heritage, the human rights of its people, and the future security of the Armenian nation, according to a release from the World Council of Churches (WCC) which hosted the event in collaboration with Protestant Church in Switzerland. The conference statement outlines a framework of responsibility and response to the 2023 forced displacement of the Armenian population and the ongoing destruction of their sacred heritage. “The gathering in Bern represents a collective commitment to truth-telling, memory preservation, and coordinated international action to safeguard humanity’s shared legacy,” said the statement, in part. The statement acknowledges the forced displacement of over 120,000 ethnic Armenians from Artsakh/Nagorno Karabakh following the September 2023 military assault and blockade and bears witness to “the erasure of millennia of Armenian Christian presence in the region and to the widespread destruction of churches, cemeteries, monuments, and other sacred and cultural sites, as documented by independent bodies such as Caucasus Heritage Watch, Save Armenian Monuments, and Monument Watch and other cultural actors. Drawing on the insights of international legal experts and practitioners, we reaffirm that the destruction of cultural heritage constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law and can amount to a crime against humanity, and indicia of genocidal intent.” The statement calls on the international community to ensure accountability and uphold their mandates for the protection of cultural and religious heritage, and affirms the right of return of displaced populations. Find the statement of the Armenian Heritage Conference at https://oikoumene.org/resources/documents/final-statement-of-the-international-conference-on-the-preservation-of-armenian-religious-cultural-and-historical-heritage-in-artsakh/nagorno-karabakh
— Also from the World Council of Churches, leaders of English-speaking churches in Geneva, Switzerland, held a prayer vigil on May 27 for the work of Al-Ahli Hospital, the only Christian-operated hospital left in Gaza. The gathering also raised funds for the hospital and issued a letter expressing dismay at the continuing horrors unfolding in Gaza, the West Bank, and other territories in the Holy Land. “The credible reports of starvation are deeply concerning,” the letter reads, in part. “The UN estimates that well over 50 percent of the dead are non-combatant women and children…. As has been widely reported, the Israeli Defense Forces have twice bombed Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, and in 2024 forcibly closed the hospital during intense bombardment, depriving Palestinians of a critical source of medical care in the midst of war.” Although its full name is Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital, it is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, an Anglican church. Al-Ahli Hospital earlier this year received grant funds from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) in a collaboration between Brethren Disaster Ministries and Bethlehem Bible College Shepherd Society (see the Newsline report at www.brethren.org/news/2025/grants-support-humanitarian-aid).
— Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) has issued its “Humanitarian Snapshot 12: The Edge of Erasure” focusing on the deterioration of the situation in Gaza. CMEP is a partner organization for the Church of the Brethren. “Nearly three months into Israel’s total siege on Gaza, humanitarian conditions have deteriorated beyond crisis levels,” said an announcement of the publication. “A recent survey of NGOs found widespread obstruction of aid, with two-thirds unable to reach communities in need and one-third reporting staff killed or injured. In the West Bank, escalating settler violence and military restrictions have made nearly half of aid delivery efforts impossible, deepening an already catastrophic, man-made crisis.” Find the Humanitarian Snapshot at https://cmep.salsalabs.org/pr-may302025humsnap
— Bread for the World is sharing a prayer for SNAP, following the House legislation that “would cut $290 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by making significant changes to the program. These changes would push families and children off SNAP and drive them deeper into hunger and poverty,” said the Bread announcement. “Fortunately, these harmful SNAP cuts have a long way to go before they become law and there is a lot we can do to stop them – including using the power of prayer…. We encourage you to recite the prayer (or say a prayer of your own) and then email your members of Congress and let them know you are praying they protect SNAP. Our prayers can make a difference.”
A Prayer for SNAP
God, we know that only You can turn the hearts of humans towards love and care.
We ask that You open the hearts of our government officials and cause them to advocate for the lives of those who are vulnerable.
To advocate for the food security that they need to survive.
May they have care for Your people, like You do.
May they see the people in need and keep them in consideration as they move in Congress.
Lord, may care increase in their hearts so that they protect SNAP from devastating cuts and policies that will push our brothers and sister into hunger.
We thank You for all that You do. In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
#MissionAndMinistryBoard #StrategicPlan #RacialJustice #LoveOurNeighbors #Discipleship #NewTestamentGiving
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Find more Church of the Brethren news:
- Largest congregations send leaders for a time of learning, sharing, and support
- Intercultural Ministries schedules first ‘frontliners’ training, announces new online book club
- Faithful Response Immigration gathering offers inspiration and retreat experience for leaders of immigrant support efforts
- Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center and Brethren Press partner to offer Faith Formation Series
- Feature for Earth Month and Poetry Month: A space to contemplate resurrection and life