A release from SVMC
The Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC) equips leaders for ministry in a Christ-centered, culturally relevant context that bears witness to the beliefs, heritage, and practices of the Church of the Brethren. SVMC partners with districts and the denomination to train and educate those called to ministry as clergy or lay leaders through the Academy Certified Training System (ACTS) and continuing education events. We also support congregations in planting God’s kingdom seeds in their communities and beyond.
What is SVMC Sunday?
To support SVMC’s mission and to encourage a culture of calling, congregations are encouraged to have an SVMC Sunday in 2026. Although you may choose any date that suits your congregation, a few meaningful possibilities are:
- May 24 (the Sunday after the last class for the 2025-2026 ACTS academic year),
- Any Sunday in August, before the new ACTS academic year begins, or
- Nov. 8 (the Sunday before the Fall SVMC governing board meeting).
This service would fulfill three purposes: 1) to encourage a culture of calling out gifts for ministry, 2) to raise awareness about how SVMC is a resource for ministry, and 3) to allow congregations to support SVMC financially.
Resources for a worship service on this year’s theme and scripture are available via link at www.etown.edu/programs/svmc/index.aspx
Theme: Plant mustard seeds of faith and giving, and see how they grow!
Scripture: Matthew 13:31-32
SVMC encourages you to accompany this worship service with a time of discernment: Are there individuals in your congregation who may have gifts for ministry? You may also use this worship as an opportunity to pray for those who are currently in ministry training, instructors who teach, and district leadership who support students in their journey. Additionally, please consider taking up a special offering for the work of SVMC as your partner in ministry training.
For more information about SVMC, visit www.etown.edu/programs/svmc
If you would like physical copies of any materials, such as envelopes or brochures, please get in touch with SVMC’s office: Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, 1 Alpha Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022; 717-361-1450; SVMC@SVMCcob.org
— The Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center is a Church of the Brethren ministry partnership that includes the districts of Atlantic Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Middle Pennsylvania, Southern Pennsylvania, and Western Pennsylvania, in addition to the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership and Bethany Theological Seminary. Audrey Hollenberg-Duffey serves as director. Learn more at www.etown.edu/svmc
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Find more Church of the Brethren news:
- Madalyn Metzger and Rhonda Pittman Gingrich to serve in new interim positions with the Church of the Brethren
- Global Church of the Brethren Communion meets in Spain
- Grant of $500,000 to the Church of the Brethren will support Brethren Disaster Ministries
- Discovering joys, challenges, and God at work with the churches in the Dominican Republic
- Global Mission executive visits Church of the Brethren in Burundi, meets with church leaders from Democratic Republic of Congo