Brethren bits

“Mail early for year-end giving,” said a reminder from Church of the Brethren Mission Advancement. “Planning to mail a year-end donation? Please send it well before Dec. 31, 2026. US Postal Service transportation changes mean some mail may receive a postmark later than the day you put it in the mailbox. A check mailed on Dec. 31 could receive a January 2027 postmark.” To ensure your year-end gift is on track, mail it early, and no later than Dec. 24, to Church of the Brethren, Attn: Mission Advancement, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. You may ask for a manual postmark at the post office showing that day’s date. Or give online. For questions contact MA@brethren.org

— Job opening: Camp Mardela is seeking a camp administrator. The Church of the Brethren-affiliated 125-acre retreat and summer camp facility near Denton, Md., borders Martinak State Park on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Camp Mardela is seeking a gifted and visionary individual with a passion for outdoor ministry to serve as the next camp administrator. This full-time position is open as of Nov. 1. Duties include overseeing the overall development and operation of the camp, building and coordinating the retreat and conference programs, promoting the camp, supervising other staff and volunteers, and networking with the camp’s various stakeholders. Qualifications include strong skills in administration, organization, communication, marketing, program development, hospitality, and leadership, along with basic computer and finance skills. A bachelor’s degree and/or appropriate certification is required, along with at least two seasons of camp supervisory experience and knowledge and an understanding of ACA core competencies. The administrator should have an appreciation and understanding of Church of the Brethren beliefs and values. Salary is paid bi-monthly. Benefits include health benefits, retirement contributions, and on-site housing and utilities (in a separate home near the camp office). A full position description is available upon request. To apply, send a letter of interest and resumé to the Camp Mardela board chair via email to mardelasearch@hotmail.com. Find this posting online

— Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) has been sharing news of increased violence in northeast Nigeria. Most recently, as of mid-October, several violent attacks that affected EYN members and/or congregations were reported. On Oct. 17, two people were killed, including EYN member Richard Christopher who was a choir member at the LCC Dabeghi congregation in the DCC Golantabal church district, “after suspected Fulani herders attacked farmers in the Gollar area of Golantabal,” said a report. Another incident on Oct. 15 “raised fresh concerns over a recurring pattern of night raids on communities in the area, following similar attacks recently reported in Garaha, Mussa and Guyaku,” said EYN News. The suspected Boko Haram attack on Dzangola Kilba in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State reportedly burned eight houses and seven shops and killed “an elderly man, Mr. Barnabas David…in his house after it was set on fire…. The gunmen also set fire to EYN LCC Dzangola, damaging part of the church building before the fire was stopped.” Read the full report

Last week, EYN president Daniel Y. C. Mbaya condemned the killing of Islamic scholar Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka in Katsina State, and commended police and others for responding to a separate case involving inflammatory religious rhetoric. “Bullets can silence the voice of a man but cannot silence truth,” Mbaya said in the EYN release. He also extended condolences to Masussuka’s family. EYN News reported that “gunmen killed Masussuka and his friend, Adamu Abubakar, in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State” on Oct. 26. “Reports about Masussuka’s life describe him as an Islamic preacher and educator who advocated peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians.” Find the full release

— The Church of the Brethren in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is requesting prayer for continued support of their general secretary Bitien Shabani Walumona. “He was involved in a road accident on Sept. 7, 2025, while returning with other team members from an evangelical and humanitarian mission to the Musenyi 1 and 2 Congolese refugee camps in Burundi’s Rutana Province,” said the prayer request. “He continues to receive appropriate medical and rehabilitation care at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi.”

Also shared by the Church of the Brethren Global Mission prayer guide this month, the Church of the Brethren in Uganda gives thanks “that Uganda was officially declared Ebola-free on July 28, 2026, after completing the required monitoring period without new transmission. Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases during the outbreak, with 18 recoveries and 2 deaths. We thank God for the recovery of those who became ill, for the dedication of health workers, and for the successful efforts of communities and health authorities to contain the outbreak. Continue to pray for protection over Uganda and for wisdom and strength for health workers as Uganda maintains surveillance and preparedness. We also pray for our neighbors in the other countries where Ebola continues to affect communities, that the outbreak will soon be brought under control.”

For many more prayer requests shared by the Global Mission office, see the October prayer guide.

— Brethren Disaster Ministries is requesting prayer for a Disaster Project Leadership training that will take place at the Ashe County, N.C., rebuilding project site from Nov. 4-11. Prayer is requested for BDM staff, the trainers, and all participants during this time of learning and discernment. “We also appreciate your prayers for travel mercies for all,” said the request. BDM staff also will be attending some meetings in North Carolina next week before the training begins. “We ask for your prayers for wisdom and discernment for all involved in those meetings.”

— In more from Brethren Disaster Ministries, the latest volunteer schedules have been released. Volunteers are serving in western North Carolina in Hurricane Helene recovery rebuilding projects through the fall and winter. At the project site in Buncombe County, where volunteers are based in Montreat, N.C., there are openings for 9 volunteers for the week of Dec. 6-12; 7 volunteers for the week of Dec. 13-19; and 15 volunteers for the week of Jan. 24-30, 2027. Find out more about the Buncombe County project. Find out how to volunteer.

— A “nominating party” has been announced by the Womaen’s Caucus for Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 8:30 p.m. (Eastern time) via Zoom. “Whether you’ve been elected to denominational leadership, or have no idea how to even nominate someone, join Womaen’s Caucus on Zoom for an informative, active session,” said the announcement. “Just think—instead of putting ‘nominate people’ on your to-do list and never getting around to it, come to a Zoom party with friendly folks and you’ll have time to make those nominations! Nominations are made online, with or without consulting your nominee first. But, the nomination can only move forward if the person you nominated fills out the nominee information form—and over half of nominees never do!” The open offices for election by the Church of the Brethren 2027 Annual Conference are Annual Conference moderator-elect (3-year term), Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee (3-year term), Annual Conference secretary (5-year term), Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board for Area 1 (Southern Pennsylvania, Middle Pennsylvania, Western Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic), and for Area 2 (Northern Ohio, Southern Ohio/Kentucky, Northern Indiana, South/Central Indiana, Michigan, Illinois/Wisconsin) (5-year term); and the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee, clergy (5-year term). Full descriptions of the open positions, a video about the nominations process, and FAQs here. Join the Zoom nominating party

— On Earth Peace has announced its 2026 Member Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m. (Eastern time). “We want to listen to you tell us what you appreciate about On Earth Peace and what you dream for OEP,” said the announcement. “This member meeting will be held on Zoom. Members of On Earth Peace must approve any changes in On Earth Peace’s bylaws. Revised bylaws were approved by the Board in their August 2026 meeting and must now be approved by OEP members. Please read through the bylaws to be a knowledgeable voter to either approve or reject the revised bylaws.” The definition of membership in On Earth Peace: “Any person who intellectually and spiritually supports the purpose of On Earth Peace Assembly, Inc. shall be a member of the corporation if a financial contribution has been made at any time within the previous two (2) years.” Find out more

— “2027 marks 100 years of Camp Bethel! Celebrate with us!” said an announcement of the camp and outdoor ministry center’s milestone anniversary celebration in 2027. Camp Bethel is located near Fincastle, Va. “100 YEARS! That’s a lot of relationships created, worship held under the stars, yummy meals served and creek stomping enjoyed! It’s also countless stories of searching, discovery, transformation, and belonging. It’s countless feet that have stepped on this holy ground: campers, supporters, volunteers, congregations, retreating adults, and more. All these moments have created a century of ministry at Camp Bethel. There is so much to celebrate! So much so that we’re going to spread it out over a year-long lineup of events.” Special events in 2027 will include, among many others, a 100th Year Celebration Birthday Bash on July 3 and a 100th Year Celebration Banquet on Dec. 4. Find the full list of events and more about the anniversary celebration.

The camp also is collecting and sharing photos and stories in honor of the 100th anniversary. “What’s your Camp Bethel story?” said an invitation to submit stories and photos from the last 50 years of Camp Bethel to be used in the next edition of the Camp Bethel history book, The Memory Maker.” Submit stories and photos.

— Camp Swatara near Bethel, Pa., is hosting a Brethren Disaster Ministries Skill Builder Weekend for Parents and Kids on Feb. 5-6, 2027. The announcement was shared by Atlantic Northeast District. Families with children age 5 to 13 are welcome. Attendees will participate in fun building projects, learn how to use tools, and other skills needed on a Brethren Disaster Ministries project site. Contact BDMweekend@gmail.com or 717-466-3006.

— A shirt fundraiser is being held by the Outdoor Ministries Association (OMA) of the Church of the Brethren after a design contest. “The people have spoken and have picked a shirt design,” said an announcement. “We received over 30 votes (this could be Brian Bert voting 30 times, we have no way of knowing), and this design received an overwhelming majority.” OMA is inviting supporters to order their shirts in advance of the 2026 OMA Retreat to be held at Camp Harmony on Nov. 15-19. The event is “a dedicated time for Brethren camping leaders of all levels to gather for professional growth, faith formation, and Outdoor Ministry community development…. Our theme this year is ‘Torchbearers.’ A torchbearer is someone who leads or inspires others in working toward a valued goal. In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus calls us, His followers, ‘the light of the world’ and tells us to ‘let our light shine before others.’ We hope you will join us for adventure and fun with an eternal purpose!” If your camp is a member of the OMA, cost for the retreat is $215. If your camp is not a member, cost is $240. For more details about the schedule and pricing.

— The University of La Verne, Calif., has announced the inauguration of Risa E. Dickson as its 20th president on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 4 p.m. (Pacific time). Members of the ULV campus and community are invited to celebrate this milestone. “President Dickson has led the University since January 2024,” said the announcement. “With nearly three decades of experience in higher education leadership, she is committed to strengthening academic excellence, expanding opportunity, and fostering a collaborative culture that supports student success and prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions in their professions and communities. The ceremony and the events surrounding it will honor the University’s legacy while celebrating the people, purpose, and values that will shape its future.” A special event from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the inauguration day, titled “Leos Build Through Service,” invites participants to join the new president in supporting students who rely on the Leo Food Pantry. Participants are invited to bring food or personal hygiene items to donate, then help sort and organize the donations, said the announcement. “A complimentary lunch from The Habit will be provided. Please make sure you register for this event and check in to receive your lunch ticket. Together, we can meet the growing needs of our students and carry forward the University of La Verne’s tradition of service.” Find out more and register

— The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) is remembering Dolores Clara Fernandez Huerta, described in a memorial release as “a pioneering labor and civil rights leader and enduring advocate for farm workers, immigrants, women, and marginalized communities. Huerta’s extraordinary life embodied a steadfast commitment to justice and the dignity of every person.” The NCC remembered Huerta for her work standing “alongside workers whose labor helped sustain the nation, but whose voices and needs were too often ignored. Her leadership helped transform the struggle for farm workers’ rights into a broader movement for economic justice, civil rights, and social change.” After starting her career as a teacher in the 1950s, she co-founded the Stockton chapter of the Community Service Organization, where she participated in voter-registration efforts and advocated for economic opportunities for Latino communities. In 1962, she co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which became part of the United Farm Workers. In 2002, she established the Dolores Huerta Foundation, through which she continued to develop community leaders and advance civic engagement, education, youth development, health and environmental justice, and economic opportunity. Her legacy “is a reminder that the pursuit of justice requires more than words. She embodied courage, persistence, solidarity, and a willingness to stand with people whose voices have been pushed to the margins…. NCC gives thanks for the life and witness of Dolores Huerta and extends heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and the countless workers, organizers, and communities whose lives were touched by her leadership.”

— Scott Holland, professor emeritus of theology and culture at Bethany Theological Seminary, joined pastor Harry Jarrett’s Sunday school class at Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in Weyers Cave, Va., for a conversation about the United Brethren roots of the Wright brothers, their father Bishop Milton Wright, and the place of imagination and dissent in the life of the church. The conversation is part of “Faith in Process,” recorded Sunday mornings at Pleasant Valley. Listen here.

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