In summer 2026, FaithX brought together 51 participants from across the Church of the Brethren for trips full of service, faith exploration, and fellowship.
FaithX wraps up summer of service
Church of the Brethren Newsline
Health Care Education Scholarships are awarded to nine recipients
Recipients of this year’s Church of the Brethren’s Health Care Education Scholarships have been announced. Ten scholarships of between $3,000 and $9,000 were awarded, totaling $75,000.
Deportation Defense Response Team provides update as termination of TPS takes effect
Our immigrant neighbors and siblings in Christ continue to face excruciatingly difficult times. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was terminated for Haitians at the end of July, and the Haitian community is being targeted. Haitian Church of the Brethren members in Florida have lost the ability to work, are facing significant hardships and uncertainty, and are living in fear.
Ancillary insurances available to Brethren church workers in 2027
Pastors and staff members of Church of the Brethren congregations, districts, and camps will be able to purchase short- and long-term disability, life, vision, dental, critical illness, and accident insurances from Eder Financial for 2027 as they have in 2026 and in the past. The rates will be released in the next couple of weeks.
Germantown Church hosts new ‘Building and Empowering Lay Leadership’ training program
“Building and Empowering Lay Leadership” (B.E.L.L.) is a new program hosted by Germantown Church of the Brethren in Philadelphia, Pa., to strengthen lay leaders in congregations with a special focus on urban ministry in culturally diverse areas. The program is a two-year sequence with seven units with instructors who are leaders in their fields.
‘A Way in the Wilderness’: Brethren Woods hosts Shenandoah’s first District Older Adult Camp
“A Way in the Wilderness” was the theme for the very first DOAC—District Older Adult Camp—held by Shenandoah District and hosted at Brethren Woods Camp and Retreat Center in Keezletown, Va. More than 60 overnight and day participants were part of this inaugural program held Aug. 25-27.
Brethren bits
In this issue: Remembering Dr. Joseph Schechter, EYN president at ecumenical service with WCC general secretary, Brethren Volunteer Service announces BVS Unit 340, upcoming online events from On Earth Peace, Center on Conscience and War featured on MS NOW, and much more.
Jon Lucas Keller resigns from Church of the Brethren’s Mission Advancement team
Jon Lucas Keller has announced his resignation as Mission Advancement advocate for the Church of the Brethren as of Sept. 11. He joined the denominational staff on July 28, 2025.
Engage event offers opportunity to gather in support of global mission, resources are available
Engage: Global Mission Gathering will be held on the theme “United in Mission” on Sunday, Sept. 20, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Eastern time) at Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. This will be an evening celebrating the Global Church of the Brethren Communion. Hear firsthand from Brethren leaders and partners connected with the church in Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and Nigeria, and explore what it means to be united in mission.
Shine curriculum for Fall 2026 includes new features
The Shine curriculum has announced several new features for the 2026-2027 year, beginning with this Fall 2026 quarter for pre-K and kindergarten, elementary ages, and junior youth. Shine also offers several additional curriculum options. All are available through Brethren Press.
