As media report that the death toll from Hurricane Helene has topped 200–with more than half of the deaths in western North Carolina–Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) have begun active responses to aid survivors of the storm and its aftermath.
Category: Church of the Brethren Newsline
Clergywomen’s Retreat registration is now open online for event in February 2025
Registration is now open for the 2025 denominational Clergywomen’s Retreat to be held Feb. 10-13, 2025, in Winter Park, Fla. This event, which takes place every five years, offers an opportunity for all licensed and credentialed clergywomen to gather for refreshment, renewal, and inspiration.
Standing with People of Color Committee offers October trainings
This month, the Standing with People of Color Committee of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference is offering two opportunities for facilitator training for those interested in leading a “7 Prompts” conversation in their communities and congregations.
Sharon Norton hired as executive director of Global Mission
Sharon Norton has been hired by the Church of the Brethren as executive director of Global Mission. Her previous mission work spans 27 years, including 9 years in multiple positions and the most recent 4 years as co-administrator for Europe and Africa with the Mennonite Mission Network, which is related to the Mennonite Church USA.
Brethren Volunteer Service Unit 336 completes orientation
Unit 336 of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) recently completed orientation and the volunteers have begun work at project sites across the United States and in Japan.
Strength for the Journey 2025: Three themes emerge
The 2025 Strength for the Journey cohorts focus on three themes: 1) Preaching, 2) Team Ministry, and 3) Pastoral Visitation and Chaplaincy. Strength for the Journey (SFTJ) provides resources for several ministry cohorts each year.
Brethren bits
In this issue: Prayer for Camp La Verne as wildfire threat wanes, “Thought Provoking Preaching” at Bethany Seminary, CMEP events for lament and reflection on the anniversary of Oct. 7, mission trip to South Sudan, Clean-up Bucket assembly in S. Ohio/Kentucky District, a special exhibit highlighting life in the 1970s at Bridgewater College, call for release of Armenian hostages in Azerbaijan.
General secretary calls for prayer, reaches out to those affected by Hurricane Helene and its aftermath
A call for prayer for those affected by Hurricane Helene and its aftermath–with special thought for the hardest-hit areas of northwest Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia–has been made by Church of the Brethren general secretary David Steele.
Church of the Brethren congregations and members are affected by the storm, Brethren Disaster Ministries reaches out to districts
Church of the Brethren congregations and members are among those who have been affected by Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, especially in Southeastern District denominational staff have learned in conversation with district executives. The General Secretary’s office, Brethren Disaster Ministries, and the Ministry office have connected with leaders in the church districts covering the states where the storm was most destructive–Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
How you can help: Hurricane Helene and its aftermath
Brethren Disaster Ministries as well as local emergency authorities are strongly advising those who would like to help out NOT to travel to the areas affected by Hurricane Helene, while the roads are not safe and search and rescue is still happening.
However, here are opportunities to help from home:
