This year’s virtual New and Renew conference, centered around “The Reward of Risk,” is well-suited for bi-vocational ministers. The event features more than 20 live sessions that will be recorded and can be accessed through Dec. 15. These recordings will allow bi-vocational ministers, who normally may not be able to attend the conference in person, to take part online in contemplating the reward amid taking risks in ministry.
“What Will Be the ‘New Normal’? Anticipating a Post-Pandemic World” is the title of the next Moderator’s Town Hall sponsored by Paul Mundey, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. The online event takes place May 19 at 7 p.m. (Eastern time) with leadership from Mark DeVries and Dr. Kathryn Jacobsen.
For the past year, Minnesota has been in the national news following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The prosecution and defense attorneys wrapped up their case in the trial of Officer Chauvin this week, and on Monday will present their closing arguments. Then the state, city, and nation await the verdict of the jury.
An upcoming virtual conversation titled “Listening and Learning from Brethren Leaders of Asian-American Heritage” is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren Office of Ministry. The event held through Zoom on May 5 at 7:30 p.m. (Eastern time) will focus on the current concern for the safety, needs, and valuing of Asian-American and Pacific Islander members of American society in light of recent instances of violence directed toward them.
NEWS
1) Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed!
2) Global Church of the Brethren Communion takes survey of essential Brethren characteristics
3) Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services monitor situation at border
4) Network seeks mission advocates for each congregation and district
5) Twelve mini-grants are given through program for Racial Justice and Healing Racism
PERSONNEL
6) Wenger resigns as executive minister of Western Pennsylvania District
UPCOMING EVENTS
7) First virtual Annual Conference will feature worship, business, Bible studies, concerts, insight and equipping sessions, networking groups, and more
8) Virtual Annual Conference: 12 ‘how-tos’
9) Early-bird registration ends April 9 for Leadership Summit on Wellbeing
10) Two-part Ventures course to focus on cultural competency
11) Brethren bits: Remembering Lois Neher, prayer for Venezuela and Brazil, Messenger gets “Best of the Church Press” awards, Shine VBS named a “top pick,” letter on Yemen, action alert on AAPI violence, FAQ from Annual Conference officers, Healing Racism Congregations and Communities #ConversationsTogether, FaithX registration ends April 15, and more
In this issue: Remembering Lois Neher, in prayer for the Brethren in Venezuela and Brazil, Messenger receives “Best of the Church Press” awards, Shine Vacation Bible School named a “top pick,” letter on Yemen, action alert on AAPI violence, FAQ from the Annual Conference officers, next Healing Racism Congregations and Communities #ConversationsTogether, FaithX registration closes April 15, and more.
Twelve congregations and districts across the denomination have received mini-grants for Racial Justice and Healing Racism through the Church of the Brethren Intercultural Ministries:
The May offering from the Ventures in Christian Discipleship program at McPherson (Kan.) College will be “The Ministry of Jesus, Ubuntu and Cultural Competency for These Times” led by LaDonna Sanders Nkosi, director of Intercultural Ministries for the Church of the Brethren. The course will be held online in two evening sessions May 4 and May 11 at 6-8 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Central time).
William W. (Bill) Wenger has resigned as Western Pennsylvania District executive minister, as of Oct. 31. He has served in the position for about three-and-a-half years, starting on an interim basis in Jan. 2017. He was called to the permanent position in Sept. 2017.
Staff of Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) are monitoring the situation at the southern border of the United States as numbers of migrants increase, in particular the conditions for families with children and unaccompanied minors.
