The 2021 Advent devotional from Brethren Press, Do Not Be Afraid by Angela Finet, has broken previous sales records for the devotional booklets. More than 7,000 copies of the devotional have gone out so far this Advent season, including copies in regular and large print, and as digital downloads.
In 2020, MSS was held online due to the COVID pandemic. In 2021, as the pandemic continued and MSS applications declined further, the program took a sabbath rest. Facing a third summer of pandemic-affected program, as well as the long-term trends, 2022 will provide a chance to listen. Instead of moving ahead with the program or taking another sabbath, the future of the program will be intentionally considered.
The Nigeria Crisis Response budget for 2022 has been set at $183,000 after careful deliberation. Five years ago, we expected the Nigerian government would restore order in northeast Nigeria and families could return to their homes while the response supported their recovery. This led to planning to end the crisis response in 2021, but these plans had to be revised due to ongoing violence.
NEWS
1) Nigeria Crisis Response will continue into 2022
2) Brethren Benefit Trust announces online insurance portal and online application for church workers’ assistance, holds fall board meetings
3) Nigerian army confirms killing of brigadier general and soldiers in Askira Uba encounter
JESUS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: STORIES FROM CONGREGATIONS
4) Jesus Lounge Ministry starts in Atlantic Southeast District
5) Trunk or Treat brings Jesus into the neighborhood in Osceola
6) Crest Manor collects Christmas gifts
7) Brethren bits: Thanking God for you! Giving Tuesday, Doug Phillips is retiring after 39 years at Brethren Woods, job opening at Camp Swatara, Dec. 1 deadline for Annual Conference nominations, Program and Arrangements Committee, National Youth Conference sample registration, Global Mission fundraisers, Brethren Disaster Ministries seeks volunteers, more
In this issue: Thanking God for you! Giving Tuesday, Doug Phillips is retiring after 39 years at the helm of Brethren Woods, job opening at Camp Swatara, Dec. 1 is deadline for Annual Conference nominations, Program and Arrangements Committee meets, National Youth Conference sample registration, Global Mission fundraisers, Brethren Disaster Ministries seeks volunteers for last week’s shift of the year, and more.
Brethren Benefit Trust announces the opening of the Brethren Insurance Service’s online insurance portal for Open Enrollment 2022 as of Nov. 15. Also now online are Church Workers’ Assistance Plan applications. And the Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust Board is holding its fall meetings Nov. 17-20, via Zoom.
An attack on Askira Uba left soldiers and many terrorists killed, shops and cars burnt, a few civilians sustaining stray bullet injuries in the encounter that seemed to be a revenge mission by Islamic State West Africa Province (IWAP) for a recent attack on the terrorists’ camp in Sambisa by the Joint Task Force. Many of the terrorists were neutralized after their attempt to wage an attack on a village call Bungulwa, village locals said.
NEWS
1) ‘Dearest Sisters and Brothers in Christ’: Letter supports Church of the Brethren ministers
2) Manchester offers full-ride Multicultural Excellence in Leadership Scholarship
3) Faith-based organizations to COP26: ‘We must respond with the knowledge of science and the wisdom of spirituality’
UPCOMING EVENTS
4) Brethren Academy revises schedule, announces new material, increases continuing education credit for Clergy Tax Seminar
5) ‘Sacred Connections: Advent Soul Tending for Spiritual Leaders’ to be offered to ministers
JESUS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: STORIES FROM CONGREGATIONS
6) Welcoming Team at Lititz gets media attention for welcome to Afghan refugees
7) Brethren bits: Two named to Stewardship of Property Committee, call for nominations to Annual Conference ballot, Global Mission prayer requests, 25 Days to Jesus, webinars tell story of Brethren Service Commission, 40th Annual Mid-Atlantic Disaster Response Auction, more
A letter from the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee has expressed the group’s support to the ministers in the Church of the Brethren. The letter acknowledged the particular challenges for ministers during the COVID-19 pandemic and shared information about a number of resources that are available for ministers and congregations experiencing financial hardship.
The Office of Ministry and Part-time Pastor; Full-time Church, a grant-funded program, are pleased to offer a special time for spiritual refreshment for all ministers during the Advent season.
