Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) welcomes the implementation of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas with cautious optimism. After nearly two years of relentless warfare, widespread destruction, and devastating loss of life, we pray this agreement marks a turning point toward peace, justice, and healing for all who call the Holy Land home.
Church of the Brethren Newsline
Surveys reveal parents’ hopes for children’s faith
Parents want their children to have a vibrant and living faith, one that is carried into the world with tangible effects on daily actions, according to surveys carried out by publishers Brethren Press and MennoMedia. Shine: Living in God’s Light conducted two surveys as part of Shine Everywhere, an initiative funded by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
National Older Adult Conference planning team will offer a NOAC Book Study
The NOAC Planning Team is pleased to announce that we are launching a NOAC Book Study. We are hoping to establish book study groups on Zoom in the winter months. We will begin with one of the books from our 2025 speakers.
Committee seeks input from ministers about experiences of sabbath renewal
The Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee is seeking input from ministers about their experience of taking time for sabbath renewal.
Brethren bits
In this issue: Remembering Doris Miller Quarles, “Community Connects” conversation with Shine, prayer requests from Brazil, “Resource List-Terminology” from Intercultural Ministries, deadline to apply for Brethren Faith in Action grants, Churches for Middle East Peace launches Armenian Advisory Council, and much more
Two ordained pastors at Bridgewater reduced to commissioned minister status
Two pastors of Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren—David R. Miller and Jennifer K. Scarr—have had their ordinations terminated by Shenandoah District. However, the district Leadership Team has credentialed them as commissioned ministers.
National Youth Conference seeking youthworkers
Will you be 22 or older at National Youth Conference (NYC) 2026? Does helping to carry out programing, facilitate the organization, and take care of behind-the-scenes details at NYC 2026 excite you? Do you want to help create a great NYC experience for today’s youth? If you answered “yes” you might want to be a youthworker at NYC!
FaithX concludes 2025 service trips, announces special 2026 trip for adults 50-plus
In 2025, a total of 165 youth and adults joined FaithX service trips and had the opportunity to engage in service, learn new skills, grow in faith, explore interesting places, live in community, and build friendships!
Linville Creek Church of the Brethren celebrates 200 years
In honor of its 200th anniversary, Linville Creek Church of the Brethren in Broadway, Va., will have a celebration this weekend, reports the Daily News-Record on its DNROnline site.
Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee message appreciates pastors
The Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee has sent an email to all the pastors in the Church of the Brethren in appreciation for their service. The communication was sent at the start of October as Pastor Appreciation Month.
