This year’s first set of grants from the Brethren Faith in Action Fund (BFIA) have been announced, going to five Church of the Brethren congregations including GraceWay International Community, Harrisburg First, Highland Avenue, Ivester, and Sebring.
Church of the Brethren Newsline
Latest round of GFI grants support agricultural training and farming in Africa, clean water in Haiti
The Global Food Initiative (GFI) has given its latest round of grants to support well drilling by the Haiti Medical Project, an agricultural training component for students at the Great Lakes Bible School in Rwanda, and “Farming God’s Way” in the Church of the Brethren in Burundi.
Brethren bits
In this issue: The National Youth Cabinet meets, Youth and Young Adult Ministry recommends a video introduction to making communion bread, Josh Wilson concert at Camp Mardela, Jennifer Hosler named one of “12 Christian women shaping the church in 2025” by Sojourners.
Mission and Ministry Board adopts resolution on weapons transfers at spring meeting
A resolution on weapons transfers was adopted by the Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board at its spring meeting held March 7-9 at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Board chair Colin Scott led the meeting, assisted by chair-elect Kathy Mack and general secretary David Steele.
South Sudan journal: A first international trip as executive director of Global Mission for the Church of the Brethren
My first international trip as executive director of Global Mission for the Church of the Brethren was to South Sudan from Feb. 1-15. I was fortunate to travel with a group led by Carolyn and Roger Schrock. Here are excerpts from my daily journal of the trip
FaithX registration closes April 1
Registration for summer FaithX service trips closes on Tuesday, April 1. There are still open spots on several youth and adult trips. More information about the trips and availability as well as registration are at www.brethren.org/faithx.
Shenandoah District calls interim district executive team
The Church of the Brethren’s Shenandoah District has called a team of people to serve in the capacity of Interim District Executive Minister beginning on April 1. Paul Roth, Jan Orndorff, and Steve Spire will serve as the core interim team with Wayne Pence and Glenn Bollinger assisting as consultants.
Brethren bits
In this issue: Remembering Marianne Rhoades Pittman; New and Renew offers March Madness discount; prayer requests for South Sudan, those affected by severe weather, those continuing to suffer impacts of fires in southern California; truck for Uganda; “Toward COP30” webinars from the WCC; threat to the US Institute of Peace, which got its start with help from the Church of the Brethren among other religious groups
EDF grants since start of year fund Nigeria Crisis Response and aid responses to wars in central Africa, Gaza, and Ukraine
Brethren Disaster Ministries has directed grants from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) to continued support for the Nigeria Crisis Response, to aid those affected in three central African countries by the warfare in Goma and the surrounding area, to aid those affected by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, and to aid those affected by the war in Ukraine, among others.
Annual Conference organizers announce preacher line up for 2025
The Annual Conference office has announced the daily line up of preachers for the 2025 annual meeting of the Church of the Brethren, as well as the daily themes and scripture texts and the worship planning team and music leadership.
