In this issue: Remembrances, job openings, a Zoom meeting of Standing Committee, Service Sunday, FaithX registration, EYN pastors released, Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, upcoming events, and much much more.
Brethren bits
Church of the Brethren Newsline
Death Row Support Project offers series of informational sessions
The Death Row Support Project (DRSP) will be holding informational sessions for people interested in learning more about writing to those on death row. Join us on Zoom at any of the below times. During the session we will go over some basics of how this project works, introduce members of the team who are here to support you, and talk about expectations of DRSP writers.
Statement of priorities guides budget decision by Mission and Ministry Board
A statement outlining a set of ministry priorities for the Church of the Brethren denomination has guided the Mission and Ministry Board’s decision on the 2025 budget. These priorities, identified by executive-level staff following a series of retreats that general secretary David Steele held over the past year, were outlined by Steele working with the Executive Committee.
Mission and Ministry Board approves 2025 budget for denominational ministries, affirms day of prayer and fasting for immigrants
The Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board held a special Zoom meeting Dec. 5 to act on a proposal for the 2025 budget for denominational ministries. Two items were acted on: The board approved the 2025 budget proposal brought by general secretary David Steele and treasurer Ed Woolf and recommended by the Executive Committee. The board supported a request from the board of Atlantic Southeast District for a day of prayer and fasting for immigrants.
Year-to-date financial report for 2024 anticipates good giving
Church of the Brethren treasurer Ed Woolf presented a year-to-date financial report to the Mission and Ministry Board’s meeting on Dec. 5, anticipating a good outcome in terms of giving to the denominational ministries.
National Youth Conference 2026 staff are announced
Rachel Johnson and Anna Schweitzer will coordinate National Youth Conference (NYC) 2026. They will begin work with the 2025-2026 National Youth Cabinet in the new year to begin planning for NYC. The event will be held at the YMCA of the Rockies near Estes Park, Colo., from July 18-23, 2026.
Leah Hileman to lead West Marva District
Leah J. Hileman began Dec. 10 as district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s West Marva District, serving in a half-time position. She was ordained in 2011 in Atlantic Southeast District and is currently pastoring Robinson Church of the Brethren in Seward, Pa., in a quarter-time capacity. She lives in Seward and will travel as needed to West Marva District to carry out this role.
Brethren bits
In this isssue: Remembering Doris Coppock, Mauri Flora, Leon Neher, and Ray Hileman; the Church of the Brethren Health Care Education Scholarship; upcoming Youth and Young Adult events; registration opens soon for FaithX trips in 2025; think of giving Messenger for Christmas; Brethren Volunteer Service orientation dates for 2025; property manager opening at Brethren Woods; Shine seeks writers; Southeastern District thank you; and more
On Earth Peace board of directors holds fall meeting
The On Earth Peace board of directors held its fall 2024 meeting on Oct. 26, marking just over six months since the implementation of our new board meeting structure. Over the past year, we have welcomed several new members to the board, and as a result, we dedicated intentional time to getting to know each other better.
Global Food Initiative grants aid food security and related work of church partners
The Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Initiative (GFI) has issued a recent round of grants supporting work for food security and related needs including $15,000 for purchase of farmland in Uganda, $6,470 for a well project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, $825 for a farming project of the emerging Tanzania Church of the Brethren, $5,000 in continued support for the Soybean Value Chain project of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria, and $15,000 for the Wings of Blessing and Hope Farm Poultry Project of ASIGLEH, the Church of the Brethren in Venezuela.