The 2025 Strength for the Journey cohorts focus on three themes: 1) Preaching, 2) Team Ministry, and 3) Pastoral Visitation and Chaplaincy. Strength for the Journey (SFTJ) provides resources for several ministry cohorts each year.
In this issue: Prayer for Camp La Verne as wildfire threat wanes, “Thought Provoking Preaching” at Bethany Seminary, CMEP events for lament and reflection on the anniversary of Oct. 7, mission trip to South Sudan, Clean-up Bucket assembly in S. Ohio/Kentucky District, a special exhibit highlighting life in the 1970s at Bridgewater College, call for release of Armenian hostages in Azerbaijan.
A call for prayer for those affected by Hurricane Helene and its aftermath–with special thought for the hardest-hit areas of northwest Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia–has been made by Church of the Brethren general secretary David Steele.
Church of the Brethren congregations and members are among those who have been affected by Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, especially in Southeastern District denominational staff have learned in conversation with district executives. The General Secretary’s office, Brethren Disaster Ministries, and the Ministry office have connected with leaders in the church districts covering the states where the storm was most destructive–Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Brethren Disaster Ministries as well as local emergency authorities are strongly advising those who would like to help out NOT to travel to the areas affected by Hurricane Helene, while the roads are not safe and search and rescue is still happening.
However, here are opportunities to help from home:
While reflecting upon the tragedy of the German church experience during the 1930s, theologian Martin Niemöller used these words:
“First they came for the communists and I did not speak out because I was not a communist. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out…
“Join us during our Anniversary Weekend as we celebrate 300 years of Conestoga Church of the Brethren!” said an invitation to a special celebration of three centuries of the Conestoga Church in Leola, Pa., taking place Nov. 9-10.
Urgent action is required to call on members of Congress to denounce and vote no on a proposed version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would put into law automated Selective Service or military draft registration for both men and women. The NDAA is the major defense policy bill put forward by the Senate Committee on Armed Services. If passed by Congress, the provision would take effect in the next federal fiscal year.
The Bible has sustained Anabaptist faith for 500 years–and now a new Anabaptist Community Bible invites Church of the Brethren members and others who are part of the Anabaptist movement to read scripture with fresh eyes and discover how key Anabaptist themes are woven throughout the Bible.
In this issue: Prayer for those in the hurricane’s path, save the date for an Intercultural Jubilee, Material Resources ships goods to Louisiana, job opening at Timbercrest, Brethren Encyclopedia releases new scholarly work, ecumenical news.
