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.
Church of the Brethren Newsline
Brethren Press offers pre-publication discount on new Anabaptist Community Bible
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.
Brethren bits
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.
Early registration for L.E.A.D. Conference is open through Oct. 1
Early registration for the L.E.A.D. Conference will soon close on Oct. 1. The registration rate will go up to $125 per person after that date. However, for those registering five or more leaders from one congregation, the price remains at $79 per person.
Children’s Disaster Services provides support to Lake Elsinore community
Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) deployed four volunteers to Lake Elsinore, Calif., to assist children impacted by the recent wildfire. The volunteers provided a calm and supportive presence for 21 children while their parents and guardians sought assistance at a Local Assistance Center.
General secretary extends care to Haitian migrants and Springfield, calls for cessation of violence in this volatile time
Church of the Brethren general secretary David Steele is extending care for Haitian migrants and the community of Springfield, Ohio, and is calling for a cessation of verbal and physical violence in this volatile period of time in our country. The statement follows in English, Haitian Creole, and French (translation into Spanish will be made available soon)
Bridgewater symposium explores perspectives on 21st century challenges for the Church of the Brethren
After comparing the decline in membership across what he called the “Ecumenical Church” (often referred to as the mainline Protestant churches) to the rise in membership and political influence of the evangelical church over the past century, David Hollinger asked what he thought was a more important question: Which has had a stronger influence in American society?
Standing Committee to meet by Zoom on evening of Sept. 30
The Standing Committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference is scheduled to meet on Monday, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m. (Eastern time) to follow up on some unfinished business including the agency covenants and the process by which Standing Committee will receive and handle concerns with Annual Conference agencies.
Donna Rhodes to retire from leadership of Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center
Donna Rhodes, executive director of the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC), has announced her retirement effective April 30, 2025. She has served SVMC since Oct. 1, 2001.
Fellowship of Brethren Homes holds 2024 forum
By David Lawrenz The Fellowship of Brethren Homes met for an annual forum at Bridgewater (Va.) Retirement Community on Aug. 14-16. The forum offers the opportunity for like-minded friends and colleagues from Church of the Brethren-affiliated senior living communities to gather for fellowship, education, and peer-to-peer sharing. Attending were representatives of Hillcrest in California; the
