Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) is preparing to hold three new volunteer training events in September and October 2024. Our upcoming CDS Volunteer Training events are:
Church of the Brethren Newsline
Personnel transitions are announced by Brethren Woods
Betty Taylor is retiring as administrative assistant, and Pieter Tramper has resigned as program director at Brethren Woods, a camp and outdoor ministry center near Harrisonburg, Va. Brethren Woods also announces the hiring of Megan Babcock as office manager.
Brethren bits
In this issue: Remembering Don Stern and Louise Bowman, job openings, volunteer opportunity, Antelope Park 135th anniversary, Middle Pennsylvania District celebrates retiring district executive, Solidarity Sunday for peace in the Middle East, and much more.
Annual Conference is foundational: Opening comments by 2024 moderator Madalyn Metzger
The following comments were offered by Madalyn Metzger, who served as moderator of the 2024 Annual Conference, when she opened the business sessions on the morning of Thursday, July 4, in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Passing on the Gift
“Passing on the gift” has been one of Heifer’s mottos for decades, but that gift has changed with the needs of the world. When Dan West witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of hunger and poverty in Europe, he said, “Not a cup, but a cow.” Now, Heifer is expanding beyond the gift of livestock to ensure the development they foster is sustainable, specific, and equitable.
A conversation with Surita Sandosham, CEO of Heifer International
As the organization approaches the 80th anniversary of its founding, Heifer International’s CEO Surita Sandosham emphasizes the importance of serving the present age in ways that suit the times.
Panelists share their personal stories at Multicultural Gathering and Leaders Luncheon
“What is it like to be Black and Brethren?” Robert Jackson asked the attendees of Saturday’s Multicultural Gathering and Leaders Luncheon, before answering the question himself. “Well, I like to say I was born Black and bred Brethren.” Jackson was part of a panel who shared their experiences as multicultural members of the Church of the Brethren.
Strangers no more: Panel shares about ministering with immigrants and refugees
On Friday, July 5, six panelists presented a hybrid equipping session titled Strangers No More: Ministry with Immigrants, Refugees, and Other Newcomers. They shared about their experiences with welcoming ministries, what their congregations have done for newcomers to the United States, and what advice they have for communities hoping to start engaging in this ministry.
Annual Conference 2024 by the numbers
Correction, 200 people at the gun violence vigil make the news, registration and attendance and offering numbers, Silent Auction and Quilt Auction results, volunteers build 300 beds for children, and more.
Annual Conference bits and pieces
Annual Conference bits and pieces including final registration numbers, offering and attendance figures, final quilt auction outcome, and more.
