J. Michael Lausch has been appointed executive director of COBYS Family Services, a non-profit organization based in Lancaster County, Pa., that is related to the Church of the Brethren’s Atlantic Northeast District. Mark Cunningham retired from COBYS in Dec. 2023 after serving as executive director for the last 14 years of his 26-year tenure.
Church of the Brethren Newsline
Brethren bits
FaithX registration closes April 1, two facilitator trainings for the “7 Prompts” conversations are offered in early April, the Sounds of the Mountains Storytelling Festival line-up, seventh annual Neurodiversity Symposium at the University of La Verne, an Easter Vigil live from Palestine, and more
Haitian church responds to letter from Church of the Brethren general secretary, church leaders provide updates
L’Eglise des Freres d’Haiti (the Church of the Brethren in Haiti) has sent a response to a pastoral letter from David Steele, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren. The pastoral statement for Haiti was sent to the church in Haiti on March 7. In related news, brief updates on the situation of the church in Haiti have been received from leaders in l’Eglise des Freres d’Haiti. Vildor Archange, who works with the Haiti Medical Project, reported.
Brethren Disaster Ministries works with church in the DR to aid displaced Haitians
The staff of Brethren Disaster Ministries and Iglesia de los Hermanos (the Church of the Brethren) in the Dominican Republic (DR) are working together on an effort to aid displaced Haitians. A grant of $5,000 is being requested from the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) to provide emergency food to Haitian citizens fleeing across the border to the Dominican Republic and away from the violence in Haiti. Haiti and the DR share the same Caribbean island.
Office of Peacebuilding and Policy one of endorsing organizations for ceasefire prayer vigil in Washington, D.C.
The Church of the Brethren’s Office of Peacebuilding and Policy was one of the endorsing organizations for a prayer vigil calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, held Thursday afternoon, March 21, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., as part of the Lenten Ceasefire Campaign organized by Christians for Ceasefire.
Congregational ambassadors sought by Church of the Brethren Gun Violence Prevention Action Team
The Church of the Brethren Gun Violence Prevention Action Team is seeking congregational ambassadors. At an organizing meeting on March 2, the group introduced a new path for individuals feeling a call to help their congregations take action on gun violence prevention.
Children’s Disaster Services deploys to Ohio in response to tornadoes
On March 20, Childrens Disaster Services (CDS)–a ministry within Brethren Disaster Ministries–deployed volunteers to two Multi Agency Recovery Centers (MARCs) in Ohio, in collaboration with longtime partner Child Life Disaster Relief.
Jennifer Hosler to manage the Global Food Initiative for the Church of the Brethren
Jennifer Hosler has been hired by the Church of the Brethren as part-time manager of the Global Food Initiative (GFI), in the Global Mission office. She begins working for the GFI as a remote employee from Washington, D.C., on April 22.
Brethren bits
In this issue: Request from Mennonite Disaster Service, Juniata College’s 146th commencement, Womaen’s Caucus online book discussion sessions, Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2024, National Council of Churches 75th Anniversary plans, Kaitlyn Slate to be president and CEO of Growing Hope Globally
Douglas Veal to lead Mid-Atlantic District
Douglas Veal has been called as district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Mid-Atlantic District, beginning June 25. Veal is currently pastor of Wabash (Ind.) Church of the Brethren in South Central Indiana District and also has served pastorates in Southern Ohio and Kentucky District and in Virlina District.