By Emily Tyler Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) has been working with its project partners and volunteers around the world to encourage caution and safety during this COVID-19 crisis. Its mid-year retreat for domestic volunteers that was scheduled for March 23-27 has been cancelled and, instead, volunteers will gather virtually for a day of retreat activities
“May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). NEWS 1) Denominational facilities are closed to visitors, most staff to work from home2) New and Renew conference is canceled for 2020, postponed until 20213) Plans continue for Annual Conference4) Plans continue for 2020 workcamps5)
By Stan Dueck After prayerful discernment over the ongoing health concerns and the safety of people due to the coronavirus, the New Church Advisory Committee and Discipleship Ministries of the Church of the Brethren are canceling the New and Renew Conference scheduled for May 13-15, 2020. The event was to be held at the Church
Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) associate director Lisa Crouch has shared Covid-19 resources for children. These include online resources from trusted sources for talking with children about the virus, a comic for exploring the situation, downloadable resources for working through emotions and helping children cope, among others: “Talking with Kids” from PBSwww.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus “Just for Kids: A
From Chris Douglas, Conference Director It is still our hope and plan to gather as the 234th Annual Conference on July 1-5, 2020. You are encouraged to register and plan to be with us! We are very aware of the COVID-19 challenge and its rapidly changing character. We are carefully monitoring guidelines from the Centers
By Nancy Sollenberger Heishman The Office of Ministry of the Church of the Brethren will host a Zoom webinar conversation on March 26 focused on Holy Week worship planning. Many congregations have suspended in-person worship during the COVID-19 crisis yet are seeking to find ways to stay deeply connected to one another and their communities.
By Jeff Lennard We know that many congregations are cancelling services as the COVID-19 virus spreads. Brethren Press wants to make it as easy as possible for your congregation to study and worship together–even from afar. Therefore, each week during this outbreak, Brethrenpress.com will be updated with free resources to help people in your church
A new webpage with resources for congregations and church leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic has been posted at www.brethren.org/discipleshipmin/resources . This webpage, which will be updated on a regular basis, is focused on ministry resources to support congregations and church leaders during a time when congregations may not gather in person. Brethren Disaster Ministries continues to offer
By Becky Ullom Naugle Due to the continued concerns related to the coronavirus, Christian Citizenship Seminar (CCS) 2020 has been cancelled. Staff laments this cancellation but cannot continue making plans in the current environment. Had the event taken place as planned on April 25-30, more than 40 youth and advisors from 11 districts would have
“But [Jesus] would withdraw to deserted places and pray…. [And] the power of the Lord was with him to heal” (Luke 5:16-17–the scripture for the March 16 meditation in “Holy Manna,” the Brethren Press 2020 Lenten devotional) NEWS 1) Christian Citizenship Seminar 2020 is cancelled2) New webpage provides ministry resources for congregations and church leaders
