Category: Uncategorized

Newsline for Aug. 22, 2020

NEWS
1) Church of the Brethren Annual Report ‘Living Letters’ is available in three formats
2) ‘A Fall Sunday Off from Preaching’ offered by Annual Conference moderator
3) Disaster ministry cancels Nebraska flood response, monitors needs after Derecho and earthquake
4) Children’s Disaster Services invites parents to new Facebook group

PERSONNEL
5) Kevin Kessler resigns from leadership of Illinois and Wisconsin District

RESOURCES
6) ‘We Bear It in Tears’ shares voices of Nigerian Brethren affected by Boko Haram violence

UPCOMING EVENTS
7) Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center to postpone or hold fall events virtually
8) ‘The Church in Black and White’ symposium is planned for Sept. 12

9) Brethren bits: Remembering Phyllis Kingery Ruff, personnel and jobs, district conferences, news from international partners, Camp Bethel’s “safe and in-person” 5K, the August “Brethren Voices,” MAA receives award, Partners for Sacred Places study, more

‘The Church in Black and White’ symposium is planned for Sept. 12

The Brethren and Mennonite Heritage Center in Harrisonburg, Va., announces “The Church in Black and White,” a one-day symposium on the racial history and future of the Brethren and Mennonite churches, Saturday, Sept. 12, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, and virtually via Zoom.

‘We Bear It in Tears’ shares voices of Nigerian Brethren affected by Boko Haram violence

Brethren Press is publishing a book in which Nigerian Brethren who have suffered violence at the hands of Boko Haram tell of their experiences and their heartache. Titled “We Bear It in Tears,” the book is a collection of interviews recorded by Carol Mason, with photographs by Donna Parcell. It may be pre-ordered from Brethren Press at www.brethrenpress.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=9780871782915 .

Church of the Brethren Annual Report ‘Living Letters’ is available in three formats

This year’s Annual Report from the Church of the Brethren denomination is now available in three formats: an inspirational video sharing stories from selected ministries, a set of colorful postcards, and the full written report that ordinarily would appear in the Annual Conference booklet. Find the video, the full report, and a “flip” view of the postcard set at www.brethren.org/annualreport .

COVID-19 Pandemic Grants Program issues grants to another 11 congregations

As of the end of July, 25 congregations across 9 districts have received grants totaling $104,662. Programs have included food distributions, hot or takeaway meals, children’s summer meals, childcare, rental and utility assistance, hygiene and safety supplies, and shelter for vulnerable homeless populations. Brethren Disaster Ministries is beginning to receive reports about some of the first grants given, and it is clear that the assistance came at just the right time and has been received with gratitude.

Marking the 75th anniversary of the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Aug. 6 and 9, 2020, mark the 75th anniversaries of the nuclear bombings of the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. The Church of the Brethren has been involved in peace witness in Hiroshima through the placement of Brethren Volunteer Service workers at the World Friendship Center. Currently, Roger and Kathy Edmark of Lynnwood, Wash., are serving as directors of the center through BVS (see www.wfchiroshima.com/english ).

Newsline for Aug. 1, 2020

NEWS
1) COVID-19 Pandemic Grants Program issues grants to another 11 congregations
2) Fellowship of Brethren Homes signs letter to the US President, Vice President, and Congress
3) Southeastern District Conference approves withdrawal of 19 congregations
4) Illinois and Wisconsin District issues statement of response to racial injustice
5) Giveaway Garden produces good food and good will

UPCOMING EVENTS
6) Marking the 75th anniversary of the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
7) Webinars explore path to healing racism, eco-discipleship

8) Brethren bits: Remembering Art Myers, Brethren Disaster Ministries updates on Hurricane Isaias, BBT extends COVID-19 Emergency Grant as part of Church Worker’s Assistance Plan, webinar on “COVID-19 Mental and Spiritual Health of Children and Teens,” Columbia City participates in “Bells for John Lewis”

Fellowship of Brethren Homes signs letter to the US President, Vice President, and Congress

The Fellowship of Brethren Homes has joined other faith-based, aging services groups in a letter to the US President, Vice-President, and members of Congress, asking the nation’s leaders to “immediately deliver the leadership, resources, and support needed to ensure the health and wellbeing of millions of people facing special danger from the pandemic.”

Webinars explore path to healing racism, eco-discipleship

Upcoming webinars are by the Church of the Brethren Discipleship Ministries, Intercultural Ministry, Outdoor Ministry Association, and Office of Ministry. Topics include “Witness of Churches on the Path to Healing Racism: A Theological Exploration” and “Cultivating a Verdant Faith: Eco Discipleship Practices for the 21st Century Church.”

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