More than 40 leaders from Christian Churches Together (CCT) joined a forum in Newark, N.J., on March 2-3 to discuss the ongoing persecution of Christians around the globe. I was invited to speak on behalf of the Church of the Brethren regarding the impact of Boko Haram on the Christian community in Nigeria.
Citing scripture reminding of God’s concern for the poor, Christian Churches Together (CCT) has issued a call to prayer for the US Congress, noting that “during the last three weeks of March, the US Congress will make critical decisions that will affect the lives of millions of our brothers and sisters living in poverty. The right decisions could alleviate and pull people out of poverty; the wrong decisions will increase poverty and put the lives of hundreds of thousands at risk.” CCT is an ecumenical organization made up of five “families” of Christian denominations across the country. The Church of the Brethren is a member denomination.
Participants in National Youth Conference (NYC) 2018 will focus on the theme “Bound Together: Clothed in Christ.” The scriptural theme is from Colossians 3:12-15: “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.”
For the past 18 months, the Church of the Brethren has been addressing the need for pure drinking water in our related communities in Haiti through the work of the Haiti Medical Project in cooperation with l’Eglise des Freres Haitiens (Church of the Brethren in Haiti). The mobile medical clinics offered since late 2011 treat many children and adults suffering from dysentery and other serious infectious diseases that often result from untreated water.
For a second year in a row the 2017 Annual Conference schedule will include a Jubilee break from business on Friday afternoon. To understand how Jubilee came to be a part of Annual Conference, it is helpful to look at its origins in scripture.
1) Moderator’s Bible study for March asks, ‘Can these bones live?’
2) Business items coming to the 2017 Annual Conference are now online
3) Disaster Recovery Support Initiative launches
UPCOMING EVENTS
4) More listening sessions with the general secretary are scheduled
5) Bridgewater College to present symposium on nonviolence in 21st century
6) Brethren bits
When a natural or technological disaster strikes a community, beginning the process of long-term recovery quickly is essential. Yet, it can be a daunting task for local leaders who may not have experience in disaster recovery and may have suffered damage and loss themselves.
Additional listening sessions with David Steele, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren, have been announced. Steele is holding listening sessions in church districts around the denomination. The meetings are a way for him to listen closely to people within the church, and an opportunity for church members to meet the general secretary.
In this issue: Correction, Brethren affected by Pennsylvania tornado, remembrance for Martin Gauby, personnel notice and job openings, prayer requested for areas affected by famine, EYN grieves death of young minister and victims of Boko Haram, Healthy Boundaries 101 training session is offered in May, On Earth Peace offers racial justice organizing clinic, and more news from congregations, districts, colleges, Fellowship of Brethren Homes, and ecumenical partners.
NEWS
1) Intercultural Ministry seeks to connect with churches in ‘sanctuary’ jurisdictions
2) Nursing scholarships announced for 2016, applications are received for 2017
3) Church of the Brethren members invited to Oregon Senate for key vote
UPCOMING EVENTS
4) Big Rapids Song and Story Fest to be in Michigan following Annual Conference
REMEMBER WHEN
5) From Gimbiya’s desk: Those who came before me
6) Remembering internment: Days of infamy
7) Brethren bits