Northern Plains District of the Church of the Brethren is requesting prayer in the wake of the shooting at Perry High School in Iowa on Thursday morning, Jan. 4. At least two members of the district worked at the school or on the campus that the high school shares with Perry Middle School, and they have survived the shooting unharmed physically. Other district members teach at the elementary level in the Perry school district or have worked in the district in various capacities. Other families in the district have children in the Perry schools or are related to students.
Global Church of the Brethren Communion formally organizes
The Global Church of the Brethren Communion held meetings by Zoom in late November and early December last year. “Significant things happened,” reported Eric Miller, executive director of Global Mission for the Church of the Brethren.
Annual Conference 2024 to meet on theme ‘Welcome and Worthy,’ preachers are announced
The 2024 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren is planned for July 3-7 in Grand Rapids, Mich. Moderator Madalyn Metzger has chosen the theme “Welcome and Worthy” (Romans 16:2, CEB).
Last round of grants for the year announced by denominational funds
A last round of grants for the year 2023 were given from three funds of the Church of the Brethren: the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF–support this ministry with donations at https://churchofthebrethren.givingfuel.com/bdm); the Global Food Initiative (GFI–support this ministry with donations at https://churchofthebrethren.givingfuel.com/gfi); and the Brethren Faith in Action Fund (BFIA–see www.brethren.org/faith-in-action).
FaithX hosts older adult service trip at Camp Ithiel in Florida in February 2024
Coming up in February, FaithX is hosting an older adult service trip at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla., and you are invited to join us! Registration is open now for this trip and will close on Feb. 1, 2024. To register and for more information, go to www.brethren.org/faithx.
New academy course focuses on ‘Cultivating an Everyday Faith’
The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership will offer this online course, “Cultivating an Everyday Faith,” from April 17 to June 11, 2024. Joan Daggett, ordained minister and executive director of the Brethren and Mennonite Heritage Center, will be the instructor. The deadline to register is March 13, 2024.
Shine curriculum hires Shana Peachey Boshart
Shana Peachey Boshart has been hired as the new program facilitator for the Shine Curriculum, a partnership between Brethren Press and MennoMedia. This grant-funded, fulltime position was created to facilitate the development of the Everywhere Faith program, a new faith practice resource. Shine was awarded a grant of $1,250,000 in August 2023 from Lilly Endowment Inc.
Brethren bits
In this issue: Lafayette group witnesses for peace and a ceasefire; Shine curriculum seeks a project editor, and announces a grant for a new youth curriculum; Juniata College sends a delegation to COP28, and repeats a famous “Book Move”; Bethany Seminary celebrates its new Steinway Grand; Powerhouse update; Global Women’s Project Steering Committee update; latest episodes of Dunker Punks Podcast and Brethren Voices; a special mural at East Dayton Fellowship; and good news from the Brethren Housing Association.
Brethren bits
In this issue: Remembering Ken Holderread, job openings, Lansing Brethren get media coverage for their witness against gun violence, resources on role of media reporting on migration, advocacy effort against solitary confinement, “Songs for Kids by Michael Stern and Friends,” and Juniata women’s volleyball wins again!
The Shine Vacation Bible School curriculum for 2024 invites children to discover Jesus
The Shine curriculum’s Vacation Bible School for 2024 is titled “Seekers in Sneakers: Discover Jesus!” and is available for purchase through Brethren Press. The boxed set includes the basics needed to offer a VBS session this coming summer.
