2

Brethren bits

In this issue: Prayer request for flooding in Indiana, Engage: Global Mission Gathering, Children’s Disaster Services trainings, Bethany Seminary accreditation visit, “Pathways to Peace and Justice,” Camp Mack seeks executive director, and more.

Nick Beam term renewed as executive for Southern Ohio and Kentucky District

In action taken at a July 25 meeting, the board of the Church of the Brethren’s Southern Ohio and Kentucky District unanimously voted to offer Nick Beam a three-year contract renewal to serve as district executive minister. The announcement from the district noted that each of those three years will include a review and re-evaluation process. Also, as a part of the contract renewal, it was decided to drop “interim” from his title.

Five congregations join to plan ‘PeaceFest’

Five Church of the Brethren congregations in Pennsylvania are joining together to organize and sponsor “PeaceFest: Turning Communities Toward Peace” on Saturday, Sept. 19—the weekend closest to the International Day of Peace. This event is free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lititz Church of the Brethren.

Children’s Disaster Services deploys volunteers to support families affected by Washington wildfires

By Carolyn Neher Children’s Disaster Services (CDS), a program of Brethren Disaster Ministries, is deploying a team of four volunteers to support families affected by the ongoing wildfires in Washington State. Brethren Disaster Ministries personnel continue to monitor the situation and remain in contact with local Church of the Brethren congregations and Pacific Northwest District

Two firefighters in front of a blazing field

Brethren Disaster Ministries begins new rebuilding project in Yancey County, N.C.

By Sharon Franzén Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) has opened a new Rebuilding project site in Yancey County, N.C., expanding its long-term response to communities affected by Hurricane Helene in 2024. The site opened June 7, 2026, after volunteers served earlier this year in Ashe, Henderson, and Transylvania Counties. Yancey County was among the communities hardest

Hammer, nail, and boards with hand

Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church program offers fall 2026 Scripture Practice cohort

By Ryan Braught The Church of the Brethren’s Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church program will sponsor Practicing the Way: The Scripture Practice this fall for multi-vocational pastors. What is the Scripture Practice? In Practicing the Way, a book by John Mark Comer, readers are introduced to nine spiritual practices—Sabbath, Solitude, Scripture, Prayer, Fasting, Generosity, Community, Service, and Witness—that help

Book "Practicing the Way" by John Mark Comer

John Fillmore named director of ministry

The Church of the Brethren has named Rev. Dr. John Fillmore as director of ministry, effective Nov. 2, 2026. As part of the denomination’s Discipleship and Leadership Formation team, he will lead the Ministry Office, equipping ministers, supporting congregations and districts, and strengthening pastoral leadership across the denomination. Fillmore has served as pastor of Nampa

Standing with our Haitian church family: A pastoral message from the General Secretary

Dear Beloved Community of the Church of the Brethren, I write today with particular concern for our Haitian church members and their families. Following the expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) on July 27, many now face the possibility of detention, deportation, and family separation. Among those affected are approximately 300 Haitians who are part of Church of the Brethren congregations across the United States.

Translate »
[gt-link lang="en" label="English" widget_look="flags_name"]