“Building and Empowering Lay Leadership” (B.E.L.L.) is a new program hosted by Germantown Church of the Brethren in Philadelphia, Pa., to strengthen lay leaders in congregations with a special focus on urban ministry in culturally diverse areas. The program is a two-year sequence with seven units with instructors who are leaders in their fields.
“A Way in the Wilderness” was the theme for the very first DOAC—District Older Adult Camp—held by Shenandoah District and hosted at Brethren Woods Camp and Retreat Center in Keezletown, Va. More than 60 overnight and day participants were part of this inaugural program held Aug. 25-27.
In this issue: Remembering Dr. Joseph Schechter, EYN president at ecumenical service with WCC general secretary, Brethren Volunteer Service announces BVS Unit 340, upcoming online events from On Earth Peace, Center on Conscience and War featured on MS NOW, and much more.
Jon Lucas Keller has announced his resignation as Mission Advancement advocate for the Church of the Brethren as of Sept. 11. He joined the denominational staff on July 28, 2025.
Engage: Global Mission Gathering will be held on the theme “United in Mission” on Sunday, Sept. 20, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Eastern time) at Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. This will be an evening celebrating the Global Church of the Brethren Communion. Hear firsthand from Brethren leaders and partners connected with the church in Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and Nigeria, and explore what it means to be united in mission.
The Shine curriculum has announced several new features for the 2026-2027 year, beginning with this Fall 2026 quarter for pre-K and kindergarten, elementary ages, and junior youth. Shine also offers several additional curriculum options. All are available through Brethren Press.
Recent grants from the Brethren Faith in Action Fund (BFIA) have been given to seven Church of the Brethren congregations and one camp.
CWS launched Rise Up for Refuge earlier this year. As part of this national campaign, the Harrisburg and Lancaster offices sponsored a daylong Rise Up conference at Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren.
The Living Word bulletin series from Brethren Press is offered as a worship resource for congregations. The fall 2026 quarter (for September through December) has begun shipping to those congregations with standing orders. Others may order the bulletins from Brethren Press
In this issue: The Office of Peacebuilding and Policy provides a brief update on court cases related to immigration enforcement that involve the Church of the Brethren and other peace churches, a Know Your Rights webinar on rights for congregations, Bethany Seminary and president Jeff Carter receive the David Rodgers Friend of the RSO Award, worship resources for the Season of Creation.
