Registration for Song and Story Fest 2026, the 30th annual intergenerational camp to be held under that name, is now open–with a deadline of June 1.
Song and Story Fest 2026 takes place at Inspiration Hills in Ohio
Brethren bits
In this issue: Remembering Wendell Eller, TPS extension for Haiti, applications due by May 22 for Health Care Education Scholarship, Harrisburg First holds Second Annual Shalom Summit, memories of Camp Bethel needed for 100th anniversary book, Mother’s Day invitation from Global Women’s Project, and more
Standing Committee acts on relationship with Eder Financial and Everence at special Zoom meeting
Standing Committee has approved two documents related to Eder Financial’s transition of services to Everence Association Inc. The decision endorses Everence as the Church of the Brethren’s preferred provider for a number of services that are being transferred by Eder to Everence. These services include employee retirement, organizational investing, and possibly other financial or insurance services.
EDF grants continue Nigeria Crisis Response, support Lebanese affected by war
Brethren Disaster Ministries has directed grants from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) to continued support for the Nigeria Crisis Response as well as to support people in Lebanon who are affected by the war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Standing Committee to hold special Zoom meeting
A special meeting of the Standing Committee of district representatives to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will take place on Monday evening, April 13, at 8 p.m. (Eastern time). The meeting will center around Eder Financial’s agency status with Annual Conference and a proposed interim memo of understanding (MOU) between Standing Committee and Everence.
Resources now available for National Youth Sunday 2026
National Youth Sunday 2026 resources are now available online at www.brethren.org/yya/national-youth-sunday. Resources are focused around the theme of National Youth Conference, “Light Within Us,” based on Matthew 5:14-16.
Office of Peacebuilding and Policy signs interfaith letter opposing $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget
The Church of the Brethren Office of Peacebuilding and Policy has signed on to an interfaith letter opposing the proposal for a $1.5 trillion budget for the Pentagon. On Friday, April 3, the White House issued the Presidential Budget Request that included the $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget for Fiscal Year 2027.
Intercultural Ministries offers online ‘café’ of faith and culture conversations
Intercultural Ministries Café: Faith & Culture Conversations—rooted in relationship, discipleship, and practical intercultural engagement—will be held once a month for the next few months.
Legal and Mutual Aid Fund reaches $250,000 goal by Easter
Nine months ago, during our report to the delegates at Annual Conference, we challenged the congregations of the church to raise $100,000 to create a new Legal and Mutual Aid Fund to meet the needs of Church of the Brethren immigrants due to harsh immigration enforcement. On Easter weekend, we give thanks that compassionate individuals and churches within the denomination have donated more than a quarter of a million dollars ($250,000) in the last nine months. Praise God!
Brethren bits
In this issue: Job opening for director of the Church of the Brethren’s Ministry Office, Andrew Hamilton to represent the Church of the Brethren with Churches for Middle East Peace, milestone anniversaries, ecumenical statements of concern about war in the Middle East, and much more.
