The Virlina District of the Church of the Brethren has announced the retirement of district executive minister David Shumate, as of Dec. 31. He has led the district for almost 30 years, since Jan. 1, 1993.
Newsline for March 19, 2022
NEWS
1) Mission and Ministry Board’s Spring meeting addresses Ukraine, reviews Strategic Plan initiatives and BFIA guidelines, among other business
2) Prospects for new ministry in Ecuador emerge from passion and compassion
3) Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria dedicates two factories
4) Church World Service calls for signatures to support displaced Ukrainians
5) South Sudan church official highlights country’s humanitarian crisis, as global attention turns to Ukraine
6) Bridgewater College launches support program for students with autism spectrum disorder
PERSONNEL
7) Connie Sandman retires from 40-year career at Brethren Benefit Trust
UPCOMING EVENTS
8) Intercultural Ministries offers online Global Check-in and Prayer Series
9) BBT offers webinar on clergy and church worker eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
JESUS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: STORIES FROM CONGREGATIONS
10) West Richmond Church participates in Henrico County book drive for school libraries
FEATURE
11) Using the gifts we have: A reflection from the church’s work in Brazil
12) Brethren bits: Remembering Stanley Smith and Gene Swords, prayer requests for moderator David Sollenberger’s trip to Rwanda and Uganda and for a fire at the Orlando (Fla.) Haitian congregation, FaithX registration open until April 1, video of annual conference of the church in Venezuela, Lenten videos based on the art of Paul Grout, and more
Mission and Ministry Board’s Spring meeting addresses Ukraine, reviews Strategic Plan initiatives and BFIA guidelines, among other business
A statement on the war in Ukraine topped the agenda of the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board at its meeting on March 11-13, held in person at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., and via Zoom. Chair Carl Fike led the meeting, assisted by chair-elect Colin Scott and general secretary David Steele.
Prospects for new ministry in Ecuador emerge from passion and compassion
At her new church, Silva brought her passion and compassion for children’s and youth ministries in Ecuador. One of her friends from work in New Jersey was from Ecuador. This friend invited her to on numerous trips to Ecuador to work with a church near the city of Cayambe with a local congregation, about an hour north of Quito, Ecuador’s capital city. In early 2020, Silva shared with her pastors the idea of organizing a trip to Ecuador.
Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria dedicates two factories
Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) has dedicated water and bread factories on March 3. The factories are based in Mubi North Local Government Area, Adamawa State. The factories called Crago Bread and Stover Kulp Water are named after two of the Brethren missionaries from the USA who worked in Nigeria.
Intercultural Ministries offers online Global Check-in and Prayer Series
The Church of the Brethren Intercultural Ministries has started an online Global Check-in and Prayer Series, which will welcome special guests to speak on various topics.
BBT offers webinar on clergy and church worker eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
A change in federal regulations governing student loan forgiveness means that clergy and other church workers, previously excluded from this program, are now eligible. If you are interested in learning whether your student loan debt qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, you are invited to attend a free webinar that will explain the qualifications and requirements, what the application deadline is, and what you must do to apply.
West Richmond Church participates in Henrico County book drive for school libraries
When pastor Dave Whitten of West Richmond (Va.) Church of the Brethren joined the Henrico Minister’s Conference (HMC) in 2021, he was seeking an opportunity to work with other local pastors to promote social justice and help meet immediate community needs in Henrico County.
Brethren bits
In this issue: Remembering Stanley Smith and Gene Swords, prayer requests for moderator David Sollenberger’s trip to Rwanda and Uganda and for a fire at the Orlando (Fla.) Haitian congregation, FaithX registration is open until April 1, video of annual conference of the church in Venezuela, latest issue of Brethren Disaster Ministries Bridges newsletter, a series of Lenten meditative videos is based on the art of Paul Grout, and more.
Using the gifts we have: A reflection from the church’s work in Brazil
I have learned and believe that the church is a gift cooperative. Also, that in each local congregation, there are a variety of gifts. I have come to think that there should be all the gifts listed in the Bible in every local church.
