Brethren Disaster Ministries staff have directed an additional grant of $25,000 from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) to support repair or rebuilding of 54 homes damaged in the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo. The volcano erupted near the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on May 22.
Brethren and the National Farm Worker Ministry: 50 years of service
In 1971, the coalition officially rebranded as the National Farm Worker Ministry (NFWM) in order to expand their mission to include supporting farm worker movements and attracting other communities of faith to their cause. The Church of the Brethren proved to be one such faith community that walked alongside the NFWM following its establishment, and it is in the spirit of celebration that we recognize 50 years of good work by the NFWM and their partners.
Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center announces upcoming continuing education events
As the seasons of the year turn, we also turn to our upcoming continuing education offerings. While we certainly hoped the pandemic would be greatly diminished by now, we still find ourselves watching carefully and planning with caution. Please note the method of delivery for each event: one is in person, one is via Zoom, and one is hybrid giving both options (attending in person or via Zoom). Registration is open for all the events described below.
Global Food Initiative grants go to Haiti, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Honduras, New Orleans
of the Brethren’s Global Food Initiative (GFI). Recently, allocations have been made in support of an agricultural initiative of L’Eglise des Freres d’Haiti (the Church of the Brethren in Haiti), a pig project of Eglise des Freres au Congo (the Church of the Brethren in the Democratic Republic of Congo or DRC), an urban poultry and vegetable garden project in Honduras, and a goat herd at Capstone 118 in New Orleans.
JESUS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: STORIES FROM CONGREGATIONS: Franklin Grove Church collaborates with Dixon congregation to celebrate the International Day of Peace
Franklin Grove (Ill.) Church of the Brethren honored the International Day of Peace through a special Sunday service and by giving away grant-funded, custom-made peace bookmarks and Dove-brand mini ice cream bars. Dixon (Ill.) Church of the Brethren collaborated with Franklin Grove. Their giveaway was the same day at Oliver’s Corner Market in Dixon.
JESUS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: STORIES FROM CONGREGATIONS: Mountville Church provides ‘re-leaf’ and school kits
Mountville Church of the Brethren in Atlantic Northeast District has done a couple of things recently to be “Jesus in the Neighborhood.”
JESUS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: STORIES FROM CONGREGATIONS: West Goshen Church honors retiring pastor’s ministry
Sunday, Sept. 19, at West Goshen (Ind.) Church of the Brethren. One of his favorite Christian musicians, Honeytree, was invited as a special treat for this service, which was followed by a traditional Brethren carry-in meal.
Lee-Lani Wright to serve, Debbie Roberts to retire from Pacific Northwest District executive team
The Pacific Northwest District of the Church of the Brethren has called Lee‐Lani Wright, a member of the Springfield, Ore., congregation, to replace Debbie Roberts on the district’s executive team. Roberts is retiring from the team after serving in the role since 2019.
JESUS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: STORIES FROM CONGREGATIONS: Ephrata Church encourages families to host block parties
In July, we encouraged our congregation at Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren to go out and be “Jesus in the neighborhood.” It can be challenging to meet and get to know your neighbors when many families stay to themselves and are so busy. Being Jesus to a neighbor can be as simple as helping them carry in their groceries, or mowing someone’s yard when they’re going through a hard time, or just asking how they really are doing.
Newsline for Sept. 20, 2021
NATIONAL OLDER ADULT CONFERENCE 2021
1) NOAC keynoter Karen González speaks on immigration and the church
2) Lisa Sharon Harper takes NOAC along on a journey wrestling with identity
3) McPherson hosts a NOAC ‘watch party’
4) NOAC by the numbers
NEWS
5) Church of the Brethren delegation visits site of earthquake in Haiti
6) Kulp Theological Seminary in Nigeria welcomes 36 students into degree and diploma programs
7) COBYS Family Services 25th annual Bike & Hike sets new record
PERSONNEL
8) Nick Beam to serve in leadership for Southern Ohio and Kentucky District
UPCOMING EVENTS
9) On Earth Peace invites participation in this year’s International Day of Peace
10) ‘What’s in a Name?’ presented by Brethren Historical Library and Archives
11) Grace, play, and delight: The 2021 Ministry of Writing Colloquium of ESR and Bethany Seminary
12) Ventures course offers introduction to talking about race
JESUS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: STORIES FROM CONGREGATIONS
13) Prue Yelinek featured speaker at annual Dunker Church Service
14) Bridgewater church hosts Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center lectures
15) Community Church of the Brethren participates in virtual CROP Walk
16) Painesville Church school and daycare completes 40-plus years of service to community
FEATURE
17) Reflecting on a FaithX summer
18) Brethren bits: BVS cancels fall orientation and invites new volunteers to join in the winter, Selective Service and the draft may come up this week in the House, job opening, personnel notes, districts cancel or shift events online due to COVID, more
