The 73rd Annual General Church Council Conference (Majalisa) of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) was held July 14-16 at the EYN Headquarters in Kwarhi, Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State. The highest decision-making body of the church denomination was initially scheduled for March 31 to April 3, but was postponed due to the global pandemic.
Scott Kinnick resigns as district executive minister for Southeastern District
Scott Kinnick has announced his resignation as district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Southeastern District, a position he has held for the past four years. He began as district executive in Sept. 2016 and will officially conclude his service on Dec. 31, 2020.
Death Row Support Project reflects on first federal executions in 17 years
The federal government’s actions this past week are tragic on so many levels. What are the motives for ending a 17-year hiatus of the federal death penalty? The federal government has carried out the executions of two death row inmates this week: Daniel Lee on July 13 and Wesley Purkey on July 16.
Brethren Disaster Ministries celebrates Puerto Rico completion and new Ohio project, among updates
Brethren Disaster Ministries is celebrating completion of a rebuilding project in Puerto Rico in partnership with the Puerto Rico District of the Church of the Brethren. The project worked on homes that were destroyed or damaged by Hurricane Maria, and completed 100 homes. Brethren Disaster Ministries also celebrates the opening of a new project site in Dayton, Ohio–the first resumption of volunteer work since a shut-down due to COVID-19 that began in mid-March.
Global Mission creates Country Advisory Teams
The Global Mission office of the Church of the Brethren has instituted a new communication tool named Country Advisory Teams (CATs). These teams are a way for the Global Mission leadership to stay informed and better understand each country or region where Church of the Brethren partners are involved.
Committee recommends small increase to minimum cash salary table for pastors in 2021
In light of the cancellation of this year’s Annual Conference, the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee is offering a recommendation rather than a delegate-approved decision. The committee is recommending a 0.5 percent (one half of one percent) increase to the 2021 recommended Minimum Cash Salary Table for Pastors.
Mission and Ministry Board holds July 1 meeting via Zoom
The Mission and Ministry Board of the Church of the Brethren met via Zoom on July 1 for a summer meeting usually held onsite at Annual Conference. Main items of business included setting a budget parameter for core ministries in 2021, approving a revised budget for 2020, other financial matters, and consideration of a new strategic plan for the ministries overseen by the board.
Brethren bits for July 7, 2020
In this issue: Group of denominational staff offer “Checklist for Reopening Church Buildings” in Spanish and English, job openings, Children’s Disaster Services seeks donations for Individual Kits of Comfort, N. Indiana District Conference is different this year, Womaen’s Caucus “virtual luncheon” is an online panel discussion, cooking class and fundraiser for Fundacion Brethren y Unida in Ecuador, Bread for the World’s 2020 Hunger Report.
Newsline for July 7, 2020
NEWS
1) Denominational events bring a new level of virtual experience to the Church of the Brethren
2) Standing Committee holds elections for Nominating Committee and Appeals Committee
3) Ministerial ethics training shifts to online format
4) Push back against the imposition of mandatory draft registration for women and support H.R. 5492
5) Press conference by EYN president brings attention to recent Boko Haram attacks, calls on government and international community for action
6) Elizabethtown Church ‘walks to Nigeria’ in virtual challenge
7) Chambersburg Church of the Brethren gets record attendance at virtual VBS
PERSONNEL
8) Ministry Summer Service interns for 2020 serve home congregations or serve remotely
9) Brethren bits: Group of denominational staff offer “Checklist for Reopening Church Buildings” in Spanish and English, job openings, Children’s Disaster Services seeks donations for Individual Kits of Comfort, N. Indiana District Conference is different this year, Womaen’s Caucus “virtual luncheon” is an online panel discussion, cooking class and fundraiser for Fundacion Brethren y Unida in Ecuador, Bread for the World’s 2020 Hunger Report
Standing Committee holds elections for Nominating Committee and Appeals Committee
The 2020 Standing Committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference met by Zoom on the evening of Sunday, June 28. The meeting took place at the time when the committee would have gathered in Grand Rapids, Mich., to begin an in-person meeting in advance of the now-canceled 2020 Annual Conference.