On July 1, a Denominational Worship Gathering for the Church of the Brethren, planned by the Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee, will take place virtually starting at 8 p.m. (Eastern time). It will center around the theme, “New World Coming!”
Newsline for June 5, 2020
NEWS
1) Giving to denominational ministries falls behind last year’s totals
2) We cannot do the work without you
3) EDF makes first grants to congregations for COVID-19 humanitarian relief in US communities
4) EDF grants go to Ohio tornado response, COVID-19 relief in the US, Rwanda, Mexico
5) Denomination to sell longterm BVS house in Elgin, purchases new house near General Offices
6) Bethany Seminary president makes statement ‘Condemning Racism and Working for Change’
7) Withdrawal from Open Skies Treaty signals pattern in international relations and arms control
UPCOMING EVENTS
8) Denominational Worship Gathering will center on the theme ‘New World Coming!’
9) Children of all ages are welcome to a denominational children’s worship experience
10) Denominational Concert is planned for July 2 as an online event
11) Brethren Volunteer Service summer orientation is going virtual
12) Brethren bits
Brethren bits for June 5, 2020
In this issue: Remembering Mark Ray Keeney, church-related retirement communities suffer COVID-19 cases or outbreaks recently, a reminder to fill out the Annual Conference Refund/Donation Form, Camp Mardela seeks an administrator, staff of Material Resources return to work at the Brethren Service Center, Brethren Disaster Ministries asks for cloth face masks and announces receiving a grant to support a short-term response in Nebraska, ‘Love Your Neighbor’ is the latest devotional video from Children’s Disaster Services, and much more.
What does the Lord require? A statement from David Steele, General Secretary, Church of the Brethren
Our hearts break for the loss of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and so many others who have lost their lives due to the color of their skin. Each death represents injustices disproportionately affecting the Black community.
EDF grants go to Ohio tornado response, COVID-19 relief in the US, Rwanda, Mexico
Brethren Disaster Ministries has directed grants from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) to finance its tornado rebuilding work in the area around Dayton, Ohio, and to aid COVID-19 responses by Church World Service (CWS), Bittersweet Ministries in Mexico, and the Rwandan Brethren. Another EDF grant also funds a second round of the COVID-19 Pandemic Grants program offering grants to Church of the Brethren congregations and districts in the United States and Puerto Rico who are carrying out pandemic-related humanitarian work in their communities.
EDF makes first grants to congregations for COVID-19 humanitarian relief in US communities
Brethren Disaster Ministries is directing the first round of grants from the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) to congregations carrying out pandemic-related humanitarian relief work in their communities. The new COVID-19 Pandemic Grants program began in late April and provides grants to Church of the Brethren congregations and districts in the United States and Puerto Rico.
Giving to denominational ministries falls behind last year’s totals
Giving to Church of the Brethren denominational ministries as of the end of April has fallen short of giving during the first four months of 2019. The shortfall is significant, with total combined giving by congregations and individuals falling behind last year by more than $320,000.
Church of the Brethren congregations offer online worship services
A note about “Zoombombing” In recent days, some public Zoom meetings have been hacked by people intending mischief and disruptions. This is called “Zoombombing” and in light of it, direct links to Zoom worship services will no longer be listed on this page. You are invited to contact the church directly for information about how to connect
National Day of Mourning and Lament on Monday, June 1, is a joint effort of faith leaders and mayors
Faith leaders from around the country are working with the US Conference of Mayors to make Monday, June 1, a National Day of Mourning and Lament as the nation surpassed the grim milestone of 100,000 people lost to COVID-19. Approximately 100 faith leaders signed on to the call for the commemoration, including representatives of Christian
Brethren bits for May 30, 2020
In this issue: Ecumenical statements on the killing of George Floyd and a statement from Central Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va.; Annual Conference Moderator’s Town Hall on “Faith, Science, and COVID-19″; first-ever virtual graduation at McPherson College; and more.