Today is Juneteenth, and To join in this celebration, Newsline shares some of the recent actions, statements, and opportunities from Church of the Brethren congregations, pastors, and church members, and the denomination’s Intercultural Ministry:
July Ventures course is on ‘Brethren in the Age of Pandemic’
A special course from the Ventures in Christian Discipleship program at McPherson (Kan.) College is coming up in July. “Brethren in the Age of Pandemic: A Century Ago and today” will be presented by Frank Ramirez. The class will be held online on Tuesday evening, July 7, at 6:30 to 8 p.m. (Central time).
Jocelyn Siakula resigns as orientation coordinator for Brethren Volunteer Service
Jocelyn Siakula has resigned as orientation coordinator for Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS), a position that she has held since Jan. 5, 2015. She will conclude her work with the Church of the Brethren on July 18.
Brethren bits for June 19, 2020
In this issue: Personnel notes, Peacebuilding and Policy director signs letter to Congress calling for police reforms and demilitarization of law enforcement, holds virtual celebration of volunteer houses in Elgin, latest children’s video from Children’s Disaster Services, Elizabethtown goes “back to the future” with “Drop the Needle” sermon series, Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL) newsletter includes article on work with EYN, and more.
Newsline for June 19, 2020
NEWS
1) Brethren Volunteer Service makes statement supporting Black Lives Matter
2) Celebrating Juneteenth with news of Brethren actions, statements, and opportunities
3) Brethren Faith in Action Fund issues grants
4) Fellowship of Brethren Homes member communities share gratitude for grant
5) Fall reopening plans announced by Bethany Theological Seminary
6) Church World Service kit depots to re-open in mid-August
PERSONNEL
7) Jocelyn Siakula resigns as orientation coordinator for Brethren Volunteer Service
UPCOMING EVENTS
8) Denomination invited to gather online for worship and music on July 1 and 2
9) Bethany Seminary announces new courses
10) July Ventures course is on ‘Brethren in the Age of Pandemic’
11) Brethren bits: Personnel, Peacebuilding and Policy director signs letter to Congress calling for police reforms, BVS holds virtual celebration of volunteer houses, children’s video from Children’s Disaster Services, Elizabethtown’s “Drop the Needle” sermon series, Soybean Innovation Lab features article on EYN, and more
Church World Service kit depots to re-open in mid-August
“CWS is planning to open many of its spring kit depots from Aug. 17-Sept 4!” Brethren Disaster Ministries shared on its Facebook page this week. “Thank you for continuing to care for and send blessings to those affected by disasters. These kits make a real difference!”
Brethren Faith in Action Fund issues grants
Formed by funds generated from the sale of the upper campus of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., the Brethren Faith in Action Fund provides grants to fund outreach ministry projects that serve their communities, strengthen the congregation, and expand the reign of God. Such ministries will honor and continue the legacy of service that the Brethren Service Center has epitomized while also addressing the dynamics of the present age.
Fellowship of Brethren Homes member communities share gratitude for grant
Several of the member communities of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes have sent thank you notes expressing gratitude for a large grant of $500,000 given by the Church of the Brethren’s Health Education and Research Fund. The grant was given to defray expenses of the retirement communities related to the pandemic, and several communities shared information about how the money is being used.
Children of all ages are welcome to a denominational children’s worship experience
Children of all ages, welcome to worship! Mark your family calendar for a 25-minute children’s worship experience on Wednesday, July 1, at 7:30 p.m. (Eastern time). You will meet Louise Boid, a colorfully opinionated bird from Brooklyn, N.Y., as she moves to central Pennsylvania to get away from those noisy New York City ducks and pigeons! Louise Boid is brought to us by the Puppet and Story Works founded by Dotti and Steve Seitz of Manheim, Pa.
Brethren Volunteer Service summer orientation is going virtual
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) staff have made the decision to transition the summer orientation unit 325 from an in-person to a virtual event. Amid COVID-19 restrictions, BVS is committed to the health of incoming volunteers and leadership while still providing much-needed volunteer support to BVS project sites.