The Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board expresses grave concern for those across the country who are of migrant, immigrant, or refugee status who may be under threat of deportation following recent presidential executive orders. These renewed threats of deportation are already affecting the lives of many in our denomination’s congregations.
Faith working through love—the grief process: An invitation from the Annual Conference moderator
Greetings as we enter this year of 2025. With these new beginnings, our thoughts bring memories of the past, evaluating our present, and looking forward to the newness of life where God is leading us as individuals and as the church. It is not an easy time, and loss and grief are a part of this process.
Hundreds gather for worship service commemorating 500th anniversary of Anabaptism
The temperature on the thermometer read two degrees below zero as hundreds of Anabaptists of all persuasions (and garb) gathered for worship the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, at College Mennonite Church in Goshen, Ind. It was 500 years to the day after a small group of believers met in a private home in Zurich to study scripture together and perform baptisms, an event considered the beginning of the Anabaptist movement.

El programa de Pastor a Medio-Tiempo; Iglesia a Tiempo Completo ofrecerá un nuevo estudio en formación espiritual
El programa de Pastor a Medio-Tiempo; Iglesia a Tiempo Completo ofrecerá un nuevo estudio en formación espiritual con la acompañante del camino (Circuit Rider) Mayra Calix a fines de febrero 2025.

Marcia Sowles joins the Church of the Brethren Office of Peacebuilding and Policy
Marcia Sowles has joined the Church of the Brethren’s Office of Peacebuilding and Policy in Washington, D.C., volunteering as a Policy and Governmental Affairs associate. She will primarily focus on immigration policy by also providing legal expertise on related issues.
Elizabethtown church hosts Haiti Medical Project presentation by Haitian physician Emerson Pierre
Dr. Emerson Pierre, a family physician visiting from Haiti, spoke at Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren on Jan. 12. He works with the mobile medical clinics sponsored by the Church of the Brethren’s Haiti Medical Project.

Brethren bits
In this issue: Webpage of “Know Your Rights” resources, prayer request for the DR Congo, job opening at the Brethren and Mennonite Heritage Center, Shepherd’s Spring 35th anniversary, regional youth conferences, 2025 Song and Story Fest, CWS statement on executive order suspending refugee admissions, and more

Registration closes Feb. 1 for FaithX older adult service trip to Camp Ithiel in Florida
Registration for the Church of the Brethren’s FaithX older adult (55-plus) service trip closes on Feb. 1. Please help us spread the word!

Intercultural Ministries Advisory Committee encourages churches to help members know their rights
The Intercultural Ministries office and Intercultural Ministries Advisory Committee (IMAC) are encouraging our congregations and districts to help members to know their constitutional rights. As a denomination, we are striving to be a resource and referral space providing tangible information.

Brethren Disaster Ministries and two Church of the Brethren districts announce collections for those affected by California fires
“Give now to support California wildfire response through Brethren Disaster Ministries,” said an appeal shared by denominational staff this week. “Children’s Disaster Services is already responding to the needs of children and families. Working with the Pacific Southwest District and partner organizations, Brethren Disaster Ministries is planning to address short- and long-term needs of vulnerable people impacted by the fires.”