The following immigration changes along with increasingly harmful rhetoric from this administration affect many of our fellow Church of the Brethren members, neighbors, friends, and family members. These sweeping decisions create uncertainty, feelings of rejection and confusion, and an increased fear of detention and deportation in a period of waiting.
FaithX announces seven service trips for 2026
FaithX will offer seven service trips in 2026, along with the option for custom-designed trips for families, congregations, or districts. To prioritize senior high participation in National Youth Conference (NYC) this coming July, we will be offering fewer youth trips.
Missouri and Arkansas District Leadership Team approves a ‘Letter to the World’
At their meeting on Nov. 11, the District Leadership Team (DLT) of the Church of the Brethren’s Missouri and Arkansas District finalized a “Letter to the World.”
Brethren bits
In this issue: Job opening, Candlelight Vigil for Gun Violence Victims of 2025, Dranesville’s annual peace service, Southern Ohio and Kentucky District recognizes disaster volunteers, Human Rights Day Webinar, Let Children Live Advent Prayer Chain from Churches for Middle East Peace
Devotional for Lent now available to pre-order from Brethren Press
Although we are still in the season of Advent 2025, it is not too early to prepare for the beginning of the season of Lent 2026—and Brethren Press is offering the opportunity for congregations and individuals to pre-order next year’s Lenten devotional.
January Ventures course to focus on compassionate listening
The January offering from Ventures in Christian Discipleship will be “Building Bridges Between Brethren through Compassionate Listening: Let Thy Kingdom Come!” to be presented by Barbara Daté, Harriet Koscho, and Joe Vecchio.
Lancaster Church of the Brethren to host Jonathan Kuttab
“The Church’s Message of Peacemaking for the World and Gaza” is the theme of a presentation by Palestinian Christian pacifist Jonathan Kuttab to be hosted by Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m.
Jesus Lounge Ministry holds first-ever Thanksgiving event
On Saturday, Nov. 22, Jesus Lounge Ministry celebrated its first-ever Thanksgiving event at the Fairfield Inn in West Delray Beach, Fla. The worship service was conducted in English, Haitian Creole, Spanish, and French, accompanied by joyful music and interpretive dance, all to the theme of gratitude.
Mission and Ministry Board approves 2026 budget during special Zoom meeting
The Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board held a special meeting by Zoom on the evening of Nov. 24 to approve the 2026 budget for the denominational ministries.
Global Food Initiative grants can help churches address hunger in their communities
Did you know that the Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Initiative (GFI) grants can help churches address hunger in their communities? GFI grants can support church-based community gardens, nutrition education, cooking classes, food pantries, community meals, blessing boxes, and more.
