The Church of the Brethren in Burundi has developed a small microfinance platform as a branch of their fledgling “Brethren Bank.”
Burundi microfinance program: Get up and walk!
Don Mitchell named director of Intercultural Ministries for Atlantic Northeast District
Don Mitchell has begun in a newly created role as director of Intercultural Ministries for the Church of the Brethren’s Atlantic Northeast District. He has been serving as director of Church Development for the district since August 2006.
West Marva District partners with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build beds for local children
More than 40 volunteers from the Church of the Brethren’s West Marva District worked together to build more than 30 twin-sized beds for children in the local area who have no bed of their own or face inadequate sleeping conditions.
Brethren bits
In this issue: Remembering J. Kenneth Kreider and Margaret Drafall, Giving Tuesday is Dec. 2, next Prayer Gathering for Immigrant Justice focuses on thanksgiving, submit videos celebrating Fort Wayne, Brethren Volunteer Service Christmas cards, give the gift of National Youth Conference, and more.
Bethany Kasten begins as assistant for Discipleship and Leadership Formation
Bethany Kasten began Nov. 3 as part-time office assistant for Discipleship and Leadership Formation at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.
Intercultural Ministries offers webinars on ‘Understanding Bias,’ ‘Cultural Responsiveness,’ and ‘Being an Ally’
Intercultural Ministries offers three upcoming webinars on “Understanding Bias,” “Cultural Responsiveness,” and “Privilege and Being an Ally. Presenters will be Rev. Founa A. Badet, Director of Intercultural Ministries, and Dr. Meridith Gould. The webinars will take place Nov. 6, 13, and 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern Time.
Mission and Ministry Board extends general secretary’s term, recognizes Material Resources, approves 2026 budget parameter, among other business
The Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board held its fall 2025 meeting on Oct. 17-19 at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., led by chair Kathy Mack with chair-elect Josiah Ludwick and general secretary David Steele.
Deportation Defense Response offers new online giving option to support Church of the Brethren members, shares requests for prayer and praise
“Did you know there have now been 27 Church of the Brethren members helped because of your generosity?” said an announcement from the Deportation Defense Response team. “Folks who have received these funds that have covered the high costs of legal and filing fees have expressed to the team that they are so thankful and they feel they are not alone.”
Brethren Disaster Ministries shares domestic program survey
Brethren Disaster Ministries, including Children’s Disaster Services, the Rebuilding Program and Global Response, is undergoing a program review that includes a survey (see information below), stakeholder group meetings, interviews with program volunteers, and discussions with church leaders. Input is needed from anyone who engages with Brethren Disaster Ministries or the Church of the Brethren on any level.
Faith leaders condemn administration efforts to abandon historic US refugee program
Church World Service (CWS) alongside its fellow “Covenant Members”—with the full-fledged support of people of faith, refugee voices, and community leaders across the United States—condemned White House efforts to abandon the US Refugee program. The Church of the Brethren is one of the “Covenant Members” of CWS and also is a founding member.