“The Disturbances” is a new feature-length documentary film telling the story of how Christian missionaries and Nigerian pastors helped intervene in violence in northern Nigeria in 1966, during a time of tribal genocide that preceded the Biafra War. Among missionaries from several denominations, Church of the Brethren mission workers are featured including Roger Ingold, who was Nigeria field secretary at the time. Children of Brethren mission children also were among those interviewed for the film.
Leadership Team and CODE Leaders Express Thanks for Prayer Support
The Leadership Team of the Church of the Brethren and the executive committee of the Council of District Executives (CODE) met Nov. 1-2 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., and have expressed their gratitude for everyone who prayed with them during that time. The combined leadership experienced God’s presence and guidance and has begun to discern what they believe the Lord wants the church to say in response to the task assigned to them by Annual Conference.
Office of Public Witness Sponsors Congressional Briefing on Nigeria
This past Tuesday the Office of Public Witness along with members of the Nigeria working group and the Congressional African Staff Association hosted a briefing to discuss the food crisis in northeast Nigeria. Over 40 congressional staffers attended, packing the room.
Upcoming Webinars to Focus on Urban and Church Planting Ministries
The next two webinars offered through the Church of the Brethren Congregational Life Ministries are based on the Crucibles Course offered by the Anabaptist Network, UK. The webinars will focus on urban and church planting-based ministries.
Brethren Bits for November 17, 2016
In this issue: Remembrance, personnel and job openings, Canton church okay after gas explosion, SERRV honors retiring staff, the Clergy Tax Seminar 2017, church anniversaries, Brethren receive awards and honors, RNS reports on “spikes in anti-Muslim, anti-Semitic incidents,” United Nations raises alarm about more displacement in Nigeria…and more news by, for, and/or about Brethren.
Christ the King Sunday Letter Calls the Denomination to Renewed Discipleship
A letter has been written to the Church of the Brethren by Annual Conference moderator Carol Scheppard and general secretary David Steele, calling the church and its members to renewed discipleship to Jesus Christ on Christ the King Sunday, Nov. 20. The Sunday between Thanksgiving and the start of Advent is called “Christ the King” or “Reign of Christ” Sunday in the church calendar and invites Christians to be reminded–before a season of waiting–of whom we await.
On Earth Peace Board Holds Fall Meeting
The On Earth Peace board and staff met together on Oct. 6-8 and were hosted by West Charleston Church of the Brethren near Tipp City, Ohio. On Earth Peace board members Carla Gillespie and co-pastor Irv Heishman hosted the meeting with the expectation that a congregation that welcomes diversity in its midst, with Spanish and English speakers, would be a welcoming place for all members of the On Earth Peace board and especially welcoming to persons of color.
Brethren Bits for November 5, 2016
In this issue: Personnel announcements and job openings, BBT insurance services, district conferences, special services of communion and love feast on Election Day.
Newsline for November 5, 2016
NEWS
1) Grants support disaster rebuilding following flooding in Michigan and S. Carolina
PERSONNEL
2) Julie M. Hostetter to retire from leadership of the Brethren Academy
3) Introducing the 2017 Young Adult Steering Committee
REFLECTION
4) The Challenge of Abundance: Moderator’s reflection for November 2016
5) Brethren bits
Introducing the 2017 Young Adult Steering Committee
The Young Adult Steering Committee met in September to discuss and plan the upcoming 2017 Young Adult Conference. The committee includes: Rudy Amaya (Pasadena, Calif.), Jessie Houff (Hurleyville, N.Y.), Amanda McLearn-Montz (Iowa City, Iowa), Renee Neher (Lombard, Ill.), Kyle Remnant (Cincinnati, Ohio), and Mark Pickens (Harrisburg, Pa.).