Working through a nascent Brethren church in the region, the Church of the Brethren sponsored a capacity-building conference to bring Batwa together from Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The following is excerpted from a report by Dr. David Niyonzima, detailing the conference and some of the learnings gained from the interaction:
Huma Rana to Become Director of Financial Operations for Brethren Benefit Trust
Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has announced that Huma Rana has accepted the role of director of Financial Operations, effective Sept. 19. She has served as assistant director of Financial Operations since July 21, 2015.
Children’s Disaster Services Sends Fifth Team to Louisiana, Material Resources Ships More Aid
A fifth team of volunteers from Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) arrived in Baton Rouge, La., on Thursday, Sept. 1. Four CDS teams already have completed their service there. The CDS volunteers have been caring for children and families who have been displaced by flooding and are living in American Red Cross shelters.
Traci Rabenstein to Begin Work for Church of the Brethren Donor Relations
Traci Rabenstein begins Oct. 1 as congregational support representative for Church of the Brethren donor relations. Initially she will work from her home in Enola, Pa.
Preachers Are Announced for Annual Conference 2017, Nominations Are Sought for the Ballot
The preachers have been announced for the Church of the Brethren’s 2017 Annual Conference, which will be held Wednesday, June 28, through Sunday, July 2, in Grand Rapids, Mich. The Conference Office also is accepting nominations for all offices to be elected at next summer’s Annual Conference.
Newsline for September 2, 2016
NEWS
1) Preachers are announced for Annual Conference 2017, nominations are sought for the ballot
2) Children’s Disaster Services sends fifth team to Louisiana, Material Resources ships more aid
3) Northern Plains District group enjoys Brethren heritage tour
PERSONNEL
4) Traci Rabenstein to begin work for Church of the Brethren donor relations
5) Brethren bits
Brethren Bits for September 2, 2016
In this issue: Personnel announcement, job openings, support for the Nigeria Crisis Response from 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative, National Suicide Prevention Week, Cedar Creek Church celebrates 100 years, Inspiration Hills celebrates 50 years, Staunton Church to host “12 Baskets and a Goat,” new contact information for Southeastern District, Powerhouse dates are announced, Young Center presents “China Friends,” and more news by, for, and about Brethren.
Legacy of the Church of the Brethren Mission in China
It has been 60 years since Church of the Brethren missionary work ended in China. However, the Brethren presence there is not only remembered by a few people, the fruits of that mission are still active today. At a Brethren Historical Society insight session at Annual Conference this summer, hosted by Brethren Historical Library and Archives archivist Bill Kostlevy, Eric Miller and Ruoxia Li along with Jeff Bach shared photographs and information.
Newsline for August 26, 2016
NEWS
1) Brethren couple carry out mission in China focused on hospice care
2) Legacy of the Church of the Brethren mission in China
3) Negotiate a nuclear weapons ban next year, says UN group with broad support
RESOURCES
4) New resources from Brethren Press offer aids for worship, Bible study, devotions
5) Shine curriculum shares a teacher blessing for the fall quarter
6) Peace Day bulletin inserts and posters are available from On Earth Peace
UPCOMING EVENTS
7) Webinar to discuss Jesus as focal point of God’s revelation
8) Q&A: Disaster response
9) Brethren bits
Shine Curriculum Shares a Teacher Blessing for the Fall Quarter
The Shine curriculum, which is a joint project of Brethren Press and MennoMedia, has shared a teacher blessing for the start of the Sunday school year. The blessing first appeared in the Shine e-newsletter, which is available by e-mail. For more about Shine go to https://shinecurriculum.com . Order curriculum items from Brethren Press by calling 800-441-3712. The Shine theme for Fall 2016 is “God Restores the People.”