The National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) hosted a delegation from the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) this week to advocate for a permanent peace treaty between North and South Korea. The Church of the Brethren is a member organization of the NCC, and staff of the Office of Public Witness participated in events with the Korean delegation. Delegation members visited with key members of Congress, White House officials, and members of the ecumenical community to discuss prospects for peace.
Brethren Bits for July 29, 2016
In this issue: Remembering L. Gene Bucher, personnel and job openings, Youth Peace Travel Team blog, African Great Lakes Batwa Conference, Brethren Academy hosts TRIM/EFSM orientation, 46th Annual Dunker Church Service at Antietam, disaster ministry events in Ohio, “Sing Me High” at CrossRoads, and more.
‘Ventures’ Program Aims to Serve More Congregations with Donation-Based Model
Since it started four years ago, the “Ventures in Christian Discipleship” program at McPherson (Kan.) College has focused on providing small church congregations with useful, affordable education. With the course offerings in 2016-17, Ventures is about to become even more affordable and, therefore, even more useful.
Craig Smith to Retire from Leadership of Atlantic Northeast District
Atlantic Northeast District executive minister Craig H. Smith has announced his retirement, as of the end of this year. He has served in the position for 19 years.
Situation in S. Sudan Deteriorates, Brethren Donate Vehicle to Relief Effort
As the situation in South Sudan deteriorates, with recent eruption of renewed armed conflict and United Nations reports that 4.8 million people face food shortages, the Church of the Brethren has donated a vehicle to aid staff in food distribution and other relief work.
Brethren Bits for July 23, 2016
In this issue: Two-page Wrap Up of Annual Conference is available, personnel notices and job openings, workcamp group gets media attention, 45th anniversary celebration of National Farm Worker Ministry, prayer requests from Global Mission and Service, On Earth Peace Anti-Racism Transformation Team meets, annual World Hunger Auction scheduled for Aug. 13, and more news by, for, and about Brethren–including sales of new items emblazoned with the classic Brethren slogan “When Jesus said, ‘Love your enemies…’” that benefit Brethren Press.
Mission and Service Executive Joins in Meetings at White House, State Department
Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission and Service, met with White House officials to raise concerns about the US drone warfare program. The meeting in Washington, D.C., included other denominational leaders from other faith traditions with statements challenging US drone warfare.
Amy Beery Named Admissions Counselor for Bethany Seminary
Bethany Theological Seminary announces that Amy Beery of Indianapolis, Ind., has been hired as part-time admissions counselor as of June 29. She earned a master of divinity from Bethany in 2013 and most recently has worked in chaplaincy for Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.
Brethren Sign on to Letter to Mend Divisions Between Communities, Law Enforcement
Church of the Brethren interim general secretary Dale Minnich has signed on to a letter from an interfaith coalition to Congressional leaders, which urges that steps be taken to mend divisions between communities and law enforcement.
EYN Embarks on Nationwide ‘Sympathy, Reconciliation, and Encouragement Tour’
Joel S. Billi, president of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) has embarked on a “Sympathy, Reconciliation, and Encouragement Tour” to 14 zones nationwide in Nigeria.