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.
CDS Deployments to California, W. Virginia, Mark Record Number So Far This Year
Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) volunteers recently returned from deployments in the areas of Kernville, Calif., and White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. CDS has had a record number of 9 responses so far in 2016, in addition to the Nigeria Healing Hearts response.
MMB Addresses Budget Concerns, Sets Stage for New Financial Campaign
The Mission and Ministry Board of the Church of the Brethren held its summer meeting on June 29 in Greensboro, N.C., with a focus on finances. On the agenda were approval of a 2017 budget parameter for the Core Ministries of the denomination, approval of budget revisions for this year 2016, and affirmation of plans for a new financial campaign, among other business.