The Program and Arrangements Committee is once again holding a silent auction at Annual Conference in Grand Rapids this summer. The idea emerged during a discussion about how we could intentionally contribute to the vitality of and increase traffic in the Exhibit Hall. However, it also offers us an opportunity to raise some additional funds.
Mission and Ministry Board completes Kingian Nonviolence training, works at envisioning
The Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board held its spring 2024 meeting on March 15-17 at the denomination’s General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Board chair Colin Scott presided, assisted by chair-elect Kathy Mack and general secretary David Steele.
Leadership Team issues clarification on On Earth Peace membership with Supportive Communities Network
During their meeting on March 18, 2024, the Church of the Brethren’s Leadership Team issued a clarification around their May 2020 statement related to On Earth Peace (www.onearthpeace.org) joining the Supportive Communities Network.
Ephrata Church of the Brethren celebrates 125 years in the community
Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren invites the whole Ephrata community and beyond to celebrate the 125th anniversary of being a church family in the Ephrata landscape. There will be multiple events on the weekend of April 26-28, all at 201 Crescent Ave, Ephrata.
Material Resources program makes alternate plans after collapse of Key Bridge
The collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore, Md., was such a shock and very emotional for the staff of the Material Resources program of the Church of the Brethren. The loss of lives and loss of a critical bridge were on our minds. Now, almost three weeks later, alternate plans are being explored for shipments of relief goods from our warehouse facilities at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
Church of the Brethren general secretary among more than 140 global Christian leaders calling for permanent Gaza ceasefire
Church of the Brethren general secretary David Steele was among more than 140 global Christian leaders signing a new letter, released during Holy Week ahead of Easter, calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Year-end financial report for Church of the Brethren denominational ministries
The 2023 year-end financial reporting covered both Core Ministries and the Self-Funding Ministries, including Material Resources and the Conference Office. Special purpose funds, including the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF), which supports Brethren Disaster Ministries, the Global Food Initiative Fund (GFIF) which supports the Global Food Initiative, and the Emerging Global Mission Fund were also reported on.
Haitian church seeks hope in the midst of a desperate situation
“The only hope many people have is the light of God in the church,” said Ilexene Alphonse, describing the desperate situation of the Haitian people. Living as the church in Haiti right now is “stressful and it is painful, but the most part is that everybody, they live in a limbo. They are never certain about what will happen,” he said. “There is the constant fear of being kidnapped.”
John Jantzi to conclude his leadership of Shenandoah District in early 2025
John Jantzi has announced that he will conclude his service as district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Shenandoah District, as of March 1, 2025. He has served in the position for almost 12 years, since Aug. 1, 2012. During these years, he has given leadership to district ministries during a season of significant change while faithfully guiding district staff and leaders in their work.
ASIGLEH holds annual conference
ASIGLEH (the Church of the Brethren in Venezuela) held its annual conference in Cucuta, Colombia, on March 12-16 with about 120 church leaders and families in attendance. The conference was led by Roger Moreno, who is president of ASIGLEH.