In response to the ongoing water crisis in Flint, Mich., the Church of the Brethren and a number of other Christian groups who represent Creation Justice Ministries, the former National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program, have signed onto a letter praising the charitable actions of faith groups while also urging Congress and the Obama administration to take action to resolve the situation.
Newsline for Feb. 12, 2016
1) Sarpiya and Wiltschek top Annual Conference ballot for 2016
2) Spiritual preparation for Annual Conference in Greensboro
3) Four members join the Youth Peace Travel Team for 2016
4) Church of the Brethren signs letter urging federal action to aid Flint
5) Brethren Volunteer Service holds connection dinners in Pennsylvania, Kansas
6) Brethren bits
Brethren Bits for February 12, 2016
In this issue: Personnel news from Juniata College, a report from CODE and IAF meetings, prayer requests for an Asamblea in the DR and theological training and a special medical clinic in Haiti, Mutual Kumquat to record music for Shine, an honor for the founder of Circleville Church of the Brethren, Regional Youth Conferences, and more.
Spiritual Preparation for Annual Conference in Greensboro
In his Lenten devotional, “Let Us Also Go,” Chris Bowman summons us for a challenging journey that leads through the darkness of Good Friday to the Light of Easter Sunday. It is a good reminder that for Christians to “carry the light” we must also prepare ourselves with confession, prayer, and discipline that acknowledges the darkness that surrounds us and, at times, occupies us.
Four Members Join the Youth Peace Travel Team for 2016
The members of the 2016 Youth Peace Travel Team have been announced. As the team spends time with youth this summer at camps across the denomination, they will teach about peace, justice, and reconciliation, all core values throughout the Church of the Brethren’s 300-plus year history.
Sarpiya and Wiltschek Top Annual Conference Ballot for 2016
The Conference Office has released the ballot that will be presented to the delegate body at the 2016 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren this summer. Topping the ballot are two nominees for Annual Conference moderator-elect: Samuel Sarpiya and Walt Wiltschek. Other offices to be filled by election of the delegate body are positions on the Program and Arrangements Committee, Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee, Mission and Ministry Board, Bethany Seminary board of trustees, Brethren Benefit Trust board, and On Earth Peace board.
Brethren Disaster Ministries Works on New Disaster Recovery Support Initiative
Brethren Disaster Ministries is partnering with the disaster ministries of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to form a Disaster Recovery Support Initiative (DRSI). The new initiative is intended to help speed up the process of getting volunteers in place to begin repair and rebuilding work following a disaster.
Children’s Book Tells About Seagoing Cowboys Who Delivered Livestock–And Hope
Beginning in 1945, while Europe struggled with the desolation left by years of war, more than 7,000 men and boys traveled by ship on missions of mercy. They were seagoing cowboys–farmhands and folks from all walks of life: teachers, students, bankers, preachers, carpenters–who were recruited to care for the thousands of horses and heifers sent for reparations.
Intercultural Ministries Staff Leads ‘Ministry in Two Americas’ at Seminary
On Feb. 11-12, the Church of the Brethren’s Intercultural Ministries staff Gimbiya Kettering will lead events at Bethany Theological Seminary on the theme “Ministry in Two Americas.” The campus of Bethany Seminary is located in Richmond, Ind.
Brethren Bits for Feb. 5, 2016
In this issue: Remembrances, personnel announcements from Bethany Seminary and BBT and Shepherd’s Spring, job openings at the Brethren Housing Association and Pinecrest Community, encouragement to “keep thinking long term” from BBT’s president, next webinar in the “Heart of Anabaptism” series, new members on the COBYS Board of Directors, a tour by Bittersweet Gospel Band, and more news by, for, and about Brethren.