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.
South Sudan Church Leaders Request Prayer for Peace This Saturday
South Sudan church leaders have requested Christians around the world to join them in a time of prayer for peace in their nation on this Saturday, Feb. 6, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The request is being shared with the Church of the Brethren by members of a delegation that recently visited South Sudan and met with church leaders there.
SVMC Continuing Education Events Highlight Memory Care, Chronicles and the Church
The Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC) is offering three upcoming continuing education events for ministers and others who are interested. Two address memory care, and one offers a study of the Old Testament book of Chronicles and its meaning for the church today.
Newsline for February 5, 2016
NEWS: 1) Brethren Disaster Ministries works on new Disaster Recovery Support Initiative. 2) Flint Church of the Brethren is a water distribution center during crisis. 3) Disabilities ministry announces creation of Open Roof Fellowship. 4) Nursing students receive Church of the Brethren scholarships. 5) South Sudan church leaders request prayer for peace this Saturday. 6) Manchester University to offer new interfaith literacy certificate. 7) Marrakesh Declaration affirms rights of religious minorities in Muslim countries. UPCOMING EVENTS: 8) Intercultural Ministries staff leads ‘Ministry in Two Americas’ at seminary. 9) SVMC continuing education events highlight memory care, Chronicles and the church. RESOURCES: 10) Children’s book tells about seagoing cowboys who delivered livestock–and hope. 11) Brethren bits