In this issue: Annual Conference officers and committees meet, SVMC announces “The Gospel of Mark and 21st Century Ministry,” Brethren are invited to a Day of Confession on Sept. 6 called by the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, a informational webinar focuses on hunger issue in Congress’ fall agenda, Jonathan Shively to be the main speaker for Virlina District’s “Growing Leaders in New (and Older) Congregations,” several districts are offering special events around their annual district conferences, the FOR celebrates 100 years, and more.
Prayer Is Requested for Those Affected by Wildfires in Western States
Prayers have been requested for those in the state of Washington and other areas of the western United States who are affected by wildfires. Late last week, Pacific Northwest District executive Colleen Michael reported that the community of Tonasket, Wash.–where there are two Church of the Brethren congregations–has been affected by mandatory evacuations.
Brethren Volunteers in Nigeria Renew Wedding Vows After 48 Years of Marriage
Tom and Janet Crago, Church of the Brethren volunteers in Nigeria, celebrate their 48th year of marriage at the Annex Office of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), located in north central Nigeria where they assist the Brethren who relocated from the church’s headquarters at Kwarhi in Adamawa State. The event took place during the morning devotion of the EYN headquarters staff.
Called to Help Rebuild, We Became Part of a New Family
When we watched the news in 2005 that Hurricane Katrina had hit the Gulf Coast, we were pretty sure that Brethren Disaster Ministries would be available to help with the rebuilding. We had no idea that it would mean a major change for us, that it would bring us into an experience that we now consider to be one of the highlights of our lives.
Covenant Bible Studies Shed Light on 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Peter, Jude
New Covenant Bible Studies from Brethren Press are tailored for small group Bible studies or for adult Sunday school classes. Most recent titles in the series focus attention on the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Kings, and the New Testament books of 1 and 2 Peter and Jude.
Brethren Volunteer Service Unit Begins Work at Project Sites
The summer unit of Brethren Volunteer Service, which is the 309th BVS unit, has completed training and the volunteers have been assigned to their project sites. The names, home towns, and project sites of the members of BVS Unit 309 follow:
Brethren Disaster Ministries Restructures, Makes Personnel Changes
Brethren Disaster Ministries is restructuring and reshaping its staff and support staff positions to better serve a growing rebuilding ministry and Children’s Disaster Services. Three new positions have been created and filled: office manager for Brethren Disaster Ministries, a salaried staff position; program assistant for Brethren Disaster Ministries rebuilding program, a support staff position; and program assistant for Children’s Disaster Services, a support staff position.
Carolyn Schrock Retires from District Executive Position in Missouri and Arkansas
Carolyn A. Pieratt Schrock has announced her retirement as executive minister of the Church of the Brethren’s Missouri and Arkansas District, effective Dec. 31. She has served as district executive minister for almost eight years, since Jan. 1, 2008.
Brethren Bits for Aug. 20, 2015
In this issue: Remembering Harold Mack, Youth Peace Travel Team finishes up its summer, cook needed for Zigler Hospitality Center, Mission Offering resources are available, Nov. 1 is National Jr. High Sunday, National Young Adult Conference is announced for 2016, the Taize Community celebrates 75 years, Mason Cove Church and Bassett Church celebrate their 90th anniversaries, CPT issues a plea for aid for migrants in Greece, and much, much more.
Newsline for Aug. 20, 2015
1) Brethren Disaster Ministries begins new partnership for ‘Disaster Recovery Support Initiative’ 2) Food, aid distributions reach thousands of people in remote districts in Nigeria 3) Carolyn Schrock retires from district executive position in Missouri and Arkansas 4) Children’s Disaster Services offers additional training workshops 5) Dates are announced for next year’s church planting conference 6) Creators of new Church of the Brethren ministers’ manual seek submissions 7) Devotional calls readers to prepare for Advent ‘In the Fullness of Time’ 8) Believers Church Commentaries among new resources available from Brethren Press 9) Nigeria: A land of many possibilities 10) Brethren bits