“As we approach the celebration of the birth of Christ our hearts are filled with sorrow and fear that peace will remain out of reach in the Middle East for much longer than we could ever have imagined.”
Brethren Are Called to Prayer in the Face of Extremist Violence
As the world begins to comprehend the magnitude of yesterday’s terror attacks in Paris, Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger is calling the church to prayer for those affected by extremist violence in Paris, and around the world.
Brethren Bits for Nov. 13, 2015
In this issue: Mennonites review their “sibling” relationship with the Church of the Brethren, Brethren Historical Committee and the new Vitality and Viability Committee will hold meetings, the Workcamp Ministry seeks assistants for 2017, “12 Baskets and a Goat” premieres at Sunny Slope Farm, last two district conferences of the season are in Virlina and Pacific Southwest, gleanings from the Brethren plans for Advent and Christmas, and more.
Newsline for Nov. 13, 2015
1) Global Food Crisis Fund gives grant to Haitian Brethren agriculture project; 2) EDF grants go to families in Myanmar and Haitians in the DR, CDS receives UMCOR grant; 3) Photographer of Beaver Creek; 4) BBT announces Medicare Supplement open enrollment through November; 5) Ventures course at McPherson College will explore congregational ethics; 6) Brethren bits
Global Food Crisis Fund Gives Grant to Haitian Brethren Agriculture Project
The Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) of the Church of the Brethren has given a grant of $35,000 to support the agricultural work of Eglise des Freres Haitiens, the Church of the Brethren in Haiti. This grant is in addition to three previous grants to the project. This is the fourth year for the agriculture program, which was planned to last five years as a post-disaster response effort following the earthquake that devastated Haiti in 2010.
EDF Grants Go to Families in Myanmar and Haitians in the DR, CDS Receives UMCOR Grant
The staff of Brethren Disaster Ministries have directed grants from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) to aid families in Myanmar (Burma) who were affected by Cyclone Komen, and to help people of Haitian descent who are living in the Dominican Republic.
Brethren Staff Visit Nigeria, Assess Crisis Response with EYN and Mission Partners
Church of the Brethren staff have been visiting in Nigeria to meet with Nigerian Brethren leadership and mission partners, and to assess the Nigeria Crisis Response. Global Mission and Service executive director Jay Wittmeyer and associate executive Roy Winter, who heads up Brethren Disaster Ministries, attended meetings and traveled with Nigerian Brethren leaders to visit, among other sites, the EYN headquarters near Mubi which were evacuated last October when the Boko Haram Islamist insurgents took over the area.
BBT Announces Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Through November
If you missed signing up for Medicare Supplement insurance during the six-month enrollment period that immediately follows your Medicare eligibility date, you now have a one-time opportunity to do so.
Ventures Course at McPherson College Will Explore Congregational Ethics
The next Ventures course at McPherson (Kan.) College titled “Congregational Ethics: Patterns of Healthy Communities” will be led by Joshua Brockway, director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship for the Church of the Brethren and a member of the staff of Congregational Life Ministries. Brockway has provided leadership for a new emphasis on congregational ethics in the Church of the Brethren. This online webinar is offered on Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon (central time).
Newsline for Nov. 6, 2015
1) Presidential Forum at Bethany Seminary explores the intersections of Just Peace. 2) New unit of Brethren Volunteer Service completes orientation. 3) Office of Public Witness issues action alert on refugee crisis. 4) Heifer partners with the Brethren and Ted & Co. for new creative funding initiative. 5) Material Resources program logs a busy October. 6) BBT announces Medicare Supplement open enrollment through November. 7) EYN Disaster Team brings relief for Maiduguri’s displaced. 8) EYN offers seminar on trauma healing for displaced pastors. 9) At UN, anti-nuclear majorities challenge nuclear-dependent minority. 10) Advent Offering supports Church of the Brethren ministries, focuses on the Magnificat. 11) Advent devotional, winter quarter of Guide for Biblical Studies provide seasonal focus on gifts. 12) Brethren bits