Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) is pleased to announce the 2015 Partners in Service Award. Three congregations will share this award, which will be presented at the BVS luncheon on Monday, July 13, at the Annual Conference in Tampa, Fla. The Partners in Service Award is presented each year to an individual, group, or organization that has shown an exceptional commitment to the work of sharing God’s love through acts of service.
Special Speakers, Unique Events, Continuing Education Opportunities, Family Fun Highlight Annual Conference 2015
Planning for Annual Conference 2015 in Tampa, Fla., on July 11-15, is in place and the Conference officers and staff are highlighting the number of special speakers, unique events, continuing education opportunities, and possibilities for church fellowship and family fun offered at this Conference. The Conference centers on the theme “Abide in My Love… and Bear Fruit” (John 15:9-17). David A. Steele, district executive of Middle Pennsylvania District, will preside as moderator, assisted by moderator-elect Andy Murray and secretary James Beckwith. Chris Douglas is the Conference director.
Brethren Bits for May 20, 2015
In this issue: Nigerian Brethren summer tour, Young Adult Conference is coming soon, Global Mission lifts up PAG volunteers, La Verne Church awards Benton Rhoades Peacemaker Scholarships, youth from Dupont Church are honored, Modesto Church dedicates Thelma and Hurley Couchman labyrinth, Shenandoah Disaster Ministries Auction early results, and more.
General Secretary’s Luncheon in 2015 Continues a Focus on Higher Education
A General Secretary’s dinner at last year’s Annual Conference was the first in a series to engage educators in topics of importance to the church and society. The events have the overarching goal to work at the church’s relationship with the Brethren-related institutions of higher education: Bridgewater College in Virginia, Elizabethtown College and Juniata College in Pennsylvania, the University of La Verne in California, McPherson College in Kansas, Manchester University and Bethany Theological Seminary in Indiana.
Churches Partner to Support Trash Day in Pomona
The Pomona Fellowship and Cristo Scion congregations of the Church of the Brethren partnered with the City of Pomona, Calif., to clean up the town on May 9. Who could know what this day would hold even with all the explanations given ahead of time? It became everything and more than we thought it would be.
CDS Volunteers Serve Children and Families Affected by Tornadoes in Oklahoma
Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) set up a children’s center in a Multi Agency Resource Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., this past weekend, in response to the tornadoes and floods in the area. CDS is a part of Brethren Disaster Ministries.
Newsline for May 20, 2015
1) Church of the Brethren general secretary attends EYN Annual Conference. 2) EYN Church of the Brethren General Church Council (Majalisa) issues communique. 3) Commencement celebrated at Bethany Theological Seminary. 4) CDS volunteers serve children and families affected by tornados in Oklahoma. 5) Churches partner to support trash day in Pomona. 6) Special speakers, unique events, continuing education opportunities, family fun highlight Annual Conference 2015. 7) General Secretary’s Luncheon in 2015 continues a focus on higher education. 8) BVS announces Partners in Service Awards for 2015. 9) Mountain Meadows Song and Story Fest is hosted by Camp Wilbur Stover in Idaho. 10) Message of the presidents of the World Council of Churches at Pentecost 2015. 11) Re: Targeted lethal drones program. 12) #SendItBack on International Conscientious Objectors Day: Michael Himlie’s example. 13) Brethren bits.
Mountain Meadows Song and Story Fest Is Hosted by Camp Wilbur Stover in Idaho
The 2015 Mountain Meadows Song and Story Fest on the theme, “Moving in Time With…” is planned for July 26-Aug. 1 at Camp Wilbur Stover, New Meadows, Idaho. Song and Story Fest is an annual intergenerational family camp featuring Brethren musicians and storytellers, co-sponsored by On Earth Peace. This is the 19th summer in a row for Song and Story Fest.
NCC Annual Gathering Marks New Ecumenical Focus on Interfaith Peacemaking, Mass Incarceration
The National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) held its second annual Christian Unity Gathering on May 7-9 near Washington, D.C. The gathering focused on interfaith peacemaking and mass incarceration, and related topics including Christian responses to police brutality. Some 200 people attended, including leaders from a wide spectrum of Christian traditions.
Intercultural Retreat Brings a Rainbow of Humanity Together to Say ‘Amen!’
Two of the organizers of the 2015 Intercultural Retreat held in early May in Harrisburg, Pa., write their impressions of the gathering: “All God’s People Say Amen” was the rousing theme for an inspiring weekend intercultural retreat at Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren where Belita Mitchell serves as lead pastor. Almost 150 people from 9 districts of the Church of the Brethren gathered to participate in this three-day event….”