The following communique from the 68th General Church Council (Majalisa) of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) was issued by the Majalisa meeting from May 5-8 at the new Annex Headquarters of EYN in central Nigeria.
Newsline for May 5, 2015
1) Action alert: Support immigrant mothers on Mother’s Day. 2) NCC calls for justice, end to violence in Baltimore. 3) Office of Ministry provides forms meeting new IRS standards. 4) Global Mission is renewing partnership with Prisoner Visitation and Support. 5) ‘Brethren Life and Thought’ is celebrating 60 years, 6) New Puerto Rico District names Jose Calleja Otero as district executive. 7) Brethren bits
‘Brethren Life and Thought’ Is Celebrating 60 Years
The journal “Brethren Life and Thought” is celebrating 60 years and editor Denise Kettering-Lane has planned two exciting issues to help us celebrate.
Office of Ministry Provides Forms Meeting New IRS Standards
The roller coaster ride of receiving and responding to updates regarding implications of the Affordable Care Act for support of our pastors’ medical insurance premiums continues. Thank you for your continuing care and concern as we seek to understand the situation and care for our pastors’ well-being.
New Puerto Rico District Names Jose Calleja Otero as District Executive
The Puerto Rico District has announced that Jose Calleja Otero has accepted the call to serve as district executive minister. Otero already has begun his work. In July, the Puerto Rico District officially will be welcomed as the Church of the Brethren’s 24th district at Annual Conference in Tampa, Fla.
Brethren Bits for May 5, 2015
In this issue: Job opening in hospitality at Brethren Service Center, DC peace organizations seek executive director, Annual Conference seeks medical staff to volunteer, upcoming webinars, BVS dinners, Cliff Kindy featured on video of panel discussion about Nigeria crisis, Central Church in Roanoke celebrates 90 years, and more news by, for, and about Brethren.
Global Mission Is Renewing Partnership with Prisoner Visitation and Support
Through the office of Global Mission and Service, the Church of the Brethren is renewing its partnership of grant support to the organization Prisoner Visitation and Support (PVS). In addition to the denomination’s grant support, which began in 1985, PVS has benefited from Brethren serving as prison visitors and as representatives on PVS’ board of directors.
In Living Memory of Thao
Nguyen Thi Thu Thao, age 24, died Easter morning, April 5. She held a degree from Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry. She battled for seven years with thyroid cancer, kidney disease, and eye pain.
Volunteers for the Church of the Brethren Gather for a Retreat in Honduras
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) and Global Mission and Service workers gathered for four days in late March at the PANACAM park in Cortes, Honduras, for a time of retreat. The group gathers once a year for reflection, devotion, and support. The retreat was led by Dan McFadden, director of BVS. All of the volunteers, including those in BVS, receive financial support for their work from the Global Mission and Service program of the Church of the Brethren.
Meeting EYN Leadership: Working Toward Normalcy
Nigeria Crisis Response co-directors Carl and Roxane Hill continue a series of articles introducing leaders of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). In today’s piece, the Hills interview EYN general secretary Rev. Jinatu Wamdeo, and his late brother Bulus Libra, a lay pastor and a leader in the Margi-speaking community: