A three-day consultation took place in early January involving representatives from six different “believers baptism” church traditions to share their understandings and practices of baptism and to explore how their thinking has changed in light of the emerging theological convergence on baptism and growing ecumenical encounter over the past 30 years. This was the first time such a gathering has taken place, and thus represents an historic moment in the life of these traditions.
Newsline for Jan. 21, 2015
NIGERIA NEWS: 1) Donations to Nigeria Crisis Fund meet board’s matching challenge. 2) Some Nigerian Brethren are attacked again after returning to their homes. 3) Suffering under Boko Haram: The horror of what everyday life in northeast Nigeria has become. MORE NEWS: 4) Groundbreaking consultation explores the meaning and practice of ‘believers baptism’ for the future unity of the church. 5) GFCF supports agriculture in North Korea, garden project for inmates in Brazil, farmer’s market in New Orleans. 6) Lancaster Church purchases uniforms and supplies for homeless students. UPCOMING EVENTS:
7) Intercultural retreat to be hosted in Atlantic Northeast District in May. 8) Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center offers series of continuing education events. 9) Brethren bits.
Some Nigerian Brethren Are Attacked Again After Returning to Their Homes
“Since Christmas many displaced persons had returned to their homes in northeast Nigeria,” the Hills report. “They had begun holding services outside burnt and destroyed churches. But last week Boko Haram again attacked some of the same areas causing another wave of confusion and terror.
Brethren Bits for Jan. 21, 2015
In this issue: Bethany Seminary seeks executive for institutional advancement and other job openings, General Offices provides warehouse space for MLK Food Drive, Service Sunday is Feb. 1, Winter Park church celebrates 90 years, Frederick hosts Ken Medema concert, Rais Bhuiyan is Anna Mow lecturer at Bridgewater, and much much more.
Intercultural Retreat to Be Hosted in Atlantic Northeast District in May
A weekend intercultural retreat with the theme “All God’s People Say Amen” will be hosted in Atlantic Northeast District at Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren on May 1-3. The retreat is co-sponsored by the Church of the Brethren Congregational Life Ministries and Intercultural Ministries.
Donations to Nigeria Crisis Fund Meet Board’s Matching Challenge
More than $500,000 has been raised for the Nigeria Crisis Fund, meeting a matching challenge issued by the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board last fall. As of Dec. 31, 2014, the Nigeria Crisis Fund had received a total of $506,100.50 in donations.
GFCF Supports Agriculture in North Korea, Garden Project for Inmates in Brazil, Farmer’s Market in New Orleans
The Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) of the Church of the Brethren has announced several recent grants totaling $22,000. A grant of $10,000 supports agricultural education in North Korea via the work of Robert and Linda Shank at PUST university in Pyongyang. A grant of $10,000 supports a Brethren-led gardening project involving prisoners in Brazil. A grant of $2,000 supports the work of Capstone 118 to begin a small farmer’s market in New Orleans, La.
Lancaster Church Purchases Uniforms and Supplies for Homeless Students
Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren has been purchasing supplies and uniforms for the 1,200 homeless students in the city of Lancaster since 2009. The Hunger and Poverty Group formed in 2008, and one of the members suggested the name “Be An Angel” for the school program. It was quickly accepted.
Brethren Benefit Trust Announces New Client Relations Department and Related Personnel Changes
“Serving the members and organizations of the Church of the Brethren is the directive Brethren Benefit Trust has been given by the Annual Conference,” said BBT president Nevin Dulabaum. “At the forefront of that service are strong relationships with the denomination’s members and organizations. Thus, the creation of a new department that focuses on service, product development, and resources for the benefit of those we serve will help ensure that BBT fulfills its mandate for years to come. This is an exciting new chapter in the life of BBT!”
Clergy Tax Seminar Is Offered Onsite at Bethany Seminary and Online, Other Upcoming Webinars Address Family Matters and Ministry ‘After Christendom’
The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership will host a Clergy Tax Seminar on Feb. 23. The seminar is recommended for all pastors and seminary students as well as other church leaders who wish to understand clergy taxes including church treasurers, steward commission chairs, and church board chairs. Attend in person at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., or online. The schedule includes a morning session from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (eastern) and an afternoon session from 2-4 p.m. (eastern).