In the midst of violence and distress in his nation, Zakariya Musa found time to write this reflection on the meaning of singing in church, and how music and praise bring hope. Musa works in communications for Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) and is pursuing a degree in communications at the University of Maiduguri:
Callie Surber Resigns from Brethren Volunteer Service Staff
Callie Surber has resigned as orientation coordinator for Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS), a position she has held since September 2007. .
EYN Leaders Share Updates on Recent Violence in Nigeria, Interfaith Relief Efforts
Two leading members of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) have sent reports detailing recent violence and continuing relief efforts to aid refugees and those fleeing violent attacks by the Boko Haram insurgent group. Reports have been received from Rebecca Dali, who heads up an NGO aiding survivors and who represented EYN at the 2014 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, and Markus Gamache who serves as EYN staff liaison. Readers are warned that some details about the violence are graphic and may be disturbing:
Brethren Bits for July 30, 2014
In this issue: A correction, remembering CDS leader Anne Haynes Price Fike, resources for a week of prayer and fasting for Nigeria on Aug. 17-24, special events in districts, district conferences, and more.
NYC Bits and Pieces
Bits and pieces of info about NYC including links to the daily web pages covering the daily themes and scripture texts, a shout out to the first finishers of the 5K fun run, a “by the numbers” run-down of the conference, and more.
CWS Announces Efforts for Unaccompanied Child Refugees, Faith Leaders and Immigrant Activists to Protest Deportations
Church World Service is involved in an action of civil disobedience at the White House this week, as the Congress and US administration consider expediting deportations of refugee children. Also, CWS has announced a number of ways it is working to aid the refugee children, and is asking supporters to call Congress to urge passage of a “clean” supplemental funding bill responding to the situation of unaccompanied children fleeing violence in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. CWS is a longstanding ecumenical humanitarian organization, of which the Church of the Brethren is a member denomination.
Service Projects Take Youth Beyond Campus Borders to Share with Others
On a blisteringly hot Monday, willing volunteers from the 2014 National Youth Conference were spread from the Colorado State University campus beyond to the greater Fort Collins and Loveland areas, working at indoor and outdoor projects.
That Youth Would Encounter Christ: A Conversation with the NYC Coordinators
Tucked away in the coordinators’ office at National Youth Conference, Katie Cummings, Tim Heishman, and Sarah Neher took a few minutes to chat with me about the week so far. Between chirps on the walkie talkie and bites of gluten-free oatmeal, they caught me up on their unique perspective of this long-awaited event. We talked about what it has meant to be a part of NYC, and how it will affect their lives on the other side.
NYC Speakers Encourage Youth to Seek Their Calling in Christ
Over the course of six days at National Youth Conference, July 19-24, Brethren youth heard from 10 outstanding speakers who brought messages for morning and evening worship services each day. Here is an review of the messages for NYC 2014, written by NYC News Team volunteer Frank Ramirez:
Newsline for July 30, 2014
NYC 2014: 1) That youth would encounter Christ: A conversation with the NYC coordinators. 2) NYC speakers encourage youth to seek their calling in Christ. 3) NYC enjoys a Brethren Block Party. 4) Reception welcomes international guests and NYC scholarship recipients. 5) Service projects take youth beyond campus borders to share with others. 6) Hiking trips take youth into Rocky Mountain National Park. 7) Blessed on the journey to NYC. 8) NYC bits and pieces. OTHER NEWS: 9) CWS announces efforts for unaccompanied child refugees, faith leaders and immigrant activists to protest deportations.
10) Brethren bits.