A round up of news tidbits from this past week, demonstrating a variety of ways in which Brethren congregations and districts have been offering prayer and support for Nigerian Brethren and the abducted schoolgirls. Also below: statements of support from ecumenical partners, as well as media interviews and stories with links to find them online:
Committee Studying Ecumenism Seeks Responses to Survey
The Annual Conference study committee on a Vision of Ecumenism for the 21st Century is conducting a survey of the delegates of Annual Conference 2013, Young Adult Conference participants, those involved in district ministry, and Mission and Ministry Board members as it prepares to write a Church of the Brethren vision paper on ecumenism.
Newsline for May 20, 2014
1) Planting conference looks toward an intercultural church. 2) Bethany Seminary celebrates commencement. 3) Nominations sought for Open Roof Awards. 4) Committee studying ecumenism seeks responses to survey. 5) Attack by Boko Haram kills Nigerian Brethren, EYN president requests continued prayer. 6) EYN church leaders meet with 58 Chibok schoolgirls’ parents. 7) Brethren and ecumenical partners continue support for Nigeria and the abducted girls. 8) Ten Bible studies available to help youth prepare for NYC 2014. 9) One man’s journey to all 44 churches in Southern Pennsylvania District. 10) Brethren bits
NYC Prayer Day Scheduled for June 22
A day of prayer for this summer’s National Youth Conference (NYC) has been scheduled for Sunday, June 22. Congregations across the country are invited to set aside a special time in their Sunday morning worship services on June 22 to pray for all who will participate in the conference; youth, advisors, and staff. NYC Prayer Day is intended to invite the entire denomination to participate in the experience of NYC and support those who attend.
Brethren Bits for May 13, 2014
In this issue: Two position openings at BBT, Manchester Church to make concert DVD available, Lost and Found Church makes strides in Big Rapids, Virlina’s World Hunger Walk results, Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center celebrates the Brunk Revivals Exhibit, among more news by and for Brethren.
Church of the Brethren Chief Executives Join CWS at Gathering to Strengthen Ties for Work Together
“CWS is about our members, partners, and a myriad of colleagues working together, as institutions and as coalitions, but even more, as people. That is the vision of our faith and our values.”
Nigerian Brethren Continue to Suffer Attacks, Global Mission and Service Sends Relief Funds
The members of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria or EYN) continue to suffer attacks from the extremist group Boko Haram. EYN president Samuel Dante Dali reported by e-mail yesterday that another attack has destroyed homes, and family members of a church evangelist have been kidnapped.
‘Shine Together’ Guide for Leaders and Teachers Helps Introduce New Curriculum
“Shine Together: The Essential Guide for Leaders and Teachers” is now ready for immediate shipping from Brethren Press. “Shine Together” introduces teachers and leaders to ways to transform Sunday school into a time of nurturing faith and experiencing God’s love. The book not only explains the nuts and bolts of a Shine session but also faith formation, the inclusion of children who learn differently, spiritual practices with children, and more. Shine is the new curriculum from Brethren Press and MennoMedia.
Newsline for May 13, 2014
1) Children’s Disaster Services begins new collaboration with Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). 2) Church of the Brethren chief executives join CWS at gathering to strengthen ties for work together. 3) Nigerian Brethren continue to suffer attacks, Global Mission and Service sends relief funds. 4) Report on CCEPI visit to Chibok on May 6. 5) A round up of responses to Nigeria’s crisis. 6) #BringBackOurGirls: Righteous, compassionate justice. 7) NYC Prayer Day scheduled for June 22. 8) ‘Shine Together’ guide for leaders and teachers helps introduce new curriculum. 9) Brethren bits
A Round Up of Responses to Nigeria’s Crisis
A round up of responses to Nigeria’s crisis