The week of Feb. 1-8, a team of 23 people traveled to Haiti on a short-term mission trip. The trip was arranged and facilitated by New Fairview Church of the Brethren in York, Pa. There were at least five denominations represented. I know of no other experience that touches lives so deeply.
Brethren Volunteer Service Unit 304 Completes Orientation
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Unit 304 has completed the Winter orientation, held Jan, 26-Feb. 14 at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla. Following are the names of the volunteers, their home congregation or home town, and placement sites:
Brethren Bits for April 1, 2014
This issue remembers Carl Myers and Millie Mundy, shares personnel news from Shenandoah District, notes the 100th anniversary of Carlisle Church of the Brethren, celebrates seagoing cowboys with Pastors for Peace, and offers more news for and about Brethren.
Newsline for April 1, 2014
1) Conferees discuss bridge-building at Pacific Southwest District gathering. 2) Youth have a month to register for National Youth Conference before price goes up. 3) On Earth Peace begins 40th anniversary celebrations, board establishes team for elimination of racism work. 4) Brethren Volunteer Service Unit 304 completes orientation.
5) Donna Kline resigns as director of Deacon Ministries. 6) Brian Solem resigns from communications post with BBT. 7) Carol Berster retires as president of Peter Becker Community. 8) Bridgewater College scholar to speak on John Kline martyrdom. 9) Brethren bits
We Continue the Mission of the Church: A Report from Falfurrias, Texas
Falfurrias (Texas) Church of the Brethren is one of the congregations receiving support from the Global Food Crisis Fund and the Office of Public Witness through the “Going to the Garden” initiative that gives grants for community gardens. Recently, church members reported to GFCF manager Jeff Boshart how the church’s mission is continuing. The following is excerpted from a lengthier report:
Carol Berster Retires as President of Peter Becker Community
Carol Berster, president/CEO of the Peter Becker Community since February 2006, will be retiring in March 2015. She plans to move to Delaware to be closer to her family. Peter Becker is a Church of the Brethren-related continuing care retirement community in Montgomery County, Pa.
Conferees Discuss Bridge-Building at Pacific Southwest District Gathering
Brethren from Pacific Southwest District congregations met recently to talk about how to put hands and feet on a unity statement they adopted in 2007. Some 30 Brethren gathered March 28-30 at Principe de Paz Church of the Brethren in Santa Ana, Calif., to talk about how they could be more intentional in their efforts to build bridges across racial, cultural, ethnic, and religious boundaries.
Youth Have a Month to Register for National Youth Conference Before Price Goes Up
Youth and advisors only have one month left to register for this summer’s National Youth Conference (NYC) before the price goes up to $500 on May 1. All participants are encouraged to register as soon as possible to avoid a late fee. For all information regarding the conference, visit www.brethren.org/NYC .
Donna Kline Retires as Director of Deacon Ministries
Donna Kline has announced her retirement as director of Deacon Ministries for the Church of the Brethren, as of July 11. She has held this position in Congregational Life Ministries for more than five years, since Oct. 20, 2008.
March 27 Webinar Focuses on ‘Leading Teams: Positives, Pressures and Potentials’
Congregational Life Ministries is offering a webinar on Thursday, March 27, 3:30-5 p.m. (Eastern time), on the topic of “Leading Teams: Positives, Pressures and Potentials” with presenter Fran Beckett. This is the second of two webinars exploring the theme of leadership hosted by the Church of the Brethren and organized together with Urban Expression, Bristol Baptist College, and BMS World Mission, partners based in the UK.