1) Bethany Seminary’s Presidential Forum takes a look at the love feast. 2) Children’s Disaster Services responds to Washington mudslide. 3) Brethren mission workers serve alongside Nigerian group aiding refugees. 4) Ecumenical Advocacy Days resist violence, build peace. 5) Church of the Brethren co-sponsors ‘Church and Post-Christian Culture’ event. 6) Touching lives deeply: Reflecting on a workcamp in Haiti. 7) We continue the mission of the church: A report from Falfurrias, Texas. 8) Brethren bits
Brethren Bits for April 8, 2014
In this issue: Letter on Israel-Palestine, extension of TPS for Haitians, Pacific Northwest District collects mudslide donations, Easter sunrise service at CrossRoads, 13th Sounds of the Mountains festival, Antibiotic Stewardship Program at Fahrney-Keedy, alumni honors at Bridgewater College, new book series in the works called “Passing the Privilege,” and much more.
Bethany Seminary’s Presidential Forum Takes a Look at the Love Feast
“Living Love Feast” was the theme of the sixth Presidential Forum held at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. A pre-forum gathering April 3-4 was led by Bethany faculty and alumni. The forum on April 4-5 featured guest speakers and presenters including activist and peacemaker Shane Claiborne, actor and playwright Ted Swartz, Janet R. Walton of Union Theological Seminary, and Ruth Anne Reese of Asbury Theological Seminary.
Church of the Brethren Co-Sponsors ‘Church and Post-Christian Culture’ Event
Missio Alliance has announced a conference titled “Church and Post-Christian Culture: Christian Witness” in the Way of Jesus. “Church and Post-Christian Culture” seeks to gather historic Anabaptist groups along with a growing group of leaders who have found a new home in the theological visions of the tradition. The Church of the Brethren is co-sponsoring the gathering with Missio Alliance. The event is scheduled for Sept. 19-20 at Carlisle (Pa.) Brethren in Christ Church.
Brethren Mission Workers Serve Alongside Nigerian Group Aiding Refugees
Over the weekend of March 14-16, the Center for Caring, Empowerment, and Peace Initiatives (CCEPI) served 509 refugees around the Headquarters and Kulp Bible College of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN–the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). CCEPI distributed 4,292 articles of clothing and shoes, 2,000 kilograms of corn, along with buckets and cups.
Touching Lives Deeply: Reflecting on a Workcamp in Haiti
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: