Moderator Tim Harvey has announced leaders of the devotional times that will start the Monday and Tuesday business sessions at the 2012 Annual Conference. The Conference takes place in St. Louis, Mo., on July 7-11.
Annual Conference New Web Design, 2012 Information Packet Are Unveiled
The Conference Office has unveiled a new website design at www.brethren.org/ac , where the information packet for the 2012 Annual Conference is now available to download. Postcards giving the web address have been sent to each congregation of the Church of the Brethren.
BMC Approved as Project Site for BVS
The Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests (BMC) has been accepted as a placement site for Brethren Volunteer Service volunteers.
New Church Development Conference Registration Opens Jan. 17
Registration for the Church of the Brethren’s New Church Development Conference opens online Jan. 17 at noon (central time) at www.brethren.org/churchplanting/events.html . Conference information including a schedule, workshop list, and logistical details, is available now at the same web address.
New from Brethren Press: Devotions for Lent, Hymn Plaque, More
A number of new resources are being offered by the Church of the Brethren publishing house. To order any of those listed call Brethren Press at 800-441-3712 or go to www.brethrenpress.com .
A Reflection on the Haiti Earthquake: Two Years of Recovery
Roy Winter is associate executive director of Global Mission and Service for the Church of the Brethren and director of Brethren Disaster Ministries. He provided this personal reflection to mark the second anniversary of the earthquake.
Brethren Bits
“Brethren bits” for Jan. 11, 2012, includes a remembrance for Ruth Early, the Church of the Brethren’s first Washington representative, personnel news and district staff changes plus a job opening announcement for On Earth Peace executive director, a prayer request for Nigeria, and more Brethren news.
Dueck Offers Coaching, Resources on ‘Emotional Intelligence’
Emotional intelligence accounts for more than 50 percent of a person’s leadership capacity. In 2011, Stan Dueck, the Church of the Brethren’s director for Transforming Practices, completed the certification process in “Emotional Intelligence with Multiple Health Services.” Emotional intelligence is an important companion to a pastor’s or church leader’s spiritual foundation, especially while serving congregations during this time of profound change for many churches, he reports.
Gross Moves into New Role at on Earth Peace
On Earth Peace is launching a search for a new executive director. Bob Gross, who has served as director of On Earth Peace since October 2000, will be moving to another role in the organization.
Schedule, Workshop Topics, DVD Available for Congregational Workshop
Government regulations, basic operations and compliance tips, and the potential impact of health care reform will be examined at an interdenominational tax and benefits workshop titled “Best Financial Practices for Your Congregation: Accountability, Transparency, and Integrity” on Saturday, Feb. 4, in Kansas City, Mo. The event, co-sponsored by Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT), is designed for pastors, church treasurers, financial secretaries, stewardship and finance committee members, and others involved with church finances.