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.
Fellowship of Brethren Homes Members Awarded 2014 Continuing Education Grants
Eight retirement communities that are members of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes have been awarded Continuing Education Grants for 2014. The grants, up to $1,000 per retirement community, are funded by the denomination’s Health Education and Research Fund, which supports nursing in the Church of the Brethren, and are administered by Congregational Life Ministries.
Killbuck Creek Song and Story Fest to Be Hosted by Inspiration Hills
The Killbuck Creek Song and Story Fest on the theme, “All God’s Critters Got a Place in This Choir!” is planned for July 6-12 at Inspiration Hills, an outdoor ministry center in Burbank, Ohio. This annual family camp features Church of the Brethren musicians and storytellers, and is co-sponsored by On Earth Peace.
Winners of NYC Speech and Music Contests Are Named
Sam Stein, of Wheaton, Ill., is the winner of the NYC Music Contest. He is a junior in high school and a member of the York Center Church of the Brethren youth group in Lombard, Ill. There are three winners for the NYC Speech Contest. Alison Helfrich of Bradford, Ohio, is a junior in high
Good Giving and Investment Report, Brethren Service Center Discussion, Board Development Work Highlight Mission and Ministry Board Meeting
A good giving and investment report for 2013, discussion of the Brethren Service Center, and several hours of board development work marked the spring meeting of the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board. The meeting March 14-17 at the denomination’s General Offices in Elgin, Ill., was led by board chair Becky Ball-Miller.
Newsline for March 18, 2014
1) Good giving and investment report, Brethren Service Center discussion, board development work highlight Mission and Ministry Board meeting. 2) Denomination receives insurance dividend, Brethren Mutual Aid named a top agency by Brotherhood Mutual. 3) Fellowship of Brethren Homes members awarded 2014 Continuing Education Grants. 4) Winners of NYC speech and music contests are named. 5) Jeff Carter to be inaugurated as president of Bethany Seminary. 6) March 27 webinar focuses on ‘Leading Teams: Positives, Pressures and Potentials’ 7) Killbuck Creek Song and Story Fest to be hosted by Inspiration Hills. 8) Bridgewater College inaugurates David W. Bushman as 9th president. 9) Juniata College hosts ‘Reconstructing Peace Studies’ conference. 10) A prayer request from Maiduguri, Nigeria.
11) Brethren bits.