The 2014 National Youth Conference planning has been shaped by the theme from Ephesians 4:1-7, “Called by Christ: Blessed for the Journey Together.” The theme was chosen by the National Youth Cabinet, working with Youth and Young Adult Ministry director Becky Ullom Naugle and the three NYC coordinators Katie Cummings, Tim Heishman, and Sarah Neher.
Annual Conference Makes Changes to ‘Special Response’ Process for Strongly Controversial Issues
The 2014 Annual Conference approved revisions and amendments to the “Special Response” process for strongly controversial issues, during business sessions at the Church of the Brethren annual meeting held in Columbus, Ohio, on July 2-6.
Nigerian Brethren Write Petition to United Nations
Samuel Dante Dali, president of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) has written a petition to the United Nations. The two documents–a letter and a review of the situation of violence in Nigeria–concern “what is happening to us in Nigeria,” Dali wrote in a cover note to Global Mission and Service executive Jay Wittmeyer, to whom he copied the petition. “Thanks again for your love for Nigeria and assistance,” Dali wrote.
District Youth Visit and Tour General Offices on Their Way to NYC
Brethren youth from across the country are making their way to National Youth Conference in Colorado this week–by bus, van, car, and airplane. Several busloads from five different districts visited and toured the Church of the Brethren General Offices on their way to NYC.
Brethren Bits for July 16, 2014
In this issue: remembrance, personnel note from BBT, update on the Annual Conference blood drive, Bridgewater awards, survey gives input on new minister’s manual, and more.
Anabaptist Disabilities Network Seeks Stories of Supportive Care in Congregations
Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADNet) is looking for stories of church congregations that are providing a congregational network of care for persons with significant disabilities and/or their families. Such care may include supporting their church participation, but goes beyond this to support aspects of daily living needs and/or participation in the wider community.
Annual Conference Bits and Pieces
Bits and pieces of the action at the 2014 Annual Conference including statistics on attendance, the Witness to the Host City, BBT’s Fitness Challenge, honors and awards, 50th anniversary of “Middle Man,” and more.
Newsline for July 8, 2014
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2014: 1) Revision to Ministerial Leadership polity is adopted by Annual Conference.
2) Revision of 1996 Ethics for Congregations paper is approved by the delegates. 3) Query on Climate Change is returned, Conference declares the church is not of one mind on the issue. 4) Resolution supports Nigerian Brethren, invites worldwide community of Brethren to a week of fasting and prayer. 5) Delegates maintain current structure of Mission and Ministry Board; defer to 2015 other decisions on board bylaws, BBT articles, agency financial reports. 6) Andy Murray chosen as moderator-elect, among other election results and appointments. 7) Rebecca Dali interviewed by Columbus’ NBC4, leads insight sessions on Nigeria. 8) Three new fellowships are welcomed into the denomination. 9) Standing Committee denies support to On Earth Peace ‘Statement of Inclusion’ but commits to ‘walk in love together.’ 10) Mission and Ministry Board hears update on Nigeria, discusses finances, celebrates Open Roof Award and Ministry Summer Service. 11) Annual Conference bits and pieces
The Day in Columbus – Sunday
An overview of the closing day of the 2014 Annual Conference
Resolution Supports Nigerian Brethren, Invites Worldwide Community of Brethren to a Week of Fasting and Prayer
Annual Conference delegates voted Saturday in favor of a resolution indicating solidarity with Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The resolution comes as the Nigerian Brethren endure turmoil in their country.