1) Brethren Disaster Ministries makes assessment visit to the Philippines. 2) On Earth Peace celebrates 40 years with conversations between ‘spirited peacemakers’. 3) Bethany Seminary hosts speakers on peace and justice. 4) Building peace in Washington at the Ecumenical Advocacy Days. 5) National Council of Churches plans Christian Unity Gathering. 6) ‘Guide for Biblical Studies’ studies Jesus’ fulfillment of scripture. 7) Tita Grace’s tiled floor: One family’s story of Typhoon Haiyan. 8) ‘I trust there will be cactus blooms’: Indiana leader reflects on court decision affecting church property. 9) Brethren bits
Bethany Seminary Hosts Speakers on Peace and Justice
Two women known for their work toward peace, justice, and human rights spoke during the month of February at Bethany Seminary’s Peace Forum, a weekly lunch gathering that highlights issues of peace and social justice through a variety of speakers and program formats.
‘I Trust There Will Be Cactus Blooms’: Indiana Leader Reflects on Court Decision Affecting Church Property
A court has ruled against South Central Indiana District in a property suit concerning Roann Church of the Brethren. The ruling on property and assets was in favor of a group wishing to leave the Church of the Brethren. Here is a prayerful reflection on this moment in the life of the district, from district executive minister Beth Sollenberger:
Brethren Disaster Ministries Makes Assessment Visit to the Philippines
A visit to the Philippines from Jan. 18-28 to evaluate the current state of the response to Typhoon Haiyan was made by Roy Winter, associate executive director of Global Mission and Service and Brethren Disaster Ministries–part of the Church of the Brethren response following the destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan last November. Brethren Disaster Ministries is using the information gained to identify local partners and how the Brethren may best contribute to ecumenical relief and recovery efforts.
Tita Grace’s Tiled Floor: One Family’s Story of Typhoon Haiyan
Grace Anne stood on a colorful tiled foundation, the only indication that a house once stood where a few broken cinderblocks with jagged rebar were emanating. My memories of standing within these walls, sleeping, eating with this wonderful family, came from a time when they hosted me just a few years ago.
‘Guide for Biblical Studies’ Studies Jesus’ Fulfillment of Scripture
Author Estella Horning has written the Spring quarter of “A Guide for Biblical Studies,” the Brethren Press curriculum for adults. The theme for the quarter is “Jesus’ Fulfillment of Scripture.”
National Council of Churches Plans Christian Unity Gathering
The National Council of Churches (NCC) is planning a Christian Unity Gathering for May 18-20, at the Hilton hotel at Washington Dulles Airport near Washington, D.C.
Brethren Bits for Feb. 25, 2014
In this issue: Manchester announces next College of Pharmacy dean, Camp Bethel and CPT seek staff, call for more CWS School Kits, WCC general secretary visits Iran, churches involved in anti-torture event in Washington, congregations host Bethany professors, and much much more.
Newsline for Feb. 15, 2014
1) Annual Conference 2014 will celebrate courageous discipleship. 2) Pre-Conference events include Ministers’ Association, Congregational Vitality Workshops. 3) Bidding process brings Annual Conference back to Ohio and California. 4) On Earth Peace seeks volunteers for Ministers of Reconciliation team at Annual Conference.
5) Court decision on properties is celebrated by First District Church of the Brethren in India. 6) WCC shares hopes for peace in Syria with members of Syrian opposition. 7) National Christian leaders oppose mass incarceration. 8) EYN ministers hold annual conference. 9) Young adults to study Jeremiah 29:11 at YAC. 10) Webinars on ‘Generative Leadership’ offered by Congregational Life Ministries with partners in the UK. 11) Brethren bits
Court Decision on Properties Is Celebrated by First District Church of the Brethren in India
The Supreme Court in India has made a decision in a decades-long bitter court battle over ownership and control of former Brethren mission properties, following an early 1970s merger with the Church of North India (CNI) that included the former mission of the Church of the Brethren.