Today the International Day of Prayer for Peace (IDPP) observance takes place around the world, as an initiative of the World Council of Churches. On Earth Peace is holding its annual IDPP campaign this year with the goal of involving 200 congregations and groups on the theme, “Seek the Peace of the City.”
Brethren Representative Attends UN Conference in Bonn
Church of the Brethren representative to the United Nations, Doris Abdullah, earlier this month attended a conference for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on the topic “Sustainable Societies, Responsive Citizens: Commit-Encourage-Volunteer.”
Newsline for Sept. 21, 2011
This week’s issue includes news of the International Day of Prayer for Peace bringing communities together, a Peace Prayer Wall posted by the World Council of Churches, a presentation by a WCC leader on peace and justice, upcoming events including preachers for the 2012 Annual Conference and the next Brethren webinar, order info for the Advent Devotional from Brethren Press, a report from the Brethren representative to the UN, and more “Brethren bits.”
Order Advent Devotional by Oct. 1 to Receive Discounted Price
The 2011 Advent Devotional from Brethren Press is now available at pre-production prices. The devotional on the theme “In the Beginning Was the Word,” written by David W. Miller, offers a devotion, scripture reading, and prayer for each day of Advent.
Brueggemann to Preach for 2012 Annual Conference
Preachers, worship leaders, and music leadership for the daily worship services at the 2012 Annual Conference have been announced. The 2012 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren takes place in St. Louis, Mo., on July 7-11 next year. Renowned Lutheran scholar, preacher, and writer Walter Brueggemann will speak for the opening worship service of the Conference.
Brethren in the News – Sept. 20, 2011
A listing of and links to recent online news stories about Brethren individuals, congregations, groups, and activities.
Brethren Affected by Flooding in Pennsylvania
Brethren Disaster Ministries staff have been in communication with Brethren districts and churches in Pennsylvania, following the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Lee. The BDM office is urging individuals who are affected to apply for FEMA assistance in the Pennsylvania counties where they are eligible.
Congregations Encouraged to Engage in Anti-Hunger Action This Fall
The general secretary of the Church of the Brethren, Stan Noffsinger, has sent a letter to each congregation in the denomination encouraging each to engage in some new and specific hunger action during this harvest season. The new effort is sponsored by the church’s Global Food Crisis Fund and the advocacy and peace witness office in Washington, D.C.
Americans Living in Poverty Reach Record Levels
Data released yesterday by the US Census Bureau reveals that nearly 46.2 million Americans now live in poverty, an increase of 2.6 million people since 2009 and the highest figures on record. The poverty rate for children under 18 increased to 22 percent (over 16.4 million children) in 2010. Among children under 5, the poverty rate increased to 25.9 percent (over 5.4 million children).
Newsline Special: Update on Church Responses to Disasters, Hunger
A report on Church of the Brethren responses to recent disasters in the northeast, including Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, along with a new hunger effort, and more.