Church of the Brethren member Cliff Kindy, who also has worked with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), visited Brethren in the Democratic Republic of Congo from Dec. 14-23. This was not Kindy’s first visit to the Congo, where he has traveled with CPT. This trip was made at the request of pastor Ron Lubungo and the Brethren in the DRC.
Church Youth Groups Get Together to Register for National Youth Conference
Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren youth and advisors were among the youth groups that got together the evening of Jan. 3 for a National Youth Conference (NYC) registration party. The youth at Highland Avenue Church in Elgin, Ill., decided to hold their party so that they would be among the first to register for NYC 2014. They were just seven of more than 200 people who registered in the first two hours after online registration opened.
Church Planting Conference Looks Toward an Intercultural Future
The Church Planting Conference to be held May 15-17, sponsored by the Church of the Brethren through the office of Congregational Life Ministries and the New Church Development Advisory Committee. and hosted at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., will be forward-looking with the theme, “Plant Generously, Reap Bountifully–Toward an Intercultural Future.”
Online Registration for National Youth Conference Begins This Evening
Online registration for National Youth Conference (NYC) 2014 opens this evening, Jan. 3, at 7 p.m. central time. The conference will be held July 19-24 on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., and all youth who have completed 9th grade through one year of college are eligible to attend. To register, beginning at 7 p.m. (central), visit www.brethren.org/NYC .
Church of the Brethren Aids Refugees in South Sudan, Some Mission Staff Leave the Country
“We’re actively purchasing supplies for distribution to refugees” in South Sudan, reports Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission and Service for the Church of the Brethren. One of three Brethren mission workers remains in South Sudan, while two have left the country, after violence broke out shortly before Christmas. The violence is linked to a coup attempt by a recently deposed vice president, and fears of the exacerbation of ethnic tensions in the nation.
Annual Conference Moderator Shares New Year’s Greetings with the Church
Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, is sharing greetings with the denomination and its members in this New Year 2014. The following letter offering encouragement for a life of Christian discipleship, is being sent to congregational delegates by mail. For more information about Annual Conference go to www.brethren.org/ac .
Newsline for Jan. 3, 2014
1) Annual Conference moderator shares New Year’s greetings with the church; 2) Church of the Brethren aids refugees in South Sudan, some mission staff leave the country; 3) Online registration for National Youth Conference begins this evening; 4) Press Conference with King Herod: A contemporary reflection on the murder of the Bethlehem children; 5) Brethren bits
Press Conference with King Herod: A Contemporary Reflection on the Murder of the Bethlehem Children
“When Herod knew the magi had fooled him, he grew very angry. He sent soldiers to kill all the male children in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding territory who were two years old and younger” (Matthew 2:16a).
Brethren Bits for Jan. 3, 2014
In this issue: Remembering Brethren Colleges Abroad’s Allen Deeter, personnel notes from the Church of the Brethren and BBT, Timbercrest chaplain to retire, Brethren Mission Fund committee change and grant to EYN Compassion Fund, “Keeping Our Children Safe” in Virlina District, Camp Harmony celebrates its 90th, and more news about and for Brethren.
Brethren Bits for Dec. 20, 2013
In this issue: A note on year-end donations, a date correction, remembering Larry Ulrich, Sarah Thompson to lead CPT, Material Resources seeks an office assistant, Bethany Seminary seeks a project director related to a Lilly grant, mission staff watch situation in South Sudan, registration for NYC and Clergy Women’s Retreat, and much more.