The World Council of Churches (WCC) 10th Assembly will be held Oct. 30-Nov. 8 in Busan, South Korea, on the theme, “God of Life, Lead Us to Justice and Peace.” The Church of the Brethren delegation has already begun preparing for the event. Delegates from each worldwide member communion of the WCC are expected to attend the assembly, which is held every seven years and is considered the largest international gathering of Christians.
Brethren Disaster Ministries Directs Disaster Grants to Angola, Palestine
Brethren Disaster Ministries staff have directed allocations from the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) to SHARE to support schoolchildren in Angola, and to the Shepherd Society of Bethlehem Bible College in Palestine.
Standing Committee Holds Special Session About on Earth Peace Statement of Inclusion
Today the delegates from the 23 districts in the Church of the Brethren held a specially called session with On Earth Peace executive director Bill Scheurer to continue conversation about the agency’s Statement of Inclusion.
Newsline for June 13, 2013
1) CDS volunteers continue to care for children affected by Oklahoma tornados. 2) Brethren Disaster Ministries to start Sandy recovery project in New Jersey. 3) Young adult event takes place at Camp Pine Lake. 4) World Council of Churches celebrates signing of Arms Trade Treaty. 5) NYC 2014 logo and registration opening date are announced. 6) Brethren Academy updates its list of upcoming courses. 7) Progressive Brethren Gathering to be held in Indiana. 8) Moderator Bob Krouse sets the tone for Annual Conference 2013. 9) Evidence of God working: A revival of faith at McPherson College. 10) UN representative reports ‘troubling’ global meeting on human trafficking. 11) Brethren bits.
UN Representative Reports ‘Troubling’ Global Meeting on Human Trafficking
After attending the United Nations General Assembly meeting on the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, Church of the Brethren UN representative Doris Abdullah wrote the following report and personal responses to the issue:
Brethren Disaster Ministries to Start Sandy Recovery Project in New Jersey
In an exciting new partnership to help recovery in communities displaced by Super Storm Sandy, Brethren Disaster Ministries is collaborating with a trusted local non-profit in a project aimed at increasing the supply of safe and affordable rental housing in New Jersey. This unique project will allow Brethren Disaster Ministries to reach out to a population that is often underserved following disasters, yet whose recovery is crucial to the overall recovery and health of the community.
Brethren Bits for June 13
Brethren bits for June 13: This issue includes two corrections, a remembrance of Doris Hollinger, several job openings, personnel notes, link to summer worship resources from Gather ’Round, information about a Brethren Voices interview of BVS director Dan McFadden, and more.
Moderator Bob Krouse Sets the Tone for Annual Conference 2013
“The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference exists to unite, strengthen and equip the Church of the Brethren to follow Jesus.” We find great joy in gathering together. Ironically, the power of our unity can magnify our feelings of vulnerability and frustration. These feelings are not conflicts that can be resolved; they also don’t justify reacting to others unkindly, nor with threats, attacks, or accusations. They are a call to respond respectfully when we are feeling most uncomfortable.
Progressive Brethren Gathering to Be Held in Indiana
Registration is open for the 2013 Progressive Brethren Gathering on the theme, “Holy Longing: This Is My Body.” This sixth annual gathering of progressive Brethren will be held Nov. 15-17 at Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind. The theme reflects the gathering’s ongoing commitment to a church and society that affirms the goodness of the whole body of Christ, said a release.
Young Adult Event Takes Place at Camp Pine Lake
More than 40 young adults from across the country gathered at Camp Pine Lake in Eldora, Iowa, for the Church of the Brethren’s annual Young Adult Conference (or YAC for short). YAC took place over Memorial Day weekend from May 25-27. The young adults had a great time filled with laughter, conversation, coffee, and four square, despite what was otherwise a very rainy and cool weekend in Iowa.