Global Mission and Service staff in North Korea, Robert Shank, reports important strides in the rice, soybean, and corn breeding research at Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST), where he and his wife Linda are teaching. A new crop, barley, has been added to this work in 2014, and a Global Food Crisis Fund grant is helping expand the work to include small fruits.
Gather ’Round Staff Complete Employment with Brethren Press and Mennomedia
Anna Speicher and Cyndi Fecher are completing their employment with Gather ’Round, the Christian education curriculum produced jointly by Brethren Press and MennoMedia. Gather ’Round is in its final year of production and will be available through the summer of 2014. The successor curriculum, Shine, will be available beginning next fall.
Michigan, Atlantic Southeast Districts Announce Staffing Changes
Nathan (Nate) Polzin has been called to serve as district executive minister for Michigan District, and Héctor Pérez-Borges has announced his plans to retire as associate executive for Atlantic Southeast District, in staffing changes for Church of the Brethren districts.
‘Pioneering in a Global Context’ Webinar Set for Dec. 11
“Pioneering in a Global Context,” a webinar co-sponsored by the Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren, BMS World Mission, Bristol Baptist College, and Urban Expression U.K., takes place Dec. 11 at 2:3-4 p.m. (Eastern). Register at www.brethren.org/webcasts .
Powerhouse 2013 Gathers Youth from the Midwest Region
More than 70 people took part in Powerhouse 2013, the Church of the Brethren Midwest regional youth conference, held at Camp Mack (Milford, Ind.) for the first time this year. It marked the fourth year for the event since it was restarted in a new fall format.
Brethren Disaster Ministries Responds to Illinois Tornado Outbreak
Following an intense outbreak of thunderstorms and tornadoes that heavily impacted parts of Illinois and Indiana on Sunday, Nov. 17, Brethren Disaster Ministries is preparing to be involved as needed in those states.
National Youth Conference Speakers Announced, Registration Opens January 3
The National Youth Conference Office has announced its list of 10 speakers for NYC 2014, to be held July 19-24, 2014, in Fort Collins, Colo. The NYC Office also is encouraging all congregations to plan NYC registration parties for the evening of Jan. 3 when online registration opens at 7 p.m. (central time). Youth groups are encouraged to plan a fun evening of food and games, and register together when the clock strikes seven. Party ideas are available on the registration page of the NYC website at www.brethren.org/yya/nyc/registration-info.html .
Bethany Seminary Offers Course on Dietrich Bonhoeffer
In spring 2014, Bethany Theological Seminary will make one of its popular peace studies courses available through the Susquehanna Valley Ministries Center of Elizabethtown, Pa. Interested persons are invited to enroll in “Bonhoeffer, War, and Peace,” taught by Scott Holland, professor of theology and culture and director of tpeace studies and cross-cultural studies at the seminary in Richmond, Ind.
Former General Secretary Judy Mills Reimer Is Remembered for Her Leadership to the Church of the Brethren
Judy Mills Reimer, 73, who filled a number of key leadership roles in the Church of the Brethren including service as a former general secretary and Annual Conference moderator, died the morning of Nov. 13 in a hospital in Charlottesville, Va. She had suffered a series of strokes over the past few weeks.
Newsline for Nov. 15, 2013
1) Former general secretary Judy Mills Reimer is remembered for her leadership to the Church of the Brethren. 2) Great Multitude Symposium considers the intercultural vision of church. 3) Brethren Volunteer Service Unit 303 begins service. 4) New Young Adult Steering Committee members announced. 5) Church World Service issues update on Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts. 6) World Hunger Auction completes its 30th year. 7) Progressive Brethren Gathering to be webcast live this weekend. 8) National Youth Conference speakers announced, registration opens January 3. 9) New video series asks, ‘Why NYC?’ 10) Bethany Seminary offers course on Dietrich Bonhoeffer. 11) Brethren bits.