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.
Evidence of God Working: A Revival of Faith at McPherson College
Reviving traditions as old as reading scripture and sharing communion. Discovering God through such unusual ways as “The Simpsons” and taking a pie to the face. God is active at McPherson (Kan.) College in ways both expected and “strange and mysterious.”
Brethren Academy Updates Its List of Upcoming Courses
The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership has updated its upcoming courses, which include a course that incorporates the Ministers’ Association event in advance of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Charlotte, N.C., beginning in late June.
NYC 2014 Logo and Registration Opening Date Are Announced
A new logo for National Youth Conference (NYC) 2014, the once every four years Church of the Brethren conference for youth who have completed grade 9 through the first year of college, has been released by the Youth and Young Adult Ministry office. The logo designed by Debbie Noffsinger illustrates the NYC theme from Ephesians 4:1-7, “Called by Christ, Blessed for the Journey Together.” Also announced is the opening date of online registration for NYC: Jan. 3, 2013,
CDS Volunteers Continue to Care for Children Affected by Oklahoma Tornadoes
“Please keep the people of Oklahoma in your prayers,” asks Roy Winter, executive director of Brethren Disaster Ministries. Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) has had a group of volunteers serving in Moore, Okla., since May 25. As of June 4, 325 children have received care.
‘Brethren Life and Thought’ Announces Special Issue on Alexander Mack Jr.
The Brethren Journal Association announces publication of “The Life and Influence of Alexander Mack Jr.: Pietist and Anabaptist Intersections in Pennsylvania” featuring most of the papers presented at the Young Center Conference on Alexander Mack Jr. in 2012. In related news, Bethany Seminary trustees approved revised Articles of Organization for the Brethren Journal Association. On July 1, during the association’s lunch and annual meeting at Annual Conference in Charlotte, N.C., members will have opportunity to discuss the articles and add their affirmation.