Volunteers from Children’s Disaster Services, a program within Brethren Disaster Ministries, are at work in Moore, Okla., helping care for children and families affected by the tornado that devastated the town on May 20. As of Wednesday morning, the volunteers have provided care for 95 children. In related news, Brethren Disaster Ministries staff have directed a $4,000 grant to support CWS work in Oklahoma.
Creation Theme the Focus of Gather ’Round’s Summer Quarter
Creation is the theme of the summer 2013 quarter of the Gather ’Round curriculum. The biblical texts are drawn from passages in Genesis, Psalms, Ruth, and Matthew. Together they depict a God who is intensely involved with creation, finds goodness in it, and nurtures, blesses, and sustains it. The curriculum is a joint project of Brethren Press and MennoMedia.
Annual Conference Bits and Pieces: June 29-July 3 in Charlotte, N.C
Bits and pieces of news about the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in 2013.
Newsline for May 30, 2013
1) Children’s Disaster Services works in Moore, Brethren grant supports CWS relief effort. 2) Bethany Seminary celebrates its 108th commencement. 3) Forum of church retirement communities is held in Pennsylvania. 4) New investment options, SRI screening lists approved by BBT board. 5) Brethren Disaster Ministries trains project leaders for 2013. 6) Spiritual directors gather for annual retreat. 7) Bethany Seminary fills new position in Reconciliation Studies. 8) Mueller to serve as executive of Atlantic Southeast District. 9) New features for Brethren Pension Plan explained in webinars for church workers. 10) BRF plans 40th annual Brethren Bible Institute for July. 11) Registration remains open for Fifth Brethren World Assembly in July. 12) Annual Conference worship and business sessions to be webcast. 13) Ministry of Reconciliation Team to serve again at 2013 Conference. 14) L. Gregory Jones to speak for Ministers’ Association event. 15) BVS announces its Partners in Service Award for 2013. 16) La Verne sanctuary choir tour culminates in Annual Conference concert. 17) Annual Conference bits and pieces: June 29-July 3 in Charlotte, N.C. 18) Creation theme is the focus of Gather ’Round’s summer quarter. 19) ‘Brethren Life and Thought’ announces special issue on Alexander Mack Jr. 20) Brethren bits.
Brethren in the News for May 3, 2013
The latest listing of “Brethren in the News” for May 2013
Mueller to Serve as Executive of Atlantic Southeast District
John M. Mueller has accepted the call to serve as district executive minister of Atlantic Southeast District in a half-time position beginning July 1. Most recently he has served as co-pastor of Jacksonville (Fla.) Church of the Brethren with his wife Mary, and previously was a regional director for Brethren Disaster Ministries.
L. Gregory Jones to Speak for Ministers’ Association Event
The Church of the Brethren Ministers’ Association Pre-Conference Continuing Education Event in Charlotte, N.C., on June 28-29 will feature L. Gregory Jones, a widely recognized scholar and church leader on such topics as forgiveness and reconciliation, Christian vocation, leadership, and strengthening the church and its ministry.
Ministry of Reconciliation Team to Serve Again at 2013 Conference
The Annual Conference officers have invited the Ministry of Reconciliation (MoR) of On Earth Peace to resume its role of presence at the 2013 Annual Conference. The diverse group of trained volunteers will be present and attentive, ready to respond where confusion, conflict, or negative emotions are causing a problem in the gathered body, said a release.
Spiritual Directors Gather for Annual Retreat
Twenty-two spiritual directors and leadership recently gathered at Shepherd’s Spring Outdoor Ministry Center in Sharpsburg, Md., for an annual retreat. From May 13-15 the spiritual directors spent time in keynote sessions with Roberta Bondi, professor emeritus for Church History at the Candler School of Theology.
Annual Conference Worship and Business Sessions to Be Webcast
“Join us in Charlotte…over the Web!” says an invitation from the Conference Office. For church members who cannot attend the 2013 Annual Conference in person, arrangements are being made for significant portions to be webcast again this year. The links to webcasts will be found at at www.brethren.org/AC2013 during and after the Annual Conference takes place from June 29-July 3.