More than 700 people already have responded to a new online survey about the work of Brethren Disaster Ministries. “We want your feedback!” said an announcement of the survey from Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services. Take the survey at www.brethren.org/BDMsurvey .
More Brethren Agencies Express Support for Resolution on Drones
Brethren Benefit Trust and On Earth Peace, which are both Annual Conference agencies, have affirmed the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board’s “Resolution against Drone Warfare.” The resolution was adopted at the board’s spring meeting and will be on the Annual Conference agenda in early July.
Newsline for March 21, 2013
1) New Brethren Academy program receives funding from Wieand trust. 2) Estate gift funds new educational opportunities at Bethany Seminary. 3) More Brethren agencies express support for resolution on drones. 4) On Earth Peace board and staff participate in anti-racism training. 5) Brethren Disaster Ministries names advisory group, seeks input to survey. 6) BVS Unit 300 completes orientation. 7) ‘Something must change’: Harrisburg, Pa., pastor reports on efforts against gun violence. 8) Bus trips from several states will help participants get to NOAC. 9) Prayers for peacemakers: Ten year anniversary of war in Iraq. 10) Brethren bits
Prayers for Peacemakers: Ten Year Anniversary of War in Iraq
Ten years after the US invasion of Iraq, Christian Peacemaker Teams, together with uncounted Iraqi families, laments the carnage that continues to echo from that moment.
Brethren Academy Program Receives Funding from Wieand Trust, Gift Funds New Education Opportunities at Bethany
A gift from the David J. and Mary Elizabeth Wieand Trust is helping to start a new “Sustaining Ministerial Excellence: Advanced Seminar” at the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. In related news, Bethany Seminary announces that two new educational initiatives will be supported by a major gift from the estate of Mary Elizabeth Wertz Wieand. This gift comes through the David J. and Mary Elizabeth Wieand Trust, established by a family whose roots go back to the founding of the seminary.
On Earth Peace Board and Staff Participate in Anti-Racism Training
During their spring 2013 meeting, the On Earth Peace board of directors and staff participated in an anti-racism training–the agency’s next step in a commitment to address issues of racism within and outside of the organization.
Bus Trips from Several States Will Help Participants Get to NOAC
People in several states will have the opportunity to ride a bus to National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) this year. Round-trip bus transportation to NOAC from Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, as well as Western Plains District, has been confirmed.
Board Sees New Congregational Survey Tool, Names At-Large Member, Among Other Business
Mission and Ministry Board members got a glimpse of a new congregational survey that will be part of the Vital Ministry Journey for churches and districts, named a new at-large member pending affirmation at Annual Conference, reviewed financial reports from 2012, and made a small change to the 2013 budget among other business at the spring meeting.
Newsline Special: Church Board Recognizes Spanish Brethren, Issues Resolution Against Drone Warfare
Mission and Ministry Board spring meeting: 1) Church of the Brethren in Spain receives recognition from denominational board. 2) Brethren board issues resolution against drone warfare. 3) Response on equitable board representation will go to Annual Conference. 4) Board sees new congregational survey tool, names at-large member, among other business. 5) BMC representatives and MMB executive committee discuss concerns.
BMC Representatives and MMB Executive Committee Discuss Concerns
Representatives of the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests (BMC) and the executive committee of the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board (MMB) met for about four hours on Monday, Feb. 4, at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The purpose of the gathering was to begin dialogue about past difficulties in working together.