A new Brethren effort has been put together by denominational staff and districts to respond to needs of farmers and communities following a summer of extreme drought. The Church of the Brethren drought response will be carried out in two parts, a Farm Relief Initiative, and a Community Food Security and Nutrition Initiative.
Webinar Highlights Wonder and Imagination to Feed the Spirit
“The Wonder of It All: Using Wonder and Imagination to Feed the Spirit” is the title of a two-part webinar presented as a collaboration of the Church of the Brethren’s Congregational Life Ministries and the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. This free online event is intended for pastors and other interested church members, and no pre-registration is required.
Planning for 2013 Annual Conference Includes a Sunday of Renewal
Following is initial planning for the 2013 Annual Conference in Charlotte, N.C., on June 29-July 3. See below for information about the theme, leadership, location and facilities, fees, hotel costs, and a special day set aside for spiritual renewal. Additional information will be posted at www.brethren.org/ac as it becomes available.
Conference Director Excited About Charlotte 2013, Asks for Understanding on Hotel Costs
The city of Charlotte, N.C., will be a wonderful location for the 2013 Annual Conference, according to director Chris Douglas. In an interview last week at the denomination’s General Offices in Elgin, Ill., she commented on the site for the Church of the Brethren’s 227th recorded annual meeting.
Survey Gives Clues to Brethren Attitudes on Discipling Ministries
The Church of the Brethren took part in a survey by the Protestant Church-owned Publishers Association (PCPA) last spring when Brethren Press joined with 14 other publishing houses to compare how congregations are encouraging discipleship and spiritual formation.
On Earth Peace Board of Directors Holds Fall Meeting
At its fall meeting, the On Earth Peace board of directors discussed plans for an upcoming elimination of racism training and audit–the next step of a commitment by the board and staff to address issues of racism both within and outside of the organization.
Brethren Village Announces John N. Snader as President and CEO
he Board of Directors of Brethren Village retirement community in Lancaster, Pa., announce the appointment of John N. Snader as the community’s new president, effective Nov. 19. He succeeds Gary N. Clouser, who is retiring after having served as president since 1977. In another appointment, David Rayha, NHA, will join Brethren Village on Oct. 17 as vice president of Health Services.
Newsline Special: Request for Prayer for College Communities
The Church of the Brethren requests prayer for college communities in Kansas and Virginia following three separate and unrelated tragedies: McPherson (Kan.) College and Bridgewater (Va.) College, both Church of the Brethren-related schools, and Tabor College in central Kansas, which is related to the Mennonite Brethren denomination. “Hold our colleges in prayer as they deal with the loss of life and tragedy,” requested Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger.
James Skelly Named Interim Director of Baker Institute at Juniata College
James Skelly, a longtime senior fellow at Juniata College’s Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, has been named interim director of the institute for a two-year period, effective immediately. Juniata College is a Church of the Brethren-related school in Huntingdon, Pa.
Program, Presenters Announced for Next Older Adult Conference
Major presenters for the 2013 National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) have been confirmed. The conference theme, “Healing Springs Forth” (Isaiah 58), will be explored throughout the week by keynote presenters, preachers, and the Bible study leader. NOAC is the Church of the Brethren conference for adults age 50 and older, to be held at Lake Junaluska (N.C.) Conference and Retreat Center on Sept. 2-6, 2013.