Stories include 1) Children’s Disaster Services aids families displaced by Isaac. 2) Workcamp coordinators wrap up their service, review the summer. 3) Reorganized BBT Board focuses on committee work and investments. 4) Bethany Seminary hosts annual Exploring Your Call event. 5) Brethren couple go to Israel and Palestine as accompaniers. 6) Beach retires from leadership of Atlantic Southeast District. 7) Hipps to begin as denomination’s director of Donor Relations. 8) Communities around the globe invited to ‘Pray for Ceasefire’ Sept. 21. 9) Dunker Church Service at Antietam National Battlefield set for Sept. 16. 10) Workcamp ministry announces theme for 2013, new coordinators. 11) Top 10 favorite hymns from ‘Hymnal: A Worship Book.’ 12) Brethren bits.
Brethren Bits for Sept. 6, 2012
This issue of Brethren reviews recent Annual Conference-related meetings, the new resources for the Global Mission Offering in October, upcoming events at various congregations, districts, camps, and colleges, more.
Hipps to Begin as Denomination’s Director of Donor Relations
John R. Hipps begins Sept. 24 as director of Donor Relations for the Church of the Brethren. He is a member of Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren and brings a broad range of knowledge and expertise in fundraising to the position, having helped carry out a $40 million fundraising campaign at Bridgewater College.
Workcamp Coordinators Wrap Up Their Service, Review the Summer
The Church of the Brethren’s Workcamp Office is simultaneously wrapping up the summer and gearing up for next summer’s events. There were 23 workcamps held this summer: 7 for junior high youth, 13 for senior highs, 1 for young adults, and 2 for intergenerational groups. Attending those camps were approximately 500 people–over 100 advisors and adult participants as well as over 350 youth and young adult participants. At each camp there were also two leaders provided by the Workcamp Office. Out of those leaders, about 33 were volunteers.
Workcamp Ministry Announces Theme for 2013, New Coordinators
The Workcamp Ministry has announced a theme and released a logo for the 2013 workcamps to be held next summer. For 2013, the ministry has announced the theme “Deeply Rooted.”
Communities Around the Globe Invited to ‘Pray for Ceasefire’ Sept. 21
Sept. 21 is the International Day of Prayer for Peace–and it’s not too late to participate! On Earth Peace is inviting all churches and community groups to use this day to lift up a message of peace and ceasefire in whatever ways make sense in your community, including shortly before or after the 21st itself. Register at http://prayingforceasefire.tumblr.com/signup .
Top 10 Favorite Hymns from ‘Hymnal: A Worship Book.’
At Annual Conference in July, Brethren Press sponsored a hymn sing celebrating the 20th anniversary of “Hymnal: A Worship Book.” Nancy Faus-Mullen, who chaired the committee that put together the hymnal on behalf of Brethren Press and the Mennonite publishing house, led the event. In preparation, she and a team that included Haley Goodwin and Douglas Archer surveyed a number of Brethren to find out what hymns from the 1992 hymnal are most loved by those who sing from it in worship.
Brethren Couple Go to Israel and Palestine as Accompaniers
Church of the Brethren members Joyce and John Cassel of Oak Park, Ill., have begun work in Palestine and Israel with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program of the World Council of Churches (WCC). They departed Sept. 1 for a three month tour of duty, from September through November this year.
Beach Retires from Leadership of Atlantic Southeast District
Martha R. Beach has announced her plans to retire as executive minister of Atlantic Southeast District, effective Jan. 1, 2013. She began her ministry as district executive on March 20, 2000.
Dunker Church Service at Antietam National Battlefield Set for September 16
The 42nd Annual Dunker Church Service at Antietam National Battlefield Park is planned for Sept. 16. The worship service will begin at 3 p.m. at the historic Civil War site in Sharpsburg, Md., sponsored by Church of the Brethren congregations in Maryland and West Virginia.