“Let Your Light Shine” is the theme for the Church of the Brethren’s 2013 Service Sunday. The theme comes from Matthew 5:14-16, which closes, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to God in heaven.”
Church of the Brethren Joins in Religious Coalition Working to End Gun Violence
The Church of the Brethren has been collaborating with a coalition of over 40 religious groups as a part of Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence, alliance of religious groups that bases its work in the belief that, “Gun violence is taking an unacceptable toll on our society, in mass killings and in the constant day-to-day of senseless death. While we continue to pray for the families and friends of those who have perished, we must also support our prayers with action” (www.faithsagainstgunviolence.org ).
Nigerian Brethren Headquarters Hosts Girl’s Brigade Training
The Girl’s Brigade of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN–the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) held a one-week training at the church’s headquarters in Kwarhi in northeastern Nigerian aimed to equip young leaders with responsibilities of nurturing the upcoming girls. The Girl’s Brigade could be likened to the Girl Scouts.
Applicants Sought for Ministry Summer Service, Youth Peace Travel Team
The denomination’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry is seeking applicants for Ministry Summer Service and the 2013 Youth Peace Travel Team. Registration for both of these summer programs closes on Friday, Jan. 11.
Brethren Bits for Jan. 10, 2013
Brethren bits for Jan. 10, 2013, features an ecumenical job opening, Lent devotions from Bethany faculty, new church development webcast to come, and more.
IRA Charitable Rollover Extension Continues in 2013
The IRA charitable rollover has been extended through the end of 2013. The IRA charitable rollover has proven a popular way for donors to support their favorite causes. It enables donors to make a gift to charity from their IRA and not include the distributed amount in their taxable income.
Litany of Commitment: A Worship Resource on Gun Violence Using the Words of Martin Luther King Jr.
This Litany of Commitment includes words of Martin Luther King Jr., from a speech to Clergy and Laity Against the Vietnam War, delivered less than a month before his death. Written by pastor Dolores McCabe and Susan Windle, it was first published in the Heeding God’s Call newsletter before the most recent school shooting at Newtown, Conn. Newsline shares it here as a resource for celebrations of Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 21.
‘Strengthening Your Small Congregation’ to Be Held in Mid-April at Camp Mack
“Strengthening Your Small Congregation” is the title of a day-long event planned for Saturday, April 13, from 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m. at Camp Alexander Mack in Milford, Ind. The gathering will be devoted to encouraging and equipping pastors and lay leaders of small congregations. Keynote leadership will be provided by Margaret Marcuson.
Newsline for Jan. 10, 2013
1) Special provisions make IRA Charitable Rollover extension more complex. 2) Applicants sought for Ministry Summer Service, Youth Peace Travel Team. 3) Kettering begins as coordinator of Intercultural Ministries. 4) Coordinators are named for National Youth Conference 2014. 5) ‘Strengthening Your Small Congregation’ to be held in mid-April at Camp Mack. 6) Clergy tax seminar is Feb. 11, both online and at seminary campus. 7) Bridgewater College to host conference on substance abuse prevention. 8) At home in beloved community.
9) Litany of Commitment: A worship resource on gun violence using the words of Martin Luther King Jr. 10) Brethren bits.
Kettering Begins as Coordinator of Intercultural Ministries
Gimbiya Kettering began Jan. 7 in a part-time position as coordinator of Intercultural Ministries for the Church of the Brethren. Her position is within the staff of Congregational Life Ministries.