Bethany Theological Seminary will be holding its graduation ceremony on May 5, in Richmond, Ind., just one of several Church of the Brethren-related schools that have announced May commencement ceremonies.
Brethren Academy Updates Its List of Courses for 2012-13
The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership has updated its list of courses for 2012 and extending into 2013. Courses are open to Training in Ministry (TRIM) or Education for Shared Ministry (EFSM) students, pastors, and other interested persons. Ordained and licensed ministers earn continuing education credit for most courses. Courses noted as “SVMC” are offered through the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, register by contacting SVMC@etown.edu or 717-361-1450. Registration brochures are available at www.bethanyseminary.edu/academy or by calling 800-287-8822 ext. 1824.
MoR Works on New Network of Conflict Transformation Practitioners
MoR program coordinator Leslie Frye recently invited representatives from Mennonite Central Committee’s Office of Criminal Justice, the Kansas Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR), and Anabaptist conflict transformation practitioners with a range of ages, colors, and affiliations to join MoR practitioners in conversation regarding the potential of forming a sustainable network for the continuing work of reconciliation.
Department of Defense Contractor Lists Released by BBT, FedEx Moves Up
Honoring the Church of the Brethren’s historic peace stance can be accomplished in many ways, and Brethren Benefit Trust chooses to do so through its investments. BBT does this by compiling lists of publicly traded US Department of Defense contractors each year and prohibiting its investment managers from investing BBT funds in them.
Christian Citizenship Seminar Considers Our Relationship with Carbon
Fifty-two Church of the Brethren youth and adult advisors met for the 2012 Christian Citizenship Seminar (CCS) on April 14-19 in New York City and Washington, D.C. The theme focused on “Stepping Out: Our Relationship with Carbon.”
Moderator Makes Trip to Spain, Visits New Brethren Group
Annual Conference moderator Tim Harvey has provided the following report on the annual moderator’s international trip to visit mission points or to meet with international Brethren or ecumenical partners. This year the moderator’s international trip was to visit with an emerging Brethren group in Spain.
Business Items Are Announced for the 2012 Annual Conference
The business items to come to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in St. Louis, Mo., on July 7-11 are now available online. Also now available online are a series of brief delegate briefing videos featuring Annual Conference moderator Tim Harvey and secretary Fred Swartz. Find videos and links to business items at www.brethren.org/ac/2012-conference-business.html .
Conference Officers Invite Ministry of Reconciliation to Broader Role
For over 20 years, moderators of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference have invited the Ministry of Reconciliation (MoR) of On Earth Peace to provide observers during business sessions. This year the Annual Conference officers have invited MoR to expand its presence to include the entire Conference.
Brethren Bits for April 19, 2012
This issue of Newsline includes Brethren bits about new personnel and a job opening at Brethren retirement centers, the Spring meeting of the On Earth Peace board, calls for nominations for the Open Roof award, information about Youth Sunday May 6, Brazilian Brethren work in a favela (shanty town), and lots of anniversaries, and even more college news.
Video Documents Nigerian Brethren Experience of Violence, Peacemaking
A new video has been made about the experience of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN–the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) and its efforts at peacemaking in an environment of conflict and increasing violence.