A 2012 budget for the denominational ministries was the top business item at the spring meeting of the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board. Chair Ben Barlow led the March 9-12 meeting, at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Also on the agenda were an allocation from the Global Food Crisis Fund, the Ministerial Leadership paper, an appointment to the Brethren Historical Committee, and a number of items presented for conversation including financial policies related to self-funding ministries, the proposed denominational Vision Statement, an emerging effort of Congregational Life Ministries called “Vital Ministry Journey,” and the Ecumenical Call to Just Peace.
Boshart to Manage Global Food Crisis Fund, Emerging Global Mission Fund
Jeff Boshart started March 15, 2012, as manager of the Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) and Emerging Global Mission Fund (EGMF). This new position located at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., combines management of the two funds.
Release from the Mission and Ministry Board: Executive Session Report
A release provided by the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board, reporting on an executive (closed) session held during the board’s Spring meeting.
New Phone System Is Installed at Church of the Brethren Offices
A new telephone system has been installed for the Church of the Brethren at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The new VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) system is expected to save the church thousands of dollars and is a significant upgrade of telephone service. Installation took place March 12.
New Unit of BVS Volunteers Begins Service
The Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Winter Orientation Unit 296 completed training from Jan. 29-Feb. 17 in Gotha, Fla. Following are the volunteers, their congregations or hometowns, and placement sites…
Brethren Bits for March 7, 2012
Today’s Brethren bits includes job openings with the Church of the Brethren, the NCC, and CPT; a preview of the agenda for the Mission and Ministry Board’s spring meeting; online offerings from “Basin and Towel”; registration deadlines for Brethren conferences; lots and lots of college news; and much more.
Tyler to Serve as Coordinator of Workcamps and Volunteer Recruitment
Emily Tyler will begin June 27 as coordinator of workcamps and volunteer recruitment for the Church of the Brethren. The job combines oversight and administration of the youth and young adult workcamps with recruitment of volunteers for Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS).
Brethren Give Grants for Tornado Outbreak, Syria; CDS Begins Care for Affected Children
The tornado outbreak that began on Feb. 28-29 and continued March 2-3 was one of the largest ever recorded in March, according to Brethren Disaster Ministries. The program has requested a preliminary grant from the denomination’s Emergency Disaster Fund in response to a plea from Church World Service (CWS) for funds for affected communities. Another EDF grant has been given to aid those affected by violence in Syria. Also, Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) is sending volunteers to Multi Agency Resource Centers in Moscow, Ohio, and Crittenden, Ken., and waiting for confirmation of another location in Missouri.
Annual Conference Ballot for 2012 Is Announced
The ballot has been announced for the 2012 Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren, to take place in St. Louis, Mo., on July 7-11. The Nominating Committee of the Standing Committee of district delegates developed a slate of candidates, and the Standing Committee then voted to create the ballot that will be presented to the delegate body in July.
Dominican Brethren Hold Annual Assembly
Iglesia de los Hermanos (Church of the Brethren) in the Dominican Republic held its 2012 Asamblea on Feb. 24-26. The annual assembly was “really positive,” said general secretary Stan Noffsinger, who attended along with Global Mission and Service executive Jay Wittmeyer and mission liaison Daniel d’Oleo. Also at the assembly were workcampers from Atlantic Northeast District led by Earl K. Ziegler, a long-time supporter of the DR church.