Two Church of the Brethren organizations–the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and On Earth Peace–are among Christian organizations worldwide calling for peace and a cease-fire between Israel and Gaza. The World Council of Churches (WCC) and Church World Service (CWS) have been among those issuing statements on the Gaza crisis in recent days. The Church of the
New Church Development Advisory Committee Meets, Visions
(Jan. 6, 2009) — In Dec. 2008 the Church of the Brethren’s New Church Development Committee enjoyed the warm hospitality of Papago Buttes Church of the Brethren in Scottsdale, Ariz., as the group met for prayer, visioning, dreaming, and planning for church planting in the United States. The meeting explored ways to foster a movement
Child Protection Resource Is Made Available Through Districts
(Jan. 5, 2009) — A resource for churches on child protection has been made available to the Church of the Brethren districts by the denomination’s Caring Ministries. In its interim report on child abuse prevention, made at the 2008 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, the program had pledged to identify resources to assist churches
Newsline for December 31, 2008
Newsline — December 31, 2008 “Celebrating the Church of the Brethren’s 300th Anniversary in 2008” “You prepare a table before me…” (Psalm 23:5a). NEWS 1) Brethren funds offer replenishment grants for local hunger ministries. 2) Church of the Brethren plans major disaster recovery project in Haiti. 3) Grants are given for Pakistan, the Congo, Thailand.
Newsline Extra for December 29, 2008
Newsline Extra: Remembrances Dec. 29, 2008 “…Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8b). 1) Remembrance: Philip W. Rieman and Louise Baldwin Rieman. Philip Wayne Rieman (64) and Louise Ann Baldwin Rieman (63), co-pastors of Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis, Ind., were killed in a car accident on
Charges Brought Against Woman in BVS Fall Orientation Unit
Criminal charges have been brought against a young woman for an incident that took place while she was in the fall orientation unit of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) in Baltimore, Md. Charges of first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death have been brought against Melanie Blevins of Westminster, Md., who is a member of
Newsline for December 17, 2008
Newsline December 17, 2008: Celebrating the Church of the Brethren’s 300th Anniversary in 2008 “The earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it” (Psalm 24:1). NEWS 1) Church of the Brethren leaders address WCC’s US Conference. 2) Church of the Brethren issues update on Sudan mission. 3) Grants support disaster relief in Asia,
Mateo Begins Work with Community Development Program in DR
(Dec. 16, 2008) — ¡Bendecido! The newly-appointed director of the Church of the Brethren’s Community Development Program in the Dominican Republic, Felix Arias Mateo, always answers his phone with the greeting, “Bendecido!” which in Spanish means “Blessed!” This greeting, replacing the traditional “Hola!” expresses well his attitude towards life. As 1 Peter 1:3-7 articulates, we
Thousands Gather at Ft. Benning to Oppose the School of the Americas
(Dec. 10, 2008) — This year’s gathering at the gates of Fort Benning, Ga., marked the 19th year that activists came together to voice opposition to the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC), formerly known as the School of the Americas. Graduates of WHINSEC have been linked to human rights abuses and atrocities in
Church of the Brethren Leaders Address World Council of Churches US Conference
(Dec. 8, 2008) — “Making Peace: Claiming God’s Promise” was the banner under which the US Conference for the World Council of Churches (WCC) gathered in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 2-4 for its annual meeting. The meeting engaged in conversations about topics ranging from racial reconciliation to care for creation. One focus was creating a