Church of the Brethren general secretary David Steele is extending care for Haitian migrants and the community of Springfield, Ohio, and is calling for a cessation of verbal and physical violence in this volatile period of time in our country. The statement follows in English, Haitian Creole, and French (translation into Spanish will be made available soon)
Bridgewater symposium explores perspectives on 21st century challenges for the Church of the Brethren
After comparing the decline in membership across what he called the “Ecumenical Church” (often referred to as the mainline Protestant churches) to the rise in membership and political influence of the evangelical church over the past century, David Hollinger asked what he thought was a more important question: Which has had a stronger influence in American society?
Standing Committee to meet by Zoom on evening of Sept. 30
The Standing Committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference is scheduled to meet on Monday, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m. (Eastern time) to follow up on some unfinished business including the agency covenants and the process by which Standing Committee will receive and handle concerns with Annual Conference agencies.
Donna Rhodes to retire from leadership of Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center
Donna Rhodes, executive director of the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC), has announced her retirement effective April 30, 2025. She has served SVMC since Oct. 1, 2001.
Fellowship of Brethren Homes holds 2024 forum
By David Lawrenz The Fellowship of Brethren Homes met for an annual forum at Bridgewater (Va.) Retirement Community on Aug. 14-16. The forum offers the opportunity for like-minded friends and colleagues from Church of the Brethren-affiliated senior living communities to gather for fellowship, education, and peer-to-peer sharing. Attending were representatives of Hillcrest in California; the
Brethren bits
In this issue: Remembering Dale Ott and Roma Jo (Mickey) Thompson, Material Resources shipment to Louisiana, a closing service for Myersville Church of the Brethren, a Multi-Cultural Jubilee Celebration in Pacific Southwest District, and more news by, for, and about Brethren.
Walt Wiltschek resigns from part-time work for Brethren Volunteer Service
Walt Wiltschek has resigned his part-time position as office assistant for Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., as of Oct. 3.
Dear church family: Nominating Committee seeks nominations for leadership positions in the Church of the Brethren
We all share in the nominating responsibility for the leaders of our church. The Nominating Committee has been in touch with every district in the denomination, but we seek your help as ambassadors to stir up the spirit of calling.
Letter of lament and blessing is sent to the former Church of the Brethren congregations in Puerto Rico
The 2024 Standing Committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference authorized and approved a “Letter of Lament and Blessing to the Puerto Rico Brethren” on July 2, 2024, during the group’s pre-Conference meeting. Below are the English and Spanish versions of this letter. The Spanish translation was mailed to the leadership of the former Church of the Brethren in Puerto Rico on July 30, 2024.
Learning by serving at Bethany
Just a couple of weeks into the fall semester, students in the Bethany BOLD program are already engaged in the Wayne County, Ind., community.
