The Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC) has hired Audrey Hollenberg-Duffey as the new director, beginning May 1. Prior to May, Hollenberg-Duffey will be working with retiring executive director Donna M. Rhodes to provide a good transition.
Bethany Theological Seminary
Travel grants are available for ‘Ministering Across Cultures’
This Spring, as part of the series “Build Bridges Across Ideological Divides,” the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership is offering the course “Ministering Across Cultures: Building Bridges Through Intercultural Competencies.”
L.E.A.D. Conference gathers in Ephrata to learn to ‘Listen, Equip, Adapt, Disciple’
Keynote speaker Dennis R. Edwards of North Park Theological Seminary, and preachers Etienne Nsanzimana of the Church of the Brethren in Rwanda and Jeff Carter of Bethany Theological Seminary, led the main sessions at the first-ever L.E.A.D. Conference of the Church of the Brethren on Nov. 15-17.
Standing Committee meets by Zoom to adopt agency covenants
The Standing Committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference met via Zoom on the evening of Sept. 30 to consider and act on covenants with the three agencies of Annual Conference—Bethany Theological Seminary, Eder Financial, and On Earth Peace. Also acted on was a recommendation to Annual Conference to renew their agency status.
Strength for the Journey 2025: Three themes emerge
The 2025 Strength for the Journey cohorts focus on three themes: 1) Preaching, 2) Team Ministry, and 3) Pastoral Visitation and Chaplaincy. Strength for the Journey (SFTJ) provides resources for several ministry cohorts each year.
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?
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.
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.
Upcoming urban ministry course takes place in Atlanta
The upcoming urban ministry course offered by a partnership of Bethany Theological Seminary, the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, and the Church of the Brethren Discipleship and Leadership Formation department, is titled “A Place of Refuge: Ministry in the Urban Context.” It takes place on Jan. 7-15, 2025, in Atlanta, Ga.
Strength for the Journey: Applications are accepted for 2025 cohorts
Throughout 2024, four clergy cohorts have met for mutual encouragement, spiritual support, and conversation around topics of shared interest. Meeting via Zoom, these cohorts worship together, share resources, discuss familiar challenges, and help each other find strength for the journey of ministry.
