threat in the US for 18 months now, is soon to be behind us, or taking a second run with vaccination challenges and variants that are harder for our systems to fight off. At Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT), when the pandemic began in March 2020, staff immediately kick started discussions on how to address the inevitable financial woes that would hit some of our members and clients hard–such as pastors and other employees of churches, districts, and camps.
The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference affirmed board-elected and constituency-elected directors and trustees for the denomination’s Mission and Ministry Board and the Conference agencies Bethany Theological Seminary, On Earth Peace, and Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). Also affirmed were district executive representatives to the denomination’s Leadership Team and the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee.
As an agency of a historic peace church that believes in nonviolence, Brethren Benefit Trust has long screened out investing the funds of Brethren Pension Plan members and its money management clients in weapons and weapons systems, firearms, and US Department of Defense contracts.
Continuing to affirm bold steps in the plan to position Brethren Benefit Trust for a strong future, the BBT board affirmed the five strategic goals that evolved throughout 2020 from conversations among board and staff members, with members and clients, and with denominational leadership.
When the pandemic hit the US in full force in March 2020, it quickly became apparent to some that financial pressures were impacting a group of pastors and church, district, and camp employees. Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) was one entity that quickly realized the need.
Children and families continue to face isolation, and challenges abound with the pandemic continuing. Mental health for all ages has been impacted on some level. As we approach the one‐year anniversary of “flattening the curve” to slow the virus down, some may be feeling like this will never end. So, how can we face this year with hope and a plan to keep our families moving in the right direction?
— Daniel Radcliff has been hired by Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) as client manager for the Brethren Foundation, as of Oct. 26. He graduated in 2016 from Judson University in Elgin, Ill., with a bachelor of arts degree in Business Management and Leadership. He brings over a dozen years of experience in the world of
In this issue: Remembering Art Myers, Brethren Disaster Ministries updates on Hurricane Isaias, Brethren Benefit Trust extends COVID-19 Emergency Grant as part of Church Worker’s Assistance Plan, Office of Ministry recommends webinar on “COVID-19 Mental and Spiritual Health of Children and Teens,” Columbia City Church participates in “Bells for John Lewis.”
By Jean Bednar, director of communications for Brethren Benefit Trust Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has released the 2020 Department of Defense lists that are used for screening investments under its management. All investments managed for members, clients, and donors follow Brethren Values Investing guidelines that are consistent with Church of the Brethren Annual Conference statements.
By Nevin Dulabaum, president of Brethren Benefit Trust In the 1989 movie, “Field of Dreams,” Doc Graham states, “You know, we just don’t recognize the most significant moments of our lives while they’re happening.” While that statement is poignant in the movie and is generally correct in everyday life, we obviously understand the magnitude of