June 2. 9 a.m. Lisa, five years old, walked through the maze of cots in the Joplin Red Cross Shelter with her mother to the Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) child care center. Lisa’s family lost everything in the Joplin tornado, and had been living in the shelter more than a week.
Brethren Disaster Ministries
Children’s Disaster Services Announces Upcoming Workshops
Children’s Disaster Services ( www.brethren.org/cds ), a Church of the Brethren program serving children and families affected by disasters, has announced three workshops this fall. Each offers basic training for volunteers who are interested in working with the program.
Brethren Affected by Flooding in Pennsylvania
Brethren Disaster Ministries staff have been in communication with Brethren districts and churches in Pennsylvania, following the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Lee. The BDM office is urging individuals who are affected to apply for FEMA assistance in the Pennsylvania counties where they are eligible.
Newsline Special: Update on Church Responses to Disasters, Hunger
A report on Church of the Brethren responses to recent disasters in the northeast, including Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, along with a new hunger effort, and more.
Newsline – September 9, 2011
Church of the Brethren Ministries responds to Hurricane Irene; Youth and Young Adult steering committee announced; International Day of Prayer; Bridgewater College Summit to explore future of economy and education in U.S.; personnel news; ConocoPhillips commits to indigenous peoples’ rights with support from BBT; Remembering and renewing the work for peace in Hiroshima; upcoming events; and more.
Newsline for August 25, 2011
Newsline for August 25, 2011: Stories include 1. Sept. 11 resources available. 2. New Church of the Brethren staff structure announced. 3. BBT continues to maintain investment-grade holdings. 4. Brethren Disaster Ministries reports on East Coast earthquake. 5. Minister’s Association Officers annual fall retreat held. 6. Pension director called to serve as BBT’s chief operating and compliance officer. 7. National Older Adult Conference begins Labor Day. 8. International Day of Prayer for Peace. 9. Back to school with the Deacon Ministry.
Church World Service Celebrates 65th Anniversary
“You have reached 65 years, but please don’t retire!” With those words, Vincent Cochetel, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees regional representative for the United States and the Caribbean, joined those wishing Church World Service a fond birthday as the global humanitarian agency marked its 65th anniversary and its long service and dedication to refugee protection.
East Africa Gripped by Drought and Famine
Thousands of Somalis are feared dead as famine grips the eastern Horn of Africa in the worst drought since 1950. A poor rainy season again this year means that the October harvest will not yield enough food. Crop failures will put 11 million people, mostly in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya, at risk of malnutrition. “This is an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that deserves the attention and support of the world,” said Zach Wolgemuth, associate director for Brethren Disaster Ministries.
Newsline for June 16, 2011
The June 16 issue of Newsline features the following stories: 1. Conference officers review how Special Response decisions will be made. 2. Annual Conference bits and pieces. 3. Haitian church celebrates 100th home. 4 CDS volunteers go to Springfield, complete Joplin response. 5. Carol Bowman resigns as coordinator of stewardship formation. 6. New webinar focuses on importance of emotional intelligence. 7. Denominational Deacon Trainings continue in 2011. 8. Brethren bits: Corrections, remembrance, personnel, BVS on Today Show, and more.
CDS Volunteers Go to Springfield, Complete Joplin Response
A new response site for Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) is Springfield, Mass., which was hit by a tornado on June 2. A team of five CDS volunteers began work there late last week in response to a call from the American Red Cross. Meanwhile, CDS volunteers are completing a project to care for children of families living in shelters in Joplin, Mo.