From the Workcamp Ministry It is with a heavy heart that we are writing to announce the decision to cancel all workcamps this summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In cancelling workcamps, we are choosing to prioritize health and safety and protect workcamp participants, local communities, and service site partners from unnecessary risk. Please know
By Hannah Shultz The Workcamp Ministry of the Church of the Brethren has made the decision to postpone the Rwanda workcamp until May 2021. This decision was made based on current coronavirus trends, recommendations from the CDC, and travel advisories from the State Department that suggest that international travel will not be safe in the
By Emily Tyler Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) has been working with its project partners and volunteers around the world to encourage caution and safety during this COVID-19 crisis. Its mid-year retreat for domestic volunteers that was scheduled for March 23-27 has been cancelled and, instead, volunteers will gather virtually for a day of retreat activities
The Church of the Brethren staff planning events this spring and summer do not intend to make any cancellations because of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). However, they are assessing risks and monitoring information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other health authorities to plan ahead for eventualities and circumstances beyond their control. Brethren
—Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) director Emily Tyler has expressed shock and heartbreak over recent news about Jean Vanier, founder of the L’Arche network of more than 154 communities in 38 countries where people with intellectual disabilities and those without intellectual disabilities live together in community. In a statement from L’Arche International, an inquiry that began in
In this issue: Remembering the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, personnel and job openings, registration is open for this summer’s workcamps, CDS training workshops, SVMC continuing education opportunities, a report from the 65th general assembly of TEKAN in Nigeria, MLK Day Celebration at Bridgewater College and the town of Bridgewater, the 2020 Ecumenical Advocacy Days, new Bible app for Week of Prayer, and more news by, for, and about Brethren.
— Remembrance: Samuel H. Flora Jr., 95, a former district executive in the Church of the Brethren and a former member of the denominational board, died Nov. 18 in Bridgewater, Va. He was born on Dec. 11, 1923, in Snow Creek, Va., son of the late Samuel H. Sr. and Annie Leah (Eller) Flora. He was a
By Hannah Shultz For the first time, Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) is offering spring break service trips for college students. Join BVS in Boston either the first or second week of March 2020 for the opportunity to serve with organizations that are working to end hunger and provide essential resources to the Boston community. Dates
Kristin Flory will retire at the end of 2019 as Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) staff at the Brethren Service Europe office in Geneva, Switzerland. The office is being closed. In the new year, the Europe program of BVS will shift to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Flory has served in the position for
The Brethren Service Europe office of the Church of the Brethren will be closed at the end of 2019. It is hosted at the World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Center in Geneva, Switzerland, the city where it has been located since 1947. Currently the work of the office centers on placement and supervision of Brethren
