The Europe program of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) welcomed many new BVS volunteers this year, 2011–16 in all, “which is more than we’ve seen since 2004,” reports coordinator Kristin Flory in a recent newsletter. Flory works out of an office in Geneva, Switzerland.
Brethren Volunteer Service
Peace Meditation: Reflections from a BVS Volunteer in Europe
Brethren Volunteer (BVS) worker Susan Pracht has completed a term of service with Church and Peace in Laufdorf, Germany–the first BVSer to serve there since the late 1980s. Church and Peace is an ecumenical organization of more than 110 corporate and individual members from all over Europe. Before departing Europe, Pracht posted this meditation on Facebook.
Newsline for Nov. 2, 2011
News items include: 1) Assisi event calls for peace as a human right. 2) Brethren faculty report on conference at N. Korean university. 3) BBT goes green’ with e-mail publications, simplifies e-mail addresses. 4) Global Food Crisis Fund showcases projects for holiday giving. 5) Brethren Volunteer Service unit begins its work. 6) BBT co-sponsors financial and benefits seminar for congregations. 7) New Bible studies, Yearbook available from Brethren Press. 8) Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, college news, more.
Newsline for Oct. 5, 2011
Annual Conference officers provide theme, prayer calendar for 2012. Nigerian Brethren make progress on interfaith peace work. J. Colleen Michael to lead Oregon Washington District. Family Life Ministry highlights October observances. Junior High Sunday to be celebrated November 6. ‘Witness of Hebrew Bible’ event is offered by SVMC. Children’s Disaster Services announces upcoming workshops. Feature: Helping turn helplessness into hope. Brethren bits: Corrections, remembrance, personnel, anniversaries, more.
Newsline for Sept. 21, 2011
This week’s issue includes news of the International Day of Prayer for Peace bringing communities together, a Peace Prayer Wall posted by the World Council of Churches, a presentation by a WCC leader on peace and justice, upcoming events including preachers for the 2012 Annual Conference and the next Brethren webinar, order info for the Advent Devotional from Brethren Press, a report from the Brethren representative to the UN, and more “Brethren bits.”
BVS Summer Orientation Unit 293 Begins Service
The BVS Summer Orientation Unit 293 met at the New Windsor Service Center from June 12 to July 1, completing their training and eagerly anticipating their next exciting and rewarding BVS adventure. The eleven participants have been assigned to their posts in Europe, Japan, and various locations in the United States.
Newsline for June 30, 2011
News stories: 1) Conference business addresses issues related to sexuality, church ethics, climate change, decorum. 2) Ministries of reconciliation and listening will offer assistance at Annual Conference. 3) Church leader signs on to letters about Afghanistan, Medicaid budget. 4) Group is encouraging local CPS anniversary celebrations. 5) Disaster fund gives $30,000 to start Pulaski Country rebuilding project. 6) Hiroshima monument is dedicated to founder of friendship center. 7) Joan Daggett resigns from Shenandoah District leadership. 8) Jorge Rivera ends service as associate executive for Puerto Rico. 9) Pérez-Borges to serve as associate executive in Atlantic Southeast District. 10) BBT calls John McGough to serve as CFO. 11) Brethren bits: Personnel, job openings, college news, more.
Americorps Education Awards Cut off to Faith-Based Volunteer Network
After 15 years of participation in the AmeriCorps education award program, Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) has learned that its access to the program has been cut off. Federal budget cuts mean the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is not funding such grants to the volunteer networking organization of which BVS is a member, for the 2011-2012 term.
Newsline Extra for March 18, 2011
“The Lord of hosts is with us” (Psalm 46:11a). Church provides grant for disaster relief in Japan; Brethren Disaster Ministries, BVS receive reports from partner organizations Location of the devastation in Japan. Map provided by FEMA An initial grant of $25,000 from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund is being given in support of disaster relief work
BVS Unit 292 Completes Orientation, Begins Service
BVS Unit 292 worked at a Habitat for Humanity site as part of their orientation and training. Photo by Sue Myers. The volunteers who completed orientation in Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Unit 292 have begun work at their new projects. Following are the volunteers’ names, congregations or home towns, and BVS placements: Rebekah Blazer of Garden