The Church of the Brethren has ministries that seek to support youth and provide space for them to experience spiritual growth, become advocates for peace and justice, be in community with one another, and serve as the hands and feet of Jesus. Two of these ministries–FaithX and Youth and Young Adult Ministries–seek individuals who are interested in volunteering with youth and young adult programing for a year through Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS).
Brethren Volunteer Service
Brethren Volunteer Service Unit 336 completes orientation
Unit 336 of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) recently completed orientation and the volunteers have begun work at project sites across the United States and in Japan.
Walt Wiltschek resigns from part-time work for Brethren Volunteer Service
Walt Wiltschek has resigned his part-time position as office assistant for Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., as of Oct. 3.
FaithX concludes 2024 service trips
In 2024, a total of 183 youth and adults joined FaithX service trips and had the opportunity to engage in service, learn new skills, grow in faith, explore interesting places, live in community, and build friendships.
FaithX announces location and dates for 2025 older adult trip
FaithX invites older adults (age 55-plus) to join us back at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla., on March 2-7, 2025, for a time of volunteering, continued growth, and fellowship in community!
New unit of Brethren Volunteer Service begins work at project sites
The Summer 2024 unit of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS), Unit 335, has completed orientation and has been assigned to project sites across the United States and in Northern Ireland. The unit’s orientation took place July 28 to Aug. 5 at Camp Colorado in Sedalia, Colo. The volunteers, their congregations or home locations, and project sites
FaithX commissioning resources are available
The FaithX office has shared commissioning resources for the 2024 FaithX season. These resources are available to be used by congregations for the sending out of their FaithX participants.
Register by April 1 for FaithX service trip in partnership with Brethren Disaster Ministries
Dawson Springs, Ky., will be the location of the FaithX adult (age 18-plus) service trip in partnership with Brethren Disaster Ministries on July 28-Aug. 3, 2024. There is still time to sign up for this trip if you are interested! FaithX registration can be found at www.brethren.org/faithx and will close on April 1.
FaithX trip for older adults held at Camp Ithiel in February
Older adult FaithX participants had a wonderful week at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla., where they spent time together in service, fellowship, and worship. A variety of volunteer projects were completed under the guidance of camp director Mike Neff, including removal of invasive plants, trimming of overgrown forest, kitchen help, cleaning, window washing, and painting.
Remembering Don Murray
Don Murray (94), an actor, director, and producer, and a former Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) worker, died Feb. 2 at his home near Santa Barbara, Calif. He served in BVS from 1953 to 1955, during which time he joined the Church of the Brethren. Just a few years before he was nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actor in his film debut, 1956’s Bus Stop with Marilyn Monroe, Murray served in post-war Europe with BVS.