Jennifer (Jen) Houser has resigned as director of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA) at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. She concluded her work on Sept. 20, after serving two years in the position.
Church of the Brethren
A “Baker’s Dozen” Climate Actions
A baker’s dozen climate actions to aid the environment and help care for God’s creation and the earth that sustains us.
The Holy Spirit is the first firefly
This year I caught a glimpse of the first firefly next to a pile of refuse near our back gate, blinking beautifully and hopefully in an abandoned place. When we celebrate Pentecost we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. The disciples gathered in prayer, hidden in a room, in fear. While there may have been hope and expectation, it was likely tentative. I imagine it felt like an abandoned place. Into that place of fear and disorientation came a blinking light. A flicker of flames amidst a rush of wind.
Brethren bits for Sept. 15, 2023
In this issue: Remembering Barbara Ober, job openings, CDS seeks volunteers, personnel notes, new webcasts and podcasts, Brethren individuals in the news, and numerous church anniversaries among other news from congregations, districts, colleges, and universities.
FaithX concludes 2023 trips, announces new trips for adults and older adults in 2024
This summer, nearly 175 participants ranging in age from 12 to 68 joined a FaithX service trip to explore a new place, live in community, grow in Christian discipleship, and act as the hands and feet of Christ in the world.
Standing with People of Color Committee offers facilitator training for upcoming conversations
“7 Prompts” facilitator training is now being offered as part of the process leading to church-wide conversations around the themes of standing with people of color and working for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. The committee invites the entire denomination to participate in conversations
Burundi church celebrates the 315th anniversary of the Brethren movement
On Aug. 9-13 the young Church of the Brethren denomination in Burundi, in East Africa, celebrated the 315th anniversary of the Brethren movement that began with baptisms in the Eder River in Schwarzenau, Germany, in 1708.
More abductees gain their freedom in northeast Nigeria
Talatu Ali has been reunited with her family, along with three of the four children she gave birth to during her 10 years of captivity. She was rescued by the Nigerian military, from the Gavva area of Gwoza Local Government, Borno State, during an operation in which 21 people were rescued including women and children who were mostly trapped in the area by Boko Haram.
‘Leadership in Turbulent Times’ is topic of next book study for pastors
The Church of the Brethren’s Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church Program has announced the next online book discussion led by “circuit rider” John Fillmore. The conversation will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 3, centered on Gil Rendle’s book Quietly Courageous: Leading the Church in a Changing World.
Fall Ventures series kicks off Sept. 18 with course on supporting those with mental illness
The Ventures in Christian Discipleship program at McPherson (Kan.) College begins its 2023-2024 season with a two-part course on “Supporting Those with Mental Illness in Your Congregation and Community” presented by Intersect director David Eckert and held online on Sept. 18 and 25 at 6 to 8 p.m. (central time).
