Chelsea Goss Skillen has been hired by the Church of the Brethren as director of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS). She is a graduate of Bridgewater (Va.) College with a bachelor of science degree in Liberal Studies, and of Regis University with a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. She will begin working from the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Oct. 24.
Church of the Brethren
Brethren Academy celebrates graduates during Annual Conference
The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership celebrated 17 graduates during the Bethany Seminary/Brethren Academy Luncheon held on July 12 at the 2022 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Omaha, Neb.
Mid-Atlantic District calls an interim executive minister team
The Church of the Brethren’s Mid-Atlantic District has called an interim district executive minister team of four people to care for the duties of the district executive minister role, beginning immediately.
Nigerian Brethren pastor’s family attacked, two children murdered
“The yet to be known gun men killed two of Rev. Daniel’s children, a 16-year-old daughter was kidnapped, and he was shot in the leg,” Musa wrote about the attack that took place on pastor Daniel Umaru and his family in early July. “The murdered children were aged 18 and 19. Their mother was rushed to hospital in a traumatic situation.”
Today in Omaha – July 14, 2022
A review of the final day of Annual Conference 2022
Today in Omaha – July 12 and 13, 2022
A review of business and events at Annual Conference in Omaha
Young adults visit Tri-Faith Initiative in Omaha
On Wednesday afternoon, a group of nine Brethren young adults carpooled to Tri-Faith, a spacious campus home to Temple Israel, Countryside Community Church, and American Muslim Institute. The three independent religious communities are all connected by a circular walkway known as Abraham’s Bridge, surrounded by native plants and near a community garden and orchard tended by all three groups. It’s the only place of its kind in the world.
Leadership Team proposal to update polity for Annual Conference agencies is adopted
The one unfinished business item coming to the 2022 Annual Conference was adopted on Wednesday, July 13. The item, “Update to Polity Regarding Annual Conference Agencies” (unfinished business 1) was brought by the denomination’s Leadership Team, which includes the Conference officers, the general secretary, a representative of the Council of District Executives, and the Conference director as ex-officio staff.
Chris Douglas and James Beckwith are honored for their years of service
Annual Conference celebrated the service of Chris Douglas, who retired as Conference director last year, and James Beckwith, who is completing 10 years as Conference secretary, with presentations during the Tuesday afternoon business session. A reception followed.
Conference adopts concerns of ‘Query: Standing with People of Color,’ sets in motion two-year study/action process
The delegate body on Tuesday, July 12, took action on “Query: Standing with People of Color” (new business item 2) from Southern Ohio and Kentucky District, which asks, “How can the Church of the Brethren stand with People of Color to offer sanctuary from violence and dismantle systems of oppression and racial inequity in our congregations, neighborhoods, and throughout the nation?”
