A disaster relief response to the volcanic eruption that has affected the area around the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and around the city of Gisenyi, Rwanda, is planned by Brethren Disaster Ministries. Brethren church members and congregations have been affected in both the DRC and Rwanda, with damage to homes and church buildings reported. Continuing damage is occurring from the earthquakes that followed on the volcanic explosion that took place May 22.
NEWS
1) Brethren Volunteer Service reaffirms statement on racism
2) Church members are invited to sign up to pray for Annual Conference 2021
3) Global Food Initiative grants go to projects in Nigeria, Ecuador, Uganda, US
4) Material Resources program seeks more donations of disaster relief kits
5) Bethany Seminary receives Lilly Endowment planning grant to bolster antiracism initiatives
PERSONNEL
6) Norman and Carol Spicher Waggy conclude interim assignment in Global Mission
7) David Shetler to retire from leadership of Southern Ohio and Kentucky District
RESOURCES
8) Shine offers new Sunday school curriculum resources
UPCOMING EVENTS
9) ‘Thinking Theologically with Our Hands’ webinar to take place June 13
10) Song and Story Fest 2021 to be in-person at Camp Blue Diamond
FEATURE
11) Paul’s prayer for the ‘Big Meeting’
12) Brethren bits: Correction, remembering Mary Catherine Dowery and Bernice (Brandt) Pence, prayer concerns from Nigeria and India, music groups rehearse at the General Offices, Tennessee’s oldest Church of the Brethren is reopening, the Annual Conference mug, and more
In this issue: correction, remembering Mary Catherine Dowery and Bernice Maurine (Brandt) Pence, prayer concerns from Nigeria and India, music groups rehearse at the General Offices, Tennessee’s oldest Church of the Brethren is reopening, the Annual Conference mug, and more news by, for, and about Brethren.
“We’re taking the leap and getting back together, in person at Camp Blue Diamond in beautiful central Pennsylvania! Won’t you join us!? We’ve got a great group of leaders coming and are looking to see you, too!” said an invitation to this year’s Song and Story Fest annual family camp–the event’s 25th.
“Thinking Theologically with Our Hands,” a virtual webinar featuring MaryAnn McKibben Dana, will be presented by the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministries on June 13 from 5-6 p.m. (Eastern time). Registration is free, and ministers may earn .01 continuing education units through the Brethren Academy for $10.
“You told us that you’d like a choice, so we’re offering both print and digital teaching resources this fall,” said an announcement from Brethren Press and the Shine curriculum produced jointly with MennoMedia.
David Shetler has announced his retirement as executive minister of the Church of the Brethren’s Southern Ohio and Kentucky District, as of Dec. 31. He has served in leadership of the district for 11 years, since Jan. 1, 2011.
Norman and Carol Spicher Waggy have concluded an interim assignment as directors of Global Mission for the Church of the Brethren, as of May 14. They served in the position on a part-time basis starting March 2, 2020.
The Church of the Brethren’s Material Resources director Loretta Wolf has issued a plea for more donations of Church World Service (CWS) disaster relief kits. The Material Resources staff process, warehouse, and ship disaster relief materials and other goods working out of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
The Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Initiative (GFI) has announced grants to support agriculture and food security projects in four countries including a soybean project in Nigeria, a food crops project in Ecuador, a maize mill project in Uganda, and two community gardens in the US.
