Three people have been named as consultants for various ministry areas of the Church of the Brethren, in an announcement from the human resources department. Donald R. Booz will serve as a consultant to the Office of Ministry; Dana Cassell will continue as contract staff for Ministry Formation; and Jennifer Hosler has been contracted to work on a writing project for Congregational Life Ministries.
Congregational Life Ministries
Getting the Best Value for Your Medicare Part D Dollars
Did you know that you might be paying more for your medications than you need to if you have Medicare Part D coverage for your prescription drugs? The Medicare website offers tools to help you choose the best plan for your medication needs during open enrollment, now through Dec. 7. By entering your medications, you can see the annual cost for all the plans in your area. You may be surprised by what you find.
Ventures in Christian Discipleship Training Events Offered Through McPherson College
McPherson (Kan.) College is offering a series of courses and webinars for the purpose of training and supporting small congregations, under the title “Ventures in Christian Discipleship.” Campus minister Steve Crain and Ken and Elsie Holderread from Western Plains District are co-coordinators for the series.
‘Pioneering’ Is the Subject of a Three-Webinar Series
Congregational Life Ministries is offering three new webinars on the topic of church pioneering. The webcast presenters are leaders from the Anabaptist Network in the United Kingdom, an organization that models dynamic ministry strategies and creative processes for new church development. The three webinars are hosted by the Church of the Brethren and organized together with Urban Expression, Bristol Baptist, and BMS World Mission.
New Resources Include Calendar to Learn Philippians, Domestic Violence Awareness, Children’s Sabbaths, More
October offers congregations the opportunity to participate in two national observances promoting the welfare of families and children: Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Children’s Sabbaths Celebration. A calendar for learning the book of Philippians by heart also begins in October, offered by the Annual Conference moderator as a focus for Bible study in preparation for the 2014 annual meeting.
Webinar Series to Give Information About Brethren Ministries for Young People
New “non-event” resources from the Youth and Young Adult Ministry this year are a series of webinars by denominational staff whose ministries relate to youth and young adults. These staff have teamed up to provide informational and educational webinars geared toward those who work with Church of the Brethren youth and young adults as advisors, pastors, or parents.
‘Prodigal Christianity’ Author to Speak at General Offices, Bethany, N. Ohio District
The Church of the Brethren is hosting David Fitch on a speaking tour Oct. 21-23. Workshops and lectures take place at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.; Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind.; and the Northern Ohio District Office in Ashland, Ohio. An additional event takes place at Ashland Theological Seminary.
Round up Report from National Older Adult Conference 2013
National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) 2013 concluded last Friday, Sept. 6, after a week of world class speakers, concerts, dramas, and shows, envigorating worship, and energizing opportunities for recreation and fellowship. Held at Lake Junaluska in North Carolina, the conference was attended by some 800 people, and organized by the denomination’s Older Adult Ministry and Congregational Life Ministries.
Youth Conference Coordinators to Hold ‘NYC Hangouts’ in September
An itinerary of “NYC Hangouts” is planned by National Youth Conference (NYC) coordinators Katie Cummings, Tim Heishman, and Sarah Neher. The Church of the Brethren NYC 2014 is planned for July 19-24 on the campus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., as a week-long “faith formation extravaganza” for youth and adult advisors. The September “NYC Hangouts” are information sessions, complete with pizza, to which youth and advisors are invited.
Shari McCabe to Retire, Carol A. Davis to Lead Fellowship of Brethren Homes
Fellowship of Brethren Homes has named Carol A. Davis to succeed Shari McCabe as executive director of the fellowship. McCabe has spent five years as executive director of the Fellowship. Davis is retired from years of service at the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio, and Pinecrest Community in Mount Morris, Ill. After a brief respite following her retirement, she is choosing to serve once again in this leadership position.