Author and spiritual director Phileena Heuertz will lead a webinar on “Prayer and Service” sponsored by the Church of the Brethren Congregational Life Ministries on Thursday, Sept. 12, at 8 p.m. (Eastern time).
Congregational Life Ministries
Southern Ohio District Launches Vital Ministry Journey
Seventy-five people representing 23 congregations attended Southern Ohio District’s launch event of Vital Ministry Journey (VMJ) on Saturday, Aug. 10.
NOAC to Feature a Great Line up of Speakers, Events for Older Adults
There is still time to register for National Older Adult Conference (NOAC). If you are age 50 or older, plan on joining others from across the Church of the Brethren denomination at beautiful Lake Junaluska, N.C., on Sept. 2-6.
Four Congregations Receive the 2013 Open Roof Award
The Open Roof Award is presented each year to congregations who have made specific efforts to “ensure that all may worship, serve, be served, learn, and grow in the presence of God, as valued members of the Christian community.”
August Issue of ‘Basin and Towel’ to Focus on Peace
The August issue of “Basin and Towel,” a magazine produced by the Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren, focuses on “The Issue of Peace.” The staff hope to encourage a new congregational focus on “something that often is overlooked as a basic tenet of the Church of the Brethren,” said editor and Deacon Ministry director Donna Kline.
Intercultural Gathering Scheduled for October on Theme ‘the Great Multitude: A Symposium Bringing Us Together.’
The Intercultural Ministry office, advisory committee, and Virlina District have announced the 2013 Intercultural Gathering, titled “The Great Multitude: A Symposium Bringing Us Together.” The gathering will be held Oct. 25-27 at the Skelton 4-H Center, 775 Hermitage Rd., Wirtz, Va.
NYC 2014 Logo and Registration Opening Date Are Announced
A new logo for National Youth Conference (NYC) 2014, the once every four years Church of the Brethren conference for youth who have completed grade 9 through the first year of college, has been released by the Youth and Young Adult Ministry office. The logo designed by Debbie Noffsinger illustrates the NYC theme from Ephesians 4:1-7, “Called by Christ, Blessed for the Journey Together.” Also announced is the opening date of online registration for NYC: Jan. 3, 2013,
Spiritual Directors Gather for Annual Retreat
Twenty-two spiritual directors and leadership recently gathered at Shepherd’s Spring Outdoor Ministry Center in Sharpsburg, Md., for an annual retreat. From May 13-15 the spiritual directors spent time in keynote sessions with Roberta Bondi, professor emeritus for Church History at the Candler School of Theology.
Forum of Church Retirement Communities is Held in Pennsylvania
The annual Forum of the Fellowship of Brethren Homes was held April 10-12 at the Village at Morrisons Cove, Martinsburg, Pa. The forum is an opportunity for representatives from Church of the Brethren-related retirement communities and agencies to gather with others in long-term care services to learn about current trends, share best practices, and strengthen their connection with the church.
Small Church Leaders Advised to Know Yourself, Know Your Church, Take Part in God’s Mission
Throughout the Strengthening Your Small Congregation event, leaders of small churches received essentially the same guidance from various speakers and workshop leaders: know yourself, know your congregation, seek out God’s purpose for you and your church. Organized in large part by the Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren, the event was the brainchild of the pastors of two small congregations in Indiana–Kay Gaier of Wabash Church of the Brethren and Brenda Hostetler Meyer of Benton Mennonite Church.