“Give now to support California wildfire response through Brethren Disaster Ministries,” said an appeal shared by denominational staff this week. “Children’s Disaster Services is already responding to the needs of children and families. Working with the Pacific Southwest District and partner organizations, Brethren Disaster Ministries is planning to address short- and long-term needs of vulnerable people impacted by the fires.”
districts
Pacific Southwest District requests prayer for Conexion Pasadena congregation affected by fire
Pacific Southwest District executive minister Russ Matteson today (Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025) shared the following prayer request for the Conexion Pasadena congregation of the Church of the Brethren, which has been directly affected by the Eaton fire in the Los Angeles area, as well as other church members and congregations across the area.
Shenandoah District supports Burundi sewing project
The goal of the 2023 Shenandoah District Conference was to raise $4,000 to purchase sewing machines for use in Burundi.
Standing Committee meets by Zoom to adopt agency covenants
The Standing Committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference met via Zoom on the evening of Sept. 30 to consider and act on covenants with the three agencies of Annual Conference—Bethany Theological Seminary, Eder Financial, and On Earth Peace. Also acted on was a recommendation to Annual Conference to renew their agency status.
Church of the Brethren aid and relief response continues following Hurricanes Helene and Milton
The Church of the Brethren’s aid and relief response following Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton continues on the denominational, district, and congregational levels. Here are some updates
John Fillmore to serve as Idaho/Western Montana District executive minister
John Fillmore has been called by the Church of the Brethren’s Idaho/Western Montana District as district executive minister in a quarter-time capacity. He was affirmed and installed at the district conference on Oct. 12.
Districts respond with aid to hurricane survivors, collections of relief goods and monetary donations
Several Church of the Brethren districts have issued calls or started service projects in response to Hurricane Helene and now Hurricane Milton. In addition, reports Brethren Disaster Ministries, “individuals and congregations have been calling and emailing all week asking how they can help in the effort.” Here are some of the ways districts and congregations
Church of the Brethren congregations and members are affected by the storm, Brethren Disaster Ministries reaches out to districts
Church of the Brethren congregations and members are among those who have been affected by Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, especially in Southeastern District denominational staff have learned in conversation with district executives. The General Secretary’s office, Brethren Disaster Ministries, and the Ministry office have connected with leaders in the church districts covering the states where the storm was most destructive–Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Standing Committee to meet by Zoom on evening of Sept. 30
The Standing Committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference is scheduled to meet on Monday, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m. (Eastern time) to follow up on some unfinished business including the agency covenants and the process by which Standing Committee will receive and handle concerns with Annual Conference agencies.
Donna Rhodes to retire from leadership of Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center
Donna Rhodes, executive director of the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC), has announced her retirement effective April 30, 2025. She has served SVMC since Oct. 1, 2001.