Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC) has announced that its continuing education events this fall will be postponed or held virtually via Zoom. SVMC is a Church of the Brethren ministry education partner with Bethany Seminary, the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, and the districts of Atlantic Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Middle Pennsylvania, Southern Pennsylvania, and Western Pennsylvania. “The pandemic continues to push us to be as wise as possible in our health management and interactions with others,” said executive director Donna Rhodes.
Tag: districts
Kevin Kessler resigns from leadership of Illinois and Wisconsin District
Kevin Kessler has resigned as district executive minister of the Church of the Brethren’s Illinois and Wisconsin District, effective Dec. 31. He has filled the half-time role for 14 years while also serving as pastor of Canton (Ill.) Church of the Brethren, a role he will continue to maintain.
Southeastern District Conference approves withdrawal of 19 congregations
The Southeastern District Conference on July 25 at Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in Jonesborough, Tenn., approved the withdrawal of 19 congregations from the district and from the Church of the Brethren denomination. The withdrawing churches represent close to half of the 42 congregations that have been part of the district that covers Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, and the western parts of North Carolina and Virginia.
Illinois and Wisconsin District issues statement of response to racial injustice
The Church of the Brethren’s Illinois and Wisconsin District has issued a statement of response to racial injustice, signed by district executive minister Kevin Kessler on behalf of the District Leadership Team.
Scott Kinnick resigns as district executive minister for Southeastern District
Scott Kinnick has announced his resignation as district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Southeastern District, a position he has held for the past four years. He began as district executive in Sept. 2016 and will officially conclude his service on Dec. 31, 2020.
Brethren bits for May 30, 2020
In this issue: Ecumenical statements on the killing of George Floyd and a statement from Central Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, Va.; Annual Conference Moderator’s Town Hall on “Faith, Science, and COVID-19″; first-ever virtual graduation at McPherson College; and more.
Financial support is encouraged for Outdoor Ministries Association camps
By Linetta Ballew “Love is something if you give it away, give it away, give it away.Love is something if you give it away, you end up having more.It’s just like a magic penny, hold it tight, and you won’t have any.Lend it, spend it, and you’ll have so many, they’ll roll all over the

Church districts offer recommendations regarding in-person gatherings
By Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, director of Ministry for the Church of the Brethren Leadership teams of several Church of the Brethren districts have issued recommendations recently regarding congregations gathering in buildings. Districts that have begun sharing guidance include, among others, Mid-Atlantic, Middle Pennsylvania, and Southern Ohio and Kentucky. Mid-Atlantic District leadership recommended that congregations not gather
Michigan District announces new district executive team
The Leadership Team of the Michigan District of the Church of the Brethren has appointed a district executive team to care for the essential functions of the district. In addition, the district is seeking a part-time administrative assistant. Edward “Ike” Porter had served as interim district executive minister from Jan. 1, 2019, through April 30,
Southern Ohio/Kentucky District hosted Mission and Ministry Board meeting in mid-March
The spring meeting of the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board was held March 13-16 at Oakland Church of the Brethren in Bradford, Ohio. Southern Ohio/Kentucky District hosted the board meeting, arranging the venue, meals, and other hospitality. Leading the meeting were chair Patrick Starkey with chair-elect Carl Fike and general secretary David
