#Discipleship #StrategicPlan
The Apostle Paul wrote to the members of the church in Thessalonica in 2 Thessalonians 1:3, “We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing” (NRSVue).
Celebrating 20 years of fellowship, Christian Churches Together (CCT) gathered in Birmingham, Ala., to give thanks for relationships across Christian traditions and consider what faithful witness requires in today’s societal and denominational context. Central to that reflection was its 2013 response to the Rev. Dr. Martin Lurther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”
New from the Covenant Bible Study series is Resisting Racism by Steve and Kathy Reid, an update of their previous Covenant title Uncovering Racism. The book is available for preorder now.
“Let the Children Come to Me: Protecting Children from Militarized Violence” (Mark 9:36-37) is the theme for the next Christian Citizenship Seminar (CCS) sponsored by the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry. The 2027 CCS is planned for April 17-21 in Washington, D.C.
Imagine sitting inside a 19th-century church, singing a cappella with the sounds of rifles and cannons echoing outside. Around you are Civil War reenactors and encampments, while inside, worshipers gather for a traditional Dunker Service.
Manchester Church of the Brethren in North Manchester, Ind., and the band Friends with the Weather are hosting another Sing Me Home gathering of music, spirituality, and social justice on the theme “Rooted and Rising.”
“Building and Empowering Lay Leadership” (B.E.L.L.) is a new program hosted by Germantown Church of the Brethren in Philadelphia, Pa., to strengthen lay leaders in congregations with a special focus on urban ministry in culturally diverse areas. The program is a two-year sequence with seven units with instructors who are leaders in their fields.
“A Way in the Wilderness” was the theme for the very first DOAC—District Older Adult Camp—held by Shenandoah District and hosted at Brethren Woods Camp and Retreat Center in Keezletown, Va. More than 60 overnight and day participants were part of this inaugural program held Aug. 25-27.
Engage: Global Mission Gathering will be held on the theme “United in Mission” on Sunday, Sept. 20, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Eastern time) at Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. This will be an evening celebrating the Global Church of the Brethren Communion. Hear firsthand from Brethren leaders and partners connected with the church in Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and Nigeria, and explore what it means to be united in mission.
The Shine curriculum has announced several new features for the 2026-2027 year, beginning with this Fall 2026 quarter for pre-K and kindergarten, elementary ages, and junior youth. Shine also offers several additional curriculum options. All are available through Brethren Press.
