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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.
The Living Word bulletin series from Brethren Press is offered as a worship resource for congregations. The fall 2026 quarter (for September through December) has begun shipping to those congregations with standing orders. Others may order the bulletins from Brethren Press
The latest Covenant Bible Study from Brethren Press is “Language of Lament” by Calvin and Mandy Park. Lament is a necessary component of our relationship with God. Speaking to God honestly about the pain we experience, the injustice we observe in the world, and the fears these realities create in us is not only necessary, but biblical.
This fall, learn from one of the nation’s leading voices in Trauma Informed Care. Tim Grove joins the Ventures in Christian Discipleship program at McPherson (Kan.) College to present a special 2026-2027 season-opening series: “Creating a Better World: A Deep Dive into Stress, Trauma, and Resilience as a Pathway to Healthier People, Families, and Communities.”
Starting this August, Shine Everywhere takes on a new focus—helping congregations make the most of new at-home materials in the revised and updated Shine curriculum for 2026-2027. Designed with today’s churches, teachers, and families in mind, Shine offers greater flexibility, stronger family connection, and engaging new resources while staying rooted in core values of community, peacemaking, service, and following Jesus.
Five Church of the Brethren congregations in Pennsylvania are joining together to organize and sponsor “PeaceFest: Turning Communities Toward Peace” on Saturday, Sept. 19—the weekend closest to the International Day of Peace. This event is free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lititz Church of the Brethren.
From Sept. 1 to Oct. 4, churches worldwide will mark the Season of Creation, at the invitation of the World Council of Churches. (The Church of the Brethren is one of the founding members of the WCC.) The Season of Creation runs for five weeks, and is given to prayer and action for the care of creation. The theme this year is “Living Water,” drawn from Ezekiel 47.
Crest Manor Church of the Brethren and Dismas House of South Bend, Ind., have entered into a “Shalom Partnership” to offer mutual friendship, support, and community for residents of Dismas House seeking to find their way back into society following incarceration.
The tradition of young adults gathering for a time of fellowship, worship, and growing in faith together at Young Adult Conference continues! Camp Blue Diamond near Petersburg, Pa., hosted the event on May 22-24, drawing 44 attendees from all over the US. The theme “Identity in Community,” based on Romans 12:4-5, anchored the weekend.
