Jonathan Whitsel has been called as district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Middle Pennsylvania District, beginning Jan. 1, 2027. He has served as pastor of Sugar Run Church of the Brethren in Shirleysburg, Pa., since April 2024.
Middle Pennsylvania District
‘Frontliners’ certified to serve in their districts on behalf of Intercultural Ministries
On April 24, after two hours of training, the Intercultural Ministries office awarded the participants certificates of completion as new “frontliners.” Four people attended the training that evening, and three were assigned to this role in their districts.
Disaster grants support rebuilding in York County, Child Life Disaster Relief, children in Maui
Brethren Disaster Ministries staff have requested the following grants from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF): $10,000 for a rebuilding project in York County, Pa., following Tropical Storm Ida; $15,000 to support training models and resource development by Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) partner Child Life Disaster Relief; and $5,000 to support families connected with the Maui (Hawaii) Economic Opportunity, Inc.’s Head Start center.
Middle Pennsylvania announces interim district executive minister team
The Middle Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren has called an interim district executive minister team to serve beginning July 29. The three-person team consists of Rebecca (Beckie) Zeek, Janet Sell, and Mark Liller. All members of the team will address the needs for pastoral placement and will cover the remaining duties of the position description according to interest and gifts.
Emergency Disaster Fund grant supports longterm recovery project in York County
A grant of $7,500 from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) has been directed by Brethren Disaster Ministries to aid 12 families in York County, Pa., who have no other means of recovery from damage by Tropical Storm Ida in 2021.
David Banaszak announces conclusion of his service to Middle Pennsylvania District
David Banaszak has announced the conclusion of his service as executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Middle Pennsylvania District, a position he has held for the past six-and-a-half years since Sept. 5, 2017. He plans to conclude his ministry for the district on July 28.
Districts share updated COVID-19 guidance with churches
At least three districts in the Church of the Brethren have this week shared updated COVID-19 guidance with their congregations, including Southern Ohio and Kentucky District, Middle Pennsylvania District, and Virlina District.
Virus forces changes and/or cancellations of events at all levels of the denomination
Events at all levels of the Church of the Brethren denomination have been changed, canceled, and/or postponed because of the spread of coronavirus COVID-19, from the Mission and Ministry Board to Bethany Seminary and the Brethren Academy to districts, congregations, and other groups. Here are some of those announcements: — The Mission and Ministry Board meeting location
Brethren bits for Nov. 18, 2019
— Remembrance: Dorothy Brandt Davis, 89, passed away Sept. 30. She authored three iconic Brethren Press books for children, “The Tall Man,” “The Middle Man,” and “The Little Man,” about historical figures in the Church of the Brethren. She was born in Pomona, Calif., on Dec. 8, 1929, followed shortly thereafter by her twin brother Daryl. Her
Brethren bits for Oct. 11, 2019
— Annual Conference seeks nominations for open positions on the ballot in 2020. “You can help shape the future of the church!” said an announcement. “Each member of the Church of the Brethren is invited to recommend possible nominees for the 2020 Annual Conference ballot. As you pray about this, who comes to mind? Whom will the
