More than 70 clergywomen from 16 church districts attended a denominational retreat traditionally offered every five years by the Ministry Office of the Church of the Brethren.
Clergywomen attend retreat led by Meghan Larissa Good
ministers
Never too late to answer a call from God: Celebrating Jim Bridgeman
On Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, Jim Bridgeman was ordained at Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. We always celebrate when someone accepts the call of God to serve the church as a minister, and Jim is no exception. That is, for one important detail: Jim is 93 years of age.
Brethren Academy hosts annual Clergy Tax Seminar, ‘Brethren, We Have Met to Worship,’ among other upcoming courses
Upcoming events from the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership include the annual Clergy Tax Seminar with leadership from Deb Oskin, scheduled for Feb. 1, 2025, as an online webinar; and the course “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship” with leadership from Christy Waltersdorff, scheduled for Jan. 15-March 11, 2025, as an online course via the Moodle virtual classroom.
Clergywomen’s Retreat registration is now open online for event in February 2025
Registration is now open for the 2025 denominational Clergywomen’s Retreat to be held Feb. 10-13, 2025, in Winter Park, Fla. This event, which takes place every five years, offers an opportunity for all licensed and credentialed clergywomen to gather for refreshment, renewal, and inspiration.
New certificate for ministry offered by Bethany Seminary
Designed particularly for ministers new to the Church of the Brethren denomination, Bethany Theological Seminary’s certificate of achievement in ministry studies (CAMS) includes six courses that focus on Brethren history and theology, practical experience with the ordinances and preaching of the church, biblical interpretation, and peace studies.
Clergywomen are invited to save the date for next retreat in early 2025
Planning is beginning now for the “every five years” retreat open to all licensed and credentialed clergywomen in the Church of the Brethren. Past retreats have provided beautiful opportunities to connect with sisters in ministry, find rest and renewal, and return home inspired and encouraged. Make plans now to attend!
Ministry ethics trainers to begin their work
The Church of the Brethren’s Office of Ministry gathered nine ethics trainers this past week at the denomination’s General Offices in Elgin, Ill., in preparation for leading district events during the coming year and a half. Required ethics training for all ministers will take place across the denomination as ministers renew their credentialed status within their districts.
Courses to be offered by the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center
The Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center is offering a robust schedule of continuing education for clergy and interested laity in 2024. Ranging from “Christian ID in the Age of AI,” “Worship Models,” “Grief Literacy,” “Suicide and Your Congregation,” “Luke and Acts,” “Autism and the Church,” to “Why Leadership Matters,” everyone will find a topic of interest.
New academy course focuses on ‘Cultivating an Everyday Faith’
The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership will offer this online course, “Cultivating an Everyday Faith,” from April 17 to June 11, 2024. Joan Daggett, ordained minister and executive director of the Brethren and Mennonite Heritage Center, will be the instructor. The deadline to register is March 13, 2024.
Strength for the Journey: Brethren Academy is forming 2024 cohorts
New Strength for the Journey cohorts are forming for 2024, with different themes but the same format: monthly, virtual gatherings supported by funds for resources and a skilled convener to help hold sacred space for each group of ministers.
