October and November course offerings from the “Ventures in Christian Discipleship” program at McPherson (Kan.) College will be a series on trauma informed care.
Fall “Ventures” courses to focus on trauma informed care
Ministry Office
Elmore retires as West Marva District executive
Kendal Elmore has announced his retirement as district executive minister of the Church of the Brethren West Marva District effective Aug. 31.
Changes to the Church of the Brethren bylaws are approved, among other business
Amendments to the bylaws of the Church of the Brethren and two business items originally brought by Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) in 2017–and then deferred for a year–were approved by the 2018 Annual Conference. Also approved were business items related to the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee. A proposal for a denominational leadership gathering was turned down.
Brethren Academy lists upcoming courses
The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership has announced its course offering for the rest of this year and into next, see the following listing. These courses are for everyone, with Training in Ministry (TRIM) and Education for Shared Ministry (EFSM) students receiving 1 unit per course, credentialed clergy earning 2 continuing education units, and others enrolling for their own personal and spiritual enrichment. To register for one of the following courses, go to bethanyseminary.edu/brethren-academy or contact academy@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1824.
Comité directivo de ocho mujeres en el ministerio
Un comité directivo de ocho mujeres en el ministerio ha sido llamado por la Oficina del Ministerio para facilitar la programación, los proyectos y las iniciativas diseñadas para apoyar y alentar a las clérigas Hermanas.
New steering committee of women in ministry is created
A steering committee of eight women in ministry has been called by the Office of Ministry to facilitate programming, projects, and initiatives designed to support and encourage Brethren clergywomen.
Diana Butler Bass headlines Ministers’ Association continuing education event
Theologian and author Diana Butler Bass is the featured speaker for the Church of the Brethren Ministers’ Association annual continuing education event this year, held just prior to Annual Conference. “Gratitude: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks” is the theme for the gathering on July 3-4 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
SVMC celebrates 25 years, offers continuing education events
The Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC) is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2018. “To commemorate this milestone, we will be sharing devotions on the 25th day of each month,” said an announcement. The first devotion is written by the center’s executive director Donna Rhodes. In related news, SVMC is publicizing several upcoming continuing education events.
Roxanne Aguirre to coordinate Spanish-language ministry training
Roxanne Aguirre begins Jan. 16 as part-time coordinator of Spanish-language ministry training programs at the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. She will work from her home in central California. The academy is a ministry training partnership of Bethany Theological Seminary and the Church of the Brethren.
Atlantic Northeast hires Pete Kontra as district executive
Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren has called Pete Kontra to the position of district executive minister effective Jan. 1, 2018. He has been in pastoral ministry for more than 20 years, and currently is senior pastor at Hempfield Church of the Brethren in Atlantic Northeast District.