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Ministry Summer Service Interns and Mentors Complete Orientation

The 2014 class of Ministry Summer Service interns and mentors completed orientation last week at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. During their orientation, the group of nine interns led the Wednesday chapel service for the General Offices community. Following orientation, the interns began work at their summer placements.

Torin Eikler Named Executive Minister of Northern Indiana District

Torin S. Eikler has been called to serve Northern Indiana District as district executive minister, a four-fifths time position beginning Sept. 1. Currently he is a team co-pastor at Morgantown (W.Va.) Church of the Brethren, which also is affiliated with Mennonite Church USA.

Revision to Ministerial Leadership Polity Heads up Annual Conference Business Agenda

The business agenda for the Church of the Brethren’s 2014 Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio, on July 2-6 includes proposed revisions to the Ministerial Leadership Polity, along with other returning business items that deal with guidelines for implementing the Congregational Ethics Paper, guidance for responding to the changing of Earth’s climate, a Vision of Ecumenism for the 21st century, and more equitable representation on the Mission and Ministry Board.

BBT Supports Church Alliance Filing of Amicus Brief in Clergy Housing Exclusion Case

The Church Alliance–a coalition of the chief executive officers of 38 denominational benefit programs including Church of the Brethren Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT)–has filed an amicus curiae brief in the Seventh Circuit US Court of Appeals (Chicago) in the case challenging the constitutionality of the clergy housing exclusion under Section 107(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Code).

Pre-Conference Events Include Ministers’ Association, Congregational Vitality Workshops

Two ministry training events head the meetings that precede the 2014 Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio: the Ministers’ Association, and Congregational Vitality Workshops. Other regular annual meetings held prior to the Conference include the Standing Committee of district delegates, the Mission and Ministry Board, and the Council of District Executives, among others.

Youth Peace Travel Team is Announced for 2014

Members of the 2014 Youth Peace Travel Team have been announced. The team is sponsored each year by the Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Church of the Brethren, the Ministry Office, the Office of Public Witness, the Outdoor Ministries Association, and On Earth Peace. The group of young adults spends the summer at camps across the denomination, teaching about peace, justice, and reconciliation.

Brethren Academy Updates Its Course Listing for 2014

The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, a ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren and Bethany Theological Seminary, has issued an updated course listing for 2014. Courses are open to Training in Ministry (TRIM) students; pastors, who may earn continuing education credit; and all interested persons.

Puerto Rico Churches to Become 24th District in the Church of the Brethren

The Church of the Brethren congregations in Puerto Rico acted Saturday, Jan. 25, to begin the process of becoming the denomination’s 24th district. Up to now, the Puerto Rico churches have been part of Atlantic Southeast District, grouped together with the congregations in Florida.

Carrie Eikler to Serve as TRIM and EFSM Coordinator

Carrie Eikler has been named half-time coordinator of the Training in Ministry (TRIM) and Education for Shared Ministry (EFSM) programs at the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. She will begin her duties on Feb. 1. The academy is a ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren and Bethany Theological Seminary.

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