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).
Ministry Office
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.
Annual Clergy Tax Seminar Is Offered Online and at Bethany Seminary
The annual tax seminar for clergy will be held March 3. Students, pastors, and other church leaders are invited to attend either in person at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., or online.
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.
Today Is Opening Day for Workcamp Registration, Last Day to Apply for Ministry Summer Service, Youth Peace Travel Team
Today is opening day for workcamp registration, and the last day to apply for Ministry Summer Service, Youth Peace Travel Team for the summer of 2014.
Brethren Academy Issues Updated Course Listing
The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership has issued an updated listing of courses to be offered. Courses are open to Training in Ministry (TRIM) students, pastors who may earn 2 continuing education units per course, and all interested persons.
Ministry Office Offers Information on Clergy Housing Ruling, BBT Involved in Appeal Through the Church Alliance
On Nov. 22, a judge of the US District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin ruled that the housing allowance that is made available to clergy by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is unconstitutional. The decision has no immediate impact because it is not yet effective, and the ruling is on hold until all appeals are exhausted.