The Church of the Brethren Minister’s Association pre-Annual Conference event on June 28-29 in Charlotte, N.C., will be led by L Gregory Jones on the theme “Faithful Christian Leadership in the 21st Century.” Links to more information and online registration are at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice .
Ministry Office
Brethren Academy Program Receives Funding from Wieand Trust, Gift Funds New Education Opportunities at Bethany
A gift from the David J. and Mary Elizabeth Wieand Trust is helping to start a new “Sustaining Ministerial Excellence: Advanced Seminar” at the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. In related news, Bethany Seminary announces that two new educational initiatives will be supported by a major gift from the estate of Mary Elizabeth Wertz Wieand. This gift comes through the David J. and Mary Elizabeth Wieand Trust, established by a family whose roots go back to the founding of the seminary.
Delegation Learns About Sensitivities in the Holy Land, Calls for Continued Work for Two-State Solution
Church of the Brethren leaders have returned from an ecumenical delegation to Israel and Palestine with a renewed commitment to a place sacred to the Brethren faith tradition, and a call for the expression of love to all the people involved in the violent struggles ongoing in the Middle East. In an interview made after their return to the US, general secretary Stan Noffsinger and associate general secretary Mary Jo Flory-Steury commented on their experience.
Atlantic Southeast, Northern Indiana Name Interim District Executives
Two districts have named interim executive ministers, Northern Indiana District and Atlantic Southeast District. Carol Spicher Waggy will be interim district executive for Northern Indiana in a three-quarter-time position beginning Jan. 1, 2013, for a period of up to two years. Terry L. Grove begins immediately as interim district executive for Atlantic Southeast, in a part-time position.
Kauffman Retires as Executive of Northern Indiana District
Herman D. Kauffman has announced his plans to retire as Northern Indiana District executive minister, effective Dec. 31. He began his ministry with the district on Nov. 1, 1994, and has served as district executive for 18 years.
Beach Retires from Leadership of Atlantic Southeast District
Martha R. Beach has announced her plans to retire as executive minister of Atlantic Southeast District, effective Jan. 1, 2013. She began her ministry as district executive on March 20, 2000.
A Large Group Prepares for Licensing to the Ministry in Haiti
In late May, Church of the Brethren leaders from the US and Haiti interviewed a large group of people preparing for licensing to the ministry, to serve in Eglise des Freres Haitiens (the Church of the Brethren in Haiti). Nineteen men and women were interviewed.
MSS Interns Begin a Summer of Service to the Church
The 2012 class of Ministry Summer Service interns have been holding orientation June 1-6 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The mentors for each intern joined the orientation for the last two days of the event. Below is a list of interns and mentors, as well as the ministry settings in which they will serve for the next 10 weeks:
Pre-Registration Remains Open for Ministers’ Association Event
Walter Brueggemann, well-known and sought after speaker, author, and biblical scholar, is the keynote speaker for the 2012 Ministers’ Association Pre-Conference Continuing Education Event. The event takes place July 6-7 at the America’s Center Room 120, St. Louis, Mo., in advance of Annual Conference.
Brethren Academy Updates Its List of Courses for 2012-13
The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership has updated its list of courses for 2012 and extending into 2013. Courses are open to Training in Ministry (TRIM) or Education for Shared Ministry (EFSM) students, pastors, and other interested persons. Ordained and licensed ministers earn continuing education credit for most courses. Courses noted as “SVMC” are offered through the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, register by contacting SVMC@etown.edu or 717-361-1450. Registration brochures are available at www.bethanyseminary.edu/academy or by calling 800-287-8822 ext. 1824.