Leah J. Hileman began Dec. 10 as district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s West Marva District, serving in a half-time position. She was ordained in 2011 in Atlantic Southeast District and is currently pastoring Robinson Church of the Brethren in Seward, Pa., in a quarter-time capacity. She lives in Seward and will travel as needed to West Marva District to carry out this role.
Ministry Office
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.
Pastors’ Housing Equity Fund is coming
The newly revised pastors’ Housing Equity Fund now offers a tax-friendly option for those ministers living in parsonages who wish to build equity toward a future home purchase. Significant revisions to the fund’s structure were approved by the 2024 Annual Conference and have resulted in the creation of this new investment fund option. Whereas the
John Fillmore to serve as Idaho/Western Montana District executive minister
John Fillmore has been called by the Church of the Brethren’s Idaho/Western Montana District as district executive minister in a quarter-time capacity. He was affirmed and installed at the district conference on Oct. 12.
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.
Strength for the Journey 2025: Three themes emerge
The 2025 Strength for the Journey cohorts focus on three themes: 1) Preaching, 2) Team Ministry, and 3) Pastoral Visitation and Chaplaincy. Strength for the Journey (SFTJ) provides resources for several ministry cohorts each year.
Church of the Brethren congregations and members are affected by the storm, Brethren Disaster Ministries reaches out to districts
Church of the Brethren congregations and members are among those who have been affected by Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, especially in Southeastern District denominational staff have learned in conversation with district executives. The General Secretary’s office, Brethren Disaster Ministries, and the Ministry office have connected with leaders in the church districts covering the states where the storm was most destructive–Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Strength for the Journey: Applications are accepted for 2025 cohorts
Throughout 2024, four clergy cohorts have met for mutual encouragement, spiritual support, and conversation around topics of shared interest. Meeting via Zoom, these cohorts worship together, share resources, discuss familiar challenges, and help each other find strength for the journey of ministry.
New book study addresses spiritual formation, sponsored by Part-time Pastor; Full-time Church
Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church is announcing its next book study, beginning in early September via Zoom. “Circuit rider” John Fillmore will lead a discussion of Christian Spiritual Formation by Diane J. Chandler.
Standing Committee concludes pre-Conference meetings
The closing business session of the Standing Committee addressed proposed revisions to the pastor’s Housing Equity Fund and a recommended cost of living adjustment to the minimum cash salary table for pastors. An additional action came during a review of the Special Response Process.
