The Middle Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren has called an interim district executive minister team to serve beginning July 29. The three-person team consists of Rebecca (Beckie) Zeek, Janet Sell, and Mark Liller. All members of the team will address the needs for pastoral placement and will cover the remaining duties of the position description according to interest and gifts.
Office of Ministry
Webinar will feature panel discussion with author Callie Swanlund
Part-time Pastor; Full-Time Church will hold a webinar on June 12 at 7:30 p.m. (Eastern time) as a panel discussion with author Callie Swanlund, program manager Richard Wehrle, and the program’s circuit riders. Together they will discuss the topic of clergy burnout, which is the focus of Swanlund’s new book From Weary to Wholehearted: A Restorative Resource for Overcoming Clergy Burnout.
Clergywomen are invited to save the date for next retreat in early 2025
Planning is beginning now for the “every five years” retreat open to all licensed and credentialed clergywomen in the Church of the Brethren. Past retreats have provided beautiful opportunities to connect with sisters in ministry, find rest and renewal, and return home inspired and encouraged. Make plans now to attend!
Atlantic Southeast District announces staff appointments
Atlantic Southeast District has called Michaela Alphonse to serve as temporary director of program, a part-time role she began this past February and will resume Aug. 1 after she completes a pastoral sabbatical. The district has called Larry O’Neill to serve as director of English ministries, a role he began on March 23.
David Banaszak announces conclusion of his service to Middle Pennsylvania District
David Banaszak has announced the conclusion of his service as executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Middle Pennsylvania District, a position he has held for the past six-and-a-half years since Sept. 5, 2017. He plans to conclude his ministry for the district on July 28.
John Jantzi to conclude his leadership of Shenandoah District in early 2025
John Jantzi has announced that he will conclude his service as district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Shenandoah District, as of March 1, 2025. He has served in the position for almost 12 years, since Aug. 1, 2012. During these years, he has given leadership to district ministries during a season of significant change while faithfully guiding district staff and leaders in their work.
Douglas Veal to lead Mid-Atlantic District
Douglas Veal has been called as district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Mid-Atlantic District, beginning June 25. Veal is currently pastor of Wabash (Ind.) Church of the Brethren in South Central Indiana District and also has served pastorates in Southern Ohio and Kentucky District and in Virlina District.
‘Brothers and Believers’ clergymen’s Zoom gathering to be led by Gabe Dodd
The Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church program of the Office of Ministry invites multi-vocational clergymen, as we wrap up our Easter celebrations, to make a simple yet vital commitment for setting aside intentional time to commune with God and peers. This is offered as you begin a journey of self-recognition and support of other clergy in the Church of the Brethren.
Brethren.org offers translation
The Church of the Brethren website offers instant translation into 15 languages.
Beth Sollenberger to serve as interim director of administration for Atlantic Southeast District
Beth Sollenberger will serve as interim district director of administration for the Church of the Brethren’s Atlantic Southeast District in a quarter-time position beginning April 1.