The Deportation Defense Response Team is incredibly grateful for your generous support of the Legal and Mutual Aid Fund. At Annual Conference, On Earth Peace challenged the denomination to raise $100,000. You did it! As of Oct. 31, $107,380 has been raised to support individuals and families caught in the immigration system.
On Earth Peace
Deportation Defense Response offers new online giving option to support Church of the Brethren members, shares requests for prayer and praise
“Did you know there have now been 27 Church of the Brethren members helped because of your generosity?” said an announcement from the Deportation Defense Response team. “Folks who have received these funds that have covered the high costs of legal and filing fees have expressed to the team that they are so thankful and they feel they are not alone.”
Deportation Defense Response Team provides an update
The Deportation Defense Response Team provides the following update on the numbers, first initials, and locations of Church of the Brethren immigrant congregants affected by detention or deportation. This information was updated on Sept. 19. The team continues to urge congregations to take up special offerings and fundraise within their communities to support the Legal and Mutual Aid Fund.
Gifts to immigrant legal and mutual aid fund top $40,000
At the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference this summer, On Earth Peace challenged the denomination to raise $100,000 to provide a Legal and Mutual Aid Fund to support Church of the Brethren members facing challenges as a result of the detention and deportation efforts of agencies that are part of the government’s Homeland Security administration.
Ventures program announces courses for October and November
The Ventures in Christian Discipleship program at McPherson (Kan.) College has announces its next courses for this fall. In October, “Immigrant Solidarity in Jesus’ Name” will be presented by leaders in the Church of the Brethren’s Deportation Defense Response team. In November, “Making Sense of God’s Violent Behavior in the Old Testament” will be presented by Eric Seibert, pastor at Mechanicsburg (Pa.) Church of the Brethren.
Standing with People of Color Coordinating Committee brings its final report
The delegate body received the final report of the Standing with People of Color Coordinating Committee, following a study/action process begun by the 2022 Annual Conference.
On Earth Peace receives renewal of agency status in a session marked by high emotion
All three of the Annual Conference agencies–Eder Financial, Bethany Theological Seminary, and On Earth Peace–have been going through a process of negotiating covenants with Standing Committee. The process culminates with the formal renewing of agency status with the denomination.
Gun Violence Prevention team issues invitation to activities during Annual Conference
The Church of the Brethren Gun Violence Prevention Action Team would love to see you at Annual Conference this year! Wear orange and join us.
Blue Ridge Song and Story Fest will ‘sing the blues, search the stars’
This year’s Song and Sory Fest, titled “Blue Ridge: Singin’ the Blues, Searchin’ the Stars!” takes place July 6-12 at Camp Brethren Woods in Keezletown, Va. This annual family camp featuring Church of the Brethren musicians and storytellers and friends is co-sponsored by On Earth Peace.
On Earth Peace recognizes Darlene Johnson’s retirement, welcomes Andrew Duffy as interim transition director
On Earth Peace is congratulating Darlene Johnson on her retirement after nearly 25 years with the agency. She has served as co-executive director and administration director. The agency also is welcoming Andrew Duffy as interim transition director.