A reflection from the chapel service at the Church of the Brethren General Offices, Elgin, Ill., this week, given by Global Mission and Service executive director Jay Wittmeyer. The reflection focuses on the story of St. Martin, the saint’s day that is celebrated in the US as Veteran’s Day, and the story of Dr. James Kim, founder of Pyongyang University of Science and Technology in N. Korea.
Peace
Northeast Nigeria Again Experiences Violence, EYN Church Burned
Northeast Nigeria has again suffered terrorist-type violence since Friday, when attacks blamed on the Boko Haram sect began. “Pray for peace and safety in Nigeria,” said a note of condolence from Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of the Church of the Brethren’s Global Mission and Service department. “Our condolences to the family of Jinatu Libra Wamdeo, general secretary of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria, whose wife’s brother was killed at a road block on his way home from work in Sokoto State.” At least one church of EYN–the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria–has been burned.
Assisi Event Calls for Peace as a Human Right
Among religious leaders on the stage with Pope Benedict XVI at the World Day of Peace in Assisi last week was Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren. The main message of the Oct. 27 event was that peace is a human right, Noffsinger said in an interview on his return from Italy.
Newsline for Nov. 2, 2011
News items include: 1) Assisi event calls for peace as a human right. 2) Brethren faculty report on conference at N. Korean university. 3) BBT goes green’ with e-mail publications, simplifies e-mail addresses. 4) Global Food Crisis Fund showcases projects for holiday giving. 5) Brethren Volunteer Service unit begins its work. 6) BBT co-sponsors financial and benefits seminar for congregations. 7) New Bible studies, Yearbook available from Brethren Press. 8) Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, college news, more.
Newsline for Oct. 20, 2011
Articles include:
1. Board decides to cease operation of New Windsor Conference Center, gives provisional approval to Ministerial Leadership Paper, makes grant to Haiti earthquake response.
2. On Earth Peace releases statement of inclusion.
3. Religious leaders arrested in Rotunda in July have their day in court.
4. Peace Witness Ministries takes up food stamp challenge.
5. GFCF grants go to work in Honduras, Niger, Kenya, and Rwanda.
6. Tracy Stoddart Primozich to oversee admissions at seminary.
7. Workcamps are announced for 2012.
8. Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, jobs, anniversaries, more.
Newsline for Oct. 5, 2011
Annual Conference officers provide theme, prayer calendar for 2012. Nigerian Brethren make progress on interfaith peace work. J. Colleen Michael to lead Oregon Washington District. Family Life Ministry highlights October observances. Junior High Sunday to be celebrated November 6. ‘Witness of Hebrew Bible’ event is offered by SVMC. Children’s Disaster Services announces upcoming workshops. Feature: Helping turn helplessness into hope. Brethren bits: Corrections, remembrance, personnel, anniversaries, more.
Nigerian Brethren Make Progress on Interfaith Peace Work
A September update from Nathan and Jennifer Hosler, Church of the Brethren peace and reconciliation workers with Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN–the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), highlights a group of Muslims and Christians who have been meeting together as an interfaith peace planning group under the name CAMPI, or Christians and Muslims for Peacebuilding Initiatives.
Day of Prayer for Peace Brings Communities Together
Today the International Day of Prayer for Peace (IDPP) observance takes place around the world, as an initiative of the World Council of Churches. On Earth Peace is holding its annual IDPP campaign this year with the goal of involving 200 congregations and groups on the theme, “Seek the Peace of the City.”
Newsline for Sept. 21, 2011
This week’s issue includes news of the International Day of Prayer for Peace bringing communities together, a Peace Prayer Wall posted by the World Council of Churches, a presentation by a WCC leader on peace and justice, upcoming events including preachers for the 2012 Annual Conference and the next Brethren webinar, order info for the Advent Devotional from Brethren Press, a report from the Brethren representative to the UN, and more “Brethren bits.”
Newsline for August 25, 2011
Newsline for August 25, 2011: Stories include 1. Sept. 11 resources available. 2. New Church of the Brethren staff structure announced. 3. BBT continues to maintain investment-grade holdings. 4. Brethren Disaster Ministries reports on East Coast earthquake. 5. Minister’s Association Officers annual fall retreat held. 6. Pension director called to serve as BBT’s chief operating and compliance officer. 7. National Older Adult Conference begins Labor Day. 8. International Day of Prayer for Peace. 9. Back to school with the Deacon Ministry.