Scott Holland has been awarded professor emeritus status at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., as of July 1. Now in semi-retirement, he is continuing to teach the core courses in the seminary’s groundbreaking theopoetics program that he helped to develop. He also continues to represent the seminary and the theopoetics program “on the road” as a preacher and guest lecturer.
Bayo Tella, who has been acting provost of Kulp Theological Seminary (KTS) since April 27, has been appointed substantive provost of KTS by the National Standing Committee of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). KTS is the highest training institute of EYN.
Beth Martin begins Aug. 15 as marketing director for Eder Financial (formerly Brethren Benefit Trust). She brings a wide array of skills and experience to the position including a bachelor’s degree in English and writing from Slippery Rock University, and an upcoming master’s degree in marketing communications once she graduates from St. Bonaventure University in 2023. She has earned certificates from Cornell University in digital marketing, marketing analytics, and marketing strategy.
Chelsea Goss Skillen has been hired by the Church of the Brethren as director of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS). She is a graduate of Bridgewater (Va.) College with a bachelor of science degree in Liberal Studies, and of Regis University with a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. She will begin working from the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on Oct. 24.
The Church of the Brethren’s Mid-Atlantic District has called an interim district executive minister team of four people to care for the duties of the district executive minister role, beginning immediately.
The Southeastern District of the Church of the Brethren has called Andrew (Andy) Hamilton to serve as half-time district executive minister beginning July 23. He will be installed at the district conference to be held on that date at Peak Creek Church of the Brethren in Laurel Springs, N.C.
Gene Hagenberger retires as Mid-Atlantic District executive minister on July 15, with compensation continuing through Nov. 30. He has served in leadership of the district for more than 13 years, beginning in the role on Aug. 1, 2009.
Zechariah Houser has resigned as the Church of the Brethren’s coordinator of short-term service, effective Aug. 12. He has worked for the denomination for close to a year, having started on Aug. 9, 2021. He will be entering a chaplaincy internship.
James Deaton has resigned as managing editor for Brethren Press. He concludes his work with the Church of the Brethren on May 24. He will be taking a position as communications content editor for the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church.
For the past 29 years, the Church of the Brethren’s Pacific Southwest District has come to count on Joe Vecchio to answer the phones, send letters and emails, build databases and websites, and be a friendly and helpful presence as the district’s administrative assistant.