Marcia Sowles has joined the Church of the Brethren’s Office of Peacebuilding and Policy in Washington, D.C., volunteering as a Policy and Governmental Affairs associate. She will primarily focus on immigration policy by also providing legal expertise on related issues.
personnel
Leah Hileman to lead West Marva District
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.
Jeff Lennard announces his retirement from Brethren Press
Jeff Lennard has announced his retirement from Brethren Press, effective March 28, 2025. He has served as director of Marketing and Sales for the Church of the Brethren publishing house for 18 years, since Nov. 2006.
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.
Sharon Norton hired as executive director of Global Mission
Sharon Norton has been hired by the Church of the Brethren as executive director of Global Mission. Her previous mission work spans 27 years, including 9 years in multiple positions and the most recent 4 years as co-administrator for Europe and Africa with the Mennonite Mission Network, which is related to the Mennonite Church USA.
Walt Wiltschek resigns from part-time work for Brethren Volunteer Service
Walt Wiltschek has resigned his part-time position as office assistant for Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., as of Oct. 3.
Shannon McNeil Smith is hired as executive administrative assistant in General Secretary’s Office
Shannon McNeil Smith begins Oct. 7 as executive administrative assistant for the General Secretary’s Office at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. She is currently working as a Mission Advancement advocate, a position she has held since March 4, 2019.
Personnel transitions are announced by Brethren Woods
Betty Taylor is retiring as administrative assistant, and Pieter Tramper has resigned as program director at Brethren Woods, a camp and outdoor ministry center near Harrisonburg, Va. Brethren Woods also announces the hiring of Megan Babcock as office manager.
Memorandum of understanding updating Bethany Seminary polity is approved
A Memorandum of Understanding updating the Bethany Theological Seminary polity regarding members of the school’s board of trustees was approved by the delegate body.
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.
