Dear Beloved Community of the Church of the Brethren, I write today with particular concern for our Haitian church members and their families. Following the expiration of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) on July 27, many now face the possibility of detention, deportation, and family separation. Among those affected are approximately 300 Haitians who are part of Church of the Brethren congregations across the United States.
We serve others
#LoveOurNeighbors #NewTestamentGiving
Deportation Defense Response Team encourages generous support for Haitian church members
In this time in which many of our Haitian sisters and brothers no longer have valid work permits due to the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, it is more important than ever that the church give generously to the Legal and Mutual Aid Fund. This fund directly supports our Haitian Church of the Brethren members in the US, among others.
Northern Ohio District churches participate in Peanut Butter and Canned Food Drive challenge
Fourteen of our churches participated in a Peanut Butter and Canned Food Drive challenge within our district. An amazing total of 56,490.64 ounces (3,530.67 pounds) were collected.
Crest Manor enters into ‘Shalom Partnership’ with Dismas House, celebrates vitality of Sunday Discussion Group and Book Club
Crest Manor Church of the Brethren and Dismas House of South Bend, Ind., have entered into a “Shalom Partnership” to offer mutual friendship, support, and community for residents of Dismas House seeking to find their way back into society following incarceration.
CDS volunteers support ‘Faith and Fellowship’ memorial event in Kerrville
On Friday, July 3, while many were beginning their Independence Day celebrations, two Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) volunteers were aiding the Kerrville, Texas, community in a very different commemoration.
Pastors ordained for Church of the Brethren ministry in South Sudan
Two pastors were ordained for pastoral ministry in the Mangateen IDP [Internally Displaced Person] camp in June: Daniel Mawer and Paul Makuar. Mawer was trained in the Presbyterian tradition but due to conflicts in the leadership of the Presbyterian Church in South Sudan, he asked if he could join the Church of the Brethren.
Retinopathy of Prematurity Project aids premature infants and their families in Vietnam
With the proper therapies, and in some cases surgeries and other medical intervention, infants born prematurely have every chance of growing up to their full potential. But in places like Vietnam, premature infants born in rural areas may have no access to top-flight medical care.
Service projects take Conferencegoers out into the Fort Wayne community
There were many programs available for Annual Conference attendees as part of Tuesday morning’s “Imagine! A Morning of Sparking, Stirring, and Serving.” One of the most natural for Brethren was service projects.
Amy Gall Ritchie to serve as Annual Conference moderator-elect, among other election results
Amy Gall Ritchie of Manchester Church of the Brethren in North Manchester, Ind., South Central Indiana District, has been elected to the position of moderator-elect of Annual Conference. She will serve as moderator in 2028.
‘Frontliners’ certified to serve in their districts on behalf of Intercultural Ministries
On April 24, after two hours of training, the Intercultural Ministries office awarded the participants certificates of completion as new “frontliners.” Four people attended the training that evening, and three were assigned to this role in their districts.
