Church of the Brethren Co-Sponsors ‘Church and Post-Christian Culture’ Event

Missio Alliance has announced a conference titled “Church and Post-Christian Culture: Christian Witness” in the Way of Jesus. “Church and Post-Christian Culture” seeks to gather historic Anabaptist groups along with a growing group of leaders who have found a new home in the theological visions of the tradition. The Church of the Brethren is co-sponsoring the gathering with Missio Alliance. The event is scheduled for Sept. 19-20 at Carlisle (Pa.) Brethren in Christ Church.

Vital Ministry Journey Helps Congregations and Relationships

The Church of the Brethren Congregational Life Ministries started the Vital Ministry Journey in 2011. According to Jonathan Shively, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries, the initiative started with a conversation between Congregational Life staff and Middle Pennsylvania District executive David Steele. Shively and Stan Dueck, director of Transforming Practices, had conversations with Steele about how to find a way to work with different congregations to solve problems proactively.

Brethren Academy Updates Its Course Listing for 2014

The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, a ministry training partnership of the Church of the Brethren and Bethany Theological Seminary, has issued an updated course listing for 2014. Courses are open to Training in Ministry (TRIM) students; pastors, who may earn continuing education credit; and all interested persons.

Congregational Life Offers New Spiritual Gifts Resource

When the Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren released the Vital Ministry Journey, staff also began work on a Spiritual Gifts Resource to help congregations and their members explore their gifts and passions for participating in the church. This resource may be used as part of Phase 2 of the Vital Ministry Journey or on its own.

Service Sunday 2014 Will Focus on Serving God by Serving All

The theme for the Church of the Brethren’s observance of Service Sunday 2014 is “Serving God by Serving All” inspired by John 12: 26, “If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you’ll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment’s notice. The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me” (The Message version).

Annual Conference Moderator Shares New Year’s Greetings with the Church

Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, is sharing greetings with the denomination and its members in this New Year 2014. The following letter offering encouragement for a life of Christian discipleship, is being sent to congregational delegates by mail. For more information about Annual Conference go to www.brethren.org/ac .

Brethren Press Announces Curriculum Resources for 2014

Brethren Press has announced curriculum resources for the coming year. In the spring, the Christian education curriculum Gather ’Round is offered for children and youth classes, and A Guide for Biblical Studies for adult classes and small group Bible studies. In the summer, Gather ’Round offers a quarter for multi-age groups of children and for youth, and a Vacation Bible School package is available. In the fall, Brethren Press and MennoMedia will roll out Shine: Living in God’s Light, the successor curriculum to Gather ’Round.

Lent Devotional ‘Real Rest’ to Focus on Themes of Grace, Light Living

The Brethren Press 2014 devotional booklet for Lent, offering devotions for Ash Wednesday through Easter, is written by Duane Grady. Each day will feature a scripture, meditation, and prayer in a pocket-sized booklet suitable for individual use or for congregations to offer to members. Pre-order now for $2.25 per copy, plus shipping and handling.

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