Angella F. Haranzo began Sept. 21 as half-time associate district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Virlina District. She has been interim director of District Conference, Nurture and Witness for the district.
Virlina District
Three new fellowships are welcomed by Annual Conference
Today three new fellowships were welcomed into the Church of the Brethren by Annual Conference. Nate Polzin, executive director of Discipleship and Leadership Formation for the Church of the Brethren, assisted the Conference officers in recognizing the new groups and their representatives.
The cowbell service: ‘I pray each sermon will be a blessing to all’
Just in case you didn’t know, it’s possible to have too much cowbell–as anyone who loves the legendary Saturday Night Live cowbell sketch starring Will Ferrell and Christopher Walken can tell you. (Google it). But that won’t be the case Thursday night at Annual Conference.
Brethren Disaster Ministries and two Church of the Brethren districts announce collections for those affected by California fires
“Give now to support California wildfire response through Brethren Disaster Ministries,” said an appeal shared by denominational staff this week. “Children’s Disaster Services is already responding to the needs of children and families. Working with the Pacific Southwest District and partner organizations, Brethren Disaster Ministries is planning to address short- and long-term needs of vulnerable people impacted by the fires.”
Brethren Disaster Ministries director makes visit to area affected by Hurricane Helene
The director of Brethren Disaster Ministries, Jenn Dorsch-Messler, traveled through Virginia and North Carolina the week of Oct. 21 to visit with Church of the Brethren district and church leaders. The trip responded to the impact of Hurricane Helen in both states.
Children’s Disaster Services helps families in shelter, Brethren Disaster Ministries directs grants for aid, among other Hurricane Helene updates
As media report that the death toll from Hurricane Helene has topped 200–with more than half of the deaths in western North Carolina–Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) have begun active responses to aid survivors of the storm and its aftermath.
A century of life, eight decades of pastoral ministry in the name of Christ: J. Richard Gottshall
J. Richard (Dick) Gottshall of Roanoke, Va., celebrated his 100th birthday on Monday, Aug. 26, with visits from family, friends, pastoral colleagues, and birthday cards from members of Virlina District congregations. The wisdom he gained throughout his almost 80 years of set-apart ministry continues to be sought after by pastors throughout the Virlina District.
For a common spiritual cause: Prayer walk is sponsored by Virlina Peace Affairs Committee
Sponsored by the Virlina District’s Peace Affairs Committee, the walk was a new addition to the district calendar, designed as an intentional response to both rising incidents of gun violence in the city of Roanoke, Va., and recent efforts to understand and reverse the impacts of racism in the city.
Daniel Rudy to serve as executive minister for Virlina District
The Church of the Brethren’s Virlina District has called Daniel L. Rudy as district executive minister beginning on Feb. 6, 2023. The district has called Emma Jean Franklin Woodard to serve a five-week interim role between the retirement of David Shumate on Dec. 31 and the beginning of Rudy’s service. Rudy has pastored Ninth Street
Barry LeNoir to depart as director of Camp Bethel in Virlina District
The Outdoor Ministries Committee of the Virlina District of the Church of the Brethren announces that Barry LeNoir, director of Camp Bethel in Fincastle, Va., will depart his role on June 30, 2023. He began his service on Aug. 19, 2002.
