the workcamp ministry of the Church of the Brethren as an assistant coordinator. I could not have imagined all the things that would change in the next year and a half. When July rolled around, I headed to Elgin, Ill., to start my service, thankful that–despite the COVID-19 pandemic–at least one thing I planned would still be happening.
“You told us that you’d like a choice, so we’re offering both print and digital teaching resources this fall,” said an announcement from Brethren Press and the Shine curriculum produced jointly with MennoMedia.
“Play, on Purpose,” a virtual webinar featuring Lakisha Lockhart, associate professor of Practical Theology at Chicago Theological Seminary, will be presented by the Youth and Young Adult Ministries on May 11 at 8-9:30 p.m. (Eastern time). After registering for the webinar, participants will watch a 30-minute video before joining the live conversation on May 11. Ministers may earn 0.2 continuing education units through the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership.
National Youth Sunday is in early May and provides congregations the chance to experience and celebrate the faith and creativity of their youth within the context of worship. In other words, it’s a chance for youth to “take over” worship from the adults, offering their own perspectives and leadership in many forms.
A calendar of online events for youth and young adults has been announced by the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult ministry. The events were shared in a letter from director Becky Ullom Naugle to youth advisors and pastors (https://mailchi.mp/brethren.org/youth-young-adult-ministry-2021). Information also is being shared via Facebook at www.facebook.com/BrethrenYYA.
FaithX (formerly the Workcamp Ministry) has announced a March 15 opening date for registration for short-term summer service events in Tiers 1, 2, and 3. However, the Church of the Brethren program announced a decision that Tier 4 events will not be possible this summer and will not be offered at registration.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Workcamp Ministry has developed alternative workcamp options for summer 2021 workcamps. The top priority is the health and safety of workcamp participants and the communities they serve. The ministry hopes to offer workcamp options that reflect this priority while also providing a meaningful workcamp experience.