{"id":24826,"date":"2025-01-24T11:05:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-24T11:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/?p=24826"},"modified":"2025-01-25T00:17:44","modified_gmt":"2025-01-25T00:17:44","slug":"brethren-bits-64","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/2025\/brethren-bits-64\/","title":{"rendered":"Brethren bits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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— Prayers are urgently requested for the Democratic Republic of Congo Church of the Brethren members, congregations, and leadership in the Goma area.<\/strong> A prayer request from Brethren Disaster Ministries reports that \u201ca well-armed rebel group called M23 is reported to be invading the area near Goma, pushing government forces into the city. Church leaders have requested prayers as the crisis unfolds.\u201d A report from Faraja Dieudonne shared: \u201cThe situation in Goma is not good at all, but the people remain resilient while facing the rising food prices and terror of ongoing violence.\u201d He also shared movement is prohibited in Goma by \u201csecurity forces,\u201d meaning Goma residents and church members are sheltering in place. Members of the Magunga congregation, a new church near Goma, have been forced to flee their homes. Dieudonne continued that the \u201chumanitarian needs are immense, especially for our church members and other vulnerable residents of Goma.\u201d The Brethren Disaster Ministries staff will be working with DR Congo church leaders to develop a relief and response plan to help alleviate hunger and suffering. Brethren Disaster Ministries has been supporting relief and recovery programs in the DR Congo since fighting began in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— The Brethren and Mennonite Heritage Center in Harrisonburg, Va., invites applications for the role of executive director. <\/strong>This is a fulltime salaried position. Application review will begin immediately, with the position opening on May 5, 2025. A position description and application information can be found at https:\/\/brethrenmennoniteheritage.org\/employment<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Shepherd\u2019s Spring is looking forward to its 35th anniversary on Saturday, May 17 (date to be finalized).<\/strong> This camp and outdoor ministry center in the Church of the Brethren\u2019s Mid-Atlantic District \u201copened as a gathering place for summer camp and outdoor ministry programs and retreats\u2026to help fulfill one of the major missions of the district to foster unity and fellowship,\u201d said an announcement. \u201cThis spring event will focus on remembering and celebrating the thousands impacted at Shepherd\u2019s Spring and envisioning its future ministry over the next 35 years. It will allow district congregations to meet Doug Veal, the new district executive minister, fellowship with other congregations, and encourage a spirit of unity and fellowship.\u201d The event will include short programs and discussions about the camp and district, and fun activities for children, youth, adults, and families, including \u201ca grand picnic feast\u201d as well as bonfires, hikes, music, and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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A webpage of \u201cKnow your rights\u201d resources<\/strong> is offered by the Church of the Brethren Intercultural Ministries. These resources follow on the denominational day of prayer and fasting for immigrants and the statement from the Mission and Ministry Board, focused on the scripture theme \u201cI was a stranger and you welcomed me\u201d (Matthew 25:35). <\/em>\u201cThe Intercultural Ministries office and Intercultural Ministries Advisory Committee (IMAC) are encouraging our congregations and districts to help members to know their constitutional rights,\u201d says the webpage. \u201cAs a denomination, we are striving to be a resource and referral space providing tangible information. Our goal is to support the districts with a plan to help guide our undocumented, and even our documented Brethren.\u201d Go to at www.brethren.org\/intercultural\/kyr-resources<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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A reminder of the upcoming webinar on Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. (Eastern time) introducing Fresh Expressions in the Anabaptist\/Pietist Tradition,<\/strong> sponsored by Discipleship and Leadership Formation of the Church of the Brethren. Ministers may earn 0.1 continuing education credit. This is the first of three webinars to be offered in the first quarter of 2025. Register at https:\/\/us06web.zoom.us\/meeting\/register\/t1D3ANppS1a6Pl-xCyKd7g.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

— Powerhouse regional youth conference takes place at Camp Mack in Milford, Ind., from Feb. 7-9. <\/strong>Registration is now open online. Cost is $170 for advisors, and $170 for youth with checks payable to the Northern Indiana District Church of the Brethren, “DYSCO-Powerhouse” on the subject line. For more information contact the district youth advisors, Val Kline or Lucas Kauffman, at 765-606-8541 or v3kline@hotmail.com<\/a> or 574-312-0225 or lucaskauffman1210@gmail.com<\/a>. Register using this form: https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/1uY4kTzgyXY2E4hEY0vv0uChrDHzwIyxi_4D8GN3jQhk\/viewform<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— A correction to the dates of the Roundtable regional youth conference: <\/strong>Although the registration brochure gives the date of March 1, the correct dates are Feb. 28-March 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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— Registration for the 2025 Song and Story Fest at Camp Brethren Woods in Keezletown, Va., is now available. <\/strong>This annual Church of the Brethren family camp is co-sponsored by On Earth Peace and scheduled for July 6-12. \u201cWe are again offering online registration and payment. This really helps streamline the process,\u201d said an announcement. \u201cYou may pay online (additional 3% fee) or send a check to On Earth Peace, after submitting your registration online. It is our preference that folks use the online registration form, but if anyone wishes to do it the old way, you may print page 4 of the brochure and mail it to the address on the form, with your check as payment. Please contact us if you have any questions. We hope to see you all at Camp Brethren Woods, July 6-12!\u201d The planning committee includes Ken Kline Smeltzer, Rhonda Baker, Chris Good, Rachel Long, Clara McGilly, Carolyn Neher, Mikah Overman, and Tina Rieman. For more information and registration go to www.onearthpeace.org\/song_and_story_fest_2025<\/a> and https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSfsMbe4qIv4DpOn4-U6WSnW1z74kZoAxMKzRehW2U-Ou0Hzrw\/viewform<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

— Church World Service (CWS) has issued a statement expressing \u201cdeep concern over a number of new executive orders<\/strong> from the Trump Administration reversing decades of precedent for welcoming those fleeing violence and persecution.<\/strong> This includes an executive order indefinitely suspending the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), as well as multiple actions that will limit access to asylum protection for people seeking safety.\u201d CWS is a longstanding ecumenical partner organization of the Church of the Brethren and Brethren Disaster Ministries. Said CWS president and CEO Rick Santos in the release: \u201cThe sweeping executive actions put refugees, immigrants and other vulnerable families, including many with young children, at risk. They undermine our nation\u2019s ability to live up to our values of welcome, generosity and compassion. For many decades people of faith and conscience have welcomed refugees through resettlement and walked alongside them as they have become a vital part of our American communities\u2014they are our co-workers, neighbors, community leaders, and friends.\u201d The USRAP executive order suspends refugee resettlement and directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to submit a report within 90 days regarding whether the resumption of refugee admissions under the USRAP would be in the interests of the United States. \u201cThough the order purports to permit case-by-case exceptions to the ban, it sets an extremely high bar for such an exception by requiring both Secretaries of State and of Homeland Security to jointly determine that the refugee\u2019s admission is in the national interest and does not pose a threat to the security or welfare of the United States,\u201d said CWS. \u201cFor over forty years, USRAP has enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support. The program benefits communities across the United States, brings enormous economic benefits, and strengthens U.S. national security. CWS calls on the administration to rescind this executive order and honor the American tradition of welcoming newcomers with compassion and generosity.\u201d Read the full release at https:\/\/cwsglobal.org\/press-releases\/new-executive-actions-target-vulnerable-families-ban-refugees-and-harm-people-in-need-of-protection<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) in a Jan. 23 release has called for de-escalation, demilitarization, and support of a permanent ceasefire and lasting peace between Israel and Hamas and in the broader Middle East.<\/strong> The release noted Jan. 20\u2019s inauguration of President Trump as \u201ca pivotal moment as our nation observed the inauguration of new leadership\u201d and called for \u201creflection, accountability, and a renewed commitment to the pursuit of justice and peace both at home and abroad.\u201d The release said that although the inaugural speech \u201ccommitted not only to winning wars but to ending them–citing the release of the Israeli hostages as a fulfillment of these commitments,\u201d initial actions \u201cindicate policy shifts that contradict the principles of peacebuilding.\u201d CMEP identified the lifting of sanctions on Israeli settlers and the reintroduction of 2,000-pound bombs into conflict zones \u201cwhich will undermine the fragile foundations necessary for reconciliation and healing\u201d as among policy shifts that \u201cdo not reflect a commitment to peace but a prioritization of militarization and destruction over diplomacy and justice.\u201d CMEP is a partner organization for the Church of the Brethren and its Office of Peacebuilding and Policy. Read the full release at https:\/\/cmep.salsalabs.org\/pr-jan232025<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— \u201cStones Cry Out\u201d (Luke 19:40), a peace camp sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) for young adults on March 10-15<\/strong> in Akron, Pa., and Washington, D.C., will have a focus on the global threats of climate change and forced migration. The event is recommended by the Office of Peace Building and Policy as it is organized with the Climate Advocacy and Education Coordinator for MCC. The theme is intended to encourage young adults who are \u201ceager to join a collective cry for positive change.\u201d Find out more and register at https:\/\/mcc.org\/events\/stones-cry-out-peace-camp<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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— Jennifer Hosler, a pastor at Washington (D.C.) City Church of the Brethren, <\/strong>was one of the speakers at the People\u2019s March in Washington. Her speech, in front of a crowd of tens of thousands, is posted on YouTube and www.facebook.com\/jgordonhosler\/videos\/2303503403355565<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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#MissionAndMinistryBoard #StrategicPlan #RacialJustice #LoveOurNeighbors #Discipleship #NewTestamentGiving<\/p>\n\n\n\n

———-<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find more Church of the Brethren news:<\/p>\n\n\n