{"id":24961,"date":"2025-03-12T03:58:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-12T03:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/?p=24961"},"modified":"2025-03-14T04:29:50","modified_gmt":"2025-03-14T04:29:50","slug":"brethren-bits-67","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/2025\/brethren-bits-67\/","title":{"rendered":"Brethren bits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Prayer request for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), from the Global Mission office:<\/strong> The following is shared from an update provided by Church of the Brethren leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where church members have been affected by increased violence: \u201cThank you for\u2026your continued prayers. The security situation remains extremely tense in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri. On the Uvira side, the M23 has not yet officially taken control of the city of Uvira, but their advance is worrying, and the city is on constant alert as they have already taken control of the mid-level plateaus overlooking Uvira. Many residents live in fear, and the humanitarian crisis is worsening with shortages of food and basic necessities due to the blockade of several supply points, particularly the mid-level plateaus and Tanganyika province through the ports of Uvira\u2026. Several families who are members of our local churches in Uvira\u2026were able to cross the border between the DRC and Burundi and are currently stuck in the refugee transit camp set up in Gihanga where they continue to warn of the shortage of food supplies due to the limited services offered by the UNHCR in collaboration with the Burundian government.\u201d Find out more about the Global Mission of the Church of the Brethren at www.brethren.org\/global<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Remembrance: Doris Cline Egge, <\/strong>101, who had served on the former General Board of the Church of the Brethren, died on Jan. 10 in Roanoke, Va. She was born in Harrisonburg, Va., on Aug. 28, 1923, the daughter of A. Fred and Frances (Zigler) Cline, both of whose families were members of the Church of the Brethren since the colonial era in America. She grew up in the Church of the Brethren and throughout her life was very active in the local, district, and denominational church. She graduated from Bridgewater (Va.) College in 1946. She later earned a master\u2019s degree from the University of Virginia. She had a long career as a high school teacher and guidance counselor, and also taught classes at the Women\u2019s Center at Hollins College. She concluded her professional career as a psychotherapist in private practice. Her leadership in the Church of the Brethren included, among others, service on the former General Board of the denomination, participation in the Annual Conference committee for the 1983 paper \u201cHuman Sexuality from a Christian Perspective,\u201d and service on the board of Bethany Theological Seminary. On the district level, she served on the board of Virlina District and was reportedly the first woman to serve as District Conference moderator of the Virlina predecessor district, when she led the last District Conference of the First District of Virginia in May 1971. On the local level, she served as moderator, deacon, and Dorcas Circle president for Williamson Road Church of the Brethren, where she also taught Sunday school for more than 60 years. She received the Outstanding Service Award from Bridgewater College and the Leadership Award from the Hollins College Women\u2019s Center. She married Dean L Egge on June 28, 1946, and they remained married until his death in May 2004. She is survived by their children Frances Christine \u201cTina\u201d Egge, Meredith Carol \u201cMerry\u201d Egge, Alan Carter Egge, and Kimball Scott Egge, and grandchildren and great grandchildren. Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced. Memorial gifts are received to Bridgewater College. Find a full obituary at https:\/\/memorial.oakeys.com\/doris-egge\/5536156\/index.php<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Several Church of the Brethren pastors and church members,<\/strong> as well as representatives of the Church of the Brethren\u2019s Office of Peacebuilding and Policy and of Mennonite Central Committee, took part in a recent immigration vigil in Washington, D.C., and carried out advocacy visits to Congressional offices. Among them was Don Fitzkee, who was one of the speakers at the vigil and is serving as moderator-elect of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. Fitzkee and others from Lancaster (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren joined in a Pennsylvania delegation that also included a Jewish rabbi, a member of the Catholic Order of Friars Minor and the Franciscan Action Network. Another Virginia delegation included pastors and members from Manassas Church of the Brethren and Arlington Church of the Brethren among others. The Interfaith Immigration Coalition sponsored the vigil.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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— The Outdoor Ministries Association of the Church of the Brethren is sharing the following job openings at camps:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Camp Eder in Southern Pennsylvania District seeks candidates for two positions: Camp Coordinator and Program Coordinator. <\/strong>The Camp Coordinator fills a director role responsible for the total operations and security of Camp Eder, which includes supervising, hiring and supporting other staff, administrative responsibilities, public relations, and whatever else needed to make camp run well. The Program Coordinator role is to provide leadership for all Camp Eder-sponsored programs, to assist the Camp Coordinator in promoting Camp Eder programs, to develop and operate programs within the mission, and to make fiscally responsible programming decisions within the budget of the organization. The Camp Eder Board is now accepting resumes. Please contact Stan Goodwin, vice chair of the board, with applications or questions. Find links to full position descriptions and how to apply at https:\/\/omacob.org\/camps-2\/employment<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Camp Koinonia in Cle Elum, Wash., in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, seeks candidates for the position of Executive Director<\/strong> with responsibilities for fostering a Christ-centered culture, serving as the chief administrator, supervising staff, and collaborating with the Board of Directors. The role involves acting as a spokesperson, maintaining the website, leading marketing campaigns, and cultivating relationships with churches and community organizations. Additionally, the position manages the camp\u2019s finances, including a $1-plus million budget, donor development, fundraising, and collaboration with grant writers, while ensuring compliance with government regulations, safety standards, and ACA guidelines. The position also oversees site maintenance and cleanliness; works with the board and staff to establish long-term strategic plans, defining ministry vision, staffing, and resource needs; collaborates with the Program Director to develop and execute ministry programs, lead staff meetings, and ensure alignment with budget and operational goals. Find links to full position descriptions and how to apply at https:\/\/omacob.org\/camps-2\/employment<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Mid-Atlantic District has announced the Installation Service for district executive minister Douglas Veal<\/strong> will be held this Saturday, March 15, at 2 p.m. (Eastern time) at Union Bridge (Md.) Church of the Brethren. All are invited to attend in person or via livestream at www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCZBksJPBd2y7bnTIM4 8r7YA<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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— The Church of the Brethren Office of Peacebuilding and Policy is one of the co-sponsors<\/strong>–along with Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) and several other denominations and religious groups–of the Washington, D.C., book launch of Christ in the Rubble<\/em> by Munther Isaac<\/strong>, Palestinian Christian pastor and theologian. The event is scheduled for April 2, 6:30-8 p.m. (Eastern time), at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church and online via livestream. \u201cIn this impassioned and incisive book, Munther Isaac challenges mainstream Christians\u2019 uncritical embrace of the modern State of Israel,\u201d said the announcement. \u201cSpeaking from his unique vantage point as a prominent Palestinian Christian pastor and theologian, he proclaims a truth that is rarely acknowledged in Christian circles: Israel\u2019s campaign to eliminate the Palestinian people did not begin after October 7, 2023. Rather, the campaign is a continuation of a colonial project with nineteenth-century roots that has, since 1948, established systems of entrenched discrimination and segregation worse than South Africa\u2019s apartheid regime. Writing from Bethlehem with close-up knowledge of conditions on the ground, and rooted in a commitment to nonviolence and just peace, Isaac challenges readers to realign their beliefs and actions with Christ\u2014who can be found not among perpetrators of violence, but with victims buried under the rubble of war.\u201d Munther Isaac pastors the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem and the Lutheran Church in Beit Sahour, in the West Bank, and is the academic dean of Bethlehem Bible College and the director of the \u201cChrist at the Checkpoint\u201d conferences. Go to https:\/\/cmep.org\/cmep-events\/christ-in-the-rubble-nyapc<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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\u201c10 Books Every Brethren Should Read\u201d is the latest online article from Messenger<\/em>,<\/strong> the Church of the Brethren magazine. Written by Brian Nixon, the piece offers brief reviews of a selection of books by and about Brethren. \u201cTo continue the Brethren identity as \u2018people of the Book,\u2019 I\u2019m expanding the adage to \u2018people of books,\u2019 a call to be leaders and readers,\u201d he writes. \u201cMy only criteria in choosing ten books are that the books should be by\u2014or about\u2014Brethren. This said, the task is daunting. The Brethren have many fine authors. The ten I choose are a combination of historical and contemporary, theological and literary. I purposely left off the Bible because it is \u2018the Book\u2019 that inspired all the other books.\u201d Read more at www.brethren.org\/messenger\/media-review\/people-of-books-10-books-every-brethren-should-read<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

A related question from the Messenger editorial team: <\/strong>What Church of the Brethren books would you consider essential? Send your list to messenger@brethren.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

— On Earth Peace is presenting 50th Anniversary Recognition Awards to David Jehnsen and Barbara Dat\u00e9, <\/strong>\u201cas we consider On Earth Peace\u2019s 50 years and those whose legacy continues to move us in hope to the next 50 years,\u201d said an announcement. \u201cBoth of these people have contributed to the key frameworks that guide On Earth Peace\u2019s work in organizing for conflict reconciliation and social change. They have each served On Earth Peace and the Church of the Brethren, and many beyond the church, developing and walking with generations of leaders for justice and peace.\u201d Jehnsen is co-author of the Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation curriculum that On Earth Peace uses in Kingian Nonviolence training. Dat\u00e9 is a regular consultant in anti-racism work and conflict transformation work and is a member of the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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— Also from On Earth Peace: A special introduction to Kingian Nonviolence for Women’s History Month<\/strong> is scheduled for March 20 at 4 p.m. (Eastern time). Said an announcement: \u201cMary Lou Findlay, JoanMay Cordova, and Pam Smith will communicate the core of the Kingian Nonviolence Legacy, grounding in stories and examples from their own lives and the broader Movement. In honor of Women’s History Month, we will be incorporating stories and wisdom from the women of the civil rights movement, including Coretta Scott King, Fannie Lou Hamer, JoAnn Robinson, and more!\u201d Find out more and register at www.onearthpeace.org\/2025_3_20_2hr_intro_kingian_nonviolence<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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— The mailing address has changed for the Womaen\u2019s Caucus.<\/strong> \u201cDue to circumstances beyond our control, our mailbox has been closed and all mail has been returned to sender,\u201d said an announcement. \u201cWe are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused.\u201d The announcement closed with appreciation: \u201cWe do love to hear from you, and look forward to gathering with you online and in person this year!\u201d The new mailing address is Womaen\u2019s Caucus, 4898 E 1400 N, North Manchester, IN 46962. <\/p>\n\n\n

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— The March episode of Brethren Voices,<\/strong> a television show created for use on public access stations and in congregations and study groups by producer Ed Groff and Portland (Ore.) Peace Church of the Brethren, is titled \u201cAre We All Illegals, as We Inhabit the Sacred Lands of America?\u201d<\/strong> The opening scenes feature \u201cbreathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty to the reading of Emma Lazarus\u2019 well known sonnet,\u201d said an announcement. The program \u201cshares the stories of people who have come to this country for the freedoms as exemplified by the Statue of Liberty. It is Hebrews, in the New Testament which provides the best text of hospitality: \u2018Continue to love each other like brothers and sisters. Remember always to welcome strangers, for by so doing, some have entertained angels without knowing it\u2019 (Hebrews 13:2). The Statue of Liberty was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States. It\u2019s recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. So, what does it mean today, as there are many in this country, fearing for their lives. Those living in fear are people who have come to the United States, seeking a better life. Many are attempting to escape from violence in their home countries.\u201d View this episode and previous Brethren Voices shows on YouTube.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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McPherson (Kan.) College celebrated 18 employees and trustees<\/strong> for their years of service with a reception, dinner, and awards program on March 6. The annual recognition celebrates faculty, staff, and board members who have served the college for 5 to 30 years. Honorees included: 30 Years \u2013 Renee Carlson, custodian. 25 Years \u2013 Bryan Midgley, professor of psychology; Allan van Asselt, professor of chemistry. 20 Years \u2013 Jd Bowman, professor of theatre; Amanda Gutierrez, vice president of automotive restoration. 15 Years \u2013 Ed Barr, professor of technology; Kerry Dobbins, professor of history; T.J. Eskildsen, men’s basketball head coach; Manjula Koralegedara, professor of chemistry. 10 Years \u2013 Matt Pfannenstiel, associate vice president of enrollment; Christi Paulsen, ERP manager; Jamie Pjesky, director of academic advising and student success; Tammy Sigwing, assistant controller. 5 Years \u2013 Jerod Corbus, executive assistant to VPAA; Timothy Frye, associate professor of math. Board of Trustees \u2013 John Holthus, Randee Koger, Craig Little.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Atlantic Northeast District is collecting Clean-up Buckets, with the challenge to district congregations and church members to “Join us in our Spring 100 Bucket Challenge!”<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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— The Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) 2025 Advocacy Summit<\/strong> on the theme \u201cThe Courage to Keep on Speaking\u201d (Acts 18:9) is scheduled for March 19-20 in Washington, D.C. Washington City Church of the Brethren is hosting the first day of the event. \u201cThis summit will provide an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Middle East, strengthen your advocacy skills, and engage directly with policymakers on Capitol Hill,\u201d said an announcement. The agenda includes keynote talks by H.E. Dr. Ambassador Hassassian, Palestinian Ambassador to Denmark, and Cori Bush, former Congresswoman; forums on \u201cChristian Sustainability in the Holy Land\u201d and \u201cPolicy and Engagement,\u201d a panel discussion on \u201cProphetic Responses in Times of Crisis,\u201d and a full day set aside for advocacy meetings scheduled at offices on Capitol Hill. The final deadline to register is March 17. Tickets are available on a sliding scale, with discounts for first-time attendees and those with financial need. Go to https:\/\/cmep.org\/cmep-events\/2025-advocacy-summit<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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— The World Council of Churches (WCC) has released a seminar report titled \u201cIndigenous Spiritualities, Land Rights, and Climate Justice\u201d <\/strong>edited by Lori Ransom, WCC indigenous peoples consultant. Said a release: \u201cThe report serves as a platform for the clear, urgent, and much-needed voices of Indigenous peoples to expose the climate catastrophe through which we are living. The report, a collection of voices that continue the tradition of Indigenous peoples in the ecumenical movement, is the fruit of the WCC Indigenous Peoples Network Reference Group and its first in-person gathering in October 2024.\u201d Download the report at www.oikoumene.org\/resources\/publications\/indigenous-spiritualities-land-rights-and-climate-justice<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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— In more from the WCC: \u201cThe world is in critical need of economic justice.<\/strong> While a handful of billionaires accumulate unprecedented wealth, nearly half the global population\u20143.6 billion people\u2014struggles to survive. As people of faith, we must challenge unjust economic systems and advocate for policies that uplift the most vulnerable,\u201d said a statement from WCC general secretary Jerry Pillay ahead of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development to take place in June, and the World Summit for Social Development. Topics will include how extreme wealth accumulation, climate change, and economic exploitation continue to widen global inequalities. Discussions will focus on faith-led policy advocacy for just taxation, debt cancellation, and reimagining a global economy based on equity and sustainability. In light of the African Union\u2019s 2025 theme, \u201cJustice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,\u201d participants will explore strategies for decolonization, economic justice, and reparative action to correct historical and systemic injustices. More about the New International Financial and Economic Architecture is at https:\/\/oikoumene.org\/what-we-do\/sustainability-and-economy-of-life#new-international-financial-and-economic-architecture<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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— A 2025 National Faith and Climate Forum is planned for March 27.<\/strong> \u201cDeepen your faith, engage in creation care, & connect with other faith leaders for a day of interactive sessions and inspiring keynotes accessible through a live-streamed online broadcast, or in person at host locations across the U.S.!\u201d said an invitation. Register for free at nationalfaithandclimateforum.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a related initiative, the organization One Home One Future is offering a free Earth Day Tabling Kit<\/strong> to support Earth Day events and activities in congregations. Each kit will include signage, printed handouts, and talking points. One Home One Future is a multi-faith campaign to strengthen environmental work of local congregations nationwide, and includes a number of Christian denominations, the National Council of Churches and other ecumenical groups, as well a environmentally focused faith-based organizations. Go to www.onehomeonefuture.org\/earth-day<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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— Mark Kuntz of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill.,<\/strong> a cellist, was recognized with being the longest serving member of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra as the ESO celebrated its 75th anniversary season. The recognition published by the ESO noted that he \u201cmay very well hold the national record for longest continuous member of a single orchestra in the United States.\u201d Kuntz is the only ESO musician to have performed with all five of the ESO\u2019s music directors. \u201cBarely a teenager in 1958, Mark joined the Elgin Civic Orchestra when the orchestra was comprised of music instructors, local musicians, community players and student musicians,\u201d the recognition said. Read the full article at www.elginsymphony.org\/eso-news\/mark-kuntz-feature<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Ekklesiyar Yan\u2019uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) gained media attention from the Leadership publication for ordaining 53 new pastors<\/strong> at its recent EYN Ministers\u2019 Annual Conference. \u201cThe president of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, Rev Daniel Mbaya, has urged 53 freshly ordained pastors to lead their congregations in prayer over the prevailing economic hardship,\u201d said the brief article, accompanied by a photo of EYN president Daniel Mbaya. The new pastors \u201cbrought the number of pastors administering the church\u2019s doctrines to more than a thousand,\u201d the report said. Go to https:\/\/leadership.ng\/church-ordains-53-pastors-urges-prayers-over-prevailing-economic-hardship<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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