{"id":25729,"date":"2025-08-01T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/?p=25729"},"modified":"2025-08-05T19:18:46","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T19:18:46","slug":"brethren-bits-81","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/2025\/brethren-bits-81\/","title":{"rendered":"Brethren bits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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— The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership seeks candidates for the position of administrative assistant<\/strong> to fill a part-time, non-exempt, 25-30 hours per week, weekday position located at the campus of Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind. Pay range is $16-$18 an hour. The administrative assistant provides direct secretarial and administrative support to the academy staff, students, and programs; works collegially with Bethany Theological Seminary staff and faculty, the Church of the Brethren Ministry Office, and Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center. For a detailed position description including qualifications, go to https:\/\/bethanyseminary.edu\/jobs\/administrative-assistant<\/a>. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and will be accepted until the position is filled. Apply by sending a resume, letter of interest, and contact information for three references by email to Janet Ober Lambert, Director, Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, 615 National Road West, Richmond, IN 47374; academysearch@bethanyseminary.edu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Western Plains District has shared a concern for prayer,<\/strong> as it continues in relationship with pastor Alex Zazhytko and the Chernihiv congregation in Ukraine. The relationship has been passed on to district leaders after the retirement of Keith Funk as pastor of Quinter (Kan.) Church of the Brethren, who has been the main US contact for the church in Chernihiv. The Western Plains District conference in late July raised up the Chernihiv congregation in prayer. An email following the conference, sent on July 31, shared the latest prayer concern from pastor Zazhytko:<\/strong> \u201cDear brothers and sisters, I want to thank you all for your prayers on our behalf. It was quiet last night here in Chernihiv. However, it wasn’t quiet in other parts of Ukraine. Russia launched a massive drone\/ missile attack on Kyiv. There are casualties, including children. Part of a residential building collapsed. Fires broke out in several parts of the city. The Russians are using both missiles and drones\u2014and just a few days ago, they started deploying upgraded drones with jet engines, which are even more dangerous. Russia is now openly bombing residential areas and civilians. Adults are dying. Children are dying. They\u2019re deliberately targeting hospitals, schools, maternity homes, kindergartens\u2014civilian infrastructure all across the country. What\u2019s happening in Ukraine is a genocide against the Ukrainian people. There\u2019s no other way to describe it. This has been going on for three and a half years. And the whole world is watching, seemingly unable to stop this horror. The only thing we can do in this situation is to continue to trust in the Lord and keep praying that He would protect us. Please, continue to pray with us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Illinois and Wisconsin District has announced a special workshop for Saturday, Oct. 4,<\/strong> titled “Love Has No Borders: Immigration Issues, Deportation, and Today’s Church.” This online Zoom event will take place from 10-11:30 a.m. (central time) led by Phyllis Dodd, a social worker and Church of the Brethren member from Greensboro, Md., who has worked extensively in the fields of immigration and deportation cases for many years. She wrote the book Love Has No Borders: True Stories of Desperation as Seen by a Social Worker<\/em>. A graduate of Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., she has also served as refugee resettlement coordinator for Mid-Atlantic District and is a talented musician who plays bass with a local band. There is no charge for this event, and anyone is welcome to attend. Clergy can receive 0.15 continuing education units for participating. To register and receive the Zoom link, please contact the Illinois and Wisconsin District office at iwdde@outlook.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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— McPherson (Kan.) College received a large gift from Dondlinger Construction of Wichita<\/strong> during a ribbon-cutting and car-unveiling ceremony on July 24 (above photo courtesy of McPherson College<\/em>). The $125,000 check will support student activities and programs, said a release from the college. The gift was presented by company president Tom Dondlinger, along with project executive Troy Kapels, project manager Jared Woody, assistant project manager Zach Newell, superintendent Richard Scovel, and many other members of the project and leadership team. Dondlinger Construction was the general contractor for the new Campus Commons at the college. \u201cIn addition to overseeing construction, Dondlinger planned and implemented the custom rigging system used to suspend two classic automobiles from the building’s three-story atrium,\u201d said the release. \u201cThe first car, a 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB\/4 Daytona, was unveiled during the ceremony. A second car, a 1956 Austin Healey 100M Le Mans Roadster, was installed later. As the only college in the U.S. offering a four-year degree in automotive restoration, it is fitting for the college to showcase classic automobiles in its new flagship building.\u201d The Campus Commons is part of a larger expansion effort by the college, which has seen campus size increase by 20 percent since 2022. The gift was presented on behalf of Dondlinger Construction by company president Tom Dondlinger, along with project executive Troy Kapels, project manager Jared Woody, assistant project manager Zach Newell, superintendent Richard Scovel, and many other members of the project and leadership team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Please join the Global Mission of the Church of the Brethren and Brethren around the world in praying<\/strong> for a range of international concerns–including those shared by member denominations of the Global Church of the Brethren Communion–using the latest prayer update at https:\/\/mailchi.mp\/brethren\/mission-prayer-update-2025-7<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The summer unit of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) has begun orientation<\/strong> at Camp Colorado, starting July 27 through Aug. 4. At orientation, director Chelsea Skillen and volunteer coordinator Virginia Rendler will prepare the new BVSers for their upcoming year of service as they create a supportive community with their fellow volunteers. Immediately following orientation, volunteers will head out into the field and begin to learn their new roles. \u201cWe ask that you keep our volunteers in your thoughts as they adjust to this new experience and keep an eye on the BVS social media for updates!\u201d said an email from BVS. Find reels from the orientation on the BVS Facebook page at www.facebook.com\/brethrenvolunteerservice<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The August Prayer Gatherings for Immigrant Justice<\/strong>, weekly prayer gatherings held online via Zoom, will meet every Thursday this month at 12 noon (Eastern time). Organizers would like people to RSVP for the August gatherings. Those who register will receive the Zoom link to attend. Participants only need to RSVP once to attend any or all of the weekly events in August, and the Zoom link will remain the same for each event. Go to www.onearthpeace.org\/2025_08_prayer_gathering_for_immigrant_justice_20250711_20250807<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In remembrance of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki<\/strong>, Japan, a Nuclear Prayer Day will be held on Aug. 6. \u201cThe day is a global, prayerful commemoration of the bombings and a commitment to ridding the world of nuclear weapons,\u201d said an invitation from the Church of the Brethren\u2019s Office of Peacebuilding and Policy. \u201cThe continued presence of nuclear weapons is a threat to all of creation. The Office of Peacebuilding and Policy is cosponsoring a Nuclear Prayer Day event in Washington, D.C.\u201d Look here for an event in your area: www.mobilize.us\/backfromthebrink<\/a>. Look here for virtual events: www.voices-uri.org\/nuclear-prayer-day<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scooters are now available at National Older Adult Conference (NOAC)<\/strong>, a conference coming up the first week of September. Eder Financial has offered to fund a limited number of rented scooters for NOAC participants. The deadline to reserve a scooter is Aug. 10. Contact Jeanne Davies at jeanned@anabaptistdisabilities.net<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A wrap up video from the recent National Junior High Conference<\/strong> is now online to view on the webpage for the event at www.brethren.org\/yya\/njhc<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Shine fall curriculum is shipping. <\/strong>Place your order today! https:\/\/mailchi.mp\/brethren\/shine-curriculum-fall-2025<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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— The latest issue of Rooted<\/em>, a newsletter of the Brethren Creation Care Network<\/strong> is online at https:\/\/mailchi.mp\/brethren\/rooted-2025-7<\/a>. In this issue is a reflection on current challenges to action for the creation, inspired by the starfish story; a legislative update on the Budget Reconciliation Act, which is \u201ca step backwards from the goal of moving away from reliance on fossil fuels\u201d; a \u201cWhat You Can Do\u201d list of action suggestions; and invitations to a Nuclear Prayer Day on Aug. 6 and an online book club discussion of “A Children\u2019s Bible” by Lydia Millet. Closing out this issue is a request for feedback from church members and congregations: \u201cWe need YOUR feedback about our work!<\/strong> Please feel free to fill out this form to give us your thoughts of how we can better address topics you\u2019re interested in (https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/1ygs9ilQgdU3jjyq8sRgG-zaZ_yrlTq5PfbzPWVoBJZA\/viewform<\/a>). We’re currently in active conversation with members of our community to seek input from YOU and ways to engage more with people who are interested in our work. If your congregation is engaged in a creation care project that you would like to see featured in Rooted, please feel free to drop us an email and we will be in contact!\u201d Contact: HNelson@brethren.org<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Starfish by Pedro Lastra on Unsplash<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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— COBYS Family Services is holding its 2025 Bike & Hike Fundraising Event<\/strong> in support of the ministry\u2019s work with foster and adopted children on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 7. Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren is hosting events, which include the annual walk and bicycle rides, a Tasty Tour option, and Incredible Ice Cream Celebration, among others. This is the 29th annual Bike & Hike hosted by COBYS. \u201cThe bicycle rides have been refreshed to include familiar and new roads on the routes,\u201d said a release. \u201cComing back for a second year, the Tasty Tour is a 1.5 mile walk through Lititz with four stops at local eateries to sample tasty treats. All events end back at the church for the Incredible Ice Cream Celebration. First-time and veteran participants are encouraged to join. The Bike & Hike is a great way for individuals, families or other groups to support vulnerable children and families in our community while enjoying the fresh air and tasty treats.\u201d The event goal is to raise $25,000 before Sept. 7 through registrations and additional donations. Registration is open now and runs through the day of the event for the three-mile walk and bicycle rides, at $30, and the Tasty Tour is pre-registration only until Aug. 25, at $60, with early bird discounts available. All the details, registration, and donation options can be found at www.cobys.org\/bike-and-hike<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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— The next EcoPreacher Cohort has been announced by Creation Justice Ministries:<\/strong> \u201cWith the desire to support, educate, and engage preachers in the integration of climate consciousness into their preaching, Creation Justice Ministries has partnered with The BTS Center and Lexington Theological Seminary to offer a ten month cohort for preachers of learning, companionship, and exploration that will begin in September 2025. This cohort will offer monthly sessions to help preachers understand climate change and other environmental justice issues more deeply as spiritual crises that require creative, faith-rooted action.\u201d The application deadline is Aug. 4. The program fee is $200 (payment plan options and need-based financial assistance available). The start date is Sept. 18. Find out more at www.creationjustice.org\/ecopreacher.html<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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— \u201cRegister now for \u2018Through a Faithful Lens\u2019 webinar,\u201d<\/strong> invited the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC). The Church of the Brethren is a founding member of the NCC. \u201cRecently, Congress passed H.R. 1, otherwise known as the \u2018One Big Beautiful Bill Act.,\u2019\u201d continued the invitation. \u201cH.R. 1 represents a major shift in national policy, with wide-ranging impacts on economic justice, healthcare access, immigration, and the social safety net. While proponents have framed it as bold reform, many of its provisions raise deep concerns for the communities we serve\u2014especially those already facing systemic inequities. NCC is convening this conversation to examine the bill\u2019s contents through a moral and theological lens and to explore how faith communities can faithfully respond.\u201d The webinar is planned for Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. (Eastern time). Titled \u201cThrough a Faithful Lens: Discerning the Moral Costs of the Budget Reconciliation,\u201d it will feature a panel of national policy and advocacy experts and faith leaders including Amelia Kegan, associate general secretary for Policy and Advocacy, Friends Committee on National Legislation; Willie Lyles III, chief of staff for Representative Troy Carter Sr. (Louisiana); Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, president and general secretary of the NCC; and Jarrett Smith, senior government relations associate for the NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice. Register at https:\/\/us02web.zoom.us\/webinar\/register\/WN_gmHSCSf2SCeRjMZxCvaQmA#\/registration<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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— \u201cRight now, Gazans are dying of starvation as Israel continues to block food from entering the Gaza Strip,\u201d <\/strong>said an action alert from Church World Service (CWS). The Church of the Brethren is a founding member of CWS. The alert continued, \u201cA \u2018worst case scenario of famine\u2019 is unfolding in Gaza, where Israeli forces have killed over 1,000 people seeking food aid since May\u2026. The 400 aid distribution points that the UN previously operated inside Gaza have now been replaced with just four distribution sites controlled by Israeli forces, forcing Palestinians in search of food to crowd into dangerous and heavily militarized zones. Israel\u2019s implementation of daily \u2018tactical pauses\u2019 have proven vastly insufficient to allow food to enter Gaza at the scale needed to save lives, and Israeli forces continue to fire on people waiting for food.\u201d The alert invited readers to \u201ctake action to urge U.S. officials to halt starvation and protect human life in Gaza.\u201d A webpage with tools to contact Congressional representatives and President Trump with this concern is at https:\/\/cwsglobal.org\/action-alerts\/take-action-urge-u-s-officials-to-call-for-an-immediate-ceasefire-in-gaza-support-humanitarian-aid-and-protect-civilian-life<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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