{"id":25852,"date":"2025-08-21T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/?p=25852"},"modified":"2025-08-23T19:23:51","modified_gmt":"2025-08-23T19:23:51","slug":"brethren-bits-84","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/2025\/brethren-bits-84\/","title":{"rendered":"Brethren bits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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— Camp Mack near Milford, Ind., is hiring a Cleaning and Maintenance supervisor.<\/strong> This is a full-time, year-round position that includes onsite housing and other benefits. The supervisor is primarily responsible for camp housekeeping and scheduled maintenance, working as part of a team responsible for keeping the buildings and grounds clean and welcoming for campers and guests. This is an ideal job for someone who enjoys the beauty of nature, is detail-oriented, can work independently, and wishes to be part of an established and respected ministry. Find more detailed information at www.campmack.org\/employment<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

— The Church of the Brethren\u2019s Illinois and Wisconsin District seeks a district conference coordinator<\/strong> to fill a contract position that can be renewed annually by mutual consent. Most of the work would occur from Aug. 15 to Nov. 15 each year, averaging about 10 hours a week in that span, with the heavier workload likely in the period immediately leading up to and at the district conference that is held on the first full weekend in November each year. A few meetings via Zoom would be required between January and August for planning the event with the district’s Program and Arrangements Committee. Candidates should be a member of or have familiarity with the Church of the Brethren. Experience with office software such as the Microsoft Office suite, Google applications, Zoom, etc., is required. Some conference\/event coordination experience is preferred. It is hoped that the candidate could attend this year’s conference, Nov. 7-8 in Bloomington, Ill., to get some orientation to the event and the position’s needs. A full position description with additional details is available. Apply by sending a resume, letter of interest, and two professional references by Sept. 30 to Church of the Brethren Illinois\/Wisconsin District Office, 1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard, IL 60148 or iwdde@outlook.com<\/a>. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.<\/p>\n\n\n

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— A Fall Festival to support Brethren Disaster Ministries is planned for Sunday, Sept. 21, <\/strong>from 12 noon to 5 p.m. in Lebanon, Pa., at the Stonebridge Farm (1108 Bucher Lane). The event will feature the bluegrass band Colebrook Road along with food and fun activities. This event is free and open to the public: donations will be accepted to support the work of Brethren Disaster Ministries (www.brethren.org\/bdm<\/a>) and Lebanon County Christian Ministries. There will be food trucks, face painting and other activities for children, sales by local artisans and band merchandise. RSVP at https:\/\/fallfestivalfeaturingcole.rsvpify.com<\/a> or contact rbucher08@gmail.com<\/a> with questions or for more information.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

— Bethany Seminary\u2019s Joelle Hathaway, <\/strong>assistant professor of theological studies and director of the MATW program, has contributed a chapter to a new book, Naming the Spirit: Pneumatology Through the Arts<\/em> (Intervarsity Press, 2025). The chapter is co-authored by Devon Abts under the title \u201cThe Spirit as Breath: Poetic Imagination and the Word-Bearing Breath.\u201d Read more at https:\/\/bethanyseminary.edu\/dr-joelle-hathaway-publishes-chapter-in-new-book<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Dan Ulrich, Wieand Professor of New Testament Studies at Bethany Seminary<\/strong> and a member of Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., will be one of the speakers at the \u201cLarry Hayes First Amendment Forum\u201d on Sept. 13 at 1-5 p.m. at the Allen County Public Library Theater in Fort Wayne. The event is hosted by Hoosiers for Separation of Church and State and is intended to help participants understand the impact on their lives of the political movement called Christian Nationalism. For more information and to register, go to www.mobilize.us\/au\/event\/807713<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

— McPherson (Kan.) College has been approved by the Higher Learning Commission to offer a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science<\/strong> starting in August 2026. \u201cThe degree further diversifies the college\u2019s academic offerings and builds on the existing strengths in the health science and sports studies programs, aligning with the mission to foster advances in rural and community health,\u201d said a release. \u201cDesigned to meet the growing demand among college-bound students for careers in health, fitness, and sports-related fields, the program will offer two areas of emphasis: strength and conditioning or exercise physiology\u2026. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in strength and conditioning is projected to grow by 14% over the next decade, while jobs in exercise physiology are expected to increase by 10%. Graduates will be prepared for diverse career paths in sports performance, clinical rehabilitation, corporate wellness, and preventative healthcare.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Applications are now open for the 2026\u20132027 academic year at Ecumenical Institute at Bossey,<\/strong> part of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and attached to the University of Geneva, Switzerland. \u201cThese internationally recognized programs offer unique opportunities for theological formation, intercultural exchange, and ecumenical engagement,\u201d said an announcement. Four distinct study options are available including Certificate of Advanced Studies in Ecumenical Studies; Complementary Certificate in Ecumenical Studies, a more extensive program; Master of Advanced Studies in Ecumenical Studies; and Intensive English Summer Course held prior to the academic year to support students who wish to strengthen their English proficiency for ecumenical study and dialogue. Applications are open to students from around the world with a background in theology, religious studies, or related fields. Admission is selective and places are limited. The application deadline is Nov. 30. More information is at https:\/\/oikoumene.org\/what-we-do\/the-ecumenical-institute-bossey\/application-process<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

— A World Prayer for Ukraine <\/strong>has been announced by the World Council of Churches (WCC) for Sunday, Aug. 24, hosted by the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations on the theme scripture from Psalm 18:2-3. The \u201cglobal prayer chain will ask for a just and lasting peace\u2014that God will stop the war and that light will overcome darkness,\u201d said the announcement. \u201cThe prayer will be held on the day when Ukraine, during ongoing Russian military aggression, will celebrate its 34th Independence Day. An online prayer calendar allows churches and individuals to sign up for prayer times, and the prayer website lists prayer needs and provides other resources for reflection and sharing. The prayer will also urge the protection of Christians in the occupied territories and for all those who minister under persecution; for the return of abducted children and healing for wounded families; and for comfort for those who have lost loved ones and for emotional and spiritual restoration. About 700 temples and churches of various denominations have been destroyed or damaged as a result of the military actions in Ukraine. More than 70 Ukrainian pastors and priests have been killed by Russian troops.\u201d Learn more at www.prayforukraine.org.ua<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Rebecca Dali<\/strong> has become the first woman from Ekklesiyar Yan\u2019uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) to be ordained into the ministry in the Church of the Brethren. The ordination service took place on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 17, at Panther Creek Church of the Brethren near Adel, Iowa, where Rebecca and Samuel Dali serve as pastors, with Northern Plains District executive minister Tim Button-Harrison officiating. Above: <\/strong>The laying on of hands gathered the ordained ministers present with representatives of the district board as Rebecca Dali knelt, with her husband, Samuel Dali, standing behind her. Below: <\/strong>District executive minister Tim Button-Harrison (at left) received Rebecca Dali\u2019s ordination vows, with her husband, Samuel Dali, standing in support at right. Photos by Joel Brumbaugh-Cayford<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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A \u201cpreview\u201d event for youth advisors is offered on Oct. 11-13<\/strong> in advance of the Church of the Brethren\u2019s 2026 National Youth Conference (NYC) at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colo. Because it will be a new location for many of the advisors who will bring youth, it seemed helpful to offer a chance to experience the location before NYC. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the campus, check out the food and lodging, see what recreation options are like, and enjoy sessions led by Charles (Chuck) Hunt on the book Faith Beyond Youth Group. The sessions will build on work by the Fuller Youth Institute, where Hunt is senior director of training. Continuing education credit will be available. Registration costs $375 and includes two nights of double-occupancy lodging, four meals, and all sessions. Registrants are responsible for their transportation to and from the YMCA of the Rockies. (Denver International Airport is the most convenient airport, and there is shuttle service to the YMCA.) See www.brethren.org\/yya\/advisor-preview-weekend-for-nyc-2026<\/a> or contact Becky Ullom Naugle, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, at bullomnaugle@brethren.org<\/a> or 847-429-4385.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Early-bird registration for the Intercultural Jubilee is extended to Sept. 1, <\/strong>at a reduced fee of $100 per person. The event takes place Nov 18-21 at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla., on the theme \u201cEmbracing Being Together and Awakening Our Paths to the Future\u201d (Revelation 7:9 and Galatians 3:26-28). Limited monetary assistance will be available upon review of the scholarship application. Meals will be provided by local Churches of the Brethren congregations, Camp Ithiel, Atlantic Southeast District, and Bethany Seminary. Vegetarian meals will be available on request. Housing is onsite at the camp or in nearby hotels. Participants are responsible for making their own hotel reservations and payment if desired. A free shuttle to and from Orlando Airport (MCO) will be available. Participants are expected to make their own travel arrangements and cover their own travel expenses. Congregations are encouraged to support members who desire to attend. Continuing education credit is available. Register at www.brethren.org\/intercultural<\/a>. For questions contact Intercultural Ministries director Founa Badet at fbadet@brethren.org<\/a> or 847-807-6485.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference office has shared a note from David MacMillan, director of the Rockingham Male Chorus<\/strong> based in Bridgewater, Va., which gave a concert at the 2025 Annual Conference on July 5. \u201cThe music and fellowship was wonderful and the experience will be fondly remembered for many years,\u201d he wrote. \u201cIf you are interested in having the RMC sing at your church, please contact us. We have a few openings in the fall of 2025 and are currently scheduling for 2026. We do not charge a fee to provide a program; however, we only ask that you lift a Love offering during the program to help with our expenses. Programs are usually an hour in length, but can be adjusted to suit your needs. The RMC began in 1966, spreading the gospel, and with God\u2019s help, we will continue for many years to come.\u201d Contact MacMillan at mrdmac53@gmail.com<\/a> or 540-421-4188.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

— Anabaptist World<\/em> has published an article titled \u201cDetentions, deportations multiply immigrants\u2019 fear\u201d <\/strong>reviewing the detention and deportation experience of Mennonite and Church of the Brethren immigrant members across the country. Quoted in the article are Founa Badet, Church of the Brethren director of Intercultural Ministries, and leaders of West Charleston Church of the Brethren in Tipp City, Ohio, where church member Armando Leonel Reyes Rodriguez was deported in June. Read the full article at https:\/\/anabaptistworld.org\/detentions-deportations-multiply-immigrants-fear<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Religion News Service (RNS) has published an article titled \u201cAttendance drops, fear rises in immigrant churches as Trump takes over DC.\u201d<\/strong> The report begins with a quote from a pastor on Facebook: \u201cI never thought I had one day to cancel Sunday worship because it is not safe for our Latino siblings to come to church. But here we are\u2026.\u201d RNS reported that on the first weekend after Pres. Trump federalized the police force in Washington, D.C., and deployed National Guard troops there, \u201cfaith leaders of the area\u2019s immigrant churches described lower than average attendance, anxious WhatsApp groups and escalating fears as word of detentions reached their parishioners. On Sunday (Aug. 17), an usher for the evening Mass at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Washington\u2019s Columbia Heights neighborhood was detained by federal officials just three blocks away from the church while walking to worship.\u201d Read the full article at https:\/\/religionnews.com\/2025\/08\/19\/attendance-drops-fear-rises-in-immigrant-churches-as-trump-takes-over-dc<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Four hour-long Bible study videos by Bethany Theological Seminary professor Dan Ulrich on the biblical basis for welcoming refugees and immigrants<\/strong> have been made available on the Messenger<\/em> magazine website, posted alongside the article he wrote on the same topic in 2016. View the videos, which are suitable for use by study groups and Sunday school classes, at www.brethren.org\/messenger\/uncategorized\/a-biblical-basis-for-welcoming-refugees<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The written article also is available in Spanish at www.brethren.org\/es\/mensajero\/sin-categoria\/a-biblical-basis-for-welcoming-refugees<\/a> and in Haitian Creole at www.brethren.org\/ht\/mesaje\/uncategorized\/yon-baz-biblik-pou-akeyi-refijye-yo<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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