{"id":27198,"date":"2026-06-01T18:00:32","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T18:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/?p=27198"},"modified":"2026-06-01T19:20:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T19:20:18","slug":"six-awards-from-associated-church-press","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/2026\/six-awards-from-associated-church-press\/","title":{"rendered":"Messenger and Communications receive six awards from the Associated Church Press"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Messenger magazine and the Communications department of the Church of the Brethren received six awards\u2014three awards of excellence, one award of merit, and two honorable mentions\u2014in the Associated Church Press 2025 \u201cBest of the Church Press\u201d contest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The awards were given during the ACP\u2019s annual convention in mid-May, with 225 winners among more than 700 entries in nearly 90 categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Awards of Excellence (1st place)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Eric Bishop, Emmett Witkovsky-Eldred, and Erika Clary, \u201cReflections on a Study of Denominational Leadership\u201d<\/strong> (Oct. 2025 Messenger). This cluster of three pieces by the Annual Conference study committee on Calling Denominational Leadership won in the category Feature Article: Denominational Politics – Long Format. The judge wrote:<\/strong> \u201cThose who are drafted to serve in any denominational legislative session would do well to read a primer as well assembled as this one. In a well-designed, informative, and instructional package, readers are guided on a path that promises to be both effective and rewarding.\u201d www.brethren.org\/messenger\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/Calling-2025-10.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

William L. Miller, \u201cA Mountaintop Moment\u201d<\/strong> (April 2025 Messenger), in the category Feature Article: Science Writing for the World of Faith. The judge wrote:<\/strong> \u201cThe author writes with authority as a wildlife biologist, and the piece remains accessible, personal and theologically grounded. It moves gracefully from a childhood encounter with Acadia National Park to conservation policy, ecosystem services, public lands, biodiversity, stewardship and the moral responsibility of Christians toward creation. The article\u2019s strength is that it does not merely mention science; it teaches readers how ecological systems, public conservation and faith-based stewardship are connected.\u201d www.brethren.org\/messenger\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/A-mountaintop-moment-wm-2025-4.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wendy McFadden, Take Heart<\/em><\/strong> (Church of the Brethren Annual Report video), in the category Visual Communications: Video \u2013 Editorial\/Documentary Style\/Educational. www.brethren.org\/about\/annualreport<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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View the 2025 Annual Report video at www.brethren.org\/about\/annualreport<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Award of Merit (2nd place)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Editorial team of Messenger, \u201cHope\u201d theme issue <\/strong>(April 2025), in the category Reporting and Writing: Theme Issue, Section, or Series. With contributions from Josh Brockway, Mary Jessup, Don Fitzkee, Greg Davidson Laszakovitz, Laura Stone, Debra Lynn, Virginia Rendler, and Purvi Satvedi. www.brethren.org\/messenger\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/Hope-2025-4.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Honorable Mention (3rd place)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Walt Wiltschek, \u201cThe Exchange\u201d<\/strong> (a page in each Messenger), in the category Reporting and Writing: Department. The judge wrote:<\/strong> \u201cThis is a highly engaging recurring department with a clear personality. Its mix of quotations, historical notes, \u2018by the numbers\u2019 items, puzzles and short educational features creates an accessible entry point for readers across ages and interest levels. The best parts are its ability to connect faith, history, culture and curiosity in a compact package.\u201d www.brethren.org\/messenger\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/The-Exchange.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gimbiya Kettering, \u201cUnnecessary Things\u201d<\/strong> (March 2025 Messenger), in the category Reporting and Writing: Humor. www.brethren.org\/messenger\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/unnecessary-things-GK-2025-3.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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

———-<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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