{"id":28065,"date":"2026-10-22T23:59:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T23:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/?p=28065"},"modified":"2026-10-24T03:00:35","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T03:00:35","slug":"brethren-bits-121","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brethren.org\/news\/2026\/brethren-bits-121\/","title":{"rendered":"Brethren bits"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A ribbon cutting ceremony at the Brethren Service Center<\/a> in New Windsor, Md.,<\/strong> on Thursday, Oct. 22, marked a new partnership with the Catholic Medical Mission Board<\/a> (CMMB). The Brethren Service Center warehouse is the new home of CMMB\u2019s Distribution Center for its Access to Medicines Program. CMMB CEO Mary Beth Powers and Church of the Brethren general secretary David Steele both spoke during the ceremony, with Francie Coale of the Brethren Service Center staff helping to cut the ribbon. Photos courtesy of (from left) Joel Gibbel, Sharon Franz\u00e9n, and CMMB.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

— Remembrance: Stanley G. Barkdoll, <\/strong>a former camp administrator in the Church of the Brethren and a disaster relief project coordinator for many years, passed away on Sept. 18 in Ranson, W. Va. He was a member of the second unit of Brethren Volunteer Service<\/a> (BVS), then became an ordained minister and served churches in Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Michigan, and Maryland. He also served as an administrator at Camp Brethren Heights<\/a> and as a project coordinator for Brethren Disaster Ministries<\/a> for many years. Although he never attended college, he attended Bethany Theological Seminary<\/a> from 1973 to 1976. He was most recently a member of Downsville Church of the Brethren<\/a> in Williamsport, Md. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel (Trimmer) Barkdoll. He is survived by his sister Ruth Willstead, and by children Larry Barkdoll and Naomi Rohrer, Pamela and Vernon Ragsdale, Linda and Gerry Stewart, Debi and Kevin Zagumny, Scott Barkdoll and Pamela Berenbaum, and by grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Downsville Church of the Brethren, 8228 Dam Number 4 Road, Williamsport, MD 21795.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Job opening: The Cedars<\/a>, a retirement community in McPherson, Kan., affiliated with the Bluestem Communities<\/a>, seeks a fulltime chaplain<\/strong> to provide compassionate spiritual care and emotional support to residents, families, and staff in alignment with the Christian mission and values of Bluestem Communities. This role fosters an inclusive and respectful environment where individuals of all faith backgrounds feel valued, supported, and connected throughout all stages of aging and life transitions. The chaplain serves as a spiritual leader, counselor, advocate, and collaborator by offering worship services, pastoral care, grief support, and opportunities for spiritual growth while promoting holistic well-being of body, mind, and spirit. The chaplain also carries out collaboration and community engagement and holds administrative and professional responsibilities including the maintenance of accurate records and appropriate confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations. Qualifications and experience include, among others, a seminary degree or other graduate degree in the field of caring ministry, ministerial credentials in good standing within a recognized ecclesiastical body, a minimum of one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education or three years of pastoral ministry, an understanding or working knowledge of Anabaptism and\/or familiarity with Mennonite and Church of the Brethren history, values, and theology. For a detailed job description<\/a>, a list of benefits, and a link to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Save the date and plan to download a special collection of resources for worship and reflection on Nov. 13. <\/strong>\u201cMeeting at the Margins: An Advent Collection Honoring the Experiences of the Holy Family and Migrants Today\u201d will offer weekly Advent worship resources for use by congregations and devotional resources also appropriate for individual reflection. The collection will include lectionary reflections with a focus on migration; stories from migrants and allies; contemplative worship liturgies; and invitations to respond. Congregations are invited to use these resources to plan for their worship services during the Advent season. This Advent worship resource is being developed with ecumenical partners who have been jointly offering prayer and worship services in 2026: the Church of the Brethren and On Earth Peace<\/a>, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)<\/a>, the Presbyterian Church USA<\/a>, and the United Church of Christ<\/a>. This Advent Collection will be available to download in three languages (English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole) on Nov. 13. For more information or questions, contact the Church of the Brethren Deportation Defense Response Team at migrantjustice@onearthpeace.org<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\u201cJoin us for another fun Shine Community Connect\u2014a Zoom gathering to inspire and equip you for all-ages faith formation!\u201d<\/strong> said an invitation from the Shine curriculum<\/a> jointly produced by Brethren Press<\/a> and MennoMedia. The next Zoom event in the series is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 2, at 8 p.m. (Eastern time) with leadership from Dave Csinos, who will share ideas and inspiration for all-ages faith formation. Csinos is co-author with Traci Smith of the recently released book Church Together: An Essential Guide to All-Age Ministry<\/em>. Also during the Zoom, participants will get tips from the Shine team including Joan Daggett and Joyce Peachey Lind offering practical tips for the all-ages FlexSessions in Shine: Living in God\u2019s Light and Reach. The event will preview the 2026 Advent and Christmas Digital Kit from Shine, and there will be door prizes. \u201cWe will give away one copy of Church Together: An Essential Guide to All-Age Ministry<\/em> and one digital \u201cBright Lights, Holy Nights\u201d Advent and Christmas Kit,\u201d said the announcement. Register here<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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BDM volunteers work to rebuild a house in Buncombe County, N.C., that was damaged in 2024\u2019s Hurricane Helene.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

— Brethren Disaster Ministries has updated its volunteer schedules<\/a><\/strong> for the rebuilding project site in Buncombe County, N.C. Volunteers are rebuilding and repairing homes following Hurricane Helene, with volunteer housing in a conference center in Montreat, N.C. The following weeks have openings for volunteers<\/strong> (full groups number 15 volunteers, half groups number 7 volunteers). Please contact the Brethren Disaster Ministries office for more information about how to volunteer: 800-451-4407 or BDM@brethren.org<\/a>:
Dec. 6-12, 2026, open for a full group
Dec. 13-19, 2026, open for a half group
Jan. 24-30, 2027, open for a full group
Mar. 28-Apr. 3, 2027, open for a full group.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Greenville (Ohio) Church of the Brethren<\/a> on Sat., Oct. 24, at 9 a.m. (Eastern time) will host a Sewing Bee\/Church World Service<\/a> (CWS) Prep<\/strong> on behalf of Southern Ohio and Kentucky District. Volunteers will sew school bags for CWS kids\u2019 kits. \u201cPlease bring your sewing machine and an extension cord,\u201d said an announcement. \u201cNon-sewers will prep items in the morning for CWS kits. Bring a sack lunch and come for a time of service and fellowship.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— In the news, the Brethren Retirement Community<\/a> in Greenville, Ohio,<\/strong> held a gala and annual fundraiser <\/strong>that drew generous support for residents, according to MyCountyLink.com<\/a>. \u201cDueling Pianos entertainment highlights evening benefiting Resident Aid Fund and resident Wish List,\u201d read the subhead of the article. The event at the John & Iris Hathaway Education & Community Center featured entertainment by Dueling Pianos that \u201ccombined music, humor and audience participation for a high-energy show.\u201d Said John Warner, president and CEO: \u201cWe couldn\u2019t be more overwhelmed with the generosity of our community, from the sponsors to the donors and supporters, from the people who attended tonight…. Every dollar we earn here tonight will go back into improving resident quality of life, which is our mission.\u201d Read more<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Also in the news, Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren<\/a> recently held a new music festival <\/strong>according to the Daily News-Record<\/a><\/em>. The goal of the Garden Grow Festival, held for the first time on Saturday, Oct. 17, was to raise money for the church\u2019s Food Pantry Garden. \u201cThe music festival will feature 20 bands performing on two outdoor and two indoor stages, and organizers hope to raise $8,000, a number that matters because the Food Pantry Garden grows about 8,000 to 9,000 pounds of produce per year,\u201d said the newspaper. \u201cThis is our inaugural event,\u201d said church member Michael Palmer, one of the organizers along with John Gullman of Harrisonburg. \u201cThe Food Pantry Garden at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren supports several food pantries in the area, said David R. Miller, one of the church\u2019s pastors.\u201d Read more<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n

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\u201cClaim your free Winter 2026 issue of CCW’s historic newspaper,\u201d<\/strong> said an invitation from the Center on Conscience and War<\/a>, a longterm partner organization of the Church of the Brethren. \u201cAfter a long hiatus, The Reporter for Conscience\u2019 Sake<\/em> is back!\u201d said the announcement. \u201cFirst published more than 80 years ago, this historic newspaper has chronicled generations of resistance to war and the struggle for freedom of conscience. Now, we’re reviving this important tradition with a new edition featuring major updates from our work, stories from a new generation of conscientious objectors, and exclusive reporting you won’t find online. We’d love to send you a free copy!\u201d Request a copy<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\u201cWaging Peace: A Militarism Summit\u201d is being held Nov. 6-7 at Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Leola, Pa.,<\/strong> sponsored by Mennonite Church USA with MennoMedia, Mennonite Central Committee, and Mennonite Mission Network. Unfortunately, registration already has been closed, but representatives from the Church of the Brethren Office of Peacebuilding and Policy and On Earth Peace will be attending. The event is for pastors, church leaders, young adults, and peace-minded Christians to explore what faithful peacemaking looks like in an age of war, polarization, nationalism, and violence. The featured speaker is activist and best-selling author Shane Claiborne, who is founder of The Simple Way in Philadelphia and a leader of Red Letter Christians, a movement committed to living as \u201cas if Jesus meant the things he said.\u201d Also headlining the event is Joy Metzler, a conscientious objector and peace advocate who separated from the Air Force in 2025 citing US funding and partnership in the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Her advocacy has continued with groups such as Veterans For Peace, About Face Veterans, and local groups. The event also include panel and plenary sessions and a long list of workshops with topics ranging from \u201cExploring Radicalization in Our Communities Through Militarization\u201d led by Mennonite executive Glen Guyton to \u201cUS Militarism and Climate Change\u201d to \u201cFederal Income Taxes: Should We Pay Them?\u201d among many others. Find out more<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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The Center on Faith and Justice<\/a> is offering a set of worship resources for All Saints Sunday,<\/strong> which this year falls on Nov. 1, just two days before Election Day in the US. The worship resources are intended \u201cto help congregations mark this moment… to remember those who gave their lives so that others could vote, to pray for a peaceful and fair election, and to prepare their people for the patience that a careful and complete count may require,\u201d said an announcement. The resources include lectionary themes and scripture suggestions; a responsive call to worship; a prayer for the election and for calm; a short message clergy can read or adapt encouraging patience while every lawful ballot is counted; two litanies of remembrance: one naming martyrs of the voting rights movement and one honoring the broader story of those who struggled for a voice in our nation\u2019s life; a benediction; and links to iconography of civil rights and voting rights leaders. They are free to download<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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— Churches for Middle East Peace<\/a> (CMEP) has affirmed a statement from the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem <\/strong>concerning recent settler attacks against Palestinians in Taybeh and a visiting European Diplomatic delegation. CMEP is a partner organization for the Church of the Brethren Office of Peacebuilding and Policy<\/a>. \u201cCMEP stands in solidarity with the people of Taybeh as they face increasing intimidation and attacks from settlers,\u201d said a release. \u201cThis pattern is occurring throughout the West Bank as Palestinians are subject to growing restrictions on movement and increased harassment and violence from settlers acting with impunity.\u201d Along with the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, CMEP called \u201cupon the competent authorities to bring those responsible to justice, and we urge the international community to intensify its efforts to ensure the protection of the people of Taybeh and the West Bank, as well as all those who visit these areas to express their solidarity.\u201d CMEP also called on the US government \u201cto act swiftly and use its diplomatic leverage to pressure the Israeli government to hold violent settlers accountable for their actions in Taybeh and throughout the West Bank.\u201d The full statement<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

— The Pacific Conference of Churches, in a message on Oct. 19, rejected a US call to end the mandate of the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization. <\/strong>The World Council of Churches<\/a> reported on the message. \u201cDecolonisation is complete when the peoples still on the list have freely determined their future,\u201d the message read. \u201cThe Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism ends in 2030; this is a time to accelerate the work, not abolish it.\u201d The right of peoples to self-determination is not a matter of opinion, emphasized the message. \u201cThe International Court of Justice, most recently in its 2019 Chagos advisory opinion, has treated Resolution 1514 as declaratory of the customary right to self-determination,\u201d the text read. \u201cTo call the foundation of the UN decolonisation process \u2018non-binding\u2019 is to tell colonised peoples that their rights are optional…. Pacific churches have stood for a nuclear-free and independent Pacific for more than five decades,\u201d read the text. \u201cOur region still carries the fallout of nuclear testing in M\u0101\u2019ohi Nui and the Marshall Islands.\u201d The peoples of the territories deserve better than to be used in other governments\u2019 political campaigns, the message noted. \u201cThat applies to every government, administering powers included,\u201d the text reads. \u201cThe peoples of our region are not asking for favours. They are asking for a promise made in 1960 to be kept.\u201d Read the full message<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

— The World Council of Churches (WCC) is commending the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Navanethem \u201cNavi\u201d Pillay<\/strong> for her efforts to promote peace and international law. \u201cThe prize committee noted that she has been instrumental in ensuring that war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide are prosecuted,\u201d said a release. \u201cBorn into a family of Indian Tamil origin under apartheid in Durban, South Africa, Pillay became a lawyer and legal pioneer, confronting deep structural discrimination, segregation, and exclusion. A common thread runs from her early work defending Nelson Mandela and others who stood up against apartheid to her service as a judge in some of the key international court cases of our time. She has served as a judge on the High Court in South Africa, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and the International Criminal Court. She was the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and, until recently, she chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Today Pillay is a judge on the International Court of Justice in the case where Myanmar stands accused of genocide. In historic international court cases, she has shown that legal measures can help prevent acts of war and violence. Pillay has also contributed to strengthen the institutions of international law.\u201d Read the full release<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n

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— Equal Exchange<\/a> is offering to help Church of the Brethren congregations to \u201cjump start\u201d fair trade ministries<\/strong> by sending free samples of fair trade coffee to serve at church. Said an invitation: \u201cEmail interfaithreps@equalexchange.coop<\/a> to request coffee and we’ll send you free product to have at your fellowship hour!\u201d Equal Exchange, which over the years has had a relationship with the Church of the Brethren, is an employee-owned co-op that sells fairly traded goods from small-scale farmers all over the world. \u201cWe help many Church of the Brethren churches with their fair-trade ministries and we\u2019d love to grow this program!\u201d said the announcement. To learn more <\/a>about the Equal Exchange partnerships with congregations, which has been growing for 30 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below: A visual report from Atlantic Northeast District on the recent Brethren Disaster Relief Auction.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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