NEWSLINE

Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., honored the graduates from the class of 2022 during its Academic Commencement Ceremony on May 7. This year’s class includes seven master of divinity graduates, eight graduating with master of arts degrees, and 17 earning graduate certificates. For more about Bethany’s 2022 commencement go to https://bethanyseminary.edu/bethany-celebrates-the-class-of-2022.

A conference on Pietism titled “Heirs of Pietism in World Christianity” is planned for June 1-3 in Dayton, Ohio, hosted by United Theological Seminary as a hybrid event (in-person and online). Among the sponsoring organizations is the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA), which is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren. Church of the Brethren leadership at the event will include former BHLA archivist William C. Kostlevy, Bethany Theological Seminary faculty Denise D. Kettering-Lane and Scott Holland, Timothy S. Binkley, and Karen Garrett, among 20-plus presenters in total. Plenary presenter J. Steven O’Malley will speak on “The Influence of the Radical Pietist Gerhard Tersteegen (1697-1769) upon German American Revivalism.” Register and find out more about the schedule and fees at https://united.edu/heirs-of-pietism-in-world-christianity.

Manchester University invited descendants of its first Black students to the formal naming ceremony of its Academic Center in honor of siblings Martha and Joseph Cunningham on Monday, May 2, on the North Manchester, Ind., campus. The observance begins with a celebration paying tribute to the Cunninghams and their descendants. “I can think of no better way for Manchester to honor the Cunninghams than to name a hall of learning for them,” said Manchester president Dave McFadden.

Anabaptist Disabilities Network is the recipient of the 2022 Mennonite Health Services’ Innovation Grant, which will go towards the development of an Anabaptist membership curriculum for youth and adults with intellectual disabilities. A release from the network reported that “ADN’s membership curriculum will include an overview of the biblical story, a brief history of the Anabaptists, an exploration of Anabaptist beliefs and practices, and a detailed explanation of the practice of baptism in Anabaptist tradition. The curriculum will be written for adults, easy to read and illustrated. The teacher’s book will help teachers accompany their students as they consider a choice for baptism. Membership curriculum and Bible studies for youth/adults with intellectual disabilities are some of our most frequently requested resources.”

Philip E. Norris, 92, of Lititz, Pa.–who was one of the “Seagoing Cowboys” working with Heifer Project in Europe following World War II, and a former trustee for Bethany Theological Seminary–died on May 2 at Brethren Village. Born in Sweden, he was the son of Glen E. and Lois Detweiler Norris, who were serving as missionaries for the Church of the Brethren. 

Our district continues to examine ways we might be able to provide assistance related to the ongoing humanitarian situation in Ukraine. To support the denomination’s Ukraine Crisis Response, make an online donation at www.brethren.org/give-ukraine-crisis or mail a check to the Emergency Disaster Fund, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 and earmark for “Ukraine Crisis.”
    The Church of the Brethren Emergency Disaster Fund in late April sent a grant of $50,000 to support the response to the Russia-Ukraine war by partner organization the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), a US-based NGO. And a shipment in partnership with Lutheran World Relief went to Ukraine from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., recently. It consisted of approximately 9,600 quilts, 4,160 school kits, 18,500 personal care kits, 4,080 baby care kits, and 21,330 pounds of soap. It is to arrive this week.

Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) is holding a volunteer training June 3-4 at Bear Creek United Methodist Church in Woodinville, Wash., near Seattle. Registration is currently open on the CDS website at www.brethren.org/cds

Song and Story Fest 2022 on the theme “Into the HEARTland: Healing What Divides Us” is scheduled for July 3-9 at Camp Pine Lake in Eldora, Iowa. Song and Story Fest is a unique family camp featuring Church of the Brethren musicians and storytellers, with co-sponsorship from On Earth Peace, organized by Ken Kline Smeltzer. The annual event is usually held before or after the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, at a location relatively close to the Conference. This year’s is the 26th annual Song and Story Fest.
    Registration includes all meals, on-site facilities, and leadership, and is based on age. Children age 4 and under are welcome at no charge. Registration fees for other ages: adults $360, teens $240, children ages 5 to 12 $150, maximum total per family $1,000. Registrations after June 10 add 10 percent as a late fee. Daily fees also are available. For details, go to www.onearthpeace.org/song_and_story_fest_2022. For questions, or if you need financial help to attend, contact Ken Kline Smeltzer at bksmeltz@comcast.net.