DENOMINATIONAL NEWS/NEWSLINE
The Nominating Committee of the denomination’s Standing Committee is seeking nominations for leadership positions open in 2025. Go
to www.brethren.org/ac/nominations for nomination resources, including a link to a downloadable bulletin insert you can use in your congregation.
A webinar on “Climate & Peace: Learning from Stories from Around the World” takes place Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 10 a.m. Central, sponsored jointly by the Church of the Brethren Office of Peacebuilding and Policy, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), and the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL). The webinar will equip church members on the intersection of conflict and climate change by hearing from local faith leaders from the Global South telling how climate change is impacting their communities. Participants also will learn from experienced policy advocates about how to reach out to members of Congress to drive legislative change regarding this issue. Find out more and register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XqMu_dxZR_WKyU4O0Wur5w#/registration.
Resources for the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel on the theme “Whatever you did…you did for me” (Matthew 25:40), have been published by the World Council of Churches. The week is observed on Sept. 16-22 and includes the UN International Day of Peace on Sept. 21, now in its 25th year. This year’s main message conveys the dismay at the suffering and devastation caused by Israel’s war on Gaza. Find out more and download resources from www.oikoumene.org.
On Earth Peace will highlight its 50th anniversary celebration with a performance by Ted & Co TheaterWorks, “Just Give ‘Em the News.” Tickets and sponsorships for the performance will support the work of On Earth Peace. Suggested donation levels: $25 for general admission, $100 for 4 or more people, $10 for streaming, or donate another amount at www.OnEarthPeace.org/donate. This family friendly performance will be live streamed from its in-person venue at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren on Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern (6:30 Central).
There are new additions to the YouTube channel of historical Church of the Brethren videos, created by videographer David Sollenberger working with the Brethren Historical Library and Archives and Church of the Brethren website producer Jan Fischer Bachman. The additions include three classic videos by Paul Grout. Sollenberger reports: “His seven- minute ‘race through the Bible’ using several hundred of his painted images, called ‘For Such a Time as This,’ which was shown at the 2002 National Youth Conference; and the Stations of the Resurrection project, also featuring his art work.” Also included are the Hymnal Jubilee celebration at the 1992 Annual Conference in which Nancy Faus unveiled the new hymnal through group singing and musical presentations, and the first five Annual Conference Wrap-Up videos beginning in 1989. A listing of offerings on this channel is at www.brethren.org/bhla/video.
The Death Row Support Project, which is a project connected with the Church of the Brethren Office of Peacebuilding and Policy, seeks writers to serve as pen pals for people on death row. Those who are interested in writing may attend an upcoming online information session to learn more: Sept. 28, 1-2 p.m. Central, https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89832373518?pwd=Edvus8Mn7JfbsAXcGbNe4pIagHWYRW.1, Meeting ID: 898 3237 3518, Passcode: 251092; Oct. 3, 7-8 p.m. Central, https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86714973021; Meeting ID: 867 1497 3021; Oct. 12, 1-2 p.m. Central, https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81013038148, Meeting ID: 810 1303 8148.
McPherson (Kan.) College “marked a significant milestone as it welcomed the largest incoming class in its history when fall semester classes began on August 21,” said a release. The college enrolled 319 first-time freshmen, the largest freshman class on record. This year’s freshman class grew 35 percent, with total enrollment up 5 percent, bolstered by a second year of increased retention.
In 2024, a total of 183 youth and adults joined Church of the Brethren FaithX service trips and had the opportunity to engage in service, learn new skills, grow in faith, explore interesting places, live in community, and build friendships. Junior high, senior high, and older adult participants served at 10 locations in the United States, while adult participants traveled to Ecuador. The 2025 older adult FaithX trip has been scheduled for March 2-7 at Camp Ithiel near Orlando, Fla. Find out more at www.brethren.org/faithx.
The 54th annual Dunker Church Service at Antietam, the Civil War battlefield near Sharpsburg, Md., took place Sunday, Sept. 15. The speaker was Gene Hagenberger, former district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Mid-Atlantic District, bringing a message titled “The Undiscovered Country.” Special music was provided by the Back Row Singers from Hagerstown (Md.) Church of the Brethren, Carol Scheppard on the bagpipes, and Adam Lane on vocal/guitar. The service at this old Brethren meetinghouse on the Antietam battlefield commemorates the peace witness of the Brethren during the Civil War.
The Church of the Brethren Intercultural Jubilee has been scheduled for Nov. 18-21. More details are forthcoming.
On Aug. 9, Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) deployed a team of three volunteers to Lake Isabella, Calif., where they served in a Local Assistance Center (LAC) until Aug. 13. Setting up a disaster care center, the team aided the needs of 20 children.
Brethren Press has published a new book, Notes to the Church, by Wendy McFadden, gathering thoughts from her “From the Publisher” column in Messenger. She has written for the magazine for several decades, offering brief bits of wisdom each month to prompt further thought and discussion. The book ($20) is available at www.brethrenpress.com, or call 800- 441-3712.
Mutual Aid Agency (MAA), which is related to the Church of the Brethren, and its partner agency Brotherhood Mutual are offering a set of resources free to congregations and their leadership. The following may be downloaded from online links: “Child Protection in a Ministry Environment–Guidelines for Ministry Workers,” “Protect Your Ministry’s Directors and Officers,” “Protect Your Roof from Early Failure,” and “Three Payroll Problems to Avoid.” Find out more about MAA at https://maabrethren.com.
Conestoga Church of the Brethren in Leola, Pa., is holding a 300th year celebration Nov. 9-10, with a special event at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, and a morning worship celebration beginning at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10.
The Church of the Brethren’s Standing with People of Color Committee has created a curated resource list featuring books, articles, media, and additional resources that provide insight, education, and understanding of anti-racism and racial justice. This guide will be continually improved as the committee obtains and identifies more relevant resources. It is designed to aid in reflection, discussion, and personal growth. For suggestions and comments on this guide, email standingwithpeopleofcolor@brethren.org. The resource list can be found at www.brethren.org/swpoc or www.onearthpeace.org/swpoc.
The Church of the Brethren Gun Violence Prevention Action Team is seeking congregational ambassadors. A role description is available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QbQhC3qYsl8FhFWEk9Z5Zr6jWmX5S7M4/view. To express interest, email the team at cob-gvp@onearthpeace.org. Also, the team now has a custom orange t-shirt available for purchase. Go to https://on-earth-peace-merch.printify.me/product/7692810/oep-gun-violence-prevention-campaign-t-shirt.
A webinar on “Climate & Peace: Learning from Stories from Around the World” takes place Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 10 a.m. Central, sponsored jointly by the Church of the Brethren Office of Peacebuilding and Policy, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), and the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL). The webinar will equip church members on the intersection of conflict and climate change by hearing from local faith leaders from the Global South telling how climate change is impacting their communities. Participants also will learn from experienced policy advocates about how to reach out to members of Congress to drive legislative change regarding this issue. Find out more and register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XqMu_dxZR_WKyU4O0Wur5w#/registration.
Resources for the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel on the theme “Whatever you did…you did for me” (Matthew 25:40), have been published by the World Council of Churches. The week is observed on Sept. 16-22 and includes the UN International Day of Peace on Sept. 21, now in its 25th year. This year’s main message conveys the dismay at the suffering and devastation caused by Israel’s war on Gaza. Find out more and download resources from www.oikoumene.org.
On Earth Peace will highlight its 50th anniversary celebration with a performance by Ted & Co TheaterWorks, “Just Give ‘Em the News.” Tickets and sponsorships for the performance will support the work of On Earth Peace. Suggested donation levels: $25 for general admission, $100 for 4 or more people, $10 for streaming, or donate another amount at www.OnEarthPeace.org/donate. This family friendly performance will be live streamed from its in-person venue at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren on Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern (6:30 Central).
There are new additions to the YouTube channel of historical Church of the Brethren videos, created by videographer David Sollenberger working with the Brethren Historical Library and Archives and Church of the Brethren website producer Jan Fischer Bachman. The additions include three classic videos by Paul Grout. Sollenberger reports: “His seven- minute ‘race through the Bible’ using several hundred of his painted images, called ‘For Such a Time as This,’ which was shown at the 2002 National Youth Conference; and the Stations of the Resurrection project, also featuring his art work.” Also included are the Hymnal Jubilee celebration at the 1992 Annual Conference in which Nancy Faus unveiled the new hymnal through group singing and musical presentations, and the first five Annual Conference Wrap-Up videos beginning in 1989. A listing of offerings on this channel is at www.brethren.org/bhla/video.
The Death Row Support Project, which is a project connected with the Church of the Brethren Office of Peacebuilding and Policy, seeks writers to serve as pen pals for people on death row. Those who are interested in writing may attend an upcoming online information session to learn more: Sept. 28, 1-2 p.m. Central, https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89832373518?pwd=Edvus8Mn7JfbsAXcGbNe4pIagHWYRW.1, Meeting ID: 898 3237 3518, Passcode: 251092; Oct. 3, 7-8 p.m. Central, https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86714973021; Meeting ID: 867 1497 3021; Oct. 12, 1-2 p.m. Central, https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81013038148, Meeting ID: 810 1303 8148.
McPherson (Kan.) College “marked a significant milestone as it welcomed the largest incoming class in its history when fall semester classes began on August 21,” said a release. The college enrolled 319 first-time freshmen, the largest freshman class on record. This year’s freshman class grew 35 percent, with total enrollment up 5 percent, bolstered by a second year of increased retention.
In 2024, a total of 183 youth and adults joined Church of the Brethren FaithX service trips and had the opportunity to engage in service, learn new skills, grow in faith, explore interesting places, live in community, and build friendships. Junior high, senior high, and older adult participants served at 10 locations in the United States, while adult participants traveled to Ecuador. The 2025 older adult FaithX trip has been scheduled for March 2-7 at Camp Ithiel near Orlando, Fla. Find out more at www.brethren.org/faithx.
The 54th annual Dunker Church Service at Antietam, the Civil War battlefield near Sharpsburg, Md., took place Sunday, Sept. 15. The speaker was Gene Hagenberger, former district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Mid-Atlantic District, bringing a message titled “The Undiscovered Country.” Special music was provided by the Back Row Singers from Hagerstown (Md.) Church of the Brethren, Carol Scheppard on the bagpipes, and Adam Lane on vocal/guitar. The service at this old Brethren meetinghouse on the Antietam battlefield commemorates the peace witness of the Brethren during the Civil War.
The Church of the Brethren Intercultural Jubilee has been scheduled for Nov. 18-21. More details are forthcoming.
On Aug. 9, Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) deployed a team of three volunteers to Lake Isabella, Calif., where they served in a Local Assistance Center (LAC) until Aug. 13. Setting up a disaster care center, the team aided the needs of 20 children.
Brethren Press has published a new book, Notes to the Church, by Wendy McFadden, gathering thoughts from her “From the Publisher” column in Messenger. She has written for the magazine for several decades, offering brief bits of wisdom each month to prompt further thought and discussion. The book ($20) is available at www.brethrenpress.com, or call 800- 441-3712.
Mutual Aid Agency (MAA), which is related to the Church of the Brethren, and its partner agency Brotherhood Mutual are offering a set of resources free to congregations and their leadership. The following may be downloaded from online links: “Child Protection in a Ministry Environment–Guidelines for Ministry Workers,” “Protect Your Ministry’s Directors and Officers,” “Protect Your Roof from Early Failure,” and “Three Payroll Problems to Avoid.” Find out more about MAA at https://maabrethren.com.
Conestoga Church of the Brethren in Leola, Pa., is holding a 300th year celebration Nov. 9-10, with a special event at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, and a morning worship celebration beginning at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10.
The Church of the Brethren’s Standing with People of Color Committee has created a curated resource list featuring books, articles, media, and additional resources that provide insight, education, and understanding of anti-racism and racial justice. This guide will be continually improved as the committee obtains and identifies more relevant resources. It is designed to aid in reflection, discussion, and personal growth. For suggestions and comments on this guide, email standingwithpeopleofcolor@brethren.org. The resource list can be found at www.brethren.org/swpoc or www.onearthpeace.org/swpoc.
The Church of the Brethren Gun Violence Prevention Action Team is seeking congregational ambassadors. A role description is available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QbQhC3qYsl8FhFWEk9Z5Zr6jWmX5S7M4/view. To express interest, email the team at cob-gvp@onearthpeace.org. Also, the team now has a custom orange t-shirt available for purchase. Go to https://on-earth-peace-merch.printify.me/product/7692810/oep-gun-violence-prevention-campaign-t-shirt.
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