DENOMINATIONAL NEWS/NEWSLINE
Service Sunday in the Church of the Brethren is observed annually on the first Sunday in February. Congregations and church leaders are asked to use this Sunday to recognize those who volunteer in church ministries and those who have served for peace, justice, and meeting human needs–or have done so in the past–in their local communities, districts, denomination, and the world. In 2025, the theme is “Living with Purpose.” Congregations are encouraged to use the worship resources found on the BVS website in their planning. Please visit www.brethren.org/bvs/service-sunday.
Global Women’s Project invites you to download and print the 2024 Advent Calendar. This year, the image on the calendar is of the shepherds (designed by Jessie Neher). You can use the calendar in personal prayer time, with your family around the dinner table, in a Sunday school class or small group, or as a congregation. GWP invites users to send the colored-in calendar as Advent progresses or once it’s finished. Go to https://globalwomensproject.org/advent-calendar.
Global Women’s Project invites you to download and print the 2024 Advent Calendar. This year, the image on the calendar is of the shepherds (designed by Jessie Neher). You can use the calendar in personal prayer time, with your family around the dinner table, in a Sunday school class or small group, or as a congregation. GWP invites users to send the colored-in calendar as Advent progresses or once it’s finished. Go to https://globalwomensproject.org/advent-calendar.
Keynote speaker Dennis R. Edwards of North Park Theological Seminary, and preachers Etienne Nsanzimana of the Church of the Brethren in Rwanda and Jeff Carter of Bethany Theological Seminary, led the main sessions at the first-ever L.E.A.D. Conference of the Church of the Brethren Nov. 15-17. Some 150 people gathered at Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren including participants from around the country and members of the Ephrata congregation who helped host the event. Plans are already in the works for another L.E.A.D. Conference in 2026.
The Discipleship and Leadership Formation department of the Church of the Brethren is announcing a new discipleship resource called “Learning to Wash Feet.” Director of spiritual formation Joshua Brockway has produced a series of five videos that define discipleship and explore the ordinances as examples of practices of discipleship formation. The final video of the series offers a story of lifelong discipleship to illustrate the transformation of each disciple into the likeness of Christ. The videos are designed for small group study and are accompanied with downloadable handouts with key scriptures and reflection questions. The videos and handouts are available at www.brethren.org/dlf/learning-to-wash-feet. The videos can be streamed or downloaded. To download, click the Vimeo link at the bottom of the page and select “download” from the menu connected to each video.
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. 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.
The Discipleship and Leadership Formation department of the Church of the Brethren is announcing a new discipleship resource called “Learning to Wash Feet.” Director of spiritual formation Joshua Brockway has produced a series of five videos that define discipleship and explore the ordinances as examples of practices of discipleship formation. The final video of the series offers a story of lifelong discipleship to illustrate the transformation of each disciple into the likeness of Christ. The videos are designed for small group study and are accompanied with downloadable handouts with key scriptures and reflection questions. The videos and handouts are available at www.brethren.org/dlf/learning-to-wash-feet. The videos can be streamed or downloaded. To download, click the Vimeo link at the bottom of the page and select “download” from the menu connected to each video.
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. 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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