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.

The Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board has declared Thursday, Jan. 16, a day of prayer and fasting for the denomination, at the request of the board of the church’s Atlantic Southeast District. The declaration invites all Church of the Brethren congregations, projects, fellowships, the board, and the denominational staff to participate, focusing on concerns related to immigration. “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35, NRSV) is the theme scripture for the day.

The Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board held a special Zoom meeting Dec. 5 to act on a proposal for the 2025 budget for denominational ministries. The board approved a Core Ministries budget of $5,291,000 income and an expense of $5,311,720. Compared to the 2024 budget, the Core Ministries budget for next year includes reductions across various departments with total reductions amounting to $395,280. Other measures to offset expenses included a $125,000 transfer from designated funds and an additional $33,000 transfer from the Brethren Service Center quasi-endowment, which chair Colin Scott announced is intended to help staff provide language interpretation and translation services. The board’s action included approval of a grand total budget for all denominational ministries of $8,019,400 income and an expense of $8,163,470. Find a link to the 2025 budget at www.brethren.org/mmb/meeting-info.

Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) orientation dates for 2025 have been set and applications are open. The application form can be found at www.brethren.org/bvs/volunteer/apply. Orientation dates will be July 27-Aug. 4, summer orientation (Unit 337), at Camp Colorado in Sedalia, Colo. Sept. 10-18, fall orientation (Unit 338), at Camp Mardela in Denton, Md.

The Death Row Support Project (DRSP) will be holding informational sessions for people interested in learning more about writing to those on death row. The sessions will include some basics of how this project works, introduce members of the team who are here to provide support, and talk about expectations of DRSP writers. Upcoming informational sessions are Saturday, Jan. 18, 1-2 p.m. Central (https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87650853133 Meeting ID: 876 5085 3133) and Wednesday, Feb. 5, 6-7 p.m. Central (https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89310492264 Meeting ID: 893 1049 2264). Additionally, for those already writing to pen pals on death row through the DRSP, the DRSP team is holding open office hours on a monthly basis. All current writers are welcome to drop in virtually during office hours to ask questions or share reflections on their pen pal friendship. Office hours are held on the first Monday of each month, from 6-87p.m. Central at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87986712241.

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.