PERSONNEL NOTES

Marcia Sowles joined the Church of the Brethren Office of Peacebuilding and Policy in Washington, D.C., in January, volunteering as Policy and Governmental Affairs Associate. She will primarily focus on immigration policy by also providing legal expertise on related issues. Sowles has a B.A. from Manchester College, a J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law in Indiana, and an L.L.M. from Yale Law School. From September 1987 to January 3, 2025, Marcia was a trial attorney with the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, where she represented federal agencies in litigation. She was a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Energy from 1980 to 1987 and an attorney with the Legal Services Program of Northern Indiana from 1975 to 1979.

Tim Button-Harrison announced his retirement as Northern Plains District executive minister effective Dec. 31. He will have served the district for more than 19 years, beginning in the role first as interim DEM from November 2006 to July 2008, when he began as the settled DEM. Prior to serving as District Executive Minister, Tim served Northern Plains as Training in Ministry (TRIM) coordinator, district moderator and as Standing Committee representative for two terms.  In 2004, he was extended the privilege of preaching at Annual Conference. Tim will also at the end of the year conclude his part-time work with Ames First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where his spouse, Mary Jane, is senior pastor. She will also retire at year’s end after 20 years of service there.

Randi Rowan has announced her retirement from the Church of the Brethren Discipleship and Leadership Formation office, effective June 20. She has served as a program assistant since January 2, 2012. Randi has been instrumental in the day-to-day activities of the department, managing various aspects of many conferences hosted by the denomination.

Claire Flowers concluded her work with the Church of the Brethren as director of Brethren Historical Library and Archives on Jan. 27. Claire began her service on July 15, 2024.