DENOMINATIONAL NEWS/NEWSLINE

Bethany Theological Seminary awarded 40 degrees and certificates during its commencement ceremony in Richmond, Ind., on May 9. It was the largest graduating class since the seminary relocated to Richmond from Oak Brook, Ill., in 1994. The commencement address was delivered by former Juniata College chaplain David Witkovsky. The event drew a crowd of 130 in-person attendees, with many more people watching the livestream. A recording is available on YouTube.

Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) applications for this year's summer unit are due May 20 and for the fall unit June 24. For more information about doing a year of service, visit www.brethren.org/bvs or email bvs@brethren.org.

The Shine curriculum (Brethren Press) has released an all-ages resource centered on six key faith practices in order to help congregations cultivate meaningful faith practices in the home. The six practices—talk, pray, celebrate, serve, learn, and worship—are simple, repeatable actions designed to help families integrate faith into daily routines. Churches are invited to download the free resource, share it with their leadership teams, and begin planning a six-week journey that invites participants of all ages to grow in faith together. Download the free worship series at https://shineeverywhere.com/6practices

In April, Church of the Brethren leaders from the denomination’s largest congregations gathered in Orlando, Fla., for a time of learning, sharing, and support. Churches that had an average of 200 or more in person at their worship services were invited. Out of 11 congregations of that size, nine sent pastoral staff to join in the conversations. Those churches were: l’Église des Freres Haitiens (Miami, Fla.), Ephrata (Pa.), Lancaster (Pa.), Liberty Mills (Ind.), Mill Creek (Port Republic, Va.), Mechanic Grove (Quarryville, Pa.), Mount Hermon and Monte  Hermon (Bassett, Va.), Parker Ford (Pottstown, Pa.), and Pleasant Dale (Decatur, Ind.).

Duane Grady of Goshen, Ind., an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and a former member of the denominational staff, has announced a bicycling fundraiser. “After a 50-year hiatus, I’m biking across Iowa again this summer and while doing so, hope to raise some money for Heifer International.” Find out more at https://fundraise.heifer.org/fundraiser/7186915

In observance of World Refugee Day (June 20) and celebrating 80 years of Church World Service (CWS), a “42.5-mile challenge” is being issued by CWS. Inspired by the 42.5 million refugees worldwide, this “flexible, faith-centered” challenge can be met by walking, biking, swimming, or other means to raise funds for CWS programs. Learn more at Journey for Justice.

Intercultural Ministries Café: Faith & Culture Conversations—rooted in relationship, discipleship, and practical intercultural engagement—will be held once a month through Oct. 20. The registration link is available at www.brethren.org/intercultural/#cafe. 

The Church of the Brethren’s webpage on conscientious objection to war is at www.brethren.org/peacebuilding/co. Links on this page direct young people who want to learn more about what conscientious objection means and its biblical and Brethren roots to a free downloadable curriculum titled “Call of Conscience.” The direct link to the curriculum is www.brethren.org/peacebuilding/co/introduction.

Registration for the 2026 Song and Story Fest taking place July 5-11 at Inspiration Hills in Ohio is open through June 1. Access all the information about this event at: On Earth Peace Event Page for Song and Story Fest. The organizers note that they have added more detail to the online registration form about which meals and nights participants will be present for. Also, if any members of a family will have different arrival and departure times and therefore different numbers of meals and/or nights at the camp, please have those individuals register separately. 

The deadline to apply for the Church of the Brethren’s Health Care Education Scholarship in 2026 has been changed to May 22. This scholarship, made possible by the Health Education and Research Endowment, is available to members of the Church of the Brethren enrolled in degree programs for nursing, medicine, dentistry, physical and occupational therapy, and other health professions. Scholarships of between $5,000 and $10,000 are awarded to a limited number of applicants each year. For more information and to apply, go to www.brethren.org/healthcarescholarship.