Church of the Brethren

Church of the Brethren congregations and members are among those who have been affected by Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, especially in Southeastern District denominational staff have learned in conversation with district executives. The General Secretary’s office, Brethren Disaster Ministries, and the Ministry office have connected with leaders in the church districts covering the states where the storm was most destructive--Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Brethren Disaster Ministries as well as local emergency authorities are strongly advising those who would like to help out NOT to travel to the areas affected by Hurricane Helene, while the roads are not safe and search and rescue is still happening. However, here are opportunities to help from home:

While reflecting upon the tragedy of the German church experience during the 1930s, theologian Martin Niemöller used these words: “First they came for the communists and I did not speak out because I was not a communist. Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out...

“Join us during our Anniversary Weekend as we celebrate 300 years of Conestoga Church of the Brethren!” said an invitation to a special celebration of three centuries of the Conestoga Church in Leola, Pa., taking place Nov. 9-10.

Urgent action is required to call on members of Congress to denounce and vote no on a proposed version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would put into law automated Selective Service or military draft registration for both men and women. The NDAA is the major defense policy bill put forward by the Senate Committee on Armed Services. If passed by Congress, the provision would take effect in the next federal fiscal year.

The Bible has sustained Anabaptist faith for 500 years--and now a new Anabaptist Community Bible invites Church of the Brethren members and others who are part of the Anabaptist movement to read scripture with fresh eyes and discover how key Anabaptist themes are woven throughout the Bible.

In this issue: Prayer for those in the hurricane's path, save the date for an Intercultural Jubilee, Material Resources ships goods to Louisiana, job opening at Timbercrest, Brethren Encyclopedia releases new scholarly work, ecumenical news.

Early registration for the L.E.A.D. Conference will soon close on Oct. 1. The registration rate will go up to $125 per person after that date. However, for those registering five or more leaders from one congregation, the price remains at $79 per person.

Children's Disaster Services (CDS) deployed four volunteers to Lake Elsinore, Calif., to assist children impacted by the recent wildfire. The volunteers provided a calm and supportive presence for 21 children while their parents and guardians sought assistance at a Local Assistance Center.

Church of the Brethren general secretary David Steele is extending care for Haitian migrants and the community of Springfield, Ohio, and is calling for a cessation of verbal and physical violence in this volatile period of time in our country. The statement follows in English, Haitian Creole, and French (translation into Spanish will be made available soon)

After comparing the decline in membership across what he called the “Ecumenical Church” (often referred to as the mainline Protestant churches) to the rise in membership and political influence of the evangelical church over the past century, David Hollinger asked what he thought was a more important question: Which has had a stronger influence in American society?

The Standing Committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference is scheduled to meet on Monday, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m. (Eastern time) to follow up on some unfinished business including the agency covenants and the process by which Standing Committee will receive and handle concerns with Annual Conference agencies.

Donna Rhodes, executive director of the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC), has announced her retirement effective April 30, 2025. She has served SVMC since Oct. 1, 2001.

By David Lawrenz The Fellowship of Brethren Homes met for an annual forum at Bridgewater (Va.) Retirement Community on Aug. 14-16. The forum offers the opportunity for like-minded friends and colleagues from Church of the Brethren-affiliated senior living communities to gather for fellowship, education, and peer-to-peer sharing. Attending were representatives of Hillcrest in California; the

In this issue: Remembering Dale Ott and Roma Jo (Mickey) Thompson, Material Resources shipment to Louisiana, a closing service for Myersville Church of the Brethren, a Multi-Cultural Jubilee Celebration in Pacific Southwest District, and more news by, for, and about Brethren.

Walt Wiltschek has resigned his part-time position as office assistant for Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., as of Oct. 3.

We all share in the nominating responsibility for the leaders of our church. The Nominating Committee has been in touch with every district in the denomination, but we seek your help as ambassadors to stir up the spirit of calling.

The 2024 Standing Committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference authorized and approved a “Letter of Lament and Blessing to the Puerto Rico Brethren” on July 2, 2024, during the group’s pre-Conference meeting. Below are the English and Spanish versions of this letter. The Spanish translation was mailed to the leadership of the former Church of the Brethren in Puerto Rico on July 30, 2024.

Just a couple of weeks into the fall semester, students in the Bethany BOLD program are already engaged in the Wayne County, Ind., community.

The upcoming urban ministry course offered by a partnership of Bethany Theological Seminary, the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, and the Church of the Brethren Discipleship and Leadership Formation department, is titled “A Place of Refuge: Ministry in the Urban Context.” It takes place on Jan. 7-15, 2025, in Atlanta, Ga.