Taken from the Church of Brethren Newsline January 26, 2017
“We are the church, we’ll continue to be the church, and we will welcome refugees in need from all religious backgrounds. This is in keeping with our Christian faith,” said Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission and Service, when contacted by the Huffington Post about the Church of the Brethren position on refugees.
Taken from the IL/WI District Newsletter, January 2017
Stanley Hauerwas in War and the American Difference: Theological Reflections on Violence and National Identity states: “…the church does not have an alternative to war. The church is the alternative to war. When Christians no longer see the reality of the church as an alternative to the world’s reality, we abandon the world to war.”
‘Tis the season for bright lights, decorations, holiday music, parties, programs, office dinners, family gatherings, sending cards (along with those ubiquitous family letters), taking photographs, shopping, eating out, attending religious services, and being abundantly cheerful. (The last three words of the preceding sentence brings the needle scratching across the vinyl disk, the turntable coming to a screeeeeccchhhing halt, and a deathly stillness overpowering the mellow holiday tunes previously playing.) ‘Tis the season we hope for abundant cheerfulness, but the reality is, dare I say, frequently the opposite.
After the Congregational Forum meeting on November 13, we transitioned to a large-group kick-off meeting, where Carol Davis shared a recap of the purpose of our Dignity Quest and encouragement and positive thoughts about the journey we have chosen to take in our congregational quest for DIGNITY.
Following that, we broke into small groups that focused on each of the 5 Passion areas: Relationships; Ministry & Education; Environment; History & Tradition; Community.
Following the half-hour meetings, all groups combined to enjoy Spaghetti Fellowship! A big THANKS is in order for Jackie Davis for organizing the meal.
The Canton Church of the Brethren Choir, under the direction of Carol Davis, will present a musical celebration of Christmas on Sunday, December 18, at 9:30 a.m., at the Canton Church of the Brethren.
The script for the special performance was written by Robin Henry and read by Martha Harr.
Church of the Brethren Newsline
January 14, 2017
Although we have seen Facebook posts and news releases stating that the Nigerian army has defeated the Boko Haram, violence still continues in northeast Nigeria. Most of the ongoing attacks in the Madagali and Gwoza area are not reported anywhere. One big attack, killing or injuring over 100 people in a Madagali market in December, did make the news.
Continue reading “Brethren Newsline: Violence Continues in Nigeria”
