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The support of a friend

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Featured: Brethren Volunteer Service Unit 334

By Matt DeBall, coordinator of Mission Advancement Communications

 “At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.” ~Luke 1:39-40

What a blessing it is to have the support of a friend. Someone who sees you for who you truly are and believes in you. A person who encourages you to dream, prays for you, mourns with you, stands by you through challenges, and celebrates achievements with you.

As Mary prepared to be the mother of Jesus, she recognized that she needed support. Since God had told Mary that her relative Elizabeth was also expecting a child, Mary greatly desired to be with her—traveling 80 to 100 miles from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea–so that they could navigate their pregnancies and spiritual journeys together. As the brief account from Luke’s gospel (1:39-56) unfolds, Mary and Elizabeth exemplify heartfelt companionship in which these women bless one another and affirm the work that God is doing in each of them.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ—and in every season—we are called to walk together, to bless one another, and to affirm what God is doing—in us, through us, and around us. The life of faith is not meant to be traversed alone. We need one another for comfort and encouragement.

Your companionship is essential for all that we do. Together we serve one another and continue the work of Jesus. Each and every one of our ministry endeavors is possible because of the ways you bless the Church of the Brethren with your gifts and affirm its work with your faith and prayers. Thank you for being a living example of Mary and Elizabeth to those who serve and whom we serve.

What a blessing it is to have your support, friend.

Learn more about the mission and ministry of the Church of the Brethren at www.brethren.org/greatthings. Support its work today at www.brethren.org/give .

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)

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A voice of hope

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www.brethren.org/adventoffering
Photo by Chris Brumbaugh-Cayford

A theme reflection written by Founa I. Augustin Badet, director of Intercultural Ministries, for the 2024 Advent Offering

“My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
~Luke 1:46-47, NIV

Have you ever been at rest physically, yet anxious mentally? Have you felt like your “nephesh” (meaning “breath of life” or “soul” in Hebrew) lacked enough oxygen or seemed to have no breath at all? Without life in the soul, there is death in the body. That is why, God who knows all things, tells us to cast our burdens onto Jesus Christ to live.

When our soul and spirit manifest hope for our salvation, they reflect our lives in Christ Jesus. Mary had to be in a state of calm for her soul to be at rest and to magnify the Lord. When there is chaos, discomfort, uncertainty, fear, and trials, our soul will be working overtime to find peace, faith, hope, and gratitude.

During her anxious time, Mary casted her cares on the Lord to find rest. Knowing God cared for her, she sang to celebrate the joy in her womb. At that very moment, her voice of hope revealed and declared the goodness of God in her life.

When that still small voice reminds us, “how great is our God,” we can put our trust in the Lord. Our soul has no other choice than to be filled with hope and to feel reassured by God’s goodness.

No matter how hard or difficult this season may have become, be still and listen to the voice of hope that reassures you that you will come out victoriously. For in God, we move and have our being, and our hope as Brethren is alive. Whenever you feel disheartened, disconnected, or discontented, be encouraged because these feelings do not last. No matter the season, even when our natural eyes do not see it, joy comes in the morning and hope never disappoints.

Position yourself to hear from God. Let your spirit move joyfully and your soul rest peacefully. Greater is He that is in you than the evil that is in the world. I know for certain that God will sustain us and that we can abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In every season, the mission and ministry of the Church of the Brethren shares hope and joy with the world. Through the goodness of God and your faithful support, we extend generosity and witness by engaging our neighbors, seeking justice, and sharing the holistic peace of Jesus Christ. The Advent Offering supports Core Ministries like Intercultural Ministries, the Peacebuilding and Policy Office, and many more. Learn more at www.brethren.org/adventoffering or give an offering today at www.brethren.org/giveoffering.

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)

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Encourage and build one another up

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Photos by Donna Parcell, Chris Elliott, and Church of the Brethren staff

www.brethren.org/givingtuesday

By Traci Rabenstein, executive director of Mission Advancement

The apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Thessalonica: “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV). This serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mutual encouragement and edification within the Christian community. It highlights the transformative power of words spoken in love and faith.

Edification, or building up one another, is an integral part of all that we do together. Paul’s instruction to “build up one another” underscores the importance of intentional and purposeful interactions within the church. When believers lift each other up, they create a culture of hope, perseverance, and joy (Romans 15:4-5). When believers engage in acts of kindness, service, and prayer, they demonstrate their love for one another and contribute to each other’s spiritual growth (Galatians 6:2). This process involves sharing wisdom, experience, and spiritual gifts to strengthen and mature one another (Ephesians 4:11-12).

Paul’s phrase “just as you also are doing” emphasizes the imperative of ongoing encouragement. The Thessalonians were already practicing mutual edification, and Paul challenged them to continue and deepen this habit. This underscores the importance of making encouragement a regular part of our life together. As we navigate life’s challenges and uncertainties as followers of Jesus, we need the support and encouragement of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Paul reminds us of the vital importance of mutually encouraging one another. As we strive to live out our faith, we build each other up through words of encouragement, acts of kindness, and intentional interactions. By doing so, we create a culture of hope, perseverance, and joy, and we demonstrate our love for one another as we journey together toward Christ.

On Giving Tuesday (December 3), join us in celebrating all that we do together as the Church of the Brethren. Together we grow courageous disciples, love and serve one another, extend generosity and witness, and steward God’s blessings. In all that we do together, we intentionally call leaders, connect with our neighbors, cultivate relationships, and encourage stewardship. Together we passionately live as the body of Christ. Together we build up one another and our neighbors near and far. Together we join Jesus in the neighborhood.

Make a gift now or on Giving Tuesday at www.brethren.org/givingtuesday.

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)

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Gathered at the table

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By Matt DeBall, coordinator of Mission Advancement Communications

Our family has entered a season of gathering at the table. Beginning with some family birthdays last month and continuing until Christmas, we will continue to gather with friends and family—for holidays and celebrations and other ordinary moments in between.

For life in general, we might see an ongoing sequence of gathering at tables—for a meal or coffee, for a meeting or conversation, for play or puzzles, for worship or fellowship.

Whenever we gather with others, each of us has something to bring and to share. Most commonly, we might bring a favorite dish or a beloved family recipe, but we also bring ourselves and all that we carry—our hopes, our dreams, our concerns, our cares. Not all of these things need to be expressed, but as we pass the rolls, there are times when we should not pass on the opportunity to be heard and supported by people we care about and trust.

In his life and ministry, Jesus had a habit of gathering around tables. He met with people from all walks of life—some who invited him and others whom Jesus requested to join. We might think of when Jesus had a meal with tax collectors and brushed off the ridicule by the Pharisees (Matthew 9:10-13). Or perhaps the time when a host offered minimal hospitality to Jesus and a woman washed his feet with expensive oil and her hair (Matthew 26:6-13). We might also consider the times when Jesus fed people by the thousands and they sat in family groups with minimal table accommodations (Matthew 14:13-21; 15:29-38). Or perhaps there is another “table moment” from the ministry of Jesus that is captivating to you. In all of these moments, Jesus served as host and guest, inviting others to do the same.

This posture also holds true as we consider Jesus gathering at the table with his disciples for his last meal (John 13:1-17). We remember that, as they reclined at the table, Jesus first washed their feet and then they broke bread together. Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, offered himself as the servant of all and invited them to remember the bread and the wine as symbols of how we are fed by his life.

We remember that evening when Jesus shared with his disciples as we look to the table of communion. Though we may think of this ordinance and the elements as symbolic—and they certainly are—we also believe that when two or more are gathered, so also is the Lord gathered among us (Matthew 18:20). Some might call it sacramental, but at the least, we are embracing the mystery of what Jesus did in his life and ministry and remembering its significance for us today. As we share in the bread and the cup, we remember the gift of Jesus for the life the world. We partake of bread and wine or grape juice and recognize how God provides for earthly needs—for us and for others who join us.

Every time we gather around a table, something sacred is happening. Every gathering is an opportunity to share and to receive. As we are together, there is always enough to go around and each of us has something unique to share. At the table, we can recognize and honor all that each of us brings.  No matter what table we find ourselves gathering at in this season, may we enjoy the blessings of food upon it and the fellowship with people around it. Whether it be for a picnic with family, a celebration with friends, a time of play, a meal at home, or even a time of reflection on our own— may we find the Lord present with us as we gather at the table.

Gathering at the table is important for the life of faith and for the work of the mission and ministry of the Church of the Brethren. Learn more about our shared work at www.brethren.org/greatthings or support our ministry today at www.brethren.org/give .

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)

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Matching Gift Campaign – South Sudan Mission

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www.brethren.org/give-south-sudan

“I thank my God through Jesus Christ
for all of you, because your faith
is being reported all over the world.”
~Romans 1:8, NIV

Celebrating faith in Christ and passion for ministry that is growing in South Sudan, a generous donor has committed to contribute matched funds for a special campaign. To provide for the cost of program expenses and a nine percent ministry enablement contribution that ensures the purpose of these gifts is carried out, our goal is to raise $18,000 from donors like you by November 30.

Your gift to this matching gift campaign will support agriculture, community development, theological training, and equipment for ministry that will provide our sisters and brothers in South Sudan with a stable foundation for the next chapter of ministry.

Thank you for prayerfully considering this special opportunity!

With gratitude,

Traci Rabenstein
Executive Director of Mission Advancement
MA@brethren.org

Give to Matching Gift Campaign: South Sudan Mission

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)

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Soar, run, and not grow faint

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Jenn Dorsch-Messler at the Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services volunteer and supporter breakfast at Annual Conference 2024.
Photo by Donna Parcell

By Jenn Dorsch-Messler, director of Brethren Disaster Ministries

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” ~Isaiah 40:28-31, NIV

This passage always reminds me of the movie Remember the Titans when they put it to song. The words can be a comfort and reminder to Christians in any generation, year, day, or even moment when there are tough times and situations happening.

The original audience was the Israelites who were in exile. They were not doing well. At this point they had rebelled, seen the destruction of Jerusalem, and fled their homes. They were weary and feeling abandoned by God with no hope for their future. If you can imagine being that far in despair, it was likely hard to look to any kind of new future or even to have the energy to dream of how it might look. And it was even harder to think about moving ahead with joy and having the strength to travel and rebuild.

Earlier in the book of Isaiah, they had heard some hard words. But now in Chapters 40-66, the theme of consolation and salvation brings promise. Isaiah knew to balance warning and instruction with comfort as our Lord does.

The first part of that consolation and comfort in these difficult times is a reminder of the greatness of God in Isaiah 40:28. Our God is eternal and everlasting, so not only will God not go anywhere, God will reign forever. The Lord is Almighty Creator who formed the whole earth from the beginning and everything in it. In verse 22 of that chapter it is even referenced that God is still sitting “enthroned above the circle of the earth.”

God is untiring. God never grows weary or tired even in all that God does and is. And the Lord has all knowledge that we as humans cannot even try to understand. Sometimes just remembering and naming these truths about our God can shift our perspective from our current reality. These foundational reminders of God’s eternal, untiring greatness and knowledge set the stage for the second theme in the remaining verses of Isaiah 40.

The comfort to us humans in verses 29-31 is that since God is so great, there is promise for our renewal through His strength. Because the Lord knows all, is eternal, and never tires, we can trust that God will support us and renew us even in what seem to be impossible circumstances.

We cannot weather the storms in our lives without help or by relying on our own power or knowledge. God knows this and knows exactly what we need—not just to lift us up when we fall, but to give us the strength to soar like eagles. And this can often happen in ways we never imagined or through provisions we never saw coming.

Have you ever been in a position at your wits ends? Where hope seemed lost, and you could not find a way out? In a situation where the storms of life came and overwhelmed your ability to cope or even dream of a life after despair? When it didn’t seem possible for you to be strong and make it through your situation? And then. God got creative and showed you a glimmer of hope in just the way you individually needed it? Something that opened your eyes to a new possibility and that helped to boost you and your outlook.

There are families and individuals all over the country who are in this situation right now because of disasters. Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires have displaced them from their homes. They may feel hopeless. They may feel weary. They may feel like there is no way out of the place they are in right now and they don’t have the strength to look at traveling and rebuilding, much like the Israelites. But God is creative and can bring a renewed strength and power in many forms.

This can happen for a family who lost their home and parts of their community. They have been searching for help in the form of essentials like food, and shelter. and laundry services, and are just trying to hold it together. And then God provides an unexpected childcare center staffed with Children’s Disaster Services volunteers who came to help in a way they never thought they needed. The kids can just play and work through their trauma to build up their strength and resilience. For the weary parents, they can rest and maybe even just have a moment of space to themselves to regain strength while they know their children are safe. Sometimes the volunteers practice the ministry of presence with the parents too, who need a listening ear to work through their experience.

For others it might be a year since the storm, which makes it hard to stay positive when they are still displaced. Or the damaged home they are still living in needs repairs and is not safe, and they are on edge every time it rains, and their roof still leaks. God sees them and their situation and sends volunteer teams and leaders to step in and bring hope in ways they never knew were possible.

Our Brethren Disaster Ministries Rebuilding program served a homeowner in Bayboro, N.C., whose home had been damaged by Hurricane Florence. She had raised her family in that home but was living there alone at the time. When our volunteers were working to repair her bedroom, they found a list of goals on the back of her closet door. The beginning included things like that her children would accept Jesus and graduate from high school. But farther down on the list they saw “get all the repairs on my house completed.” It took a hurricane that caused more damage, and some BDM volunteers from across the country, but almost 10 years later that item could be checked off the list. And I can almost guarantee that she did not imagine that was the way God was going to provide for her and lift her up after the weary journey she had been on.

Our Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the Earth who never grows tired. Because of this we are promised that God will lift us up when we are weary on our journey and bring us renewal in amazing and creative ways. How can you help be part of that renewal for someone else when they are going through a storm? While that can be done by volunteering or supporting Brethren Disaster Ministries and Children’s Disaster Services, there are many others who need this help too. Is there a neighbor, or friend, or someone else on your heart lately who needs God to send you to help them back up when they have fallen? How are we actively looking to bring strength to others in any context—and not on our own or because of our works, but by being God’s creative answer for their time of need?

May we all be humble enough to be the Sustainer’s vehicle to help others to soar, to run, and to not grow faint.

Let us pray:
Great and powerful Lord,
We bring you honor today that you are the great creator of all things and that your power is limitless. We praise you and thank you that, with this power, you can renew us even when we struggle or we lose hope or we lose sight of your promises. We are humbled by the opportunities you provide for us to help boost the strength of your people, all in your name. Amen.

Jenn Dorsch-Messler shared this reflection originally at a weekly Zoom meeting of the staff of the Church of the Brethren. Learn more about how Brethren Disaster Ministries walks alongside survivors of disaster and hardship at www.brethren.org/bdm or support its ministry today at www.brethren.org/givebdm.

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)

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Serving in Rwanda – Sown in tears

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Grace Elliott (far left) with women at Goshen Church of the Brethren in Kenya.
Photo by Chris Elliott

By Grace Elliott, Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Unit #331

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepest, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” ~Psalm 126:5-6, KJV

One evening, not too long ago, I was sitting in my bedroom. I listened to the hum of the fan blowing away the scorching dry season heat of the day as it came to a close, along with the occasional buzz of a pesky blood-thirsty mosquito on my sun-browned neck. Sounds of my housemates were heard in the background, a lively mixture of English and the sweet musical quality of Kinyarwanda. Residing with a mixed-culture family means that a minimum of two or three languages can be spoken, perhaps even by the same person in one sentence! Sounds of the household died down as the various humans went to their rooms retiring for the night.

I continued to sit in a state of deep reflection, joined by one of the resident felines climbing uninvited through the window, which was left open to let in the crisp night-time highland breeze. An occasional scent of eucalyptus smoke mixed with tropical flowers in bloom reached my nostrils and the cry of a baby and the cackles emitting from the neighborhood bar in my ears.

I reflected on many things. My two-year volunteer teaching term amongst the Abayarwanda (People of Rwanda) is quickly coming to a close. A wonderful ceremony and celebration of Top Class graduation has passed into the realm of memory.

Memories, so many memories. I smile fondly on the many joyous and lovely events. I look upon the painful and traumatic memories as one viewing the sunrise of a new day after a dark, dark night. Tears run down my face as I think of those memories still in the dark of night. I think of the days of the past when God has given me strength to rise well from the darkness of nights of the past and how one day He will do the same again.

I smile through the tears as I think of soon seeing my family and dear friends again in the US. Excitement and trepidation when thinking of returning later this year to the Land of Eternal Spring with the start of a new project. A new day is dawning. One chapter has come to a close. Another is beginning to unfold in the misty light of the dawn in the shadow of Nyargongo.

A chapter of life sown in tears may very well be a chapter concluding in rejoicing. The One who writes that story is the same yesterday, today, and the days that are to come. He will never leave us or forsake us. Let all the earth rejoice!

Grace Elliott concluded service through BVS at Brethren Nursery School in Ginsenyi, Rwanda, in July. Learn more about this core ministry of the Church of the Brethren at www.brethren.org/bvs or support its ministry today at www.brethren.org/givebvs.

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)

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A helping hand

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www.brethren.org/missionoffering

A theme interpretation for the 2024 Mission Offering by Matt DeBall, coordinator of Mission Advancement Communications

“Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” ~Romans 14:19, NRSVUE

Our houses of worship are wonders to behold. Whether constructed recently or long ago, our congregations were built—brick by brick, panel by panel, glass pane by glass pane—with purpose and beauty.

Our church buildings may differ from one to another for the Church of the Brethren in the US, but greater differences are realized as we consider churches around the world. And while all of our churches are unique, the people who worship, serve, and are served within them are even more diverse. Even while differences and distinctions exist, we are all united in our mission to love and serve one another, making room for what God is building in us and around us.

In the book of Romans, we find a letter to the church from Paul in which he proclaimed that all followers of Jesus—whether Jew or Gentile, man or woman, having weak faith or strong—are equal members of the family of God. Rather than squabbling about earthly differences and preferences, Paul called them to live unto the Lord, to extend helping hands to one another, to work for the good of all.

We build up one another through love and service, and as we do so, we become the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. Through the work of Jesus, we offer a helping hand to one another and all people, pursuing peace and working to build up our neighbors near and far. We do this because Jesus did and because we believe this work is life-giving for each of us as we share love with one another.

The Mission Offering highlights the ministry of our sisters and brothers around the world. It is an opportunity for congregations and individuals to financially and prayerfully uplift the core mission and ministry of the Church of the Brethren that provides support to pastors and leaders in the US but alsoour Global Mission staff in South Sudan (Athanasus Ungang), sister denominations that are members of the Global Church of the Brethren Communion, and partner organizations around the world.

Thank you for offering a helping hand to people in your community. Thank you for allowing the love of God to work through you to encourage others. Although each of our neighborhoods is unique, our efforts to pursue peace and offer mutual encouragement together make a difference wherever we are. May we celebrate what we have to give and receive, and marvel at the wonders that God is building in all the world.

Learn more and find worship resources for the Mission Offering (suggested date: September 15) at www.brethren.org/missionoffering. Give an offering today at www.brethren.org/giveoffering.

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)