Monthly Archives: November 2024

eBrethren

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.)

eBrethren

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.)