By Traci Rabenstein, executive director of Mission Advancement
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” ~1 Peter 4:10, ESV
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
It is with great excitement that we share about a special opportunity as we enter this new year! Donors have already shared generously with the denomination in 2024. A group of anonymous individuals have dedicated their time, prayers, and financial resources in the past to further the work of Jesus and this year have generously donated $100,000 for a matching gift campaign in support of the Church of the Brethren’s Core Ministries. With the help of those who respond with matching gifts, and with your help, our work will be strengthened in the year ahead.
TOGETHER we join Jesus in the neighborhood as we venture to live and serve one another. Together we grow as courageous disciples, extend generosity and witness, and steward God’s blessings. We passionately work in unity as the body of Christ. We pray with one accord for the missions and ministries of the Church of the Brethren and for those who carry them out. We discern in harmony how we can make a difference both locally and globally. Lastly, we acknowledge that our contributions and their impact are greater as we continue the work of Jesus together.
When we asked one supporter why they partner in the work of the Church of the Brethren, they shared, “We appreciate efforts the Church of the Brethren is making to love neighbors around the world, and are blessed to be financially a part of that ministry.”
All missions and ministries under the Core Ministries umbrella represent the heart of our faith, values, and identity. Global Mission supports various projects and ministries of our global partners and furthers the international mission of the Church of the Brethren. Brethren Volunteer Service and FaithX provide long-term and short-term service opportunities. The Office of Peacebuilding and Policy shares our voice, and the voices of our partners, with our elected officials concerning endeavors that support peacemaking around the world. Discipleship and Leadership Formation strives to empower, encourage, and educate our youth, young adults, older adults, lay leaders, and pastors who work to meet Jesus in their neighborhoods. Organizational Resources and the ministries under the General Secretary’s office—such as Information Technology, Buildings and Grounds, the Finance Office, Communications, Messenger magazine, Brethren Press, and Mission Advancement—support the work of the entire organization. An unrestricted gift to the Church of the Brethren provides the financial support needed to sustain all of the moving parts of the denominational work we carry out TOGETHER.
We encourage you to pray and discern how you can join all of our supporters and congregations to be the hands and feet of Jesus. TOGETHER we will have a greater impact in 2024.
Learn more about the work of our Core Ministries at www.brethren.org/greatthings. Double the impact of your contribution by giving to our matching gift campaign at www.brethren.org/matching-gift-2024.