Monthly Archives: May 2025

eBrethren

Drink this cup

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www.brethren.org/pentecost

Drink this cup

By Matt DeBall, coordinator of Mission Advancement Communications

“Then Jesus took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them.”
~ Matthew 26:27a

On the night Jesus was betrayed, he took bread and a cup of wine, giving both to his disciples. This is the familiar narrative we revisit each time we participate in communion. Even though we use ordinary elements to participate, it is a holy and symbolic ritual in which we profess by faith—Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will return. We partake of the bread and cup in remembrance of Him.

That night Jesus took a common cup, but it held much significance. It was a vessel for a toast to conclude their fellowship meal. It was the next step in the transition plan of Jesus. It was a final reminder that each of them belonged to Jesus and he to them. It was an invitation to dive deeper into a new reality in which love and generosity hold higher value than earthly power and authority. The cup offered just a sip of wine to each of them, and yet it was enough. Their physical thirst was not quenched, but their hearts, minds, and souls would be forever satisfied. There would be many great highs and deep lows for them—and for the church—in the days, weeks, months, and years that would follow, but on this night, they were refreshed by the Lord.

We have not had the privilege to drink from the same cup as Jesus, but by the work of the Holy Spirit, we continue to share in the Lord’s supper during our worship gatherings. What has been a valuable tradition for the disciples and the church throughout the ages is still very good for us.

As we drink of the cup, we remember the work of Jesus and take notice of how it continues among us. We sip on wine or grape juice and remember the blood of Jesus poured out for us and all the world. We recognize that the hospitality we receive at the table of fellowship is meant for all people. Jesus is our generous host who offers a drink to everyone. As we drink, we receive the love that is freely given, and we continue the work of sharing it with others.

When you support the work of the Church of the Brethren, you partake of Christ and his redeeming ways. You participate in the ministry of Jesus and make room at the table for each person to grow in their faith and calling. Your gifts to the Pentecost Offering support Discipleship and Leadership Formation, conferences that nurture people of all ages, and staff that offer generous hospitality to long-time members and individuals who are new to the fold. In all that we do together, the ways of Jesus flow through us and his redeeming work continues.

Let us take the cup of Jesus anew, and drink deeply of his love.

Find worship resources and learn more about the Pentecost Offering (suggested date: June 8) at www.brethren.org/pentecost. Give an offering today at www.brethren.org/giveoffering.

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)

General

Blessed are the merciful

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Founa Badet, director of Intercultural Ministries, speaking at a workshop at the L.E.A.D Conference in November 2024.

By Founa Badet, director of Intercultural Ministries

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” ~Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭7,‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

My mother came to the US with a merchant visa, which is called an E-1 Non-Immigrant (Treaty Traders). It allowed her to be admitted to the United States solely to engage in international trade on her own behalf. She had her business of goods and services where she was in and out of the country until she worked her way to apply for residency. She first applied to become a documented immigrant with her permanent green card and then applied for my older brother and me to join her—a process that usually takes three to five years. While she was waiting for us to be approved, she applied for her citizenship. I arrived in the US almost 27 years ago with a permanent green card and later became a citizen. 

My background and the process I (and others) went through in order to arrive in the US has informed the immigration work that the Intercultural Ministries Office is now part of—a pivot that has been instrumental and essential for our work for the Church of the Brethren. I am honored to serve and I am proud of the work.

Following this year’s Council of District Executives meeting, some districts contacted my office and On Earth Peace to brainstorm how to support churches dealing with immigration setbacks. Intercultural Ministries was already supporting some districts and participating in trainings from Faith In Action, ACLU, Episcopal Migration Ministries, AMMPARO, and Haitian Law Association on Know Your Rights and we were staying informed about what documents are needed for change of status, how to walk with migrants, Temporary Protected Status, Humanitarian Parole changes, and the red card. We had a resource page on our website before the change of administration. Marcia Sowles (from the Office of Peacebuilding and Policy) and I began brainstorming how to navigate the new and changing immigration policies, and the forming of an immigration support group with Brethren Disaster Ministries, the Office of Peacebuilding and Policy, and Intercultural Ministries to serve this growing need in our denomination. 

The Deportation Defense Response (DDR) team—a partnership between Intercultural Ministries, On Earth Peace, districts, and many others—has answered prayers for many reasons. It includes many hands and brains to address the needs of our churches, our brethren, and ourselves. Together we are able to discover the needs and navigate the sensitive issues collectively with compassion and understanding. Serving with this group of people that is doing this great work is immeasurable but incredible.

As I previously mentioned, I came to the US with documentation, but this may not be the case for the brethren we are serving through the work of DDR. Some were offered a two-year parole from the previous administration to work, go to school, and be able to apply for different legal documentation such as work permits, driver’s licenses, Temporary Protection Status, and more. Others, however, crossed the border running for their lives with their families and belongings, but they were able to stand before a judge and get access to apply for some services. 

Addressing matters related to immigration has broadened the scope of Intercultural Ministries. We have not only been offered the opportunity to serve well but to be Jesus in the neighborhood for our brothers and sisters with knowledge, empathy, compassion, love, and respect. The same way the current administration changes daily, our work must adapt daily. The steering committee of the Response ministry team meets regularly to check-in, receive reports, and guide us for self-care and support.

For such a time as this, we are called for more, and we are grateful to be used for God’s glory. We are receiving calls and emails from pastors, lay leaders, lawyers, brothers, and sisters asking how can they help. Other districts are joining, and rallies are happening. No act of detention is going unnoticed so that our brethren do not get lost in the system. It is heavy work but we trust in God.

Intercultural Ministries is also actively working with a translation team to make important documents available in multiple languages including, but not limited to, the Separate No More paper, an upcoming position description, and more. We believe translation is an important step as we get ready for Annual Conference in July and the Jubilee Celebration in November. We continue to work with the districts that reached out for support and welcome others to join our efforts.

May God bless the work of our hands for God’s glory in Jesus’ name.

Learn more about the work of Intercultural Ministries at www.brethren.org/intercultural. Support this ministry of the Church of the Brethren today at www.brethren.org/giveintercultural .

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)