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Together we grow as courageous disciples

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Reflections from Discipleship and Leadership Formation

Young Adult Conference – May 23-25, 2025
38 young adults
   Anabaptism began 500 years ago when a group of young adults gathered and prayed for ways to follow Jesus in their rapidly changing world, and it continues today as 38 young adults from 9 states and the District of Columbia converged over Memorial Day weekend for the Church of the Brethren’s annual Young Adult Conference, hosted at Brethren Woods Camp and Retreat Center near Harrisonburg, Va.
      From Friday evening to Sunday morning, through sermons, small groups, service, and social activities, we unfolded the wisdom of Jeremiah 17:7-8, exploring how strong and well-nourished roots can fortify us in times of drought and heat, nurturing our growth and renewing the hope God gifts us.
      Attendees cherish the space to share their struggles, hopes, and talents with Christians of similar age and values, and also to simply have fun together.
~Luke Haldeman, 2025 attendee and member of the Young Adult Steering Committee

Christian Citizenship Seminar – April 5-9, 2025
24 students, advisors, and staff
     CCS is a wonderful opportunity—not only to meet new people and explore Washington, D.C.—but also to learn about yourself, your voice, and how to use it. This trip offered many chances to discover ways to advocate and make our voices heard. As youth, it’s important for us to recognize the power in our voices, and CCS helped me do just that.
~Kaia Pfeiff, 2025 participant

Clergywomen’s Retreat – February 10-13, 2025
More than 70 clergywomen
     I am deeply grateful to all who made the Clergywomen’s Retreat 2025 such a meaningful experience. The way Rev. Meghan Good guided us through various scenarios of love— showing how Jesus modeled and encouraged us to love in a way that benefits us and blesses others—was truly inspiring. The small group discussions were especially valuable, allowing us to connect as sisters in Christ, listen to each other’s concerns, and recognize that we may be facing similar challenges in our ministries. We were able to share wisdom and hope, strengthening our faith as we continue our journeys.
~Mayra Calix, 2025 attendee

L.E.A.D Conference – November 15-17, 2024
Around 100 participants and staff
The very first Church of the Brethren L.E.A.D. (Listen – Equip – Adapt – Disciple) Conference took place at Ephrata  (Pa.) Church of the Brethren in November of 2024. The event was sponsored by Discipleship and Leadership Formation. Through worship, keynote messages, and breakout sessions, the gathering encouraged, inspired, and equipped leaders to adapt and serve effectively in their ministry contexts.  Our next L.E.A.D. Conference will be back at Ephrata on May 1-3, 2026.  Church leaders of all positions (board members, treasurers, Sunday school teachers, pastors, deacons, etc.) are all welcome to come learn and grow with us so we can all be more effective in the congregations we serve.
~Nathan Polzin, executive director of Discipleship and Leadership Formation

Update from Intercultural Ministries
     The deportation defense response 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 for what is needed to help 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 doing this great work is immeasurable but incredible.
     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.
~Founa Badet, director of Intercultural Ministries

Support the work of Discipleship and Leadership Formation

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)

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Faith working through love

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2025 Annual Conference
www.brethren.org/ac

A theme statement by moderator Dava Hensley for the 2025 Annual Conference

One of the core values of the Annual Conference is to continue building loving relationships with one another despite any differences we have. Love is having a hard time in our world and in the church community today. We are called to love and respect others even in the divisive times we find ourselves. At times, agape love, a love embodied by God’s love for all humankind in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection seems impossible. Theologian and Rabbi Harold S. Kushner, shares, “if we are brave enough to love, strong enough to forgive, generous enough to rejoice in another’s happiness, and wise enough to know there is enough love to go around for all of us, then we can achieve fulfillment that no other living creature will ever know.”

God works in mysterious ways. Since July of 2023, at the end of our Annual Conference in Cincinnati, I have prayed and read scripture. I spent time in silence and being intentionally quiet, and for those who know me, that is not easy. Years ago, it became my main discipline as a Bethany Theological Seminary student. For the entire year that followed, I spent time discerning what I believe God would have me lift up in our year together. What is it that God might want us together to focus on in the Church of the Brethren? Before the start of Annual Conference in Cincinnati and a couple of days before the ballot was presented, I had an encounter with a stranger that blew me away, and folks that is not easy to do. A fellow Christian informed me if I loved everybody, I would not, could not, should not get their support. I was taken by surprise. Just the statement, “I love everyone” could be interpreted as a threat, an agenda, or taking a particular side of an issue. It made me sad. I only responded that I prayed that all of us allow the Holy Spirit to guide our decision, and as willing and available servants of God, each have been called to love God and love our neighbors in whatever capacity. As I walked away, I said to myself, “Really, God? What are you preparing me for next?”

As the call of moderator-elect was realized, the ominous task of choosing scripture and a logo for 2025 began. Throughout the year, I thought I had found just the right one and then an e-mail, a Facebook post, or a letter would appear, and I thought to myself, that is not the right one. Yet time and time again, the word “love” kept appearing. Then, came the words in Galatians 5:6b and it reads, “For the only thing that counts is faith working through love” (NRSV). Do we really understand true love, agape love? This leads me to 1 Corinthians 13 as the supportive scripture. A chapter used frequently for weddings and even funerals, but Apostle Paul wrote in response to a divided church in Corinth. Paul declared love as the greatest power in the church community and they are lacking a lot of it. The Corinthian church is not even close to a love fest. The members were divided and yet their diversity generated both benefits and challenges. It was Paul’s call to action. Apostle Paul describes this “work of love” in positive and negative terms. On the positive, love is patient, kind, and selfless. What love does not include:  love is not self-seeking, short-tempered, and offensive. In other words, love does not hurt people! This agape love has feet to carry the Gospel, and is a tool-in-hand, serving kind of love like Jesus in the Neighborhood. Apostle Paul’s love language unifies.

Designed by Debbie Noffsinger, our logo begins with the cross, reminding us of Jesus Christ’s ultimate love for us in his death on the cross and his resurrection. The middle of the cross reminds us of the Holy Spirit of God that dwells in us and in the heart as we live out examples of our faith working through love, feeling welcomed and worthy as we love and serve God and love and serve all our neighbors. It is my prayer for our dear Church of the Brethren, that we continue to learn more about God’s love and sacrifice for us and our mission to carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ into all parts of the world in love.

The opportunity to register online to participate in-person at the 2025 Annual Conference in Greensboro, N.C. ends on Monday, June 10. (In-person participants who miss this deadline can register onsite at a higher cost.) Non-delegates who wish to participate virtually can register online until June 27. Learn more about Annual Conference or register today at www.brethren.org/ac.

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)

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.)

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Embodying our gifts

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www.brethren.org/yya/national-youth-sunday/

A theme interpretation by Rachel Johnson for National Youth Sunday 2025

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” ~ Romans 12:4-8

As the National Youth Cabinet was brainstorming themes during our planning weekend, quite a few ideas were brought up for our 2025 National Youth Sunday theme. Throughout the weekend we often noticed that each of us brought different gifts and skills to the table. Some members of the Youth Cabinet bring a lot of energy and many ideas to the table, while others bring a quieter, thoughtful presence. Many different skills and gifts are needed in a group of people so that there can be diverse thought, and you can receive many different types of Youth Sunday materials. Plus, it would have likely not been a successful planning weekend if everyone brought the same skills and gifts.

Our National Youth Sunday theme for 2025 is “Embodying Our Gifts,” referencing Romans 12:4-8. This passage from Romans mentions that “we have gifts that differ.” Each of the youth in your congregation bring different gifts to Youth Sunday: some of them will want to be leading in front of the congregation, some will want to lead parts of the service more geared towards children, and some will want to help lead behind the scenes – each being an important and vital part of the church service. The youth will be working together “as one body in Christ” on Youth Sunday to lead the church service. Through their actions and words on Youth Sunday, we will also be reminding the congregation of our different gifts that come together to form the body of Christ.

Learn more and find worship resources for National Youth Sunday (suggested date: May 4) at www.brethren.org/yya/national-youth-sunday.

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)

eBrethren

Hope: Roots and Branches

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www.brethren.org/yac

A theme reflection for Young Adult Conference 2025 by Luke Haldeman, Young Adult Steering Committee member

While Jeremiah speaks, his world shatters around him. Massive corruption in his government and priesthood spell doom for the prosperous ways of life his people have come to take for granted. “The sin of Judah is written with an iron pen,” he prophesies, “with a diamond point it is engraved on the tablet of their hearts” (17:1a). If God’s description of those who bring a curse upon themselves (v. 5) is any indication, Jeremiah’s people surrender their trust before human leaders. Instead of something higher, they find their strength in “mere flesh.”

The world we see around us often feels like Jeremiah’s. Every day we see and hear of the abuses of wealth and power, and the ways people chase these “other gods.” We are grieved by the fruits of this misdirected worship—the seemingly endless wars, mass death, mental and physical health crises, hero worship, and worsening climate, to name only a few. And even when we look toward communities meant to help, we sometimes find them insufficient, or not even there. Even young adults with access to non-judgmental church communities may experience a lack of peers their age, an ambivalence to deeper concerns, and a lack of opportunities for help, meaningful connection, and growth.

Yet when Jeremiah, in his own crumbling world, allows God to speak, God identifies a path to hope. Perhaps it is a promise. Perhaps it is simply a truth. In contrast to those who put their trust in human leaders and in power over others, the scripture says:

“Blessed are those who trust in the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8).

In these words, God offers an image of hope and rejuvenation, even through difficult times. Inspired by them, we wish, at this year’s conference, to trace the roots and branches of this hope: To look back to tradition, scripture, and history, and to investigate these generous and rejuvenating wellsprings which we sometimes leave untapped. We also wish to look forward in our own futures and our own lives: Where are the areas and opportunities we can grow into? What are our next steps in this transitional time, both in our lives and in our communities? What ideas or images can we envision as we step into the next five hundred years of our faith?

This reflection is excerpted from the Spring 2025 Bridge newsletter produced by Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Learn more about this year’s Young Adult Conference (May 23-25) at www.brethren.org/yac . Support the work of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at www.brethren.org/giveyya .

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)

eBrethren

Living hope in South Sudan

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Left: Rose, women’s association leader and farmer.
Right: Sharon Brugger Norton preaching at Khor English Church.
Photos by Sharon Brugger Norton and Donna Parcell.

My lasting impression, now over a month later, is that South Sudan is a beautiful and complicated place on our planet. Many times throughout the trip I felt despair as I saw poverty, effects of intercommunal violence and corruption on a scale I’ve never seen before. How could Global Brethren Services (GBS), our non-governmental organization (NGO) in South Sudan, ever do enough to bring healing and rebuild this country? Do local people have hope? Or do they live in tragedy and despair?

I began praying early on that God would show me something other than reasons for despair, if it should be God’s will. God got on that right away! Just hours after the first time I prayed that, a young man serving as security guard at the GBS sat down next to me in the courtyard and began telling me what a wonderful country South Sudan is and how much he loves it. He loves Jesus, he is a singer and a youth minister, and spreads joy everywhere he goes.

Other times when I dipped into despair, God answered my prayer by sending women. I saw their resilience and determination to end to gender-based violence, their advocacy for education and health, and that they are trustworthy ministers to the needy around them. They are the ones who do most of the manual labor and raise their children to love the Lord and go to school!

My greatest wish is to bring a women’s delegation from South Sudan to our Annual Conference, so that they may bless us with their stories and we may bless them with our love and care.

Read a full report of this visit to South Sudan at www.brethren.org/news. Learn more about the ministry of Global Mission at www.brethren.org/global or support it today at www.brethren.org/givegm.

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)

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Touching memories

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By Nancy Timbrook McCrickard, Mission Advancement advocate

As I write this reflection, in front of me there is an image of the inspiring words of Mahatma Ghandi: “My life is my message.” These words have invited me to reflect on my own life. Currently, at my home, we are in the midst of downsizing all our “stuff.” Nearly every non-working moment is filled with sorting items we have collected over the years–and then either packing it in a container, donating it, recycling it, or disposing of it. Frequently, I find myself wondering, “How have we collected this much stuff?” And, “Where has the time gone?” The years seem to have slipped by.

While many aspects of this process are sometimes overwhelming, this process is, in all honesty, also refreshing. Over the weekend the voice of my father came into my mind—words he spoke during his final weeks in hospice as I worked with him and my mother to downsize their 62-plus years together accumulation of “stuff”: “I’m touching memories!” I’m touching memories. Wow! His words and that perspective specifically struck me over the weekend as I was sorting through a box of “stuff” stowed away from my years growing up in West Virginia.

Yes, I found my first-grade naptime blanket (pictured above) that my Mom made for me 55-years ago (we didn’t have kindergarten then), but I also found small things like a bag of newspaper clippings. My first thought was—as you might be thinking right now—“Why did I keep this?” While the answer totally eludes me, upon closer analysis I realized that these clippings belonged to my maternal grandmother. A date on one of them is 1958–nearly 70 years ago! When my grandmother clipped the poem “The Wondrous World” by Olive Plants so many years ago, she could not have imagined that I would be inspired by it all these years later—much less that I would have the opportunity to tell all of you about it!

Truthfully, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Like my grandmother and my mother, I sometimes collect “inspirational tidbits” that I stow away to reread later, at times even tucking them into my Bible.

In light of this current moment in my life of “touching memories” and reflecting on the passage of time, I want to share one more “inspirational tidbit” that I collected a few years ago from a devotion that was shared on one of my Brethren Disaster Ministries Rebuilding Project trips:

Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening it deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course!

Each has such a bank. Its name is TIME. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds.

Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time.

Go forth treasuring the moments you have and treasuring those with whom you share them. May you be blessed by every opportunity to make—and touch—memories.

Learn more about the ministries of the Church of the Brethren that offer opportunities to make meaningful memories at www.brethren.org/greatthings. Support the faith-building and life-changing work that is passed on from one generation to the next at www.brethren.org/give.

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)

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Be the light

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Photo by Craig Thompson
www.brethren.org/oghs

A theme interpretation and scriptural exegesis written by Rev. Barbara Essex for the 2025 One Great Hour of Sharing

“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.” ~Matthew 5:14, The Message

The fifth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel opens with the Sermon on the Mount and Beatitudes. At first glance, Jesus’ words are shocking—people who are burdened in mind, body, and spirit are actually blessed!

Despite their situation or condition, they are already winning…or maybe, it is because of their pain that blessings come. The anxiety, fear, grief, confusion, hunger, discouragement, and despair they experience actually put them closer to God. Jesus does not glorify pain; rather, he teaches that such suffering puts them first in God’s heart. God is there to help and heal—as a gift, no conditions, and no strings. They are part of God’s family, God’s Reign, and God’s Kingdom. God’s Kingdom is more than a place or future destination—it is a relationship with a loving and just God.

Jesus does not sugar-coat the reality of most people during his day. He declares that their suffering is not the end of the story. God sees them and hears their cries; God moves to alleviate their pain, in the short run and the long run. God’s Reign of love and healing is already happening—bringing life out of death, joy out of sorrow, hope out of despair.

Jesus cautions that the response to God’s blessing is not one of passivity. He makes clear that God’s children are blessed and are to be a blessing to and for others; those who receive, are to give back.

God’s Reign is not a spectator sport; the faithful do not have the option to sit back and watch events unfold. They are invited and challenged to be something and to do something. Followers of Jesus are transformed—from the inside out—as they receive the gifts of God’s grace and are called to gift others with love, compassion, and generosity.

Jesus’ entire ministry is active—teaching, preaching, healing, connecting. Jesus sets the standard for “Kingdom-living”—where love, unity, and harmony are the benchmarks for community life. Jesus invites us all to be active—doing what we can to embody compassion; to stand up for equity and fairness; to care for those in need without seeking reward or notoriety. Jesus teaches his disciples—and us—that God’s Reign is a present reality and a future hope.

For Jesus, God’s Reign is about forming communities of diverse people, living as siblings, caring for each other and the created order; communities of justice and love where all are fed, sheltered, healed, and safe. Jesus declares that God’s Reign is happening right now, even as we wait for its fulfillment.

Jesus invites his listeners—and us—to live fully into the gift and grace God offers—be the gift that keeps on giving; be the light that keeps on shining. Many of the ordinary people listening to, and eavesdropping on, Jesus’ conversation with his disciples that day understand and dedicate themselves to the challenge.

Jesus assures us that we are what God intends—open-hearted, generous, compassionate—it’s already in us. By fully living into our identity as children of God, we spread God-colors throughout the world…bearing light and hope and love to a desperate and dying world.

Have you ever watched suncatchers? Suncatchers are ornaments made of glass, crystal, or some translucent material. Usually hung in a window or outdoors, suncatchers spin to reflect and filter light, casting color in the area surrounding them—hues of blue and red and green and purple and yellow: a limitless array of colors and patterns that symbolize warmth, love, compassion, generosity, hospitality. Suncatchers bear and spread color—just as our good deeds bear light and send color into the world.

Be light—in your home, church, and community. Tutor students after school; make a casserole for a bereaved family; gather signatures for petitions that highlight important issues; pick up trash around your neighborhood; make blankets for the unsheltered—let the need beckon you to action.

Be light—in the world by making a generous contribution to One Great Hour of Sharing. Your gift supports those who are doing ministry throughout the United States and across the globe—bringing hope, expertise, compassion, and love to places we may never visit and people we may never meet. Your giving to OGHS provides funding and hands-on assistance and promotes collaboration with local and international partners.

Be the light! For the sake of sisters and brothers who have renewed hope because you care enough to shine.

Be the light! So that women and men around the world can find their way and know that there is a path forward.

Be the light! Sharing God-colors with all you encounter!

Give generously to One Great Hour of Sharing! Follow in the footsteps of The Light of the World! Shine brightly!

Learn more about this year’s One Great Hour of Sharing (suggested date: March 16) and find worship resources at www.brethren.org/oghs. Give an offering today at www.brethren.org/giveoffering.

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)