By Matt DeBall, coordinator of Mission Advancement communications

“When the [disciples of John] came to Jesus, they said, ‘John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ ’ //  At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, ‘Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.’” ~Luke 7:20-22, NIV

During the most trying times of our lives—perhaps even in recent days—how many of us have asked, “Is this for real?” When circumstances in our country or the world occur that we could not have imagined or when events in our personal lives happen that we did not expect, we can feel caught off-guard, confused, or concerned.

As John the Baptist saw hurting people in his community and harmful actions of the empire, it seems he questioned in whom it was safe to place hope. Despite his doubts, John took a step of faith. He raised a question with his disciples (for which he also sent them to gather an answer): “Jesus, are you the real deal?”

John’s doubts can give us great comfort. The gospel of Luke tracks the narrative for us. This is the same John who jumped the first time he was in a room with Jesus—while they were both in the womb—startling his mother and creating a memory about which John certainly heard often as he grew up (Luke 1:39-45). This is also the same John who baptized Jesus and saw the christening of the Holy Spirit like a dove and the voice of God echoing the same blessing (Luke 3:21-22). Even after John had both of these first-hand encounters with Jesus, he still had doubts! If he could, surely there’s room for you, for me, for anyone to have doubts and questions in trying times.

As John’s disciples approached Jesus and asked their question, Jesus didn’t immediately share an answer. Jesus continued in his ministry of healing and encouragement, and then shared these words:

“Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.”

Throughout our lives, there are times when we search for welcoming spaces and find disappointment or rejection instead. Even people who say that they value hospitality, peace, and love may not realize that their actions convey an entirely different message.

In contrast, what a breath of fresh air it is when people confess the peace of Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and they reveal by how they live that they mean it. What a blessing it is to find life-giving environments where people see the words of Jesus as challenges to wrestle with in community, not controversial words to shy away from.

Among the mission and ministry of the Church of the Brethren (in congregations and through denominational work, in the US and around the world), the markers of Christ-like service, holistic peace, and the abundant love of God are seen and heard among us. We walk alongside survivors of disaster and turmoil of many kinds. We provide spaces where people can find healing and comfort. We identify and create opportunities with people of all walks of life to grow in relationship with one another and to follow the ways of Jesus together. As we do these things and many more, we help others hold on to hope.

I invite you to reflect on these questions: How do we see ourselves continuing the work of Jesus? When people encounter us, how will they know with certainty that we’re walking and talking and living like Jesus? (Please feel welcome to share your reflections with us at MA@brethren.org.)

As we go about our work, our play, and our rest, let us remember that there are people around us who are hurting, concerned, or scared in ways we can’t always see or imagine. As they encounter us, they may be asking:  Is this person for real? Is this church the real deal? Is the healing work of Jesus present here? May our actions and words provide clear answers to these questions, especially through trying times.

Learn more about the faith-building and life-changing work of the Church of the Brethren at www.brethren.org/greatthings. Support our mission and ministry today at www.brethren.org/give.

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)

“Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11, NRSVue

Earlier this year, we shared a familiar but bold challenge:  join us as we build up one another and our neighbors near and far. We invited you to partner in the mission and ministry of the Church of the Brethren to grow courageous disciples, love and serve together with our sisters and brothers around the world, extend generosity and witness, and steward God’s blessings. This is a call to which you responded with faith and generosity.

As this year draws to a close, we pause to recognize all that we have accomplished together.

Brethren Historical Library and Archives celebrated the interim work of Allison Snyder and hired Jacqueline (Claire) Flowers as its new director.

Brethren Volunteer Service onboarded 27 new volunteers through 2 orientation units, and supported a total of 54 volunteers in the US and around the world.

Children’s Disaster Services trained 68 volunteers who accompanied 727 children through 13 disaster response efforts.

Death Row Support Project celebrated 45 years of ministry and the work and retirement of Rachel Gross.

Discipleship and Leadership Formation connected with 150 participants and volunteers for the first L.E.A.D (Listen. Equip. Adapt. Disciple.) Conference in November.

The Emergency Disaster Fund provided grants to projects in 10 states and 12 countries.

The Global Food Initiative Fund allocated 10 grants to 9 countries around the world.

Intercultural Ministries welcomed Founa Augustin Badet as its new director and connected with 175 participants through 6 in-person or virtual events.

A majority of staff and Mission and Ministry Board members completed Kingian Nonviolence Training.

Material Resources gathered 14 groups to ship more than 1,128,000 pounds of quilts, blankets and kits, and more than 278,000 pounds of medical supplies and equipment to 23 states and 10 countries.

The Ministry Office assisted 8 districts in a season of transition.

Peacebuilding and Policy staff convened and contributed to 10 policy working groups and hosted or participated in 8 events and meetings to nurture relationships and support peacemaking around the world.

Rebuilding program volunteers served at 3 project sites and assisted 42 families.

Youth and Young Adult Ministries connected with 11 youth and leaders at Christian Citizenship Seminar in February and 53 individuals at Young Adult Conference in May.

Thank you for building up with us in 2024. It has been a blessing to grow and serve with you as we join Jesus in the neighborhood.

Celebrate all that God has done through the work of the Church of the Brethren this year by making a year-end offering to our mission and ministry.

www.brethren.org/year-end-offering

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)

Worship resources for the 2024 Advent Offering of the Church of the Brethren

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.)