Devotional

Crushed bones

Posted on by
Reply

2015 COVER


Psalm 51:7-12

Question:
How can we ensure that confession and forgiveness remain at the center of our Christian experience? What should be the marks of a community genuinely forgiven and loved by God? What are ways your congregation can increase those marks?


Prayer:
Gracious God, how great is your faithfulness. Forgive us, Holy One, according to your mercy. You show us that we are infinitely precious. You come to heal us and bring hope for change. Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director, Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Blotting out sin

Posted on by
Reply

2015 COVER

Psalm 51:1-6

Question:
The words, ‘steadfast love’ and ‘abundant mercy’ give us a glimpse into the depth of compassion and healing grace of God’s nature. What words do we offer to those who are hopeless and desperate? Do we offer confirmation of their worthlessness dwelling on the consequences of their sin?


Prayer:
God of compassionate love, we do ultimately come to you just as we are, bearing transgression and sin.  We return, however, not as we were, but as recreated and liberated people called to sing aloud and declare God’s deliverance and unfailing love. Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director, Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Nigeria

EYN Devotions March 22-28, 2015

Posted on by
Reply

DAILY LINK WITH GOD 2015EYN Devotions graphic
A Daily Devotional Guide from the
EYN (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria)

EYN leaders in Nigeria believe prayer is one of the most important ways to support the Nigerian people and the Church.  These daily devotions were written by EYN members and published by the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria. Reading them daily is a powerful way we can be in solidarity and connect with our brothers and sisters caught in this crisis.  EYN’s daily devotional for 2015 will be posted a week at a time on this blog, appearing mid-week for the following week. More information about the crisis can be found at www.nigeriacrisis.org.

Click on this link for the EYN Devotion Blog Mar 22-28 2015

Devotional

Returning and rest

Posted on by
Reply

2015 COVER

Isaiah 30:15-18

Question:
In what ways do we find ourselves running away from that which we know? Do we have patience with ourselves in acknowledging God’s accompaniment and faithfulness with us?


Prayer:
O Lord, you are the Source of what is right and true, and you are home. Thank you for your guidance and for your strength. Please have patience with us as we wander and run instead of looking to you and your direction.

~ Kristen Hoffman, Coordinator, CCS and National Junior High Conference

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

What a day . . .

Posted on by
Reply

2015 COVER


Isaiah 60:15-22

Question:
What darkness are you facing right now? In searching and allowing God’s presence, where can you find God’s light, even if it is just peeking through?


Prayer:
Creator, we are honest with you. Sometimes we are stuck in a rut and find ourselves in a place of ignorance or distrust, confusion, or feeling beaten by everything that surrounds us. Gently remind us of your love for us and that even in the midst of these long nights, you are still there, shining your light.

~ Kristen Hoffman, Coordinator, CCS and National Junior High Conference

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Office of Peacebuilding and Policy

Guest Post: Jenna Walmer Reflects on Her Call and A Visit to the Office of Public Witness

Posted on by
Reply

When I was younger, I always thought I was going to be a Physical Therapist. I was going to study Health and Exercise Science, get my Doctorate, and then be a PT for the rest of my life, helping people of all ages recover from injuries, like my PT had helped me. However, I also felt like I needed (and wanted) to study peace or conflict resolution. Being raised in the Church of the Brethren provided me with a passion for peace, and as I grow up that passion burns brighter.

Fast forward to this past summer in Colorado, I had a change of heart. I spent a few days with Seminary professors before National Youth Conference exploring my call. During Exploring Your Calljenna_walmer, we explored ways we know it is God’s will for what we are pursuing. One that especially applies to me is the compelling of the Holy Spirit, or nudges from God.  Over the past few years, the word “peace” has been etched in my heart, and during that week I recognized that this is where I was being ‘nudged’.   During NYC, events such as watching a video about the Nigeria situation and sending a postcard to the Secretary of State led me to feel called to Peace ministry even more.  Who knows where God will lead me with that tidbit, and plans may change. But for now I feel as though I understand what I am called to be and do.

Since I had a change of plans right before my senior year of high school, after I already explored my intended career through previous job shadowing, and finished my college search, I had to essentially start over… but not really. I was already set on going to Bridgewater College for whatever major, so I did not have to go on any more campus tours. However, I was interested in witnessing the tasks of COB’s Office of Public Witness. Since Nate Hosler’s job interested me from his work with Christian Citizenship Seminar (CCS), I thought it would be appropriate to see more of what he does on a daily basis through a job shadowing experience.

I quickly learned that he Office of Public Witness is a small, but mighty office that works on a large variety of topics. The three stay up-to-date with current events that are affecting their more pressing issues, like Nigeria and drones. Also, they are working to implement a more intentional “Going to the Garden” initiative with the denomination advocating for food security.

After the initial time spent in the office, Nate, Bryan, and I went to a meeting at the U.S. State Department Office of International Religious Freedom to inform staff about the atrocities Brethren are facing in Nigeria. This was similar to Congressional visits I have done during CCS. Then, we went to an event at the Wilson Center on resilience and peacebuilding. Events like these are helpful to make connections with other people who are working on similar issues and to become informed about different and up and coming issues.

This visit reiterated that I was called to peace ministry. My plans are to study political science or global studies and minor in peace studies. After learning more about the government and going to the other events, I know I am headed in the right direction. Thanks to Christian Citizenship Seminar, Exploring Your Call, and National Youth Conference, I have been able to accept my call.

-Jenna Walmer

Devotional

The blame game

Posted on by
Reply

2015 COVER

Numbers 20:1-13



Question:
What are some ways in which our perspective needs shifting? Is forgiveness needed? Is God calling for us to step back and listen? How is God working through you to solve these struggles in your life?


Prayer:
Lord, help us to understand that we need time. Help us to be patient when patience is the furthest from our minds. Today, we are able to offer gratitude for your trust in us and your patience with us.

~ Kristen Hoffman, Coordinator, CCS and National Junior High Conference

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Spiritual thirst

Posted on by
Reply

2015 COVER


Psalm 107:4-9

Question:
How often do we think about our lives in the way of fulfillment? How has God entered and filled you? In what ways are you still hungry and thirsty for God?


Prayer:
Creator, we need you. We know we are filled by you, and yet, we recognize those parts within our lives and within us that are lacking complete nourishment. Thank you for your presence; on this day, we offer ourselves to be open and completely filled, even those parts we cannot bear to let anyone see.

~ Kristen Hoffman, Coordinator, CCS and National Junior High Conference

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Nigeria

Stories from Nigeria: An Island in the Desert

Posted on by
2
Rev. Yohanna Budwara & Carl

Rev. Yohanna just after he arrived in Jos from Maiduguri

By Carl and Roxane Hill, co-directors of the Nigeria Crisis Response currently in Nigeria

Maiduguri is the Capitol city of Borno State located in northeast Nigeria. It has many distinctions. One is that it is credited as the birthplace of the Islamist insurgent group, Boko Haram. It is the largest city in all of northeast Nigeria with a population of over 2 million. During the violence that has been gripping this part of Nigeria many people have sought refuge in this heavily fortified city, swelling the population by some 50 to 100 thousand. The marketplace in Maiduguri has been closed for some weeks to protect its citizens from suicide bombings.

We met Reverend Yohanna when we were teaching at EYN’s Kulp Bible College. He was not only a lecturer there but served as the campus chaplain. His children were all well versed in English and found us to be welcoming to them and people they could talk to. We really enjoyed this family. However, last December the Chaplain (as we called him) was transferred to become the DCC Secretary of Maiduguri. Besides being a very dangerous assignment the temperatures can get as high as 115 degrees.

As Boko Haram violence escalated throughout 2014 Maiduguri became a bastion of safety for Christians and moderate Muslims. The military also decided that Maiduguri would be protected and additional forces were stationed there. The offensive conducted by the Boko Haram surrounded Maiduguri and became an important target for the terrorists to capture. Fighting rages all around this city in the desert. But it has held out against the radical Islamist sect. As supplies were brought into the city Rev. Yohanna served as the Chairman of the Distribution Committee and provided relief materials for over 50,000 people. He organized peaceful distributions and was one of the only ones to keep accurate records. Based on his documentation the government was able to gauge the amount of supplies to be delivered.

Rev. Yohanna told us that it was a big job to be responsible for so many needy people. He said not all were grateful but most of the people praised God for his fair and honest work. “I really saw the hand of God in this work.”

Devotional

Holy questions

Posted on by
Reply

2015 COVER


John 3:1-21

Question:
In times of darkness and light, what question, or questions, is God asking you?


Prayer:
O Lord, in our journey, help us to ask questions wisely and faithfully, leaning in with a listening ear to your reply.

 

~ Kristen Hoffman, Coordinator, CCS and National Junior High Conference

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.