Church of the Brethren Newsline
April 16, 2021
“What Will Be the ‘New Normal’? Anticipating a Post-Pandemic World” is the title of the next Moderator’s Town Hall sponsored by Paul Mundey, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. The online event takes place May 19 at 7 p.m. (Eastern time) with leadership from
Mark DeVries and
Dr. Kathryn Jacobsen.
The town hall will explore what the future may hold in light of the COVID-19 crisis and the possible shape of a “new normal.” Topics include the current state of the pandemic along with its future trajectory and related tensions, when and how churches can safely resume in-person activities, the importance of hybrid (in-person plus online) approaches to ministry to ensure accessibility for all, facing into the loss and grief of the COVID-19 crisis, how to support both church members and pastors, and how best to equip ourselves for tomorrow.
Church of the Brethren Newsline
February 13, 2021
“On Valentine’s Day, share hearts and flowers–and do your part to prevent abuse.”
That’s the message from the World Council of Churches (WCC) for Valentine’s Day 2021, encouraging people to share new images and messages created for a special social media campaign called “Celebrate love, prevent abuse.” Other messages include “Love is kind” and “Each day, affirm respect, devotion, and love.” The messages are intended to invite reflection during a time in which “a shadow pandemic of domestic abuse and violence has risen alarmingly in conjunction with COVID-19-related lockdowns,” said a WCC release. “In response, the Thursdays in Black campaign has grown, with increasing numbers of global ambassadors speaking out, in many regions and languages, in support of a world free from rape and gender-based violence.” Campaigners are urging attention to gender-based violence and awareness of its root causes. “