September 19, 2007
Pastors and Leaders,
A major role of the National Office is to maintain communication within our denomination. To keep all of our ministries up to date on what is going on in the Brethren Church, this “National Office Update” is a bi-weekly letter to inform pastors and leaders of the current events in our denomination.
It is our hope that by offering these updates, we will strengthen our communication as well as join together, so we may move forward in the mission of the Brethren Church. Please feel free to pass this information along to all of those in your church who are interested in staying up to date with the ministry of the Brethren Church.
Council and Executive Board Meetings
Executive Board as well as U.S and International Executive Councils are scheduled to meet in Ashland, Ohio October 24-25, 2007. Please keep your leaders in your prayers, for safety in travel, and open hearts to the Spirit’s leading. If you are a part of these Executive meetings please return all travel information to Jenn (Thomas) Pinto at the Brethren Church National Office by September 28.
Brethren Church National Office
Ken Hunn’s youngest son Jonathan will be marrying Stefanie Bracey Saturday, September 22. Congratulations to Jon, Stef, and their families!
Tony Van Duyne, Operations Manager, is in Richmond, Virginia September 19-21 for 2008 Conference planning meetings. We are looking forward to a wonderful time next summer. Pray for Tony and the Anniversary Planning Committee and all those working diligently on all the details.
Bill Ludwig, Church Planting Coordinator, traveled recently to the College Corner congregation in Indiana to preach revival services. A good time was had by all and pray especially for open hearts to all that God spoke through him.
Carly Eger, our current Receptionist/Assistant will complete her service to our office on September 21, in order to pursue her career in Indianapolis, IN. We wish Carly the best in her new endeavors. A search is currently underway for this part-time position.
You should know that the BCNO staff has been submitting to a similar NEW DAY process as that requested of every leader and congregation. In short, we have been auditing our current activities with the intention of becoming more outward-focused in an effort to facilitate our church body in embracing the NEW DAY strategy. This will require the elimination of fruitless activities, delegating other procedures and beginning new works in keeping with the vision. The details of this audit will be forthcoming. Please keep the National Office and Staff in your prayers as we do for all of you.
Ashland University
John Swope, former associate pastor of Park Street Brethren Church in Ashland, OH, has recently been hired to help encourage and transition students at Ashland University who plan on attending Ashland Theological Seminary in the future. Watch for more details about his position in future updates.
Trip to Chile
Bruce Wilkinson, Director of Pump House Ministries in Ashland, OH, along with Tracy Forrester and Heidi Stout from North Manchester, IN, will be traveling to Chile for their church building dedication ceremony on October 6. Please pray for their safe travel and time as they celebrate this event together.
Churches Looking for Pastors
Please be in prayer for these churches as they seek new pastors.
Mathias Brethren, WV
Lanark First Brethren, IL
Wabash First Brethren, IN
Elkhart First Brethren Church, IN
Falls City First Brethren, NE
Roann First Brethren Church, IN
Cornerstone, IN
Windhaven Church, VA
Eagle’s Nest Christian Fellowship, IN
Peru First Brethren Church, IN
North Georgetown First Breth., OH
Roanoke First Brethren Church, IN
New Song Community Church, Union, MI
Mulvane Brethren Church, KS
The National Office Update is a publication sent out to the pastor’s mail group and
also published on our website: www.brethrenchurch.org under “About.”
