The Brethren Tour

It was 8:30 a.m. on a frigid winter’s day. The four cranky kids, who woke up an hour earlier than normal, were packed into our family minivan and eating breakfast on the way to a church that was several hours away. Our snarky 12-year-old, Josiah, shouted to us from the backseat, “Why do we have to go to another church? Can’t we just stay home and relax?”


Let me share a little of the backstory. Sarah and I (David) moved to Indiana six years ago and were so excited to be part of the Midwest Region of the Brethren Church. I had spent a good portion of my life at Oasis Community Church in Gilbert, Arizona, where the closest (and only) nearby Brethren Churches were over two hours away in Tucson. Despite the distance, our three Arizona churches always saw each other as family. We gathered in the summer for church camp near the Mexican border and held a joint church service once a year in addition to other

trips down to Tucson to see these friends.


When we moved to Indiana, we could not believe our good fortune that there were over 30 Brethren churches in our region! A plan started to form that we now jokingly refer to as “The Brethren Tour.” It started with a strong desire to befriend the Brethren (our people!) and connect with Brethren leaders across the region. So, the scene of packing up the minivan early on a Sunday morning has become a normal one for our kids. We are on a mission to visit every Brethren Church in our region and make as many friends along the way as we can.


You might be wondering, as we were at the start, what we would discover on our travels. I am pleased to inform you that God is on the move! Here is just a glimpse of the incredible things He is up to throughout the Brethren communities that we have visited in the past few years.


Huntington First Brethren welcomed us with open arms as we started our tour with the church closest to us. They later hosted a church planting and church renewal gathering led by the Midwest New/Renew team, and 10 Brethren Churches were represented. We were really getting some traction on our goal to befriend Brethren at this point! It was at that event that I first met Cole Westwood, a fellow Army Veteran and pastor of Corinth Brethren Church.


With that connection, we headed north to Corinth Brethren Church one sunny Sunday morning. We got to hear the testimony of Grace who had spent the summer as a counselor at The Brethren Retreat at Shipshewana, someone we’ve continued a friendship with since.


Not too long after I started to meet with the Midwest New/Renew team monthly to talk about church planting and church revitalization, a fellow team member, Fred Youngen, and his church, FBC South Bend, hosted an incredible prayer meeting where Brethren from all over came to pray together and worship God. A very interesting side note: FBC South Bend owns the website that 90% of the churches in our denomination are currently in repentance for coveting their neighbor’s digital property: FirstBrethren.org. Funny enough, we have also met several

people along the way who think the official name of our denomination is “First Brethren.”


Next, I received an invitation to preach at my good friend Cory Smith’s church, Goshen FBC on Veterans Day. I showed up in my Air Force dress blue uniform and shared about the incredible love Jesus has for military members and veterans, as seen in His interaction with the Centurion in Matthew 8. This started a tradition of sorts, and for the past three years, different churches have invited me to preach on Veterans Day weekend, including Warsaw First Brethren (such loving people!) and College Corner Brethren, who have become our good friends. College Corner has invited our family to join them a number of times for worship, and they are such an encouraging and friendly group of people. Before we ever visited this church (that is nowhere near the corner of a college), I had met and become quick friends with Duane and Bonnie Truss who were volunteers at the VA where I work full-time as a Chaplain. They spoke so highly of their church, College Corner, that I knew we had to visit.


Continuing the Brethren tour, we crashed the Sunday morning service at North Manchester FBC. Even though we were ten minutes late, Linda Immel (who would eventually become another good friend) greeted us at the door and made us feel right at home. We loved seeing so many young people gathered together in worship in this congregation and were blessed to be invited over to lunch afterward by Kurt and Heidi Stout, who showed us the mini-farm in their backyard. Since this first encounter, I have grown to love Kurt’s heart for God’s people and his creative ideas for growing the Kingdom.


Somewhere along the way, we saw in the regional newsletter that David Loi was going to be guest preaching at Muncie FBC. We jumped at the chance to join our nearby Brethren for this opportunity of a lifetime! I am filled with joy to report that we were not disappointed. David Loi shared his heart for his two children and our Heavenly Father in such a powerful way, that I was brought to tears. In addition to that, we were blown away by the worship team at Muncie FBC! Because of this, Sarah later suggested to the Big Event planning team that this worship team be invited to lead the Saturday night worship at The Big Event last August. I pray those of you who joined us for The Big Event were as blessed as we were to have them lead us into the presence of God!


By this time, people were starting to notice that the Millers were popping up all over the place like that speedy animal in the Whack A Mole game. Our friends Lee and Stephanie Compson were on to us and invited us to Milford FBC. While there, Lee let us share with their congregation what God has been up to at Unchurch, the house church that Sarah and I co-pastor in Marion. To our daughter Kloey’s delight, they sang her favorite song, Sanctuary. After worship, I got to meet a very friendly fellow military veteran who has been an integral part of the church’s Gatherer-Shepherd-Elder church revitalization team.


In addition to visiting these great churches across the state of Indiana (Illinois, we haven’t forgotten you!), Sarah and I had the opportunity to lead the teen week with Camp Shipshewana called Blaze Camp. We had over 40 kids in attendance from all over the region. We have already had fun seeing some of these teens at different churches we have visited and even a few at Brethren Conference. One of the highlights of the week of conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan was the dinner with the Midwest region on the last night. We ended up sitting at a table with Larry and Bev Baker, who are so full of God’s love and joy that we could not help but become good friends with them. Larry actually turned the tables on me a couple of months ago and attended a service I was leading at the VA hospital.


As you might imagine, The Big Event was a dream come true for our family. With all those Brethren in one place, we didn’t know what to do with ourselves. Sarah was on the planning team and had asked me to emcee the Saturday evening service. I absolutely loved hearing the stories that evening of what God has been up to around the region and the world (thanks to Latha Kumar). It was also wonderful to spend more time with the friends we had made on our travels and build new friendships. Sarah and I hope to see many of you there again next August.


Though we have made some headway in The Brethren Tour, we are far from done. We may move a little slower and with more chaos having four kids in tow, but that is part of the fun. Here is the cool part: if you are in the Midwest Region, you could be our next stop. If you want to invite us to your church, reach out to Sarah and me at DSMiller1@gmail.com. Here is a tip: If you have us over for lunch after your church service, you get bumped up in line. For those across the nation (and world), try visiting a nearby Brethren Church and make some new friends. Hope to see you soon!


David Miller, Pastor

UnChurch

Marion, Indiana

Lexington and Concord at 250

By Steven Longenecker • April 23, 2025
By the rude bridge that arched the flood, Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled, Here once the embattled farmers stood, And fired shot heard round the world. “Concord Hymn,” Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1836. This is true. The American Revolution was transformative. One hundred years later, poet James Russell Lowell celebrated the modest span as “era-parting.” As the Concord militia ran across the bridge chasing retreating redcoats, they ran from one era into another. This is also true. The United States was the first government founded on the principle that “all men are created equally.” To be sure, this noble concept was very imperfectly implemented, but nobody else, certainly not European monarchies, even pretended to believe it. On April 19 we rightly celebrate the 250th anniversary of Concord, the beginning of a war that led to American independence. But there’s more. The first shots were not fired across Emerson’s “rude bridge” but on Lexington Common. Here three British companies faced the village militia. Major John Pitcairn, the British commander, ordered the Massachusetts men to disperse. The militia captain, John Parker, seeing that his men were significantly outnumbered, ordered them to break ranks and leave. But before they could, somebody—we still don’t know who—shot, and the British spontaneously responded with heavy fire. Then, again without orders, they charged, shooting and bayoneting, including the wounded. Historians disagree over whether British officers encouraged the melee or futilely screamed for order. Almost certainly, however, redcoats cut down fleeing militiamen. It was more massacre than battle. This atrocity, not Emerson’s “shot heard round the world,” inaugurated a lengthy, difficult, brutal war. The War for Independence lasted eight years, the longest conflict in American history until Vietnam and now fourth behind Afghanistan, Iraq, and Vietnam. Civilians were targeted, casualties high, and prisoners, when taken, treated inhumanely. Lexington wasn’t the only time in the war when wounded and surrendering soldiers were assaulted; both sides did it, but more often the British. As people of faith remember Lexington and Concord, they can find three takeaways. 1. Injustice creates conflict. Identifying wrongs inflicted upon us comes naturally, but the call is to recognize injustice felt by others. The colonists had legitimate grievances: They were unrepresented in Parliament and taxed without their consent, a fundamental injustice. Logically, they demanded self-government. For ignoring American complaints, Imperial leadership lost some of its most valuable colonies, and its military endured high casualties. The lesson is that release for the captives and freedom for the oppressed are both the right thing to do—"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness”—and pragmatic because of the problems they solve. 2. Similarly, bad things happen when people stop listening to each other. Mostly, this falls again on the British. Even a few months after Lexington and Concord, independence was still not mainstream among Americans, who probably would have accepted something short of full sovereignty. How might the history of the British Empire evolved if it had listened and applied the Golden Rule? Tone-deafness cost the British severely. Likewise, may we remember that most arguments have two sides. The Empire’s anger over the extensive property damage caused by the Boston Tea Party feels legitimate. Refusal to concede that the other side has a point or two often has significant practical cost, in this case further widening the breach between the Empire and its seaboard colonies. This is not to say that Jesus compromised his values, but he lunched with tax collectors and sinners and, presumably, listened. 3. Wars are easier to start than to stop. This includes labor (strikes) and trade wars. The great conflict that started on Lexington Green lasted much longer than anybody thought. In fact, there was little deliberation. Tensions escalated and anger boiled until violence erupted, and once the floodgates of war opened, it took eight years and rivers of blood spilled before they closed. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they are not only the children of God but, in practice, they rescue society and, especially, innocents from the suffering of war. In the long run society is best served by peace (and justice). Do justice, listen, and make peace: Put together, these lessons from Lexington are foundation stones of Christian behavior, and they equip Brethren to be the salt of the earth in tumultuous times. Steve Longenecker is Professor of History, emeritus, at Bridgewater College (VA). Photo by Donovan Reeves on Unsplash

Southeast Shares and Celebrates at Regional Gathering

By Scott Soden • April 23, 2025
On Saturday, April 5th, churches and representatives from across the Southeast Region of The Brethren Church gathered at Windhaven Church in Mount Jackson, VA, for a powerful day of fellowship, prayer, and storytelling. Over 75 attendees, including 25 enthusiastic youth from several churches, came together to celebrate and share inspiring stories of how God is transforming their communities and responding to the urgent need for hope, love, and connection in these divided times. The gathering was a flurry of activity. Here are some of the highlights: During the morning, the youth poured themselves into a community service project; they assembled water bottles with socks, other essential items, and snacks for local homeless shelters. Chyann Mackey and Laura Waldron (Both of Mount Olive Brethren Church, McGaheysville, VA) shared their excitement about preparations for this summer's camp, now under the new name: Kairos! Their palpable enthusiasm left attendees eager to witness how God will use this initiative. Pastor Don White (St. James Brethren Church, Fairplay, MD) shared a powerful message about the importance of experiencing God's presence and living in both spirit and truth. St. James is growing and actively engaging in local ministry initiatives, primarily through the Women's Missionary Society (WMS) groups from collaborating churches—truly a remarkable story worth sharing. Sara Moore (Saint James Brethren Church) emphasized Brethren Academy's vital connection to the region and showcased current and former students who now serve as mentors or in ministry within their local churches. Looking for ways to grow your youth in Christ? Check out Camp Kairos, Engage Youth Conference (both this summer), and Brethren Academy this fall! Valerie and Micah Ceary from the Gathering Church (Hagerstown, MD) and Joe and Katie Turner shared updates through videos about their new church plants in Maryland, which are advancing in unique ways throughout the region. Pastor Lee Reams (Compass Community Church) highlighted his church's summer sports outreach they put on in cooperation with Eukarya Christian Academy in Stephens City, VA. Read more about it at https://www.brethrenchurch.org/compass-community-wraps-up-summer-sports-outreach . Pastor Todd Crowder and the team at Maurertown Brethren Church (Maurertown, VA) are inspiring witnesses through their work with inner-city kids. Hearing Todd's journey—starting with one child in his truck and expanding as kids sought connection and fellowship—was uplifting. Pastor Kent McKay (Canvas Community Church, Winchester, VA) discussed the importance of vision and mission in the recent merger. Canvas Community Church was formed from the merger of Canvas Church, a local non-denominational church, and our own Grace Community Church in late 2022. Now, less than three years later, a full one-third of the new congregation are new members to their congregation and were not part of either Canvas or Grace Community. This remarkable statistic is a testament to the efficacy of their outreach and the work of God in Winchester. Pastor Brad Reaves showed a video highlighting the impactful work in Guinea-Bissau, where they partner with One Child to use the Bridgely App to fund children's schooling. Additional highlights included a recap of the recent Regional Women's Retreat, celebrated as a resounding success, and updates from the Gathering Church in Winchester, VA on their substantial outreach to local homeless shelters as they celebrate their fourth anniversary this Palm Sunday. Pastor Simon Flint spoke about their Toddler-Time outreach at Muskoka Community Church in Huntsville, Ontario, Canada, which positively impacts mothers and families during the cold winter. Pastor Dave Stone shared in a video update how Sarasota First Brethren Church is recovering after Hurricane Milton damaged its building (read more about that at https://www.brethrenchurch.org/nappanee-brethren-repair-hurricane-damage ). During that same update, Dave Stone noted that their facility is used by seven Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous groups every week. What an extraordinary array of stories! God is surely at work, using the Brethren Church in remarkable ways. Please share the good news of what God is up to in your church and community at our MemoryFox page . We look forward to sharing more inspiring stories from your region as well!

Tucson First Brethren Celebrates Retirement of Roger Stogsdill

By Dan Acker • April 15, 2025
A Legacy of Faith and a New Chapter: First Brethren Church Celebrates Pastor Roger Stogsdill's Retirement and Welcomes New Leadership

Pasadena Centro Crista Celebrates Baptism

By Dan Acker • April 15, 2025
Joyful Celebration as Pasadena Centro Crista Welcomes Daniela Escobar Through Baptism

Cay Pombo Brethren Church in the Philippines Celebrates First Anniversary

By Scott Soden • April 9, 2025
On Sunday, March 23, the Brethren Church in Cay Pombo, Philippines gathered as usual to lift their hearts and hands in praise and worship to God, their Father. Yet that day was far more than a typical Sunday; it was a joyous celebration of God’s goodness and all He has accomplished in the church during its first full year of ministry. “As we celebrated our 1st anniversary, we're reminded that God has a plan to prosper us and give us a hope and a future. We're excited to see how He will continue to work in the lives of many through the JOFF (Jesus Our Firm Foundation) Cay Pombo Church. We've seen God move in amazing ways. We've witnessed lives transformed, relationships built, and how Jesus moves in everyone's lives, and yet, we know that this is just the beginning. We're trusting God to guide and direct us always. To God be all the glory! Happy anniversary, JOFF Cay Pombo!  As we celebrate this first year of ministry and Kingdom growth, may this moment inspire the church here in the United States and around the world to boldly witness for Jesus in our neighborhoods, communities, and nations. Amen!!! Scott Soden Coordinator, Brethren Global Partners

Relaunch of ChristCore Brethren Church

By Paul Lattimer • April 9, 2025
Hey everybody! It's been a couple years since ChristCore Brethren Church went on hiatus, and I wanted to share a brief but exciting update. I've felt the Lord stirring in my heart over the past year to try starting it again. ChristCore went on hiatus and we downshifted heavily after Alexander Stillion, one of our members, passed away in a motorcycle accident. Quite honestly, I was depressed and didn't want to keep doing this plant without my friend. During this time, Terry Hofecker and Josh Coffee, pastors of Agora Church in Columbus, Ohio, were gracious and gave Micaela and I a "landing place" while ChristCore paused. Now, we sense the Lord is calling us to pilot the ship once again, and I am excited to both share and ask for your prayer support as we relaunch ChristCore! We held our first new gathering on Friday, March 2 and hosted 7 adults and 2 kids (OTHER than Micaela, myself, and our kids). During our time, we had a Bible study on part of Matthew 5, lyric discussion of the Christian Metalcore song “Immortal” by War of Ages, and shared prayer requests and praises and prayed with each other. Thank you for your prayer support!!! Praise the Lord! Paul Lattimer Pastor, ChristCore Brethren Church 

Brethren Church in Lima Peru Celebrate Four Baptisms

By Scott Soden • April 1, 2025
On Sunday, March 16, 2025, the small congregation at the church in Lima went to a local beach for a very special time of transformation and celebration. Here is what Pastor Luis Angel has to say about the day's events: “Our church recently celebrated the baptism of four members. Franz and Bertha, who have been part of our congregation for several years, had not previously been baptized due to various circumstances. Leslie, Franz's girlfriend, and Luca, a young leader in our church, are newer members who decided to take the step of faith during their discipleship journey. Initially, Luca's baptism was scheduled for July 2024, but due to my motorcycle accident we had to postpone the ceremony. We decided to reschedule for the summer when the weather is more conducive. Franz and Leslie joined the discipleship program during the waiting period, followed by sister Bertha a month ago. All four will continue their discipleship classes, deepening their spiritual roots and developing their gifts for service.” Let us joyfully celebrate the incredible work God is doing through our partners in Peru and across the globe!  Scott Soden Coordinator; Brethren Global Partners

Baptisms in Chile - A Day for Celebration and Transformation!

By Scott Soden • March 19, 2025
Sunday, March 2, 2025, was a very special day at Bet-El Church (Brethren Church) in Santiago, Chile! Your partners celebrated together the act of faith and renewal in baptisms, where six brothers and sisters took an essential step in their Christian walk. It was a time of joy, excitement, and spiritual fulfillment as we saw Jesus’ mandate, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” fulfilled. The day of transformation continued through the afternoon as the congregation celebrated all that God is doing in their community through the love and sacrifice of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Follow this link to see the video recap of the event, which relives the most significant moments of this special day. Thank you for being a part of this community of faith and the Brethren movement worldwide! We especially thank and pray for Pastor Carlos Quiroga and Pastor Zulema Zagal, who shared the blessings of this amazing moment in the church with us! Scott Soden Coordinator; Brethren Global Partners

Praise, Prayer, and Provision in India!

By Scott Soden • February 26, 2025
Praise, Prayer, and Provision in India! The Brethren Church in India has been very busy these last few months with the ongoing work of the ministry. Although it doesn’t snow in India, this time of year brings rainy weather and cooler temperatures. Thanks to your generosity, Nirmala was able to purchase blankets, towels, and other necessities for the children at the orphanage. These gifts mean more than you can imagine to those who possess very little. Now, the children can feel assured of staying warm and dry during the cooler months. Sudhir has been making trips around the region to meet with many Brethren, pastors, and congregations. He and his wife, Latha, often bring words of encouragement and love during their visits. In Rajahmundry, Nirmala and the leaders held a special day of praise and prayer on January 26th. Many from the community joined in the event, singing and worshiping the Lord for His provision, mercy, and grace. Prayer filled the church throughout the day, with many people on their knees. These prayers were not only for the church and the local community but also for you! They prayed for the awakening of the church worldwide, for repentance, and that everyone would find hope and life in Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. What a testimony to all that God continues to do with and through His people around the world! Scott C. Soden Coordinator; Brethren Global Partners

Camp Kairos Winter Retreat

By Laura Waldron, Chyann Mackey • February 19, 2025
The first annual Camp Kairos Winter Camp, held at Potomac Park in Falling Waters, WV, from January 17th to 19th, was a resounding success. Attendance exceeded expectations, with over 120 attendees in 3rd through 12th grades representing six different churches (Compass, The Gathering, Oak Hill, St. James, Liberty, and Mt. Olive). New friends were made, old friends reconnected, and everyone looked forward to a wonderful weekend together.  Camp Kairos’s theme was "ONE," based on Philippians 1:27, how we are one mind, body, and spirit in Christ. This theme was the thread that tied the weekend's activities and worship services together. Amanda Carriere and Brandon Hartle (both of St. James) shared messages with the campers, and Lee Reams (Compass) and the Compass Youth Praise band led the camp in worship. Afterward, our elementary campers would dig deeper into the message with a Bible video and discussion. Campers were divided into small groups for hands-on activities and games that reinforced the Bible lessons. The weekend was jam-packed with fun and fellowship. Camp kicked off with a pizza party, worship, and brownie sundaes. The weekend was filled with fun activities including a marshmallow snowball fight, snow globe craft, gingerbread contest, snowman building contest, and an ultimate small group competition. Other favorites from the weekend included tubing down Slippery Slopes, playing basketball and soccer in the indoor gym, enjoying ice cream at PERKS Coffee Shop, a campfire with smores, and a glow dance party. Meals were great and special accommodations were made by the Potomac Parks chef for those with allergies. Chyann Mackey and Laura Waldron, both of Mt. Olive, organized the camp and served as its Co-Directors. They led a small army of volunteers who made the Southeast Region’s winter camp possible. They included Morgan Sterling (The Gathering), Avery Zimmerman, Nancy Zimmerman, Marty Dearing, and Lucy Johnson (all of Mt Olive); Drew Fox, Ronnie Helton, Kelly Helton, Kim Butner, and Tricia Haynes (all from Oak Hill). A big, big THANK YOU to all of the folks who made Camp Kairos 2025 a huge success! It was an amazing weekend, and we are excited and expectant to see the Lord move in huge ways as we continue planning summer camp. Thank you for all of your prayers and support! Chyann Mackey and Laura Waldron
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