Embedded Files
District News Notes, August 18, 2026,
SHEPHERD’S HEART FELLOWSHIP HYMN SING
Hymn Sing - Sun., August 30th @ 5pm- Everyone is welcome for an evening of music and praising God! Shepherd's Heart Fellowship, 58362 Beech Rd Osceola, IN 46561. 574-679-4519, shfellowship@att.net
BREMEN CoB SEARCHING FOR PEACE GARDEN VOLUNTEERS
Bremen Church of the Brethren is looking for additional volunteers that would be willing to weed the peace garden at Camp Mack once a month. Our next date is Thursday, August 27. Meet at the Peace Garden at 10:00 am. We usually weed for two hours, but the more help we have, the faster it will go! Bring gloves, a tool to dig out weeds, and a bucket to collect your weeds. Please call Bremen COB at 574-546-3227 if you are willing to help. Deb Emans and Joyce Graybill
BREMEN CoB ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Join us for a free ice cream social on Sunday, September 20, starting at 4:00 pm. There will be games for the kids, a balloon artist, and train rides. Music will be provided starting at 5:30 by members of our praise band. Food includes hotdogs, beans, chips, lemonade and water as well as homemade ice cream. It’s all free.
RESTORATIVE CONVERSATIONS ON AUG. 29
There is still time to register!!! Different political viewpoints, different cultural backgrounds, different faith beliefs are but a few things that challenge our desire to communicate with and love our neighbor. The August 29th workshop will help us work through difficult or polarizing topics, process painful experiences and deal with certain levels of conflict. The day will offer times to practice in small groups. Jay Wittmeyer, director of Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, will lead this 9am -4pm event at Rock Run Church of the Brethren in Goshen. While this workshop would normally cost close to two hundred dollars, we are able to offer this for the reduced rate of $25/person or $20/person with 4 or more from one church due to multiple volunteer contributions. An 8:30am light breakfast plus lunch is included.
THE MEN CREATING COMMUNITY BOOK STUDY IS BACK!
The Men Creating Community book study will return September 16th at Camp Mack. We will meet the third Wednesday of each month from September thru December. This is a time for prayer, devotion, reflection, fellowship, food and study with other local pastors and church members.
We meet from 9-3 at the Wampler House. We take time for a delicious lunch at the John Kline center, and then take time to walk, talk and rest, before we resume our study from 1:30-3:00.
This session our book for study will be Making it Plain by Drew Hart. “Weaving together narrative history, theology, and practical guidance, Hart compels listeners to engage the best of these faith streams to forge an Anablacktivist faith where everyone belongs, where everyone can thrive, and where everyone matters, especially the last and the least.
The shared wisdom of these faith traditions offers signposts towards a Jesus-shaped, Spirit-filled, community-oriented movement capable of surviving and resisting new mutations of nationalism, racism, and colonialism today.
MIDDLEBURY UPDATE: CHANGES AND MORE CHANGES!
There are a lot of changes happening at the Middlebury Church of the Brethren these days. Earlier this year, the congregation decided that because of financial and other difficulties related to staying where we are, we should list our church building for sale. Around the same time, we faced into the difficult decision to close the daycare ministry. Although we imagined it would take a while to sell the building, pretty quickly we received an acceptable offer from Roselawn Mennonite. So, now we are in the midst of getting ready to move out of the building. Our last Sunday on Bristol Avenue was July 19. Our Sunday morning worship, fellowship and Sunday school times will remain the same for the time being, but we will be meeting at the Greencroft Community Center on the Greencroft Middlebury campus going forward. Our church phone number remains the same, and our mailing address changes to P.O. Box 468, Middlebury.
CREEKSIDE
Creekside has partnered with SAW's (Servant at Work) specializing in building wooden wheelchair ramps for low-income, permanently disabled individuals.
https://sawsramps.volunteerhub.com/vv2/event/ebe94b2d-4f6f-4a10-8795-464cc1c3d9b2
If you are interested in helping or would like additional Information, please contact Mike Kauffman mkauff2012@gmail.com or Roger Griffith 14rogergriffith@gmail.com , 574-707-9872
GLOBAL MISSIONS
How is your congregation doing in its understanding and practice of mission? The best resource for any of you who wish to know more about the Church of the Brethren’s global mission is to check out the web page found at the denominational website Brethren.org. Another great resource for our district is having Sharon Brugger Norton, Executive Director of Global Mission, living among us. She is a member at Union Center and is open to invitations to speak at your church. And I too welcome discussion with you about mission topics. You can contact me at ncwaggy@gmail.com. Carol Spicher Waggy
DISTRICT CONFERENCE - SAVE THE DATE
September 18 - 19, 2026
Camp Alexander Mack, Milford, IN
Moderator: Anna Lisa Gross
Moderator-Elect: Evan Garber
Everyone is welcome to come Friday night to worship with us at 7:30pm. Everyone is also encouraged to join us on Saturday as we do the important business of the District. There is no registration or fee for non-delegates. If you would like a lunch as a non-delegate, they are $15 and I will need to know before Sept. 7th. I look forward to seeing you all at Camp Mack!
Here is the link for reserving a room and breakfast for the 2026 Northern Indiana District Conference:
UPDATE: DUANE GRADY BIKE FUNDRAISER FOR HEIFER INTERNATIONAL
"Thank you for supporting my fundraising effort for Heifer International as I biked across Iowa. Together we filled nearly three arks with each ark representing 2 water buffaloes, 2 cows, 2 sheep, 2 goats, bees, chicks, rabbits and more. Many families and villages will benefit as those who receive these animals will share offspring with their neighbors. In this way entire villages become self-sufficient.
For the record, the 2026 RAGBRAI was 393 miles. Several days were hot, most days were hilly. Veteran riders declared the first two days of heat and hills as uniquely difficult. I managed and I'll accept the narrative that it was hard to do.
For me personally, my vitality was not the same as it was 50 years ago, but I remain determined and focused. I took frequent short breaks and watched hundreds of bikers fly by each time I stopped. Sometimes getting off and back on the road was difficult due to the flow of bike traffic which never seemed to end from 6 a.m. through late afternoon. I had many wonderful moments. During times of stress or high hills, I found myself quietly singing a favorite hymn "For the beauty of the Earth." Several times I didn't get past the first line before I was overcome by joyful emotion. Anyone who believes that Iowa is flat and boring has never ridden a bicycle across it. For the record, I have now done so three times in a 51 year span.
I am thankful for my life-long friend, Dennis Harbaugh, who provided hospitality before and after the ride. He had prodded me to return to RAGBRAI for decades, and he was the first person to donate to my Heifer campaign. My wife, Bev, provided unlimited encouragement especially during the training days when the weather wasn't cooperating. She kept people updated each day on her Facebook page. I'm also grateful for the people of Cedar Valley Cycling for doing such a great job of logistical support and for being really nice folks.
During the week, I talked to hundreds of people and three universals stood out. First, everyone liked my 54 year old bike, many mentioned that this model was their first 10 speed. Second, everyone was impressed that I was returning after 50 years, and I've been encouraged to return 50 years from now. Lastly and most importantly, everyone was impressed by the Heifer International story and program.
Thank you so much for helping to keep this good thing going.
Duane Grady
For more information:
https://fundraise.heifer.org/fundraiser/7186915
https://cedarvalleycyclists.org/
(Note: Duane has raised $12,936 of his $25,000 goal. If you would like to contribute in support of Heifer International, use the heifer link above.)"
TIMBERCREST
The Timbercrest Sewing Sister group makes quilts/comforters for the Linus project. We would appreciate donations of quality cotton quilting fabric (fat qtrs and larger). Cheerful colors and juvenile prints are appreciated.
CAMP MACK
Thank you to all who have volunteered or served in some way for summer camps! We so appreciate your time serving and guiding Camp Mack's campers. Keep an eye out for next year's dates, and let us know where you would like to participate.
Older Adult Retreat (OAR) Day is approaching! If you joined us for Senior Camper Day last year as a part of the Centennial Celebration, this event will have a similar, fun feel. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., come for devotions with the Church of the Brethren moderator Dennis Beckner, activities including a hay ride (weather permitting), lunch and snacks provided by the talented kitchen staff, and more. You won't want to miss this fun day. If you consider yourself an older adult, have ever attended a National Older Adult Conference, or are in the 55+ crowd, this is for you! The day is $35. Registration will open very soon.
Young Adult Camp (YAC) is an awesome opportunity for those who have finished high school through the age of 24. Whether you are a Camp Mack alum or have never been to Camp Mack before, you are welcome. YAC offers a place to reconnect with the atmosphere that helped shape so many young believers, while also welcoming those who may have never attended Camp Mack but desire the same community, friendship, and spiritual encouragement. It is a chance to rekindle old friendships, build new ones, and grow together in Christ. Register through the form found at www.scindcob.org/yacdonate.
Website: http://www.campmack.org
Phone: 574-658-4831 | Email: info@campmack.org
Prayer Request: Please pray for campers and staff, for endurance, meaningful experiences, & God’s guidance.
BRETHREN ACADEMY
Introduction to New Testament
Register now for The Brethren Academy course Intro to New Testament. This will be taught by Matthew Boersma, online from October 21st to December 15th. This course will explore the various books of the New Testament, explore the world which created these texts, and look at how the texts may have interacted both with each other and the Hebrew Scriptures. You will look at what the ancient authors of the texts might have been trying to say to their audiences as well as what they are still saying today.
For TRIM and EFSM students, this course fulfills the requirement for BHTS, FCR, BTS, and full participation is required. It is worth 1 credit for TRIM students.
For those looking to fulfill CEUs, this course is worth 2 CEUs, and reading and participation will be required. Papers and projects are optional. The registration deadline is September 16th, 2026
Ethics for the Set-Apart Ministry: Basic Course for newly licensed minsters and others seeking basic clergy ethics training With Janet Ober Lambert September 26th, 2026
This course will be led by Janet Ober Lambert, Director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership (BAML), with technical support from Bethany Seminary’s technical support team. Ethics for the Set-Apart Ministry: Basic Course will take place via Zoom, an online conferencing platform, on Saturday, September 26th, 2026, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Eastern Standard Time with a break for lunch. A website link will be emailed to all participants a few days prior to the webcast. This link will connect you to the Zoom room. Course materials will be emailed to participants. Registration deadline is September 21st, 2026
For more information or to register, go to: https://bethanyseminary.edu/brethren-academy/brethren-academy-course-listings/
Fall Ventures Series Features Deep Dive into Stress, Trauma, and Resilience
This fall, learn from one of the nation’s leading voices in Trauma Informed Care. Tim Grove
joins the Ventures in Christian Discipleship program at McPherson College to present a special
2026-2027 season-opening series: “Creating a Better World: A deep dive into stress, trauma and
resilience as a pathway to healthier people, families and communities.”
This series is open to everyone—whether you are a church leader, a caregiver, or simply
interested in cultivating greater resiliency. Unlike Ventures’ typical standalone courses, each of
these six sessions builds sequentially on the last, so registering for the full series is highly
recommended. If you miss a live session, course recordings will be provided so you can catch up
in chronological order before the next class.
Find full series and session details at the Ventures website: ww.mcpherson.edu/ventures.
Looking Ahead: Spring 2027 Lineup
Mark your calendar for these upcoming courses and presenters:
· January 19 & 26: “Speed Dating the Bible” with Debbie Eisenbise
· February 23 & March 2: “Leading Through the Storm: Leadership Wisdom for a World That Got Different” with Stan Dueck
· April 10: “Holy Play: Entering Divine Conversation with Nature and Expressive Arts” with Shana Leck
BETHANY: ATS Accreditation Visit Scheduled for Fall
Bethany Theological Seminary is hosting a comprehensive evaluation visit for reaffirmation of accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) Commission on Accrediting on September 28-October 1, 2026. The purpose of the visit is to verify that the school meets all applicable Commission Standards of Accreditation. Comments regarding how well the school meets those standards and/or generally demonstrates educational quality may be sent to accrediting@ats.edu at least two weeks before the visit. Comments may also or instead be sent in writing to deansoffice@bethanyseminary.edu. All comments will be shared with the onsite evaluation committee.
OEP Calendar for 2026
The calendar below lists the events we will be promoting in 2026. Please share this with your leadership, affinity, or interest groups. Choose which events/activities you will want to participate in fully, so you can plan ahead. Each month we will provide resources to support the listed event.
Click on the blue link below to find out more information.
September: Bystander Training Tips
Learn different methods a person can use to help victims of harassment
October: Elections/Legislation Activism
Information will be provided about Gun Violence Prevention and national/local elections
November: National Vigil to End Gun Violence (new resources)
Prepare for Blue Christmas or All Saints Day Service
Service Elements will be provided
December: Celebrate Progress
Let us know what your congregation contributed to Gun Violence Prevention
OEP: How We're Asking COB Congregations to Participate
September 21st is International Day of Peace. The Church of the Brethren Gun Violence Prevention Action Team is asking churches across the country to make a visual public statement about the cost of gun violence and our promise to stand for peace by creating and placing pinwheels in a public place like your church lawn with a banner that describes your action. We are calling this COB event Whirled Peace.
We’ve compiled a packet of information for congregations that want to participate in this action. You can select and modify the ideas as they fit into your context, but we encourage all congregations to utilize the opportunity that the International Day of Peace provides to emphasize publicly the toll that gun violence takes on our communities.
The resource packet includes:
· An explanation of the action with ideas for participation
· Step-by-step instructions for creating the pinwheels themselves
· A sample prayer, litany, and scriptures you could incorporate into a “Whirled Peace” worship service
Download the "Whirled Peace" Resource Packet Here
GLOBAL FOOD INITIATIVE GRANTS CAN HELP CHURCHES ADDRESS HUNGER IN THEIR COMMUNITIES By Jenn Hosler
Did you know that the Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Initiative (GFI) grants can help churches address hunger in their communities? GFI grants can support church-based community gardens, nutrition education, cooking classes, food pantries, community meals, blessing boxes, and more.
Read more at www.brethren.org/news/2025/gfi-helps-churches-address-hunger
2026 NEW COMMUNITY PROJECT LEARNING TOURS
David Radcliff, New Community Project dradcliffncp@yahoo.com Go. Meet. Learn. Grow. Change yourself – and your world. For more information: www.newcommunityproject.info/learning-tour
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