News Notes

District News Notes, April 23, 2026

Annual Conference Briefing - SAVE THE DATE:

Sunday, April 26, 2026, 2:00PM, Camp Alexander Mack, John Kline Center (1113 E. Camp Mack Rd., Milford, IN 46542)

The Church of the Brethren Northern Indiana District, "All District" Annual Conference briefing/worship, with Annual Conference moderator Don Fitzkee.

Theme: "Imagine"

All invited, delegates and non-delegates!

Mark your calendar, plan to attend!

Annual Conference Briefing Zoom Link

Questions?  Call the District Office: 1-574-773-3149

Harriet Hamer, Standing Committee delegate, N IN District 1-574-850-6147

Torin Eikler, District Executive Minister, N IN District 1-574-903-3771

District Directory

2026 Directories have been sent; look for them in the mail! Please check them for correct information, and if there is anything that needs to be up-dated please let me know as soon as possible.

CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE

I am writing to you as part of the COBMA's planning team and specifically in finding childcare helpers for the pre-annual conference workshops with Russell Haitch. I was hoping that you could help me by putting out a call for four adult volunteers to help with childcare. The days and times are: Saturday (June 27) from 6:00-9:00pm and Sunday (June 28) from 9:00am-4:00pm. This year we will have two groups: one for tweens/teens and one for younger children. If you or potential volunteers have any questions please email me at this address and I will respond as quickly as possible.

May the journey be long and interesting,

Andrew

andrew@modcob.org

2026 Annual Conference Volunteer Opportunities, June 28 – July 2

Grand Wayne Convention Center, Fort Wayne

Now that registration is open for the Fort Wayne Annual Conference, it’s time to get serious about volunteering; many thanks to those of you who have already raised your hands! Below are brief descriptions of the positions that still have openings. Please pay particular attention to the need for ushers for the Sunday night worship service – our goal is to have ALL of the ushers be from Indiana and Northern Ohio. In addition, the Tuesday evening service will be ushered by Manchester University graduates from any and all years – many of you will likely fall into both categories, and are welcome and encouraged to participate both days, or any day at all, of course. Each of the other positions will be scheduled in shifts of one or more hours, making it easy for you to contribute just the amount of time you have available. If you are interested in helping with any of this important work, please complete the

form found at https://forms.gle/XyahevfqfqwmyrA47. For more information, feel free to contact Joel and Donna Kline at 630-337-1926, soph_mini@yahoo.com. Thank you!

Hospitality – This year’s hospitality efforts will include

1) staffing at the Convention Center,

2) greeters at the three downtown conference hotels, and

3) meal hosts – a new program where locals will take a group of up to 6 attendees to a meal in a downtown restaurant, providing an opportunity for food and fellowship – everyone will pay for their own meal.

Ushers for Worship – For opening worship on Sunday evening, we are hoping to have all of the ushers be local. If you are a Manchester University graduate, please consider also ushering for Tuesday’s service.

Age Group Activities – Help with our preschool children (including infants), as well as K-2nd grade and 3rd -5th grade. Will include onsite programming as well as field trips.

Children’s Lunch Prep – Sack lunches will be provided for multiple age groups; food purchase, preparation, and/or delivery are all options for volunteers.

First Aid – Doctors, PAs, and nurses are needed to staff the onsite First Aid room, as well as serve one or more shifts on- call. A CURRENT MEDICAL LICENCE IS REQUIRED.

Silent Auction – Provide those interested in bidding on Auction items with a Bidder number; answer questions as needed.

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   

GOSHEN CITY CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

FIRST FRIDAY TREASURE SALE

🗓 Friday, May 1

⏰ 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM

🗓 Saturday, May 2

⏰ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

✨ Shop a variety of treasures!

Books

Children’s clothes & items

Christmas & holiday décor

Household items & décor

🌮 Walking tacos & drinks available (for a donation)

💛 All proceeds support the Blessing Box and other church projects.

Come shop, eat, and support a great cause!

PLEASANT CHAPEL

We would love to have you join us for our biannual waffle bacon breakfast at Pleasant Chapel! 1993 County Road 8, Ashley, IN 46705 - Saturday, May 9th, 2026 - 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.  Ashley, Indiana - Home of two smiley face water towers! 

DUANE GRADY BIKE FUNDRAISER FOR HEIFER INTERNATIONAL

Duane Grady of Goshen, Ind., an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and a former member of the denominational staff, has announced a bicycling fundraiser. “After a 50 year hiatus, I’m biking across Iowa again this summer and while doing so, hope to raise some money for Heifer International.” Find out more at https://fundraise.heifer.org/fundraiser/7186915

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

April 25   Adventure Day & 5K: The 5K kicks off the morning at 9a with a cinnamon toast breakfast to follow. Adventure Day is FREE. There are activities for people of all ages from archery to high ropes. Sign up online for the challenge course time slots. There will be an open house to check out camp and food trucks, too! Bring friends. Join us for some fun. 

Register for summer camp today at campmack.org!

Upcoming Events:

May 9 Birdwatching Day: Enjoy the spring migration with birdwatchers of all ages. New and seasoned birdwatchers will experience the various habitats and birds at camp. We will also travel to other locations to see birds not usually found at camp. $50, includes sack lunch, snacks, and transportation. Bring money

for a restaurant meal. Come dressed for the weather. The terrain is often uneven, and we will walk up to 4 miles in a day. Binoculars are highly recommended. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 9a to 9p.

The Spring Pastor’s Sabbath is cancelled. Join us in the fall! October 19–20. 1p Mon.–1p Tues.

May 28–30 Women’s Camp: Enjoy time at the campfire, sessions led by guest speakers, Love Feast, and camp fun. Leave feeling refreshed and recharged together with other women. $190 for 2 nights and 5 meals (arrival Thursday 4p), $120 for 1 night and 3 meals (includes Friday lunch/dinner & Saturday Breakfast), and $82 for 1 day and 3 meals (Saturday meals & activities). Women of all ages are welcome. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 4p Thursday to 12:30p Saturday.

June 7–9: Grand Camp

June 15–19 Day Camp

June 28–July 4 Youth Camp

July 5–7 Samplers

July 5–10 Seekers, Finders, Followers, Eco-Adventure, Target Sports, Creative Arts

July 5–11 Survivor

July 8–10 Samplers

July 12–17 Seekers, Finders, Splash, Culinary

July 20–24 Day Camp

July 26–31 Adventure Camp

August 2–4 Grand Camp

If you've been to Ulrich Lodge this past year, you've likely seen the beautiful paintings on the walls. They certainly add a homey touch, great for welcoming guests. In Ulrich, we've hosted a wide variety of events from a summer staff reunion to Scrapbooking Retreats to a couples retreat and beyond. Our volunteers made the frames from local wood. The art was handcrafted by artist Jan Schmuckal. They add visual interest and transport you to peaceful spaces. We have had several generous sponsors who will have their names on plaques near the image(s) they have sponsored. You too can join in. Your name, family name, church name, or other group can be featured showing your support of Camp Mack for years to come. Some have chosen to sponsor the art in honor of someone. As a sponsor of the art, you will receive a sturdy 8.5"x11" signed copy of your image to take with you, as well. You can display that in your own space. We invite you to partner with us to fund this project. Check out the website here: https://www.campmack.org/product-category/ulrich-art/ 

Check out your brochure or campmack.org for all of the summer camp dates and details. There are new options this year! We already have several signed up for Adventure Camp. Spread the word about the new summer day camps, as well. It's a great opportunity for younger campers to become more comfortable spending time at camp before coming to an overnight camp. There's an optional overnight at the end of the week where parents can stay, too!

Thank you for your continued support! We are sincerely grateful that you volunteer, donate, and pray. 

Prayer Request: Please pray for summer campers to come to experience Camp Mack and for summer staffers.

JESUS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: STORIES FROM CONGREGATIONS

Published in the Newsline magazine

Congregations join with Manchester University students at press conference at Miami Correctional Facility in Indiana

By Anna Lisa Gross (our District Conference moderator)

Members of four Church of the Brethren congregations in Indiana—Beacon Heights, Northview, Manchester, and Eel River Community—as well as Manchester University students, were part of a press conference at the Miami Correctional Facility on Thursday, April 9.

The Miami Correctional Facility, in north central Indiana north of Kokomo, has been called "the Speedway Slammer" by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a title that both the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and many Hoosiers reject. This is already the most dangerous prison in the state.

Read more at www.brethren.org/news/2026/press-conference-miami-correctional

BVS

Virginia Rendler here, co-director of Brethren Volunteer Service. I wanted to let you all know that the deadlines to apply for BVS are fast approaching! 

If you or someone you know would like to do a service year with BVS, please apply before May 20 (summer orientation) or June 24 (fall orientation). Please pass this message along to anyone you think might be interested.

For more information, check out www.brethren.org/bvs or email us at bvs@brethren.org!

Thank you,

Virginia Rendler (she/her/hers)

Interim Co-Director of Brethren Volunteer Service | Coordinator of Long Term Service 

vrendler@brethren.org

(612) 750-9777 or (847) 429-4387

Ohio Valley Song & Story Fest:

Can We See a New World Coming?  July 5-11, 2026

This year in our district at Inspiration Hills, Burbank, OH, A unique Family Camp in the glacial valleys of Northern Ohio

Can you see a new world coming in these bleak times of greed, self-destruction and fear?  Can we envision a different world, a new and better community where every-one is free, enjoying justice and love and peace?

At the Fest, through music and stories and community interaction, we open ourselves to the holy so that our life and work is guided by the energizing Spirit of Life. We want to help birth and become God’s Beloved Community.

Song & Story Fest #30:

This is the thirtieth summer in a row for these Song and Story Fests and our fourth visit to Inspiration Hills, the Church of the Brethren camp for Northern Ohio.  We will be gathering the week af-ter Annual Conference in Fort Wayne, IN.  We will begin Sunday evening, July 5, with supper at 5:30 pm, an opening campfire, and some music and dancing. The Fest will close Saturday morning, July 11, after breakfast, worship, and hugs.

An Intergenerational Camp for All Ages - Single persons and families of any size and shape will enjoy this com-bination of performance and participation in the woodlands of northern Ohio.

On Earth Peace co-sponsors the Fest, providing leadership, administrative support, and liability insurance coverage. “Inspiration Hills will be held harmless in case of accident, injury, or death during this event.”

Registration and Fees

Registration includes all meals, on-site facilities, and leadership and is based upon age.  Children 5 and under are welcome, no charge.

Please register now and remit the entire fee by June 1. Registrations after June 1 should add 10% as a late fee.  No discount for off-site, tent or RV housing.

Daily Fee (if coming for 4 days/nights or less) - $60/adult, $40/teen, $30/child, $150/family, includes all meals and pro-gram. Lodging is an additional $20/night/person.

We want you to come, regardless of your finances.  We will work with you.  Contact Ken at bksmeltz@comcast.net or 814-571-0495 for help.  

And if you are willing to contribute to our help fund, add your contribution on the registration fee tally.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/

e/1FAIpQLScQQFfEWeUTiXcWcw1hcG cDUUSpEzNX9wH4IPKWgCjuw-ZBTw/viewform

and pay on-line or send a check to the address below:

On Earth Peace, P. O. Box 188; New Windsor, MD  21776

For general questions, email the Song and Story Fest planning committee at songandstoryfest@gmail.com or call Tina at 510-778-4484.

We expect a high turnout, so be ad-vised to register early!

BRETHREN ACADEMY

Register now for The Brethren Academy's DISU, Redeeming AI: Biblical Guidelines. This will be a two-step program requiring registration for both the Minister's Association Pre-Annual Conference event on June 27th and the DISU itself.

Russell Haitch will be the speaker at the pre-annual conference event, while Tabitha Rudy will be your instructor in the DISU. This course will explore what AI is, how to make informed decisions on its use in ministry settings, and identify some biblical principles for how to interact with it.

For TRIM and EFSM students, this course fulfills the requirement for MS or BHTS, and also fulfills the COB Experience requirement.

For those looking to fulfill CEUs, this course is worth 2 CEUs.

The registration deadline is May 6, 2026.

Multivocational Ministry

Online - August 19-October 13, 2026

Instructor: John Fillmore

Credit:  MS

Registration Deadline: July 22, 2026

Course Brochure coming

Cultivating an Everyday Faith

Online - September 23-November 17,  2026

Instructor: Joan Daggett

Credit:  MS, FCR

Registration Deadline: August 19, 2026

Course Brochure coming

Introduction to New Testament

Online - October 21-December 15, 2026

Instructor:  Matt Boersma

Credit:  BHTS, FCR, BTS

Registration Deadline: September 16, 2026

Course Brochure coming

For more information or to register, go to: https://bethanyseminary.edu/brethren-academy/brethren-academy-course-listings/

Global Women’s Project: Mother’s Day Gratitude Project

Instead of buying more stuff for your loved one, express your gratitude with a gift that keeps on giving. Your donation allows us to fund women-led projects in India, South Sudan, Uganda, Mexico, and the United States focused on women’s health, education, and employment. In return, your chosen recipient(s) will receive a lovely, hand-written card indicating that a gift has been made in their honor, with a brief description of GWP.

To participate in the Mother’s Day Gratitude Project, mail your donation to:

Global Women’s Project

c/o  Karin Heckman Nelson

1502 Foothill Blvd, Ste 103, PMB 153

La Verne, CA 91750

(write checks to GWP)

Remember to include your name(s) and recipient’s name and address. You may also make memorial donations, and names are honored on their website .

Gratitude cards will be mailed in time for Mother’s Day if you send your request to Karin by May 1st. After that date, they will be sent out as soon as possible.

Brethren Volunteer Service announces new project sites, new BVS Early Enrollment Program

Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) is announcing two new project sites: Food for Greater Elgin and East Belfast Mission/The Larder. “We are excited to share that BVS is partnering with two new nonprofits as placements for incoming volunteers,” said the announcement.

Also from Brethren Volunteer Service comes a new initiative called BVS Early Enrollment Program.

Read more at www.brethren.org/news/2025/bvs-new-project-sites

Part Time Pastor: Full Time Church - Program Update

Ryan Braught has taken on the role of program manager for the Part Time Pastor: Full Time Church program.  Ryan was one of the presenters for the pre-district-conference CEU event. He reminds us that the PTP:FTC program offers coaching, peer mentorship, sabbath rest grants, and book studies for multi-vocational pastors.

If the program, its circuit riders, or Ryan can be of any help to any of our district’s multi-vocational pastors, please don’t hesitate to reach out to him (rbraught@brethren.org).  Jan Largent is a circuit rider for the program in our district (jllargent@aol.com).

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.

May: Wear Orange
Purchase COB Orange t-shirts here

June: Bring Annual Conference to your Congregation
Get prepared for Annual Conference
Or bring Annual Conference happenings to your church

July: (TBD)

August: Pinwheels for Whilred Peace
Prepare for International Day of Peace

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

----------

This May, Join On Earth Peace for transformational weekends exploring Dr. King's philosophy and methodology of nonviolence. Co-facilitators Mark Klym and Hassan Clement will lead the group in exploring several topics through mini-lectures, discussions, scenario work, small groups, and multi-media presentations.  

· When: Wednesdays in May (6th, 13th, 20th and 27th at 5pm-9pm EST)

· Where: Online via Zoom

· Cost: See our event page for more information

· Registration: Click Here for Registration Form

If you have attended a 2-Hour Intro to Kingian Nonviolence at On Earth Peace or come to any of our events, this is a perfect next step to deepen your Kingian practice!

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

National Youth Conference 2026

National Youth Conference 2026 will take place July 18-23, 2026, at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. The theme for NYC 2026 is “Light Within Us,” based on Matthew 5:14-16. Youth who have finished 9th grade through their first year of college (or age equivalent) are invited to attend with adult advisors. This will be a week full of fellowship, worship, service projects, recreation, and so much more!

To register, visit www.brethren.org/nyc. The cost of NYC is $625 for early bird registration, $650 for regular registration, and $675 for late registration.

If you have any questions, reach out to Rachel Johnson (rjohnson@brethren.org).

2026 New Community Project Learning Tours

David Radcliff, New Community Project dradcliffncp@yahoo.com Go. Meet. Learn. Grow. Change yourself – and your world. Himalaya, a wildlife park, NCP support of girls and women). For more information: www.newcommunityproject.info/learning-tour