Take me to → MUSIC AND WORSHIP REOURCES
Take me to → CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR MINISTERS
Take me to → CHRISTIAN EDUCATION / Bible Study RESOURCES
take me to → RESOURCES FOR OUR LIFE TOGETHER AS THE COB
take me to → BOOKS AND PERIODICALS LOCATED AT THE DISTRICT RESOURCE CENTER
take me to → RESOURCES ON DISABILITIES AND ACCESSIBILITY
Music and Worship Resources
- 2017 Prayers for Peace Day - Worship Resources
- "Seed, Scattered & Sown: Reaching Beyond this Generation" Mission Resourcing Campaign Resources
- Bethany Sunday Resources - Each fall Bethany invites congregations to remember the Seminary’s mission to educate spiritual and intellectual leaders for ministry by including Bethany in their worship services. Resources are provided by Bethany to help prepare for this celebration of ministry education.
- On Earth Peace Worship Resources - These are worship resources written by staff and board members of On Earth Peace. They can be used on the Sunday of Advent in which the Peace candle is lit.
- Youth and Young Adult Resources - from www.brethren.org
- Worship Resources page at brethren.org: http://www.brethren.org/resources/worship.html (AND....it's searchable!!!)
- Anabaptist Worship Exchange: http://anabaptistworshipexchange.org/
Have a great Music and Worship resource that you want others to know about? Email virlina.adem@gmail.com and share it!
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Continuing Education for Ministers (and people who just like to learn!)
"Ventures in Christian Discipleship" - Online Classes by McPherson College
The “Ventures in Christian Discipleship” program at McPherson (Kan.) College is moving into its sixth year of providing useful, affordable education to small church congregations. Ventures courses, while not for college credit, offer high-quality instruction. The goal of the program is to empower lay people, especially in smaller congregations, to more effectively carry out the work of discipleship, following in Jesus’ footsteps to transform ourselves and the world.
Technology Requirements for Live Courses: If you can surf the web, you will be able to participate in our online courses! For the best experience, we recommend that you have a computer with high-speed internet connection and external powered speakers. We encourage several people to share a computer to participate in a course together! No camera or microphone needed for most courses.
Classes are held on their appointed days from 9 am - 12 pm CST. All classes are donation-based and continuing education credit is available for $10 per course. To learn more about Ventures in Christian Discipleship and to register for courses, visit www.mcpherson.edu/ventures.
Brethren Academy Classes and Information
The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership (BAML) now has the ability to accept online registrations and payments for many of our programs. Students may register for English-language courses as well as make payments through the Bethany website. In addition to course fees, Directed Independent Study Unit fees, TRIM/EFSM enrollment fees and TRIM student yearly fees, are accepted online.
At this time, district fees, congregational fees, and Spanish-language program fees still need to be made by mailing a check to the Brethren Academy office.
To register or pay online, please visit bethanyseminary.edu/brethren-academy/. Look for the green Registration/Payment button on our home page or course listings page.
Classes:
Engaging Pastoral Care
Completed
January 14-16, 2019
Bethany Theological Seminary
Course Brochure
Christianity in the Early-Modern and Modern Worlds
Completed
Instructor: H. Kendall Rogers
January 23-March 12, 2019
Online
Registration Deadline: December 10, 2018
Course Brochure
Race and the Congregation
Completed
Instructor: Eric Bishop
February 21-24, 2019
COB Offices, Elgin, Illinois
Registration Deadline: January 17, 2019
Revised Course Brochure
Survey of the Bible
Completed
Instructor: Steven Schweitzer
March 1-3, 2019
Miami Haitian Church of the Brethren
Miami, FL
Registration Deadline: January 25, 2019
Course Brochure
How to Think Theologically
Completed
Instructor: Nathanael Inglis
March 13-May 7, 2019
Online
Registration Deadline: February 6, 2019
Course Brochure
Church of the Brethren Polity
Completed
Instructor: Torin Eikler
April 3-May 28, 2019
Online
Registration Deadline: February 27, 2019
Course Brochure
Lombard Mennonite Peace Center
Check out https://www.lmpeacecenter.org/events-page/ for all sorts of classes and "clergy clinics" on various topics:
MEDIATION SKILLS TRAINING INSTITUTE FOR CHURCH LEADERS
Conflict is an inevitable part of life, whether in the home, school, community, church, or workplace. Having the skills to function effectively in emotionally intense, conflicted situations is important for all of us, especially those of us who are leaders. Lombard Mennonite Peace Center has trained thousands of church leaders from a wide range of denominations in the skills that are needed to deal with conflict in the church setting through its Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders. READ MORE
ADVANCED CLERGY CLINIC IN FAMILY EMOTIONAL PROCESS
The Advanced Clergy Clinic in Family Emotional Process is designed to enhance the ability of participants to function as self-differentiated leaders within their own ministry setting. It will provide a safe forum for processing challenging situations in one’s ministry, while also facilitating reflection on a way of thinking about the human condition that has implications for all aspects of life. This clinic is especially geared towards pastors, interim pastors, judicatory officials, church consultants, and leaders of other religious organizations. READ MORE
CLERGY CLINIC IN FAMILY EMOTIONAL PROCESS
The Clergy Clinic in Family Emotional Process is designed to enhance the ability of participants to function as self-differentiated leaders within their own ministry setting. It will provide a safe forum for processing challenging situations in one’s ministry, while also facilitating reflection on a way of thinking about the human condition which has implications for all aspects of life. READ MORE
CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION SKILLS FOR CHURCHES
The Conflict Transformation Skills for Churches workshop teaches some basic skills that will help participants manage conflicts within their congregations in a healthier manner. READ MORE
HEALTHY CONGREGATIONS
The Healthy Congregations workshop is designed to equip leaders to respond to the presence or potential threat of anxiety in a congregational system in ways that prevent destructive conflict and help the church stay focused on its unique mission and purpose. READ MORE
LEADERSHIP AND ANXIETY IN THE CHURCH
We live in an age of increased anxiety, which impacts church systems and leaders. Family systems theory offers a way of understanding congregational dynamics and anxiety. This seminar looks at the challenge presented by the rising levels of anxiety being experienced in churches today, as well as the role that self-differentiated leadership can play in calming such anxiety. READ MORE
FACILITATING HEALTHY PASTOR-CONGREGATION RELATIONS
The Facilitating Healthy Pastor-Congregation Relations workshop is intended to help congregations design systems for enhancing the relationship between churches and their pastoral leadership. Currently the church is experiencing something of a crisis in the pastorate system. Clergy morale is at an all-time low, with pastors under attack like never before. The net result is an increasing incidence of involuntary pastoral terminations, which leave a lasting legacy of pain in congregations. Such a trend can only be reversed if the church is willing to reexamine some of the ways that the pastorate system has functioned in recent years. Facilitating Healthy Pastor-Congregation Relations would be an appropriate workshop for pastors, lay leaders and other church members, or judicatory staff and committees. READ MORE
CHRISTIAN GROWTH INSTITUTE
To learn more about the Christian Growth Institute, check out it's page here.
Church of the Brethren office of Ministry
Documents and Announcements regarding placement, events, employment guidelines, etc. (Click the text.)
Know of other Continuing Education classes or opportunities that you want others to know about? Email virlina.adem@gmail.com and share it!
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Christian Education / Bible Study Resources
Children:
- Sunday School Curriculum: Brethren Press https://shinecurriculum.com/
- Brethren Press: Wee Wonder https://www.brethrenpress.com/searchresults.asp?cat=237
- General Books from Brethren Press: https://www.brethrenpress.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=208
- Vacation Bible School from Brethren Press: https://www.brethrenpress.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=80
- Prayer Ideas for Kids: Ideas for Worship
- Children's Church Ideas
- Offering Ideas for Kids
Youth:
- Webcasts and videos pertaining to youth and young adults: http://www.brethren.org/yya/webcasts.html
- Sunday School Curriculum: Brethren Press - Generation WHY https://www.brethrenpress.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=144
Young Adults:
- Webcasts and videos pertaining to youth and young adults: http://www.brethren.org/yya/webcasts.html
Older Adults:
- Older Adult Resources from the COB: http://www.brethren.org/oam/older-adult-resources.html
- "A Guide for Biblical Studies" from Brethren Press: https://www.brethrenpress.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=95
- Covenant Bible Studies: https://www.brethrenpress.com/searchresults.asp?cat=38
General:
- Information about Child Protection from http://www.brethren.org/childprotection/ - including resources (such as examples): http://www.brethren.org/childprotection/resources.html
- COB's Discipleship Ministries' (previously "Congregational Life Ministries") page: http://www.brethren.org/congregationallife/
- Are you a deacon in your congregation? Check out this list of resources: http://www.brethren.org/deacons/resources.html
- Membership Class Resources from Brethren Press: https://www.brethrenpress.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=208
- Bible study resources from the Vitality and Viability Study Committee: http://www.brethren.org/congregationallife/vitality-studies.html
Have a great Christian education or Bible Study resource that you want others to know about? Email virlina.adem@gmail.com and share it!
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Resources for our Life Together as the COB
- Church of the Brethren Resources - EVERYTHING!!!! http://www.brethren.org/resources/
- COB's Creation Care site - with links on how to lower your fossil fuel use, etc.: http://www.brethren.org/creationcare/
- Camp Bethel: https://www.campbethelvirginia.org/
- Annual Conference: http://www.brethren.org/ac/
- Stay connected with Brethren publications!!! http://www.brethren.org/publications/
- Like Brethren history, geneology and other cool "old" things? Check out the Brethren Historical Library and Archives: http://www.brethren.org/bhla/
Know of other resources that might be helpful for your fellow Brethren in Virlina? Email virlina.adem@gmail.com and share them!
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Books and periodicals located at the District Resource Center
Coming soon! And, if you're interested in helping....
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Resources on Disabilities and Accessibility
Alzheimer’s Disease, other Dementias and Cognitive disorders:
Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/
- National: Alzheimer's Association | Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Help
- Local: Central and Western Va. Chapter. https://www.alz.org/cwva
Alzheimer’s Disease Educations and Resource Center (ADEAR): Provides fact sheets on various disorders and assistance – from the National Institutes of Health. https://order.nia.nih.gov/ Type in the disorder you want information about
Medical information: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers
Examples of information:
- Dementia with Lewy bodies: https://order.nia.nih.gov/search/publications/Lewy%20Body
- Fronto-Temporal Dementia: https://order.nia.nih.gov/search/publications/Fronto-temporal%20dementia
Senior Navigator: Provides links to local support groups, caregiving resources, etc. You must type in your locale. https://seniornavigator.org/program-type/alzheimers-support-groups
Developmental Disabilities:
American Association on Developmental Disabilities - AAIDD website: https://aaidd.org/
Gleanings, from Bill Gaventa (Religion and Spirituality Division): Gleanings is a resource compilation, available as a free subscription from the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) Religion and Spirituality Division. This newsletter is edited by the Rev. Bill Gaventa: http://mailchi.mp/6ccdaa6d982a/enjoy-and-use-the-2017-summer-institute-videos-plus-classics-webinars-and-more; Gleanings, http://www.aaiddreligion.org/newsletter
Summer Institute on Theology and Disability, http://faithanddisability.org/projects/summer-institute/
SITD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theologydisability/
National Collaborative on Faith and Disability, http://faithanddisability.org
Welcoming People with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families: A Practical Guide for Congregations: from the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, a resource to equip congregations with ideas and steps to strengthen the invitation, supports and hospitality offered to people with disabilities and their families. https://vkc.mc.vanderbilt.edu/assets/files/resources/CongregationPracticeGuide.pdf
Adapting Sunday School materials – Five ways to make curriculum more inclusive: https://ministry-to-children.com/adapting-lessons-for-special-needs/
Disabilities and Inclusion:
(Includes information on many types of disabilities)
Anabaptist Disabilities Network, ADNet: newsletter provides tips and success stories. www.adnetonline.org
- Kathleen Nofziger Yeakey, Executive Director, 3145 Benham Avenue, Suite 5, Elkhart, IN 46517-1970, Office 574-343-1362, Toll free/Fax 877-214-9838, Cell 574-349-7719
- Church of the Brethren contacts with ADNET:
- Debbie Eisenbise - Anabaptist Disabilities Network Field Associate and disabilities Advocate for the Church of the Brethren: revdebkzoo@gmail.com
- Rebekah Flores - Anabaptist Disabilities Network Field Associate and disabilities Advocate for the Church of the Brethren: 847-977-0795 marchflowers74@gmail.com
Other Church of the Brethren Links:
- Church of the Brethren Disabilities Ministry: www.brethren.org/disabilities/
- Self-Assessment form: www.brethren.org/disabilities/documents/congregational-accessiblity-survey.pdf
- Open Roof Fellowship information: www.brethren.org/disabilities/openroof.html
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities in Church: (Anabaptist Disabilities Network) Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS, also known as Environmental Illness) is a condition in which persons are unable to adapt to synthetic chemicals pervading our environment, including church buildings. This may be to cleaning materials, perfumes, candles, building components. http://www.adnetonline.org/Resources/DisabilityTopics/Hidden-disabilities/Pages/MCS-Tips.aspx
Hearing:
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA): 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814, Phone: 301-657-2248, Fax: 301-913-9413, www.hearingloss.org/
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), formerly known as SHHH (Self-Help for Hard of Hearing People, Inc.) can be a key resource for congregations in the area of communication accessibility. Particularly useful is the “Accessibility” section on its website, http://www.hearingloss.org/advocacy/accessibility.asp
Hearing Loop Systems for Churches: A hearing loop system in a church (also known as an induction loop) is a wireless device technology that works with telecoil hearing aids (almost all new hearing aids now have telecoils) and all cochlear implants to produce clear sound without feedback or background noise. Consisting of only three parts – an amplifier, microphone and very thin loop wire – hearing loops create a magnetic field that is picked up by any t-coil equipped hearing aid and converted to audible sound. https://assist2hear.com/hearing-loop-systems-in-churches/
Mental Health:
No Letting Go: www.nolettinggomovie.com ; moving story of a family’s struggle and their child’s mental illness
The Mental Health Access Pack for Churches: (From the UK) This is a ‘microsite’ –a website of just 20 pages, giving succinct information on common mental health problems, treatments and theological conundrums aimed at carers and leaders in the average local church. https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/pdf/RobWallerTheMentalHealthAccessPack.EquippingChurches.pdf
Seven Reasons Why Church is So Difficult for Families Touched by Mental Illness: https://erlc.com/resource-library/articles/seven-reasons-why-church-is-difficult-for-those-touched-by-mental-illness
Mobility:
Make Your Church Handicapped Accessible - https://accessnsm.com/blog/make-your-church-handicap-accessible/
National Center on Accessibility (NCA) - University Research Park, 501 North Morton Street, Suite 109, Bloomington, IN 47404, Phone (voice): 812-856-4422; (TTY): 812-856-4421, Fax: 812-856-4480, www.ncaonline.org/
The National Center on Accessibility (NCA) was established in 1992 through a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service. Based at Indiana University, NCA provides information, training, and technical assistance related to inclusion of persons with disabilities in parks, recreation, and tourism, focusing on universal design and practical accessibility solutions.
Accessibility Resources for Churches: pdf with information on a variety of resources and providers to assist churches in accommodating a variety of needs, from drinking fountains, hearing assistance, elevators, signage, attitudes and much more. From the United Methodist Church; part of a larger document. Page 66 notes points for awareness and attitudes when dealing with those who are otherly-abled. https://www.umdisabilityministries.org/download/audit3.pdf
Vision:
Living with Low vision: http://bit.ly/2eYA6e6
The National Eye Institute at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has posted Living with Low Vision, a five-part video series featuring people with low vision and vision professionals. Videos cover how low vision is diagnosed, technologies and modifications people can make to support independence, and reaching out to the community and to family for support. Each video is less than two minutes long. The series is available in English and Spanish.
Special Needs – Visual Impairment – Seventh Day Adventist – Provides tips and suggestions to make church more accessible for persons with visual impairments; covering large print bulletins to rides to church. https://specialneeds.adventist.org/blindness-and-visual-impairment-booklet.pdf