Responding to recent hurricane disasters:
Brethren are known for reaching out in service and support when others are impacted by tragic circumstances. Two recent hurricanes, Helene and Milton, have significantly impacted the southeastern United States. Already Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) is at work to provide relief and support. Several people from our district are already at work providing Disaster Childcare support in North Carolina, caring for children while parents do the hard work of figuring out next steps and applying for assistance.
If your congregation is looking for ways to respond, here are two specific ways to do so:
Collect an offering to support the work of BDM in providing cleanup supplies and resources throughout these hard hit areas. Funds can be sent to BDM, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120, and mark the donation for Hurricane Helene and Milton relief.
Bring individual or congregational offerings to District Conference. At the Friday night worship we will collect an offering to send funds directly to those districts that have been impacted significantly by the hurricanes. This will provide support to them to help those in their congregations who have suffered losses and are in need of support beyond what insurance or government aid provides. You may also send contributions to the district office. Funds need to be received by November 15 to be included in this support. 

Hold the dates for Pastor & Spouse Retreat 2025:
Join other pastors and their spouses from June 16-20 at Serra Retreat in Malibu, CA. Details of the program are still to be worked out, but put these dates on your calendar and make plans to be there. We will begin with dinner on Monday and end following breakfast on Friday morning. 

Information on new opportunities coming soon:
There are three new initiatives that the District is supporting to provide support to congregations and pastors.
- Know 2 Grow 2 will provide help with social media presence for congregations
- Practical Resources for Congregations is a partnership we have joined that has support for ministry with children and families including coaching and resources
- Minister Resiliency Grants are returning as a way to provide support to pastors
More on all of these later in October! Stay tuned!

Professional Growth Opportunities & Resources:
Safe Church: When a Person Who Is a Known Sex Offender Wants to Attend Your Church Webinar on October 28 at 4:00 p.m. offered by Mennonite Church USA.

Eckhart, Jung, and Divine Birth - An Advent retreat led by Brother Don Bisson (Marist brother, spiritual director, Jungian psychologist) at Mercy Center Auburn. December 6-8, 2024.

2025 COB Clergywomens Retreat - every few years a denomination wide retreat is held for female ministers providing an opportunity to connect for professional growth and renewal. The gathering is February 10-13 near Orlando, Florida. Click here to learn more.
2025 Clergy Tax Seminar - Hosted by the Brethren Academy, COB minister and tax professional Deb Oskin will provide an informative session on what ministers need to know about doing their taxes. Saturday, February 1, 2025. Advance registration is required.

Ventures Program - Registration is now live for the Ventures in Christian Discipleship 2024-2025 webinar series. All courses are previewed below, and additional information is linked for the fall courses. CEUs are available. Registration can be done here. All are welcome!

• November 19 & 26: “Understanding Your Grief to Find Hope and Healing,” presented by Chris Whitacre & Kathy Reid
• February 11 & 18: “Luke and Acts: Turning the World Upside Down,” presented by Chris Bucher & Bob Neff
• March 11: “Standing in Solidarity: A Conversation about Race and Allyship,” presented by Eleanor Hubbard
• April 5: “A Place for Everybody: Creating Communities of Belonging,” presented by Jeanne Davies

alar@bethanyseminary.edu