Connect Newsletter
February 2024
Dear Friends,
Community has always been a key component of Brethren in Christ life and practice. It’s right there in the name; “brethren” speaks to closeness, familiarity, and united pursuit as women and men seek to know, love, and serve the Lord.
This heritage lays a solid foundation for us today.
In 2024, we aim to strengthen faith communities around the world, encourage congregations to embrace community, and gather as a broader family. You will find many such stories, resources, and events below. We pray that in 2024 the Lord will draw us even closer together as we carry out his mission in the world.
| |
Apply for Thriving Congregations
The Thriving Congregations Initiative aims to strengthen the internal health and outreach ministry of BIC U.S. congregations. Over three years, participants will receive health assessments, community surveys, in-person trainings, and a ministry grant.
Applications for Cohort A of the Thriving Congregations Initiative are now open and due by Thursday, February 29. Don’t wait - start your online application today!
| |
Update from Macha Mission Hospital | | |
|
In 2023, generous donors supported Macha Mission Hospital in Zambia through three projects in our Partnership Handbook. Because of this support, the hospital was able complete several crucial updates to their water system and electrical grid, maintain an adequate supply of medicine and medical tests, and care for the physical and spiritual needs of their patients in the name of Jesus. | |
Meet Marissa Cowan
We are excited to welcome Marissa as the youth director for General Assembly 2024. Marissa is a full-time therapist for young adults aging out of foster care in Lexington, KY. She has a decade of youth ministry under her belt and was the youth pastor for Plowshares BIC for several years. She is excited to create a space of fun, fellowship, and formation for the youth at General Assembly.
Register now and get early bird rates»
| |
Missionary Development
We are excited to share the Missionary Development Community (MDC), a new addition to our Missionary Development Program. “Our goal with the MDC was to create a community where many people walking a similar journey could share and interact with each other,” says Vicky Landis, World Missions’ mobilization administrator. The MDC is open to all interested in exploring long-term missions opportunities.
Read more about the MDC»
| | |
Matching Grant Program for New Ministries | | |
|
|
You can now access up to $2,000 in new ministry funding through the BIC Foundation’s Matching Grant Program.
This grant is available for new initiatives by BIC U.S. congregations. Congregations can apply for the grant three years in a row for any new ministry, receiving up to $2,000 the first year and up to $1,000 in the two subsequent years for the same initiative.
| |
Pastors Supporting Pastors
Troy Grider knows the unique challenges that ministers face. Having served in pastoral ministry for over thirty years, he has personally felt the extreme victorious highs and heart-breaking lows of shepherding a flock. Now, through the Cared for While Leading program, he helps his fellow ministers receive spiritual, emotional, and mental support.
Read on»
| |
|
Diverse Scripture Reading
“Jiran had its usual crowd seated in folding chairs that evening: Arabs – both U.S.-born and immigrants – and European-Americans. Some are Christian, some Muslim, and others find themselves somewhere in between.” In this diverse setting, Jenny witnessed God reveal himself to many as they each viewed Scripture from their unique perspective.
Read on»
| |
|
Resource Corner
Spiritual development, passionate service, and community fellowship all flow from a place of identity. The Brethren in Christ base our identity on Christ Jesus as we draw closer in relationship to our Lord, individually and collectively.
Clearly communicate our shared BIC identity to your congregation with these new videos from World Missions, Brethren in Christ U.S., and the BIC Foundation.
| |
Access even more resources - including social media posts, missionary videos, and webinars - in our Multimedia Library. | | |
|
Clean Water for Rural Villages
Without accessible clean water, people must walk long distances to water sources that may be unclean and unsafe. Help us drill 20 new wells and improve water access for entire communities in rural India. Learn more»
| | |
|
We're Hiring!
Join our team as Administrative Coordinator! In this role, you will use your admin skills for office management, project organization, event planning, and so much more to support BIC U.S. leaders, regional conferences, pastors, and congregations. Apply today»
| | |
|
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25
|
|
Want to hear more from BIC U.S.?
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular stories, videos, resources, and much more!
| | | | |
