Connect Newsletter
December 2024
For over 120 years, cross-cultural outreach has been a crucial part of the Brethren in Christ identity. This is most-clearly seen in our global outreach, aid, and evangelism efforts. But missional living is just as import for our American congregations and is the central focus of our upcoming Week of Prayer and Fasting.
All the details and resources can be found below; we hope you will join us as we explore eight missional characteristics to pursue day to day.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Brethren in Christ U.S.!
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2025 Week of Prayer and Fasting
January 5-12, 2025 | Missional Characteristics: Examples in Scripture
If we are to carry out Jesus’ Great Commission, what scriptural characteristics should we embrace? Through the week, each devotional will examine a woman or man from the Bible and identify a key missional characteristic seen in their life. While not an exhaustive list, we can all learn from these scriptural examples.
Join congregations across Brethren in Christ U.S. as we pray, reflect, and seek God during the start of a new year.
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Nanki Tskari Comprehensive Training Center | |
For many Indigenous youth in Ecuador’s Amazon region, leaving home for education means facing job exploitation, drug exposure, sexual violence, and even human trafficking. To create a safe, nurturing environment for these students, BIC workers have created the Nanki Tsakari Comprehensive Training Center where students can grow academically, spiritually, and missionally. Join us in supporting this life-changing program, providing not only education but Christ’s hope and love to the next generation. | |
Church Planting Summit Reignites Multiplication Efforts
This gathering brought together church leaders, bishops, and pastors from the seven BIC U.S. regions to examine historical multiplication approaches, unpack current church attendance trends, and develop a holistic approach for future church planting efforts. Read on»
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SPICE Sponsorship Rates Increase January 2025
Beginning January 1, the SPICE Program’s sponsorship rate will increase from $18/month to $22/month, helping the program better serve the students in its care. Have questions? Contact Dean Frey at spice@bicus.org or read more about the program.
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Faith, Finance, and Future Growth | |
In August, the BIC Foundation launched Youth Saving Certificates, an impactful option to invest in a young person's future while simultaneously supporting BIC ministry - making it a great gift option for this Christmas season.
We recently connected with several people who opened Certificates for their children and grandchildren to learn more about their experience and why they chose this kind of investment for the special kids in their life.
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Self-Denial, Self-Care, and Finding the Balance in Surrender
I clearly remember the year I got a Stretch Armstrong for Christmas. I remember taking that toy to our family dinner and asking everyone to stretch it with me. We would pull it far, stretched to just before a breaking point. Then, we would let it go and watch it slowly return to a standard form. As a pastor, I have felt like that toy. Read on»
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Meet the Thriving Congregations Coaches
The Thriving Congregations Initiative enables congregations to strengthen their identity and invest in their community. “As we developed this program, it became clear that we needed a team of coaches who can journey with congregations and support them along the way.” Thirteen coaches from across the denomination now serve as guides and mentors for participating congregations. Read on»
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Resources for the Week of Prayer and Fasting
We are excited to share two additional resources for this year’s Week of Prayer and Fasting. First, our Fasting Guide – written by Bishop Rob Patterson – will help you determine how and what to fast from as part of this week. Second, this short article explores four ways you can expand on the devotionals and deeply dive into the material.
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Webinar Archive
The Shared Services team is taking a short break from the monthly webinar series, but we are looking forward to covering topics like finance, human resources, communications, and many others in 2025. In the meantime, keep learning with our webinar archive.
Is there a topic you think we should cover in a 2025 webinar? Email us your idea at biccomm@bicus.org.
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Alert: Famine Strains Macha Hospital
Much of southern Africa is facing a season of famine following severe drought and subsequent crop failure. At Macha Mission Hospital in Zambia, cases of malnutrition and chronic disease have increased, and the expecting mother shelter is seeing nearly 80 patients daily (double their normal caseload). Please consider giving to help the hospital care well for this increase in patients.
Sadly, we anticipate this famine to continue some months until the next harvest in 2025. We maintain communication with BIC workers and leaders in the region to assess needs and coordinate ongoing relief efforts; already several distributions from the Global Compassion Fund have helped fund feeding programs in Malawi and Zambia.
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Applications Open: Thriving Congregations Cohort B
We are now accepting applications for Cohort B of the Thriving Congregations Initiative! This is the second of three cohorts and will run from 2025 to 2027. By focusing on identity, church health, and community connection, the initiative helps congregations explore their place and mission amid rapid social and cultural changes. Apply today»
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The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
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