Caring Ministries programs to work from within Congregational Life.

Effective July 1, the programs of the Church of the Brethren's Caring Ministries--including older adult, family life (child protection), disabilities, and deacon ministries--will work from within the Congregational Life Ministries, according to an announcement from general secretary Stan Noffsinger.

"The former Association of Brethren Caregivers continues to refine its place in the new Church of the Brethren structure," the announcement said. "This change has been prompted by the announcement of Kathy Reid's resignation as executive director of Caring Ministries and associate general secretary of Ministry and Program of the Church of the Brethren, and a decision not to fill that position. This restructuring allows for new directions and cares for the leadership for both Caring Ministries and Congregational Life Ministries areas."

The move also is intended to align generational ministries from children through youth, young adults, families, and older adults in one ministry oversight area, and to integrate deacon and disabilities ministries with the other focuses of Congregational Life Ministries: transforming congregational practices, spiritual life and discipleship, intercultural ministries, church planting, and evangelism. "Together these ministries will strengthen the collaborative efforts of the Church of the Brethren focused on spiritual growth and congregational health," the announcement said.

Other responsibilities of Caring Ministries, including National Older Adult Conference and the publication "Caregiving," will continue. One major program of Caring Ministries, the Health Education and Research Fund, will be administered from the General Secretary's office. This fund provides nursing scholarships to individuals and grants for educating nursing staffs of Fellowship of Brethren Homes member communities.

"A key component of the vision of the Association of Brethren Caregivers--to seek and secure the well-being of all people--can be seen in the newly restructured ministry area which is organized for ministry and mission in this new century," Reid commented.

"Congregational Life and Caring Ministries staff are excited about this new configuration," said Jonathan Shively, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries. "We are envisioning ways that this closer working relationship will provide significant leadership toward greater spiritual health and vitality for the Church of the Brethren."

Source: 6/17/2009 Newsline