NORTH CENTRAL REGION

Empowering Brethren churches to Love God, Love Others, and Make Disciples in Ohio

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STORIES FROM THE REGION


By Ron Waters 17 Jan, 2024
Smithville (Ohio) Brethren Church recognized the ordination of Scott A. Fetter as a Brethren elder on Sunday, January 14 2024. Scott’s wife Wendy was set apart as the spouse of a Brethren elder. Participating in the service were leaders and elders of the Smithville church, the North Central Region, and The Brethren Church nationally. Pastor Art Carr spoke on “Celebrating Yes” and noted the many times Scott has said “yes” to the call of the Holy Spirit upon his life. The church also celebrated several other significant events during the service: baptism and confirmation of six persons, ordination of eleven deacons, and installation of church officers, boards, and committees. Scott serves as associate pastor of children and youth at Smithville. Prior to coming to The Brethren Church, Scott had served as a pastoral intern, church planter, associate pastor, and senior pastor in churches in multiple states. Scott had previously completed the course requirements and examination of the North Central Region and the National Board of Oversight. He and Wendy live in Wooster, Ohio, and share four sons, a daughter-in-law, and a grandson.
By Scott Soden 23 Aug, 2023
Chyann Mackey (Mount Olive Brethren Church, McGaheysville, VA) and Naomi Strickland (Five Stones Community Church, Ashland, OH) – Pucusana, Peru, are serving as interns in a joint project with the Pucusana Project (Peru), the Brethren Church in Peru, and the Brethren Church (U.S.). The Pucusana Project, one of our significant ministry partners, is working to alleviate poverty in Pucusana, Peru, by providing quality educational opportunities, creating programs to improve social issues and family dynamics, enabling financial stability through business training, and cultivating a thriving Christian community through discipleship, worship, and church planting. In mid-August of 2023, Chyann and Naomi joined Allison and Topher Wallace, Elena Prado Effio, and her son Isaac in the ministry work in Pucusana, Peru. During their time there, they will work in several communities, primarily with children and families, to help develop strong relationships with the organization, acting as the hands and feet of Jesus in practical terms, and helping lay a foundation for an eventual church plant in the area. Throughout their internship, they will not only dive into the culture of the people of Peru and the communities they are in but will develop skills that will carry them forward in life. The development of increased interpersonal skills will be significant, as will some essential business and communication aptitudes. These will help further the mission and vision of the Pucusana Project and the La Pierre Place school and the personal calling of Naomi and Chyann as they navigate the path Jesus continues to set before each of them. This internship is a pilot project expected to help young Brethren men and women as they work through various missionary callings. Some of our desired outcomes include, but are not limited to, an increased understanding of the culture of the people of Peru and Pucusana communities, and a greater sense of calling for ministry. Participants will also develop an understanding of non-profit organizational processes and communication. Finally, we hope each will discover a desire to help identify others who are processing a similar life call and engage those individuals. Ultimately, we recognize that only some participants will receive a prolonged call into an international ministry. However, for those that do, we will help them connect with other Brethren abroad, serving with various groups and organizations to help them determine the next steps along that journey. You can help support this important project here at https://brethrenchurch.kindful.com/ . Be sure to select Pucusana in the drop-down menu. Scott Soden Coordinator; Brethren Global Partners
By Adam Bendel 17 May, 2023
The times are changing. Today is not like yesterday, and it is certainly not like decades ago! One of these changes is how we engage in relationships. More and more, our communication style is shifting from letters and face-to-face chats to text messages and social media posts. This, along with the chaos that is Covid-19, resulted in many people choosing to attend church online and then staying online after the restrictions were lifted. While the number of seats filled on a Sunday morning is not the point, we do want to physically see and fellowship with our brothers and sisters, as well as invite new people in! Though there may not be a “one-size-fits-all” type of answer, one of our Brethren pastors has begun tackling this very concern. Cory Smith, pastor of Smoky Row Brethren Church, has seen this shift in culture and decided he wanted to find where God could be seen in it. He had a vision to use social media to help guide folks spiritually by meeting them where they are and creating a space for them to refocus on Christ. From making videos on Facebook answering questions people ask to experimenting with Instagram Reels and putting out interesting content, Cory has expressed a passion for reaching people where they are with the hope of being able to draw them into a healthy community. As one may expect, this is not always easy. There are days when Corey gets discouraged by the lack of response. However, there are other days when he is reminded that God is working in this effort. Cory said that it is like a muscle; though it may not always seem to be effective, the more someone tries new things, the more they will be able to find what works. Brothers and Sisters, we believe God works and moves in mysterious ways. He is a great God that transcends our understanding. Through things as miraculous as burning bushes, and things as mundane as a social media post, God can draw close and connect with his people in meaningful ways. As an obedient follower of Christ, Cory is stepping into this unknown to help be a bridge that connects people to God by joining them where they are. If you are interested in seeing content from pastor Cory, follow the Smokey Row Brethren Church Facebook page at www.facebook.com/smokyrowbrethren or on Instagram @smokyrowbrethren. I hope Cory’s story encourages you to consider how you and your church can respond to changes in culture and try new ways of connecting people to Jesus and his good news. Adam Bendel

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LIVING AND LOVING LIKE JESUS THROUGHOUT OHIO

The North Central Region connects local congregations to local congregations throughout Ohio. Through clusters of geographically-near churches and communities, we're earnestly seeking to live and love like Jesus.

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