(260) 356-2312

UB.orgUBGlobal.orgChurch Search

09 May

May 9, 2025 |

In order to help delegates prepare for conference, we are hosting a series of regional preview meetings. During these preview sessions, Bishop Fetters will share the proposals that will be presented during the business session at NC25. While no votes will be taken at these sessions, they do provide a space for more interaction and dialogue than would otherwise be possible at the national conference business session where the voting does take place.

The preview session packet is now available for download, and includes the following:

  • Nominating Committee Report (ELT and Bishop)
  • ELT Candidate Bios
  • Discipline Revision Proposals

The Discipline revision proposals primarily focus on the work of a task force enlisted by Bishop Fetters to better define church as described in the UB Discipline. The video linked below is the first in a series we will share leading up to conference related to this work. This first video explains more about why this task force was assembled, the process they followed, and the proposals they are making as a result of their work.

Click here to register for a preview session in your area.

Click here to register for National Conference.

30 Apr

April 30, 2025 |

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word… (2 Tim 4.1-2a)

—————————

God calls people from every generation to lead his church.  While we trust God to be faithful for tomorrow as he has in the past, we can’t be passive. God calls us to partner with him in the calling, equipping and sending of Christian leaders to build the Church. This has been a key part of the United Brethren’s past and we long to make it an integral part of our future.

We invite you to join in this work.

In the month of May, we are inviting the United Brethren Church to pray for the next generation of Christian leaders. Pray on your own, with your family, and in your church and small group gatherings. There is a need for more pastors and leaders, and we know the first critical step to identifying those individuals is prayer.

Please join us.

What can you pray for?

  • Pray that God would continue to make his call into ministry clear to the next generation.
  • Pray that people would have the courage and faith to respond to God’s call.
  • Pray that the Church would help identify the call in people.
  • Pray that the Church would equip, train, and encourage those called into ministry.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for video reminders and specific prayer prompts on Thursdays throughout the month.

Thanks for joining in this prayer focus for the month of May. We are excited to see how God moves!

Article submitted by:

Ryan Koch

Senior Pastor, Hopewell Church

 

09 Apr

April 9, 2025 |

Roger Reeck, a longtime United Brethren missionary serving with Wycliffe Bible Translators, passed away March 28, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. A celebration of life will be held at 8:00 p.m. on April 21, 2025, at the Bethel Evangelical Education Center in La Ceiba, Honduras.

Roger and Marilyn Reeck met at Fort Wayne Bible College in Fort Wayne, Ind. Marilyn was born in Canada, but spent much of her childhood in Honduras, where her parents, Archie and Maisie Cameron, were United Brethren missionaries. Roger and Marilyn were married in 1971 in Honduras, and two weeks later began linguistic training to become Bible translators with Wycliffe.

Their first assignment was with the Zapotec language spoken in southern Mexico. There was no written language, so Roger crafted an alphabet, and then they taught the people to read in their own language. They spent 19 years on that project. Mark, the first Bible book to be translated, was published in 1981, and more books followed.

During those years in Mexico, four daughters were born to Roger and Marilyn. In 1990, the family moved to La Ceiba, Honduras, where they worked on the Garifuna Bible translation and could also care for Marilyn's aging parents. They returned to Mexico in 1999 for the dedication of the Zapotec New Testament. In 2002, back in Honduras, they dedicated the Garifuna Bible. In the years ahead, they also created a Garifuna version of the Jesus film, which was shown up and down the Caribbean coast, along with sundry other materials.

From 2006-2021, Roger and Marilyn served as translation consultants, starting with a project in Guinea Bissau, West Africa. That required many trips across the Atlantic. Other consulting projects opened up—in Mozambique, Belize, Venezuela, Brazil, Columbia, Surinam, Nicaragua, Trinidad, and Aruba. After Covid hit in March 2020, all consulting work was done via Zoom.

Today, tens of thousands of people can read the Bible in their own language because of Roger and Mariyn Reeck.

Instead of flowers, it is suggested that you consider donating to a future Bible translation project which was close to Roger's heart. Information can be found on the Everloved.com online obituary page.

(submitted by Steve Dennie)

18 Feb

February 18, 2025 |

Good resources can be hard to find, but there are a few coming soon, and one recently released, from pastors and friends of the United Brethren Church. You can find more information about each of these resources below, including where to find them and how to purchase them.

Recently Released:

Death, Life, and Discipleship: Seven Ways Jesus Defeated Death Before the Resurrection

This book explores Jesus' victories over challenges like ignorance, sin, and Satan, offering a deeper understanding of His power. Each chapter examines a specific victory and draws practical principles for discipleship. It encourages personal spiritual growth and equips readers to make disciples themselves, fostering a deeper understanding of holiness and a Christ-centered worldview. This is a fantastic resource for personal and small group study. The author of Death, Life, and Discipleship, Victor Collins is the Associate Pastor at Kilpatrick Church in Woodland, Michigan. Purchase here through Amazon.

Coming Soon:

Grit & Joy: Help for Bewildered Families of Teens

In today's fast-paced world, teens often crave something deeper than fleeting distractions. Grit & Joy guides parents and mentors in cultivating lasting, authentic faith in young people. It blends practical advice, compelling stories, and insights from social and brain science with biblical wisdom, providing a roadmap for helping teens develop a meaningful relationship with Christ. This book is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to help teens find enduring joy. Dr. Dave Rahn was an influential professor at Huntington University, has been a featured speaker at UB Youth and Associate Pastor Summits, and will be the keynote speaker for youth workers attending the UB Youth Camp this summer. Co-author, Ebonie Davis is a veteran youth worker, researcher, and author who received her M.A. in Youth Ministry Leadership at Huntington University. The release date for this book is February 25 but you can preorder your copy here.

Essentials of United Brethren History: 10 Events, 10 Bishops, and 10 Issues You Should Know About

This is the latest release coming soon from Steve Dennie, our beloved United Brethren historian, author, and former communications director who served at the UB National Office for 45 years. Essentials of United Brethren History covers the denomination's history from its 1767 beginnings to the present day. Divided into sections on key events, influential bishops, and important issues, it tells the story of what has been important and what remains important to the United Brethren Church and its people throughout the years. This book is a valuable tool for anyone wanting to learn more about the United Brethren Church. It will be available this summer at the UB National Conference. You can find Steve's other works including All for Christ - Volumes 1 and 2 and Against the Blighting Curse here.

We hope these resources are helpful in your family, small groups, and discipleship ministries.

06 Feb

February 6, 2025 |

Brown Corners Church in Clare, Michigan, is searching for a lead pastor. This individual will be responsible to the church for proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, maintaining a consistent focus upon disciple-making as commanded in the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20), and providing biblical leadership for the church. He shall serve as the chief under-shepherd and, along with the Elders, he shall provide Brown Corners Church with care and leadership in keeping with 1 Peter 5:2-4.

Brown Corners Church is a church of approximately 250 adult members and an average worship attendance of 300 people. It is a community-minded church with great facilities that are made available for use by partner organizations throughout the week. The church seeks growth through intentional community outreach and developing a robust small group ministry according to the vision and leadership of their next lead pastor.

This lead pastor role is a full time position at Brown Corners Church. A more detailed job description can be found here.

If you are interested in exploring this opportunity further, please send a copy of your resume, a cover letter, and a recent photo to [email protected].

15 Jan

January 15, 2025 |

In July 2025, Fort Wayne, Indiana will host the U.S. National Conference of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. Beginning on Tuesday, the 15th, delegates will gather from UB churches across the country to worship, learn, and celebrate together. The business session of the conference will take place on Wednesday, July 16, in which delegates will discuss a variety of proposals, including potential changes to Part V of the U.S. Discipline. Bishop Fetters has formed a select task force to review, study, and recommend relevant changes to this section. 

Proposals, which must come from a group or official entity (e.g. local church board, denominational leadership team, denominational task force, clusters, etc.), must be submitted by March 31, 2025, to the Bishop’s office. The Bishop and the Executive Leadership Team will then be responsible for processing and approving each proposal and presenting them to the conference. The timeline from submission to presentation at the conference is as follows:

  • March 31, 2025 – Deadline for submitting proposals to the Bishop’s office.
  • April 15, 2025 – Proposals are finalized and formatted for the Executive Leadership Team.
  • April 29, 2025 – The ELT reviews the proposals.
  • May 1, 2025 – A draft of the proposals, as approved by the ELT, is posted on the conference website.
  • May 2025 – The draft is discussed in regional meetings. Suggested revisions are noted and, at the Bishop’s discretion, revisions are made to the proposals.
  • June 13, 2025 – A final version of all proposals is posted on the conference website.

 

How to Submit Proposals for Revising the Discipline:

  1. Submit the exact wording you would like to see used (rather than just a general idea).
  2. If it is new content, state where you suggest placing it (chapter and paragraph number).
  3. If it is a revision to existing content, state the chapter and paragraph number to be revised.
  4. Include a brief statement of the rationale for making the revision. A sentence or two may be sufficient, depending on the nature of the revision.

 

How to Submit Other Proposals:

United Brethren members may submit proposals that reach beyond revisions to the Discipline regarding the work and ministry of the U.S. National Conference. These proposals must also be submitted by a group (not an individual) and should include specific wording describing what you want to happen.

 

How Proposals will be Processed

  • All proposals will be channeled to the Bishop’s Office.
  • The Bishop will determine the best way to process proposals for eventual presentation to the national conference. Proposals may be referred to other leadership groups, and new committees and task forces may be formed.
  • All proposals will be presented at the April 2025 Executive Leadership Team meeting.
  • Proposals will be passed along to the National Conference delegates, either as proposals for consideration on the floor or as supplemental proposals. A supplemental proposal will not be considered on the floor unless delegates move to consider it.
  • No new proposals will be added after the April 2025 ELT meeting. However, revisions can still be made at the Bishop’s discretion until June 13, and later if he feels it is necessary.

 

Send proposals to Bishop Todd Fetters at: [email protected]. Or mail to:

Bishop Todd Fetters
302 Lake Street
Huntington, IN 46750



10 Jan

January 10, 2025 |

Rev. Robert Shook

Rev. Robert Shook, 84, a United Brethren minister since 1965, passed away January 7, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind. He graduated from Huntington University and was ordained in 1981. Bob retired in 2005 after pastoring nine different UB churches in Ohio and Indiana. Most recently, he pastored the Mt. Zion Bobo UB church of Decatur, Ind., 1986-2005.

Rev. Shook was born in 1940 in Van Wert County, Ohio. He and Nancy, who survives, were married in 1961, and enjoyed 63 years of marriage before his passing.

Preferred memorials are to the Laurel Mission in Kentucky or Operation Christmas Child.

You can read the online obituary here.

Visitation

  • Friday, January 10, 10-11am at Adams Woodcrest Porter Auditorium, 1300 Mercer Ave., Decatur, IN 46733.
  • Friday, January 10, 2-7 pm at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, 520 N 2nd St, Decatur, IN 46733

Funeral

  • 1-2pm Saturday, January 11, at Rockford Belle Community Church, 135 W Market St., Rockford, Ohio 45882. Viewing one hour beforehand.

 

(submitted by Steve Dennie)

06 Jan

January 6, 2025 |

Countryside United Brethren Church in Breckenridge, Michigan, seeks to hire their next youth pastor. The core function of the role is “to build relationships with youth and provide support for them and their families as they grow in Christ with the intent to integrate them into the larger body of believers.”

This is a 20-30 hour per week position. A full job description can be found here.

Interested candidates can submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected].

25 Sep

September 25, 2024 |

Fowlerville United Brethren Church in Fowlerville, Michigan is searching for their next student ministry pastor. The job description is below.

Embark on an exciting journey as the Student Ministry Pastor at Fowlerville United Brethren Church in Fowlerville, Michigan, to provide vision and leadership for Jr. High and High School Ministries. You will lead programming, recruit leaders, and encourage discipleship within a vibrant and faith-filled community dedicated to spiritual growth and deep relationships rooted in Christian values. The ideal candidate will excel in teaching, team building, and collaboration to equip and empower students effectively while aligning with the church’s focus on ministry work.

As a staff member of Fowlerville United Brethren Church you will:

  • Demonstrate a collaborative and relationally stable presence in student ministry, fostering positive connections and spiritual growth among students.
  • Join a community that prioritizes authentic worship, discipleship, and service to others, committed to sharing the Gospel and making disciples who reflect God’s love and truth.
  • Serve as a mentor, disciple, and leader to students, guiding them in their faith journey and empowering them to live dedicated lives for Jesus.

Apply now for the chance to be part of a ministry focused on fostering spiritual growth, inclusivity, and equipping the next generation for impactful service in the Kingdom.

06 Aug

August 6, 2024 |
Byron Center, Michigan
Banner Church is a multi-generational, family-oriented congregation located just south of Grand Rapids, Michigan. One of the primary goals of Banner Church is to be an equipping and sending church. Throughout its history, Banner has seen a number of individuals go into vocational ministry, both at home and abroad. Moving forward, we want to double down on that commitment by creating avenues for believers to find their God-given gifts, connecting them with opportunities to use those gifts, equipping them for effective ministry, then unleashing them for Kingdom impact.

Banner Church is seeking a passionate developer to lead our Youth & Worship ministries. Rather than a professional that can do it all themselves, we want someone who is willing to take what they know and pass it on. If this sounds like you, please check out the following role description or email [email protected].