The Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren voted during its spring council meeting on May 23 to join the Supportive Communities Network (SCN), a program of the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Interests.
SCN is a network of Mennonite and Church of the Brethren communities who are publicly affirming of gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual members. Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren has long had a stance of being open and affirming, with a motto of “Peace, Service and Openness to all.”
The May 23 vote was part of the spring council meeting, one of two Zoom meetings held in May. The congregation held a special council meeting on May 2 related to the building project. Following the special council meeting, work is now starting on renovations in the Christian Education wing.
Other action items from the spring council meeting including adoption of reports of pastors, commissions, etc., as well as affirming former pastor Greg Laszakovits’ membership in the church, a procedure required for denominational reasons. To view vote results and comments, contact the church office at info@etowncob.org.
One other note from the spring council meeting was an update on the board chair-elect vacancy. The gifts discernment committee is now looking at a co-chair model. Questions or interest in the board-chair elect role can be directed to Anne Garber from the Gifts Discernment Committee at 717-669-6494 or annegarber0406@gmail.com.
Submitted by Paula Knudsen Burke, Board Chair