Page 3 - 2026 August-September Newsletter
P. 3
2026 SOPA District Meat Canning Project
Page 3
Photos capturing the meat canning process and distribution.
Thank you to everyone who assisted with this project! Denominational News
*COB Brethren Disaster Ministries
(BDM) has hired Jeff Thomson as
Director on June 22, 2026.
*Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM)
newsletter, BRIDGES, is now available by
email. If you would like to be added to
the BRIDGES email list, send an email to
bdm@brethren.org or call 800-451-
4407. BRIDGES is available online at
www.brethren.org/bdm/updates.
*The Coordinating Team of the Middle
PA District COB has called Carolyn
Willoughby to serve as a member of the
Interim District Executive Minister Team
beginning August 1, 2026. Carolyn will
replace Rebecca Zeek who completed her
service as of July 31, 2026.
Keep in Prayer
The family of Dale E. Minnich, former
denominational staff and leader, passed
away on June 3, 2026.
The family of Earl K. Ziegler, retired
2026 SOPA District Women’s Spring Tea, West Shore COB pastor and denominational leader passed
Saturday, April 25, 2026 away on May 29, 2026. A memorial
service was held at Lititz COB in June 26.
The family of Mary (Dehmey) Lehman.
Mary was the wife of late Pastor Dallas
Lehman, who served both Wolgamuth
COB and Bermudian congregation. Mary
was an active and cherished member at
Wolgamuth, known for sharing her gift
of music.
Please keep Pastor Joel Gibbel, Michele
and family in your prayers. Joel’s father,
James (Jim) Gibbel passed away on July
10, 2026. James wife, Elaine, survives.
Pray for all of them in this time of loss.
The family of John R. (Jack) Malenke.
Jack passed away July 21, 2026 at Cross
Keys Village, The Brethren Home. Jack
was married to the late Rev. Betty
Malenke.
