Cincinnati Church of the Brethren, believing that love and service to neighbor is a vital part of faith, has partnered with Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) to open an Intentional Community House in Cincinnati.  This house provides a vehicle to intentional serve our community.  There are currently four volunteers living and serving in Cincinnati.

·         Ben Bear of Nokesville, Virginia works for Interfaith Hospitality Network, an ecumenical organization that provides assistance to families experiencing homelessness.  

·         Katie Baker of Littlestown, Pennsylvania works for Talbert House developing a new mentoring program for women who have been incarcerated.  Talbert House is an agency that provides a community-wide network of social services.

·         Laura Dell of Beatrice, Nebraska works for the church serving children in the neighborhood and in the congregational setting.  She is also working with the Civic Garden Center to develop a community garden, as well as Lighthouse Youth Services and Easter Seals’ Building Abilities program.

·         Anne Wessell of Hershey, Pennsylvania also works with the congregation’s children’s ministry.  She is also serving as communication director for the congregation and serving at Mercy Neighborhood Ministries and Interfaith Justice and Peace Center. 

The volunteers engage in a variety of spiritual practices, growing in their faith and connections with one another.  They also share the responsibilities of household chores and spend time cooking and eating with one another.  Meanwhile, the church provides housing, spiritual direction, and community support for the BVS volunteers, while the volunteers are committed to worshiping with the congregation and being engaged with the local community.  More information about Brethren Volunteer Service is available here.