Monday, December 01, 2008
DE PONDERINGS
by Kevin Kessler, District Executive
The Century Marks feature in the November 4, 2008 issue of The Christian Century provided an interesting story. The story originated from the Durham, NC, Herald-Sun newspaper. Ted Triebel and Peter Klopfer began jogging together 21 years ago. At the time, they didn’t know each other well. Klopfer didn’t know that Triebel, a retired navy captain and former Vietnam prisoner of war, had just come to Duke University to run its new navy ROTC program. Triebel didn’t know that Klopfer, a pacifist Quaker, had been sentenced to prison for his refusal to serve in combat in the Korean war and had chaired a committee that had tried to abolish the ROTC program on campus. They became better acquainted and found mutual interests beyond jogging. The men and their wives socialize together. They have agreed to disagree on their views of the morality of war, and have forged two decades of friendship. They still jog together three times a week.
This story brings to mind two passages of scripture. The first is from Romans 12, verses 16-18: “Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” The second is Ephesians 4, verses 1-6: “I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.” A quote also comes to mind: If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything. This quote likely is derived from a prayer Peter Marshall, US Senate Chaplain, gave in 1947 when he said: “Give us clear vision, that we may know where to stand and what to stand for - because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything.” Triebel and Klopfer both stood for something. It’s assumed that they were very clear about their positions. Yet, it can also be assumed that they stood for Romans 12:16-18 and Ephesians 4:1-6. I get the impression sometimes that when we talk about these two scripture passages there is the assumption that we become wishy-washy—that we can’t stand for something and still bear with another and live together peaceably and love one another. Triebel and Klopfer prove the assumption wrong. Do we? Can we? These two passages of scripture don’t ask us to change each other’s mind. I believe these scriptures ask us to understand that as the human species we have different ideas and thoughts and values and, yes, even beliefs. And, we can stand firmly upon our ideas, thoughts, values and beliefs. AND, we can do so peaceably, bearing with one another in love. I really think it’s the way Jesus would want us to live together.
The Century Marks feature in the November 4, 2008 issue of The Christian Century provided an interesting story. The story originated from the Durham, NC, Herald-Sun newspaper. Ted Triebel and Peter Klopfer began jogging together 21 years ago. At the time, they didn’t know each other well. Klopfer didn’t know that Triebel, a retired navy captain and former Vietnam prisoner of war, had just come to Duke University to run its new navy ROTC program. Triebel didn’t know that Klopfer, a pacifist Quaker, had been sentenced to prison for his refusal to serve in combat in the Korean war and had chaired a committee that had tried to abolish the ROTC program on campus. They became better acquainted and found mutual interests beyond jogging. The men and their wives socialize together. They have agreed to disagree on their views of the morality of war, and have forged two decades of friendship. They still jog together three times a week.This story brings to mind two passages of scripture. The first is from Romans 12, verses 16-18: “Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” The second is Ephesians 4, verses 1-6: “I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.” A quote also comes to mind: If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything. This quote likely is derived from a prayer Peter Marshall, US Senate Chaplain, gave in 1947 when he said: “Give us clear vision, that we may know where to stand and what to stand for - because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything.” Triebel and Klopfer both stood for something. It’s assumed that they were very clear about their positions. Yet, it can also be assumed that they stood for Romans 12:16-18 and Ephesians 4:1-6. I get the impression sometimes that when we talk about these two scripture passages there is the assumption that we become wishy-washy—that we can’t stand for something and still bear with another and live together peaceably and love one another. Triebel and Klopfer prove the assumption wrong. Do we? Can we? These two passages of scripture don’t ask us to change each other’s mind. I believe these scriptures ask us to understand that as the human species we have different ideas and thoughts and values and, yes, even beliefs. And, we can stand firmly upon our ideas, thoughts, values and beliefs. AND, we can do so peaceably, bearing with one another in love. I really think it’s the way Jesus would want us to live together.
FORMS A & B
Yearbook Forms A & B will soon be due, Dec. 15 and Dec. 31, respectively. If you have completed and returned the forms—THANK YOU. If you have not, please take a few moments to do so. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. These forms assist the denominational offices as well as the district office to have accurate congregational information.
DISTRICT CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
by Kevin Kessler, DE
The First Church of the Brethren, Peoria, served as the host of the 2008 District Conference held November 7-9. Conference opened with worship Friday evening with Moderator-elect Gil Crosby serving as worship leader and Moderator Jerry Sales providing the message, based on the conference them of “Love One Another.” Both Moderator-elect and Moderator are members of the Peoria congregation.
Moderator Sales convened the business meeting Saturday morning. The business agenda flowed smoothly and, in addition to usual reports, included the following:
The First Church of the Brethren, Peoria, served as the host of the 2008 District Conference held November 7-9. Conference opened with worship Friday evening with Moderator-elect Gil Crosby serving as worship leader and Moderator Jerry Sales providing the message, based on the conference them of “Love One Another.” Both Moderator-elect and Moderator are members of the Peoria congregation.
Moderator Sales convened the business meeting Saturday morning. The business agenda flowed smoothly and, in addition to usual reports, included the following:
- A report on the growing Martin Creek congregation. As a result of their growth, action was taken to approve the birth of a new congregation, The Rock Community Church of the Brethren. This will be a new congregation in addition to the existing Martin Creek congregation.
- A recommendation was made and approved to revise the bylaws of the New Church Development Board.
- A recommendation was received and approved to revise the constitution of Camp Emmaus.
- A balanced budget of $92,000 was approved.
- Called to serve were Orlando Redekopp, Moderator; Pat Heid, Treasurer; Christine Hoecker, Financial Secretary; Roger Ruth, Program and Arrangements; Vernon Dean, Jim Lehman and Anna Lee Hisey-Pierson, Leadership Team; Carol Kussart and Christy Waltersdorff, Gifts Discernment and Call Committee; Pat Rittle, Don Fecher and Ralph McFadden, Pinecrest Community; Karen Bridges, Russ Edwards, Joan Boatz, Pleasant Hill Village; Molly Westlake, Lynn Jones, and Mike Siburt, Camp Emmanuel; Ellis Boughton and Don Hart, Camp Emmaus; Dawn Blackman, Vernon Showalter, and Lois Snyder, New Church Development Board; Elvin Zook, Sara Edgerton, Marsha Link, Larry Rowland, and John Zeglis, Manchester College Board of Trustees.
- Moderator Sales led a service of unity using baptismal waters from congregations throughout the district.
- Discussion was held regarding the legal issues pertaining to property of the Astoria Church of the Brethren. Included was discussion about polity regarding congregational property.
- A recommendation was received and approved to dissolve the federation agreement the LaMotte Prairie Church of the Brethren had with the Oak Grove Church near Palestine, IL.
- Gil Crosby was recognized as a graduate of TRIM.
- Orlando Redekopp was consecrated as the Moderator-elect.
DISTRICT PASTORS COMPLETE ADVANCED FOUNDATIONS OF CHURCH LEADERSHIP
The third cycle of the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program, Advance Foundations of Church Leadership, concluded with a banquet in Hagerstown, IN on November 14, 2008. Eight pastors completed this two-year leadership development process including two from the Illinois/Wisconsin District-Rick Koch (Milledgeville) and Dana McNeil (Peoria). Rick's wife Beckie and congregational representatives Jeff and Marla Manthei joined Rick at the banquet. Dana's wife Cathy and congregational representatives Terry and Sue Grabb united with Dana at the banquet.
Jonathan Shively, Advanced Foundations Instructor, states, "We are not so naïve as to think that Advanced Foundations makes or breaks a pastor's leadership. Each of the pastors in this cohort of AFCL arrived at the process with a breadth of experience, training, and insight which was admirable. Our hope is that through the AFCL process Rick's and Dana's strengths were enhanced and that they found support, challenge, and resources for continuing growth in their ministry."
The IL/WI District is blessed to have Rick and Dana sharing leadership in the district. We extend congratulations to both Rick and Dana for the effort each has given to enhance not only their own personal leadership skills and qualities, but also for enhancing the life of the district and the Church of the Brethren through their continued education and training.
Congratulations Rick and Dana!
Jonathan Shively, Advanced Foundations Instructor, states, "We are not so naïve as to think that Advanced Foundations makes or breaks a pastor's leadership. Each of the pastors in this cohort of AFCL arrived at the process with a breadth of experience, training, and insight which was admirable. Our hope is that through the AFCL process Rick's and Dana's strengths were enhanced and that they found support, challenge, and resources for continuing growth in their ministry."
The IL/WI District is blessed to have Rick and Dana sharing leadership in the district. We extend congratulations to both Rick and Dana for the effort each has given to enhance not only their own personal leadership skills and qualities, but also for enhancing the life of the district and the Church of the Brethren through their continued education and training.
Congratulations Rick and Dana!
DISTRICT YOUTH
This fall's district senior high youth retreat, held during district conference in Peoria, focused on "The Pursuit of Peace." Marie Rhoades from On Earth Peace served as our resource leader for four sessions during the weekend.
Marie had the youth explore several passages of scripture, with a focus on thinking about who was the powerful and the powerless, the insiders and outsiders, in each story. We also considered what things lead to violence and what leads to peace.
The group of 20, representing seven congregations, was well hosted by a Covenant congregation near the Peoria Church of the Brethren. Youth joined the opening and closing worship services at the conference and also came over for the Andy and Terry Murray concert Saturday evening, serving up ice cream for the social time afterwards. Andy and Terry were kind enough to spend some time in a Q&A session with the group.
The rest of the weekend was spent eating, playing games, spending time in devotions and worship, and recreation at the River Center. (Thanks to Dana McNeil and the Peoria church for setting up our accommodations and the recreation/shower time!)
The spring retreat is tentatively scheduled for April 17-19 in the northwest part of the district. Watch for further details. Youth are also encouraged to consider participation in one of the Church of the Brethren summer workcamps (registration begins Jan. 5 at www.brethren.org) and the national youth Christian Citizenship Seminar on modern-day slavery, which will be April 25-30 in New York and Washington, D.C. (see www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/CCS.htm).
Marie had the youth explore several passages of scripture, with a focus on thinking about who was the powerful and the powerless, the insiders and outsiders, in each story. We also considered what things lead to violence and what leads to peace.
The group of 20, representing seven congregations, was well hosted by a Covenant congregation near the Peoria Church of the Brethren. Youth joined the opening and closing worship services at the conference and also came over for the Andy and Terry Murray concert Saturday evening, serving up ice cream for the social time afterwards. Andy and Terry were kind enough to spend some time in a Q&A session with the group.The rest of the weekend was spent eating, playing games, spending time in devotions and worship, and recreation at the River Center. (Thanks to Dana McNeil and the Peoria church for setting up our accommodations and the recreation/shower time!)
The spring retreat is tentatively scheduled for April 17-19 in the northwest part of the district. Watch for further details. Youth are also encouraged to consider participation in one of the Church of the Brethren summer workcamps (registration begins Jan. 5 at www.brethren.org) and the national youth Christian Citizenship Seminar on modern-day slavery, which will be April 25-30 in New York and Washington, D.C. (see www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/CCS.htm).
THE WAY OF CHRIST
The Way of Christ is a spiritual renewal event sponsored by Mennonite, Brethren, and Church of the Brethren believers in Illinois. Through this three-day event participants share in a vibrant portrait of the grace-filled life Jesus lived and taught. It is a time where the hope of Christ is celebrated, the believer's purpose in life claimed, the love of God in Jesus proclaimed.
Purpose of The Way of Christ - In today's world, does our faith permeate all areas of our lives? Can it be sustained in our living? Can it grow there? Can it transform the hearts of the people with whom we share our lives? Is it relevant for this time? Those in the Way of Christ movement think so! The Way of Christ movement does not propose a new type of spirituality. It reinforces a simple intentional one through which the believers grace-filled life may; in a natural loving way, be lived and shared with others.
Spring Weekends
Men's Weekend #15 - March 5-8, 2009 and the Women's Weekend #15 - March 12-15, 2009
Who Should Attend? - These weekends equip and inspire lay members of a congregation for their ongoing personal faith formation and development of, participation in, and support for congregational ministries.
Pastors too are blessed by the weekends in that these events offer personal inspiration. Attending a weekend also helps a pastor see how best to work with and share in the inspiration of laypersons who attend.
Who Should Attend? -
... to receive an application or to have questions answered. Also for more information, go to the websites:
http://newlifeministries-nlm.org/ideas/Way_of_Christ.htm or http://www.plowcreek.org/way1.htm.
Judd Peter at juddpeter@earthlink.net or 815-554-1217
Phil Kaufmann at pkman@udnet.net or 815-646-4889
Cal Zehr at cczehr@juno.com or 815-646-4287
Dan Rusmisel at d_rusmiselle@yahoo.com or 815-238-3421
Purpose of The Way of Christ - In today's world, does our faith permeate all areas of our lives? Can it be sustained in our living? Can it grow there? Can it transform the hearts of the people with whom we share our lives? Is it relevant for this time? Those in the Way of Christ movement think so! The Way of Christ movement does not propose a new type of spirituality. It reinforces a simple intentional one through which the believers grace-filled life may; in a natural loving way, be lived and shared with others.
Spring Weekends
Men's Weekend #15 - March 5-8, 2009 and the Women's Weekend #15 - March 12-15, 2009
Who Should Attend? - These weekends equip and inspire lay members of a congregation for their ongoing personal faith formation and development of, participation in, and support for congregational ministries.
Pastors too are blessed by the weekends in that these events offer personal inspiration. Attending a weekend also helps a pastor see how best to work with and share in the inspiration of laypersons who attend.
Who Should Attend? -
Believers:Contact One of the Following ...
- who know their spiritual lives need strengthening;
- who strive to be credible in prayer, study, and sharing their faith;
- who understand being Christian involves responsibility;
- who seek both the spiritual foundation and moral reserve to purposefully live their lives;
- who follow Jesus in an on-going manner in their daily living.
... to receive an application or to have questions answered. Also for more information, go to the websites:
http://newlifeministries-nlm.org/ideas/Way_of_Christ.htm or http://www.plowcreek.org/way1.htm.
Judd Peter at juddpeter@earthlink.net or 815-554-1217
Phil Kaufmann at pkman@udnet.net or 815-646-4889
Cal Zehr at cczehr@juno.com or 815-646-4287
Dan Rusmisel at d_rusmiselle@yahoo.com or 815-238-3421
CONCERT AT NAPERVILLE RAISES MONEY FOR DISASTER RELIEF
We here at Naperville Church of the Brethren staged a concert on November 22 to raise funds both for the District Disaster Relief Fund as well as our church building fund. We are aware of the financial needs of the District Disaster Team in its ongoing response to disasters across the nation. We are, therefore, pleased to report that we have raised $875.00 to contribute to the disaster fund. We continue to pray for and to support the District Disaster Relief Team as they do this great and necessary relief work. Many blessings from the Naperville congregation.
Pastor Dennis Webb and the Naperville COB Congregation
We are "ONE in the Spirit"
Moderator – Gil Crosby
Short Biography: Born in Lodi, Ohio, June 15, 1939 or as my daughter says "In the Old Days"; I graduated from Northwestern High School in 1957, Ashland College in 1964 and the TRIM program in 2008. I worked for Caterpillar Inc. for 35 years in Marketing & Sales in the Engine Division. I spent 2 years in Tanzania, East Africa in the Peace Corps and 3 Years in the Philippines with Caterpillar. My wife of 40 years is Patricia and we have a son, Gib, in Atlanta, GA who is a prosecuting attorney, and a daughter, Karen, in Washington, IL. I first joined the Mohican Church of the Brethren around 1958 and am currently a member of the Peoria Church of the Brethren.
One in the Spirit: The theme for the District comes from Philippians 2:2. It is a humbling experience to be chosen to serve the District of Illinois-Wisconsin in the capacity of Moderator. Many times God leads us where we are challenged and feel inadequate for the job at hand. I ask for your prayers, God’s guidance and the District’s patience for the coming year.
My wife, Pat, bought a book at Annual Conference called "Fresh from the Word", a 300th anniversary devotional book. She told me one chapter told her The closer we become to being one in the spirit, the harder Satan will work to keep it from happening. He sure has been busy the past years in the Christian community. All he has to do is throw out a few words and pretty soon people begin looking around for allies to be “on their side”. Then people rush to the Bible to find words or verses that support their position, usually without reading the surrounding context of the message. Almost never do they read "Love your neighbor as yourself" or "do not judge lest you be judged". Jesus only gave us two commandments, "love the Lord your God and Love your Neighbor." The Bible is a source of inspiration and teaching, many of us use it as a club to beat others over the head.
We are ONE in the Spirit, not the SAME in the Spirit. God made us all and he made each individual just that, an individual unlike any other on the face of the Earth. The Church of the Brethren has a history of helping people that others have shunned like the North Koreans, the murderer Nathan Leopold, the Japanese who were interned during WWII, lepers in Nigeria and the list goes on.. We must continue to minister to those who for whatever reason are different than we think they ought to be. Ours is to bring the message of God to all the world.
Having said all of that, I am available to visit and/or speak if given an invitation. I welcome the chance to meet with as many of our congregations as possible during the coming year..
So, Spread the Gospel to the World, use words if necessary. (St. Francis)
Short Biography: Born in Lodi, Ohio, June 15, 1939 or as my daughter says "In the Old Days"; I graduated from Northwestern High School in 1957, Ashland College in 1964 and the TRIM program in 2008. I worked for Caterpillar Inc. for 35 years in Marketing & Sales in the Engine Division. I spent 2 years in Tanzania, East Africa in the Peace Corps and 3 Years in the Philippines with Caterpillar. My wife of 40 years is Patricia and we have a son, Gib, in Atlanta, GA who is a prosecuting attorney, and a daughter, Karen, in Washington, IL. I first joined the Mohican Church of the Brethren around 1958 and am currently a member of the Peoria Church of the Brethren. One in the Spirit: The theme for the District comes from Philippians 2:2. It is a humbling experience to be chosen to serve the District of Illinois-Wisconsin in the capacity of Moderator. Many times God leads us where we are challenged and feel inadequate for the job at hand. I ask for your prayers, God’s guidance and the District’s patience for the coming year.
My wife, Pat, bought a book at Annual Conference called "Fresh from the Word", a 300th anniversary devotional book. She told me one chapter told her The closer we become to being one in the spirit, the harder Satan will work to keep it from happening. He sure has been busy the past years in the Christian community. All he has to do is throw out a few words and pretty soon people begin looking around for allies to be “on their side”. Then people rush to the Bible to find words or verses that support their position, usually without reading the surrounding context of the message. Almost never do they read "Love your neighbor as yourself" or "do not judge lest you be judged". Jesus only gave us two commandments, "love the Lord your God and Love your Neighbor." The Bible is a source of inspiration and teaching, many of us use it as a club to beat others over the head.
We are ONE in the Spirit, not the SAME in the Spirit. God made us all and he made each individual just that, an individual unlike any other on the face of the Earth. The Church of the Brethren has a history of helping people that others have shunned like the North Koreans, the murderer Nathan Leopold, the Japanese who were interned during WWII, lepers in Nigeria and the list goes on.. We must continue to minister to those who for whatever reason are different than we think they ought to be. Ours is to bring the message of God to all the world.
Having said all of that, I am available to visit and/or speak if given an invitation. I welcome the chance to meet with as many of our congregations as possible during the coming year..
So, Spread the Gospel to the World, use words if necessary. (St. Francis)
ILLINOIS & WISCONSIN CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN DISTRICT CALENDAR
| 2008 | |
| Dec. 6 | District Leadership Team meeting, Champaign, 9am |
| Dec. 6 | New Church Development Team, Champaign 3pm |
| Dec. 6 | District Deacons meeting, Champaign, 3pm |
| Dec. 24 | Christmas Eve |
| Dec. 25 | Christmas Day |
| Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve |
| 2009 | |
| Jan. 1 | New Year’s Day |
| Jan. 6 | Epiphany |
| Jan. 10 | Program and Arrangements Committee meeting, Naperville, 10am |
| Jan. 10 | Gifts Discernment and Call Committee meeting, Naperville, 1pm |
| Jan. 19 | Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday Observed |
| Jan. 20 | Inauguration Day |
| Jan. 20-24 | DE on vacation |
| Jan. 24-28 | Council of District Executives winter meeting, Cocoa Beach, FL |
| Feb. 14 | Valentine’s Day |
| Feb. 22 | District Deacons meeting, Peoria, 3:30pm |
| Feb. 25 | Ash Wednesday |
| Mar. 8 | Daylight Saving Time Begins |
| Mar. 13-16 | Church of the Brethren, Inc. meetings, Elgin |
| Mar. 17 | St. Patrick’s Day |
| Mar. 29-Apr. 1 | Midwest DE’s gathering, Camp Mack, Milford, IN |
| Apr. 4 | Program and Arrangements Committee meeting, Naperville, 10am |
| Apr. 4 | Gifts Discernment and Call Committee meeting, Naperville, 1pm |
| Apr. 5 | Palm Sunday |
| Apr. 10 | Good Friday |
| Apr. 12 | Easter |
| Apr. 26-29 | Council of District Executives Professional Growth Event, Kansas City, KS |
| May 3 | District Deacons meeting, Peoria, 3:30pm |
| May 10 | Mother’s Day |
| May 21 | Ascension Day |
| May 25 | Memorial Day |
| May 31 | Pentecost |
| Jun. 21 | Father’s Day |
| Jun. 24 | Council of District Executives Summer meeting, San Diego, CA |
| Jun. 26-30 | Annual Conference, San Diego, CA |
| Jul. 4 | Independence Day |
| Aug. 8 | Program and Arrangements Committee meeting, Naperville, 10am |
| Aug. 8 | Gifts Discernment and Call Committee meeting, Naperville, 1pm |
| Sep. 7 | Labor Day |
| Oct. 3 | District Deacons meeting, Peoria, 10am |
| Oct. 10 | Program and Arrangements Committee meeting, Naperville, 10am |
| Oct. 10 | Gifts Discernment and Call Committee meeting, Naperville, 1 pm |
| Oct. 12 | Columbus Day |
| Oct. 25-27 | Midwest DE’s gathering, Camp Mack, Milford, IN |
| Nov. 1 | Daylight Saving Time Ends |
| Nov. 6-9 | District Conference, Naperville |
| Nov. 11 | Veteran’s Day |
| Dec. 24 | Christmas Eve |
| Dec. 25 | Christmas Day |
| Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve |
