Thursday, October 01, 2009
WE ARE ONE IN THE SPIRIT
By Gil Crosby, Moderator – Illinois-Wisconsin District
"It's amazing what ordinary people can do if they set out without preconceived notions." -- Charles F. Kettering
We just returned from a trip across the Northern United States from Peoria to Seattle to Portland and back to Peoria. When I looked at the odometer it said 5,003 miles traveled in relative ease in an air conditioned car and using the latest "Garmin" technology to find our way to places that we wanted to visit. The adventure took us to see old friends and to a reunion with people I served with 45 years ago in the Peace Corps in Tanganyika, East Africa. Many times the speed limits were 75 miles per hour, even on the state highways, and we could cover hundreds of miles a day. We saw the vastness of our country, the wonder of the Rocky Mountains, the open prairies and high deserts, some great rivers, the Pacific coast and we marveled at being able to see these natural wonders.
It got me to thinking about Jesus and how much territory he covered during his years of Ministry. Jesus was recorded as visiting Jerusalem, Nazareth, Capernaum, Tyre, Caesarea Phillipi, Bethsaida, Bethany and all over Galilee. The distance from Jerusalem to Tyre is approximately 100 miles, to Nazareth 65 miles, to Capernaum 75 miles and another 25 miles to Caesarea Phillip. Jesus walked these miles most often with his disciples. No Motels with soft beds housed the Master. No McDonalds popped up for a quick Big Mac. No nice smooth highways or roads to make his path easy. He walked, stayed with friends and followers and was fed by Middle Eastern hospitality. I'm sure somebody's calculated how many miles Jesus must have covered in three years of ministry but I'm guessing at least 500 or more... on foot... wearing sandals... and no showers.
And yet He brought his ministry to the people of the countryside, the seaside, the mountain top... and the center of the temple. He never once asked who they were, what they believed, what their lifestyle was (except the rich young ruler) and He fed the multitudes without discrimination. Should we do any less? The Church of the Brethren did not begin as a denomination but a way of life. To follow as closely as possible the teachings of Jesus and to follow his life style reflected their intense study of the New Testament. Remember when our word was our bond and our handshake was our contract?
District Conference is close at hand and our theme "We are ONE in the Spirit" continues to hold firm in my head. If we want to be the strong, mission church we once were we must be strong in the Spirit not divided as country or city, liberal or conservative, for or against, or divisive. Remember that we can be One in the Spirit without being the Same in the Spirit. Jesus' friends and disciples were not the same but they went about building the church. What are we building?
"It's amazing what ordinary people can do if they set out without preconceived notions." -- Charles F. KetteringWe just returned from a trip across the Northern United States from Peoria to Seattle to Portland and back to Peoria. When I looked at the odometer it said 5,003 miles traveled in relative ease in an air conditioned car and using the latest "Garmin" technology to find our way to places that we wanted to visit. The adventure took us to see old friends and to a reunion with people I served with 45 years ago in the Peace Corps in Tanganyika, East Africa. Many times the speed limits were 75 miles per hour, even on the state highways, and we could cover hundreds of miles a day. We saw the vastness of our country, the wonder of the Rocky Mountains, the open prairies and high deserts, some great rivers, the Pacific coast and we marveled at being able to see these natural wonders.
It got me to thinking about Jesus and how much territory he covered during his years of Ministry. Jesus was recorded as visiting Jerusalem, Nazareth, Capernaum, Tyre, Caesarea Phillipi, Bethsaida, Bethany and all over Galilee. The distance from Jerusalem to Tyre is approximately 100 miles, to Nazareth 65 miles, to Capernaum 75 miles and another 25 miles to Caesarea Phillip. Jesus walked these miles most often with his disciples. No Motels with soft beds housed the Master. No McDonalds popped up for a quick Big Mac. No nice smooth highways or roads to make his path easy. He walked, stayed with friends and followers and was fed by Middle Eastern hospitality. I'm sure somebody's calculated how many miles Jesus must have covered in three years of ministry but I'm guessing at least 500 or more... on foot... wearing sandals... and no showers.
And yet He brought his ministry to the people of the countryside, the seaside, the mountain top... and the center of the temple. He never once asked who they were, what they believed, what their lifestyle was (except the rich young ruler) and He fed the multitudes without discrimination. Should we do any less? The Church of the Brethren did not begin as a denomination but a way of life. To follow as closely as possible the teachings of Jesus and to follow his life style reflected their intense study of the New Testament. Remember when our word was our bond and our handshake was our contract?
District Conference is close at hand and our theme "We are ONE in the Spirit" continues to hold firm in my head. If we want to be the strong, mission church we once were we must be strong in the Spirit not divided as country or city, liberal or conservative, for or against, or divisive. Remember that we can be One in the Spirit without being the Same in the Spirit. Jesus' friends and disciples were not the same but they went about building the church. What are we building?
A NIGHT WITH OUR PLANTERS
SAMUEL & GRETCHEN SARPIYA
HERMAN & BETTY WARE
New Church Development invites you to dinner with our planters. A night of mission, food, and relaxing entertainment.
Dinner is free. No offering will be taken.
Reservations are required. Make your reservation now!
Date: 10/11/2009
Time: 6:00 pm
Phone: 630-554-1458 / 630-675-9740
email: Lynda@ncdb.org
Samuel and Gretchen Sarpiya
Breaking through the barrier of ethnic diversity in Rockford Illinois, Pastors Samuel and Gretchen Sarpiya are planting an intentionally multi ethnic church that bridges cultural differences.
Herman & Betty Ware
Expanding our witness in the Douglas Park Community, Pastors Herman and Betty Ware and ministry partner Richard Marez see Glory to Glory Ministries as meeting the diverse needs of a community stretched to the breaking point by unemployment , violence and addiction.
Hosted by:
New Beginnings Fellowship Church of the Brethren
613 N. Van Buren St.
Batavia, IL 60510
Questions or comments? E-mail us at lynda@ncdb.org or call 630-554-1458.
HERMAN & BETTY WARE
New Church Development invites you to dinner with our planters. A night of mission, food, and relaxing entertainment.
Dinner is free. No offering will be taken.
Reservations are required. Make your reservation now!
Date: 10/11/2009
Time: 6:00 pm
Phone: 630-554-1458 / 630-675-9740
email: Lynda@ncdb.org
Samuel and Gretchen Sarpiya
Breaking through the barrier of ethnic diversity in Rockford Illinois, Pastors Samuel and Gretchen Sarpiya are planting an intentionally multi ethnic church that bridges cultural differences.
Herman & Betty Ware
Expanding our witness in the Douglas Park Community, Pastors Herman and Betty Ware and ministry partner Richard Marez see Glory to Glory Ministries as meeting the diverse needs of a community stretched to the breaking point by unemployment , violence and addiction.
Hosted by:
New Beginnings Fellowship Church of the Brethren
613 N. Van Buren St.
Batavia, IL 60510
Questions or comments? E-mail us at lynda@ncdb.org or call 630-554-1458.
DISTRICT POTLUCK
May 1, 2010
Peoria Church of the Brethren
Worship * Workshops * Fellowship * Food
LEADERSHIP WILL INCLUDE JONATHAN SHIVELY, KEVIN KESSLER, ANNA LEE HISEY PIERSON, DANA MCNEIL, AND OTHERS.
Registration from 8:00 — 9:00 a.m.
Registration Fee --- $5.00
More registration information will follow later.
The day’s schedule will be from 9:00 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.
Plan now to attend this exciting event. Bring your favorite potluck dish to enjoy with others from across the district. Drinks and table service will be provided. Share this ir1fonnation with others in your church. There will be something for everyone including pastors, music leaders, deacons, computer people, and those who simply want to learn, worship, and enjoy wonderful fellowship. So, bring a carload. More details about workshops coming later.
This one-day event is being planned by your District Deacons on behalf of the Leadership Team of the District.
Peoria Church of the Brethren
Worship * Workshops * Fellowship * Food
LEADERSHIP WILL INCLUDE JONATHAN SHIVELY, KEVIN KESSLER, ANNA LEE HISEY PIERSON, DANA MCNEIL, AND OTHERS.
Registration from 8:00 — 9:00 a.m.
Registration Fee --- $5.00
More registration information will follow later.
The day’s schedule will be from 9:00 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.
Plan now to attend this exciting event. Bring your favorite potluck dish to enjoy with others from across the district. Drinks and table service will be provided. Share this ir1fonnation with others in your church. There will be something for everyone including pastors, music leaders, deacons, computer people, and those who simply want to learn, worship, and enjoy wonderful fellowship. So, bring a carload. More details about workshops coming later.
This one-day event is being planned by your District Deacons on behalf of the Leadership Team of the District.
Illinois-Wisconsin District Conference
November 6 - 8, 2009
Naperville Church of the Brethren
The Naperville congregation will provide an International dinner Saturday evening. Chris Bowman is the featured speaker for Sunday Worship. Pastor Dennis Webb and Naperville Men's Glee Club sing for us Saturday evening followed by an Ice Cream Social sponsored by the District youth.
Doors open Friday Evening at 5:00 PM for registration.
Friday Evening Service begins at 7:00 PM with Orlando Redekopp as worship leader and Gil Crosby, Moderator as evening speaker.
INSIGHT SESSIONS:
Sunday Morning at 9:15 AMWe are ONE in the Spirit
Join us at District Conference where the Body of Christ meets to discern what God wants us to do.
Naperville Church of the Brethren
The Naperville congregation will provide an International dinner Saturday evening. Chris Bowman is the featured speaker for Sunday Worship. Pastor Dennis Webb and Naperville Men's Glee Club sing for us Saturday evening followed by an Ice Cream Social sponsored by the District youth.Doors open Friday Evening at 5:00 PM for registration.
Friday Evening Service begins at 7:00 PM with Orlando Redekopp as worship leader and Gil Crosby, Moderator as evening speaker.
INSIGHT SESSIONS: Sunday Morning at 9:15 AM
- On Earth Peace presents "Peace to new believers."
- Jonathan Shively - Congregational Life Ministries Director will present information about the denominational reorganization
- Carol Wise - BMC - "The Cost of Exclusion."
Join us at District Conference where the Body of Christ meets to discern what God wants us to do.
SILENT AUCTION
WANTED
Items for the Silent Auction at the District Conference in Naperville.
Bring all sorts of items. Including pies, cakes, antiques, crafts, pictures, tools, dinners, outings, quilts, toys, etc...
Rick Koch, Coordinator
815-225-7812
ricbeckoch@mchsi.com
Items for the Silent Auction at the District Conference in Naperville.
Bring all sorts of items. Including pies, cakes, antiques, crafts, pictures, tools, dinners, outings, quilts, toys, etc...
Rick Koch, Coordinator
815-225-7812
ricbeckoch@mchsi.com
1ST ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL AT THE HURRICANE CREEK
54 community and church people enjoyed the 1st Annual Ice Cream Social at the Hurricane Creek Church of the Brethren, Saturday, August 29, 2009. Attendees ranged from 8 months to 80 plus years of age. All enjoyed delicious home made ice cream, pies and cakes. Ten gallons of ice cream where available in a variety of flavors: vanilla, lemon, peach, chocolate, strawberry and blackberry. Pie flavors included: peach, cherry, apple and blueberry. Cake choices included: Texas, angel food, strawberry layer with strawberry icing, yellow, pumpkin and Swedish pan all with cream cheese icing, mini confetti cupcakes, fruit pizza and brownies. Coffee, iced tea and ice water were also served. Activities included hand cranking ice cream, sitting on lawn chairs to visit in the cool, fresh air, bean bag, crochet, and washer toss games, face painting and helium balloons. Church members wore polo and t-shirts in a variety of colors, all embroidered with the church name.
DISTRICT CALENDAR
| 2009 | |
| 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 |
| Oct. 31 | IL/WI District Leadership Team meeting, Stanley |
| Nov. 1 | Daylight Saving Time Ends |
| Nov. 6-8 | District Conference, Naperville |
| Nov. 11 | Veteran’s Day |
| Dec. 5 | Joint IL/WI District Leadership & New Church Development Team meeting, Peoria |
| Dec. 24 | Christmas Eve |
| Dec. 25 | Christmas Day |
| Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve |
NOTE FROM THE PAST EDITOR
It is with bitter sweetness I write this. I have been a part of this District Ministry for six years and now it is time for me to edit my last newsletter. Sisters and Brothers, I have loved sharing your stories and articles with our entire district. I have seen God at work in Illinois and Wisconsin. Jesus has been present in our lives. I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to be the comforter for the IL & WI Church of the Brethren. May God bless each and everyone.
“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10
In Christ Service and Love, Leonard Matheny
“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10
In Christ Service and Love, Leonard Matheny
