Friday, January 01, 2010
From the District Moderator
For the last Sunday of December, one of the scriptures is Colossians 3.12-17. I quote only several verses: As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. [vv 12-14]There are two things I like about this scripture: one, members are challenged to be clear on their identity—God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved. Establishing a clear and thoughtful identity as beloved by God prior to tackling any issues that afflict our Church of the Brethren greatly reduces the stress that accompanies divisive conflict. God loves me—I do not need to find my identity elsewhere. Nor do I desire to manipulate others to enhance my status or reputation. Or drag someone down to elevate myself. God’s love is secure as my identity.
The second thing I like is that God’s love liberates me to maintain relationships with any and all people, no matter the conflict. From irritating church members to al-Qaida combatants, God’s love is a spiritual power enabling me to step out of myself to engage (com)passionately with others. That is an essential ingredient of the wisdom of compassion—the ability to enter another’s suffering and pain. God loves me—and confident of that love, I step into another’s world without fear.
May 2010 be such a year of compassion—fearlessly entering a suffering and alienated world, because God loves me. It promises to be a rewarding year—secure in the love of God and Jesus’ presence: in me you have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world! [John 16.33]
Orlando Redekopp, Moderator
Illinois-Wisconsin District
Denominational Yearbook Forms A & B
Denominational Yearbook Forms A & B were due Dec. 15 and Dec. 31, respectively. If your congregation has completed and returned the forms–THANK YOU! If you have not, please take a few moments to do so. We appreciate your cooperation in filling out these forms very much. These forms assist the district and denominational offices having accurate and up to date congregational information.
Chicago-area Churches invitation
The Chicago-area Church of the Brethren congregations invite people from the entire district to a Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday worship service. The theme is, “Peace for a new decade: a Church of the Brethren gathering in celebration of the ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” The service will bring together members of the Chicago-area congregations as well as members and participants from the two new church-planting projects: in the Douglas Park community of Chicago, and in the city of Rockford. The speaker will be Samuel Sarpiya, of the Rockford church plant; youth from the congregations will perform music, dance and drumming.
The service will be Sunday, January 17, at 5:00 p.m., at the First Church of the Brethren, 425 S. Central Park Blvd., Chicago. A meal will follow the service. Everyone is invited.
For more information, call First Church of the Brethren, Chicago: 773-533-4273.
The service will be Sunday, January 17, at 5:00 p.m., at the First Church of the Brethren, 425 S. Central Park Blvd., Chicago. A meal will follow the service. Everyone is invited.
For more information, call First Church of the Brethren, Chicago: 773-533-4273.
DE Ponderings
by Kevin Kessler, District Executive
When [the wise men from the East] saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. --Matthew 2:10-11 (NRSV)
I experienced an epiphany as I read once again the story about the wise men from the East visiting the Christ child. It revolves around the gifts they brought—gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each of these items carried substantial value. It stands to reason, then, that the ones who carried the gifts were likely very wealthy. Reflecting on the gifts and the givers in terms of their value and net worth, it occurred to me that all of this is a bit odd. Why would a baby be the recipient of such significant material items? Because we know the rest of the story, what this baby became, why would gifts of this magnitude be given to the one who, in adulthood, taught and lived simplicity? Doesn’t it seem contradictory?
I suppose it does. However, if this is our focus, then we are in danger of missing the point. The point is not about how much material value can be given to someone but rather on what is the intrinsic value of the one receiving the gift. This changes the emphasis of giving. Instead of being concerned with how much to give it becomes important to think about why the gift is given. Giving, then, becomes a response to the intrinsic value of the recipient.
What the wise men gave to the Christ child was less important than the reason for giving. They understood the intrinsic value of the baby and responded accordingly, that is, with their very best.
How much different could our giving be if we recognized the value of that to which we give? What if instead of thinking about the amounts we give to the District, or to New Church Development, or to Mission and Mortar, or to Disaster Response, we considered the intrinsic value of each of these important ministry opportunities? What if we started thinking about the importance of the district’s ministry to help congregations and credentialing ministers and building relationships? What if we started thinking about the importance of New Church Development reaching people for Christ and making disciples? What if we started thinking about the real value of Mission and Mortar in opening up opportunities for congregations to be more welcoming with attractive edifices and updated ministries? What if we started thinking about the real value of Disaster Response not in terms of just rebuilding homes but rebuilding lives? Would we respond differently or more generously? Would we willingly and freely give the very best of our time, talents, and treasure to these worthy ministries?
What if we thought about these ministries as the body of Christ in mission on earth to restore justice, bring peace, provide good stewardship, and offer hope? With a new year upon us, let’s invite one another to begin thinking anew about the intrinsic value of all that can receive gifts in this district. Then, let’s challenge each other to respond according.
I wonder what gift Jesus would have received if only one wise man would have visited? Because there was more than one, I suspect they spurred one another on to greater responses. We can do the same in our district. Will we?
When [the wise men from the East] saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. --Matthew 2:10-11 (NRSV)I experienced an epiphany as I read once again the story about the wise men from the East visiting the Christ child. It revolves around the gifts they brought—gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each of these items carried substantial value. It stands to reason, then, that the ones who carried the gifts were likely very wealthy. Reflecting on the gifts and the givers in terms of their value and net worth, it occurred to me that all of this is a bit odd. Why would a baby be the recipient of such significant material items? Because we know the rest of the story, what this baby became, why would gifts of this magnitude be given to the one who, in adulthood, taught and lived simplicity? Doesn’t it seem contradictory?
I suppose it does. However, if this is our focus, then we are in danger of missing the point. The point is not about how much material value can be given to someone but rather on what is the intrinsic value of the one receiving the gift. This changes the emphasis of giving. Instead of being concerned with how much to give it becomes important to think about why the gift is given. Giving, then, becomes a response to the intrinsic value of the recipient.
What the wise men gave to the Christ child was less important than the reason for giving. They understood the intrinsic value of the baby and responded accordingly, that is, with their very best.
How much different could our giving be if we recognized the value of that to which we give? What if instead of thinking about the amounts we give to the District, or to New Church Development, or to Mission and Mortar, or to Disaster Response, we considered the intrinsic value of each of these important ministry opportunities? What if we started thinking about the importance of the district’s ministry to help congregations and credentialing ministers and building relationships? What if we started thinking about the importance of New Church Development reaching people for Christ and making disciples? What if we started thinking about the real value of Mission and Mortar in opening up opportunities for congregations to be more welcoming with attractive edifices and updated ministries? What if we started thinking about the real value of Disaster Response not in terms of just rebuilding homes but rebuilding lives? Would we respond differently or more generously? Would we willingly and freely give the very best of our time, talents, and treasure to these worthy ministries?
What if we thought about these ministries as the body of Christ in mission on earth to restore justice, bring peace, provide good stewardship, and offer hope? With a new year upon us, let’s invite one another to begin thinking anew about the intrinsic value of all that can receive gifts in this district. Then, let’s challenge each other to respond according.
I wonder what gift Jesus would have received if only one wise man would have visited? Because there was more than one, I suspect they spurred one another on to greater responses. We can do the same in our district. Will we?
District youth retreat
by Walt Wiltschek
The fall district youth retreat, held during district conference (Nov. 6-8), was a fantastic weekend, with 28 youth and advisors representing eight congregations. David Radcliff of New Community Project led two sessions on the theme of "Simple Justice," helping the group consider how they interact with their neighbors and the “least of these” around the world. In addition, National Youth Conference coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade were on hand to lead two worship times. Saturday afternoon included a service project at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora. The evening was spent joining district conference for the international dinner and concert. Sunday morning everyone took part in one of the insight sessions and the closing worship. We’re grateful to the Naperville church for their generosity in hosting us for the weekend.
The SPRING district youth retreat has been set for March 19-21 at Springfield Church of the Brethren. As with the fall retreat, cost will be $30 for youth in grades 9-12, free for advisors who accompany their youth. Registration forms will be available at www.cobyouth.org. Watch for further details!
The fall district youth retreat, held during district conference (Nov. 6-8), was a fantastic weekend, with 28 youth and advisors representing eight congregations. David Radcliff of New Community Project led two sessions on the theme of "Simple Justice," helping the group consider how they interact with their neighbors and the “least of these” around the world. In addition, National Youth Conference coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade were on hand to lead two worship times. Saturday afternoon included a service project at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora. The evening was spent joining district conference for the international dinner and concert. Sunday morning everyone took part in one of the insight sessions and the closing worship. We’re grateful to the Naperville church for their generosity in hosting us for the weekend.
The SPRING district youth retreat has been set for March 19-21 at Springfield Church of the Brethren. As with the fall retreat, cost will be $30 for youth in grades 9-12, free for advisors who accompany their youth. Registration forms will be available at www.cobyouth.org. Watch for further details!
Polo: A project that grows and grows
The Polo Growing Project in its fifth season raised $26,240 in support of agricultural programs in the developing world. We divide the proceeds between a Foods Resource Bank program in Honduras and the Church of the Brethren member account in FRB that invests in sustainable community development in a score of poor countries.
Jim and Karen Schmidt head the Polo project and farm acreage owned by Bill and Betty Hare, all members of the Polo Church of the Brethren. The project has grown from 20 acres the first two years to 30 acres the past three years and will entail 40 acres in 2010.
Despite a cool growing season and unusually wet planting and harvest times, the 2009 corn crop averaged 183 bushels per acre. Three congregations team together to cover the cost of inputs for the 30 acres of corn; Polo Church of the Brethren, $3,000; Faith United Presbyterian Church, Tinley Park, $3,200; and Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, Elgin, $1,500.
Since 2005 the Polo project has raised nearly $95,000 for investment by Foods Resource Bank (FRB) in rural community development (FRB) overseas. Polo has been host to FRB partners from Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and North Korea.
Foods Resource Bank, described as a Christian response to world hunger, has 210 growing projects in 23 states. FRB celebrated its 10th anniversary this past summer in Moline, Ill. The Church of the Brethren became the 16th member of FRB in 2004, joining through the Global Food Crisis Fund.
Over the past six years, 35 Brethren congregations have launched 24 growing projects and enlisted about an equal number of neighboring churches from other denominations as partners. Five other Brethren churches in the Illinois/Wisconsin District have sponsored projects in previous years, Cherry Grove, Dixon, and Lanark in one project and Mount Morris and Highland Avenue in another.
The Foods Resource Bank and its growing projects approach hunger not just by feeding the hungry, but by equipping the hungry to feed themselves.
Jim and Karen Schmidt head the Polo project and farm acreage owned by Bill and Betty Hare, all members of the Polo Church of the Brethren. The project has grown from 20 acres the first two years to 30 acres the past three years and will entail 40 acres in 2010.
Despite a cool growing season and unusually wet planting and harvest times, the 2009 corn crop averaged 183 bushels per acre. Three congregations team together to cover the cost of inputs for the 30 acres of corn; Polo Church of the Brethren, $3,000; Faith United Presbyterian Church, Tinley Park, $3,200; and Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, Elgin, $1,500.
Since 2005 the Polo project has raised nearly $95,000 for investment by Foods Resource Bank (FRB) in rural community development (FRB) overseas. Polo has been host to FRB partners from Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and North Korea.
Foods Resource Bank, described as a Christian response to world hunger, has 210 growing projects in 23 states. FRB celebrated its 10th anniversary this past summer in Moline, Ill. The Church of the Brethren became the 16th member of FRB in 2004, joining through the Global Food Crisis Fund.
Over the past six years, 35 Brethren congregations have launched 24 growing projects and enlisted about an equal number of neighboring churches from other denominations as partners. Five other Brethren churches in the Illinois/Wisconsin District have sponsored projects in previous years, Cherry Grove, Dixon, and Lanark in one project and Mount Morris and Highland Avenue in another.
The Foods Resource Bank and its growing projects approach hunger not just by feeding the hungry, but by equipping the hungry to feed themselves.
Manchester College names Walt Wiltschek as campus pastor
Manchester College looks to its roots in faith, service with a new campus pastor dedicated to mentoring students.Manchester College is looking to Walt Wiltschek, editor of the denominational Messenger magazine of the Church of the Brethren, to lead its campus ministry. Wiltschek, well-regarded for his inter-faith mentoring of youth and young adults, will join the Student Development team on Feb. 2.
As campus pastor for the 1,223-student Manchester College, Wiltschek will lead a religious life program that serves students of more than 30 denominations. The diversity of faith on the residential campus includes students who are Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, and followers of other Christian and non-Christian faiths as well as many not affiliated with a specific denomination.
“Walt Wiltschek brings extensive experience with young adult ministry, and we are looking forward to his arrival on campus,” said President Jo Young Switzer. “He will help students on their spiritual journeys, and he will strengthen our connections with the Church of the Brethren, our founding denomination.”
Wiltschek was an associate pastor at the Westminster Church of the Brethren in Maryland, camp program director, adviser to district youth programs, coordinator for youth adult conferences, and adviser to the National Young Conference of the Church of the Brethren. He also has journalistic experience at the Daily Record in York, Pa., and the Daily Herald in suburban Chicago.
He has served at the helm of the Messenger for more than six years, and also as director of news services for the General Board leadership of the Church of the Brethren and as director of Brethren identity.
German-born and Pennsylvania-raised, Wiltschek received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and mathematics from York College of Pennsylvania, a certificate in biblical studies from Eastern Mennonite University, a master of arts in religion from Lancaster Theological Seminary and a master of arts in communication studies/journalism from Northern Illinois University.
Jeri S. Kornegay, Director, Media and Public Relations
District Potluck
at
Peoria Church of the Brethren
4714 N. Sheridan Rd., Peoria, IL 61614
Worship •Workshops • Fellowship • Food
LEADERSHIP WILL INCLUDE
JONATHAN SHIVELY, KEVIN KESSLER, ANNA LEE HISEY PIERSON, DANA MCNEIL, RUBEN DEOLEO, POLO CHOIR, BILL WILLIAMS, AND OTHERS.
Registration from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Registration Fee – $5.00
More registration information will follow later.
Tentative Schedule
9:00 ...... Opening Worship
10:00 ...... Workshops
11:00 ...... Worship
11:45 ...... Potluck lunch
1:00 ...... Workshops
2:00 ...... Workshops
2:50 ...... Closing Worship
Workshop topics to include:
Music and Worship • Computer Safety and Networking
Conflict Resolution • Multicultural Ministry
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 information 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.
COME ENJOY TIME WITH SISTERS AND BROTHERS FROM ACROSS THE DISTRICT!!!
This one-day event is being planned by your District Deacons on behalf of the Leadership Team of the District.
Leadership Team meets at Peoria
The District of Illinois-Wisconsin Leadership Team held its regular meeting December 5th at the Peoria Church of the Brethren with the following attendees; Anna Lee Hisey Pierson, Chm., Carol Novak, Ed Garrison, Bill Pocklington, Bob Champlin, Vernon Dean, Shannon Hinkle. Ex-officio members attending: Kevin Kessler – DE, Orlando Redekopp – Moderator, Lisa Fike – Moderator Elect, Christine Hoecker – Financial Sec., Gil Crosby, Secretary. Absent: Jim Lehman.
Peoria Pastor, Dana McNeil opened the meeting with devotions and an overview of the missions of the Peoria Church.
Chairperson, Anna Lee, brought the meeting to order with a scripture on the “Fishers of Men”, those who are called with no expectation of what tasks are ahead. However we do feel that we have been chosen to do God’s work. The Chairperson then asked each one to share what they felt their calling meant to them.
The Team was then asked, what are the expectations of the Leadership Team in relationship to the work we have been called to do in the Illinois Wisconsin District. Some of the items mentioned were communication, dialog with Churches, be a catalyst for growth, stewardship and setting a clear vision of the Church. The Team then set about to categorize their strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities.
Team liaisons were assigned to District Churches providing the Leadership Team with a direct link to individual Churches. New members of the Team accepted liaison responsibility.
The financial reports showed some investments beginning to regain some of the ground that was lost during the last year. Individual Church commitments are slightly behind pledges but the Treasurer has been able to meet our financial obligations to date.
The Leadership Team received two more requests for Mission and Mortar funds. These are grants or loans to churches in need of funds for specific projects. Yellow Creek requested $2,500 to install a handicap lift device in their church. First Church of Chicago needed $2,500 to help pay for roof repairs. Both requests were granted. First church will receive their funds after the first of the year based on available donations.
The Leadership Team expressed their appreciation to Wilbur Bowman, Evelyn Bowman and Fletcher Farrar, who left Team this year, for their tireless dedication and service to the District over the past years. Their contributions will be missed as will their presence.
The Leadership Team and the New Church Development Team held a joint meeting after lunch. The purpose of these meetings to bring each Team up to date on the others progress in their respective ministry. Apostle, Lynda Lubbs DeVore, regularly attends LT meetings. The Moderator and Moderatorelect are ex-officio members of the NCDT and will scheduled their presence at those meetings.
The meeting was adjourned with prayer.
Peoria Pastor, Dana McNeil opened the meeting with devotions and an overview of the missions of the Peoria Church.
Chairperson, Anna Lee, brought the meeting to order with a scripture on the “Fishers of Men”, those who are called with no expectation of what tasks are ahead. However we do feel that we have been chosen to do God’s work. The Chairperson then asked each one to share what they felt their calling meant to them.
The Team was then asked, what are the expectations of the Leadership Team in relationship to the work we have been called to do in the Illinois Wisconsin District. Some of the items mentioned were communication, dialog with Churches, be a catalyst for growth, stewardship and setting a clear vision of the Church. The Team then set about to categorize their strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities.
Team liaisons were assigned to District Churches providing the Leadership Team with a direct link to individual Churches. New members of the Team accepted liaison responsibility.
The financial reports showed some investments beginning to regain some of the ground that was lost during the last year. Individual Church commitments are slightly behind pledges but the Treasurer has been able to meet our financial obligations to date.
The Leadership Team received two more requests for Mission and Mortar funds. These are grants or loans to churches in need of funds for specific projects. Yellow Creek requested $2,500 to install a handicap lift device in their church. First Church of Chicago needed $2,500 to help pay for roof repairs. Both requests were granted. First church will receive their funds after the first of the year based on available donations.
The Leadership Team expressed their appreciation to Wilbur Bowman, Evelyn Bowman and Fletcher Farrar, who left Team this year, for their tireless dedication and service to the District over the past years. Their contributions will be missed as will their presence.
The Leadership Team and the New Church Development Team held a joint meeting after lunch. The purpose of these meetings to bring each Team up to date on the others progress in their respective ministry. Apostle, Lynda Lubbs DeVore, regularly attends LT meetings. The Moderator and Moderatorelect are ex-officio members of the NCDT and will scheduled their presence at those meetings.
The meeting was adjourned with prayer.
New IRS mileage regulations for 2010
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2010 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2010, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:
The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs as determined by the same study. Independent contractor Runzheimer International conducted the study.
A taxpayer may not use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) or after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle. In addition, the business standard mileage rate cannot be used for any vehicle used for hire or for more than four vehicles used simultaneously.
Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2010, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:
- 50 cents per mile for business miles driven
- 16.5 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
- 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations
The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs as determined by the same study. Independent contractor Runzheimer International conducted the study.
A taxpayer may not use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) or after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle. In addition, the business standard mileage rate cannot be used for any vehicle used for hire or for more than four vehicles used simultaneously.
Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.
District Heritage Team approved
The district’s 300th Anniversary Committee, as an outgrowth of the district’s Historical Committee, began with a request from the Leadership Team to create a group to guide our district’s observance of this historic event. As part of our work we presented at the ‘07 District Conference, a visual and oral presentation of Brethren historical sites by Nevin Dulabaum. A dramatization featuring the lives of George and Anna Wolfe, the first Brethren family in the territory to be Illinois was presented along with the singing of hymns from our heritage. A table display was arranged to include historical clothing, pictures, and printed material in the exhibits.
For the 2008 Annual Conference we prepared a display for the heritage area in the exhibit hall. This included an inter-active timeline on paper, covering the 200 years of our district’s history from 1808, on which people could make entries of their own. A display on Elder George Wolfe featured a replicated gravestone and iron graveyard fence, his picture and brochures. We also offered buttons and stickers bearing the Union County Seal depicting Brother Wolfe and another minister shaking hands in “unity.” In addition were some rare artifacts from our missions in China, as well as from congregations in our district. A digital picture frame displayed historic images of the China Mission. Over a dozen story pages on key historical figures in our district’s history, and a 100 slide PowerPoint presentation of images and district history were included as well. This display was also presented at the 2008 District Conference in Peoria.
Having completed our assignment, a few members of the committee met to review our anniversary activities and consider the need for further efforts to emphasize our unique heritage into the future. Out of this grew the following recommendation to the Leadership Team: That our district appoint a Heritage Team, with the mission to focus interest on Church of the Brethren core values and foundational beliefs. The District Leadership Team approved the proposal at their September, 2009 meeting. As approved, the specific tasks of the Heritage Team will include the following:
For the 2008 Annual Conference we prepared a display for the heritage area in the exhibit hall. This included an inter-active timeline on paper, covering the 200 years of our district’s history from 1808, on which people could make entries of their own. A display on Elder George Wolfe featured a replicated gravestone and iron graveyard fence, his picture and brochures. We also offered buttons and stickers bearing the Union County Seal depicting Brother Wolfe and another minister shaking hands in “unity.” In addition were some rare artifacts from our missions in China, as well as from congregations in our district. A digital picture frame displayed historic images of the China Mission. Over a dozen story pages on key historical figures in our district’s history, and a 100 slide PowerPoint presentation of images and district history were included as well. This display was also presented at the 2008 District Conference in Peoria.
Having completed our assignment, a few members of the committee met to review our anniversary activities and consider the need for further efforts to emphasize our unique heritage into the future. Out of this grew the following recommendation to the Leadership Team: That our district appoint a Heritage Team, with the mission to focus interest on Church of the Brethren core values and foundational beliefs. The District Leadership Team approved the proposal at their September, 2009 meeting. As approved, the specific tasks of the Heritage Team will include the following:
- Provide heritage resources for congregations and pastors using a variety of media for training as well as worship and sermon resources.
- Maintain a heritage page on the District Website.
- Arrange for heritage articles in the District Newsletter.
- Arrange for the preservation and display of historical artifacts from and for the district.
- Produce an updated District History book to pick up from previous volumes (Northern Illinois and Wisconsin, 1941; Southern Illinois, 1950).
- Collect and compile comments from and interviews with members of different age groups on the meaning they find in their involvement within district congregations and institutions.
- Study evangelism and church growth patterns within our denomination and district to determine how growth took place in particular periods of our history.
- Occasional bus trips or excursions to heritage sites within our district.
Brethren Benefit Trust board adopts four new SRI screens
Nov. 25, 2009, Elgin, Ill. -- At its annual fall meeting, the Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust board adopted four additional screens to its Socially Responsible Investing guidelines. Currently, restrictions are in place against investing in companies that generate 10 percent or more of their revenues from defense, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, or pornography. After reviewing Annual Conference statements, four additional areas were identified as SRI screens -- firearms, abortion, child labor, and slavery. BBT and Brethren Foundation use a socially responsible investing strategy, meaning all investments must adhere to the values of the Church of the Brethren. The four new screens will focus on areas that were not previously considered in the screening process but have clearly been addressed in Annual Conference statements.
Great Harvest Church Planting: Denominational Prayer Focus for January 2010
Pray for the assessment process for identifying gifted planters.
Great Harvest Church Planting: Thank You
NCDT gives thanks in appreciation to our partnering churches for their generous support of New Church Development in IL/WI and our church planters during 2009.
Contributing Churches 2009:
Contributing Churches 2009:
- Champaign Church of the Brethren
- New Beginnings Fellowship - Batavia
- Canton Church of the Brethren
- Virden Church of the Brethren
- First Church of the Brethren - Springfield
- Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren
Great Harvest Church Planting
13 our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.
14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will he equality,
15 as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."
2 Corinthians 8:13-15 (NIV)
14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will he equality,
15 as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."
2 Corinthians 8:13-15 (NIV)
Great Harvest Church Planting: Prayer Request
Pray for Bethany student Jeff Foster from DesPlaines Illinois as he and his wife Michelle seek to discern the call to plant a new church.
Great Harvest Church Planting: Contributions
As your church congregation considers their giving to the mission of the district in 2010, we hope that you will consider partnering with New Church Development and our planters.
Your congregation can contribute financially by sending a donation to the NCDT Financial Secretary, Jack Flores at 337 Chaparral Circle, Elgin IL, 60120.
Your contribution can be designated for a specific mission point (our current mission points are Rockford and West Chicago) or to NCDT. Donations designated for NCDT will be split equally between the mission points and the general budget of NCDT.
Your congregation can contribute financially by sending a donation to the NCDT Financial Secretary, Jack Flores at 337 Chaparral Circle, Elgin IL, 60120.
Your contribution can be designated for a specific mission point (our current mission points are Rockford and West Chicago) or to NCDT. Donations designated for NCDT will be split equally between the mission points and the general budget of NCDT.
Great Harvest Church Planting: Prayer Request
Please pray for God’s provision of full salary support for our planter families in 2010 through the generous gifts of the IL/WI District community and friends.
2010 Calendar of events, meetings, etc
JANUARY
6 ....Epiphany
7 ....Douglas Park Steering Committee meeting – Douglas Park COB
9 ....New Church Development Team – Douglas Park
......Program & Arrangements – Cherry Grove
......MLDT meeting – Franklin Grove
16 ..Ill. – Wisc. Leadership Team – Lanark
18 ..Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18-25)
24 ..CODE Winter Meeting (24-28)
FEBRUARY
6 ....New Church Development Team – Conference Call
13 ..District Deacons meeting – Peoria
15 ..President’s Day
17 ..Ash Wednesday
21 ..First Sunday of Lent
MARCH
5 ....World Day of Prayer
6 ....Ill. –Wisc. Leadership Team – Rock Community
13 ..Mission & Ministry Board Meeting, Elgin
......New Church Development Team – Rockford
14 ..Daylight Saving Time Begins
19 ..Illinois Conference of Churches Bi-Annual
......Gathering – Belleville, IL
28 ..Palm Sunday
......Midwest Dist. Executives meet – Camp Mack (28-31)
APRIL
1 ....Maundy Thursday
2 ....Good Friday
4 ....Easter
10 ..New Church Development Team – Starved Rock
17 ..Program & Arrangements – Cherry Grove
22 ..Cross Cultural Consultation – Camp Harmony, Hooversville, PA (22-25)
MAY
1 ....Ill. – Wisc. District Potluck - Peoria
6 ....National Day of Prayer
13 ..Ascension Day
15 ..New Church Development Team - Batavia
20 ..New Church Planting Conf. (20-22)
23 ..Pentecost
29 ..Young Adult Conference
31 ..Memorial Day
JUNE
5 ....Ill. – Wisc. Leadership Team & New Church Development Team – Mt. Morris
JULY
1 ....CODE Summer Meeting (1-3)
3 ....ANNUAL CONFERENCE, Pittsburgh (3-7)
17 ..National Youth Conference (17-22)
AUGUST
7 ....Ill. – Wisc Leadership Team – Douglas Park
14 ..New Church Development Team – Decatur
28 ..Program & Arrangements – Cherry Grove
SEPTEMBER
6 ....Labor Day
11 ..New Church Development Team – York Center
21 ..International Day of Prayer for Peace
23 ..Illinois Conference of Churches Annual Assembly – Springfield
25 ..Ill.-Wisc. Leadership Team – Canton
OCTOBER
2 ....Program & Arrangements – Cherry Grove
3 ....World Communion Sunday
16 ..Mission & Ministry Board
......New Church Development Team – Virden
24 ..Midwest Dist. Executives meet – Camp Mack (24-26)
NOVEMBER
1 ....All Saints Day
2 ....Election Day
5 ....DISTRICT CONFERENCE, Yellow Creek (2-7)
7 ....Daylight Saving Time Ends.
19 ..Ill. – Wisc. Leadership Team – Camp Emmaus
25 ..Thanksgiving Day
28 ..First Sunday of Advent
DECEMBER
4 ....New Church Development Team - Canton
25 ..Christmas Day
31 ..New Year’s Eve.
6 ....Epiphany
7 ....Douglas Park Steering Committee meeting – Douglas Park COB
9 ....New Church Development Team – Douglas Park
......Program & Arrangements – Cherry Grove
......MLDT meeting – Franklin Grove
16 ..Ill. – Wisc. Leadership Team – Lanark
18 ..Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18-25)
24 ..CODE Winter Meeting (24-28)
FEBRUARY
6 ....New Church Development Team – Conference Call
13 ..District Deacons meeting – Peoria
15 ..President’s Day
17 ..Ash Wednesday
21 ..First Sunday of Lent
MARCH
5 ....World Day of Prayer
6 ....Ill. –Wisc. Leadership Team – Rock Community
13 ..Mission & Ministry Board Meeting, Elgin
......New Church Development Team – Rockford
14 ..Daylight Saving Time Begins
19 ..Illinois Conference of Churches Bi-Annual
......Gathering – Belleville, IL
28 ..Palm Sunday
......Midwest Dist. Executives meet – Camp Mack (28-31)
APRIL
1 ....Maundy Thursday
2 ....Good Friday
4 ....Easter
10 ..New Church Development Team – Starved Rock
17 ..Program & Arrangements – Cherry Grove
22 ..Cross Cultural Consultation – Camp Harmony, Hooversville, PA (22-25)
MAY
1 ....Ill. – Wisc. District Potluck - Peoria
6 ....National Day of Prayer
13 ..Ascension Day
15 ..New Church Development Team - Batavia
20 ..New Church Planting Conf. (20-22)
23 ..Pentecost
29 ..Young Adult Conference
31 ..Memorial Day
JUNE
5 ....Ill. – Wisc. Leadership Team & New Church Development Team – Mt. Morris
JULY
1 ....CODE Summer Meeting (1-3)
3 ....ANNUAL CONFERENCE, Pittsburgh (3-7)
17 ..National Youth Conference (17-22)
AUGUST
7 ....Ill. – Wisc Leadership Team – Douglas Park
14 ..New Church Development Team – Decatur
28 ..Program & Arrangements – Cherry Grove
SEPTEMBER
6 ....Labor Day
11 ..New Church Development Team – York Center
21 ..International Day of Prayer for Peace
23 ..Illinois Conference of Churches Annual Assembly – Springfield
25 ..Ill.-Wisc. Leadership Team – Canton
OCTOBER
2 ....Program & Arrangements – Cherry Grove
3 ....World Communion Sunday
16 ..Mission & Ministry Board
......New Church Development Team – Virden
24 ..Midwest Dist. Executives meet – Camp Mack (24-26)
NOVEMBER
1 ....All Saints Day
2 ....Election Day
5 ....DISTRICT CONFERENCE, Yellow Creek (2-7)
7 ....Daylight Saving Time Ends.
19 ..Ill. – Wisc. Leadership Team – Camp Emmaus
25 ..Thanksgiving Day
28 ..First Sunday of Advent
DECEMBER
4 ....New Church Development Team - Canton
25 ..Christmas Day
31 ..New Year’s Eve.
