Monday, February 01, 2010
Before I share a reflection, I would like to reiterate my availability and interest in visiting district churches. I have not yet received an invitation, and frankly, I am disappointed. I would like to make a few visits before district conference. Should I preach at a congregation, I would like to expand on the theme outlined below.Although most district members may not pay much attention to a moderator’s theme, we moderators do spend considerable time thinking about and preparing it. It took me a little bit of time to come to the following theme; the theme comes from the best part of my experience and attention to the moving of the Spirit. It is based on Luke 3.21a: Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized…
District theme: Get in line!
Luke (short version—a sermon would develop this more) sets Jesus in line with others, going to be baptized by John. According to Luke, those in line with Jesus to be baptized were “the crowd,” “tax collectors” and “soldiers” (Luke 3.10-14). Quite a complex of people—the crowds include the poor, with all their contradictions and messes; tax collectors include the seamy business side of life, where wealth is more a burden more than a blessing; and soldiers? Well, they represent the occupying power—Rome—hardly an endearing group of people in line for baptism. But Luke says they are all there, in line, for baptism. Luke adds, and Jesus also. Jesus is in line with the rest.
That is the incongruity or ambiguity of a line: a line says, We are all the same. We get in line at the grocery check-out; we get in line at the bank; we get in line to enter the expressway; we get in line to see the Cubs, White Sox, Bears, Bulls, or our children or grandchildren play; we get in line to get on the bus or train; we line up at church potlucks (and quietly mumble when the line goes slowly); we get in line at the funeral, to view the body. We have lots of experience in lines, with lines. In Chicago, our family likes to get to Sweet Maple Café before 8:30 a.m. to beat the line.
Lines do other things as well. Lines differentiate, or separate. Urban churches line up on one side of an issue; the rural churches on another; liberals (or, progressives, as they sometimes call themselves) line up behind one cause while conservatives line up behind another one. Caucasian churches line up at 11:00 in one part of the state, and churches of color or mixed ones line up at the same time but in another part. Inclusive churches claim to line up on one interpretation of an issue; conservative churches line up at a different place. Peace churches line up separately from “war” churches. Lines are ubiquitous.
Luke pays little attention to our lines. Luke says, if you want to get into the kingdom, if you want to join the kingdom, you have to get in line. When we get in the kingdom line, we find ourselves with many people—some may seem unsavory, heretical or just plain kooky, but Luke says, Get in line—with the full spectrum of humanity.
Luke says, Get in line if you want to join the kingdom, if you want to be part of kingdom work!
[For this sermon’s framework, I am indebted to a sermon by Fred Craddock entitled, “And Jesus also.”]
Orlando Redekopp, Moderator
Illinois-Wisconsin District
That is the incongruity or ambiguity of a line: a line says, We are all the same. We get in line at the grocery check-out; we get in line at the bank; we get in line to enter the expressway; we get in line to see the Cubs, White Sox, Bears, Bulls, or our children or grandchildren play; we get in line to get on the bus or train; we line up at church potlucks (and quietly mumble when the line goes slowly); we get in line at the funeral, to view the body. We have lots of experience in lines, with lines. In Chicago, our family likes to get to Sweet Maple Café before 8:30 a.m. to beat the line.
Lines do other things as well. Lines differentiate, or separate. Urban churches line up on one side of an issue; the rural churches on another; liberals (or, progressives, as they sometimes call themselves) line up behind one cause while conservatives line up behind another one. Caucasian churches line up at 11:00 in one part of the state, and churches of color or mixed ones line up at the same time but in another part. Inclusive churches claim to line up on one interpretation of an issue; conservative churches line up at a different place. Peace churches line up separately from “war” churches. Lines are ubiquitous.
Luke pays little attention to our lines. Luke says, if you want to get into the kingdom, if you want to join the kingdom, you have to get in line. When we get in the kingdom line, we find ourselves with many people—some may seem unsavory, heretical or just plain kooky, but Luke says, Get in line—with the full spectrum of humanity.
Luke says, Get in line if you want to join the kingdom, if you want to be part of kingdom work!
[For this sermon’s framework, I am indebted to a sermon by Fred Craddock entitled, “And Jesus also.”]
Orlando Redekopp, Moderator
Illinois-Wisconsin District
Honduras Mission Trip - 2010
What a world of change I’ve experienced in the last 24 hours! From the third poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, cold showers, sleeping on a mat on the floor of a school, hearing roosters crow all night, people working for 1 to 2 dollars a day if they can find work, and roads that are often traveled at 5 miles per hour, to the world you and I live in. Yet the people in Honduras are very warm and loving, welcoming us with open arms (literally) and desire a better life for themselves and their children.
Our project this year was to work with the community of Las Palmas in Southern Honduras to build 5 block houses 18 feet square with metal roofs and a 10,000 gallon water tank on a hill.
A considerable amount of pre-work had been done before our arrival, but considerable sand, gravel, and water still needed to be obtained from the local streams.
The most impressive thing for me was the amount of material needed for the water tank, and the energy needs to move the materials up the 45° angle hill a distance of 75 yards. The material list includes…
Local masons were hired for under $20.00 per day to be the builders for the houses and the water tank. Mason’s assistants, local people, and our trippers worked to keep blocks, bricks, stones, and mortar to the masons and to fill in any way we could to help. The day the top of the tank was poured, 19 batches of concrete were mixed on the ground in 2 hours and passed up on the tank in buckets.
An agreement has been reached with a nongovernment agency to drill a well at the foot of the hill to provide water to the tank for the community of 80 families. The people will dig the trenches and install the water lines themselves.
At the end of group #2, the 5 homes and the water tank were complete, and in an informal gathering up on the hill by the tank, we turned over the responsibility of the tank to the community.
MISSION COMPLETED!!
Bill Hare
Project Coordinator
Our project this year was to work with the community of Las Palmas in Southern Honduras to build 5 block houses 18 feet square with metal roofs and a 10,000 gallon water tank on a hill.
A considerable amount of pre-work had been done before our arrival, but considerable sand, gravel, and water still needed to be obtained from the local streams.
The most impressive thing for me was the amount of material needed for the water tank, and the energy needs to move the materials up the 45° angle hill a distance of 75 yards. The material list includes…
All of this was carried up the hill by 4 mules, dozens of local people, and trippers in our groups. Our people contributed only a small part of the work, and the local people a huge part.
Sand 60 tons Gravel 7 tons Rock 10 tons 230 bags of cement 10 tons 3500 gallons of water 14 tons 4000 bricks 14 tons TOTAL 115 tons …plus lumber and 220 pieces of 20 foot long re-bar.
Local masons were hired for under $20.00 per day to be the builders for the houses and the water tank. Mason’s assistants, local people, and our trippers worked to keep blocks, bricks, stones, and mortar to the masons and to fill in any way we could to help. The day the top of the tank was poured, 19 batches of concrete were mixed on the ground in 2 hours and passed up on the tank in buckets.
An agreement has been reached with a nongovernment agency to drill a well at the foot of the hill to provide water to the tank for the community of 80 families. The people will dig the trenches and install the water lines themselves.
At the end of group #2, the 5 homes and the water tank were complete, and in an informal gathering up on the hill by the tank, we turned over the responsibility of the tank to the community.
MISSION COMPLETED!!
Bill Hare
Project Coordinator
Illinois/Wisconsin Spring District Youth Retreat
March 19-21, 2010
Springfield First Church of the Brethren
“Christ in the City”
Where: Springfield First Church of the Brethren, 2115 S. Yale Blvd., Springfield, Ill.
Who: All youth currently in 9th-12th grades, and advisors
Theme: “Christ in the City”
Leadership: Guest leaders will include Fletcher Farrar, who has been active in neighborhood redevelopment; Springfield pastor Kres Lipscomb, and others.
Schedule: Registration begins at 8 p.m. Friday evening; we'll finish after worship on Sunday morning. In addition to our sessions and a city walking tour, the weekend will include meals and snacks, times of worship, recreation and games, service opportunities, and more.
How much?: $30 for youth; advisors accompanying youth attend at no charge.
Please register by March 12. At least 12 registrations are needed by that date or the retreat will be cancelled. Forms and further information on the district youth program are available at www.cobyouth.org.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Have you registered for National Youth Conference?
Registration is open at www.brethren.org
The conference will be held July 17-22 in Fort Collins, Colorado!
Springfield First Church of the Brethren
“Christ in the City”
Where: Springfield First Church of the Brethren, 2115 S. Yale Blvd., Springfield, Ill.
Who: All youth currently in 9th-12th grades, and advisors
Theme: “Christ in the City”
Leadership: Guest leaders will include Fletcher Farrar, who has been active in neighborhood redevelopment; Springfield pastor Kres Lipscomb, and others.
Schedule: Registration begins at 8 p.m. Friday evening; we'll finish after worship on Sunday morning. In addition to our sessions and a city walking tour, the weekend will include meals and snacks, times of worship, recreation and games, service opportunities, and more.
How much?: $30 for youth; advisors accompanying youth attend at no charge.
Please register by March 12. At least 12 registrations are needed by that date or the retreat will be cancelled. Forms and further information on the district youth program are available at www.cobyouth.org.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Have you registered for National Youth Conference?
Registration is open at www.brethren.org
The conference will be held July 17-22 in Fort Collins, Colorado!
District Potluck - May 1, 2010
at
Peoria Church of the Brethren
4714 N. Sheridan Rd., Peoria, IL 61614
Worship •Workshops • Fellowship • Food
Registration Fee – $5.00, but no one will be turned away
Registration deadline prior to the district potluck, April 10.
You may attend without registering ahead of time.
Each person should bring a potluck dish to enjoy with others from across the district.
Drinks and table service will be provided.
Registration from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
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 and leaders:
- Music and Worship – Jonathan Shively
- Computer Safety and Networking – Bill Williams
- Matthew 18 Deacon Training – Donna Kline
- Multicultural Ministry – Reuben Deoleo
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.
Please complete the bottom portion, detach, and return with the registration fee to the DISTRICT OFFICE at 269 E. CHESTNUT ST., CANTON, IL 61520. Make checks payable to the District of IL/WI. NOTE: If you know how many are planning to attend from your congregation but are unsure of who, please return the form with the name of congregation and number attending. This will help us plan for the day. THANK YOU.
We look forward to seeing you and visiting on Saturday, May 1, 2010, at Peoria.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Name ____________________________________________
Congregation ____________________________________
Address _________________________________________
Phone Number ____________________________________
Amount Enclosed ______________
Number Attending ______________
Part 1: Understanding Patterns of Congregational Conflict
Webinar Series for pastors and members! No pre-registration. No fee.
Date & Time:
(please note start time by time zone; connect 10 minutes before start of webcast)
www.bethanyseminary.edu/webcast/transformation2010
(Scroll page, click link for Celia Cook-Huffman webinar, instructions at sign-in page)
CEU:
0.1 (Live session only; attend 1 hour session either Tuesday or Thursday)
Description:
This workshop/webinar is the first in a three part series exploring congregational conflict. Congregations like other organizations experience conflict regularly. This conflict can be productive, spurring creativity and growth or destructive leading to polarization and paralysis. The first tool in making conflict more productive is analysis–developing the capacity to understand the sources of conflict so that destructive patterns can be identified and transformed.
Presenter:
Celia Cook-Huffman, Ph.D is an educator and trainer. She is Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College, Associate Director of the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, and Director of Baker Mediation Services. Dr. Cook- Huffman has worked as a consultant and trainer for over 20 years with private and public organizations, including her work with Church of the Brethren Congregations. Her consulting work includes conflict transformation and change management, conflict resolution training, leadership training, assessing gender dynamics in conflict, and mediation.
More Information Prior to Event:
Stan Dueck, Director for Transforming Practices Mission & Ministry, Church of the Brethren 717-335-3226
The webinar is a collaborative resource by Congregational Life Ministries—MMCOB, Bethany Theological Seminary, and Brethren Academy
Date & Time:
(please note start time by time zone; connect 10 minutes before start of webcast)
- Tuesday, February 16, 12:30-1:30pm PST / 3:30-4:30pm EST:
- Thursday, February 18, 5:30-6:30pm PST / 8:30-9:30pm EST: (repeat)
www.bethanyseminary.edu/webcast/transformation2010
(Scroll page, click link for Celia Cook-Huffman webinar, instructions at sign-in page)
CEU:
0.1 (Live session only; attend 1 hour session either Tuesday or Thursday)
Description:
This workshop/webinar is the first in a three part series exploring congregational conflict. Congregations like other organizations experience conflict regularly. This conflict can be productive, spurring creativity and growth or destructive leading to polarization and paralysis. The first tool in making conflict more productive is analysis–developing the capacity to understand the sources of conflict so that destructive patterns can be identified and transformed.
Presenter:
Celia Cook-Huffman, Ph.D is an educator and trainer. She is Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College, Associate Director of the Baker Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, and Director of Baker Mediation Services. Dr. Cook- Huffman has worked as a consultant and trainer for over 20 years with private and public organizations, including her work with Church of the Brethren Congregations. Her consulting work includes conflict transformation and change management, conflict resolution training, leadership training, assessing gender dynamics in conflict, and mediation.
More Information Prior to Event:
Stan Dueck, Director for Transforming Practices Mission & Ministry, Church of the Brethren 717-335-3226
The webinar is a collaborative resource by Congregational Life Ministries—MMCOB, Bethany Theological Seminary, and Brethren Academy
National Public Radio showcases Conscientious Objectors
NPR’s evening news program, “All things Considered” presented a story on December 30 about CO’s work in mental hospitals during WW II. Groups specifically mentioned included the Church of the Brethren as those who chose not to bear arms during the conflict but accepted alternative service, specifically in the nation’s mental hospitals. Out of 10 million draftees, 40,000 refused to serve in the armed forces. Of that number 3,000 were assigned to 62 mental hospitals in the US. Most were Brethren, Mennonite and Quakers.
The conditions they found in the hospitals were appalling and many of the regular attendants treated the inmates like animals... or worse. The CO’s remembered the filth and smell of the places. The CO’s tried to show the patients and attendants the difference between violence and force. They may have to restrain a person but not beat them in the process.
Near the end of the war the Pacifists were worried that when the war was over they would be gone and nobody would be there for the inmates. So they came up with a plan. A Quaker, Charlie Lord, began to secretly take photographs of the conditions inside the institution where he worked. They met with newspapers describing the conditions in the mental hospitals.
NPR says one of the first people to see the photographs was Eleanor Roosevelt. She was finally convinced they were authentic and from a local hospital and began writing to Government health officials and journalists.
The biggest break came in May 1948 when LIFE Magazine published the photographs and ran the story. The immediate reaction from people was that these were photos from the Nazi concentration camps. They couldn’t believe that Americans treated people this way. A national uproar was created. Legislation was passed and the hospitals began to use humane treatment for mental patients in state hospitals.
While good men were fighting overseas against oppression, Conscientious Objectors were fighting against inhumanity here on the home front. If you want to see more about this story log on to www.NPR.org and type in Conscientious Objectors.
If you have a story about CO’s that you would like to share in the Newsletter, Please send it to me at crosbygm@juno.com or Gil Crosby, 1174 N. Elm Ct., East Peoria, IL 61611
The conditions they found in the hospitals were appalling and many of the regular attendants treated the inmates like animals... or worse. The CO’s remembered the filth and smell of the places. The CO’s tried to show the patients and attendants the difference between violence and force. They may have to restrain a person but not beat them in the process.
Near the end of the war the Pacifists were worried that when the war was over they would be gone and nobody would be there for the inmates. So they came up with a plan. A Quaker, Charlie Lord, began to secretly take photographs of the conditions inside the institution where he worked. They met with newspapers describing the conditions in the mental hospitals.
NPR says one of the first people to see the photographs was Eleanor Roosevelt. She was finally convinced they were authentic and from a local hospital and began writing to Government health officials and journalists.
The biggest break came in May 1948 when LIFE Magazine published the photographs and ran the story. The immediate reaction from people was that these were photos from the Nazi concentration camps. They couldn’t believe that Americans treated people this way. A national uproar was created. Legislation was passed and the hospitals began to use humane treatment for mental patients in state hospitals.
While good men were fighting overseas against oppression, Conscientious Objectors were fighting against inhumanity here on the home front. If you want to see more about this story log on to www.NPR.org and type in Conscientious Objectors.
If you have a story about CO’s that you would like to share in the Newsletter, Please send it to me at crosbygm@juno.com or Gil Crosby, 1174 N. Elm Ct., East Peoria, IL 61611
Registration Opens for Bethany’s Presidential Forum
Bethany Theological Seminary's third Presidential Forum will take place on April 9-10, 2010. Titled When Strangers Are Angels (the spiritual and social movements of Brethren, Friends, and Mennonites in a new century), this Forum will bring persons from all three historic peace traditions together to explore what our historical inheritances offer to the 21st century church and the world. We will explore such questions as: What have been and are each movements' understandings of the relationship between Christ and culture? How do our understandings of scripture and our spiritual practices address social concerns of today and extend hospitality in a blessed and broken world? We will examine three dimensions of the “stranger”: the stranger within ourselves, the strangers or estrangements within our own faith communities or between our faith communities, and the ways we respond to strangers in the wide world around us.
Dr. Martin Marty, distinguished service professor emeritus at the University of Chicago and columnist for The Christian Century, will be the keynote speaker. Other leadership will include representatives from each of the historic peace churches. The Forum also will feature a play titled Man from Magdalena, written by Earlham School of Religion student Patty Willis and including musical compositions by Mary Lou Prince, music director/composer in residence at the Unitarian Universalist congregation of Green Valley, Arizona. Scott Holland, professor of theology & cultureand director of peace studies and crosscultural studies at Bethany, will give a presentation titled "Intertextual Interpretation: When Jesus is a Stranger." The Forum also will include times of worship and small group discussion.
The Forum will begin with check-in at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 9, and conclude at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 10. Follow the link at the end of this e-mail to see a complete schedule.
Prior to the Forum, Bethany alumni/ae and friends are invited to a Pre-Forum Gathering beginning with dinner on Thursday, April 8. The Pre-Forum Gathering will explore the Forum theme especially as it relates to the Church of the Brethren. Five Bethany faculty members will lead plenary sessions. Steven Schweitzer, academic dean, will focus on the Old Testament. Dan Ulrich, professor of New Testament studies, will compare the Matthew 25 and 28 passages. Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm, associate professor of preaching and worship, will lead a session on preaching our legacy from the pulpit. Tara Hornbacker, associate professor of ministry formation, and Russell Haitch, associate professor of Christian education and director of the Institute for Ministry With Youth and Young Adults, will co-lead a session exploring the topic, “How is the church today living out Church of the Brethren values?” Follow the links at the end of this e-mail to see more information about the Pre-Forum Gathering and a complete schedule.
Continuing education units will be available: .5 for either the Pre-Forum Gathering or the Forum, or 1 CEU for both events. Follow the link at the end of this e-mail for more information about CEUs.
The basic registration fee for the Forum is $75 and $25 for students; the registration fee for the Pre-Forum Gathering is $25. Meals for both events are available for an additional charge. Follow the link at the end of this e-mail to register online.
Questions about the Forum may be directed to Marcia Shetler, director of public relations, shetlma@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1823.
Dr. Martin Marty, distinguished service professor emeritus at the University of Chicago and columnist for The Christian Century, will be the keynote speaker. Other leadership will include representatives from each of the historic peace churches. The Forum also will feature a play titled Man from Magdalena, written by Earlham School of Religion student Patty Willis and including musical compositions by Mary Lou Prince, music director/composer in residence at the Unitarian Universalist congregation of Green Valley, Arizona. Scott Holland, professor of theology & cultureand director of peace studies and crosscultural studies at Bethany, will give a presentation titled "Intertextual Interpretation: When Jesus is a Stranger." The Forum also will include times of worship and small group discussion.
The Forum will begin with check-in at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 9, and conclude at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 10. Follow the link at the end of this e-mail to see a complete schedule.
Prior to the Forum, Bethany alumni/ae and friends are invited to a Pre-Forum Gathering beginning with dinner on Thursday, April 8. The Pre-Forum Gathering will explore the Forum theme especially as it relates to the Church of the Brethren. Five Bethany faculty members will lead plenary sessions. Steven Schweitzer, academic dean, will focus on the Old Testament. Dan Ulrich, professor of New Testament studies, will compare the Matthew 25 and 28 passages. Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm, associate professor of preaching and worship, will lead a session on preaching our legacy from the pulpit. Tara Hornbacker, associate professor of ministry formation, and Russell Haitch, associate professor of Christian education and director of the Institute for Ministry With Youth and Young Adults, will co-lead a session exploring the topic, “How is the church today living out Church of the Brethren values?” Follow the links at the end of this e-mail to see more information about the Pre-Forum Gathering and a complete schedule.
Continuing education units will be available: .5 for either the Pre-Forum Gathering or the Forum, or 1 CEU for both events. Follow the link at the end of this e-mail for more information about CEUs.
The basic registration fee for the Forum is $75 and $25 for students; the registration fee for the Pre-Forum Gathering is $25. Meals for both events are available for an additional charge. Follow the link at the end of this e-mail to register online.
Questions about the Forum may be directed to Marcia Shetler, director of public relations, shetlma@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1823.
Hygiene Kits assembled for Haiti
The Franklin Grove Church of the Brethren is well on its was to meet their goal of assembling 50 hygiene kits for Haiti. The congregation already collected supplies for 30 kits. The target date for shipment is
the first of February.
Other Churches are gathering items for the hygiene kits or school kits to be sent to the people of Haiti. Let us know what your congregation is doing. What should the District goal be for the number of kits sent to the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor for distribution?
Items for the Hygiene Kits are:
- 1 hand towel
- 1 washcloth
- 1 wide tooth comb
- 1 bar of soap
- 1 nail clipper
- 1 toothbrush
- 6 band-aids
- all in quart ziplock bag
- 1 pair blunt scissors
- 3 spiral (8 x 10) notebooks
- 1 metric ruler
- 1 large eraser
- 1 pencil sharpener
- 1 box of 24 crayons
- 6 new pencils with erasers
- all in cotton cloth bag with handles.
2010 Way of Christ Weekends
Men’s Weekend - March 4-7
Women’s Weekend - March 11-14
Jesus said, “… I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10b
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 believer’s grace-filled life may, in a natural loving way, be lived and shared with others. To take part in a weekend, contact one of the following.
..tbe Way of Christ, A lay led, Believers’ Church, Cursillo movement of Brethren & Mennonite Christians…
CONTACT:
Phil Kaufmann at 815-646-4889 or ppkman@comcast.net
Judd Peter at 630-554-1217 or juddpeter@EarthLink.net
Dan Rusmisel at 815-238-3421 or d_rusmiselle@yahoo.com
Cal Zehr at 815-646-4287 or cczehr@juno.com
Women’s Weekend - March 11-14
Jesus said, “… I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10b
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 believer’s grace-filled life may, in a natural loving way, be lived and shared with others. To take part in a weekend, contact one of the following.
..tbe Way of Christ, A lay led, Believers’ Church, Cursillo movement of Brethren & Mennonite Christians…
CONTACT:
Phil Kaufmann at 815-646-4889 or ppkman@comcast.net
Judd Peter at 630-554-1217 or juddpeter@EarthLink.net
Dan Rusmisel at 815-238-3421 or d_rusmiselle@yahoo.com
Cal Zehr at 815-646-4287 or cczehr@juno.com
Leadership team meets at the Freeport Church of the Brethren
The Illinois-Wisconsin District Leadership Team met January 16th at the Freeport Church for their regular meeting. Those present were Anna Lee Hisey Pierson, Bob Champlin, Kevin Kessler, Ed Garrison, Lynda DeVore, Carol Novak, Vernon Dean, Jim Lehman, Shannon Hinkle, Bill Pocklington and a visitor Walter Wallace.Chairperson, Anna Lee called the meeting to order with devotions by our District Executive, Kevin Kessler. Bother Kessler used John 3 and the section about being born again as his text. Newer translations say must be born from above or born anew rather than other translations saying “born again”. He said change is not something we bring about. It must be done by the Spirit who can work through us.
We began by reviewing our strengths and weaknesses that had been identified the previous meeting. One of our main tasks is communication and trust. We need to communicate the beneficial work the District does for the Churches and the Brethren. How do we motivate Churches and the Leadership Team to help the District grow and develop? We must come together to achieve our mission. The Team is working on a Mission statement that includes words like lead, inspire, work and grow.
The minutes of December 5th meeting at Peoria were approved as printed with one correction that Moderator Orlando Redekopp was present.
The Treasurers report showed positive results that were helped by the rebound in the stock market. Church contributions fell under budget but expenses also came in lower than expected. Some wondered if we did not spend our budget were we doing our job. Those who donated $200 or more will be receiving tax letters shortly.
Kevin presented his report to the Team. He spent much time working with Ministry Teams and the Douglas Park steering committee. Several of the Ministry Teams did not report because they had not met in the new year yet.
People are still confused about the Property Covenant letter sent out by the Team. When you put these covenants in your deeds or constitutions you are not signing your property over to the District. You are protecting your property from takeover from outside groups.
Chairperson, Anna Lee, and DE, Kevin Kessler, met with the congregation at the Virden Church of the Brethren to hear their concerns about an event at the District Conference. Churches are concerned about Annual Conferences statement on Human Sexuality and how the District will approach the subject.
New Church Development Team Apostle, Lynda DeVore, reported progress with church planting. She also said that we need growth, health and development from our existing churches if we expect newly planted churches to succeed as well. The NCDT and LT work together to bring about the planting of new congregations in our District.
Bill Pocklington has created a YAHOO community page so all of our reports, minutes and papers can be posted so everyone on the Leadership Team can have easy access to the information.
Lynda closed with prayer.
Naperville Church of the Brethren Deacon Training
When: Saturday, March 20, 2010, 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Where: Naperville Church of the Brethren
1020 West Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL
Workshops:
Registration: Contact the Naperville CoB at 630-355-7171.
Cost is $15 per person; lunch is included.
Deadline: Monday, March 15
Where: Naperville Church of the Brethren
1020 West Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL
Workshops:
- What Are Deacons supposed to do, anyway?
- Congregational peacemaking
- Deacons and Pastors: The pastoral care team
Registration: Contact the Naperville CoB at 630-355-7171.
Cost is $15 per person; lunch is included.
Deadline: Monday, March 15
Older Adult Month
See, I am doing a new thing!Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:19 NIV
Many people view old age as a “desert time” ~ arid and desolate, barren and lonely, monotonous and unwelcoming. Those words paint a pretty bleak picture of the last years of life. With images such as these, it is no wonder this worldly idea of aging is greeted with dread and disdain. With apprehension, people cling to the false hope of a fountain of youth, for who would want to age into a vast wasteland of meaningless years?
But this is not what God has in mind for our later years.
doing new things, bearing fruit, and striving toward what lies ahead. | gift of nature, but age is a work of art.” Garson Kanin |
Fresh and flourishing. Oasis, not desert.
The Biblical vision of aging is a time of finding new meaning and purpose in life; God doing new things in the lives of elders. The Bible is full of stories of older adults answering God’s call to be actively involved in God’s work in the world. Moses and Aaron were in their 80’s when God chose them to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Daniel was also in his ninth decade when God proved His faithfulness by protecting Daniel from harm in the lions’ den. Abram was 100 and his wife, Sarai, 90, when she bore their son, Isaac, and they experienced the joy of a child in their old age. Zacharias and Elizabeth were both well advanced in years when Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist. Simeon and Anna. Paul. And many others.
Stories of God doing a new thing in one’s later years. Stories of new life.
The last part of life is not like the beginning; it is not a repeat of the first half. The second half is a different adventure—deeper, richer, fuller—as new things and new opportunities continue to unfold in our lives. Just like the people of the Bible, we can be called to new experiences and ways to serve in our “old age.” We can walk in the newness of life if we are open to hearing the call.
Walk in the newness of life!
Older Adult Ministry
(800) 323-8039
www.brethren.org/OAM
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
9 ....Program & Arrangements – Cherry Grove
9 ....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
6 ....Pastoral Leadership Workshop – Peoria
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
13 ..New Church Development Team – Rockford
14 ..Daylight Saving Time Begins
19 ..Illinois Conference of Churches Bi-Annual Gathering – Belleville, IL
28 ..Palm Sunday
28 ..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
16 ...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
9 ....Program & Arrangements – Cherry Grove
9 ....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
6 ....Pastoral Leadership Workshop – Peoria
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
13 ..New Church Development Team – Rockford
14 ..Daylight Saving Time Begins
19 ..Illinois Conference of Churches Bi-Annual Gathering – Belleville, IL
28 ..Palm Sunday
28 ..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
16 ...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.
