Tuesday, June 01, 2010
From the District Moderator
On not hindering God
Last month I was still writing about invitations. Not this month. Though I am still available to visit.
This month I would like to come back to my theme for the year. Get in line with Jesus.
This theme is based on the story in Luke 3, where Jesus gets in line like all the others, to be baptized by John the Baptizer: Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized... Jesus was in line with others, those described by Luke as the crowd, the tax collectors, and the soldiers (3.10-14). Luke pictures Jesus in line, like all the others, to be baptized.
When we are in line, we say, I am like the rest of you. We line up at the ATM, at the ball game, at the church potluck, at the funeral review, at the airport, at the concert. We are like the concert goers, like the church members, like citizens who need to show their ID. Claims to special consideration are out of place, unbecoming.
According to Luke’s picture of Jesus, we need to get in line with Jesus to join the kingdom. We share the same calling—Jesus’ disciples. And the way to become a disciple is to get in line.
Ahead of us—or behind us—may be tax collectors, soldiers, the poor. Jesus is in line with them—with us. [I am not anxious to step on anyone’s toes—or faith; I do, however, want to be in the discipleship line.]
Luke does not make any distinctions as to who is in line with Jesus; From the crowds to the sleazy tax collectors to soldiers. Some of our churches make distinctions as to who can get in line. Some churches see their integrity at stake by confining the line to those without spot or blemish [see 2 Peter 3.14]. Some take over Jesus’ prerogative of line participation through doctrinal scrutiny.
I like the words in Revelation: The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let everyone who hears say, "Come." And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift [Rev 22.17]. The King James Version has an unforgettable phrase, “whosoever will.” That is quite wide open.
These words are pertinent to our discussions around the question of sexuality, of war and peace, of nationalism, of our economy and ecology, and more. The water of life is a gift—a gift freely offered by God. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us [Romans 5.8].
I am ready to follow Peter, when he defends himself for stepping outside a particular understanding of faith in light of the work of the Holy Spirit descending upon Gentiles. With Peter, I would like to say, “Who am I to hinder God?”
Or, with Moses—as he counters those who wish to control prophetic speech, to credential it: “Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord’s spirit would rest on them all!” [Num 11.29].”
Orlando Redekopp, Moderator
Illinois-Wisconsin District
Last month I was still writing about invitations. Not this month. Though I am still available to visit.This month I would like to come back to my theme for the year. Get in line with Jesus.
This theme is based on the story in Luke 3, where Jesus gets in line like all the others, to be baptized by John the Baptizer: Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized... Jesus was in line with others, those described by Luke as the crowd, the tax collectors, and the soldiers (3.10-14). Luke pictures Jesus in line, like all the others, to be baptized.
When we are in line, we say, I am like the rest of you. We line up at the ATM, at the ball game, at the church potluck, at the funeral review, at the airport, at the concert. We are like the concert goers, like the church members, like citizens who need to show their ID. Claims to special consideration are out of place, unbecoming.
According to Luke’s picture of Jesus, we need to get in line with Jesus to join the kingdom. We share the same calling—Jesus’ disciples. And the way to become a disciple is to get in line.
Ahead of us—or behind us—may be tax collectors, soldiers, the poor. Jesus is in line with them—with us. [I am not anxious to step on anyone’s toes—or faith; I do, however, want to be in the discipleship line.]
Luke does not make any distinctions as to who is in line with Jesus; From the crowds to the sleazy tax collectors to soldiers. Some of our churches make distinctions as to who can get in line. Some churches see their integrity at stake by confining the line to those without spot or blemish [see 2 Peter 3.14]. Some take over Jesus’ prerogative of line participation through doctrinal scrutiny.
I like the words in Revelation: The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let everyone who hears say, "Come." And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift [Rev 22.17]. The King James Version has an unforgettable phrase, “whosoever will.” That is quite wide open.
These words are pertinent to our discussions around the question of sexuality, of war and peace, of nationalism, of our economy and ecology, and more. The water of life is a gift—a gift freely offered by God. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us [Romans 5.8].
I am ready to follow Peter, when he defends himself for stepping outside a particular understanding of faith in light of the work of the Holy Spirit descending upon Gentiles. With Peter, I would like to say, “Who am I to hinder God?”
Or, with Moses—as he counters those who wish to control prophetic speech, to credential it: “Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord’s spirit would rest on them all!” [Num 11.29].”
Orlando Redekopp, Moderator
Illinois-Wisconsin District
DE Ponderings
by Kevin Kessler, District Executive
The price sticker on the back of the book read $26.50. I bought the book brand new, not for the sticker price, but for $1.00 at the Dollar Tree store where everything is a dollar or less. After spending time with the book, I determined I got a real bargain. It’s written by Robert Fulghum and entitled What on Earth Have I Done? Stories, Observations, and Affirmations. You may recognize the author’s name. He also wrote the #1 bestseller, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. If you have a Dollar Tree store near you, check to see if the book is stocked on their shelves. It’s well worth the dollar.
The back flap of the book’s dust jacket states that Fulghum is “one of America’s great essayists, a man who has two feet planted firmly on the earth, one eye on the heavens, and, at times, a tongue planted firmly in his cheek.” This may be the reason I’ve found the book such a delight to read. Fulghum writes with confidence about life’s experiences, yet with a humble attitude of not always getting it right. In the midst of mistakes, he is able to laugh at himself while adding tongue-in-cheek humor. Amazingly, Fulghum draws me into his stories in such a way that I feel like I’m a participant, sharing in the roller coaster of emotions evident in his writing. Many of Fulghum’s stories leave me in a reflective mood, as well, providing opportunity to ponder upon my own life experiences or to consider responses to rhetorical questions he poses.
This particular interrogatory statement from his book is an example: “The question is not, ‘Is what you have sufficient?’ but ‘Are you sufficient for what you have?’” I was immediately impacted by this statement, but I began to reflect upon it more deeply as I read again these words I penned regarding my call to ministry: I believe that the call to ministry is never static; in other words, a call for a specific ministry does not preclude a person from considering additional ministry opportunities. In fact, a call to a specific ministry opens up the floodgate to many opportunities, especially if a person is willing to explore, study, learn, and grow. This has been especially true for me as I have found that the more I explore, study, learn, and grow the more opportunities arise for engaging in some new phase of ministry. The parable of the talents applies (Matthew 25:14-30). As we wisely use and increase what God has given to us, more will be added for us to care for. I believe we fail to be a blessing to God if we fail to take on added responsibility. At the very least, exploring and counting the cost of a new commitment seems appropriate, if not imperative.
What I have is of less importance than what I do with what I have. Giving sufficient attention to what I have presently will ensure the sufficiency of what I have in the future, and what I will be able to do.
Still true today is the old adage that 20% of the people do 80% of the work. Why? Because, speaking strictly anecdotally, those who are working most diligently are comfortable with the sufficiency of what they have and are sufficient in using it. As a result, more is piled on their plate because it becomes known how sufficient they are, thus, their sufficiency is rewarded (not hampered) in the confidence others have in them to do even more.
Being sufficient may seem like a curse—added responsibility—but the reality is that sufficiency is a blessing. The blessing is twofold. The sufficient one is duly recognized as a very capable person. Additionally, the needs of those being served will be met.
The Apostle Paul asked three times to have the “thorn” removed from his flesh. Much speculation surrounds what the “thorn” may have been. Maybe Paul felt overwhelmed with the responsibility heaped upon him to take the gospel to the Gentile nations. Could it be he felt insufficient? Remember the words he received? “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
When God’s power becomes our sufficiency, the answer to the question, Are you sufficient for what you have, seems obvious.
The price sticker on the back of the book read $26.50. I bought the book brand new, not for the sticker price, but for $1.00 at the Dollar Tree store where everything is a dollar or less. After spending time with the book, I determined I got a real bargain. It’s written by Robert Fulghum and entitled What on Earth Have I Done? Stories, Observations, and Affirmations. You may recognize the author’s name. He also wrote the #1 bestseller, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. If you have a Dollar Tree store near you, check to see if the book is stocked on their shelves. It’s well worth the dollar.The back flap of the book’s dust jacket states that Fulghum is “one of America’s great essayists, a man who has two feet planted firmly on the earth, one eye on the heavens, and, at times, a tongue planted firmly in his cheek.” This may be the reason I’ve found the book such a delight to read. Fulghum writes with confidence about life’s experiences, yet with a humble attitude of not always getting it right. In the midst of mistakes, he is able to laugh at himself while adding tongue-in-cheek humor. Amazingly, Fulghum draws me into his stories in such a way that I feel like I’m a participant, sharing in the roller coaster of emotions evident in his writing. Many of Fulghum’s stories leave me in a reflective mood, as well, providing opportunity to ponder upon my own life experiences or to consider responses to rhetorical questions he poses.
This particular interrogatory statement from his book is an example: “The question is not, ‘Is what you have sufficient?’ but ‘Are you sufficient for what you have?’” I was immediately impacted by this statement, but I began to reflect upon it more deeply as I read again these words I penned regarding my call to ministry: I believe that the call to ministry is never static; in other words, a call for a specific ministry does not preclude a person from considering additional ministry opportunities. In fact, a call to a specific ministry opens up the floodgate to many opportunities, especially if a person is willing to explore, study, learn, and grow. This has been especially true for me as I have found that the more I explore, study, learn, and grow the more opportunities arise for engaging in some new phase of ministry. The parable of the talents applies (Matthew 25:14-30). As we wisely use and increase what God has given to us, more will be added for us to care for. I believe we fail to be a blessing to God if we fail to take on added responsibility. At the very least, exploring and counting the cost of a new commitment seems appropriate, if not imperative.
What I have is of less importance than what I do with what I have. Giving sufficient attention to what I have presently will ensure the sufficiency of what I have in the future, and what I will be able to do.
Still true today is the old adage that 20% of the people do 80% of the work. Why? Because, speaking strictly anecdotally, those who are working most diligently are comfortable with the sufficiency of what they have and are sufficient in using it. As a result, more is piled on their plate because it becomes known how sufficient they are, thus, their sufficiency is rewarded (not hampered) in the confidence others have in them to do even more.
Being sufficient may seem like a curse—added responsibility—but the reality is that sufficiency is a blessing. The blessing is twofold. The sufficient one is duly recognized as a very capable person. Additionally, the needs of those being served will be met.
The Apostle Paul asked three times to have the “thorn” removed from his flesh. Much speculation surrounds what the “thorn” may have been. Maybe Paul felt overwhelmed with the responsibility heaped upon him to take the gospel to the Gentile nations. Could it be he felt insufficient? Remember the words he received? “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
When God’s power becomes our sufficiency, the answer to the question, Are you sufficient for what you have, seems obvious.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
Illinois/Wisconsin District Deacons
Potluck An Outstanding Success!
Illinois/Wisconsin held its first District Potluck at the First Church of the Brethren in Peoria (IL) on May 1, 2010. Nearly 100 persons attended the event.
District Deacons sponsored the Pot Luck and Workshops for the purpose of bringing the district together for a day of learning, fellowship and worship. The gathering included a delicious potluck, carry-in meal. In grand Brethren style, plenty of food arrived for all of the Illinois/Wisconsin District to enjoy. In addition, a potluck of workshops addressing the topics of music and worship, congregational conflict management, intercultural ministry, and computer usage, safety, and security filled out the event including several opportunities for corporate worship.
Jonathan Shively, Ruben Deoleo, Orlando Redekopp, Donna Kline, Bill Williams, Kevin Stachnik, and Dana McNeil presented the informative workshops. Many valuable insights were shared giving participants the opportunity to carry helpful information back to their respective congregations.
Anna Lee Hisey Pierson, District Leadership Team chairperson, led the opening worship experience reflecting on forgiveness and servanthood. She integrated the singing of hymns into moments of preaching, effectively sharing an inspirational message. Jonathan Shively, Congregational Life Ministries director, provided leadership for a midday worship service utilizing his musical talents to draw worshipers into a deeper connection with God. The choir from the Polo (IL) congregation opened the afternoon worship time with a variety of musical selections. This time of worship concluded with remarks from District Executive Kevin Kessler.
A relaxed atmosphere allowed attendees a few hours of release from the stresses of their busy lives. Overall, the event was a positive and joy-filled experience. Many in attendance expressed that they experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit moving in their midst.
“This was a great event for the IL/WI District,” quipped District Executive Kevin Kessler. “It exceeded all of my expectations. Attendance tripled what I expected. The potluck meal was wonderful, workshops were excellent, and worship brought it all together. This event is evidence that our district is capable of coming together for the glory of God to do significant things.” In his closing remarks Kessler added, “Let’s not leave here today thinking we can’t. Let’s leave here today knowing we can!”
Contributed by Kevin Kessler, District Executive.
Potluck An Outstanding Success!
Illinois/Wisconsin held its first District Potluck at the First Church of the Brethren in Peoria (IL) on May 1, 2010. Nearly 100 persons attended the event.District Deacons sponsored the Pot Luck and Workshops for the purpose of bringing the district together for a day of learning, fellowship and worship. The gathering included a delicious potluck, carry-in meal. In grand Brethren style, plenty of food arrived for all of the Illinois/Wisconsin District to enjoy. In addition, a potluck of workshops addressing the topics of music and worship, congregational conflict management, intercultural ministry, and computer usage, safety, and security filled out the event including several opportunities for corporate worship.
Jonathan Shively, Ruben Deoleo, Orlando Redekopp, Donna Kline, Bill Williams, Kevin Stachnik, and Dana McNeil presented the informative workshops. Many valuable insights were shared giving participants the opportunity to carry helpful information back to their respective congregations.
Anna Lee Hisey Pierson, District Leadership Team chairperson, led the opening worship experience reflecting on forgiveness and servanthood. She integrated the singing of hymns into moments of preaching, effectively sharing an inspirational message. Jonathan Shively, Congregational Life Ministries director, provided leadership for a midday worship service utilizing his musical talents to draw worshipers into a deeper connection with God. The choir from the Polo (IL) congregation opened the afternoon worship time with a variety of musical selections. This time of worship concluded with remarks from District Executive Kevin Kessler.
A relaxed atmosphere allowed attendees a few hours of release from the stresses of their busy lives. Overall, the event was a positive and joy-filled experience. Many in attendance expressed that they experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit moving in their midst.“This was a great event for the IL/WI District,” quipped District Executive Kevin Kessler. “It exceeded all of my expectations. Attendance tripled what I expected. The potluck meal was wonderful, workshops were excellent, and worship brought it all together. This event is evidence that our district is capable of coming together for the glory of God to do significant things.” In his closing remarks Kessler added, “Let’s not leave here today thinking we can’t. Let’s leave here today knowing we can!”
Contributed by Kevin Kessler, District Executive.
DELEGATE BRIEFING
with
Shawn Flory Replogle
Annual Conference Moderator
Where: Virden Church of the Brethren
When: Sunday June 27 2010
Time: 6:30 pm
- Information about business items
- Opportunity to ask questions
- Time to fellowshlp with each other
Volunteer Needed
Glory to Glory Ministries is looking for a volunteer to serve as treasurer for the ministry. If you have basic bookkeeping skills and a heart to be involved in this work, please contact Lynda DeVore at lynda@ncdb.org, or by phone 630-675-9740.
Healing the Heart of a School
Rockford Community Church, Pastor Samuel Sarpiya, has been working with families and administrators of West Side Middle School in Rockford in a cooperative effort to bring health and healing to a school formerly struggling on many levels. Check out the link below to see a news video of their work and involvement in the process.
www.wifr.com/home/headlines/94202849.html
www.wifr.com/home/headlines/94202849.html
Pray for those discerning the call to plant churches.
- Sam Smith
- Frances Baxter
- Jeffery Tibbetts
- Brian Atra
Lift Off!
May 16th marked the Open House Service of Glory to Glory Ministries at Douglas Park Chicago. The house was packed with all 64 seats taken. Pastor Betty Ware deliver and inspiring message. A fellowship meal followed the service. The ministry was blessed to have 6 individuals from district churches. In attendance also were 3 folks from Douglas Park Church and 6 from Pastor Ware's church in Joliet.
Please continue to keep this ministry and the work in Chicago in your prayers.
Please continue to keep this ministry and the work in Chicago in your prayers.
Partnering Information
You may send donations and notes of encouragement to our church planters at the addresses below:
- Chicago
Glory to Glory Church of the Brethren
2751 W. 16th Street
Chicago, IL 60608 - Rockford
Rockford Community Church
4924 Orchard Lane
Rockford, IL 61101
DEACON UPDATES
Church of the Brethren Deacon Ministry
Donna Kline, Director
Denominational Deacon Ministry
dkline@brethren.org
800-323-8039
Welcome to the first in a new series of monthly updates for deacons and other church leaders! I hope you find these communications informative, and I look forward any comments you might like to share.
This month I’m very pleased to announce the availability of the first issue of Basin & Towel magazine published by Congregational Life Ministries as the successor to Caregiving. Basin & Towel expands the scope of Caregiving, and is geared toward the spiritual growth and development of all church leaders. For more information, including a preview of the first issue as well as subscription information, go to the Congregational Life Ministries Web site.
At the 2010 Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, Pa., we will be offering two deacon training workshops on Saturday, July 3. The morning session is called "What Are Deacons Supposed to Do, Anyway?" with a focus on practical applications of the four functions of deacons. In the afternoon "The Art of Listening" will be offered, with special emphasis on providing support in times of grief and loss. To download a registration form go to www.brethren.org/site/DocServer/Deacon_Workshops_AC_Flyer_rev.pdf.
Finally, remember to sign up for the Deacon Luncheon at Annual Conference! I look forward to seeing you there on Tuesday, July 6.
Donna Kline, Director
Denominational Deacon Ministry
dkline@brethren.org
800-323-8039
Welcome to the first in a new series of monthly updates for deacons and other church leaders! I hope you find these communications informative, and I look forward any comments you might like to share.
This month I’m very pleased to announce the availability of the first issue of Basin & Towel magazine published by Congregational Life Ministries as the successor to Caregiving. Basin & Towel expands the scope of Caregiving, and is geared toward the spiritual growth and development of all church leaders. For more information, including a preview of the first issue as well as subscription information, go to the Congregational Life Ministries Web site.
At the 2010 Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, Pa., we will be offering two deacon training workshops on Saturday, July 3. The morning session is called "What Are Deacons Supposed to Do, Anyway?" with a focus on practical applications of the four functions of deacons. In the afternoon "The Art of Listening" will be offered, with special emphasis on providing support in times of grief and loss. To download a registration form go to www.brethren.org/site/DocServer/Deacon_Workshops_AC_Flyer_rev.pdf.
Finally, remember to sign up for the Deacon Luncheon at Annual Conference! I look forward to seeing you there on Tuesday, July 6.
Position Announcement – May 19, 2010
Position
Accounting ManagerDescription
Full-time salaried position based in Elgin, Ill., for a not-for-profit organization that provides Pension, Insurance, Foundation, and Credit Union services for 6,000 members and clients nationwide. This fourth-level management position reports to the Chief Financial Officer.Function
Brethren Benefit Trust is an agency of the Church of the Brethren, a Protestant denomination founded in 1708 that includes 1,100 congregations, five colleges and one university, one seminary, and more than 20 affiliated retirement communities.
To maintain an accurate daily valuation process and provide support to the CFO.Scope of Duties
The primary responsibility is to direct the workload of daily valuation of pension and foundation investment funds. Additional responsibilities are to confirm trading activity of mutual fund shares for pension and foundation investment choices; provide backup for payroll, accounts payable and receivable; conduct internal audits and testing for accuracy and compliance within each program offered by BBT; assist in developing a business continuity plan; and other duties assigned by the CFO.Travel
The Accounting Manager will attend BBT Board meetings and other BBT-related events as assigned.Knowledge/Experience
Seeking candidates with an undergraduate degree in accounting, business, or related fields, and a CPA is preferred. Requirements include – strong verbal and written communications skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Knowledge of accounting systems and business planning is desired. Current and active membership in the Church of the Brethren is preferred; current and active membership in a faith community is required.Salary/Benefits
Competitive with Church Benefits Association agencies of comparable size and scope of services. A full benefits package is included.Applying
Please send a letter of interest, resume, three references (one supervisor or professor/teacher, one colleague, one friend), and salary-range expectation to Donna March at 1505 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120, or dmarch_bbt@brethren.org. For questions or clarification about the position, please call 847-622-3371. For more information about Brethren Benefit Trust, visit www.brethrenbenefittrust.org.
www.brethrenbenefittrust.org
847-695-0200 * 800-746-1505 toll free * 847-742-0135 fax
2010 Calendar of events, meetings, etc
JUNE
5 - Ill. – Wisc. Leadership Team & New Church Development Team – Mt. Morris
20 - Father’s Day
25 - Counselor Training Camp Emmaus (25-27)
26 - Elementary I Camp Emmaus (26-27)
JULY
1 - CODE Summer Meeting (1-3)
3 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE, Pittsburgh (3-7)
10 - Ministerial Leadership Development Team
11 - Elementary II Camp Emmaus (11-14)
16 – Women’s Camp Emmaus (16-18)
18 – Elementary III Camp Emmaus (18-23)
17 - National Youth Conference (17-22)
25 – Junior High Camp Emmaus (25-31)
31 - Ill. Wisc. Leadership Team – Douglas Park
AUGUST
1 – Senior High Camp Emmaus (1-7)
14 - New Church Development Team – Decatur
14 - Ministerial Leadership Development Team
28 - Program & Arrangements – Cherry Grove
28 - Gifts Discern. & Call Comm. – Cherry Grove
31 - Ill. Conf. of Churches LT - Bloomington
SEPTEMBER
3 – Labor Day Camp Emmaus (3-6)
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 – Rock Community
OCTOBER
2 - Program & Arrangements – Cherry Grove
2 - Gifts Discern. & Call Comm. – Cherry Grove
3 - World Communion Sunday
9 - Ministerial Leadership Development Team
14 - Men's Way of Christ Weekend (14-17)
16 - Mission & Ministry Board
16 - New Church Development Team – Virden
21 - Women's Way of Christ Weekend (21-24)
24 - Midwest Dist. Executives meet – Camp Mack (24-26)
NOVEMBER
1 - All Saints Day
2 - Election Day
5 - DISTRICT CONFERENCE, Yellow Creek (5-7)
7 - Daylight Saving Time Ends.
13 - Ministerial Leadership Dev. Team - Peoria
13 - Leaf Raking at Camp Emmaus
19 - Ill.–Wisc. Leadership Team – Camp Emmaus (19-20)
25 - Thanksgiving Day
28 - First Sunday of Advent
30 - Ill. Conference of Churches LT - Plainfield
DECEMBER
4 - New Church Development Team - Canton
4 - Cookie Camp Emmaus
25 - Christmas Day
31 - New Year’s Eve.
5 - Ill. – Wisc. Leadership Team & New Church Development Team – Mt. Morris
20 - Father’s Day
25 - Counselor Training Camp Emmaus (25-27)
26 - Elementary I Camp Emmaus (26-27)
JULY
1 - CODE Summer Meeting (1-3)
3 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE, Pittsburgh (3-7)
10 - Ministerial Leadership Development Team
11 - Elementary II Camp Emmaus (11-14)
16 – Women’s Camp Emmaus (16-18)
18 – Elementary III Camp Emmaus (18-23)
17 - National Youth Conference (17-22)
25 – Junior High Camp Emmaus (25-31)
31 - Ill. Wisc. Leadership Team – Douglas Park
AUGUST
1 – Senior High Camp Emmaus (1-7)
14 - New Church Development Team – Decatur
14 - Ministerial Leadership Development Team
28 - Program & Arrangements – Cherry Grove
28 - Gifts Discern. & Call Comm. – Cherry Grove
31 - Ill. Conf. of Churches LT - Bloomington
SEPTEMBER
3 – Labor Day Camp Emmaus (3-6)
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 – Rock Community
OCTOBER
2 - Program & Arrangements – Cherry Grove
2 - Gifts Discern. & Call Comm. – Cherry Grove
3 - World Communion Sunday
9 - Ministerial Leadership Development Team
14 - Men's Way of Christ Weekend (14-17)
16 - Mission & Ministry Board
16 - New Church Development Team – Virden
21 - Women's Way of Christ Weekend (21-24)
24 - Midwest Dist. Executives meet – Camp Mack (24-26)
NOVEMBER
1 - All Saints Day
2 - Election Day
5 - DISTRICT CONFERENCE, Yellow Creek (5-7)
7 - Daylight Saving Time Ends.
13 - Ministerial Leadership Dev. Team - Peoria
13 - Leaf Raking at Camp Emmaus
19 - Ill.–Wisc. Leadership Team – Camp Emmaus (19-20)
25 - Thanksgiving Day
28 - First Sunday of Advent
30 - Ill. Conference of Churches LT - Plainfield
DECEMBER
4 - New Church Development Team - Canton
4 - Cookie Camp Emmaus
25 - Christmas Day
31 - New Year’s Eve.
