Sunday, August 01, 2010
Special Response Process Continues
The special response process begun at the 2009 Annual Conference in San Diego which deals with how the church considers homosexual covenantal relationships moves into its finals stages this year. ALL congregants are invited to participate in regionally held listening sessions to inform the Standing Committee of their views. Separate listening sessions will be held in the northeast, northwest, south and central parts of the state so that anyone interested can be involved. Churches are also encouraged to engage in the Bible study available from the special resource committee to provide a foundation for the sessions. All of the materials as well as links to supporting documents can be found by checking online:
Dates will be announced as they become available.
For more information, contact Standing Committee representative, Ed Garrison, at egarrison207@comcast.net, (815) 734-4565, or 207 E. Brayton Rd., Mt. Morris, IL 61054.
- www.brethren.org
- click on Annual Conference (logo)
- click on Annual Conference Website (right side of screen)
- (new screen will appear) click on Special Response (upper right)
- click on the resource you want
- “Special Response Resources” will take you to the Bible study
- “Special Framework for Conversation” will take you to the material for the Listening Sessions)
- “Special Response Resources” will take you to the Bible study
Dates will be announced as they become available.
For more information, contact Standing Committee representative, Ed Garrison, at egarrison207@comcast.net, (815) 734-4565, or 207 E. Brayton Rd., Mt. Morris, IL 61054.
We do NOT have a site for the 2011 District Conference.
No Church or group of Churches have volunteered to sponsor a District Conference. For 2010 Lanark, Cherry Grove and Yellow Creek have combined to host the conference. In 2012 Virden will be our host to coincide with their upcoming anniversary. Please pray and consider being a host church or group to coordinate with the Program & Arrangements Committee for the 2011 District Conference.
POWERHOUSE 2010
Church of the Brethren
MIDWEST YOUTH
NOV. 13-14, 2010 MANCHESTER COLLEGE,
NORTH MANCHESTER, INDIANA
Featured Speakers/Presenters: National Youth Conference (NYC) speakers Angie Lahman Yoder and David Sollenberger, plus a host of Bible study leaders and many others.
Theme: “Hidden Treasure,” Prov. 2:1-5 (plus Col. 2:1-4, Malachi 3:13-18, Heb. 12:1-3, 2 Cor. 4:5-12)
Who: for Church of the Brethren youth in grades 9-12, plus friends and advisors.
Watch This Fall For More Details And Information
DE Ponderings
by Kevin Kessler, District Executive
Finding Sabbath time is often a challenge when carrying the responsibilities associated with two positions. In a conversation with colleagues and a seminary prof several weeks ago, I learned about some resources that might be helpful in developing my Sabbath time. One of those resources is a book authored by Wayne Muller entitled Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives. I’d love to be able to tell you that I now have a well developed rhythm of Sabbath. But I can’t…truthfully. However, I can tell you that I experience Sabbath when reading Muller’s book. Many times I like to see how quickly I can get through a book. I’m savoring this one.
Muller begins one of the chapters with a traditional tale about an old Hasidic rabbi who crosses the village square every morning on his way to the temple to pray. One morning, a large Cossack soldier, who happened to be in a vile mood, accosted him, saying, “Hey, Rebby, where are you going?”
And the rabbi said, “I don’t know.”
This infuriated the Cossack. “What do you mean, you don’t know? Every morning for twenty-five years you have crossed the village square and gone to the temple to pray. Don’t fool with me. Who are you, telling me you don’t know?”
He grabbed the old rabbi by the coat and dragged him off to jail. Just as he was about to push him into the cell, the rabbi turned to him, saying: “You see, I didn’t know.”
The point Muller makes with this story is that we make plans and strive to fulfill goals but get so caught up in what we are doing we miss out on the direction that may be better for us to take. Thus, stopping to rest occasionally helps us to think more clearly. Stopping eases the stress, sometimes the panic, of not being able to get things completed or accomplished because we are so focused on one way that we miss seeing or being engaged by another, more productive idea.
According to Muller, we don’t always have to “know.” Sometimes we don’t know. Resting relaxes our mind to be influenced by sources outside of ourselves. We come back to the task with direction and frequently solutions. Muller states, “Sometimes our greatest wisdom comes when we are not striving to discover anything at all.”
Muller tells the story of two quantum physicists who worked together. They would be in long, impassioned conversations working on a solution to a problem, looking at every conceivable angle, when one of them would say, “Wait, I think we have touched something very important here. Let’s not talk about it any more. Let’s wait for two weeks, and let it resolve itself.” Two weeks when the two got together again, the conversation would begin, and both knew an answer was achieved.
According to Muller, “Sabbath honors this quality of not knowing, an open receptivity of mind essential for allowing things to speak to us from where they are. If we take a day and rest, we cultivate Sabbath Mind. We let go of knowing what will happen next, and find the courage to wait for the teaching that has not yet emerged. The presumption of the Sabbath is that it is good, and that the wisdom, courage, and clarity we need are already embedded in creation. The solution is already alive in the problem. Our work is not always to push and strive and struggle. Sometimes we have only to be still…and we will know.”
I don’t advocate taking a “no planning” approach and never being aware of where we are going, but it does seem important to rest and listen and allow solutions and responses and answers to emerge naturally, organically. The will of God just may lead us to exciting and unexpected places beyond our present finite thinking. Rest is good!
Finding Sabbath time is often a challenge when carrying the responsibilities associated with two positions. In a conversation with colleagues and a seminary prof several weeks ago, I learned about some resources that might be helpful in developing my Sabbath time. One of those resources is a book authored by Wayne Muller entitled Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives. I’d love to be able to tell you that I now have a well developed rhythm of Sabbath. But I can’t…truthfully. However, I can tell you that I experience Sabbath when reading Muller’s book. Many times I like to see how quickly I can get through a book. I’m savoring this one.Muller begins one of the chapters with a traditional tale about an old Hasidic rabbi who crosses the village square every morning on his way to the temple to pray. One morning, a large Cossack soldier, who happened to be in a vile mood, accosted him, saying, “Hey, Rebby, where are you going?”
And the rabbi said, “I don’t know.”
This infuriated the Cossack. “What do you mean, you don’t know? Every morning for twenty-five years you have crossed the village square and gone to the temple to pray. Don’t fool with me. Who are you, telling me you don’t know?”
He grabbed the old rabbi by the coat and dragged him off to jail. Just as he was about to push him into the cell, the rabbi turned to him, saying: “You see, I didn’t know.”
The point Muller makes with this story is that we make plans and strive to fulfill goals but get so caught up in what we are doing we miss out on the direction that may be better for us to take. Thus, stopping to rest occasionally helps us to think more clearly. Stopping eases the stress, sometimes the panic, of not being able to get things completed or accomplished because we are so focused on one way that we miss seeing or being engaged by another, more productive idea.
According to Muller, we don’t always have to “know.” Sometimes we don’t know. Resting relaxes our mind to be influenced by sources outside of ourselves. We come back to the task with direction and frequently solutions. Muller states, “Sometimes our greatest wisdom comes when we are not striving to discover anything at all.”
Muller tells the story of two quantum physicists who worked together. They would be in long, impassioned conversations working on a solution to a problem, looking at every conceivable angle, when one of them would say, “Wait, I think we have touched something very important here. Let’s not talk about it any more. Let’s wait for two weeks, and let it resolve itself.” Two weeks when the two got together again, the conversation would begin, and both knew an answer was achieved.
According to Muller, “Sabbath honors this quality of not knowing, an open receptivity of mind essential for allowing things to speak to us from where they are. If we take a day and rest, we cultivate Sabbath Mind. We let go of knowing what will happen next, and find the courage to wait for the teaching that has not yet emerged. The presumption of the Sabbath is that it is good, and that the wisdom, courage, and clarity we need are already embedded in creation. The solution is already alive in the problem. Our work is not always to push and strive and struggle. Sometimes we have only to be still…and we will know.”
I don’t advocate taking a “no planning” approach and never being aware of where we are going, but it does seem important to rest and listen and allow solutions and responses and answers to emerge naturally, organically. The will of God just may lead us to exciting and unexpected places beyond our present finite thinking. Rest is good!
Hurricane Creek Ice Cream Social
The Hurricane Creek Church of the Brethren in Pleasant Mound, located near rural Smithboro, IL holds its 2nd annual Ice Cream Social Saturday, August 21, 2010. There will be free homemade ice cream, pie, cake and drinks. Fun family games and face painting for the kids will be at the social. Come join the fun. If you need directions or more info, please call 618-425-3723.
Men’s Camp at Camp Emmanuel
Men’s Camp at Camp Emmanuel is scheduled from Friday, August 20th at 4:00 PM through Sunday afternoon, August 22nd. The fee for the entire weekend comes to $75. Please call Connie or Jerry Reynolds as soon as possible if you are going to attend so they can have an accurate meal count. Their phone No. is 800-348-4839 or 309-329-2291. E-mail can be sent to campemmanuel@astoriail.net
This is a unique opportunity for fellowship, study, and work with men from the district. It is well worth the time and effort to attend. If you have any questions contact the men’s camp Director Mike Siburt at 217-423-3529.
Time for Family Camp at Camp Emmanuel is rapidly approaching Camping dates go from Friday evening Sept. 5th through Mon. Sept. 6th. Family Camp directors are Dorthea Wood, Bev Stine, and Ray & Kitty Knotts. Camp fees are: Adults $60 (Late fee $75), Children $40 (Late fee $55), Families $155 (Late fee $215), Children under 4 are free, children’s fees are for ages 4 through 12. Family fees are the maximum a family would have to pay.
COME ONE, CAME ALL TO THE SERENITY OF CAMP EMMANUEL.
Along the paths of Camp Emmaus
As you read this, senior high camp, under the direction of Sara Garner and Aaron Gerdes, has recently ended. As expected in an NYC year has taken its toll on the number of registered campers.
Elementary II and Elementary III camps together assembled 70 health kits to be sent to needed areas. They challenged the junior high camp to put together 70 kits.
The new pool project waits for state approval. Until then, the present pool operates with availability every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. for open swim.
County health inspectors reviewed the facilities, and Camp Emmaus received a 100% grade.
A good selection of Camp Emmaus t-shirts and sweatshirts are for sale in the lodge, in adult and youth sizes. Some new designs and colors, as well as old favorites fill out the selections.
The camp board expresses its sympathy and show of support to the management and staff of Camp Mack in Indiana; Becker Lodge was very severely damaged by fire in July. Earlier this year, our local fire department in Mt. Morris visited Camp Emmaus to become more familiar with the layout of the facilities, in case of fire. Some improvements in the camp lodge may be made, for added safety considerations.
Thanks to Don Hart for his time this summer in doing project work at camp. Also, thanks to the area Church of the Brethren congregations for their work in the late spring to ready the lodge and facilities for campers.
Sympathies are extended to the family of Howard Byer, of Dixon, who died on July 6 at age 93. Howard was superintendent of construction for many of the building projects at camp, audited the books for years, and donated his green truck (which still chugs right along) for camp use.
The Camp Emmaus Appreciation Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, September 11, for all who’ve supported the camp in so many ways.
Please keep Camp Emmaus in your prayers, for those who guide and attend camps, and for the greatly needed, and long-awaited, official approval from the state to begin the new pool construction.
Elementary II and Elementary III camps together assembled 70 health kits to be sent to needed areas. They challenged the junior high camp to put together 70 kits.
The new pool project waits for state approval. Until then, the present pool operates with availability every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. for open swim.
County health inspectors reviewed the facilities, and Camp Emmaus received a 100% grade.
A good selection of Camp Emmaus t-shirts and sweatshirts are for sale in the lodge, in adult and youth sizes. Some new designs and colors, as well as old favorites fill out the selections.
The camp board expresses its sympathy and show of support to the management and staff of Camp Mack in Indiana; Becker Lodge was very severely damaged by fire in July. Earlier this year, our local fire department in Mt. Morris visited Camp Emmaus to become more familiar with the layout of the facilities, in case of fire. Some improvements in the camp lodge may be made, for added safety considerations.
Thanks to Don Hart for his time this summer in doing project work at camp. Also, thanks to the area Church of the Brethren congregations for their work in the late spring to ready the lodge and facilities for campers.
Sympathies are extended to the family of Howard Byer, of Dixon, who died on July 6 at age 93. Howard was superintendent of construction for many of the building projects at camp, audited the books for years, and donated his green truck (which still chugs right along) for camp use.
The Camp Emmaus Appreciation Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, September 11, for all who’ve supported the camp in so many ways.
Please keep Camp Emmaus in your prayers, for those who guide and attend camps, and for the greatly needed, and long-awaited, official approval from the state to begin the new pool construction.
District Workday at Douglas Park
The last day of the month of July brought approximately 30 workers from 13 congregations to the Douglas park Church of the Brethren. The Church built in 1910 from a campaign of “Buy a brick for a dime” needs a lot of work and several “Work Days” have helped to keep the building in repair.
Workers on the roof made repairs as they could. One volunteer said that the roof really is in need of major repair or replacement. The cost for a new roof would be in the many thousands of dollars.
In spite of the age of the building a vital ministry continues at Douglas Park overseen by Pastor Shirley Petracek and Pastor Herman Ware. A free lunch and clothing program offer help to the residents of the Douglas Park neighborhood.
Volunteers gather on the steps of the Church for a photo during a break from painting, dry-walling, repairing, raking, cleaning, moving, building, storing, and gladly serving. (Not all volunteers are shown in Tammy Kessler’s Photo.)
Youth from the Naperville congregation lend a hand at the Work Day. Workers of all ages showed up to help the Douglas Park members make needed repairs and spruce up their facility.
Even the District Executive was found on his knew at the Work Day, this time with a paint brush in his hand.
Some personal observations: Douglas Park could use some good storage cabinets, a large refrigerator, a remodeled kitchen, and much more. Contact Pastors Petracek and Ware for what you and your congregation can do to keep this ministry in Douglas Park as a vital part of the Church of the Brethren continuing mission.
Workers on the roof made repairs as they could. One volunteer said that the roof really is in need of major repair or replacement. The cost for a new roof would be in the many thousands of dollars.
In spite of the age of the building a vital ministry continues at Douglas Park overseen by Pastor Shirley Petracek and Pastor Herman Ware. A free lunch and clothing program offer help to the residents of the Douglas Park neighborhood.
Volunteers gather on the steps of the Church for a photo during a break from painting, dry-walling, repairing, raking, cleaning, moving, building, storing, and gladly serving. (Not all volunteers are shown in Tammy Kessler’s Photo.)
Youth from the Naperville congregation lend a hand at the Work Day. Workers of all ages showed up to help the Douglas Park members make needed repairs and spruce up their facility.
Even the District Executive was found on his knew at the Work Day, this time with a paint brush in his hand.
Some personal observations: Douglas Park could use some good storage cabinets, a large refrigerator, a remodeled kitchen, and much more. Contact Pastors Petracek and Ware for what you and your congregation can do to keep this ministry in Douglas Park as a vital part of the Church of the Brethren continuing mission.
Bethany Seminary at Annual Conference
With experiences from the tactile to the technological, Bethany students and faculty offered many opportunities to interact with 2010 Annual Conference attendees.
Live plants, trees, and a “river” set the stage for the Bethany exhibit, featuring the themes of “for the healing of the nations” and “for the flourishing of God’s creation” based on Revelation 22:1-2. The exhibit offered space for rest and conversation, including specific times for “theological lounging” when conference-goers could dialog with students and faculty about how theology connects with Christ, culture, and more. Visitors to the exhibit were invited to offer a prayer for the healing of the nations and God’s creation and drop a prayer stone into the river.
The Seminary sponsored eight different insight sessions on a wide variety of topics. Ken Rogers, professor of historical studies, and several students shared about their recent cross-cultural trip to Germany. At “Bethany Seminary: a place for preachers, poets, and more!” students explored the unexamined practices and traditions of today’s church and more meaningful ways of thinking, being, and doing church. Tara Hornbacker, associate professor of ministry formation, gave a presentation on the Anabaptist/Pietist understanding of a missional mindset for ministry.
The Seminary’s new mission statements featuring Incarnational education were shared in the context of a simulated faculty meeting. The Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership and Vital Pastor continuing educational opportunities for pastors were the focus of an insight session presented by Brethren Academy of Ministerial Leadership staff.
“Under the story-telling tree: called by the Spirit and the body” featured reflections by women and men called to ministry and the ways they experienced either encouragement or discouragement to follow that call. Persons representing several generations reflected on their experiences relating to new trends in electronic communication. District Executives Tim Button-Harrison and Kevin Kessler shared their experiences regarding the challenge for congregations to be welcoming and also true to historical commitments and beliefs.
Attendees at the Brethren Life & Thought Luncheon were encouraged to approach any situation with an attitude of peace rather than fear by Jabani Adzibiya, current Bethany student from Nigeria and executive secretary of the EYN district church council Suleja.
A capacity crowd at the Bethany Luncheon learned of new opportunities for communication and continuing education for alumni/ae, and heard an energetic presentation by Academic Dean Steve Schweitzer from his book Reading Utopia in Chronicles. The Seminary has purchased a subscription for alums to access the ATLAS Religion Database, the premier index to journal articles, book reviews, and collections of essays in all fields of religion. Alums can visit the ATLAS Database access page for more information. A PDF copy of Dean Schweitzer’s presentation can be found on the online publications page of the Bethany Web site. Also announced at the Luncheon: Bob Neff and Frank Ramirez, co-authors of The Chronicler, have agreed to record podcasts with Schweitzer focusing on this Old Testament text. The sessions will follow the chapters outlined in the Covenant Bible Studies book and offer new information and fresh insights for exploration by individuals or congregational groups. The podcasts will be available this fall at the Bethany Seminary Web site and through a link on the Brethren Press Web site.
Annual Conference delegates elected John David Bowman of Lititz, Pa., and Lynn Myers of Rocky Mount, Va., to the Seminary’s Board of Trustees. They also confirmed the appointments of Elaine Gibbel of Lititz, Pa., and Paul Wampler of Manassas, Va., to the Board.
The Seminary and the Church of the Brethren collaborated to produce sixteen webcasts of various Conference components, including all worship services, the deacon training workshop, and selected insight sessions, concerts, and meal events. Nearly all of these webcasts were recorded and can be accessed at any time at the Annual Conference section of the Bethany Webcast Central page.
Live plants, trees, and a “river” set the stage for the Bethany exhibit, featuring the themes of “for the healing of the nations” and “for the flourishing of God’s creation” based on Revelation 22:1-2. The exhibit offered space for rest and conversation, including specific times for “theological lounging” when conference-goers could dialog with students and faculty about how theology connects with Christ, culture, and more. Visitors to the exhibit were invited to offer a prayer for the healing of the nations and God’s creation and drop a prayer stone into the river.
The Seminary sponsored eight different insight sessions on a wide variety of topics. Ken Rogers, professor of historical studies, and several students shared about their recent cross-cultural trip to Germany. At “Bethany Seminary: a place for preachers, poets, and more!” students explored the unexamined practices and traditions of today’s church and more meaningful ways of thinking, being, and doing church. Tara Hornbacker, associate professor of ministry formation, gave a presentation on the Anabaptist/Pietist understanding of a missional mindset for ministry.
The Seminary’s new mission statements featuring Incarnational education were shared in the context of a simulated faculty meeting. The Advanced Foundations of Church Leadership and Vital Pastor continuing educational opportunities for pastors were the focus of an insight session presented by Brethren Academy of Ministerial Leadership staff.
“Under the story-telling tree: called by the Spirit and the body” featured reflections by women and men called to ministry and the ways they experienced either encouragement or discouragement to follow that call. Persons representing several generations reflected on their experiences relating to new trends in electronic communication. District Executives Tim Button-Harrison and Kevin Kessler shared their experiences regarding the challenge for congregations to be welcoming and also true to historical commitments and beliefs.
Attendees at the Brethren Life & Thought Luncheon were encouraged to approach any situation with an attitude of peace rather than fear by Jabani Adzibiya, current Bethany student from Nigeria and executive secretary of the EYN district church council Suleja.
A capacity crowd at the Bethany Luncheon learned of new opportunities for communication and continuing education for alumni/ae, and heard an energetic presentation by Academic Dean Steve Schweitzer from his book Reading Utopia in Chronicles. The Seminary has purchased a subscription for alums to access the ATLAS Religion Database, the premier index to journal articles, book reviews, and collections of essays in all fields of religion. Alums can visit the ATLAS Database access page for more information. A PDF copy of Dean Schweitzer’s presentation can be found on the online publications page of the Bethany Web site. Also announced at the Luncheon: Bob Neff and Frank Ramirez, co-authors of The Chronicler, have agreed to record podcasts with Schweitzer focusing on this Old Testament text. The sessions will follow the chapters outlined in the Covenant Bible Studies book and offer new information and fresh insights for exploration by individuals or congregational groups. The podcasts will be available this fall at the Bethany Seminary Web site and through a link on the Brethren Press Web site.
Annual Conference delegates elected John David Bowman of Lititz, Pa., and Lynn Myers of Rocky Mount, Va., to the Seminary’s Board of Trustees. They also confirmed the appointments of Elaine Gibbel of Lititz, Pa., and Paul Wampler of Manassas, Va., to the Board.
The Seminary and the Church of the Brethren collaborated to produce sixteen webcasts of various Conference components, including all worship services, the deacon training workshop, and selected insight sessions, concerts, and meal events. Nearly all of these webcasts were recorded and can be accessed at any time at the Annual Conference section of the Bethany Webcast Central page.
Soccer Outreach
Rockford Community Church’s soccer outreach ministry, started with the intent of reaching children in the community of Rockford, has turned out to be an open door for ministry within the Hispanic community of Rockford. 85% of the children participating in the ministry are the children of parents from Mexico who speak little or no English. After 6 weeks of friendship building with the parents and children I sense that God has opened a door that will enable us to represent the Spanish speaking demographic of the Rockford Community. Along with this blessing has come the challenge of learning to communicate. We are trusting God to begin a Spanish Language class soon. If you are able to help us bridge this language barrier we would appreciate your help. If you have resources or funds to donate toward this ministry, please contact us.
Recently, the families of the soccer kids invited our group to a cook out. The parents provided all of the food and did all of the cooking as their way of saying “thank you” to Rockford Community Church for providing the soccer ministry for their children.
We were blessed to receive a donation of $500 from Wal-mart toward purchasing the soccer gear to get us started. We are still trusting God for more finances to buy the balance of what is needed to keep the ministry going.
The soccer outreach will continue as the school year begins at West Middle School where we will also have the opportunity to provide mentoring/coaching within the School. In our experience last year, working with the school in mentoring/coaching, we noticed a strong correlation in the increase of grades and improvement in behavior and those children who participated in the mentoring/coaching.
Pastor Samuel Sarpiya
Rockford Community Church
Recently, the families of the soccer kids invited our group to a cook out. The parents provided all of the food and did all of the cooking as their way of saying “thank you” to Rockford Community Church for providing the soccer ministry for their children.We were blessed to receive a donation of $500 from Wal-mart toward purchasing the soccer gear to get us started. We are still trusting God for more finances to buy the balance of what is needed to keep the ministry going.
The soccer outreach will continue as the school year begins at West Middle School where we will also have the opportunity to provide mentoring/coaching within the School. In our experience last year, working with the school in mentoring/coaching, we noticed a strong correlation in the increase of grades and improvement in behavior and those children who participated in the mentoring/coaching.
Pastor Samuel Sarpiya
Rockford Community Church
2010 Calendar of events, meetings, etc
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 - Family Camp – Camp Emmanuel (3-6)
3 - Family Camp – 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
25 - Camp Emmanuel 6th Annual Fish Fry, Games, Food and fun for all
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.
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 - Family Camp – Camp Emmanuel (3-6)
3 - Family Camp – 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
25 - Camp Emmanuel 6th Annual Fish Fry, Games, Food and fun for all
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.
