Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Illinois-Wisconsin District Conference
November 5-7, 2010
Eastland Middle School
Shannon, Illinois
Get in Line With Jesus!!
Join us at District Conference where the body of
Christ meets to discern what God wants us to do!
FRIDAY:
Eastland Middle School
Shannon, Illinois
Get in Line With Jesus!!
Join us at District Conference where the body of
Christ meets to discern what God wants us to do!
FRIDAY:
5:00 PM—Doors open for registration.SATURDAY:
7:00 PM—Worship with Lisa Fike as worship leader and Orlando Redekopp, Moderator, as speaker.
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM approx.—Business sessionSUNDAY:
5:00 PM– Buffet dinner is being provided by Cherry Grove and Yellow Creek congregations.
7:00 PM—Worship with Joseph Helfrich performing.
8:00 PM—Ice Cream Social sponsored by the District Youth.
9:15 AM—Insight SessionsInsight Sessions:
10:30 AM—Worship with Robert Alley, Annual Conf. Moderator
Robert Alley—2011 Annual Conference Moderator
On Earth Peace
Brethren Benefit Trust
Fletcher Farrar
DE Ponderings
by Kevin Kessler, District Executive
An email article from The Alban Institute, recently, referenced a ministry initiated by the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts called the Relational Evangelism Pilot Project. I was intrigued by the article because of its emphasis on relationships, especially with young adults, as being the key to church vitality. Tom Brackett, a church planting specialist for the Episcopal Church says, “One of the reasons churches don’t do evangelism well is that their motivation is self-serving.” In other words, in Brackett’s view, churches are more interested in strategies to grow than finding evidence that God is with us. He suggests that a more positive approach to evangelism lies “in pointing out the ways that God is already active, transforming lives, and connecting us to each other.”
Arrington Chambliss, the director of the Relational Evangelism Pilot Project, sees the project more in terms of engagement than conversion. She says, “It is God who does the converting. Relational evangelism is about us having a deep enough relationship that others want to join with us.” She continues, “Not only does evangelism mean sharing the good news of the gospel, but it also means sharing the good news of people's lives and what we can do together in the world to demonstrate the power of our faith. We are viewing evangelism as a spiritual practice emanating from our deep gratitude for God's presence in our lives. It is my hope that the young adults involved in this ministry will see the good news in each other, find the community they are searching for, and embark on a spiritual path that will engage them more deeply with God, each other, and the world."
The closing paragraph of the article summarizes in this way: Relational evangelism is crucial in an age of religious pluralism. Rather than deny religious difference, relational evangelism equips young adults to be secure enough in talking about their own faith to engage actively and authentically in inter-religious dialogue and community action for the common good. In fact, the spirit of mutuality and intentional listening characteristic of relational evangelism opens up the follower of Jesus to God's love in a way that seeks deeper relationship with all of creation and responds to the suffering of the world. In a religiously pluralistic world, relational evangelism contributes to the creation of healthy environments in which young adults listen to God at work in their lives and discern ways their gifts can contribute to the reign of God for all humankind. While the project referred to in this article focuses on young adults, I think it has a message relevant for all adults. Making relationships a priority rather than church growth aligns so much better with the example of Jesus in my estimation. As Jesus approached people at every intersection of life, entering into relationship with them was evidently important. As a result of the relationship the kingdom of heaven increased. Relationships were key.
As I practice ministry, building relationships is vitally important. Only after a relationship has been built is there enough trust to move into conversation and discussion about matters of faith. With deeper trust, there is less fear about the differences among us as well. Relationships ARE key for helping us “discern ways [our] gifts can contribute to the reign of God for all humankind.”
An email article from The Alban Institute, recently, referenced a ministry initiated by the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts called the Relational Evangelism Pilot Project. I was intrigued by the article because of its emphasis on relationships, especially with young adults, as being the key to church vitality. Tom Brackett, a church planting specialist for the Episcopal Church says, “One of the reasons churches don’t do evangelism well is that their motivation is self-serving.” In other words, in Brackett’s view, churches are more interested in strategies to grow than finding evidence that God is with us. He suggests that a more positive approach to evangelism lies “in pointing out the ways that God is already active, transforming lives, and connecting us to each other.”Arrington Chambliss, the director of the Relational Evangelism Pilot Project, sees the project more in terms of engagement than conversion. She says, “It is God who does the converting. Relational evangelism is about us having a deep enough relationship that others want to join with us.” She continues, “Not only does evangelism mean sharing the good news of the gospel, but it also means sharing the good news of people's lives and what we can do together in the world to demonstrate the power of our faith. We are viewing evangelism as a spiritual practice emanating from our deep gratitude for God's presence in our lives. It is my hope that the young adults involved in this ministry will see the good news in each other, find the community they are searching for, and embark on a spiritual path that will engage them more deeply with God, each other, and the world."
The closing paragraph of the article summarizes in this way: Relational evangelism is crucial in an age of religious pluralism. Rather than deny religious difference, relational evangelism equips young adults to be secure enough in talking about their own faith to engage actively and authentically in inter-religious dialogue and community action for the common good. In fact, the spirit of mutuality and intentional listening characteristic of relational evangelism opens up the follower of Jesus to God's love in a way that seeks deeper relationship with all of creation and responds to the suffering of the world. In a religiously pluralistic world, relational evangelism contributes to the creation of healthy environments in which young adults listen to God at work in their lives and discern ways their gifts can contribute to the reign of God for all humankind. While the project referred to in this article focuses on young adults, I think it has a message relevant for all adults. Making relationships a priority rather than church growth aligns so much better with the example of Jesus in my estimation. As Jesus approached people at every intersection of life, entering into relationship with them was evidently important. As a result of the relationship the kingdom of heaven increased. Relationships were key.
As I practice ministry, building relationships is vitally important. Only after a relationship has been built is there enough trust to move into conversation and discussion about matters of faith. With deeper trust, there is less fear about the differences among us as well. Relationships ARE key for helping us “discern ways [our] gifts can contribute to the reign of God for all humankind.”
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
Progressive Brethren Gathering Announced
The third Progressive Brethren Gathering will be held on November 12-14, 2010 at the North Manchester Church of the Brethren in Indiana. Sponsored by Womaen’s Caucus, Voices for an Open Spirit, and the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Interests (BMC), the conference will explore the theme: Forward Together: Conversations Towards an Enlivened Community.
Ruthann K Johansen, President of Bethany Theological Seminary, will be the keynote speaker. Her presentation is entitled, “Becoming Incarnational People.” In addition to the keynote address, various workshops will offer opportunities for conversation and reflection on Saturday afternoon. Topics will include white theology and structures of racism, animal liberation theology, undoing heterosexual privilege, and trends in religious education. Additional workshop proposals are being accepted.
Consistent with other progressive gatherings, vibrant music and worship will be an important part of the event. Debbie Eisenbise, pastor of the Skyridge COB in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Kreston Lipscomb, pastor of First COB in Springfield, IL, are scheduled to preach, and Mutual Kumquat will perform.
Daisy Schmidt, one of the conference organizers, comments: “Progressives are people who recognize God’s spirit at work in the church and the world and are open to the new directions that spirit may be leading us. The conference is about claiming the spirit of the early Brethren, who were hungry for new conversations and new conversation partners.”
Cost of the two day event is $100, with limited scholarships available and special rates for students and children. On-line registration is available at www.progressivebrethren.org.
For additional information, please contact Carol Wise at 612.343.2060, or email cwise@bmclgbt.org.
Ruthann K Johansen, President of Bethany Theological Seminary, will be the keynote speaker. Her presentation is entitled, “Becoming Incarnational People.” In addition to the keynote address, various workshops will offer opportunities for conversation and reflection on Saturday afternoon. Topics will include white theology and structures of racism, animal liberation theology, undoing heterosexual privilege, and trends in religious education. Additional workshop proposals are being accepted.
Consistent with other progressive gatherings, vibrant music and worship will be an important part of the event. Debbie Eisenbise, pastor of the Skyridge COB in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Kreston Lipscomb, pastor of First COB in Springfield, IL, are scheduled to preach, and Mutual Kumquat will perform.
Daisy Schmidt, one of the conference organizers, comments: “Progressives are people who recognize God’s spirit at work in the church and the world and are open to the new directions that spirit may be leading us. The conference is about claiming the spirit of the early Brethren, who were hungry for new conversations and new conversation partners.”
Cost of the two day event is $100, with limited scholarships available and special rates for students and children. On-line registration is available at www.progressivebrethren.org.
For additional information, please contact Carol Wise at 612.343.2060, or email cwise@bmclgbt.org.
Small Churches combine to host District Conference.
For 2010 Cherry Grove and Yellow Creek have combined to host District Conference. In 2012 Virden will be our host to coincide with their upcoming anniversary. No Church or group of Churches have volunteered to sponsor a District Conference in the coming year, 2011. Please consider combining with a neighboring Church to host District Conference in 2011.
Please pray about being a host church or combining with other churches to coordinate with the Program & Arrangements Committee for the 2011 District Conference.
Please pray about being a host church or combining with other churches to coordinate with the Program & Arrangements Committee for the 2011 District Conference.
Pinecrest Community Golf Outing
The annual Pinecrest Community Good Samaritan Golf Play Day will be held on Saturday, September 11th, at Sunset Golf Club in Mt. Morris.
This event is a four person selected shot scramble. Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. with a 9:00a.m. shotgun start. Team prizes will be awarded, as well as individual prizes on designated holes. Williams-Manny, Inc. in Rockford has generously donated $1000 for a hole-in-one.
Also this year, we will be selling raffle tickets for 4-box seats to a Cubs baseball game in Chicago on Thursday, September 23rd . Chances are $5.00 each or 6 for $20. We will again be raffling the annual Golf Figurine carved by Harlan Baker. Chances for this are $1.00 a piece or 6 for $5.00.
The entry fee is $50 per person, which includes nine holes of golf, cart, prizes and lunch. Please register by Friday, September 3rd. Entry forms are available at the front office of Pinecrest Community or at Sunset Golf Club on Sunset Lane in Mt. Morris. You may also obtain a registration form via email by contacting Leanne Manheim at lmanheim@pinecrestcommunity.org.
Proceeds from this event benefit the Good Samaritan Fund. This fund assists residents who have outlived their personal financial resources. Pinecrest provided charitable care in the amount of $1.8 million last year. More than 50 percent of Pinecrest’s residents benefit from the Good Samaritan Fund. Come enjoy a great day of golf, food and fun and help support a worthy cause.
This event is a four person selected shot scramble. Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. with a 9:00a.m. shotgun start. Team prizes will be awarded, as well as individual prizes on designated holes. Williams-Manny, Inc. in Rockford has generously donated $1000 for a hole-in-one.
Also this year, we will be selling raffle tickets for 4-box seats to a Cubs baseball game in Chicago on Thursday, September 23rd . Chances are $5.00 each or 6 for $20. We will again be raffling the annual Golf Figurine carved by Harlan Baker. Chances for this are $1.00 a piece or 6 for $5.00.
The entry fee is $50 per person, which includes nine holes of golf, cart, prizes and lunch. Please register by Friday, September 3rd. Entry forms are available at the front office of Pinecrest Community or at Sunset Golf Club on Sunset Lane in Mt. Morris. You may also obtain a registration form via email by contacting Leanne Manheim at lmanheim@pinecrestcommunity.org.
Proceeds from this event benefit the Good Samaritan Fund. This fund assists residents who have outlived their personal financial resources. Pinecrest provided charitable care in the amount of $1.8 million last year. More than 50 percent of Pinecrest’s residents benefit from the Good Samaritan Fund. Come enjoy a great day of golf, food and fun and help support a worthy cause.
Bethany Seminary to Launch MA Connections
Since 2002, Bethany Theological Seminary has offered a Master of Divinity degree completion track titled MDiv Connections for students unable to relocate to Richmond, Indiana for long-term residency. On July 12, the Seminary received approval from its accrediting body, the Association of Theological Schools, to launch the MA Connections track. The Seminary will officially enroll students in the track in the Spring 2011 semester. New and continuing students interested in the MA Connections track can take courses prior to Spring 2011 and transfer them into the track.
Distributed education tracks offer degrees through classes in a variety of formats: weekend or two-week intensives on campus, online, hybrid (a mix of online and residential), and offsite. The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) requires that students take half of the courses for the degree at the Richmond campus. The other half may be online courses or taken at the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center or at other ATS-accredited schools.
The MA thesis sequence courses, which are the core classes of the program, will be offered in a variety of formats: as weekend intensives, hybrid classes, or meeting weekly with some students physically present in the classroom and others connected via video. Students enrolled in the MA Connections track will have access to Bethany's library resources, which are jointly housed with Earlham School of Religion and Earlham College's holdings in the college's Lilly Library, while they are attending classes on the Richmond campus, and to the many online resources available through the Library including the American Theological Library Association's ATLA Religion Database and ATLAS full-text PDF section. Both the MA and MDiv Connections tracks assume a part-time course load. MA Connections students will have six years to complete their degree.
Academic Dean Steven Schweitzer is delighted that the Seminary has the opportunity to extend its educational access through the MA Connections track, and to explore additional creative innovations for teaching and learning. "With a growing number of students interested in distributed education, Bethany will begin to offer other courses in alternative formats in the near future. These changes come at the same time as curriculum review is underway at the Seminary, and the convergence of these factors should allow us room to think 'outside the box' in terms of what we are teaching and how we are teaching it."
Malinda Berry, instructor in theological studies and director of the Master of Arts program, will serve as administrator of the MA Connections track. "Making graduate-level theological education accessible to people walking all kinds of career paths builds the church because it encourages spiritual growth and ownership in congregational life in ways that recognize vocational diversity," Berry says. "Bethany's MA Connections track is an excellent way to nurture this growth and interest. I am excited about how this new endeavor is making seminary education possible for a whole new group of people."
Persons in MA Connections can contact Ms. Berry at berryma@bethanyseminary.edu, or Bethany's Admissions Office at enroll@bethanyseminary.edu.
Distributed education tracks offer degrees through classes in a variety of formats: weekend or two-week intensives on campus, online, hybrid (a mix of online and residential), and offsite. The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) requires that students take half of the courses for the degree at the Richmond campus. The other half may be online courses or taken at the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center or at other ATS-accredited schools.
The MA thesis sequence courses, which are the core classes of the program, will be offered in a variety of formats: as weekend intensives, hybrid classes, or meeting weekly with some students physically present in the classroom and others connected via video. Students enrolled in the MA Connections track will have access to Bethany's library resources, which are jointly housed with Earlham School of Religion and Earlham College's holdings in the college's Lilly Library, while they are attending classes on the Richmond campus, and to the many online resources available through the Library including the American Theological Library Association's ATLA Religion Database and ATLAS full-text PDF section. Both the MA and MDiv Connections tracks assume a part-time course load. MA Connections students will have six years to complete their degree.
Academic Dean Steven Schweitzer is delighted that the Seminary has the opportunity to extend its educational access through the MA Connections track, and to explore additional creative innovations for teaching and learning. "With a growing number of students interested in distributed education, Bethany will begin to offer other courses in alternative formats in the near future. These changes come at the same time as curriculum review is underway at the Seminary, and the convergence of these factors should allow us room to think 'outside the box' in terms of what we are teaching and how we are teaching it."
Malinda Berry, instructor in theological studies and director of the Master of Arts program, will serve as administrator of the MA Connections track. "Making graduate-level theological education accessible to people walking all kinds of career paths builds the church because it encourages spiritual growth and ownership in congregational life in ways that recognize vocational diversity," Berry says. "Bethany's MA Connections track is an excellent way to nurture this growth and interest. I am excited about how this new endeavor is making seminary education possible for a whole new group of people."
Persons in MA Connections can contact Ms. Berry at berryma@bethanyseminary.edu, or Bethany's Admissions Office at enroll@bethanyseminary.edu.
Fundraiser for Heifer International
Mt. Morris Church of the Brethren
Saturday, September 25, 2010 - 6:00 p.m.
Salisbury Steak Dinner
Entertainment by the String-a-longs
Silent Auction - doors open at 5:00 p.m.
$20 donation
$12 for children 10 and under.
(Parking assistance provided)
For tickets contact the Church office: 815-734-4573
IRS Note to Non-Profit Organizations
The Internal Revenue Service is warning that small nonprofit organizations may be at risk of losing tax-exempt status if they have not filed required returns for the last three years (2007 through 2009). Churches are not required to file, but some nonprofits connected to churches may fall under this requirement, put in place with the Pension Protection Act of 2006. Organizations can preserve tax-exempt status by filing returns by Oct. 15 in a one-time relief program. The IRS lists organizations at risk of losing tax-exempt status at www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=225889,00.html
Silent Auction
in Shannon, IL
WANTED
Items for the Silent
Auction at the District Conference
in Shannon.
For example:
Pies, Cakes
Antiques, Toys
Crafts, Paintings, Quilts
Tools
Dinners, Outings
Etc…..
Rich Koch, Coordinator
815-225-7812
ricbeckoch@mchsi.com
Hurricane Creek holds Ice Cream Social
The Hurricane Creek Church of the Brethren in Pleasant Mound held it’s second annual ice cream social Saturday, August 21. Those attending enjoyed delicious homemade ice cream, pies, cakes and cookies. Attendees ranged from 3 weeks to 80 + years old and came from as far away as Eureka, Illinois. The third annual ice cream social is planned for the summer of 2011. When the date is set be sure to mark your calendars and plan to attend!
2010 Calendar of events, meetings, etc
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 - Powerhouse 2010 Regional Youth Conference - Manchester College (13-14)
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
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 - Powerhouse 2010 Regional Youth Conference - Manchester College (13-14)
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
