Thursday, December 01, 2011
Thoughts from the DE - Kevin Kessler
Each year I like to
go back through
the list of books
I’ve read and
choose 5 that I
liked the best,
then write a brief
review of each to
share with others.
So, here are my
picks for 2011. I
will also list honorable mentions that could easily
have made this list as well.
1. The Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling (Scholastic) – Many who are reading this review have likely read these books (7 in the series), but if you haven’t, I would recommend a jaunt through them. The classic good versus evil concept is clearly evident throughout the series. Rowling also delves into the dynamics of relationships, conflict, and cause and effect. Although I doubt Rowling was writing with Christianity in mind, the story includes subtle frameworks of Christian understanding. A lot of pages, but an easy read.
2. Take This Bread by Sara Miles (Ballantine, 2007) – Miles opens up to share the journey of her life—from her days of being a traveling journalist, to working in restaurants, to finding faith, to quickly making faith an active verb. Although her approach to faith sometimes seems irreverent, she leaves no question that it is real to her. Readers of this book will be intrigued how Miles juxtaposes the Eucharist with just generally eating together. She makes connections that cause both to be viewed in deeper, more reverent ways. A refreshing, stirring read.
3. Leaving Church: A Memoir by Barbara Brown Taylor ((Harper, 2007) – This is the first of Taylor’s books I’ve read and was immediately drawn in by her folksy, down-to-earth style of writing. Leaving Church is Taylor’s personal journey of falling in love with a little country church, being called to serve as the pastor, relating stories about the joys and difficulties of ministry there, and her subsequent call to leave the church for a teaching position. The little country church held a warm and dear spot in her heart even after leaving. A touching read.
4. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink (Riverhead, 2009) – I was fascinated by this book. Rewards and punishment are not the greatest factors for motivation. Intrinsic desire and passion are greater motivators. Pink explores ways to focus on intrinsic motivators as the means to help people reach their potential. He includes stories from fascinating read.
5. Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived by Rob Bell (Harper, 2011) – Bell explores the possibilities of every person’s fate under the microscope of God’s grace and redeeming love. While Bell may challenge orthodox views, his provocative thoughts point in the direction of a loving God, whose love is greater than any of our understandings of salvation. A provocative read.
Following are the honorable mentions:
a. Becoming an Anti-racist Church: Journeying Toward Wholeness by Joseph Barndt (Fortress, 2011)
b. The Naked Anabaptist: The Bare Essentials of a Radical Faith by Stuart Murray (Herald Press, 2010)
c. Isaac’s Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History by Erik Larson (Vintage, 2000)
d. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand (Random House, 2010)
e. Fly in the Ointment: Why Denominations Aren't Helping Their Congregations and How They Can by J. Russell Crabtree (Church Publishing, 2008)
Oak Grove Church adds Fellowship Hall
The Oak Grove Church of the Brethren located in
rural Low Point, Illinois has realized a dream after
several years of planning and prayer. This fall they
added a fellowship hall to replace the meeting room
and kitchen in their small basement. The men and
women of the church are now engaged in finishing
the interior of the building. There will be a formal
dedication sometime in early spring. Congratulations
to Pastor Buegel and the congregation for taking this
step in faith to serve His kingdom.
World Interfaith Harmony Week - February 1-7, 2012
On October 20, 2010, the General Assembly of the
United Nations unanimously adopted a resolution
designating the first week in February to be an annual
World Interfaith Harmony Week. The U.N. General
Assembly called for dialogue among the different
religions internationally, nationally, and locally to enhance
interfaith harmony and cooperation.
In this historic action the U.N. General Assembly recognized the possibility and necessity for the believers in the major world religions to facilitate peace building and to engage in the global moral issues of poverty, hunger, health care, environmental destruction, and other world challenges. Clergy and congregations are asked to focus during this week on (1) learning about the faith and beliefs of followers of other religious traditions, (2) remembering in prayers and messages about interfaith cooperation, and (3) sharing together in cooperative compassionate care for persons suffering and marginalized in our local communities.
Brethren representative on the Interfaith Relations Commission of the National Council of Churches, Larry Ulrich commented, “Increasingly American diversity has persons of other faith traditions living with us as neighbors. In the cacophony of misunderstanding and mistrust, harmony is a recognition of the moral impact of learning about each other’s faith, religious beliefs and practices, and the increased possibilities of helping local people in need through cooperative service. The World Interfaith Harmony Week is an opportunity to expand compassion locally by reducing our fears and prejudices.” For further information and resources: www.worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com
Submitted by: Larry Ulrich
lnulrich@comcast.net
630.620.4044
In this historic action the U.N. General Assembly recognized the possibility and necessity for the believers in the major world religions to facilitate peace building and to engage in the global moral issues of poverty, hunger, health care, environmental destruction, and other world challenges. Clergy and congregations are asked to focus during this week on (1) learning about the faith and beliefs of followers of other religious traditions, (2) remembering in prayers and messages about interfaith cooperation, and (3) sharing together in cooperative compassionate care for persons suffering and marginalized in our local communities.
Brethren representative on the Interfaith Relations Commission of the National Council of Churches, Larry Ulrich commented, “Increasingly American diversity has persons of other faith traditions living with us as neighbors. In the cacophony of misunderstanding and mistrust, harmony is a recognition of the moral impact of learning about each other’s faith, religious beliefs and practices, and the increased possibilities of helping local people in need through cooperative service. The World Interfaith Harmony Week is an opportunity to expand compassion locally by reducing our fears and prejudices.” For further information and resources: www.worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com
Submitted by: Larry Ulrich
lnulrich@comcast.net
630.620.4044
Memorial Gifts build new Building
Memorial gifts
from the estates
of Dorothy
Harshbarger
and Cora Snoke
provided the
funds for the
Peoria Church
of the Brethren
to construct a maintenance garage, storage for Mt.
Mission and a picnic pavilion. Both of these ladies
were charter members of the Peoria Church.
The men of the Church are finishing the inside of the building which should be completed early next year. A dedication will be held at the Church nest spring.
Words from 2011 Moderator, Pastor Lisa Fike
A few weeks ago we concluded our
2011 Illinois and Wisconsin District
Conference.
As I look back over the weekend I am reminded of a group of Christian people who enjoy gathering and sharing as brothers and sisters.
For me, gathering for Love feast was an awesome experience. From my vantage point I was able to look out over the room and witness persons humbling themselves to participate in feet (or hand) washing, and then to share in a simple meal and in the bread and cup, this touched my heart. To participate in the experience, for me, was the reason for us to gather at Lake Williamson for our 2011 District Conference.
It has been a joy to serve the district as your moderator for 2011. Now I can return to giving the Freeport Congregation most of my attention. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your warm wishes and invitations to serve in a variety of ways over the last year. As moderator I have had the opportunity to visit several churches and bring the message. I was invited to participate in the Rockford First Church gifting service, pool dedication at Camp Emmaus, and pastoral installation at Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren. I also want to thank the members of Freeport Church of the Brethren who have so willingly shared me with the district. Lastly; I want to thank my daughters, Carol and Bethany, for their support, especially Bethany who has had to put up with an extra busy schedule, messy house and fast food meals.
Blessings to new Moderator Fletcher Farrar and Moderator-Elect Mark Flory Steury as you serve our district. I am looking forward to the next time we meet to share in fellowship with my sisters and brothers around the district.
As I look back over the weekend I am reminded of a group of Christian people who enjoy gathering and sharing as brothers and sisters.
For me, gathering for Love feast was an awesome experience. From my vantage point I was able to look out over the room and witness persons humbling themselves to participate in feet (or hand) washing, and then to share in a simple meal and in the bread and cup, this touched my heart. To participate in the experience, for me, was the reason for us to gather at Lake Williamson for our 2011 District Conference.
It has been a joy to serve the district as your moderator for 2011. Now I can return to giving the Freeport Congregation most of my attention. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your warm wishes and invitations to serve in a variety of ways over the last year. As moderator I have had the opportunity to visit several churches and bring the message. I was invited to participate in the Rockford First Church gifting service, pool dedication at Camp Emmaus, and pastoral installation at Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren. I also want to thank the members of Freeport Church of the Brethren who have so willingly shared me with the district. Lastly; I want to thank my daughters, Carol and Bethany, for their support, especially Bethany who has had to put up with an extra busy schedule, messy house and fast food meals.
Blessings to new Moderator Fletcher Farrar and Moderator-Elect Mark Flory Steury as you serve our district. I am looking forward to the next time we meet to share in fellowship with my sisters and brothers around the district.
Peoria Church and Mt. Mission
The Peoria Church of the Brethren embarked on
their annual trip to Eastern Kentucky with trucks
and trailers loaded with clothing, household items,
furniture, tools and other necessities useful to the
residents of the area. The Peoria Church has
partnered with the Mt. Zion Methodist Church
since the 1980’s in this Mission. This year the Peoria
Church assumed the responsibility of organizing the
event. Trucks caravan over a four day period
delivering the goods to Henderson Settlement, Red
Bird Mission and Mt. Mission in the Appalachian
area of Eastern Kentucky. We would like to extend
an invitation to other Brethren Churches to join the
Peoria Church for next year’s Mt. Mission project in
November 2012, usually after District Conference.
If you are interested phone 309-683-3980 or email
mail@peoriabrethren.org .
2012 National Young Adult Conference
Are you between the ages of
18 and 35? If so, then you are
invited to the NYAC in Knoxville,
TN. This event will be a chance for young adults
to gather and create a loving community, have
engaging conversations about our role in the
denomination and also enjoy various speakers.
NYAC takes place on June 18 – 22, 2012 at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Our theme is “Humble, yet Bold: Being the Church,” based on Matt. 5: 13 – 18, “Being Salt for the Earth” and “A light for the world.”
Online registration begins Jan. 6 at 8 PM at www.brethtren.org/yac. The cost for the event will be $375 and includes housing, programming and meals. The Young Adult Steering Committee encourages congregations to offer NYA C scholarships in their 2012 budgets. NYAC gift certificates may be purchased by friends and families.
DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY to be part of the community that will be created during these five days in Knoxville. Join us on Facebook on “Young Adults of the Church of the Brethren.” For more information call 800-323-8039 ext. 281 or E-mail NYAC2012@brethren.org.
NYAC takes place on June 18 – 22, 2012 at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Our theme is “Humble, yet Bold: Being the Church,” based on Matt. 5: 13 – 18, “Being Salt for the Earth” and “A light for the world.”
Online registration begins Jan. 6 at 8 PM at www.brethtren.org/yac. The cost for the event will be $375 and includes housing, programming and meals. The Young Adult Steering Committee encourages congregations to offer NYA C scholarships in their 2012 budgets. NYAC gift certificates may be purchased by friends and families.
DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY to be part of the community that will be created during these five days in Knoxville. Join us on Facebook on “Young Adults of the Church of the Brethren.” For more information call 800-323-8039 ext. 281 or E-mail NYAC2012@brethren.org.
Bethany Seminary invites youth to explore their call
High school youth are invited to attend Exploring
Your Call (EYC) at Bethany Theological Seminary in
Richmond, Ind., this summer, June 15-25, 2012. This
event provides the opportunity for young people
entering their junior or senior year of high school in
fall 2012 to explore faith and vocation through
classes, congregational involvement, service projects,
personal and spiritual enrichment, and recreation.
Russell Haitch, associate professor of Christian education and director of the Institute for Youth and Young Adults at Bethany, oversees EYC. “It’s an intense but beautiful program. Last year, youth studied theology in the classroom, then shadowed pastors and did real-life ministry, then took a trip to Chicago to live in an intentional community and learn about all sorts of non-pastoral vocations. The level of conversation and quality of friendship that developed was really splendid, and I’m excited that equally good things will happen this year.”
Calendar of District Events
DECEMBER
FEBRUARY
21 - HanukkahJANUARY
25 - Christmas
26 - Kwanzaa
1 - New Year's Day
14 - Leadership Team Meeting @ Neighborhood
16 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
25 - Peoria Area Pastor's Meeting
29-Feb 17 - BVS Winter Orientation
FEBRUARY
1–17 - BVS Winter OrientationMARCH
20 - President’s Day
10–12 - Mission and Ministry Board @ New WindsorAPRIL
6 - Good FridayMAY
7 - First Day of Passover
8 - Easter
23–May 4 - BVS Older Adult Orientation
28 - District Pot Luck @ Peoria CoB
1-4 BVS Older Adult OrientationJUNE
1 - Labor Day
6 - National Youth Sunday
13 - Mother’s Day
17–19 - New Church Dev. Conf. @ Richmond, IN
25–28 - Camp Emmaus Memorial Day Family Camp
28 - Memorial Day
10–29 - BVS Summer OrientationJULY
16–22 - National Young Adult Conf. @ Knoxville
17 - Father’s Day
6–7 - Ministers Assoc. Pre-Conf. @ St. Louis, MOAUGUST
6–11 - Annual Conference @ St. Louis, MO
7 - Mission & Ministry Board @ St. Louis, MO
13–15 - Camp Emmaus Counselor-in-Training Event
14–15 - Camp Emmaus Elementary I Camp
17–20 - Camp Emmaus Elementary II Camp
22–28 - Camp Emmaus Senior High Camp
20–30 - BVS/BRF Orientation @ New WindsorSEPTEMBER
July 29–August 4 - Camp Emmaus Junior High Camp
5–10 - Camp Emmaus Elementary III Camp
10–12 - Camp Emmaus Women's Camp
Aug 31–Sept 3 - Camp Emmaus Labor Day Family CampOCTOBER
3 - Labor Day
September 16–Oct 5 - BVS Fall Orientation
17 - Rosh Hashanah
26 - Yom Kippur
September 16–Oct 5 - BVS Fall OrientationNOVEMBER
20–23 - Mission and Ministry Board @ Elgin, IL
4 - National Jr. High SundayDECEMBER
16–18 - Mission Alive @ Lititz, PA
22 - Thanksgiving Day
25 - First Sunday of Advent
9 - First Day of Chanukah/Hanukkah
25 - Christmas Day
31 - New Year’s Eve
