Sunday, April 01, 2012
Ending the sin of racism – A historic opportunity awaits the district
From the Moderator – Fletcher Farrar
There is a kairos moment awaiting the District of Illinois and Wisconsin. A kairos moment is an opportune time, a historic opportunity, when an inescapable dilemma is turned into a new and exciting challenge. A kairos moment is when awareness that superficial change is no change at all is followed by the discovery that deeper transformation is a gift of rebirth that is ours for the asking.
The opportunity that awaits the district lies in living fully into our new vision statement’s call for “bridging cultural divisions.” Our congregations can be transformed and liberated by our becoming an anti-racist church.
What Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said many years ago is still true. “We must face the sad fact that at eleven o’clock on Sunday morning, when we stand to sing ‘In Christ there is no East or West,’ we stand in the most segregated hour of America.” This isn’t where we want to stand. Many of us are frustrated by our church’s inability to break out of the white-walled prison we find ourselves in. Yet when we open the doors to “welcome” all races, we are disappointed that few people of color walk through them. We learn that dismantling racism and bridging cultural divisions isn’t easy. It goes well beyond ridding ourselves of the sin of personal prejudice and bigotry. On the subject of racism, we have a lot to learn.
Yet the district’s congregations that have stepped out in faith to form relationships with people of color have found their experiences spiritually satisfying. The Champaign church is making new friends through sharing its building with an African-American congregation. Mt. Morris has hired a community outreach coordinator who is introducing church members to people of other cultures. Highland Avenue has had choir and pulpit exchanges with an African- American congregation. Chicago First has worked on issues of race and multiculturalism for many years.
There is much we can do, together, to end the sin of racism and to restore relationships in our churches, in our communities and in our world. The first step is to become more aware, through learning and by taking training. And Christ will help us as we learn and grow. 1 Cor. 12: 12, 13 “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – Jews or Greeks, slaves or free – and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.”
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
The statistics are shocking: in the US, a report of child
abuse is made every 10 seconds. The Department of
Health and Human
Services says 3.3 million
child abuse reports and
allegations were made
involving an estimated
6 million children in 2009
alone. Christianity proclaims justice and hope for all
who are victimized; the church is called to protect
God’s children and restore hope to those who are
abused.Read the full story at www.brethren.org/childprotection/month.html
DE Pondering by Kevin Kessler
Each spring I have the privilege of visiting on campus with personnel and staff of Manchester College. I always exit these visits with a sense of pride that this is one our Brethren colleges. In addition to the school's top-notch academic programming, there is a strong emphasis in helping students become people of character and integrity. Graduates move on from the halls of academia to the offices and fields of the work-a-day world with a skill-set for relating well to clientele with whom they interact and serve.
During my most recent visit, March 27th, I learned that students with the highest academic and social achievements at Manchester College are those with strong congregational affiliation and attendance. These individuals then become productive and successful contributors to society. When I received this information, it dawned on me that participation in and attendance at church has an impact well beyond the local congregation. The world also reaps benefits.
Frequently, new understandings open my eyes to see a bigger picture. For instance, I've been convinced in my own mind that regular church attendance contributes to the vibrancy of congregational life. Now, I am inspired to view church attendance as a factor contributing to the welfare of the world.
I do realize that the scope of my new view encompasses more than merely being present at church related services and events. The wealth of information a person accumulates and puts into practice is a result of being in attendance. From this result, a person is molded to move into various chapters of their lives with what is needed to impact the world in helpful ways.
Thus, church attendance in and of itself isn't enough. Attendance with awareness of and attention to the mission of the church influences a person's level of success and achievement. It becomes important, then, that the church live out its missional potential as a means of helping to appropriately shape the lives of those who attend church. Such efforts have an expansive reach and provide a valuable contribution to the world.
How has attending church impacted your life? In what way have you contributed to the world as a result of your church attendance? In what ways does this influence your thinking about inviting others to attend church? Does this give church attendance new meaning or place it on a higher plane of importance? I continue to ponder these questions. Will you ponder them with me?
BDM Update
Brethren give grant for tornado outbreak,
Syria; CDS begins care for affected children.
The tornado outbreak that began on Feb. 28-29 and continued March 2-3 was one of the largest ever recorded in March, according to Brethren Disaster Ministries. The program has requested a grant from the denomination’s Emergency Disaster Fund in response to a plea from Church World Service (CWS) for funds for affected communities. Another EDF grant has been given to aid those affected by violence in Syria.
Children's Disaster Services (CDS) is sending volunteers to Multi Agency Resource Centers in Moscow, Ohio, and Crittenden, Ken., and waiting for confirmation of another location in Missouri.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2012/brethren-respond-to-tornadoes-syria.html
(Copied from Brethren Newsline.)
The tornado outbreak that began on Feb. 28-29 and continued March 2-3 was one of the largest ever recorded in March, according to Brethren Disaster Ministries. The program has requested a grant from the denomination’s Emergency Disaster Fund in response to a plea from Church World Service (CWS) for funds for affected communities. Another EDF grant has been given to aid those affected by violence in Syria.
Children's Disaster Services (CDS) is sending volunteers to Multi Agency Resource Centers in Moscow, Ohio, and Crittenden, Ken., and waiting for confirmation of another location in Missouri.
Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2012/brethren-respond-to-tornadoes-syria.html
(Copied from Brethren Newsline.)
Virden Church Celebrates 100 Years
The Virden Church of the Brethren celebrates their
100th anniversary with a “Homecoming” on July 22,
2012. We invite Previous Pastors (Full, part-time, or
interim) to attend and participate. Please contact the
Virden Church of the Brethren at 334 W. Dean St.,
Virden, IL. 62690 or call (217) 965-3422 or e-mail
vcotb@royell.netVerna Scharfenberg, 415 N. Masterson St. , Virden, IL 62690-1430 (217) 965-4141
District Leadership Team Meets at Dutchtown
The District Team met at the Dutchtown Church of
the Brethren in Milledgeville on March 31. Our
thanks to the Dutchtown Church for hosting the
meeting and providing a wonderful lunch and snacks.
Pastor Rick Koch sat in on the meeting and reported
for the Disaster Response Team. Two visitors from
Mt. Morris attended, Esther Fry and Mary Green.
Assistant Chairman, Jim Lehman, presided in the absence of the Chairperson. He opened with a meditation from Matthew 9: 2 – 8 and then led us in prayer.
DE, Kevin Kessler, recited the Mission Statement and spent some time encouraging the Ministry Team Liaisons to meet with their designated Ministry Teams. The Visioning Team had met on January 14. Ideas from that meeting were presented with the admonition to begin to put ideas into action.
DE, Kevin Kessler, reported his activities since the last meeting. He is working on Pastor placement at several Churches. He reported that the Decatur Church is investigating selling their property. They are now meeting in a Disciples of Christ facility. Kevin attended a CODE meeting and reported they worked on balancing a person’s time.
The Disaster Response Team met just before the LT meeting. Rick Koch was elected Chairperson. They are working on having a week working at a Disaster site fully staffed by Illinois-Wisconsin people. The Disaster Response trailer will be at the Deacon Pot Luck and District Conference. The trailer is not fully up to denomination standards and is was suggested that District Churches sponsor a tool.
The Financial Report from the treasurer showed investments doing well and Church allocations are a little lower than in the past but we are meeting expensed at this time. The LT plans on creating a Funding, Investment and Properties Team in the near future.
The Batavia Church held a closing ceremony and auction in February. The property is for sale after a new deed was issued. The Church was originally listed as being owned by the German Baptist Brethren. The LT is operating as the caretaker of the property and paying the bills. The parsonage is being rented.
District Conference will again be at Lake Williamson and sponsored by the Virden Church of the Brethren who are celebrating their 100th anniversary. Dan Ulrich and Benjamin Reynolds will be featured speakers at the Conference.
Other business was discussed and the meeting adjourned with the group singing “Johnny Appleseed”. The next meeting is May 5th at the Springfield Church of the Brethren.
Assistant Chairman, Jim Lehman, presided in the absence of the Chairperson. He opened with a meditation from Matthew 9: 2 – 8 and then led us in prayer.
DE, Kevin Kessler, recited the Mission Statement and spent some time encouraging the Ministry Team Liaisons to meet with their designated Ministry Teams. The Visioning Team had met on January 14. Ideas from that meeting were presented with the admonition to begin to put ideas into action.
DE, Kevin Kessler, reported his activities since the last meeting. He is working on Pastor placement at several Churches. He reported that the Decatur Church is investigating selling their property. They are now meeting in a Disciples of Christ facility. Kevin attended a CODE meeting and reported they worked on balancing a person’s time.
The Disaster Response Team met just before the LT meeting. Rick Koch was elected Chairperson. They are working on having a week working at a Disaster site fully staffed by Illinois-Wisconsin people. The Disaster Response trailer will be at the Deacon Pot Luck and District Conference. The trailer is not fully up to denomination standards and is was suggested that District Churches sponsor a tool.
The Financial Report from the treasurer showed investments doing well and Church allocations are a little lower than in the past but we are meeting expensed at this time. The LT plans on creating a Funding, Investment and Properties Team in the near future.
The Batavia Church held a closing ceremony and auction in February. The property is for sale after a new deed was issued. The Church was originally listed as being owned by the German Baptist Brethren. The LT is operating as the caretaker of the property and paying the bills. The parsonage is being rented.
District Conference will again be at Lake Williamson and sponsored by the Virden Church of the Brethren who are celebrating their 100th anniversary. Dan Ulrich and Benjamin Reynolds will be featured speakers at the Conference.
Other business was discussed and the meeting adjourned with the group singing “Johnny Appleseed”. The next meeting is May 5th at the Springfield Church of the Brethren.
Girard Church celebrates 100th Anniversary
The Girard Church of the Brethren marked their
100 year Anniversary in February 2012. Pastor Ron
Bryant greeted area residents attending the Saturday
reception. Pastor Bryant came to Girard in October
of last year. He is shown introducing the Church’s
oldest member, Avis Dadisman (94) Church
members served refreshments and the Pleasant
Hill Village Chaplain, Terry Link, provided music.
This article appeared in the local newspaper.
District Disaster Relief Team
On Saturday, March 31st an excited
bunch of people gathered at the
Dutchtown Church in Milledgeville
to begin anew our District Disaster
Team. Those at the meeting were
District Minister, Kevin Kessler,
Leadership Team Liaison Bob
Champlin, New Chair Pastor Rick
Koch along with Gil Crosby, Don Hart,
Tom Martz & Paul & Kathy Skoog.
Among their topics of conversation were, how to better promote participation in Disaster Relief work in our District and getting into Churches with programs about this vital ministry.
Did you know that our District has a Tool Trailer that has been used on a few job sites around the country, but cannot any longer because it does not meet the specifications met by Denominational guidelines? This team hopes to change that soon, but it will need your help! It will take money, manpower and tools! More to come on in the next few months when we find out just what is needed. We may be able to have the Tool Trailer at the District Potluck?
Also come next year it is our hope that our District can man a site by ourselves for a week. It has been over 10 years since we have done this! Now is the time. Oh, by the way it takes 12 – 15 people to staff a site for a week. Just so you can get it on your calendar, we have tenitivly set the second full week of February of 2013 as our week to staff. Now that doesn’t mean you cannot work before that time. If interested please let me know.
Well this is only meant to be a “Teaser” to hopefully make you want to know more about our District’s Disaster Relief Team. For more info please contact me, Rick Koch at revrick-dutchtown@jcwifi.com or give me a call @ 815-499-3012.
Among their topics of conversation were, how to better promote participation in Disaster Relief work in our District and getting into Churches with programs about this vital ministry.
Did you know that our District has a Tool Trailer that has been used on a few job sites around the country, but cannot any longer because it does not meet the specifications met by Denominational guidelines? This team hopes to change that soon, but it will need your help! It will take money, manpower and tools! More to come on in the next few months when we find out just what is needed. We may be able to have the Tool Trailer at the District Potluck?
Also come next year it is our hope that our District can man a site by ourselves for a week. It has been over 10 years since we have done this! Now is the time. Oh, by the way it takes 12 – 15 people to staff a site for a week. Just so you can get it on your calendar, we have tenitivly set the second full week of February of 2013 as our week to staff. Now that doesn’t mean you cannot work before that time. If interested please let me know.
Well this is only meant to be a “Teaser” to hopefully make you want to know more about our District’s Disaster Relief Team. For more info please contact me, Rick Koch at revrick-dutchtown@jcwifi.com or give me a call @ 815-499-3012.
Brethren Disaster Ministries needs Volunteers
Many of you are aware of
the extensive flooding that
took place in Minot, North
Dakota in early June of
2011. Extensive flooding
along the Souris River
damaged or destroyed
thousands of homes and
forced the evacuation of
approximately 12,000 residents. A severe housing
and labor shortage sparked by the nearby oil boom
was worsened by the flood, leaving residents confronted
with an expensive real-estate market and a
lack of skilled workers to rebuild.
Since the flood, the city of Minot has struggled to
meet the needs of many of its residents.
Brethren Disaster Ministries is working closely with FEMA and other National VOAD member organizations to recruit and mobilize volunteers to assist with specific work in the area. A current shortage of local licensed electricians has created a backlog of work that threatens to hinder the recovery process.
BDM is seeking electricians to do residential wiring in flood damaged homes in the area. The need for electricians is immediate as there are currently 90 homes waiting for electrical wiring to be completed before re-construction can continue. Below are the specific criteria for volunteer electricians interested in serving the people of Minot.
Interested individuals should contact BDM offices at 1-800-451-4407 for additional details.
Please feel free to distribute this e-mail to friends, relatives, coworkers etc.
Thank you for your assistance with this specific request.
In Christ, Zach Wolgemuth
Associate Director, Brethren Disaster Ministries
Brethren Disaster Ministries is working closely with FEMA and other National VOAD member organizations to recruit and mobilize volunteers to assist with specific work in the area. A current shortage of local licensed electricians has created a backlog of work that threatens to hinder the recovery process.
BDM is seeking electricians to do residential wiring in flood damaged homes in the area. The need for electricians is immediate as there are currently 90 homes waiting for electrical wiring to be completed before re-construction can continue. Below are the specific criteria for volunteer electricians interested in serving the people of Minot.
- Electricians needed immediately and through the next few months.
- Electricians must be Master level or Journeyman.
- Must be willing to serve for a minimum of 2 weeks.
Interested individuals should contact BDM offices at 1-800-451-4407 for additional details.
Please feel free to distribute this e-mail to friends, relatives, coworkers etc.
Thank you for your assistance with this specific request.
In Christ, Zach Wolgemuth
Associate Director, Brethren Disaster Ministries
Illinois Central Song & Story Fest 2012: All Aboard!
July 1-7, 2012 • Camp Emmanuel - Astoria, Illinois
A Family Camp featuring Brethren musicians and storytellers in the woods and river valleys of central Illinois! We’re going to celebrate railroads and trains this year at the Fest and take some of our themes and titles from songs and stories about trains. We’ll explore the impact of our increasingly virtual (not to be confused with virtuous) world on our relationships and on the role of the church in keeping face-to-face communities alive. So join us in Riding the Rails in Comfort. Climb aboard our train Bound for Glory! These people will help make the trip enjoyable:
Storytellers and Workshop Leaders
Jump the train to the lake at Camp Emmanuel!
An Intergenerational Camp for All Ages -
Single persons and families of any size and shape will enjoy this combination of performance and participation in the woods and fields and valleys of central Illinois.
Mornings - Intergenerational gatherings and worship will be followed by workshops for adults, children,
and youth to help us:
walks, story swaps, and jamming.
Evenings - Campfires, snacks, and concerts or a folk dance.
Song & Story Fest #16:
This is the sixteenth summer in a row for these Song and Story Fests and is our first venture into the great state of Illinois, crossroads of America and home to denominational headquarters. The Fest will begin on Sunday evening, July 1, with supper at 5:30 p.m., We’ll close the Fest on Saturday morning, July 7, after breakfast, worship and hugs. This should allow plenty of time to get to Saint Louis, Missouri, for those attending Annual Conference.
On Earth Peace will again co-sponsor the Fest, providing leadership and administrative support.
Camp Emmanuel is located three miles south of Astoria, Ill., (on US Rt. 24) some 17 miles west of Havana (55 miles west of I-55 on US 136) and the Illinois River.. Check it all out on the Camp website at http://www.cob-net.org/camp/emmanuel/index.htm which also has directions,
Lodging - Rustic cabins or dorms furnished with bunk beds, or in your own tent or RV.. Please bring your own bedding and towels as the Camp doesn’t provide these. There are a number of hookups for RVs. Hot showers are provided in common bathhouses.
Food - Arlene Kindy and her crew will cook for us again this year. Please bring a new table grace to add to our repertoire.
Craft Project - Contact Ken if you have a good craft project to share and lead.
Registration and Fees:
Registration includes all meals, on-site facilities, and leadership; and is based upon age. Children 3 and under are welcome, no charge.
Contact Bob Gross, On Earth Peace director, at 260-982-7751 or bgross@onearthpeace.org if you need financial help.
Register on-line at:
www.onearthpeace.org/programs/special/songstory-fest/registration.html
Call Darlene Johnson at the 410-635-8704 to pay by credit card or ask registration questions; you may also mail registrations or checks to: On Earth Peace, PO Box 188, New Windsor MD 21776 Phone: 410-635-8704; Fax: 410-635-8707; oep@onearthpeace.org
For additional information or with program questions contact: Ken Kline Smeltzer, Director, 1452 Willowbrook Drive, Boalsburg PA 16827-1668 814-571-0495 (mobile); 814-466-6491 (home); or bksmeltz@comcast.net
Jump the train to the lake at Camp Emmanuel!
A Family Camp featuring Brethren musicians and storytellers in the woods and river valleys of central Illinois! We’re going to celebrate railroads and trains this year at the Fest and take some of our themes and titles from songs and stories about trains. We’ll explore the impact of our increasingly virtual (not to be confused with virtuous) world on our relationships and on the role of the church in keeping face-to-face communities alive. So join us in Riding the Rails in Comfort. Climb aboard our train Bound for Glory! These people will help make the trip enjoyable:
Storytellers and Workshop Leaders
Deanna Brown, Bob Gross, Kathy Guisewite, Reba Herder, Jonathan Hunter, Jim Lehman, Sue Overman, Campfire, Workshop, and Concert Musicians, Rhonda & Greg Baker, Patti Ecker and Louise Brodie, Peg Lehman, LuAnne Harley & Brian Kruschwitz, Jenny Stover-Brown and Jeffrey Faus, Chris Good and Drue Gray of Mutual Kumquat, Mike Stern
Jump the train to the lake at Camp Emmanuel!
An Intergenerational Camp for All Ages -
Single persons and families of any size and shape will enjoy this combination of performance and participation in the woods and fields and valleys of central Illinois.
Mornings - Intergenerational gatherings and worship will be followed by workshops for adults, children,
and youth to help us:
- Reconnect with the God of all creation and with each other
- Tell the stories that make for peace and rekindle faith
- Sing the words of our hearts in gratitude for the unceasing power of life
- Root and ground ourselves in the Jesus Way
- Deepen our connections with each other and the earth
- Celebrate peace, creation, and life
- Dance in circles, lines, and squares
- Learn the skills of peace-making and justice-seeking
walks, story swaps, and jamming.
Evenings - Campfires, snacks, and concerts or a folk dance.
Song & Story Fest #16:
This is the sixteenth summer in a row for these Song and Story Fests and is our first venture into the great state of Illinois, crossroads of America and home to denominational headquarters. The Fest will begin on Sunday evening, July 1, with supper at 5:30 p.m., We’ll close the Fest on Saturday morning, July 7, after breakfast, worship and hugs. This should allow plenty of time to get to Saint Louis, Missouri, for those attending Annual Conference.
On Earth Peace will again co-sponsor the Fest, providing leadership and administrative support.
Camp Emmanuel is located three miles south of Astoria, Ill., (on US Rt. 24) some 17 miles west of Havana (55 miles west of I-55 on US 136) and the Illinois River.. Check it all out on the Camp website at http://www.cob-net.org/camp/emmanuel/index.htm which also has directions,
Lodging - Rustic cabins or dorms furnished with bunk beds, or in your own tent or RV.. Please bring your own bedding and towels as the Camp doesn’t provide these. There are a number of hookups for RVs. Hot showers are provided in common bathhouses.
Food - Arlene Kindy and her crew will cook for us again this year. Please bring a new table grace to add to our repertoire.
Craft Project - Contact Ken if you have a good craft project to share and lead.
Registration and Fees:
Registration includes all meals, on-site facilities, and leadership; and is based upon age. Children 3 and under are welcome, no charge.
Adults $ 260.00Please register now and remit the entire fee by June 1. Registrations post-marked after June 1 should add 10% as a late fee. No discount for off-site, tent or RV housing. Daily Fee - $45/adult, $35/teen, $25/child, $140/family; includes all meals.
Teens 13 - 19 $ 200.00
Children 4 - 12 $ 130.00
Maximum Fee per Family $ 780.00
Contact Bob Gross, On Earth Peace director, at 260-982-7751 or bgross@onearthpeace.org if you need financial help.
Register on-line at:
www.onearthpeace.org/programs/special/songstory-fest/registration.html
Call Darlene Johnson at the 410-635-8704 to pay by credit card or ask registration questions; you may also mail registrations or checks to: On Earth Peace, PO Box 188, New Windsor MD 21776 Phone: 410-635-8704; Fax: 410-635-8707; oep@onearthpeace.org
For additional information or with program questions contact: Ken Kline Smeltzer, Director, 1452 Willowbrook Drive, Boalsburg PA 16827-1668 814-571-0495 (mobile); 814-466-6491 (home); or bksmeltz@comcast.net
Jump the train to the lake at Camp Emmanuel!
Look here for fees and registrationCamp Emmanuel Web Site
Look here for the camp schedule
Look here to read about the storytellers and musicians
Greetings from Camp Emmanuel
We’ve had a wonderfully mild winter and are in
hopes summer will treat us just as kindly. Please
check the District calendar for camps and dates for
Camp Emmanuel.
Please consider serving during work week, April 14 – 21, for however long you can: a day or two or the entire week. Jim and Clareen Dunn are the cooks so you’ll be well fed. The fellowship of shared effort is not to be under estimated.
Work Week Projects:
Rebuild spillway bridge, Repair electrical in Cottonwood cabin Remove or repair playground equipment, Cut firewood, Power wash paddle boats Put boats in the lake, Clean cabins-porch-chapel-pavilion, Set out picnic tables & garbage cans Clean kitchen & dining area, Check smoke detectors in cabins
Paint foursquare grid on basketball court, Hang volley ball net and swings
Re-glaze & paint chapel windows, Paint Cottonwood cabin
Blessings from Mike and Ruth Siburt, Camp Managers
Annual Conference Preparations
It will not be long
before Annual
Conference will be
here. I hope you
are making plans
to gather with the
Brethren in St.
Louis, MO from
July 7-11, 2012, as we consider how we can “Continue
the Work of Jesus” in our day.
There are numerous ways that we can be prepared for Annual Conference. There are several in particular that I would like to share with you.
First, join the Annual Conference Officers in prayer, each Wednesday morning from 8:00 – 8:15 a.m. (local time). There is a prayer guide available on the Annual Conference website that you may use. Please feel free to share these in your congregations as well.
Second, there are several video blogs available on the Annual Conference website; these take short looks at items related to the 2012 Annual Conference. Feel free to view these, and share them in your congregations as well. Be sure to check back often for new video blogs to come.
Third, would you discuss the following questions with your congregations, and share your answers with the Moderator (moderator@brethren.org)? .
Tim Harvey, Moderator, 2012 Annual Conference Moderator
All information regarding Annual Conference in St. Louis, Missouri is now posted online at www.brethren.org/ac. Click on the “Information Packet” link. Congregations and delegates will not be mailed the Information Packet CD this year.
We look forward to seeing you in St. Louis!
Jon Kobel, Conference Assistant, Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120, call: 847-429- 4365 (Direct) or toll free: 800-323-8039 x365, or e-mail jkobel@brethren.org
There are numerous ways that we can be prepared for Annual Conference. There are several in particular that I would like to share with you.
First, join the Annual Conference Officers in prayer, each Wednesday morning from 8:00 – 8:15 a.m. (local time). There is a prayer guide available on the Annual Conference website that you may use. Please feel free to share these in your congregations as well.
Second, there are several video blogs available on the Annual Conference website; these take short looks at items related to the 2012 Annual Conference. Feel free to view these, and share them in your congregations as well. Be sure to check back often for new video blogs to come.
Third, would you discuss the following questions with your congregations, and share your answers with the Moderator (moderator@brethren.org)? .
- How is your congregation Continuing the Work
of Jesus in your local community?
- How is your congregation being changed by that
ministry?
- In what ways can the Annual Conference help you do that more effectively?
Tim Harvey, Moderator, 2012 Annual Conference Moderator
All information regarding Annual Conference in St. Louis, Missouri is now posted online at www.brethren.org/ac. Click on the “Information Packet” link. Congregations and delegates will not be mailed the Information Packet CD this year.
We look forward to seeing you in St. Louis!
Jon Kobel, Conference Assistant, Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120, call: 847-429- 4365 (Direct) or toll free: 800-323-8039 x365, or e-mail jkobel@brethren.org
Church World Service Blanket Program
This Mother’s Day give more than a card Your compassion in action. That’s the definition of
the CWS Blankets+ Program. This Mother’s Day
take action – give help, give hope!
Blankets + contributions gave hope and resources to
people in crisis in 2011 when:
- Mother Nature’s harshest actions – deadly tornadoes, hurricanes, and harsh winter conditions – caused destruction and hardship here at home.
- Refugees displaced by disaster or violence needed food and shelter.
- Seeds and tools were needed to help Haitian families create community gardens for food security.
to us.”
We know more disasters will occur. Let’s work to put faith and compassion into action – for Mother’s Day,
Father’s Day, any day – so help is there when it’s needed most.
Plan your Blankets+ offering now. Order your Blankets+ resources today. Arrange for a speaker about Blankets+. Contact Pam at the CWS Midwest Area office, 888-297-2767 or cpfolkers@churchworldservice.org. Find out more or place an order at blanketsplus.org.
Dutchtown has a Blogspot
Blog: Dutchtown Church of the Brethren
Post: "Our Niche"
Link: http://dutchtownchurch.blogspot.com/2012/02/our-niche.html
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Post: "Our Niche"
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Older Adult Ministry
Older Adult Month – Aging with Passion and Purpose – May 2012The Church of the Brethren celebrates God’s gift of aging each May. This year’s theme is Aging with Passion and Purpose: The hope to which you have been called... (Eph 1:18). A variety of worship resources are available at www.brethren.org/oam/month.html, along with a list of ways to recognize older adults in your congregation. Contact Kim Ebersole, Director of Older Adult Ministry, at (800) 323-8039 or kebersole@brethren.org for more information.
2nd Annual Congregational Life Ministry Fair
Tuesday, July 10 • 4:30 – 6:30 PM
Interested in…??
A light buffet supper is included in your registration fee.
Register for the Ministry Fair as a meal event on the Annual Conference website: www.brethren.org/ac
Pastors and lay leaders - this Fair's for you!
See you there!
Questions? Contact Donna Kline, 800-323-8039, dkline@brethren.org
Interested in…??
- Hospitality and church growth
- Church planting
- Reaching out to the community
- Deacon ministry
- Disabilities and accessibility issues
- Gifts-based discipleship
- Intercultural ministries
- Stuck in an age-group rut?
- Children should be seen AND heard
- Ministry by, for, and with older adults
- Spiritual life and prayer
- Stewardship as lifestyle
- Faith that "sticks": nurturing long-term faith in teenagers
- Faith formation through small groups
- Creating—and creative—worship experiences
- What does a missional church look like?
"I just really loved the opportunity to meet with other people who have the same interest." - 2011 Ministry Fair attendeeTwo 30-minute sessions will offer the opportunity to meet with multiple ministry areas.
A light buffet supper is included in your registration fee.
Register for the Ministry Fair as a meal event on the Annual Conference website: www.brethren.org/ac
Pastors and lay leaders - this Fair's for you!
See you there!
Questions? Contact Donna Kline, 800-323-8039, dkline@brethren.org
Calendar of District Events
APRIL
1 - Palm SundayMAY
6 - Good Friday
7 - First Day of Passover
8 - Easter
14 - Camp Emmanuel Spring Work Day
14-21 - Camp Emmanuel Spring Work Week
23–May 4 - BVS Older Adult Orientation
28 - District Pot Luck @ Peoria CoB
3 - National Day of PrayerJUNE
4-5 - Camp Emmanuel CIT Workshop
6 - National Youth Sunday
13 - Mother’s Day
17–19 - New Church Dev. Conf. @ Richmond, IN
25–28 - Camp Emmaus Memorial Day Family Camp
27 - Pentecost Sunday
28 - Memorial Day
1-3 - Camp Emmanuel Women’s RetreatJULY
3-9 - Camp Emmanuel Youth Camp
10-16 - Camp Emmanuel JrHi Camp
10–29 - BVS Summer Orientation
16–22 - National Young Adult Conf. @ Knoxville
17 - Father’s Day
17-23 - Camp Emmanuel Junior Camp
6–7 - Ministers Assoc. Pre-Conf. @ St. Louis, MOAUGUST
7–11 - Annual Conference @ St. Louis, MO
7 - Mission & Ministry Board @ St. Louis, MO
13–15 - Camp Emmanuel Pre-Junior Camp
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
3–5 - Camp Emmanuel Young Adult CampSEPTEMBER
July 29–August 4 - Camp Emmaus Junior High Camp
5–10 - Camp Emmaus Elementary III Camp
10–12 - Camp Emmaus Women's Camp
10–12 - Camp Emmanuel Men's Camp
20–30 - BVS/BRF Orientation @ New Windsor
Aug 31–Sept 3 - Camp Emmanuel Family Camp
Aug 31–Sept 3 - Camp Emmaus Labor Day Family Camp
3 - Labor DayOCTOBER
16–Oct 5 - BVS Fall Orientation
21 - International Day of Peace
29 - Camp Emmanuel 7th Annual Fish Fry
7 - World Communion SundayNOVEMBER
20 - Camp Emmanuel Fall Work Day
20–23 - Mission and Ministry Board @ Elgin, IL
28 - Reformation Sunday
4 - National Jr. High SundayDECEMBER
4 - Daylight Savings Time Ends
16–18 - Mission Alive @ Lititz, PA
22 - Thanksgiving Day
2 - First Sunday of Advent
25 - Christmas Day31 - New Year’s Eve
