The Reflector -- August 2013 -- Vol 10 Issue 5

Pinecrest Pathways Program

Pinecrest Pathways – Beds Program

Pinecrest Community is proud to announce that with the help of several regional foundations and donations, it will be replacing every bed in the Manor nursing home and Terrace Alzheimer’s care center. To date, old beds (from the 1960s) have been replaced in Wings 1 through 5, with wings 6, 7, and the Terrace yet to be finished.

In 2012 and 2013, Pinecrest received a total of $20,000 from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois and two other $1,000 grants dedicated to the beds purchases. Many other donations were given by people affiliated with Pinecrest who wanted to help when the need became apparent. Sufficient funding was finally realized in 2013 to replace each old bed with a state of the art Elite Riser. Beds are being replaced one wing at a time, with one wing each month being changed out.

To enable Pinecrest to seek Foundation funding, as well as individual donations, “Pinecrest Pathways,” an overall health-related visionary program, was launched. We have looked at our needs and determined which of them could qualify as direct services to our residents dedicated to improving their health and the health and well-being of their caregivers which fulfils Pinecrest’s mission to provide quality health services with respect, dignity and security for the whole person. The motorized beds will allow our elderly, sick and rehabbing residents the ability to free themselves from the limitations of waiting for assistance in order just to sit up, or become mobile to use the restroom, or go for a walk. We believe the dignity of the residents, which is our primary concern, is elevated to a much higher standard by giving them as much freedom as possible, and these beds accomplish that goal.

Studies have also shown that these KINDS of beds – which raise high for the nursing staff – reduce potential injury to staff (back strain from lifting patients), another major benefit. Pinecrest is a top-rated nursing home (five stars in May 2012 and May 2013), and we believe that the addition of these beds will really help us in so many ways.

If you would like to participate in any of our current funding opportunities, contact Diana Roemer, Director of Advancement and Marketing at 815-734-4103: 815-734-4103 FREE. Future Pathways projects under consideration include an Arts and Music program and a Trails program.

Peace Day 2013

With whom will you make peace?

Peace Day is coming up soon on Sept. 21, and this year’s theme asks one simple question: With whom will you make peace? Peace Day (formerly called the International Day of Prayer for Peace) is a rallying call to bring people together to think about how this peace can transform relationships and communities. Sometimes it feels like violence is all around, and that peace is unattainable, but Jesus gives us peace and calls us to be peacemakers who build up our world and our communities. "My peace I leave with you" (John 14:27).

Reprinted from Newsline – A Church of the Brethren e-newsletter

DE Ponderings

by Kevin Kessler, District Executive

We live in a time when the culture measures success by numbers, primarily by how many people were involved and how much money was exchanged. I believe the following example is a case in point. The IHSA State Boys Basketball Tournament is held at Carver Arena in Peoria each year. News reports predict that when the tournament comes to town the economy will benefit by thousands upon thousands of dollars as a result of thousands more people being in the city. I always wonder, does the city benefit in any other way? I’m confident it does, but why isn’t emphasis given to the other benefits? Could it be that the other benefits which may have greater impact on the city are more difficult to analyze and so the easier route of counting, which is more tangible, is taken instead?

Have these cultural means of measurement impacted the church? My response to this question is, “Yes.” Each year congregations receive forms asking for statistical information which is published in the denominational Yearbook. These statistical numbers may be indicators of underlying currents within the church, but the numbers offer little in analyzing church vitality. Yet when we enter conversation about how well a congregation is doing, the responses we often get and expect are measurements of average attendance and financial stability. How well really do these responses inform us of congregational vitality?

The district’s Church Revitalization and Development Team in a recent meeting discussed the question of church vitality. Emerging from lively conversation was an affirmation that vitality is measured much more effectively than counting people in the pews and viewing numbers on a spreadsheet. One team member suggested that vitality is measured by the level of congregational energy. Thus, giving attention to building the energy level may have greater impact on the congregation than filling pews. Filled pews may be an end result of renewed energy but not the overarching goal.

I continued thinking about the measurement of congregational vitality. Desiring to know more, I quickly perused the internet one afternoon. I came across a couple blogs that offered some insightful thoughts on this subject. The blogs suggest measuring vitality by the manner of living out baptismal vows, the depth of theological understanding, a focus on discipleship, the gravity of our spiritual lives, the attentiveness given to prayer and study of scripture, and the relationship we have with the covenant community. United Methodist minister Dan R. Dick sums it up with this statement: “What we should be measuring is how well people have been equipped to live their faith in the world, and how our world is being transformed."

Continuing to measure church vitality by numbers allows us to easily lament church decline, which moves us into survival mode. Considering the measurement methods in the preceding paragraph, congregations have greater ability to see what they are doing, understand their identity, and realize their effectiveness. Increased awareness of ongoing vitality reveals a level of energy oft times forgotten. Thus, congregations begin to see that they are more than numbers; they are alive and functioning and vital, moving then from survival to thriving mode.

When Jesus told the disciples to feed the gathered crowd of 5,000 men plus women and children, they lamented not having available resources. They were concerned about having too little to do what was needed. Imagine Jesus sighing and responding, “What do you have? Go and see!” They went and found two small fish and a few loaves of bread. All were fed...with food leftover. Jesus calls us to bring what we have, even the smallest amounts, to be transformed. Let’s see what we have in our congregations. Let’s become aware of vitality already among us as we measure it in new ways. Let’s bring it to Jesus. Let’s expect transformation...among us...and in the world.

Pocket Knives for Honduras

Our Honduran coordinator has requested we take pocket knives on our next trip to Honduras for our friends there. From past experiences I know what a special gift, such as a knife, means to them. If you would like to donate a new or good used pocket knife, please have them to me by Oct. 1, 2013.

Thank you!

Bill Hare, P.O. Box 128, 3011 W. Camp Rd., Mt. Morris, IL 61054

Views of Vitality — The first in a series of articles

The Church Revitalization and Development Team believes congregations comprising the IL/WI District are alive and sharing vital ministries in their respective contexts. Each newsletter will feature the vitality of a congregation, providing evidence that faithful followers are continuing the work of Jesus...peacefully...simply...together

Champaign Church of the Brethren

Nestled along Neil Street, in a less affluent area of Champaign, IL, is the Champaign Church of the Brethren. The congregation was at one time the largest in the District of Southern Illinois, with membership numbering 321.¹ Membership today is less than one-tenth of the mid-twentieth century peak. But that doesn’t deter this congregation from continuing the work of Jesus in ways that positively impact their faithfulness and graciously affect the surrounding community.

The congregation understands the importance of continual spiritual renewal. Members meet regularly for Bible study, most recently studying the Old Testament book of Hosea. Because Hosea is a less familiar biblical writing for the congregation, interest in learning about something less well known has piqued curiosity, thus garnering good participation in the study. Studying together is producing the benefit of a spiritually stronger congregation.

Congregational strength is made practical through the ministry in which they are engaged. Providing space for a community garden is just one way of being involved in their context. The project is available to people in the neighborhood, not only church members. It is, as one church member described, a great way to make contacts in the community.

Champaign-Urbana is home to the University of Illinois. Although the university is on the other end of town, such separation isn’t a factor in making connections with the students. Through open lines of communication and by invitation, students from the university come to the church to actively participate in ministry activities. It’s amazing that a small congregation on the northern end of Champaign can reach across the city to the southern end of Urbana and connect with students in one of the largest universities in the state, evidence of God working across boundaries without deference to size.

The church is also involved in a program called Zero Percent. The program connects restaurants with local food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. When restaurants have surplus food, they can post a donation on the Zero Percent platform, which immediately alerts volunteers at local agencies. The system was created to make it as simple as possible for restaurants to donate food, and hence encourage donations of prepared and perishable yet edible food. The congregation has incorporated this food with their already active food pantry. Now when a basket of food is delivered, it can contain freshly prepared foods as well as other items.

This past summer, the church was able to be a feeding site for the summer lunch program for children through the local health department. Any child under the age of 18 could come between 11 and 12 on a weekday and get a free lunch. The church is hoping that some of the children may come back for Sunday School.

The Champaign Church of the Brethren doesn’t dwell on size; they focus on what God is calling them to do, where God is active in their midst, and how they can heed that call to join with God in faithful and fruitful ministry. All they do may attract few people into the pews on Sunday morning, but it places the love of God in the hearts of lives they touch. Well done, good and faithful servants!

¹ Church of the Brethren in Southern Illinois, Brethren Publishing House, Elgin, IL, 1950

Leadership Team assembles in Peoria for June meeting

The opening devotions related a story by Margaret Marshall concluding that “If each person does some small thing, ultimately each of those small acts will add up to a combined impact that will tear away the greatest oppression.”

Gil Crosby opened with prayer. Chairman Bob Champlin called the meeting to order.

Jim Lehman presented a financial report showing the District to be in pretty good shape at the present time. Church allocations were being received a little ahead of plans with some churches who had not pledged contributing to the District Missions. The District sold the former Batavia Church property bringing in a net of $245,807. Some Ministry Teams had not used their budgets leaving a positive balance. A new Funding, Investments and Properties Team has been formed to advise the Leadership Team on the handling of the District investments and any property that would revert to the District. Those who serve on that Team are: Jocelyn Watkins, (Peoria), Will Nolan, (Highland Ave.) and Fletcher Farrar, (Springfield) Others will be named later.

A new Pastor has been called to the Polo Church of the Brethren, Pastor Leslie Lake who comes to Polo from the Northern Ohio District. Several other Churches seek pastors including Dixon, Lanark, Chicago First and Woodland. District Executive, Kevin Kessler, continues working with these congregations with search profiles.

Joel Kline, Standing Committee, attended the meeting to prepare a report on the Illinois-Wisconsin District to the Standing Committee.

The Leadership Team continues to study possible missions for the Douglas Park Church. The LT is also the Leadership Team for the Douglas Park congregation.

Our District Executive, Kevin Kessler, plans to take a well earned Sabbatical next year from July 7th to September 7th.

It was reported that the response to the District Pot Luck held April 27th in Peoria came is positive. The consensus of the evaluation sheets showed the District congregations want to continue with yearly Pot Lucks.

The next Pot Luck could be held at another Church. The next Leadership Team Meeting will be held at Pinecrest Manor on August 10th.

NOAC bus Cancelled

The bus that was being organized by Don and Patti Weirich to take people from Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio to NOAC has been cancelled due to not having enough committed riders to make it financially feasible. If you would inform congregations in your district of this, I would appreciate it. We hope to have sufficient interest for a bus to NOAC in 2015.

The National Older Adult Conference (NOAC), is September 2-6 at Lake Junaluska, NC. We have a great program lined up! Information can be found at www.brethren.org/NOAC.

Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries Church of the Brethren

2013 Illinois-Wisconsin District Conference

November 1 & 2, 2013*

Hosted By: Mt. Morris Church of the Brethren
Assisted by Pinecrest Community

Moderator: Mark Flory Steury, Neighborhood Church Of The Brethren
Friday evening speaker: Jonathan Shively

Please watch for registration information in the coming weeks.

*Note change in the conference schedule to Friday and Saturday only.

Church Revitalization and Development Team

Front row L to R: Charlot Cole, (Virden); Jane Bicksler, (Freeport), Secretary; Michelle Kohler, Chair (Champaign), Back row L to R: Jack Flores, (Highland Ave.); Kendall Cole, (Virden); Kevin Kessler, DE (Canton); Matt Rittle, (Franklin Grove); Stan Rodabaugh, (Cherry Grove)

The Team held their meeting July 27 at the Mt. Morris COB. Charlot Cole is not a member of the team but came with husband Kendall.

Each person shared about ongoing ministry in their congregation; these stories will be published in the newsletter over next several months We spent time in focused prayer based on the sharing that was mentioned in the in the Church ministries. We decided to encourage participation in and support congregations through the Vital Ministry Journey process; CRDT members will work with congregations to explain the process and help them secure materials

We spent time in conversation to gain more understanding of what revitalization means and decided to have a display at District Conference. There will be computers set up for persons interested church planting to be able to take a church planters assessment inventory.

We discussed that we now have a church planters assessment tool provided through Congregational Life Ministries that we can access and use.

Silent & Live Auctions - 2013 District Conference

Benefiting a variety of Ministries 

This year we are doing things a bit differently. For the Silent Auction we are asking each Church to provide a basket of goodies with a theme, such as kitchen, movie night and so on. We are also asking for baked goods for the Silent Auction. For the Live Auction we are asking people to provide nice Arts and Crafts items, such as woodworking, paintings, maybe pottery. We would like to have a dozen or so items in the Live Auction. If you would like to provide an item, please let me know ahead of time what you are planning to bring.

For more information, please contact Rick Koch at 815-499-3012 or at revrick-dutchtown@jcwifi.com.

From Hurricane Creek

Our annual ice cream social is coming up soon. It's Sat., Aug. 24 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. It features several flavors of home made ice cream, home made pies & cakes, hand made milk shakes, water balloon the pastor, balloon art, and an interactive Bible story. Everyone is welcome to participate in the annual event at the east end of Pleasant Mount Village in Southern Illinois. Join our sisters and brothers in their celebration of fellowship.

The Great Multitude

A Symposium bringing us together
From every nation, from all tribes and peoples... Rev. 7:9
Continuing the work of Jesus as we become a more intercultural church

I am excited to welcome you and those in Illinois-Wisconsin to the “Great Multitude Symposium”:

• When: October 25-27 2013
• Where: Skelton Retreat Center, Wirtz, Virginia
• Why: Because we are called to continue the work of Jesus peacefully, simply and TOGETHER!

With CEUs (1.1!) for pastors, a lecture on COB intercultural history, a panel about the Hispanic church, hands-on training sessions, and a bilingual worship concert, there really is something for everyone at this gathering. We invite you to participate in the on-going dialogue about being in an intercultural denomination, living in multicultural communities, and what Jesus teaches us about how to live with and love all our neighbors.

For more Information contact: Gimbya Kettering, gkettering@brethren.org PH: 847-429-4387

This event is being co-sponsored by the Virlina District and Intercultural Ministries and co-hosted by the Roanoke First Church of the Brethren.

Upcoming Brethren Academy Level Courses

Courses are open to TRIM students, pastors (earn 2 CEUs) and all interested persons Please note: While we continue to accept students beyond the Registration deadline, on that date we determine whether we have enough students to offer a course. Many courses have required pre-course readings, so students need to be sure to allow enough time to complete those. Please do not purchase texts or make travel plans until the Registration Deadline is passed, and you receive a course confirmation.

*Bethany Experience **Brethren College Experience

Courses noted as “SVMC” need to be registered for through the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center at SVMC@etown.edu, 717-361-1450 TRIM designations: BT (Bible/Theology credit) MS (Ministry Skills credit)

2013:

“Ministry with Youth/Young Adults” Online Instructor: Instructor: Russell Haitch, Professor of Christian Education and Director of the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults, Bethany Theological Seminary, August 19 – October 11, 2013 (MS) Registration Deadline: July 22, 2013 

“Introduction to Theology” Online Instructor: Malinda Berry, Assistant Professor of Theological Studies and Director of the MA Program, Bethany Theological Seminary, Oct 14 - Dec 13 (no class Thanksgiving week), 2013 (BT) Registration Deadline: September 16, 2013

2014:

** “But Who Is My Neighbor? Christianity in a Global Context” Students will attend this synchronous (live) online course via the Adobe Connect program. Instructor: Kent Eaton, Provost and Professor of Cultural Studies at McPherson College, Two weekend sessions of 10 hours each. Hours listed are Eastern Standard Time: Thursday, January 9, 8-10PM; Friday, January 10, 8-10PM; Saturday, January 11, 10AM- 5PM with a 1-hour break at 1PM; Thursday, January 23, 8-10PM; Friday, January 24, 8-10PM; Saturday, January 25, 10AM-5PM with a 1-hour break at 1PM. (BT) Registration Deadline: December 6, 2013

“Introduction to Old Testament” Online, Instructor: Craig Gandy, January 27 – March 21 (BT) Registration Deadline: December 16, 2013

**“History of the Church of the Brethren” Young Center, Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA, Instructor: Jeff Bach, March 7-8, 21-22, 2014 (BT) SVMC

Website: www.bethanyseminary.edu/academy

Along the Paths of Camp Emmaus

Camp clean up of the building and facilities went well this spring, before campers began to arrive for the season. The camp board truly appreciates the willing work of local congregations in the yearly readying for the season. Beyond getting the cleaning done, it serves as a renewed reminder of the presence of Camp Emmaus, and appreciation for its beauty and message.

This has been a good summer for added promotion of the use of the pool at Camp. Promotions have gone out to all local churches, all Churches of the Brethren in the proximity, and posted at various sites. Attendance at these Sunday swims has improved, and board members are taking turns in being the responsible persons in charge each time. Open swims for the public are still available the Sundays of August 4, 11, 18, and 25, from 1-3 p.m., with a $2 charge per person.

The camp board continues to consider options for next year to supplement the programming already in place for the use of the camp property and schedule. Diana Roemer, Director of Advancement and Marketing at Pinecrest Manor, has been sharing great ideas in working with the board on these dreams.

Be sure to mark the Saturday of the Labor Day weekend on your calendar, for coming to the annual Camp Appreciation Dinner. There will be great food and entertainment, as well as a chance to catch up on all that’s new at camp, and visit with old and new camp friends. More detailed information will be routed to your congregations and camp representatives.

211 Miles

Pastor Koch shared this with his Church Sunday. It is just 211 miles from where the Israelites crossed the Red Sea to the Promised Land they were now headed for. So why did it take them 40 years? Because they Complained and Grumbled against God a lot! 211 miles, a distance the average person should be able to walk in less than 2 weeks. Are you beginning to see the correlation between how our complaining and griping to God keeps Him from blessing us? So today, quit living as if you were weaned on a dill pickle and give God the thanks and praise He deserves and then see how much more blessed your life will be.

Reprinted from Pastor Rick Koch’s blog, Dutchtown Church of the Brethren

NYC 2014 logo and registration opening date are announced

A new logo for National Youth Conference (NYC) 2014, the once every four years Church of the Brethren conference for youth who have completed grade 9 through the first year of college, has been released by the Youth and Young Adult Ministry office. The logo designed by Debbie Noffsinger illustrates the NYC theme from Ephesians 4:1-7, “Called by Christ, Blessed for the Journey Together.” Also announced is the opening date of online registration for NYC: Jan. 3, 2014, at 7 p.m. (central time).

The full story is at www.brethren.org/news/2013/nyc-2014-logo-and-opening-registration-date.html

Reprinted from Newsline – A Church of the Brethren e-newsletter

Congregational Liaison Relationship

In 2004 the Illinois/Wisconsin District of the Church of the Brethren underwent a significant organizational restructuring. A major change was moving from a Board-style of governance with various commissions to a Leadership Team style of structure. Moving to a new structure involved decreasing the number of persons to seven (7) who are called to serve on the Leadership Team. With less representation from the district serving in leadership positions, an emphasis was added to the new structure of having Leadership Team members act as liaisons to district congregations. Following is the section from the report of the Study Committee on District Board Structure to the 2003 Illinois Wisconsin District Conference describing the congregational liaison relationship, which was subsequently adopted at the Conference.

In relation to congregations, the Leadership Team shall...

1. 1.divide the congregations of the District amongst themselves so that each congregation has an assigned liaison on the leadership team;
2. actively encourage opportunities for joint worship, fellowship, and training by the congregations within their region and throughout the whole of the District;
3. receive, consider, and make disposition of concerns brought by any individuals or congregations, bringing recommendations, if needed, to the District Conference for revisions of district policy if concerns cannot be addressed through the work of a ministry team;
4. bring queries or other business to District Conference and process queries from congregations for District Conference action.

Leadership team members shall have at least two visits per year with each congregation with whom they have a liaison relationship. Ideally one visit would be in worship and on visit with the congregation’s leadership team. The purpose of these visits is to be in dialogue about the ministry of the congregation, the ministry of the District, and how the congregation is feeling about its covenant relationship with the District. These will be times for sharing and support.

Leadership team members may ask a proxy to serve in their place in a liaison role.

The leadership team shall annually call itself to accountability regarding this liaison program. The Leadership Team, no less than annually, considers how well it is carrying out the liaison function. At various times and places around the district, this practice has been carried out well. At other times and places it has been much more challenging. Regardless, the Leadership Team understands the importance of this practice and will continue to maintain liaison relationships in creative and helpful ways.

To encourage these relationships, it is important for congregations to know who their liaison is from the Leadership Team. Following is a list of congregations and liaisons with additional notes. If you desire contact from or with your liaison, you may communicate this to them at any time. If you are unable to connect with a liaison, please contact the district office for additional assistance.

Congregational Liaisons

Mandy Rahn
P.O. Box 31, Chadwick, IL 61014
Ph. 815-684-5498 Email: waaupau@gmail.com
Freeport, Lanark, Milledgeville, Mt. Morris, Polo, Stanley (WI)

Robert Champlin
25338 E. Upper Lake Rd., Canton, IL 61520
Ph. 309-647-5780 Email: rechamplin@netzero.net
Cerro Gordo, Oak Grove, Panther Creek, Peoria, Springfield, Virden

Carol Novak
124 N. Jones Ave., Amboy, IL 61310
Ph. 815-857-3719 Email: cskjnovak@yahoo.com
Cherry Grove, Dixon, Franklin Grove, Rockford Community, Yellow Creek, West Branch

Jim Lehman
39-D Creekside Circle, Elgin, IL 60123
Ph. 847-608-8483
Email: jameslehman@brotherstonepublishers.com
Chicago First, Neighborhood, York Center

Bill Pocklington
15129 Greenridge Rd., Girard, IL 62640
Ph. 217-627-2882 Email: wpocklington@yahoo.com
Canton, Champaign, Decatur, Girard, LaPlace, Oakley Birck Woodland

Greg Beach**
Allison Prairie, Hurricane Creek, Martins Creek, Rock Community, Romine, Walnut Grove
**Greg moved to Pennsylvania mid-July. A new liaison will be named and published at a later date.

Purvi Satvedi
2515 Crestview Dr., Aurora, IL 60502
Ph. 630-440-4124 Email: purvisatvedi@yahoo.com
Douglas Park, Highland Ave., Naperville

2013 Fall District Youth Retreat - November 1-3

Do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your minds
Romans 12:2

November 1st - November 3rd , 2013
Camp Emmaus, Mt. Morris

Where: Camp Emmaus is located near highway 64 between Mount Morris and Oregon, Illinois.
www.campemmaus.org.

When: Registration will begin at 7 pm on Friday Night. Retreat participants will be dismissed on Sunday around 11:30am. Note that District Conference will end on Saturday, please indicate if you will be picking up your youth on Saturday evening or on Sunday.

Who: Everyone currently in 9th through 12th grades during the 2013-2014 school year. Friends and advisors are welcome.

Cost: $40 for youth no charge for advisors. Make checks payable to Illinois/Wisconsin District Youth

What to Bring: Bible, Games, Sleeping Bag, Snacks to share, Towel, and Work clothes.

Registration Deadline: October 18th, 2013; please register early to help with our planning.

Return completed registration form, covenant and check to:

Beth Carpentier
269 E. Chestnut
Canton, Illinois 61520

Questions: Contact Ralph Miner at (847) 742-0918, or via e-mail: rminer151@earthlink.net

Camp Emmanuel Men’s Camp -- Aug. 9 - 11

Schedule:

Friday – August 9

5:00 PM ......Register with JoEllen Doyle
6:00..............Dinner – Wiener Roast in Porch.
7:00..............Visit in Porch - Campfire

Saturday – August 10

6:00 ............Coffee
7:00..............Wake up Bell
8:00..............Breakfast
9:00..............Forum – Matt Haberman
10:00............Free Time
12:00............Lunch
1:00..............Forum – Matt Haberman
2:30..............Work Project – Bring Work Clothes
3:30..............Free Time
5:00..............Dinner
6:00..............Free Time
7:00..............Campfire
8:00..............Video & Popcorn

Sunday – August 11

6:00..............Coffee
7:00..............Wake up Bell
8:00..............Breakfast
10:00............Woodland Church
12:00............Lunch
1:00..............Clean up/farewell

Dean: Ray Knots, Cooks: Kitty Knots/Jane Weiss

2013 Pledged to Actual Comparison (unaudited) as of June 30, 2013

Calendar of District Events

August

4-9 - Camp Emmaus Elementary III Camp 9-11 - Camp Emmanuel Men's Camp
9-11 - Camp Emmaus Women's Camp
10 - Leadership Team Meeting, Pinecrest @ Mt. Morris
30-Sept 2 - Camp Emmanuel Family Camp
30-Sept 2 - Camp Emmaus Labor Day Family Camp
31 - Camp Emmaus Appreciation Dinner

September

2 - Labor Day
2-6 - National Older Adult Conference @ Lake Junaluska, NC
8 - Grandparent's Day
13 - Yom Kippur
15 - Bethany Sunday
21 - International Day of Peace
22 - First Day of Autumn

October

Domestic Violence Awareness Month
6 - World Communion Sunday
12 - Leadership Team Meeting, Neighborhood
18-21 - Mission and Ministry Board, Elgin, IL
19 - Camp Emmanuel Fall Work Day/Camp Closing
24 - World Disarmament Day
24 - United Nations Day
27 - Reformation Sunday
31 - Halloween

November

1-2 - Ill.-Wisc. District Conference @ Mt. Morris
1-3 - Fall District Youth Retreat @ Camp Emmaus
3 - National Junior High Sunday
3 - Daylight Savings Time Ends
9 - Camp Emmaus Leaf Raking
11 - Veteran's Day
15-16 - Leadership Team Retreat, Camp Emmaus, Mt. Morris, IL
16-17 - Powerhouse Regional Youth Conference @ Camp Alexander Mack
24 - Christ the King Sunday
27 - Hanukkah Begins
28 - Thanksgiving

December

1 - First Sunday of Advent
1 - World Aids Day
8 - Second Sunday of Advent
15 - Third Sunday of Advent
21 - First day of Winter
22 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
25 - Christmas Day
31 - New Year's Eve