The Reflector -- March 2014 -- Vol 11 Issue 2

Thoughts from the Moderator - Stan Rodabaugh

Do we want to be a blessing to those we love, those we rub elbows with each day? The best way I know is to continually ask Jesus to do His transforming work in us! He will continue to renew our minds, give us His mind, so that we will think, act and be more like him wherever we are, in all we do. This is absolutely the most powerful thing we can do to bring radical change for good into this world!

Proverbs 3:5-6 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways (acknowledge) submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. 

Thoughts from the Moderator

New Pastors Arrive in District

The Woodland congregation has called Gary Yoder to serve as part-time pastor beginning March 1, 2014.

The Lanark congregation has called Mark Godfrey to serve as full-time pastor beginning April 6, 2014.

2014 National Youth Conference Illinois/Wisconsin District Bus Trip

Hop on the bus for fun and adventure as the IL/WI District Youth travel to NYC in Ft Collins, CO! Join other youth and advisors from exotic far away places like Canton, Elgin, Freeport, Lombard, Milledgeville, Naperville, and Peoria. The 2014 National Youth Conference theme is “Called by Christ, blessed for the journey together,” based on Ephesians 4:1-7.

Relax and have fun while you journey together to what others have referred to as “a once in a lifetime, life changing experience!”

When: Buses will leave Illinois in the evening on July 18 and return in the morning on July 25th, see the registration form for exact times for each location.

Where: We will have pick up in Central, Northeast, and Northwest locations. Bus pickups and drop offs will occur at Naperville Church of the Brethren, Peoria First Church of the Brethren and Milledgville Church of the Brethren.

Cost: $ 375 (this is the cost of the bus only, and does not include your NYC registration or meals along the way) $175 deposit are due by April 18. The remaining $200 balance is due by June 7. This does include the cost of a District NYC T-shirt.

Reservations: E-mail rminer151@earthlink.net with basic information (name, address, e-mail, church, and advisor) as soon as possible. Complete the registration form and return to Ralph Miner, 7 South DuBois Avenue; Elgin Illinois 60123 with your deposit by April 18th.

DE Ponderings by Kevin Kessler

The Lectionary Gospel reading for Sunday, Feb. 23, Matthew 5:38-48, depicts Jesus saying, “You have heard that it was said...but I say to you...” Jesus describes a set of principles which people had generally followed and then offers a new paradigm to consider. The people were quite comfortable following the established principles. The new paradigm called the people out of their comfort zone inviting them to engage society in unusual ways not often practiced or experienced, which increased their vulnerability significantly. “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

While not yet understood by his audience, the vulnerability to which Jesus calls them has long term benefits. Jesus isn’t in the business of disturbing comfort zones simply for the sake of disturbance. Beneficial realities exist that Jesus desires the vulnerable to find, specifically, I envision, the joy of solid, faithful, and fruitful relationships that produce a more complete and mutually satisfying identity.

Jessicah Krey Duckworth, ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and assistant professor at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, MN, has written a book entitled, Wide Welcome: How the Unsettling Presence of Newcomers Can Save the Church. Duckworth calls the established church to exit its comfort zone and enter the world of vulnerability by accepting the challenging questions that newcomers to the church bring with them. On the surface, the questions of newcomers may seem innocuous if it is assumed the newcomer shares a familiar understanding of the Christian story. But what if they don’t? What if the newcomer has been influenced minimally or not at all by the Christian story? Or what if the Christian influence upon them has been negative? And so now the questions they bring challenge the very tenants of Christianity or reflect a dismissive attitude toward the Christian faith.

Duckworth references an author whose approach in working with questioning newcomers is to help the newcomer disengage from the dominant culture, a culture that seemingly detracts the newcomer from understanding the Christian story. For Duckworth, this approach avoids the questions and invites the questioner into a relationship whereby their identity will be defined by the established congregation, a congregation in which the emphasis is to disengage from the dominant culture. This is a comfortable place for a congregation, a “you have heard that it was said” place.

The “but I say to you” response Duckworth renders is that “Christian congregations need only engage, and that engagement happens through the welcome of newcomer questions. Notice that engagement is not simply engagement of the newcomer who walks through the door, but engagement with the newcomer’s questions.” How vulnerable might these questions make established members, especially when the inquiries challenge established understandings? And what would be a helpful way of responding? Duckworth’s suggested approach, which can be uncomfortable, is to not give pat answers but rather explore together the questions, encountering together yet unknown realities and discovering a newer, more complete identity.

Duckworth asserts that congregations discern their identity in relation to the newcomer, quite a shift in an established paradigm of the newcomer discerning their identity in relation to the congregation. This is not to say that a congregation gives up its identity. Rather congregational identity is enhanced by building relationship with the newcomer. This paradigm is not always comfortable especially as it challenges a congregation to enrich its identity in ways that are viewed as unusual to the established church.

Are we willing to become vulnerable and risk our comfort to explore identities that are not yet visible or are not yet a reality? Or will we flatly reject the call to enhanced identity because of a fear of challenging questions, remain in our comfort zones, and fail to discover the possibilities of what an enhanced identity may offer?

Plant Generously, Reap Bountifully

Register online at www.brethren.org/churchplanting/events.html

May 15-17, 2014

Bethany Theological Seminary, Richmond, Indiana

This vibrant gathering focused on church planting is rooted in worship and prayer while providing practical training, nurturing conversation, and stimulating idea-sharing. The entire conference will work toward an intercultural future, including a unique training track offered in Spanish.

Efrem Smith is an internationally recognized speaker, author, planter, preacher, and consultant addressing multi-ethnicity, leadership, and community development. He serves as Superintendent of the Pacific Southwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church.

Dr. Alejandro (Alex) Mandes is a catalyst for multiplying Hispanic churches and transforming the American church’s vision to see, serve, and send immigrants among us. He is a church planter, writer, speaker, and director of Hispanic Ministries for the Evangelical Free Church of America.

Nancy Sollenberger Heishman is the 2014 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference moderator. She and her husband Irv are former mission workers and current pastors of Cristo Nuestra Paz and West Charleston Churches of the Brethren in Southern Ohio District.

www.brethren.org/churchplanting 

churchplanting@brethren.org

Church of the Brethren Planting Network

Sponsored by the Church of the Brethren through the

office of Congregational Life Ministries and the

New Church Development Advisory Committee.

School kits are urgently needed. Current Supply very low.

School Kits give children in impoverished schools, refugee camps, or other difficult settings some of the basic tools for learning.

To assemble a School Kit you will need: One pair of blunt metal scissors (rounded tip), Three 70-count spiral notebooks or notebooks totaling 200-210 pages (no loose-leaf or filler paper), One 30-centimeter ruler (12"), One hand-held pencil sharpener, One large eraser, Six new pencils with erasers, One box of 24 crayons (only 24), One 12" x 14" to 14" x 17" finished size cotton or lightweight canvas bag with cloth handles. (Please, no reusable shopping bags or backpacks.)

For a School bag pattern to make a school bag go to the Website: www.cwsglobal.org
Pack all items inside the cloth bag.
School Kit value: $15 
Processing/Shipping Cost: $2 per Kit

Packing and Shipping Kits

• Pack CWS Kits in boxes with only one type of Kit in each box.
• Complete a Kits Coupon and enclose a copy in the top of each box before sealing.
• Clearly indicate the type of Kit on the outside of the box.
• Secure the boxes with packing tape.
• Provide a return address on the box.
• Ship all Kits prepaid to:
  
  CHURCH WORLD SERVICE
  Brethren Service Center Annex
  601 Main Street
  P.O. Box 188
  New Windsor, MD 21776-0188
  
  (Please include both the PO box and the street address on boxes.)

Some states in the east have drop off points. Check website for current listing.

Funds for Processing/Shipping and Purchasing Kits

Funds are needed to cover sorting, packing, and insurance, as well as shipping Kits to their final destination.

Please give at least $2 for each School Kit you send.
Cash donations in lieu of assembled Kits also help us to provide much-needed supplies.

Send your check or money order payable to Church World Service with the coupon to:

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE
P.O. Box 968
Elkhart, IN 46515 Questions? Call 800-297-1516,
http://www.cwsglobal.org/get-involvedkits/schoolkits.html

National Christian leaders oppose mass incarceration

Christian leaders sat transfixed as Darren Ferguson, pastor of Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Far Rockaway, N.Y., told the story of his decline from adolescent years with promise to incarceration and God’s power to restore and redeem. On this night, the leaders were struck by one thing: Jesus loves the prisoner and he was one.

Christian Churches Together (CCT) represents the broadest coalition of church leaders in the United States, including several church “families”: Historic Protestant, Evangelical/Pentecostal, Catholic, Orthodox, and Historic Black Churches. They came together for the group’s annual meeting in Newark, N.J., Feb. 4-7. Annual Conference moderator Nancy Sollenberger Heishman preached for a worship service led by the Brethren participants. Also in attendance were moderator-elect David Steele; general secretary Stan Noffsinger; Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden, president of CCT’s Historic Protestant group; and Office of Public Witness coordinator Nathan Hosler.

For the past six years, CCT has educated itself and taken action on issues of poverty, racial justice, and immigration reform. This year, the group furthered its commitment to these issues by engaging the issue of mass incarceration in the US. The message was clear, from speakers that included formerly incarcerated faith leaders, a federal judge, a former prosecutor, a director of state corrections and a social worker, as well as the deliberation among CCT participants: Mass incarceration is not just an issue. It is first and foremost about people created in God’s image with lives, families, hopes, and dreams ensnared within a web of personal struggles and choices exacerbated by social conditions, laws, structures, and historic dehumanization of people of color.

Mass incarceration is a destructive system of human control in which certain ethnic minorities experience inequitable interaction with the nation’s penal system. Current realities include: With only 5 percent of the world’s population, the US has 25 percent of the world’s imprisoned Incarceration rates have increased from 500,000 inmates in jail and prison in 1980 to more than 2.2 million in 2010 (Sentencing Project).

-- For-profit prison companies commonly demand 90 percent occupancy from the states that contract with them (“Six Shocking Revelations About How Private Prisons Make Money,” by April M. Short on Salon.com). CCA and Geo Group, the nation’s two major private prison companies, “have had a hand in shaping and pushing for criminal justice policies such as mandatory minimum sentences that favor increased incarceration” (Public Interest Report, Sept. 2013).

-- The “War on Drugs” dramatically increased the US prison population from 41,000 drug offenders in 1980 to half a million in 2010 (Sentencing Project). -- African-Americans make up 13 percent of the US population and use drugs at the same rates as people of other races, but represent 45 percent of those imprisoned for drug violations (Drug Policy Alliance Report).

-- Criminal prosecutions of immigration suspects in federal court districts along the US southern border have increased by 1,475 percent over the last 20 years resulting in increased demand for prisons and detention centers to hold inmates (“War on Undocumented Immigrants Threatens to Swell US Prison Population,” by Chris Kirkham on Huffington Post and TRAC Reports).

-- One in three Black men and one in six Latino men are likely to be imprisoned in their lifetime; only 1 in 17 white men will experience the inside of a jail or prison in his lifetime (Sentencing Project). In light of these facts and others corroborated by the personal testimonies of several speakers, agreement among CCT’s leaders was palpable. The group declared:

“The church in the United States has a moral and ethical imperative to protect human dignity and must address the problem of mass incarceration in our nation.

“First, we recognize that the legacy of the dehumanization of people of color has borne lasting effects in current-day society. These effects are perhaps most acutely experienced by our African-American brothers and sisters who were deemed non-human ‘chattel’ by law in the days of antebellum slavery and whose human equality was challenged by the Jim Crow system of subjugation until passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 attempted to right it. We see the vestiges of these systems of human control in America’s current system of mass incarceration.

“Second, we recognize that these systems are not only affecting African-Americans. They are now impacting all people of color, the poor, the marginalized, and the immigrant in the United States. Latinos and other immigrants, in particular, are experiencing the brunt of increased detention rates in the midst of their struggle for immigration reform.

“Third, while there is a role for prisons to address violent offenses, we recognize that our nation’s justice system has lost the hope embodied by its historic vision to ‘correct’ and restore broken people back to society. As followers of Jesus Christ, we believe in the redemption and reconciliation of all things, rather than retribution. This includes the prisoner and broken systems. This is the essence of the gospel.”

As Christian leaders, CCT declared: “Mass incarceration must stop. We are challenging ourselves together with government and the nation to seize this moment when multiple forces are aligning toward positive action to correct the injustices within our ‘justice’ system.”

CCT is encouraging its member denominations and organizations to increase awareness, educate, and take action to oppose mass incarceration in the public square. CCT also committed to developing guiding principles for the church in its efforts.

(This report is taken from a release provided by Christian Churches Together.)

Requirements For Concealed Carry Signage

(from the Illinois State Police Website)

Owners of any statutorily prohibited area or private property, excluding residences, where the owner prohibits the carrying of firearms must clearly and conspicuously post the Illinois State Police approved sign, in accordance with Firearm Concealed Carry Act, at the entrance of the building, premises or real property. Please refer to Section 65 (Prohibited Areas) of the Firearm Concealed Carry Act for more information on statutory requirements for signage as well as where concealed weapons are prohibited.

Pursuant to Section 65(d) of the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, signs must be of a uniform design and the Illinois State Police is responsible for adopting rules for standardized signs. The Illinois State Police has proposed rules which require a white background; no text (except the reference to the Illinois Code 430 ILCS 66/1) or marking within the one-inch area surrounding the graphic design; a depiction of a handgun in black ink with a circle around and diagonal slash across the firearm in red ink; and that the circle be 4 inches in diameter. The sign in its entirety will measure 4 inches x 6 inches.

(This image is not sized to scale. NOTE: When printing the sign, please ensure the black borders surrounding the "no firearms" symbol measure 4 inches from top to bottom and 6 inches from left to right.)

Contact the district office if you would like assistance in ordering signs for your use.

Illinois-Wisconsin District wants YOU

The District Gifts Discernment and Call Committee and the District Leadership Team invite you to consider using your leadership skills and gifts to serve in a district leadership position. If you have not been asked, and you would consider serving in a district ministry position, please call the district office (309-649-6008) and share your name, your interest in serving, and what gifts you feel you have to offer. Opportunities are available for you to serve with your gifts. And, even if an opening is not immediately available, your name will be added to a database for future reference. Serving at the district level does require a commitment of time, but the efforts are rewarding as well as it is a great opportunity to meet and work with others from across our district.

Time to Consider going to National Youth Conference in Fort Collins, Colorado...

Coordinators of NYC 2014 issue challenge for Brethren youth to exceed capacity at host university.

What if so many people registered for National Youth Conference (NYC) that Colorado State University ran out of room to house everyone? That’s the challenge NYC coordinators Katie Cummings, Tim Heishman, and Sarah Neher are issuing to Brethren youth and to the denomination as a whole.

National Youth Conference Fort Collins, Colorado
July 19 - 24, 2014

Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2013/coordinators-of-nyc-2014-issue-challenge.html

Ask someone who has gone before about NYC. It’s a great experience.

Church of the Brethren Human Resources seeks Applications:

The Church of the Brethren is seeking an individual to fill a full-time salaried position of Director of Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM). The director of Brethren Disaster Ministries is part of the Global Mission and Service team and reports directly to the associate executive director of Global Mission and Service. Please refer to the attached position posting for more information.

Applications will be received beginning immediately and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Qualified candidates are invited to request the application packet by contacting:

Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120 800-323-8039 ext. 367
humanresources@brethren.org

Linda Weber

Linda F. Weber, age 87, of Lombard, formerly of Villa Park, IL, Savoy, IL and Booneville, MO. Admired teacher and counselor at District 45, Jackson / Jefferson Junior High. Strong activist of women's rights and world peace. Mrs. Weber was also an ordained minister. Beloved wife of Joseph R. Weber for 67 years. Loving mother of Cindy (Kathy Gingrich) Weber-Han, Amy (Mel) Hoyt, Wendy (Chuck) Ralis and the late Barry J. Weber. Lucky grandmother of 13 and great grandmother of 12. Dear sister of Jane (James) Reynolds, Andrea (Bob) Bauman and the late Nathan (late JoAnn) Ficklin. Aunt of many nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service was Saturday Feb. 8 at the York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, IL. Contributions may be made to Grandmothers for Peace, Heifer International, CROP or the Women's Caucus of Church of the Brethren

Views Of Vitality Series – Virden Church Of The Brethren

Because of expanding population and the opportunity for increasing outreach, in 1912, the Pleasant Hill church territory in Northeast Macoupin County, IL, divided into two parts, the northern part becoming the Virden Church of the Brethren and the southern part becoming the Girard congregation. About 125 charter members organized the Virden congregation on July 9, 1912.¹

A few years after organizing, the Virden congregation sent out two missionaries—Chalmer Shull to India and Dr. Paul Gibbel to Nigeria.² The congregation has not looked back since but has continued its outreach emphasis both locally and globally.

The congregation today, served by Pastor David Barnett, understands well its place in the community of Virden. It is a beacon of light sharing an array of ministries and services in the local community.

Understanding how important good nutrition is for children, the congregation provided a one-time cooking school, led by Mike Edwards, a professional chef with connections to the congregation. In a fast-food culture in which eating habits need improvement, this event offered the younger generation the opportunity to learn not only about nutritious meals but also how to prepare simple recipes of good, healthy food. The success of this event led the congregation to provide a similar event for adults. Helping others learn the value of healthy foods is a relevant ministry in a culture that is challenged by poor eating habits.

Annually, the congregation holds a block party which draws children and families to the church to take part in various activities, games, and recreation, as well as to enjoy food, conversation, and friendship. Each year a different neighborhood of Virden is invited, by distribution of flyers, to the occasion. This event offers to the community a glimpse of the congregation’s energy and enthusiasm for serving others.

The congregation continues to consider new ways in which it can reach out into the community and impact the lives of others with the love of Jesus. One idea brewing for future outreach is a Mom’s Break in which moms bring their children to the church, leave them with trusted volunteers for a few hours, and then enjoy some well-deserved downtime from motherhood responsibilities. Another idea being considered is having adults help students with homework, a kind of mentoring/tutoring program. The congregation presently offers a Monday Movers program whereby adults provide assistance to children in the K-5 age range. This program has been active for several years.

Members of the congregation are also active beyond the community serving in various capacities at Camp Emmanuel, in various district leadership roles, and on the board at Pleasant Hill Village. In addition, those involved in helping with Brethren Children Disaster Services are using their knowledge to formulate a countywide plan to provide services for children in times of disaster. If disaster strikes, the Virden COB facility is designated as a child care center for northern Macoupin County. The Village of Virden has also designated the church facilities as a warming and cooling center at times when weather conditions or power outages warrant such care to be provided. Furthermore, to help meet another community need, the congregation is now serving Meals on Wheels once a week, delivering approximately 25 meals. The congregation values being actively engaged in ministry opportunities when and where called to serve.

The Virden congregation takes to heart these words from Hebrews 13:16, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

¹ Church of the Brethren in Southern Illinois, Brethren Publishing House, Elgin, IL, 1950
² Ibid.

Blue Bird Revival

Learning Tours for Brethren

These are our upcoming Learning Tours. These trips help us experience God's earth and God's people and their struggles as well as their faith, hope and love. People return with a new perspective on themselves and our society, and a renewed sense of the call of Christians in today's world.

Learning Tours from New Community Project

The New Community Project, a Brethren-related nonprofit organization, is offering intergenerational Learning Tours to Africa, Asia, the Arctic, and Latin America. The trips are to increase awareness of the challenges facing God's creation and our neighbors, while building relationships with the communities visited.

Ecuadorian Amazon (June 12-21) Explore the rainforest and its pink dolphins, toucans, monkeys and more under the guidance of leader Siona Delio; also see the impacts of deforestation and oil drilling.

Dominican Republic (July 21) Live and work in a mountain community; meet Haitian immigrant workers; learn about the impacts of climate change on the Caribbean.

Denali / Kenai Fjords National Parks, AK (July 27-August 4) Moose, grizzlies, wolves. Denali has them all, plus towering Mount McKinley. Camp and hike in Denali; then see glaciers and take a sea life cruise in Kenai Fjords (Seward).

South Sudan (date pending, check website) Visit and be inspired by the long-suffering but resilient and hospitable people of South Sudan. Learn about reforestation, girls' education and women's development.

Burma (Myanmar) (January 8-19, 2015) Travel by boat into the Southwest Delta; take a two-night trek into the Paloung hill tribe area. See cultural sites, visit women's microloan programs and a reforestation project.

Contact David Radcliff at ncp@newcommunityproject.org for more information, or visit the NCP website.

New Community Project, 9036 W. Quail Track Drive, Peoria, AZ 85383: www.newcommunityproject.org

888-800-2985-toll free, 847-910-4636-cell

Living Love Feast theme of Bethany’s 2014 Forum

Richmond, IN - Bethany Seminary’s sixth Presidential Forum will delve into the biblical, practical, and experiential nature and meaning of a deeply valued expression of faith among the Brethren: the Love Feast. Held April 4-5, 2014, at the Bethany campus in Richmond, Indiana, this event will feature leadership from well-known speakers and scholars along with sisters and brothers in the Brethren faith tradition.

Registration opened January 15 on the Bethany website. High school, college, and graduate students can attend at no cost. All main Forum sessions and the Pre-Forum lectures will be webcast live. CEUs are also available for both events. For details and to register visit www.bethanyseminary.edu/forum2014. For additional information, contact forum@bethanyseminary.edu or 800-287-8822.

News Release from Bethany Theological Seminary

Calendar of District Events

March

1 - Healthy Boundary & Ethics Trng, Mt. Morris
2 - Transfiguration Sunday
5 - Ash Wednesday
7 - World Day of Prayer
9 - First Sunday of Lent (Daylight Savings Time)
14-17 - Mission & Ministry Board, Elgin
15 - Church Revitalization and Dev. Team, Peru
16 - One Great Hour of Sharing
22 - MLDT Meeting, Peru
25-27 - DE attends Midwest DE Mtg., Camp Mack
27-28 - IL Conf. of Churches Tri-Annual Statewide Gathering, Bloomington

April

Child Abuse Prevention Month
4-5 - Bethany Seminary Presidential Forum
5 - Camp Emmanuel Opening
5 - Chicago Ministry Study Team - Elgin
6-12 - Camp Emmanuel Work Week
12 - District Leadership Team Meeting - Peoria
13 - Palm Sunday
17 - Maundy Thursday
18 - Good Friday
20 - Easter Sunday
22 - Earth Day
23 - Administrative Professionals Day

May

Older Adult Month
1 - National Day of Prayer
3 - District Potluck Planning Mtg - Peru
4 - National Youth Sunday
10 - Property and Asset Mgt. Team Meeting
10 - Bethany Theological Sem. Commencement
11 - Mother’s Day
15-17 - Church Planting Conf. - Bethany Seminary
23 - Young Adult Conf, Camp Brethren Woods
23-26 - Memorial Day Family Camp - Camp Emmaus
26 - Memorial Day
29 - Ascension Day
30 - Ministry Summer Service Orientation, Elgin
30-June 1 - Women’s Camp - Camp Emmanuel

June

5 - World Environment Day
7 - District Leadership Team Meeting
8 - Pentecost
8-14 - Youth Camp, Camp Emmanuel
14 - Ministerial Leadership Dev. Team - Peru
15 - Trinity Sunday
15 - Father’s Day
15-21 - Junior High Camp - Camp Emmanuel
21 - Program and Arrangements Comm. Mtg.
21 - First Day of Summer
22-28 - Junior Camp, Camp Emmanuel
26-28 - Pre-Junior Camp, Camp Emmanuel
30 - CODE Meeting, Columbus, Ohio

July

1 - Mission and Ministry board, Columbus, Ohio
1-2 - Minister's Assoc. Continuing Edu. Event
2-6 - Annual Conference, Columbus, Ohio
4 - Independence Day
6-12 - Senior High Camp - Camp Emmaus
6-12 - Song and Story Fest, Camp Inspiration Hills
7 - District Executive Sabbatical Begins
13-16 - Elementary II Camp - Camp Emmaus
18-19 - Elementary I Camp - Camp Emmaus
19-24 - National Youth Conference, Fort Collins, CO
20-25 - Elementary III Camp - Camp Emmaus
27-August 2 - Junior High Camp - Camp Emmaus

August

1-3 - Men’s Camp, Camp Emmanuel
2 - District Leadership Team Meeting
8-10 - Women's Camp, Camp Emmaus
15-17 - Camp Emmaus Time Capsule Weekend
29-September 1 - Family Camp, Camp Emmanuel
29-September 1 - Family Camp, Camp Emmaus

September

1 - Labor Day
7 - Grandparent’s Day
8 - District Executive Sabbatical Ends
20 - 10th Annual Fish Fry, Camp Emmanuel
21 - Bethany Sunday
21 - Int’l Day of Peace
21 - Mission Offering Emphasis
23 - First Day of Autumn

October

Domestic Violence Awareness Month4 - Ministerial Leadership Dev. Team - Peru

5 - World Communion Sunday
6 - Child Health Day
11- District Leadership Team Meeting
12 - Laity Sunday
14-16 - Interim Ministers Trng. - Camp Mack, IN
16 - World Food Day
16-18 - Midwest DE's Gathering - Camp Mack, IN
16-24 - Peace with Justice Week
24 - World Disarmament Day25 - Camp Closing, Camp Emmanuel
26 - Reformation Sunday

November

1 - All Saints Day
2 - National Jr. High Sunday
2 - Daylight Time Ends
7-8 - District Conference, Highland Ave., Elgin
9 - Stewardship Sunday
23 - Christ the King Sunday
27 - Thanksgiving
30 - First Sunday of Advent

December

1 - Aids Awareness Day
6 - Ministerial Leadership Dev. Team - Peru
10 - Human Rights Day
21 - First Day of Winter24 - Christmas Eve
25 - Christmas Day
31 - New Year’s Eve