The Reflector -- February 2015 -- Vol 12 Issue 2

Ponderings from the Moderator - Dana McNeil

“I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me”

To God be the Glory

This month I just have a couple of things to share and a request. First is that I want, No, I need to share with you the miracle that we witnessed in the Peoria congregation this past week. A 17 year old young man was taken hold of by Christ Jesus and pulled out of the reaching grasp of death. Please join with us in praising the Lord for surrounding this young man with the right people at just the right time to save his life and begin the healing that he desperately needs. To God be the Glory!

Second, as I visit with and talk with congregations around the district, I am excited to hear stories about what God is doing in and through you as you witness for Christ. Each of these ministries is changing lives for the better in our communities and in our congregations. I praise God for these ministries. Please keep sharing these stories as I plan to share more about them in a future article.

Lastly, as we enter the season of Lent in just a few days, I am asking if we would all join in a day of prayer and fasting as a District on Ash Wednesday. Some things to lift in prayer include:

• Prayers for our sister congregations and the important ministries that Christ is doing through each one.
• Prayers for our Brothers and Sisters in Nigeria and guidance for how we can answer Christ’s call to serve them.
• Prayers for the district leadership as we seek discernment on important issues for our life and ministry together.
• Prayers for our denominational leaders and the ministries they lead.
• Prayers for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ that we will have ears to hear and eyes to see the Glory of Christ this season.

Illinois-Wisconsin District Day of Prayer

The District Leadership Team values the opportunity to serve the district in a variety of ways. The work is exciting while at the same time challenging. There is great joy in participating and celebrating with congregations in moments of mission and vision, in transition and change. These moments also include uncertainty and question, sometimes fear and anxiety. It is the Leadership Team’s desire to engage with the district in all of these various capacities in the most helpful and fruitful means possible. Therefore, we are calling for a Districtwide day of prayer and fasting, that we might together seek the mind of Christ for our work and ministry. We are asking the district to join with the Leadership Team on Ash Wednesday, February 18, for this time of prayer and fasting.

District Leadership Team meets in Canton

The first Leadership Team meeting of the New Year was held at the Canton Church of the Brethren. Those attending were Chairperson - Mandy Rahn, Tim Laird, Gary Yoder Prudy Widlak and Vicki Matheny. Ex-Officio members attending were Kevin Kessler - DE, Dana McNeil - Moderator, Ellis Boughton - Moderator Elect, Joel Kline - Standing Committee Rep, Ryan Kellerman -Financial Secretary, Gil Crosby - Secretary.

Mandy opened with Prayer.

Minutes of the November 15 meeting were approved and our new Financial Secretary, Ryan Kellerman was introduced to the Team.

Kevin reported on the work he is doing in the District as District Executive. He works with the Ministry teams, Pastoral Placement and is Vice Chair of the Council of District Executives. A written report of Kevin’s activities in on file at the District Office.

The Affordable Care Act has caused some problems with Kevin’s insurance. The District can no longer reimburse him for health care insurance. A fine of $100 a day to the District could be assessed if this is violated. The LT voted to remove the Health Care reimbursement of $7,900 from the budget.

BBT is looking into being able to provide a program for Pastors and staff that would be compliant.

The Leadership Listening Team met with the Highland Avenue Congregation in December. A discussion on the 2004 Annual Conference paper on “When a Congregation disagrees with Annual Conference” and procedures to take. Both the District and Congregation are encouraged to take positive steps in such a case.

We received a letter from the Allison Prairie congregation in which they proclaimed agreement with a letter written previously by the Virden Church. They also said the Leadership Team and District were in their prayers as we seek God’s Wisdom.

LT Liaisons with Ministry Teams was confirmed with Tim Laird - District Disaster Response; Vicki Matheny - District Deacons; Purvi Satvedi - Ethics Team; Prudy Widlak - Properties and Asset Mgt. Team; Carol Novak - MLDT; Gary Yoder - Church Revitalization and Development Team and Mandy Rahn - District Youth.

The Ministerial Leadership Development Team requested a fund to help with finances for Bethany Students from the District. The LT approved the fund which can be met out of Other Ministries and Bethany Scholarship funds.

The Leadership Team voted to give 10% of the assets of the sale of the Douglas Park property to the Nigerian Crisis Fund. The amount designated is $14,980.15. The vote was unanimous.

Kevin has requested the District provide for a DE evaluation. This would also include an evaluation of the District as well. A line item for the DE called Discretionary Income was created and funded with $7,900. This is taxable income and increases deductions.

The Oak Grove Congregation informed the District of their intent to sell their parsonage. The proceeds would be used to drill a new well on the Church property. Currently the existing well in on the parsonage property and shared with the Church.

A full report of the Minutes of the Leadership Team meetings is available at the District Office.

DE Ponderings by Kevin Kessler

American Baptist Church pastor and author Jeffrey D. Jones posted on article for Alban recently entitled New Questions for a New Day. Jones offers that new questions are needed to move us to out-of-the-box-thinking. I agree. And I might go one step farther to say such questions may help us to move beyond the box, a phrase given consideration in a book entitled Beyond the Box, published several years ago and authored by Bill Easum and Dave Travis.

Easum and Travis write, “Many people are writing these days about ‘out of the box’ thinking for ‘coloring outside the lines.’ Neither of these issues is our main concern. We’re writing about something much more radical. We are writing about people who believe, act, and live as if the box never existed.”

In Beyond the Box, the authors provide a threecolumn chart depicting “in the box,” out of the box,” and “beyond the box” thinking. The first item in each column is telling, in my view. In the box thinking is “stuck and dying.” Out of the box thinking is “thriving and growing,” which sounds very good. Beyond the box thinking is being “radically innovative,” not just thriving and growing but creatively engaging the culture and the lives of people to develop lasting and loving relationships. Out of the box thinking seems to focus on the institution or organization whereas beyond the box thinking tends to focus on people and human connections.

Jones offers us a conduit to increase our capacity for “beyond the box” thinking by offering a list of new questions. He first shares a common question we frequently ask then reframes it to help us think anew.

Here are the questions:

Concerning declining membership:

• How do we bring them in?
• How do we send them out?

Regarding roles and responsibilities:

• What should the pastor do?
• What is our shared ministry?

On the subject of strategic planning:

• What’s our vision and how do we implement it?
• What’s God up to and how do we get on board?

About financial struggles:

• How do we survive?
• How do we serve?

Thinking about mission:

• How do we help people?
• How do we make the reign of God more present in this time and place?

Jones concludes his article by stating he believes that “asking these new questions will help ensure that whatever the future holds for us and our congregations we will be more faithful in the work we are about right now. And that is a pretty wondrous thing!”

As I think about the work that Jesus calls us to it seems to be summed up in two ways: to love “God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” and “to love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37, 39) To be more faithful (and fruitful) in this work anytime seems like a pretty wondrous thing to me! May we work at reframing questions to helps us, in this time, to be more faithful (and fruitful)!

2015 District Potluck

Camp Emmanuel Manager Vacancy

After several years of dedicated service to Camp Emmanuel, Randy and JoEllen Doyle, the current camp managers, have elected to resign in the spring of 2015 to pursue other opportunities. The Camp Board thanks them for their faithful service.

The Manager Search Team is in the process of finding their replacements. Because this is a Church of the Brethren camp, we’d like to find couples within our denomination who are willing to take on this responsibility as their personal ministry.

If you are interested in this position please contact Ray Knotts, Manager Search Team Leader, ASAP for additional information. If you know of someone

who may be interested please have them contact Ray. We hope to conduct interviews with the best candidates by mid April so applications need to be received no later than April 10.

We have had very good working relationships with all past managers. Although the position demands diversified abilities, the rewards are many, and members of the Camp Emmanuel Board are willing helpers.

Please pray for us in our search process. Finding the right persons for this position is essential for meaningful Christian experiences for our campers.

Ray Knotts, 309-692-0846, raynkitty@gmail.com

Welcome to Pinecrest Pastor Caldwell!

Pastor Rodney Caldwell has accepted the call to become Pinecrest Community’s chaplain.

Chaplain Caldwell is an ordained Church of the Brethren minister and has served in pastoral ministry for over 25 years in Northwest Illinois. In addition to his pastoral ministry, Chaplain Caldwell has worked more than 10 years in social service agencies as a therapist/counselor.

Chaplain Caldwell grew up on a farm in central Illinois. After earning his Bachelor of Science from Western Illinois University, Macomb, Ill., he felt God’s call into ministry and went on to earn his Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary in Denver, Colo. Chaplain Caldwell and his wife, Denise, live in Winslow, Ill. and have four children at home. Chaplain Caldwell is the current part-time pastor of Cherry Grove Church of the Brethren in Lanark, Ill., and he will continue in that role in addition to his duties at Pinecrest. Chaplain Caldwell began his employment on December 30. Rodney Caldwell’s installation service will be on March 1 at Pinecrest Community.

We all extend a warm welcome to Pastor Caldwell!

--from the January/February issue of the Pinecrest Press, the newsletter of Pinecrest Community

Decatur Church & Shoebox Project

Decatur Church of the Brethren in Decatur, Illinois has participated in Shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, for approximately 15 years.

Our congregation collected items throughout the year and were able to fill 55 shoeboxes this past year. Items collected included small toys, school supplies, washcloths, hand soap, hand towels, combs and brushes and socks which must be small enough to fit in a shoebox. Money was donated to help with shipping costs.

Sharon United Methodist Church of Decatur, Il coordinated the collecting of shoeboxes in the Decatur area which totaled 3,033 shoeboxes. They are sent to children around the world in time for Christmas.  

submitted by Sharon L. Traughber

2015 Camp Emmanuel Schedule

The mission of Camp Emmanuel is "Sharing God's Message and Love with children of all ages through the beauty and wonder found in nature. Camp Phone is 309-329-2291. The Camp e-mail address is: campemmanueLcobftmail.com. The website is: www.cob-net.org/camp/emmanuel/ for enrollment forms.

JUNE 4-7 WOMENS' CAMP
Friday, 4:00 p.m. — Sunday 2:00 p.m.
Director: Rosie Brandenburg (217-763-6039)
Email: samrosie@ctiwireless.com
Fee: $60 ($75 after May 16th)

JUNE 7-13 HIGH SCHOOL CAMP (9th-12th grade)
Sunday 5:00 p.m. — Saturday 10:00 a.m.
Director: Dana McNeil (309-243-8726)
Email: pastordana@peoriabrethren.org
Fee $125 ($140 after May 25th)

JUNE 14-20 MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMP (6th-8thgrade)
Sunday 5:00 p.m. — Saturday 10:00 a.m.
Director: Lynn Jones (217-627-2355)
Email: misslynnmo@yahoo.com
Fee $125 ($140 after May 31st)

JUNE 21-27 JUNIOR CAMP (3rd-5th grade)
Sunday 5:00 p.m. — Saturday 10:00 a.m.
Director: Sarah Jennings (217-454-6942)
Email: sjennings7@yahoo.com
Fee $125 ($140 after June 7th)

JUNE 25-27 PRE-JUNIOR CAMP (K-2nd grade)
Thursday 5:00 p.m. — Saturday 10:00 a.m.
Director: Rosie Brandenburg (217-763-6039)
Email: samrosie@ctwireless.com
Fee $60 ($75 after June 11th)

JULY 31-AUGUST 2 MENS' CAMP
Friday 4:00 p.m. — Sunday 2:00 p.m.
Director: Ed Engelke
Email:
Fee: $60 ($75 after July 17th)

SEPTEMBER 4-7 FAMILY CAMP
Friday 6:00 p.m. — Monday 9:00 a.m.
Directors: Ray & Kitty Knotts, Theresa & Andy Fulk
Email: raynkitty@gmail.com
Fee: Adults $60 ($75 after August 14th)
Children 4-12 $40 ($55 after August 14th)
Maximum per family $155 ($215 after August 14th)

Directors Meeting — 3/8/15 1:00 p.m. (Virden)
Board Meetings — 3/7/15 1:00 p.m.(Virden); 8/2/15 (Camp) 11/14/15 (Camp Managers' House)
CIT Training — 3/8/15 1:00 p.m. Virden or 4/11/15 1:00 pm — Camp Emmanuel Camp Opening/Work Day 4/11/15-9:00 a.m.
Work Week 4/12-18/15
Fish Fry—September 19, 2015
Camp Closing — October 24, 2015

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T-shirts supplied for kids camps. Women/Mens' Camps
will have to pay for theirs if they want them.
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Bethany Seminary to host Anabaptism, the Next Generation

Richmond, IN - There is talk about the new Anabaptist. What images might this bring to mind?
Radical discipleship?
Searching for authentic community?
Working for peace?
Loving Jesus?
Simple living?
Creation care?

The Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults at Bethany Seminary is hosting a new event that will delve into values long held as traditional to Anabaptism and now appealing to new audiences. Anabaptism, the Next Generation, to be held April 17-19, 2015, targets those in ministry with young adults and welcomes all who want to explore the growing edges of Anabaptism.

“More young people are drawn toward Anabaptist themes of community and simplicity, perhaps as a countercurrent to pervasive individualism and consumerism, says Russell Haitch, professor of Christian education and director of the Institute. Peacemaking is also a concern because of outrageous violence in the global village or even because of domestic conflict. And some are even wanting to know how to become radical disciples of Jesus. So, for all these reasons, we thought it would be great to have a conference focused on what Anabaptism means to this next generation.”

Registration begins at noon on Friday. Dinner Friday evening and lunch on Saturday are included in the cost. Early registration will be discounted to $99 through Friday, April 3; the regular cost of $129 will be charged after that date. All students and those in Brethren Volunteer Service can register at any time for $50.

Attendees are encouraged to reserve housing in Richmond early, as several community events are being held that weekend. Blocks of rooms are available at some local hotels, and lodging with host families is an option to reduce costs. Registrants will receive details on housing after their registration has been received. More information and online registration are available at www.bethanyseminary.edu/YAForum2015. For assistance contact yaforum@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1809.

Christian Citizenship Seminar 2015

By Kristen Hoffman, BVS volunteer with Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Christian Citizenship Seminar happens each year and is a powerful experience for all who attend. CCS brings together youth who are passionate, discerning, and concerned about justice and the well-being of our denomination, our communities, and our nation. Participants of past years have shared that their week at CCS was filled with experiences they remember for the rest of their lives.

The 2015 Christian Citizenship Seminar, held April 18 - 23 in New York City and Washington D.C., will focus on the complexities of US immigration policy, suggested reforms, and the consequences of both on immigrant communities. At CCS, high school aged youth and their advisors will explore the issue of immigration and the ways in which faith helps understand and form beliefs about it. This experience will help equip them to understand immigration and to educate their own communities about issues related to immigration.

Learn more about Christian Citizenship Seminar at www.brethren.org/ccs or call Kristen Hoffman at 847-429-4389 or email her at khoffman@brethren.org. Support this and many other life-changing conferences at www.brethren.org/give.

Reprinted from eBrethren

Church of the Brethren Youth/Young Adult Workcamps/Events

The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Church of the Brethren has released information about 2015 Work camps/Events. Following are important dates to keep in mind.

Junior High

January 8: Workcamp registration opens online at www.brethren.org/workcamps
June 19-21: National Junior High Conference. Registration opens Jan. 9 online at
www.brethren.org/njhc
November 1: National Junior High Sunday. Worship planning resources will be
posted later in the year.

Senior High

Christian Citizenship Seminar registration is open online at www.brethren.org/ccs
January 8: Workcamp registration opens online at www.brethren.org/workcamps
February 1: Souper Bowl of Caring www.souperbowl.org
April 18-23: Christian Citizenship Seminar
May 3: National Youth Sunday. Worship planning resources will be posted online at
www.brethren.org/yya/resources

Young Adult

January 8: Workcamp registration opens online at www.brethren.org/workcamps
January 9: Ministry Summer Service and Youth Peace Travel Team applications due, www.brethren.org/mss and www.brethren.org/yptt
February: Young Adult Conference registration opens online at www.brethren.org/yac
May 22-24: Young Adult Conference 2015 at Camp Swatara

Advisors

One hour webinars; .1 CEU credit available for live participation; each webinar begins at 7:00pm central time; more information available at www.brethren.org/webcasts
March 3: Way to Live: Life and Time
May 5: Way to Live: Forgiveness and Justice

Camp Emmaus Anniversary Celebration

On behalf of the Camp Board, I would like to extend a thank you for your contributions which have made it possible to completely pay off the expense of the pool renovation. The pool renovation, which was completed 3 years ago, cost in excess of $250,000. Your gifts and the monies from the recent tree sale have allowed us to retire this debt. THANK YOU!

This will be an exciting year at camp as we prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bill and Betty Hare as our camp managers. On June 13th we will have a 50th Anniversary Celebration which will include a Celebration – Appreciation Dinner. Then the late summer/fall event would be a community event – a Fall Festival. This event will have a wide variety of activities for families to attend together and will be pretty much a day – long event. Again thank you and plan to join us.

In His service, Mike Schnierla

Spirit of Joy from The Dixon Church of the Brethren

An announcement was made at the Dixon Church of the recent delivery of the new CD produced by the Spirit of Joy trio, all members from that church. Members of the trio are Kathy Mackey, Pat Ball and Janet Hoover. We have been singing together for the last 9 years. Since we sang for District Conference in Elgin, we would like to make these available to other District churches and members. The title of the CD is “Thank You for the Music” and is available for $10 each, with an added $2 for shipping/handling. With any purchase of the new CD, we will include a complimentary copy of our original CD “In God’s Hands.” Both CD’s are packaged in ecological hardboard cases and shrink wrapped making them ideal for including in greeting cards, etc. Our main goal has always been to share our music with as many people as possible that it may be a blessing to others.

Interested persons may email the trio at spiritofjoytrio@yahoo.com. For anyone in close proximity to the Dixon church, they may also be purchased at the church office each weekday morning and save on shipping costs.

CROP Hunger Walk Leadership Days 2015

Plan. Pack. Go.
Change the World!

Join together with other CROP Hunger Walk leaders to share ideas, learn about CWS programs, and see how to use the new resources. The program will also include a speaker from the local Food Bank as well as a hands-on component. All CROP Hunger Walk leaders are invited and encouraged to attend! Go to www.cwsglobal.org/LD2015 to register.

Champaign, IL
February 21, 2015, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Westminster Presbyterian Church
1700 Crescent Dr.
Champaign, IL

Geneva, IL
February 28, 2015, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm.
(Session for first time coordinators starts at 8:00 am)
Northern Illinois Food Bank
273 Dearborn Ct.
Geneva, IL

Bethany Seminary Seeks Executive Director of Institutional Advancement

Betnay News Release - January 15, 2015 

Richmond, IN -Bethany Theological Seminary seeks a dynamic and energetic leader with fundraising experience to serve as Executive Director of Institutional Advancement. As senior administrator and primary fundraiser, this person will lead the Seminary's fundraising efforts with creative and proven strategic approaches that will successfully position the Seminary for the future as well as cultivate and deepen relationships with alumni/ae, supporters, and friends in the Church of the Brethren. A full position description is available for download at www.bethanyseminary.edu/opportunities/employment

The new Executive Director of Institutional Advancement will join the Seminary at an exciting time of growth and innovation as the Seminary expands program, institutes new initiatives for residential and distance learners, and continues to raise its profile in the Church of the Brethren and larger ecumenical community.

Interested individuals should provide a letter outlining their interest in and qualifications for the position, resume, and the names and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin February 1, 2015 and will continue until an appointment is made. Applications and nominations may be submitted electronically or by mail to:

Rev. Dr. Jeff Carter, President
Bethany Theological Seminary
615 National Road West
Richmond, IN 47374-4019
president@bethanyseminary.edu

2014 Pledged to Actual Comparison (unaudited)

Illinois/Wisconsin District Church of the Brethren

Thank You Illinois-Wisconsin District Churches for exceeding your 2014 pledges. Our District Missions rely on your faithful contributions. Thank You Again.

Calendar of District Events

February

1 - Service Sunday
1 - Chicago Visioning Team - Elgin
7 - District LT Meeting - Canton
7-15 - IL/Wisc. Disaster Response Week
15 - Transfiguration Sunday
18 - ASH WEDNESDAY
21 - Ministerial Leadership Dev. Team - Peru, IL
22 - First Sunday of Lent

March

1 - Second Sunday of Lent
6 - World Day of Prayer
8 - Third Sunday of Lent
8 - (Daylight Saving Time)
14-16 - Mission & Ministry Bd., Lancaster Pa.
15 - Fourth Sunday of Lent
15 - One Great Hour of Sharing
17-19 - Midwest DE Meeting, Camp Mack
20 - First Day f Spring
21 - Ministerial Leadership Dev. Team, Peru, IL
22 - Fifth Sunday of Lent
29 - PALM SUNDAY

April

Child Abuse Prevention Month
2 - Maundy Thursday
3 - Good Friday
5 - EASTER
11 - District LT Meeting - Rockford
20-21 - District Ministers Cont. Edu. Event
25 - DISTRICT POTLUCK, Naperville

May

Older Adult Month
2 - Ministerial Leadership Dev. Team
3 - National Youth Sunday
7 - National Day of Prayer
9 - Bethany Commencement
10 - Mother's Day
14 - Ascension Day
14-1 - Church Leadership Conf., Frederick, MD
22-25 - Memorial Day Family Camp - Camp Emmaus
24 - Pentecost
25 - Memorial Day
31 - Trinity Sunday

June

4-7 - Women’s Camp - Camp Emmanuel
5 - World Environment Day
6 - District LT Meeting - LaPlace
7-13 - High School Camp, Camp Emmanuel
14-20 - Middle School Camp, Camp Emmanuel
15 - Hare 50th Anniversary Celebration, Camp Emmaus
19-21 - Nat'l. Jr. High Conf, Elizabethtown College
21 - Father's Day
21-27 - Junior Camp, Camp Emmanuel
25-27 - Pre-Junior Camp, Camp Emmanuel
27 - Ministerial Leadership Dev. Team, Peru, IL

July

4 - Independence Day
5-8 - Elementary II Camp, Camp Emmaus
9 - CODE Meeting, Tampa, Fl.
9-11 - Women's Camp, Camp Emmaus
10 - Mission & Ministry Bd. Meeting, Tampa
10-11 - Minister Assoc. Cont. Edu. Event, Tampa
11-15 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE, TAMPA, FL.
17-19 - Counselor In Training Event, Camp Emmaus
18-19 - Elementary I Camp, Camp Emmaus
19-25 - Senior High Camp, Camp Emmaus
26-1 - Junior High Camp, Camp Emmaus
31-2 - Men’s Camp, Camp Emmanuel

August

1 - District LT Meeting - Polo
2 - 7 - Elementary III Camp, Camp Emmaus
7-11 - Young Adult/Young at Heart Camp, Camp Emmaus

September

4-7 - Family Camp, Camp Emmanuel
4-7 - Labor Day Family Camp, Camp Emmaus
7-11 - National Older Adult Conf., L. Junaluska, NC
13 - National Grandparents Day
19 - Fish Fry, Camp Emmanuel
20 - Bethany Sunday, Mission Offering
21 - International Day of Peace
23 - First Day of Autumn

October

Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Pastor Appreciation Month
3 - District LT Meeting - Oak Grove
4 - World Communion Sunday
16 - World Food Day, Peace with Justice Week
17-19 - Mission & Ministry Bd. Meeting, Elgin, IL
18 - Laity Sunday
25 - Reformation Sunday
29-31 - Bethany Theo. Sem. Presidential Forum

November

1 - All Saints Day, Nat'l. Jr. High Sunday
1 - Daylight Savings Time
3 - Election Day
7-8 - DISTRICT CONFERENCE
8 - Stewardship Sunday
11 - Veteran's Day
21 - District LT Meeting - Pleasant Hill
22 - Christ the King Sunday
26 - Thanksgiving
29 - First Sunday of Advent

December

1 - Aids Awareness Day
6 - Second Sunday of Advent
10 - Human Right's Day
13 - Third Sunday of Advent
20 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
22 - First day of Winter
24 - Christmas Eve
25 - Christmas Day
31 - New Year's Eve