DE Ponderings

Praise the Lord!

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

for his steadfast love endures forever.

—Psalm 106:1 (NRSV)

The Illinois/Wisconsin District of the Church of the Brethren is more than an organization registered with the State of Illinois. The District is made up of people, congregations, fellowships, projects, groups, teams, committees, boards, camps, homes, and so much more, all of which are active, vital, and alive. It is a challenge to keep up with all that is happening among us, and, truth be told, I don’t keep up, which means there is just so much good happening that it is more than any one person is able to follow. My point is not to make a statement about my inability to take it all in. Rather, it is my goal to point to all the good that is happening and to say that God is good and provides in such abundance that our cups overflow. Because we are so richly blessed with gifts, talents, abilities, and skills, we are given the capacity to share blessings with others widely and broadly, and we do. And so, it is right that we give God thanks for enduring, steadfast love and abundant goodness. Let’s join together in thanksgiving for God’s goodness provided in the following ways.

• The opportunity to meet together as a District at the District Potluck March 18, 2017, at the Virden Church of the Brethren and then November 3 & 4, 2017, for District Conference at the York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, IL.
• The ministry provided by Parables Community and The Gathering Chicago, two emerging ministries in the district. These ministries have unique foci but both are committed to sharing the love of Christ in very special ways.
• Celebrate with the Mt. Morris Church of the Brethren for 150 years as a congregation and 60 years in their present building. Give thanks with them on Saturday, May 6, 6:30pm, for an evening of entertainment by Jonathan Shively; and Sunday, May 7, 9:30am, for a celebration worship service.
• The Champaign Church of the Brethren continues to provide a community garden. This congregation has also completed repairs to a chronically leaky roof.
• The Canton Church of the Brethren is finding renewed energy while embarking on a journey of Dignity, fostering wholeness, balance, and peace through respect of God’s creation. Focus is being given to and objectives worked on in the following areas of passion: Community, Traditions and History, Ministry and Education, Environment, and Relationships.
• The Dixon, Virden, First Chicago, and West Branch congregations are engaged in pastoral search processes. Give thanks for the good work the search committees are doing and for leadership that is yet to be called.
• Several persons in our district are at different stages in the process to be credentialed in set-apart ministry. Unique gifts are emerging for the glory of God and the good of our neighbors.
• The district office is being kept in good order by a talented and efficient administrative assistant.
• The Woodland congregation recently held a trivia bowl to raise money to provide scholarships for children to attend Camp Emmanuel this summer.
• The District Leadership Team, standing teams, and ministry teams are functioning with integrity and energy to keep the ministry of this district moving forward.
• Your congregation, your group, your team, your efforts, while not specifically named here (please let us know what you are doing; we are delighted to publish your activity), contribute in significant ways to the life, health, and vitality of this district, the denomination, and the Church.

To God be the glory. Amen.