2017 Illinois/Wisconsin District Conference
The Illinois/Wisconsin District of the Church of the
Brethren held its District Conference November 3 &
4, 2017, at the York Center Church of the Brethren in
Lombard, IL. “Don’t Be Afraid, I Bring You Good
News” based on Luke 2:10 was the theme of the
conference capably led by Moderator Allegra Hess,
a member of the York Center congregation.
The conference began Friday evening with worship led by ministers from the Northeast Region of the district. Christy Waltersdorff preached on the conference theme setting the tone for the remainder of the conference. Waltersdorff proclaimed, “Christ calls us to another way of living, a way that is not defined by fear but courage; a way that is not defined by weakness but strength; a way that is not defined by anxiety but faith.” She subsequently asked these questions: “What if this darkness (fear) is not the darkness of the tomb, but the darkness of the womb? What if God is seeking to birth something wondrous in our congregations, in our districts, in our denomination, in our world? And what if we get to be a part of that new life?”
During the business session on Saturday, delegates and conference goers were able to experience the courage of our district which has initiated two new, non-traditional ministries (The Parables Community and The Gathering Chicago) and continues to carry out faithful ministries in our congregations despite the challenges faced in living out the mission of Christ in a post-Christendom and post-Christian era. Jeanne Davies, founding pastor of The Parables Community, shared the value of providing a space and opportunity for worship for persons with disabilities and their families. LaDonna Nkosi, unable to be present Saturday, nonetheless provided video and live presentations expressing the value of providing opportunities of prayer, partnership, and service on Chicago’s south side. The leadership of these two emerging ministries is a testament of not being afraid, of serving unmet needs in spite of the obstacles that at times seem overwhelming.
Six congregations (Rockford, Polo, Stanley, Canton, Cerro Gordo, York Center) were given the opportunity to share a three minute presentation about ministries in which they are engaged. Each congregation is actively involved in their community, outwardly focused, and embarking on creative ministry initiatives. In addition, a video of district activity and ministries was produced and viewed by all who were present at conference.
Camp Emmaus and Camp Emmanuel continue to
provide an environment for building relationships,
enriching our faith, and positively impacting the
lives of youth for years to come. Despite
overwhelming financial obstacles as a result of late
and inconsistent State of Illinois Medicaid
disbursements, Pinecrest Community and Pleasant
Hill Village continue to provide outstanding service
to those who need assisted and extended care.
All of these ministries are evidence of new life that
the district celebrates and supports through prayer,
relationship, and money. The district is finding
renewed energy, excitement, and cohesiveness
through efforts to sustain these Christ-centered
ministries.
Fear has been a part of this district. We have been afraid of how theological differences may fracture our relationships. We have been afraid of how financial reserves are being used. We have been afraid of the aging of and decline in membership. Other fears have surfaced over the years as well. What we discovered, or maybe re-discovered, at the District Conference this year is that we are not paralyzed by our fears. Instead, we are holding on to and moving ahead in the strength of the word of God proclaimed through the prophet Isaiah, “I have chosen you and have not abandoned you. Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand
 |
| Photo courtesy of Ralph Miner |
The conference began Friday evening with worship led by ministers from the Northeast Region of the district. Christy Waltersdorff preached on the conference theme setting the tone for the remainder of the conference. Waltersdorff proclaimed, “Christ calls us to another way of living, a way that is not defined by fear but courage; a way that is not defined by weakness but strength; a way that is not defined by anxiety but faith.” She subsequently asked these questions: “What if this darkness (fear) is not the darkness of the tomb, but the darkness of the womb? What if God is seeking to birth something wondrous in our congregations, in our districts, in our denomination, in our world? And what if we get to be a part of that new life?”
During the business session on Saturday, delegates and conference goers were able to experience the courage of our district which has initiated two new, non-traditional ministries (The Parables Community and The Gathering Chicago) and continues to carry out faithful ministries in our congregations despite the challenges faced in living out the mission of Christ in a post-Christendom and post-Christian era. Jeanne Davies, founding pastor of The Parables Community, shared the value of providing a space and opportunity for worship for persons with disabilities and their families. LaDonna Nkosi, unable to be present Saturday, nonetheless provided video and live presentations expressing the value of providing opportunities of prayer, partnership, and service on Chicago’s south side. The leadership of these two emerging ministries is a testament of not being afraid, of serving unmet needs in spite of the obstacles that at times seem overwhelming.
Six congregations (Rockford, Polo, Stanley, Canton, Cerro Gordo, York Center) were given the opportunity to share a three minute presentation about ministries in which they are engaged. Each congregation is actively involved in their community, outwardly focused, and embarking on creative ministry initiatives. In addition, a video of district activity and ministries was produced and viewed by all who were present at conference.
 | One dozen freshly laid brown eggs from the “Brethren hens” that Moderator Allegra Hess owns raised $50 in the district conference auction. The auction proceeds go to the district budget. Photo courtesy of Ralph Miner |
Fear has been a part of this district. We have been afraid of how theological differences may fracture our relationships. We have been afraid of how financial reserves are being used. We have been afraid of the aging of and decline in membership. Other fears have surfaced over the years as well. What we discovered, or maybe re-discovered, at the District Conference this year is that we are not paralyzed by our fears. Instead, we are holding on to and moving ahead in the strength of the word of God proclaimed through the prophet Isaiah, “I have chosen you and have not abandoned you. Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand
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