Wednesday, May 01, 2019
DE Ponderings
by Kevin KesslerHarvey Cox, Hollis Research Professor of Divinity at Harvard University, wrote a book published in 2016 entitled, "The Market as God". Cox contends that The Market has become deified primarily because of centralization. Rather than the market being a means to an end, The Market has become the end. Thus, it takes on a form of religion, something that becomes an object of worship, a deity of sorts. Cox goes to great lengths throughout the book comparing The Market to God. However, in the end, he clearly articulates that The Market is unlike God primarily because God intends not to centralize but to decentralize. Cox, fascinatingly, points to the creation story to make his case.
On the first day of creation, God separated the light from the darkness. Cox contends that the first action of God in the Bible, in this act of separating light from darkness, is one of decentralization. An Israeli scholar, Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg, provides support to Cox’s claim. Zornberg believes God was occupied with “breaking up…unitary and monolithic power into other centers.” The goal was not in simplifying creation as an end unto itself but rather making it more complex so that it became a means for exploring and enjoying the possibilities of God.
Cox moves through each day of the creation story to illustrate how decentralization continued. In so doing, he defends his understanding that The Market in all of its efforts for centralization cannot rightly be deified.
Therefore, Cox suggests that The Market should find ways to decentralize, not endeavoring to become deity, but to realistically follow the example of God’s creative work of decentralization. Summarily, Cox emphasizes that colossal financial institutions and empires would better serve the world community if they were dis-integrated, clearing the way for small-scale community or state banks who would be better equipped to serve constituencies in a more culturally localized manner.
In this way the market serves the people rather than the opposite. The market becomes a means to an end whereby all people receive an opportunity to have their needs met. Hence, the market points not to itself as an object of worship but rather opens the way to understand the Creator whose decentralized measures make a way forward for all and is ultimately the center of our worship.
The journey Cox takes readers on is much more fascinating than I’ve described in a few short paragraphs. I recommend taking the tour with Professor Cox and learning more about The Market as it has come to be associated with deity and what we may be able to do to begin viewing this theme differently.
The Moderator's Column
We have much to be thankful for as we get ready to move into another month together in our District! The recent District Potluck was well-planned, well-executed, well-attended, and the Spirit was truly in that place. Many told their stories of how they were moving their communities to help their neighbors for the glory of God!
This theme is so appropriate for this time and this place with the needs that are around us today. There are so many who need physical needs: food, clothes, jobs, cars to get to jobs, medicine, homes and home repairs.
However, along with these physical needs we find that people have great longing for spiritual needs. They need to know that people will treat them equally and love them unconditionally, whether or not they look and dress like you. People need to know that you will come to where THEY are and learn to know them before judging and expecting them to come inside your big churches that are really scary and seem dark and unknowing to them.
But most of all, they need to know JESUS - and the best way we are all finding to teach them about Him is to BE HIM! We show them who He is by our love! It was so evident as we heard stories, saw pictures, sang songs together, felt the passion, that this is what we are called to do…..AND SO WE MUST!
My challenge for you for the month of May is that both of New Church Plants, The Parables Community and The Gathering Chicago are celebrating their 3rd anniversaries in May. For our District to be sponsoring TWO church plants successfully for three years is an amazing thing, my friends. I feel we should bless them by giving our extra plate offerings to them as they both celebrate this month.
The Parables Celebration is May 5th and the Gathering Chicago is May 19th. Both church plants would be happy to take your gifts at the end of the month if you choose to take the challenge for the entire month, but please join them in their celebrations…celebrate their victories and as a District let us rejoice that God is moving into the neighborhoods!
Blessings,
Moderator Leslie Lake
This theme is so appropriate for this time and this place with the needs that are around us today. There are so many who need physical needs: food, clothes, jobs, cars to get to jobs, medicine, homes and home repairs.
However, along with these physical needs we find that people have great longing for spiritual needs. They need to know that people will treat them equally and love them unconditionally, whether or not they look and dress like you. People need to know that you will come to where THEY are and learn to know them before judging and expecting them to come inside your big churches that are really scary and seem dark and unknowing to them.
But most of all, they need to know JESUS - and the best way we are all finding to teach them about Him is to BE HIM! We show them who He is by our love! It was so evident as we heard stories, saw pictures, sang songs together, felt the passion, that this is what we are called to do…..AND SO WE MUST!
My challenge for you for the month of May is that both of New Church Plants, The Parables Community and The Gathering Chicago are celebrating their 3rd anniversaries in May. For our District to be sponsoring TWO church plants successfully for three years is an amazing thing, my friends. I feel we should bless them by giving our extra plate offerings to them as they both celebrate this month.
The Parables Celebration is May 5th and the Gathering Chicago is May 19th. Both church plants would be happy to take your gifts at the end of the month if you choose to take the challenge for the entire month, but please join them in their celebrations…celebrate their victories and as a District let us rejoice that God is moving into the neighborhoods!
Blessings,
Moderator Leslie Lake
Required Ethics Training Opportunities
As many of you may know, ethics training is required for all ordained ministers once every five years. Within our district, we have two training opportunities coming up. If you are unable to attend either one of these events, please inform the district office immediately. We may be able to hold a third event if we have enough participants. Another option is to take a course in another district. if you would like schedules of neighboring districts, please contact the district office for those details.
The second training session will be June 22, at the Oakley Brick Church of the Brethren (near Cerro Gordo, IL), from 9 a.m. and ending mid-afternoon. Registration materials will be forthcoming.
The second training session will be June 22, at the Oakley Brick Church of the Brethren (near Cerro Gordo, IL), from 9 a.m. and ending mid-afternoon. Registration materials will be forthcoming.
Beacon Light to Perform at Rockford COB
Rockford Community Church of the Brethren is hosting a FREE Christian music concert Saturday, July 20th, 2019 at 6:00pm and you’re invited! We have been blessed to host his talent once before, and we believe God is using his talent to reach young people through a music style that resonates with today’s generation.Beacon Light is a Hip Hop artist from Grand Rapids, MI. His music varies from hard hitting 808s & creative wordplay, to poetic lyricism over emotionally packed chord progressions. Beacon's music is a platter of energetic singles and good vibes, blended with moments of deep conversations about real issues and uncomfortable topics. He has been featured on numerous Spotify playlists, Top 30 Billboard charts, and Top 50 Hip Hop charts on iTunes. Beacon has had songs in TV/FILM as well, including "Power" (a Starz original series produced by 50 Cent). In 2016 his music video "Haters" won video of the year in the We Love Music Awards. "I make music to make a difference," says Beacon. "I believe what I have to say needs to be heard by everybody. Jesus is LORD.”
A Love Offering will be collected during the concert. The artist will also be speaking at the church the following morning to give testimony, as well as information on some of the missions he supports. Consideration of support for any of these ministries is greatly appreciated!
Rockford Community Church
6909 Auburn Street
Rockford, IL 61101
815-721-6227
Doors open at 5:30pm
www.beaconlightmusic.com
National Older Adult Conference
September
2-6, 2019
** NOAC is a
spirit-filled gathering of adults who love learning and discerning together,
exploring God’s call for their lives and living out that call by sharing their
energy, insight, and legacy with their families, communities, and the world.
** Registration
Information:
- General Registration will open May 1.
- Please register online if you are able to do so. You
can find the link at brethren.org/NOAC.
- If you need a paper registration form, please call
1-800-323-8039, ext. 302 and leave a message.
- Early registration for those who need to reserve a room
in Terrace (handicap accessible, close to events) will be open April
22-30.
- Registration fee before July 15 is $195. $20 off for
first time attendees.
** Worship Services
every day with Church of the Brethren preachers: Dawn Ottoni Wilhelm, Jennifer
Keeney Scarr, Jeanne Davies, Walt Wiltschek, Dennis Webb.
** Keynote Speakers
Sister Joan Chittister, Professor Drew Hart, Musician Ken Medema and Actor Ted Swartz.
** NOAC News Team,
Dave, Larry, and Chris will once again provide informative and humorous “news”
reports each day.
** Interest groups
every afternoon on a variety of topics.
** Arts and Crafts
opportunities.
** Day Trips to the
Biltmore Estate, Basilica of St. Lawrence and Ashville Botanical Gardens, Carl
Sandburg Home and Farm, Arboretum of North Carolina, Museum of the Cherokee
Indian, and a Hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can sign up for day trips
when you register.
** Service Projects
include reading with students at the Lake Junaluska Elementary School. We will
be collecting books to donate to the school. Please bring your favorite
children’s books to donate. We will also assemble 1000 Hygiene Kits.
** Afternoon Programs
will include the J Creek Cloggers, Birds of Prey, and an organ recital/ hymn
sing led by Jonathan Emmons and Bev Anspaugh.
** Welcome Festival
Monday afternoon (9/2) with games, music, tie dying, and fellowship.
** Fundraising Walk
around the lake.
** Talent Nights on
Tuesday and Thursday nights.
** Exhibit Hall with
information about Church of the Brethren and related agencies and
organizations.
** Brethren Press
Bookstore with book signings by our Keynote Speakers.
** Recreational
Activities include garden walks, boat rides on the lake, walking trails,
tennis, swimming pool, Fitness Center, golf.
** Early Morning Bible
Studies led by Nancy Sollenberger Heishman and Fred Bernhard.
** Morning Bible Study
led by Paula Bowser.
** Lodging at Lake
Junaluska must be reserved through the Lake Junaluska rental office at
800-222-4930 ext. 1.
** District Buses are
coming from several districts. Contact your District Office for more
information.
**
NOAC Planning Team includes: Glenn Bollinger, Karen Dillon, Rex Miller, Pat
Roberts, Paula Ziegler Ulrich, Christy Waltersdorff (Coordinator), Josh
Brockway (Discipleship Ministries staff), and Stan Dueck (Discipleship
Ministries staff).
District Potluck 2019
The Franklin Grove Church of the Brethren was humming with activity on April 6, 2019, as the congregation hosted the 6th Biennial District Potluck. The weather was picture-perfect with ample sunshine, 70 degrees, and a gentle breeze. A day like this early in April, especially after a harsh winter, could have lured people to spend time outdoors rather than attending an all-day gathering inside. However, the allure to worship, converse, learn, and break bread together had the stronger appeal as nearly 80 persons joined in celebrating this district-wide event.
Those attending the Potluck received information from four workshop presenters: Jeanne Davies (Parables Community) sharing about Taizé-style worship; Matt Rittle (Franklin Grove) leading a panel about leaving footprints in the neighborhood; David Roe (Oakley Brick) providing an inspirational Bible study; and Kevin Kessler (Canton) offering insights about the Canton congregation’s revitalization experiences. Christy Waltersdorff (York Center) provided leadership for an opening and closing worship experience with Jocelyn Watkins (Peoria), Dana McNeil (Peoria), Bob Lake (Polo), and Leslie Lake (Polo) providing accompaniment and leading music. Food arrived along with those attending which transpired into a wonderful and bountiful noon meal complete with warm and boisterous conversation.
The theme for the Potluck, Moving Into Our Neighborhoods, was also expressed with a storyboard whereby all were invited to share a statement or two about ways in which their congregations were engaged locally in their communities (see the document following this article). In addition, items were brought from around the district to share with the Second Hand Rose Store in Polo.
The District Potluck encouraged, inspired, and challenged us to remain faithful to the command of Jesus to love one another inclusive of our neighbors and our enemies.
Those attending the Potluck received information from four workshop presenters: Jeanne Davies (Parables Community) sharing about Taizé-style worship; Matt Rittle (Franklin Grove) leading a panel about leaving footprints in the neighborhood; David Roe (Oakley Brick) providing an inspirational Bible study; and Kevin Kessler (Canton) offering insights about the Canton congregation’s revitalization experiences. Christy Waltersdorff (York Center) provided leadership for an opening and closing worship experience with Jocelyn Watkins (Peoria), Dana McNeil (Peoria), Bob Lake (Polo), and Leslie Lake (Polo) providing accompaniment and leading music. Food arrived along with those attending which transpired into a wonderful and bountiful noon meal complete with warm and boisterous conversation.
The theme for the Potluck, Moving Into Our Neighborhoods, was also expressed with a storyboard whereby all were invited to share a statement or two about ways in which their congregations were engaged locally in their communities (see the document following this article). In addition, items were brought from around the district to share with the Second Hand Rose Store in Polo.
The District Potluck encouraged, inspired, and challenged us to remain faithful to the command of Jesus to love one another inclusive of our neighbors and our enemies.
Message from the Moderator
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. –2 Corinthians 5:17-18Dear Sisters and Brothers,
I’m excited to welcome you to Greensboro, NC this July 3-7 for our 233rd Annual Conference where we will focus on the proclamation of Jesus Christ–the One in whom we live and move and have our being, the One who stands at the center of our life together. As we together proclaim Christ, may we reclaim passion for Him our Divine Teacher, Savior and Redeemer, Lord and King. In that proclamation it is my hope and unceasing prayer that through the power of the Holy Spirit’s work among us we will reclaim passion for our life together as gathered believers called Church of the Brethren and return to our first love as His bride, the church.
The proclamation of Christ brings a message of “New Creation!” through a daily dying to self and living for Him who died for us. When God’s Spirit is at work in us, seeds are produced for ongoing transformation yielding fresh blossoms of passion for the Kingdom throughout our lives. May we each embrace Christ's transformation and open our spirits to how we together are called to be transformed as His Church in today’s world.
This year we will be turning our attention away from the usual many items of business toward the hard work of in depth conversations around the discernment of a Compelling Vision. These conversations will take place during our usual business sessions when delegates, along with those non-delegates who have registered to be part of the process, will be led through extended conversation around deep questions that address foundational aspects of our identity, purpose, and covenant together. If you are registered as a non-delegate and have not signed up to be part of the Compelling Vision process during the business session you may still do that by contacting Chris Douglas, Conference Director, and she will add that to your registration.
The themes for our discussion during these conversations have been generated as a result of previous conversations held during Annual Conference 2018 and within the districts over recent months. Through those conversations we have begun to peal back the many layers of who we are as a people formed by our history, our governance, our relationships, and our various perspectives of faith and culture. It is my prayer that from this deeper understanding of who we are that we will find a renewed vision for how we will best fulfill Christ’s mission for the Church.
I invite all to be in prayer for Annual Conference and especially for the Compelling Vision process. A prayer calendar which guides us to a scripture and prayer focus for each day is available for you to use beginning Sunday, May 5 and continuing through the week of Annual Conference. I believe there is great power in many participating in prayer together around the same purpose, and I hope you will join with this effort. You may download a prayer calendar at this link: www.brethren.org/compellingvision
Many of you are coming with various expectations surrounding our work at this Annual Conference. I encourage us to suspend all expectations except this one: that the Holy Spirit will move among and through us in miraculous ways as we come together to proclaim Christ through our worship, our study, our fellowship, and our intentional conversation about the future of the Church of the Brethren. May it be so!
With enthusiastic expectancy for the movement of God’s Spirit,
Donita Keister
Housing Allowance is upheld by appeals court
by NEVIN DULABAUM ON MARCH 15, 2019
The housing allowance provision that provides pastors with a tax benefit for their housing expenses is constitutional. That decision was announced today by the Seventh Circuit Appeals Court, which is located in Chicago.
The case, heard by the Appeals Court last October 24, originally was heard by Wisconsin District Court Judge Barbara Crabb, who ruled in favor of Freedom From Religion Foundation that the housing allowance was unconstitutional. However, in announcing its verdict today, the Seventh Circuit Appeals Court cited a number of court cases and actions by Congress in its 29-page ruling, before simply ruling, “We conclude (Internal Revenue Code, Chapter 1, Section 107 that describes the housing allowance) is constitutional. The judgment of the district court is REVERSED.”
“Although FFRF can appeal this decision and ask that the U.S. Supreme Court hear this case, the decision by the Chicago Appeals court is a major victory for pastors, regardless of denominational affiliation,” said Nevin Dulabaum, president of Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust. “Many church budgets are tight, as is compensation to pastors. The housing allowance is one provision that provides much-needed tax savings to pastors; without it, many pastors would be hard pressed to take on an additional tax burden.”
The scope of this benefit extends beyond actively employed pastors. For example, all retirement payments issued by BBT to Brethren Pension Plan retired clergy have the potential to be claimed as housing allowance. The significance of the ruling today is that, for the indefinite future, retired pastors who live on fixed incomes will not receive an unexpected tax increase that could be several thousand dollars or more.
The ruling was just announced this afternoon, and so this notice is just a brief reporting of that news and the ramifications for the Court’s decision. No doubt there will be more information coming, to further interpret the Seventh Circuit Appeals Court’s decision, and to also follow whether this case ultimately is addressed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The housing allowance provision that provides pastors with a tax benefit for their housing expenses is constitutional. That decision was announced today by the Seventh Circuit Appeals Court, which is located in Chicago.
The case, heard by the Appeals Court last October 24, originally was heard by Wisconsin District Court Judge Barbara Crabb, who ruled in favor of Freedom From Religion Foundation that the housing allowance was unconstitutional. However, in announcing its verdict today, the Seventh Circuit Appeals Court cited a number of court cases and actions by Congress in its 29-page ruling, before simply ruling, “We conclude (Internal Revenue Code, Chapter 1, Section 107 that describes the housing allowance) is constitutional. The judgment of the district court is REVERSED.”
“Although FFRF can appeal this decision and ask that the U.S. Supreme Court hear this case, the decision by the Chicago Appeals court is a major victory for pastors, regardless of denominational affiliation,” said Nevin Dulabaum, president of Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust. “Many church budgets are tight, as is compensation to pastors. The housing allowance is one provision that provides much-needed tax savings to pastors; without it, many pastors would be hard pressed to take on an additional tax burden.”
The scope of this benefit extends beyond actively employed pastors. For example, all retirement payments issued by BBT to Brethren Pension Plan retired clergy have the potential to be claimed as housing allowance. The significance of the ruling today is that, for the indefinite future, retired pastors who live on fixed incomes will not receive an unexpected tax increase that could be several thousand dollars or more.
The ruling was just announced this afternoon, and so this notice is just a brief reporting of that news and the ramifications for the Court’s decision. No doubt there will be more information coming, to further interpret the Seventh Circuit Appeals Court’s decision, and to also follow whether this case ultimately is addressed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Parables Community Third Anniversary Celebration
First Congregational Church of Dundee • 900 S 8th St, West Dundee, IL
• Live music
• Drawings for prizes and giveaways
• Parables celebration video and stories
• Light food and beverages
• Free-will donations will be collected
• Bring your family and friends!
Kid-friendly event!
Can’t make the party?
You can still donate!
Or visit:
www.parablescommunity.org
Or mail a check to:
Parables Community
1 South 071 Luther Avenue
Lombard, IL 60148
Parables Community is a church where everyone belongs and everyone serves.
We believe each person has gifts to share for the benefit of all.
parablescommunity@gmail.com • 630-991-0473
• Live music
• Drawings for prizes and giveaways
• Parables celebration video and stories
• Light food and beverages
• Free-will donations will be collected
• Bring your family and friends!
Kid-friendly event!
Can’t make the party?
You can still donate!
Or visit:
www.parablescommunity.org
Or mail a check to:
Parables Community
1 South 071 Luther Avenue
Lombard, IL 60148
Parables Community is a church where everyone belongs and everyone serves.
We believe each person has gifts to share for the benefit of all.
parablescommunity@gmail.com • 630-991-0473
Endowment Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an endowment?
An endowment is a fund that holds its principal in perpetuity and only pays out a small portion each year. Endowment investments have dual goals: to grow the principal and to generate income. Institutions, such as the IL/WI District need funds for two reasons: to maintain day-to-day operations and to ensure the viability of the District for years to come. An endowment provides for the latter.2. How is the IL/WI District able to establish an endowment?
The District received a gift of nearly $200,000 from the Frances E. Senger Trust following Mrs. Senger’s death. The Trust encouraged the District to endow the funds at the discretion of the District’s Leadership Team. Endowing the funds provides for Mrs. Senger’s legacy to continue but more importantly that the District which she supported throughout the years would continue to provide important ministry long into the future.
3. How was the endowment established?
The District’s Property and Asset Management (PAM) Team which acts as an advisory committee to the District’s Leadership Team is tasked with offering beneficial fiduciary counsel. The PAM Team discerned that it is in the best interest of the District to endow the Frances E. Senger Trust funds to adhere to the desire of the Trust and to ensure the long-term viability of the district. The PAM Team advised the Leadership Team to establish the endowment. The Leadership Team created the endowment based on the PAM Team’s counsel.4. What are the provisions of the endowment?
The endowment will be established with the dollar amount in the Frances E. Senger Trust fund as of Jan. 1, 2019 or $200,000.00, whichever amount is greater at the time. The endowment cannot at any time fall below the $200,000.00 threshold. Each year, the district may withdraw up to 4% of the total value of the fund minus any expenses incurred. If at any time related expenses or market fluctuation would cause the endowment to fall below $200,000.00, the district, rather than the endowment, would be responsible for maintaining the endowment to the minimal level. Amendments to the endowment will require a Supermajority vote of both the PAM Team and the District’s Leadership Team.5. Are contributions to the endowment allowed?
Yes. However, contributions to the endowment cannot be restricted.6. Why does the IL/WI District of the Church of the Brethren need an endowment?
The District needs money to continue operating. Although congregations and individuals give to support District operations, these sources of funding are trending downward. The funding needs of the District continue trending upward. Therefore, having a fund with capacity to grow and provide usable income for perpetuity offers the District potential funding to cover operations when other sources decrease.
District Website
When is the last time you visited the IL/WI District Website?
There you’ll find helpful information about your district including but not
limited to:
Don’t delay! Check it out! See what you can learn about your district!
Supporting Your District
The IL/WI District is active in a variety of
ministry and mission efforts, both directly and indirectly. For these efforts
to continue, resources are needed. Assets available to keep ministry and
mission moving along include you (people serving people), tools (tool trailer
w/ tools for disaster response work), knowledge and wisdom (years of experience
and access to institutions of learning), and, of course, money (endowment,
reserves, congregational and individual giving, bequests).
Assets are abundant but unless these gifts are cared for there is potential for depleting them. Therefore, district teams and the combined efforts of many work diligently to ensure asset sustainability.
Still, it is important to know where gaps exist, or a little extra boost would be helpful. For instance, our district has deep interest in and long-standing support of disaster relief efforts. A separate fund is established to assist folks who give of their time and travel great distances to assist. The district’s Disaster Relief Fund is hovering around $1,000.00. Sending a team to serve on a disaster response site can cost nearly $500 or more. To ensure the sustainability of this important ministry, designated gifts to this fund are welcomed and deeply appreciated. Having funds available to assist with travel may be the difference of someone sharing their gifts or staying home. Consider making a contribution!
Other options are available for contributing, as well, including the following:
Assets are abundant but unless these gifts are cared for there is potential for depleting them. Therefore, district teams and the combined efforts of many work diligently to ensure asset sustainability.
Still, it is important to know where gaps exist, or a little extra boost would be helpful. For instance, our district has deep interest in and long-standing support of disaster relief efforts. A separate fund is established to assist folks who give of their time and travel great distances to assist. The district’s Disaster Relief Fund is hovering around $1,000.00. Sending a team to serve on a disaster response site can cost nearly $500 or more. To ensure the sustainability of this important ministry, designated gifts to this fund are welcomed and deeply appreciated. Having funds available to assist with travel may be the difference of someone sharing their gifts or staying home. Consider making a contribution!
Other options are available for contributing, as well, including the following:
- Endowment Fund
- Mission and Mortar Fund
- General Fund
- Emerging Ministries
- Ministry Training
Every gift regardless of size is a significant boost to the abundance of assets in our midst. All contributions ensure that our district goes beyond the plateau of survival to the pinnacles of thriving, providing ample opportunities to serve faithfully.
District Mission and Mortar Grant/Loan Program
Is your congregation
beginning a new mission outreach program but a little short on cash? Is your
congregation faced with a major repair or capital improvement project that
exceeds your congregation’s capacity to pay for it? Did you know that the
district has a program to assist with your needs? It’s called the Mission and
Mortar Grant/Loan Program and is available to help meet the needs mentioned
above.
Grants are available up to $2,500.00 and non-interest bearing loans up to $5000.00. A congregation that applies must provide financial data and be a regular contributor to the district. Applications are considered on a first-come first-served basis and are reviewed/approved by the district Leadership Team.
If you would like more information or wish to apply, visit the district website. Send completed applications to the IL/WI District Office, 269 E. Chestnut St., Canton, IL 61520.
Grants are available up to $2,500.00 and non-interest bearing loans up to $5000.00. A congregation that applies must provide financial data and be a regular contributor to the district. Applications are considered on a first-come first-served basis and are reviewed/approved by the district Leadership Team.
If you would like more information or wish to apply, visit the district website. Send completed applications to the IL/WI District Office, 269 E. Chestnut St., Canton, IL 61520.
GIFTS DISCERNMENT AND CALL COMMITTEE
The Gifts Discernment
and Call Committee (GDCC) is commissioned to discern the gifts of persons for
the purpose of inviting and calling them in to positions of leadership and
team/committee participation. The GDCC delves into this work based on the names
and information available to them. The likelihood is that gifted persons are
not invited and called to serve because the GDCC lacks names and information.
If you feel compelled to serve in the district and have not been asked, you can
connect to the district webpage and learn
how to share your name and information with the GDCC. Simply complete the
online profile form after clicking on the “online profile form” link in the
website article. Or call the district office (649-6008) and a profile form will
be emailed to you.
Do you know someone you believe has gifts to serve at the district level? Invite them to visit the district webpage or share their name with the GDCC or district office.
Serving is rewarding!
Do you know someone you believe has gifts to serve at the district level? Invite them to visit the district webpage or share their name with the GDCC or district office.
Serving is rewarding!
Brethren Volunteer Service announces orientation units
From the April 18, 2019 Newsline
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) has announced the dates and locations of orientation units for the rest of the year. BVS offers orientations to train prospective volunteers to serve fulltime for one or more years at projects across the United States and in several other countries around the world. For more about BVS go to www.brethren.org/bvs .
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) has announced the dates and locations of orientation units for the rest of the year. BVS offers orientations to train prospective volunteers to serve fulltime for one or more years at projects across the United States and in several other countries around the world. For more about BVS go to www.brethren.org/bvs .
The remaining units to take place in
2019 are:
Summer Unit 322
July 21-Aug. 9
Inspiration Hills Camp in Burbank, Ohio
Deadline for applications is June 7.
July 21-Aug. 9
Inspiration Hills Camp in Burbank, Ohio
Deadline for applications is June 7.
Brethren Revival Fellowship (BRF)
Unit 323
Aug. 18-26
Camp Swatara near Bethel, Pa.
Deadline for applications is July 5.
Aug. 18-26
Camp Swatara near Bethel, Pa.
Deadline for applications is July 5.
Fall Unit 324
Sept. 22-Oct. 11
Camp Emmaus in Mount Morris, Ill.
Deadline for applications is Aug. 9.
Sept. 22-Oct. 11
Camp Emmaus in Mount Morris, Ill.
Deadline for applications is Aug. 9.
For more
information contact Jocelyn Siakula, BVS orientation coordinator, at jsiakula@brethren.org or
847-429-4384.
This journey is one that no one should have to bear
Church of the Brethren Newsline
April 19, 2019
By Gail Erisman Valeta with Tom
Mauser
On April 20, 1999, Tom and Linda
Mauser joined a club that no one wanted to join: the parents of a child
victimized by gun violence. Their son, Daniel Mauser, was a victim of the
Columbine High School shooting in Littleton, Colo.
The journey is one that no one
should have to bear. And the journey is not over. At the 20th Anniversary of
Columbine, 14 news outlets came to Littleton to interview families of the
victims willing to participate. Here is one early article coming out of those
interviews, with more to be printed and broadcast on the anniversary:
“Columbine Families Gather to Tell Stories Nearly 20 Years After,” published by
the Colorado Sentinel on March 23 and online at www.sentinelcolorado.com/0trending/columbine-families-gather-to-tell-stories-nearly-20-years-after/ .
Tom’s advocacy for sensible gun laws
was driven by a special question from his son two weeks before the tragedy.
Based on something he heard in a conversation, Daniel asked his dad if he was
aware there were loopholes in the Brady Bill, a law that requires passing a
background check before buying a gun. Two weeks later, Daniel was killed with a
gun purchased through one of those loopholes--the gun show loophole.
Tom took a one-year leave of absence
from his job to lobby the state legislature to pass stronger gun laws. When
they failed to do so, he led the effort to offer Colorado voters a ballot
initiative to close that gun show loophole. Colorado voters passed that
initiative in 2000 by a vote of 70 percent to 30 percent.
Tom has continued working to pass
sensible gun laws and educate others about sensible solutions. He has testified
numerous times at hearings at the State Capitol, and speaks at rallies and
churches. That included accepting an invitation to speak at Prince of Peace
Church of the Brethren, where he later became a member.
Are there concerned people of faith
in your congregation or community who want to promote a different response to
gun violence than just “thoughts and prayers?” Presentations from speakers’
bureaus or from the Internet can be offered. There are gun violence prevention
organizations in many states you could join, as listed at https://ceasefireusa.org/affiliates .
While many churches are not willing
to take on this issue (Tom was even uninvited from a presentation when the
pastor experienced “push back” from opponents), we should all be able to agree
something must be done and offer “another way of living” that has passed on
peacemaking for over 300 years.
-- Gail
Erisman Valeta is pastoring Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in
Littleton, Colo., where Tom Mauser is a member.
From Newsline
- The Church of the Brethren
seeks a fulltime manager of information technology to work at the
denomination’s General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The major responsibility is to
manage the information technology needs and activities for the General offices
including application design, development, maintenance, and network
applications at the direction of the director of Information Technology.
Required skills and knowledge include understanding of Church of the Brethren
heritage, theology, and polity; ability to articulate and operate out of the
vision of the Church of the Brethren; knowledge and experience to implement a
vision for ongoing technical growth that will coordinate efforts at many levels
of the denomination; strong technical skills in database management and systems
analysis; verbal and written communication skills; positive customer service
attitude; ability to assist in budget development and management; knowledge of
Raiser’s Edge system, VOIP phone systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and related
products; a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in information technology or related
field. Applications are being received and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis
until the position is filled. Send a resume to COBApply@brethren.org or
to Human Resources Manager, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL
60120-1694; 800-323-8039 ext. 367. The Church of the Brethren is an Equal
Opportunity Employer.
- The Christian Peacemaker Teams
(CPT) “turn faith into action for peace,” said an announcement of the
latest Dunker Punks Podcast. “Experience what that means through this
interview brought to us by the Office of Peacebuilding and Policy. Monica
McFadden interviews Tori Bateman on her recent trip with the CPT delegation to
Iraqi Kurdistan. Learn more about becoming involved and find out what
Christianity, peacemaking, and tea have in common!” Listen at http://bit.ly/DPP_Episode81 .
Visit www.cpt.org for
more information.
- The Global Women’s Project is
announcing its annual Mother’s Day Gratitude Project. This is “an opportunity
for you to honor a woman you know and love by celebrating and supporting women
around the world,” said an announcement. “Instead of buying more material gifts
for your loved one, express your gratitude with a gift that keeps on giving. In
return, your chosen recipient(s) will receive a lovely, hand-written card
indicating that a gift has been made in her honor, with a brief description of
GWP.” For more information go to https://globalwomensproject.wordpress.com/mothers-day-project-2 .
- News of the launch of a new United Nations data tool on modern-day slavery has been shared by Doris Abdullah, the Church of the Brethren’s representative to the UN. This interactive data tool called Delta 8.7 has been created by the UN University Centre for Policy Research, and “shows a mismatch between where modern slavery occurs, and where governments are spending resources to address it, [and] could help make a positive impact on policy debates surrounding the issue,” said a UN announcement. “Check out a modern slavery map which includes information on the organizations that work with the business sector to combat modern slavery.” Find the map and more information at www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/goal-of-the-month/#delta .
