Wednesday, February 02, 2022
Tuesday, February 01, 2022
The Village ILWIDIot
By Walt Wiltschek
"Divine reality is not way up in the sky somewhere; it is readily available in the encounters of everyday life, which make hash of my illusions that I can control the ways God comes to me." — Barbara Brown Taylor
Almost every pastor I know has a “call story” of some type. For some it was gradual, seeping into their souls like water in a cave. For a few, it was a sharp, particular moment, a “Damascus Road” sort of event. For many, it was a person or people in their lives who carried that sense of call to them. For almost all, it was something they resisted to some degree.
We don’t know how God will come to us, and we can’t control it, which is a wonderful and terrifying thing. We see this throughout the arc of scripture, with one after another of the biblical characters we know so well pushing back, or making excuses, or running the other way. The call comes in a voice from heaven, in flaming foliage, in soft whispers, in visions of angels, and in bright light. But it keeps coming.
One of my pastors once told me, “If you want to make God laugh, tell God your plans.” And life has proven that right again and again. I dodged a call to ministry for a number of years, despite the people nudging me to consider it, until I finally decided to see where it might lead. I’ve listened better at some times than others, and on occasion I’ve wondered what God was thinking, but overall it’s been a very good ride so far.
The 2014 Annual Conference paper on Ministerial Leadership says, “Calling is a naming and encouraging of an individual’s God-given gifts for ministry in the church.” As I’ve worked with youth ministry and camps over the years, I’ve endeavored to share my experience of call with youth and young adults on their own journeys, urging them to think about their gifts and how God might use them. It’s the essence of the word “vocation,” and in that light whatever we do—whether within the church or beyond it—can be a ministry.
On Feb. 26, our district will offer a “Calling the Called” event to explore these questions together (see details below). It will look particularly at ways people can use their gifts in the work of the church, but I’m hopeful it will also offer opportunity for all of us to reflect on our gifts, wherever God calls us.
Whether you feel God might be calling you to a new chapter or new possibilities, or whether you want to be more intentional about calling out the gifts of others, or even if you’re just curious, I hope you consider attending. You might encounter God in unexpected ways.
Note: Walt will be on vacation visiting friends Feb. 17-24. If you have emergency needs during this time, please contact the district office or Leadership Team chair Carol Kussart (ckussart@gmail.com).
"Divine reality is not way up in the sky somewhere; it is readily available in the encounters of everyday life, which make hash of my illusions that I can control the ways God comes to me." — Barbara Brown Taylor
Almost every pastor I know has a “call story” of some type. For some it was gradual, seeping into their souls like water in a cave. For a few, it was a sharp, particular moment, a “Damascus Road” sort of event. For many, it was a person or people in their lives who carried that sense of call to them. For almost all, it was something they resisted to some degree.
We don’t know how God will come to us, and we can’t control it, which is a wonderful and terrifying thing. We see this throughout the arc of scripture, with one after another of the biblical characters we know so well pushing back, or making excuses, or running the other way. The call comes in a voice from heaven, in flaming foliage, in soft whispers, in visions of angels, and in bright light. But it keeps coming.
One of my pastors once told me, “If you want to make God laugh, tell God your plans.” And life has proven that right again and again. I dodged a call to ministry for a number of years, despite the people nudging me to consider it, until I finally decided to see where it might lead. I’ve listened better at some times than others, and on occasion I’ve wondered what God was thinking, but overall it’s been a very good ride so far.
The 2014 Annual Conference paper on Ministerial Leadership says, “Calling is a naming and encouraging of an individual’s God-given gifts for ministry in the church.” As I’ve worked with youth ministry and camps over the years, I’ve endeavored to share my experience of call with youth and young adults on their own journeys, urging them to think about their gifts and how God might use them. It’s the essence of the word “vocation,” and in that light whatever we do—whether within the church or beyond it—can be a ministry.
On Feb. 26, our district will offer a “Calling the Called” event to explore these questions together (see details below). It will look particularly at ways people can use their gifts in the work of the church, but I’m hopeful it will also offer opportunity for all of us to reflect on our gifts, wherever God calls us.
Whether you feel God might be calling you to a new chapter or new possibilities, or whether you want to be more intentional about calling out the gifts of others, or even if you’re just curious, I hope you consider attending. You might encounter God in unexpected ways.
Note: Walt will be on vacation visiting friends Feb. 17-24. If you have emergency needs during this time, please contact the district office or Leadership Team chair Carol Kussart (ckussart@gmail.com).
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Ministry Leadership & Discernment Team (MLDT): Sat., Feb. 12, 9 a.m.
New Church Development Sub-Committee: Mon., Feb. 14, 7 p.m.
Gifts & Discernment Call Committee (GDCC): Feb 23, Wed., 6:30 pm
Calling the Called event (online): Sat., Feb. 26, 9 a.m.
Program & Arrangements Committee: Mon., Feb. 28, 7 p.m.
Potluck Experience Team: Wed., March 16, 7 p.m.
Church Revitalization & Development Team (CRDT): Sat., March 26, 9 a.m.
Council of District Executive meetings, Elgin: April 4-6
New Church Development Sub-Committee: Mon., Feb. 14, 7 p.m.
Gifts & Discernment Call Committee (GDCC): Feb 23, Wed., 6:30 pm
Calling the Called event (online): Sat., Feb. 26, 9 a.m.
Program & Arrangements Committee: Mon., Feb. 28, 7 p.m.
Potluck Experience Team: Wed., March 16, 7 p.m.
Church Revitalization & Development Team (CRDT): Sat., March 26, 9 a.m.
Council of District Executive meetings, Elgin: April 4-6
IN OUR PRAYERS
A district prayer calendar was sent out recently for your use in praying for our district and related programs through the years. We invite you to include the following in your prayers in coming weeks:
Week of Feb. 14: Pray for the members of the Decatur congregation after they made the difficult decision to close their doors recently, and give thanks for their long ministry in central Illinois. Pray for them to be able to find new places that feed their spirits and provide important community.
Week of Feb. 21: Pray for the Lanark congregation this week, and for their ministry in and around their community in northwestern Illinois.
Week of Feb. 28: Pray for the Oak Grove congregation this week, and for their ministry in and around Lowpoint.
Week of March 7: Pray for the Chicago First congregation this week, as they continue their long ministry of service and justice in the city.
Do you have congregational news: celebrations, milestones, “Jesus in the Neighborhood” stories or other things to share with our district family? Please send those to the district office: andreag.iwdcob@gmail.com.
Week of Feb. 14: Pray for the members of the Decatur congregation after they made the difficult decision to close their doors recently, and give thanks for their long ministry in central Illinois. Pray for them to be able to find new places that feed their spirits and provide important community.
Week of Feb. 21: Pray for the Lanark congregation this week, and for their ministry in and around their community in northwestern Illinois.
Week of Feb. 28: Pray for the Oak Grove congregation this week, and for their ministry in and around Lowpoint.
Week of March 7: Pray for the Chicago First congregation this week, as they continue their long ministry of service and justice in the city.
Do you have congregational news: celebrations, milestones, “Jesus in the Neighborhood” stories or other things to share with our district family? Please send those to the district office: andreag.iwdcob@gmail.com.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Arbie Karasek of York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, Ill., was one of the nurses at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Ill., who were interviewed in a recent Wall Street Journal article about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital staff. She is one of the nurses taking part in a new program called “Growing Forward,” that has been created by one of the hospital chaplains to help staff deal with increased stresses as the omicron variant has again increased hospital caseloads. Find the article by Ben Kesling, titled “To Help Battle Covid-19, a Hospital Borrows Tactics from Combat Veterans,” at www.wsj.com/articles/to-help-battle-covid-19-a-hospital-borrows-tactics-from-combat-veterans-11642588203.
Carol Davis of the Canton congregation was interviewed for an episode of "Consider This," which aired on WTVP-47 earlier this month. Davis talked about the Spoon River Community Chorus and other topics. The episode can be viewed at https://video.wtvp.org/video/s02-e27-carol-davis-spoon-river-community-chorus-8p1st5.
Carol Davis of the Canton congregation was interviewed for an episode of "Consider This," which aired on WTVP-47 earlier this month. Davis talked about the Spoon River Community Chorus and other topics. The episode can be viewed at https://video.wtvp.org/video/s02-e27-carol-davis-spoon-river-community-chorus-8p1st5.
REMEMBRANCES
Our prayers continue to go out to the Bridgewater College community in Virginia in the wake of the shootings that occurred Feb. 1 on campus, in which campus police officer John Painter and campus safety officer J.J. Jefferson lost their lives. We hold close the families of the victims and all those who are connected there in various ways.
CALLING THE CALLED
Have you ever felt God might be tapping you on the shoulder to consider a professional ministry role in the church? Are there others you want to encourage to explore such a path? Are you a pastor or other church leader who seeks to help others discover their gifts? Do you just want to learn more about calling and being called?
If so, Illinois/Wisconsin District invites you to a special event Saturday, Feb. 26, 9 a.m. to noon. Hear personal stories from some of those who have been called, learn about spiritual discernment and opportunities in the denomination, explore your questions about ministry, and connect with others who are trying to hear God’s call for them.
This event will be free and held virtually on Zoom. Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/e/1FAIpQLScaiSUJ-BdFmPFCojXFEq4khDCUqIRMUfZ_sMDMf8Nt4JfOwA/viewform or contact the district office. A Zoom link will be sent to all registrants later this month. Participants can receive .3 CEU’s for attending upon request.
If so, Illinois/Wisconsin District invites you to a special event Saturday, Feb. 26, 9 a.m. to noon. Hear personal stories from some of those who have been called, learn about spiritual discernment and opportunities in the denomination, explore your questions about ministry, and connect with others who are trying to hear God’s call for them.
This event will be free and held virtually on Zoom. Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/e/1FAIpQLScaiSUJ-BdFmPFCojXFEq4khDCUqIRMUfZ_sMDMf8Nt4JfOwA/viewform or contact the district office. A Zoom link will be sent to all registrants later this month. Participants can receive .3 CEU’s for attending upon request.
CLERGY RETREAT
A retreat for licensed and ordained ministers in the district will be offered April 25-26 at Bishop Lane Retreat Center near Rockford. Recent Annual Conference moderator Paul Mundey will serve as the speaker/leader for the event, which is being planned by the district’s Ministry Leadership and Discernment Team. COVID protocols will be in place. Watch for more details soon.
STEPPING OUT OF THE PANDEMIC
The district’s Potluck Experience Team is planning a special event for May 18 at 7 p.m.: An online forum titled “Stepping Out of the Pandemic … and How???” Four panelists will share about their church experience during the pandemic and look at how we move forward in this new “normal.” The event will be free and held on Zoom. Watch for more details in the coming weeks.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
‘Ventures’ courses
Pathways for Effective Leadership
Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife
The next offering from the Ventures in Christian Discipleship program will be “Peace, Violence, and Nonviolence” to be held online over two evening sessions, Thursday, Feb. 24, and Thursday, March 3, both at 6 p.m. Central. The course will be presented by Katy Gray Brown and Virginia Rendler, who direct the peace studies program at Manchester University, where peace studies began as an undergraduate field in 1948.
This course provides a groundwork for the central concepts in peace studies. It will consider definitions of power; different forms of violence and their interconnection, with a particular discussion of militarism and zealous nationalism as forms of fundamentalism; and central concepts of nonviolence (both principled and strategic). As a discussion-based course, there will be opportunity for participates to engage not only with the material but with one another as they explore examples of and alternatives to violence, nationalism, and militarism. Participants will leave with an understanding of the collaborative and community-building components of nonviolence.
The March offering from Ventures will be “From Tragedy to Community” to be held online Thursday, March 31 at 8 p.m. Central. The course will be presented by Andrew Sampson, pastor at the Modesto (Calif.) Church of the Brethren.
Continuing education credit is available for $10 per course. During the registration process, you will have the opportunity to pay for CEUs and give an optional donation to the Ventures program. To learn more about Ventures in Christian Discipleship and to register for courses, visit www.mcpherson.edu/ventures.
Pathways for Effective Leadership
The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, through the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, is offering a two-part course for clergy. “Pathways for Effective Leadership, Part 1” will take place March 25-26 and April 29-30, taught by Randy Yoder. Topics included in this course will be the character and calling of a leader, recognizing servant leadership as incarnational ministry, reading a congregation and its missional context, conflict management, and nonviolent communication skills. The second part of the course will be in spring 2023. Registration fee for part 1 is $300; qualified clergy can receive 2.0 CEU’s for participating. Registration deadline is Feb. 25. Register at Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center offers TRIM Course: Pathways for Effective Leadership (constantcontact.com).
Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife
The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership is offering Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife, April 27 – June 21, 2022. TRIM participants will receive one credit in Bible/Theology. The instructor for this online course will be Craig Gandy. EFSM students may create a Learning Unit for the course. It can also be taken for general continuing education or personal enrichment. The deadline to register for this course is March 23, 2022.
Participants will explore biblical and theological understandings of Heaven, Hell, and God’s judgment, examining topics including: Sheol and Gehenna, the destiny of the unevangelized, the parousia and day of the Lord, the restoration of creation, the resurrection of the body, and the New Heaven and New Earth. Special attention will be given to the Brethren debate over Universal Restoration. Online courses "meet" for 8 weeks in Moodle, a virtual classroom. Register and pay online at www.bethanyseminary.edu. There is a 3% service charge when registering online.
Questions may be directed to Academy Director, Janet Ober Lambert at oberlja@bethanyseminary.edu or 765-983-1820.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Bethany Theological Seminary invites applications for the position of Executive Director of Institutional Advancement. The Seminary seeks an experienced and dynamic advancement leader with an exceptional track record of success. The ideal candidate for the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement position will be an experienced, engaging and inspiring advancement professional who is deeply committed to Bethany’s mission, vision, and guiding values. For more information about this position and to read the full position description, please go to the following link: Executive Director of Institutional Advancement.
The Church of the Brethren has an opening for a one-year Brethren Historical Library and Archives Internship position beginning in July. It includes housing, insurance, and a stipend. Graduate student preferred or undergraduate with at least two years of college and interest in history and/or library and archival work. Interested applicants should send their resume to COBApply@brethren.org by April 1.
The Church of the Brethren has an opening for a one-year Brethren Historical Library and Archives Internship position beginning in July. It includes housing, insurance, and a stipend. Graduate student preferred or undergraduate with at least two years of college and interest in history and/or library and archival work. Interested applicants should send their resume to COBApply@brethren.org by April 1.
PERSONNEL UPDATES
Emily Tyler has resigned as the Director of Brethren Volunteer Service. She will conclude her work with Church of the Brethren effective February 18, 2022. Emily began her service on June 27, 2012, as the Coordinator of Brethren Workcamps. Emily will be starting a new position with the Association of Professional Chaplains in Hoffman Estates, IL as their Membership and Communications Specialist.
YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Register for National Youth Conference!
National Young Adult Conference 2022
FaithX registration is open
Registration is now open for the Church of the Brethren National Youth Conference (NYC), coming up July 23- 28, 2022, at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. This powerful event, held every four years, will have the theme "Foundational," drawn from Colossians 2:5-7, for the 2022 edition. It’s a week of fellowship, worship, workshops, recreation, and more. Registration for the conference is $550.
Youth in grades 9-12 and one year out of high school this school year (2021-2022) are eligible to attend, along with advisors. More details on the conference, including announcements of speakers, can be found at www.brethren.org/nyc/. Please spread the word to any youth and advisors in your congregation and other ministries who might want to attend.
Illinois/Wisconsin District is working at organizing a bus trip to the event for our attendees. Estimated cost for the transportation portion is $300; some scholarship help may be available. Please contact district executive Walt Wiltschek (IWDDE@outlook.com) as soon as possible with estimated numbers of attendees from your congregation. Stay tuned for more information, and be in prayer for this major event in our denominational life.
NYC Youth Speech Contest
Do you know a youth who is attending NYC and would be interested in speaking? Encourage them to submit an entry for the Youth Speech Contest! The theme is “Bring Your Own Jesus Story.” Youth are encouraged to consider how Jesus’ teachings are foundational to their life, and then to choose a story about Jesus from the Bible and preach on it. Participants should send a written entry of 500-700 words and a video entry of about 10 minutes length to the NYC Office by email to cobyouth@brethren.org. The deadline is March 15, 2022.
National Young Adult Conference 2022
After so much pandemic living and the isolation it’s caused, the centrality of community compelled the Young Adult Steering Committee to choose Romans 12:5 as the theme for National Young Adult Conference (NYAC) 2022: “So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.”
NYAC 2022 will take place May 27-30 at the Montreat (N.C.) Retreat Center. Registration is now open. To learn more, visit www.brethren.org/yac.
FaithX registration is open
Registration for FaithX (formerly workcamps) events in the summer of 2022 is open at www.brethren.org/faithx.
“Boundless Faith” is the theme for the 2022 FaithX events, with the theme scripture: “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7).
2022 DISTRICT CAMP DATES
Camp Emmaus (Mount Morris, Ill.):
Camp Emmanuel (Astoria, Ill.)
May 27-30: Memorial Day Weekend Family Camp
July 3-9: Senior High Camp (finished grades 9-12)
July 10-14: Intermediate Camp (finished grades 3-5)
July 15: Counselor Training (CIT, works with Elementary 1)
July 16-17: Elementary 1 Camp (finished grades 1-2)
July 21-23: Women’s Camp
July 29-31: Young at Heart Camp (ages 18 and up)
July 31-Aug. 6: Middle School Camp (finished grades 6-8)
Aug. 11-13: Men’s Camp
Sept. 2-5: Labor Day Weekend Family Camp
Visit www.campemmaus.org to register or for more information.
Camp Emmanuel (Astoria, Ill.)
April 23-28: Spring Work Week
June 3-5: Women’s Camp
June 5-11: High School Camp
June 12-18: Middle School Camp
June 19-22: Junior Camp
June 24-26: Pre-Junior Camp
July 18-22: Day Camp
Aug. 5-7: Men’s Camp
Sept. 2-5: Family Camp
Visit www.campem.com to register or for more information
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will take place July 10-14 in Omaha, Neb. Registration for delegates and non-delegates opens on March 1. This will be the first in-person conference since 2019, and COVID protocols will be in place. Please see the attached letter or go to www.brethren.org/ac for more information about the conference.
The Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren is requesting quilt squares from Church of the Brethren congregations in order to construct quilts and wall hangings at the 2022 Annual Conference. Each year, these items are auctioned to raise money for hunger projects. Each church is encouraged to create an 8 1/2 inch square quilt block and send it in by May 15, along with a $1 or more donation to offset the costs of quilting materials. Quilt tops will be assembled before the Conference. Blocks must be made from pre-shrunk cotton or cotton blend, and if used, only water-soluble, very soft, or easily removed backing. Double knit fabrics, counted cross-stitch on canvas, liquid embroidery, padded blocks, or heat-applied designs or photos and glue should not be used. Use your own creativity to make your pattern design. Blocks should be cut to size after being pieced, embroidered, or appliquéd, and include the congregation’s name, state, and district. This information makes the quilts more valuable. Mail to AACB, c/o Margaret Weybright, 1801 Greencroft Blvd. Apt. #125, Goshen, IN 46526.
The Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren is requesting quilt squares from Church of the Brethren congregations in order to construct quilts and wall hangings at the 2022 Annual Conference. Each year, these items are auctioned to raise money for hunger projects. Each church is encouraged to create an 8 1/2 inch square quilt block and send it in by May 15, along with a $1 or more donation to offset the costs of quilting materials. Quilt tops will be assembled before the Conference. Blocks must be made from pre-shrunk cotton or cotton blend, and if used, only water-soluble, very soft, or easily removed backing. Double knit fabrics, counted cross-stitch on canvas, liquid embroidery, padded blocks, or heat-applied designs or photos and glue should not be used. Use your own creativity to make your pattern design. Blocks should be cut to size after being pieced, embroidered, or appliquéd, and include the congregation’s name, state, and district. This information makes the quilts more valuable. Mail to AACB, c/o Margaret Weybright, 1801 Greencroft Blvd. Apt. #125, Goshen, IN 46526.
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!
NEWSLINE
With the threat of a Russian invasion looming in Ukraine, faith communities are uniting in their message to Congress and the Biden administration, calling for leaders to protect human lives and prevent war. The Church of the Brethren’s Office of Peacebuilding and Policy has joined other Christian denominations and interfaith groups in sending a joint letter to Congress and the Biden administration. The letter, dated Jan. 27, 2022, urged leaders in the US, Russia, and Ukraine to invest in diplomacy, reject a militaristic response, and act to prevent human suffering.
Beginning Jan. 1, Brethren Benefit Trust officially adopted a work-from-home model for all staff, a strategic move that now allows all positions to be remote from a centralized office space. BBT is maintaining a small suite of offices at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., where teams may gather to work on collaborative projects and processes. However, more than half of the organization’s former office space has been relinquished to accommodate this new model with the expectation that the entire team will gather in person at least twice annually for business and team-building purposes. BBT also began implementing a new organizational structure on Jan. 1. The former seven-person management team has been succeeded by a four-person executive team consisting of the president; CFO and vice president of investments; vice president of products and services, which includes retirement, insurances, organizational investing, and client relations; and the vice president of vitality, which includes support areas to ensure the firm is successful, such as data, IT, marketing, sales, communications, HR, and special project management.
Brethren Disaster Ministries has received a report of another violent attack affecting Nigerian Brethren in northeastern Nigeria, reported by Zakariya Musa, head of Media for Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The report concerns a Jan. 20 attack on the community of Pemi in the Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, in which 1 person was killed and 17 children, including a 4-year-old boy, were abducted. It is believed that the attackers use abducted children as shields against military interference. In addition, the attackers burned and/or looted the main auditorium of the Pemi EYN church, six shops, eight houses, and other properties. “The same church was burnt in December 2020 by Boko Haram during the kidnap of Pastor Bulus Yakura, and was renovated recently by the Borno State Government,” he wrote.
The Leadership Team of the Michigan District has approved the hiring of Beth Sollenberger as Interim District Executive Minister for a two-year term. Beth began as Interim District Executive consultant in May 2020 and continues her role with this position of 10 hours per month. Frances Townsend, pastor of the Onekama and Marilla congregations, will serve as the district’s representative to the Council of District Executives.
South/Central Indiana District of the Church of the Brethren has called Kay Gaier and Anna Lisa Gross to serve as co-interim district executive ministers in a half-time position beginning Jan. 17. Gaier will focus on supporting pastors and congregations, connecting with district committees and teams, and continuing orientation and educational opportunities for pastors. Gross’s role will feature her experience with interim work as she relates to congregations, the district board, and other constituent bodies. She will focus on pastoral and congregational transitions and will represent the district with the Council of District Executives, Camp Mack, Timbercrest retirement community, Manchester University, and the Annual Conference agencies.
Jim Winkler has completed his service as president and general secretary of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the US (NCC), having completed two terms in the position.
Bethany Theological Seminary has received a gift of $1.2 million from the estate of the late David Thomas Wood and Jane Merchant Wood of Boones Mill, Virginia. Their gift is one of the largest estate gifts in the 116-year history of the seminary. Their gift will help support the vital functions of the seminary including faculty support and student scholarships.
Manchester University president Dave McFadden in November announced a board decision to raze the Administration Building on the university campus in North Manchester, Ind. A service was held at noon on Jan. 21 in Petersime Chapel to honor the legacy of building. Destruction of the building has now begun. Find a release at www.manchester.edu.
Beginning Jan. 1, Brethren Benefit Trust officially adopted a work-from-home model for all staff, a strategic move that now allows all positions to be remote from a centralized office space. BBT is maintaining a small suite of offices at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., where teams may gather to work on collaborative projects and processes. However, more than half of the organization’s former office space has been relinquished to accommodate this new model with the expectation that the entire team will gather in person at least twice annually for business and team-building purposes. BBT also began implementing a new organizational structure on Jan. 1. The former seven-person management team has been succeeded by a four-person executive team consisting of the president; CFO and vice president of investments; vice president of products and services, which includes retirement, insurances, organizational investing, and client relations; and the vice president of vitality, which includes support areas to ensure the firm is successful, such as data, IT, marketing, sales, communications, HR, and special project management.
Brethren Disaster Ministries has received a report of another violent attack affecting Nigerian Brethren in northeastern Nigeria, reported by Zakariya Musa, head of Media for Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The report concerns a Jan. 20 attack on the community of Pemi in the Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, in which 1 person was killed and 17 children, including a 4-year-old boy, were abducted. It is believed that the attackers use abducted children as shields against military interference. In addition, the attackers burned and/or looted the main auditorium of the Pemi EYN church, six shops, eight houses, and other properties. “The same church was burnt in December 2020 by Boko Haram during the kidnap of Pastor Bulus Yakura, and was renovated recently by the Borno State Government,” he wrote.
The Leadership Team of the Michigan District has approved the hiring of Beth Sollenberger as Interim District Executive Minister for a two-year term. Beth began as Interim District Executive consultant in May 2020 and continues her role with this position of 10 hours per month. Frances Townsend, pastor of the Onekama and Marilla congregations, will serve as the district’s representative to the Council of District Executives.
South/Central Indiana District of the Church of the Brethren has called Kay Gaier and Anna Lisa Gross to serve as co-interim district executive ministers in a half-time position beginning Jan. 17. Gaier will focus on supporting pastors and congregations, connecting with district committees and teams, and continuing orientation and educational opportunities for pastors. Gross’s role will feature her experience with interim work as she relates to congregations, the district board, and other constituent bodies. She will focus on pastoral and congregational transitions and will represent the district with the Council of District Executives, Camp Mack, Timbercrest retirement community, Manchester University, and the Annual Conference agencies.
Jim Winkler has completed his service as president and general secretary of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the US (NCC), having completed two terms in the position.
Bethany Theological Seminary has received a gift of $1.2 million from the estate of the late David Thomas Wood and Jane Merchant Wood of Boones Mill, Virginia. Their gift is one of the largest estate gifts in the 116-year history of the seminary. Their gift will help support the vital functions of the seminary including faculty support and student scholarships.
Manchester University president Dave McFadden in November announced a board decision to raze the Administration Building on the university campus in North Manchester, Ind. A service was held at noon on Jan. 21 in Petersime Chapel to honor the legacy of building. Destruction of the building has now begun. Find a release at www.manchester.edu.
RESOURCES:
District Mission and Mortar Grant/Loan Program
Supporting Your District
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, and non-interest bearing loans up to $5,000. 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.
Supporting Your District
The Illinois/Wisconsin District is active in a variety of ministry and mission efforts, both directly and indirectly. For these efforts to continue, resources are needed in the form of time, tools, knowledge, and especially finances.
Consider making a contribution to one or more of the following:
• Disaster Relief Fund• Endowment Fund• Mission and Mortar Fund• General Fund• Emerging Ministries• Ministry Training
Look for the donate button at iwdcob.org, or send your checks to the district office: 269 E. Chestnut St., Canton, IL 61520. Thank you!
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!
