Sunday, May 01, 2022

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

Springfield First Church of the Brethren celebrated its centennial April 30-May 1 with a concert/sing-a-long by Jonathan Shively on Saturday and a worship service and potluck meal on Sunday. The worship featured current Annual Conference moderator Dave Sollenberger—who also provided some music on guitar—as the guest preacher and Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden as worship leader. Historical reflections and materials and souvenir pins added to the occasion. Congratulations, Springfield!

Naomi Powers, daughter-in-law of Mount Morris member Marge Powers, was ordained into the Church of the Brethren pastoral ministry during a special service held on Sunday, May 1, at Daleville Church of the Brethren in Troutville, Va. Marge’s son, Tom Powers, is pastor of the Daleville congregation. Marge has been an active leader in the district for many years.

Dawn Blackman, outreach pastor at Champaign (Ill.) Church of the Brethren, was one of the speakers for the YWCA of the University of Illinois’ virtual event titled “We Can’t Wait to Close the Digital Divide” on April 28. The event is part of the YWCA USA’s annual Stand Against Racism campaign that happens every April to “raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities and to build community among those who work for racial justice,” said an announcement on the “Smile Politely” blogsite.

Blackman was part of a panel discussion on the “impact of racism on access to technology and the subsequent inequities in education, healthcare, employment,” moderated by Lemond Peppers, community engagement coordinator for the city of Urbana. (from Newsline)

Mary Dulabaum of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., who works as director of marketing and communications at Judson University, received the Marguerite Henry Award for Communications and Technology at the YWCA Elgin 38th annual Leader Luncheon on May 12. She was among 28 women honored in a number of categories. (from Newsline)

Rockford Community Church of the Brethren held a benefit auction for a community member with cancer on May 7. We’re grateful for all the ways our congregations connect with their communities!