Thursday, September 01, 2022
The Village ILWIDIot
By Walt Wiltschek
The Church of the Brethren doesn’t have saints—not officially, at least. But I’m pretty sure I saw two living ones on a recent Sunday at Camp Emmaus.
Bill and Betty Hare, managers of the camp for 58 years, sat radiantly in two special chairs as a stream of guests filed by to say hello, reminisce, and express their thanks before the Hares retire later this year (see article below). They looked almost regal as they sat under sparkling gold lettering to meet the long line of familiar faces.
It’s probably the closest to the royal treatment they have ever experienced, although they deserved it regularly. I suspect they wouldn’t have wanted any more, though, as their lives through their work in Nigeria, at the camp, and elsewhere have embodied the spirit of service, simplicity, and humility that characterizes Brethren when we’re at our best.
Some years ago I accompanied Bill and others on a trip to Honduras, where he has been carrying out a ministry of constructing homes and building lives for many years. It’s not that I’m skilled in construction (I’m very definitely not), but I wanted to go and see firsthand a glimpse of this work that’s been so important to him. And the fruits of his long-term investment and deep relationships there were evident as he worked with the people in those rural communities.
The same could be said all over northern Illinois. And while Bill and Betty’s particular tenure is unique and unlikely ever to be equaled, we’re blessed to have a number of people in this district who have made similar investments in their own way.
We have a number of congregations where pastors have served close to or more than two decades and many who juggle part-time jobs. We have a dedicated disaster relief coordinator and a variety of others who support that work. We have not one but TWO incredible camps that impact the lives of children and youth every year thanks to good leadership and a host of volunteers. We have chaplains who demonstrate deep caring, a retirement home ministry that provides high-quality services for older adults, tireless denominational staff members, congregations with volunteers who lead significant community programs, people who give generously to support all these ministries, and much more.
A character in a movie once defined a saint as “a human being we celebrate for the sacrifices they make, for the commitment to making the world a better place." Don't expect any canonizations in the district any time soon, but by that description, I think we have a number of people worthy of the title of saint nonetheless.
Thank you, all, for making the world a better place.
District executive schedule:
In addition to regular meetings, Walt will be visiting La Place and in Springfield Sept. 18-19, taking part in NYC Sunday at York Center on Sept. 25, attending the Council of District Executives Midwest meeting in Indiana Sept. 25-27, doing an installation and licensing at Milledgeville (Dutchtown) Oct. 9, and preaching/sharing at Franklin Grove Oct. 16.
Updated IL/WI District Office Hours
Starting 9/13 there will be new office hours! The district office will be open Monday, closed Tuesday, and open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 8 am to noon. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
- Church Revitalization and Development Team, Sat., Sept. 24, 9 a.m.
- Shalom Team, Sat., Sept. 24, at York Center, 1 p.m.
- CODE Midwest meetings, Sept. 25-27, at Camp Mack, Milford, Ind.
- District Conference Planning and Arrangements sub-committee, Mon., Oct. 3, 7 p.m.
- Leadership Team, Sat., Oct. 8, 9 a.m.
- Ministry Leadership and Development Team, Wed., Oct. 19, 6 p.m.
- District Campfire at Camp Emmaus, Sat., Oct. 22, 6:30 p.m.
- “21st Century Youth and Young Adult Ministry” pre-conference CEU event with Becky Ullom Naugle, Peoria Church of the Brethren, Fri., Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Illinois/Wisconsin District Conference at Peoria Church of the Brethren, Fri.-Sat., Nov. 4-5 (virtual options available)
[all meetings via Zoom unless otherwise noted]
IN OUR PRAYERS
A district prayer calendar has been created 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 the coming weeks:
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Week of Sept. 12: Pray for the Girard congregation this week, and for their ministry in and around their community southwest of Springfield.
- Week of Sept. 19: Pray for the Mount Morris congregation this week, and for their ministry in their community and around Ogle County.
- Week of Sept. 26: Pray for the work and the staff of the Pinecrest Retirement Community in Mount Morris, as they provide important services and ministry to older adults.
- Week of Oct. 3: Pray for the Polo congregation this week, and for their ministry in their community and around Ogle County.
- Week of Oct. 10: Pray for our denominational staff who work at the Church of the Brethren offices in Elgin and elsewhere around the country. Be in prayer for general secretary Dave Steele and Brethren Benefit Trust president Nevin Dulabaum, and pray for the Mission & Ministry Board and BBT board members who help set goals and make decisions to guide the staff’s work.
MINISTRY NEWS
- Terri Monnin will begin as pastor of the Milledgeville (Dutchtown) Church of the Brethren on Oct. 9. District executive Walt Wiltschek will do an installation service for her that morning, as well as making official her licensing in the denomination. Terri has found an apartment in Sterling. She and her husband, Joe, currently live in the Cleveland, Ohio, area, and will be working on the transition in the coming year. Terri is a seminary graduate but is new to the Church of the Brethren. Welcome, Terri!
- Aaron Griffith resigned as pastor of the Virden congregation effective July 24. Steps are underway to begin the search process.
- Rickey Ferguson submitted his resignation as pastor of the La Place congregation on Sept. 4 and plans to complete his service there later this month.
- The Dixon congregation has posted its profile as it begins a pastoral search. It is a half-time position.
CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS
- Mount Morris held a “Junk in the Trunk” yard sale event on a sunny Saturday, Sept. 10, with dozens of stands (and car trunks) full of a variety of second-hand treasures, crafts, and other goods. Proceeds from the event benefit the congregation’s Loaves and Fish food pantry and the Pinecrest retirement community.
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On Sunday, Aug. 21, Canton Church of the Brethren baptized Kendahl and Korbin Shake in the lake at Camp Emmanuel, surrounded and supported by family and friends. The clouds split and the sun emerged when the baptism service began.
- Dawn Blackman, a minister at Champaign (Ill.) Church of the Brethren, was one of the first community leaders to receive a gardening tool made from guns in a “Guns to Garden Tools” event this summer, according to a report published by Illinois Newsroom. Randolph St. Community Gardens, where Blackmon is coordinator, hosted the “weekend of peace” event, with leadership from the Champaign-Urbana Interfaith Alliance and the Ministerial Alliance of Champaign-Urbana & Vicinity and support from Champaign Church of the Brethren, Champaign-Urbana Moms Demand Action, and the Central Illinois Mosque and Islamic Center (CIMIC) in Urbana. The blacksmith collective RAWTools, a Mennonite-sponsored group based in Colorado, did the work of transforming guns into yard signs and shovels for distribution to various local gardens.
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.
CELEBRATING
The event, organized by the camp board, originally was to be held at the camp pavilion but shifted into the main lodge due to the weather. The space featured a photo display and slide show, tables full of refreshments, tables for visiting and fellowship, and a long “thank you” banner that had been signed by summer campers and staff.
In the midst of it all, Bill and Betty sat on a pair of chairs in one nook where the long line of well-wishers could come by and express their love and gratitude. The Illinois/Wisconsin District joins them in saying a big THANK YOU to this wonderful couple for all the ways they have served the district and its camping ministry. We wish you well in retirement at the Pinecrest Community!
REMEMBERING
The district is remembering with gratitude the life of Alfred Singh, husband of Freeport Church of the Brethren pastor Christina Singh. Alfred died on Aug. 26 in Sterling after several bouts with illness. The funeral service took place Saturday, Sept. 3, at the Freeport church. Our prayers are with Christina, other family members, and the wider Freeport community.
DISTRICT CAMPFIRE
A district campfire worship celebration will be held at Camp Emmaus (Mount Morris, Ill.) on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 6:30 p.m. An hour of worship around the campfire will be followed by time for s'mores and other refreshments, fellowship, and stargazing.
We invite you to enjoy the spirit of camp in the beautiful fall season! The event is free, and all are welcome!
MOVING FORWARD IN MADISON
Quite a few Church of the Brethren members and others connected to the church have settled in Madison in recent years, leading to conversations earlier this year about the possibility of creating a Brethren gathering there. In all, 15-20 people have expressed some interest in being part of something.
At the August meeting, the discussion included possible meeting places, ideas for Bible study materials and other resources, and the general shape of and timeline for a Brethren “house church” of some type, as well as what support the district can offer. Plans are still taking shape, but it’s hoped that some initial worship gatherings can begin this fall. Stay tuned for more news!
PRE-CONFERENCE CEU EVENT
Pastors/ministers and others who have interest are invited to take part in a continuing education event before district conference on Friday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Peoria Church of the Brethren.
Titled “21st-Century Youth/Young Adult Ministry,” the event will feature keynote speaker Becky Ullom Naugle, the denomination’s director of youth/young adult ministry. Cost for the event is just $15, which includes lunch, and all participants will receive 0.5 CEU’s. In addition to the sessions together, our time will include periods of worship and prayer.
To register, please contact the district office at 309-649-6008 or andreag.iwdcob@gmail.com. Please register by Oct. 1.
DISTRICT CONFERENCE
Mark your calendars for Nov. 4-5 at Peoria Church of the Brethren, when we will gather in person for the first time since 2019 for district conference (a hybrid option will also be available for those who want to participate virtually). Harold Rose (Canton) serves as moderator this year, with Phyllis Batterton (Woodland) as moderator-elect. Registrations are needed to the district office by Sept. 23 so that we can provide a meal count to our caterer.
The theme this year is “Outside the Walls: Being Jesus in the Neighborhood.” The weekend will include worship, ice cream, business, fellowship, and more. Tim McElwee, the 2023 Annual Conference moderator, will be with us through the weekend and will be speaking at the Friday evening worship service.
Key business items include the 2023 district budget, revisions to the district constitution and bylaws, approval of the slate of district officers and team members, recognition of ministry milestones, and reports from various denominational and district entities.
Other highlights of the conference include equipping sessions on three topics (peacemaking, pastoral compensation, and theopoetics); an exhibit hall with information from various Brethren and Brethren-related organizations; and an auction to benefit district ministries.
A mini-retreat for youth grades 6-12 will take place during the conference. Youth should also do the district conference registration and complete an additional form for the youth retreat. And a pre-conference continuing education event on youth/young adult ministry (with Becky Ullom Naugle, director of youth/young adult ministries for the Church of the Brethren) will be offered for pastors/ministers and others who have interest on Friday beginning at 10 a.m. [see more information above].
A new “District Conference” tab has been added to the district website), and materials will continue to be added there as they become available. Please contact the district office with any additional questions.
Lanark Church of the Brethren has agreed to be the host for the 2023 district conference, and York Center (Lombard) will tentatively be hosting in 2024.
District Conference First Aid Volunteers Needed!
The Peoria church is looking for a few volunteers to assist with staffing the first aid station during district conference. If you could help, please contact Leonard Matheny at mathelw@gmail.com.
MINISTRY BUDGET TOOLS
From Sept. 26 through Oct. 22, members of the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee (PCBAC) will offer an introductory workshop on five occasions to introduce the these new tools. The workshop is open to all and will be particularly helpful to church board chairs, pastors, and treasurers. Register to attend and receive a Zoom link by completing the Google form: https://forms.gle/9hLDdACeMK8jurya7. A training session also will be offered at district conference.
If you have questions, contact officeofministry@brethren.org Members of PCBAC include Deb Oskin, chair, Bob McMinn, Art Fourman, Angela Finet, and Andy Hamilton, representative of the Council of District Executives.
WHAT COULD YOU DO WITH $100?
First, a Being Jesus in the Neighborhood Grant: Congregations can apply for seed money to start a new outreach project or initiative in their local communities, or to expand an existing one. These should be projects that intentionally engage with the neighborhood immediately around the congregation, or—for those in rural locations—with the town or area around the church. Each congregation receiving a grant will be asked to share a little about their project at district conference.
Second, a Give Your Pastor a Break Grant: Congregations can apply for up to $100 for a grant to cover or help cover a guest speaker for an extra Sunday to give your pastor a day off--or at least a day off from having to prepare and preach a sermon. Any time can be challenging to be a pastor, especially when many are filling those roles part-time, and the pandemic and other current events have made it especially so. We hope this might be part of the ways you care for your pastor.
Each congregation may receive only one grant per calendar year. Applications are available on the district website (iwdcob.org), or contact the district office. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Blessings to each of you as you faithfully seek to serve your communities!
DISASTER RESPONSE
Illinois/Wisconsin District will be sending a team to the Brethren disaster response project in Waverly, Tenn., Nov. 27-Dec. 3, doing construction work in an area that was hard-hit by storms and flooding. At least four people have already committed to the team headed up by district disaster response coordinator Loren Habegger, and several others have expressed interest.
The team is limited to eight participants. If you have interest, contact Loren at ilwi.ddc.lh@gmail.com. Deadline for registration is Nov. 12 or when all spots are filled.
Brethren Disaster Ministries will be offering a Children’s Disaster Services training workshop in West Point, Neb. (northwest of Omaha), Oct. 28-29 (Friday 4:30 p.m. to Saturday 5 p.m.) at Trinity Church UMC/UCC, 900 E Decatur. Cost is $55 plus travel expenses to Nebraska. Meals and overnight housing are being provided by the host organization. Additional information and registration can be found at www.brethren.org/cds/training/dates.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Spring district pastors/ministers retreat: The district’s Ministry Leadership Development Team has tentatively scheduled a spring retreat/continuing education event for pastors/ministers April 24-25 at the Bishop Lane Center in Rockford. Watch for more details.
The Ventures in Christian Discipleship program operated by McPherson College will begin its 2022-2023 season with a course on “Middle Knowledge: How Can Humans Have Free Will If God Knows Everything?” The course will be presented by Dr. Kirk MacGregor and held online on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central time. Continuing education credit is available for $10 per course.
On Nov. 12, Brethren pastor Vivek Solanky (formerly of the Naperville congregation) will lead a course on “Human Trafficking: A Call for the Church to Respond,” from 10 a.m. to noon Central. And on Dec. 6, Jen Jensen of the denomination’s “Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church” program will present a course on “Beyond Burned Out to Boundaries and Balance” from 6-8 p.m. Central To learn more about Ventures in Christian Discipleship and to register for courses, visit www.mcpherson.edu/ventures.
Beginning Sept. 15, On Earth Peace is offering a Level 1 Training of Trainers in Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation. The classwork section of the course is four hours a week, from Sept. 15 to Dec. 15, meeting Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central time. Those who successfully complete the classwork section will be eligible for practice teaching from January through April 2023, working a senior trainer to co-facilitate a public, 16-hour core workshop in Kingian Nonviolence. For more information go to https://docs.google.com/document/d/13kVxYQdK9DSnakHjvIgj_GrSw2z5iLjmMWgSknSTppg/edit. Find the application form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZ9nem57jKppoUZX51Q0Qz14pNBHqFwO1ugY2cTK3hgUXtvw/viewform.
“The Shape of Ministry in a High-Tech World” will be offered by the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership Nov. 3 and 11-13 and Dec. 1, online via Zoom. Dan Poole, professor of ministry formation for Bethany Theological Seminary will be the instructor. This seminar-style course will explore the relationship of ministry to technology and investigates the practical tools that exist to enhance ministry. Class participants will examine the responsible engagement of these digital tools in the work of serving God’s people as ministers of the Gospel. The course fee is $300, and registration deadline is Sept. 29. A reading list will be expected to be completed prior to the class. It is open to TRIM/EFSM students or for continuing education (2.0 CEU) or for anyone seeking personal/spiritual enrichment.
Strength for the Journey
A program from the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, named “Strength for the Journey,” invites pastors and others serving in ministry to take part in cohort groups for support, encouragement, and accountability.
Three types of cohorts are available: a “deep dive cohort” that will explore a topic of mutual interest in depth; a “specialized ministry cohort” that will provide networking and mutual support with others in fields such as chaplains, spiritual directors, outdoor ministries staff, etc.; and a “case study cohort” that will look at specific case studies from their ministry settings. Cohorts will have five to eight people and meet for 10 to 12 90-minute sessions via Zoom during the year. CEU credits will be available.
Up to five groups will be approved each year. Ministers may apply as individuals or as a group. Applications will be accepted between Sept. 1 and Oct. 30, with groups to be formed by mid-December. Each group will be assigned a convener and will begin meeting after Jan. 1. Funding for registration, resources, and some travel assistance (if an in-person gathering is desired) is being provided by the David J. and Mary Elizabeth Wieand Trust.
For more details and applications, visit www.bethanyseminary.edu/brethren-academy.
NCP Learning Tours
New Community Project will offer an educational trip to Nepal Jan. 11-22, to South Sudan May 11-22, to the Amazon region of Ecuador June 1-7, to Lybrook, N.M., June 22-28, to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons July 20-27, and to central and southern Alaska Aug. 7-15. These trips are open to all ages and explore the beauty of and challenges facing God’s creation and God’s children. Learn more at www.newcommunityproject.info/learning-tours.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership is now seeking a new English-Language Coordinator for Ministry Training Programs. The coordinator will work directly with the Director of the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership to coordinate current and future English-Language ministry training and development programs for the Church of the Brethren through the Brethren Academy. This position is half-time and may be a good companion ministry for an ordained person who is serving elsewhere less than full-time. While this position requires some travel, it does not require relocation. Candidates should have at least five years of pastoral ministry experience and be ordained in the Church of the Brethren; Master of Divinity degree is preferred. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested candidates should send their resumes, a letter of interest, and contact information for three references by email to: Janet L. Ober Lambert, Director Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership 615 National Road West Richmond, IN 47374 academysearch@bethanyseminary.edu.
The Virlina District seeks a full-time time district executive minister. The position will be available beginning December of 2022. The district office is in Roanoke, Virginia. Responsibilities include: Direction, coordination, management, and leadership of the district ministries, as authorized by the district conference and implemented by the district board; working with the congregations in calling and credentialing ministers, and in the placement/call and evaluation of pastoral staff; providing support and counsel for ministers and other church leaders, and sharing and interpreting program resources for congregations; providing an important link between congregations and the district and denomination by working collaboratively with the Council of District Executives, the Annual Conference, the Agencies, and their staff. Candidates should be ordained through accredited program, Master of Divinity degree preferred; have personal skills in organization, administration, and communication; be committed to the Church of the Brethren locally and denominationally and willing to work ecumenically; have demonstrated leadership skills; pastoral experience preferred.
Interested and qualified persons may apply for this position by sending a letter of interest and resume to Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, Director of Ministry, via email at officeofministry@brethren.org. Applicants are requested to contact three persons who are willing to provide a letter of reference. Upon receipt of the resume, the individual will be sent a candidate profile that must be completed and returned before the application is considered complete. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
The South/Central Indiana District, which comprises 40 congregations in the middle of the state of Indiana and represents a wide range of theological views, is seeking a district executive minister. The DEM’s commitment to Jesus Christ and the scriptures is essential. This full-time position is available Sept. 5. Interested and qualified persons may apply for this position by sending a letter of interest and a resume to: Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, Office of Ministry, 1451 Dundee Avenue Elgin, IL 60120, or officeofministry@brethren.org. Applicants will be asked to complete a Candidate Profile on receipt of resume. Applicants are requested to contact three or four persons to provide a letter of reference.
The Church of the Brethren seeks applicants for the full-time, salaried position of managing editor of Brethren Press. The managing editor manages the publishing projects and production schedule for Brethren Press; supervises the work of contracted writers, editors, designers, and others; edits and typesets selected publications; and handles acquisitions and permissions. Qualifications include experience in project management, excellent writing and editing skills, strong organizational abilities, and the capability to become deeply informed about the identity and beliefs of the Church of the Brethren. A bachelor’s degree is required, and a master’s degree in a related field, such as divinity or biblical studies, is preferred. The managing editor is expected to work proficiently in Microsoft products, InDesign, Adobe Acrobat, and Access. The position is based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill.; location is negotiable. A position description will be provided upon request. Applications will be reviewed and will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Apply by sending a cover letter and resume’ to COBApply@brethren.org; Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 ; 800-323-8039 ext. 367.
The National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) seeks applicants for the position of director of communications. This position is based at the NCC headquarters in Washington, D.C. The director of communications is responsible for all of the NCC’s outward messaging including press statements, social media, website, multimedia, and weekly email newsletter. Find the full job description at https://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/ncc-seeks-a-director-of-communications. Apply by sending a cover letter and resume’/CV to jobs@nationalcouncilofchurches.us.
PERSONNEL NOTES
Chelsea Goss Skillen has been hired by the Church of the Brethren as the director of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS). She is a graduate of Bridgewater (Va.) College with a bachelor of science degree in Liberal Studies, and of Regis University with a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. Chelsea will begin working from the General Offices in Elgin, IL on Oct. 24. She served two years as a BVS volunteer, one as the orientation assistant in the BVS office; she has also served through New Community Project, Camp Bethel, and a refugee program in Australia. Her recent work experience includes co-founding a small business to empower and educate authors to share their stories and helping to run a productions and publishing company. Chelsea has been a keynote speaker at several Church of the Brethren events. We welcome her to the district!
Beth Martin began Aug. 15 as marketing director for Eder Financial (formerly Brethren Benefit Trust). She brings a wide array of skills and experience to the position including a bachelor’s degree in English and writing from Slippery Rock University, and an upcoming master’s degree in marketing communications once she graduates from St. Bonaventure University in 2023. She has earned certificates from Cornell University in digital marketing, marketing analytics, and marketing strategy. She and her family live in Beaver Falls, Pa., where they worship in the Evangelical Free Church tradition. She is a member of Pathway Church in Chippewa, Pa.
SERRV International has named Kate Doyle Betts as its new president and chief executive officer. She has held senior leadership roles in marketing, including 22 years with Williams-Sonoma in merchandise and inventory planning. A fair-trade organization founded by the Church of the Brethren 72 years ago, SERRV partners with 8,000 artisans in 24 countries in marketing craft and food products via eCommerce, catalog, and wholesale operations. It has office and warehouse facilities in Madison, Wis., and at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., as well as nearby Westminster, Md.
YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
A youth mini-retreat/National Youth Conference reunion is being planned during district conference, Nov. 4-5 at Peoria (Ill.) Church of the Brethren. Interested youth (grades 6-12) and advisors should register as non-delegates (including meal sign-up and purchase) and indicate that they want to be part of the retreat.
The time together will include some NYC reflections and memories, Bible study time, a service project, a visit from Annual Conference moderator Tim McElwee, joining in some district conference events, games, and more. Participants should bring a sleeping bag/pillow, toiletries, and anything else they need for the night. Meals (please register for the conference lunch) and snacks will be provided.
For questions, please contact district executive Walt Wiltschek at IWDDE@outlook.com.
Denominational Events:
The time together will include some NYC reflections and memories, Bible study time, a service project, a visit from Annual Conference moderator Tim McElwee, joining in some district conference events, games, and more. Participants should bring a sleeping bag/pillow, toiletries, and anything else they need for the night. Meals (please register for the conference lunch) and snacks will be provided.
For questions, please contact district executive Walt Wiltschek at IWDDE@outlook.com.
Denominational Events:
The next Church of the Brethren National Junior High Conference will take place June 16-18, 2023, at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., for youth in grades 6-8 and their advisors. Nov. 6 is designated as Junior High Sunday. The Church of the Brethren’s Christian Citizenship Seminar for youth in grades 9-12 and advisors will be held next spring in New York and Washington, D.C. Watch for more details.
The 2023 Church of the Brethren Young Adult Conference, for young adults ages 18-35, will be May 5-7 at Camp Mack in Milford, Ind. For more information on these events, watch for updates on www.brethren.org.
2022 DISTRICT CAMP DATES
“The various ministries at Camp Emmaus change lives through music, worship, and relationships at family camp, youth camp, and adult week,” a report on the grant said. The Faith in Action grants, funded by the sale of the former New Windsor Conference Center property in Maryland, aid congregations and camps in equipping their facilities and programs for outreach ministries.
Camp Emmanuel (near Astoria, Ill.) held its family camp held during Labor Day weekend, with Michael and Sirina Gilbert serving as co-deans. Canton pastor Kevin Kessler led the Adult Forum at the camp on Saturday, presenting on the subject of theopoetics.
Stay up to date on what’s happening at our district camps! Visit www.campem.com for Camp Emmanuel news and www.campemmaus.org for Camp Emmaus news.
Camp Emmanuel (near Astoria, Ill.) held its family camp held during Labor Day weekend, with Michael and Sirina Gilbert serving as co-deans. Canton pastor Kevin Kessler led the Adult Forum at the camp on Saturday, presenting on the subject of theopoetics.
Stay up to date on what’s happening at our district camps! Visit www.campem.com for Camp Emmanuel news and www.campemmaus.org for Camp Emmaus news.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Annual Conference Office is seeking nominations for denominational positions to be considered for next year’s ballot. More detailed information about each office open for nominations is provided at www.brethren.org/nominations in the “Information about Offices Open for Nomination” document. Please note that some nominations must be made according to specific categories and that certain areas of expertise are needed for some offices. If you know persons who work in one of the areas from which nominees need to come this next year, please make a special effort to prayerfully submit the names of persons you know who can make a valuable contribution to the denomination. All nominations are due by Dec. 1.
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:
• District Calendar
• Eco-Stewardship
• District Newsletter
• Ministries
Don’t delay! Check it out! See what you can learn about your district!
NEWSLINE
- Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded Bethany Theological Seminary a $1 million grant in support of a new initiative focused on preparing pastors to help congregations embrace diversity and address divisive issues. The grant will enable Bethany to build bridges across differences in three areas—experiential learning, institutional partnerships and improved curriculum.
- The grant is being made through Lilly Endowment’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative. It is a three-phase initiative designed to help theological schools across the United States and Canada as they prioritize and respond to the most pressing challenges they face as they prepare pastoral leaders for Christian congregations. With the grant, the seminary will hire a new employee to coordinate ministry formation and community engagement, develop new courses, expand partnerships with other seminaries, and provide additional opportunities for students, faculty members, and staff to thoughtfully engage with diversity in many forms.
- On Earth Peace has announced a new goal to train 1,000 Church of the Brethren members in Kingian Nonviolence. Kingian Nonviolence is rooted in the philosophy and leadership of the Martin Luther King Jr. and the leadership of the Civil Rights Movement. “Our hope with the 1,000 Brethren Kingian Nonviolence Training program is to help revitalize the church to use nonviolence for Christian peacemaking and help Brethren to re-imagine how to engage with communities and issues of concern,” said a release. “We see this as an opportunity for our historic peace church to come alive in our times with a spiritually rooted and strategic approach in responding to violence and injustice. This is a great opportunity for the church to engage with its communities and help rejuvenate peace throughout the church.” Contact Annabell Knapp, knv-fellow@onearthpeace.org, for more information about this project.
- Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) staff have directed Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) grants to support several projects. An allocation of $50,000 will support the food programs, medical aid, and education programs of the Lebanese Society for Education and Social Development (LSESD), where a large number of Syrian and Palestinian refugees, hyperinflation/economic crisis, a failed government, an explosion that destroyed part of the primary seaport, and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war have created severe shortages of food, medical supplies, public services such as electricity, and jobs in Lebanon. An allocation of $10,000 for Eglise des Freres au Congo (Church of the Brethren in the Congo) will provide food distribution to households displaced by violence. And a grant of $10,000 will support the BDM response to the U.S. 2022 summer flooding. During the week of July 25, 2022, a storm system moved across multiple states, causing flash flooding from Missouri to parts of Virginia and West Virginia, resulting in damaged homes and buildings, loss of life, and whole towns left underwater. In addition, a grant of $3,000 will support the Children’s Disaster Services’ local response for Central American asylum seekers, in partnership with the Washington (D.C.) City Church of the Brethren.
- Children’s Disaster Services also provided support in the wake of the severe flooding in the St. Louis area and in Kentucky. Read the full story at www.brethren.org/news/2022/cds-has-a-busy-few-weeks.
- Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Summer Unit 331 held orientation at Camp Wilbur Stover in New Meadows, Idaho, from Aug. 9 through Aug. 17, the first time BVS orientation has been hosted at the camp. It was also the largest in-person orientation group since the pandemic started, said Pauline Liu, coordinator of volunteers for BVS. The 10 volunteers included five from EIRENE, a partner organization based in Germany. They are now serving across the US and in Rwanda and Northern Ireland.
- Carl Bowman, a Church of the Brethren sociologist and author, will be the speaker for the 53rd annual Dunker Church Service at Antietam Civil War battlefield. Special music will be provided by the Hagerstown (Md.) Men’s Chorus. The event takes place Sept. 18 at 3 p.m. Eastern. For more information contact Ed Poling at elpoling1@gmail.com.
- Brethren Benefit Trust has changed its name to Eder Financial in order to serve a broader audience. “The familiar services of BBT are not changing. Nor is the staff or the Board. The only thing that is changing is the name,” according to a release. “With changing demographics and affinity within the Church of the Brethren, a move to serve Anabaptist organizations and others of like mind will allow Eder Financial to fulfill its commitments to its members for decades to come,” president Nevin Dulabaum said.
RESOURCES
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, 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!
