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.