The Village ILWIDIot
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.
<< Home