The Reflector - March 2023

THE VILLAGE ILWIDIOT

By Walt Wiltschek

“Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” —Romans 6:4b, NIV

Last fall, while I was on a trip “back east,” I stopped by Wye Oak State Park, a spot that I sometimes visited while living on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

The park covers only 29 acres, and much of that isn’t very accessible. The star attraction, as the name indicates, is the Wye Oak tree. Or, rather, it was the star attraction. The tree, once the largest known white oak in the nation, was declared the state tree of Maryland in 1941. It stood proudly for many years (dating back to the 1500’s) until a 2002 thunderstorm struck it down.

Today, instead, a section of the former giant’s trunk sits underneath a pavilion, with helpful educational signs that share about its history and the rings that recount the many years it saw. “A tree is a child of the earth,” one article from the state’s Department of Natural Resources observes, “and to the earth we knew it would inevitably fall.”

The story doesn’t quite end there, however. Pieces of the tree now form a desk for the Maryland governor’s office as well as a variety of wooden sculptures and other pieces of art around the state. And over the years, the Wye Oak produced many acorns, and some of those were gathered and taken to the state nursery, where its offspring were nurtured and planted elsewhere around Maryland and beyond. When the great tree fell and after the site had been cleaned up, one of those offspring saplings was planted at the state park, and today it’s growing strong amid the remains of its ancestor. Life is different, but it goes on in its own beautiful way.

Thoughts of the Wye Oak came back to me recently while at the farewell service for Franklin Grove, which had stood for its own impressive legacy of more than 175 years of ministry. While it will no longer be a congregation of the Church of the Brethren, this month the property will begin the process of becoming a Christian school, serving a new generation as a home for finding and nurturing faith.

It's not the first church in this district to close, of course. A quick look at the history books will show many others—Arnold’s Grove, Pine Creek, Kaskaskia, Liberty, Lena, Rice Lake, Decatur, and more. In some cases, descendants of those congregations survive. In others, remnants such as cemeteries or the Salem Shelter at Camp Emmaus remain as witnesses. But each of those places, those communities of faith, left an imprint of doing the work of Christ where they were called for the time they existed. And new seeds were planted because of them.

In this season when we journey through life, death, and resurrection on the church calendar, be attentive to those signs of life around you. What life and growth do you see in your congregation today? And what life and sparks of hope do you find from those that have gone before? For as long as the work is ours to do, I pray that we spread acorns of faith all around us, not knowing where or how they might someday grow.

District executive schedule:

In addition to regular meetings, Walt will be attending an event at Pinecrest March 18 and worshiping with Mount Morris March 19; worshiping with Neighborhood on April 2; doing a brief trip to Pennsylvania for his mother and stepfather’s 25th wedding anniversary April 7-9; and worshiping at Cherry Grove on April 16.

As noted below, Walt has begun a small part-time role with Brethren Volunteer Service to complement his half-time district position. Usual ‘office days’ for the district are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, plus Sundays, though the schedule can sometimes shift due to the needs of the week. Walt is available to visit your church, do pulpit supply, lead sessions, have conversation times, or otherwise connect with your congregation. Please contact IWDDE@outlook.com to schedule a time.

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church advisory team meeting, March 16, 3:30 p.m. 

Ministry Leadership Development Team meeting, March 21, 6 p.m.

Church Revitalization and Development Team meeting, March 25, 9 a.m.

Leadership Team meeting, April 4, 6:30 p.m.

Potluck Experience team meeting, April 11, 6 p.m.

Gifts Discernment and Call Committee meeting, April 17, 6:30 p.m.

Spring Clergy Retreat at Bishop Lane Retreat Center, Rockford, April 19-20

Potluck Experience event at Dixon Church of the Brethren, April 22, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

CODE continuing education event at Bethany Theological Seminary, April 23-26

Drew Hart event at Church of the Brethren General Offices, Elgin, April 29, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

[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 year. We invite you to include the following in your prayers in coming weeks:

Week of March 20: Pray for the district’s Program and Arrangements Committee and the Gifts Discernment and Call Committee, as the members of those teams work on plans for district conference and call out leadership for our district.

Week of March 27: Pray for the Dixon congregation, and for the work of the denomination’s Discipleship Ministries office as it equips congregations across the country.

Week of April 3: During Holy Week and our journey to Easter, spend time in reflection before opening up to the joy of Christ’s resurrection and God’s act of doing a new thing among us, again and again.

Week of April 10: Pray for the Stanley congregation in northern Wisconsin as it discerns its future, and for Heifer International, SERRV, and other organizations birthed by the Church of the Brethren.

Week of April 17: Pray for the district’s Ministry Leadership Development Team, especially as it leads a retreat for clergy in Rockford this week. And pray for the district’s Potluck Experience Team, and for the special “Potluck” event taking place in Dixon on April 22 with leadership from Greg Davidson Laszakovits.

MINISTRY NEWS

Dixon has called Michael Cole as part-time interim pastor, beginning March 1. Michael is well known in that part of the district, having done pulpit supply at Dixon, Franklin Grove, and elsewhere in the past, as well as sharing his gifts in music. He also serves part-time on the pastoral staff at The Worship Center in Dixon. Welcome, Michael!

Congregational vacancies: Chicago First and Girard have new pastoral vacancies and are exploring next steps, currently using lay leadership and pulpit supply, with Terry Link (Springfield) assisting in providing leadership at Girard.

Cherry Grove is also using regular pulpit supply. Steve Needham, formerly at the Decatur congregation, is currently serving the La Place congregation with preaching and worship leadership as they discern next steps.

CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS

Orlando Redekopp, former pastor and long-time member at Chicago First, and his wife, Joan, moved earlier this month to Iowa to be closer to family in retirement. Their new address is 1 Oaknoll Court #316, Iowa City, IA 52246. Chicago First held a special farewell sendoff celebration for Orlando and Joan on Feb. 26, when members of the congregation and community came together around worship to offer their love and blessings.

Also at Chicago First, the congregation has invited Marvin Holt to join the congregation for worship on March 19, at 11 a.m. Holt is the architect who designed the windows that replaced the original windows that were present when the congregation purchased the building in 1925. The current windows were installed in 1975, celebrating 50 years of ministry at the current location. The event will include conversation about the process of designing the windows, choice of material, significance of each panel, importance of the windows for the neighborhood, and the ministry of the windows. “First Church gives thanks to the many people who supported our need for new windows, which brings much joy to those who enter the sanctuary,” said an announcement from Joyce Cassel. “Each time one enters there is a different frame of light on the windows and thus a new understanding of Christ’s mission here at 425 S. Central Park, Chicago.”

Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren (Pearl City) is celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2023! The congregation is tentatively planning to hold a celebration Sunday on June 11, with a special worship time and potluck meal. Watch for more details in the coming months.

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.

HONORING THE LEGACY OF FRANKLIN GROVE

More than 100 people from congregations across the district and as far away as Indiana and Arizona gathered on Sunday, March 12, for a final “farewell” service at Franklin Grove Church of the Brethren. The congregation voted last fall to stop holding regular worship services at the end of 2022, after their small numbers made it difficult to care for their large facility.

The day was filled with music, stories, laughter and tears, and good fellowship. Former pastors Tim and Donna Ritchey Martin and Diana Verhulst were in attendance, and several other former pastors sent written and video greetings. Many others shared their memories and reflections from the congregation’s long history, which began in 1845. Long-time member Jeanette Lahman, who now lives in Indiana, was able to attend and led the final hymn, “Move in Our Midst.”

After the service, Franklin Grove hosted all those attending for a time of refreshments and further sharing in the fellowship hall. Music, books, and other resources from the congregation’s life were available to be “adopted” and taken home.

A local group will be purchasing the property this month to use it as a Christian school. District conference will officially act on closure of the congregation in November.

A group from Franklin Grove will continue to oversee and care for the nearby Emmert Cemetery and chapel as a separately incorporated board. The chapel will be available to use for functions in the future as needed. Our prayers continue with the members and friends of Franklin Grove in this time of endings and transition.

Some videos from the service can be viewed at YouTube. And following is an original poem that Diana Verhulst shared at the service:

The Shade of Her
Always blue
She’s more blue today
Sensing the end of her duties
Holding up the heavens
Protecting those within
Being. Just being.
For structure
For safety
For purpose
For demonstrations of devotion.
By acts of pure love.

Merely inanimate
But pulsing with heart
With duty
With responsibility
Standing sturdy through the years
Never failing, always willing, ... no, eager:
She opened her doors
So her destiny would be fulfilled
To be as a shroud
To echo the prayers
To absorb the grief
To press the memories
Into decades of comfort.

This place.
Now with a new purpose
For they are not yet done,
These proud, sturdy timbers…
These shy, blue walls.
Now, laughter and innocence
Will flood her again.
Gone for so long … she was forlorn.
More echoes, much younger!
Welcome, innocents.
Unstained by legacies.
Lured by multitudes of destinies yet unknown.
Yes, she is happy.
This place.
|Your place.
Blue. Still blue.
And yet … now … New.

REMEMBERING

Joanne Nesler, 90, the first woman to serve as director of Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS), passed away in Inverness, Fla., on Feb. 19. In addition to directing BVS from 1976 to 1980, she also served as administrative assistant to the treasurer of the Church of the Brethren from 1970 to 1976 and managed the SERRV Handcrafted Gifts International store in Dundee, Ill., from 1983 to 1988, when it was still a part of the denomination. Her work for the Church of the Brethren began in 1950 when she started as an employee of the Brethren Publishing House in Elgin. After four years she joined BVS and was assigned to Kassel House in Germany to work with refugee programs for children and the elderly. Upon returning to the US, she earned a degree in sociology from Manchester College in Indiana and a master’s in social work from Michigan State University. She resumed employment with the Church of the Brethren in 1968. In other community leadership positions, she was executive director of Elgin’s Well Child Conference. In 1989, she was the recipient of the Elgin YWCA Leader Luncheon Award for social services. She served a term as chair of the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren board. In 1999, she retired to Florida, settling in Homosassa and becoming active in Spring Hill Presbyterian Church. Among survivors are her son, York Davis, his wife, Amy, and their son. A memorial service was held March 10 at Spring Hill Presbyterian Church. [from “Newsline”]

Horace Huse, who served Canton as pastor from 1969 to 1973, died Oct. 14 in Toledo, Ohio. Horace, who grew up in California, was 94. He attended Ashland Theological Seminary. In addition to Canton, he pastored congregations in Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Ohio, where he continued to assist at Heatherdowns Church of the Brethren in Toledo until it closed in 2013. He also served as a hospital chaplain and on the board of the Multifaith Council of Northwest Ohio and did significant volunteer work, most recently as a beekeeper for a community gardening program in Toledo. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn; a brother; two daughters; and four grandchildren. A memorial service took place Nov. 5 in Ohio. The full obituary can be found at Horace Huse Obituary (1928 - 2022) - Toledo, OH - The Blade (legacy.com).

Lorene Moore, who served as Canton's pastor from 1988 to 1992, died Feb. 4 in Springfield, Mo. She was 91. Born in Wichita, Kan., Lorene was a graduate of McPherson (Kan.) College, Bethany Theological Seminary, and the Graduate Seminary at Phillips University. She served in Brethren Volunteer Service, was a regular participant in CROP Walks, was a frequent camp volunteer, and assisted with the work of Global Women's Project. In addition to Canton, she pastored Church of the Brethren congregations in Kansas, Missouri, and Minnesota, as well as some ministry in other denominations. She is survived by her husband, Byron, and three children and their families, and two siblings. A memorial service took place March 11 in Springfield, Mo.; another will be held March 18 at 1 p.m. at Mayfield (Kan.) Federated Church. The full obituary is at Lorene Moore Obituary (1931 - 2023) - Legacy Remembers.

Jan West Schrock, former director of Brethren Volunteer Service and daughter of Heifer International founder Dan West, passed away on March 8 in Camden, Maine. Jan served as director of BVS from 1987 to 1995. She later served for a decade as a consultant to Heifer International, an independent nonprofit that began in 1944 as a ministry of the Church of the Brethren. Service information is not yet available.

DISTRICT BOOK STUDY

The Illinois/Wisconsin District will be offering an online book study in May, led by pastors Christy Waltersdorff (York Center) and Dennis Webb (Naperville). The focus will be the book “Dear White Peacemakers: Dismantling Racism with Grit and Grace,” by Osheta Moore. 

The five-part study will run on Zoom each Wednesday during the month, starting May 3, from 7-8:30 p.m. Anyone who needs a copy of the book can order it via Brethren Press: www.brethrenpress.com or 800-441-3712.

While we encourage you to take part in as many of the sessions as possible, you do not need to attend all five weeks in order to participate. Contact the district office for the Zoom link for the studies or if you need a phone dial-in number.

AN AFTERNOON WITH DREW HART

Drew Hart, professor of theology at Messiah University in Pennsylvania and a member of Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren, will be sharing a presentation at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin April 29, 4:30-6:30 p.m. The district is partnering in this event, sponsored by the denomination’s Discipleship Ministries office, and everyone from the district is welcome to attend.

Drew is nationally known as a speaker and author, and he was one of the preachers at last summer’s Church of the Brethren National Youth Conference. His books include Trouble I’ve Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism, and his blog, “Taking Jesus Seriously,” is hosted by The Christian Century.

At the April 29 event, Drew will share and do a Q&A time from 4:30-6, followed by a book signing. Brethren Press will have a display of books available for purchase.

2023 CLERGY RETREAT

Pastors, chaplains, retired ministers, and others who are credentialed in the church are invited to the district’s 2023 spring clergy retreat, sponsored by the Ministry Leadership Development Team. It will take place April 19-20 at Bishop Lane Retreat Center near Rockford. Thanks to a grant received from the Lilly Endowment-funded Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church program, the retreat this year will be FREE to all participants other than transportation to the event.

The keynote speaker will be Greg Davidson Laszakovits, who previously served as pastor of Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and as an intentional interim pastor in Maryland. He now has started his own leadership and organizational development consulting company, GLD Insight, with a particular interest in churches and church-related groups. Greg is tuned in to the significant demographic and cultural shifts taking place in church life and structure and the exacerbation of many of those trends by the pandemic, as well as the added stress and challenges that has brought for pastors and others in ministry. He will also be the keynote speaker for this year’s District Potluck Experience event (see more information below).

For the retreat, Greg’s theme will be “If I Had a Hammer: Tools for Building and Re-Building Communities of Faith.” Three sessions will look at: Strategies for Leading Positive Congregational Change, Moving from Pastor as Hired Hand to Pastor as Leader, and Taming the Bear of Conflict. All participants will receive 0.5 CEU’s.

In addition to those sessions, the retreat will include times of worship and devotions, as well as space for fellowship and free time. Registration includes a single room with bathroom (bedding provided), and three meals (Wed. supper through Thurs. lunch). To register, contact the district office: andreaw.iwdcob@gmail.com or 309-649-6008. Please register by April 12.

POTLUCK EXPERIENCE EVENT!

It’s almost time! The Illinois/Wisconsin District’s biennial Potluck Experience event happens Saturday, April 22 this year at Dixon Church of the Brethren. A team has been hard at work planning for it, and it promises to be a fun, educational, and uplifting day using the district’s 2023 theme, “Encourage One Another.”

The keynote speaker will be Greg Davidson Laszakovits, who will also be sharing at the district’s spring clergy retreat. Greg is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren from Lancaster, Pa., who now runs his own consulting company, GDL Insight, with an emphasis on leadership and organizational development, with a special interest in churches and related groups. He will help us imagine what church and ministry might look like in our changing times. His keynote will be titled “Remembering the Past; Re-Imagining the Future.”

The day will include worship and several “equipping session” workshop options, including a follow-up workshop with Greg (“Shocking and Not-So-Shocking Trends in Church Life”), “Bringing the Gospel to Life: Experiencing the Creation of Meaningful Worship Centers,” led by Sharon Rice (York Center) and Debbie Noffsinger (Highland Avenue); “Celebrating 75 Years of Brethren Volunteer Service,” led by BVS director Chelsea Goss Skillen; and “Kids Need Faith, Too,” with ideas for reaching kids in our communities, led by Lisa Fike (Woodland).

And, of course—true to the event’s name—the Potluck Experience will feature a good potluck meal in the middle of the day. Everyone is asked to bring a dish or two or three to share!

This is a FREE event! The excitement begins with registration and fellowship time from 8:30-9:15 a.m. and wraps up with a closing circle at 3:20 p.m. Mark your calendars and join the feast!

NEW AND RENEW

The Church of the Brethren 2023 New & Renew Conference will take place May 17-19 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices, Elgin, Ill., with a hybrid/virtual option also available. The conference theme is “Disciples: Called, Equipped and in the Neighborhood!”, based on Matt. 28: 16-20; Eph. 4:11-16; and John 20:19-20. This three-day hybrid conference will have more than 20 sessions to broaden knowledge of church planting and congregational renewal. In addition to workshops, the event will feature inspirational worship, keynote addresses, and storytelling. Those who register can access the recorded sermons, keynotes, and workshops recordings for six months after the event. CEU credits will be available.

Registration cost (not including travel/lodging) for in-person or virtual attendance is $109 per person until March 31, then $149 April 1-17, and $189 April 18-May 18. CEU credits cost an additional $10. Registration includes the new book by keynote speaker Jessie Cruickshank, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation, to be released on May 9. Registration and more details (including hotel reservation options) are at www.brethren.org/newandrenew.

The district’s Church Revitalization and Development Team is making free scholarships available to cover the cost for at least 10 people to attend this event (register by April 15). Several scholarships are still available. Participants need only to cover their transportation if attending in person. If you would like to take advantage of that opportunity, register at the link above, and then send your receipt to the district office for reimbursement: andreag.iwdcob@gmail.com.

NATIONAL OLDER ADULT CONFERENCE

The 2023 Church of the Brethren National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) will take place Sept. 4-8 in Lake Junaluska, N.C., with the theme “God Is Doing a New Thing,” drawn from Isaiah 43:19. Keynote speakers include Mark Charles, Ted Swartz, Ken Medema, and Osheta Moore. Worship preachers will be Freeport Church of the Brethren pastor Christina Singh, Highland Avenue pastor Katie Shaw Thompson, Jeremy Ashworth, Deanna Brown, and Lexi Aligarbres. Bible studies will be led by Bob Neff and Christina Bucher.

Christy Waltersdorff, pastor at York Center and district moderator-elect, is the 2023 NOAC coordinator. Leonard Matheny (Peoria First) is among those on the planning team, along with Church of the Brethren staff Josh Brockway (Highland Avenue) and Stan Dueck.

General registration opens May 1 and closes Aug. 15. Registration for in-person attendance is $200 until July 15, when the fee increases to $230. A virtual-only registration open is also available for $100 ($125 after July 15). First-time attendees receive a $20 discount. Registration is online at www.brethren.org/noac. If a paper form is needed, contact Randi Rowan at 847-429-4303.

After completing online registration, participants will receive a confirmation email with a link to Lake Junaluska housing and meal sign-up. All fees for housing and meals are payable to Lake Junaluska separate from the conference registration. Some vacation home rentals in the area are also available. Special registration only for those with mobility issues who need housing at Terrace Hall will be open April 24-28.

For more information, visit www.brethren.org/noac, email NOAC@brethren.org, or call 847-429-4303.

The district is willing to help arrange group transportation to NOAC if there is interest. If members of your congregation might want to take advantage of such an opportunity, please contact district executive minister Walt Wiltschek (iwdde@outlook.com) by April 30.

SPRING DISTRICT YOUTH RETREAT

Due to an insufficient number of registrations, the district youth retreat scheduled for this coming weekend at Camp Emmaus has been cancelled. We hope to try other events in the future. In the meantime, youth (and others!) are encouraged to consider attending the district Potluck Experience event the morning/afternoon of April 22 at Dixon, spring and summer events at Camp Emmaus (including the April 22 afternoon/evening "Spring Into Camp" event) and Camp Emmanuel (including the 75th anniversary celebration in September), and district conference at Lanark in November.

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS

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. The theme is “What Does God Want from Me?”, drawing on Micah 6:8. Registration cost is $250 until April 30. A $200 non-refundable deposit is due within two weeks of registration. Register and learn more at www.brethren.org/yya/njhc.

The Church of the Brethren’s Christian Citizenship Seminar for youth in grades 9-12 and advisors will be held April 22-27 in Washington, D.C. The theme will be “Hot and Hungry,” looking at climate change and food insecurity. Cost is $500 plus transportation. Registration opened Jan. 9 at www.brethren.org/yya/ccs.

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., with the theme “I’m Not Done with You.” Registration is $250 until April 15, then $300. Register and find more information at www.brethren.org/yac.

FaithX registration opened Feb. 1 at brethren.org/faithx! FaithX (Faith Outreach Expeditions) is a short-term service program through Brethren Volunteer Service that offers weeklong service trips (formerly “workcamps”) domestically and internationally for youth, young adults, and adults. Participants can serve in a variety of ministry and non-profit settings, live and worship in community, explore a new place, and examine their values and beliefs. Summer 2023 options include four junior high trips, five for senior high, one for junior and senior high combined, an adult trip to Spain, and a “We Are Able” experience for youth with special needs along with adult helpers. Sites are located across the US. The Winston-Salem, N.C., programs have filled, and some others have limited space, but many are still open. For more information on these events, watch for updates on www.brethren.org/faithx.

DISASTER RELIEF

As has been the practice in recent years, the Illinois/Wisconsin District has agreed to provide up to eight volunteers for the week following Thanksgiving, Nov. 26–Dec. 2, 2023. That week of volunteering again will be shared with the South/Central Indiana District. A major change from recent past Brethren Disaster Ministries assignments, is that the project site, Dawson Springs, Kentucky, is a relatively nearby “neighbor,” just 70 miles south of Evansville, Indiana. This provides a great opportunity for those who want to serve with BDM but hesitate to travel hundreds of miles to a project site.

Dawson Springs was in the path of the devastating outbreak of tornados that swept through eight states in December 2021 with Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri the most heavily impacted. Estimates are that around 75 percent of the town of Dawson Springs, which was home to around 2,500 people, was leveled by a tornado. More information about the Dawson Springs BDM project is at www.brethren.org/bdm/rebuild/projects.

Click here to access a complete 2023 schedule for the Dawson Creek project. In addition to the week of Nov. 26, there are openings in other weeks in 2023 with the opportunity to join other districts. To register your interest in joining this year’s Illinois/Wisconsin group, contact our district disaster coordinator, Loren Habegger. To volunteer with other groups for the listed openings, contact Kim Gingerich at kgingerich@brethren.org.

CAMP NEWS

Camp Emmaus has announced its camping schedule for 2023:

April 22 Spring Into Camp Event
May 26-29 Memorial Day Weekend Family Camp
July 9-15 Senior High Camp (Grades 9-12)
July 16-20 Intermediate Camp (Grades 3-5)
July 21-23 Young at Heart Camp (Young Adults/Adults)
July 23-29 Middle School Camp (Grades 6-8)
Aug. 4-6 Counselor-in-Training (CIT)
Aug. 5-6 Elementary Camp (Grades 1-2)
Aug. 10-12 Women’s Camp
Aug. 18-20 Men’s Camp
Sept. 1-4 Labor Day Weekend Family Camp

Camp Emmaus ‘Spring Into Camp’

The schedule for this new event on Saturday, April 22, is as follows:
1-5 p.m. Free time to hike, fish, play sixsquare, volleyball, or other activities
5 p.m. Cookout at the pavilion, followed by card games and other games
8 p.m. Campfire

Note this is the same day as the District Potluck Experience event at Dixon, so we encourage everyone to attend the Potluck during the day, and then make your way up to Camp Emmaus mid-afternoon to join in the activities there!

The Camp Emmaus board has announced the launch of the Camp Emmaus Endowment Fund. The board has set a goal of raising $100,000 for this fund in the next 12 months, helping to provide a new revenue stream for camp and allowing a wider range of planned and deferred gifts. To learn more about this endowment, arrange to make a donation, or discover other ways to get involved, please reach out to treasurer Dan Radcliff at dradcliff@eder.org.

Camp Emmanuel will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2023! A celebration at the camp, including a fish fry, is being planned for Sept. 30. Watch for details as they become available.

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.

DISTRICT CONFERENCE

Plans are under way for this year’s Illinois/Wisconsin District conference! It will take place Nov. 3-4 at Lanark Church of the Brethren. Phyllis Batterton (Woodland) is serving as moderator this year and has chosen the theme “Encourage One Another.”

Due to technological limitations on site, this will likely be an in person-only event, with no virtual or hybrid options available, though we do hope to record some segments for later viewing. Mark your calendars, and watch for more details in the coming months!

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The 2023 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will take place July 4-8 (a Tuesday-through-Saturday schedule) in Cincinnati with the theme “Living God’s Love.” Tim McElwee of Fort Wayne, Ind., will serve as moderator. Advance delegate registration will be $320 per person ($395 onsite); non-delegate adult advance registration is $140 for the week ($175 onsite; $40 for post-high school through age 21, free for high school age and below). A virtual non-delegate option to participate online will also be available. Conference hotels will be $122 per night, plus tax. Registration and housing reservations will open to the public March 1.

In other Annual Conference news:

• The Nominating Committee of the Standing Committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference has presented the ballot for the 2023 Conference, with elections to be held during the meeting in Cincinnati:

Moderator-elect: Dava Hensley (Roanoke, Va.); Del Keeney (Mechanicsburg, Pa.)

Program and Arrangements Committee: Emmanuela Attelus (Miami, Fla.); Gail Heisel (La Verne, Calif.)

Mission and Ministry Board, Area 2: John Ballinger (West Salem, Ohio); Tina M. Hunt (Mansfield, Ohio)

Mission and Ministry Board, Area 3: Linetta Shalom Alley (Broadway, Va.); Deirdre Moyer (Eden, N.C.)

Bethany Theological Seminary board, representing clergy: Jennifer Hosler (Washington, D.C.); Jonathan Prater (Linville, Va.)

Bethany Theological Seminary board, representing laity: Mark Gingrich (Burnsville, Minn.); Julia Wheeler (La Verne, Calif.)

Eder Financial board: Raymond Flagg (Annville, Pa.); Dennis Kingery (Littleton, Colo.)

On Earth Peace board: Carol Young Lindquist (Fort Wayne, Ind.); Audrey Zunkel-DeCoursey (Portland, Ore.)

Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee: Lori Hurt (Boones Mill, Va.); Rudolph H. Taylor III (Cloverdale, Va.)

• Annual Conference has also announced preachers for the conference:

— Tuesday evening, July 4: Annual Conference moderator Tim McElwee will preach on the theme “Living God’s Love,” drawing on John 13:34-35, Ephesians 5:1-2, and 1 John 4:7-12.

— Wednesday evening, July 5: Sheila Wise Rowe, a Christian counselor, spiritual director, educator, writer, and keynote speaker for this year’s pre-Conference Brethren Ministers’ Association event, will preach on the theme “Bearing the Fruit of God’s Love,” drawing on Mark 12:28-34 and John 15:1-17.

— Thursday evening, July 6: Deanna Brown, founder and facilitator of Cultural Connections and a member of Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., will preach on the theme “Responding in Love to the Needs of Others,” drawing on Luke 10:25-37 and 1 John 3:16-24.

— Friday evening, July 7: Jody Romero, pastor of Restoration Los Angeles (Calif.) Church of the Brethren and lead chaplain for the Los Angeles Christian Health Center, will preach on the theme “Seeing and Loving Like God,” drawing on Luke 7:36-50 and 1 Corinthians 13.

— Saturday morning, July 8: Audri Svay, an English professor, pre-school teacher, and pastor of Eel River Community Church of the Brethren in Silver Lake, Ind., will preach on the theme “Loving the Least in the Family of God,” drawing on Matthew 25:31-46 and John 21:15-19.

The worship services are being planned by Don Mitchell, Laura Stone, and David R. Miller. Beth Jarrett, the third-year Program and Arrangements Committee member, is chairing the worship team. Kyle Remnant will serve as music coordinator, Becca Miller as pianist, Marty Keeney as choir director, and Pam Hoppe as children’s choir director.

The Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren (AACB) will be holding its annual quilt auction at Annual Conference, with proceeds benefiting hunger projects (recently for needs in Nigeria through the Church of the Brethren Global Food Initiative). Each congregation is asked to send an 8 ½” x 8 ½” quilt block for the quilts/wall hangings. Blocks should be postmarked by May 15 and sent to Margaret Weybright, 1801 Greencroft Blvd., Apt. 125, Goshen, IN 46526. A donation of $1 or more is requested with each quilt block to offset the cost of quilting materials. Further details/instructions are available in the attached flier.

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Spring district clergy retreat: As noted above, the district’s Ministry Leadership Development Team has scheduled the 2023 spring retreat/continuing education event for clergy April 19-20 at the Bishop Lane Center in Rockford, with 0.5 CEU credits available. Register by contacting the district office no later than April 12.

The Ventures in Christian Discipleship program operated by McPherson College is offering several sessions this spring: “Deep Compassionate Listening” 12-3 p.m. April 15, led by Barbara Date’; “Beyond Burned Out to Boundaries and Balance” (rescheduled from fall), 6-8 p.m. May 9, led by Jen Jensen; and “Black Panther Films as Metaphor: Lessons about Race, Colonialism, Violence, and Identity in Wakanda,” 7-9 p.m. June 5, led by Steven Schweitzer. To learn more about Ventures in Christian Discipleship and to register for courses (suggested donation of $25 per course), visit www.mcpherson.edu/ventures. CEU credits are available.

New online (Zoom) continuing education courses are being offered by the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center in its “Nurturing Ministry” series: On April 25, 6-7:30 p.m. Central, Frank Ramirez will lead “Julian of Norwich, Catharine Hummer, and Universal Restoration.” Registration for either event is free; .15 CEU’s are available for $10 per session. Learn more and register at www.etown.edu/svmc.

William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital in Madison is offering two free virtual clergy training events, May 2 or June 13 from 1-3 p.m.. Each event will be two hours long, focusing on the topics of Moral Injury and Suicide Prevention. Leaders are chaplain Victoria Fishel and social worker/therapist Darlene Ezman. Registration information is at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-clergy-training-event-tickets-566422363537?utm-campaign=social%2Cemail&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=strongmail&utm-term=checkoutwidget.

Lands of the Bible study tour: In July 2023, Bridgewater College chaplain Dr. Robbie Miller will again lead a study tour of Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. The tour, conducted by the University of the Holy Land in Jerusalem (https://uhl.ac/), will visit sites of biblical and religious importance including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jericho, Capernaum, Caesarea, Masada, Qumran, Petra, and many more. The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership will provide 4.0 CEUs for the study tour. For an itinerary and more information, contact Dr. Miller at rmiller@bridgewater.edu or at 540-421-2720.

The annual Festival of Homiletics is relatively close this year, in Minneapolis, and an online option is also available. The 2023 event will take place May 15-18 with an all-star cast of speakers and the theme “Preaching Hope for a Weary World,” which they note is a “response to the hardships and heaviness that have been our reality the last few years. In these wearying days, what is our call to preach? Hope. The Festival of Homiletics 2023 will inspire us to a renewed sense of our radical calling. Our weary world needs us, preachers.” Registration ($345 early-bird in person/$95 online) and further details can be found at: Registration and information here.

The organization Faith+Lead (through Luther Seminary) has available on demand a 6-hour self-guided course called “Hybrid Ministry in a Post-Pandemic Church,” helping pastors and others think about ways to create a framework for church that engages and connects the entire community. Cost is $75. Learn more and register at https://t.e2ma.net/click/vfs32k/zarqt/3d8o7ab.

Lombard Mennonite Peace Center is offering its one-day Healthy Congregations webinar (via Zoom) on March 22 (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Central), as well as some additional dates in 2023. Cost is $99. A Restorative Congregations webinar will be presented via Zoom May 23 or Nov. 2 (9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Central). Conflict Transformation Skills for Churches will be offered via Zoom April 11 and Sept. 16 (9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Central). For more details and registration information, and to see other events, go to https://lmpeacecenter.org/all-events/.

Upcoming courses from the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership include “What Brethren Believe” by Denise Kettering April 19-June 13. Registration deadline for “What Brethren Believe” is March 15. Register for courses and pay online at Brethren Academy Course Registration/Biannual TRIM Payment | Bethany Theological Seminary (bethanyseminary.edu).

NCP Learning Tours: New Community Project will offer an educational trip 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 https://www.newcommunityproject.info/learning-tours.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

The Church of the Brethren is seeking an individual to fill the full-time salaried position of Associate Director of Children’s Disaster Services. The Associate Director of CDS is part of the Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) team and reports to the Executive Director of Service Ministries. Working from the New Windsor, Md., office is preferred. Full COVID-19 vaccination is a condition of employment. The major responsibility is to provide oversight and administration of Children’s Disaster Services programming and volunteer deployments. Requirements include good English communication skills, skills in volunteer management and program development, computer skills, knowledge of child development and trauma impacts, and an appreciation for diversity. Applicants should have experience in creating and delivering presentations and workshops, in managing staff and volunteers, and in working directly with children. Previous disaster response experience is preferred. A bachelor’s degree is required; advance degree preferred. To apply, send resume’ to COBApply@brethren.org.

Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., seeks a coordinator for Community Engagement to fill a full-time position responsible for coordinating Bethany’s two community engagement programs that address issues of diversity and division: BOLD, an initiative for residential students, and Ministry Formation, a field education program. Key components of BOLD include organizing service work, learning opportunities, and group discussions to develop resilient, self-aware leaders. Key components of Ministry Formation include developing effective placements and helping students reflect on these experiences. This position involves significant time interacting, networking, and building relationships in Wayne County, Ind., and other communities where Bethany students live. This requires significant time engaging face-to-face with people as a Bethany representative. Find the full position description and information about how to apply at https://bethanyseminary.edu/jobs/coordinator-for-community-engagement.

Eder Financial has an opening for a full-time Public Relations Manager. The position can work remotely but requires some travel. Candidates must have at least an undergraduate degree, four to eight years of experience, effective oral and written communication skills, and experience in managing communication initiatives to support the brand that spans multiple methods. The ideal person is both data- and detail-oriented, and is proficient in written and visual communication skills, graphic design, producing captivating videos, and has knowledge of APA format. Working knowledge of design software such as Adobe, Creative Suite, Canva is a plus. The individual will use this background to manage writing projects, work with contractors on content development, copy edit writing submissions, coordinate public relations projects while facilitating brand recognition and protecting the integrity of the organization’s reputation through words and images. To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to Tammy Chudy at tchudy@eder.org.

Brethren Volunteer Service is seeking a Volunteer Coordinator to work at the Church of the Brethren offices in Elgin; this position plans and leads BVS orientations and supports volunteers in the field. Candidates for volunteer coordinator must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, good group-building skills, cross-cultural experience, management and communication skills, and marketing/recruitment experience. Resume' and other requested information should be sent to COBApply@brethren.org.

The BVS office also has two full-time volunteer positions open (serving as a BVSer) for a BVS orientation assistant and as assistant FaithX coordinator. For information on those opportunities, contact BVS director Chelsea Goss Skillen at cskillen@brethren.org.

Camp Bethel in Fincastle, Va., seeks a dependable, caring leader to be full-time salaried camp director. Summer camp experience is required, and staff management experience is preferred. This position is available immediately with the possibility of orientation with the current camp director. The camp director joins other full-time staff including facilities manager, program coordinator, food services coordinator, and guest services coordinator. Starting package includes salary based on experience with benefits of family or personal medical insurance, a pension plan, paid vacation, and professional growth funds. Onsite housing is also possible. Visit www.CampBethelVirginia.org/jobs to review the position description and submit a letter of interest, a faith statement, resume’, and/or any questions to Naomi Powers, chair of the search committee, at Search@CampBethelVirginia.org.

The Church of the Brethren is seeking a full-time Office Manager of Global Mission. This position is based at the General Offices in Elgin. Skills and knowledge required include strong communication skills, competency in Microsoft Office, ability to problem-solve and prioritize and handle confidential information, excellent organizational skills, and an appreciation of the church’s role in mission. Experience with video editing software and some Spanish, French, and/or Haitian Creole is preferred. Applicants should have one to five years of executive administrative experience and multicultural/international experience. A bachelor’s degree or similar relevant education is required. Applications will be received beginning immediately and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Qualified candidates are invited to send a resume’ to COBApply@brethren.org.

The Western Pennsylvania District seeks a half-time district executive minister. The office location is negotiable, working remotely or on location at the district office in Jerome, Pa. Travel is required both within and outside of the district. Responsibilities include the primary areas of: officeofministry@brethren.org. Applicants are requested to contact three persons who are willing to provide a letter of reference.

The Brethren Historical Library and Archives in Elgin has a one-year archival intern position available beginning June 2023. Interns receive housing, a stipend of $550 every two weeks, and health insurance. Applicants must have a completed undergraduate degree, interest in history and/or archival work, be detail-oriented, and have computer skills. Interested candidates are invited to send a resume’ to COBApply@brethren.org by April 1.

PERSONNEL NOTES

Lisa Crouch has resigned as associate director of Children’s Disaster Services. She will conclude her work with the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., effective March 31. Lisa began her service on Aug. 27, 2018. Lisa feels led back to working directly with children again.

Lindsay Cart-Turner has accepted the position of operations manager, Organizational Investing and Deferred Gifts, for Eder Financial. She began her duties on Feb. 27. Cart-Turner holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Liberty University and a master’s degree in Public Affairs from O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. She has previously served as a missionary in Brazil, where she led a volunteer teacher program and worked as a doula, and held more recent roles as a research assistant and analyst since returning to the US. She lives in Indianapolis, with her family and grew up in Christ Our Shepherd Church of the Brethren on the south side of Indianapolis. She currently attends Northview Church of the Brethren.

Walt Wiltschek has been hired by the Church of the Brethren as part-time Office Coordinator for Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS). Walt began working from the General Offices in Elgin, on March 7. He continues to serve half-time as the district executive minister of the Illinois/Wisconsin District. Prior to this, he was the pastor at Easton Church of the Brethren. Previously, he served as Director of News Services and editor of Messenger magazine from 2000 to 2010, when he took a position as Campus Pastor at Manchester University.

Nathan Polzin has been hired by the Church of the Brethren as executive director of Discipleship and Leadership Formation. From 2009 to 2017 he served as Michigan District’s executive minister. From 2007 to present, he has been instrumental in planting and pastoring The Church in Drive, a congregation serving Saginaw, Mich., and Saginaw Valley State University students. He also currently serves as the pastor of Midland (Mich.) Church of the Brethren. In the past, he has served congregations in Mount Pleasant, Mich., and Hagerstown, Ind. He also provides individual and group coaching, team building, training, and consulting services through Polzin Coaching and Consulting. Nathan is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, and of Bethany Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity. Nathan will begin on April 10.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS/NEWSLINE

Leadership of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) conducted three days of prayer and fasting Feb. 21-23 for Nigeria’s general and regional elections and the upcoming EYN Centenary Celebration. The regional centenary celebrations of EYN’s 100th anniversary went successfully in five zones of the denomination: in Biu, Lassa, Chibok, Yola, and Michika. Celebrations in Mubi, Gulak, Garkida, Jos, Abuja, and Maiduguri were also planned. The grand finale of the Centenary Celebration will start with an international press conference and a grand finale event this week at the EYN Headquarters.

With just under two years remaining for the denomination’s “Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church” Lilly Foundation grant, the Church of the Brethren Office of Ministry gathered a group of circuit riders, advisory team members, district executives, and others at the denominational offices in Elgin, Ill., Feb. 24-26, to take a “balcony view” of the program to date and consider possibilities and direction going forward. Led by Brethren leadership coach/consultant Greg Davidson Laszakovits of GDL Insight, the group used the Gospel of Luke’s eye-opening account of the Emmaus Road as a framework for reflection, storytelling, and discernment. While the program has yielded some positive results, only about 5 percent of Brethren pastors have participated in the program thus far. That makes broader buy-in important in the next few years–especially as the program seeks sustainability after the grant has ended. A number of potential short-term and longer-term priorities emerged, including enhancing marketing and awareness of the program, encouraging a culture of “Full-Time Church” in congregations, creating a directory of speakers and resources, facilitating deeper discussions between circuit riders and pastors, having more significant connections with districts, doing a sociological survey of part-time pastors to gather their stories and seek common themes, providing curriculum resources, and sponsoring a denomination-wide event to explore leadership and cultural shifts in ministry. Learn more at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/part-time-pastor.

Brethren Press has announced the upcoming release of a storybook Bible from the “Shine” curriculum titled The Peace Table. It will include biblically faithful retellings of 140 Bible stories with colorful, diverse art by 30 illustrators. Along with each Bible story, there are prayer prompts, questions, and action ideas to guide reflection and conversation. Twelve Peace Paths allow children to ‘choose their own adventure’ through the book, exploring how peace themes are woven throughout the Old and New Testaments. A resource section includes ideas for how to experience peace with God, self, others, and creation, as well as maps, background information on the Bible, interactive ways to pray, and prayers for many occasions. Preorder any quantity between now and June 1 and receive a 25 percent discount. View a sample and preorder a copy today at https://shinecurriculum.com/product/the-peace-table-a-storybook-bible.

The Church of the Brethren Office of Ministry has created an online video resource of six segments featuring congregations that are creatively practicing the priesthood of all believers and thereby meeting their needs for pastoral leadership. At a time when congregations are struggling to find pastors to serve their needs, this series produced by videographer David Sollenberger is offered as a reminder that God places abundant spiritual gifts within congregations, just waiting to be discovered, affirmed, and nurtured. The series features three congregations, Warrensburg and Cabool in Missouri and Arkansas District, and Clover Creek in Middle Pennsylvania District. Their pastoral teams consist of as few as two to as many as five people. The series is a testimony to the effectiveness of the Brethren practice of the priesthood of all believers in fostering a culture of calling set-apart ministers. Find the new resource at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/shared-ministry-model.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) installed Jerry Pillay as general secretary on Feb. 17, during a service at the Ecumenical Center Chapel in Geneva, Switzerland. The Church of the Brethren is one of the founding member churches of the WCC. Pillay will serve as the WCC’s ninth general secretary. He was previously the dean of the faculty of theology and religion at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and is from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.

Marci Frederick, director of libraries at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va., is researching Brethren communion bread practices, including recipes, spiritual practices while making bread, purchased bread, and how the bread is used. In an announcement of a survey for this research, she requests “your personal and congregational stories as she attempts to track how recipes spread and changed.” The survey is open through April 30 at https://emu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6QiDm3DEgvRGsU6. For more information on this Eastern Mennonite University sabbatical project, contact marci.frederick@emu.edu.

The larger Anabaptist movement will celebrate its “quincentennial”—500 years!—in January 2025. The Illinois Mennonite Historical and Genealogical Society is planning several activities and published articles to lead up to that historic anniversary. The spring 2023 event will look at the The Apostolic Christian Church of America, led by Luke Fischer: Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m., at the Illinois Mennonite Heritage Center, 675 State Road 116 in Germantown/Metamora. A fellowship lunch will follow.

The seventh Brethren World Assembly will take place July 26-29 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College and at Germantown Church of the Brethren in Philadelphia on the final day, July 29. The theme of the assembly is “Brethren Faithfulness: Priorities in Perspective.” The gathering marks 300 years of the Brethren in America and the 300th anniversary of the Germantown Church. The event also marks the centennial of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The scheduled sessions relate to the history and developments of the Brethren in America from 1723 up to the Civil War, with an additional session about EYN. Opening devotions and evening worship services will open and close each day. For the entire Assembly, July 26-29, including the day at Germantown, fees are $310 (early bird cost, registered by May 15) or $370 (regular cost, registered between May 16 and June 15). For the days in Elizabethtown only, July 26-28, fees are $190 (early bird, registered by May 15) or $225 (regular cost, registered between May 16 and June 15). One-day options are also available. Lodging is additional. Registration closes June 15. For more information, contact BWA23@etown.edu or call 717-327-8188.

Brethren Life and Thought, a joint publication of Bethany Theological Seminary and the Brethren Journal Association, invites submissions on Brethren and popular culture for a special issue. Said an announcement: “We seek creative pieces, poems, sermons, liturgical pieces, sermons, or essays on the intersection of church, faith, and popular culture (movies, music, science fiction, novels, famous figures, artists, etc.). Submissions should be emailed to editor Denise Kettering-Lane (kettede@bethanyseminary.edu) by May 15 for consideration.

The Church of the Brethren’s Global Food Initiative (GFI) is again this year sending an annual contribution to Bread for the World to support that organization’s advocacy work, reports GFI manager Jeff Boshart. Bread for the World every year organizes and collaborates with people of faith to carry out advocacy efforts, for example its annual “Offering of Letters” in which individuals, congregations, and other organizations write letters and emails to leaders in Washington, D.C., to inspire them to pass legislation that will reduce hunger in the United States and around the world.

On Earth Peace is planning a “Day of Celebration” for March 18, as an online event starting at 10:30 a.m. Central Time. “We are looking forward to introducing you to our interns, fellows, and staff,” said an announcement. The event, which will continue as a “drop in” throughout the rest of that afternoon and evening and will serve as a fundraising event, also will include an opportunity to learn more about the organization’s current work, share in an opening worship time, hear a spoken word poetry session exploring Kingian Nonviolence principles, participate in a Kingian Nonviolence introductory training, and participate in an On Earth Peace member meeting. For more information go to www.onearthpeace.org/oep_day_of_celebration_2023.

Creation Justice Ministries, which is a partner organization for the Church of the Brethren’s Office of Peacebuilding and Policy is relaunching a “52 Ways to Care for Creation” bulletin insert series. Each week’s bulletin insert highlights a creation justice idea for action or reflection that corresponds with the season or the church calendar. Find out more at www.creationjustice.org/resource-hub/category/bulletin-insert.

The Church of the Brethren offers nursing scholarships of $1,000 to $2,000 for church members who are enrolled in LPN, RN, or nursing graduate programs. A limited number of scholarships are awarded each year. Scholarships of up to $2,000 for RN and graduate nurse candidates, and up to $1,000 for LPN candidates, will be awarded. A preference is given to new applications. Also, preference is given to nursing students who are in their second year of an associate’s degree or third year of a baccalaureate program. Scholarship recipients are eligible for only one scholarship per degree. Nominees must be members of the Church of the Brethren. Applications and supporting documentation must be submitted by April 1. Candidates awarded scholarships will be notified in July and funds will be sent directly to the appropriate school for the fall term. Find the application form and more information at www.brethren.org/discipleshipmin/nursingscholarships.

WHAT COULD YOU DO WITH $100?

The district's Church Revitalization and Development Team (CRDT) is taking applications for two new grant programs. A total of 10 combined grants ($100 each) from the two programs will be given this year, and any congregation in the Illinois & Wisconsin District is welcome to apply.

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!

GRANTS AND GIVING

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!

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!

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!