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.