CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS
Despite a cool and rainy day outside, the inside of Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren (Pearl City, Ill.) was warmed with a large crowd as the congregation—one of the district’s oldest—celebrated its 175th anniversary on Sunday, June 11. Founded in 1848 by westward-moving Brethren, Yellow Creek hosted a denominational Annual Meeting in 1856, sent mission workers to Europe, and helped to start several other congregations in the region.
Pastor Ellis Boughton led worship in the full sanctuary on themes of healing and new life, followed by an abundant catered lunch in the church fellowship hall, where a historical display was also available for browsing. District executive Walt Wiltschek hosted an afternoon time of sharing, reflections, and a mini hymn sing that included “Simple Gifts,” written in 1848. Several former pastors brought greetings, and various bits of history were highlighted. About 100 people attended, ranging from infants to age 95.
Congratulations, Yellow Creek, and best wishes for the years ahead!
A BIT OF TRIVIA: The denominational Annual Meeting held in Stephenson County and hosted by Yellow Creek in 1856 was the first time the event took place in Illinois. Since then, it has returned to the state 10 more times: Lee County (1865), Macoupin County (1874), Lanark (1880), Decatur (1895), Naperville (1898), Springfield (1906), Champaign-Urbana (1960 and 1963), Carbondale (1984), and—most recently—Peoria (2005). It has also occurred in Wisconsin twice, both times in Milwaukee (1990 and 1999).
The $7,241 raised by Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren (Elgin, Ill.) in last fall’s CROP Hunger Walk warranted the congregation a Certificate of Appreciation from Church World Service. In a congratulatory cover note, Jon K. Skogen of CWS/CROP disclosed the church’s walk team ranked in the top 100 fundraising teams nationally for 2022.
“We have one goal: building a world where there is enough for all,” Skogen said of CROP’s partnership with congregations and communities across the nation. “We are building this world together through your efforts and the CROP Hunger Walk.”
The Certificate of Appreciation, on display on the bulletin board in the church’s fellowship hall, reveals donations achieved by Highland Avenue’s “cream of the CROP” fundraising team rank 82nd in the country. Highland Avenue’s participation in the march last Oct. 16 was led by Peg Lehman and enlisted 15 walkers. Overall, the churches of Elgin participating in the 2022 CROP Walk raised $24,000. [from Newsline, submitted by Howard Royer]
Cerro Gordo held its annual delicious Strawberry Festival on June 11.
Champaign will be part of a Juneteenth celebration in the city June 19.
Highland Avenue (Elgin, Ill.) on June 11 held a session led by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren, about the recent centennial celebration of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).
Naperville will be hosting some visitors from EYN on July 16.
Pastor Ellis Boughton led worship in the full sanctuary on themes of healing and new life, followed by an abundant catered lunch in the church fellowship hall, where a historical display was also available for browsing. District executive Walt Wiltschek hosted an afternoon time of sharing, reflections, and a mini hymn sing that included “Simple Gifts,” written in 1848. Several former pastors brought greetings, and various bits of history were highlighted. About 100 people attended, ranging from infants to age 95.
Congratulations, Yellow Creek, and best wishes for the years ahead!
A BIT OF TRIVIA: The denominational Annual Meeting held in Stephenson County and hosted by Yellow Creek in 1856 was the first time the event took place in Illinois. Since then, it has returned to the state 10 more times: Lee County (1865), Macoupin County (1874), Lanark (1880), Decatur (1895), Naperville (1898), Springfield (1906), Champaign-Urbana (1960 and 1963), Carbondale (1984), and—most recently—Peoria (2005). It has also occurred in Wisconsin twice, both times in Milwaukee (1990 and 1999).
The $7,241 raised by Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren (Elgin, Ill.) in last fall’s CROP Hunger Walk warranted the congregation a Certificate of Appreciation from Church World Service. In a congratulatory cover note, Jon K. Skogen of CWS/CROP disclosed the church’s walk team ranked in the top 100 fundraising teams nationally for 2022.
“We have one goal: building a world where there is enough for all,” Skogen said of CROP’s partnership with congregations and communities across the nation. “We are building this world together through your efforts and the CROP Hunger Walk.”
The Certificate of Appreciation, on display on the bulletin board in the church’s fellowship hall, reveals donations achieved by Highland Avenue’s “cream of the CROP” fundraising team rank 82nd in the country. Highland Avenue’s participation in the march last Oct. 16 was led by Peg Lehman and enlisted 15 walkers. Overall, the churches of Elgin participating in the 2022 CROP Walk raised $24,000. [from Newsline, submitted by Howard Royer]
Cerro Gordo held its annual delicious Strawberry Festival on June 11.
Champaign will be part of a Juneteenth celebration in the city June 19.
Highland Avenue (Elgin, Ill.) on June 11 held a session led by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of News Services for the Church of the Brethren, about the recent centennial celebration of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria).
Naperville will be hosting some visitors from EYN on July 16.
The district’s new Madtown Brethren project in Madison, Wis., will be recognized among other new church starts at this year’s Annual Conference in Cincinnati, during business on July 5.
Peoria First recently finished up a complete study of the New Testament from beginning to end that it began in 2015! A celebration party was being planned this month. It is also planning to restart a community prayer initiative that was halted by the pandemic.
Woodland (Astoria, Ill.) recently held a Vacation Bible School for children in the community.
Cherry Grove (Lanark, Ill.) has several special events coming up, including a potluck with homemade ice cream following worship on July 16 and an outdoor worship in its shelter with breakfast on Aug. 13, starting at 9:30 a.m. A wiener roast with homemade ice cream will take place Sept. 16 at 5:30 p.m. The congregation has also been gathering supplies for several area service organizations.
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.
Peoria First recently finished up a complete study of the New Testament from beginning to end that it began in 2015! A celebration party was being planned this month. It is also planning to restart a community prayer initiative that was halted by the pandemic.
Woodland (Astoria, Ill.) recently held a Vacation Bible School for children in the community.
Cherry Grove (Lanark, Ill.) has several special events coming up, including a potluck with homemade ice cream following worship on July 16 and an outdoor worship in its shelter with breakfast on Aug. 13, starting at 9:30 a.m. A wiener roast with homemade ice cream will take place Sept. 16 at 5:30 p.m. The congregation has also been gathering supplies for several area service organizations.
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.
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