Thursday, June 01, 2023

MINISTRY NEWS

Zech and Jen Houser (Highland Avenue) have been approved for ordination by the district and the Highland Avenue congregation. An ordination service will be held at Highland Avenue the afternoon of Aug. 13. Zech is currently in a chaplaincy program, and Jen serves as archivist for the Church of the Brethren. We wish them both the best as they continue their ministry journeys!

Christy Waltersdorff (York Center) has announced her retirement, effective at the end of 2024. Christy has served as pastor there for more than 27 years and provided strong leadership in the district. The York Center congregation will be entering a process of goal-setting and visioning with consultant Greg Davidson Laszakovits beginning next month as it prepares for this transition.

Dennis Webb (Naperville) will be taking a much-deserved sabbatical this summer. We wish him well for a time of refreshment and renewal!

Congregational vacancies:
  • Cherry Grove: Using regular pulpit supply
  • Chicago First: Using lay team and pulpit supply; considering future options
  • Dixon: Michael Cole is serving as interim
  • Girard: Terry Link is assisting in providing pastoral leadership
  • LaPlace: Steve Needham is serving as interim pastor
Grants available: The denomination’s Office of Ministry has shared that grants are available through the Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church program for pastors who would like to do a sabbatical or continuing education experience. For more information or an application, contact district executive minister Walt Wiltschek at IWDDE@outlook.com.

At this year’s Annual Conference in Cincinnati, an equipping session will be offered at 12:30 p.m. July 6 titled “Toolbox for Caring for Your Pastor: Money and Beyond.” Members of the denomination’s Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee will lead the session.

The denomination’s Part-time Pastor, Full-time Church program of the Office of Ministry invites pastors to come to “A Resting Place” with a simple three-minute guided prayer time in the form of videos to watch or listen to. Initial videos are presented by Erin Matteson, spiritual director and circuit rider of the program. Future videos will be offered by other Church of the Brethren spiritual directors, pastors, and congregational leaders. Look for this resource www.facebook.com/ptpftcbrethren.