MINISTRY NEWS

David Roe, who has been pastor at Oakley Brick (Cerro Gordo, Ill.) for more than a decade, has announced his retirement for next fall. He plans to finish his ministry there in November 2024.

The district’s Ministry Leadership Development Team will be doing licensed minister reviews in December. If you haven’t yet turned in paperwork for that process, please do so as soon as possible.

The five-year ethics training and CEU cycle for all ministers will be occurring in 2024-2025. An ethics training session will be held during the spring clergy retreat April 15-16 at Bishop Lane Retreat Center near Rockford. Another in-person training might be scheduled in the district at a later date for those unable to attend in April.

Open enrollment for health insurance began Nov. 1; depending on the insurance framework, enrollment runs through Nov. 30, Dec. 15, or the end of the year. Eder Financial has options available through Nov. 30 for pastors and other church employees. To learn more, contact 800-217-0067 or visit Open Enrollment 2024 (ederfinancial.org).

If you have questions regarding pastoral salary contracts for 2024, please contact the district office.

Congregational vacancies:

Cherry Grove: Using regular pulpit supply
Chicago First: Using lay team and pulpit supply; considering future options
Girard: Terry Link is assisting in providing pastoral leadership
LaPlace: Steve Needham is serving as interim pastor
Oakley Brick: David Roe has announced his retirement effective November 2024
York Center: Christy Waltersdorff has announced her retirement effective December 2024

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.