Friday, March 01, 2024

CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS

Church of the Brethren Yearbook forms have been sent to congregations. Please take time to complete these important forms and return them to the denominational office by April 15.

The 2024 district directory was sent out earlier this year via email. If you did not receive a copy and would like one, please contact the district office at andreag.iwdcob@gmail.com.

Peoria First is gathering canned goods this month for its annual Can-A-Thon. Donations support community ministries and needs. The congregation also recently assembled snack packs for local school children.

The district Gifts Discernment and Call Committee has been meeting and working on district positions to be filled in the coming year. If you get a call from a GDCC member, please prayerfully consider whether you might be called to serve! Pat Ball (Dixon) is chairing the committee this year, with Dan McFadden (Highland Avenue) as vice chair.

A grant opportunity for creative church projects has been announced by the Brotherhood Mutual Foundation, a nonprofit connected with the Brotherhood Mutual insurance company, with which the Mutual Aid Agency (https://maabrethren.com) and the Church of the Brethren denomination engage. “The Kingdom Advancing Grant supports innovative church programs or initiatives that not only connect people with Jesus but also are sustainable over time and can be replicated by other churches,” said the announcement. “Each Kingdom Advancing Grant recipient not only receives funding for their initiative or program, but also is paired with an experienced ministry leader who can provide guidance and assistance.” The grant is designed to support church programs or initiatives that are: intended to help build the Kingdom by introducing people to Jesus or strengthening their relationship with Jesus; involve a unique idea that’s innovative, creative, and new, and that other churches are not already doing; can be sustained over time; and can be replicated by other churches. The deadline to apply is March 31. Final decisions for the current round of grants will be made by July 2024. Go to www.brotherhoodmutual.com/kingdom-advancing-grant/?utm_source=eblast&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=kingdom-advancing-grant&utm_id=Church-of-the-Brethren-02.24. [from Church of the Brethren "Newsline"]

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.