MINISTRY NEWS

Larry Traxler, pastor at Cerro Gordo, has been approved for commissioning by the district Ministry Leadership Development Team. Congratulations to Larry on the culmination of a long journey! District executive minister Walt Wiltschek will conduct the commissioning service during worship at Cerro Gordo on April 7, with a reception for Larry following.

Bobbi Dykema completes her service at Springfield First this month. Her final Sunday in the pulpit was March 17, followed by a farewell reception at the church. We wish her the best in her future ministry journey. With her departure from Springfield, Bobbi has also resigned as the district’s Standing Committee delegate. Gifts Discernment and Call Committee and Leadership Team are working on finding a replacement.

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 will likely be scheduled in the district at a later date for those unable to attend in April. A team of nine ethics trainers recently met in Elgin to prepare for the events around the denomination. Dennis Webb (Naperville) helped create a new intercultural element that will be included in this cycle’s trainings. All ministers should also begin gathering information for their CEU report, which will be due by early 2025.

Congregational vacancies:

• Cherry Grove: Using regular pulpit supply
• Oakley Brick: David Roe has announced his retirement effective November 2024
• Springfield First: Bobbi Dykema is completing her service in March
• 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.