CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS

Dixon in late March hosted a community food pantry event in its parking lot that served more than 200people from nearly 100 families. In church the following morning, pastor Michael Cole asked, “If every one of those were a seed, what would our harvest be?” Steve Voelker and a team from the congregation played a key role in organizing the event. 

Erma Purnell, who serves with Chicago First’s New Horizons Garden project, is featured in a Legacy Gardener short film being screened along with two others at the Garfield Park Conservatory’s Jensen Roomon May 22 from 5-8 p.m. (the Purnell film is at 6 p.m.). Tickets are free, and snacks will be served. Register at www.eventbrite.com/e/891970276107. The New Horizons Garden, located next to the church, is also looking for volunteers to help with weeding, mulching, and planting on May 18, from 9 a.m. to noon. Also on Saturday, Chicago First will host a performance by arts group Honey Pot titled “Showing Up: An Ode to Black Mutual Aid, Parties, and Pleasure.” Events will take place from 2-7 p.m. Honey Pot will share in worship at the church on June 2. 

Highland Avenue (Elgin), led by its “Green Team,” is expanding its garden and natural areas featuring native plants. The Green Team shared some of its work at the recent district creation care event held at the congregation. (Read more below.) 

Canton this spring has been doing a special Bible study, led by pastor Kevin Kessler, on “Why Jesus Matters,” using scripture and other resources to explore Jesus’ story in the Gospels. After an initial study, members have been encouraged to read one of the four Gospels with some questions in mind and come together fora group discussion on June 2. 

Peoria First on June 9 will host a special classical piano concert by Peoria member Jocelyn Watkins, who also serves on the district’s Church Revitalization and Development Team. The concert, which is free and will begin at 2 p.m., will feature music by Beethoven, Debussy, and Rachmaninoff. A reception will follow the program. Jocelyn—who began her musical journey growing up as a member of the Springfield First congregation—will also be serving as pianist for the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Grand Rapids, Mich., July 3-7. 

Another Peoria member, Cathy Gilbert, will have her poetry collection, My Limbs a Cradle, My Whisper a Song, published in August. The poems center on a theme of parenthood. Learn more at My Limbs a Cradle, my Whisper a Song by Cathy Gilbert – Finishing Line Press. 

Springfield First is sponsoring a local art contest on the theme “Jesus in the Neighborhood” through June 18. The contest has youth and adult categories, with up to $1,000 in prizes from a Healing Illinois grant to promote racial healing and antiracism. An advertisement said, “We’re looking to artists in Springfield to imagine Jesus here, now, and to show us what that looks like.” The congregation plans to host a gallery show of entries the evening of June 28. 

Panther Creek (Roanoke) is currently partnering with other area ministries to provide weekly worship at Timberline Campground near Goodfield while its historic church building is in need of repair. Pastor Pete Yordy also leads several weekly Bible studies in the region, spanning from East Peoria to the Bloomington area. 

Jo Miller will be finishing her tenure as office administrator at York Center (Lombard) in June after serving the congregation for more than 20 years. She and her husband are moving to Minnesota to be closer to family. 

For congregations in Nicor Gas’ service area, the utility company is offering grants to non-profit organizations in areas including environmental stewardship, community enrichment, and basic human needs. Application deadlines fall between May 31 and July 31. Learn more about these “Pillar Grants” at www.nicorgas.com/company/about-us/charitable-giving/pillars-of-giving.html. 

Cerro Gordo will hold its annual delicious Strawberry Festival on Sunday, June 2,from 4-6 p.m. The freewill offering benefits the congregation's women's and men's fellowship groups. 

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.