MINISTRY NEWS

David Roe, pastor of the Oakley Brick congregation near Cerro Gordo, had planned to retire and move in November to better assist with his daughter’s health concerns and care, but a more local option was found, and so David has “un-retired” and will be continuing his ministry at Oakley Brick.

Many of our district pastors and ministers were able to attend an ethics training at this spring’s clergy event in Rockford (see more below); we plan to offer another ethics training sometime in late 2024 or early 2025 for others who still need it. The training is required every five years as part of the ordination renewal cycle, which ends in 2025. All ministers should also begin gathering information for their CEU report, which will be due by mid-2025.

The 2025 Denominational Clergywomen’s Retreat, an every-five-years event sponsored by the Church of the Brethren Ministry office, will take place Feb. 10-13at San Pedro Spiritual Development Center in Winter Park, Fla., near Orlando. The theme, drawn from Ephesians 5:2, is “Love the World Like Jesus: with Courage, Care, and Healing.” The keynote speaker will be Meghan Larissa Good, author and lead pastor of Trinity Mennonite Church in Phoenix. Early bird registration is $325 for double occupancy, $450 for single. The district will be making some scholarships available for Illinois/Wisconsin participants. Cindy Weber (York Center) is among the planning team members. More details and registration information will be available in the coming months.

The Celebration of Christ congregation in St. Petersburg, Fla., has turned its parsonage into a hospitality house. They are inviting Church of the Brethren pastors to take advantage of this “retreat from the usual.” It is fully furnished with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus an additional office/bedroom combo, kitchen, laundry room, family room, screened-in porch, and patio. It’s within an easy drive of the beach or the city. A minimum one-week stay is required, no pets or smoking permitted. For details or reservations, call 727-381-0709 or email firstchurchofthebrethren@tampabay.rr.com.

Congregational vacancies: 

• Cherry Grove: Using regular pulpit supply 
• York Center: Christy Waltersdorff has announced her retirement effective Dec. 31,2024. York Center is currently interviewing interim candidates and putting together a search committee.

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.