CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS

Freeport held its annual drive-through pork chop meal on June 9. This popular community event is a significant fundraiser for the church.

Chicago First welcomed the performance group Honey Pot, which uses space in the church’s building, to lead worship on June 2. The time focused on faith and arts.

Congratulations to Jonathan Stauffer and Courtney Thompson, who were married at the Polo congregation by pastor Jeff Davidson on June 8.

Polo also offered an outdoor community movie night on May 31.

Dixon welcomed several new members to the congregation during a service on June 2.

Canton on May 19 held a special celebration event following worship to recognize all the birthdays in the congregation. The time included cake, a contest to see how well people knew other members of the church, and lots of fellowship.

Peoria First members Sue Grabb and Joan Nelson recently volunteered time at the local Center for the Prevention of Abuse to beautify the front of the building.

York Center (Lombard) will welcome Brethren folk singer Mike Stern for worship on June 30, on the theme “Guns and Jesus.” He will be joined by musicians Louise Brodie, Michael Overman, and Brian Kruschwitz. Following worship, the congregation will hold a church picnic potluck at a local park.

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.

Chicago (Ill.) First Church of the Brethren celebrated with long-time member Erma Purnell, who was recently featured at an event and in a series of profiles of Chicago Legacy Gardeners. From the event’s description: “Through the Legacy Gardener Project, the Chicago Community Gardeners Association (CCGA) captures the rich and living histories of outstanding community gardeners who have tirelessly provided guidance to many while helping community members build relationships with each other and the land. Their own journeys from rural farms to Chicago’s sidewalks and blocks are the stories we cherish. As their habits have become traditions, their traditions have become their legacies.” Purnell’s work with the New Horizons Garden, a garden started by Chicago First in the 1980s that continues today, was highlighted. The garden is adjacent to the church’s property and provides a place of respite in the city, as well as cultivation of native plants and vegetables to share with the community. [from Newsline, photo by Heidi Gross]

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 https://www.nicorgas.com/company/about-us/charitable-giving/pillars-of-giving.html.

Congratulations to the following 2024 graduates from congregations in our district: Caleb Satvedi, Neighborhood, from UIC; Loren Miller, Woodland, from Western Illinois University; Addison Briggs, Woodland, from Astoria High School; Bethany Fike, Woodland, who is completing her Ph.D. from West Virginia University this summer; Keaten Altizer, Dixon, from Amboy High School; Laurel Alexis Chavera, Dixon, from Newman High School; Avery Gerdes, Dixon, from Sycamore High School; Davis Glaven, Dixon, from Sheboygan High School; Tyler Gross, Dixon, from Amboy High School; Owen Brooks, Dixon, from Illinois Firefighter Academy; Tristan Munroe, Dixon, from Eastern University; Rebecca Englebart, Dixon, from Grand Canyon University; Makayla Cripe, Dixon, from University of Dayton; Jakob Kime, Dixon, from Northern Colorado University; Kelley Kime, Dixon, from Mead High School; Levi Brockway, Highland Avenue, from Streamwood High School; Chris Brumbaugh-Cayford, Highland Avenue, from Juniata College; Nik Gameti, Naperville, from Naperville North High School; Emma Lauterbach, Peoria First, Dunlap High School.

(If you have other graduates who were not listed, please send them to the district office, and we’ll recognize them in the next newsletter.)

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.