CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS
Highland Avenue
(Elgin) will host a reunion concert of the Brethren folk group
Kindling
on Sunday, Aug. 11, from 3-6 p.m. at the church. The group includes
Peg Lehman
from HighlandA venue along with Shawn Kirchner, Steve Kinzie, and Lee Krahenbǜhl. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.
Canton on June 2 held a Bible study group looking at the unique nature of each of the fou rGospels, with members reading one of the Gospels and bringing thoughts for deeper discussion and exploration. The congregation also held an all-church picnic on July14.
York Center (Lombard) will hold an end-of-summer Neighborhood Fun Day Aug.17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at nearby Villa Roosevelt Park. The community event will include a food truck, games, a visit from fire and safety personnel, and other activities. All are welcome.
Northwestern University’s Engage Chicago class visited Chicago First in June, learning about the church and its neighborhood through a presentation by member Mary Scott-Boria.
West Branch (Polo) recently completed a construction project, putting in a new, wider sidewalk and new aluminum railing at the front of its historic building—one of the oldest in the district. West Branch is also planning a craft day after morning worship on Aug. 18.
Freeport will hold a Camp Sunday on Aug. 11. The congregation will hold a regular worship service at the church at 9:30 a.m. before heading to Camp Emmaus for another brief worship service at 11:30 a.m. led by pastor Christina Singh. That time will be followed by a potluck picnic—bring a dish to share, tableware, and a drink. Freeport also hosted a community children’s day on May 28as part of its “Bring Jesus to the Neighborhood” emphasis, drawing 30-35 children to the church parking lot to play games, enjoy good food and an inflatable obstacle course, draw with sidewalk chalk, and more.
Mount Morris’ Camp Sunday on July 14 had to move indoors to the church due to rain, but the worship and breakfast marked a good celebration nonetheless. District executive Walt Wiltschek shared the message, and Camp Emmaus manager Randall Westfall and his family did special music.
Girard was the victim of vandalism earlier this summer, when someone threw rocks through two of its stained glass windows, causing significant damage to a number of the panes. A report from interim pastor Terry Link said, “Please pray for the culprit(s) and that good may yet come from this wrong.”
Oakley Brick (Cerro Gordo) held a planting day after Bible study on June 26, going outside and planting seeds—literal and figurative—in preparation for its annual pumpkin giveaway this fall.
Cerro Gordo in early June offered its annual strawberry festival fundraiser, with abundant berries and shortcake prepared for the community.
Peoria First held a surprise open house birthday party for Joanne Davis’ 90th birthday on July 29 and an open house for Dan and Jane Boulton’s 50th anniversary on Aug. 3.
Springfield First welcomed artists and their guests to its meetinghouse on June28, culminating its “Jesus in the Neighborhood” art contest with a reception and gallery show. Cash prizes were awarded to winners chosen by the congregation. Fifteen entries were received, including three in the under-18 category. Springfield has also been carrying out improvements and renovations to its building, including brick tuckpointing and downspout replacement to prevent water damage. Congregational donations have already covered about 90 percent of the repair costs.
Lanark held a community event on its lawn on Aug. 2, inviting its neighbors to an evening that included a food truck, music from a local band, and an outdoor movie. Around 75 people attended, at least half of them with no connection to the church.
The garden in front of the Allison Prairie congregation (Lawrenceville) is in full bloom this summer. The space was created in memory of long-time church musician Mary Ellen (Lahr) Gosnell, who passed away 10 years ago, in 2014.
We received the name of one other 2024 graduate from the district following the list published in June. Congratulations to Jurnee Dunigan-Neal (Peoria First), who graduated from Manuel High School in Peoria!
Former Faith Church of the Brethren (Batavia, Ill.) member Cort Stevens recently put out a call for other former members and friends of the congregation to come together for a possible reunion gathering. If interested, contact Stevens at cort@oldcarsstronghearts.com.
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.
Canton on June 2 held a Bible study group looking at the unique nature of each of the fou rGospels, with members reading one of the Gospels and bringing thoughts for deeper discussion and exploration. The congregation also held an all-church picnic on July14.
York Center (Lombard) will hold an end-of-summer Neighborhood Fun Day Aug.17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at nearby Villa Roosevelt Park. The community event will include a food truck, games, a visit from fire and safety personnel, and other activities. All are welcome.
Northwestern University’s Engage Chicago class visited Chicago First in June, learning about the church and its neighborhood through a presentation by member Mary Scott-Boria.
West Branch (Polo) recently completed a construction project, putting in a new, wider sidewalk and new aluminum railing at the front of its historic building—one of the oldest in the district. West Branch is also planning a craft day after morning worship on Aug. 18.
Freeport will hold a Camp Sunday on Aug. 11. The congregation will hold a regular worship service at the church at 9:30 a.m. before heading to Camp Emmaus for another brief worship service at 11:30 a.m. led by pastor Christina Singh. That time will be followed by a potluck picnic—bring a dish to share, tableware, and a drink. Freeport also hosted a community children’s day on May 28as part of its “Bring Jesus to the Neighborhood” emphasis, drawing 30-35 children to the church parking lot to play games, enjoy good food and an inflatable obstacle course, draw with sidewalk chalk, and more.
Mount Morris’ Camp Sunday on July 14 had to move indoors to the church due to rain, but the worship and breakfast marked a good celebration nonetheless. District executive Walt Wiltschek shared the message, and Camp Emmaus manager Randall Westfall and his family did special music.
Girard was the victim of vandalism earlier this summer, when someone threw rocks through two of its stained glass windows, causing significant damage to a number of the panes. A report from interim pastor Terry Link said, “Please pray for the culprit(s) and that good may yet come from this wrong.”
Oakley Brick (Cerro Gordo) held a planting day after Bible study on June 26, going outside and planting seeds—literal and figurative—in preparation for its annual pumpkin giveaway this fall.
Cerro Gordo in early June offered its annual strawberry festival fundraiser, with abundant berries and shortcake prepared for the community.
Peoria First held a surprise open house birthday party for Joanne Davis’ 90th birthday on July 29 and an open house for Dan and Jane Boulton’s 50th anniversary on Aug. 3.
Springfield First welcomed artists and their guests to its meetinghouse on June28, culminating its “Jesus in the Neighborhood” art contest with a reception and gallery show. Cash prizes were awarded to winners chosen by the congregation. Fifteen entries were received, including three in the under-18 category. Springfield has also been carrying out improvements and renovations to its building, including brick tuckpointing and downspout replacement to prevent water damage. Congregational donations have already covered about 90 percent of the repair costs.
Lanark held a community event on its lawn on Aug. 2, inviting its neighbors to an evening that included a food truck, music from a local band, and an outdoor movie. Around 75 people attended, at least half of them with no connection to the church.
The garden in front of the Allison Prairie congregation (Lawrenceville) is in full bloom this summer. The space was created in memory of long-time church musician Mary Ellen (Lahr) Gosnell, who passed away 10 years ago, in 2014.
We received the name of one other 2024 graduate from the district following the list published in June. Congratulations to Jurnee Dunigan-Neal (Peoria First), who graduated from Manuel High School in Peoria!
Former Faith Church of the Brethren (Batavia, Ill.) member Cort Stevens recently put out a call for other former members and friends of the congregation to come together for a possible reunion gathering. If interested, contact Stevens at cort@oldcarsstronghearts.com.
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.
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