MINISTRY NEWS

Peoria First celebrated the 20th anniversary of Cathy and Pastor Dana McNeil ’s ministry in Peoria on Sunday, July 14. Many from the congregation stayed after church for the celebration, when appetizer s and drinks were shared. The vice chair of the leadership team and chair of the anniversary team shared remarks as well as a card with a gift and a memory book of stories and memories from across the20 years. Then a slideshow of pictures from the congregation was shown on the big screen: many smiles and laughs, afew tears, but most of all good memories of Cathy and Pastor Dana’s time in Peoria.

Anna Lee Hisey Pierson (York Center), retired in July from her chaplaincy role at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, where she had served since 2005. Family, friends, and others gathered for a “de-commissioning” service and celebration of her ministry on July14 at the Neighborhood church, where she earlier served as pastor. Congratulations, Anna Lee!

York Center recently hired a new church office administrator, after long-time administrator Jo Miller departed in June to move to Minnesota. Peggy Moylan began in the role on Aug. 1.

The district plans to offer another ethics training sometime in late 2024 or early2025 for those 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. Copies of the continuing education report form can be found at https://www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/forms/. 

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 through the Church Revitalization and Development Team. Cindy Weber (York Center) is among the planning team members. More details and registration information will be available in the coming months.

Congregational vacancies:

Cherry Grove: Using regular pulpit supply

York Center: Christy Waltersdorff has announced her retirement effective Dec. 31,2024. York Center is beginning the formal search process and expects to name interim leadership soon.

NOTE: All written reports from various district teams and programs are due to Andrea Garnett in the district office by Aug. 31. Contact Andrea at andreag.iwdcob@gmail.com with any questions.

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.