CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS
Highland Avenue (Elgin) had a full house in its fellowship hall on Aug. 11 for a special afternoon reunion concert by the Brethren folk group Kindling. The group, which initially formed in 1996, includes Peg Lehman from Highland Avenue along with Shawn Kirchner, Steve Kinzie, and Lee Krahenbǜhl. The event was arranged as a celebration for Highland Avenue member Jim Lehman’s 80th birthday, and it came complete with cake and other refreshments in addition to several hours of many of Kindling’s favorite songs and greatest hits, interspersed with stories and sharing. Highland Avenue is also marking its 125th anniversary as a congregation this year. Jim Lehman will share about the congregation’s
history with the men’s breakfast group on Sept. 24.
Canton on Aug. 25 held its special annual service at the historic Coal Creek Cemetery, which the church (originally located there before moving into town) owns and maintains. Worship was followed by a time of being able to make parchment rubbings from the gravestones and a brown bag meal.
York Center (Lombard) held a Neighborhood Fun Day at a park two blocks from the church on Aug. 17. While it wasn’t an ideal weather day, that didn’t dampen the spirits of the congregation as it continued to seek ways to better connect with its immediate community. The Christian Education Commission arranged for a local taco truck, visits from first responders, art activities, lawn games, and more to go with the extensive playground equipment already there. While it didn’t end up drawing a lot of church neighbors, it provided some new visibility, and several families did stop by to enjoy the activities—including one boy who initially came with his family and decided to stay for the whole time to keep playing. It was also a high-spirited time for members of the congregation to connect and share amid the bursts of rain, including some who don’t often come for worship. The congregation has also recently been assisting with the resettlement of a family of refugees from Burma. And on Oct. 5, it will hold a game night and ice cream social in the fellowship hall beginning at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome!
Champaign recently held a work day in its community garden, with six faith communities and four other groups represented.
Chicago First’s New Horizons Garden community group recently installed a flower box in front of the church, adding some beauty and color to the facility. Chicago First was also part of a special joint worship service on Sept. 15, bringing together the three congregations that use the building.
Lanark held a children’s church rally day on Sept. 8, with fellowship and refreshments after church.
The Little Prairie Mennonite Church, which had been using space at Mount Morris in recent years, moved to a new building on Sept. 1. Mount Morris is continuing its efforts to sell its current property and move into a smaller space.
Peoria First on Sept. 22 after worship will hold a potluck meal (with chicken provided) and program in the fellowship hall, highlighting its Mountain Mission ministry in Kentucky.
Springfield First held a workday on Sept. 7, preparing the church building for a variety of fall programs happening there. Springfield will also be participating in its community CROP Hunger Walk on Oct. 6.
Yellow Creek (Pearl City) took its turn with the community food pantry in August, stocking shelves and delivering food. The congregation also maintains a clothing ministry for community needs in its former parsonage.
Freeport held its Camp Sunday on Aug. 11 at Camp Emmaus, with several other congregations also joining for worship that day. Pastor Christina Singh led the service, followed by a potluck picnic on a beautiful, sunny day.
Congregations looking for resources and ideas for community connections can find some on the denomination’s website: https://www.brethren.org/neighborhoodtools/demographics/.
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 Aug. 25 held its special annual service at the historic Coal Creek Cemetery, which the church (originally located there before moving into town) owns and maintains. Worship was followed by a time of being able to make parchment rubbings from the gravestones and a brown bag meal.
York Center (Lombard) held a Neighborhood Fun Day at a park two blocks from the church on Aug. 17. While it wasn’t an ideal weather day, that didn’t dampen the spirits of the congregation as it continued to seek ways to better connect with its immediate community. The Christian Education Commission arranged for a local taco truck, visits from first responders, art activities, lawn games, and more to go with the extensive playground equipment already there. While it didn’t end up drawing a lot of church neighbors, it provided some new visibility, and several families did stop by to enjoy the activities—including one boy who initially came with his family and decided to stay for the whole time to keep playing. It was also a high-spirited time for members of the congregation to connect and share amid the bursts of rain, including some who don’t often come for worship. The congregation has also recently been assisting with the resettlement of a family of refugees from Burma. And on Oct. 5, it will hold a game night and ice cream social in the fellowship hall beginning at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome!
Champaign recently held a work day in its community garden, with six faith communities and four other groups represented.
Chicago First’s New Horizons Garden community group recently installed a flower box in front of the church, adding some beauty and color to the facility. Chicago First was also part of a special joint worship service on Sept. 15, bringing together the three congregations that use the building.
Lanark held a children’s church rally day on Sept. 8, with fellowship and refreshments after church.
The Little Prairie Mennonite Church, which had been using space at Mount Morris in recent years, moved to a new building on Sept. 1. Mount Morris is continuing its efforts to sell its current property and move into a smaller space.
Peoria First on Sept. 22 after worship will hold a potluck meal (with chicken provided) and program in the fellowship hall, highlighting its Mountain Mission ministry in Kentucky.
Springfield First held a workday on Sept. 7, preparing the church building for a variety of fall programs happening there. Springfield will also be participating in its community CROP Hunger Walk on Oct. 6.
Yellow Creek (Pearl City) took its turn with the community food pantry in August, stocking shelves and delivering food. The congregation also maintains a clothing ministry for community needs in its former parsonage.
Freeport held its Camp Sunday on Aug. 11 at Camp Emmaus, with several other congregations also joining for worship that day. Pastor Christina Singh led the service, followed by a potluck picnic on a beautiful, sunny day.
Congregations looking for resources and ideas for community connections can find some on the denomination’s website: https://www.brethren.org/neighborhoodtools/demographics/.
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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