DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2024

The 2024 edition of our Illinois/Wisconsin District conference takes place Nov. 1-2 this year, hosted by the York Center congregation in Lombard, Ill. (1S071 Luther Ave.). Pastor Christy Waltersdorff serves as moderator for this conference, assisted by moderator-elect Bill Williams and clerk Judy Brinkmeier.

Noted musician and storyteller Ken Medema will be our featured guest this year, providing leadership for Friday’s continuing education event (see more below), as well as for opening worship Friday evening and a special workshop on Saturday. He will also be sharing during York Center’s worship service on Sunday morning, for which anyone is welcome to stay.

Many of the usual features of conference will be back this year, including the Friday ice cream social, a delicious lunch on Saturday, a buzzing exhibit area, the annual auction, and, of course, the usual schedule of business during the day on Saturday as we hear reports, approve a budget and a slate of volunteers for various offices, and care for other business of the church.

The business this year will include consideration of a revised version of the query that came to last year’s district conference, after Annual Conference/Standing Committee officers asked for a broadening of the question asked. The revised query, titled “Concerns About Current Practices Related to Matters of Sexuality,” was advanced by the Highland Avenue congregation in September after Highland Avenue and York Center have both worked on the query during its development. Leadership Team approved its inclusion on the district conference agenda. If delegates approve the revised query, it will go back to Annual Conference Standing Committee for their discernment.

PRE-CONFERENCE CONTINUING EDUCATION EVENT: Masterful musician Ken Medema will be the keynote leader for this year's pre-district conference continuing education workshop, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, at the York Center church. His theme will be “Re- Imagining: Your Work, Your Play, Your Life,” thinking about the ways we reconceptualize our church ministry and other aspects of life in these rapidly changing times. Participants will receive 0.5 CEU’s. Clergy are especially encouraged to attend, but all are welcome.

Originally from Grand Rapids, Mich., Ken now lives in the San Francisco Bay area of California. Blind from birth, he is a singer, songwriter, and pianist whose music, storytelling, and improvisational skills have wowed audiences across the country and beyond. He has shared at numerous Church of the Brethren events over the years, including Annual Conference, National Older Adult Conference, and National Youth Conference. Cost is $20, which includes lunch. Please register by Oct. 20 at https://forms.gle/Rm6NsQn3cfPya7HA8.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION: Congregations need to pay a district assessment in order to be able to send delegates to the conference; that information was sent to each congregation. Delegates should register at https://forms.gle/qrYc1MjHoxcEwkhj8; Non-delegates register at https://forms.gle/2w2HAACKsNoo7VJR7 (non-delegate fee $10). Each attendee needs to register for insurance purposes. Meals can also be ordered through these links (see more below). Online registration will be closed 72 hours prior to the conference, but delegates and non-delegates can still register on-site on the day of the event. Please contact the district office with any questions.

MEALS: On Saturday, a continental breakfast will be provided at the church, and a lunch will be available on Saturday (Nov. 2) in the church fellowship hall for $13 per person. It will include a deli sandwich, chips, salad, dessert, and beverage. Note: Meals CANNOT BE RESERVED AFTER OCT. 18. A lunch option will also be available for those attending the continuing education event on Friday, Nov. 1. A list of area restaurants is also available on the district website, under the district conference tab.

HOUSING: A block of hotel rooms was set aside at the SureStay Plus Lombard by Best Western, 222 E. 22nd St. It is located two miles from the York Center church, and many restaurants and entertainment options are nearby. The guaranteed date for the room block has passed, but rooms might still be available. Cost is $89 for a room with one king bed, and $99 for a room with two doubles. All rates include a complimentary hot breakfast, parking, and wifi. To ask about a reservation, please call the hotel directly at 630-916-9000 and request the Church of the Brethren Illinois/Wisconsin District block for those dates.

Visit the district conference tab at the district website, iwdcob.org, for more information. Please be in prayer for this important time of being the district together.