DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2024 WRAP-UP

Members of the Illinois/Wisconsin District gathered for the annual district conference Nov. 1-2, meeting at York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard this year. More than half of the district’s congregations and fellowships were represented.

Highlights of the weekend included workshops and various musical and storytelling contributions from special guest Ken Medema (assisted by his manager Bev Vander Molen), good food and fellowship, a quick-moving business session, a time of blessing and consecration for Blaine and Nancy Miner as they begin their service as Western Plains District co-executive ministers, generous donations of winter clothing for local ministry The Outreach House (for which they were quite grateful), and reports from various agencies and programs connected to the district.

The pre-conference workshop kicked things off Friday, with 35 people attending as Ken Medema led a variety of activities and conversations about “Re-Imagining: Your Work, Your Play, Your Life,” with his usual creative music woven throughout. The evening included worship, with moderator Christy Waltersdorff preaching and Ken introducing song written on the conference theme, “Clothe Yourselves With Love!” An ice cream social sponsored by Eder Financial followed.

Saturday’s business included approval of the 2024-2025 slate of nominations for district positions and the 2025 district budget, recognition of the closure of The Gathering Chicago project after a decade and a half of ministry in the city, and affirmation of sending on to the Annual Conference Standing Committee a revised query titled “Concerns About Current Practices Related to Matters of Sexuality.” More than 80 percent of delegates voted yes.

The business day ended with a consecration of moderator Bill Williams (Yellow Creek) and moderator-elect Jocelyn Watkins (Peoria First) as they prepare to serve in the year ahead. Bill introduced the 2025 theme, “Are You Being Called?”, noting the importance of communication in our lives and our faith. Rick Koch wrapped up the day with a live auction of several items (a portion of this year’s proceeds were given to assist disaster response).

In between, Ken Medema did an equipping session that featured his gift for taking personal stories and spinning them into moving songs on the spot. Attendees could also browse a Brethren Press mini-store and various other exhibits and bid on silent auction items.

Following the conference, the district leadership team met to re-organize, calling Ed Carper (Canton) as chair, Anna Lee Hisey Pierson (York Center) as vice chair, and Jeff Davidson (Polo) as secretary. Other elected members are Dawn Blackman (Champaign), Scott Douglas (Highland Avenue), Janet Ikens (Dixon), and Allen Krall (Springfield First).

The 2025 Illinois/Wisconsin District conference will take place Nov. 7-8, 2025, at The Chateau Hotel & Conference Center in Bloomington.

District conference 2024 by the numbers:

Total in-person registration: 117 (55 delegates, 62 non-delegates)
Congregations/fellowships represented: 18
Friday workshop attendance: 35
Friday evening worship attendance: approximately 70 in person plus several online
Friday evening offering: $1,200
Friday evening ice cream eaten: Approximately 3.5 gallons
Saturday meals served: 101
Saturday auction proceeds: $1,282
Top 10 (or so) lists shared during business: 4
Winter coats and other clothing items donated to The Outreach House: 155

NOTE: A recording of the Friday evening worship service can be found at https://zoom.us/rec/share/EsMfboa4wTQFC_F7-s9g1zyVnql4oFDsVZDLEUyl_NlQ-Pakhoeno9hnZglThKxF.RxDbJEHSEgjhvB66?startTime=1730507507000
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