CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS

Canton’s shared ministry team did a book study group this fall on “Circle of Hope,” recently featured in Messenger magazine. Canton is also offering a musical program by its choir, titled “A Simple Christmas,” during its worship on Dec. 15, followed by a gathering time and refreshments.

Chicago First welcomed US Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL) on Nov. 24, when it held a memorial time for long-time member Corean Bevly (known widely as “Miss Bevly”), who had been very active in community and local political circles, from which Davis  shared some reflections. The service also included other sharing and several spirituals, including “Soon and Very Soon.” A fellowship meal followed the service.

LaPlace held its abundant Thanksgiving potluck fellowship meal following worship on Nov. 17. It also planned to join Cerro Gordo for a Church of the Brethren Christmas vespers service on Dec. 8.

Madtown Brethen, the district’s new church project in Madison, Wis., had its biggest gathering yet in November, with about 18 people attending. The group now includes several Brethren young adults who began studies at the University of Wisconsin this fall.

Peoria First is holding its Christmas celebration dinner Dec. 15, featuring a soup potluck and cookies. The time will include Christmas caroling, fellowship, and assembling materials for Christmas baskets. Peoria also gave the following report after its recent “Mountain Mission” trip to Kentucky: “We were told that we were the last load of the season. The area where the donations go was totally empty. But because of your love, care and concern they said what we brought would carry them through the winter and into early spring. Thank you for all you do for Henderson Settlement. Your prayers plus your giving make all the difference to the people in south-eastern KY. Never lose heart!”

Springfield First held its annual Alternative Holiday Fair Dec. 7, featuring a fair trade goods bazaar , an international-flavored lunch, a local ukelele band, and the opportunity to learn about local peace and justice work.

Parts of season 3 of the HBO streaming series “Somebody Somewhere” were filmed at the York Center church in Lombard earlier this year and have been airing this fall. Look for an article about the story behind it in the December issue of Messenger magazine.

Churches are encouraged to apply for funds from the denomination’s Brethren Faith In Action (BFIA) Grant Committee to support their work in putting faith into action. This can be through a variety of means, but often involves support of ministries that help the church join with Jesus in the neighborhood, publicity and food costs around events churches are trying, and/or for outreach assistance with instruments, signage, and streaming technology. The guidelines and application process are found at https://www.brethren.org/faith-in-action/. The amount of funds available each year is determined by the earnings of the prior year, and currently funds are still available in 2024. The maximum grant to a church is $5,000, and churches may only receive one grant every 12 months.

Congregations looking for resources and ideas for community connections can find some on the denomination’s website: https://www.brethren.org/neighborhoodtools/demographics/.

Mutual Aid Agency (MAA), which is related to the Church of the Brethren, and its partner agency Brotherhood Mutual are offering a set of resources free to congregations and their leadership. The following may be downloaded from online links: “Child Protection in a Ministry Environment–Guidelines for Ministry Workers,” “Protect Your Ministry’s Directors and Officers,” “Protect Your Roof from Early Failure,” and “Three Payroll Problems to Avoid.” Find out more about MAA at https://maabrethren.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.