The Reflector - February 2025
Sunday, February 02, 2025
Saturday, February 01, 2025
The Village ILWIDIot
Walt Wiltschek
“Honor the prayers of the foreigner so that people all over the world
will know who you are and what you’re like and will live in reverent obedience
before you, just as your own people Israel do.” —1 Kings 8:43b, MSG (from Solomon’s prayer of
dedication for the Temple)
Recently, I read (or re-read) Holocaust survivor Elie
Wiesel’s classic memoir, Night, in which he recalls in graphic detail
the ordeal that he and his family experienced in 1944-1945 Europe. It’s a
difficult but important book to read, a reminder of the horrors humanity can
inflict on one another and of the danger when much of the rest of humanity turns
the other way.
From the time I was a child, I’ve had an
interest in learning about the Holocaust, likely driven by the scraps of
stories I heard about the fate of my own family, which came from Jewish descent
in Eastern Europe and later in Austria and Germany. Nobody talked about it
often, both due to language barriers and, I expect, the pain of remembering.
But it drove me to learn more—books,
movies, visits. On one trip to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington,
DC, I did some research and found columns of Wiltscheks (with various spelling
permutations) listed among those who had perished in the death camps. It’s
helped me to remember, something that many survivors have said is the most
critical thing to do.
Too many other episodes of history share
echoes of those times: Japanese internment camps in the US, the Trail of Tears,
slavery and Jim Crow laws, genocides in Rwanda and Armenia, and various others.
The recent debate around immigration and undocumented individuals, and the
vitriolic language that has often accompanied it, rings a bit too close to
those less-than-proud parts of our past. It hits especially hard when it
affects our neighbors, including other members of our own denomination.
Immigration is a complex issue. National
borders certainly require security. A system needs to be in place so that
services and resources aren’t overwhelmed. Violence can’t be tolerated, whether
from citizens or not. Laws generally exist for a reason. Yet what do we do in
the face of great suffering and need? I definitely don’t have all the answers.
I feel fairly certain, though, that indiscriminate scapegoating isn’t one of
them. And compassion has to be part of the answer, especially for those who
have established a life here, sometimes over generations.
To be clear, this isn’t a new issue. Past
administrations of both parties have enacted restrictions and carried out
deportations, some in larger numbers than what we are now seeing. But the
current level of rhetoric, the near-total closure of refugee admissions, some of
the tactics being reported, and the elimination of protections for churches,
schools, and other “sensitive locations”—which recently led the Church of the
Brethren to join more than two dozen other faith groups in a lawsuit against
the government—is new, at least in our era.
Iris de León-Hartshorn of Mennonite
Church USA, one of the partners in the suit, said the actions “call us to step
up as we recognize that our practice of loving our neighbor outweighs our
traditional stance of non-resistance.” Church of the Brethren general secretary
Dave Steele said it was a reminder that, “God’s love is our greatest command.”
It’s hard to ignore that biblical mandate, along with more direct guidance
about how we treat immigrants and foreigners.
For those congregations directly affected
by these events, either through their own members or via their community
programs and connections, some resources are noted below. Know that our prayers
are with you, and please reach out if the rest of us can help. For those less
directly affected, be aware and learn what you can, see what needs might exist
in your community, and advocate and speak up for those who need it.
“Silence encourages the tormentor, never
the tormented,” Wiesel said in his acceptance speech for the 1986 Nobel Peace
Prize. “Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when
human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become
irrelevant. Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race,
religion, or political views, that place must—at that moment—become the center
of the universe.”
And as he said two decades later, speaking to the United Nations General Assembly: “Yes, the past is in the present, but the future is still in our hands.”
DISTRICT EXECUTIVE SCHEDULE
Walt is available to visit your church,
do pulpit supply, lead sessions, have conversation times, or otherwise connect
with your congregation. Please contact IWDDE@outlook.com
to schedule a time. He is half-time and is usually on district duty late
afternoons/evenings on weekdays plus weekends.
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Potluck
Experience planning team, March 3, 7 p.m.
Church
Revitalization and Development Team, March 22, 9 a.m.
Potluck
Experience 2025, Peoria First Church of the Brethren, March 29, 9 a.m.-3:30
p.m.
Leadership
Team, April 1, 7 p.m.
Gifts
Discernment and Call Committee, April 8, 7:15 p.m.
Ministry
Leadership Development Team, April 9, 6:30 p.m.
Program &
Arrangements Committee, April 23, 7 p.m.
District
Clergy Gathering and CEU event, Bishop Lane Retreat Center, Rockford, May 1-2
Church of the
Brethren Annual Conference, July 2-6, Greensboro, N.C.
[all meetings via Zoom unless otherwise noted]
IN OUR PRAYERS
Week of Feb. 16: Pray for the Yellow Creek congregation in
Pearl City, and for the work of Children’s Disaster Services (and director
Carolyn Neher, member at York Center), as they respond to natural disasters.
Week of Feb. 23: Pray this week for the Lanark
congregation, and for the Fellowship of Brethren Homes.
Week of March 2: Pray for the Chicago First congregation,
and for older adults serving on the FaithX trip in Florida this week.
Week of March 9: Pray for the Panther Creek congregation
in Roanoke, Ill., and for the large and vibrant Church of the Brethren faith
community in Nigeria (Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria).
Week of March 16: Pray for Brethren Disaster Ministries and its work at various sites, for district disaster coordinator Rick Koch, and for all those who serve in the wake of disasters. Remember those in North Carolina and elsewhere in the Southeast recovering from last year’s severe hurricanes.
CONTACTING THE DISTRICT OFFICE
Please note new contact information for the district: All mail should go to 1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard, IL 60148. Administrative secretary Peg Moylan’s new district email address is peg.district@gmail.com. And the new district phone number is 630-644-4259, a cell phone that goes directly to Peg. You can also reach district executive minister Walt Wiltschek at 630-440-6089 or iwdde@outlook.com. If needed, you can also call the York Center church: 630-627-7411.
MINISTRY NEWS
All ministers should also begin gathering information for their CEU
report, which will be due beginning mid-2025. Copies of the continuing
education report form can be found at https://www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/forms/.
The district Ministry Leadership Development Team (MLDT) will be completing
document reviews and renewals for all credentialed ministers in the district
later this year. Please contact the district office with any questions.
Eder Financial recently rolled out its Flourishing in Ministry program in partnership with Biola University, providing free coaching and assistance to pastors and clergy. An email with information was recently sent out to all clergy. For more information, contact Eder Financial at dparrott@eder.org or 800-746-1505.
Congregational
vacancies:
Dutchtown (Milledgeville): The congregation is currently using pulpit supply, with Tim Livengood, Ed Livengood, and Randall Westfall among those periodically filling the pulpit. A new congregational profile is being developed, and a search committee is being formed. District executive Walt Wiltschek will be meeting with the board on Feb. 23.
Highland Avenue (Elgin): The congregation has called Krista Dutt (Chicago First) as its interim pastor, beginning April 1. Krista completed her M.Div. at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and will be going through the credentialing process in our district. Welcome, Krista! Katie Shaw Thompson completed her service as pastor effective Feb. 9 to accept a call as executive director of PADS of Elgin. The congregation is working on a congregational profile and calling a search committee. District executive Walt Wiltschek met with the church Feb. 16.
Lanark: Lynda Willmann retired effective Dec. 31. A search committee has been formed, and the congregational profile has been posted. Rick Koch will be serving as part-time interim through March, preaching two to three Sundays per month. Randall Westfall is also filling the pulpit once a month. District executive Walt Wiltschek met with the congregation on Jan. 12, and conversations about longer-term interim options are under way.
Woodland: Lisa Fike retired effective Dec. 31 to accept a call as pastor of Wabash (Ind.) Church of the Brethren. Local pastor Mathew Thiner is serving as an interim preacher and providing some pastoral care. Woodland member Kevin Sager is also helping to provide interim leadership, aided by a congregational team.
York Center: Christy Waltersdorff retired effective Dec. 31. A search committee has been formed, and a congregational profile has been published. Jonathan Shively and Tony Asta are serving as an interim pastoral team through at least June 30. District executive Walt Wiltschek met with the search committee in early February.
CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS
Chicago First held a congregational meeting on Feb. 10
to explore a vision for its future ministry, facilitated by member Krista Dutt,
who is involved in urban education and community outreach. The congregation
also held a shared Martin Luther King Jr. Day service with its building
partners to celebrate King’s service and legacy. A photo gallery and video are
at https://firstcob.org/king-worship-2025.
Freeport is tentatively planning a 105th
anniversary celebration for Sept. 7. Watch for more details in the coming
months!
The Highland Avenue (Elgin) Saturday Soup Kettle and Pantry
ministry in 2024 distributed 60 tons of food and served 4,635 meals to guests
at no charge, with the doors open to anyone. The congregation will also be
holding an all-church games night on March 14. And church administrator Araceli
Soriano has announced her resignation effective Feb. 26.
Peoria First will hold a Lenten study series on
Wednesdays March 5-April 9, with a light dinner at 6 p.m. followed by a study
of The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey each week.
Polo in the past year has begun “His Kids,” a monthly
program that allows children ages 3 years to 5th grade to meet at
the church, enjoy a meal with their families, sing songs, hear God’s word, take
part in activities and games, and spend time with caring adults. It has been
averaging about seven kids participating. Courtney Stauffer is coordinating the
initiative.
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: iwdde@outlook.com.
IMMIGRATION ISSUES
As many of you are aware, US immigration policy has been changing quickly. Among the changes was an announcement late last month that churches and schools and some other locations are no longer considered "sensitive locations" that are protected from immigration enforcement actions.
Members
of our congregations are likely at different places on this issue, but for
those who are engaged in ministry with immigrant or refugee communities, it
will be helpful to stay up to date on current policies and actions so that you
can engage with them as best serves your setting. In that vein, the Church of
the Brethren and its Intercultural Ministries Advisory Committee has created a
resource page at www.brethren.org/intercultural/kyr-resources.
The Church of the Brethren Office of Peacebuilding and Policy also recently
brought on board a volunteer associate, former US Department of Justice
attorney Marcia Sowles, to focus on immigration issues, and On Earth Peace has
been monitoring these concerns, as well. A statement from the Mission and
Ministry Board can be found at https://www.brethren.org/news/2025/board-shares-concern-for-immigrants/.
Additionally,
the Illinois State Board of Education has put together a background/resource
sheet that could be useful. While written for schools, some of the points
resonate closely with the concerns of churches. You can find that document
at https://www.isbe.net/Documents/Immigration-Enforcement-Guidance.pdf?_cldee=xQcDYkZ8lnxq0UhFrR2YEq5vMpYQTidlTG78I4E_XTpyDhLR1o9rzDQYRB0wq61h&recipientid=contact-89636c516df4ea11a816000d3a5913bd-20edace7bc2f4979a870d44f87858dae&esid=4981c53c-efd8-ef11-8eea-6045bd041809. The Illinois Coalition for
Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) has further resources at https://www.icirr.org/resources, and
Elgin-based Centro de Información is another source (Spanish and English), www.centrodeinformacion.org.
Also, on Feb.
11 the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection (ICAP) at
Georgetown Law filed a lawsuit on behalf of over two dozen Christian and
Jewish religious denominations and associations—including the Church of the
Brethren—in response to the Trump Administration’s rescission of the Department
of Homeland Security (DHS) “sensitive locations” policy that had restricted
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting immigration raids,
arrests, and other enforcement actions at houses of worship. The new policy
thus greenlights enforcement actions that could interrupt religious services in
furtherance of the Administration’s mass deportation plans. The case, Mennonite
Church USA et al. v. United States Department of Homeland Security et al., was
filed in federal district court in Washington, D.C.
Church of the
Brethren general secretary David A. Steele, in a testimonial from the Church of
the Brethren, said, “We feel grave concern for those who are of
migrant, immigrant, or refugee status within our congregations and in our
communities who are threatened with deportation. The prospect that raids may
bring that violent threat into our very church sanctuaries is already affecting
the lives of many people in our denomination. God’s love is our greatest
command, and we believe this divine love is not delineated by political borders
nor limited by national origin, ethnic identity, race, skin color, or other
characteristics that often divide us.”
Blessings to each of you as you seek to serve Christ in your communities.
CHANGING MINDSETS FOR MINISTRY
The workshop will look at changing models of congregational leadership,
including shared ministry teams, greater involvement of lay leaders in the
church's ministry, and helping church members re-conceptualize how they
envision ministry and what constitutes a "successful" or vital
church, among other topics. This free workshop is open to all, lay or
clergy, and will take place on Zoom; register at https://changingmindsets.rsvpify.com.
Due to our platform, we are limited to 100 participants. When you register, the
confirmation email should provide you with the Zoom link; please do not share
it. We will also send it out again closer to the time of the event.
Our district is offering this in partnership with many of the
surrounding Midwest/Plains districts, and with support from the denomination's
Ministry Office. Clergy can receive 0.2 CEU’s. A flier was sent to the district
list; contact the district office if you need a copy. Please consider joining
us for this important opportunity as we look forward to new possibilities.
POTLUCK EXPERIENCE 2025
The event will begin with worship at 9:30 a.m. (with registration and a
continental breakfast beginning at 8:30) and wrap up with a closing circle
around 3:30 p.m. There's no cost for the event, but everyone is asked to
register, if possible. A registration link will be available by late February. Watch
www.iwdcob.org and your email for updates.
The panel will feature several district members who have been called to
serve in a variety of contexts. Workshop topics will include shared ministry
team models in congregations, engaging people with disabilities, camps’ role in
calling, and the story of Peoria’s Mountain Mission project.
Please bring a dish or two to share for the meal. Place settings and
beverages will be provided. Clothing and small household items (kitchen tools,
towels, etc.) for Peoria’s Mountain Mission project will also be collected as a
service offering. Please bring all those donations in small, white
kitchen-sized trash bags (or smaller). No large items can be accepted.
DISTRICT CLERGY GATHERING 2025
The 2025 Illinois/Wisconsin District clergy gathering and CEU event will take place May 1-2 at Bishop Lane Retreat Center near Rockford (7708 E. McGregor Rd.). The event, planned by the district Ministry Leadership Development Team (MLDT), will begin at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 (with registration and check-in available beginning at 3 p.m.) and will conclude by 4 p.m. on Friday. A registration link will be available later this month.
Thanks to a
subsidy from MLDT, the per-person registration cost is just $75, which
includes a private room with bathroom (or shared room for those who would like
to share a double with someone), three meals, and all program fees.
Participants will receive 0.5 CEU's. (If money is an issue, please contact
district executive Walt Wiltschek directly and confidentially at iwdde@outlook.com to
discuss options.) In addition to the sessions and meals, the schedule will
include time for worship and some "down time" to enjoy the beautiful
grounds, play games, or have some R&R. Anyone who would like to come early
to stay Wednesday night at Bishop Lane for a longer retreat time should contact
the center directly at 815-965-5011 to inquire about possibilities.
DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2025
A continuing
education event will be offered for clergy and others during the day on Friday,
Nov. 7, with the main conference starting with worship Friday evening and
continuing with business and equipping sessions on Saturday, along with meals,
exhibits, and other events.
All
congregations are encouraged to send their allotted delegates to the
conference. Per the 2022 constitution revisions, each congregation of 100 or
fewer members can send three delegates, with one additional delegate for every
100 members or portion thereof. The pastor (if any) and board/leadership team
chair typically serve as delegates, along with at-large members called by the
congregation. The district Program & Arrangements Committee recently voted
to increase the district conference assessment to cover costs; it will now be
$30 per allotted delegate. Non-delegate registration will also increase
slightly, to $15 per person.
More details
will be coming in the months ahead, with registration opening in late summer or
early fall. We hope that you and other members of your congregation will join
us for this important time in the life of our district!
CAMP NEWS
Registration for the Camp Emmaus 2025 summer season opened earlier this month at campemmaus.churchcenter.com/registrations. A discounted price is available for those who register before June 1.
The summer schedule will
include the following offerings:
May 23-26 Memorial Day Family Camp
June 20-22 CIT Training
June 21-22 Elementary (K-Grade 2)
July 6-12 Survivor Camp at Camp Mack (Grades 6-8)
July 13-19 Senior High (Grades 9-12)
July 20-26 Middle School (Grades 6-8)
July 27-31 Intermediate (Grades 3-5)
Aug. 1-3 Young Adult/Young at Heart (Ages 18+)
Aug. 3-6 Target Sports Camp
Aug. 7-9 Women’s Camp
Aug. 22-24 Men’s Camp
Aug. 29-Sept. 1 Labor Day Family Camp
Camp Emmaus also
recently made an upgrade in the retreat lodge, with a new 40-gallon water
heater and new pipes installed in early January. For more information about the
camp, visit www.campemmaus.org.
Camp Emmanuel is currently closed for the winter season. Details on this
summer’s program will be available soon, with the following schedule:
May 30-June 1 Women’s Camp
June 5-8 High School Camp
June 8-14 Middle School Camp
June 15-19 Junior Camp
July 14-18 Day Camp
July 18-20 Creation Camp
Aug. 8-10 Men’s Camp
Aug. 29-Sept. 1 Family Camp
Visit www.campem.com for Camp Emmanuel news.
Both camps are currently seeking lifeguards for the summer season. Contact the respective camps for more information on these paid positions.
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS
National Youth Sunday on May 4 will be an opportunity for congregations to
empower senior high youth to plan and lead worship. Resources will be posted
at www.brethren.org/yya/national-youth-sunday.
Young Adult Conference is planned for May 23-25, at Brethren Woods near
Keezletown, Va. The annual event offers people ages 18-35 a chance to enjoy
fellowship, worship, recreation, Bible study, service projects, and more.
See www.brethren.org/yya/yac.
National Junior High
Conference takes place June 20-22 at
Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. Join other junior high youth and adult
advisors for a weekend packed with powerful worship, fun workshops, music,
recreation, and more. Registration opened Jan. 10. Registration and details are
at www.brethren.org/yya/njhc.
National Youth Conference 2026 will take place July 18-23, 2026, with a return to the site that the conference used in 1990 and prior years: the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colo. More information will come in the months ahead at National Youth Conference.
FAITHX 2025
This coming year, FaithX participants will have
the opportunity to serve in a variety of ministry and non-profit settings, live
and worship in community, explore a new place, examine their values and
beliefs, and have too much fun! A summary of the 2025 trip locations, with
descriptions and pricing information, is at www.brethren.org/faithx/schedule.
The summer offerings include two junior high trips, four joint junior high/senior high trips, two senior high trips, one family experience July 25-27 at Camp Mardela in Maryland, and two adult trips (including an international venture to Uganda). A few of the summer trips have already filled, so check out the remaining openings and register soon if interested.
DISASTER RESPONSE
As of Feb. 5, 25 volunteers served 412 children. During the
response, CDS associate director Carolyn Neher (York Center) visited with each
team, helping to coordinate the response. During the response, CDS volunteers
gave their time supporting young children and their families recovering from
the wildfires. The last team of CDS volunteers still serving in the L.A. area was
scheduled to return home on Feb. 12. At least three Church of the Brethren
families lost their homes in the Eaton Fire. (From Newsline)
Brethren Disaster Ministries is continuing work this year
at a rebuilding site in Letcher County, Ky. Information is at: https://www.brethren.org/bdm/rebuild/schedules/. Illinois/Wisconsin is
scheduled to assist with a team Dec. 7-13. A YouTube video about
the Letcher County site can be found at https://youtu.be/gmKy5PDf4PE. A second
project site is expected to open later this year.
NEW & RENEW 2025
The
conference theme, "God is Doing a New Thing," is inspired by Isaiah
43:19. The keynote presenter is Jonathan Brooks, affectionately known as
Pastor J. He serves as the lead pastor at Lawndale Christian Community Church.
He is the Chief Inspiration Officer for Lawndale Christian Ministries. Pastor J
is a sought-after speaker, writer, artist, organizer, and community
developer. Additionally, he authored the book Church Forsaken:
Practicing Presence in Neglected Neighborhoods.
The
conference will be available in a hybrid format, allowing participants to
attend in-person or online. More than 20 CEU-approved sessions will deepen
understanding of church planting, congregational renewal, and current cultural
trends. In addition to workshops, inspirational worship, and keynote sessions,
the storytelling and sharing opportunities will be part of the event. For those
who can’t attend in person, registration will grant access to recorded keynotes
and workshops, allowing participants to earn up to 2.6 CEUs until Dec. 31. For
more information and to register, visit www.brethren.org/newandrenew.
NATIONAL OLDER ADULT CONFERENCE
Registration fees will be $220 for early-bird registration (May 1
to July 20), or $250 for regular registration. First-time attendees receive a
$20 discount. A virtual participation registration option will be available for
$150 per household.
The planning team includes Heidi Berkenbosch, Deanna Brown, Bonnie
Kline Smeltzer, Leonard Matheny (Peoria First), Don Mitchell, Karlene
Tyler, and coordinator Christy Waltersdorff (York Center). Debbie
Noffsinger (Highland Avenue) designed the NOAC 2025 logo. Registration
information and other details will be coming out soon.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025
For
advance registration (March 5-June 10): Delegates $350; Non-delegate adult,
full conference, $175; Non-delegate adult, daily rate, $60; Post-high school to
age 21, full conference, $50; Post-high school to age 21, daily rate, $20;
Current high school student or younger, free; Active BVSer, free.
For
on-site registration (opens July 1): Delegates $425; Non-delegate adult, full
conference, $210; Non-delegate adult, daily rate, $75; Post-high school to age
21, full conference, $50; Post-high school to age 21, daily rate, $20; Current
high school student or younger, free; Active BVSer, free. Note there is an
additional fee for age-group activities.
Registration
for virtual participation (non-delegate only): Adult (until June 10), full
conference, $195 or daily rate, $75. Group/institutional registration, $500;
Post-high school to age 21, full conference, $75. Worship services are
available free of charge.
Please
consider sending a delegate from your congregation. Congregations of up
to 200 members receive one delegate, with one additional delegate for every
additional 200 members or portion thereof. Delegate and non-delegate
registration can be found at www.brethren.org/ac2025
(click “Registration”). A guide to registering online is available if needed.
Lodging: the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons is connected to the Koury
Convention Center, making it extremely convenient for guests. The Annual
Conference room rate is $120 plus tax (12.75%) totaling $135.30 per night.
Parking is complimentary. The Sheraton Hotel provides complimentary shuttle
transportation to and from Piedmont Triad International Airport from 8 a.m.
to 10 p.m. In room Wi-Fi is complimentary for all hotel guests. The link
for hotel registration will come up immediately after registering for the
conference.
New
this year will be a conference welcome meal, beginning 5 p.m. July 2 at
the hotel’s Joseph’s Restaurant. The dinner buffet will be $19.95 for adults,
$14.95 for 12 and under. No reservations are required, and attendees will pay
onsite.
Ushers needed: From usher coordinator David Ansley: “During worship we need
volunteer ushers to help receive offerings and record attendance. While an
important role in our worship services, ushering requires very little time and
does not take away from participating in the rest of the worship
service. You will be able to sign up when registering for Annual
Conference and at the usher table when you arrive and check in for the
conference, however I would like to have our first service covered on Wednesday
night, before the conference begins. Once you have registered for conference,
please follow the links to sign up to volunteer as an usher. You can also
reach out to me directly at davidansley704@gmail.com and
let me know if you are willing to serve on Wednesday evening, or for any of the
other worship services. Please use “AC usher” in the subject line. Feel
free to contact me via text or call at 540-314-8146.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
• March 11: “Acknowledging
Grief, Claiming Hope: Reflections from around the Church of the Brethren,”
presented by Annual Conference moderator Dava Hensley, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Central
(Dava is also leading some other grief workshops for the denomination through
the spring)
• April 5: “A Place for
Everybody: Creating Communities of Belonging,” presented by Jeanne Davies
(York Center), executive director of Anabaptist Disabilities Network, 10 a.m.-1
p.m. Central
Suggested donation is $25 per course;
CEU credit is available for $10. Learn more and register online
at www.mcpherson.edu/ventures.
•
Upcoming courses from the Brethren Academy
for Ministerial Leadership include “Effective Leadership for Times Such As
These,” Zoom intensive, April 4-5 and May 2-3, led by Randy Yoder (registration
deadline March 4). Register and pay online at Brethren Academy Course
Registration/Biannual TRIM Payment | Bethany Theological Seminary
(bethanyseminary.edu).
• Upcoming Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC)
continuing education courses include “Supporting Congregational Members
Following Divorce,” led by Julie Guistwite, June 3, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Central,
via Zoom, cost $35. Course prices are $10 less without CEU’s. Register by visiting
the SVMC course page or by contacting Karen Hodges at karenhodges@svmccob.org.
• Lombard Mennonite Peace Center offers a variety of training sessions. Upcoming options include
“Peaceful, Productive Pastor-Parish Partnerships,” March 15 in person in La
Grange, Ill., or June 4 via Zoom; “Strengthening the Body of Christ,” March 25
in Middleton, Wisc., or May 8 via Zoom; and “Conflict Transformation Skills,”
July 23 via Zoom. For details and registration information, go to https://www.lmpeacecenter.org/trainings.
• 2025 New Community Project Learning
Tours: Go. Meet. Learn. Grow. Change yourself—and your world. These
trips will take participants of all ages to: Borneo in mid-May; the
Ecuadorian Amazon in early June; Lybrook, N.M. in
late June; and Denali/Kenai Fjords National Parks in early August. For
more information visit www.newcommunityproject.info/learning-tours or
contact dradcliffncp@yahoo.com or
540-855-1199.
• Designed
particularly for ministers new to the Church of the Brethren denomination,
Bethany Theological Seminary’s new certificate of achievement in ministry
studies (CAMS) includes six courses that focus on Brethren history and
theology, practical experience with the ordinances and preaching of the church,
biblical interpretation, and peace studies. The certificate can be completed in
two years or even one year, depending on course offerings. Five of the six
courses can be completed at a distance. For more information go to https://bethanyseminary.edu.
PERSONNEL NOTES
Marcia Sowles joined the Church of the Brethren Office of Peacebuilding and Policy in Washington, D.C., in January, volunteering as Policy and Governmental Affairs Associate. She will primarily focus on immigration policy by also providing legal expertise on related issues. Sowles has a B.A. from Manchester College, a J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law in Indiana, and an L.L.M. from Yale Law School. From September 1987 to January 3, 2025, Marcia was a trial attorney with the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, where she represented federal agencies in litigation. She was a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Energy from 1980 to 1987 and an attorney with the Legal Services Program of Northern Indiana from 1975 to 1979.
Tim Button-Harrison
announced his retirement as Northern Plains District executive minister
effective Dec. 31. He will have served the district for more than 19 years,
beginning in the role first as interim DEM from November 2006 to July 2008,
when he began as the settled DEM. Prior to serving as District Executive
Minister, Tim served Northern Plains as Training in Ministry (TRIM) coordinator,
district moderator and as Standing Committee representative for two
terms. In 2004, he was extended the privilege of preaching at Annual
Conference. Tim will also at the end of the year conclude his part-time work
with Ames First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where his spouse, Mary
Jane, is senior pastor. She will also retire at year’s end after 20 years of
service there.
Randi Rowan has announced her
retirement from the Church of the Brethren Discipleship and Leadership
Formation office, effective June 20. She has served as a program assistant
since January 2, 2012. Randi has been instrumental in the day-to-day activities
of the department, managing various aspects of many conferences hosted by the
denomination.
Claire Flowers concluded her work with
the Church of the Brethren as director of Brethren Historical Library and
Archives on Jan. 27. Claire began her service on July 15, 2024.
JOB OPENINGS
Eder Financial is seeking a retirement planner to provide financial education and appropriate resources to members in the Retirement Plan and Insurance Plans, aiding them in their goals to get them to and through retirement. This position requires an individual who can appropriately solve spoken and unspoken needs of external and internal customers. While some tasks and meetings require an onsite presence, most of the work is done remotely. This is a full-time, exempt position. The ideal candidate will have an undergraduate degree and a strong working knowledge of financial planning/investments. Additional designations are required or must be obtained during the initial months of employment (i.e. CRPC or CFP). Working knowledge of CRM software is a plus. To apply, submit a cover letter, resume’, and three professional references to Tammy Chudy at tchudy@eder.org.
The Brethren and Mennonite Heritage Center in Harrisonburg, Va., invites applications for the role of executive director. This is a full-time, salaried position. Application review will begin immediately, with the position opening on May 5. A position description and application information can be found at https://brethrenmennoniteheritage.org/employment.
DENOMINATIONAL NEWS/NEWSLINE
Former Bethany
Theological Seminary trustee Kathy Melhorn and her husband, Mark, have made
a $1.4 million commitment to Flourish:
A Campaign for Bethany Theological Seminary. The Melhorns, who live in
Wichita, Kansas, have made an estate gift that can be used to fund a variety of
needs at the seminary. They have also made an additional gift to support
faculty innovation and creativity. The gift establishes the Ramsey-Melhorn
Faculty Innovation Fund.
Registration
for Song and Story Fest 2025 at Camp Brethren Woods in Keezletown, Va.,
July 6-12, is now available, using this
online form. More details about Song and Story Fest can be found here. Online
registration and payment are again being offered to help
streamline the process. Pay online (additional 3% fee) or send a check to On
Earth Peace, after submitting your registration online. Using the online
registration form is preferred, but the form can also be printed and mailed if
needed.
The Church of
the Brethren Council of District Executives (CODE), representing the
denomination’s 23 districts, met Jan. 25-29 in Melbourne, Fla., with some
members coming early to do a well-received professional education training
event with facilitator Lon Swartzentruber. Business during the meetings
included updates on a new CODE member website, conversation around ministry
polity and denominational programs that relate to CODE, updates and sharing
from the various districts, and times of worship. John Fillmore (Idaho) was
called to fill an unexpired term on the Ministry Advisory Council, and Nancy
and Blaine Miner (Western Plains) were affirmed to serve on the Mission and
Ministry Planning Council. John Jantzi (Shenandoah) was recognized as he
prepares to retire in March.
“Early
Anabaptism in Global Perspective: Past, Present, and Future at 500 Years” is the topic for a
conference at the Young Center at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College on July 22-24.
This conference marking the 500th anniversary of the birth of the Anabaptist
movement will revisit early Anabaptism and give special attention to the global
context in which it emerged and spread. Speakers will also consider how
Anabaptist history has been received by churches and academics in more recent
times and in varying contexts around the world. With more than three dozen
plenary sessions, papers, seminars, and roundtables by presenters from ten
countries, the conference will examine such varied themes as migration,
diplomacy, the arts, colonialism, peacemaking, and theological identity.
Optional pre- and post-conference field trips will visit area libraries and
archives and the 1719 Museum. Find out more and register at www.etown.edu/centers/young-center/anabaptism-conference-2025.aspx.
A worship service commemorating the 500th anniversary took place in
Goshen, Ind., on Jan. 21.
Brethren
Volunteer Service (BVS) orientation dates for 2025 have been set and
applications are open. The application form can be found at www.brethren.org/bvs/volunteer/apply.
Orientation dates will be July 27-Aug. 4, summer orientation (Unit 337),
at Camp Colorado in Sedalia, Colo. Sept. 10-18, fall orientation (Unit
338), at Camp Mardela in Denton, Md.
