CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS

Global Food Initiative Application Invitation: Congregations are invited to apply for a Global Food Initiative (GFI) grant, to support efforts to address domestic hunger and homelessness. In the past, Global Food Initiative grants have supported congregation-based garden projects, soup kitchens, food pantries, and more. If you have an idea and would like to discuss, please feel free to reach out to the Global Food Initiative Manager, Jenn Hosler, by emailing her at jhosler@brethren.org. An application form is available at: www.cognitoforms.com/ChurchOfTheBrethren1/GlobalFoodInitiativeGrantApplication. 

The Church of the Brethren Yearbook office has advised that Yearbook forms are coming out later than usual this year due to technology issues at the General Offices. In the meantime, the Statistics Form is available in PDF format at www.brethren.org/yearbook. Congregations wishing to use this form will need to get their 12/31/23 membership number from the most recent Yearbook. 

Freeport will be hosting Annual Conference moderator Dava Hensley for a visit on Sunday, May 11, when Dava will be preaching and staying for conversation and a potluck meal. Anyone else from the district who would like to join them that day is welcome. 

Peoria First is holding a Can-a-Thon in March to benefit the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church Food Pantry. It has also started an “adoption program” for projects needing funds at the Henderson Settlement, part of its ongoing “Mountain Mission” outreach in Kentucky. 

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.