The Reflector - September 2025
Monday, September 01, 2025
The Village ILWIDIot
Walt Wiltschek
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.” —Acts 17:24, NIV
“The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not a resting place, the church is a people.”
It's a fun little chorus to sing, one many of us might have sung in Sunday school or Vacation Bible School. The church is not a building. Yet when it comes down to it, the buildings in which we worship become rather interwoven with who we are as a church.
We like the stained glass and soaring spaces. We like our particular spot in the pews or seats. We have memories of weddings or funerals or other special events that have happened within those walls. The brick and mortar (or wood and nails) become part of us.
Last week, the Mount Morris congregation sold its building, one it had occupied since the late 1950’s. It’s already the fourth church building sale I’ve worked on in my four-plus years in this role. Mount Morris’ large building and the acres around it will now be home to a booming Latino church that is already excited by the plans and possibilities this new space will allow them, and they are eager to continue the Loaves and Fish food pantry and community garden that have long operated there.
Mount Morris, meanwhile, will now be moving their worship and fellowship to rented space in the Pinecrest “Grove” community building about a mile away. It’s a beautiful facility that should work well for the church, but it will be a change, an adjustment. Mount Morris realized, though, that owning a large facility was a drain on their time, energy, and finances, so they decided to take a leap of faith that will hopefully open new space for ministry.
As I’ve visited with other churches in the district, I’ve heard congregations raise similar questions and concerns: We’re challenged by keeping up our large building. The maintenance and utility bills are a strain. With many older members now, it’s harder to keep up with everything.
Facilities should never obstruct faithfulness. Our buildings are good and useful so long as they support our ministry, both for the congregation and as ways to invite the community in and to provide space for other groups and activities. When that ceases to be true, then we need to reconsider our mission and structure, however painful that might be. Use it well, or pass it on.
All around our district, we can find former church buildings now used for other purposes or sitting empty. I recently was able to visit the Silver Creek building outside Mount Morris, for example, which used to house previous generations of Brethren. Beams from the former Salem building now form the pavilion at Camp Emmaus. The old Pleasant Hill meeting house sits outside Girard. Others are now marked only by cemeteries.
Jesus Christ is forever. Buildings are not. As we consider the shape of our ministries in rapidly changing times, may we have the courage to think boldly, asking ourselves what will be most faithful for these people we call the church.
DISTRICT EXECUTIVE SCHEDULE
In addition to regular meetings, Walt will be preaching at Mount Morris Sept. 14 and 28, worshiping with and conducting a licensing service at Highland Avenue and meeting with the search committee in Elgin Sept. 21, tentatively visiting at Champaign Oct. 8, and doing a commissioning service at Highland Avenue Oct. 12, as well as attending a denominational event in Elgin with the Council of District Executives Oct. 13-14.
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.
REMINDER
Please use the new district office address for all mail correspondence: Church of the Brethren IL/WI District, 1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard, IL 60148. As noted earlier this year, please do not send district mail to Canton, as there is no longer a district office there. Thank you!
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Ministry Leadership Development Team, Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m.
Church Revitalization and Development Team, Sept. 27, 9 a.m.
Online workshop: “Love Has No Borders: Immigration Issues, Deportation Issues, and Today’s Church,” Oct. 4, 10 a.m.
Leadership Team, Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m.
Program and Arrangements Committee, Oct. 9, 7 p.m.
Pre-District Conference Educational Event, “Transforming Conflict,” Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Chateau Hotel and Conference Center, Bloomington, Ill.
Illinois/Wisconsin District Conference, Nov. 7-8, Chateau Hotel and Conference Center, Bloomington, Ill.
Leadership Team re-organization meeting, Nov. 8, Bloomington, Ill., following district conference
[all meetings via Zoom unless otherwise noted]
IN OUR PRAYERS
A district prayer calendar has been created for your use in praying for our district and related programs through the year. We invite you to include the following in your prayers in coming weeks:
Week of Sept. 7: Pray for the Oak Grove congregation in Lowpoint, and for the Church of the Brethren in Haiti (Eglise des Freres) as it deals with violence and uncertainty.
Week of Sept. 14: Pray for the Girard congregation this week, and for the low-income housing ministry of Girard Area Homes.
Week of Sept. 21: Pray for the Mount Morris congregation this week as it settles into a new home, and for the equipping work and ministry of Brethren Press and all those who write curriculum, books, and other materials.
Week of Sept. 28: Pray for the Canton congregation, and for the important work that happens through the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
Week of Oct. 5: Pray for the Allison Prairie congregation, and for the Church of the Brethren in Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Uganda.
Week of Oct. 12: Pray for the Church of the Brethren Mission & Ministry Board, for general secretary David Steele, and for all the members of this district who work in denominational staff positions.
DISTRICT SEEKS CONFERENCE COORDINATOR
The Illinois/Wisconsin District of the Church of the Brethren seeks a conference coordinator. This part-time contract position would primarily work from Aug. 15 to Nov. 15 each year, with a few meetings via Zoom between January and August for planning the event with the district’s Program & Arrangements Committee. The contract can be renewed annually by mutual consent. This position reports to the district executive minister, with employment carried out by the district leadership team.
It is anticipated that the position would involve an average of 10 hours per week, but the actual number might be lower some weeks and higher for others, with more hours in the month immediately before the conference. Attendance and work at the conference, which rotates to locations throughout Illinois and southern Wisconsin each year the first full weekend of November, is also expected. Travel expenses for conference attendance will be reimbursed. Specific duties would include:
o Work with the district Program & Arrangements Committee and conference officers to plan and carry out details of the conference.
o Work with the district executive minister and conference officers to create the agenda, overall conference schedule, and the slate for open offices.
o Assemble and produce the conference booklet with reports, budgets, and other materials.
o Conduct registration for the conference, both delegate and non-delegate. This will include coordinating with congregations on their allotted delegates and the corresponding assessment.
o Handle meal sign-ups and payments.
o Coordinate with exhibitors and other guests for space reservations, equipment needs, etc.
o Respond to other questions about the conference from district members and others as needed.
o Act as liaison with the host church/site about space and equipment needs and other details.
o Assist the Ministry Leadership Development Team with any needs related to the pre-conference continuing education event.
o Oversee on-site registration, meal ticket distribution, and logistics.
o Create a tool for evaluation and compiling a report of evaluations following the conference and file the official minutes from the conference in coordination with the conference clerk.
Candidates should be familiar with the Church of the Brethren and the Illinois/Wisconsin District (membership in the Church of the Brethren preferred but not required); have good communication, organization, and planning skills; ideally have some experience in conference planning or in planning/organizing other large events for groups; be flexible in their schedule; and be comfortable using various software applications, including Google Suite or other registration tools, Microsoft Office suite, and Zoom. Location is flexible within the district.
To apply, please send resume’, letter of interest, and two professional references to: Church of the Brethren Illinois/Wisconsin District office, 1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard, IL 60148 or iwdde@outlook.com. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
MINISTRY NEWS
Eric Wetzel will begin as pastor at Lanark on Nov. 2. Eric was called to serve the congregation during a visit weekend Aug. 30-31. He has been serving the Mountain Grove congregation in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Sherry works in food service for the local schools and will be seeking similar work here. We’re excited to welcome Eric and his wife, Sherry, to the district!
Congratulations to Gay Bouwmeester of the Highland Avenue congregation in Elgin, who was recently approved for licensing in the district by the Ministry Leadership Development Team (MLDT)! A licensing service is planned at the church during morning worship on Sept. 21, with district executive Walt Wiltschek officiating. Gay is currently enrolled in the denomination’s Training In Ministry (TRIM) program.
Congratulations also to Krista Dutt, who is serving as interim pastor at Highland Avenue, and was approved recently by MLDT for commissioning in the Church of the Brethren. She is a graduate of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Indiana. A commissioning service has been scheduled at Highland Avenue for Oct. 12 at 5:30 p.m. with a light meal.
Several other members of the district are discerning a call to ministry and will be exploring with calling cohorts or interviews in the coming months. Please be in prayer for them as they seek God’s direction for their lives and work.
A recording of an equipping session offered at this year’s Annual Conference titled “Many Hands Make Weighty Work Light: A Shared Ministry Model” is now available. Featuring presenters from four congregations, including our own Springfield First, the session describes how such a model strengthens a congregation’s sense of giftedness, its call to discipleship, and mission. Find the recording at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/shared-ministry-model. Plans for a shared ministry team event in 2026 are also under way.
For any ordained or commissioned ministers who still need to do the ethics training for the current 2025 ordination renewal cycle, two online ethics sessions will be offered this fall. These sessions will be offered on two Saturdays, October 4 and October 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time. The session content will equal 5 hours (.5 CEUs), allowing an hour for lunch. An electronic CEU certificate will be mailed to the minister from the Brethren Academy following the session. There is no charge for CEUs for this event. If you wish to register for this event, please contact the district office at iwdde@outlook.com.
There will also be an in-person ethics training offered at Camp Mack in Milford, Ind., on Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, in cooperation with Northern Indiana District. Cost for that event is $45, including lunch at the camp. You can contact office.nidcob@gmail.com to register, or call 574-773-3149. All ministers must attend an ethics training every five years unless they are given an exemption for being retired and completely out of ministry of any kind. Note that all other forms (other than the background check, which will be done later) for the ordination renewal are now overdue. Copies of most forms can be found at https://www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/forms/. The district Ministry Leadership Development Team (MLDT) will complete document reviews and renewals for all credentialed ministers in the district later this year.
Congregational vacancies/updates:
Cerro Gordo: Larry Traxler retired as pastor effective Aug. 10. A search committee has been formed, and a congregational profile is now available. Cerro Gordo is currently using pulpit supply. District executive Walt Wiltschek will visit the congregation and meet with the search committee on Oct. 19.
Dutchtown (Milledgeville): Ed Livengood is serving as an internal preacher and providing pastoral care. Ed is pursuing a call to ministry and has entered the licensing discernment process, with Rick Koch serving as district mentor.
Highland Avenue (Elgin): Krista Dutt (Chicago First) began serving as interim pastor on April 1. Krista was recently affirmed for commissioning in the Church of the Brethren. The congregation has called a search committee and is working on a profile.
Lanark: Eric Wetzel was called as pastor on Aug. 31 and will begin in early November.
Mount Morris: Rodney Caldwell completed his service as pastor effective Aug. 31. District executive Walt Wiltschek is serving as a partial interim pastor through the fall (two Sundays per month) to assist with the transition, as the church is also finalized the sale of its building on Sept. 5. Walt and the congregation have met several times to work on next steps.
Woodland: 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 (Lombard): A congregational profile has been published, and the search committee has been doing interviews. Jonathan Shively and Tony Asta are serving as an interim pastoral team through Sept. 30. The congregation is working on plans beyond that date.
CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS
Canton will offer a “Peace and Serenity Service,” led by Carol Davis and Pam Willison, on Sept. 28. On Oct. 12, the congregation will enjoy at wiener roast at the nearby Champlin farm at 4:30 p.m.
Freeport held its 105th anniversary celebration on Sept. 7 with worship and lunch. The congregation had planned a big event for its 100th anniversary in 2020, but that was derailed by the pandemic, so this provided a chance for some belated festivities. With the theme “Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future,” a variety of current and former members and guests shared memories with a large crowd, and pastor Christina Singh gave a hope-filled message, plus special music included the song “The Church at West and Pleasant,” written by former organist Phyllis Rowland and performed by a quartet. … Freeport will also do its annual drive-through pork chop meal on Sept. 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The meal includes boneless pork chop, cheesy hashbrowns, green beans, roll, and peach pie bar or pumpkin bar for $10.
Lanark will hold its Church of the Brethren Women’s Fellowship annual meeting at 7 p.m. Sept. 17, with Paulette Stitzel and Anne Schultz providing leadership.
Mount Morris accepted an offer for the purchase of its building from a church group (Iglesia Pentecostal Jesucristo Amor & Esperanza AIC) based in Rochelle, and the sale officially took place on Sept. 5. Congregation members have been busy moving out items they want to keep and getting set up in their new space. Mount Morris will be using space in the nearby Pinecrest Community Grove building—located just off McKendrie Street at Evergreen Lane, south of Brayton Road, beginning Sept. 14. The facility is well suited for their needs and will save the significant overhead expenses and needs of the current facility. The long-running Loaves & Fish food pantry is expected to be able to continue to operate out of the current building. [Pictured: Mount Morris board chair/moderator Dianne Swingel, left, meets with leaders of the Amor & Esperanza church to sign the papers for the sale on Sept. 5.]
The congregation plans to hold a service of celebration and farewell to the building, hopefully in late September or early October. Watch for more details. Our prayers are with the Mount Morris congregation in this time of transition.
Also at Mount Morris, the women’s coffee break group has started a new card ministry to members of the congregation and community. It meets the first and third Thursdays of the month.
Neighborhood will join with another local church on Sept. 14 for a Bake and Pray Day, 1-7 p.m. at the Neighborhood church building in Montgomery. The free event will focus on the place of bread in our lives, with facilitator Kendall Vanderslice leading participants through the process from start to finish. The event will conclude with dinner. Find more information at https://www.realhopeoswego.org/calendar.html.
Peoria First will do its annual fall Mountain Mission trip to Kentucky Nov. 13-16. In addition to delivering donations and assisting at the Henderson Settlement, the trip includes meals, a stop at the Berean Artisan Village Center and visit at Natural Bridge State Resort, and good worship and fellowship. For more information, contact Leonard Matheny at mathelw@gmail.com or 309-256-8846 or pastor Dana McNeil at pastordana@peoriabrethren.org or 309-682-3980. A lunch fundraiser for the mission will take place Sept. 21 after worship.
York Center (Lombard) will be marking its 75th year as an independent congregation in 2026! The leadership team recently sent out a document highlighting important moments and other history in the congregation’s life. Started by Chicago First as members moved to the suburbs, the faith community began meeting in homes in the 1930’s, and the first building was constructed in 1945. The district granted York Center its autonomy as a congregation in 1950-1951. Bethany Seminary moved nearby about a decade later. … A memorial service for Estella Horning will be held at the church on Oct. 11 at 10:30 a.m.
Are you curious about Anabaptist Disabilities Network’s “All In” project and wondering if it might be a good fit for your church? Join them for a live All In Info Session on Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. Central time. ADN will share what participating congregations can expect and leave time for Q&A at the end. The All In Project is the newest venture of ADN, made possible by a grant from the Lilly Foundation. Pilot congregations are currently being sought for this five-year collaborative worship project, and this is an opportunity to have all your questions answered about the process and what the project can offer your congregation. Zoom link: https://MCUSA.zoom.us/j/88688614253. For more information about All In, visit: https://www.anabaptistdisabilitiesnetwork.org/allin/
Champaign and Freeport were among congregations who recently received a Global Food Initiative (GFI) grant. A grant of $9,200 will support food ministries at Champaign---located in an area designated as a “food desert”---including the Randolph Street Community Garden and multiple outreach programs such as food distribution and job training for students. The Randolph Street Community Garden provides fresh vegetables to pantry recipients, allows 48 households space to grow their own food, and supplies produced for sale at the church’s Garden Market. Recently the church has experienced increased demand for garden and food-related resources due to rising community needs, poverty, and government cuts. It has sought additional funding to expand the community garden, support its emergency food pantry, repair picnic tables, and train high school students vocationally. Freeport receives a grant of $2,500 to support a community meal and food pantry. The free community meal is provided every month from September to May, prepared and served by members of the church. Additionally, the church provides meals to a homeless shelter. In total, the congregation serves between 70 to 100 meals each month. The church recently started a small food pantry, which is available to meal attendees. For information on applying for a GFI grant to support efforts to address domestic hunger and homelessness, contact GFI manager Jenn Hosler by email at jhosler@brethren.org. GFI grant application forms are provided on request, via email.
Ecumenism Metro Chicago plans to hold a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ecumenical service on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church (6700 W. Diversey Ave.) in Chicago. The theme is “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” from Eph. 4:4.
Do you have congregational news: celebrations, milestones, “Jesus in the Neighborhood” stories or other things to share with our district family? Please send them to iwdde@outlook.com.
IMMIGRATION ISSUES, DEPORTATION, AND TODAY’S CHURCH
Phyllis has worked extensively in the fields of immigration and deportation cases for many years and wrote the book "Love Has No Borders: True Stories of Desperation as Seen by a Social Worker." A graduate of Juniata College, she has also served as refugee resettlement coordinator for Mid-Atlantic District and is a talented musician who plays bass with a local band.
There is no charge for this event, and anyone is welcome to attend. Clergy can receive 0.15 CEU's for participating. To register and receive the Zoom link, please contact the IL/WI District office at iwdde@outlook.com by Oct. 1.
Deportation Defense Response Team: This denominational effort, organized by several districts with large numbers of undocumented members to provide support, advocacy, and legal assistance as needed—is inviting partnerships. Congregations wishing to aid this need through special offerings or other fundraising can send gifts to Atlantic Southeast District; contact district executive Beth Sollenberger for more information about sending an offering to the Deportation Defense Response Team at atlanticsoutheastcob@gmail.com. In a recent update from the team, it said 37 Church of the Brethren congregations had been impacted by various concerns around immigration in five districts. These are the churches with the most immigrants in their congregations. In those five districts combined, six churches were dealing with 11 deportations, with 10 people detained. Some of the families of the detained or deported people are homeless and in need of legal and financial support. The team will distribute funds received to members of the church facing immigration challenges who are in need of legal support. The group is also seeking Brethren attorneys who might be willing to assist the work. If you can help, please contact Julie Avila, Educator & Organizer on the Deportation Defense Response Team, at migrantjustice@onearthpeace.org.
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP
While clergy are especially encouraged to attend (and can receive 0.5 CEU's for participation), all are welcome. To register, please contact the district office at iwdde@outlook.com and send your name and congregation; checks should be made payable to the Illinois/Wisconsin District CoB and mailed to the district office at 1S 071 Luther Ave., Lombard, IL 60148.
DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2025
Registration: Non-delegate registration is now open at https://ilwidistrictconference25.rsvpify.com/! Please register by Nov. 1. Cost for non-delegates this year is $15 per person, not including meals or lodging. Saturday lunch is available for $20, a plated meal with either Chicken a la Greque or Vegetarian Lasagna. You will receive an email asking for your meal preference (if any) after registering. Please send a check for the total amount made payable to Church of the Brethren IL/WI District to 1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard, IL 60148. Delegate registration is covered by each congregation’s district assessment, up to the allotted number of delegates; this assessment must be paid in order for delegates to be seated. Congregations should send their list of delegates (names and emails) to the district office at iwdde@outlook.com. To date, assessment payments have been received from: Cerro Gordo, Chicago First, Dixon, Freeport, Girard, Highland Avenue, Lanark, and Yellow Creek.
Facility: The district Program & Arrangements Committee decided to use a conference center this year since no other congregations in the South/Central region that hadn’t already held district events recently were readily available to host in their buildings in 2025. Cerro Gordo and perhaps other area congregations will help to “host” the conference in Bloomington, however, and Peoria First members are working on worship center plans. The Chateau is a unique facility, designed like a medieval castle, located at Veterans Parkway and Jumer Drive in Bloomington, right by the Bloomington-Normal line. It has an indoor pool and small fitness center. Numerous restaurants, a supermarket, and other stores are located nearby. It is easily accessed from I-55, I-74, and I-39. There’s also an Amtrak and bus station in downtown Normal with regular public bus service that drops off across the street from the hotel. The Bloomington airport is only about two miles away. The Constitution Trail runs along the river just behind the hotel for walking or cycling. The hotel and meeting spaces are handicapped-accessible, and ample parking is available. In addition to the main hotel lobby entrance, a breezeway entrance and parking are available behind the hotel at the conference center area.
Lodging: A block of rooms has been set aside for our group at The Chateau Hotel. A smaller block is available Thursday night for anyone wishing to come ahead of the pre-conference event on Friday or to enjoy some extra time in the area, with a larger block available for Friday night. The rate is $99/night plus tax for a single king or double queen room, including continental breakfast. Parking is free. To reserve, call the hotel directly at 309-662-2020 and mention that you’re part of the Church of the Brethren event.
Meals: A plated lunch provided by the conference center will be available for order on Saturday at $20 per person. Choices will be Chicken a la Greque or Vegetarian Lasagna. An email about meals will be sent to delegates and non-delegates after they register. A boxed lunch will also be included as part of the Friday pre-conference educational event. Numerous restaurants are available nearby, as well. A list of options will be included as part of the conference materials.
Exhibits: An exhibit area will be available surrounding our dining space in the Bonaparte Room.
Schedule: The main conference will start with a hymn sing at 7:10 p.m. and worship at 7:30 p.m. Friday evening in the Smart Auditorium. An ice cream social with packaged ice cream treats will follow. Saturday, business will begin at 8:45 a.m., and is scheduled to end by 4 p.m. Equipping session options will be available after lunch on Saturday. Exhibits will be open throughout the conference.
Delegates: All congregations are encouraged to send delegates to the conference. An assessment of $30 per delegate and a count of allotted delegates has been sent to each congregation. 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. Assessments must be paid in order to seat delegates; this does not include meal or lodging costs.
Non-delegates: The registration cost for non-delegates this year will be $15 per person, not including meal or lodging costs. Registration information can be found above. Anyone is welcome to attend the conference, but all need to register.
Business: Among the items on the agenda will be the district budget for 2026, the slate of candidates for offices that is being finalized by the Gifts Discernment and Call Committee and the leadership team, a recommendation to officially disorganize the Rockford Community church, agency and committee reports, and equipping session workshops.
Pre-Conference Continuing Education Event: A continuing education event offering training and discussion around the topic of Kingian Non-Violence will be offered by On Earth Peace from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, in the hotel’s Library Room off the main lobby. It is open to anyone. Clergy can receive 0.5 CEU’s for participating. See more details above.
Conference Service Project: Champaign Church of the Brethren has an important outreach ministry in their neighborhood, headed up by ministry leader Dawn Blackman. In addition to their community gardens, they have a food pantry and the Dorcas Clothes Closet. The district Program and Arrangements Committee wants to support these ministries, so our service project for district conference invites your congregation to send some of the following items:
• Cake Mix and frosting along with birthday candles
• Cooking oil (like canola)
• Peanut butter
• Jelly
• Cereal
• Fruit cups
• Canned corn
• Canned green beans
• Oatmeal
• Canning jars
• Gardening tools
• Reusable bags
• Reams of printer paper
• Used crockpots
• Lightly used coats
• Lightly used boots
• Socks
• Backpacks
Other: Due to the venue and limited usage in recent years, we do not anticipate having a Zoom option available this year, but we’re looking into recording parts of the events. … There will not be an auction at district conference this year.
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
Camp Emmaus will hold its annual Camp Celebration Day and Lunch (free event) on Saturday, Sept. 13, beginning with the meal at 1 p.m. and a program following.
The district is also invited to a campfire and fall event on Saturday, Oct. 18, beginning at 12 p.m.
The camp recently announced that it had exceeded its goals in its fundraising campaign to replace its commercial dishwasher, which has reached the end of its useful life. A new dishwasher will be installed in time for the 2026 summer season.
The fall leaf-raking day at the camp will be Saturday, Nov. 15, with a youth retreat held Nov. 14-16.
Camp Emmaus has also announced its 2026 summer camp dates:
May 22-25: Memorial Day Family Camp
June 12-14: Counselor-in-Training (CIT)
June 13-14: Elementary Camp
June 14-17: Target Sports Camp
July 5-11: Senior High Camp
July 12-18: Survivor Camp
July 19-23: Intermediate Camp
July 24-26: Young Adult/Young at Heart Camp
July 26- Aug. 1: Middle School Camp
August 6-8: Women's Camp
September 4-7: Labor Day Weekend Family Camp
Learn more at www.campemmaus.org.
Camp Emmanuel will hold a Galilean Service at the camp on Sept. 14, 4 p.m. It has also announced tentative 2026 dates:
May 29-31: Women's Camp
June 5-7: Creation Camp
June 7-13: Middle School Camp
June 16-20: Junior Camp
June 26-28: Pre-junior Camp
July 9-12: High School Camp
July 13-17: Day Camp
August 7-9: Men's Camp
September 4-7: Family Camp
Learn more at www.campem.com.
The 2025 Church of the Brethren Outdoor Ministries Association (OMA) national conference will take place Nov. 16-20 at Inspiration Hills near Burbank, Ohio, with the theme “Campfire Conversations.” The keynote speaker will be Travis Troyer of Off the Wall Discipleship. Workshop options will include a camp tour, group sharing, and more. A field trip will take participants to BibleWalk, featuring more than 325 wax figures of biblical scenes, and games, debriefing, and recreation will also be part of the week. Cost for OMA camp members is $200, non-members $225. Registration and more information can be found at https://omacob.org/camps-2/annual-retreat/.
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS: NYC 2026
*If your congregation is considering sending youth and adults to NYC next summer, please contact the district office so that we can begin to compile a list for possible transportation options.
Because it will be a new location for many of the advisors who will bring youth, an NYC 2026 Advisor Preview will take place Oct. 11-13. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the campus, check out the food and lodging, and see what recreation options are like.
Additionally, participants will have a learning opportunity with Charles (Chuck) Hunt, who will lead sessions based on the book Faith Beyond Youth Group. The sessions will build on work by the Fuller Youth Institute, where Hunt is senior director of training, all while inspiring participants and providing new tools to help in various ministry contexts. Continuing education credit will be available.
Registration for the preview event is $375, including two nights’ double-occupancy lodging, four meals, and all sessions. All registrants will be responsible for their transportation to and from the YMCA of the Rockies. (Denver International Airport is the most convenient, and there is shuttle service to the YMCA.) For more information, go to www.brethren.org/yya/advisor-preview-weekend-for-nyc-2026 or contact Becky Ullom Naugle, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, at bullomnaugle@brethren.org or 847-429-4385.
Also, note that this year’s National Junior High Sunday is Nov. 2 with the theme “Let Your Gentleness Be Known,” from Philippians 4:5. Find resources at https://www.brethren.org/yya/jr-high-resources/.
DISASTER RESPONSE
Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) is continuing work this year at a rebuilding site in Letcher County, Ky., with new builds and repairs of homes damaged during the July 2022 flooding event. Illinois/Wisconsin is scheduled to assist with a team in Letcher County Dec. 7-13. A second project site is expected to open later this year. In 2026, our district’s volunteer week will shift to the summer, late August/early September.
For those interested in volunteering with Children’s Disaster Services, two trainings are available this fall: Sept. 26-27 at Warrensburg (Mo.) First United Methodist Church and Oct. 17-18 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, and two in spring 2026: Feb. 20-21 in Beaufort, S.C., and Feb. 27-28 in Glendale, Ariz. Registration, including all meals, curriculum, and overnight is $55 for early bird, and $65 if sent less than three weeks before the event. Participants in the 25-hour training, which includes a simulated shelter experience, learn to provide comfort and encouragement to children by offering the healing young children need in traumatic situations. Learn more and register at https://www.brethren.org/cds/training/.
NATIONAL OLDER ADULT CONFERENCE
Some reports and photo coverage of the event can be found at www.brethren.org, including https://www.brethren.org/news/2025/lake-j-jottings-welcome/.
Find more information about NOAC, an every-other-year event, at www.brethren.org/noac.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026
The 2026 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will take place June 28-July 2 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Watch for more details in the months ahead.
A two-page wrap-up of the 2025 Conference can be accessed and printed at https://www.brethren.org/news/coverage/ac2025/. Other resources available there include recordings of worship services and the Church of the Brethren annual report. For further information, visit www.brethren.org/ac2025.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
• The denomination’s Ministry Office will offer an Interim Ministry Roundtable event on Oct. 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Central time. It will be led by Tara Hornbacker, Enten Eller, and Christy Dowdy, all of whom have experience in interim/transitional ministry. The event will offer an opportunity to “learn more about the possibilities of interim ministries, to ask questions about ways to navigate transitional times, and discuss current challenges with others who share the same journey.” The event is free, and advance registration is not required. Join the roundtable at https://tiny.cc/COB-Interim.
• Upcoming courses from the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership include “Introduction to Hebrew Bible,” online Oct. 22-Dec. 16, led by Matt Boersma (registration deadline Sept. 10); “Cultivating an Everyday Faith,” online Jan. 21-March17, led by Joan Daggett (registration deadline Dec. 10); and “Introduction to Preaching,” online hybrid with onsite class in Richmond, Ind., Feb. 17-20, and Zoom two weeks before and after, led by Danw Ottoni Wilhelm (registration deadline Jan. 6). Register and pay online at Brethren Academy Course Registration/Biannual TRIM Payment | Bethany Theological Seminary (bethanyseminary.edu). Other courses on the schedule for 2026 include “Church of the Brethren Beliefs and Practices,” “Church History 1,” “Introduction to Biblical Studies,” “Multivocational Ministry,” and “Introduction to the New Testament.”
• Upcoming Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC) continuing education courses include “The Shape of Ministry in a High-Tech World,” led by Dan Poole, Sept. 15, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Central, via Zoom, cost $45; “Caring for Congregational Members at the End-of-Life” (for clergy), led by Julie Guistwite, Oct. 7, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Central, via Zoom, cost $35; “Supporting Terminally Ill Congregation Members” (for laypeople), led by Julie Guistwite, Oct. 28, 8:30-11:30 a.m.. Central, via Zoom, cost $25 (group discount available); and “Weakness Transformed in the Gospel of Matthew,” led by Dan Ulrich, Nov. 1, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Central, via Zoom (or in person in Huntingdon, Pa.), cost $45 (additional $20 for in-person). Course prices are $10 less without CEU’s. Register by visiting the SVMC course page or by contacting Karen Hodges at karenhodges@svmccob.org.
• McPherson College’s “Ventures in Christian Discipleship” series will offer “Preaching and Storytelling,” by Dawn Ottoni-Wilhelm, Sept. 16 and 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Central (0.4 CEU’s); “Immigration Solidarity,” by Founa Badet and Matt Guynn, Oct. 21 and 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Central (0.4 CEU’s); and “Making Sense of God’s Violent Behavior in the Old Testament,” by Eric Seibert, Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Central (0.3 CEU’s). All sessions are via Zoom. Suggested donation is $25 per course. Learn more and register at https://www.mcpherson.edu/ventures/.
• Lombard Mennonite Peace Center offers a variety of training sessions. Upcoming options include “Strengthening the Body of Christ,” Sept. 16 via Zoom; and “Restorative Conversations,” Sept. 17 or Dec. 10 via Zoom. The Mediation Skills Training Institute will be held in person in Glen Ellyn, Ill., Sept. 29-Oct. 3. For details and registration information, go to https://www.lmpeacecenter.org/trainings.
• 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
Due to budget cuts, Diane Stroyeck, subscription specialist for Brethren Press/ Communications will have her work hours reduced from full-time to part-time, effective Oct. 20.
JOB OPENINGS
The Church of the Brethren is seeking an office assistant for Discipleship and Leadership Formation. This part-time, 20-hour weekly position is located at the General Offices in Elgin. The major responsibility is to enhance and support the functions of the Discipleship & Leadership Formation Department by assisting the department’s administrative assistant in a variety of tasks. Candidates should have excellent administrative, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills, strong oral and written communication skills, experience in computer applications, and one to two years of office and/or administrative experience. Associate degree or equivalent experience required. Qualified candidates may send a cover and resume to COBApply@brethren.org.
The Church of the Brethren has an open position for a part-time (20 hours/week) Buildings and Grounds assistant at the General Offices in Elgin. This person will perform custodial services for the General Offices and provide support on services such as room set-up, mail, shipping, supplies, equipment, maintenance, warehouse operations and other duties as assigned by the Director of Buildings and Grounds. Candidates should have knowledge and experience in building operation and facilities management; knowledge in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical is helpful, but not required. At least five years of Buildings and Grounds operations experience is helpful but not required. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Applications will be received beginning immediately and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Qualified candidates may send a cover and resume to COBApply@brethren.org.
Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership (BAML) is seeking a part-time administrative assistant, 25-30 hours per week. This position provides direct support to BAML staff, students, and programs. A high school diploma is required, associate’s degree preferred, along with clerical and organizational skills, knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, and a flexible schedule. Bilingual English-Spanish preferred. Interested candidates should send their resumes, a letter of interest, and contact information for three references by email to: Janet Ober Lambert, Director, Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, 615 National Road West, Richmond, IN, 47374 or academysearch@bethanyseminary.edu.
Eder Financial has an opening for a client services manager. This is a full-time, salaried position that requires at least an undergraduate degree and four to eight years of experience. Candidates should have effective oral and written communication skills. CRPC designation and/or financial and insurance licenses are encouraged. Working knowledge of CRM software is a plus. The position is expected to have 25 to 50 percent travel associated with it, but primary location is flexible. To apply, email a cover letter, resume’, and three references to Tammy Chudy, tchudy@eder.org.
Camp Mack near Milford, Ind., is hiring a cleaning and maintenance supervisor. This is a full-time, year-round position that includes onsite housing and other benefits. The supervisor is primarily responsible for camp housekeeping and scheduled maintenance, working as part of a team responsible for keeping the buildings and grounds clean and welcoming for campers and guests. This is an ideal job for someone who enjoys the beauty of nature, is detail-oriented, can work independently, and wishes to be part of an established and respected ministry. Find more detailed information at www.campmack.org/employment
The Church of the Brethren Intercultural Ministries office is seeking volunteer liaisons to serve as “Frontliners” to connect with congregations and districts. To apply, go to Intercultural Ministries Frontliner Application.
The Church of the Brethren is seeking an individual to fill a full-time salaried position of director of sales for Brethren Press. The director of sales develops and implements sales plans for Brethren Press and is responsible for the functions of customer service, shipping, and management of the inventory and warehouse. Skills and knowledge required include ability to work with sales and inventory management systems and other computer programs used within Brethren Press, experience supervising people and systems, strong interpersonal skills and experience working well within a team, knowledge of the Church of the Brethren or ability to learn, and ability to articulate and operate out of the vision and values of the Church of the Brethren. Applicants should have experience in sales, especially within the business of publishing and within a church setting. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Knowledge of the Church of the Brethren preferred. This position is based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Applications will be received beginning immediately and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Qualified candidates are invited to send a resume’ to COBApply@brethren.org.
DENOMINATIONAL NEWS/NEWSLINE
Note: Some church members have received suspicious emails claiming to be from general secretary David Steele or other church leaders. These emails have come from a gmail.com account. Any emails from Church of the Brethren Inc. staff should come from @brethren.org email addresses. For other church leaders, please verify their address. Report and block any suspicious emails. The Church of the Brethren Inc. or other agency/district staff will never ask you to send them gift cards or cash for personal reasons.
The Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board met in advance of Annual Conference in Greensboro, N.C., for its summer meeting. Presiding over the meeting on July 2 was chair Colin Scott, assisted by chair-elect Kathy Mack and general secretary David Steele. The board considered a budget parameter for Core Ministries for 2026 but declined to take action. The chair presented an executive committee recommendation to defer action citing the difficulties of financial reporting for 2024 following the data breach that the denominational ministries suffered last December. The board is expected to act on a budget parameter at its October meeting. The board called three members–Michaela Alphonse, Joel Gibbel, and Colby Patton–to serve on the executive committee in addition to Kathy Mack, who at the end of the 2025 Annual Conference took the chair position, and Josiah Ludwick, who has begun as chair-elect.
Grants from the Brethren Faith in Action Fund (BFIA) have been announced, going to four Church of the Brethren congregations including Roanoke Central, Williamson Road, Amaranth, and Lynchburg. Formed with funds generated from sale of the upper campus of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., the BFIA provides grants to outreach ministries of Church of the Brethren congregations and camps that honor and continue the center’s legacy of service while also addressing the dynamics of the present age. For more information and how to apply go to www.brethren.org/faith-in-action.
Juniata College is celebrating 150 years since its founding as a Church of the Brethren-related institution. Located in Huntingdon, Pa., an article about the college’s history has been published by the Huntingdon Daily News at www.huntingdondailynews.com/news/local/college-celebrates-150-years/article_0b232953-6052-4392-84ba-2306d48b0776.html. The year-long celebration will feature a series of events including art exhibits, concerts, TEDx talks, the 116th Bailey Oratorical, and a culminating celebration next April.
“Camp Mack is 100 years old!” said Gene Hollenberg, executive director of Camp Alexander Mack in Milford, Ind., greeting hundreds who braved hot weather to attend an evening worship service on Sunday, Aug. 10, in the camp’s Quinter-Miller Auditorium. The Camp Mack Centennial Worship Service was the capstone to a day that included games, music, food, and reunions, celebrating both the camp’s rich history and future. Some of the camp’s history was told in a 2005 video interview with the late Bill Eberly, and some through a skit, “The Cornfield that Grows People,” based on the children’s book written a quarter century ago by the late Phyllis Leininger and presented by Columbia City Church of the Brethren.
On Sunday, Sept. 14, at 3 p.m. Eastern, the 55th annual Dunker Church Service will be held at the Dunker Church on the Antietam National Battlefield. Often noted as one of the most remarkable landmarks on this battlefield, the church has long stood for peace and love even during one of the most brutal confrontations of the Civil War. The afternoon will begin with a tribute to Edward Poling, who passed away in January 2025 and was a past chair of the Dunker Church Service Planning Committee. Steve Longenecker, emeritus professor of history at Bridgewater (Va.) College, will bring the message for the service, which also will include a traditional call to worship, hymns, sharing of scripture, special music, readings, and prayers.
Rebecca Dali has become the first woman from Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) to be ordained into the ministry in the Church of the Brethren. The ordination service took place on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 17, at Panther Creek Church of the Brethren near Adel, Iowa, where Rebecca and Samuel Dali serve as pastors, with Northern Plains District executive minister Tim Button-Harrison officiating.
The Church of the Brethren Intercultural Ministries Jubilee Celebration will take place Nov. 18-21 in Gotha, Fla., at Camp Ithiel: https://www.brethren.org/intercultural/#jubilee. Intercultural Ministries will also be holding several events at Annual Conference this summer.
The L.E.A.D. Planning Team has scheduled the next in-person denominational L.E.A.D. Conference for May 1-3, 2026, again hosted by Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. Between now and then, the team is planning quarterly virtual events as four free webinars focused on one of the four leadership components: Listen, Equip, Adapt, Disciple. The first webinar is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, at 6 p.m. Central Time featuring Dennis Edwards, the keynote speaker at the L.E.A.D. Conference held last fall, presenting material on listening as a leadership skill from his book Humility Illuminated. Others will follow on Oct. 16, Jan. 15, and March 19. CEU’s are available for clergy. For more information and to register go to www.brethren.org/thirdthursday.
GRANTS AND GIVING
Grants available through the district include the following:
1. Mission and Mortar: Sustaining and developing ministry (mission) within congregations, as well as maintaining property (mortar), is sometimes hindered because of inadequate financial resources. The Illinois/Wisconsin District, whose mission is to support the growth and development of member congregations, desires to financially support congregations that are in good standing with the district and have specific needs. More information can be found here.
2. Being Jesus in the Neighborhood: Congregations can apply for $100 in seed money to start a new outreach project or initiative in their local communities, or to expand an existing one. These should be projects that intentionally engage with the neighborhood immediately around the congregation or, for those in rural locations, with the town or area around the church. Each congregation receiving a grant will be asked to share a little about their project at district conference. More information can be found here.
3. Emerging Missions Fund: To facilitate the growth and establishment of new faith communities, this grant is available for church and ministry planting initiatives. New church and ministry plants are encouraged to apply by contacting the district office and/or the CRDT.
Supporting Your District
The Illinois/Wisconsin District is active in a variety of ministry and mission efforts, both directly and indirectly. Continuing these efforts requires resources in the form of time, tools, knowledge, and especially finances. Consider making a contribution to the district’s general fund or one of its special funds (disaster relief, youth, emerging ministries, etc.). Look for the donate button at iwdcob.org, or send your checks to the district office: 1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard, IL 60148.
