CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS

Canton will hold its annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Nov. 16 in the fellowship hall following its annual congregational forum. Canton also recently revamped and refinished its parking lot sign. Bob Champlin, Colin Davis , and Scott and Tracy Snowman contributed to the facelift. “The sign that couldn’t be read, now, is legible—crisp and clean,” a church report noted.

Dutchtown (Milledgeville) followed the licensing of preacher Ed Livengood by taking part in the community’s semi-annual Firemen’s Breakfast, with abundant good food and fellowship. The congregation will be eating again Nov. 23, when it holds its Thanksgiving potluck after worship.

Mount Morris will be holding its love feast service during worship on Nov. 16.

Peoria First is doing its annual Mount Mission Fall Trip to Kentucky Nov. 13-16. Congregation members gathered on Nov. 11 to pack the vehicles with donations for the trip. Peoria also regularly assembles “snack packs” for the local Hines Elementary School, with monthly supplies provided to some 400 children.

Woodland (Astoria) held its annual trivia night on Oct. 25. The event raises funds for the community Summer Day Camp held each summer at nearby Camp Emmanuel. This year’s trivia night raised about $1,200. Members of the Canton congregation also participated in the event.

Nov. 30 is the deadline for applications for Brethren Faith in Action Fund (BFIA) grants to be funded with money available in 2025. Generated from the sale of the upper campus of the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., the BFIA funds outreach ministry projects that serve communities, strengthen congregations, and expand the reign of God. Such ministries will honor and continue the legacy of service that the center has epitomized while also addressing the dynamics of the present age. Grants of up to $5,000 per congregation or ministry project per year are awarded with a maximum of $15,000 allocated to any one ministry project over multiple years. Camps may apply for grants up to $2,500 every other year. Any United States Church of the Brethren congregation, fellowship, or project, and any Church of the Brethren camp may apply. Find out more at www.brethren.org/faith-in-action.

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.

Deportation Defense Response Team: This denominational effort, organized by five districts with large numbers of undocumented members in partnership with On Earth Peace and Intercultural Ministries to provide support, advocacy, and legal assistance as needed—is inviting local partnerships. The team is now offering a new process for online donations for the Legal and Mutual Aid Fund at www.onearthpeace.org/legal_mutual_aid_fund_donations. You can also mail checks to Atlantic Southeast District with “DDR” in the memo line. Checks can be sent to Atlantic Southeast District, 64954 Orchard Dr., Goshen, IN 46526. For questions contact atlanticsoutheastcob@gmail.com. The fund is described at www.onearthpeace.org/immigrant_legal_mutual_aid_fund. Congregations needing financial help to aid their immigrant church members may apply for grants from the Legal and Mutual Aid Fund by contacting ddrcobcoordinator@gmail.com or 561-647-8981 to receive the application form. The team will distribute funds received to members of the church facing immigration challenges who are in need of legal support. A recent denominational Emergency Disaster Fund grant sent $25,000 to aid this effort. 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. Biweekly Prayer Gatherings for Immigrant Justice are now held every other Thursday from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Central over Zoom. Find more information and RSVP at www.onearthpeace.org/2025_09_prayer_gathering_for_immigrant_justice. A new Deportation Defense Response webpage is now online at www.onearthpeace.org/deportation_defense_response_team.