CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS

Canton will feature its choir sharing a “Carols for Christmas” musical service during worship on Dec. 21. The service is written and directed by Church of the Brethren music director Carol Davis with accompaniment by Pamela Willison. The theme will focus on “Hope and love exist.” Cookies will be available after the service. … Robin Henry will serve as the new leadership team chair for 2026.

Chicago arts group Honey Pot Performance and the Chicago First congregation, which has hosted the group for many years, were featured in a recent article. Honey Pot held a fish fry fundraiser at the church on Nov. 22. The congregation also hosted an artisan holiday bazaar by Wellington UCC, which shares space in the building, on Dec. 7. On Dec. 14, Chicago First will hold a Christmas service followed by a chili dinner. 

Freeport is developing plans for a memorial garden for gun violence victims in front of the church, featuring memorial plaques and flowering plants, benches, and information boxes. Fundraising is under way. The congregation has been active in its witness against gun violence, with special observations each year on World Day of Prayer for Peace in September. 

Peoria First will have “Lunch in Bethlehem” in the fellowship hall following worship on Dec. 21. It will feature chicken along with potluck side dishes and desserts. … The congregation will also be preparing Christmas baskets for those in need before worship on Dec. 14. 

Many of our congregations will be offering Christmas Eve services. Check individual congregational websites for details.

Illinois and Wisconsin District is participating in Ecumenism Metro Chicago’s ecumenical prayer service as part of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on Jan. 24, from 2-4 p.m. at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church in Chicago. The service’s theme “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4) reflects the mission of the organization that “seeks to engage all the baptized, their communions and extended ministries in Chicagoland in living together with prayer, action and a coordinated voice that respects distinctions among traditions and extends God’s love through Christ and the Holy Spirit, for all the world.” Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford (Highland Avenue) will be representing the district. At the close of the service, representatives of the church bodies that participate will sign joint statements of actions grounded in the organization’s declaration, “To care, protect, and preserve God’s gift of creation, for all of the earth is the Lord’s” (Psalm 24:1). The two statements will “proclaim our Christian resolve to Protect Children, Grandchildren, Future Generations by Adopting Climate Change Mitigating Strategies and Protect Children, Grandchildren, Future Generations by Providing Clean, Safe Drinking Water…. These statements are a clear public witness of EMC’s Declaration that ‘taking decisive restorative action is a moral and religious imperative.’” Find out more at https://eia.archchicago.org/ecumenical-relations/ecumenism-metro-chicago-emc.

Deportation Defense Response Team: Recent ICE activity has been reported in the district in Chicago and in Elgin, where the Highland Avenue congregation has been active in response efforts. A denominational effort, organized by five districts with large numbers of undocumented members in partnership with On Earth Peace and Intercultural Ministries, has been formed to provide support, advocacy, and legal assistance as needed. The group is inviting local partnerships, and it 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. It is seeking a total fundraising goal of $250,000. 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. 

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. And an additional update on the work is available on Newsline: Recent federal actions affect a wide swath of the immigrant and refugee community – News. 

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.