MINISTRY NEWS

Dennis Webb has announced his retirement as pastor at Naperville, effective Dec. 31. Dennis has served the church there for well over two decades, and we wish him well as he plans for the next chapter of his life! Conversations have begun with the congregation about next steps. Members of the district were invited to a retirement celebration for Brother Dennis after worship at Naperville on Nov. 23. The congregation will hold a farewell for him after worship on his last Sunday, Dec. 28.  

Rodney Caldwell, former pastor at Mount Morris, has announced his retirement as chaplain at the Allure of Pinecrest retirement community effective at the end of December. The activity director at Allure of Pinecrest Manor will be coordinating worship services going forward. Rodney is now serving another, non-Brethren congregation in the Mount Morris area.

Gay Bouwmeester began as part-time interim pastor at the York Center congregation (Lombard) on Nov. 16. The congregation had a blessing and reception to mark the start of her ministry on Nov. 23, her first Sunday in the pulpit.

Eric Wetzel began as pastor at Lanark on Nov. 2. His wife, Sherry, will be finishing up her work in Virginia this fall before retiring at the end of the year and making the move to Illinois. Eric’s official installation service will take place Jan. 11, with district executive Walt Wiltschek conducting the service. 

The district’s Ministry Leadership Development Team (MLDT) recently approved renewals for the ordinations and commissionings of ministers in our district, about 40 in all. This process occurs every five years in the denomination. Thank you to everyone for completing the necessary paperwork and other pieces to make this happen. 

Several other members of the district are exploring calls to ministry. The district’s Ministry Leadership Development Team has connected them with ordained district mentors, and they are forming discernment cohorts to continue exploring paths to ministry. Please be in prayer for them as they seek God’s direction for their lives and work. 

Congregational vacancies/updates: 

Cerro Gordo: A search committee has been formed, and a congregational profile is now available. Cerro Gordo is currently using pulpit supply. District executive Walt Wiltschek met with the search committee this fall.

Highland Avenue (Elgin): Krista Dutt (Chicago First) was commissioned (ordained for term of service) in the Church of the Brethren in October and is serving as interim pastor. The congregation has called a search committee and a profile is now available. 

Mount Morris: District executive Walt Wiltschek is serving as a partial interim pastor through December (two Sundays per month) to assist with the congregation’s transition. The congregation is now meeting in the Allure of Pinecrest Grove community building. Conversations about next steps are ongoing.

Naperville: Dennis Webb announced his retirement effective Dec. 31. A search committee has been formed. Conversations about interim possibilities are under way with the church board. Naperville will be using pulpit supply for at least January.

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): Gay Bouwmeester was called as part-time interim pastor beginning Nov. 16. The congregation is considering next steps, and a congregational profile is available.