DISTRICT CLERGY GATHERING

The 2026 Illinois/Wisconsin District clergy gathering and educational event will take place April 27-28 at Bishop Lane Retreat Center, just southwest of Rockford. Registration is available at: https://ilwidistrict2026clergy.rsvpify.com. The theme is “Imagination and Preparation: The Present and Future of Ministry.” It is open to all ordained, commissioned, and licensed ministers in the district and those in a discernment cohort process. Please register by April 10.

Don Fitzkee, the 2026 Annual Conference moderator, will be with us to lead Monday's segment with the focus: "So, What’s New?"

The Bible says God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Yet Jesus said he came to make all things new and declared we must be born anew. It seems like change is the only thing that’s constant. In our time together we’ll discuss how the world is changing, how the church is changing, how our individual faith understandings have changed or are changing. Maybe we’ll even find time to talk about how artificial intelligence already is shaping our lives, how we are using it in ministry (intentionally or not), and whether we are wrestling with ethical concerns about how we use AI. Annual Conference Moderator Don Fitzkee will bring some discussion starters. Come prepared to talk.

On Tuesday, NOAC Coordinator Christy Waltersdorff and Dan Radcliff of Eder Financial will be with us to talk about how we plan, prepare for, and eventually live into a healthy, sustainable, and fulfilling retirement. Anyone who participates in the full event will receive 0.5 CEU's.

The retreat will begin Monday afternoon at 3 p.m. with an hour to settle in, have fellowship, and enjoy the grounds, followed by worship, dinner, and our opening session. Tuesday will have a mix of sessions, worship, and R&R time. (For any additional nights at Bishop Lane for personal retreat, they might be available by contacting the retreat center directly.)

Cost is $75. The Ministry Leadership Development Team is subsidizing the cost to make it more affordable; if the price is the only thing preventing you from attending, though, please send us a confidential email, and we'll see what we can do to make it possible for you. Everyone will have a private room with bath, but if you prefer to share a room with someone, please let us know. Also let us know if you have any dietary restrictions. After registering, please send payment ($75), payable to the district, to 1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard, IL 60148.