The Reflector - March 2026
Sunday, March 01, 2026
The Village ILWIDIot
Walt Wiltschek
“Do your best to improve your faith by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love.” —2 Peter 1:5-7, CEV
I find words hard to come by these days. Much seems to be amiss at various levels of life, and the nouns, verbs, and adjectives I’d usually employ often don’t seem up to the task.
Most notably, of course, the recent war with Iran and the rippling effects in the Middle East and beyond have been filling the daily news, alongside another election season, immigration concerns, our own church challenges, illnesses and loss, and much more.
So I’m turning to others’ words for inspiration. Lately I’ve been re-reading Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie—probably the best of his many titles (though I also particularly enjoy Have a Little Faith, and I’m intrigued by his new book, Twice). In Tuesdays with Morrie, Albom makes regular visits to his old professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is slowly dying from Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) but still dispensing advice on living well.
During one visit, Morrie recalls a quote from his favorite poet, W.H. Auden: “Love each other or perish.” The actual original line from Auden—written in 1939 during the build-up to World War II—was perhaps even more stark: “We must love one another or die.”
Auden reportedly later disavowed these words, perhaps feeling them too simplistic or sentimental or seeing that love did not, in fact, prevent great suffering and death during the years of war. Yet the words have endured and become meaningful for generations since.
One literary scholar, pondering the controversy, concluded that “the line as originally written is at least partly true—unless we become more altruistic, we will destroy ourselves.”
Have we forgotten how to love well? Are altruism and compassion indeed perishing, and our humanity along with them? Is that why we bomb our neighbors, readily separate from anyone who doesn’t fully agree with us, or try to exclude those who don’t “fit”?
A recent statement on Iran from Church of the Brethren general secretary David Steele said, “In line with our discipleship to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace … I urge Brethren everywhere to work and pray for peace.”
In that same spirit, I’d encourage us to work and pray with love. It might be simplistic. It might be sentimental. It might not prevent pain. But it’s a start. And sometimes that’s all we have. As Morrie later concludes: “Which side wins? Love wins. Love always wins.”
DISTRICT EXECUTIVE SCHEDULE
In addition to regular meetings, Walt will be preaching and meeting with the search committee at Cerro Gordo March 15, worshiping at Neighborhood on March 22, doing a to-be-determined church visit April 12, assisting with a “Call Sunday” at York Center on April 19, worshiping and meeting with Oak Grove on April 26, and attending the district clergy gathering April 27-28. He will tentatively be taking vacation March 28-April 5.
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 previously, please do not send district mail to Canton, as there is no longer a district office there. Thank you!
WHEN THE SEASON TURNS
by Jocelyn Watkins, 2026 Illinois/Wisconsin District moderator
“He also said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head’” (Mark 4:26-28).
“I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you” (2 Timothy 1:6).
Beloved in Christ,
March rarely arrives gently in our part of the world. Winter does not simply step aside. The ground softens unevenly. Snow melts in one place while lingering stubbornly in another. Wind sweeps across open fields, and storms move through without much warning. Some days feel like spring, while others remind us that winter has not finished its work.
It can be hard to tell what season we are truly in, but if we pay attention, small changes begin to appear. The light lingers longer in the evening. Water begins to move again along the edges of fields and roads. The soil loosens beneath the surface. Life that has been held through the long cold months begins, slowly, to stir.
Scripture speaks often about seasons like this. Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is “a time for every matter under heaven,” naming time itself as part of God’s ordering of the world. Jesus once described the kingdom of God in similarly patient terms. In the Gospel of Mark, he tells of a farmer who scatters seed on the ground and then simply continues with the rhythm of his days, sleeping and rising, night and day, while the seed sprouts and grows, though “he does not know how” (Mark 4:27).
Something important is happening beneath the surface, even when the signs are difficult to read.
Perhaps that is especially important to remember in a time when many of the headlines around us speak of conflict, division, and uncertainty. The Brethren tradition has long believed that peace does not begin with governments or armies, but with communities willing to live differently: patiently, deliberately, and with care for one another.
Living this way asks something of us. As the world grows louder with the language of conflict and retaliation, the church is called to practice something different. We are called to resist the habits of hostility, to speak with care when others speak with anger, and to remember that the work of peace begins close at hand: in the ways we treat one another, the ways we listen, and the ways we choose mercy over fear. Perhaps this, too, is part of what it means to be Kindled Anew.
March rarely tells us exactly what the coming season will hold, but it does offer small signs that the story is still unfolding; and sometimes, those first signs are enough.
(2026 logo designed by Madalyn Metzger)
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Property and Assets Management team, March 11, 6 p.m.
Ministry Leadership Development Team, March 19, 6:30 p.m.
Church Revitalization and Development Team, March 21, 9 a.m.
Program and Arrangements Committee, March 23, 6:30 p.m.
Leadership Team, April 7, 6:30 p.m.
Gifts Discernment and Call Committee, April 16, 7 p.m.
District clergy gathering, April 27-28, Bishop Lane Retreat Center, Rockford
Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, June 28-July 2, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Church of the Brethren National Youth Conference, July 18-23, Estes Park, Colo.
2026 Illinois/Wisconsin District conference, Nov. 6-7, Polo (Ill.) Church of the Brethren
[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 March 15: Pray for Brethren Disaster Ministries and its work at various sites, for district disaster coordinator Rick Koch (Lanark), and for all those who serve in the wake of disasters. Lift up prayers for recovery still happening in North Carolina, Kentucky, Washington state, California, Jamaica, and elsewhere. Also pause to pray for peace in our world.
Week of March 22: Pray for the Dixon congregation, and for the worship and witness of the growing Church of the Brethren faith community in Nigeria (Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria).
Week of March 29: During this Holy Week, quietly consider the gifts that we have been given and what we might need to do to better share them with others. Then rejoice in the new life of Easter, proclaiming the joy and hope of Christ’s resurrection and anticipating what else God might yet do among us.
Week of April 5: Pray for the district’s Gifts Discernment and Call Committee as it calls leaders for the work of the church, and pray that those who receive invitations to serve will discern deeply how God might be calling them.
Week of April 12: Pray for the York Center congregation in Lombard and for the work of the denomination’s Intercultural Ministries as it helps us grow with new languages and new understandings.
MINISTRY NEWS
Lynda Willmann, who retired as pastor at Lanark at the end of 2024, begins serving as quarter-time interim pastor for Mount Morris on March 15, with an initial contract of six months. We welcome Lynda back to pastoral ministry in the district!
Several 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 meeting with 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.
“Redeeming AI: Biblical Guidelines” is this year’s theme for the pre-Annual Conference Church of the Brethren Ministers’ Association continuing education event. Russell Haitch, Bethany Theological Seminary professor of theology and human science, will be the keynote speaker. The event will take place Saturday evening, June 27, and all day Sunday, June 28, in Fort Wayne, Ind. Find out more and register at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/#events.
Note: The current IRS mileage rate for business travel is 72.5 cents per mile for 2026, up 2.5 cents from 2025.
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 will be meeting with the search committee again on March 15.
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: Lynda Willmann begins as quarter-time interim pastor for six months on March 15. Jonathan Shively is also doing a consultation process with Mount Morris this year as they discern direction. Conversations about next steps for pastoral ministry are ongoing.
Naperville: A search committee has been formed, and a profile for their full-time pastoral position is now available. Conversations about interim possibilities are under way with the church board. Naperville is currently using pulpit supply.
Woodland: Local pastor Mathew Thiner and Woodland member Kevin Sager are taking turns filling the pulpit, an arrangement the congregation says is working well for them at this time.
York Center (Lombard): Gay Bouwmeester began as part-time interim pastor in November. The congregation’s search committee has now recommended Gay for the settled pastor position; a call Sunday is scheduled for April 19.
DISTRICT CLERGY GATHERING
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.
CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS
Chicago First is planning a special weekend May 9-10 to celebrate the congregation’s centennial in its building in the Garfield Park area. A program is planned for Saturday, and former pastor Orlando Redekopp will preach for a speech service on Sunday at 11 a.m. Watch for more details.
Chicago First also shared this report from Joyce Cassel: “On Tuesday nights in February cars lined both sides of the 400 block of S. Central Park and the fellowship hall became alive with about 30 people interested in learning more about, and developing more sophisticated nonviolent strategies for peace and justice events. The walls of First Church surrounded them with history and words of resistance from conscience objectors in WWI and WWII; to civil rights struggles of the sixties; to Vietnam War resistance; to Central America actions; to justice for Palestine; to justice in South Africa; to Iraq War and now today to justice for immigrants in the United States. Three weeks of our time together began with a delicious Middle Eastern meal and on Feb. 24 we enjoyed a special meal prepared by men from our group. Sherrilynn Bevel provided leadership, looking both at strategies to incorporate into our actions as well as examples from her parents, Diane Nash and James Bevel, and Sherrilynn’s own activism. Folks remained engaged for three hours to gain increased understanding. Many told John and I how meaningful it was to meet at such a historic church.”
Canton has a new piano in its sanctuary after an interesting series of events. Some years ago, a baby grand piano was donated to the congregation. Approximately two years ago, the daughter of the donor discovered that the piano was at the church. She then entered into conversation with Canton’s Leadership Team about the possibility of acquiring the instrument, which had deep sentimental value to her. Following correspondence over several months, agreement was reached to transfer the piano to her. A company specializing in moving pianos and organs prepared the piano for shipment and removed it for transport to its new owner and location. From remuneration the church received from the transaction, a new electronic piano was purchased as a replacement instrument and now occupies that space in the sanctuary.
Canton held its annual trivia night in February, with first-place honors going to the team of Carol Davis, John Davis, Jessica Sparenberg, Trygve Meade, Chad Murphy, Colin Davis, Denise Kirgan, and Martha Harr.
Peoria First began its annual Can-a-Thon March 1, running through this month. The project helps support the food pantry at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. Donations include peanut butter, canned soup, canned fruit, canned vegetables, pasta, and other items.
Mount Morris has been meeting in the Allure of Pinecrest Grove community building since the fall, but it recently shifted to a more intimate space within the building for its worship time. The room better fits the size of the congregation and has better acoustics while also requiring less shared space and set-up.
Mark your calendars! The 2026 Illinois/Wisconsin District conference will take place Nov. 6-7 at Polo Church of the Brethren with the theme “Kindled Anew.” Program & Arrangements Committee has begun working on plans. Watch for more details in the months ahead.
A WORD OF THANKS
The district received this note of appreciation from Champaign following the special collection at district conference in November for outreach ministries of the Champaign congregation:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Our hearts and our pantries are full after our time at the district conference. Your gifts to support our ministries were much appreciated and very timely. I must admit to being overwhelmed, not only by the volume but at the way that your gifts dovetailed with our immediate needs.
Some of the things that you gave filled needs that we didn’t even know we would have. We were still putting things away when the first of our community members came to the door in need. A neighbor, a victim of a robbery, had his work boots stolen—and there among the boxes and bags of your donations were the size 11 work boots that he needed. He started his request with, “You probably don't have any work boots, but I need a pair of size 11 work boots if you have any.” But searching through the then-unpacked bags, we found what he needed. God knew before he did that he would need them, that we would have them, and that you had given them. The man was so grateful. He had been told that he could not return to work in tennis shoes. He and his children came back a few days later and raked and bagged the newly fallen leaves in the churchyard. Later when snow fell, they shoveled the sidewalks.
We had an increase (over last year) in the number of families we were able to serve in our food pantry, too. We are averaging two additional households weekly. We were able to purchase meat with the money that we did not have to spend on vegetables. As food prices have continued to rise, families are finding that they have “month left at the end of their food.” A young mom came by to donate two small crock pots. She and her sister have combined households, and they were on their way to purchase a larger unit that would serve their combined families. We had given her a small crock pot over a year ago while she was living in a motel. They were able to buy food with the money they saved because we were able to give her a new, larger crock pot. She also gave us two children's coats that none of the children could wear. Within the week we were able to bless another family whose children were wearing layered sweaters in below-zero weather. We were completely out of children’s coats! This morning her neighbor dropped off three more coats! Her neighbor told her about our closet when she saw that she had purchased new coats for her growing boys. They both offered to run a load of laundry for me if we received clothing donations that just needed a wash to be serviceable.
Many people are worried about feeding their families. We have more people than ever asking about getting garden beds for the spring, so the garden tools donated will surely come in handy.
God keeps filling needs. I praise God for all of you.
In His Name,
Dawn Blackman, Outreach Minister at Champaign COB
DEPORTATION DEFENSE RESPONSE
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. A Deportation Defense Response (DDR) webpage is now online at www.onearthpeace.org/deportation_defense_response_team.
A toolkit of resources is at https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/168SYb-D3cMBO8ORb4sDXMqMbA2yvSGCN. To be added to the DDR newsletter list, to share other helpful resources for the toolkit, to share how a resource from the toolkit benefited your congregation or community, to find out how to get involved with the work, or for other questions, email migrantjustice@onearthpeace.org
The group is inviting local partnerships and offering a 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 payable 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; more than $200,000 has now been raised. Grants are being made regularly. 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 need legal support.
Biweekly Prayer Gatherings for Immigrant Justice are now held every other Thursday from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Central over Zoom, next on March 26. Find more info and RSVP at Prayer Gathering for Immigrant Justice - On Earth Peace.
The DDR team also is looking for stories of individuals in congregations who have been directly impacted by immigration enforcement and policy changes, and for stories of people practicing “faith in motion” on behalf of immigrant neighbors and siblings in Christ. Contact migrantjustice@onearthpeace.org with a short written story or to schedule a virtual call.
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.
CAMP NEWS
Camp Emmaus is planning a Spring Into Camp event for April 25. Watch for more details. Camp Emmaus also has announced its *, and registration is now open at www.campemmaus.org:
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
Camp Emmanuel has announced its revised 2026 schedule:
May 29-31: Women's Camp
June 5-7: Pre-Junior Camp
June 7-13: Middle School Camp
June 16-20: Junior Camp
June 25-28: High School Camp
July 10-12: Mommy and Me
July 13-17: Day Camp
August 7-9: Men's Camp
September 4-7: Family Camp
Learn more at www.campem.com.
The 2026 OMA “InsideOut” camp curriculum will be titled “In the Wilderness.” An introduction to the theme notes: “Wilderness is a time or place where we encounter what is new, strange, scary, lonely, unknown or mysterious. The wilderness is a wild and beautiful time and place where we can discover the sacred within each person and all creation. … The wilderness reveals our strengths, growing edges, and potential as God equips us for the unknown still to come. The wilderness awaits us all, and God meets us there.” Daily themes will examine the nature of wilderness and how it’s woven into our lives (Psalm 139:7-14); how we experience awe in the wilderness (Job 12:7-10); God’s presence in our wilderness times (Exodus 13:17-22); Jesus’ example of using the wilderness to recharge and renew our souls (Matt. 14:22-30); the sense of community and never being alone (Esther); and being equipped to face our wilderness moments (Jer. 29:11-14). The annual InsideOut curriculum is a partnership between the Church of the Brethren and a variety of other denominations for use in outdoor ministry. Learn more at https://insideoutcurriculum.com/.
NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE
The NYC service project this year will involve making fleece tie blankets to donate for children’s hospitals, in partnership with Fleece and Thank You. In addition, NYC youth participants are invited to create and send in various worship elements built around the NYC theme. The plan is to use these worship elements as part of the worship services during NYC, which gives youth the opportunity to help shape what worship looks like. Find the submission form at https://forms.gle/UP9Y5et17G1FANdz5. Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@brethren.org with questions.
*Currently, six congregations (Canton, Highland Avenue, Naperville, Neighborhood, Peoria First, and Springfield First) have reported that they expect to have youth and advisors attending this year’s NYC. If you have members planning to attend and have not yet informed the district office, please do so as soon as possible. We will not have enough participants to do a bus, so congregations are working on local transportation options, likely flying to Colorado.
FAITHX
FaithX will offer six short-term service trips in summer 2026, along with the option for custom-designed trips for families, congregations, or districts. To prioritize senior high participation in National Youth Conference (NYC) this coming July, the program will offer fewer youth trips. Four trips will be available for junior and senior high youth (Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania), an adult international trip to Northern Ireland will be offered in June, and the We Are Able trip will be offered in Michigan in July. Additional information, trip descriptions, and registration links can be found at www.brethren.org/faithx.
YOUNG ADULT CONFERENCE
DISASTER RESPONSE
Brethren Disaster Ministries is continuing work at a rebuilding site in Letcher County, Ky., with new builds and repairs of homes damaged during the July 2022 flooding event. In 2026, our district’s volunteer week is shifting to the summer, late August/early September.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026
The Annual Conference office recently announced that advance registration for delegates will be $350 and for non-delegates $175. Onsite registration is $425 and $210, respectively. Daily fees are also available for those not attending the full week. A virtual registration option will be available for $220.
The three official conference hotel options will range in cost from $128 to $135 per night plus tax, with a discounted daily parking fee of $8. Annual Conference registration and housing opened to the public on March 4. All five daily worship services during the Conference will be available both in person and online free of charge to all registrants and non-registrants.
A special discount is being offered for congregations that have not been represented at Annual Conference since 2019. The Program and Arrangements Committee is providing this registration discount for in-person attendees (delegates and nondelegates). The discount will only apply to advance registration for in-person attendance at the full Conference. It will not apply to onsite registration. To take advantage of this discount, contact the district office for more information. The special rates are $75 for non-delegate registration and $150 for delegate registration, plus fees.
Attendance for the virtual portions of the Conference are offered at no charge this year, thanks to generous contributions from Living Stream Church of the Brethren and Pacific Northwest District. This gives people who cannot attend in-person the opportunity to engage in business, a number of Equipping Sessions, and the Wednesday evening concert featuring Brethren musicians—all virtually. Those wishing to participate virtually still need to register to gain access to the streaming platform. Virtual attendees are encouraged to make a donation to the ministry of Annual Conference as an expression of appreciation. Donations can be made at www.brethren.org/giveAC.
Annual Conference organizers have announced the preachers for the five daily worship services to be held during the Conference. Each worship service will focus on a theme and symbol from the Church of the Brethren’s biblical heritage. Speakers will be asked to reexamine and reappropriate historic Brethren themes for our time. They include moderator Don Fitzkee, Sunday evening; Beth Jarrett on Monday evening; James Washington on Tuesday evening; Becky Zapata on Wednesday evening; and Caleb Kragt on Thursday morning.
The Nominating Committee of the Standing Committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference has announced the ballot for the 2026 Conference, topped by Amy Gall Ritchie of North Manchester, Ind., and Gilbert Romero of Glendora, Calif., as candidates for moderator-elect. Complete biographical information for all nominees is online at www.brethren.org/ac2026/business/ballot and will be printed in the Conference booklet.
From the Annual Conference usher coordinator: During worship we need volunteer ushers to help receive offerings and record attendance. Congregations in the Fort Wayne area will usher at Sunday’s worship, while Manchester University students and alumni will do so Tuesday. While an important role in our worship services, ushering requires very little time and does not take away from participating in the rest of the worship service. You will be able to sign up when registering for Annual Conference and/or at the usher table when you arrive and check in for the conference. Once you have registered for conference, please follow the links to sign up to volunteer as an usher. You can also reach out to usher coordinator Angela Finet at angelafinet50@gmail.com with your congregation name, and your affiliation (if any) with Manchester University. Please use “AC usher” in the subject line. She can also be reached at 717-916-4694.
Watch for more details at www.brethren.org/ac2026.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
• The denomination’s Part-Time Pastor/Full-Time Church program this spring will be sponsoring a free four-week online cohort called Practicing the Way: The Sabbath Practice for all multi-vocational pastors. It will use Practicing the Way, a book by John Mark Comer, which describes nine different spiritual practices (Sabbath, Solitude, Scripture, Prayer, Fasting, Generosity, Community, Service, and Witness) that can help followers of Jesus “Be with Jesus, Become like Jesus, Do as He Did.” The cohort will explore and practice the spiritual practice of Sabbath by learning about the practice, practicing the practice (in between sessions), reflecting on the practice, and processing the practice together. Session themes will be “Stop,” “Rest,” “Delight,” and “Worship.” Sessions will be each Monday evening at 6 p.m. Central from April 13 to May 4. Videos last 30 minutes; sessions last anywhere from one hour to one hour and 30 minutes. Register by April 8 at https://forms.gle/fdWzs6P1nnu7YZw5A.
• Upcoming courses from the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership include “Introduction to Preaching,” online hybrid with onsite class in Richmond, Ind., May 19-22 (note new dates), and two Zoom sessions before, led by Dava Hensley (registration deadline March 24); “Multivocational Ministry,” online, Aug. 19-Oct. 13, led by John Fillmore (registration deadline July 22); and “Cultivating an Everyday Faith,” online, Sept. 23-Nov. 17, led by Joan Daggett (registration deadline Aug. 19). Register and pay online at Brethren Academy Course Registration/Biannual TRIM Payment | Bethany Theological Seminary (bethanyseminary.edu). Other courses on the schedule for later in 2026 include “Introduction to the New Testament.”
• McPherson College’s “Ventures in Christian Discipleship” series will offer “God’s Earth, Our Home: Engaging Creation Care through Faith,” led by David Radcliff, May 2 (note new date), 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Central. 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 “Restorative Conversations,” May 12 via Zoom; “Conflict Transformation Skills,” June 10 or Aug. 26 via Zoom; and “Strengthening the Body of Christ,” Sept. 16 via Zoom. For details and registration information, go to https://www.lmpeacecenter.org/trainings. LMPC has also begun offering free quarterly clergy roundtable events. Watch their website for details on future roundtable opportunities (next on April 16).
• The L.E.A.D. (Listen – Equip – Adapt – Disciple) Conference Planning Team is now offering “Third Thursday” quarterly webinars with the goal of providing congregational leaders with tools to grow in their leadership abilities. The next one will be March 19, on “Discipling Leaders,” led by Lidia Gonzalez. Continuing education credit is available. Learn more at www.brethren.org/thirdthursday. Registration for this year’s L.E.A.D. Conference, May 1-3 at Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, is now open at www.brethren.org/dlf/lead-conference. The scripture theme is Hebrews 11:8, which talks about Abraham following God through unfamiliar territory. Tod Bolsinger, author of Canoeing the Mountains and Tempered Resilience, will be the keynote speaker. Michaela Alphonse, pastor of Miami (Fla.) First Church of the Brethren, will be the opening preacher. Through March 31, early registration is $99 per person or $79 per person for 5 or more from the same congregation for in-person attendance or $49 for virtual attendees.
• 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
Wendy McFadden (Highland Avenue) will retire July 31 as publisher of Brethren Press and executive director of Communications, after almost 45 years of service to the Church of the Brethren. She started with the denomination in October 1981 as managing editor of Messenger magazine and director of News Services, having been hired after a brief time in Brethren Volunteer Service at the General Offices in Elgin. In March 1992, she began as director of Brethren Press. Subsequently, she became publisher of both Brethren Press and Messenger and also oversaw News Services and the website Brethren.org. She has skillfully guided Brethren Press through the struggles that have faced all small faith-based publishers. She has helped website staff meet the constant challenge of new digital technology while serving a church with varied digital interests and levels of expertise. She has supported Messenger and its several editors, culminating in 2016 in her creation of an editorial team on which she also serves as an active member. For a number of years, the task of creating the Church of the Brethren annual report also has fallen to her, in its various forms including written, pictorial, video, and displays for Annual Conference and district conferences. She was on the committees that developed the Church of the Brethren logo and the denominational taglines “Continuing the work of Jesus. Peacefully. Simply. Together” and “Another way of living.” Representing the Church of the Brethren at ecumenical bodies and events, both nationally and internationally, has been a highlight of her work. Notably, she represented the Church of the Brethren at Christian Churches Together (CCT) for some 15 years, for a time as a member of the CCT steering committee and president of the Historic Protestant group of churches. In peace church circles, she has led many collaborations with the Mennonite publishing house. Significant joint publishing projects have included children’s Sunday school curriculum—Jubilee, Gather ’Round, and Shine—as well as this year’s new joint curriculum for adults Salt & Light: A Guide for Biblical Studies.
Nancy Sollenberger Heishman will retire as director of the Church of the Brethren Ministry Office effective July 17. Prior denominational employment with Church of the Brethren included serving as co-mission coordinator in the Dominican Republic from May 2003 through June 2011 and as director of the Theological Education Program of Iglesia de los Hermanos en la República Dominicana (the Church of the Brethren in the Dominican Republic) from 2008 to 2010. Nancy began her current role on November 6, 2017. During her tenure, Nancy has facilitated the search processes for the majority of our districts’ Executive Ministers. She helped acquire and oversee the Lilly Foundation funded Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church program that supports and resources multi-vocational pastors. She has worked closely with the Council of District Executives in reviewing policy and polity documents.
Arndt Peter Schulz has been hired by the Church of the Brethren as part-time Buildings and Grounds assistant, working from the General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Peter is currently retired and previously worked in building maintenance for Romanek Properties in Chicago. Peter began his work on March 9.
JOB OPENINGS
The Church of the Brethren is seeking to fill a full-time, salaried position of Manager of Accounting and Treasurer Assistant. The Manager of Accounting and Assistant Treasurer is responsible for the functions of handling the general ledger processes and report generation, provides account analysis and reconciliations, provides internal audit processes and carries out other assigned functions. Leads audit preparation for annual CPA audit. Candidates should have accounting skills and knowledge of computerized general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll systems; ability to work and communicate well with others; excellent organizational skills and problem-solving abilities; spreadsheet and word processing software skills; and proficient at 10-key. Candidates also should have at least three years of accounting experience, fund accounting preferred, and at least three years working on a computerized financial accounting software system. Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business and computer training required. Fund accounting classes are preferred. Location is at the Church of the Brethren offices in Elgin. 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 cover letter and resume’ to COBApply@brethren.org.
The Church of the Brethren is seeking to fill a full-time salaried position of Director of Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM). Major responsibilities include providing oversight and administration of Brethren Disaster Ministries with a focus on the home rebuilding program. This includes identifying and opening new home rebuilding sites as necessary, managing long-term and weekly rebuilding volunteers and leading the training of volunteer leaders. Required skills and knowledge include strong interpersonal skills; ability to uphold and support the basic beliefs and practices of the Church of the Brethren as determined by Annual Conference; and ability to act within a multicultural and multigenerational team environment. Training or experience with making effective presentations and providing adult education, especially in conducting skill training workshops; managing staff and volunteers and in house construction and repair is required. Knowledge of International Building Codes is preferred. A bachelor’s degree is required, advanced degree in related field preferred. This position is remote and based at the Brethren Disaster Ministries office, New Windsor, Md. 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 cover letter and resume to COBApply@brethren.org.
The Church of the Brethren is seeking an individual to fill the full-time hourly position of program assistant for Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) – Children’s Disaster Services (CDS). The major responsibilities of this position are to support programming and administration of CDS. These activities include providing administrative, programming, and clerical support to the associate director of Children’s Disaster Services. This includes support of volunteers, volunteer training and response, and assistance with general administration of BDM. Candidates should have an understanding of child development, excellent communication and organizational skills, experience using computers and technology (especially Microsoft Offices suite; Raisers Edge experience helpful), and ability to work independently. Two years of office experience and previous experience working with children or in child development is preferred. Associate’s degree or equivalent life/work experience 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 letter and resume to COBApply@brethren.org.
The Church of the Brethren Office of Peacebuilding and Policy will have an opening for an associate starting this August. The position/fellowship is through Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS). Applications are now open through BVS at https://lnkd.in/gHpq6kCq. The position description is at https://lnkd.in/gepvXnBd. Deadlines for application: for Summer Orientation the deadline is May 20, for Fall Orientation the deadline is June 24. For questions contact Nathan Hosler, director of the Office of Peacebuilding and Policy, at nhosler@brethren.org.
DENOMINATIONAL NEWS/NEWSLINE
Brethren Volunteer Service offers year-long service opportunities for anyone over 18, with special opportunities for retired individuals and married couples. BVS will be hosting Zoom sessions for anyone who’d like more information about what becoming a volunteer looks like. The next meeting will be on March 17 at 7 p.m. Central via Zoom. To register, go to: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/z4AtJE1AQxyyM5rzsr-lDQ. Information is also available at BrethrenVolunteerService.org, or email at BVS@brethren.org.
The older adult FaithX trip took place Feb. 22-27 at Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla. A total of 14 participants joined Marissa Witkovsky-Eldred and Aly Heckeroth of the FaithX and Brethren Volunteer Service staff, who acted as leaders. While at Camp Ithiel, participants worked on a number of projects including repainting the dining hall, sanding the chapel door, replacing the floor of the barn, and starting the prep work for replacing the back wall of the Pathfinder Cabin. A large effort also was put toward cleaning the kitchen.
Bethany Theological Seminary has announced that L. David Witkovsky, who earned a master of divinity from the seminary in 1983, will be the featured speaker at the 2026 commencement in Richmond, Ind. The ceremony will be held on May 9, at 10 a.m., in Nicarry Chapel. It will be the 32nd commencement held in Richmond, the longest Bethany has been in any one location. The school expects to honor 40 graduates this year.
The Church of the Brethren’s webpage on conscientious objection to war is at www.brethren.org/peacebuilding/co. Links on this page direct young people who want to learn more about what conscientious objection means and its biblical and Brethren roots to a free downloadable curriculum titled “Call of Conscience.” The direct link to the curriculum is www.brethren.org/peacebuilding/co/introduction.
A meeting of leaders of the largest Church of the Brethren congregations, in terms of in-person worship attendance (average of 200 or more in person per Sunday), was convened by Discipleship and Leadership Formation Feb. 23-25 in Orlando, Fla. Spouses of the leaders also were invited. Bethany Theological Seminary helped to sponsor the gathering. Bethany president Jeff Carter led a session and was present throughout. General secretary David Steele attended by Zoom and brought greetings. Nine of 12 invited congregations were expected to attend.
Registration for the 2026 Song and Story Fest taking place July 5-11 at Inspiration Hills in Ohio is now open. Access all the information about this event at: On Earth Peace Event Page for Song and Story Fest. The organizers note that they have added more detail to the online registration form about which meals and nights participants will be present for. Also, if any members of a family will have different arrival and departure times and therefore different numbers of meals and/or nights at the camp, please have those individuals register separately.
The deadline to apply for the Church of the Brethren’s Health Care Education Scholarship in 2026 has been changed to May 22. This scholarship, made possible by the Health Education and Research Endowment, is available to members of the Church of the Brethren enrolled in degree programs for nursing, medicine, dentistry, physical and occupational therapy, and other health professions. Scholarships of between $5,000 and $10,000 are awarded to a limited number of applicants each year. For more information and to apply, go to www.brethren.org/healthcarescholarship.
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.
