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.