CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS

Chicago First is planning a special weekend May 9-10 to celebrate the congregation’s centennial in its building in the East Garfield Park area (425 S. Central Park Ave.). The congregation’s history dates to 1885, but it moved to its current location in January 1925. The big celebration is coming a year after the actual centennial, to celebrate 101. A program and open house are planned for 1-5 p.m. Saturday, and former pastor Orlando Redekopp will preach for a special service on Sunday at 11 a.m. All are welcome. Find more details and updates at 100 Years. … Chicago First members have also been taking part in a neighborhood Bible study titled “Discipleship According to Jesus,” led by Eric Kneel Little.

Canton offered a multi-focused music and meditations Easter season service, titled “As I Have Loved You,” on March 29. Approximately 70 people in attendance “were inspired with relatable, heartwarming stories, engaging scriptures, and soothing music presented instrumentally and vocally.” The intent of the service, written by Carol Davis along with contributing writers Chad Murphy and Lindsey Larson, was to offer peace and calm in the midst of the current uncertain times. Brunch was served following the service.

Cerro Gordo put together snacks for college care packages on March 22.

Dixon has joined with two other churches in town to create the Dignity Drive of Dixon, fulfilling the vision of a member to provide diapers and other incontinence products to those who need them. A gathering of donations took place on Palm Sunday, when the congregation also hosted a community hymn sing.

Huntley Brown, a world renowned pianist, gave a concert at Polo Church of the Brethren on March 22. Local piano students performed first, followed by Brown. About 90 people attended. A love offering was collected, and refreshments were served following the service.

Highland Avenue (Elgin) will hold an all-church potluck on April 19 following Sunday school. … The congregation has also been continuing its tradition of volunteering at the Northern Illinois Food Bank, most recently going on April 13.

Neighborhood (Montgomery) baptized Ezekiel and Serenity Hernandez during its Palm Sunday service on March 29.

Woodland (Astoria) held a Super Bowl luncheon in February, raising about $400 for the community food pantry.

The Neher family at York Center (Lombard) is holding a “house concert” with Brethren band “Friends with the Weather” on April 24, with music starting at 7:30 p.m. A donation of $10 and beverages/snacks to share are requested.

Ellis Boughton, pastor at Yellow Creek (Pearl City), did a presentation on the history of the 176-plus-year-old congregation at the local Lutheran church for a Pearl City Historical Organization event on March 8. … The congregation was also part of a Wednesday Lenten luncheon series in the community.

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.” The district Program & Arrangements Committee is hard at work on plans for the event, and they want to survey congregations to see whether you expect to have any children or youth attending from your church. If so, please email the district office with the approximate number and age of those who might attend. This will help the committee determine whether to schedule children's/youth activities during the conference. Watch for more details in the coming months!