MINISTRY NEWS

The search committee at Highland Avenue (Elgin) recommended Krista Dutt, who has been serving the congregation in a part-time interim capacity since last year, as the candidate to be Highland Avenue’s full-time settled pastor. The congregation approved that call with a vote on July 12. Krista will be formally installed as pastor during worship on Aug. 23.

York Center (Lombard) will hold an installation service for Gay Bouwmeester, who began as the congregation’s settled pastor in May, during worship on Aug. 16, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Congratulations to Laura Lipscomb (Springfield First), who began studies in the TRIM (Training in Ministry) program at Bethany Theological Seminary in July! Laura is currently in a discernment cohort at Springfield. Several others in the district are also in the ministry discernment process.

The pastoral compensation materials for 2027 are available from the denominational Ministry Office. An email went out last month, and you can find the materials online at Pastoral Compensation Tools – Ministry Office. A compensation calculator is also available there for those who might find it helpful. The recommended salary table for pastors, based on the denominational scale, includes a 4.2 percent increase over 2026 based on the national cost-ofliving adjustment.

Bethany Theological Seminary has announced generous new financial aid for students who are members of the Church of the Brethren. Beginning fall 2026, Bethany will offer full-tuition scholarships to members of the Church of the Brethren who are enrolled in a graduate degree or graduate certificate program. The new Church of the Brethren scholarship was made possible by Flourish: A Campaign for Bethany Theological Seminary, which has raised more than $12.7 million in gifts and commitments over the last three years. Student financial aid was a key focus of the campaign, and alumni and donors have responded with remarkable generosity. For more information about the scholarship, email Maya Armstrong or call 765-983-1844.

The denomination’s Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church program will be offering one more online listening session this summer to give opportunity for multivocational pastors (MVP’s) to meet with other MVP's and share their thoughts, ideas, and ways that the program can be helpful and supportive of their lives and ministries. It will be Tuesday, August 26, from 6-7:30 p.m. Central (https://forms.gle/fuzTdcg5rc9KrpVj8). If you cannot make a session, a survey can also be completed at https://forms.gle/pG1BFAUY9MF22sdi9.

Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church also will sponsor “Practicing the Way: The Scripture Practice” this fall for multi-vocational pastors, using the book “Practicing the Way” by John Mark Comer. The Scripture Practice includes four sessions featuring video teaching, discussion, prayer, weekly exercises, readings, and additional resources designed to help participants develop life-giving rhythms as apprentices of Jesus. The four sessions are: Read; Meditate; Study; and Memorize. Each session lasts approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Sessions will meet on Tuesday evenings—Sept. 15, 22, 29, and Oct. 6—beginning at 6 p.m. Central. Register by Wednesday, September 9, by completing the online registration form.

Congregational vacancies/updates:

Cerro Gordo: David Biggs began as part-time interim pastor for a one-year period beginning May 15. The search committee remains active, and a congregational profile is available.

Highland Avenue (Elgin): The congregation on July 12 officially called Krista Dutt, who has been serving as part-time interim pastor since early 2025, as their full-time settled pastor. An installation service will take place Aug. 23, with district executive Walt Wiltschek officiating.

Mount Morris: Lynda Willmann is currently serving as quarter-time interim pastor through at least September. 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, and the congregation is working on a profile.

Naperville: Tony Asta began as part-time interim pastor June 1. The search committee is continuing its work, and a profile for their full-time pastoral position is now available.

Oakley Brick: Pastor David Roe retired in March. Initial conversations have begun with the congregation about next steps. They are currently using pulpit supply.

York Center (Lombard): The installation service for Gay Bouwmeester as part-time settled pastor will take place this Sunday, Aug. 16, at 9:30 a.m. District executive Walt Wiltschek will officiate.