MINISTRY NEWS

The district celebrated TWO installation services in August! Gay Bouwmeester was officially installed as part-time settled pastor at York Center on Aug. 16, and Krista Dutt was installed as full-time settled pastor for Highland Avenue the following Sunday, Aug. 23. Each had previously been serving as interim pastor for their congregation. The installations were followed with receptions filled with food and (in the case of Highland Avenue) board games. We rejoice with them and the congregations in this new chapter of ministry.

Lynda Willmann extended her part-time interim ministry with Mount Morris through Oct. 4.

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.

Pastors and staff members of Brethren congregations, districts, and camps still will be able to purchase short- and long-term disability, life, vision, dental, critical illness, and accident ancillary insurance products from Eder Financial for 2027 through a group plan. Benefits of the group plan include one open enrollment period, ability to obtain insurance without medical screening or knowledge of pre-existing conditions, and a uniform rate. Rates are not available yet, but enrollment information will be sent to the church, district, and camp administrators in October with open enrollment running from Nov. 9-20. For questions, please email insurance@eder.org.

Congregational vacancies/updates:

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

Highland Avenue (Elgin): Krista Dutt was installed as the full-time settled pastor on Aug. 23.

Mount Morris: Lynda Willmann is currently serving as quarter-time interim pastor through early October. 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 recently posted their profile for a half-time position.

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): Gay Bouwmeester was installed as the part-time settled pastor on Aug. 16.