MINISTRY NEWS

October is Clergy Appreciation Month (or Pastor Appreciation Month). The denomination's Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee has prepared some thoughts on the occasion and ideas for expressing your gratitude in the weeks ahead. Be sure to take time to say thank you to your pastor and other clergy in your midst!

The 2027 district clergy gathering and retreat will be held April 26-27 at the Bishop Lane Retreat Center near Rockford. Russell Haitch, professor at Bethany Theological Seminary, will be the keynote leader around the theme of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for ministry. Watch for more details in the coming months.

Christy Waltersdorff, former pastor at York Center, recently moved (along with her husband, Marty) back to her home area in Pennsylvania. We will miss her here, but we wish her all the best in this new chapter!

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. An updated 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 costof-living adjustment. Also remember to do any paperwork needed to shift your accounts from Eder to Everence this fall. Reminders have been sent to all congregations that have accounts.

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 for a part-time position is available.

Mount Morris: Lynda Willmann recently concluded an interim pastorate with the congregation. Randall Westfall and others are assisting with pulpit supply. Jonathan Shively has also been doing a consultation process with Mount Morris this year as they discern direction. The congregation recently posted their profile for a half-time position.

Naperville: Tony Asta began as part-time interim pastor June 1 through at least the end of 2026. 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. Conversations have begun with the congregation about next steps. They are currently using pulpit supply.