The Reflector - April 2025

The Village ILWIDIot

Walt Wiltschek 

“The one who gives life appeared! We saw it happen, and we are witnesses to what we have seen. Now we are telling you about this eternal life that was with the Father and appeared to us.” —1 John 1:2, CEV 

Someone on the keynote panel at the recent Potluck Experience event in Peoria—I think it was Mary Jessup from Springfield First—said, “When we’re called to something, we see things differently.” 

That phrase stuck with me in the days after the event. We DO see things differently when we recognize a call in our lives. We step over a threshold into those new places of being and doing, and we feel a synergy with our purpose in God’s creation. It doesn’t always feel easy to be in those places, but it does feel right, sometimes in ways we can’t put into words. 

I’ve been delighted to see so many people in our district stepping up and answering calls of various sorts, including a number of people answering calls to congregational ministry. We now have about half a dozen people in the district discerning or doing ministry training, plus a number of others who are part of shared ministry teams in their churches or sharing messages in pulpit supply. From what I’ve heard, the people and congregations who are engaging in that intentional discernment and sharing of gifts are indeed seeing things differently, and they are experiencing new life because of it. 

As we find ourselves approaching Holy Week and Easter, the ultimate expression of new life on the Christian calendar, I hope that others will experience that new life individually and congregationally, too. How might God be calling you—to preach, to visit, to do community outreach, to teach, to work with youth, to serve at camp, or any number of other things? 

The disciples who answered Jesus’ call and lived through that journey of Good Friday and Easter saw their world in a whole new, life-giving way. Perhaps we can, too.

DISTRICT EXECUTIVE SCHEDULE

In addition to regular meetings, Walt will be preaching at Neighborhood April 13, attending Spring Into Camp at Camp Emmaus April 26, preaching at Mount Morris April 27, attending the district clergy gathering in Rockford May 1-2, preaching and meeting with Cerro Gordo May 4, officiating a wedding in Wisconsin May 17, and visiting with the Madtown Brethren in Madison May 18. 

Walt is available to visit your church, do pulpit supply, lead sessions, have conversation times, or otherwise connect with your congregation. Please contact IWDDE@outlook.com to schedule a time. He is half-time and is usually on district duty late afternoons/evenings on weekdays plus weekends.

CALLING CARDS FROM THE DISTRICT MODERATOR

Bill Williams 

Holy week. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. A time when we should reflect on the mountaintop highs and the valley lows of Jesus and his disciples. 

Jesus stopped in Bethany at Lazarus’s home the day before riding the colt to enter Jerusalem. Jesus’ feet were anointed with the oil that was meant for his burial. Judas said it should have been sold and the money given to the poor. He really thought the money should have been used to line his pockets for personal gain. 

On Monday, Jesus went into the synagogue and saw it being used as a bank: Money being exchanged for the purchase of sacrifices for Passover. Jesus showed a side of his temperament that you rarely see, his arms being used as shovels. Tables of money flew everywhere in frustration. In Matthew 21: 13, Jesus says: “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” After calming himself, the blind and lame came to him, and he healed them. After Jesus talked to the chief priests and scribes, He went back to Bethany to lodge for the night. 

On Tuesday, Jesus was back in the synagogue teaching and stumping the chief priests and elders on the question, ‘By what authority are you doing these things?’ (Matt 21: 23). Jesu asked them a question that they couldn’t or wouldn’t answer, and Jesus did not directly answer them. 

Wednesday is a tough day. Scripture tells nothing of what Jesus did. He may have stayed in Bethany, come back to the synagogue or went somewhere to pray. Nothing is written. 

Thursday we know of the Passover meal and the teaching of the meaning of communion and foot washing to the disciples. Judas leaves the table to receive his potter’s field money for the betrayal of Jesus to the soldiers. On maps we see the paths taken around Jerusalem for Jesus’ trial and beating. The same people that cried, “Glory to Hosanna in the highest” on Sunday are saying “crucify him” on Thursday/Friday, Peter denying he knew Jesus 3 times. 

Friday. The crucifixion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The forgiveness that Jesus asked for. ‘Forgive them, they do not know what they do’. The forgiveness of one thief, but not the other. His burial in Joseph’s tomb. Guards stand watch. 

Saturday. With Jesus in the tomb, nothing is said of what happens. 

Easter Sunday. Mary goes to the tomb to prepare Jesus’ body according to Jewish law. We all know that on that glorious morning, the stone was rolled away, a gardener talked to Mary, and eventually Jesus ascends to be at the right hand of God. 

My research for this article came from the greatest book ever written: the Bible. The rest came from a book by Max Lucado called And the Angles were Silent. Part of what I learned from this reading was that Jesus showed his human side: Along with tenderness and his willingness to teach others, he can get angry and show a rough side. In the end, Jesus showed compassion and forgiveness to those who showed repentance and to those who showed nothing. 

During this time, be willing to teach, slow to anger, and to listen before speaking. 

Blessings to all. 

Bill Williams
IL/WI District Moderator

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

Program & Arrangements Committee, April 23, 7 p.m. 

District Clergy Gathering and CEU event, Bishop Lane Retreat Center, Rockford, May 1-2 

Church Revitalization and Development Team, May 17, 9 a.m. 

Leadership Team, June 3, 6:30 p.m. 

Gifts Discernment and Call Committee, June 10, 7:15 p.m. 

Annual Conference briefing with moderator Dava Hensley, June 14, 10 a.m. 

Ministry Leadership Development Team, June 18, 6:30 p.m.

Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, July 2-6, Greensboro, N.C. 

[all meetings via Zoom unless otherwise noted]

IN OUR PRAYERS

A district prayer calendar has been created for your use in praying for our district and related programs through the year. We invite you to include the following in your prayers in coming weeks:

Week of April 13: As we journey through Holy Week and on to the new life of Easter, spend time in quiet reflection, then rejoice in hope of Christ’s resurrection and all the new things that God is doing among us.

Week of April 20: Pray for the Milledgeville (Dutchtown) congregation, and for Heifer International, SERRV, and other organizations birthed by the Church of the Brethren.

Week of April 27: Pray for the district’s Ministry Leadership Development Team, for the clergy gathering taking place near Rockford this week, and for all the clergy of our district.

Week of May 4: Pray for the York Center congregation, and for the work of our denomination’s Youth/Young Adult Ministries office and all the ways it equips the younger members of our church.

Week of May 11: Pray for the Oakley Brick congregation this week, and for the “New and Renew” church planting and renewal conference occurring in Elgin, Ill., May 14-16.

Jocelyn Watkins (Peoria First), our district moderator-elect, in late March asked for prayers for her parents, Dennis and Van Metzger, who were long-time members of the Springfield First congregation and were involved in church leadership in a variety of ways. They now live at the Timbercrest retirement community in Indiana. Jocelyn shared the following via Peoria's prayer chain: “My dad (Dennis) was recently admitted to the Health Care wing due to a decline in his Parkinson’s-related symptoms, possibly compounded by a recent illness. They are working to readjust his medications and provide physical and occupational therapy with the hope that he can regain strength and return to their apartment. My mom (Van) can visit him daily since they both live at Timbercrest, but she’s understandably anxious about his condition and their future. They’ve been married for almost 52 years and being apart like this is challenging for both of them. I'd like to ask for prayers for their health, peace of mind, and comfort during this uncertain time. Thank you for lifting them up in prayer."

Since then, Peoria First provided an update from Jocelyn, who said her parents were doing much better and showing good improvement. “It’s looking very likely he’ll be able to return to the apartment with my mom after this stretch of therapy wraps up,” she said. “Their spirits are much brighter now with things headed in the right direction.” And as of this week, he was indeed preparing to move back into the apartment and doing quite well.

Thank you for your prayers! For anyone wanting to send a card, they are at: Dennis and Van Metzger, P.O. Box 501, North Manchester, IN 46962.

REMEMBERING

Marianne Rhoades Pittman, a long-time member of and leader in Illinois/Wisconsin and beyond, passed away Saturday, March 15, at her home in Dublin, Ohio. She was 94.

Marianne grew up in Astoria, Ill., graduating from high school there and going on to Manchester College in Indiana, where she graduated with a degree in secondary education and home economics. She married Bob Pittman in July 1955 in Astoria and then moved to Champaign, where they were members of Champaign Church of the Brethren. They had three children. Marianne taught in Kansas and Illinois, and while the family lived in Champaign she served for two decades as a campus minister at the University of Illinois. She later served as interim pastor at Springfield First and pastored the Good Shepherd congregation in Blacksburg, Va.

She and Bob were heavily involved in Brethren Disaster Ministries and served as co-interim directors of the organization in 1999. She also served the district and the denomination in a variety of leadership roles. Late in life she returned to Astoria for a time and was part of the Woodland congregation before moving to Ohio to be closer to some of her family. As her obituary noted, "Shaped by her deep and expansive faith, Marianne embodied servant leadership and the gift of hospitality."

Funeral services were held March 21 in Astoria, with interment at the Woodland Church of the Brethren Cemetery. The full obituary can be found at Obituaries - Shawgo Memorial Home. 

On Saturday, April 12, Chicago First (3560 W. Congress Pkwy., Chicago) is hosting a celebration of life service for Lois Snyder, who spent much of her life as a member of the congregation. She died Oct. 5 in North Manchester, Ind. The service will take place at 11 a.m., followed by a visitation time at noon with a light luncheon. The graveside service will take place at 2 p.m. at Oakridge Cemetery in Hillside. An additional service will be held at 2 p.m. April 13 at Manchester Church of the Brethren in North Manchester. Our prayers are with her family.

MINISTRY NEWS

Congratulations to Ellis and Pam Boughton (Yellow Creek), who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in May! 

On April 12, a "Reflections on Anabaptist History at 500" event will take place at 10 a.m. at the Illinois Mennonite Heritage Center, 675 State Route 116 in Metamora, near Peoria. The event will feature Hesston (Kan.) College history and Bible professor emeritus John Sharp. All are welcome, and there is no charge. A fellowship lunch will follow the presentation. The Church of the Brethren will offer an in-person ethics training during the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Greensboro, N.C., on Wednesday, July 2, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Eastern, for those who still need it for this cycle. Participants will receive 0.5 CEU’s. Please let the district office know by June 1 if you plan to attend this session. The district also will plan to offer one more training through the denomination’s Ministry Office in late summer or early fall for any others who still need to complete it. The training is required every five years as part of the ordination/commissioning renewal cycle, which ends in 2025. 

All ministers should also begin gathering information for their CEU report, which will be due beginning mid-2025. Copies of the continuing education report form can be found at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/forms/. The district Ministry Leadership Development Team (MLDT) will be completing document reviews and renewals for all credentialed ministers in the district later this year. Please contact the district office with any questions. 

Denominational efforts are currently under way to support congregations who are being affected by deportations of undocumented people, either those who have members who are undocumented or who minister to those communities, or who are allies of such groups. If your congregation would have interest in being connected to these efforts, please contact the district office. 

This year’s pre-Annual Conference Ministers’ Association continuing education event will focus on the theme “A Place for Every Body: Disability, Accessibility, and the Church.” The conference will be presented by Jeanne Davies (York Center), executive director of the Anabaptist Disabilities Network, who will offer sessions on “What Disables Us?,” “Creating Accessible Congregations,” and “Accessible Worship.” Registration opened March 5. Plan to arrive on Tuesday, July 1, in time for the Meet and Greet dinner and the opening session that evening. The Wednesday, July 2, sessions conclude at 4 p.m. Find the registration link and flyer at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/sustaining/#event.

For any clergy currently in active part-time ministry, Ryan Braught—a "circuit rider" with the denomination's Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church program—is offering free, monthly one-hour coaching sessions. He describes the sessions as "times where I listen, encourage, support, ask questions, and help to bring clarity." Ryan is a Brethren pastor/church planter in Lancaster County, Pa., so the sessions would be held via Zoom or a similar platform. It can be done as a one-time trial or set up a larger framework of ongoing coaching. Contact Ryan at ryan@veritaschurchpa.org. 

Eder Financial recently rolled out its Flourishing in Ministry program in partnership with Biola University, providing free coaching and assistance to pastors and clergy. An email with information was recently sent out to all clergy. For more information, contact Eder Financial at dparrott@eder.org or 800-746-1505.

Congregational vacancies: 

Dutchtown (Milledgeville): Ed Livengood is serving as an internal preacher and providing pastoral care. Ed is pursuing a call to ministry and has recently entered the discernment process, with Rick Koch serving as district mentor.

Highland Avenue (Elgin): The congregation called Krista Dutt (Chicago First) as its interim pastor, and she began April 1. Krista completed her M.Div. at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and plans to go through the credentialing process in our district. The congregation is working on a congregational profile and calling a search committee.

Lanark: The congregational profile is circulating, and the search committee has begun doing interview. The congregation is using pulpit supply this spring.

Woodland: Local pastor Mathew Thiner is serving as an interim preacher and providing some pastoral care. Woodland member Kevin Sager is also helping to provide interim leadership, aided by a congregational team.

York Center (Lombard): A search committee has been formed, and a congregational profile has been published. Jonathan Shively and Tony Asta are serving as an interim pastoral team and recently extended their contract through Sept. 30. The search committee is in the interview process.

CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS

The historic Kurtz organ will be played in a rare concert on Sunday, May 25, at 4 p.m. in the chapel at the Church of the Brethren General Offices at 1451 Dundee Ave. in Elgin. The small, hand-pumped pipe organ, which is part of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA) collection, is more than 320 years old. This is a very rare public appearance of the organ, which in recent decades has been played in concert only a handful of times. The concert is part of the Great Elgin Pipe Organ Tour 2024-2025 organized and led by Jeff Neufeld, music director and organist at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Elgin, with support from guest musicians. To attend the May 25 concert, park in the rear lot of the General Offices and enter the building through the staff/kitchen entrance. For more information about the tour see https://fcc-elgin.org/organ-tour.

Mark Kuntz of Highland Avenue (Elgin), a cellist, was recognized with being the longest serving member of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra as the ESO celebrated its 75th anniversary season. The recognition published by the ESO noted that he “may very well hold the national record for longest continuous member of a single orchestra in the United States.” Kuntz is the only ESO musician to have performed with all five of the ESO’s music directors. “Barely a teenager in 1958, Mark joined the Elgin Civic Orchestra when the orchestra was comprised of music instructors, local musicians, community players and student musicians,” the recognition said. Read the full article at www.elginsymphony.org/eso-news/mark-kuntz-feature. 

Freeport will be hosting Annual Conference moderator Dava Hensley for a visit on Sunday, May 11, when Dava will be preaching and staying for conversation and a potluck meal. Anyone else from the district who would like to join them that day is welcome. On June 29, the congregation will hold its worship at Camp Emmaus at 11:30 a.m., followed by a potluck picnic. Area Church of the Brethren members are welcome to attend. For questions, contact Wendy Boettner at peaceandjoy.1954@gmail.com. And on Sept. 7, Freeport is celebrating its 105th anniversary as a congregation. Worship and reminiscing will be at 10 a.m., followed by lunch. RSVP to 815-232-1938. 

Freeport also has several boxes of choir music to give away, with 10-12 copies of numerous pieces. If interested, contact Linda Simler at lsimler1975@gmail.com. 

Girard Area Homes is seeking two Brethren members to serve on its seven-member board, overseeing the business of the senior low-income housing units. The board meets quarterly, and the winter meeting is via Zoom. If interested, contact Terry Link at 217-494-3850. 

Highland Avenue (Elgin) was one of five congregations to receive a denominational Brethren Faith in Action grant among the first disbursements in 2025. Highland Avenue is receiving $5,000 for its support to newcomers in need in the local community. During 2024, the church participated in a task force of a local ministerial group assembling “welcome kits” of bedding, kitchen, and bath supplies for families of newcomers. In 2025, with the help of this grant, additional families can benefit from welcome kits, weekly food pantry meal boxes, and hot meals. The program is in partnership with a number of local and area nonprofits. The purpose is to assess any special food needs for new families and to determine the support needed for them to eat nutritiously, with sensitivity to cultural meal preferences. The goal is to provide 100 welcome boxes, food, and hot meals over a 9-month period in 2025. (From “Newsline”) 

Naperville will be volunteering at Feed My Starving Children’s food ministry program the morning of Saturday, May 10. 

Peoria First is assembling snack packs for a local school on April 14 and also planned to send volunteers to the Midwest Food Bank on April 10. The congregation has been gathering an impressive array of food bank donations in its narthex (left) with a Can-a-Thon this past month. 

Virden held an after-worship Fifth Sunday Potluck on March 30. The congregation also continues to operation a Community Food Pantry that is open 2-3 p.m. each Tuesday. 

Creekside Church of the Brethren in Elkhart, Ind., will offer a one-person, one-night performance of “Laughter as a Place of Belonging” by actor/comedian Ted Swartz of Ted & Co. on Friday, April 25 at 7 p.m. Admission is FREE. Seating is limited, so plan to arrive early for a good seat. A free-will offering will be collected, going to Church Community Services.

Also in Indiana, Camp Mack (Milford, Ind.) will hold its centennial celebration on Aug. 10. Learn more at www.campmack.org/100.

Congregations are invited to apply for a Global Food Initiative (GFI) grant to support efforts to address domestic hunger and homelessness. In the past, GFI grants have supported congregation-based garden projects, soup kitchens, food pantries, and more. If you have an idea and would like to discuss it or apply for a grant, please contact GFI manager Jenn Hosler by email at jhosler@brethren.org. GFI grant application forms are provided on request, via email. 

Do you have congregational news: celebrations, milestones, “Jesus in the Neighborhood” stories or other things to share with our district family? Please send those to the district office: iwdde@outlook.com.

POTLUCK EXPERIENCE 2025 WRAP-UP

More than 70 people took part in this year’s Illinois/Wisconsin District Potluck Experience, held March 29 at Peoria First Church of the Brethren using the 2025 district theme, “Are You Being Called?” 

Worship began the day, with Dana McNeil and Jocelyn Watkins leading music and Ellis Boughton sharing a time of reflection. That was followed by a keynote panel of Christy Waltersdorff, Mary Jessup, Ginger Florence, and Randall Westfall sharing their thoughts on calling and serving, with district executive Walt Wiltschek facilitating the discussion. 

The namesake potluck meal provided a highlight of the day, with long tables full of a variety of dishes, including many, many desserts (and a birthday cake for Ellis Boughton!). The fellowship hall also had space for donations to Peoria’s inspiring Mountain Mission Project—which was also the subject of one of the afternoon workshop choices. 

Other workshops included shared ministry team models in congregations (led by Mary Jessup and Kevin Kessler), engaging people with disabilities (led by Jeanne Davies and Jonathan Hively), and camps’ role in calling (led by Randall Westfall, Ray Knotts, and Harold Rose). A closing circle brought an end to the day. 

Many thanks to our excellent hosts at Peoria First, and to the members of this year’s Potluck Experience planning team: Leonard Matheny, Pat Ball, Christy Waltersdorff, and Pam Boughton. Watch for details down the road on the district’s Potluck Experience 2027!

POTLUCK REFLECTIONS

Laura Lipscomb, a member of the Springfield First congregation, offered the following reflection as part of a devotional for a recent district Gifts Discernment and Call Committee meeting: 

“Last Saturday, I was at the district potluck in Peoria. As I walked through the line at lunch, a few of us were commenting on how amazing it is that we always wind up with so much food. Whether you’re in a small church potluck or a bigger gathering like this, it always exceeds what you need. And as I looked down the table, I saw not only SO much food, but what variety! There’s always some fruit, some veggies, a protein or two, some salads, some Jello, some desserts. You can build a perfectly balanced plate (and then another if you’re not careful…). 

Outside of the meal, the worship and workshops were centered around the theme of calling, and being called. As I listened to people sharing about when and how they felt called, I was struck by what a potluck bunch we are. No matter what our church needs—whether it’s camp ministry and volunteers, people to join a shared ministry team or after school program tutors, or techies to run the workshop—our plate is full of a balance of gifts. 

This team comes together to call people to lead the district, and we know that just like at the potluck, we will be covered.”

DISTRICT CLERGY GATHERING 2025

The 2025 Illinois/Wisconsin District clergy gathering and CEU event will take place May 1-2 at Bishop Lane Retreat Center near Rockford (7708 E. McGregor Rd.). The event, planned by the district Ministry Leadership Development Team (MLDT), will begin at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 (with registration and check-in available beginning at 3 p.m.) and will conclude by 4 p.m. on Friday. Register at https://ilwiclergygathering2025.rsvpify.com.

The event is open to all those in the district who are licensed or ordained or are currently in a ministry discernment program. Our leader this year will be Stan Dueck, director of organizational leadership for the Church of the Brethren, on the theme "Ministry in a BANI* World" (*Brittle, Anxious, Non-Linear, and Incomprehensible). Stan has spent significant time researching the changing landscape of the church and ministry and will be leading some fascinating exploration and conversations. Pastors, chaplains, denominational staff, retired ministers, or those serving in another role should all find it helpful and engaging. 

Thanks to a subsidy from MLDT, the per-person registration cost is just $75, which includes a private room with bathroom (or shared room for those who would like to share a double with someone), three meals, and all program fees. Participants will receive 0.5 CEU's. (If money is an issue, please contact district executive Walt Wiltschek directly and confidentially at iwdde@outlook.com to discuss options.) In addition to the sessions and meals, the schedule will include time for worship and some "down time" to enjoy the beautiful grounds, play games, or have some R&R. Anyone who would like to come early to stay Wednesday night at Bishop Lane for a longer retreat time should contact the center directly at 815-965-5011 to inquire about possibilities.

DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2025

The 2025 Illinois/Wisconsin District conference will take place Nov. 7-8 at The Chateau Hotel & Conference Center in Bloomington, Ill. Bill Williams (Yellow Creek) will serve as moderator, with the theme “Are You Being Called?” Jocelyn Watkins (Peoria First) serves as moderator-elect.

A continuing education event will be offered for clergy and others during the day on Friday, Nov. 7, with the main conference starting with worship Friday evening and continuing with business and equipping sessions on Saturday, along with meals, exhibits, and other events.

All congregations are encouraged to send their allotted delegates to the conference. Per the 2022 constitution revisions, each congregation of 100 or fewer members can send three delegates, with one additional delegate for every 100 members or portion thereof. The pastor (if any) and board/leadership team chair typically serve as delegates, along with at-large members called by the congregation. The district Program & Arrangements Committee recently voted to increase the district conference assessment to cover costs; it will now be $30 per allotted delegate. Non-delegate registration will also increase slightly, to $15 per person.

More details will be coming in the months ahead, with registration opening in late summer or early fall. We hope that you and other members of your congregation will join us for this important time in the life of our district!

CAMP NEWS

Registration for the Camp Emmaus 2025 summer season is open at campemmaus.churchcenter.com/registrations. A discounted price is available for those who register before June 1.

The camping season will kick off with the Spring Into Camp event on Saturday, April 26, beginning at 1 p.m. A Primitive Shelter Day will be held as part of the Escape to Emmaus series on April 19 (10 a.m.-2 p.m., cost $10, register by April 16), and the annual Camp Clean-Up Day will be May 31. The summer schedule will include the following offerings:

May 23-26 Memorial Day Family Camp
June 20-22 CIT Training
June 21-22 Elementary (K-Grade 2)
July 6-12 Survivor Camp at Camp Mack (Grades 6-8)
July 13-19 Senior High (Grades 9-12)
July 20-26 Middle School (Grades 6-8)
July 27-31 Intermediate (Grades 3-5)
Aug. 1-3 Young Adult/Young at Heart (Ages 18+)
Aug. 3-6 Target Sports Camp
Aug. 7-9 Women’s Camp
Aug. 22-24 Men’s Camp
Aug. 29-Sept. 1 Labor Day Family Camp

For more information about the camp, visit www.campemmaus.org.

Registration for the summer season at Camp Emmanuel is also now open! Visit www.campem.com to register, and for other Camp Emmanuel news. A spring work week to prepare for the summer is scheduled for April 26-30. The camp opens to the public May 1 for fishing and hiking, etc. The summer schedule will include:

May 30-June 1 Women’s Camp
June 5-8 High School Camp
June 8-14 Middle School Camp
June 15-19 Junior Camp
July 14-18 Day Camp
July 18-20 Creation Camp
Aug. 8-10 Men’s Camp
Aug. 29-Sept. 1 Family Camp

Both camps are currently seeking lifeguards for the summer season. Contact the respective camps for more information on these paid positions.

YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS

National Youth Sunday on May 4 will be an opportunity for congregations to empower senior high youth to plan and lead worship. The theme is “Embodying Our Gifts.” Resources are posted at www.brethren.org/yya/national-youth-sunday. The National Youth Cabinet met in March in Elgin to develop these materials and begin planning for National Youth Conference 2026.

Young Adult Conference is planned for May 23-25, at Brethren Woods near Keezletown, Va. The annual event offers people ages 18-35 a chance to enjoy fellowship, worship, recreation, Bible study, service projects, and more. See www.brethren.org/yya/yac. 

National Junior High Conference takes place June 20-22 at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., with the theme “Let Your Gentleness Be Known.” Join other junior high youth and adult advisors for a weekend packed with powerful worship, fun workshops, music, recreation, and more. Registration and details are at www.brethren.org/yya/njhc.

National Youth Conference 2026 will take place July 18-23, 2026, with a return to the site that the conference used in 1990 and prior years: the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colo. More information will come in the months ahead at National Youth Conference. 

MennoMedia has announced a “Living Forward: Anabaptism at 500 Essay Contest” offering eligible students the opportunity to earn a scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. This contest invites students to reflect on the enduring values of the Anabaptist tradition—which includes the Church of the Brethren—and their relevance in today’s world. The overall winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship, and the first runner-up will be awarded a $500 scholarship. Scholarships may be used toward tuition, book costs, and related course fees. Participants should write a 750 to 1,000-word essay responding to the prompt: “Timeless Values in a Changing World.” Writers will identify the distinctive values of the Anabaptist tradition and discuss how these values are shaping the future of the church and influencing broader society in the decades to come. Applicants must be current high school seniors, current college students, or students returning to college after a break from academics and enrolled full-time (at least 12 credit hours per semester) during the 2025-2026 academic year at an accredited two-year or four-year undergraduate or trade school program in the United States or Canada. Submit application and all required documentation postmarked or emailed by April 19. Find out more at www.mennomedia.org/living-forward-essay-contest.

FAITHX 2025

Registration for Church of the Brethren FaithX short-term service trips closed on April 1. The theme this year is “Living with Purpose.” For information on this year’s schedule, visit www.brethren.org/faithx/schedule. Please be in prayer for all those serving this summer!

DISASTER RESPONSE

The city of Centralia, Ill., (located east of St. Louis) has reached out to Illinois Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) for assistance with muck-and-gut and clean up related to recent flooding. If your congregation or organization can assist, please contact the response manager, Robert Moulder, at 618-214-1855 or at rmoulder@cityofcentralia.org. Please let VOAD know if you respond at voadillinois@gmail.com.

Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) is organizing a special short-term, two-week response in Spruce Pine, N.C. (near Asheville) the weeks of May 11 and 18. The area was hard hit by Hurricane Helene this past fall. There are openings for the first 12 volunteers to respond for each week. Housing (at a local church), meals, tools, and transport to project sites will be provided. The deadline to sign up is May 1. To sign up, contact Kim Gingerich at 410-635-8730 or kgingerich@brethren.org.

BDM is also continuing work this year at a rebuilding site in Letcher County, Ky. Information is at: https://www.brethren.org/bdm/rebuild/schedules/. Illinois/Wisconsin is scheduled to assist with a team Dec. 7-13. A YouTube video about the Letcher County site is at https://youtu.be/gmKy5PDf4PE. A second project site is expected to open later this year.

Our prayers are also with those in central and northeast Illinois who have been affected by storms this spring. As best we know, no district congregations or families have experienced damage; if anyone has other updates, please contact the district office. A Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) team of four volunteers (three from Iowa and one from Missouri) provided disaster child care in Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) in areas of Missouri hit by tornadoes in March. The team spent two days each in MARCs in Rolla, Poplar Bluff, and Piedmont from March 25-30. Another team was planned for St. Louis the following week.

NEW & RENEW 2025

The New & Renew Conference that had been scheduled for May 14-16 at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., has been cancelled. Anyone who had already registered will receive a full refund. Watch for updates on additional opportunities in the future at www.brethren.org/newandrenew.

NATIONAL OLDER ADULT CONFERENCE

The next National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) will be held Sept. 1-5, at Lake Junaluska, N.C., with the theme “Alive in the Spirit!” Registration will open May 1 at www.brethren.org/noac. Past attendees will receive an email with the registration link via email that day. Those needing special accommodations due to health/mobility issues will be able to register April 21-28.

Registration fees will be $220 for early-bird registration (May 1 to July 20), or $250 for regular registration. First-time attendees receive a $20 discount. A virtual participation registration option will be available for $150 per household.

NOAC recently announced this year’s keynote speakers: writer and poet Cole Arthur Riley; musician and storyteller Ken Medema; playwright and actor Ted Swartz; and Dominique DuBois Gilliard, director of Racial Righteousness and Reconciliation for the Evangelical Covenant Church.

The planning team includes Heidi Berkenbosch, Deanna Brown, Bonnie Kline Smeltzer, Leonard Matheny (Peoria First), Don Mitchell, Karlene Tyler, and coordinator Christy Waltersdorff (York Center). Debbie Noffsinger (Highland Avenue) designed the NOAC 2025 logo. Registration information and other details will be coming out soon.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025

We're pleased to share that Annual Conference moderator Dava Hensley will join us virtually for an Annual Conference briefing on Zoom on Saturday, June 14, at 10 a.m. This is especially designed for delegates to get a preview of business and other notable events at this summer's Conference (July 2-6 in Greensboro, N.C.), but anyone is welcome (and encouraged) to attend. It will last no more than an hour. A Zoom link and additional information will be sent at a later date; for now, mark your calendars and plan to join us for an informative morning! (As noted above, Dava will also be visiting the Freeport church and preaching on May 11!)

The 2025 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will take place Wednesday, July 2, to Sunday, July 6, at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. Registration and hotel reservations are open at www.brethren.org/ac2025. The Annual Conference office has announced the following registration fee schedule:

For advance registration (March 5-June 10): Delegates $350; Non-delegate adult, full conference, $175; Non-delegate adult, daily rate, $60; Post-high school to age 21, full conference, $50; Post-high school to age 21, daily rate, $20; Current high school student or younger, free; Active BVSer, free.

For on-site registration (opens July 1): Delegates $425; Non-delegate adult, full conference, $210; Non-delegate adult, daily rate, $75; Post-high school to age 21, full conference, $50; Post-high school to age 21, daily rate, $20; Current high school student or younger, free; Active BVSer, free. Note there is an additional fee for age-group activities.

Registration for virtual participation (non-delegate only): Adult (until June 10), full conference, $195 or daily rate, $75. Group/institutional registration, $500; Post-high school to age 21, full conference, $75. Worship services are available free of charge.

Pastors Dennis Beckner (Columbia City, Ind.) and Glenn Bollinger (Port Republic, Va.) headline this year’s Annual Conference ballot as candidates for moderator-elect. Find the full ballot at https://www.brethren.org/ac2025/business/ballot/. Worship preachers this year will be moderator Dava Hensley; a “cowbell service” featuring preachers Becky Baile Crouse, Josiah Ludwick, and Tony Price; Mount Hermon Church of the Brethren pastor Lupita Ortiz; Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary professor Gennifer Brooks; and South Waterloo Church of the Brethren pastor Dave Kerkove.

To date, the following congregations have registered delegates: Canton, Dixon, Freeport, Peoria First, Polo, and York Center. Please consider sending a delegate from your congregation. Congregations of up to 200 members receive one delegate, with one additional delegate for every additional 200 members or portion thereof. Delegate and non-delegate registration can be found at www.brethren.org/ac2025 (click “Registration”). A guide to registering online is available if needed.

Lodging: the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons is connected to the Koury Convention Center, making it extremely convenient for guests. The Annual Conference room rate is $120 plus tax (12.75%) totaling $135.30 per night. Parking is complimentary. The Sheraton Hotel provides complimentary shuttle transportation to and from Piedmont Triad International Airport from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. In room Wi-Fi is complimentary for all hotel guests. The link for hotel registration will come up immediately after registering for the conference.

New this year will be a conference welcome meal, beginning 5 p.m. July 2 at the hotel’s Joseph’s Restaurant. The dinner buffet will be $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for 12 and under. No reservations are required, and attendees will pay onsite.

Ushers needed: From usher coordinator David Ansley: “During worship we need volunteer ushers to help receive offerings and record attendance. While an important role in our worship services, ushering requires very little time and does not take away from participating in the rest of the worship service. You will be able to sign up when registering for Annual Conference and at the usher table when you arrive and check in for the conference, however I would like to have our first service covered on Wednesday night, before the conference begins. Once you have registered for conference, please follow the links to sign up to volunteer as an usher. You can also reach out to me directly at davidansley704@gmail.com and let me know if you are willing to serve on Wednesday evening, or for any of the other worship services. Please use ‘AC usher’ in the subject line. Feel free to contact me via text or call at 540-314-8146.”

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Upcoming courses from the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership include “A Place for Everybody,” a directed independent study done in conjunction with the Ministers’ Association pre-Annual Conference event, July 1-2, led by Audrey Hollenberg-Duffey (registration deadline May 20); “Leadership and Administration for the Now and Future Church,” online Aug. 13-Oct. 7, led by Audrey Hollenberg-Duffey (registration deadline July 9); and “Minister as Theologian,” online Sept. 3-Oct. 28, led by Joelle Hathaway (registration deadline July 23). Register and pay online at Brethren Academy Course Registration/Biannual TRIM Payment | Bethany Theological Seminary (bethanyseminary.edu).

Upcoming Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC) continuing education courses include “Supporting Congregational Members Following Divorce,” led by Julie Guistwite, June 3, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Central, via Zoom, cost $35. Course prices are $10 less without CEU’s. Register by visiting the SVMC course page or by contacting Karen Hodges at karenhodges@svmccob.org.

Lombard Mennonite Peace Center offers a variety of training sessions. Upcoming options include “Peaceful, Productive Pastor-Parish Partnerships,” June 4 or Aug. 20 via Zoom; “Strengthening the Body of Christ,” May 8 or Sept. 16 via Zoom; “Restorative Conversations,” Sept. 17 via Zoom; and “Conflict Transformation Skills,” July 23 and Sept. 11 via Zoom. For details and registration information, go to https://www.lmpeacecenter.org/trainings.

2025 New Community Project Learning Tours: Go. Meet. Learn. Grow. Change yourself—and your world. These trips will take participants of all ages to: Borneo in mid-May; the Ecuadorian Amazon in early June; Lybrook, N.M. in late June; and Denali/Kenai Fjords National Parks in early August. For more information visit www.newcommunityproject.info/learning-tours or contact dradcliffncp@yahoo.com or 540-855-1199.

Designed particularly for ministers new to the Church of the Brethren denomination, Bethany Theological Seminary’s new certificate of achievement in ministry studies (CAMS) includes six courses that focus on Brethren history and theology, practical experience with the ordinances and preaching of the church, biblical interpretation, and peace studies. The certificate can be completed in two years or even one year, depending on course offerings. Five of the six courses can be completed at a distance. For more information go to https://bethanyseminary.edu.

PERSONNEL NOTES

The Shenandoah District Church of the Brethren called a team to serve in an interim district executive minister capacity beginning on April 1. Paul Roth, Jan Orndorff, and Steve Spire will serve as the core interim team with Wayne Pence and Glenn Bollinger assisting as consultants. Team responsibilities will be divided both geographically and by focus area. All three core team members will be assisting with pastoral placement and congregational support and resourcing. Paul Roth will care for administration of the district office and will be the contact person for the team and liaison to the denomination, including the Council of District Executives and ecumenical agencies. Paul is a retired pastor and currently serves as a member of the board of directors of the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center of Harrisonburg, Va. Jan Orndorff will oversee credentialing and related issues, pastor CEU opportunities and support, and district communication. Jan is part-time pastor of the Sunrise congregation in Harrisonburg. Steve Spire will liaise with the financial director, mission partners, and gifts discernment team. Steve is part-time pastor of the Sangerville congregation in Bridgewater, Va.

Lee Marsh has announced his retirement from Buildings and Grounds for the Church of the Brethren General Offices effective, May 30. He has served as the Buildings and Grounds Assistant at the offices since May 17, 2021. Lee has provided excellent and regular cleaning for the entire General Offices with good care and attention to details. His easy demeanor, willingness to share a story, and pleasant demeanor will be missed around the General Offices.

JOB OPENINGS

The Church of the Brethren is announcing a new open position for administrative assistant for Discipleship and Leadership Formation at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill. The major responsibility is to enhance and support the ministries of Discipleship and Leadership Formation through administration of a variety of tasks and projects assigned by the executive director. Candidates should have good communication and organizational skills and knowledge of Windows-based applications; bilingual English-Spanish preferred. Three to five years of administrative assistant experience (especially in a non-profit environment) and a bachelor’s degree are desired. Applications will be received beginning immediately and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Qualified candidates are invited to send a cover letter with a resume to COBApply@brethren.org.

The Church of the Brethren is seeking an individual to fill a full-time salaried position of director of sales for Brethren Press. The director of sales develops and implements sales plans for Brethren Press and is responsible for the functions of customer service, shipping, and management of the inventory and warehouse. Skills and knowledge required include ability to work with sales and inventory management systems and other computer programs used within Brethren Press, experience supervising people and systems, strong interpersonal skills and experience working well within a team, knowledge of the Church of the Brethren or ability to learn, and ability to articulate and operate out of the vision and values of the Church of the Brethren. Applicants should have experience in sales, especially within the business of publishing and within a church setting. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Knowledge of the Church of the Brethren preferred. This position is based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Applications will be received beginning immediately and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Qualified candidates are invited to send a resume’ to COBApply@brethren.org.

The Church of the Brethren is seeking an individual to fill a full-time salaried position of director of Brethren Historical Library and Archives. Skills and knowledge required include familiarity with Church of the Brethren heritage, theology, and polity; ability to articulate and operate out of the vision of the Church of the Brethren; familiarity with library and archival disciplines; customer-service skills; research and problem-solving skills; and proficiency in Microsoft software and experience with OCLC products. Candidates should have at least 3-5 years of experience in a library or archives along with a master’s degree in library science/ archival studies or a public history related program, and extensive knowledge of Church of the Brethren history and beliefs. Graduate degree in history or theology and/or certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists preferred. This position is based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Applications will be received beginning immediately and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Qualified candidates are invited to send a resume to COBApply@brethren.org.

The Middle Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren seeks candidates to fill the roles of a three-member District Executive Team: one half-time district executive minister position and two quarter-time positions. This could also be filled by one person. Members of the team may work remotely or on location at the Middle PA District office located in Huntingdon, Pa. Compensation will be negotiated. Travel is required both within and outside of the district. Responsibilities include pastoral/congregational transitions, pastoral support, leadership development with respect to calling and credentialing of ministers, consultations with congregations and throughout the district structure, and management and administration of district staff and oversight of district finances. Applicants should be ordained through accredited program, minimum of Brethren Academy ACTS level training program; master of divinity preferred for half-time position. Other qualifications include personal skills in organization, administration, and communication; committed to the Church of the Brethren locally and denominationally and willing to work ecumenically; demonstrated leadership skills; and pastoral experience. Interested and qualified persons may apply by sending a letter of interest and resume’ to Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, director of the Ministry Office, at officeofministry@brethren.org. Applicants are requested to contact three persons who are willing to provide a letter of reference. Upon receipt of the resume’, the individual will be sent a candidate profile that must be completed and returned before the application is considered complete. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Camp Eder in Southern Pennsylvania District seeks candidates for two positions: Camp Coordinator and Program Coordinator. The Camp Coordinator fills a director role responsible for the total operations and security of Camp Eder, which includes supervising, hiring and supporting other staff, administrative responsibilities, public relations, and whatever else needed to make camp run well. The Program Coordinator role is to provide leadership for all Camp Eder-sponsored programs, to assist the Camp Coordinator in promoting Camp Eder programs, to develop and operate programs within the mission, and to make fiscally responsible programming decisions within the budget of the organization. The Camp Eder Board is now accepting resumes. Please contact Stan Goodwin, vice chair of the board, with applications or questions. Find links to full position descriptions and how to apply at https://omacob.org/camps-2/employment.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS/NEWSLINE

A resolution on weapons transfers was adopted by the Church of the Brethren’s Mission and Ministry Board at its spring meeting held March 7-9 at the General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Board chair Colin Scott led the meeting, assisted by chair-elect Kathy Mack and general secretary David Steele. The resolution focuses on the international arms trade, the arms industry, and the part played by the United States as “currently the world’s largest exporter of weapons, with 39 percent of global weapons imports in 2023 coming from the US.” See more at Mission and Ministry Board adopts resolution on weapons transfers at spring meeting – News.

Brethren Volunteer Service will be hosting a Zoom information session about BVS on April 15 at 7 p.m. Central. Anyone is welcome to stop by and hear more about BVS from the staff. Register in advance at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/nZT3YV66T2ibvOlRAhtZrQ. BVS orientation dates for 2025 have been set and applications are open. The application form can be found at www.brethren.org/bvs/volunteer/apply. Orientation dates will be July 27-Aug. 4, summer orientation (Unit 337), at Camp Colorado in Sedalia, Colo. Sept. 10-18, fall orientation (Unit 338), at Camp Mardela in Denton, Md.

Registration for Song and Story Fest 2025 at Camp Brethren Woods in Keezletown, Va., July 6-12, is now available, using this online form. More details about Song and Story Fest can be found here. Online registration and payment are again being offered to help streamline the process. Pay online (additional 3% fee) or send a check to On Earth Peace, after submitting your registration online. Using the online registration form is preferred, but the form can also be printed and mailed if needed.

In 2025, Mutual Aid Agency (MAA) marks its 140th anniversary, celebrating more than a century of faith-driven service, insurance protection, and a commitment to mutual aid. Throughout 2025, MAA will commemorate this milestone with special announcements, community engagement opportunities, and historical reflections. Clients, partners, and supporters are invited to follow along, share their stories, and celebrate the impact MAA has made over the past 140 years. More details will be shared throughout the year. For more information, visit www.maabrethren.com/140.

“10 Books Every Brethren Should Read” is the latest online article from Messenger, the Church of the Brethren magazine. Written by Brian Nixon, the piece offers brief reviews of a selection of books by and about Brethren. Read more at www.brethren.org/messenger/media-review/people-of-books-10-books-every-brethren-should-read.

Jennifer Hosler, manager of the Global Food Initiative for the Church of the Brethren, has been named one of the “12 Christian Women Shaping the Church in 2025” by Sojourners. “For the ninth year in a row, Sojourners honors Women’s History Month with an article highlighting revolutionary women shaping the church,” said the article. “This year’s list includes theologians, filmmakers, illustrators, musicians, pastors, and academics. Our nominees engage in diverse work, but these women are united through a fearless pursuit of justice. They lead through empathy. They build community. They fight against rising tides of hopelessness in our world with messages of radical and inclusive love.” Go to https://sojo.net/articles/12-christian-women-shaping-church-2025.

On Earth Peace is presenting 50th Anniversary Recognition Awards to David Jehnsen and Barbara Daté, “as we consider On Earth Peace’s 50 years and those whose legacy continues to move us in hope to the next 50 years,” said an announcement. “Both of these people have contributed to the key frameworks that guide On Earth Peace’s work in organizing for conflict reconciliation and social change. They have each served On Earth Peace and the Church of the Brethren, and many beyond the church, developing and walking with generations of leaders for justice and peace.” Jehnsen is co-author of the Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation curriculum that On Earth Peace uses in Kingian Nonviolence training. Daté is a regular consultant in anti-racism work and conflict transformation work and is a member of the Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board.

“Early Anabaptism in Global Perspective: Past, Present, and Future at 500 Years” is the topic for a conference at the Young Center at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College on July 22-24. This conference marking the 500th anniversary of the birth of the Anabaptist movement will revisit early Anabaptism and give special attention to the global context in which it emerged and spread. Speakers will also consider how Anabaptist history has been received by churches and academics in more recent times and in varying contexts around the world. With more than three dozen plenary sessions, papers, seminars, and roundtables by presenters from ten countries, the conference will examine such varied themes as migration, diplomacy, the arts, colonialism, peacemaking, and theological identity. Optional pre- and post-conference field trips will visit area libraries and archives and the 1719 Museum. Find out more and register at www.etown.edu/centers/young-center/anabaptism-conference-2025.aspx.

GRANTS AND GIVING

Grants available through the district include the following:

1. Mission and Mortar: Sustaining and developing ministry (mission) within congregations, as well as maintaining property (mortar), is sometimes hindered because of inadequate financial resources. The Illinois/Wisconsin District, whose mission is to support the growth and development of member congregations, desires to financially support congregations that are in good standing with the district and have specific needs. More information can be found here.
   
   
2. Being Jesus in the Neighborhood: Congregations can apply for $100 in seed money to start a new outreach project or initiative in their local communities, or to expand an existing one. These should be projects that intentionally engage with the neighborhood immediately around the congregation or, for those in rural locations, with the town or area around the church. Each congregation receiving a grant will be asked to share a little about their project at district conference. More information can be found here.
   
   
3. Emerging Missions Fund: To facilitate the growth and establishment of new faith communities, this grant is available for church and ministry planting initiatives. New church and ministry plants are encouraged to apply by contacting the district office and/or the CRDT.
   

Supporting Your District

The Illinois/Wisconsin District is active in a variety of ministry and mission efforts, both directly and indirectly. Continuing these efforts requires resources in the form of time, tools, knowledge, and especially finances.

Consider making a contribution to the district’s general fund or one of its special funds (disaster relief, youth, emerging ministries, etc.). Look for the donate button at iwdcob.org, or send your checks to the district office: 1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard, IL 60148.

The Reflector - March 2025

The Village ILWIDIot

 Walt Wiltschek 

“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.” —Matthew 5:9, The Message

Recently, at a church potluck meal, I was reminded of a well-worn and well-loved story. Talking about how the meal always seems to fill out the table and the breadth of the menu, one of the congregation members said, “It’s like stone soup. Everyone brings something, and it all works.” 

For any of you unfamiliar with the “Stone Soup” story, it tells of a village where the people were hungry, and they were hesitant to share what they had. Until … a stranger arrives in town and pulls out a large pot and a “magic stone” that would produce enough soup for all. The stranger gradually teases out other items that would be helpful—cabbage, potatoes, carrots, beef—and curious villagers bring them. Eventually, of course, there IS enough for everyone. 

The story came to mind again on Feb. 22, when a sizeable contingent from our district were among about 80 people who took part in an online workshop on “Changing Mindsets for Ministry” (read more below). Jeff MacDonald, our leader for this morning, is a pastor and journalist who has been researching the trend toward fewer and fewer full-time pastors in congregations, and how the church is adapting. 

For many congregations—including quite a few here in Illinois/Wisconsin—that shift has involved greater involvement of lay members in the ministry of the church. In some settings, that means shared ministry teams with a person who has some theological training as an “anchor” for the team (and several of those will be sharing at our “Potluck Experience” event later this month); for others, it has meant calling out ministers from within to take on some of those pastoral-type roles; for others, it’s been a hybrid of pulpit supply and members picking up various pieces to keep things going. 

As Jeff reminded us, that’s not a bad thing. Despite a tendency in the modern church to see the lack of a full-time pastor as diminishing the congregation, it actually can be quite the opposite. It’s a New Testament model that can create empowerment, free up resources, and open up new connection points. The Church of the Brethren, in particular, spent its first two centuries with a tradition of free ministry and a belief in the “priesthood of all believers,” where everyone contributes to the work of the church from the gifts they bring (although admittedly, it took quite a while till the gifts of women were fully embraced!). 

Here in the 21st century, we once again have the opportunity to be invested, all of us, in the ministry of our congregations. Theological training is still valuable, and not everyone will feel called to preach or teach or do visitation or outreach, but together our gifts can create a rather rich tapestry of being the body of Christ. Together, with God’s help, we are enough.

DISTRICT EXECUTIVE SCHEDULE

In addition to regular meetings, Walt will be worshiping at York Center March 9, worshiping and visiting with Virden and visiting Girard March 16, worshiping at Naperville March 23, attending the district Potluck Experience event in Peoria March 29, and preaching at Neighborhood April 13. Walt will be on vacation March 30-April 6. 

Walt is available to visit your church, do pulpit supply, lead sessions, have conversation times, or otherwise connect with your congregation. Please contact IWDDE@outlook.com to schedule a time. He is half-time and is usually on district duty late afternoons/evenings on weekdays plus weekends.

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

• Church Revitalization and Development Team, March 22, 9 a.m. 
• Property & Assets Management Team, March 25, 7 p.m. 
• Potluck Experience 2025, Peoria First Church of the Brethren, March 29, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 
• Leadership Team, April 1, 7 p.m. 
• Gifts Discernment and Call Committee, April 8, 7:15 p.m. 
• Ministry Leadership Development Team, April 9, 6:30 p.m. 
• Potluck Experience wrap-up meeting, April 10, 7 p.m. 
• Program & Arrangements Committee, April 23, 7 p.m. 
• District Clergy Gathering and CEU event, Bishop Lane Retreat Center, Rockford, May 1-2 
• Annual Conference briefing with moderator Dava Hensley, June 14, 10 a.m. 
• Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, July 2-6, Greensboro, N.C. 

[all meetings via Zoom unless otherwise noted]

IN OUR PRAYERS

A district prayer calendar has been created for your use in praying for our district and related programs through the year. We invite you to include the following in your prayers in coming weeks: 

Week of March 9: Pray for the Panther Creek congregation in Roanoke, Ill., and for the large and vibrant Church of the Brethren faith community in Nigeria (Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria). 

Week of March 16: Pray for Brethren Disaster Ministries and its work at various sites, for district disaster coordinator Rick Koch, and for all those who serve in the wake of disasters. Remember those in North Carolina and elsewhere in the Southeast recovering from last year’s severe hurricanes. 

Week of March 23: Pray for the district’s Potluck Experience Team, and for the special biennial “Potluck Experience” event taking place at Peoria on March 29, considering the ways that we are called by God. 

Week of March 30: Pray for the Dixon congregation, and for the work of the denomination’s Discipleship and Leadership Formation office as it equips congregations across the country. 

Week of April 6: Pray for the district’s Gifts Discernment and Call Committee as it calls leaders for the work of the church, and for youth and advisors attending this year’s Church of the Brethren Christian Citizenship Seminar in Washington, D.C. 

Week of April 13: As we journey through Holy Week and on to the new life of Easter, spend time in quiet reflection, then rejoice in hope of Christ’s resurrection and all the new things that God is doing among us.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TRANSITION

Peg Moylan, our part-time district administrative assistant, submitted her resignation to the district leadership team on Feb. 21. Her last day with us will be March 7. Peg said she enjoyed the district work over these past few months but felt it was too much for her to take on at this time. She will be continuing in her role as part-time office administrator for the York Center congregation and helping them through their time of pastoral transition. 

District executive Walt Wiltschek will cover the office administrative duties in the short term. Email him at iwdde@outlook.com. District mail can continue to be sent to the district office at York Center Church of the Brethren, 1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard, IL 60148. For phone, you can use the new district line at 630-644-4259 or contact Walt directly on his cell phone at 630-440-6089. He usually works late afternoons/evenings and weekends in the district role. Peg's district email will be phased out in the weeks ahead. 

The district leadership team will review the position description with plans to hire a new part-time administrative assistant in the coming months. If you know of someone who might have interest in the position, please be in touch with Walt or a member of leadership team.

MINISTRY NEWS

Northwest region pastors will be meeting at 2 p.m. March 18 at the Mount Morris church. 

The Church of the Brethren will offer an in-person ethics training during the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Greensboro, N.C., on Wednesday, July 2, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Eastern, for those who still need it for this cycle. Participants will receive 0.5 CEU’s. Please let the district office know by June 1 if you plan to attend this session. The district also will plan to offer one more training through the denomination’s Ministry Office in late summer or early fall for any others who still need to complete it. The training is required every five years as part of the ordination/commissioning renewal cycle, which ends in 2025. 

All ministers should also begin gathering information for their CEU report, which will be due beginning mid-2025. Copies of the continuing education report form can be found at https://www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/forms/. The district Ministry Leadership Development Team (MLDT) will be completing document reviews and renewals for all credentialed ministers in the district later this year. Please contact the district office with any questions. 

This year’s pre-Annual Conference Ministers’ Association continuing education event will focus on the theme “A Place for Every Body: Disability, Accessibility, and the Church.” The conference will be presented by Jeanne Davies (York Center), executive director of the Anabaptist Disabilities Network, who will offer sessions on “What Disables Us?,” “Creating Accessible Congregations,” and “Accessible Worship.” Registration opened March 5. Plan to arrive on Tuesday, July 1, in time for the Meet and Greet dinner and the opening session that evening. The Wednesday, July 2, sessions conclude at 4 p.m. Find the registration link and flyer at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/sustaining/#event. 

Eder Financial recently rolled out its Flourishing in Ministry program in partnership with Biola University, providing free coaching and assistance to pastors and clergy. An email with information was recently sent out to all clergy. For more information, contact Eder Financial at dparrott@eder.org or 800-746-1505. 

Congregational vacancies: 

Dutchtown (Milledgeville): The congregation is currently using pulpit supply, with Tim Livengood, Ed Livengood, and Randall Westfall among those periodically filling the pulpit. District executive Walt Wiltschek met with the board on Feb. 23 to help develop future plans. 

Highland Avenue (Elgin): The congregation has called Krista Dutt (Chicago First) as its interim pastor, beginning April 1. Krista completed her M.Div. at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and will be going through the credentialing process in our district. The congregation is working on a congregational profile and calling a search committee. District executive Walt Wiltschek met with the church on Feb. 16. 

Lanark: A search committee has been formed, and the congregational profile has been posted. Rick Koch will be serving as part-time interim through March, preaching two to three Sundays per month. Randall Westfall is also filling the pulpit once a month. A possible longer-term interim possibility is being considered. 

Woodland: Local pastor Mathew Thiner is serving as an interim preacher and providing some pastoral care. Woodland member Kevin Sager is also helping to provide interim leadership, aided by a congregational team. 

York Center: A search committee has been formed, and a congregational profile has been published. Jonathan Shively and Tony Asta are serving as an interim pastoral team through at least June 30. District executive Walt Wiltschek met with the search committee in early February, and another meeting is scheduled during March.

CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS

Global Food Initiative Application Invitation: Congregations are invited to apply for a Global Food Initiative (GFI) grant, to support efforts to address domestic hunger and homelessness. In the past, Global Food Initiative grants have supported congregation-based garden projects, soup kitchens, food pantries, and more. If you have an idea and would like to discuss, please feel free to reach out to the Global Food Initiative Manager, Jenn Hosler, by emailing her at jhosler@brethren.org. An application form is available at: www.cognitoforms.com/ChurchOfTheBrethren1/GlobalFoodInitiativeGrantApplication. 

The Church of the Brethren Yearbook office has advised that Yearbook forms are coming out later than usual this year due to technology issues at the General Offices. In the meantime, the Statistics Form is available in PDF format at www.brethren.org/yearbook. Congregations wishing to use this form will need to get their 12/31/23 membership number from the most recent Yearbook. 

Freeport will be hosting Annual Conference moderator Dava Hensley for a visit on Sunday, May 11, when Dava will be preaching and staying for conversation and a potluck meal. Anyone else from the district who would like to join them that day is welcome. 

Peoria First is holding a Can-a-Thon in March to benefit the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church Food Pantry. It has also started an “adoption program” for projects needing funds at the Henderson Settlement, part of its ongoing “Mountain Mission” outreach in Kentucky. 

Do you have congregational news: celebrations, milestones, “Jesus in the Neighborhood” stories or other things to share with our district family? Please send those to the district office: iwdde@outlook.com.

CHANGING MINDSETS FOR MINISTRY REPORT

Seven districts in the Midwest and Plains regions—including Illinois/Wisconsin—partnered to hold an online workshop titled “Changing Mindsets for Ministry” on Feb. 22, with about 80 people participating. The event featured Jeff MacDonald, a journalist and pastor from the Boston area, as keynote speaker. MacDonald is author of the book Part-Time Is Plenty, which examines positive aspects of the increasing trend of part-time pastors in congregations—something he said is now “becoming the norm." 

MacDonald examined some of these statistics and led the group in re-imagining how churches “should” look and how ministry can happen in a variety of models. He emphasized the need for empowering laity, partnering with colleagues and community, and engaging with the church's neighborhood along with more flexible roles in the traditional church structure and right-sizing church buildings. Some of the congregations represented have already moved to shared ministry teams or other models that more heavily involve lay leadership, while others are looking at those possibilities due to decreasing budgets and other new realities. 

“When we shift our expectations, what felt limiting can become liberating,” MacDonald said. 

The Church of the Brethren Ministry Office will be offering an equipping session related to this theme at Annual Conference in Greensboro, N.C., this summer. Titled “Many Hands Make Weighty Work Light: A Shared Ministry Model,” it will be offered on Thursday, July 3, at 8:30 p.m. Leadership will include shared ministry team leaders from Springfield (Ill.) First, (Illinois/Wisconsin District); Spruce Run in Lindside, W.Va. (Virlina), and the New Carlisle and Pleasant Hill congregations (Southern Ohio/Kentucky). Other opportunities to continue the conversation will also be sought going forward.

POTLUCK EXPERIENCE 2025

Want a nourishing feast for the body, mind, and soul? Then plan to come to the 2025 Illinois/Wisconsin District Potluck Experience, Saturday, March 29 at Peoria First Church of the Brethren! Using the 2025 district theme, “Are You Being Called?”, it will include morning worship, a keynote panel, and a variety of workshops, along with the delicious namesake potluck meal. 

The event will begin with worship at 9:30 a.m. (with registration and a continental breakfast beginning at 8:30) and wrap up with a closing circle around 3:30 p.m. There's no cost for the event, but everyone is asked to register to help with planning for the day. Please register at https://iwdpotluck.rsvpify.com. You'll receive a confirmation after registering. 

The panel will feature several district members who have been called to serve in a variety of contexts. Workshop topics will include shared ministry team models in congregations, engaging people with disabilities, camps’ role in calling, and the story of Peoria’s Mountain Mission project. A full schedule for the day and workshop details were sent out via the district email list and are also available on the district website, www.iwdcob.org. 

Please bring a dish or two to share for the meal. Place settings and beverages will be provided. Clothing and small household items (kitchen tools, towels, etc.) for Peoria’s Mountain Mission project will also be collected as a service offering. Please bring all those donations in small, white kitchen-sized trash bags (or smaller). No large items can be accepted, and please do not bring textbooks/encyclopedias, hymnals, TVs, tires, or non-working electronic items. 

Potluck Experience team members this year are Leonard Matheny, Pat Ball, Christy Waltersdorff, and Pam Boughton.

DISTRICT CLERGY GATHERING 2025

The 2025 Illinois/Wisconsin District clergy gathering and CEU event will take place May 1-2 at Bishop Lane Retreat Center near Rockford (7708 E. McGregor Rd.). The event, planned by the district Ministry Leadership Development Team (MLDT), will begin at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 (with registration and check-in available beginning at 3 p.m.) and will conclude by 4 p.m. on Friday. A registration link will be available in late March. 

The event is open to all those in the district who are licensed or ordained or are currently in a ministry discernment program. Our leader this year will be Stan Dueck, director of organizational leadership for the Church of the Brethren, on the theme "Ministry in a BANI* World" (*Brittle, Anxious, Non-Linear, and Incomprehensible). Stan has spent significant time researching the changing landscape of the church and ministry and will be leading some fascinating exploration and conversations. Pastors, chaplains, denominational staff, retired ministers, or those serving in another role should all find it helpful and engaging. 

Thanks to a subsidy from MLDT, the per-person registration cost is just $75, which includes a private room with bathroom (or shared room for those who would like to share a double with someone), three meals, and all program fees. Participants will receive 0.5 CEU's. (If money is an issue, please contact district executive Walt Wiltschek directly and confidentially at iwdde@outlook.com to discuss options.) In addition to the sessions and meals, the schedule will include time for worship and some "down time" to enjoy the beautiful grounds, play games, or have some R&R. Anyone who would like to come early to stay Wednesday night at Bishop Lane for a longer retreat time should contact the center directly at 815-965-5011 to inquire about possibilities.