Saturday, October 01, 2011
DE Thoughts by Kevin Kessler
Leviticus 19:33-34When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
The community of Canton has again this year read a book together through an initiative called Spoon River Reads. The book is a classic authored by Willa Cather entitled My Antonia. It is a story about a particular immigrant family from Bohemia who settle in Nebraska, near a little town called Black Hawk. The story depicts the challenges associated with trying to start life in a new country, including the difficulties of learning a new language, developing new relationships, and understanding different customs.
The two main characters in the book are James Quayle Burden, or Jim as he is referred to most often, and Antonia Shimerda. Antonia is the daughter of the Bohemian immigrant family. Jim is a young lad who lived in Virginia but because of the premature death of his parents he goes to live with his grandparents in Nebraska.
The story is actually told from Jim’s perspective. He remembers fondly the friendship that he and Antonia forge as they learned to know each other in their new home of Nebraska. Jim also remembers the difficulty and stress the Shimerda’s, the immigrant family, endured.
Mr. Shirmerda was not a farmer until he came to Nebraska. Learning this new occupation was more than he could handle. The family could not speak English, except for Antonia who spoke a few words. Their one son had a mental disability and the other son was angry. Mrs. Shimerda possessed some rather strange idiosyncrasies. They did not fit in with the other settlers and townspeople, thus they felt alone, isolated, rejected.
The immigrant family was considered alien, strange, foreign, peculiar by their neighbors except for Jim’s grandparents, Josiah and Emmaline Burden. This caring, loving couple looked past the uncommon exteriors of the immigrant family to see the deep needs of a hurting, displaced people. The Burden’s understood the imperatives of Leviticus 19:33-34.
Immigration seems to be of such great concern in our country these days that impatient state governments are passing immigration laws pre-empting the work of federal lawmakers. The legislation being enacted seems to be most concerned with economic issues. The fear is that immigrants, primarily illegal immigrants, are getting a larger slice of the social benefits pie than Americans. The concern is more about economic issues than understanding the reasons people come to this country.
What are the needs of immigrants? What difficulties in their homeland may have forced them to move? War? Loss of work and the inability to support a family? Oppression? Hopelessness? From a Christian perspective, is it not unfair to ask immigrants, even those here illegally, to go back to live in the oppression from which they came?
Doesn’t Leviticus advise to not oppress the alien/ foreigner/stranger/immigrant? Don’t these same verses suggest that we are to love the alien/ foreigner/stranger/immigrant as we love ourselves? The verses also impress upon us that historically we have all been aliens/foreigners/strangers/ immigrants. How were we treated? How would we want to be treated?
Jim and Emmaline Burden give us an example, and an answer.
District Leadership Team Meets in Dixon
The District Leadership Team held their regular
meeting at the Dixon Church of the Brethren Sept.
17th. The District Executive, Kevin Kessler, opened
the meeting with words from Matthew 5: “You are
the light of the world.” Members shared, at Kevin’s
request, about good works they do.
The Visioning Team reported on the progress they are making. Discussions on new Property and Funding, Church Development and a reconstituted Disaster Teams were presented. Another item discussed was the possibility of the LT meeting fewer times during the year but LT members would also serve as liaisons to the different Ministry Teams.
The Team reviewed happenings at the Batavia and Douglas Park Churches. Batavia has ceased holding services and the LT has assumed responsibility for the property. Douglas Park continues to hold Sunday Services and a feeding program under the District Leadership Team Meets in Dixon direction of Pastors Herman Ware and Shirley Petracek. The LT will be seeking help from area Churches.
The Rockford Community Church has been welcomed as a fellowship of the Church of the Brethren into the District.
The Board will next meet at the District Conference at Lake Williamson.
The Visioning Team reported on the progress they are making. Discussions on new Property and Funding, Church Development and a reconstituted Disaster Teams were presented. Another item discussed was the possibility of the LT meeting fewer times during the year but LT members would also serve as liaisons to the different Ministry Teams.
The Team reviewed happenings at the Batavia and Douglas Park Churches. Batavia has ceased holding services and the LT has assumed responsibility for the property. Douglas Park continues to hold Sunday Services and a feeding program under the District Leadership Team Meets in Dixon direction of Pastors Herman Ware and Shirley Petracek. The LT will be seeking help from area Churches.
The Rockford Community Church has been welcomed as a fellowship of the Church of the Brethren into the District.
The Board will next meet at the District Conference at Lake Williamson.
2001 Youth POWERHOUSE Conference
The 2011 Powerhouse Regional Youth Conference
takes place Nov. 12-13, 2011, at Manchester College
(North Manchester, Ind.) for youth in grades 9-12
and their advisors. We’re excited to have Jeff Carter,
pastor of Manassas (Va.) Church of the Brethren, as
our keynote speaker, with the theme “Follow: If You
Dare.”
Information will be posted as it becomes available at www.manchester.edu/powerhouse. Registration opens on Sept. 6; all forms and registrations materials will be distributed via the website this year. Cost will be $50 for youth, $40 for advisors. We hope you can join us for this power-packed weekend! If you have questions, please contact Walt Wiltschek at wjwiltschek@manchester.edu.
Information will be posted as it becomes available at www.manchester.edu/powerhouse. Registration opens on Sept. 6; all forms and registrations materials will be distributed via the website this year. Cost will be $50 for youth, $40 for advisors. We hope you can join us for this power-packed weekend! If you have questions, please contact Walt Wiltschek at wjwiltschek@manchester.edu.
District Conference Silent Auction
November 4th & 5th
The Auction Benefits a Variety of District Ministries. Please bring your donations to District Conference. For more information please contact Rick Koch @ 815-225-7812 or at revrick-dutchtown@jcwifi.com
The Auction Benefits a Variety of District Ministries. Please bring your donations to District Conference. For more information please contact Rick Koch @ 815-225-7812 or at revrick-dutchtown@jcwifi.com
From the Editor
Some articles that were sent to me for inclusion
in the newsletter did not appear. I apologize for
not getting them printed timely. Some were for
events that had already been held and some
were missed because of vacations and a long
time between summer newsletters. PLEASE
accept my apology and continue to send in
articles of events taking place at your Church.
We truly need to be a District in touch with each
other.
Gil Crosby, Editor.
Gil Crosby, Editor.
District Conference Letter/Packets
IL/WI District Church of the Brethren
269 E. Chestnut Street • Canton IL 61520
Phone and fax: 309-649-6008
District Executive: Kevin Kessler, kevink.iwdcob@sbcglobal.net
Administrative Assistant: Beth Carpentier, bethc.iwdcob@att.net
August 26, 2011
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Have you registered for District Conference yet? Your packet contains all the information that you will need to register you and your family for our District Conference that is being held at Lake Williamson Christian Center in Carlinville, Illinois, November 4-6. Along with our host church, Hurricane Creek Church of the Brethren, we invite you to experience this district-wide event in a setting that offers new possibilities for family activities such as a movie night, bonfire and hayrack ride, swimming, as well as buffet style meals, a love feast, inspirational worship, insight sessions, and new and old business.
In your packet you will find forms for adult, nursery, children, and junior high registration, maps, and activity guides. All lodging is on-site. The price per person includes lodging, 4 meals (Saturday and Sunday morning), and the use of the activity center.
Registration and information for youth will be sent in a separate mailing from the district youth advisors. Because the fees are significantly higher for youth this year, the Program and Arrangements Committee is subsidizing the registration fee in the amount of $70.00 for each youth who attends. Contributions to help cover these costs may be made to the district. If you wish to donate to this effort, please indicate on your registration form the additional amount you are contributing along with the regular fee.
We need all registrations by Sept. 30, 2011. Please remember that if you have sent in your registration along with your deposit that the balance is due by Sept. 30, 2011. By registering and paying now, you will avoid paying a $10 late fee after Sept. 30th. There are still rooms available, but we do have a limited number, so please register as soon as possible.
Start making plans today to experience District Conference in a new place and in a different way!
In Christ’s peace,
Kevin Kessler
District Executive for the Program and Arrangements Committee
Go to the District Website for Registration Forms for Nursery – Preschool, Kindergarten, Junior High and Youth.. www.iwdcob.org
Continuing the work of Jesus peacefully, simply, together.
269 E. Chestnut Street • Canton IL 61520
Phone and fax: 309-649-6008
District Executive: Kevin Kessler, kevink.iwdcob@sbcglobal.net
Administrative Assistant: Beth Carpentier, bethc.iwdcob@att.net
August 26, 2011
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Have you registered for District Conference yet? Your packet contains all the information that you will need to register you and your family for our District Conference that is being held at Lake Williamson Christian Center in Carlinville, Illinois, November 4-6. Along with our host church, Hurricane Creek Church of the Brethren, we invite you to experience this district-wide event in a setting that offers new possibilities for family activities such as a movie night, bonfire and hayrack ride, swimming, as well as buffet style meals, a love feast, inspirational worship, insight sessions, and new and old business.
In your packet you will find forms for adult, nursery, children, and junior high registration, maps, and activity guides. All lodging is on-site. The price per person includes lodging, 4 meals (Saturday and Sunday morning), and the use of the activity center.
Registration and information for youth will be sent in a separate mailing from the district youth advisors. Because the fees are significantly higher for youth this year, the Program and Arrangements Committee is subsidizing the registration fee in the amount of $70.00 for each youth who attends. Contributions to help cover these costs may be made to the district. If you wish to donate to this effort, please indicate on your registration form the additional amount you are contributing along with the regular fee.
We need all registrations by Sept. 30, 2011. Please remember that if you have sent in your registration along with your deposit that the balance is due by Sept. 30, 2011. By registering and paying now, you will avoid paying a $10 late fee after Sept. 30th. There are still rooms available, but we do have a limited number, so please register as soon as possible.
Start making plans today to experience District Conference in a new place and in a different way!
In Christ’s peace,
Kevin Kessler
District Executive for the Program and Arrangements Committee
Go to the District Website for Registration Forms for Nursery – Preschool, Kindergarten, Junior High and Youth.. www.iwdcob.org
Continuing the work of Jesus peacefully, simply, together.
15th Annual Pleasant Hill Village Benefit Dinner & Auction
“A Tropical Getaway”
Saturday, October 15, 2011 at Knights of Columbus Hall in Virden
You are invited to spend an enjoyable evening with us while helping to raise funds for the residents of Pleasant Hill Village. The fundraiser will feature appetizers, a silent auction, dinner, a live auction, theme-oriented activities, a cake walk and more! You can bring friends and make new ones as you enjoy fellowship and bid against one another during the auction. Feel free to wear your favorite tropical attire.
Our goal is to raise $20,000 for projects which will include:
Healthcare - an otoscope with a rechargeable base, vinyl reclining chairs, a hydraulic chair for our Beauty Shop, a pulse oximeter, a waterproof shower radio and six resting chairs, two for each hallway.
Residence - exercise equipment and an emergency transport chair for the stairways. We would also like to clean out the campus’ pond and make it more enjoyable for residents and community members.
Ways you can help us reach our goals:
Purchase tickets - At $30, the price includes a $15 donation.
Donate Auction Items - Examples of possible donations include sporting event tickets, theme gift baskets, hand-crafted items, service items or use of a condo.
Cash Donations - We have various Sponsorship levels, which include recognition of donors.
For additional information call Paulette at 217-627-2181
Saturday, October 15, 2011 at Knights of Columbus Hall in Virden
You are invited to spend an enjoyable evening with us while helping to raise funds for the residents of Pleasant Hill Village. The fundraiser will feature appetizers, a silent auction, dinner, a live auction, theme-oriented activities, a cake walk and more! You can bring friends and make new ones as you enjoy fellowship and bid against one another during the auction. Feel free to wear your favorite tropical attire.
Our goal is to raise $20,000 for projects which will include:
Healthcare - an otoscope with a rechargeable base, vinyl reclining chairs, a hydraulic chair for our Beauty Shop, a pulse oximeter, a waterproof shower radio and six resting chairs, two for each hallway.
Residence - exercise equipment and an emergency transport chair for the stairways. We would also like to clean out the campus’ pond and make it more enjoyable for residents and community members.
Ways you can help us reach our goals:
Purchase tickets - At $30, the price includes a $15 donation.
Donate Auction Items - Examples of possible donations include sporting event tickets, theme gift baskets, hand-crafted items, service items or use of a condo.
Cash Donations - We have various Sponsorship levels, which include recognition of donors.
For additional information call Paulette at 217-627-2181
Brethren Disaster Ministries needs Volunteers
The month of October
will find Willard
Dulabaum in Ashland
City, Tennessee,
serving as a project
leader for Brethren
Disaster Ministries.
Duly and Pauline
trained to serve as a
team, giving
leadership to house reconstruction and providing
food and household management for volunteers,
who come by the week. Project leaders serve a
month at a time, and because of Pauline’s health,
Duly will be working alongside other leaders in
work supervision.
In May of 2010, as much as 20 inches of rain fell in three day’s time northwest of Nashville, submerging thousands of homes in the worst flood in Tennessee history. Often by the time rebuilding efforts get under way following a disaster, the actual event causing the destruction has faded from our memories. That’s because it takes considerable time for clean-up, followed by assessment, and determining which families need assistance in rebuilding. So the Ashland City project opened on January 30, 2011, and the nearby Bellevue/ Brentwood effort began this past June.
There is an urgent need for more volunteers at the Bellevue/Brentwood project, with the weeks beginning October 2 and 9 being completely open at this writing, though the volunteer roster at Ashland City is slated full. Also, volunteers are needed at a new project in Pulaski County, Virginia, which opens October 1 in response to two devastating tornadoes this past April 8. If you are interested in serving at any time, call Jane Yount at Brethren Disaster Ministries, 410-635-8731 or 800-451-4407. Duly and Pauline welcome your prayers or inquiries regarding the work in October, and for all those who are serving.
In May of 2010, as much as 20 inches of rain fell in three day’s time northwest of Nashville, submerging thousands of homes in the worst flood in Tennessee history. Often by the time rebuilding efforts get under way following a disaster, the actual event causing the destruction has faded from our memories. That’s because it takes considerable time for clean-up, followed by assessment, and determining which families need assistance in rebuilding. So the Ashland City project opened on January 30, 2011, and the nearby Bellevue/ Brentwood effort began this past June.
There is an urgent need for more volunteers at the Bellevue/Brentwood project, with the weeks beginning October 2 and 9 being completely open at this writing, though the volunteer roster at Ashland City is slated full. Also, volunteers are needed at a new project in Pulaski County, Virginia, which opens October 1 in response to two devastating tornadoes this past April 8. If you are interested in serving at any time, call Jane Yount at Brethren Disaster Ministries, 410-635-8731 or 800-451-4407. Duly and Pauline welcome your prayers or inquiries regarding the work in October, and for all those who are serving.
District Deacons Meet by Conference Call
The District Deacons met by conference call Sept. 8th.
Much of the discussion focused on the 2012 District
Pot Luck which is sponsored by the Deacons. The
event will be held in Peoria on April 28th. Some of
the subjects to be presented are Deacon’s Ministry,
Spiritual Formation, Scripture Memorizing, Storytelling
and others. A committee for the 2013 District
Pot Luck is being formed with Gil Crosby representing
the Deacons on that committee.
The Deacons discussed requests from Churches who have sought Deacon support and guidance.
A report for the District Conference will be written by Chairman, Judd Peter. Those present for the conference call were Kevin Kessler, DE, Judd Peter, Chm., Gil Crosby, Sec., Jim & Clareen Dunn, Leon Swigart, and Ginny Haney.
The Deacons discussed requests from Churches who have sought Deacon support and guidance.
A report for the District Conference will be written by Chairman, Judd Peter. Those present for the conference call were Kevin Kessler, DE, Judd Peter, Chm., Gil Crosby, Sec., Jim & Clareen Dunn, Leon Swigart, and Ginny Haney.
Neighborhood Church presents “Cotton Patch Gospel”
The Neighborhood Church of the Brethren hosted
the musical “Cotton Patch Gospel” on Saturday,
September 17, at 7:00 p.m. This one-man musical
was presented by Phillip Kaufmann, a Mennonite
performer. The “Cotton Patch Gospel” was
originally a book written by Clarence Jordan of
Koinonia Farms in Georgia. It was adapted into a
play by Tom Key and Russell Trez. Harry Chapin
then produced the play into a musical, writing both
music and lyrics. Neighborhood members and
friends enjoyed an exciting and inspirational
evening. The Neighborhood Church of the Brethren
is located at 155 Boulder Hill Pass, Montgomery,
Illinois.
DISTRICT POTLUCK
APRIL 28, 2012
at
Peoria Church of the Brethren
WORSHIP * WORKSHOPS * FELLOWSHIP * FOOD
LEADERSHIP WILL INCLUDE
DONNA KLINE, CHRIS DOUGLAS, GENIE FIFER,
DENISE NICHOLS, JOHN SGRO AND OTHERS.
Registration Fee --- $5.00
at
Peoria Church of the Brethren
WORSHIP * WORKSHOPS * FELLOWSHIP * FOOD
LEADERSHIP WILL INCLUDE
DONNA KLINE, CHRIS DOUGLAS, GENIE FIFER,
DENISE NICHOLS, JOHN SGRO AND OTHERS.
Registration Fee --- $5.00
Plan now to attend this exciting event. Bring your favorite potluck dish to enjoy with others from across the district. Drinks and table service will be provided. Share this information with others in your church. There will be something for everyone including pastors, Christian education teachers, deacons, spiritual advisors, and those who simply want to learn, worship, and enjoy wonderful fellowship. So, bring a car load. More details about workshops coming later.
This one-day event is being planned by your District Deacons on behalf of the Leadership Team of the District.
Neighborhood Church begins “Angel Ministries”
The Neighborhood Church of the Brethren begins a
new ministry this fall called “Angel Ministries”. This
ministry is planned for persons with disabilities and
their families. The vision for this ministry provides
a safe space where families can worship with the
congregation while their family member with
disabilities is cared for by trained volunteers.
The family member with disabilities will enjoy a
Christian environment through song, prayer, story
telling and engaging activities. At Neighborhood
Church of the Brethren, we describe individuals
with disabilities as an ANGEL (All Need God’s
Everlasting Love). We believe ANGELS are created
by God for a purpose. We exist to make access to
worship, ministry and fellowship a reality. We are
also here to offer support for the people surrounding
the ANGELS and their families. An open house for
Angel Ministries was Saturday, September 11,
4:00-5:30 p.m. Starting date for the ministry is
Sunday, September 25. Contact Bob Hamlin at
630-957-8144 for preregistration.
Banners for District Conference
Our Moderator Lisa Fike and the Program and Arrangements Team asks each fellowship/ Church to make a small banner using the conference theme “Joined with me and I with you” from John 15:5 You may also use your Church theme or logo. Banners should be finished size 12” x 15” and include a means of hanging.They can be made of any material and can be any color. Please include your Church name in some manner. The banners will be the back drop for worship and business services. At conference end the banners will be re-distributed. Each church will receive the banner of a sister church and are encouraged to hold this sister congregation in your prayers throughout the next year.
We please ask that you send the banners to the District Office or give to one of the members of the Program and Arrangements Committee by September 15, 2011.
Members are: Roger Ruth – Springfield, Joyce Person – Dixon, Twila Habegger – York Center, Lisa Fike, Fletcher Farrar, Bill Williams and Kevin Kessler are members Ex-officio.
Calendar of District Events
OCTOBER
2 - World Communion SundayNOVEMBER
8 - Yom Kippur
8 - Program & Arrangements
10 - Columbus Day
13-16 - Men's Way of Christ Weekend
15 - Leadership Team @ Peoria
20-23 - Women's Way of Christ Weekend #20
22 - Camp Emmanuel Fall Work Day
4–6 - District Conference, Lake WilliamsonDECEMBER
6 - Daylight Savings Time Ends
12 - Camp Emmanuel Board Meeting
12-13 - Regional Youth Conference @ Manchester College
18-19 - Leadership Team Retreat @ Camp Emmaus
24 - Thanksgiving
27 - First Sunday of Advent
21 - Hanukkah
25 - Christmas
26 - Kwanzaa
