The Reflector - April 2023
Saturday, April 01, 2023
THE VILLAGE ILWIDIOT
Walt Wiltschek
“Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” —Amos 3:3, NLT
In a recent magazine article, Eastern Mennonite University president Susan Schultz Huxman talked about “the power of place,” pondering the locations and settings that are important in our lives.
Years ago, for example, early Brethren who migrated to the US decided where to live and, eventually, where to plant congregations, and later where to locate colleges and camps and retirement communities. As Brethren moved across the country, “Western” Brethren often had views that diverged in places from their Eastern counterparts.
Our experience as Christians here is very different than it is for our brothers and sisters thousands of miles away in Nigeria, who have faced recent persecution and loss of life and property yet have found ways to continue to be the church and thrive in the midst of it. The economic situation for most of us is much less tenuous than it is for those in Honduras, where Bill Hare (Polo) recently wrote of those he has encountered in his work there who have “less than nothing” and lack proper nutrition and health care.
Closer to home, recent studies in this country have highlighted differences between “blue states” and “red states” and the divides between those who live in large cities versus small towns and rural areas. Some people live much more in a technological and digital world than others. For better or worse, our communities shape who we are and how we interact with one another.
Reflecting on some of those varied settings, Huxman noted research that suggests “coffee shops are a special venue for bridging difference. They function as social magnets, attracting conflicting actors to put off their differences in lieu of community building. They are also safe, vibrant gathering places which allow (people) to converse and commune with ‘the other.’ These places give us a sense of belonging and shape our sensibilities as a civil society that prizes difference.” She calls it a way of “practicing shalom.”
Our district includes urban, suburban, small-town, and rural congregations across hundreds of miles. We have members from a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds, younger and older. We hold views all over the theological and political spectrums. We have long-time Brethren and those who are newer to our faith community. And yet, most of the time, we seem willing to “hang together” and even to enjoy being together.
While we don’t have any Brethren coffeeshops in the district, we do have places like that where we come together and form community: the biennial Potluck Experience, for example, which we’ll gather for again on April 22 at Dixon; our district conference each fall; the coming together at our camps, Emmanuel and Emmaus; traveling on disaster relief projects, mission trips, and workcamps; and other occasional events and gatherings along the way.
There is indeed power in our places of connection. I’m grateful for this one that we call the Illinois/Wisconsin District, and I hope we continue to gather around the tables to better know and appreciate one another as we follow Christ together.
“Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?” —Amos 3:3, NLT
In a recent magazine article, Eastern Mennonite University president Susan Schultz Huxman talked about “the power of place,” pondering the locations and settings that are important in our lives.
Years ago, for example, early Brethren who migrated to the US decided where to live and, eventually, where to plant congregations, and later where to locate colleges and camps and retirement communities. As Brethren moved across the country, “Western” Brethren often had views that diverged in places from their Eastern counterparts.
Our experience as Christians here is very different than it is for our brothers and sisters thousands of miles away in Nigeria, who have faced recent persecution and loss of life and property yet have found ways to continue to be the church and thrive in the midst of it. The economic situation for most of us is much less tenuous than it is for those in Honduras, where Bill Hare (Polo) recently wrote of those he has encountered in his work there who have “less than nothing” and lack proper nutrition and health care.
Closer to home, recent studies in this country have highlighted differences between “blue states” and “red states” and the divides between those who live in large cities versus small towns and rural areas. Some people live much more in a technological and digital world than others. For better or worse, our communities shape who we are and how we interact with one another.
Reflecting on some of those varied settings, Huxman noted research that suggests “coffee shops are a special venue for bridging difference. They function as social magnets, attracting conflicting actors to put off their differences in lieu of community building. They are also safe, vibrant gathering places which allow (people) to converse and commune with ‘the other.’ These places give us a sense of belonging and shape our sensibilities as a civil society that prizes difference.” She calls it a way of “practicing shalom.”
Our district includes urban, suburban, small-town, and rural congregations across hundreds of miles. We have members from a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds, younger and older. We hold views all over the theological and political spectrums. We have long-time Brethren and those who are newer to our faith community. And yet, most of the time, we seem willing to “hang together” and even to enjoy being together.
While we don’t have any Brethren coffeeshops in the district, we do have places like that where we come together and form community: the biennial Potluck Experience, for example, which we’ll gather for again on April 22 at Dixon; our district conference each fall; the coming together at our camps, Emmanuel and Emmaus; traveling on disaster relief projects, mission trips, and workcamps; and other occasional events and gatherings along the way.
There is indeed power in our places of connection. I’m grateful for this one that we call the Illinois/Wisconsin District, and I hope we continue to gather around the tables to better know and appreciate one another as we follow Christ together.
DISTRICT EXECUTIVE SCHEDULE
In addition to regular meetings, Walt will be worshiping at and meeting with Cherry Grove on April 16, attending the district clergy retreat April 19-20 and the Potluck Experience event at Dixon April 22, worshiping and visiting Champaign on April 23, attending the Council of District Executives continuing education event and regional meetings April 23-25 at Bethany Theological Seminary in Indiana, attending the Drew Hart event in Elgin on April 29, and preaching for and visiting with Girard on May 7.
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.
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.
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
- Clergy Retreat at Bishop Lane Retreat Center, Rockford, April 19-20
- Spring Potluck Experience event at Dixon Church of the Brethren, April 22, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- CODE continuing education event at Bethany Theological Seminary, April 23-26
- Drew Hart event at Church of the Brethren General Offices, Elgin, April 29, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
- Program and Arrangements Committee meeting, May 1, 6:30 p.m.
- Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church advisory committee meeting, May 2, 3:30 p.m.
- District book study (“Dear White Peacemakers”) begins, May 3, 7 p.m. [continues each Wednesday evening through May]
- Property and Assets Management team meeting, May 15, 4 p.m.
- Church Revitalization and Development Team meeting, May 20, 9 a.m.
IN OUR PRAYERS
Week of April 17: Pray for the district’s Ministry Leadership Development Team, especially as it leads a retreat for clergy in Rockford this week. And pray for the district’s Potluck Experience Team, and for the special “Potluck” event taking place in Dixon on April 22 with leadership from Greg Davidson Laszakovits.
Week of April 24: Pray for the Milledgeville (Dutchtown) congregation, and for the youth Christian Citizenship Seminar being held this week in Washington, D.C.
Week of May 1: Pray for the York Center congregation, and for the denominational Young Adult Conference taking place May 5-7 at Camp Mack in Indiana, as well as for all the work of our denomination’s Youth/Young Adult Ministries office.
Week of May 8: Pray for the members of the Franklin Grove congregation as their long history of ministry in the town has come to a close, and for the continuing presence at the nearby historic Emmert Cemetery and its chapel.
Week of May 15: Pray for the Oakley Brick congregation this week, and for the “New and Renew” church planting and renewal conference occurring in Elgin, Ill., May 17-19.
HONDURAS REFLECTION
Bill Hare, outgoing manager of Camp Emmaus, has done service work in Honduras for many years. At a celebration of that work in Mount Morris last month, Bill shared the following reflection from his experience:
“Two Brothers”
One lives in Honduras
“Two Brothers”
One lives in Honduras
One in the U.S.One lives in a small block home
One in a nice wood frame homeOne has a crumbling concrete floor
One has floors with carpetOne carries all water for daily use
One turns on a faucetOne has almost no gainful employment
One has never been without a jobOne experiences a wet season and a dry season
One experiences summer heat and winter coldOne lacks proper nutrition and is often hungry
One eats too muchOne has virtually no access to health care
One has unlimited health careOne has a simple kitchen filled with wood smoke
One has a modern kitchen and cooks with electricityOne has been 80 miles from home
One has traveled the worldBut when these two meet with hugs and tears they are together again … brothers in the family of God.
MINISTRY NEWS
Zech and Jen Houser (Highland Avenue) have been approved by the district Ministry Leadership Development Team and Leadership Team for ordination, and they are scheduled for a final congregational vote next month. Our prayers are with them on this ongoing journey of ministry.
Congregational vacancies: Chicago First and Girard have recent pastoral vacancies and are exploring next steps, currently using lay leadership and pulpit supply, with Terry Link (Springfield) assisting in providing leadership at Girard. Canton has also shifted to a creative team model, with Kevin Kessler continuing in a part-time role leading that team.
Cherry Grove is also using regular pulpit supply. Steve Needham, formerly at the Decatur congregation, is currently serving the La Place congregation with preaching and worship leadership as they discern next steps.
Grants available: The denomination’s Office of Ministry has shared that grants are available through the Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church program for pastors who would like to do a sabbatical or continuing education experience. For more information or an application, contact district executive minister Walt Wiltschek at IWDDE@outlook.com.
Congregational vacancies: Chicago First and Girard have recent pastoral vacancies and are exploring next steps, currently using lay leadership and pulpit supply, with Terry Link (Springfield) assisting in providing leadership at Girard. Canton has also shifted to a creative team model, with Kevin Kessler continuing in a part-time role leading that team.
Cherry Grove is also using regular pulpit supply. Steve Needham, formerly at the Decatur congregation, is currently serving the La Place congregation with preaching and worship leadership as they discern next steps.
Grants available: The denomination’s Office of Ministry has shared that grants are available through the Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church program for pastors who would like to do a sabbatical or continuing education experience. For more information or an application, contact district executive minister Walt Wiltschek at IWDDE@outlook.com.
CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS
Canton dedicated a “Little Library” box following worship on a sunny Sunday, March 26. After brief thoughts, a responsive reading, and prayer, everyone placed books in the little box that was designed, constructed, and set by Josh Blevins. The purpose of the Little Library is to share books and literature with the community. Everyone may borrow books from it and put books in it. A supply of books will also be kept inside the church building and added to the box as needed, or swapped out occasionally to refresh the selection.
The presentation by Marvin Holt at Chicago First had to be postponed from its original March date and is now scheduled for May 7 at 11 a.m. Holt, an architect, designed the windows that replaced the original windows present when the congregation purchased the building in 1925. The current windows were installed in 1975, celebrating 50 years of ministry at the current location. The event will include conversation about the process of designing the windows, choice of material, significance of each panel, importance of the windows for the neighborhood, and the ministry of the windows. “First Church gives thanks to the many people who supported our need for new windows, which brings much joy to those who enter the sanctuary,” said an announcement from Joyce Cassel. “Each time one enters there is a different frame of light on the windows and thus a new understanding of Christ’s mission here at 425 S. Central Park, Chicago.”
Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren (Pearl City) is celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2023! The congregation is tentatively planning to hold a celebration Sunday on June 11, with a special worship time and potluck meal. Watch for more details in the coming months.
Eder Financial recently sent out information for church treasurers and others who work with setting up benefits for pastors and other staff. Notes included reminders to promptly inform Eder Financial of hire and termination dates (at insurance@eder.org) and making sure that congregations have an adoption agreement in place as of Jan. 1, 2021, or later in relation to the retirement plan. For questions, contact retirement@eder.org.
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: andreag.iwdcob@gmail.com.
The presentation by Marvin Holt at Chicago First had to be postponed from its original March date and is now scheduled for May 7 at 11 a.m. Holt, an architect, designed the windows that replaced the original windows present when the congregation purchased the building in 1925. The current windows were installed in 1975, celebrating 50 years of ministry at the current location. The event will include conversation about the process of designing the windows, choice of material, significance of each panel, importance of the windows for the neighborhood, and the ministry of the windows. “First Church gives thanks to the many people who supported our need for new windows, which brings much joy to those who enter the sanctuary,” said an announcement from Joyce Cassel. “Each time one enters there is a different frame of light on the windows and thus a new understanding of Christ’s mission here at 425 S. Central Park, Chicago.”
Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren (Pearl City) is celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2023! The congregation is tentatively planning to hold a celebration Sunday on June 11, with a special worship time and potluck meal. Watch for more details in the coming months.
Eder Financial recently sent out information for church treasurers and others who work with setting up benefits for pastors and other staff. Notes included reminders to promptly inform Eder Financial of hire and termination dates (at insurance@eder.org) and making sure that congregations have an adoption agreement in place as of Jan. 1, 2021, or later in relation to the retirement plan. For questions, contact retirement@eder.org.
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: andreag.iwdcob@gmail.com.
DISTRICT BOOK STUDY
The five-part study will run on Zoom each Wednesday during the month, starting May 3, from 7-8:30 p.m. Anyone who needs a copy of the book can order it via Brethren Press: www.brethrenpress.com or 800-441-3712.
While we encourage you to take part in as many of the sessions as possible, you do not need to attend all five weeks in order to participate. The Zoom link for the studies is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89414795650?pwd=SmttZkRjYlV6MTRKbE8yK3FxNnNLZz09. If you need a phone dial-in number, please contact the district office.
AN AFTERNOON WITH DREW HART
Drew Hart, professor of theology at Messiah University in Pennsylvania and a member of Harrisburg (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren, will be sharing a presentation at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin on Saturday, April 29, 4:30-6:30 p.m. The district is partnering in this event, sponsored by the denomination’s Discipleship Ministries office, and everyone from the district is welcome to attend. The program will also be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=513063827694416&set=gm.896942741589497.
Drew is nationally known as a speaker and author, and he was one of the preachers at last summer’s Church of the Brethren National Youth Conference. His books include Trouble I’ve Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism, and his blog, “Taking Jesus Seriously,” is hosted by The Christian Century.
At the April 29 event, Drew will share and do a Q&A time from 4:30-6, followed by a book signing. Brethren Press will have a display of books available for purchase.
POTLUCK EXPERIENCE EVENT!
It’s almost time! The Illinois/Wisconsin District’s biennial Potluck Experience event happens Saturday, April 22 this year at Dixon Church of the Brethren. A team has been hard at work planning for it, and it promises to be a fun, educational, and uplifting day using the district’s 2023 theme, “Encourage One Another.”
The keynote speaker will be Greg Davidson Laszakovits, who will also be sharing at the district’s spring clergy retreat. Greg is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren from Lancaster, Pa., who now runs his own consulting company, GDL Insight, with an emphasis on leadership and organizational development, with a special interest in churches and related groups. He will help us imagine what church and ministry might look like in our changing times. His keynote will be titled “Remembering the Past; Re-Imagining the Future.”
The day will include worship and several “equipping session” workshop options, including a follow-up workshop with Greg (“Shocking and Not-So-Shocking Trends in Church Life”), “Bringing the Gospel to Life: Experiencing the Creation of Meaningful Worship Centers,” led by Sharon Rice and Phyllis Stowe (York Center); “Celebrating 75 Years of Brethren Volunteer Service,” led by BVS director Chelsea Goss Skillen; and “Kids Need Faith, Too,” with ideas for reaching kids in our communities, led by Lisa Fike (Woodland).
And, of course—true to the event’s name—the Potluck Experience will feature a good potluck meal in the middle of the day. Everyone is asked to bring a dish or two or three to share!
This is a FREE event! The excitement begins with registration and fellowship time from 8:30-9:15 a.m. and wraps up with a closing circle at 3:20 p.m. Mark your calendars and join the feast!
2023 CLERGY RETREAT
Pastors, chaplains, retired ministers, and others who are credentialed in the church will be gathering for this year’s district’s 2023 spring clergy retreat, sponsored by the Ministry Leadership Development Team. It will take place April 19-20 at Bishop Lane Retreat Center near Rockford. Thanks to a grant received from the Lilly Endowment-funded Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church program, the retreat this year is FREE to all participants other than transportation to the event.
The keynote speaker will be Greg Davidson Laszakovits, who previously served as pastor of Elizabethtown (Pa.) Church of the Brethren and as an intentional interim pastor in Maryland. He now has started his own leadership and organizational development consulting company, GLD Insight, with a particular interest in churches and church-related groups. Greg is tuned in to the significant demographic and cultural shifts taking place in church life and structure and the exacerbation of many of those trends by the pandemic, as well as the added stress and challenges that has brought for pastors and others in ministry. He will also be the keynote speaker for this year’s District Potluck Experience event (see more information below).
For the retreat, Greg’s theme will be “If I Had a Hammer: Tools for Building and Re-Building Communities of Faith.” Three sessions will look at: Strategies for Leading Positive Congregational Change, Moving from Pastor as Hired Hand to Pastor as Leader, and Taming the Bear of Conflict. All participants will receive 0.5 CEU’s.
In addition to those sessions, the retreat will include times of worship and devotions, as well as space for fellowship and free time. One or two spots may still be available. To register, contact the district office: andreaw.iwdcob@gmail.com or 309-649-6008.
For the retreat, Greg’s theme will be “If I Had a Hammer: Tools for Building and Re-Building Communities of Faith.” Three sessions will look at: Strategies for Leading Positive Congregational Change, Moving from Pastor as Hired Hand to Pastor as Leader, and Taming the Bear of Conflict. All participants will receive 0.5 CEU’s.
In addition to those sessions, the retreat will include times of worship and devotions, as well as space for fellowship and free time. One or two spots may still be available. To register, contact the district office: andreaw.iwdcob@gmail.com or 309-649-6008.
NEW AND RENEW
Registration cost (not including travel/lodging) for in-person or virtual attendance is $149 until April 17, and $189 April 18-May 18. CEU credits cost an additional $10. Registration includes the new book by keynote speaker Jessie Cruickshank, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation, to be released on May 9. Registration and more details (including hotel reservation options) are at www.brethren.org/newandrenew.
The district’s Church Revitalization and Development Team is making some free scholarships available to cover the cost to attend this event. Several scholarships are still available. Participants need only to cover their transportation if attending in person. If you would like to take advantage of that opportunity, register at the link above, and then send your receipt to the district office for reimbursement: andreag.iwdcob@gmail.com.
NATIONAL OLDER ADULT CONFERENCE
Christy Waltersdorff, pastor at York Center and district moderator-elect, is the 2023 NOAC coordinator. Leonard Matheny (Peoria First) is among those on the planning team, along with Church of the Brethren staff Josh Brockway (Highland Avenue) and Stan Dueck.
General registration opens May 1 and closes Aug. 15. Registration for in-person attendance is $200 until July 15, when the fee increases to $230. A virtual-only registration open is also available for $100 ($125 after July 15). First-time attendees receive a $20 discount. Registration is online at www.brethren.org/noac. If a paper form is needed, contact Randi Rowan at 847-429-4303.
For more information, visit www.brethren.org/noac, email NOAC@brethren.org, or call 847-429-4303.
The district is willing to help arrange group transportation to NOAC if there is interest, and an option is available in partnership with Western Plains District. If members of your congregation might want to take advantage of such an opportunity, please contact district executive minister Walt Wiltschek (iwdde@outlook.com) by April 30.
The district is willing to help arrange group transportation to NOAC if there is interest. If members of your congregation might want to take advantage of such an opportunity, please contact district executive minister Walt Wiltschek (iwdde@outlook.com) by April 30.
YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
The next Church of the Brethren National Junior High Conference will take place June 16-18, 2023, at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., for youth in grades 6-8 and their advisors. The theme is “What Does God Want from Me?”, drawing on Micah 6:8. Registration cost is $250 until April 30. A $200 non-refundable deposit is due within two weeks of registration. Register and learn more at www.brethren.org/yya/njhc.
The 2023 Church of the Brethren Young Adult Conference, for young adults ages 18-35, will be May 5-7 at Camp Mack in Milford, Ind., with the theme “I’m Not Done with You.” Registration is $250 until April 15, then $300. Register and find more information at www.brethren.org/yac.
FaithX registration opened Feb. 1 at brethren.org/faithx! FaithX (Faith Outreach Expeditions) is a short-term service program through Brethren Volunteer Service that offers weeklong service trips (formerly “workcamps”) domestically and internationally for youth, young adults, and adults. Participants can serve in a variety of ministry and non-profit settings, live and worship in community, explore a new place, and examine their values and beliefs. Summer 2023 options include four junior high trips, five for senior high, one for junior and senior high combined, an adult trip to Spain, and a “We Are Able” experience for youth with special needs along with adult helpers. Sites are located across the US. The Winston-Salem, N.C., programs have filled, and some others have limited space, but many are still open. For more information on these events, watch for updates on www.brethren.org/faithx.
The Center on Conscience & War (formerly NISBCO) was started by the Historic Peace Churches and supports people who are seeking conscientious objector status. The organization is running a contest for youth in grades 9-12 about why the military draft should be permanently eliminated. Top entries (a video and essay) win prizes up to $1,000. Submission deadline is June 30. Details and a link to the entry form are at #NoDraft Video/Essay Challenge - Center on Conscience & War. Winners will be announced in September. For questions, call 202-483-2220 or email ccw@centeronconscience.org.
The 2023 Church of the Brethren Young Adult Conference, for young adults ages 18-35, will be May 5-7 at Camp Mack in Milford, Ind., with the theme “I’m Not Done with You.” Registration is $250 until April 15, then $300. Register and find more information at www.brethren.org/yac.
FaithX registration opened Feb. 1 at brethren.org/faithx! FaithX (Faith Outreach Expeditions) is a short-term service program through Brethren Volunteer Service that offers weeklong service trips (formerly “workcamps”) domestically and internationally for youth, young adults, and adults. Participants can serve in a variety of ministry and non-profit settings, live and worship in community, explore a new place, and examine their values and beliefs. Summer 2023 options include four junior high trips, five for senior high, one for junior and senior high combined, an adult trip to Spain, and a “We Are Able” experience for youth with special needs along with adult helpers. Sites are located across the US. The Winston-Salem, N.C., programs have filled, and some others have limited space, but many are still open. For more information on these events, watch for updates on www.brethren.org/faithx.
The Center on Conscience & War (formerly NISBCO) was started by the Historic Peace Churches and supports people who are seeking conscientious objector status. The organization is running a contest for youth in grades 9-12 about why the military draft should be permanently eliminated. Top entries (a video and essay) win prizes up to $1,000. Submission deadline is June 30. Details and a link to the entry form are at #NoDraft Video/Essay Challenge - Center on Conscience & War. Winners will be announced in September. For questions, call 202-483-2220 or email ccw@centeronconscience.org.
DISASTER RELIEF
District disaster coordinator Loren Habegger recently shared a few upcoming opportunities for volunteer needs:
* Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) is seeking additional volunteers April 16-22 and 23-29 in the Campton area of eastern Kentucky to repair homes damaged in July 2022 flooding.
*The week of May 7-13, additional volunteers are sought to join Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren as they assist at a Mennonite Disaster Services project in Crisfield, Md. That area was hit by tidal flooding in fall 2021.
For more information on those opportunities, contact BDM program assistant Kim Gingerich at 410-635-8730 or kgingerich@brethren.org.
*Closer to home: As has been the practice in recent years, the Illinois/Wisconsin District has agreed to provide up to eight volunteers for the week following Thanksgiving, Nov. 26–Dec. 2, 2023. That week of volunteering again will be shared with the South/Central Indiana District. A major change from recent past Brethren Disaster Ministries assignments, is that the project site, Dawson Springs, Kentucky, is a relatively nearby “neighbor,” just 70 miles south of Evansville, Indiana. This provides a great opportunity for those who want to serve with BDM but hesitate to travel hundreds of miles to a project site.
Dawson Springs was in the path of the devastating outbreak of tornados that swept through eight states in December 2021 with Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri the most heavily impacted. Estimates are that around 75 percent of the town of Dawson Springs, which was home to around 2,500 people, was leveled by a tornado. More information about the Dawson Springs BDM project is at www.brethren.org/bdm/rebuild/projects.
Click here to access a complete 2023 schedule for the Dawson Creek project. In addition to the week of Nov. 26, there are openings in other weeks in 2023 with the opportunity to join other districts. To register your interest in joining this year’s Illinois/Wisconsin group, contact our district disaster coordinator, Loren Habegger. To volunteer with other groups for the listed openings, contact Kim Gingerich at kgingerich@brethren.org.
* Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) is seeking additional volunteers April 16-22 and 23-29 in the Campton area of eastern Kentucky to repair homes damaged in July 2022 flooding.
*The week of May 7-13, additional volunteers are sought to join Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren as they assist at a Mennonite Disaster Services project in Crisfield, Md. That area was hit by tidal flooding in fall 2021.
For more information on those opportunities, contact BDM program assistant Kim Gingerich at 410-635-8730 or kgingerich@brethren.org.
*Closer to home: As has been the practice in recent years, the Illinois/Wisconsin District has agreed to provide up to eight volunteers for the week following Thanksgiving, Nov. 26–Dec. 2, 2023. That week of volunteering again will be shared with the South/Central Indiana District. A major change from recent past Brethren Disaster Ministries assignments, is that the project site, Dawson Springs, Kentucky, is a relatively nearby “neighbor,” just 70 miles south of Evansville, Indiana. This provides a great opportunity for those who want to serve with BDM but hesitate to travel hundreds of miles to a project site.
Dawson Springs was in the path of the devastating outbreak of tornados that swept through eight states in December 2021 with Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri the most heavily impacted. Estimates are that around 75 percent of the town of Dawson Springs, which was home to around 2,500 people, was leveled by a tornado. More information about the Dawson Springs BDM project is at www.brethren.org/bdm/rebuild/projects.
Click here to access a complete 2023 schedule for the Dawson Creek project. In addition to the week of Nov. 26, there are openings in other weeks in 2023 with the opportunity to join other districts. To register your interest in joining this year’s Illinois/Wisconsin group, contact our district disaster coordinator, Loren Habegger. To volunteer with other groups for the listed openings, contact Kim Gingerich at kgingerich@brethren.org.
Camp News
April 22 Spring Into Camp EventMay 26-29 Memorial Day Weekend Family CampJuly 9-15 Senior High Camp (Grades 9-12)July 16-20 Intermediate Camp (Grades 3-5)July 21-23 Young at Heart Camp (Young Adults/Adults)July 23-29 Middle School Camp (Grades 6-8)Aug. 4-6 Counselor-in-Training (CIT)Aug. 5-6 Elementary Camp (Grades 1-2)Aug. 10-12 Women’s CampAug. 18-20 Men’s CampSept. 1-4 Labor Day Weekend Family Camp
Camp Emmaus ‘Spring Into Camp’The schedule for this new event on Saturday, April 22, is as follows:1-5 p.m. Free time to hike, fish, play sixsquare, volleyball, or other activities5 p.m. Cookout at the pavilion, followed by card games and other games8 p.m. CampfireNote this is the same day as the District Potluck Experience event at Dixon, so we encourage everyone to attend the Potluck during the day, and then make your way up to Camp Emmaus mid-afternoon to join in the activities there!The Camp Emmaus board has announced the launch of the Camp Emmaus Endowment Fund. The board has set a goal of raising $100,000 for this fund in the next 12 months, helping to provide a new revenue stream for camp and allowing a wider range of planned and deferred gifts. To learn more about this endowment, arrange to make a donation, or discover other ways to get involved, please reach out to treasurer Dan Radcliff at dradcliff@eder.org.
Camp Emmanuel has also announced its 2023 camping schedule:
April 22-27 Work WeekJune 2-4 Women’s CampJune 9-11 High School CampJune 11-17 Middle School CampJune 18-21 Junior CampJune 23-25 Pre-Junior CampJuly 17-21 Day CampAug. 11-13 Men’s CampSept. 1-4 Family Camp
Sept 30 75th Anniversary Event
In addition, Camp Emmanuel will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2023! A celebration at the camp, including a fish fry, is being planned for Sept. 30. Watch for details as they become available.
Stay up to date on what’s happening at our district camps! Visit www.campem.com for Camp Emmanuel news and www.campemmaus.org for Camp Emmaus news.
DISTRICT CONFERENCE
Plans are under way for this year’s Illinois/Wisconsin District conference! It will take place Nov. 3-4 at Lanark Church of the Brethren. Phyllis Batterton (Woodland) is serving as moderator this year and has chosen the theme “Encourage One Another.”
Due to technological limitations on site, this will likely be an in person-only event, with no virtual or hybrid options available, though we do hope to record some segments for later viewing. Mark your calendars, and watch for more details in the coming months!
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The 2023 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will take place July 4-8 (a Tuesday-through-Saturday schedule) in Cincinnati with the theme “Living God’s Love.” Tim McElwee of Fort Wayne, Ind., will serve as moderator. Advance delegate registration will be $320 per person ($395 onsite); non-delegate adult advance registration is $140 for the week ($175 onsite; $40 for post-high school through age 21, free for high school age and below). A virtual non-delegate option to participate online will also be available. Conference hotels will be $122 per night, plus tax. Registration and housing reservations will open to the public March 1.
In other Annual Conference news:
• The Nominating Committee of the Standing Committee of district delegates to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference has presented the ballot for the 2023 Conference, with elections to be held during the meeting in Cincinnati:
Moderator-elect: Dava Hensley (Roanoke, Va.); Del Keeney (Mechanicsburg, Pa.)
Program and Arrangements Committee: Emmanuela Attelus (Miami, Fla.); Gail Heisel (La Verne, Calif.)
Mission and Ministry Board, Area 2: John Ballinger (West Salem, Ohio); Tina M. Hunt (Mansfield, Ohio)
Mission and Ministry Board, Area 3: Linetta Shalom Alley (Broadway, Va.); Deirdre Moyer (Eden, N.C.)
Bethany Theological Seminary board, representing clergy: Jennifer Hosler (Washington, D.C.); Jonathan Prater (Linville, Va.)
Bethany Theological Seminary board, representing laity: Mark Gingrich (Burnsville, Minn.); Julia Wheeler (La Verne, Calif.)
Eder Financial board: Raymond Flagg (Annville, Pa.); Dennis Kingery (Littleton, Colo.)
On Earth Peace board: Carol Young Lindquist (Fort Wayne, Ind.); Audrey Zunkel-DeCoursey (Portland, Ore.)
Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee: Lori Hurt (Boones Mill, Va.); Rudolph H. Taylor III (Cloverdale, Va.)
• Annual Conference has also announced preachers for the conference:
— Tuesday evening, July 4: Annual Conference moderator Tim McElwee will preach on the theme “Living God’s Love,” drawing on John 13:34-35, Ephesians 5:1-2, and 1 John 4:7-12.
— Wednesday evening, July 5: Sheila Wise Rowe, a Christian counselor, spiritual director, educator, writer, and keynote speaker for this year’s pre-Conference Brethren Ministers’ Association event, will preach on the theme “Bearing the Fruit of God’s Love,” drawing on Mark 12:28-34 and John 15:1-17.
— Thursday evening, July 6: Deanna Brown, founder and facilitator of Cultural Connections and a member of Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., will preach on the theme “Responding in Love to the Needs of Others,” drawing on Luke 10:25-37 and 1 John 3:16-24.
— Friday evening, July 7: Jody Romero, pastor of Restoration Los Angeles (Calif.) Church of the Brethren and lead chaplain for the Los Angeles Christian Health Center, will preach on the theme “Seeing and Loving Like God,” drawing on Luke 7:36-50 and 1 Corinthians 13.
— Saturday morning, July 8: Audri Svay, an English professor, pre-school teacher, and pastor of Eel River Community Church of the Brethren in Silver Lake, Ind., will preach on the theme “Loving the Least in the Family of God,” drawing on Matthew 25:31-46 and John 21:15-19.
The worship services are being planned by Don Mitchell, Laura Stone, and David R. Miller. Beth Jarrett, the third-year Program and Arrangements Committee member, is chairing the worship team. Kyle Remnant will serve as music coordinator, Becca Miller as pianist, Marty Keeney as choir director, and Pam Hoppe as children’s choir director.
The Association for the Arts in the Church of the Brethren (AACB) will be holding its annual quilt auction at Annual Conference, with proceeds benefiting hunger projects (recently for needs in Nigeria through the Church of the Brethren Global Food Initiative). Each congregation is asked to send an 8 ½” x 8 ½” quilt block for the quilts/wall hangings. Blocks should be postmarked by May 15 and sent to Margaret Weybright, 1801 Greencroft Blvd., Apt. 125, Goshen, IN 46526. A donation of $1 or more is requested with each quilt block to offset the cost of quilting materials. Further details/instructions are available in the attached flier.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
• Beginning on April 18, the denomination’s Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church program is offering a conversation around David Keck’s book Healthy Churches, Faithful Pastors: Covenant Expectations for Thriving Together. Over ten sessions, the study will explore the expectations congregations and pastors have for each other, including Christ-centeredness, mission, administration, and opportunities for mission and ministry. The study is available to pastors and congregational leaders free of charge, including a copy of Keck’s book for each participant. Sessions will be held online Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. Central. Continuing Education credits are available for participants, up to a full CEU. Registration is limited. Register at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice.
• New online (Zoom) continuing education courses are being offered by the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center in its “Nurturing Ministry” series: On April 25, 6-7:30 p.m. Central, Frank Ramirez will lead “Julian of Norwich, Catharine Hummer, and Universal Restoration.” And on June 6, 12-3 p.m. Central, Julie Guistwite will lead “Grief Literacy.” Registration for the April 25 event is free; .15 CEU’s are available for $10. Registration for the June 6 event is $35 including .3 CEUs or $25 without CEUs. Learn more and register at www.etown.edu/svmc.
• Upcoming courses from the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership include “Healing Racial Trauma,” led by Audrey Hollenberg-Duffey, July 3-4 onsite in Cincinnati prior to Annual Conference (registration deadline May 29); “Church of the Brethren History,” led by Craig Gandy, Sept. 11-Nov. 5 online (registration deadline Aug. 7) in partnership with the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center; and “Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures,” led by Matt Boersma, Oct. 11-Dec. 5 online (registration deadline Sept. 6). Register for the Church of the Brethren History course by contacting Karen Hodges at karenhodges@svmccob.org. Register for other courses and pay online at Brethren Academy Course Registration/Biannual TRIM Payment | Bethany Theological Seminary (bethanyseminary.edu).
• William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital in Madison is offering two free virtual clergy training events, May 2 or June 13 from 1-3 p.m. Each event will be two hours long, focusing on the topics of Moral Injury and Suicide Prevention. Leaders are chaplain Victoria Fishel and social worker/therapist Darlene Ezman. Registration information is at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-clergy-training-event-tickets-566422363537?utm-campaign=social%2Cemail&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=strongmail&utm-term=checkoutwidget.
• Lands of the Bible study tour: In July 2023, Bridgewater College chaplain Dr. Robbie Miller will again lead a study tour of Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. The tour, conducted by the University of the Holy Land in Jerusalem (https://uhl.ac/), will visit sites of biblical and religious importance including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jericho, Capernaum, Caesarea, Masada, Qumran, Petra, and many more. The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership will provide 4.0 CEUs for the study tour. For an itinerary and more information, contact Dr. Miller at rmiller@bridgewater.edu or at 540-421-2720.
• The annual Festival of Homiletics is relatively close this year, in Minneapolis, and an online option is also available. The 2023 event will take place May 15-18 with an all-star cast of speakers and the theme “Preaching Hope for a Weary World,” which they note is a “response to the hardships and heaviness that have been our reality the last few years. In these wearying days, what is our call to preach? Hope. The Festival of Homiletics 2023 will inspire us to a renewed sense of our radical calling. Our weary world needs us, preachers.” Registration ($345 early-bird in person/$95 online) and further details can be found at: Registration and information here.
• The organization Faith+Lead (through Luther Seminary) has available on demand a 6-hour self-guided course called “Hybrid Ministry in a Post-Pandemic Church,” helping pastors and others think about ways to create a framework for church that engages and connects the entire community. Cost is $75. Learn more and register at https://t.e2ma.net/click/vfs32k/zarqt/3d8o7ab.
• Lombard Mennonite Peace Center is offering a “Restorative Congregations” webinar via Zoom May 23 or Nov. 2 (9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Central). The “Healthy Congregations” workshop will be offered June 1 via Zoom. A new one-day “Fractured Lives, Fractured Churches” workshop will be offered June 15 via Zoom. And “Conflict Transformation Skills for Churches” will be offered via Zoom Sept. 16 (9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Central). For more details and registration information, and to see other events, go to https://lmpeacecenter.org/all-events/.
• NCP Learning Tours: New Community Project will offer an educational trip to South Sudan May 11-22, to the Amazon region of Ecuador June 1-7, to Lybrook, N.M., June 22-28, to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons July 20-27, and to central and southern Alaska Aug. 7-15. These trips are open to all ages and explore the beauty of and challenges facing God’s creation and God’s children. Learn more at www.newcommunityproject.info/learning-tours.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Eder Financial is seeking a full-time client services manager. The position will entail significant travel but can work remotely. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree, four to eight years of relevant experience, strong communication skills, be detail- and data-oriented, and be comfortable making presentations. Working knowledge of CRM software is a plus. To apply, send a cover letter, resume’, and three references to Tammy Chudy at tchudy@eder.org.
Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind., is seeking a digital marketing manager. The position is three-quarter time and is available immediately. Primary responsibilities include managing the seminary’s website and overseeing social media strategy and implementation, digital marketing and database management, and video production. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree, be proficient in WordPress and MailChimp, have good communication skills, and have an appreciation for diversity and cultural differences. To apply Please submit resume, cover letter, and a list of three references to: Carla Robinson, AMBS Human Resources hr@ambs.edu or 3003 Benham Avenue, Elkhart IN 46517.
Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., seeks a coordinator for Community Engagement to fill a full-time position responsible for coordinating Bethany’s two community engagement programs that address issues of diversity and division: BOLD, an initiative for residential students, and Ministry Formation, a field education program. Key components of BOLD include organizing service work, learning opportunities, and group discussions to develop resilient, self-aware leaders. Key components of Ministry Formation include developing effective placements and helping students reflect on these experiences. This position involves significant time interacting, networking, and building relationships in Wayne County, Ind., and other communities where Bethany students live. This requires significant time engaging face-to-face with people as a Bethany representative. Find the full position description and information about how to apply at https://bethanyseminary.edu/jobs/coordinator-for-community-engagement.
The Brethren Volunteer Service office has two full-time volunteer positions open (serving as a BVSer) for a BVS orientation assistant and as assistant FaithX coordinator. For information on those opportunities, contact BVS director Chelsea Goss Skillen at cskillen@brethren.org.
Camp Bethel in Fincastle, Va., seeks a dependable, caring leader to be full-time salaried camp director. Summer camp experience is required, and staff management experience is preferred. This position is available immediately with the possibility of orientation with the current camp director. The camp director joins other full-time staff including facilities manager, program coordinator, food services coordinator, and guest services coordinator. Starting package includes salary based on experience with benefits of family or personal medical insurance, a pension plan, paid vacation, and professional growth funds. Onsite housing is also possible. Visit www.CampBethelVirginia.org/jobs to review the position description and submit a letter of interest, a faith statement, resume’, and/or any questions to Naomi Powers, chair of the search committee, at Search@CampBethelVirginia.org.
Camp Brethren Heights in Rodney, Mich., has an upcoming opening for a part-time Camp Director position. Those interested in the position should contact the camp board chair, Jack Durnbaugh, at durnbaugh.family@yahoo.com. Learn more at www.campbrethrenheightsmi.org.
The Western Pennsylvania District seeks a half-time district executive minister. The office location is negotiable, working remotely or on location at the district office in Jerome, Pa. Travel is required both within and outside of the district. Responsibilities include the primary areas of: officeofministry@brethren.org. Applicants are requested to contact three persons who are willing to provide a letter of reference.
The Brethren Historical Library and Archives in Elgin has a one-year archival intern position available beginning June 2023. Interns receive housing, a stipend of $550 every two weeks, and health insurance. Applicants must have a completed undergraduate degree, interest in history and/or archival work, be detail-oriented, and have computer skills. Interested candidates are invited to send a resume’ to COBApply@brethren.org by April 1.
The Western Pennsylvania District seeks a half-time district executive minister. The office location is negotiable, working remotely or on location at the district office in Jerome, Pa. Travel is required both within and outside of the district. Responsibilities include the primary areas of: officeofministry@brethren.org. Applicants are requested to contact three persons who are willing to provide a letter of reference.
The Brethren Historical Library and Archives in Elgin has a one-year archival intern position available beginning June 2023. Interns receive housing, a stipend of $550 every two weeks, and health insurance. Applicants must have a completed undergraduate degree, interest in history and/or archival work, be detail-oriented, and have computer skills. Interested candidates are invited to send a resume’ to COBApply@brethren.org by April 1.
PERSONNEL NOTES
Nathan Polzin has been hired by the Church of the Brethren as executive director of Discipleship and Leadership Formation. From 2009 to 2017 he served as Michigan District’s executive minister. From 2007 to present, he has been instrumental in planting and pastoring The Church in Drive, a congregation serving Saginaw, Mich., and Saginaw Valley State University students. He also currently serves as the pastor of Midland (Mich.) Church of the Brethren. In the past, he has served congregations in Mount Pleasant, Mich., and Hagerstown, Ind. He also provides individual and group coaching, team building, training, and consulting services through Polzin Coaching and Consulting. Nathan is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, and of Bethany Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity. Nathan began his new position on April 10.
DENOMINATIONAL NEWS / NEWSLINE
President Joel S. Billi of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) gave an address during the EYN Centennial celebration in March, which included highlighting achievements of EYN. It currently has 61 operational church districts, 589 congregations, 950 active pastors and 500 retired pastors, and 16 programs and institutions operating under the EYN headquarters.
The Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board, meeting March 10-12 in Elgin, Ill., approved a statement lamenting the Doctrine of Discovery and recommended its adoption by Annual Conference. The meeting was led by chair Carl Fike, working with chair-elect Colin Scott and general secretary David Steele.
Titled “With Actions and in Truth: A Lament of the Doctrine of Discovery,” the statement “names the injustices of the church’s history with Indigenous peoples, invites the members of the denomination to study and understand the complex relationship between the church and Native nations, and equips the Church of the Brethren with a foundation for future action.”
In recent years many Christian denominations have issued statements repudiating this doctrine, which originated in the Catholic church and was then adopted by the majority of Christian groups. The Doctrine of Discovery has been used to justify genocide and enslavement of Native peoples. The Church of the Brethren statement grew out of years of background work by the Office of Peacebuilding and Policy and Discipleship Ministries.
In other business, the board:
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and one of the places people are coming together to mark the occasion is on Facebook. A “Brethren Volunteer Service–75th Anniversary” Facebook group has been created, and more than 300 people have joined. A flurry of photos, stories, and other recollections have been filling the page’s feed, from the earliest years of BVS up to the present. It’s a public group, so anyone can view the page at www.facebook.com/groups/709470850904528.
Bethany Theological Seminary has announced Jana Carter as the 2023 commencement speaker. The commencement ceremony is scheduled for May 13 at 9 a.m. Central/10 Eastern in Nicarry Chapel on the campus in Richmond, Ind. Carter is a third-generation Bethany alumnus and holds a JD from University of California Berkeley School of Law. Carter began her career as a civil rights litigator in Oakland, Calif., before moving to Washington, D.C., to work with Search for Common Ground as their USA Director of Racial Healing, before returning to California in 2011 to produce media projects that highlight the power and possibility of empathy and bridge-building. Carter helped to produce the CNN primetime docuseries, The Redemption Project with Van Jones, and was awarded an Emmy for production of The Messy Truth VR Experience (2020), which seeks to create empathy using Virtual Reality technology.
The annual Clergywomen’s Breakfast will be held on July 5 at Annual Conference in Cincinnati. The keynote speaker, Margaret “Maggie” Elwell, is Assistant Professor of Peace Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary. Elwell has served as director of the Center for Theology, Women, and Gender at Princeton Seminary, taught English and humanities in Baltimore City Public Schools, and provided leadership to projects focused on social justice and disaster relief. She is a critical theorist of violence and a narratologist. Tickets can be purchased when registering for Annual Conference; if you have already registered, use the Additional Purchases button. Tickets will also be available while they last onsite. A limited number of partial scholarships is available. Contact officeofministry@brethren.org for information.
A new Church of the Brethren Gun Violence Prevention Action Team launched in January 2023 and has already met several times. On Earth Peace is convening this action team as part of a broader campaign to activate advocates for gun violence prevention. Its work draws on a 1978 Annual Conference statement, “Violence and the Use of Firearms.” As an initial step, the team is planning a Public Witness for Gun Violence Prevention event during Annual Conference in July, in partnership with local groups working on these issues. The purpose of the witness is to pray, to support those touched by gun violence, and to be inspired to take action after Conference. The team hopes this event can support and strengthen the work of gun violence prevention groups in Ohio and build a network of Church of the Brethren gun violence prevention advocates.
A silent auction will be held by the Program and Arrangements Committee at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, this summer. Two-thirds of the proceeds will support Brethren Disaster Ministries, with the remaining one-third to offset Annual Conference expenses as the Conference continue to face challenges brought on in large part by the pandemic. Donations are requested in three categories: Experiences (trips, events, etc.), gift baskets, and arts & crafts items. To make a contribution, go to www.brethren.org/ac2023/silentauction to submit your contact information and a description of the item you wish to contribute. Online submissions must be received by June 1. Actual items must be onsite at Annual Conference no later than 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4. Volunteers willing to assist with the auction can sign up at www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945AFA722A4FCCF8-annual.
Brethren Press has announced the upcoming release of a storybook Bible from the “Shine” curriculum titled The Peace Table. It will include biblically faithful retellings of 140 Bible stories with colorful, diverse art by 30 illustrators. Along with each Bible story, there are prayer prompts, questions, and action ideas to guide reflection and conversation. Twelve Peace Paths allow children to ‘choose their own adventure’ through the book, exploring how peace themes are woven throughout the Old and New Testaments. A resource section includes ideas for how to experience peace with God, self, others, and creation, as well as maps, background information on the Bible, interactive ways to pray, and prayers for many occasions. Preorder any quantity between now and June 1 and receive a 25 percent discount. View a sample and preorder a copy today at https://shinecurriculum.com/product/the-peace-table-a-storybook-bible.
The Church of the Brethren Office of Ministry has created an online video resource of six segments featuring congregations that are creatively practicing the priesthood of all believers and thereby meeting their needs for pastoral leadership. At a time when congregations are struggling to find pastors to serve their needs, this series produced by videographer David Sollenberger is offered as a reminder that God places abundant spiritual gifts within congregations, just waiting to be discovered, affirmed, and nurtured. The series features three congregations, Warrensburg and Cabool in Missouri and Arkansas District, and Clover Creek in Middle Pennsylvania District. Their pastoral teams consist of as few as two to as many as five people. The series is a testimony to the effectiveness of the Brethren practice of the priesthood of all believers in fostering a culture of calling set-apart ministers. Find the new resource at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/shared-ministry-model.
Marci Frederick, director of libraries at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va., is researching Brethren communion bread practices, including recipes, spiritual practices while making bread, purchased bread, and how the bread is used. In an announcement of a survey for this research, she requests “your personal and congregational stories as she attempts to track how recipes spread and changed.” The survey is open through April 30 at https://emu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6QiDm3DEgvRGsU6. For more information on this Eastern Mennonite University sabbatical project, contact marci.frederick@emu.edu.
The larger Anabaptist movement will celebrate its “quincentennial”—500 years!—in January 2025. The Illinois Mennonite Historical and Genealogical Society is planning several activities and published articles to lead up to that historic anniversary. The spring 2023 event will look at the The Apostolic Christian Church of America, led by Luke Fischer: Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m., at the Illinois Mennonite Heritage Center, 675 State Road 116 in Germantown/Metamora. A fellowship lunch will follow.
The seventh Brethren World Assembly will take place July 26-29 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College and at Germantown Church of the Brethren in Philadelphia on the final day, July 29. The theme of the assembly is “Brethren Faithfulness: Priorities in Perspective.” The gathering marks 300 years of the Brethren in America and the 300th anniversary of the Germantown Church. The event also marks the centennial of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The scheduled sessions relate to the history and developments of the Brethren in America from 1723 up to the Civil War, with an additional session about EYN. Opening devotions and evening worship services will open and close each day. For the entire Assembly, July 26-29, including the day at Germantown, fees are $310 (early bird cost, registered by May 15) or $370 (tegular cost, registered between May 16 and June 15). For the days in Elizabethtown only, July 26-28, fees are $190 (early bird, registered by May 15) or $225 (regular cost, registered between May 16 and June 15). One-day options are also available. Lodging is additional. Registration closes June 15. For more information, contact BWA23@etown.edu or call 717-327-8188.
Brethren Life and Thought, a joint publication of Bethany Theological Seminary and the Brethren Journal Association, invites submissions on Brethren and popular culture for a special issue. Said an announcement: “We seek creative pieces, poems, sermons, liturgical pieces, sermons, or essays on the intersection of church, faith, and popular culture (movies, music, science fiction, novels, famous figures, artists, etc.). Submissions should be emailed to editor Denise Kettering-Lane (kettede@bethanyseminary.edu) by May 15 for consideration.
Creation Justice Ministries, which is a partner organization for the Church of the Brethren’s Office of Peacebuilding and Policy is relaunching a “52 Ways to Care for Creation” bulletin insert series. Each week’s bulletin insert highlights a creation justice idea for action or reflection that corresponds with the season or the church calendar. Find out more at www.creationjustice.org/resource-hub/category/bulletin-insert.
The Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board, meeting March 10-12 in Elgin, Ill., approved a statement lamenting the Doctrine of Discovery and recommended its adoption by Annual Conference. The meeting was led by chair Carl Fike, working with chair-elect Colin Scott and general secretary David Steele.
Titled “With Actions and in Truth: A Lament of the Doctrine of Discovery,” the statement “names the injustices of the church’s history with Indigenous peoples, invites the members of the denomination to study and understand the complex relationship between the church and Native nations, and equips the Church of the Brethren with a foundation for future action.”
In recent years many Christian denominations have issued statements repudiating this doctrine, which originated in the Catholic church and was then adopted by the majority of Christian groups. The Doctrine of Discovery has been used to justify genocide and enslavement of Native peoples. The Church of the Brethren statement grew out of years of background work by the Office of Peacebuilding and Policy and Discipleship Ministries.
In other business, the board:
• Reviewed the organization’s financial position, which remains strong according to treasurer Ed Woolf. Expenses for Core Ministries finished the 2022 year with a surplus and did not have to make use of a transfer from designated funds that had been budgeted. Congregational giving to Core Ministries continued to decline, but individual giving rose. Giving to the Emergency Disaster Fund and Global Food Initiative Fund increased dramatically.
• Made decisions on two initiatives of the board’s strategic plan: a plan for On Earth Peace to provide board members and staff with training in Kingian Nonviolence, and next steps for a committee working on racial justice.
• Approved a position description for a new Facilities Stewardship Committee that will be a standing committee of the board. This committee will assess the church’s physical properties in relationship to the strategic plan, the current needs of the denomination, and economic considerations.
• Approved the minutes of an email action appointing the Rev. Ganeshkumar Gamanlal Patel and Sanjaykumar Dhirajilal Bhagat as trustees to the Church of the Brethren General Board Trust in India.
• Approved a Global Food Initiative grant of $25,000 for a soybean project in Nigeria, along with the minutes of several actions previously handled by email—including a capital expenditure of up to $63,000 for a truck for Brethren Disaster Ministries.
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and one of the places people are coming together to mark the occasion is on Facebook. A “Brethren Volunteer Service–75th Anniversary” Facebook group has been created, and more than 300 people have joined. A flurry of photos, stories, and other recollections have been filling the page’s feed, from the earliest years of BVS up to the present. It’s a public group, so anyone can view the page at www.facebook.com/groups/709470850904528.
Bethany Theological Seminary has announced Jana Carter as the 2023 commencement speaker. The commencement ceremony is scheduled for May 13 at 9 a.m. Central/10 Eastern in Nicarry Chapel on the campus in Richmond, Ind. Carter is a third-generation Bethany alumnus and holds a JD from University of California Berkeley School of Law. Carter began her career as a civil rights litigator in Oakland, Calif., before moving to Washington, D.C., to work with Search for Common Ground as their USA Director of Racial Healing, before returning to California in 2011 to produce media projects that highlight the power and possibility of empathy and bridge-building. Carter helped to produce the CNN primetime docuseries, The Redemption Project with Van Jones, and was awarded an Emmy for production of The Messy Truth VR Experience (2020), which seeks to create empathy using Virtual Reality technology.
The annual Clergywomen’s Breakfast will be held on July 5 at Annual Conference in Cincinnati. The keynote speaker, Margaret “Maggie” Elwell, is Assistant Professor of Peace Studies at Bethany Theological Seminary. Elwell has served as director of the Center for Theology, Women, and Gender at Princeton Seminary, taught English and humanities in Baltimore City Public Schools, and provided leadership to projects focused on social justice and disaster relief. She is a critical theorist of violence and a narratologist. Tickets can be purchased when registering for Annual Conference; if you have already registered, use the Additional Purchases button. Tickets will also be available while they last onsite. A limited number of partial scholarships is available. Contact officeofministry@brethren.org for information.
A new Church of the Brethren Gun Violence Prevention Action Team launched in January 2023 and has already met several times. On Earth Peace is convening this action team as part of a broader campaign to activate advocates for gun violence prevention. Its work draws on a 1978 Annual Conference statement, “Violence and the Use of Firearms.” As an initial step, the team is planning a Public Witness for Gun Violence Prevention event during Annual Conference in July, in partnership with local groups working on these issues. The purpose of the witness is to pray, to support those touched by gun violence, and to be inspired to take action after Conference. The team hopes this event can support and strengthen the work of gun violence prevention groups in Ohio and build a network of Church of the Brethren gun violence prevention advocates.
A silent auction will be held by the Program and Arrangements Committee at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, this summer. Two-thirds of the proceeds will support Brethren Disaster Ministries, with the remaining one-third to offset Annual Conference expenses as the Conference continue to face challenges brought on in large part by the pandemic. Donations are requested in three categories: Experiences (trips, events, etc.), gift baskets, and arts & crafts items. To make a contribution, go to www.brethren.org/ac2023/silentauction to submit your contact information and a description of the item you wish to contribute. Online submissions must be received by June 1. Actual items must be onsite at Annual Conference no later than 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4. Volunteers willing to assist with the auction can sign up at www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945AFA722A4FCCF8-annual.
Brethren Press has announced the upcoming release of a storybook Bible from the “Shine” curriculum titled The Peace Table. It will include biblically faithful retellings of 140 Bible stories with colorful, diverse art by 30 illustrators. Along with each Bible story, there are prayer prompts, questions, and action ideas to guide reflection and conversation. Twelve Peace Paths allow children to ‘choose their own adventure’ through the book, exploring how peace themes are woven throughout the Old and New Testaments. A resource section includes ideas for how to experience peace with God, self, others, and creation, as well as maps, background information on the Bible, interactive ways to pray, and prayers for many occasions. Preorder any quantity between now and June 1 and receive a 25 percent discount. View a sample and preorder a copy today at https://shinecurriculum.com/product/the-peace-table-a-storybook-bible.
The Church of the Brethren Office of Ministry has created an online video resource of six segments featuring congregations that are creatively practicing the priesthood of all believers and thereby meeting their needs for pastoral leadership. At a time when congregations are struggling to find pastors to serve their needs, this series produced by videographer David Sollenberger is offered as a reminder that God places abundant spiritual gifts within congregations, just waiting to be discovered, affirmed, and nurtured. The series features three congregations, Warrensburg and Cabool in Missouri and Arkansas District, and Clover Creek in Middle Pennsylvania District. Their pastoral teams consist of as few as two to as many as five people. The series is a testimony to the effectiveness of the Brethren practice of the priesthood of all believers in fostering a culture of calling set-apart ministers. Find the new resource at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/shared-ministry-model.
Marci Frederick, director of libraries at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va., is researching Brethren communion bread practices, including recipes, spiritual practices while making bread, purchased bread, and how the bread is used. In an announcement of a survey for this research, she requests “your personal and congregational stories as she attempts to track how recipes spread and changed.” The survey is open through April 30 at https://emu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6QiDm3DEgvRGsU6. For more information on this Eastern Mennonite University sabbatical project, contact marci.frederick@emu.edu.
The larger Anabaptist movement will celebrate its “quincentennial”—500 years!—in January 2025. The Illinois Mennonite Historical and Genealogical Society is planning several activities and published articles to lead up to that historic anniversary. The spring 2023 event will look at the The Apostolic Christian Church of America, led by Luke Fischer: Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m., at the Illinois Mennonite Heritage Center, 675 State Road 116 in Germantown/Metamora. A fellowship lunch will follow.
The seventh Brethren World Assembly will take place July 26-29 at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College and at Germantown Church of the Brethren in Philadelphia on the final day, July 29. The theme of the assembly is “Brethren Faithfulness: Priorities in Perspective.” The gathering marks 300 years of the Brethren in America and the 300th anniversary of the Germantown Church. The event also marks the centennial of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). The scheduled sessions relate to the history and developments of the Brethren in America from 1723 up to the Civil War, with an additional session about EYN. Opening devotions and evening worship services will open and close each day. For the entire Assembly, July 26-29, including the day at Germantown, fees are $310 (early bird cost, registered by May 15) or $370 (tegular cost, registered between May 16 and June 15). For the days in Elizabethtown only, July 26-28, fees are $190 (early bird, registered by May 15) or $225 (regular cost, registered between May 16 and June 15). One-day options are also available. Lodging is additional. Registration closes June 15. For more information, contact BWA23@etown.edu or call 717-327-8188.
Brethren Life and Thought, a joint publication of Bethany Theological Seminary and the Brethren Journal Association, invites submissions on Brethren and popular culture for a special issue. Said an announcement: “We seek creative pieces, poems, sermons, liturgical pieces, sermons, or essays on the intersection of church, faith, and popular culture (movies, music, science fiction, novels, famous figures, artists, etc.). Submissions should be emailed to editor Denise Kettering-Lane (kettede@bethanyseminary.edu) by May 15 for consideration.
Creation Justice Ministries, which is a partner organization for the Church of the Brethren’s Office of Peacebuilding and Policy is relaunching a “52 Ways to Care for Creation” bulletin insert series. Each week’s bulletin insert highlights a creation justice idea for action or reflection that corresponds with the season or the church calendar. Find out more at www.creationjustice.org/resource-hub/category/bulletin-insert.
WHAT COULD YOU DO WITH $100?
The district's Church Revitalization and Development Team (CRDT) is taking applications for two new grant programs. A total of 10 combined grants ($100 each) from the two programs will be given this year, and any congregation in the Illinois & Wisconsin District is welcome to apply.
First, a Being Jesus in the Neighborhood Grant: Congregations can apply for 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.
Second, a Give Your Pastor a Break Grant: Congregations can apply for up to $100 for a grant to cover or help cover a guest speaker for an extra Sunday to give your pastor a day off--or at least a day off from having to prepare and preach a sermon. Any time can be challenging to be a pastor, especially when many are filling those roles part-time, and the pandemic and other current events have made it especially so. We hope this might be part of the ways you care for your pastor.
Each congregation may receive only one grant per calendar year. Applications are available on the district website (iwdcob.org), or contact the district office. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Blessings to each of you as you faithfully seek to serve your communities!
GRANTS AND GIVING
District Mission and Mortar Grant/Loan Program
Is your congregation beginning a new mission outreach program but a little short on cash? Is your congregation faced with a major repair or capital improvement project that exceeds your congregation’s capacity to pay for it? Did you know that the district has a program to assist with your needs? It’s called the Mission and Mortar Grant/Loan Program and is available to help meet the needs mentioned above.
Grants are available up to $2,500, and non-interest bearing loans up to $5,000. A congregation that applies must provide financial data and be a regular contributor to the district. Applications are considered on a first-come first-served basis and are reviewed/approved by the district Leadership Team.
If you would like more information or wish to apply, visit the district website. Send completed applications to the IL/WI District Office, 269 E. Chestnut St., Canton, IL 61520.
SUPPORTING YOUR DISTRICT
The Illinois/Wisconsin District is active in a variety of ministry and mission efforts, both directly and indirectly. For these efforts to continue, resources are needed in the form of time, tools, knowledge, and especially finances.
Consider making a contribution to one or more of the following:
- Disaster Relief Fund
- Endowment Fund
- Mission and Mortar Fund
- General Fund
- Emerging Ministries
- Ministry Training
Look for the donate button at iwdcob.org, or send your checks to the district office: 269 E. Chestnut St., Canton, IL 61520. Thank you!
