The Reflector - December 2024
Monday, December 02, 2024
Sunday, December 01, 2024
The Village ILWIDIot
Walt Wiltschek
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.” —Luke 2:4, NIV
Bureaucracy, it is said, is one of the constants of the universe. Just look at the Christmas story. Along with angelic messages, right at the center of the narrative we find a sprawling Roman bureaucracy. A census—for tax purposes, no less—begins our holy couple’s journey to Bethlehem, uprooted from their home in Nazareth some 90 miles away.
Holy or not, I can imagine Joseph and Mary being less than pleased at this turn of events: Mary very pregnant, Joseph wondering what to do about it all, and now they had to trek across the countryside to go stay with relatives in whatever space was available. Thousands of others probably were streaming down the highways and byways along with them.
Between God and Caesar, their life had been shaken up like a proverbial snow globe, changed in every way imaginable: physically, socially, emotionally, financially. Even their solid spiritual core had to be a bit jolted. Yet, as we know, it was through all the changes they endured that the grand wave of transformation coming through Christ entered the world.
Change happens. We’re saying goodbye this month to Andrea Garnett, our district administrative assistant for the past seven-plus years and welcoming Peg Moylan to the role. The district office is moving from Canton back up to Lombard. Five congregations are now formally in the search process as pastors retire, move, or accept new calls. Others are experimenting with new realities of shared ministry teams with greater lay involvement. Meanwhile, the national faith landscape and political picture are shifting around us, too.
Mary and Joseph could probably empathize with us right now. “Change is tough,” they might tell us. “Try sleeping on straw after a multi-day trip and giving birth in rather rustic guest quarters with a feeding trough for a crib. It’s exhausting. I’m not sure we can do it … but God can. This isn’t the life we had imagined, but it’s stirring our imaginations in new ways. But enough for now. Time to let the baby sleep—as soon as we move that sheep.”
As change swirls around us, may you also find the hope among the hassles, pondering in your shaken hearts what it all might mean and what yet might come of it. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace; goodwill to all.
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.” —Luke 2:4, NIV
Bureaucracy, it is said, is one of the constants of the universe. Just look at the Christmas story. Along with angelic messages, right at the center of the narrative we find a sprawling Roman bureaucracy. A census—for tax purposes, no less—begins our holy couple’s journey to Bethlehem, uprooted from their home in Nazareth some 90 miles away.
Holy or not, I can imagine Joseph and Mary being less than pleased at this turn of events: Mary very pregnant, Joseph wondering what to do about it all, and now they had to trek across the countryside to go stay with relatives in whatever space was available. Thousands of others probably were streaming down the highways and byways along with them.
Between God and Caesar, their life had been shaken up like a proverbial snow globe, changed in every way imaginable: physically, socially, emotionally, financially. Even their solid spiritual core had to be a bit jolted. Yet, as we know, it was through all the changes they endured that the grand wave of transformation coming through Christ entered the world.
Change happens. We’re saying goodbye this month to Andrea Garnett, our district administrative assistant for the past seven-plus years and welcoming Peg Moylan to the role. The district office is moving from Canton back up to Lombard. Five congregations are now formally in the search process as pastors retire, move, or accept new calls. Others are experimenting with new realities of shared ministry teams with greater lay involvement. Meanwhile, the national faith landscape and political picture are shifting around us, too.
Mary and Joseph could probably empathize with us right now. “Change is tough,” they might tell us. “Try sleeping on straw after a multi-day trip and giving birth in rather rustic guest quarters with a feeding trough for a crib. It’s exhausting. I’m not sure we can do it … but God can. This isn’t the life we had imagined, but it’s stirring our imaginations in new ways. But enough for now. Time to let the baby sleep—as soon as we move that sheep.”
As change swirls around us, may you also find the hope among the hassles, pondering in your shaken hearts what it all might mean and what yet might come of it. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace; goodwill to all.
DISTRICT EXECUTIVE SCHEDULE
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
- Potluck Experience Team, Jan. 13, 7 p.m.
- Ministry Leadership Development Team, Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m.
- Church Revitalization and Development Team, Jan. 18, 9 a.m.
- Council of District Executives meetings, Melbourne, Fla., Jan. 24-29
- Leadership Team mini-retreat, Oglesby, Ill., Feb. 2, 2-5 p.m.
- Powerhouse regional youth conference, Camp Mack, Milford, Ind., Feb. 7-9
- “Changing Mindsets for Ministry” online workshop, Feb. 22, 9-11 a.m.
- Potluck Experience 2025, Peoria First Church of the Brethren, March 29
- District Clergy Gathering and CEU event, Bishop Lane Retreat Center, Rockford, May 1-2
- Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, July 2-6, Greensboro, N.C.
IN OUR PRAYERS
- Week of Dec. 9: Pray for the Allison Prairie congregation, and for the Church of the Brethren congregations in India.
- Week of Dec. 16: Pray for the Hurricane Creek congregation, and for the Church of the Brethren communities in Venezuela and Colombia.
- Week of Dec. 23: In this Christmas week, thank God for all the moments of wonder over this past year, and pause in the sacred wonder of the gift of Christmas.
- Week of Dec. 30: As the year comes to a close and we look toward 2025, reflect on the journey of these past months, reflecting on when God felt near and when God felt far away. Pause in silence, and say a word of thanks for God’s presence through all our moments of life.
- Week of Jan. 7, 2025: As we enter a new calendar year, pray for all the Church of the Brethren congregations around the country and spend some time in prayer for the ministries they will engage in over the months ahead.
WELCOME, PEGGY MOYLAN (AND A NEW DISTRICT OFFICE)!
The Illinois/Wisconsin District is pleased to announce the hiring of Peggy Moylan as the new district administrative assistant. She will begin the week of Dec. 9, doing some training with outgoing administrative assistant Andrea Garnett. Andrea will complete her time with the district on Dec. 13 as she prepares to do an internship for her graduate program in social work.
Peggy (or Peg), who lives in Glendale Heights, began working as part-time office manager for the York Center congregation in Lombard this past summer and will add these district duties—about 12 hours per week—to round out her workload. She brings an extensive background in office administration and finance, having served in several office settings in the Chicago area over the past 30 years. She did academic work at Wright College and knows a wide variety of software applications.
Peggy lives in Glendale Heights. She typically is in the office for York Center Tuesdays through Thursdays and will do district work on Mondays and Fridays and other evenings/days as needed. She will do most of that work remotely, and she will have a cell phone for the district work (in the meantime, the York Center number is 630-627-7411). Peggy’s NEW EMAIL EFFECTIVE DEC. 13 will be peg.district@gmail.com. A more specific schedule and contact information will be shared once those are set.
This also means the official district office will be shifting from Canton back to Lombard. Files and some equipment will be moving in the coming months. Please use this new address—1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard, IL 60148—for all district correspondence effective Dec. 13. District executive Walt Wiltschek also has an office at the York Center church. We're grateful to Canton Church of the Brethren for providing district office space for much of the past two decades. We're also very grateful to Andrea for her excellent work for the district since she began in 2017. Please be in prayer for all involved as we begin this new chapter.
Peggy (or Peg), who lives in Glendale Heights, began working as part-time office manager for the York Center congregation in Lombard this past summer and will add these district duties—about 12 hours per week—to round out her workload. She brings an extensive background in office administration and finance, having served in several office settings in the Chicago area over the past 30 years. She did academic work at Wright College and knows a wide variety of software applications.
Peggy lives in Glendale Heights. She typically is in the office for York Center Tuesdays through Thursdays and will do district work on Mondays and Fridays and other evenings/days as needed. She will do most of that work remotely, and she will have a cell phone for the district work (in the meantime, the York Center number is 630-627-7411). Peggy’s NEW EMAIL EFFECTIVE DEC. 13 will be peg.district@gmail.com. A more specific schedule and contact information will be shared once those are set.
This also means the official district office will be shifting from Canton back to Lombard. Files and some equipment will be moving in the coming months. Please use this new address—1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard, IL 60148—for all district correspondence effective Dec. 13. District executive Walt Wiltschek also has an office at the York Center church. We're grateful to Canton Church of the Brethren for providing district office space for much of the past two decades. We're also very grateful to Andrea for her excellent work for the district since she began in 2017. Please be in prayer for all involved as we begin this new chapter.
MINISTRY NEWS
A special service of worship, celebration, and farewell is planned for Christy Waltersdorff on Dec. 14 as she prepares to retire as pastor of York Center (Lombard) effective Dec. 31 after almost 29 years of serving the congregation. Worship begins at 11 a.m., followed by lunch and fellowship.
Congratulations to Michael Cole, pastor at Dixon, who has been approved by the district for ordination in the Church of the Brethren! Michael also pastors The Worship Center in Dixon and has brought great caring and creativity to both faith communities. An ordination service will be scheduled at a later date.
The district plans to offer another ethics training through the denomination’s Ministry Office sometime in late summer/early fall 2025 for those who still need it, likely in an online format. The training is required every five years as part of the ordination renewal cycle, which ends in 2025. All ministers should also begin gathering information for their CEU report, which will be due by mid-2025. Copies of the continuing education report form can be found at https://www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/forms/.
The 2025 Denominational Clergywomen’s Retreat, an every-five-years event sponsored by the Church of the Brethren Ministry office, will take place Feb. 10-13 at San Pedro Spiritual Development Center in Winter Park, Fla., near Orlando. The theme, drawn from Ephesians 5:2, is “Love the World Like Jesus: with Courage, Care, and Healing.” The keynote speaker will be Meghan Larissa Good, author and lead pastor of Trinity Mennonite Church in Phoenix. Early bird registration is $325 for double occupancy, $450 for single. Cindy Weber (York Center) is among the planning team members. Registration for the event is now open at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice. The district's Church Revitalization and Development Team has some scholarship funds available to assist with registration and travel for those in need. To make a confidential request for scholarship aid, please contact district executive Walt Wiltschek or the district office.
Clergy Mental Health grants are available through Eder Financial through the Church Workers Assistance Plan, offering up to $2,500 for financial assistance with expenses not covered by insurance. Find more information at ederfinancial.org/Church-Workers-Assistance-Plan.
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:
Dutchtown (Milledgeville): Terri Monnin ended her service as pastor effective Oct. 31. The congregation is working on next steps and using pulpit supply for the present.
Highland Avenue (Elgin): Katie Shaw Thompson has announced her resignation as pastor effective Feb. 9. She has accepted a call as executive director of PADS of Elgin. The congregation is working on next steps.
Lanark: Lynda Willmann has announced her retirement effective Dec. 31. A search committee has been formed, and the congregational profile has been posted. Rick Koch will be serving as part-time interim from January to March, preaching two to three Sundays per month.
Woodland: Lisa Fike has announced her resignation effective Dec. 31 to accept a call as pastor of Wabash (Ind.) Church of the Brethren. Her last Sunday at Woodland will be Dec. 15. The congregation is planning to use pulpit supply and internal speakers/pastoral care for the short term. We wish Lisa well in her new call, which will put her closer to family.
York Center: Christy Waltersdorff has announced her retirement effective Dec. 31. A search committee has been formed, and a profile will soon be available. Jonathan Shively and Tony Asta will provide interim team leadership for six months beginning Jan. 1, 2025.
CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS
Chicago First welcomed US Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL) on Nov. 24, when it held a memorial time for long-time member Corean Bevly (known widely as “Miss Bevly”), who had been very active in community and local political circles, from which Davis shared some reflections. The service also included other sharing and several spirituals, including “Soon and Very Soon.” A fellowship meal followed the service.
LaPlace held its abundant Thanksgiving potluck fellowship meal following worship on Nov. 17. It also planned to join Cerro Gordo for a Church of the Brethren Christmas vespers service on Dec. 8.
Madtown Brethen, the district’s new church project in Madison, Wis., had its biggest gathering yet in November, with about 18 people attending. The group now includes several Brethren young adults who began studies at the University of Wisconsin this fall.
Peoria First is holding its Christmas celebration dinner Dec. 15, featuring a soup potluck and cookies. The time will include Christmas caroling, fellowship, and assembling materials for Christmas baskets. Peoria also gave the following report after its recent “Mountain Mission” trip to Kentucky: “We were told that we were the last load of the season. The area where the donations go was totally empty. But because of your love, care and concern they said what we brought would carry them through the winter and into early spring. Thank you for all you do for Henderson Settlement. Your prayers plus your giving make all the difference to the people in south-eastern KY. Never lose heart!”
Springfield First held its annual Alternative Holiday Fair Dec. 7, featuring a fair trade goods bazaar , an international-flavored lunch, a local ukelele band, and the opportunity to learn about local peace and justice work.
Parts of season 3 of the HBO streaming series “Somebody Somewhere” were filmed at the York Center church in Lombard earlier this year and have been airing this fall. Look for an article about the story behind it in the December issue of Messenger magazine.
Churches are encouraged to apply for funds from the denomination’s Brethren Faith In Action (BFIA) Grant Committee to support their work in putting faith into action. This can be through a variety of means, but often involves support of ministries that help the church join with Jesus in the neighborhood, publicity and food costs around events churches are trying, and/or for outreach assistance with instruments, signage, and streaming technology. The guidelines and application process are found at https://www.brethren.org/faith-in-action/. The amount of funds available each year is determined by the earnings of the prior year, and currently funds are still available in 2024. The maximum grant to a church is $5,000, and churches may only receive one grant every 12 months.
Congregations looking for resources and ideas for community connections can find some on the denomination’s website: https://www.brethren.org/neighborhoodtools/demographics/.
Mutual Aid Agency (MAA), which is related to the Church of the Brethren, and its partner agency Brotherhood Mutual are offering a set of resources free to congregations and their leadership. The following may be downloaded from online links: “Child Protection in a Ministry Environment–Guidelines for Ministry Workers,” “Protect Your Ministry’s Directors and Officers,” “Protect Your Roof from Early Failure,” and “Three Payroll Problems to Avoid.” Find out more about MAA at https://maabrethren.com.
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.
REMEMBERING
Michele Firebaugh of Winnebago passed away Nov. 20 following a brief illness. A member of Freeport Church of the Brethren, Michele had been involved at all levels of church life—most recently including serving as financial secretary for the Camp Emmaus board and as vice chair of the Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees. Michele also was an accompanist at the Freeport church and volunteered in a variety of other ways. A graduate of Manchester University and the University of Notre Dame, she retired from an accounting and finance position with Thermo Fisher Scientific in Rockford in 2022. She is survived by her parents, Doug and Audrey Firebaugh, who are also members at Freeport, as well as a sister, two nieces, and other relatives. A celebration of life service was held Dec. 4 at the Freeport church. Our thoughts are with the Firebaugh family, the Freeport church, and all those who knew Michele in this time of loss. More details are at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/michele-firebaugh-obituary?id=56832690.
Donna (Butterbaugh) Lehman died Nov. 29 at the Pinecrest retirement community in Mount Morris. She was 95. Donna grew up in Dixon Church of the Brethren, served in Brethren Volunteer Service in the early 1950’s, and was a long-time member of the Highland Avenue congregation in Elgin. She served as Illinois/Wisconsin District administrative assistant for more than 25 years while the district office was in Elgin. We are grateful for her long service to the district, and our prayers arce with her family (including Dixon members Duane & Janis Butterbaugh) in this time of loss. A memorial service was scheduled for Dec. 12 at the Dixon church. Her obituary is at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/michele-firebaugh-obituary?id=56832690.
Dale McBride, a former member of the now-closed Decatur Church of the Brethren, passed away Nov. 30. He was 95. Dale and his wife Jean were active members at Decatur and in district life. A funeral service was held Dec. 6 in Decatur. Read more at https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com/obituaries/Dale-Mcbride-3/#!/Obituary.
Jennifer Quijano West, 39, passed away unexpectedly Oct. 31 in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was for a time coordinator of SeBAH-CoB, a training program for Spanish-speaking ministry students, and was a leader in Atlantic Northeast District. Early in her career she served as a ministry intern at the York Center congregation. On the denominational level she had been a popular speaker at National Youth Conference and National Junior High Conference, as well as serving on groups working on racial justice including the initial Standing with People of Color Committee. She was a graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary and a member of Brooklyn First Church of the Brethren. She was a teacher of science at Xaverian High School, Brooklyn. A memorial service took place Nov. 8 in Brooklyn and Nov. 30 in Lititz, Pa. Her obituary is at www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/33606013/jennifer-quijano-west.
Donna (Butterbaugh) Lehman died Nov. 29 at the Pinecrest retirement community in Mount Morris. She was 95. Donna grew up in Dixon Church of the Brethren, served in Brethren Volunteer Service in the early 1950’s, and was a long-time member of the Highland Avenue congregation in Elgin. She served as Illinois/Wisconsin District administrative assistant for more than 25 years while the district office was in Elgin. We are grateful for her long service to the district, and our prayers arce with her family (including Dixon members Duane & Janis Butterbaugh) in this time of loss. A memorial service was scheduled for Dec. 12 at the Dixon church. Her obituary is at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/michele-firebaugh-obituary?id=56832690.
Dale McBride, a former member of the now-closed Decatur Church of the Brethren, passed away Nov. 30. He was 95. Dale and his wife Jean were active members at Decatur and in district life. A funeral service was held Dec. 6 in Decatur. Read more at https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com/obituaries/Dale-Mcbride-3/#!/Obituary.
Jennifer Quijano West, 39, passed away unexpectedly Oct. 31 in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was for a time coordinator of SeBAH-CoB, a training program for Spanish-speaking ministry students, and was a leader in Atlantic Northeast District. Early in her career she served as a ministry intern at the York Center congregation. On the denominational level she had been a popular speaker at National Youth Conference and National Junior High Conference, as well as serving on groups working on racial justice including the initial Standing with People of Color Committee. She was a graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary and a member of Brooklyn First Church of the Brethren. She was a teacher of science at Xaverian High School, Brooklyn. A memorial service took place Nov. 8 in Brooklyn and Nov. 30 in Lititz, Pa. Her obituary is at www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/33606013/jennifer-quijano-west.
CHANGING MINDSETS FOR MINISTRY
The workshop will look at changing models of congregational leadership, including shared ministry teams, greater involvement of lay leaders in the church's ministry, and helping church members re-conceptualize how they envision ministry and what constitutes a "successful" or vital church, among other topics. This free workshop is open to all and will take place on Zoom; the link will be sent out by late January.
Our district is offering this partnership with many of the surrounding Midwest/Plains districts, and with support from the denomination's Ministry Office. Clergy can receive 0.2 CEU’s. A flier was sent to the district list; contact the district office if you need a copy. Save the date and spread the word and we consider how we move forward in ministry together!
POTLUCK EXPERIENCE 2025
The 2025 edition will take place Saturday, March 29 at Peoria First Church of the Brethren around the theme “Are You Being Called?” A keynote panel and a variety of workshops around the theme are in the planning stage. The event will tentatively begin with worship at 9:30 a.m. and wrap up with a closing circle around 3:30 p.m.
Potluck Experience team members this year are Leonard Matheny, Pat Ball, Christy Waltersdorff, and Pam Boughton. Watch for more information in the weeks ahead!
DISTRICT CLERGY GATHERING 2025
CAMP NEWS
We’re in the quieter winter season now, but 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.
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS
National Youth Conference 2026 will take place July 18-23, 2026, with a return to the site that the conference used in 1990 and prior years: the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colo. More information will come in the months ahead.
Christian Citizenship Seminar is planned for April 5-9, 2025, giving high school students a chance to explore the theme “Faith for Change,” culminating in legislative visits on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Find out more at www.brethren.org/yya/ccs.
National Youth Sunday on May 4, 2025, will be an opportunity for congregations to empower senior high youth to plan and lead worship. Resources will be posted in 2025 at www.brethren.org/yya/national-youth-sunday.
Young Adult Conference is planned for May 23-25, 2025, at Brethren Woods near Keezletown, Va. The annual event offers people ages 18-35 a chance to enjoy fellowship, worship, recreation, Bible study, service projects, and more. See www.brethren.org/yya/yac.
National Junior High Conference takes place June 20-22, 2025, at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. Come join other junior high youth and adult advisors for a weekend packed with powerful worship, fun workshops, music, recreation, and more. Details are at www.brethren.org/yya/njhc.
National Youth Sunday on May 4, 2025, will be an opportunity for congregations to empower senior high youth to plan and lead worship. Resources will be posted in 2025 at www.brethren.org/yya/national-youth-sunday.
Young Adult Conference is planned for May 23-25, 2025, at Brethren Woods near Keezletown, Va. The annual event offers people ages 18-35 a chance to enjoy fellowship, worship, recreation, Bible study, service projects, and more. See www.brethren.org/yya/yac.
National Junior High Conference takes place June 20-22, 2025, at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. Come join other junior high youth and adult advisors for a weekend packed with powerful worship, fun workshops, music, recreation, and more. Details are at www.brethren.org/yya/njhc.
FAITHX 2025
This coming year, FaithX participants will have the opportunity to serve in a variety of ministry and non-profit settings, live and worship in community, explore a new place, examine their values and beliefs, and have too much fun! A summary of the 2025 trip locations, with descriptions and pricing information, is at www.brethren.org/faithx/schedule.
The summer offerings include two junior high trips, four joint junior high/senior high trips, two senior high trips, one family experience July 25-27 at Camp Mardela in Maryland, and two adult trips (including an international venture to Uganda). Also available is an older adult trip, March 2-7 to Camp Ithiel in Gotha, Fla., near Orlando. Registration for that trip closes Feb. 1.
DISASTER RESPONSE
The church is also supporting collections of disaster relief kits by Church World Service (CWS), many of which are warehoused and shipped by the denomination’s Material Resources staff at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. Most needed right now are Clean-Up Buckets, and also Hygiene Kits and Period Packs. Find out how to assemble these kits at https://cwskits.org/assemble-kits. Staff are encouraging people who put together CWS kits to take them to a CWS “depot”; find locations at https://cwskits.org/ship-kits. To make a monetary donation for hurricane relief, go to www.brethren.org/givehurricaneresponse or send via mail, through checks made out to the Emergency Disaster Fund with “hurricane response” in the notation line. Mail to: Emergency Disaster Fund, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin IL 60120. For more tips for how to help, visit www.brethren.org/news/2024/how-you-can-help.
Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) recently deployed a local team of volunteers to Ventura County, Calif., providing a calm presence to children affected by the Mountain Fire, which began Nov. 6. Volunteers living within a two-hour drive served at a Local Assistance Center (LAC) in Camarillo, Calif., by setting up a care center and utilizing a Kit of Comfort containing play materials and activities specifically chosen to help children begin the healing process.
NATIONAL OLDER ADULT CONFERENCE
The theme scripture is Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (NRSVue).
The planning team includes Heidi Berkenbosch, Deanna Brown, Bonnie Kline Smeltzer, Leonard Matheny (Peoria First), Don Mitchell, Karlene Tyler, and coordinator Christy Waltersdorff (York Center). Debbie Noffsinger (Highland Avenue) designed the NOAC 2025 logo.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025
For advance registration (March 5-June 10): Delegates $350; Non-delegate adult, full conference, $175; Non-delegate adult, daily rate, $60; Post-high school to age 21, full conference, $50; Post-high school to age 21, daily rate, $20; Current high school student or younger, free; Active BVSer, free.
For on-site registration (opens July 1): Delegates $425; Non-delegate adult, full conference, $210; Non-delegate adult, daily rate, $75; Post-high school to age 21, full conference, $50; Post-high school to age 21, daily rate, $20; Current high school student or younger, free; Active BVSer, free. Note there is an additional fee for age-group activities.
Registration for virtual participation (non-delegate only): Adult (until June 10), full conference, $195 or daily rate, $75. Group/institutional registration, $500; Post-high school to age 21, full conference, $75.
For lodging, the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons is connected to the Koury Convention Center, making it extremely convenient for guests. The Annual Conference room rate is $120 plus tax (12.75%) totaling $135.30 per night. Parking is complimentary. The Sheraton Hotel provides complimentary shuttle transportation to and from Piedmont Triad International Airport from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. In room Wi-Fi is complimentary for all hotel guests.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
• Registration is now live for the Ventures in Christian Discipleship 2024-2025 webinar series. CEUs are available. Upcoming courses include:
• Feb. 11 & 18: “Luke and Acts: Turning the World Upside Down,” presented by Chris Bucher & Bob Neff
• March 11: “Standing in Solidarity: A Conversation about Race and Allyship,” presented by Eleanor Hubbard
• April 5: “A Place for Everybody: Creating Communities of Belonging,” presented by Jeanne Davies
Suggested donation is $25 per course. Learn more and register online at www.mcpherson.edu/ventures.
• Upcoming courses from the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership include “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship,” online with Zoom sessions Jan. 15-March 11, led by Christy Waltersdorff (official registration deadline Dec. 11); “Church of the Brethren Polity,” online Feb. 12-April 8, led by Torin Eikler (registration deadline Jan. 8); “Ministering Across Cultures: Building Bridges through Intercultural Competence,” led by Darla Kay Deardorff, onsite at Bethany Theological Seminary March 17-19 (registration deadline Feb. 10); and “Effective Leadership for Times Such As These,” Zoom intensive, April 4-5 and May 2-3, led by Randy Yoder (registration deadline March 4). Register and pay online at Brethren Academy Course Registration/Biannual TRIM Payment | Bethany Theological Seminary (bethanyseminary.edu).
• Upcoming Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC) continuing education courses include “Identifying and Responding to Suicide Risk,” led by Julie Guistwite, Jan. 28, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Central, via Zoom, cost $35. Course prices are $10 less without CEU’s. Register by visiting the SVMC course page or by contacting Karen Hodges at karenhodges@svmccob.org.
• Lombard Mennonite Peace Center offers a variety of training sessions. It recently added several one-day online training events to the schedule, including “Fractured Lives, Fractured Churches” Dec. 17. For details and registration information, go to https://www.lmpeacecenter.org/trainings.
• 2025 New Community Project Learning Tours: Go. Meet. Learn. Grow. Change yourself—and your world. These trips will take participants of all ages to: Borneo in mid-May; the Ecuadorian Amazon in early June; Lybrook, N.M. in late June; and Denali/Kenai Fjords National Parks in early August. For more information visit www.newcommunityproject.info/learning-tours or contact dradcliffncp@yahoo.com or 540-855-1199.
• Designed particularly for ministers new to the Church of the Brethren denomination, Bethany Theological Seminary’s new certificate of achievement in ministry studies (CAMS) includes six courses that focus on Brethren history and theology, practical experience with the ordinances and preaching of the church, biblical interpretation, and peace studies. The certificate can be completed in two years or even one year, depending on course offerings. Five of the six courses can be completed at a distance. For more information go to https://bethanyseminary.edu.
PERSONNEL NOTES
The West Marva District Church of the Brethren has called Leah J. Hileman to serve as district executive minister beginning Dec. 10. This is a half-time position. Leah was ordained in 2011 by the Atlantic Southeast District and is currently serving Robinson Church of the Brethren in Seward, Pa., in a quarter-time capacity. She has previously served congregations in Atlantic Southeast, Atlantic Northeast, Shenandoah, and Southern Pennsylvania districts. She is an experienced church planter, musician, and composer, and has served as a member of the Bittersweet Gospel Band since 2008. She has served the wider church as a member of Standing Committee, the Church Planting Network, the Intercultural Consultation, and Review and Evaluation Committee. Leah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from Harding University, has studied at Ashland Theological Seminary, and obtained a Training in Ministry Certificate from the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. Leah resides in Seward, Pa., and will travel as needed to West Marva District to carry out this role.
DENOMINATIONAL NEWS/NEWSLINE
Service Sunday in the Church of the Brethren is observed annually on the first Sunday in February. Congregations and church leaders are asked to use this Sunday to recognize those who volunteer in church ministries and those who have served for peace, justice, and meeting human needs–or have done so in the past–in their local communities, districts, denomination, and the world. In 2025, the theme is “Living with Purpose.” Congregations are encouraged to use the worship resources found on the BVS website in their planning. Please visit www.brethren.org/bvs/service-sunday.
Global Women’s Project invites you to download and print the 2024 Advent Calendar. This year, the image on the calendar is of the shepherds (designed by Jessie Neher). You can use the calendar in personal prayer time, with your family around the dinner table, in a Sunday school class or small group, or as a congregation. GWP invites users to send the colored-in calendar as Advent progresses or once it’s finished. Go to https://globalwomensproject.org/advent-calendar.
Global Women’s Project invites you to download and print the 2024 Advent Calendar. This year, the image on the calendar is of the shepherds (designed by Jessie Neher). You can use the calendar in personal prayer time, with your family around the dinner table, in a Sunday school class or small group, or as a congregation. GWP invites users to send the colored-in calendar as Advent progresses or once it’s finished. Go to https://globalwomensproject.org/advent-calendar.
Keynote speaker Dennis R. Edwards of North Park Theological Seminary, and preachers Etienne Nsanzimana of the Church of the Brethren in Rwanda and Jeff Carter of Bethany Theological Seminary, led the main sessions at the first-ever L.E.A.D. Conference of the Church of the Brethren Nov. 15-17. Some 150 people gathered at Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren including participants from around the country and members of the Ephrata congregation who helped host the event. Plans are already in the works for another L.E.A.D. Conference in 2026.
The Discipleship and Leadership Formation department of the Church of the Brethren is announcing a new discipleship resource called “Learning to Wash Feet.” Director of spiritual formation Joshua Brockway has produced a series of five videos that define discipleship and explore the ordinances as examples of practices of discipleship formation. The final video of the series offers a story of lifelong discipleship to illustrate the transformation of each disciple into the likeness of Christ. The videos are designed for small group study and are accompanied with downloadable handouts with key scriptures and reflection questions. The videos and handouts are available at www.brethren.org/dlf/learning-to-wash-feet. The videos can be streamed or downloaded. To download, click the Vimeo link at the bottom of the page and select “download” from the menu connected to each video.
The Church of the Brethren’s Standing with People of Color Committee has created a curated resource list featuring books, articles, media, and additional resources that provide insight, education, and understanding of anti-racism and racial justice. It is designed to aid in reflection, discussion, and personal growth. For suggestions and comments on this guide, email standingwithpeopleofcolor@brethren.org. The resource list can be found at www.brethren.org/swpoc or www.onearthpeace.org/swpoc.
The Church of the Brethren Gun Violence Prevention Action Team is seeking congregational ambassadors. A role description is available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QbQhC3qYsl8FhFWEk9Z5Zr6jWmX5S7M4/view. To express interest, email the team at cob-gvp@onearthpeace.org. Also, the team now has a custom orange t-shirt available for purchase. Go to https://on-earth-peace-merch.printify.me/product/7692810/oep-gun-violence-prevention-campaign-t-shirt.
The Discipleship and Leadership Formation department of the Church of the Brethren is announcing a new discipleship resource called “Learning to Wash Feet.” Director of spiritual formation Joshua Brockway has produced a series of five videos that define discipleship and explore the ordinances as examples of practices of discipleship formation. The final video of the series offers a story of lifelong discipleship to illustrate the transformation of each disciple into the likeness of Christ. The videos are designed for small group study and are accompanied with downloadable handouts with key scriptures and reflection questions. The videos and handouts are available at www.brethren.org/dlf/learning-to-wash-feet. The videos can be streamed or downloaded. To download, click the Vimeo link at the bottom of the page and select “download” from the menu connected to each video.
The Church of the Brethren’s Standing with People of Color Committee has created a curated resource list featuring books, articles, media, and additional resources that provide insight, education, and understanding of anti-racism and racial justice. It is designed to aid in reflection, discussion, and personal growth. For suggestions and comments on this guide, email standingwithpeopleofcolor@brethren.org. The resource list can be found at www.brethren.org/swpoc or www.onearthpeace.org/swpoc.
The Church of the Brethren Gun Violence Prevention Action Team is seeking congregational ambassadors. A role description is available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QbQhC3qYsl8FhFWEk9Z5Zr6jWmX5S7M4/view. To express interest, email the team at cob-gvp@onearthpeace.org. Also, the team now has a custom orange t-shirt available for purchase. Go to https://on-earth-peace-merch.printify.me/product/7692810/oep-gun-violence-prevention-campaign-t-shirt.
GRANTS AND GIVING
Grants available through the district include the following:
1. Mission and Mortar: Sustaining and developing ministry (mission) within congregations, as well as maintaining property (mortar), is sometimes hindered because of inadequate financial resources. The Illinois/Wisconsin District, whose mission is to support the growth and development of member congregations, realizes that this dilemma exists and desires to financially support congregations that are in good standing with the district and have specific needs. More information can be found here.
2. Being Jesus in the Neighborhood: Congregations can apply for $100 in seed money to start a new outreach project or initiative in their local communities, or to expand an existing one. These should be projects that intentionally engage with the neighborhood immediately around the congregation, or for those in rural locations, with the town or area around the church. Each congregation receiving a grant will be asked to share a little about their project at district conference. More information can be found here.
3. Emerging Missions Fund: To facilitate the growth and establishment of new faith communities, this grant is available for church and ministry planting initiatives. New church and ministry plants are encouraged to apply by contacting the district office and/or the CRDT.
SUPPORTING YOUR DISTRICT
The Illinois/Wisconsin District is active in a variety of ministry and mission efforts, both directly and indirectly. Continuing these efforts requires resources in the form of time, tools, knowledge, and especially finances.
Consider making a contribution to the district’s general fund or one of its special funds (disaster relief, youth, emerging ministries, etc.). Look for the donate button at iwdcob.org, or send your checks to the district office: 269 E. Chestnut St., Canton, IL 61520.
Consider making a contribution to the district’s general fund or one of its special funds (disaster relief, youth, emerging ministries, etc.). Look for the donate button at iwdcob.org, or send your checks to the district office: 269 E. Chestnut St., Canton, IL 61520.
