MINISTRY NEWS

Katie Shaw Thompson has resigned as pastor of Highland Avenue effective Feb. 9 after nearly a decade with the congregation. She has accepted a call as executive director of PADS of Elgin, “an organization dedicated to serving and empowering those facing housing insecurity,” so she and her family will be remaining in the area. We wish her well in this new call! Katie is currently serving as the Annual Conference Standing Committee representative for the district, through summer 2025.

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.