CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS

The historic Kurtz organ will be played in a rare concert on Sunday, May 18 (note date change), at 4 p.m. in the chapel at the Church of the Brethren General Offices at 1451 Dundee Ave. in Elgin. The small, hand-pumped pipe organ, which is part of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA) collection, is more than 320 years old. This is a very rare public appearance of the organ, which in recent decades has been played in concert only a handful of times. The concert is part of the Great Elgin Pipe Organ Tour 2024-2025 organized and led by Jeff Neufeld, music director and organist at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Elgin, with support from guest musicians. To attend the May 18 concert, park in the rear lot of the General Offices and enter the building through the staff/kitchen entrance. For more information about the tour see https://fcc-elgin.org/organ-tour.

Freeport will hold its June 29 worship service at Camp Emmaus at 11:30 a.m., followed by a potluck picnic. Area Church of the Brethren members are welcome to attend. For questions, contact Wendy Boettner at peaceandjoy.1954@gmail.com. And on Sept. 7, Freeport is celebrating its 105th anniversary as a congregation. Worship and reminiscing will be at 10 a.m., followed by lunch. RSVP to 815-232-1938.

Mount Morris is considering an offer for the purchase of its building, which has been on the market for more than a year. If it comes together, the still-healthy congregation plans to continue, in rented or smaller space, but without the strain and expense of caring for the large property. A congregational business meeting to discuss the proposal will take place later this month.

Chicago First will hold its May 18 worship at Chicago’s new National Public Housing Museum, with reservations for an 11:15 a.m. entry. The new museum is located near the University of Illinois at Chicago. Chicago First members John and Joyce Cassel (pictured) also recently met with US Rep. Danny Davis in Washington, D.C. Davis has longstanding connections with members of the congregation.

Peoria First collected nearly 323 pounds of donations during its March “Can-a-Thon,” a significant jump over the previous year’s total. It also through April had raised $820 for its Adopt-a-Project campaign to support special projects at the Henderson Settlement “Mountain Mission” project in Kentucky.

Cerro Gordo will hold its annual Strawberry Festival on June 1, 4-6 p.m.

York Center (Lombard) will host a presentation by professor Rebekah Levin at 7 p.m. this Thursday, May 15. Titled “From Zionist to Human Rights Advocate: My Journey as a Jew,” the presentation is open to all. Levin received her PhD in policy research and administration from the University of Chicago. As a research professor at University of Illinois at Chicago, she directed CIR, an applied research center focused on social and economic justice in Chicago. Most recently retired from her position as Director of Evaluation from a major Chicago foundation, Rebekah is a member of Tzedek Chicago, an intentional Jewish congregation based on core values of justice, equity and solidarity that emphasizes the Torah’s central narrative of liberation and the prophetic imperative to speak truth to power. Previously, Rebekah was a teacher and music leader at Oak Park Temple, West Suburban Temple, and the Secular Jewish Community. For more information, please contact Cindy Weber at 630-399-0397.

Bill Hare (Polo) continues his efforts to provide food for communities in need in southern Honduras. He is currently gathering monetary donations to obtain a supply of corn. Donations to the Honduras Mission Fund can be mailed to Bill at 408 S. McKendrie, #144, Mt. Morris, IL 61054.

Ecumenism Metro Chicago (EMC) will be part of a Pentecost Sunday event marking the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed at 3 p.m. June 8 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago (1017 N. LaSalle Dr.). Titled “Ecumenical Prayer to Commemorate the Mystery of Creation in Christ,” the event is open to all as a display of Christian unity. Illinois/Wisconsin District’s ECM representative, Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford (Highland Avenue), will be representing the district at the event.

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

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

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

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