The Reflector - June/July 2025
Sunday, June 01, 2025
The Village ILWIDIot
Walt Wiltschek
“Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me.” —Psalm 23:4a, GNT
Last month I indulged in a bit of nostalgia, going to see Paul Simon (the music icon, not the former Illinois senator) as he stopped in Chicago on his current tour—his first in seven years. His memorable album “Graceland” came out during my formative years, and, like many, I had come to appreciate his earlier classic songs, as well. I figured you only get so many chances to see a performance by a legend, especially one who’s now well into his 80’s.
His Chicago show began with moving and sometimes haunting music from his new album, interestingly titled “Seven Psalms.” After an intermission, he then shifted into many of those famous tunes—“timeless,” as the show’s press release called them—from previous decades. His voice might not have quite the edge it once did, but it was still beautiful and powerful.
One set of lyrics rattled around in my head long after the stirring show had ended and the waves of applause had finally faded: “Well, I’m on my way, I don’t know where I’m going.” The context of the original 1972 song doesn’t seem to be anything deeply philosophical, but that phrase struck me as rather fitting for our time. We’re headed somewhere, but where?
More so than at most times, the world feels like it’s on the brink of spinning apart as one global crisis after another hits the headlines. Our own nation seems to be at the edge of some dangerous places. And the challenges of the church continue, with some deep issues coming to Annual Conference this summer and painful cutbacks necessary at our denominational offices. Anger is high. Pro athletes have been receiving death threats after a bad outing. A political blog I enjoy reading recently shut down for a time because of the volume of nasty emails and threats it was receiving. What have we become?
I know on an intellectual level these periods of history happen, and eventually—sometimes with great difficulty and at great cost—humanity emerges from them. On an emotional and spiritual level, though, it can be hard to see that path. I’m reminded of the oft-used prayer from Thomas Merton: “My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. … You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always, though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone.”
So that is my prayer for today, too. I don’t know where everything is going, but I keep moving forward as best I can, trusting that God will some way, somehow see us through to where we need to go. Blessings along the way.
DISTRICT EXECUTIVE SCHEDULE
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. He is half-time and is usually on district duty late afternoons/evenings on weekdays plus weekends.
CALLING CARDS FROM THE DISTRICT MODERATOR
On May 18, Kathy and I had the honor of attending our grandson’s high school graduation. Graduating high school is a big step, and now the students have a world of possibilities ahead! They have several options ahead of them. Here are some common paths to consider:
- College or University: Pursuing higher education can open doors to specialized careers and personal growth.
- Trade School: If you prefer hands-on work, learning a trade like plumbing, electrical work, or cosmetology can lead to stable, well-paying jobs.
- Internships or Apprenticeships: Gaining real-world experience in a field you're interested in can help you build skills and connections.
- Military Service: For some, joining the armed forces can provide discipline, training, and educational benefits.
- Entrepreneurship: If you have a business idea, starting your own venture could be an exciting challenge.
- Gap Year: Traveling, volunteering, or exploring personal projects can help you gain perspective before committing to a long-term path.
Whatever journey your heart and mind calls you to take, give it your all. God will be with you the entire way, if you ask Him. If after a while you feel a different path taking over, look at it. Investigate. And pray. God will help with your decision.
In the end, do your research in your opportunity. Feel comfortable with your decision. And include your parents, friends and God in all phases of this journey.
Blessings to you on these “next steps” of your life.
Bill Williams, district moderator
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Program & Arrangements Committee, June 19, 7 p.m.
National Junior High Conference, June 20-22, Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pa.
Church of the Brethren Annual Conference, July 2-6, Greensboro, N.C.
Church Revitalization and Development Team, July 26, 9 a.m.
Leadership Team, Aug. 19, 6:30 p.m.
National Older Adult Conference, Sept. 1-5, Lake Junaluska, N.C.
Illinois/Wisconsin District Conference, Nov. 7-8, Chateau Hotel and Conference Center, Bloomington, Ill.
[all meetings via Zoom unless otherwise noted]
IN OUR PRAYERS
A district prayer calendar has been created for your use in praying for our district and related programs through the year. We invite you to include the following in your prayers in coming weeks:
Week of June 15: Pray for the Woodland congregation, and be in prayer for the National Junior High Conference being held June 20-22 at Juniata College in Pennsylvania—and for all the youth of our district.
Week of June 22: Pray for the Cerro Gordo congregation, and for the work of the Church of the Brethren’s Global Missions office as it connects and works with Brethren communities around the world.
Week of June 29: Be in prayer for the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference as the ‘big meeting’ gathers this week in Greensboro, N.C. Pray for delegates as they make decisions for the church, for Annual Conference director Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, for moderator Dava Hensley and moderator-elect Don Fitzkee, for Conference secretary David Shumate, and for the work of Standing Committee.
Week of July 6: Pray for the Springfield First congregation, and for the Church of the Brethren (Iglesia de los Hermanos) in the Dominican Republic.
Week of July 13: Pray for the ministry of Camp Emmaus in Mount Morris, for all the children, youth, and others who pass through its gate this summer, and for manager Randall Westfall and his family.
Week of July 20: Pray for the La Place congregation, and for the Church of the Brethren Ministry Office as it supports and equips pastors around the denomination.
Week of July 27: For the Charismatic Christian Center in Chicago and for the work of the denomination’s Intercultural Ministries office.
Week of Aug. 3: Pray for the Champaign congregation, and for the faculty, staff, and students of Manchester University in Indiana as they prepare to begin a new year.
Week of Aug. 10: Pray for the Freeport congregation as it marks its 105th anniversary this year, and for the faculty, staff, and students of Bethany Theological Seminary.
Our prayers are also with the family of district financial secretary Leonard Matheny, whose sister Dianne passed away in Tennessee on May 29.
REMEMBERED
Estella Boggs Horning, who was a member of York Center Church of the Brethren in Lombard, passed away the afternoon of Sunday, June 1, after she had joined the congregation's worship via Zoom that morning. She had gone to stay with family in Colorado at the time of her death. Estella was an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren who served as professor of Biblical studies at Bethany Theological Seminary until her retirement. She was previously a mission worker in Ecuador and Nigeria for two decades with her husband, John, whom she married in Chicago in 1951; John passed away in late 2007. Estella had also served on the editorial council for the Believers Church Bible Commentary series for more than 20 years and co-wrote the "Hebrews" title of that series. She earned her doctorate from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary and Northwestern University. She continued to be an active member of the church in her retirement. Her daughter, Carolyn Neher, serves as associate director of Children's Disaster Services for the denomination. Arrangements are pending. Our prayers are with all of her family and friends in this time of loss.
Earle W. Fike Jr., 95, a former pastor of the Chicago First congregation (1957-1963), passed away May 30 in his native Virginia. A graduate of Bridgewater College and Bethany Theological Seminary, Earle served as moderator of Annual Conference in 1982 and in a variety of other denominational leadership roles, including on General Board staff and as a member of the General Board and as a professor at Bethany. He also pastored the Meyersdale (Pa.), Elizabethtown (Pa.), and Stone (Huntingdon, Pa.) congregations and was a prolific writer. He was married to his late wife, Jean, for 62 years. A celebration of life service for Earle will be held on July 19 at 2 p.m. Eastern at Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren. We are grateful for his long service and ministry to the church.
Michael (Mike) Brian Leiter died unexpectedly on May 13 at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Md., after a brief and sudden illness. At the time of his death, he was a client services manager at Eder Financial, a role he began in 2023. Previously he had served in Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) in Colorado and then was hired by the Church of the Brethren as co-staff sharing a position in international personnel and BVS recruitment at the General Offices in Elgin from 1988-1989. He later worked in several other church-related ministries in following years including the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio; Cross Keys Village in New Oxford, Pa.; Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village in Boonsboro, Md.; and briefly with On Earth Peace. He had served on the board of Brethren Benefit Trust, now Eder Financial. He was a resident of Frederick, Md., for almost 26 years, and a member of Living Stream Church of the Brethren, a virtual congregation. A memorial service was held on June 14 in Frederick, Md.
MINISTRY NEWS
Materials went out to all ordained ministers in late May to continue the every-five-years ordination renewal process. That includes an ordination renewal form and a CEU report, which will be due by Aug. 10. Copies of the continuing education report form can be found at https://www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/forms/. The district Ministry Leadership Development Team (MLDT) will be completing document reviews and renewals for all credentialed ministers in the district later this year. Congregations are currently completing their part of the renewal documents for any credentialed ministers (active or retired) who are members there. Most have been received; if you are not sure if your congregation has completed yours, please check with your board/leadership team. Ministers who have not yet done the ethics training this cycle MUST complete the training this summer or fall. An in-person training is available before Annual Conference in Greensboro, N.C. Another opportunity will be in person, at 10 a.m. Eastern on Sept. 19 at Camp Mack in Milford, Ind. Another training will also be offered in the fall, likely in October. Please contact the district office for more information or with any questions.
The new denominational Deportation Defense Response Team—organized by several districts with large numbers of undocumented members to provide support, advocacy, and legal assistance as needed—is inviting partnerships. Congregations wishing to aid this need through special offerings or other fundraising can send gifts to Atlantic Southeast District; contact district executive Beth Sollenberger for more information about sending an offering to the Deportation Defense Response Team: <atlanticsoutheastcob@gmail.com>. The team will distribute funds received to members of the church facing immigration challenges who are in need of legal support. The group is also extending an open invitation to a weekly Zoom prayer meeting specifically to pray for immigrants who are detained, for those who are at risk of detention and deportation, and for all who are supporting them. The first such gathering was May 29. The gatherings are planned to continue at 11 a.m. Central each Thursday through June. Use this Link to join. The group is also seeking Brethren attorneys who might be willing to assist the work. If you can help, please contact Julie Avila, Educator & Organizer on the Deportation Defense Response Team, at migrantjustice@onearthpeace.org.
The denomination’s Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church program will offer an equipping session and a meal event at this summer’s Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Greensboro, N.C. The equipping session, “Leadership in a Multi-Vocational Reality,” will be 12:30-1:30 p.m. July 4, featuring presenter Bill Ludwig. The dinner, 5:30 p.m. July 5, is titled “Rooted in Jesus: Living Into God’s Calling for Your Ministry,” featuring pastors/church planters Macho and Erica Lara as speakers.
This year’s pre-Annual Conference Ministers’ Association continuing education event will focus on the theme “A Place for Every Body: Disability, Accessibility, and the Church.” The conference will be presented by Jeanne Davies (York Center), executive director of the Anabaptist Disabilities Network, who will offer sessions on “What Disables Us?,” “Creating Accessible Congregations,” and “Accessible Worship.” Registration opened March 5. Plan to arrive on Tuesday, July 1, in time for the Meet and Greet dinner and the opening session that evening. The Wednesday, July 2, sessions conclude at 4 p.m. Find the registration link and flyer at www.brethren.org/ministryoffice/sustaining/#event.
Congregational vacancies/updates:
Cerro Gordo: Larry Traxler is retiring effective Aug. 10. Plans are under way to complete a congregational profile and form a search committee. District executive Walt Wiltschek met with the congregation in May to help begin the process.
Dutchtown (Milledgeville): Ed Livengood is serving as an internal preacher and providing pastoral care. Ed is pursuing a call to ministry and has recently entered the licensing discernment process, with Rick Koch serving as district mentor.
Highland Avenue (Elgin): Krista Dutt (Chicago First) began serving as interim pastor on April 1. Krista completed her M.Div. at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and plans to go through the credentialing process in our district. The congregation is working on a congregational profile and calling a search committee.
Lanark: The congregational profile is circulating, and the search committee has begun doing interviews. The congregation is currently using pulpit supply.
Mount Morris: Rodney Caldwell has announced his retirement effective in mid-August. District executive Walt Wiltschek met with congregational leaders in late May to discuss next steps.
Woodland: Local pastor Mathew Thiner is serving as an interim preacher and providing some pastoral care. Woodland member Kevin Sager is also helping to provide interim leadership, aided by a congregational team.
York Center (Lombard): A congregational profile has been published, and the search committee has begun doing interviews. Jonathan Shively and Tony Asta are serving as an interim pastoral team and have extended their contract through Sept. 30.
CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS
Dennis Webb (Naperville) has resigned his position on the district’s Church Revitalization and Development Team (CRDT) due to other commitments. Leadership Team is working on filling this vacancy for the remainder of the term.
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.
Canton will hold special bicentennial services on June 22 and 29, held in conjunction with the city of Canton’s bicentennial celebration. Robin Henry, Ed Carper, and Kevin Kessler are providing leadership for the services.
Chicago First is celebrating its centennial this year. The congregation will host a Juneteenth event with creative arts performance group Honey Pot in the church’s community garden on June 19, 1-6 p.m. Members of the congregation also visited Chicago’s new Public Housing Museum (pictured) on May 18.
Springfield First is working on two major repair projects to its building: a roof replacement and a new floor in its fellowship hall. The district Leadership Team recently authorized a $2,500 Mission & Mortar Fund grant to assist with this work.
Sarah Radcliff has begun serving as the part-time office coordinator for Highland Avenue (Elgin). Welcome, Sarah, to the new role!
Mount Morris has accepted an offer for the purchase of its building from a church group based in Rochelle. Details are being worked out, with a possible closing date in late summer. Mount Morris plans to continue as a congregation in rented or smaller space, or perhaps to be able to continue using space in the church building for a time, but without the significant overhead expenses and needs of their current facility. The long-running Loaves & Fish food pantry is expected to be able to continue to operate out of the building.
Peoria First provided a picnic for clients at the city’s Center for Prevention of Abuse on June 11.
Yellow Creek (Pearl City) took its turn operating the community’s food pantry in May. The ministry is currently serving about 30 families. The congregation also maintains a clothes closet ministry in its former parsonage next to the church.
Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford (Highland Avenue), the district’s representative to Ecumenism Metro Chicago (EMC), participated in a Pentecost Sunday event marking the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed on June 8 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago. As a follow-up to the event, EMC is asking member districts to consider endorsing statements related to the care of God’s creation.
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.
DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2025
A continuing education event will be offered for clergy and others during the day on Friday, Nov. 7, with the main conference starting with worship Friday evening in the Smart Auditorium followed by the traditional ice cream social and continuing with business and equipping sessions in that space on Saturday, along with meals, exhibits, and other events in an adjacent ballroom. The spaces are handicapped-accessible, and ample parking is available. Cerro Gordo and perhaps other area congregations will help to “host” the conference. Peoria First members are working on worship center plans.
All congregations are encouraged to send their allotted delegates to the conference. Per the 2022 constitution revisions, each congregation of 100 or fewer members can send three delegates, with one additional delegate for every 100 members or portion thereof. The pastor (if any) and board/leadership team chair typically serve as delegates, along with at-large members called by the congregation. The district Program & Arrangements Committee recently voted to increase the district conference assessment to cover costs; it will now be $30 per allotted delegate. Non-delegate registration will also increase slightly, to $15 per person. A block of rooms will be available at the hotel (located just off Veterans Parkway in Bloomington) for Thursday and Friday nights for $99/night including breakfast.
Among the items on the agenda will be the district budget for 2026, the slate of candidates for offices that is being finalized by the Gifts Discernment and Call Committee and the leadership team, agency and committee reports, and equipping session workshops. A district auction will not take place at the conference this year. Registration will open in late summer or early fall. We hope that you and other members of your congregation will join us for this important time in the life of our district!
CAMP NEWS
June 20-22 CIT Training
June 21-22 Elementary (K-Grade 2)
July 6-12 Survivor Camp at Camp Mack (Grades 6-8)
July 13-19 Senior High (Grades 9-12)
July 20-26 Middle School (Grades 6-8)
July 27-31 Intermediate (Grades 3-5)
Aug. 1-3 Young Adult/Young at Heart (Ages 18+)
Aug. 3-6 Target Sports Camp
Aug. 7-9 Women’s Camp
Aug. 22-24 Men’s Camp
Aug. 29-Sept. 1 Labor Day Family Camp
Sept. 13 Camp Celebration Day and Lunch (free event)
Camp Emmanuel is expanding its programming with the purchase of two tandem and two single kayaks. Donations toward the project can be made at Campem.com or by mailing a check to Camp Emmanuel, 14999 Reservoir Rd, Browning, IL 62624. Mark the gift as “Kayaks.”
Registration for the remainder of the summer season at Camp Emmanuel is also now open! Visit www.campem.com to register, and for other camp news. The remaining summer schedule will include:
July 14-18 Day Camp
July 18-20 Creation Camp
Aug. 8-10 Men’s Camp
Aug. 29-Sept. 1 Family Camp
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS
National Junior High Conference takes place June 20-22 at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa., with the theme “Let Your Gentleness Be Known.” Details are at www.brethren.org/yya/njhc.
National Youth Conference 2026 will take place July 18-23, 2026, with a return to the site that the conference used prior to 1990: the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colo. More information will come in the months ahead at National Youth Conference.
(Also be in prayer for the FaithX service trips taking place this summer!)
DISASTER RESPONSE
BDM recently provided the following update: “Last week we attended a dedication of ten homes at Thompson Branch. It was a joy to see so many families with safe, secure housing that will not flood in the future. We will be continuing to work on finishing up those homes and starting a new higher ground community. We are also working on houses that have been raised up out of the flood plain.” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear was among those attending the dedication (pictured, with volunteers).
BDM said it anticipates having openings for individuals or small groups of people throughout the months of June, July and August. If you are available to serve this summer, please contact project leader Lynn Evans at bdmletchercountyky@gmail.com, and they will endeavor to match you up with one of the open spots. “This is a great opportunity to come out and work with people from other areas of the country and to bless the people of Kentucky,” she said. A YouTube video about the site is available at BDM Rebuilding Letcher County, Ky., Project Overview. Illinois/Wisconsin is scheduled to assist with a team in Letcher County Dec. 7-13. A second project site is expected to open later this year.
Elsewhere, Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) was requested to serve in St. Louis, in two shelters accommodating survivors of a massive tornado that hit the city on May 16. A CDS team of four volunteers was to spend two weeks providing care for children in the shelters, providing parents and guardians with the assurance that their children are in a safe and supportive environment while they take the time to concentrate on next steps in their families’ recovery, including their own self-care.
NATIONAL OLDER ADULT CONFERENCE
The vibrant week includes worship, keynote sessions, workshops, service projects, field trips, ice cream socials, and more. NOAC has announced this year’s keynote speakers: writer and poet Cole Arthur Riley; musician and storyteller Ken Medema; playwright and actor Ted Swartz; and Dominique DuBois Gilliard, director of Racial Righteousness and Reconciliation for the Evangelical Covenant Church. Preachers include Greg Davidson Laszakovits, Rebecca Dali, Herb Smith, Samuel Sarpiya, and Audri Svay.
While our district will not have transportation to the event, the Western Plains District will have a bus passing through southern Illinois that might be able to accommodate additional passengers ($450 round-trip from Kansas). If interested, please contact Monica Frye at 620-241-0919 x264 or mfrye@thecedars.org.
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
Advance registration has ended; 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. Worship services are available free of charge.
Pastors Dennis Beckner (Columbia City, Ind.) and Glenn Bollinger (Port Republic, Va.) headline this year’s Annual Conference ballot as candidates for moderator-elect. Find the full ballot at https://www.brethren.org/ac2025/business/ballot/. Worship preachers this year will be moderator Dava Hensley; a “cowbell service” featuring preachers Becky Baile Crouse, Josiah Ludwick, and Tony Price; Mount Hermon Church of the Brethren pastor Lupita Ortiz; Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary professor Gennifer Brooks; and South Waterloo Church of the Brethren pastor Dave Kerkove.
Business items will include three items of unfinished business and four items of new business, including the query “Concerns About Current Practices Related to Matters of Sexuality” brought by this district.
To date, the following congregations have registered delegates: Canton, Dixon, Freeport, Peoria First, Polo, and York Center. Please consider sending a delegate from your congregation. Congregations of up to 200 members receive one delegate, with one additional delegate for every additional 200 members or portion thereof. Delegate and non-delegate registration can be found at www.brethren.org/ac2025 (click “Registration”). A guide to registering online is available if needed.
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. The link for hotel registration will come up immediately after registering for the conference.
New this year will be a conference welcome meal, beginning 5 p.m. July 2 at the hotel’s Joseph’s Restaurant. The dinner buffet will be $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for 12 and under. No reservations are required, and attendees will pay onsite.
The Annual Conference Witness to the Host City this year is benefiting BackPack Beginnings, a nonprofit dedicated to making a difference for local, low-income children and families by providing for their tangible basic needs. Their mission is to connect children and their families to resources needed to thrive. For a list of items to be collected at Annual Conference see www.brethren.org/ac2025/activities/witness-to-the-host-city. Monetary contributions can be made by check during the Friday night worship offering or on the Annual Conference website offering page. To learn more about BackPack Beginnings visit https://backpackbeginnings.org.
Volunteering: It takes a village of volunteers to staff Annual Conference. There are many ways you can help.
- Caregivers and chaperones are needed for our age group activities (early childhood-senior high youth).
- 25-30 ushers are needed for each worship service.
- Tellers are needed to help with vote counts and distribute materials to the delegate body.
- Around 550 delegate packets need to be stuffed on Wednesday evening after worship.
- Assistance is needed with registration and ticket sales.
- Folks are needed to staff the silent auction.
- People who are bilingual in English and Spanish are needed to assist with simultaneous interpretation during business and worship services.
- Doctors, nurses, and EMTs are needed to staff the first aid room.
- Caring companions are needed for some attendees with accessibility needs.
If you have an hour or two or more to spare and would like to be part of Annual Conference’s “volunteer village,” click here to sign up. Thank you!
Silent auction: Volunteers to assist with the auction are also needed. To volunteer, sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945AFA722A4FCCF8-annual. And, of course, bid at Annual Conference! Bidding opens at noon July 2 and closes at 2 p.m. July 5.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
• Upcoming courses from the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership include “Leadership and Administration for the Now and Future Church,” online Aug. 13-Oct. 7, led by Audrey Hollenberg-Duffey (registration deadline July 9); “Minister as Theologian,” online Sept. 3-Oct. 28, led by Joelle Hathaway (registration deadline July 23); and “Introduction to Hebrew Bible,” online Oct. 22-Dec. 16, led by Matt Boersma (registration deadline Sept. 10). 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 “The Shape of Ministry in a High-Tech World,” led by Dan Poole, Sept. 15, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Central, via Zoom, cost $45; “Caring for Congregational Members at the End-of-Life,” led by Julie Guistwite, Oct. 7, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Central, via Zoom, cost $35; and “Weakness Transformed in the Gospel of Matthew,” led by Dan Ulrich, Nov. 1, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Central, via Zoom (or in person in Huntingdon, Pa.), cost $45 (additional $20 for in-person). 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. Upcoming options include “Peaceful, Productive Pastor-Parish Partnerships,” Aug. 20 via Zoom; “Strengthening the Body of Christ,” Sept. 16 via Zoom; “Restorative Conversations,” Sept. 17 or Dec. 10 via Zoom; and “Conflict Transformation Skills,” July 23 and Sept. 11 via Zoom. The Mediation Skills Training Institute will be held in person in Glen Ellyn, Ill., Aug. 11-15 or Sept. 29-Oct. 3 (or June 16-20 online). For details and registration information, go to https://www.lmpeacecenter.org/trainings.
• New Community Project Learning Tours: Go. Meet. Learn. Grow. Change yourself—and your world. These trips will take participants of all ages to Denali/Kenai Fjords National Parks in early August and a variety of locations in 2026. 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
Jim Miner (Highland Avenue) will retire as Yearbook Specialist for the Church of the Brethren effective June 26. In this role, which he began in November 2016, he has been responsible for creating the annual Church of the Brethren Yearbook. This includes maintaining the official list of congregations and compiling denominational statistics. In previous employment with the church, Jim worked in the Information Technology department as computer programmer and systems analyst from September 1981 to March 1997. In total, he has worked for the Church of the Brethren almost 24 years.
Mishael Nouveau has resigned as the office manager for the Church of the Brethren Ministry Office effective June 27. Mishael began her service on January 29, 2018. Serving as a liaison between the Ministry Office and the districts and agencies, she has supported the functioning of the Office through overseeing the management of ministerial data during periods of significant change and transition. She will soon be completing a Ph.D. that she has been working at as part of her professional development.
Keith Call has been hired by the Church of the Brethren as director of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives. Keith most recently served as an archivist for the College Church of Wheaton (Ill.) but spent the bulk of his career as assistant archivist at the Wheaton College Archives & Special Collections, Buswell Library. He has published two history books about Wheaton and one about Oregon, Illinois, as well as six published compilations, including The Ancient-Future Visionary and Worship is the Road to Revival, both by Dr. Robert E. Webber; Musings on a Starry Night and Pondering the Permanent Things, both by Dr. Thomas Howard; and A Well of Wonder: Essays on C.S. Lewis, J.R.R Tolkien and the Inklings and The Arts and the Christian Imagination: Essays on Art, Literature and Aesthetics, both by Dr. Clyde S. Kilby. He is currently working on compilations by poet Malcolm Guite and poet Luci Shaw. He began working at the General Offices in Elgin on June 2.
Jazmin Gongora has been hired by the Church of the Brethren as administrative assistant for Discipleship and Leadership Formation. Jazmin most recently served as an administrative assistant at School District 300 in Algonquin, Ill. Raised by Mennonite missionary parents, Jazmin has a great love and appreciation for Anabaptist traditions. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and is eager to serve the church. Jazmin will begin working at the General Offices in Elgin on June 17.
The Shenandoah District Church of the Brethren has called Kevin Daggett and Rebecca House to serve as co-district executive ministers beginning Sept. 15. Each will serve half-time carrying out the varied responsibilities of the position as determined through their partnership with the district’s Leadership Team. Kevin has served in pastoral ministry for over 30 years in congregations in Shenandoah, Southeastern, and Virlina districts. He currently serves as pastor of Dayton Church of the Brethren and chair of the Shenandoah District’s Leadership Team. Kevin will conclude his ministry at Dayton in mid-August. In addition to his role as co-district executive minister, Kevin will also assume the responsibilities of the director of Ministerial Services, an eighth-time district position that has been unfilled for several years. Kevin is a 1984 graduate of Bridgewater College and earned a Master of Divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary in 1989. He was ordained by the Virlina district from the Daleville congregation. Kevin lives in Bridgewater, Va. Rebecca has served in pastoral ministry for 17 years in congregations in Shenandoah, Mid-Atlantic, and Southern Ohio/Kentucky districts. She currently serves as associate pastor of Staunton Church of the Brethren. Rebecca will conclude her ministry there in early September. In addition to her role as co-district executive minister, Rebecca will continue her quarter-time role as the district’s director of District Conference and Youth Services for the Shenandoah District. Rebecca is a 2000 graduate of Bridgewater College and earned a Master of Divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary in 2007. She was ordained by the Mid-Atlantic District from the Union Bridge (Md.) congregation. Rebecca lives in Weyers Cave, Va.
On Earth Peace is congratulating Darlene Johnson on her retirement after nearly 25 years with the agency. She has served as co-executive director and administration director. The agency also is welcoming Andrew Duffy as interim transition director. Johnson worked from On Earth Peace’s office at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., beginning at a time when The Peace Place bookstore was located there and On Earth Peace founder M.R. Zigler would eat his lunches in the cafeteria. Previously, Johnson also worked with SERRV, also located at the Brethren Service Center. During her tenure, On Earth Peace shifted from a fully staffed in-person office to a fully remote and decentralized workplace, and also made programmatic shifts. Duffy has spent his career helping people and organizations navigate conflict and change, with work spanning 15-plus countries. Starting as a peer mediator at age 10, he’s stayed committed to making peacebuilding and leadership more approachable and practical. He holds a degree in history from Manchester University (North Manchester, Ind.) and a master’s in international politics and security studies from the University of Bradford. He is completing a doctorate in conflict analysis at Nova Southeastern University. In his role as transition director, he will help On Earth Peace update and develop processes for its decentralized workplace and contribute to strategic planning toward future permanent staffing.
Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADN) recently said goodbye to communications director Emily Hunsbaker after six years of service to the organization and welcomed Sarah Werner this month as the new communications director. Werner is also the communications coordinator for Central District Conference of Mennonite Church USA. She comes to ADN with 10 years of experience as a writer and editor. Werner lives in Columbus, Ohio, and attends Columbus Mennonite Church. She also teaches theology and biblical studies courses with PATHWAYS, a theological education program of the United Church of Christ.
JOB OPENINGS
The Church of the Brethren has an open position for a part-time (40 hours biweekly) Buildings and Grounds assistant at the General Offices in Elgin. This person will perform custodial services for the General Offices and provide support on services such as room set-up, mail, shipping, supplies, equipment, maintenance, warehouse operations and other duties as assigned by the Director of Buildings and Grounds. Candidates should have knowledge and experience in building operation and facilities management; knowledge in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical is helpful, but not required. At least five years of Buildings and Grounds operations experience is helpful but not required. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Applications will be received beginning immediately and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Qualified candidates may send a cover and resume to COBApply@brethren.org.
Camp Alexander Mack in Milford, Ind., has an opening for a guest services coordinator. The coordinator talks with camp and event planners and leaders to coordinate the guest experience, ensure guest hospitality, and respond quickly to guest questions and concerns. They will manage contracts and invoices and participate fully as a member of the marketing team. The successful candidate will possess a degree in business, marketing, or hospitality, or have equivalent experience. They will enjoy working in a relaxed and collaborative work environment as part of an energetic team. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits in line with a faith-based, not-for-profit ministry. Questions and inquiries can be sent to Camp Mack executive director Gene Hollenberg at gene@campmack.org. Initial applications should be sent to the same email with a cover letter and resumé. The position is open until filled. Find the job description at www.campmack.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Guest-Services-Director-JD-2025.pdf. Former guest services coordinator Deanna Beckner will take on a new position as director of advancement.
The Church of the Brethren Intercultural Ministries office is seeking volunteer liaisons to serve as “Frontliners” to connect with congregations and districts. To apply, go to Intercultural Ministries Frontliner Application.
The Church of the Brethren is seeking an individual to fill a full-time salaried position of Mission Advancement Advocate. The major responsibility is to strengthen and nurture the individual and congregational stewardship, direct gifts, planned-giving, and enlistment programs of the Church of the Brethren through face-to-face visits with individuals and congregations. Primary focus will be on positively impacting individual and congregational giving in support of denominational ministries. Skills and knowledge required include being well-grounded in Church of the Brethren heritage, theology, and polity; at least three years’ experience in planned/deferred giving and/or five years in development-related activities in the not-for-profit sector, or other comparable experience; ability to inter-relate with individuals and groups; basic computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, e-mail) and analytic skills. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is required. Location is flexible but candidate must be willing to travel to Elgin for individual and department meetings as needed. Applications will be received beginning immediately and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Qualified candidates are invited to send a cover letter and resume' to COBApply@brethren.org.
The Church of the Brethren is seeking an individual to fill a full-time salaried position of director of sales for Brethren Press. The director of sales develops and implements sales plans for Brethren Press and is responsible for the functions of customer service, shipping, and management of the inventory and warehouse. Skills and knowledge required include ability to work with sales and inventory management systems and other computer programs used within Brethren Press, experience supervising people and systems, strong interpersonal skills and experience working well within a team, knowledge of the Church of the Brethren or ability to learn, and ability to articulate and operate out of the vision and values of the Church of the Brethren. Applicants should have experience in sales, especially within the business of publishing and within a church setting. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Knowledge of the Church of the Brethren preferred. This position is based at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Applications will be received beginning immediately and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Qualified candidates are invited to send a resume' to COBApply@brethren.org.
DENOMINATIONAL NEWS/NEWSLINE
An upcoming new book from Brethren Press, Between You and Me is an intimate conversation about the distance between people. With personal storytelling as her art of choice, theopoet Audri Svay draws on her experiences as a poet, professor, and pastor to challenge ideas of acceptance, question societal assumptions, and explore intersections of identity. Svay received her master of arts degree in Theopoetics and Writing from Bethany Theological Seminary and has served as a pastor and theopoet in the Church of the Brethren. Her articles and poetry have been published in Messenger and Brethren Life and Thought, and she was the recipient of Manchester University’s 2024 Young Alumni Impact Award. She lives in northern Indiana where she teaches writing at the University of St. Francis. Pre-order now at www.brethrenpress.com.
Global Women’s Project raised almost $6,700 for its Mother’s Day Gratitude Project, with 45 donations and 16 memorials, and 60 cards sent to honorees.
The Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADN) and the Church of the Brethren and its Discipleship and Leadership Formation department have renewed their partnership to provide training, education, and resources that support congregations in becoming more inclusive of people with disabilities and mental illness. ADN is a small organization located in Elkhart, Ind., which serves the Anabaptist community in North America. ADN connects and supports people who have disabilities, their families, and faith communities to create a culture of belonging for everybody. Jeanne Davies (York Center) serves as director.
The Church of the Brethren Intercultural Ministries Jubilee Celebration will take place Nov. 18-21 in Gotha, Fla., at Camp Ithiel. Find more information at https://www.brethren.org/intercultural/#jubilee. Intercultural Ministries will also be holding several events at Annual Conference this summer.
The L.E.A.D. Planning Team has scheduled the next in-person denominational L.E.A.D. Conference for May 1-3, 2026, again hosted by Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. Between now and then, the team is planning quarterly virtual events as four free webinars focused on one of the four leadership components: Listen, Equip, Adapt, Disciple. The first webinar is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, at 6 p.m. Central Time featuring Dennis Edwards, the keynote speaker at the L.E.A.D. Conference held last fall, presenting material on listening as a leadership skill from his book Humility Illuminated. Others will follow on Oct. 16, Jan. 15, and March 19. CEU’s are available for clergy. For more information and to register go to www.brethren.org/thirdthursday.
Registration for Song and Story Fest 2025 at Camp Brethren Woods in Keezletown, Va., July 6-12, is now available, using this online form. More details about Song and Story Fest can be found here. Online registration and payment are again being offered to help streamline the process. Pay online (additional 3% fee) or send a check to On Earth Peace, after submitting your
registration online. Using the online registration form is preferred, but the form can also be printed and mailed if needed.
“Early Anabaptism in Global Perspective: Past, Present, and Future at 500 Years” is the topic for a conference at the Young Center at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College on July 22-24. This conference marking the 500th anniversary of the birth of the Anabaptist movement will revisit early Anabaptism and give special attention to the global context in which it emerged and spread. Speakers will also consider how Anabaptist history has been received by churches and academics in more recent times and in varying contexts around the world. With more than three dozen plenary sessions, papers, seminars, and roundtables by presenters from ten countries, the conference will examine such varied themes as migration, diplomacy, the arts, colonialism, peacemaking, and theological identity. Optional pre- and post-conference field trips will visit area libraries and archives and the 1719 Museum. Find out more and register at www.etown.edu/centers/young-center/anabaptism-conference-2025.aspx.
GRANTS AND GIVING
- 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, desires to financially support congregations that are in good standing with the district and have specific needs. More information can be found here.
- 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.
- 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: 1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard, IL 60148.
