The Reflector - August 2026
Saturday, August 01, 2026
The Village ILWIDIot
Walt Wiltschek
“Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” —John 13:34b, NRSVue
Among the various congregational newsletters I receive, I recently noticed a story shared by a member who had drifted away from that congregation at one point and later returned.
What drew him back? It wasn’t a detailed congregational outreach strategy or membership campaign or even a concerted deacon visit. The draw was much simpler: caring and love.
He shared that his parents had attended the congregation for decades, and then his mother was diagnosed with advanced cancer. As she entered the nursing home, members of the congregation made a schedule to sit with his mother each evening when family couldn’t be present.
He wrote, “I saw so much love and care being shown to my mother by these women, and could see how much she appreciated their company.”
Over the previous decade, he had been attending the church only sporadically, but “These women’s expressions of love in action drew me back.” He’s been attending regularly ever since.2
In this time in our nation and world when it often feels that love is in short supply, can it really be that simple? Just show more love and caring to those around us? Jesus often seemed to think so, even naming it in the “greatest commandment.” At the very least, it’s a place to start.
In the words of the 16th-century Carmelite mystic and writer St. John of the Cross: “Where there is no love, put love—and you will find love.”
DISTRICT EXECUTIVE SCHEDULE
In addition to regular meetings, Walt will be conducting the installation service for Gay Bouwmeester at York Center (Lombard) on Aug. 16 and for Krista Dutt at Highland Avenue (Elgin) on Aug. 23; helping to lead worship and planning with the Madtown Brethren group in Madison Aug. 30; preaching for an outdoor service in Pennsylvania on Sept. 13; worshiping at Yellow Creek (Pearl City) Sept. 20; officiating a wedding in Peoria Sept. 26; and attending the district Hymn Sing & Ice Cream Social in Franklin Grove Sept. 27.
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.
REMINDER: Please use the correct district office address for all mail correspondence: Church of the Brethren IL/WI District, 1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard, IL 60148. As noted previously, please do not send district mail to Canton, as there is no longer a district office there. Thank you!
SECOND NATURE
by Jocelyn Watkins, 2026 Illinois/Wisconsin District moderator
“I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you” (2 Timothy 1:6)
“Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds . . . encouraging one another.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Beloved in Christ,
I spent many hours practicing the piano when I was growing up. At first, nearly everything required conscious attention. I had to count the rhythm, remember the fingering, watch the notes, and persuade my hands to move together. When I reached a difficult passage, I slowed down and repeated it, sometimes one measure at a time.
Gradually, the music changed in my hands. My fingers began to recognize familiar patterns. Chords that once required careful thought settled into place, and passages that had felt awkward became more natural. Practice had shaped my instincts. The music was becoming second nature.
Congregations develop instincts, too. Their character takes shape through repeated choices: how people welcome others, respond to need, share responsibility, make decisions, and offer their gifts. When someone unfamiliar enters the room or an unexpected need arises, a congregation’s response often reveals what it has learned to do together.
I see this in my own congregation, where hospitality and mission have been cultivated across many years. People notice when someone is standing alone and make room. When a need arises within the church or the wider community, the conversation turns quickly toward how we might help. These instincts have grown through years of opening doors, preparing meals, sharing resources, volunteering time, and learning to see our neighbors more clearly. No single act created them. Each one strengthened what was already taking root.
The writer of Hebrews understood that faith develops through shared action. “Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds,” the passage urges, while also calling believers to gather and offer encouragement.
Consider. Provoke. Gather. Encourage.
These verbs draw our attention outward: toward another person’s gifts, toward someone needing support or an invitation, and toward the courage we can strengthen within the community. Faith gains visible shape through what we choose to do together.
Perhaps this is part of what we mean when we describe someone as a “practicing Christian.” Prayer, worship, forgiveness, generosity, and service gradually teach our hearts the way of Jesus. For Brethren, the basin, the shared table, the work of peacemaking, and the patient circle of communal discernment have long carried conviction into embodied life.
What we repeat deserves careful attention. Some practices create communities in which people are seen, gifts are shared, and needs are met. A congregation may become quick to extend an invitation, respond when a neighbor needs help, or make room for someone new to participate.
Other habits can settle in just as quietly. The same voices may guide each conversation. New ideas may regularly meet hesitation. Invitations may remain unspoken because everyone assumes someone else will offer them. Repetition can wear grooves that eventually feel natural, even when they no longer lead us where we hope to go.
At the piano, a difficult passage called for slowing down. I had to listen carefully, notice where the movement faltered, and work through it one measure at a time. Congregations may sometimes need the same patience. We can attend to one relationship, one familiar habit, or one place where the rhythm of our shared life has become strained. Then we can begin rehearsing a different response: extending the invitation, sharing responsibility, listening more carefully, or making room for another person’s gifts.
What has become instinctive among us? Where might the Spirit be asking us to slow down and learn a new response, one measure at a time?
These questions also belong to our life as a district. We learn one another’s names by gathering, come to understand neighboring congregations through their stories, and become invested in shared ministries by contributing our time, ideas, prayers, and presence. A committee meeting, congregational visit, district event, or conversation over a meal can form relationships that reach beyond a single church.
As district conference approaches, each act of participation helps us arrive already knowing something of one another’s lives, recognizing one another’s gifts, and sharing hope for the future. The more often we practice being a district together, the more readily we look beyond our own walls and understand ourselves as part of a wider community of faith.
As this year of “Kindled Anew” moves toward its final months, let’s pay attention to what is becoming part of us. What difficult passage is asking your congregation to slow down, listen, and begin rehearsing a new response?
One measure at a time, the church we hope to become is already taking shape in what we choose to practice together.
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
Property & Assets Management Team, Aug. 26, 7 p.m.
Leadership Team, Sept. 8, 6:30 p.m.
Ministry Leadership Development Team, Sept. 23, 6:30 p.m.
District Hymn Sing & Ice Cream Social, Emmert Meeting House, Franklin Grove, Ill., Sept. 27, 2:30 p.m.
Program & Arrangements Committee, Sept. 30, 6:30 p.m.
Church Revitalization and Development Team, Oct. 17, 9 a.m.
2026 Illinois/Wisconsin District conference, Nov. 6-7, Polo (Ill.) Church of the Brethren
2027 District Potluck event, April 17, 2027, Cerro Gordo (Ill.) Church of the Brethren
[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 Aug. 16: Pray for the Champaign congregation and its wide-ranging community ministries. Pray that all our congregations would be intentional about being “Jesus in the Neighborhood” and connecting with their communities.5
Week of Aug. 23: Pray for the Virden congregation, and for the Church of the Brethren in central and southern Africa: Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Uganda, and beyond.
Week of Aug. 30: Pray for the Peoria First congregation and its service ministries, including the ongoing “Mountain Mission” outreach in Kentucky.
Week of Sept. 6: Pray this week for the Girard congregation, and for the vital low-income housing ministry of Girard Area Homes.
Week of Sept. 13: Pray this week for current and former members of our district now living in other places, and for the Church of the Brethren in Haiti (Eglise des Freres) as it carries on despite the violence and unrest in that nation and immigration concerns at home.
MINISTRY NEWS
The search committee at Highland Avenue (Elgin) recommended Krista Dutt, who has been serving the congregation in a part-time interim capacity since last year, as the candidate to be Highland Avenue’s full-time settled pastor. The congregation approved that call with a vote on July 12. Krista will be formally installed as pastor during worship on Aug. 23.
York Center (Lombard) will hold an installation service for Gay Bouwmeester, who began as the congregation’s settled pastor in May, during worship on Aug. 16, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Congratulations to Laura Lipscomb (Springfield First), who began studies in the TRIM (Training in Ministry) program at Bethany Theological Seminary in July! Laura is currently in a discernment cohort at Springfield. Several others in the district are also in the ministry discernment process.
The pastoral compensation materials for 2027 are available from the denominational Ministry Office. An email went out last month, and you can find the materials online at Pastoral Compensation Tools – Ministry Office. A compensation calculator is also available there for those who might find it helpful. The recommended salary table for pastors, based on the denominational scale, includes a 4.2 percent increase over 2026 based on the national cost-ofliving adjustment.
Bethany Theological Seminary has announced generous new financial aid for students who are members of the Church of the Brethren. Beginning fall 2026, Bethany will offer full-tuition scholarships to members of the Church of the Brethren who are enrolled in a graduate degree or graduate certificate program. The new Church of the Brethren scholarship was made possible by Flourish: A Campaign for Bethany Theological Seminary, which has raised more than $12.7 million in gifts and commitments over the last three years. Student financial aid was a key focus of the campaign, and alumni and donors have responded with remarkable generosity. For more information about the scholarship, email Maya Armstrong or call 765-983-1844.
The denomination’s Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church program will be offering one more online listening session this summer to give opportunity for multivocational pastors (MVP’s) to meet with other MVP's and share their thoughts, ideas, and ways that the program can be helpful and supportive of their lives and ministries. It will be Tuesday, August 26, from 6-7:30 p.m. Central (https://forms.gle/fuzTdcg5rc9KrpVj8). If you cannot make a session, a survey can also be completed at https://forms.gle/pG1BFAUY9MF22sdi9.
Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church also will sponsor “Practicing the Way: The Scripture Practice” this fall for multi-vocational pastors, using the book “Practicing the Way” by John Mark Comer. The Scripture Practice includes four sessions featuring video teaching, discussion, prayer, weekly exercises, readings, and additional resources designed to help participants develop life-giving rhythms as apprentices of Jesus. The four sessions are: Read; Meditate; Study; and Memorize. Each session lasts approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Sessions will meet on Tuesday evenings—Sept. 15, 22, 29, and Oct. 6—beginning at 6 p.m. Central. Register by Wednesday, September 9, by completing the online registration form.
Congregational vacancies/updates:
Cerro Gordo: David Biggs began as part-time interim pastor for a one-year period beginning May 15. The search committee remains active, and a congregational profile is available.
Highland Avenue (Elgin): The congregation on July 12 officially called Krista Dutt, who has been serving as part-time interim pastor since early 2025, as their full-time settled pastor. An installation service will take place Aug. 23, with district executive Walt Wiltschek officiating.
Mount Morris: Lynda Willmann is currently serving as quarter-time interim pastor through at least September. Jonathan Shively is also doing a consultation process with Mount Morris this year as they discern direction. Conversations about next steps for pastoral ministry are ongoing, and the congregation is working on a profile.
Naperville: Tony Asta began as part-time interim pastor June 1. The search committee is continuing its work, and a profile for their full-time pastoral position is now available.
Oakley Brick: Pastor David Roe retired in March. Initial conversations have begun with the congregation about next steps. They are currently using pulpit supply.
York Center (Lombard): The installation service for Gay Bouwmeester as part-time settled pastor will take place this Sunday, Aug. 16, at 9:30 a.m. District executive Walt Wiltschek will officiate.
CONGREGATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS
Congratulations to Fletcher Farrar (Springfield First), who on June 4 received the James C. Craven Freedom of the Press Award from the Illinois Press Association. Fletcher is the long-time owner and editor of the Illinois Times in Springfield. The organization recently began a transition to become a community foundation as Fletcher steps out of the editor role. The newspaper prints about 20,000 copies a week for distribution. Kudos, Fletcher!
Congrats also to Harold Rose (Canton), who was named 2026 Parade Marshal of Canton’s Friendship Festival. Harold was recognized for his “decades of dedication to the students and community of Canton.”
And congratulations and best wishes to Wendy McFadden (Highland Avenue), long-time publisher of Brethren Press and Messenger magazine, who retired July 31. Wendy also received the Church of the Brethren Intercultural Ministries’ Revelation 7:9 Award at Annual Conference last month. Happy birthday to Anet Satvedi (Panther Creek), a retired ordained minister in the district, who will be celebrating his 90th on Aug. 28. A celebration with friends and family was held on Aug. 1.
Kourtney Cole (Chicago First) is among the recipients of this year’s Church of the Brethren Health Care Education Scholarships. She is attending Southern University Nursing School. In all, 10 scholarships of between $3,000 and $9,000 were awarded, totaling $75,000.
Canton carried out a significant renovation project over the summer, removing all the pews to renew and refinish the sanctuary floor. Canton answered the question of “How many Brethren does it take to move a pew?” with “As many as are willing to help!” … The congregation’s planned outdoor worship and picnic on July 19 ended up moving indoors due to weather and wildfire smoke.
Chicago First dealt with a major water break last month, when a pipe under the narthex burst on July 13. The church’s handyman/maintenance expert, Luis Casanova, was eventually able to repair the problem with some creativity, but only after a number of events (including Chicago First’s July 19 worship) had to be cancelled. Earlier, the congregation held a special Father’s Day worship (led by Rafael Boria) and picnic on June 21 in the adjacent community garden.
Dixon this summer has been giving members opportunities to share prayers for peace through “Prayer in a Bowl.” Members write their prayers for personal, community, and global peace on slips of paper that are collected in a bowl and held in prayer through the following week.
Freeport on Aug. 1 offered a back to school “Jesus in the Neighborhood” event, inviting neighbors into the fellowship hall for snacks, games, and backpacks and other school supplies.
The Madtown Brethren group (Madison, Wis.) will hold a worship/fellowship and planning time on Sunday, Aug. 30, at 10 a.m., at the Goodman Community Center in Madison. The house church group, which meets periodically, will be shaping its vision and setting dates for the coming year.
Mount Morris held an outdoor worship and breakfast at Camp Emmaus on July 19, with Jonathan Shively preaching. … Earlier in the summer, the congregation also held a “Bein’ Friendly” dessert gathering to meet those who live in their neighborhood. About 8 to 10 neighbors attended.
Peoria First is collecting school supplies for two local schools during the month of August. … The congregation also has an outdoor worship service and picnic scheduled for this Sunday at a local park.
Woodland (Astoria) supplies the community’s Blessing Box at the Shelf, providing nonperishable food for those in need in the area.
York Center (Lombard) is working on plans for a 75th anniversary celebration on Oct. 18. Details are still in the works. The congregation has recently been sharing photos and memories from past directories in anticipation of the event.
Several of our congregations have been having listening sessions and conversations recently regarding the use and future of their buildings. We hold them in prayer as they discern, envision, and explore.
Ecumenism Metro Chicago will hold a “Blessed Are the Peacemakers” ecumenical prayer service on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 6:30 p.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church’s Buchanan Chapel in Chicago (115 E. Delaware Place). The event will mark the International Day of Prayer for Peace. The event will conclude with a peace walk on Michigan Avenue, with closing prayer in the church courtyard. All are welcome.
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 HYMN SING & ICE CREAM SOCIAL
DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2026
Annual Conference moderator Dennis Beckner (whose wife, Beth, is originally from the Franklin Grove area and grew up attending Camp Emmaus!) will be joining us for the event and leading an equipping session focusing on congregational renewal as well as a worship time on Saturday.
Business this year will include the 2027 district budget, the slate of those nominated to district positions, and polity related to congregations that decide they no longer wish to be part of the Church of the Brethren, as well as reports from various agencies, organizations, and district teams.
An exhibit area featuring various denominational and district organizations will be available. Based on the feedback received, activities for children and youth will not be offered this year at the conference, although National Youth Conference will be highlighted during the sharing time.
Lunch will be available on Saturday for $20 per person, with Tuscan chicken and vegetarian options.
A service project will assist the local Lifeline Food Pantry, which has been an important outreach ministry for Polo Church of the Brethren. Started in the early 1970’s out of a resident’s garage, it has grown over the years to continue to support the growing population of food insecure families and individuals. Currently the pantry serves about 100 to 115 families a month feeding around 400 individuals. Changes in SNAP benefits and the increase in inflation continue to add new people to its client list. Most clients are employed unless retired or disabled; the majority are seniors or families with children. The food banks which were previously relied upon as the main source of supplies have less and less food to offer, forcing the pantry to buy a lot of its food. This year it added five raised garden beds along with beds at the Polo church to grow as much produce as possible.
The following items are needed: Toilet paper; any canned meat; juice; shampoo; body wash; deodorant; laundry soap; canned fruit; sugar; canned soups; spaghetti sauce; canned vegetables; ketchup; mayonnaise; cheese of any kind. Those attending conference are encouraged to bring some of these items to be collected as donations to the pantry.
Before the official conference starts on Friday, the district Ministerial Leadership Development Team will offer a workshop around the theme of discipleship led by Josh Brockway of the denomination’s Discipleship and Leadership Formation office. Cost will be $20 per person, including lunch. The workshop will run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a lunch break.
There is no official conference hotel this year. Instead, those attending who need lodging are encouraged to make direct reservations with one of the area hotels; the nearest are in Dixon, Rock Falls, or Oregon, along with some possible options near White Pines State Park.
Watch for more details in the weeks ahead!
DISTRICT POTLUCK EXPERIENCE 2027
DEPORTATION DEFENSE RESPONSE
This denominational effort, organized by five districts with large numbers of undocumented members in partnership with On Earth Peace and Intercultural Ministries, provides support, advocacy, and legal assistance as needed. A Deportation Defense Response (DDR) webpage is now online at www.onearthpeace.org/deportation_defense_response_team. A toolkit of resources is at https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/168SYbD3cMBO8ORb4sDXMqMbA2yvSGCN. To be added to the DDR newsletter list, to share other helpful resources for the toolkit, to share how a resource from the toolkit benefited your congregation or community, to find out how to get involved with the work, or for other questions, email migrantjustice@onearthpeace.org. In addition, a page on the denominational website shares information on the "Walking Together" resolution recently affirmed by Annual Conference, with resources, Bible studies, and other tools
The group is inviting local partnerships and offering a process for online donations for the Legal and Mutual Aid Fund at www.onearthpeace.org/legal_mutual_aid_fund_donations. Congregations needing financial help to aid their immigrant church members may apply for grants from the Legal and Mutual Aid Fund by contacting ddrcobcoordinator@gmail.com or 561-647-8981 to receive the application form. The team will distribute funds received to members of the church facing immigration challenges who need legal support.
Biweekly Prayer Gatherings for Immigrant Justice are now held every other Thursday from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Central over Zoom. Find more information and RSVP at Prayer Gathering for Immigrant Justice - On Earth Peace. Specific prayers are asked for the Haitian Church of the Brethren congregations of our denomination, as the recent Supreme Court decision impacted about 300 members of those 10 congregations in Florida. These members are faced with difficult choices: to stay without legal standing, to leave behind spouses and children, to give up businesses and work here, to return to a country that is not stable or safe. Pray for them in this challenging time as they face choices that many of us will never face. And pray for the pastors who are providing care and support in the midst of the uncertainty. General secretary David Steele has issued a pastoral message titled “Standing with Our Haitian Church Family.”
CAMP NEWS
Both of our district camps had a successful summer season, drawing more than 200 campers between them over the past few months. We rejoice in their important ministry and community connections!
Camp Emmaus capped its summer season with women’s camp earlier this month, with 25 participants. Camp dates still upcoming at Emmaus this year include the following:
Sept. 4-7: Labor Day Weekend Family Camp
Sept. 19: Camp Appreciation Day and Celebration Lunch, starting 1 p.m. The day will also include an auction, a look back at summer highlights, and opportunities to hike and enjoy the camp.12
Note that Camp Emmaus no longer has a PO box. All mail should be sent to the camp at 3011 W. Camp Rd., Oregon, IL 61061.
Camp dates still upcoming at Camp Emmanuel include the following:
Sept. 4-7: Family Camp
Learn more at www.campem.com.
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS:
NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE
The Church of the Brethren National Youth Conference, an every-four-years event, took place July 18-23 back at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado—a site it had used prior to 1990. The theme was “Light Within Us,” based on Matthew 5:14-16.
About a dozen youth from our district and several advisors, along with denominational staff and volunteers, were among the almost 700 people who attended. Congregations represented included Canton, Highland Avenue, Naperville, Neighborhood, Peoria First, and Springfield First.Speakers at the twice-daily worship times included Cindy Laprade Lattimer, Calvin Park, Keyon Williamson, Dianne Garcia, George Hopkins, Michaela Alphonse, Dennis Beckner, Kat Armas, Jeff Seace, and Brandon Grady. The schedule also included a welcome fest, a “spiritual scavenger hunt,” small groups, hiking and other recreation, service projects, and late-night activities.
We look forward to hearing more from our group at district conference!
JUNIOR HIGH SUNDAY is Nov. 1. Resources will be available on www.brethren.org this fall.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026
The days included worship, business sessions, equipping sessions, meal events, service project opportunities (including a morning of “Sparking, Serving, and Stirring”), age-group activities, exhibits, a peace witness event, and more. A total of 1,675 people attended, either in person or online, a bit more than in recent years due to the central location.
Amy Gall Ritchie of North Manchester, Ind., was called as moderator-elect. Others called to positions included Natasha Beaumont (Lebanon, Pa.), Program & Arrangements Committee; Chad Whitzel (Madison, Wis.), Pastoral Compensation & Benefits Advisory Committee; Terri Welch Luzynski (Dayton, Va.), Mission & Ministry Board Area 3; Gretchen Zience (Seattle), Mission & Ministry Board Area 5; Adelia Lucatorio (Cranberry Township, Pa.), Mission & Ministry Board At-Large; Leslie Bolser (Richmond, Ind.), Drew Hart (Harrisburg, Pa.), Keri Ladouceur (Raleigh, N.C.); Steve Longenecker (Bridgewater, Va.), Dominick Peruso (Huntingdon, Pa.), Jeff Sheridan (Richmond, Va.), and Ben Walters (Cincinnati), Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees; Kevin Boyer (Plymouth, Ind.), Eunice Culp (Goshen, Ind.), and Randy Yoder (Huntingdon, Pa.), Eder Financial board; Susuyu Lassa (Troy, N.Y.), Anesu Makufa (Leeds, U.K.), and Emmett Witkovsky-Eldred (Spruce Creek, Pa.), On Earth Peace board.
Other business included adoption of a resolution on weapon transfers, adoption of the resolution “Walking Together” related to supporting immigrants and refugees, adjustments to ministerial polity for licensed and commissioned ministers, updates from the Review and Evaluation Committee, and conversation about the ongoing Eder Financial-Everence merger, among other reports. Delegates approved a 4.2 percent cost-of-living adjustment to the pastoral salary scale for 2027. Find a full report at https://www.brethren.org/news/wpcontent/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/AC2026-WrapUp.pdf.
District congregations who sent delegates included Canton, Cerro Gordo, Dixon, Freeport, Highland Avenue, Lanark, Mount Morris, Naperville, Neighborhood, Polo, Springfield First, and York Center, plus our Standing Committee delegate, Kevin Kessler.
The 2027 Annual Conference will be held later than usual, July 28-Aug. 1 in Daytona Beach, Fla. Find more details at www.brethren.org/ac.
DISASTER RESPONSE
Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) has opened a new rebuilding project site in Yancey County, N.C., expanding its long-term response to communities affected by Hurricane Helene in 2024. The site opened June 7, after volunteers served earlier this year in Ashe, Henderson, and Transylvania Counties. Yancey County was among the communities hardest hit by the storm. Historic flooding and mudslides destroyed homes, claimed lives, and left neighborhoods isolated as roads washed out and fallen trees blocked access. Power outages lasted for weeks in some areas, and emergency responders at times were forced to suspend operations because conditions had become too dangerous.
BDM volunteers are completing home repairs, constructing new homes, and helping finish two apartment units for Feed-A-Child, a local nonprofit. The apartments will provide temporary housing for families while their homes are repaired or rebuilt. Although Yancey County residents have worked tirelessly to rebuild and support one another, significant needs remain. The Yancey County project site will remain open through Aug. 15. BDM hopes to complete as much work as possible before the project concludes. Volunteer openings may still be available during the final week of the project.
As work in Yancey County winds down, additional rebuilding projects are planned across western North Carolina. A new BDM rebuilding site is scheduled to open Aug. 30 in Buncombe County, N.C., and remain in operation through May 15, 2027. Working in partnership with Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders, Brethren Disaster Ministries will serve qualified families identified through the organization by making home repairs and constructing new homes in the ROOTS Community Land Trust, a 50-home affordable housing initiative in Black Mountain, N.C., for families displaced by Hurricane Helene. Many lost not only their homes but also the land beneath them or rental housing they can no longer return to.
BDM also will return to Ashe County, N.C., for a short-term rebuilding project from Sept. 6 through Oct. 31. Working in partnership with the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, volunteers will make home repairs and build new homes. BDM previously served at this location during a two-week project in April 2026. Volunteer housing will be provided at the Ashe Baptist Campground.
Learn more about volunteering at www.brethren.org/bdm/rebuild/volunteer. Our district’s volunteer week this year is in late August/early September. Please be in prayer for those who are serving. Rick Koch, our district disaster coordinator, has said he plans to step down from that role at the end of this year. If you would have interest in serving, or know someone who might, please contact the district office.
Children’s Disaster Services, a program of Brethren Disaster Ministries, recently deployed a team of four volunteers to support families affected by the ongoing wildfires in Washington State. Brethren Disaster Ministries personnel continue to monitor the situation and remain in contact with local Church of the Brethren congregations and Pacific Northwest District leaders. According to Daniel Klayton, administrative assistant for Pacific Northwest District, firefighting crews have successfully protected structures—including homes and churches—in and around Tonasket, where the Whitestone Community Church of the Brethren and Ellisforde Church of the Brethren are located.
Earlier this summer, CDS volunteers aided the Kerrville, Texas, as the community commemorated the one-year anniversary of the catastrophic flood that devastated their town and the surrounding area. Kathleen (Kat) Fahrner and Katherine (Katie) Marshall joined with volunteers from CDS partner Child Life Disaster Relief (CLDR) and other organizations to help.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
• Upcoming courses from the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership include “Cultivating an Everyday Faith,” online, Sept. 23-Nov. 17, led by Joan Daggett (registration deadline Aug. 19); and “Introduction to the New Testament,” online, Oct. 21-Dec. 15 (registration deadline Sept. 16). Register and pay online at Brethren Academy Course Registration/Biannual TRIM Payment | Bethany Theological Seminary (bethanyseminary.edu).
• Tim Grove, retired social services worker and national expert in Trauma-Informed Care, will join the Ventures in Christian Discipleship program at McPherson (Kan.) College to present a special 2026-2027 season-opening online series titled “Creating a Better World: A deep dive into stress, trauma and resilience as a pathway to healthier people, families and communities.” This series is open to everyone. Unlike Ventures’ typical standalone courses, each of these six sessions builds sequentially on the last, so registering for the full series is highly recommended. If you miss a live session, course recordings will be provided so you can catch up in chronological order before the next class. We will explore five key concepts related to stress, trauma and resilience in the first five sessions and then spend a sixth “bonus” session talking about how these concepts influence the navigation of a complex, media dominant and politically charged world. Each virtual session will be two hours long, and recordings will be available after each session ends. The first session (Stress, Trauma, and Resilience: What’s In a Name?” will be Sept. 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m., and others will follow Oct. 6, Oct. 20, Oct. 27, Nov. 10, and Nov. 17. Find full series and session details at the Ventures website: http://www.mcpherson.edu/ventures. Ventures sessions in 2027 will include “Speed Dating the Bible,” led by Debbie Eisenbise, Jan. 19 and 26; “Leading through the Storm: Leadership Wisdom for a World That Got Different,” led by Stan Dueck, Feb. 23 and March 2; and “Holy Play: Entering Divine Conversation with Nature and Expressive Arts,” led by Shana Leck, Apr. 10.
• Lombard Mennonite Peace Center offers a variety of training sessions. Upcoming options include “Conflict Transformation Skills,” Aug. 26 via Zoom; “Strengthening the Body of Christ,” Sept. 16 via Zoom; “Restorative Conversations,” Oct. 9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. via Zoom; and “Behavioral Covenants” Nov. 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Schaumburg, Ill. For details and registration information, go to https://www.lmpeacecenter.org/trainings. LMPC has also begun offering free clergy roundtable events. The next ones will be Aug. 20, 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and Oct. 21. Watch their website for details on future roundtable opportunities.
• New Community Project continues to offer learning tours to “Go. Meet. Learn. Grow. Change – yourself and your world.” Upcoming trips include: Nepal, January 12-24, 2027; South Sudan/Rwanda, May 11-21, 2027; Ecuadorian Amazon, May 28-June 3; Borneo June 9-17; and Lybrook, N.M., July 8-14. NCP also offers guest speakers, worship resources, Vacation Bible School materials, climate change materials, and more. Find more information at www.newcommunityproject.info or contact dradcliffncp@yahoo.com.
• 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 Church of the Brethren has named John Fillmore as director of ministry, effective Nov. 2. As part of the denomination’s Discipleship and Leadership Formation team, he will lead the Ministry Office, equipping ministers, supporting congregations and districts, and strengthening pastoral leadership across the denomination. Fillmore has served as pastor of Nampa (Idaho) Church of the Brethren since 2011. He also serves as district executive for the Idaho and Western Montana District and as a circuit rider for the Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church program, supporting congregations and pastoral leaders across the denomination. Beginning Nov. 2, he will devote his ministry full time to the Church of the Brethren’s Ministry Office, working remotely from his home in Idaho. Fillmore earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Northwest Nazarene University (Nampa, Idaho), a Master of Divinity from Bethany Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Portland (Ore.) Seminary at George Fox University. In addition to his congregational and district leadership, he has led numerous denomination-wide Zoom book studies. Fillmore succeeds Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, who retired in July after nearly nine years of service as director of the Ministry Office.
Rachel Johnson, who has been serving as National Youth Conference coordinator, will begin a one-year, part-time role as the Youth & Young Adult Ministries assistant on Aug. 24, working from her home in Pennsylvania. She will work remotely to support the programming and administration of Youth and Young Adult Ministries programs, providing extra denominational support to regional youth conferences of the Church of the Brethren. Rachel will build online registration forms and provide social media content creation for 2027 events, including Christian Citizenship Seminar, National Junior High Conference, and Young Adult Conference. She will also collaborate with groups responsible for planning regional youth conferences, offering administrative support, and planning consultation.
Beth Sollenberger is retiring from her role as interim director of administration for the Atlantic Southeastern District of the Church of the Brethren effective Sept. 30. Beth has served in this position since April 1, 2024. During her tenure Atlantic Southeast hosted a CODE event featuring the multi-cultural ministries in the district. She was also one of the district representatives instrumental in the creation of the Deportation Defense Response Team; following her retirement the DDR Mutual and Legal Aid Fund will have a new address, which will be announced soon.
JOB OPENINGS
Camp Alexander Mack seeks an accomplished relational leader, grounded in Christian faith to serve as their next executive director. This is a full-time, year-round position. This leader will serve as the chief executive of Camp Mack, providing vision, direction, and stewardship for all aspects of the organization. They will be equally comfortable engaging with campers and congregations, collaborating with board members, developing staff, managing budgets, overseeing facilities, and representing the ministry at large. For more information or to apply check out Camp Mack's website: https://campmack.org/serve/employment/.
Camp Swatara invites applications for its next executive director. The camp is located near Bethel, Pa. The camp is prayerfully searching for the next executive director—a mission-driven leader called to the intersection of ministry, community, and outdoor camp life on 700-plus acres at the foot of Blue Mountain. Learn more, share input, and apply at www.campswatara.org/leadcamp.
Camp Harmony is seeking candidates for its next executive director. The Church of the Brethren-related camp and outdoor ministry center is located near Hooversville, Pa. Austin Masser, the present executive director, is leaving the position in July. Find out more about the camp at www.campharmony.org. Contact phil@campharmony.org for more information about the open position.
DENOMINATIONAL NEWS/NEWSLINE
The Mission and Ministry Board of the Church of the Brethren on June 17, approved a Statement of Intent regarding the future of the General Offices in Elgin, Ill., which is the denomination’s headquarters. The statement announces that “the board is exploring options for relocation of the denominational headquarters and will be pursuing the responsible sale of the current headquarters property.” The decision follows years of discussion by the board and other denominational leadership about changes affecting the Church of the Brethren in terms of congregations and membership, questions of how best to carry out the ministry of the denomination, and what responsible stewardship requires.
Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) Unit 339 began orientation on July 27. Thirteen new volunteers joined BVS staff at Inspiration Hills Camp in Ohio to prepare together in community for their year of service.
The Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) has begun renting warehouse space at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. The Church of the Brethren has welcomed the organization as its new partner at the center, where it is using space formerly occupied by the Material Resources program that ended in 2025.
Suely Zanetti Inhauser, 75, a longtime leader of Igreja da Irmandade (the Church of the Brethren in Brazil) alongside her husband, Marcos Inhauser, died on July 22 after living for some years with a progressive motor neuron disease.
On Sunday, Sept. 20, at 3 p.m. (Eastern time), the 56th Annual Dunker Church Service will be held at the historic Dunker Church on the Antietam National Battlefield near Hagerstown, Md.—one of the most hallowed and iconic landscapes of the American Civil War. The service will include a welcome, call to worship, congregational hymns, scripture readings, special music, prayers, and a featured message from Denise Kettering-Lane, associate professor of Brethren Studies and director of the Master of Arts Program at Bethany Theological Seminary.
Intercultural Ministries Café: Faith & Culture Conversations—rooted in relationship, discipleship, and practical intercultural engagement—will be held once a month through Oct. 20. The registration link is available at www.brethren.org/intercultural/#cafe.
The Church of the Brethren’s webpage on conscientious objection to war is at www.brethren.org/peacebuilding/co. Links on this page direct young people who want to learn more about what conscientious objection means and its biblical and Brethren roots to a free downloadable curriculum titled “Call of Conscience.” The direct link to the curriculum is www.brethren.org/peacebuilding/co/introduction.
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, 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: 1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard, IL 60148.
