09 01 Jan Il Ws Newsletter

Reflecting news and views

The Reflector a publication of the Illinois/Wisconsin District of the Church of the Brethren District Executive: Kevin Kessler January 2009 / Volume 06 / Issue 01 DE PONDERINGS By Kevin Kessler, District Executive (Read Jeremiah 17) Chapter 17 of Jeremiah begins with the prophet making a bold statement that sin leaves indelible marks. Future generations will see and know the sins of past generations. Subsequent generations may even accept sins of the past as normal. Jeremiah intends for the present generation to understand this and find a way of living that will be remembered and followed differently. Reflecting upon 2008, I’m reminded that Jeremiah’s message has received minimal attention in our modern context. The present generation is leaving some indelible markings that are not befitting of emulation by future generations, namely a preoccupation with things that we own or things we want to own. One word has the ability to summarize this present human malady—greed. Granted, I’m oversimplifying what is a more complex problem. However, greed seems to play an important role—from CEOs of major corporations receiving enormous salaries and bonuses; to consumers borrowing excessively to purchase homes with more square footage and vehicles with bigger gas tanks; to retailers giving deep discounts to lure zealous consumers; to the government issuing stimulus packages to boost spending rather than savings. Greed is just one way of saying that things receive greater importance than God. Jeremiah claims that trusting in anything other than God leaves us “like a shrub in the desert” living “in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.” This description provides little if any hope. It is a less than desirable indelible message to leave to our children and our childrens’ children. Jeremiah offers a prescription that brings wellness to this pandemic human condition—“trust in the Lord,” or better yet, let the Lord be your trust. Allowing God to become our trust gives us freedom from the things that ensnare us. An attitude adjustment occurs whereby the concern for gaining or owning things shifts to learning how to share and give things away in obedience to God and for the benefit of all. Jeremiah captures the image this way: “They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream…it’s leaves shall stay green…” To make God our trust, the need to acquire or keep is vanquished. God is the supply and will keep one sustained always. Does this mean we’ll always have what we want? No. But it does allow us to believe that we’ll have what we need. Ponder this quote from Albert Schweitzer: “If there is something that you own that you cannot give away, you don’t own it. It owns you.” Reflect also on Mark 10:17-22. What indelible mark are we leaving for future generations? Together, let’s give this question consideration in 2009.

RE-ORGANIZED DISTRICT LEADERSHIP TEAM The District Leadership Team re-organized at its regularly scheduled meeting December 6, 2008 at the Champaign Church of the Brethren. Those called to positions of leadership are: Wilbur Bowman, Chairperson; Fletcher Farrar, Vice-Chairperson; and Evelyn Bowman, Secretary. Page 1 of 5

A SIMPLE FEAST: A MUSICAL DRAMA ABOUT THE BRETHREN BY STEVE ENGEL AND FRANK RAMIREZ When a musical play rehearsal is interrupted by a church board meeting that falls apart in anger, one of the teen actors questions whether the Brethren really have anything to offer her. Can their production of “A Simple Feast” bring he participants back together to demonstrate that Brethren are still committed to live the love of Jesus no matter what the cost? Commissioned and produced by the Church of the Brethren Southern PA District for the Tercentennial, this entertaining, educational, thought-provoking and timeless intergenerational musical is intended for local church use whether as live performance or DVD viewing. The DVD can be ordered from Brethren Press. More information can be obtained from Steve Engle (814-669-9012, email: [email protected] ) or Frank Ramirez (814-652-2634, email: [email protected]). FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DISTRICT Beginning January 1, 2009, please send all financial contributions for the district to our new financial secretary, Christine Hoecker, 212 E. Forrest Hill Ave, Peoria, IL 61603. REMINDER—STATISTICAL INFORMATION FOR 2009 YEARBOOK Congregations have received Statistics Forms from the denominational Yearbook Office. There are three forms to be completed and mailed to the Yearbook Office by February 2, 2009. The forms are: Part I – Membership and Attendance statistics Part II – Ministerial Leadership statistics Part III – Financial information If you have not received these forms, or have misplace them, or have any questions or concerns about the forms, please contact Jean Clements, Yearbook Specialist at 800-323-8039, ext. 206, or email: [email protected]. DISTRICT NEWSLETTER EDITORS Leonard Matheny and Gil Crosby agreed to produce and edit the district newsletter for one year. That was 5 years ago. They have informed the District Leadership Team that they will not continue beyond 2009. Their work has been superb and is greatly appreciated. The District Leadership Team is now searching for persons interested in relieving Leonard and Gil to accept the newsletter editing responsibilities. If you have interest or know of someone who might be interested in pursuing this important ministry of communication in the district, please contact Kevin Kessler in the District Office (309-649-6008, email: [email protected]) or Wilbur Bowman (815-946-2301, email: [email protected]. PHIL AND LOUISE (LOUIE) RIEMAN Phil and Louise Rieman, co-pastors of the Northview Church of the Brethren in Indianapolis, Indiana, were instantly killed in a weather-related traffic accident on Indiana Route 37 in northern Hamilton County, Indiana, on December 26, 2008. They were on their way to a family gathering at Timbercrest in North Manchester. The Riemans previously served as missionaries in the Sudan for several years. Both had previously served in various leadership roles denominationally. Please be in prayer for their children (son Ken and his wife Kate, daughters Tina and Cheri), for the Northview Church of the Brethren, and for all their loved ones and friends who are grieving. Memorial Services were held Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at the Northview Church of the Brethren, 5555 E. 46th St., Indianapolis, IN.

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WE ARE ONE IN THE SPIRIT By Gil Crosby, Moderator - Illinois-Wisconsin District "One in the Spirit makes you powerful and Satan will try ever harder to pull you apart." It's Christmas Eve as I sit here waiting for the time when we go to the late night Christmas Eve Service at 11:00 PM. The "midnight" service has become a tradition in our church and is popular with families and visitors alike. The finale begins with communion as people come down the center aisle, break off a piece of bread and dip it in a cup of grape juice at the same time receiving a blessing from the Pastor or Deacon. The lines split from the front to the side aisles with each person picking up a candle on the way. When the last communicant has received a candle and people have formed a circle around the sanctuary someone begins to softly sing "Silent Night." The Pastor goes to the "Christ candle", lights his candle and passes the light on to those on either side. From the darkened sanctuary light flows from candle to candle until the room shines with the wonderful luminescence that artificial light could never reproduce. And it all began with the light of one candle, The "Christ Candle." The Spirit shines through when all are focused on the Christ candle and pass the light to our neighbor. Jesus says in Matthew 5:16 "….let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.". If someone breaks the flow of light it creates a dark spot in the chain. Those around you will have to wait until the flame approaches from another direction before they receive the light. Those who are focused only on their light don't see the others around them waiting for the light to come to them. They believe that theirs is the only light that shines for people to see and deprive others of their fellowship. As they hold their candles high out of reach, the others go around them spreading the flame of the Spirit to all whose candles that willingly receive the light. Each flame glows a little differently than the one next to it but still contributes light that illuminates the worship area. We are One in the Spirit, not the same in the spirit.. Each of our lights shines differently than those around us but God sees each light for what it is, a beacon to those around us. God doesn't tell us to go around pinching out other people's lights.. He wants us to trim our wicks so that our lights shine brighter so men may see our good deeds and praise our Father in Heaven… It's better to light one candle and shine than to condemn the darkness as evil. If we light up the darkness we may see good is there also. December 2008 REPORT ON PLEASANT HILL VILLAGE FALL DINNER AND AUCTION A big THANK YOU to all of you who helped in any way to make the Fall Dinner and Auction a success. It is our pleasure to report to you that the goal of $17,000 was met. The total amount taken in was $20,795. After expenses were paid, the net profit was $17,046.89. YEAH!!!! It is not too early to begin to plan for next year’s dinner and auction. If you think of an item you would like to donate for the secret auction or for the live auction, please contact Paulette at Pleasant Hill Village at 217-627-2181. Handmade or crafted items do very well on both the secret and live auction. Again, a BIG THANK YOU TO YOU ALL!!! Page 3 of 5

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DISTRICT CALENDAR

2009 Jan. 1 Jan. 6 Jan. 10 Jan. 10 Jan. 19 Jan. 20 Jan. 20-24 Jan. 24-28

New Year’s Day Epiphany Program and Arrangements Committee meeting, Naperville, 10am Gifts Discernment and Call Committee meeting, Naperville, 1pm Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday Observed Inauguration Day DE on vacation Council of District Executives winter meeting, Cocoa Beach, FL

Feb. 14 Feb. 22 Feb. 25

Valentine’s Day District Deacons meeting, Peoria, 3:30pm Ash Wednesday

Mar. 8 Daylight Saving Time Begins Mar. 13-16 Church of the Brethren, Inc. meetings, Elgin Mar. 17 St. Patrick’s Day Mar. 29-Apr. 1Midwest DE’s gathering, Camp Mack, Milford, IN Apr. 4 Apr. 4 Apr. 5 Apr. 10 Apr. 12 Apr. 26-29

Program and Arrangements Committee meeting, Naperville, 10am Gifts Discernment and Call Committee meeting, Naperville, 1pm Palm Sunday Good Friday Easter Council of District Executives Professional Growth Event, Kansas City, KS

May 3 May 10 May 21 May 25 May 31

District Deacons meeting, Peoria, 3:30pm Mother’s Day Ascension Day Memorial Day Pentecost

Jun. 21 Jun. 24 Jun. 26-30

Father’s Day Council of District Executives Summer meeting, San Diego, CA Annual Conference, San Diego, CA

Jul. 4

Independence Day

Aug. 8 Aug. 8

Program and Arrangements Committee meeting, Naperville, 10am Gifts Discernment and Call Committee meeting, Naperville, 1pm

Sep. 7

Labor Day

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