currentthe JUNE 2019 VOL. 23, NO. 11 Pre-Conference COVERAGE 2019

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thisNews from the Issue Episcopal Office ������� 1 Announcements & Events ���������������� 2 Christian Conversations ������������������� 3 Local Church News �������������������������� 4 Historical Messenger ������������������ 5, 21 Is God Calling AC 2019 ��������������������������������������� 6-11 AC 2019 Retirees ����������������������12-15 the National / Global News ��������������16-18 current You For More? Conference News ����������������������19-20 JUNE 2019 Vol. 23 No.11

The Current (USPS 014-964) is published monthly by the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of The UMC, 5900 South Second Street, Springfield, IL 62711 An individual subscription is $15 per year. The opinions expressed in viewpoints are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views ofThe Current, The IGRC, or The UMC. Communications Team Leader: Paul E. Black Team members: Kim Halusan, Michele Willson Send materials to: P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207 or tel. 217.529.2040 or fax 217.529.4155 [email protected], website www.igrc.org Periodical postage paid at Peoria, IL, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to The Current, Illinois Great Rivers Conference, P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207

Saint Paul School of Theology Morton UMC and Peoria Bethel UMC is educating tomorrow’s leaders participated in an outreach ministry on Good Friday by giving away clothes and food on the lawn of Bethel in downtown Peoria. by offering on-campus, online 4 and hybrid learning courses Photos courtesy of Gary Feldman at our Kansas and Oklahoma campuses. Grounded in Christ, we are shaping leaders to make the difference. Discover More! (913) 725-8289 or [email protected] spst.edu 4 News from the Episcopal Office the current

Bishop Beard’s Preaching Schedule JUNE SCHEDULE | June 2 – 8:30 a.m. worship service, Thayer UMC - He was really mad MAY 2019 115th Anniversary - Sangamon RD He was really mad. I mean, really, really mad! June 16 – 11 a.m. worship service, Melvin UMC This was one of my first “take-in” meetings as a new District Super- - Iroquois RD 1 intendent. It was supposed to be pretty easy. I had met with the con- gregational leadership team and had profiled the needs of the church. They had talked about the excitement of being in the heart of the fastest sponse has in some cases been, “we will not pay apportionments.” I’ve growing county in the entire state. They recognized that their church heard church leaders try and justify the withholding of apportion- was situated on the hottest piece of property in the whole area. ments as an act of “civil disobedience.” Acts of civil disobedience are Frank Beard Developers wanted their land. But the church had decided justified only if they do not cause harm and injury to other people. years earlier to hold onto the property and to keep the doors open. In The , apportionments are the funds It appeared that their persistence was just about to pay off. Several each annual conference or local church pays to support our local and new homes had already been built and plans were unveiled for a total global ministries and missions. Failure to pay penalizes and hinders Appointments community makeover consisting of subdivisions and businesses. these vital ministries. He had missed the first meeting but was there during my take-in Most of the churches in the IGRC have a long, faithful track In consultation with the Cabinet of the Illinois to speak-up for the “majority” that he claimed to represent. He was record of paying apportionments. Some understand that this is the Great Rivers Conference, Bishop Frank J. Beard mad and he wanted me to understand why he and so many others ultimate expression of our connectional system that goes all the way appoints the following: were mad. Speaking for “them” he shared with me several reasons back to our founder, . Wesley believed in and taught con- why I had to convince the Bishop that “his church needed a different Roosevelt Sam Smith II to Waverly, nectional missional giving. He understood that Christians working pastor than the one I was bringing.” together could do far more than any single Christian could do alone. LaMoine River District, ¾ time, effective July 1. After carefully listening to him, I said, “But sir, your congregation Since Wesley’s time, Methodist have given to support the work Mark Milhouse to Nokomis, Embarras River has been given what every church is asking me for: A young pastor of the church both locally and globally. Most of our congregations District, effective July 1. with a family.” His protest was fairly simple, “we like our church the have a long history of being faithful in paying their apportionments. way it is, and we do not want it to change.” By paying our apportionments we are taking part in many different Charles McDonald to Washington I did my best to persuade the committee and the more I pushed the ministries all around the world that we could not do on our own. Evangelical, Illinois River District, effective madder he got until he couldn’t take it anymore and he finally threw down It is a comfort and an encouragement to know that our giving July 1. the gauntlet by announcing, “well you tell the Bishop that we are not going makes a difference every time a disaster occurs anywhere in the world Sidney Davis to Centralia First, Kaskaskia to give any more of our money to the Conference, we are not paying any through the ministry and work of UMCOR (United Methodist Com- River District, effective July 1. more apportionments!” mittee on Relief). What do you do when well-meaning Christians make decisions We are present to help in hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, fires, and Nathan Jeffries to Fairfield First, Kaskaskia that stretch the boundaries between faithfulness to God and concern other natural disasters. We are also present to help when and wher- River District, effective July 1. for self-preservation? How do you help Christians realize that with- ever there are refugees, disenfranchised, victims of abuse, violence, Daniel J. Motta to Cross and Flame holding financial resources is a serious and drastic step that should genocide, ethnic cleansing, and tribal wars. We fight poverty, provide Ministries, Cache River District, effective July 1. be thought through, discussed widely, explored in order to uncover water, food, shelter, tools for survival, funds for education and rede- potential unintended consequences, and bathed in prayer before any velopment, as well as for hospitals, clinics, and medical services. We Lenny Summar to Ludlow, Iroquois River final decision is made? offer hope to battered women, orphanage and adoption services for District, effective July 1. This was not the first or the last time that I’ve had to deal with children, training and economic development for prisoners, fund Nancy Wilson to Quincy Melrose Chapel, Christians not understanding that obedience to God as a is mental health services, advocacy and justice ministries, as well as ed- LaMoine River District, effective July 1. among their first and highest responsibility. Matthew 6:33 reminds us ucational awareness programs that seek to eliminate AIDS, prevent- to, “seek first the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness.” You can- able diseases, illiteracy, and a variety of ministries that strengthen and Scott Carnes to Abingdon, Spoon River not keep your money when keeping your money might keep someone build-up communities. Our shared giving also helps us to provide District, effective July 1. from experiencing a blessing from God! salaries and educational training opportunities for pastors and laity. Jessica LeCrone to Oakwood-Hebron, Some congregations get mad at the annual conference or bishop Apportionments are not a tax nor a penalty, they are a means to Iroquois River District, ¾ time, effective July 1. for sending them pastors that don’t meet their approval and the re- MAD CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Keith Alan Blankenship to Bonfield- Grand Prairie Parish (Bonfield First, Bonfield For a complete obituary, visit: http://www. Deaconess and former lay member Deaths southernillinoisnow.com/2019/05/06/2019-05-10- to annual conference, Dr. Vae Rose Evangelical, Grand Prairie), Vermilion River IGRC retired pastor David G. Pease District, effective July 1. lillian-phillips/ Fultz, 80, of Jacksonville died April 19 died May 13 at St. Elizabeth’s Home in at White Hall Nursing Center. Donald B. Shane to Maquon-Douglas- Janesville, Wis. He was 86. IGRC retired pastor Charles Werner Sensel, 86, died April 27 at his home Dr. Fultz wrote a visual curriculum Orange Chapel, Spoon River District, effective Rev. Pease 30 years in active July 1. in Centerville, Ohio. to offer to churches developing new ministry, in the former Central Illinois programs for the deaf and hearing impaired. Vae Rose was a Teresa (Teri) A. Shane to Williamsfield- Conference, serving churches for eight Rev. Sensel pastored 35 years in the former Central Illinois Conference, longtime member of the United Methodist Church, serving Dahinda, Spoon River District, effective July 1. years, and a single year as the assistant director of Sunset as North Central Jurisdictional United Methodist Congress Home in 1968-69. He transferred to the Eastern Wisconsin retiring in 1997 from Pekin Grace UMC. Cindy Rettig to Athens-Cantrall, Sangamon of the Deaf president and as a lay speaker. She also taught Conference and later, the North Carolina Conference where A memorial service will be held in the near future at Christ River District, effective July 1. deaf classes in Sunday school for 30 years and had been he served as director of retirement homes. In 1979, he United Methodist Church, Kettering, Ohio. A complete active in missions and in United Methodist Women. She Darrell Howard to Clinton, Sangamon River transferred back to the former Central Illinois Conference, obituary may be found by visiting: https://www. also served as president of the Pilot Club of Jacksonville and District, effective July 1. where he served as director of Wesley Village for 11 years newcomerdayton.com/Obituary/171354/Charles- president of the Business and Professionals Women's Club. prior to retiring in 1990. Sensel/Dayton-OH Leland Legg to Okaw River Parish (Cerro A complete obituary may be found by visiting: https:// Gordo-Hammond-Laplace-Lovington), A full obituary can be seen at: https://www.gazettextra. Condolences may be sent to his wife, Sheila Sensel, 8308 www.buchanancody.com/obituary/vae-fultz, where Sangamon River District, effective July 1. com/obituaries/reverend-david-g-pease/article_ Gold Finch Ct, Centerville, OH 45458-2779. condolences may also be posted. ad0f6e35-3716-5e4e-9595-d3127bed6e59.html Deepak Samuel Holkar to Tonica and Margaret Jean "Peggy" Shirley Ann Schmidt Sullivan, Hennepin, Vermilion River District, effective Condolences may be sent to his wife, Patricia Pease, 1329 Kulczewski, 69, of Monmouth, widow of Rev. Daniel J. Sullivan, died July 1. Center Ave., Janesville, WI 53546-2437. passed away April 25 at her home. April 7, in Des Moines, . Daniel Nathan Jeffries to West Salem Zion, Retired local pastor, the Rev. Lillian Peggy served in several capacities preceded her in death on June 21, Kaskaskia River District, ½ time, effective Phillips Trimble, 86, died May 6 at in the Spoon River District and at 2005. Jan. 1. home. the conference level, including lay Together with her husband they member to annual conference. Her home church was Nathan Jeffries to Enterprise-West, Following a career in education served over 30 years in the ministry, retiring from the Fairview Center UMC, and she served at Kirkwood- Kaskaskia River District, ½ time, effective both as a special education teacher, Roodhouse in 1992. Rev. Sullivan preceded her in death Smithshire -- first as a supply pastor and later, as a part- Jan. 1. principal and school superintendent, June 21, 2005. Rev. Phillips answered the call to ministry in The United time local pastor. to Decatur First, A memorial service will be held in July. Camilla Hempstead Methodist Church, serving several circuits of churches from Persons may leave an online condolence by visiting www. Sangamon River District, effective July 1. 1996 to 2001 and from 2003 to 2011, when she retired from mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com. A complete A full obituary can be found at https://www. Steven Williams to Mason City-San Jose, Alma and Pleasant Grove. obituary can also be found at the same address. ilesfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Shirley-Ann-Sullivan/ Des-Moines-Iowa/1843401 Sangamon River District, effective July 1. She was a member of Kinmundy First UMC at the time of Condolences may also be sent to her husband, Al APPOINTMENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 her death. Kulczewski, 2002 87th St., Monmouth, IL 61462-9152. the current Announcements & Events |

MAY 2019 ANNOUNCEMENTS 2 AND UPCOMING EVENTS Cost is $325 (includes lodging, meals and Methodist Church’s 2020 General Conference. event as it seeks individuals to write liturgy, A Place at the Table psychological assessment) The denomination’s top legislative assembly will including prayers, calls to worship and litanies. Prerequisites (for more information see: https:// meet May 5-15, 2020, in Minneapolis. The denomination's top legislative assembly is KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Place at the Table, a www.igrctheboard.com/candidates-page) Approximately 175 volunteers are needed to set to meet May 5-15, 2020, in Minneapolis. national event presented by The Fellowship of • Approval of your District Superintendent serve as marshals and pages during General To apply for the opportunity to write or United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts, Conference. provide original liturgy for General Conference, will be July 15-18 in Kansas City, Mo. • Read and discuss The Christian as Minister Marshals are responsible for assisting visitors and individuals are asked to submit a letter of The event is open to all involved in worship with their pastor, campus minister or other application that includes the following: a sample clergy special guests in the visitor and reserved seating leadership and planning, including musicians, galleries, checking credentials to make sure of liturgy that includes a 5-minute devotion, a visual and fine artists, dancers, pastors, and • Write a letter to DS describing your call that only authorized persons are admitted to call to worship, and a prayer of confession all liturgists. to ministry and requesting an appointment the bar of the conference or that of legislative based on Philippians 3:14, along with the name of the writer, email address, phone number, and Information about the leaders, exhibits and to discuss your call and complete required committees, and other duties as assigned. paperwork local church name. special intensive sessions can be found at the Pages assist delegates, secretarial staff, , event website, http://fellowshipconvo.org/ . The retreat is required for all candidates for members of the Judicial Council and official Applications should be emailed to [email protected]. Application IGRC registrants can save on registration by ministry: licensed local pastor, deacon or elder. visitors. They also distribute approved materials deadline is Aug. 1. visiting bie.ly/convo19-Regional . For more information, contact Kathy Crozier and deliver printed information. “One of the many strengths of the United Mediation Skills workshop at [email protected], who serves Marshals and pages are responsible for their the IGRC Board of Ministry as its vocational expenses (travel, food, lodging, etc.). Those Methodist Church is the variety of gifts in our GLEN ELLYN – The Lombard Mennonite discernment coordinator. interested should submit an online application denomination. General Conference affords us an opportunity to experience God in many Peace Center will hold its Mediation Training Registration deadline is Aug. 9. before the deadline of July 31. Preference Aug. 5-9, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 393 N. will be given to applicants who can serve ways in a central location,” said Raymond Trapp, Main St. in Glen Ellyn. N. T. Wright headlines Olivet's throughout the entire conference. Worship and Music Director. “When liturgists from across the connection bring their voices The training is for lay and clergy who want Theological Leadership Conference If you have additional questions, contact David together in prayer and celebration, the power to learn skills that will help them deal more KANKAKEE – Theologian and author N.T. Atkinson at [email protected] and beauty of God is manifested in a sacred effectively with interpersonal, congregational Wright will be the keynote speaker at Olivet way.” and other forms of group conflict. Liturgists sought by worship Nazarene University's committee Please note that all liturgy submitted, regardless Register by the discount deadline (July 5, 2019) Theological Leadership of use by the General Conference, becomes and save $200 off your tuition. For complete Conference Sept. 5-9 in MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The 2020 General the intellectual property of General Conference details, please refer to the MSTI brochure Kankakee. Conference worship design team invites United and may be used and/or distributed with the https://lmpeacecenter.org/wp-content/ at: Registration is open with a Methodists to take an active role in the worship proper citation at the worship team’s discretion. uploads/2019/01/MSTI.Broch_.2019.pdf . special price until June 30 of experience at the denomination's quadrennial You may register either by filling out the form $79 per person. on the brochure and mailing it to the Lombard N.T. Wright is a native of north-east England, Mennonite Peace Center, or by going online and is currently the Research Professor of MAD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 to Brown Paper Tickets (a small fee will be New Testament and Early Christianity at the accomplish the work of Christ and an ef- Methodist Church is our shared connec- added for online registration) at: https://www. University of St Andrews in Scotland. Having fective way of sharing the good news of the tional giving. LET’S BE CAREFUL NOT brownpapertickets.com/event/4025584 . studied Philosophy, Ancient History and gospel of Jesus Christ. Apportionments are TO MISUSE THIS PRECIOUS GIFT BY For more information about the Lombard Theology at Oxford, he holds the Doctorate not a weapon to whip or punish the Gen- TURNING IT INTO A TOOL OF HARM. Mennonite Peace Center – its mission as of Divinity from Oxford University and over eral Conference or the Council of Bishops Thanks to the congregations, lay lead- well as descriptions of all its other course a dozen honorary doctorates. He also taught or a District Superintendent. ers, and pastors that understand and sup- https:// offerings – visit the LMPC website at in Oxford, Cambridge and McGill Universities, Every church in the IGRC should take port this vital shared ministry. Keep up the lmpeacecenter.org/ held various church positions, and was Bishop pride in our shared connectional missional good work knowing that we are touching of Durham in the Church of England (2003- ministry. We really can accomplish more and changing the world for Jesus. 2019 College of Christian Life 10). NT Wright is the author of over 80 books together than any of us can accomplish EAST PEORIA – The 2019 and hundreds of articles, has served as Visiting God Bless, alone. One of the strengths of the United College of Christian Life will Professor in Harvard, Rome, Jerusalem and Bishop Beard be Aug. 12-14, at the Embassy elsewhere, and has broadcast frequently on Suites in East Peoria. radio and TV in various countries. APPOINTMENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Jessica George to Beecher City- both churches are single- point Speaker for the event will be Register online at: https://olivet.formstack.com/ Charge realignment forms/theolc Shumway, Embarras River District, charges being served by the same the Rev. Dr. Terry Teykl, author to Caseyville- effective July 1. This is her first Mike Barclay pastor. of several books on prayer, Ashram Spiritual Pilgrimage Collinsville First, Mississippi River will be speaking on Praying and the Miraculous. appointment in the IGRC. District, effective July 1. Previously, Tawnya Fairchild to Marshall Living the Adventure Ministries, in cooperation Cost for the school is $175 before July 14 and Jay Hanscom to Godfrey First, Asbury UMC, Embarras River with the United Christian Ashram International he served Caseyville UMC as a $200 after that date until registration closes. District, less than ¼ time, effective Board, will host a spiritual pilgrimage to India Mississippi River District, effective single-point charge. CEU's are available to clergy, local pastors, lay Sept. 25-Oct. 11. July 1. July 1. She previously served servants, and lay speakers upon request. Darla Holden to Fithian-Danville Marshall Asbury as part of a India was the place where the United Christian Supply not appointed Consider adding the College of Christian Life to Farmers Chapel, Iroquois River charge with Grandview. Now, both Ashram Movement began under the ministry of your 2019 schedule. Steven Miller to Enterprise-West, District, effective July 1. Previously, churches are single- point charges missionary Dr. E. Stanley Jones. she served Danville Farmers Chapel Register online at: https://igrc.org/ccl2019. Kaskaskia River District, ½ time, being served by the same pastor. In addition to the 16-day trip, several extension effective July 1. This is his first as a single-point charge. REGISTER ONLINE options are available. Cost of the trip is $2,849 assignment in the IGRC. Change of status per person, excluding airfare to and from Delhi. Tawnya Fairchild to Grandview, Candidacy Retreat Aug. 16-17 Seth William Emerson to Embarras River District, ¼ time, Joshua David Wiggs, For more information, contact Matt Henson SPRINGFIELD – Candidacy Retreats for effective July 1. She previously discontinuation of appointment as by email at [email protected] or Centerville-Seymour-White Heath, persons wishing to become certified candidates part-time local pastor, Vermilion phone 618-830-6670. ¾ time, effective July 1. This is his served Grandview as part of a for ministry will be Aug. 16-17, at the Chiara first assignment in the IGRC. charge with Marshall Asbury. Now, River District, effective July 1. Center in Springfield. The retreat will run from Read more by visiting http://livingtheadventure. 1 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday. Lodging will net/itinerary-for-trip-to-india-september-25- be at the Chiara Center and is included in the through-october-11-2019/ TROUBLED HEART CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 registration. Applications sought for pages, should celebrate no only on Easter Sunday, but all year around. Jesus told his disciples; The retreat enables participants to worship marshals “Trust in God o trust; trust also in me.” (John 14:1b) If we trust in God and trust in Jesus together, have a chance to ask questions and our doubts and fears about the future will not take control of our lives. Jesus is telling us learn about call, learn about the process of MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Beginning today, today the same words he said to his disciple. “Don’t let your hearts be troubled.” We trust ordained ministry and meet with mentor United Methodists may apply online to serve as in God’s protection. groups. volunteer marshals or pages during The United (The Rev. Pablo Marty is pastor of Sharon UMC in Decatur, Sangamon River District). Christian Conversations the current Rules for the Road |

Editor, The Current: MAY 2019 Let Generosity Rule I feel I need to say something about BY JAMES BORTELL love.’” The church stayed together and flourished. what is going on in the world. 3 I have been a Methodist minister for The intricacies of baptism are not on the very important First, God is love. He loves us all and 54 years. Until I left home at 18, my list for many today, though are still for some. However, wants us all back in heave with Him. church was a large American Baptist whether we come from a more conservative or more And his book is perfect. It is our love letter from Our Church. Later in school, and now in liberal approach in religious matters, we can learn from Loving Father who loves us all. So it is all true and sure. my retirement years, I have served Mr. Courtney. Borrowing from Wordsworth’s tribute to Now, he put in the back of it one rule. I feel I need to Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Mennonite John Milton, “Mr. Courtney thou shouldst be living at this point it out. It is Revelation 22:18-19. He warns us all churches. I am devoutly ecumenical. time” when the media displays of religion and sometimes if we add anything or take away anything, He will take I am so grateful for my first church family. It was child the local manifestations are often ungenerous and ugly. away our share of the Tree of Life. I believe the large umbrella United Methodist church, friendly. It was a safe place for young people and adults to Now read Matthew 25:331-41. In the end, He will divide in which I ministered for many years, departed from ask questions and grow spirituality. We were introduced the sheep from the goats. So ask yourself: am I a sheep its Wesleyan roots at the 2019 General Conference. I to assurances of God’s love shining through mystery, or a goat? How will you know? You have to read the rule pray for a corrected course when we can truly become rather than certainties never to be questioned. We were book and not change any thing or take any thing out at "United," though probably in a new manifestation. introduced to a faith where love of neighbor and justice all. He already to you this. So watch it! for all God’s children were central. My mother was a During most of the years of my ministry, Christianity, You are the judge yourself. I am not a judge. Only God is. spokesperson of these ways and my mentor. “Religion,” as a religious institution, has been obsessed with what I am just a messenger. And only God and you know the she would say, “is about a way of life and not doctrine.” Christians believe rather than how they live. Belief has answer. She would have concurred with the saying “doctrines become the bellwether of religion. This is contrary to divide and duties unite.” what we are about as followers of Jesus. What is most But He still loves us even if we are goats And he forgives She told me of a meeting that took place in my home important is the love we have for one another and for all who ask Him. So there is still time and hope. church before my birth. The subject was whether our distant neighbors, whose ways, customs, practices, If you have doubts go Him and he will fix it. His love is this Baptist church would receive into its membership and beliefs are different from our own. What is more forever. persons baptized as infants in another tradition without important are the attitudinal dynamics we cultivate, So do the math and win the most important thing in requiring rebaptism. There were strong arguments on like faith, trust, and hope. What is more important are your life. both sides. A highly respected old Scotsman named Mr. our actions, our service, prayer, and practice of Micah’s Courtney argued the baptism-by-immersion-and-only- wonderful words about “doing justly, loving mercy and The Bible says Jesus even went down to Hell while he as-an-adult cause. When the board voted, the majority walking humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8). Our world, was in the grave. So we don’t know how many He took favored receiving new members without rebaptism. in such great need of healing, needs the witness and with him to heaven when he went. The Bible does not example of generosity from people of faith. “Let me tell tell us this. But what other reason did He go there for? My mother turned to my father and said, “Now our you a more excellent way…the greatest is love.” church will divide.” Mr. Courtney stood up. He said, So think about all this and do the math. (I Cor. 21:30/13:13) “Brothers and sisters, we have made a decision. My mind Just a messenger from a loving Christian friend, has not changed. But before we go home let’s stand and (Rev. James Bortell is a retired IGRC pastor living in Normal. sing ‘Bless be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian He may be reached at [email protected]) Arlene Staff Eureka UMC Illinois River District

Don’t let your heart be troubled All sin leads to BY PABLO MARTY we are practicing today. There are many situations around us I recently read some statistics about the membership spiritual death that may cause our hearts to be troubled. declining in our denomination. This is another reason Editor, The Current: The way our society is changing may for concern. According to recent statistics, since 1964, Methodism has lost 4.5 million members. Four out of our The Bible states that all sin leads to spiritual death and cause us to be afraid, confused, angry or all sin is offensive to God. We are not to compromise uncertain about the future. Among these 55 Annual Conferences in the United States have reported with any sin. things I can mention the increasing of an increase in membership. The truth is The United insecurity, delinquency, incivility and crimes in our cities Methodist Church loses around 318 members every day. We cannot label ourselves “Christian” if we are for and neighborhoods. The Central Texas Conference alone lost 12,908 members in any church denomination putting its blessing and We also can add the collapsing of the world’s the last couple of years. The increasing division and lack of acceptance on the homosexual lifestyle. Being against economy, the deterioration of the nuclear family and the unity among our leaders and churches shows us that we are such a lifestyle does not reflect homophobia but is the abandoning of the biblical principles by some people who not following Jesus’ command to be united as a body. And instinctive reflex of those who know that it violates call themselves Christians; this includes some clergy and these statistics also cause sadness and fear to many of us. God's natural law. Should any church that calls itself laity. We live in a time when almost everything is allowed My intention is not to discourage any person, but this Christian affirm these relationships and disregard what and acceptable by our society. This is the time when the is not fiction; this is a reality we are observing. God's Word denounces as an abomination? One thing we must remember is what Jesus told his prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled; when people cannot As Christians, we are to adhere to what God disciples before he offered his life on a cross. Before Jesus distinguish between the sacred and the profane. describes as sin and reject it. Any sin threatens went to the cross to give his life to pay for our sins, he had About 2,720 years ago, Prophet Isaiah wrote these our relationship with God. His Word provides the a conversation with his disciples to assure them that they words: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, blueprint for marriage and sexual relationships, within should not let their hearts to be troubled. In John 14, we who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put marriage, as between one man and one woman. There read a conversation of Jesus with his disciples. Jesus needed bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those whose are are no exceptions! "Do not lie with a man as one lies to explain to them that in a short period of time he would wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. Woe to with a woman; that is detestable” (Leviticus 18:6). those whose are heroes at drinking wine and champions at go to Jerusalem and be killed on a cross in order to assure mixing drinks, who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny us of eternal salvation. Homosexuals, and those who would accept that justice to the innocent” (Isaiah 5:20-23). All of these things At that moment his disciples did not understand what lifestyle, will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Those are happening around us today. Jesus was talking about. This information caused their who would re-interpret what the Bible says on this When we observe these things that are happening hearts to be troubled, but Jesus assured them that they won’t subject, in an effort to approve the gay lifestyle, will around us, our heart and spirit have reasons to be troubled. be alone. Jesus went to the cross and finished his mission never be “raptured” with the Body of Christ. There For us, the people called Methodist and whom love our on earth. Jesus died and was buried, but he did not stay in are no Christian denominations that are 'perfect' but church, the news we have been receiving during the last few the tom; at the third day he returned to life. This event is any denomination that accepts any sinful lifestyle, is far years about things that are happening in our denomination the main proof for us that one day we also will raise with a from the Kingdom. cause us to be troubled and uncertain about the future of glorified body to live with Jesus in heaven for eternity. Thomas Mosher our church. The Methodism founded by John Wesley, his The resurrection of Jesus is an event that all Christians Maxey Chapel UMC brother and his friends is not the same TROUBLED HEART CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Spoon River District the current Local Church News |

MAY 2019

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Photos courtesy of Gary Feldman Morton, Peoria Bethel partner on Good Friday outreach PEORIA – Morton UMC and Peoria Bethel church received a huge outpouring of clothing Missionary Baptist Church, New Journey A.M.E. UMC participated in an outreach ministry on throughout Lent to be shared with women, men Church (Moline, IL), St. James A.M.E. Church Good Friday by giving away clothes and food on and children. (Monmouth, IL), along with pastors Gary L. the lawn of Bethel in downtown Peoria. The event Bethel UMC and pastor Tyson Parks, III, Feldman and Gabe Wanck (both at Morton UMC) was an opportunity to share the love of Jesus with hosted the event. Both churches and their many and Parks shared the preaching responsibilities. people. volunteers worked side by side setting up the They were assisted by worship leader Dee Scott During Lent, Morton UMC had been staging area and overseeing the outreach. and others from Bethel. challenged to give up 40 pieces of clothing in good, A Good Friday Worship Service that Both Morton and Bethel hope to build on the near new or new condition to be given away to focused on the Seven Last Words of Christ was fruit of this outreach and develop other ministries those who could benefit most from them. The held in the afternoon. Pastors from St. Luke to simply share the love of Jesus with others. MOMENCE CELEBRATES 175 YEARS OF METHODISM BY LAURA MCELROY Kankakee Daily Journal MOMENCE – For 175 years, there has been a Methodist Church at the corner of Fourth Street and Dixie Highway in Momence. To celebrate the anniversary, a special service took place at First United Methodist Church, what it has been known for more than 50 years, with guest speaker Illinois Great Rivers Conference Residing Bishop Dr. Frank Beard. “Our members are committed to the mission of the church and are disciples of Jesus Christ,” said the Rev. Alberto Ramirez, who is presently serving as the minister. Momence was established in 1834 and by 1840 circuit rider the Rev. S. P. Burr began holding church services in a schoolhouse every two to four weeks. In 1844, Momence Photo courtesy of Momence UMC From left, Melissa Beard, Bishop Frank J. Beard, Rev. Alberto Ramirez Salazar, and became an appointment on the Beebe Grove Juanita Salazar. Circuit on the Joliet District of the Rock River Conference. The Rev. J. Leckenby was the first Church since 1968. To date, 58 ministers have been minister assigned to this charge. appointed to the Momence Church. In 1849, a parsonage was built on the corner of Second “I want to be present in the community to share God’s and Locust streets. In 1863, the first Momence Methodist grace and love. God’s grace is for everyone. Everyone is and supports the local food pantry, the Memorial Fund for Church, the “Stone Church,” was built on the corner of welcome here,” said Ramirez, who is also the pastor at Scholarships, the Good Samaritans Fund for those in the Fourth and Dixie. Nearly three decades later the brick First United Methodist Church in Grant Park and Nueva Momence School District who need assistance and local church was built in the same location. Jerusalem in Kankakee. “I want to be a pastor who preaches and global missions. During the 1950s, a fund was started for a new building. the word of God and lives what he preaches. God’s love is Ramirez is originally from northern Mexico, where he for everybody.” graduated from seminary school. He moved to the U.S. In 1962, a new brick parsonage was built on the corner in 2008, and he and his wife of 28 years, Juanita, became of Fourth and Pine. Ground was broken for the present The youth group for sixth- through 12th-graders, citizens just last year. He is currently working toward a church building on March 31, 1963, and the first worship sponsored by the First United Methodist Churches of master’s degree in pastoral care and counseling and is service was held in January the following year. Momence and Grant Park and the Nueva Jerusalem, meets at 6 p.m. Mondays. Sunday School and musical programs president of the Momence Ministerial Association. Unique features of the church include the main entrance are offered for children. “I want to keep the congregation as a friendly and with imposing bell tower which was the old church’s welcoming congregation,” he said. bell at its base. Inside, the building seats 400 beneath the “We believe we need to reach out to younger generations. impressive wood-lined ceiling, holding two rows of ornate I am very committed to working with youth,” said Ramirez, Worship services are held at 8:45 a.m. every Sunday in the lights. Today, the church is handicap accessible. who has been the minister at First United Methodist for church at 111 W. Fourth St. in Momence. three years. In past years, the church was named Grace Methodist and (Reprinted with permission from the April 27 issue of the later, First Methodist. It has been First United Methodist In addition, the church hosts two rummage sales each year Kankakee Daily Journal, www.daily-journal.com) the current

Illinois Great Rivers Conference Volume 51, Number 2 April - June 2019 |

MAY 2019 Go tell it on the prairie! 5 walking by riding the horse. The next day, I used a golf “The Otterbein Hymnal” published in 1890, long after the cart. days of the Illinois Circuit Riders. At the end of my travels, the Wrangler asked me how THERE IS A FOURTH BOOK THAT OUR BISHOP things had gone with Bob. “Fine,” I said, “except since Bob BEARD likes to reference when speaking of the vital knows the trails better than I do, he kept trying to take United Methodist books. I don’t think that there are any ‘short cuts,’ that didn’t go where I wanted us to get. If I records of this book being carried by Circuit Riders, but wanted to go left, he thought I should go right. If I wanted the Circuit Rider benefitted from the notes made on small to go left he wanted to go straight. If I wanted to trot or cards that evolved into this kind of book. The Methodist canter, he wanted to walk. If I wanted to walk, he wanted to Circuit Rider and every other clergy of the preceding gallop.,” I said with a frustrated voice. denominations of the UMC continue to benefit from this To which the wrangler responded, “Well, Chuck. He IS book. Do any of you know what book this is that Bishop A HORSE.” Beard likes to acknowledge so often? My circuit riding days were few, but I came away THAT’S RIGHT, it is the cookbook, No one knows with a new respect for the people who brought Wesleyan what the United Methodist Church is going to look like theology to the prairies of Illinois via their horse, saddle, in three years, but I dare say that the importance of this and saddle bags. fourth book will not be diminished by whatever Christians Photo courtesy of Chuck Trent It has been recorded in your wonderful church history called Methodists become after 2020. Jeff Hempstead, Rev. Dr. Camilla Hempstead, Rev. Chuck Trent that in 1843 Bishop John Seybert, just the second-ever This COOK BOOK was as important in the previous Bishop of the Evangelical Association, sent two ministers, centuries as it is today, and a lot of ministry will continue (Editor’s note: the following is the transcript of the 2019 the Revs. Levi Heiss, and J.G. Miller, to serve in the area to be done with the casserole dish. Prentice Sermon preached by Rev. Chuck Trent, an IGRC between Pekin and Washington, Illinois. They were the This congregation being a former EUB church is more retired pastor, at Washington Evangelical UMC on April 30. founders of several congregations including this one. a descendant of Phillip Otterbein and Martin Boehm than The Prentice Sermon is sponsored by the IGRC Historical If a United Methodist preacher today were to be Coke and Asbury. Although as you know, Otterbein was Society and the Commission on Archives and History in appointed to a two-point charge with one preaching at Lovely Lane Chapel in Baltimore at the 1784 Christmas cooperation with an IGRC congregation each year.) point in Washington and the other in Pekin, even with Conference and helped ordain as bishop. I bring you greetings from your brothers and sisters modern highways and automobiles that would be a tough In those days, even bishops had to ride the circuit. Asbury in Christ at Oakland UMC of the Embarras River District commute. But these circuit riders took it in stride on was probably the most influential architect of American just this side of . That is where I am currently horseback. They didn’t have to preach at every place on Methodism. serving in a one-quarter time appointment. After 24 years the circuit every week, but surely once a quarter to serve It was Asbury and Otterbein, in their respective of ministry, I am retired, or so it says in the Conference communion. denominations, who sent young men into the greatest Directory. Retirement is a word that is not in the Bible and The first pastor appointed to Hollands Grove was mission field in the world that was -and still is -- North as long as we have a pulse, we have a purpose. Retirement named Christopher Kopp. Christopher is a great name for America. is NOT something most circuit riders worried about a pastor because the name means “Christ Bearer,” after the A circuit rider might have a bed roll, a coat, a change because few lived to the age of 40. Riding the circuit for mythical saint of the Roman Catholic Church who was said of clothes, a set of saddle bags, and if he were so blessed, a Jesus just wore a person out. to have carried the young Jesus across a river. horse. Don’t laugh, there were circuit riders who couldn’t It is an honor and a privilege to share with you this Christ Bearer is what Pastor Kopp was. That is what afford a horse and had to be circuit walkers. morning the Prentice Sermon which is dedicated to the Reverends Miller and Hiess were also, and that is what If a preacher was sent to an established circuit, things preserving the memory and the work of those brave and everyone of us is called to be – Christ Bearers. might not be too bad depending upon how strung out the faithful souls who brought the church to people before it As these early Christ Bearers, rode the circuit serving “preaching places” were. was possible for the people to go to church. That is part the needs of the various groups, they carried in their saddle Peter Cartwright, the best-known Illinois Methodist of my purpose here this morning. I thank Reverend Paul bags they carried just three books as did their English- circuit rider, said of one long circuit, “The raccoons get Stroble for asking me to preach this sermon as I know this speaking Methodist counterparts. half the corn crop and they have no corn to sell.” That was ministry is near and dear to his heart. THOSE BOOKS WERE: THE BIBLE would have another way of saying that the people there wouldn’t have I have always admired the work of the Circuit Riders been small because there just isn’t much room in a much money to pay their preacher either. It wasn’t any and have read enthusiastically the biographies of several saddle bag when you have to carry everything you can place Cartwright wanted to go. But he had taken an oath of of these ministers who, once assigned didn’t ask about possibly need in them. You don’t want anything to take itinerancy, so he came to central Illinois. the condition of the parsonage, because there was no up too much room. So, a small, but complete, Bible was a A preaching place was any place where two or three parsonage. They did worry about how far they would necessity. Books in the 1840s were about as expensive as could be gathered together and hear the preacher, proclaim have to ride though, but regardless of those answers, they computers are today except a lot fewer people could afford the Word, baptize, marry and bury the faithful, establish mounted their horse and they went, following the Great the books. classes, commission leaders and get the congregations Commission that Jesus command from the Ascension The preacher on horseback arrived bearing the Word growing. In other words, BE A CHRIST BEARER. recorded in Matthew to go into all the world and make of God both in print and in his preaching, he was, as are Faith comes by hearing, but faith comes by reading disciples. we, CHRIST BEARERS. as well and the circuit riders were Bible salesmen. A I like to extravagantly say that I have been a circuit THE SECOND BOOK THEY CARRIED a good circuit rider had to be a good Bible salesman too. A rider. Several years ago when the Illinois Great Rivers DISCIPLINE. The legal framework of the do’s and small commission stayed with the preacher and the rest Conference still had the 550 acre Jensen Woods Camp in don’ts for pastors and congregations, committees, of any profit from the book concern, went to finance the western Illinois, I would serve at least one week a summer superintendents and bishops. Right after the Bible, the Preacher’s Retirement Fund. as the camp chaplain there. In addition to preaching twice Discipline was the pastor’s BIBLE, and it still is. Once Once or twice a year, in order to increase membership a day during the week, the Chaplain met daily with each set again, this was a small book. This is the 1888 version the and reach more people for Christ, several circuit riders of campers at their various camping sites scattered around Methodist Episcopal Church Discipline. I also have an would get together and have extended preaching meetings the woods, fields and creeks to do a devotional with them. 1852 edition, but today this newer one has to do. Today’s which were called revivals. Walking between camp sites, even for a 5K walker like me, Discipline is about the size of the hymnal, but it had to Your church history recognizes the importance of the was pretty time consuming. be a small book. It was a small book in a saddle bag, that revival meetings that the Evangelical Association used to Since one of the main camping activities at Jensen cast a big shadow in the formation of a denomination. hold to pull the faithful together and to bring more sinners Woods was the horse camp, I decided that I would ride to The Evangelical Discipline was much like the Methodist to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. This was and is, a each of the sites to do the devotional and save some time as Episcopal Discipline and both told preachers that, “You great way to help make disciples for Jesus Christ by being I recreated the legacy of the circuit rider. have nothing to do but to save souls.” This is the message of Christ bearers in a mighty way! The wrangler fixed me up with a horse named Bob Matthew 28: to go into all the world and make disciples. I see in your history that there was an extended and sent me out into the woods. The ministry that day THIRDLY, the circuit rider carried a small HYMNAL. evangelistic meeting in the 1840s held on the property was different, the campers were happier to see me since I Because what is worship without singing? It was smaller of Casper Koch and later in the 1870s on the property was on horseback and the horse had to be petted, brushed than this one. There were no musical notes published in of William Kell. This brought the various congregations and at one camp site, adorned with plaited flowers into the hymnal as they took up too much room and would together and recharged the spiritual batteries of the Circuit the main by the girls. I really didn’t save much time over have taken up too much room. This hymnal I have today is TELL IT CONTINUED ON PAGE 21 the current AC 2019 - Overview |

MAY 2019

6 Hearts Strangely Warmed by the Blaze of the Holy Spirit Pre-Conference COVERAGE 2019

United Methodists gather for 2019 Annual Conference PEORIA – The Illinois Great Rivers Conference of is proposing a 2.25 percent increase for all full- Distribution Center to assist in disaster response. More The United Methodist Church will be meeting in Peoria time pastors receiving minimum salary, with information on these special offerings can be found at: for the 18th consecutive year June 6-8. The Peoria Civic 2020 salaries rising to $44,358 for elders and www.igrc.org/ac2019offerings. Center will serve as the conference’s central location for deacons in full connection, associate members, On Thursday evening, the annual memorial service, the more than 2,400 expected to attend. provisional elders and deacons. Full-time local remembering clergy, clergy spouses and lay members The theme of the conference isLet’s Get Fired Up: pastors’ minimum salary would be $40,705 for 2020 to annual conference that have passed away in the last Hearts Strangely Warmed by the Blaze of the Holy Spirit. (Legislative Item 105). year will be at 7 p.m. Carol Sims, a lay servant and For the 10th consecutive year, the plenary and • A change in conference standing rules that administrative assistant for Preachers’ Aid Society and worship sessions of the annual conference will be updates a personnel policy that was part of the the United Methodist Foundation, will be preaching. broadcast over a livestream on the internet. Persons 1996 merger of the Central Illinois and Southern Sims is the daughter of the late Rev. Dr. R. Paul Sims, wishing to view the webstream may visit: www.igrc.org/ Illinois conferences and pre-dates the formation who will be one of those remembered during the service. ac2019live. The annual conference will also have the of the Conference Personnel Committee in 2006 The service will also honor 14 churches that have streams on its Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference (Legislative Item 106). completed their mission in the past year – Bethel Facebook group via Facebook Live and will be using • A new standing rules policy requiring all standing UMC near Blue Mound; Big Prairie UMC, Bonnie #IGRC2019 as its hashtag on Twitter. rules be reviewed every four years to keep the UMC, Bryant UMC, Charleston Otterbein UMC, Colp Attendees will be electing lay and clergy delegates disciplinary references current. Those items needing UMC, Decatur Central UMC, Garrison Temple UMC, to the General Conference to be held in May 2020 in annual conference approval would be presented to Irvington UMC, Prairieton UMC, Providence Chapel Minneapolis, Minn. In all, 50 clergy candidates and 43 the session for its approval (Legislative Item 107). UMC, St. Jacob UMC, Tower Hill UMC and Vandalia lay candidates have offered themselves for election to fill • A resolution seeking for greater representation Luster Chapel. the five clergy and five lay delegate positions that will and inclusion of youth and young adult members A total of 30 retirees totaling 769.5 years of service comprise the IGRC delegation. Elections will take place of the annual conference to provide greater age will be honored at Friday’s Retiree Recognition Service. during concurrent lay and clergy sessions Thursday diversity at annual conference. The resolution calls Rev. Dr. Rose Booker-Jones, former Mississippi River afternoon. Bishop Frank J. Beard will preside over the for encouraging churches to use their equalization District Superintendent, and one of the 30 retirees, will clergy election while retired Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton member to select a youth or young adult, that grants be preaching. will preside over the laity election. to help cover lodging and meals for these members On Friday evening, a forum will be held from 7 to The conference will also continue its support for be created; and that the initiative will expire in 2025 8:30 p.m. to discuss matters relating to the 2019 special- the $2.5 million Our Conference, Our Kids campaign. unless renewed (Legislative Item 201). called session of General Conference and its impact Rev. Amanda Richards will speak at Friday’s Morning Conference laity will be collecting a special offering in light of recent rulings by the Judicial Council, the Manna and the campaign will be the focus of Saturday’s for a maintenance fund for the John Kofi Asmah School denomination’s Supreme Court. All-Conference Prayer Breakfast. The campaign, which in Monrovia, Liberia. The full conference offerings Saturday’s Service of Ordination will ordain benefits five conference child welfare agencies – The include: Our Conference, Our Kids; the Tom Brown six elders in full connection and commission three Baby Fold, Chaddock, Cunningham Home, Lessie Bates Scholarship at Wiley College, one of the denomination’s provisional elders and four provisional deacon. Bishop Davis Neighborhood House and Spero Family Services – historic Black Colleges; and an offering for this year’s Frank J. Beard will be preaching and celebrating was launched at the 2017 Annual Conference. class of ordinands who will be going as a group in Communion. IGRC clergy are invited to robe and be A light legislative schedule includes only four non- early 2020 to the Holy Land. The conference is also part of the processional for this service. And where stoles calendared items: collecting tornado tote supplies for the Midwest Mission are appropriate, the liturgical color will be Red. • The Commission on Equitable Compensation AC 2019 - Thursday the current |

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Hearts Strangely Warmed 7 by the Blaze of the Holy Spirit

2019 ILLINOIS GREAT RIVERS Thursday’s Special Speakers ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSION AGENDA Safiyah Fosua Ministries, Upper Room Books, and Lectionary Presiding Bishop: Bishop Frank J. Beard Opening Worship preacher Homiletics. She has been a writing coach and “+” Indicates an Order of the Day Professor Safiyah Fosua, the associate editor of the four-volume Africana THURSDAY, JUNE 06, 2019 Annual Conference's opening Worship Book series (Discipleship Resources, 2006—2008). She has convened writing groups, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Registration/Help Desk worship preacher, is the Assistant Terrazzo Lobby Professor of Christian Worship and edited and compiled materials for Native Voices II Christian Ministry. Among her (2016)– a worship resource for Native American 9:30 - 11:15 AM OPENING WORSHIP teaching responsibilities are the worship portions of Christian communities. • Preaching: Rev. Dr. Dr. Safiyah the M.Div. core praxis courses. Her research interests Carol Sims Fosua, Associate Professor include contextual liturgy, the Psalms, and the uses Memorial Service preacher of Spiritual Formation, Wesley of poetry and spoken word in worship. Seminary at Indiana Carol Sims, the Annual Wesleyan University Prior to coming to Wesley Seminary at IWU, Conference's Memorial Service • Installation of New DS’s Safiyah Fosua served for 10 years as the Director speaker, is a retired school of Transformational Preaching Ministries of the teacher and currently serves 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM Call to Order, Roll Call General Board of Discipleship for the United as administrative assistant to & Organizational Motions Methodist Church. She and her husband, the Rev. Preachers' Aid Society and Benefit Fund and the 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM + LUNCH Dr. Kwasi Kena, also served as missionaries to United Methodist Foundation. 1:00 - 4:00 PM + Clergy Session - Hall A Ghana, West Africa, assisting the Methodist Church A lay servant and certified lay speaker, Sims has + Laity Session - Hall B & C of Ghana in curriculum writing, leader development provided pulpit supply to several churches, is active Including voting for delegates and local pastors’ education. in the United Methodist Women and served as an for General Conference 2020 Fosua has served as an adjunct professor at alternate to the 2016 General Conference, a delegate 4:15 PM Business Session several colleges and universities prior to coming to to the 2016 North Central Jurisdictional Conference Celebration of Anniversaries: IWU. She has served churches in Iowa, and New and the 2019 special session of General Conference. General Board of Global Ministry Jersey. Safiyah has been in frequent demand as a She is the daughter of the late Rev. Dr. R. Paul United Methodist Women preacher, speaker, Bible study leader and worship Sims, who will be among those remembered in this Report of the Board of Ordained Ministry designer for national events. year's Memorial Service. • Presentation of Ordinands and Safiyah has other writings for Cokesbury, Urban Provisional Members • Recognition of Course of Study Graduates and Professional Certifications Special meals speakers Budget Presentation Nominations Presentation Prior to her election, Hare served as a delegate Keith Anderson, executive Trustees Report to the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference director of Preachers' Aid Society Reports and Resolutions and Benefit Fund, will speak on the session the last 12 years and was a member of the 5:30 PM + DINNER benefits and assistance available for conference’s local Commission on the Status and IGRC retiring local pastors. He will Role of Women. In 2012, she was honored with that 7:00 - 8:30 PM Memorial Service be speaking at the Fellowship of Local group’s Alice Lee Award for her service to the church Churches Completing Their Mission Pastors and Associate Members. and for her work breaking down barriers for women. Holy Communion Hare chaired the task force that developed the • Preaching: Ms. Carol Sims Dawn Wiggins Hare will be the conference’s policy on clergy sexual misconduct and 8:30 PM Adjournment (or additonal time for speaker for this year's COSROW/ served as a trainer of that policy in the conference. delegate elections, if needed) Social Justice Dinner Thursday. She has served on the United Methodist Board Hare has served since Jan. of Pension and Health Benefits from 2008 to 2012, 2013 as the top executive of the working on the appeals committee and serving as United Methodist Commission recording secretary. on the Status and Role of Women. At her local church, Hare has taught Sunday The commission is one of 13 general agencies of the school, sung alto in the Chancel Choir and served United Methodist Church, advocates for full and as lay leader and chair of the staff-parish relations equal participation of women in the total life of the committee. church and promotes stronger policies to address Hare earned bachelor’s and law degrees from ministerial sexual misconduct and sexual ethics. the University of Alabama. She was the first woman Hare, the first woman elected circuit judge in the named partner in the Pensacola, Fla., law firm 35th Judicial Circuit in Monroeville, Ala., has been of Levin, Papantonio and worked as an assistant a member of the First United Methodist Church in district attorney in Monroe and Conecuh counties Monroeville since 1988. She was a delegate to The in Alabama. More recently, she was a partner in the United Methodist Church’s General Conference, its private law firm of Hare and Hare in Monroeville. chief lawmaking body, in 2008 and 2012. the current AC 2019 - Friday |

MAY 2019

8 Hearts Strangely Warmed by the Blaze of the Holy Spirit

FRIDAY, JUNE 08, 2018 Friday’s Special Speakers 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Registration/Help Desk Terrazzo Lobby Amanda Richards, Morning Great Rivers Conference in 2003 where she pastored in East St. Louis at the former Metro East Parish where 8:30 - 8:40 AM Call to Order Manna speaker she led a merger of three congregations into East St. Courtesies/Announcements Rev. Amanda Richards will be Louis Trinity UMC and the Trinity Outreach Center. 8:40 - 9:30 AM Morning Manna - Friday's Morning Manna speaker. As a member of the Our Conference, In April 2009, she was appointed to Peoria Bethel Rev. Amanda Richards UMC and five years later, joined the IGRC Cabinet, OFFERING: "Our Kids" Our Kids campaign, Amanda serves as pastor of Pana UMC. The first as Iroquois River District Superintendent and 9:30 - 10:15 AM Business Session campaign, which was approved by the 2016 Annual later, as the Mississippi River District Superintendent. PASBF Report Conference and launched a year later, seeks to raise Taylor Willis, Black College Board of Pensions Report $2.5 million for the five children health and welfare Fund Ambassador U.M. Foundation Report agencies to support the spiritual life programs at the Taylor Willis is from Sumter, SC, 10:15 - 10:30 AM BREAK facilities. Its mission is "Embracing the Spiritual Life where she is a member of St. James Ministries at The Baby Fold, Chaddock, Cunningham 10:30 - 11:30 AM +Service of Recognition United Methodist Church. She is a Children’s Home, Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood of Retirees 2019 Magna Cum Laude graduate House, and Spero Family Services to ensure the • Preaching: Rev. Dr. Rose of Claflin University’s Honors continued inclusion of Christ-centered spiritual care Booker-Jones College, receiving degrees in Psychology and Sociology. in their healing work." Receiving Line for Retirees - Hall B While attending Claflin University, she volunteered Rose Booker-Jones, Retiree as a mentor and tutor with local schools, worked with 12:00 - 1:30 PM + LUNCH the Public Health Alliance, played the double bass on Recognition speaker 1:30 - 3:15 PM Business Session the jazz ensemble, served as the university's Honors The Rev. Rose Booker-Jones Black College Fund Presentation Council President, and conducted health disparity is one of 30 retirees in the Class • Ambassador: Taylor Willis, research through the National Institutes of Health – of 2019 and will be preaching the Claflin University RISE program. One of her proudest duties is to ring the Retiree Recognition Service Friday • OFFERING – Tom Brown bell for black colleges and universities supported by the morning at Annual Conference. Scholarship/Wiley College Black College Fund of the United Methodist Church as Episcopal Address Booker-Jones began her ministry in 1982 in a Lina H. McCord Ambassador. Laity Address the African Methodist Episcopal Church and was DCM Introduction & Comments ordained elder in 1985. She transferred to the Illinois Camping & Retreat Ministry Updates 3:15 - 3:30 PM BREAK 3:30 - 5:10 PM Presentation of Denman and Special meals speakers One Matters Awards Asbury Theological Seminary. From the University of Cabinet Address Adrian Garcia is associate pastor of Peoria First UMC and coordinator of Kentucky, he holds a Ph.D. in counseling psychology "Reach 1,000" Presentations - the IGRC's Hispanic Ministries. as well as a master’s degrees in family studies and Tim Ozment, CDT Chairperson counseling psychology. While at UK, he spent two Garcia will be speaking at Friday's Nominations Report years as a National Institutes of Mental Health Hispanic Ministry luncheon at Peoria Trainee in the Behavioral Sciences department of the 2020 Conference Budget First UMC. College of Medicine at the University of Kentucky Remaining Reports and Resolutions A native of Mexico, Garcia transferred and received the Certificate in Medical Behavioral 5:10 - 5:30 PM + THE CHILDREN OF THE as a probationary member in 1998 and served 12 years Sciences. He also holds a BA in ANNUAL CONFERENCE as pastor of Jesus es el Senor in Cobden. He has served Christian Ministries from Ohio in his conference coordinator's position since 2004. Christian University. 5:30 - 6:45 PM + DINNER Garcia will be speaking during the special luncheon on Christina Krost will be speaking 5:30 PM Ordination Rehearsal Immigration Policies and the Church. at the United Methodist Women’s 7:30 PM FORUM: Dialogue about the Future Anthony J. Headley will be dinner. Krost, UMW Be Just Be of the Church speaking at the Asbury Theological Green North Central Jurisdiction Seminary Alumni and Friends Guide, will speak on green living and environmental luncheon on Friday. justice and how to organize houses of worship around smart energy programs. Headley is professor of counseling at Asbury Theological Seminary The theme of the dinner is150 Years of Climate where he has served since 1990. He Change and reflects one of four UMW priorities – is an ordained elder in the - environmental justice. USA and a licensed psychologist and Health Service Krost is the wife of IGRC pastor Rev. Todd Krost, Provider in Kentucky. He also holds a MDiv. from pastor of Carrier Mills UMC. AC 2019 - Saturday the current |

MAY 2019

Hearts Strangely Warmed 9 by the Blaze of the Holy Spirit

All-Conference Breakfast SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019 7:30 - 9:00 AM ALL CONFERENCE PRAYER “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, nies of what God is already doing at our agencies and BREAKFAST – Room 220 kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self- join to pray for those who are present among us from • Our Kids – Prayer for Our Kids control.” -Galatians 5:22 the agencies. This time of gathering around tables for 8:00 AM Registration/Help Desk Open – breakfast is not just physical food for the day, but also Terrazzo Lobby This year’s Prayer Breakfast will feature stories of how spiritual food for the year ahead as we support Our Closes ½ hour prior to closing God is working in the lives of Our Kids through the Kids by supporting those who serve them. of Annual Conference lens of the Fruits of the Spirit. Come to hear testimo- 9:30 AM - Noon + Service of Ordination /Commissioning / Settings of Appointments Preaching: Bishop Frank Beard OFFERING: Bishop’s Trip for the Saturday’s Special Speaker Ordinands Bishop Frank J. Beard, Ordination Preacher His life quote is, “I want to be so full of Jesus that Clergy are encouraged to robe and Bishop Frank J. Beard was when a mosquito bites me it will fly away humming process (Red stoles, as appropriate) elected as a Bishop in the North ‘there is power in the blood’!” Closing Words – Bishop Frank Beard Central Jurisdiction on July 13, 2016. The Rev. Dr. Frank J. Beard received the Prior to his election he served as an following formal education: B.A. Degree from Taylor 12:00 PM +Adjournament ordained Elder in the Indiana Area University, Upland, IN – 1979 M.Div. Degree from of the United Methodist Church. Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, KY – 1982 He was assigned to The Illinois S.T.M. Degree from Christian Theological Seminary, Great Rivers Conference effective Indianapolis, IN – 1986 D.Min. Degree from Asbury Sept. 1, 2016. He will be the presiding officer of the Theological Seminary, Wilmore, KY – 1997 Conference session and be preaching Saturday's Bishop Beard is married to wife Melissa, has Service of Ordination and Commissioning. two adult daughters: Eleanor & Emily, and two Bishop Beard has a wealth of experiences in a grandchildren: Maya and Elijah. The Bishop is an avid variety of ministry setting across the United Methodist fisherman and loves to tell stories about his fishing Church. He has served as a local church pastor, a adventures. District Superintendent, and as Senior Pastor of a When asked if he is going fishing he is quick to large congregation. Bishop Beard is a gifted preacher reply, “No, I’m going catching, anybody can fish!” and teacher. He has a passion for Jesus Christ that is contagious. His primary focus is encouraging churches to be “on fire for Jesus.” Self-Monitoring at Annual Conference As part of our ongoing commitment to reflect the decision-making as we seek to serve all the people in diverse and inclusive Body of Christ, we will once our region. again be tracking and monitoring who is speaking The Commissions will review and share the data after and participating at our plenary sessions during the the conclusion of our Annual Conference Session, Illinois Great Rivers Conference this June. This is shared but they won’t be making ongoing reports during the initiative of our IGRC Commission on Religion & Race Session itself. (CORR), Commission on the Status & Role of Women (COSROW), and Office of Connectional Ministries. If you would like to know more about the monitoring The goal of the monitoring is not to shame or judge, but process or would like to assist with the monitoring, rather to help identify and celebrate the progress of our contact Curtis Brown, Director of Connectional Conference in including a wider variety of voices in our Ministries ([email protected]). the current AC 2019 - Milestone Churches / Scholars / Offerings / Sched app / Evaluation Link Scholarship recipients | Offerings and

MAY 2019

10 MMDC Collection John Kofi Asmah School, West Point, Liberia Laity from the Illinois Great Rivers Conference raised funds to construct the John Kofi Asmah School, located in the West Point section of Monrovia, Liberia. This year's offering will be to provide funding for maintenance costs of the school. AUDRA BELL ISAAC ELKINS ANNA FENDER AUDRA HEISTAND Robinson First UMC Casey UMC Jacksonville Grace UMC Monticello UMC Our Conference, Our Kids Junior Senior Sophomore Freshman A $2.5 million campaign to provide funding for St. Louis University North Central College Ohio Wesleyan University ISU or SIU-E the spiritual life programs at The Baby Fold, Chaddock, Cunningham Children's Home, Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House and Spero Family Services (formerly the United Methodist Children's Home) was approved by the 2016 Annual Conference and launched in 2017. An offering will be taken during Friday's Morning Manna to fund the campaign. Tom Brown Scholarship, Wiley College The Tom Brown Scholarship is one which assists a student of Wiley College, one of the 11 historical Black Colleges. SAM KAUERAUF JOSH KING-NOBLES AVERY MEADE GRANT OXFORD Beginning in 1987, the former Central Illinois conference, Springfield First UMC Normal First UMC Nashville Grace UMC Robinson First UMC named a scholarship in memory of the Rev. Tom Brown, a Senior Junior Sophomore Junior long-time supporter of the Marshall, Texas-based school. Indiana Wesleyan University St. Olaf College Taylor University University of Evansville Rev. Brown was often the one who stood at the microphone after the presentation by the visiting Black College intern and would move that the annual conference session take up a special offering for Wiley College. Rev. Brown’s daughter, Sharon Brown, is the director of Kumler Outreach Ministries in Springfield. Ordinands' Trip, February 2020 An offering will also be taken for the Wesley Pilgrimage Ordinands' Trip in February 2020 during the Service of Ordination and Commissioning. This trip, which will include KENNETH SMALLHORN TAYLOR THOMAS ELYSE TRAVIS JACK WILSON the Classes of 2019, is used to form spiritual leaders at the beginning of their ministry. Charleston Wesley UMC Bloomington Wesley UMC Camp Point UMC Toulon UMC Junior Junior Freshman Freshman MMDC Collection at Annual Conference Univeristy of Illinois Champaign University of Evansville Central Methodist University Iowa State University Attendees to 2019 Annual Conference are urged to have their congregations collect items for the Midwest Mission Distribution Center. A truck will be located at the Peoria The IGRC Historical Society and the Civic Center to accept those donations during the Annual Commission on Archives & History Conference. will honor the following churches Tornado totes include the necessities for persons whose that are celebrating their 150th, homes have been affected by tornados or floods. The items needed for each tote include the following: 175th and 200th anniversaries Midwest Mission Distribution Center will be operating a during a special lunch on Thursday drop-off site at Annual Conference. The truck will be parked during Annual Conference. on the corner of SW Monroe and North William Kumpf Blvd. from 8 a.m. Thursday to 6 p.m. Friday. 150 years – founding dates in 1869 Ridgway Savoy Items for tornado totes will be collected: Steeleville Adams Corner • $9 donation for two totes Kingston Mines New Hope • 2 pair of work glove Gilman Witt • 2 boxes of gallon-size resealable bags Goodwine Roseville • 2 permanent markers (i.e. Sharpie) • 1 roll of duct tape (preferred colored) to label household 175 years – founding dates in 1844 items Marion First Taylorville • 2 dust masks (no surgical masks) Salem Lorraine • 24 heavy-duty trash bags, rolled (33-45 gallon) for trash Momence Cornell removal Quincy Union • 24 clear trash bags (20-33 gallon) for larger personal 200 years – founding dates in 1819 items that need containment Belleville Union Supplies can be collected and brought to Annual Conference and/or contribute to Advance Special #6620 and Get connected! indicate “tornado totes.” Download the Sched app: Give us your feedback on Annual Conference: http://ac2019.sched.com www.igrc.org/ac2019evaluation AC 2019 - Five Star Churches the current

A total of 703 congregations in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference paid 100 percent of their apportionments in 2018. Conference-wide, congregations were faithful in remitting 94.69 percent. The payment of apportionments is the “first benevolent responsibility of the church” (paragraph 812,The Book of Discipline). Of the 703 congregations, 136, which are in bold-face type, were also designated as Five Star Churches in which these churches

THANK YOU! participated in Second Mile Giving as outlined by the conference’s Five Star Mission program (see: www.igrc.org/fivestar for more information). |

MAY 2019 CACHE RIVER Emmanuel UMC Hanna City UMC Murdock UMC Waltonville UMC Dorchester UMC New Salem UMC DISTRICT Etna UMC Henry UMC Newman UMC Wayne City UMC Edwardsville Immanuel UMC Owaneco UMC 11 Anna UMC Fairview UMC Kewanee First UMC Oakwood UMC Wesley UMC Ellis Grove UMC Pana UMC Belknap UMC Falmouth UMC Kingston Mines UMC Ogden UMC West UMC Fairview Heights Christ UMC Petersburg UMC Benton First UMC Fillmore UMC LaFayette UMC Parkville UMC Xenia UMC Fairview Heights Raymond Community Of Broughton UMC Flat Rock UMC Laura UMC Paxton First UMC Zion UMC Prospect Park UMC Faith UMC Cache Chapel UMC Fourth Street UMC Lewistown UMC Pesotum UMC Gillespie First UMC Rochester UMC Reynolds UMC Carbondale First UMC Funkhouser UMC Locust Lane UMC Quest Grace UMC LAMOINE RIVER Glen Carbon New Bethel UMC San Jose UMC Rock Island Two Rivers UMC Carbondale Grace UMC Gaskill UMC London Mills UMC Rankin UMC DISTRICT Granite City Trinity UMC Sanner Chapel UMC Roseville UMC Carmi Emmanuel UMC Grandview UMC Mackinaw UMC Rantoul First UMC Arenzville UMC Greenville First UMC Sharon UMC Smithshire UMC Carmi First UMC Greenup UMC Manito UMC Ridge Farm UMC Ashland UMC Hartford First UMC Sherman UMC Stronghurst UMC Carrier Mills First UMC Harmon UMC Maples Mill UMC Roberts UMC Astoria UMC Highland Hope UMC South Fork UMC Swan Creek UMC Carterville UMC Harvest UMC Monica UMC Sadorus UMC Barry UMC Huey UMC Springfield Asbury UMC Taylor Ridge UMC Cave In Rock UMC Herrick UMC Monterey UMC Saint Joseph UMC Beardstown First UMC Keyesport UMC Springfield Cotton Hill UMC Terre Haute UMC Cedar Grove UMC Hillsboro UMC Morton UMC Savoy UMC Beverly UMC Lebanon First UMC Springfield Douglas Victoria UMC Center UMC Humboldt UMC Mossville UMC Seymour UMC Bluff Springs UMC Marissa UMC Avenue UMC Viola UMC Colp UMC Hume UMC Mount Pleasant UMC Shiloh UMC Bluffs UMC Maryville Saint Luke's UMC Springfield First UMC Walnut Grove UMC Creal Springs UMC Hutsonville UMC New Hope UMC Sidell UMC Brooklyn UMC Medora UMC Springfield Grace UMC Williamsfield UMC Cross and Flame Ministries UMC Irving UMC Norris UMC Sullivan UMC Browning UMC Mount Olive UMC Springfield Jerome UMC Cross Road UMC Kansas UMC Pekin First UMC Tolono UMC Camden UMC Nashville Grace UMC Springfield Laurel UMC VERMILION RIVER Crossville UMC Kedron UMC Pekin Grace UMC Tuscola UMC Camp Point UMC New Athens UMC Stonington UMC DISTRICT Cypress UMC Kirk Chapel UMC Peoria Bethel UMC Union Corner UMC Carlinville UMC New Baden UMC Sugar Creek UMC Aroma Park UMC Dahlgren UMC Lakewood UMC Peoria Bradley Epworth UMC Urbana First UMC Carrollton UMC New Palestine UMC Taylorville UMC Atlanta UMC Eddyville UMC Lerna UMC Peoria First UMC Urbana Wesley UMC Christ UMC O'Fallon First UMC Warrensburg UMC Bloomington Park UMC Eldorado UMC Marshall Armstrong UMC Peoria Forrest Hill UMC Villa Grove UMC Columbus UMC Okawville UMC Waynesville UMC Bloomington Wesley UMC Elkville UMC Marshall Asbury UMC Peoria Northwest UMC Weedman UMC Concord UMC Percy UMC Williamsville UMC Bloomington West Olive Energy UMC Marshall Emmanuel UMC Peoria University UMC Weldon UMC Detroit UMC Piasa UMC Windsor UMC Faith UMC Enfield UMC Marshall First UMC Princeville UMC Wellington UMC Doddsville UMC Pleasant Mound UMC Zion Chapel UMC Bonfield Evangelical UMC Equality UMC Marshall Trinity UMC RiversEdge UMC White Heath UMC Durbin UMC Pocahontas UMC Bonfield First UMC Fountain UMC Mattoon First UMC Sheffield UMC Woodland UMC Ebenezer UMC Preston UMC SPOON RIVER Bourbonnais Grace Glendale UMC Mode UMC Shields' Chapel UMC Fairview UMC Saint Jacob UMC DISTRICT Community UMC Golconda First UMC Montrose UMC Smithfield Brock UMC KASKASKIA RIVER Florence UMC Shiloh UMC Abingdon UMC Braceville UMC Goreville UMC Mount Carmel UMC Texas UMC DISTRICT Franklin UMC Sorento UMC Aledo UMC Bradley Evangelical UMC Grand Tower UMC Neoga Grace UMC Tremont UMC Albion UMC Girard UMC Sparta First UMC Alpha UMC Bradley Wesley UMC Greenwood UMC Newton Grace UMC Trivoli UMC Allendale UMC Grafton UMC Staunton UMC Altona UMC Cabery UMC Harrisburg First UMC Nokomis UMC Varna UMC Alma UMC Greenfield UMC Steeleville UMC Annawan Community UMC Chatsworth UMC Jonesboro UMC Oak Ridge UMC Washburn UMC Asbury Chapel UMC Griggsville UMC Tilden UMC Biggsville UMC Chenoa UMC Karnak UMC Oakland UMC Washington Evangelical UMC Bellmont UMC Hamilton UMC Trenton First UMC Bishop Hill UMC Coal City UMC Macedonia UMC Oblong Central UMC West Jersey UMC Bethel UMC Havana First UMC Troy UMC Blandinsville UMC Colfax UMC Marion Aldersgate UMC Oblong Evangelical UMC White Chapel UMC Bethel UMC Houston UMC Wood River First UMC Burnside UMC Cornell UMC Marion First UMC Oliver UMC Willow Hill UMC Beulah UMC Industry UMC Worden UMC Cambridge UMC Cropsey UMC McHenry UMC Palestine First UMC Wyoming UMC Billett UMC Jacksonville Asbury UMC Carman UMC Cullom UMC McLeansboro First UMC Palestine Grace UMC Zion Evangelical UMC Boulder UMC Jacksonville Centenary UMC SANGAMON RIVER Church of the Cross UMC Downs UMC Metropolis First UMC Paris First UMC Bridgeport UMC Jacksonville Grace UMC DISTRICT Colchester UMC Dwight UMC Mounds UMC Paris Otterbein UMC IROQUOIS RIVER Calhoun UMC Jacksonville Wesley Chapel Argenta UMC Colona UMC Ebenezer UMC Mount Moriah UMC Patton UMC DISTRICT Centralia First UMC UMC Assumption UMC Dahinda UMC El Paso UMC New Burnside UMC Pearl Chapel UMC Allerton UMC Chauncey-Landes UMC Littleton UMC Athens UMC Douglas UMC Ellsworth UMC Norris City UMC Pleasant Valley UMC Arcola UMC Clay City UMC Living Faith UMC Beason UMC Durham UMC Fairbury First UMC Oak Grove UMC Robinson First UMC Arthur UMC Cornerstone UMC Manchester UMC Bethany UMC East Moline Christ Forrest UMC Olive Branch UMC Salem UMC Ashkum UMC Dix UMC Modesto UMC Bissell UMC Multisite UMC Grand Prairie UMC Pinckneyville UMC Scottland UMC Batestown UMC Ebenezer North UMC Mount Sterling First UMC Blue Mound UMC Eliza Community UMC Grand Ridge UMC Pittsburg UMC Seed Chapel UMC Bellflower UMC Ebenezer Sams UMC Murrayville UMC Buckeye UMC Elmwood UMC Grant Park First UMC Pleasant Grove UMC Shelbyville First UMC Bement UMC Enterprise UMC Naples UMC Cantrall UMC Fairfield UMC Hennepin UMC Powers UMC Shumway UMC Bismarck UMC Fairfield Ellen Moore UMC New Canton UMC Cerro Gordo UMC Fairview Center UMC Herscher UMC Raleigh UMC Stewardson UMC Bondville UMC Farina UMC New Salem UMC Chatham UMC Fairview UMC Hopedale UMC Ridgway UMC Strasburg UMC Broadlands UMC Flora First UMC Oakford UMC Chestnut UMC Galesburg Faith UMC Hudson UMC Rosiclare UMC Sugar Grove UMC Camargo UMC Flora Trinity UMC Oxville UMC Cisco UMC Galesburg First UMC Kankakee Saint Mark UMC Royalton UMC Toledo UMC Catlin UMC Gilead UMC Palmyra UMC Clinton UMC Galva First UMC Kankakee Trinity UMC Sesser UMC Tower Hill UMC Centerville UMC Grayville UMC Paloma UMC Dalton City UMC Geneseo First UMC Kempton UMC Shiloh UMC Trinity Chapel UMC Champaign Faith UMC Harmony UMC Payson UMC Decatur Central UMC Geneseo Grace UMC LeRoy UMC Stiritz UMC Vandalia Luster Chapel UMC Champaign First UMC Ina UMC Perry UMC Decatur First UMC Gladstone UMC Lexington First UMC Sunfield UMC Vermilion UMC Champaign New Horizon UMC Irvington UMC Peter Cartwright UMC Decatur Grace UMC Good Hope UMC Long Point UMC Tamms UMC Washington UMC Chrisman UMC Iuka UMC Plainville UMC Decatur Wesley UMC Green River UMC Lostant UMC Tate's Chapel UMC Watson UMC Cissna Park UMC Johnsonville UMC Pleasant Grove UMC Divernon UMC Hampton Grace UMC Magnolia UMC Taylor UMC Wesley Chapel UMC Collison UMC Kinmundy First UMC Pleasant Hill UMC Easton UMC Henderson UMC Manteno UMC Valier UMC West Liberty UMC Countryside UMC Lancaster UMC Quincy Union UMC Edinburg UMC Hills Grove UMC Mazon UMC Vergennes Wesley UMC Westfield UMC Crescent City UMC Lawrenceville Zion UMC Quincy Vermont Street UMC Elkhart UMC Hillsdale UMC McDowell UMC Vienna UMC Willow Hill UMC Danville Bowman Avenue UMC Little Wabash UMC Richfield UMC Elwin UMC Hooppole Zion UMC McNabb UMC Walnut Grove UMC Witt UMC Danville Farmers Chapel UMC Louisville UMC Rockbridge UMC Fairview UMC Illinois City UMC Minonk UMC Ware UMC Woodbury UMC Danville First UMC Mount Carmel Evangelical UMC Rosedale UMC Farmersville UMC Jerusalem UMC Momence First UMC Webb's Chapel UMC Zion Hill UMC Danville Saint James UMC Mount Carmel Trinity UMC Rural UMC Findlay UMC Joy UMC Normal Calvary UMC Wesley Chapel UMC Zion UMC Donovan UMC Mount Vernon Epworth UMC Sheldon's Grove UMC Forsyth UMC Kirkwood UMC Normal First UMC Wesley Chapel UMC Zion UMC Fairmount UMC Mount Vernon First UMC Sugar Grove UMC Fountain of Life UMC Knoxville UMC Normal Morningstar UMC West Eden UMC Fairview UMC Mt Vernon West Salem Vermont UMC Garver Brick UMC Loraine UMC Pleasant Grove UMC West Frankfort Antioch UMC ILLINOIS RIVER Farmer City UMC Trinity UMC Virden First UMC Hammond UMC Macomb Wesley UMC Pontiac First UMC West Frankfort Central UMC DISTRICT Fisher UMC Odin UMC Virginia UMC Illiopolis UMC Maquon UMC Ransom UMC West Frankfort Trinity UMC Bartonville UMC Fithian UMC Olney First UMC Warsaw UMC Island Grove UMC Maxey Chapel UMC Reddick UMC Wolf Lake UMC Blue Ridge UMC Georgetown UMC Olney Saint Paul UMC Waverly UMC Kenney UMC Milan Trinity UMC Richland UMC Zeigler UMC Boyd's Grove UMC Gibson City UMC Parkersburg UMC Winchester UMC LaPlace UMC Mineral UMC Ritchey UMC Zion UMC Brimfield UMC Gifford UMC Patoka UMC Latham UMC Moline Bethel Wesley UMC Roanoke UMC Bryant UMC Hebron UMC Petrolia UMC MISSISSIPPI RIVER Lincoln First UMC Moline Riverside UMC Saunemin UMC EMBARRAS RIVER Canton South Park UMC Hindsboro UMC Pinkstaff UMC DISTRICT Loami UMC Monmouth First UMC Saybrook Wesbein UMC DISTRICT Canton Wesley UMC Homer UMC Pleasant Grove UMC Alton Main Street UMC Long Creek UMC Nauvoo UMC Secor UMC Asbury UMC Chillicothe First UMC Hoopeston UMC Pleasant Grove UMC Beckemeyer UMC Lovington UMC New Boston UMC South Wilmington UMC Altamont First UMC Crossroads UMC Indianola UMC Richview UMC Belleville Saint Matthew UMC Macon UMC New Philadelphia UMC Streator First UMC Asbury UMC Cuba UMC Iroquois UMC Saint Francisville UMC Belleville Union UMC Maroa UMC North Henderson UMC Tonica UMC Beecher City UMC Deer Creek UMC Loda UMC Salem Grace UMC Benld UMC McLean UMC Oneida UMC United Church of Heyworth Casey UMC Delavan UMC Ludlow UMC Salem Trinity UMC Bunker Hill UMC Middletown UMC Oquawka UMC Verona UMC Charleston Wesley UMC Dunlap Prospect UMC Mahomet UMC Sandoval UMC Carlyle First UMC Midland UMC Orange Chapel UMC Wenona Saint John's UMC Coffeen UMC East Peoria Faith UMC Mansfield UMC Shattuc UMC Caseyville UMC Monticello UMC Orion UMC Cottonwood UMC East Peoria First UMC Melvin UMC Sumner UMC Chester First UMC Morrisonville UMC Pine Bluff UMC Dogwood Prairie UMC Eureka UMC Middlefork UMC Union Chapel UMC Collinsville First UMC Mount Auburn UMC Point Pleasant UMC Dunlap UMC Farmington UMC Milford UMC Union Chapel UMC Columbia Bethany UMC Mount Zion UMC Port Byron First UMC Effingham Centenary UMC Green Valley First UMC Mount Vernon UMC Vandalia First UMC Coulterville UMC New Holland UMC Preemption UMC the current AC 2019 - Retirees |

MAY 2019

12

JAMES ALLISON PAUL R BAUER BRUCE BAUMBERGER GEORGE BIBY ROSE BOOKER-JONES MICHAEL BUCKMAN 28 YEARS OF SERVICE 49.25 YEARS OF SERVICE 39.5 YEARS OF SERVICE 2 YEARS OF SERVICE 17.5 YEARS OF SERVICE 25 YEARS OF SERVICE

STEVE BUSICK JOEL CATLIN PAULETTE COTT KIM DANCEY DAVID DUCOMMON LARRY A GILBERT 14.5 YEARS OF SERVICE 40.5 YEARS OF SERVICE 11.75 YEARS OF SERVICE 14 YEARS OF SERVICE 22 YEARS OF SERVICE 42 YEARS OF SERVICE Honoring Our Retirees

A total of 30 persons totaling 769.5 years of service have retired or will retire at the 2019 Annual Conference. The retiring class was invited to be interviewed by video and/or respond to the questions in writing. The stories on the next several pages reflect those who were interviewed, but all the following clergy will be recognized at the retiree celebration set for Friday at 10:30 a.m.

James Allison to the professional appointment. At the there that you don't know the good will do anything, even if it means going same time, I am fired up knowing that news of Jesus Christ. They need to into the ministry. And that day the I got fired up in ministry when I in a different way, I know that God is know love of God. And currently just prodigal son came home.” was being called to start a piano tuning ready to use me and I am excited about either they don't believe it or they're As I retire, I can't wait to see what business. I took off for Texas, which that. unsure of it, or no one's ever taken the God does with me now. I about died was only one of about five places in the time to help them experience it. five years ago and it should have died United States that offered the course. Paul R Bauer and people prayed and God gave me I came home, looked in the George Biby a miracle and I'm blessed to be alive. newspaper, and saw that Chenoa UMC Bruce Baumberger So it's fun to think and imagine what had a new minister. I thought, "Well, Rose Booker-Jones God's going to do with me now. But I'm brand new up here too. I started The human need led me into the there is one word that really keeps me going to Chenoa UMC and every time chaplaincy. I'm reaching out to people, fired up. It's grandkids, so, okay. I thought, "Is this the right church for seeing there's a lot of hurting people Michael Buckman me?" who are very ignorant of the Good Paulette Cott That pastor -- Rev. Vaughn News of Jesus Christ. There are people Steve Busick I wanted to go into ministry but Hoffman -- called me up on the phone, who I have been privileged to associate at that time there were so few women almost within 24 hours, and offered with. I have taken the time to win their in ministry. And so I went to Kansas something to me. "Would you like to trust and their confidence, and God Joel Catlin University and majored in journalism, work with our youth?" I did that. After has opened the door for me to be able What got me fired up, made me became a reporter. And in the close to a while I started thinking, "I wonder if to say something like: Have you ever want to enter the ministry was I was 30 years that I was doing news, I saw there's something more?" Within about heard the Christmas story? Have you about 12 years old and at East Bay an awful lot of hurt out there. 48 hours, Vaughn called me on the ever heard what God has done for you? Camp I threw my stick into the fire I thought, yes, it needs to be phone and suggested the lay speaking Do you know that God loves you?‘’ and the fire almost blew up and burned reported on, but it's time for me to program and so I began lay speaking. Sometimes I have led people into, me up. But that night I, I really saw think about helping. Then in 2004 we Finally, he came to me one day “have you ever thought about forgiving the light, and knew I was called to moved to the Bloomington-Normal and said, "Have you ever considered this person because it's affecting ministry. area and there was not a job to be had ministry?" And I said, "Yes, but I just your health?” Those kinds of things I fought against that for a lot of in journalism. First time that had ever don't have the college degrees to do continue getting me fired up. Right years and I went to seminary because happened to me. that." He explained the local pastor now, I'm entertaining what I'm doing they had a great theater program there. And I went to my husband, I said, route to me. I chose to take that route in retirement. I've already retired And it was my next step on my way to “maybe it's time for me to look at my and here I am. and I am looking at the prospect Broadway. People started encouraging call to ministry. I don't want to have to What still gets me fired up, I have of continuing to do some form of me with my long hair, beard, bib face God someday.” felt God calling me to do different chaplaincy work, either with the police overalls and motorcycle that I ought to And my husband Greg said, “go, things since I was a little boy. There department or the Fire Department. go to the ministry. go and do.” I talked to Dr. Randy is no reason not to assume the God I don't want to get all wrapped up I, I would just laugh, but they kept Perry and he said, “let's go to licensed is going to continue to call me to do into the hospital again, but I'm still out on and you know, it ended up after school.” I said, we'll do it. And the rest things in this retirement mode. I have there meeting those individuals who, dawn and I got engaged one time, we is history. no doubt that there is some wonder who probably never darken the door of decided we better figure out what we're I love the people, not only in our still out there that God has prepared a church until they meet Christ. And going to do with our life when we grew churches but in the clergy and in our for me. I feel completely called to enter then things may change for them. But up. And so we knelt down at the couch churches. I value and love my covenant this point of my ministry by saying no right now, I know there are people out in her little apartment and said, “God, I the current | MAY 2019 13 Keeping me fired up in retirement retirement up in fired me Keeping be to involved continuing on I plan What got me fired up was as a up was fired me got What ministry youth that dreamed I never ALAN RHEIN ALAN 45 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 45 DANNY WRIGHT D DANNY would be my thing, but early on in my in my on early thing, but be my would I was ministry what was really that realstrengths my where That's called to. would group Every time the youth were. the giving grow, would the church grow, aspect the of the missional grow, would grow. would church been I've married for family. will be my and woman the same to 44 years over forward looking really I are and Patty spending do a good of job We it. to for a chance this is but time together, two our time with more spend to us that, and grandchildren two our sons, travel. do some to and whether Appalachian with in mission in disaster Service VOAD with Project, in Africa. wells installing or response lives over the next several years. They several the next years. over lives just to old 15 years almost from range be to Being able old. years two under with them, work with them, travel with part and them, be their world a part of their lives. of Ed Hoke rough a pretty I lived boy, young raised the in I was church but life, a very had positive I always and didn't just experience God, with but in And a very goodhave relationship. Christ with reacquainted 1976 I got that immediate almost was it and the when the grace I understood and through available was that forgiveness Christ. 48 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 48 ROBERT MORWELL ROBERT 43.75 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 43.75 AC 2019 - Retirees 2019 AC TIM WOODARD TIM ALAN MILLIGAN ALAN ELIZABETH REIS 44 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 44 11 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 11 20.25 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 20.25 What has kept me going is is going me kept has What up being fired and Retirement My Dad worked for Caterpillar Caterpillar for Dad worked My the last couple of years is traveling. traveling. is years of couple the last that trips several long have we And together. traveled take and to like we a few just within live blessed to We're and grandchildren five our of minutes their spouses. and daughters two our in their lives invested always have We in their deeply invest to intend we and wanted to do is drive heavy equipment. equipment. heavy drive do is to wanted was opportunity an like looked it Later going I was maybe up; open to going the summer was then it And farm. to I I started high school that before experiencebegan to God's call upon the time I started high About life. my for new a direction took school life a life think to I began about and me of a lifetime involve to going was that Christian service. in their faith grow people watching mission a period of Lots time. of over in involvement of kids, lots with trips in traveling those and things types of places with different of a lot ministry, about really was it But adults. kids and being changed lives people's watching Christ. Jesus through Theresa window. open an kind of is of one trailer and a travel I have and over enjoyed really the we've things currently and I have great anticipation anticipation great I have and currently the five for God in store what has of churches. Larry A Gilbert ambition my and company tractor all was I memories the earliest from DEB REESE DEB JULIE A SMITH A JULIE KEITH MICHAELS KEITH 12 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 12 28.5 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 28.5 35.25 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 35.25 RICHARD LEWIS RICHARD 23 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 23 JENNIFER L SEDER L JENNIFER EUGENE RAMSEYEUGENE 42 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 42 30.75 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 30.75 I'm staying on where I'm serving where on I'm staying I think the thing that's kept kept I think the that's thing On Easter Sunday 1991, my 1991, my Sunday On Easter My ministry began many years years ministry began many My going to continue to keep doing it doing keep to continue to going leading me that direction. that me leading when those is moments going me would a, someone a sermon, following “oh say, and the door at me greet that it about thought I never pastor, today.” me inspired really you or way of seeks the praise that one I'm not them being when I hear but people, the think to maybe outside challenged and up fired me keeps what it's box, fact, I'm In do it. to wanting me keeps going on because I never had a desire a desire had because I never on going role. beto a pastoral in can “if you me, to said father-in-law “it’s I said, run!” And else, do anything ministry pastoral or into I go either my my, and urgency that had I just die.” that the scripture to back went mind within hearts burn our not “did said, in my burning wasn't mine us?” Well, and gut in my burning was it heart, but God that was when I knew that that's wherever Godwherever leads. David Ducommon been I've in ministry. pastoral before 10 ministry about music I was since music I enjoyed and old 11 years or everything solos done from ministry, music choirs, direct to groups to feel to 1991, I began Around director. of type a different toward a leaning was what ministry sure I wasn't and as as we can with him. And that fires fires that him. And with can we as as and guy little that think to about up me KATHY LEWIS KATHY 13 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 13 22 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 22 FLORENE E SCOTT E FLORENE 9.5 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 9.5 CATHERINE NAJMON CATHERINE ED HOKE ED JOANN RUFF JOANN 7 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 7 ANITA MUNDEN ANITA 10 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 10 38.5 YEARS OF SERVICE OF YEARS 38.5 There is no on/off switch in switch on/off no is There Knowing that God's spirit is is God's that spirit Knowing I am sustained in ministry sustained I am by I got fired up and answered the answered and up fired I got grandson or grandchild ever. And so And ever. grandchild or grandson watching to forward looking are we time much as spending and him grow that ongoing, maturing and growing growing and maturing ongoing, that a new have We even in retirement. only our probably grandchild, through them. through continue everywhere to able and people experience that healing that that healing experiencepeople that God's allowing God just does, and in and work in and come to spirit too. God what does. Seeing watching just help people grow in Christ as I've been in Christ I've as grow people help the wonderful through grow to helped life been my part of have that people experienced so much of God's of experienced healing so much that reconciliation grace and and with share to I wanted what was that been call to always has my and people, call to ministry after witnessing how how call ministry to witnessing after how and lives in people's God works I just life. own in my worked he's Kim Dancey would like to do pastoral care in either in either care do pastoral to like would a hospice. or and a hospital leading me, maybe into adult ministry adult maybe into me, leading that I do know But church. in a larger so heart. And I in my is care pastoral form my ministry we'll take as I retire. ministry I retire. take my as we'll form a small if I will into go know I don't God where is know don't church, and I have made in ministry. in ministry. made I have and what know I don't And ministry. group and all of the friends that Greg Greg the friends all that of and group the current AC 2019 - Retirees |

MAY 2019 Honoring Our Retirees 14

be able to lead in the direction God shown such grace, compassion, commit- faithful to be with me all the time. The Kathy Lewis wants me to go whether that is in part- ment, kindness, that they've reignited Spirit is powering me and challenging What got me fired up to enter the time ministry or spending time in my me and they are the ones that keep me me and pushing me. And that's been ministry was my desire to bring my woodworking shop. For me, I seem to going. There is the promise of an empty good. But I would say it's the people, friends to faith in Jesus Christ. get better answers when I am making tomb and new life. And I've seen that. the people that I've gotten to serve When I was a junior high and high sawdust and being able to talk with I've lived there a number of times. with. I've been very blessed to serve in school student and college student, I God. I am confident God is going to As I ready myself for retirement, congregations where they're on fire for had the opportunity to direct youth find way that I can be in ministry in there is still a story to tell. The Gospel God and that becomes contagious. choirs and I had the joy of praying the community that I am living in. is still relevant. We live clearly in un- The other thing is we are invited in with some of those individuals as they certain times for the world in general at the most intimate times in people's invited Jesus into their heart and came Keith Michaels and for the church. I really don't know lives, the birth of children, weddings, to faith in Christ. And then later I I had been honorably discharged where that's going to take any of us, deaths, the holy sacraments, and what sensed God's call to the mission field. from the Marine Corps in 1977. As but the story is there, and if the world an honor that is and a privilege. And And after college I was able to go as a a Vietnam Veteran (in-country Nov. shows us anything, it's that it needs one of my most precious memory is missionary teacher to several different 1967-Jan. 1969) I was irritated as how to hear that story. It needs to see that when I baptized a 93-year-old and real- countries and enjoyed that job. we were treated back home. I also saw grace lived out in the midst of difficul- ized that prevenient grace is real. I loved being able to share my faith how others were treated and I was very ty. And you know, I don't really think The thing that really fires me up and to bring my students to faith in irritated. I found Jesus in 1982 and I'll ever truly retire. I don't think you right now as I enter retirement is I have Christ. I was on the mission field when told him I wanted to help us to treat retired from ministry until you retire three granddaughters and I'm looking God called me into pastoral ministry one another with love and respect. In from breathing. So that's what I'll do. forward to being grandma. I want to and I argued with him for some time. I 1983 Jesus gave me the answer, I want be the grandma that goes to the soc- came to the place where I was in such you Keith, to go into the ministry Anita Munden cer games and the piano recitals and all turmoil that I said, “I don't understand and treat others equally and share the I am one of the late in life pastors. I those things. But I also don't think you this call, but if this is really your will, I gospel. got out of college and didn't even think retire as a Christian. I'm retiring as this want to be in the center of your will.” What kept me fired up was seeing of ministry. That's something you do position and I'm looking forward to how What kept me fired up in the “people” judged by “others” simply be- on the side when your kids are in Sun- God look up plans for me in the future. ministry was watching members grow cause of their gender, color, ethnicity, day School. So I went into careers but in their faith and in their love for the age, education etc. Even I misjudged they kept evolving. Every time I tried Eugene Ramsey Lord and in Christ-likeness. I have all Vietnamese, due to my experience something new, it was trying to be in loved the members of the churches that in the Marine Corps, and finally real- relationship with people to help people Deb Reese I've pastored and have enjoyed getting ized they, too, are God’s children and see their life as better without relating Without going through my entire, to know them and having a close must be loved. it to material things. long, call to ministry, the bottom line relationship with them and that's been Aand while I enter retirement and At the same time, when I came back was that I saw the power of a relationship the greatest joy. the world has somewhat come to grips to being active in the church, I started with Jesus Christ and even as a junior I don't know what the future holds, with dignity and respect, there are growing and adding things there. I, you high student, grieved when my friends but I know who holds the future and many others who see themselves as know, lay leader, a certified lay speaker, didn’t have that. I wanted to do whatever I'm looking forward to serving him in better. This irritates me and I do not high school class teacher chaperones I could to share the joy that comes from retirement too. understand why. Why are people treat- and I reached a tipping point. My job walking with Jesus every day. ing others with no respect? At times was very intensive and time and being Seeing God at work all around me Richard Lewis I feel as if I did not, for some reason, away from home. My involvement in kept me fired up. When I would get What got me fired up was when failed God. Yet I want to continue my the church was getting very intensive discouraged and wonder why I chose I was between my sophomore and quest in a different way in ministry. and time and something had to go and to be in ministry, God would show me my junior year in high school, I I don’t know at this point what that through the great banquet when I went exactly why: I would see someone ‘get went to church camp and we had an is, but I am sure that the Lord will to it, it came down to I had to let the it’ and begin to worship, not because exceptional counselor that was there disclose that to me. What really gets secular go. I was never going to find they had to, but because they wanted and one of the things that he did was, me fired up is why can’t we just agree that job. That gave me the feeling and to. Or I would see someone unleash is he was telling us about how he had to disagree? contentment that the church did. the spiritual gifts within them and get this learning disability and I didn't Every time I saw somebody grow, on fire about using them in a particular know it for four nights. He had shared Allan Milligan every time I created a worship service ministry. Or I would see the excite- the gospel readings and everything that that spoke to me, I remained fired up. ment in the body of Christ when they we were studying from memory never Robert Morwell Other people go come up afterwards got to help someone who was strug- looked at the Bible. and say, I wish so and so had been gling get a job or find housing or have When I reflect on my call to here because this really answered some I sensed God calling me into ministry, the example, the witness and a consistent way of getting food. Or ministry. When I went to college, things for me. That's what kept me I would be approached by someone lives of certain people got me fired up. going. everybody on the dorm floor just My mother, a couple of pastors come years after an ‘event’.....a sermon they started calling me the preacher and I am curious to see where God's go- heard me preach or their wedding at particularly to mind -- Bill Warner and ing to open new paths for me. I know I I just kind of reinforced and went Lee Morehead. These were people who which I officiated or a hospital visit back. That was how it started. And I've won't be in the pulpit every Sunday. It’s I made…..and they’d say that was a saw the gospel is having an application going to evolve and be different. been listening to the voice of what the in life today and not just the sweet by turning point in their faith and they’d Bishop and the Cabinet and my God and by, and that, the, Good News of Catherine Najmon never forget what God did through me has told me. I've always gone wherever Jesus was good news for everybody. (although I already had). they've asked. And for 45 years now While in ministry, there have been I grew up in a church where they For me, retirements means I get to I've been in that ministry. times when the fire has been reduced encouraged a lot of leadership and do “all of the above.I just don’t have to I am looking forward to spending to a smolder. There is nothing quite like kind of groomed me and mentored me go to the church every day and I don’t time with the love of my wife. But the church to crush your idealism. But for ministry. have to fill out Charge Conference or along with it, it’s a continuing to find at the same time there have always been I really rely on the Holy Spirit a Year End reports! a way that I trust that God’s going to people who've come along who have lot and the Holy Spirit has been very AC 2019 - Retirees the current |

Honoring Our Retirees MAY 2019 15

Elizabeth Reis What will keep me fired up in retire- going through, no matter what I was people and doing some new things in ment will be that I won’t have to go feeling, the Holy Spirit just took over ministry. I don't know what God has I got fired up around an injustice to all the meetings and fill out charge and I just became a child of God all planned for me, but I know without a issue. I'm Native American and I was conference forms. over again and I just went with it. doubt that he will walk with me every taking a stand on some of the native In retirement, I can tell people step of the way. issues and I saw what was happening Joann Ruff about Jesus at my own pace. The phrase inside the church. I was in church once or twice a that John Wesley left us with is that the Julie A Smith We had, as we're preparing for com- week, every week, my entire life until world is our parish. And so now I'm munion, we are preparing to offer a I moved away from home for college. going out into the world. I'm not going Tim Woodard Sign of Peace. The woman in front of And I was really disappointed in col- to stop talking about God and his only me turned, and when she saw who was lege because I thought, “oh, all these son. I'm going to tell people about standing behind her, she turned her Danny D Wright little old ladies will be so excited to God. And his son, Jesus, and the Holy back on me. The pain and the sadness take college students home and I'll get Spirit that keeps me fired up, that I can I think it would be more accurate from that encounter began to multiply to meet some families.” But that never do this at my own pace and at my own to say I was warmed up rather than in other areas. And in that moment, I happened all through college. time knowing that I'm retired. fired up. It was more like an awakening knew that God was calling me to be a And then when I was first married, I when I made the decision to consider bridge, calling me to be able to share wound up joining Bible study fellowship Jennifer L Seder ministry. information, calling me to be able to try where we get deep into The Word. And My mother used to go around the I actually did have my own faith to understand where others are coming my entire life changed when I saw the house and no matter what she was and I think I began to claim my own from, but at the same time be able to value of studying God's Word, believing doing, she was singing hymn, In the faith and the more I realize how, much share what God really wants us to be. God's Word, and having your entire life Garden. And the words, “he walks with my faith was important to me, then And so that, that, it's a strange, I change as a result of learning how to me and he talks with me and he tells I began to consider why should I not think a strange coming into ministry, live that victorious Christian life. me I'm his own,” always stuck out to go ahead and become a pastor? And but it has been an amazing journey be- Whenever I finished my career and me. And walking with God has been once I started that process on, I never cause of that. I think that really is what was looking at a second career, I decid- the foundation of my life since I was looked back. got me fired up. It was the thought that, ed to go into the licensed local pastor very, very young. And when I sensed What kept me fired up was the “I have to make a difference.” I can't to go back to rural small churches and the call to ministry, there was a lot of people I worked with in the parish. I've just sit here in the pew every Sunday. to try to instill that kind of study into excitement with that because I knew always felt very supported by parishon- Of course, what feeds my souls are God's word so that other people could no matter what, that God was going to ers and, the parishes that I've served. those Aha moments, when someone have the reality of living the victorious walk with me. I wasn't doing it on my The support groups from fellow clergy comes to know Christ. Those mo- Christian life that I've experienced and own and I didn't have to worry that has been most helpful. And even when ments when after maybe preaching on I loved every minute of it. God would certainly be by my side. we didn't have covenant groups, I was a subject many, many times, someone It's really exciting to have somebody A gentleman in my last part of groups ecumenically with other says, “I get it. I get it.” It touches my say, “you know, I've been a Christian appointment, Joel, does these pastors who would meet weekly or heart now. all my life and I've just decided I'm wonderful carvings and sticks he regularly. Alan Rhein not really a very good one.” And then polishes. He created one for me that I loved my job. I think I came to to watch them change and grow and is a constant reminder of my life as he an understanding. I was not there in a I went to a little country church near develop into a victorious Christian has carved my name and the names parish just serving those people. They Enfield. Our family was church family. who enjoys sharing their faith, which is of my family members. The stick has were serving me, too. We were working We went to church whenever the doors so important. And so that's what keeps every church I have served listed on it together and that's what kept the fire were open. My Dad went on Sun- me doing the same thing. along with my education. And at the going. It's what kept me encouraged day morning, Sunday night, and my very bottom is my retirement date to and even challenged me. mother and I went on Wednesdays and Florene E Scott remind me of God walking with me. As I approach retirement, it oc- it in the car, my Emanuel Church with curs to me, I'm not retiring from the What got me fired up was as a We are moving to Spearfish, South my home church and it, well, it was just church, I'm retiring from full-time child, my sister and friends used to Dakota, and that is an area where I will a place I like to be. I felt comfortable ministry as a pastor, but I'm not retir- play church. I was always the preacher be able to do some hiking. And I'm there. I always felt supported there and ing from the church are planned. I because they said I had a gift of gab. going to hike with my stick because that became a part of something that I planned to stay involved in the church And while sitting in church, I saw I've not done that yet. And I'm really wanted to do for the rest of my life. in other ways. pastors preaching, but most of these looking forward to meeting new I've always been kind of a person pastors were all male pastors. They that ministered to folks on the fringes. weren't female pastors. So, I really I tried to provide a place that people didn't have anyone to look up to and felt encouraged and welcomed and not knowing that this was God calling strengthened by local congregations. me. At that point, God was calling me What kept me going in ministry was to be in the ministry because he made the fact that watching people's lives as a way for that door to open for me to they really come in contact with Christ come in and be his servant. and experience things in the church What kept me fired up was my love and see their lives changed and trans- of God. Love of people, love of Christ formed. It's always been encouraging and love of his Holy Spirit. In the to me to watch as people who are not ministry was my love for God and my really that active become active because love for people. I want to do all I could you spend time with them or you show to help people. I want to do all I could that you care about them and it's not to tell people about the love of God and just about them becoming members about Jesus. God's only begotten Son. of the church. You're not after their And so every Sunday when I would get money, you're just welcoming them in that pool pad, no matter what I was and one of them to feel welcome. the current National / Global News |

MAY 2019 16 Church continues grappling with GC2019 vote BY KATHY GILBERT Carter did not want to comment on the Church. Other United Methodist-related schools The decision of the 2019 United Methodist complaint but stressed that the role of bishop is not in Ohio and beyond have made clear their General Conference was not the last word for to be the judge. unhappiness with the church lawmaking body’s many in the denomination. “The bishop is there to preserve the rights of actions. Every day seems to bring another public both the person who brings the complaint and Drew University’s Board of Trustees is calling statement in support of LGBTQ people and their the person about whom the complaint is brought for a more inclusive expression of Methodism role in The United Methodist Church or in defense to ensure a fair process,” said Carter, who is also in response to General Conference 2019. In of the Traditional Plan, which states homosexuality president of the Council of Bishops. a statement issued May 20, the trustees also is “incompatible with Christian teaching.” Carter said beginning in 2016, he has reaffirmed their commitment to welcome students, At least one pastor has officiated at a same-sex discouraged people from bringing complaints faculty and staff who are LGBTQ. wedding in defiance of that plan, which goes into related to LGBTQ persons and ministries. Board of Ministry, confirmation class effect in January. “But we do seek justice. People do have rights. I responds WCA creates Central Conference Ministry do live within the Book of Discipline.” The New York Conference Board of Ordained Fund The current Book of Discipline forbids United Methodist pastors from officiating at same-sex Ministry voted to uphold its 2016 decision that Meanwhile, the Wesleyan Covenant weddings. The Traditional Plan imposes mandatory sexual orientation would not be considered in Association, which supports the Traditional penalties on pastors who officiate at same-sex evaluating a clergy candidate. Plan, announced on May 17 that it is creating a weddings. Those are a one-year suspension The board added a preamble: “Remembering $100,000 Central Conference Ministry Fund to without pay for the first offense and termination of John Wesley's admonition to 'do no harm,' we counterbalance plans by some United Methodists conference membership and church credentials for reaffirm our commitment to avoid harming any who say they will withhold funding from the a second offense. of our candidates, and to avoid harming all the central conferences because they believe a majority The Book of Discipline also calls church trials communities with whom we are in covenant.” of delegates from outside the U.S. supported the “an expedient of last resort” and keeps the door “As long as God continues to call LGBTQIA Traditional Plan. The first $200,000 given to the open for “a just resolution” through much of the candidates to ministry, our board will prayerfully fund will be matched. complaint process. The Traditional Plan allows just consider each candidate without prejudice or “By giving to the Central Conference Ministry resolutions but expands requirements to include a bigotry,” said the Rev. K Karpen, a member of the Fund, donors can be assured that the work of statement of harms involved and how the resolution board and pastor of St. Paul and St. Andrew United churches and annual and central conferences addresses those. Methodist Church. outside of the United States are not adversely “We have sought to do our work from a First United Methodist Church in Omaha impacted by the conflict in the UM Church,” Keith framework of more restorative justice,” Carter said. made headlines when the pastor declared the Boyette, president of the Wesleyan Covenant Oliver said Allendale United Methodist Church church would allow same-sex weddings, and the Association, wrote in an article announcing the unanimously voted two years ago to open its confirmation class decided to delay joining the fund. wedding altar to same-sex couples. church until people of all sexual orientations have “This is a complaint about a choice I made the right to marry in the local church and serve as to follow Jesus and not about who God created pastors. me to be. In that respect, this complaint pales Groups report persons aligning with in comparison to complaints made against my caucus groups lesbian and gay clergy colleagues who have their Mainstream UMC, an advocacy group formed very personhood and calling called into question,” to support the One Church Plan, announced it will Oliver said. continue its work for another year through June He added that members of his congregation 2020. are “saddened” that a pastor outside of their “We believe that The United Methodist Church community felt the need to try to control the is at a generational crossroads and there is a sense ministries Allendale offers to LGBTQ people. of urgency to thoughtfully shape the future,” said a "I do not believe same-sex love is sinful. Quite statement that announced the group was launching the opposite ... it is life-giving and beautiful,” Oliver an online forum on Facebook for input on what a said. “I believe LGBTQ people are made perfectly in new Methodism will look like. the image of God. Our communities are blessed by Reconciling Ministries Network, an their desire to show the world what love looks like organization advocating for LGBTQ persons in The through their commitment to one another. I can United Methodist Church, has had 47 new churches think of no better witness of perseverance, courage or communities affiliate since the 2019 General and fidelity than their stories,” Oliver said. Conference. The Rev. Anna Blaedel resigned as director UM News photo by Paul Jeffrey “We have had 5,073 new Reconciling United of the Wesley Center at the University of Iowa After a Feb. 26 vote to strengthen church policies about homosexuality, delegate Methodists add their names to our movement,” said in April during Holy Week. Blaedel has faced Ian Urriola from New York speaks to other delegates who, in protest, formed a Jan Lawrence, executive director of Reconciling several complaints after announcing publicly at the large circle in the center of the plenary floor. Ministries Network. “I don’t know the exact 2016 Iowa Conference that: “I am a self-avowed, number of churches and communities in the Complaint filed against pastor practicing homosexual.” process, but it is over 100.” In a letter to the conference after resigning Since the 2019 General Conference, a formal Among traditionalist United Methodists, as campus minister, Blaedel said, “My decision is complaint has been filed against a Florida pastor Boyette said they have seen a 20 percent increase rooted in two urgent longings: to shift time and who officiated at a same-sex wedding on March 16. in congregations to the WCA since General energy toward writing my dissertation, and to The Rev. Andy Oliver, pastor of Allendale Conference. “The WCA represents 1800 churches carve space for imagining future vocational and United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, and 140,000 United Methodists,” he said. performed the ceremony for two members of his denominational possibilities.” Gilbert is a news writer for United Methodist News congregation. Schools cutting ties with denomination Ten days later, the Rev. Brent Byerman, of Service. To read more United Methodist news, Some United Methodist-related schools, Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church in subscribe to the free Daily or Weekly Digests,www. colleges and universities have decided to cut ties Tampa, lodged a formal complaint against Oliver umnews.org. with the denomination. with Bishop Kenneth H. Carter, episcopal leader of Trustees of Baldwin Wallace University, in the Florida Conference. A meeting to resolve the Berea, Ohio, voted unanimously to end the school’s matter is scheduled for May 29. formal affiliation with The United Methodist National / Global News the current |

TRADITIONALISTS, INTERNATIONAL MAY 2019 BISHOPS MEET TO DISCUSS FUTURE 17 BY HEATHER HAHN anything else,” he said. (UMNews) – Traditionalist Yambasu also said he hopes the central advocates met in private May 7 with United conference bishops will be able to meet this Methodist bishops from Africa, Europe and summer with Uniting Methodists, another U.S.- the Philippines to listen and discuss the based advocacy group that championed the denomination’s future — with separation rival One Church Plan. That legislation would raised as a distinct possibility. have left questions about ordination up to conferences and marriage up to congregations Leaders of the Renewal and Reform and individual clergy. Coalition, which includes four U.S.-based advocacy groups, requested the conversation Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa, who leads with the central conference bishops while conferences in Zimbabwe, said he told the the full Council of Bishops is meeting in a traditionalist advocates that no one has the hotel near Chicago. Central conferences are intention to “shake” the denomination. church regions outside the United States. “We really love this denomination,” he said. The groups represented included Good “If we have our way, we really want to remain News, the Institute on Religion and together.” Democracy, the Confessing Movement UM News photo by Heather Hahn within The United Methodist Church and Leaders of the Reform and Renewal Coalition, a group of unofficial traditionalist advocacy groups, He added that he and other leaders are not the Wesleyan Covenant Association. More pose with bishops from Africa and Europe, after a closed-door meeting in which the leaders and naïve. “We understand that we will probably than a dozen central conference bishops central conference bishops discussed the denomination’s situation and possible future. not have the kind of unity that goes on as attended, as did a few U.S. bishops. if nothing is happening,” he said. “But let us remain a family. Maybe God will help us to open other ways.” Initially, Bishop John K. Yambasu, head of the Africa College of Bishops, told United Methodist News Service the meeting late May 7 would be open to all. But after coalition Bishop Pedro M. Torio Jr., who leads the Baguio Area in the northern part of the Philippines, leaders expressed discomfort with the presence of the press, Yambasu urged the UMNS told UMNS he still has hope for the church. reporter to wait outside the ballroom. “This is a global issue that concerns all of us,” he said by email. “All of us want to see a “I think there is hope. We still can lead in the midst of chaos, and the only way we can do United Methodist Church where God is honored. We all want to be part of the mission this leading is through ongoing conversation,” Yambasu said after the meeting, which lasted a where the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is preached. We hear legitimate voices that call little over two hours. us to respect sacred space and safe boundary for all, regardless and in spite of our differing TRADITIONALISTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 The bishop, who also leads the Sierra Leone Conference, said he and other church leaders don’t want to wait to have deep conversations until the next General Conference meets in May 2020. “It will be too late,” he said. “It will be a disaster.” Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala, who leads conferences in Mozambique and South Africa, WHY CONSIDER AFCU? Loan Rates and called the discussion “fruitful.” • AFCU is a secure place for your Other Information: “When people begin talking, they may be moving into something,” she said. savings NEW CAR RATES The evening conversation came as the Council of Bishops has been working through what • AFCU pays above average dividends 2017-2019 happened at the 2019 special General Conference in St. Louis. That meeting focused on the in today’s market 2.50% for up to 72 months denomination’s longtime debate around the role of LGBTQ people in the church. Bishops • AFCU has an excellent Life Savings USED CAR RATES don’t have a vote at General Conference, but they can influence debate. Insurance Benefit 2013-2016 • AFCU shares are insured by The February gathering of the denomination’s top lawmaking assembly saw a majority 60 Months - 5.50% The National Credit Union of delegates adopt the coalition-backed Traditional Plan that strengthens enforcement of 54 Months - 5.00% Administration church prohibitions against same-sex weddings and “self-avowed practicing” gay clergy. 48 Months - 4.50% • Your investment grows while Many of the votes for the plan came from Africa, the Philippines and eastern Europe. 42 Months - 4.00% helping others. An increase in your Delegates also passed coalition-supported legislation to allow churches under certain shares increases the amount of 2010 – 2012 conditions and financial settlements to leave the denomination with their property. The money available for loans 54 Months – 6.50% legislation effectively suspends the denomination’s centuries-old trust clause until 2023. 48 Months – 6.00% The Rev. Thomas Lambrecht, vice president of Good News and one of the primary authors Membership: 42 Months – 5.50% of the Traditional Plan, said he told those gathered he sees two pathways forward at next • Cost of membership: $5.00 2007 – 2009 year’s General Conference. • Free membership offered 48 Months – 7.00% One option, he said, would be to continue on the path from St. Louis and increase the at Annual Conference 42 Months – 6.50% accountability in the Traditional Plan. Specifically, he believes delegates can fix the portions • Reminder: Extended family 2006 & Older that the denomination’s top court, the Judicial Council, struck down as violating the members are eligible to join 36 Months – 7.00% denomination’s constitution. Aldersgate Federal Credit Union. Share Secured Loans – 3.50% Open Among those portions were requirements that conferences certify they will uphold end with 2% minimum payment standards on homosexuality — or be removed from the denomination. The Judicial Council said these provisions would need to require all church law be followed without distinction. Line of Credit (limit $15,000.00) – 7% Open end with 3% minimum The other option could be a negotiated separation with some shared mission, Lambrecht payment said. Leaders of advocacy groups that hold various views related to homosexuality, along with P O BOX 645, ANNA, IL 62906 some U.S. bishops, have been holding conversations about such a possibility since February. [email protected] Meanwhile, a number of churches and even conferences in the U.S. and western Europe Phone: 618-944-0817 • Fax: 888-817-8369 have announced plans to resist the Traditional Plan. Marilyn Sullins, Assistant Treasurer Not every bishop who attended the May 7 meeting supported the Traditional Plan, and even those who wish to maintain the same standards on marriage expressed concern about splitting the church. Yambasu told both UMNews and those gathered about missionaries who sacrificed their lives to bring the Gospel to West Africa. “Now overnight we say we are no longer the church. I can’t see myself living my life as the current National / Global News Bishops plan to explore ‘new forms of unity’ |

BY HEATHER HAHN General Conference in March announced it would do solidarity with the LGBTQ church members who feel harm MAY 2019 its own investigation. from General Conference action. CHICAGO (UM News) – Faced with the fallout of a divisive General The bishops also agreed to collaborate with the Among them was retired Bishop Fritz Mutti. He stood 18 Conference, United Methodist denomination's Connectional Table on a move toward during the May 8 afternoon session to pay tribute to his bishops said they would join other having a new U.S. structure that deals with solely U.S. issues. two gay sons, Tim and Fred, who are now deceased. church members in exploring new possibilities for the Three years ago, General Conference delegates asked the “They were baptized in The United Methodist Church, denomination’s future. bishops to find a way for the church to stay together amid practiced their faith and were called persons of sacred But at this point, they see their role more as listening rather intensifying disputes regarding LGBTQ inclusion and biblical worth. However, the church also declared them incompatible than directing the church’s conversation. interpretation. with Christian teaching,” he told his fellow bishops. “There is a sense among the council that we are in But in February, a majority of General Conference delegates “At this time, we want you to know we feel called to stand untenable times,” said the Council of Bishops in a May rejected the One Church Plan recommended by a majority publicly in support of the LGBT community and we will 9 statement to the church. “To this end, the council is of bishops. That plan would have left questions of ordination continue to advocate for them.” exploring models and plans of new forms of unity.” up to conferences and same-sex marriage up to individual During the May 9 open session, other bishops spoke of churches and clergy. their pains and hopes. Instead, by a vote of 438 to 384, delegates adopted the Bishop Bill McAlilly, who leads the Tennessee and Memphis Traditional Plan that maintains the denomination’s stance conferences, said that bishops will need insight, courage to that the practice of homosexuality “is incompatible with speak across theological divides and capacity to endure in Christian teaching” and strengthens enforcement of bans on the days ahead. “self-avowed practicing” gay clergy and same-sex weddings. He added that he wanted to overcome the notion that “if Delegates also passed legislation to allow churches under you are not with us, you are against us.” certain conditions and financial settlements to leave the denomination with their property. “I want to remind myself that Jesus was crucified in the middle at Calvary,” he said. “I believe it is our call to hold this Financial fallout from GC2019 tension so God can show us how he moves in this place.” Since then, a number of churches and even conferences Bishop Rudy Juan, who leads the Davao Area in the in the U.S. and western Europe have announced plans to southern Philippines, noted that his country’s United resist the Traditional Plan. Church leaders in church regions Methodists have talked in the past about forming an in Africa and eastern Europe also have talked of strained autonomous church. relationships with ministry partners in the West. UM News photo by Heather Hahn “But at this moment, we want to walk with you, working to Bishop Grant Hagiya, at right, blesses retired Bishop David Denominational giving also is down — especially in the be a church united,” he said. Yemba as part of the bishops’ renewal of their baptism vows United States, which provides the bulk of funding for general at the conclusion of the spring Council of Bishops meeting. church ministries. Bishop Mande Muyombo, who leads the North Katanga Conference in Congo, said since February, it’s been difficult Hagiya leads the California-Pacific Conference and Yemba Moses Kumar, top executive of the denomination’s General serves in the Democratic Republic of Congo. for church members in Africa as well. Council on Finance and Administration, sounded the alarm. He told the bishops that if current giving trends continue “But I also remember that Africa is the land of Nelson The bishops spent much of their May 4-9 meeting in closed through the year, the U.S. collection rate for the fund that Mandela. Africa is the land of Desmond Tutu,” said session processing what happened at February’s special supports bishops will drop to 76.3 percent. For the fund Muyombo, who is also the Council of Bishops secretary. “So session of the denomination’s top lawmaking body. that supports the work of most agencies and other global don’t give up on us.” ministries, the U.S. collection rate will be 74.4 percent. They also worked on drafting their pastoral letter to a It should be noted that both Mandela and Tutu, renowned multinational denomination that could be heading toward a That’s a lower rate than seen in 2009, during the recent for their fight against racial apartheid in South Africa, also breakup over differing views of the role of LGBTQ people global economic recession, when the collection rate fought against LGBTQ discrimination. in the church. dropped to 84 percent. Still, the strains on unity were apparent even as bishops “The whole council is called to a season of deep listening,” But amid this turmoil, a number of bishops expressed hope spoke of their hopes for the church. the bishops’ letter said. “We grieve the brokenness in our for a brighter, Holy Spirit-led tomorrow. Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson, who leads the North Georgia relationships and confess that we are complicit in this.” ‘Something dying, something being born’ Conference, expressed her distress that colleagues from Africa, Europe and the Philippines, had forgone a scheduled The bishops took other actions related to the special Bishop Kenneth H. Carter, president of the Council of General Conference in St. Louis. time of fellowship to meet with a coalition of leaders who Bishops, told United Methodist News Service that what he’s advocated the Traditional Plan. • They asked the Judicial Council, the denomination’s top hearing from people around the connection is that “God is court, to clarify the “meaning, application and effect” of doing a new thing.” “I think this is an intrusion into our relationship and legislation enacted by the 2019 General Conference. intrusion into our authority as bishops,” she said. “I “Something is dying, and something new is being born,” said desperately want us to represent a church open to all • They appointed 11 of their members to serve on a Carter, who also leads the Florida Conference. “I don’t meet people and when we disagree about theology, we don’t listening team to accompany conversations already many people who want to maintain the status quo.” punish each other.” happening about the denomination’s future -- Bishop He said United Methodists struggle being a global Kenneth H. Carter, Council of Bishops president as One thing many bishops agreed on was that the church denomination that spans the vast economic inequalities and cannot legislate itself to unity. convenor; Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, president- cultural differences among the United States, Europe, the elect; Bishops Rudy Juan, Hee-Soo Jung, Bill McAlilly, Philippines and Africa. Bishop Samuel J. Quire, who leads the Liberia Conference, Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, Bruce Ough, Harald Ruckert, said the church needs to continue dialogue. Elaine Stanovsky, James Swanson and John Yambasu. “I’m hearing a desire to remain a global church but maybe a global church in a different way,” Carter said. “We need more conversation,” he said. “We can always • The bishops’ executive committee requested an partner together especially when it comes to mission.” independent investigation into alleged General Pains, hopes shared Hahn is a multimedia news reporter for United Methodist Conference voting irregularities. The Commission on A number of bishops wished their May 9 statement offered News Service.

TRADITIONALISTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 convictions. I believe that in the guidance of the Holy Spirit meeting is that a growing number of traditionalists want to other side of the church care about what happens in the this hope is possible.” remain in church with progressives. central conference areas,” he said. Retired Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, who served in Germany “There is movement right now since General Conference,” But Boyette also stressed he doesn’t see a way for people and now works as Geneva secretary with the World he said. “And you could hear that from some of the bishops with different views and practices related to LGBTQ Methodist Council, said she prays that United Methodists can in Africa.” marriage and ordination to share the same kind of still journey together, but worries the division is too strong. The Rev. Keith Boyette, president of the Wesleyan Covenant connection The United Methodist Church has now. Marriage, “There really was a spirit of openness and listening, which Association, made clear to UMNews that the gathering gave he said, is a matter of doctrine. I really appreciate and am grateful for,” she said of the the coalition a chance to hear from bishops they don’t meet The various perspectives need space, he said. “If you’re under discussion. “But in the same moment, I am afraid there are with very often. the conviction that you feel you need to do ministry in this really not so many bridges.” “My hope is that that will inform the kind of decisions that way,” he said of those resisting the Traditional Plan, “then it’s However, retired Bishop Elias G. Galvan, one of the U.S. we’re asked to make as we go forward in these coming better for us to do the ministry separately.” bishops in the room, said one thing he takes away from the months, because we care and I am confident people on the Hahn is a multimedia news reporter for United Methodist News. Conference News the current |

Music comes full circle MAY 2019 at Evenglow Lodge 19 PONTIAC – Every week, the chapel at Evenglow a special place in her heart. You see, her forms a central part of life for its senior residents. The father, Rev. David Bultemeier, served for chapel is home to diverse activities including worship, a number of years as pastor at Pontiac Bible study, Wii bowling and matinee movies. First UMC. Pontiac First sits across the Music events are particularly popular with street from Evenglow, and at that time, so Evenglow’s residents and regularly pack the house. But did its parsonage. “We would wave to the the chapel’s existing piano was in need of significant, residents every day, and they would wave expensive repairs. back,” Lori says. That’s where Golden Cross ministry connections Yet, her connections with Evenglow run even come into play in a surprising way. Charlotte deeper than that. “It’s where I learned the value of Hoffmann, Evenglow’s Director of Development, service,” Lori says. She often ventured across the street got to know Lori Bultemeier, who works at The Baby to read to residents or share aloud letters residents Fold, through their respective ministries. Evenglow, received from their family members. Service also took The Baby Fold and several other ministries are part of shape with music in chapel services, where Rev. David our conference’s dedicated Golden Cross ministries, would often preach and lead a hymn sing from the whom music often provides the highlight of their day. living out what it means to be “the church beyond the piano. At other times, their family sang in four-part Now, worship through music will play on through Rev. doors.” Together, we serve people at every stage of life. harmony or added special music on guitar, French horn David’s piano, which has been given to Evenglow to use Evenglow serves older adults and offers all levels of care or mandolin. “The Word and music seemed to flow in its chapel. Lori shared her joy in making this gift, including independent and assisted living, memory together easily,” Lori warmly recalls. summing it up by saying, “what a win-win for all of us. I care, skilled nursing, short-term rehab and adult day Now, that music comes full circle to Evenglow know my parents would be so happy to know that Dad’s services. We aim to provide our residents with all the once again. Charlotte recently learned that, following piano will continue to be used to praise God and His comforts of home. her father’s passing earlier this year, Lori was seeking a people.” As Charlotte and Lori got to know one another new home for her father’s beloved piano. This exactly For more information about Evenglow or to make through Golden Cross, Lori shared that Evenglow has matched the need of Evenglow and its residents, for a gift, please visitwww.evenglowlodge.org.

PEACE WITH JUSTICE SUNDAY, SPECIAL OFFERING JUNE 16 Peace with Justice Sunday is traditionally the church, the communities and celebrated on Trinity Sunday (the first the world in which people live; Sunday after Pentecost), which this year • bring the whole of human life into is June 16. One of The United Methodist conformity with the will of God; Church’s six Special Sunday offerings, and Peace with Justice Sunday supports annual conference ministries as well as • show that reconciliation involves global denominational work. personal, social and civic righteousness. If your church has a social action committee, this is a great time to gather United Methodist Communications has members to plan a comprehensive prepared resources to share with your strategy and engage the congregation in congregation about the importance of living faith, seeking justice and pursuing the Special Sunday and to encourage peace. them to give generously on June 16. Photo courtesy of Patti Mullins When your church receives an offering Download worship ideas, social media graphics and other resources Former IGRC UMW President and former lay grandchild in August. Her children hosted an Open for Peace with Justice Sunday, half member to Annual Conference Joan Miller House May 11 at Fourth Street UMC in Shelbyville. of the money is used in your annual from the Pastor and Leader’s celebrated her 90th birthday May 10. Joan was conference and half supports the Kit by visiting: http://e.umc.org/ Joan worked alongside Virgil on their grain and JX0rJX0FHQ0snRJ0kH00040 born in Greenfield, IN on May 10, 1929. She livestock farm. She has also been very involved ministries of the General Board of married Virgil Miller on August 21, 1949. They set with United Methodist Women locally and Church and Society. If you don’t already have offering up housekeeping near Mode, IL. throughout the state of Illinois, holding many Peace with Justice funds are used envelopes for Peace with Justice Sunday, She is the mother of Patricia Mullins and Ron offices within the organization, including serving through United Methodist channels to: order them today. Call 1-800-991-6011 Miller (Deb) of Shelbyville, Jerry Miller (Kathy) as the first UMW President in the IGRC following or order online at: http://e.umc.org/ of Fredericktown, MO, and Bob Miller (Penny) merger from 1997 to 2000. • relate the gospel of Jesus Christ to ZXs4H0Hok0000X0JG00rQJR of Mode. She has 8 grandchildren, 7 great- Belated cards may be sent to: Joan Miller, 2176 E grandchildren, and expecting her 1st great-great 600 North Rd., Mode, IL 62444.

More than 100 IGRC clergywomen gathered for a May 1 retreat with Bishop Frank J. Beard in Springfield. Retired Bishop Deborah Kiesey was the

keynote speaker, sharing her experiences Bob Schafer Photos by of being a women in ministry. Bishop Beard also spoke affirming the value women clergy bring to ministry and offered his support for the contribution each plays in the life of the Church. the current Conference News |

MAY 2019

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Midwest Mission partners to make shipment to Haiti

BY ASHLEY EARLES • 480 empty 5-gallon buckets with screw top lids Midwest Mission Distribution Center • 4,540 1-Gallon collapsible water bottles CHATHAM – Food For The Poor (FFP) reached out to the • 5,050 1-Quart water bottles Midwest Mission Distribution Center, requesting five-gallon • 72 5-Gallon collapsible water bottles buckets with screw tops or containers to store and transport • 50 15-Gallon Barrels to store rainwater water. C.L. Smith provided a discount on the 1-gallon bottles and FFP reported that they had a desperate need in Cornillon-Grand donated all the other water bottles and five-gallon buckets. Bois, Haiti, where a community of 80,000 is in need of relief with Also in the shipment were: better access to water. FFP explained that there is a shortage • 1,512 Midwest Mission Personal Dignity Kits (PDK's) of water and working wells and they are working to provide • 5,344 Unverified PDK's new wells & better water pumps to the nearby wells, including battery energy storage for the solar units and assisting with The total value of the shipment was $138,672. water reservoirs. Several communities are still using their diesel Midwest Mission would like to say thank you to all those who storage containers as water containers and walking many miles have donated to this cause. We cannot thank you all enough. with an open bucket which means much of the water spills while Please continue to send prayers and any donation you can offer transporting. to help God's people receive clean water. You can donate for this Midwest Mission was able to team up with C.L. Smith in St. Louis, cause by going to http://www.midwestmission.org/donate. Mo., to provide a container load of the following items on April 1:

MMDC DAY OF MISSION FEEDS MULTITUDES CHATHAM – Midwest Mission Distribution Center’s Day Ohio and Wisconsin. There were many United Way Day of Midwest Mission completed its goal of assembling 5,000 of Mission on May 4 gathered a crowd of 101 volunteers. Action volunteers from Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Junior Rice Meals to feed 30,000 people May 18-19 when UMC Volunteers from the local community and groups that League. There was great excitement excited about serving assembled the remaining 1,050 rice meals. drove from over an hour away - from Tolono UMC and others evident among the children volunteers. Volunteers 16 cents will feed one person and $1 feeds six people. If you Troy UMC. Midwest Mission board members came from assembled 3,950 Rice Meals to feed 23,700 people in Latin would like to be a part of this special mission, visit https:// Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, American in desperate need of nutrition. app.mobilecause.com/form/VoNrJA to donate online.

Photos by Bob Schafer A foursome from the Hoopeston UMC captured top honors on the 2019 Bishop’s Open held at Lindvahl, Dave Johnson, Mike McNeeley and Jim Richards. Piper Glen Golf Course near Chatham. Placing second was the foursome from Beardstown UMC who has won the Bishop’s Open three times. In all, 119 golfers played with $17,000 raised for the Our Conference, Our Kids campaign. Earning honors as Most Honest was a foursome sponsored by Preacher’s Aid Society. In addition Pictured with Bishop Frank J. Beard and Dr. J. Keith Zimmerman (far left) and Rev. Amanda to Bishop Beard, Zimmerman and Richards are golfers Chuck Hunt, Robert Denler, and Doug Richards (far right), representing the Our Conference, Our Kids campaign are golfers Mark Williams. Historical Messenger the current

TELL IT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 torn themselves apart in the 1840s. The split had the prairie by the circuit riders which we celebrate Riders and added “daily to the number of believers,” a lot more to do with personalities than it did any today in spite of all of the ominous signs ahead of building the Body of Christ. liberal vs. conservative doctrinal disputes. That split the 2020 General Conference. In Pennsylvania, these meetings were called was simply about professional rivalry by leaders who We United Methodists are a lot like Bob the | “Great Meetings,” or however that is translated into had forgotten the truth of “wir sin bruder” forgetting horse I rode back at Jensen Woods. Some of us want MAY 2019 German. Like a Midwestern Revival, The Great the lesson of Long’s Barn, they went their separate to go left, the others right. Some of us want to slow Meetings had several preachers. They lasted several ways in 1893. down and others want to speed up into the future. days, and furnished food and lodging for the folks As sad as that story is, and even sadder as it But in spite of these differences, and in spite of what 21 who showed up. The preachers exhorted hearers to applies to our current reality, there is Hope from the the future holds, WIR SIN BRUDER. accept Jesus as savior and encouraged holy living 1893 Evangelical split. This split of 126 years ago, Who knows how we will be changed between through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. may speak some hope to us today and in the future. now and 2020? 2030? 2040? Only God knows and But the Great Meetings were different from Because as many of you may know, that in the God is not telling anyone just yet. But with the spirit the revivals because in that the Great Meeting all 1920s, a new generation of leaders in the Evangelical of the circuit riders of the 18th and 19th centuries, the preachers preached at once! There would be Association who hadn’t forgotten the lesson of with the spirit of the Uniters and the re-uniters of a preacher on the front porch, another one on the Long’s Barn, realized that almost all of the leadership the 20th century, God will continue to use Christians back porch, one in the in the orchard, the milking on both sides of the 1893 schism were gone. called Methodists to make disciples for Jesus Christ parlor and up in the hayloft of the barn. This new generation of leaders reached out to and help us to always remember the lesson of Long’s Not just anyone could host a great meeting. their former denomination members and found barn, WIR SIN BRUDER. Several hundreds to the thousands of people were WIR SIN BRUDER was still true and they reunited And as brothers and sisters in Christ, we will, there to hear as many of the preachers as they could the larger parts of the split denomination, going with the help of God, continue to be Christ Bearers in the several days of the meeting. In the 1769, forward to more effectively make disciples for Jesus to a hungry world, beginning here on the prairie and near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a Mennonite preacher Christ with unifying moves in 1948 and 1968, and it going into all the world to make disciples for Jesus named Martin Boehm, shared his conversion story is that spirit of Christian love originally delivered on Christ. After all, it is all we have to do! in the hay loft of the barn on Long’s Farm. That barn is still there, by the way. Boehm’s story is a dramatic one ranking with Saul’s conversion on the Road to Damascus as the Holy Spirit literally overpowered this Pennsylvania farmer who never really wanted to do anything but be a good farmer. Boehm had been chosen by his Mennonite congregation as pastor by the drawing of lots. He had been a good, loyal church member, THEOLOGICAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE when asked to lead, “Where Theology and Practice Intersect” His reaction was just what you would experience here at Washington Evangelical. He 2019 jumped for joy and said, “Thank you, Jesus, finally it is my turn to chair a committee. I have been wanting to teach Sunday School for years.” You mean that isn’t the reaction here when someone asks you to take a leadership role? Well, SEPTEMBER 5-7 it wasn’t Boehm’s reaction either. Boehm felt inadequate in that he had never really become a N.T. WRIGHT Christian. Being a good Mennonite, didn’t make him a Christian any more than being a good United Methodist makes any of us Christians. This became Olivet Nazarene University’s School of Theology painfully true to Boehm as he prayed for guidance, and Christian Ministry welcomes renowned, God gave him some heavy-handed guidance one day New Testament theologian, N.T. Wright, to this as Boehm plowed his field. year’s Theological Leadership Conference where This Pennsylvania farmer discovered beyond he will be presenting on Presence and Promise: any doubt, that he was called to PREACH rather The Challenge of the Temple. than just PLOW. So preach he did, much to the blessing of the people who heard him, especially that The conference will be held at: day in 1767 in Long’s Barn. College Church of the Nazarene University Avenue, Following that sermon, the Reformed pastor 200 University Ave., Bourbonnais, IL 60914 from York, Pennsylvania, Phillip William Otterbein, grabbed Boehm’s hand and said in German, Wir sin bruder! which means in English, “We are brothers.” Sponsored by the Chair for Wesleyan-Arminian Wir sin bruder. I cannot say that or think of Studies and featuring the Fruin Holiness Lectures. that GREAT MEETING without getting emotional because it is this type of spiritual brotherhood that is so badly needed at this time in our history as it always has been. And while we Christians constantly find things about which to disagree it doesn’t change the fact that wir sin bruder. Christians have only been disagreeing with each other since...well, the Book of Acts. If Paul and Barnabas couldn’t get along, how can we be expected to? But even as Paul went one way and Barnabas when another, it didn’t change the fact that they could honestly say to each other, had they spoken German, wir sin bruder. Of course, I hope you know that it was from that Great Meeting in Long’s Barn and that relationship between Otterbein and Boehm that the Evangelical Association evolved and grew into the church denomination that merged with the Church of the Brethren in 1948 and which, when merging with the Methodists twenty years later, to make us United Methodists. In spite of the great work of the circuit riders For registration details, visit olivet.edu/events or call The Office of Church Relations at815-928-5651. and the revivals and Great Meetings, in the late 1880s and early 1890s the Evangelical Association was tearing itself apart the way the Methodists had Congratulations to Preachers’ Aid Society this year’s 2019 and Benefit Fund retiring class: James Allison Paul R. Bauer Bruce Baumberger George Biby Rose Booker-Jones Michael Buckman Steve Busick Joel Catlin Paulette Cott Kim Dancey David Ducommon Welcome to Larry A. Gilbert Ed Hoke Kathy Lewis Richard Lewis Keith Michaels the next chapter Alan Milligan Robert Morwell Anita Munden Catherine Najmon Eugene Ramsey of your life! Debbie Reese Elizabeth Reis Alan Rhein JoAnn Ruff Florene Scott Jennifer Seder Julie A. Smith Tim Woodard Danny D. Wright

Best wishes to those moving to new appointments. Congratulations to those being ordained!

Serving those who have served us. www.pasbf.org 217-529-3221