Unplug and Reconnect with Camping

currentthe DECEMBER 2017 VOL. 22, NO. 5

Unplug and Reconnect with Camping and Retreat Ministries PAGES 6-19 Inside this Issue News from the Episcopal Office ��1 Announcements & Events ��2 Christian Conversations ��3 Camping & Retreat Ministries �� 6-19 National/Global News �� 21-22 Conference News �� 23-25

On the Cover the A couple of campers enjoy one of the many offerings at East Bay camp. The 2018 Camp current Guide is included in this special double issue. Photos courtesy IGRC Camping and Retreat Ministries DECEMBER 2017 Vol. 22 No. 5

The Current (USPS 014-964) is published monthly Send materials to: by the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of The UMC, P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207 5900 South Second Street, Springfield, IL 62711 or tel. 217.529.2040 or fax 217.529.4155 An individual subscription is $15 per year. The [email protected], website www.igrc.org opinions expressed in viewpoints are those of the Periodical postage paid at Peoria, IL, and writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of additional mailing offices. The Current, The IGRC, or The UMC. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Communications Team The Current, Illinois Great Rivers Conference, P.O. Leader: Paul E. Black Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207 23 Retired pastor, wife in stormy St. Croix Team members: Kim Halusan, Michele Willson

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Finding Our Way Forward |

Thank you all for the many prayers that you models with the COB, with the awareness that we DECEMBER 2017 have been praying for me as your Bishop, for the are not restricted to these models and are open to Council of Bishops (COB) and the Commission learning, listening and improvement. It is likely on a Way Forward (Commission). The COB, at our that additional models or sketches may emerge as most recent meeting, received the initial report the process continues. In the same way, the COB is from the Commission on a Way Forward. I want not now expressing a preference for any model and 1 to do my best to share with you an update on the has encouraged all of the Bishops to engage their work of the Commission. respective Conferences in ongoing teaching and Bishop Frank Beard The 2016 General Conference deferred all dialogue. votes on issues of human sexuality and asked the I have requested that the IGRC Delegation COB to provide leadership that would help our assist me in leading a series of conversations across denomination to move forward. The COB created our Conference. We are in the process of secur- Appointments a Commission and empowered them to do the ing leadership for facilitating these conversations. work of bringing to the COB suggestions, based More information will be shared soon. The Delega- In consultation with the Cabinet of the Illinois Great Rivers on prayer, study, conversations, education, faith- tion Chairs are helping me plan and implement a Conference, Bishop Frank J. Beard announces the following sharing, personal experiences, and theological series of meetings across the IGRC. changes of status: reflections, that would assist the COB in providing FORWARD CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 George W. Biby, discontinuation of appointment as a part- to a Special Called Session of General Conference a time local pastor, effective Oct. 27, 2017. proposal on how we might move forward in regard Rick A. McDaniel, discontinuation of appointment as a full- to issues of human sexuality. Bishop Beard’s Preaching Schedule time local pastor, effective Dec. 1, 2017. The effective date is Thirty-two persons, lay and clergy, were se- NOVEMBER 2017 lected from across our global church. The Commis- being corrected from what was previously reported. Nov. 19 – Arthur UMC, Iroquois River District, 8 and 10 a.m. worship sion began their work in January 2017. The work of the Commission is to help the COB in their pre- DECEMBER 2017 Deaths sentation/proposal to the next General Conference. Dec. 17 – Fairview Heights Christ UMC, Mississippi River District, 9 and 11 a.m., 6 p.m. worship IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. Dr. Michael Mayfield, 66, died This is important to keep in mind that the work of JANUARY 2018 Nov. 11 in Peoria. the Commission is presented to the COB and then the COB after it’s work of deliberation and discern- Jan. 6 – Springfield First UMC, Sangamon River District, 5:30 p.m. Rev. Mayfield served 31 years in active ment will bring its findings to the General Confer- worship ministry, retiring from Johnston City-Stiritz ence for approval and possible adoption. THERE Jan. 7 – Springfield First UMC, Sangamon River District, in 2016. In retirement, he pastored Energy IS NO FINAL DECISION APART FROM THE 9 and 10:30 a.m. worship UMC at the time of his death. ACTION OF GENERAL CONFERENCE. Jan. 12 – Fairview Heights Christ, Mississippi River District, Condolences can be sent to his wife, Vickie, At our meeting, the COB received the initial Martin Luther King, Jr. Service, 7 p.m. 11489 Castle Oak Rd, Pittsburg 62974- report from the Commission. This is a first step in Jan. 21 – Hudson UMC, Vermilion River District, 9 a.m. worship 1883. the process and is not the end of the journey. There Feb. 4 – Forsyth UMC, Sangamon River District, 9:30 a.m. worship Rev. Mayfield is the father of IGRC pastor, Rev. Sarah Wanck, will be many more steps as well as an opportunity Feb. 11 – Havana First UMC, LaMoine River District, 10:30 a.m. associate pastor of Washington Crossroads UMC, and the for input from you prior to the 2019 General Con- worship father-in-law of Rev. Gabe Wanck, associate pastor of Morton ference Session. Feb. 25 – Maroa UMC, Sangamon River District, 10:10 a.m. worship UMC. Condolences may be sent to the Wancks at: 1347 Austin The Commission shared three sketches of Ave, Washington 61571-9313. Rev. Mayfield is also the brother of IGRC pastor, the Rev. Lyren Haney, chaplain at Wesley Village in Macomb. Condolences may be sent to her at: 5219 N 1750th Rd, Blandinsville, IL 61420-9420. Conversations around human sexuality A complete obituary may be found at: http://www. The IGRC delegates have been called together by Bishop and ministry as we discuss issues of human sexuality. wilsonmcreynolds.com/obituaries/Michael- Beard and are starting the process of preparation for the The design and leadership of these sessions will be led by Mayfield-5/#!/Obituary Called Session of the 2019 General Conference. The special the IGRC Delegates alongside folks from a diverse spectrum. called session will focus on the Council of Bishop’s report We invite people from across our Annual Conference to Retired pastor Rev. Marion Ford, 96, based on the work of the Commission on the Way Forward. attend and participate. Information regarding the current died Oct. 22 in Mt. Vernon. The 2016 General Conference delayed actions on all proposed models from the Commission, will be shared and Rev. Ford served in the conference for 45 legislation related to human sexuality. The Special Called discussed. Information gleaned will be shared with the COB years, retiring in 2009 from Stiritz UMC Session will take legislative action to determine the church’s and with the Commission. Bishop Beard is planning on being as an Associate Member of the Annual position on issues of human sexuality. present at each of these sessions. Conference. Marion's wife, Peggy, A series of conversations will be held throughout the Please pray for our Conference as we seek to engage in preceded him in death in 2009. IGRC. These conversations will center around a series of these vital conversations. Detailed information will be shared questions provided by the Council of Bishops. These ques- as it becomes available. Condolences may be sent to his daughter, Nana Koenegstein tions are designed to assist us in talking about our mission at 420 W Washington, Dix, IL 62830. A full obituary may be found at: http://thesouthern.com/news/local/obituaries/ rev-marion-ford/article_be7861a4-0a0d-5438-8d64- b8cfc4962482.html Registration open for Bishop’s Wesleyan Heritage trip Rev Robert D Ervin, 87, retired pastor SPRINGFIELD – Join Bishop Frank Beard and the 2017 breakfast buffet, dinner, deluxe motor-coach transportation, currently serving Middletown UMC, died and 2018 Ordination classes from the IGRC for a trip to the guided tours and sightseeing. Oct. 24 in Sherman. birthplace of Methodism. You don't want to miss this golden Travel with members from your church, small group, clergy Rev. Ervin served churches in the former opportunity to experience and enjoy England. covenant group, or come on your own. You will not regret this Central Illinois Conference and the Illinois Get a chance to learn and laugh with the Bishop as we explore experience. The basic tour cost is $3,598. Great Rivers Conference, retiring in 2000. our historical roots and retrace the life and legacy of the Wesley Churches may want to consider blessing their pastor with this Condolences may be sent to his wife, Phyllis Ervin, 2321 family and other significant contributors to the development special opportunity to walk where Wesley walked. Participants Sudduth Rd, Sherman, IL 62684-8406 of the Methodist movement. Travel to Epworth, Oxford, Bristol, are sure to be inspired and blessed. London and several charming England villages as we explore A full obituary may be found at: our Wesleyan heritage. Early registration has started and discounts are now available. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ Post-Tour extensions are available in London or in Ireland. This all-inclusive trip from Oct. 23-31, 2018, begins in either sj-r/obituary.aspx?n=robert-d-ervin- Contact Educational Opportunities by email or call 1-800-247- bob&pid=187043559&fhid=19107. St. Louis, Indianapolis, or Chicago. The tour includes roundtrip international airfare, first class hotel accommodations, daily 0017. Mention Tour HE18 for Bishop Beard's tour. the current Announcements & Events Director of Finance and Administrative Services

The Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference is seeking an individual to oversee all financial, |

DECEMBER 2017 administrative and employee benefits systems. Essential functions: • Minimum of 4 to 5 years of accounting/finance • Manage financial services experience. Praise Band Leader • Provide strategic planning and financial analyses • 2 to 3 years previous experience in supervisory • Act as conference benefits officer position preferred. 2 The Sherman United Methodist Church, in Sherman, IL is looking for a • Manage personnel administration • CPA strongly desired. Praise Band Leader. This is a part-time position. Please send your resume • Manage collection of statistical data • Must possess knowledge of Microsoft Office, to either [email protected] or Sherman UMC, SPRC, 2336 E. • Manage non-clergy legal issues/concerns including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Andrew Rd, Sherman, IL 62684 • Provide finance and administration issues • Experience with Financial IT systems integration resourcing and implementation is a plus. • Assist the conference board of trustees in the • Experience in non-profit accounting and/or Baby Fold Festival of Trees Cabinet of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference have management of conference owned property, church business administration is desired. BLOOMINGTON – The Baby Fold will be hosting announced that the Quadrennial Training on Sexual excluding camps • Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively as a its 24th Annual Festival of Trees, which will be at the Ethics will be held the week of Feb. 5-9, 2018, in • Serve as liaison with conference boards/ team member and to work independently. Interstate Center Nov. 17-19. locations throughout the Conference. The training is committees • Be in harmony with the vision, mission, and core mandatory for anyone who is assigned or appointed values of The United Methodist Church. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 17 and 18; and 9 a.m. to a local church. Qualifications: to 4 p.m. Nov. 19. • Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance or • Familiarity with United Methodist polity and Attendees can choose from three different training relevant concentration is required. Master’s discipline. Special events include an Opening Day Breakfast Nov. sessions: Feb. 6 at Mt Vernon West Salem Trinity UMC; 17 from 7 to 9 a.m.; Avanti’s Family Night Nov. 17 from Feb. 7 at the Springfield First UMC in Springfield; and degree is preferred. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Breakfast with Santa Nov. 18 from Feb. 8 at Peoria First UMC. All three sessions will run Email resume and cover letter to [email protected] — Closing Date: December 4, 2017 9 to 10:30 a.m.; and Heart of Festival Luncheon Nov. from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The tree auction closes at No Staffing Agencies or Recruitment Firms 2:30 p.m. Nov. 19 with pickup by 4 p.m. that day. Rev. Becky Posey Williams will facilitate the training. www. Tickets for the Festival as well as the special events can Online registration is open through Feb. 1 at: igrc.org/sexualethics be purchased online by visiting: www.festoftrees.org Opening to God: A Retreat, a spiritual disciplines retreat will begin Wednesday, April 25 and conclude with Feb. 2-3 at East Bay Camp. lunch Friday, April 27, at the Pere Marquette State Proceeds held fund the various programs at the Baby Registration open for Clergy Park Lodge near Grafton. Fold. The purpose of the retreat is to provide an Mentor training events immersion experience to help lay and clergy explore The retreat has been extended an extra day and will Spero Family Services Registration is now open for clergy mentor training spiritual disciplines they may have never tried before include more free time in response to feedback from Festival of Trees hosted by the IGRC Board of Ministry. and/or about which they wish to know more. It 2017. will be planned so that a large group of people can MT. VERNON – Spero Family Services is host to Clergy Mentors work with Local Pastors who have participate with a number of different leaders. Renovate Conference at the 10th annual Festival of Trees held at The Granada not completed the Course of Study and Provisional in Mt. Vernon Nov. 17-19. This event features Christ- Members. This support during the first few years of Each small group session will be 1 1/2 hours long East Moline Christ mas trees that have been decorated and donated by appointive ministry is essential for the formation of with a 45-minute presentation, 30 minute self- TROY – Renovate Conference, a two-day discipleship local individuals, surrounding businesses and school our pastors. directed "practice" time on the discipline followed by event for students in sixth through 12th grades, will be classrooms – all displayed throughout the entire Local Pastors who have completed the Course of 15 minutes of sharing and feedback. Exact timing is held Feb. 9-10 at East Moline Christ UMC. flexible as long as all three parts are included. Four event. Study, Associate Members, and Full Member Elders The theme for this year's Renovate Conference is DO small group sessions are scheduled during the retreat. Enjoy a sneak peek of all the trees at the ‘Preview and Deacons are eligible to be trained and assigned SOMETHING. Harvest will be leading the music and In addition, there will be a one-hour presentation Party’ on Thursday, November 16th from 5:30-8:00pm as Clergy Mentors. sessions will be geared around calling to say yes to period on topics for which it isn't possible to do with a $5 donation at the door (18 and over). During There is no cost to participants, but registration is God's call on their lives, to follow Christ more deeply, "practice" time. this event, we will auction off a select group of trees required. and to put action to their faith! to highest bidder, so don’t miss the fun and get your Cost is $75 for those staying at East Bay, $50 for Events have already been held in the Mississippi River, For more information, contact Tim Price at 618-667- chance to buy a tree early! Refreshments will be commuters. Kaskaskia River and Illinois River districts. Additional 6241 or visit the Renovate Conference webpage at: served. training sessions are being scheduled by the Mentor Download a brochure or register online by visiting: http://www.harvestconferences.org/renovate FREE public viewing dates and times are: Friday, Nov. Coordination and Training team. Locations being http://www.igrc.org/calendardetail/9833155 17 from 4 to 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 18th from noon to 6 considered are Decatur and Pontiac, but those Annual Conference dates p.m. (featuring Cookies with Santa from noon to 2 are still unconfirmed at this time and will likely be Plans underway for SPRINGFIELD – 2018 Annual Conference is slated p.m.) and Sunday, Nov. 19 from noon to 3 p.m. scheduled for January or February 2018. All sessions 2018 Clergy Self-Care Retreat for June 7-9, 2018, at the Peoria Civic Center. And for those that plan ahead -- the dates for future years, as set are from 9 a.m. to noon. GRAFTON – Pastoral Care and Counseling's Although a free public event, Festival of Trees have by Bishop Beard following the 2017 Annual Conference Second Annual Self-Care Retreat is in the works! trees available for purchase through a silent auction. The following dates have been confirmed: Nov. 28 action to remain in Peoria are: June 6-8, 2019; June 4-6, The highest bidder for each tree will be selected at -- Rushville UMC and Jan. 16, 2018 -- Galesburg First This opportunity to replenish after the Lenten season 2020; June 10-12, 2021 and June 9-11, 2022. the end of the festival. All proceeds raised from this UMC event will benefit the mission-based programs at Questions can be directed to Shane Smith at: Spero, and the youth and families they serve. [email protected] Covenant Keepers 2018 Register online at: https://igrc-reg.brtapp.com/ registration open mentortraining O’FALLON – Registration is underway for Covenant Children's Ministry Leader's Keepers 2018. Retreat Jan. 19-20 The 2018 event will be Jan. 28-29 at the Regency HUDSON – Are you engaged in ministry with Conference Center in O’Fallon. UMRC children? Are you looking for time away, new ideas, and UNITED MEDIA The theme for the event is Fanning the Flames and fellowship with other children's ministry leaders? RESOURCE CENTER will feature Pastors Rudy and Juanita Rasmus of St. The next 24-hour Children's Ministry Leaders' Retreat John’s Church in downtown Houston, Texas, as the Rudy Rasmus books available to borrow from the UMRC: will be Jan. 19-20, 2018, at East Bay Camp. event’s speakers. The praise band from Christ Church #812057 Jesus Insurgency: The Church Revolution from the Edge Workshop leaders include Rev. Kim Stuby, Minister of in Fairview Heights will lead worship. Written by two pastors with different yet very successful Mission Expansion at East Bay; Rev. Jennie Edwards Cost is $40 per person and includes lunch on the ministries (Rudy Rasmus and Dottie Escobedo-Frank), this Bertrand, pastor of Hope Church in Bloomington and opening day and a continental breakfast on Tuesday. ground-breaking book will show pastors and other church leaders Director of the Wesley Foundation at ISU; and Rev. Attendees will be on their own for supper Monday how the church can live out its mission and ignite a movement. Beth Fender, IGRC Coordinator of Discipleship and and need to make their overnight accommodations if New Streams. #816045 Love. Period: When All Else Fails they are needed. Rudy Rasmus challenges us to refuse to follow the hate and Read more for a schedule and registration link Register before Jan. 19 at www.igrc.org/ck2018. apathy of our world and, instead, to love unconditionally. by visiting: www.igrc.org/cef_children (there is an Childcare is available but must be requested prior to underscore between cef and children) The United Media Resource Center has resources for fall and winter classes www.igrc.org/ the Jan. 19 deadline. Registration is at and Advent! Go to www.igrc.org/umrc to access bibliographies and the ck2018childcare. Opening to God spiritual online catalog. disciplines retreat Feb. 2-3 Sexual ethics training For questions or to make resource suggestions, delivery SPRINGFIELD – Bishop Frank J. Beard and the HUDSON – Registration began Nov. 1 for contact Jill Stone at [email protected] or 217-529-2744. for you the current Christian Conversations |

UMC Bishops call for respectful DECEMBER 2017 conversations in time of uncertainty 3 (Editor’s note: The following pastoral letter was issued emails, letters and phone messages, and confrontations. of security, and even physical harm. These actions are by the Council of Bishops Nov. 10 at the conclusion of the As Bishops of your United Methodist Church, we serve a repugnant to us as your bishops. council’s fall meeting at Lake Junaluska, N.C.) Church which is diverse in its theological understanding We renew our covenant to one another to lead as a council Dear Sisters and Brothers in Jesus Christ, of Scripture and Christ’s call in our lives. Conflict and and in our respective residential areas in ways that reflect Ephesians 4:1-2 admonishes us “to lead a life worthy of the differing opinions, a natural part of the human and faith our commitment to do no harm, do good, and stay in love calling to which you have been called, with all humility and experience, come in a variety of forms. We are called to with God. We renew this covenant within the Council gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, address our differences with authenticity and respectful of Bishops to engage in holy conversation and Christ- making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in conversations which enrich our understanding of God and like behavior especially when we do not agree with one the bond of peace.” of one another. another. We call upon all United Methodists, even in the midst of disagreement and uncertainty about our future as All of us are witnesses to increased animosity and growing In recent months, we have experienced these negative behaviors escalating into more aggressive, and violent a church, to do the same, and to love each other as Christ conflict over political, religious and justice issues in many loved us (John 12:34). places in our world in word and deed. We believe this expressions of hate, prejudice, and anger directed against serves to threaten our safety and security. In antagonistic others. In Christ’s shalom, discussions about our faithful witness in the world, we We are hearing of and observing angry words now Bishop Bruce R. Ough, President may encounter verbal abuse, disruptive behavior, harassing escalating to actions that are resulting in fear, anxiety, loss The Council of Bishops Top things you can do for your new pastor BY TROY BENTON character and execution, but not flawless. We Edwardsville St. John’s UMC all are human. 1. PRAY FOR YOUR NEW PASTOR: You 5. OFFER, DON’T INSIST: From meals to and your congregation are not the only ones mission opportunities, from outreach moments going through transition. Remember, they are to ongoing ministry meeting times, invite the the final one held responsible. Pray more than pastor to them with the option to miss IF there talk, meet, critique, give advice, ignore, get mad, is something that makes attending not possible. protect, and instruct. They are in calendar adjust” mode also. 2. BE THERE: The first six months of your new 6. ASK THEM TO DO SELF-CARE to say you and others are praying, supportive, and you and others are with them in the walk pastor’s time tells everyone you want to come IMMEDIATELY: Every pastor wants to get together will give them energy like nothing else! and/or come back what you really think! Attend going early. The most dangerous thing any pastor worship, bible studies, mission groups and as does in the first year is to sacrifice self-care 9. REPEAT AND REMIND THEM OF many events as possible. People gone, new, and in confusion of selflessness. Encourage them SPECIAL CHURCH DAYS: Assume for a other are watching. to exercise, eat right, sleep, and take it in small long time they don’t know the church calendar. 3. SERVE WITH A SMILE: Give yourself and steps. Remind them of the days that are significant, those are what the church celebrated before the pastor a gift by serving others at your 7. ENCOURAGE THEIR DAY OFF: The best their arrival, and that it’s just information. Let church with a smile! Save whatever differences pastor is the best rested pastor. Help your them lead. and learnings the pastor may be helped by for pastor and those in your congregation make a direct conversation with he/her. Remember their day off absolute with exception of a death 10. MAKE THE OFFICE READY BEFORE Matthew 18 and follow it. or emergency! THEY ARRIVE. The faster a pastor settles 4. DON’T EXPECT TOO MUCH! Remember, 8. SEND A CARD EVERYONE ONCE AND into the office, the quicker things get settled. Help those who will prepare the office to get it there is only one Jesus Christ! Expect good AWHILE: Pastors love cards! A brief word ready before they arrive. CAN WE VALUE RELATIONSHIPS OVER RULES? BY BISHOP PATRICK STREIFF church unity. Roman Catholics have kept a better understanding of The unity of the church is a gospel In the first centuries of the Christian church, the strug- the value of ecclesial unity and, over centuries, have formed mandate. It is stated in the constitution of gles on unity were predominantly on doctrinal questions a worldwide church body that integrated most renewal The United Methodist Church (Book of of understanding and teaching about the One in whom movements as long as they did not threaten papal author- Discipline 2016 ¶6). It is repeated among Christians believe. These disputes gave rise to confes- ity. Protestants have a tradition of splitting over almost the leadership responsibilities of bishops sions, among which several are still part of the prayers and everything. They often interpret unity as a purely spiritual (¶414.6). It is much different from sim- liturgies which unite the many churches in the ecumenical value with the advantage that every group can keep its own ply holding an institution together because of common movement. All these confessions express the basic belief in power and authority. Methodists were not any better than economic reasons, strong as they may be in today’s value a triune God. They do not contain moral issues, for better other Protestants and have their own record of splits before scales. But what makes up the essence of church unity? or for worse. they began to move to greater unity in the 20th century. There are many different ways in which the New Testa- An important part of the history of unity — or more As I look back as a church historian on the disputes ment speaks about unity. It begins with the teaching and of disunity of the church — showed the weak side of such and schisms of past centuries, I see very many situations prayer of Jesus as found in the four gospels. It continues in doctrinal confessions. People of different church tradi- where the opponents got deeper and deeper into a conflict the very early developments of the church in the Acts of tions took arms against each other and killed each other in which overshadowed the many biblical beliefs which they the Apostles and then continues in the letters of Paul and the attempt to defend their basic belief. The experience of shared in common. And in those rarer cases where it seems others. Such texts offer a variety of aspects and perspec- confessional wars — particularly in Europe — gave rise to inevitable for me that there had to be open dispute about tives, but there is always a distinct reference to Jesus, the anti-clerical movements. By the time the Wesleyan move- truly being church and its boundaries, I usually do not see Christ. ment spread over Britain, it became evident: What matters any Christian spirit in the way the conflict was handled by To highlight this may seem obvious. It has, however, in Christ Jesus is faith working through love (Galatians 5:6) not been obvious in many past and present discussions on — a key Biblical insight for Wesley. RELATIONSHIPS CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 the current Local Church News |

DECEMBER 2017

Photos courtesy of Ted Hartley Bethany First UMC had its first Fall Festival Block Party on Sept. Free food, homemade ice cream, children’s games, pumpkin 16, using the monetary gift from Discipleship Ministries One painting and cookie walk were all part of the festival. Matters Award from the 2017 Annual Conference to fund the Entertainment was provided by State of Grace Trio, a gospel event. group, and a bluegrass ensemble, Gunny Sack Revue. The event aimed to do three things: provide a family-friendly The event has already generated new visitors on Sunday event for the community; raise awareness of the church in mornings. the community; and invite people and acquaint them with the church’s ministries. Bethany UMC presented with One Matters Award BY TED HARTLEY • Teacher Appreciation Bags for the Elementary School BETHANY – Four years ago Bethany was shared with its across from the church new pastor, Rev. Ted A Hartley that might be closing soon. • Use of projection screen and media as well as drums When Pastor Hartley came on his first Sunday, there were being played on Sunday fewer than 20 people and no one younger than himself at • Hiring children's ministry director and start Children's the age of 58. After 3 years of no growth and even a few Church deaths, Pastor Hartley asked everyone who attended to • More involvement in missions read "Autopsy of a Deceased Church" by Thom S. Rainer. After reading this book many members realized that as a • Quarterly fellowship activities congregation they must do something to continue. • Have a block party (see related story on this page) So on a Sunday, the church had a catered dinner and started • Erecting a new fellowship hall built on church property brainstorming. First came a mission statement that was easily that also could serve as a community building remembered and focused on what the church wanted to be • Establishing an active Facebook page in the community - "Living by Faith, Known by Love, Being a Voice of Hope". The most important fact in church’s growth was no bought program, or new church growth idea, but people inviting Then they dreamed about the future of the church: setting friends, family, work associates and families with children immediate goals as well as because they wanted them to experience the Love of God future goals. through the church and its worship. Following that, teams were established hospitality and In one year, 15 new people joined on professions of faith outreach; family activities; worship and future building and also eight children. Worship attendance went from less expansions. The team developed the following ideas: than 20 to more than 40, and the church is continuing to • Welcome bags for new residents and first-time visitors grow with six new people since the church received the to the church award at the 2017 Annual Conference.

Sangamon River District Superintendent Sylvester Weatherall presents the conference’s One Matters Award to Bethany UMC as well as the conference’s Evangelism Award for church growth for churches with memberships between 1 and 50 Oct. 15.

Pictured from left are: Lay Leader Terry Muzzy, Pastor Ted A. Hartley, Church Council Leader Sue Shain and Weatherall.

The award, which includes $1,000 and a One Matters Discipleship Award plaque, is presented to the pastor and lay leaders of a congregation which has done significant work to make its zeros from previous years become positive numbers. Inaugurated in 2015 by Discipleship Ministries, the award is focused on renewing a church’s focus on discipleship, especially at congregations in the United Methodist connection where annual baptisms and professions of faith too often are non-existent.

Photo courtesy of Ted Hartley the current Local Church News |

Bloomington Park UMC to celebrate 125 years DECEMBER 2017 BY JULIA EVELSIZER and completed in 1897. Bloomington Pantagraph A cornerstone for the new (and current) church BLOOMINGTON – An anchor church on building was laid in 1906 at the corner of Allin Bloomington’s west side is inviting the public Street and Oakland Avenue (then Clay Street). 5 to join its celebration of 125 years in the The cornerstone contained a Bible, a copy of community. the church discipline, a list of original members Park United Methodist Church was founded and illustrations of the building then under in 1892 and continues to offer several Sunday construction. services, choirs, youth groups, Bible studies and The brick building was completed in 1907 for Christmas Eve services. $17,000. The church had 103 members at the The church will host an open house from 3 to time. 6 p.m. Dec. 9 with food, caroling, a display of In 1928, an educational addition was added church history and fellowship. to the church, giving the building its current A special service at 11:10 a.m. Dec 10 will be appearance. followed by a lunch for its current congregation The church was originally named Park Methodist and past clergy. Episcopal Church because of its proximity to “This congregation has a servant heart for the Miller Park. Due to a national merger between neighborhood, a joyful heart for worship and a the Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren strong dependence upon prayer,” said the Rev. churches, the Bloomington location was Stephanie Soon, who became pastor of the renamed Park United Methodist Church in 1968. congregation this year. A growing congregation in the 1960s caused Park UMC also hosts the Methodist Ministries the church add service times and expand the Food Pantry at 5 p.m. every other Monday and parking lot. back-to-school celebrations. The church currently worships at 11:10 a.m. The church began when the Epworth League every Sunday, with coffee hour at 10:30 a.m. of First Methodist Church sponsored a (Story and photo reprinted with permission from Sunday school at 1005 W. Washington St. in the Nov. 6 issue of the Bloomington Pantagraph, Bloomington. A church was built on the property www.pantagraph.com)

The Prairie Mission Parish (Oakford-Bath-Fairview) in the LaMoine River District has been partnering with the MaKaymah UMC in Liberia for the last seven years as they have been in the process of building their church. This congregation originally worshiped in a medical clinic, then rented space at an outdoor structure, purchased land, then started building their own church. MaKaymah UMC is hosting the Monrovia District women's conference Nov. 17-19, expecting more than 500 in attendance. The congregation is rushing to get the finishing touches on the building before this conference. On World Communion Sunday, Prairie Mission Parish had a special offering to help them finish their flooring. The pastors of this partnership are Judy Vidakovich (Prairie Mission) and Peter Kaykpah (MaKaymah). MaKaymah UMC is located in Paynesville, a suburb of Monrovia. (Pastor Peter is pictured here helping with the building project).

Photo courtesy of Flo Scott Peoria Bethel UMC used Laity Sunday on Oct. 15 to honor first responders. Members of the Illinois State Police, Peoria First Department and nurses were a part of the service.

Pictured from left, are: Jorica Davis, RN; Margaret McDonald, RN; Sokonie Reed, RN; Rev. Flo Scott, Pastor; Illinois State Trooper Pfau; Peoria Fire Department Division Chief Ron Jones; Diana Jowers, RN; Sharon Kilgore, RN; Florence Woods, RN and Stella Adams, LPN.

Photos courtesy of Judy Vidakovich the current Camping & Retreat Ministries |

DECEMBER 2017

6 TransitioningTransitioning forfor thethe FutureFuture BY PATRIC NEWTON is sustainable long term. The road before us is full of intentionally unplugged to listen for that still, small IGRC Coordinator of Camping and Retreat Ministry hope, though there is much to do. As you read more voice of God? Your Camping and Retreat Ministry has under- in the following pages it is our desire that you would Camping and Retreat Ministries offer a wide va- gone a variety of changes, transitions, and updates celebrate with us and consider partnering with us in riety of ways for individuals and groups to enhance over the past several years. 2017 has been a huge 2018. their spiritual, emotional, physical, and communal year for us and the articles on the next two pages We believe Camping and Retreat Ministry is lives. The reason our staff put in countless hours, will share more about this as well as some of the vital in a world that is constantly connected, increas- press on through difficult work, and remain hopeful things you can look forward to in 2018 and beyond. ingly busy, and full of distractions. We read in the is because we see the fruits that this ministry can We have impacted over 9,000 lives at our sites this Bible of God speaking through “still small voices,” produce, the lives that have been changed, and the year which is 9,000 opportunities to make Disciples of Christ stepping away from the world to recon- seeds that we plant daily. It is our prayer that we of Christ for the Transformation of the world. That’s nect with God, and of the powerful revelation of our would never take for granted this incredible minis- an incredible blessing that we do not take lightly. Creator that happens as we encounter the beauty try that we have the privilege of caring for. We ask Exciting things are happening at our sites and of Creation. It is the intentionality of this ministry for you to lift us up in prayer as we seek to obedi- our staff are working to make improvements in all that makes it so powerful to so many. It is not often ently follow where God leads us. We hope to see areas of this unique ministry. We are hard at work that someone accidentally sets aside time to unplug you at one of our sites soon and thank you for your planning for a rapidly changing future and making from the world and reconnect with God. When was continued support! incredible strides towards becoming a ministry that the last time you, your family, or your congregation MASTER PLAN UPDATES AND NEWS BY REV. LARRY GILBERT nurse, exam rooms, overnight observation space for ill We still have not sold either of the campsites of Living Chair, IGRC Commission on Camping and Retreat Ministry campers, and overnight lodging for small retreats in the Springs or Jensen Woods. Both sites have been visited The Master Plan for the Conference Camping program is off-season. This project will convert a building of marginal often by prospective buyers from all over the United alive and well. As I write this article the first construction functionality into a crucially-needed hub of camping States and we have worked with some offers, but have project of the plan at East Bay will begin within a few support services. not be able to come together on a price. The current short weeks. Both our sites, East Bay and Little Grassy, Similar work is being prepared at Little Grassy but, due work that is being planned at East Bay and Little Grassy have been working to identify the most important to the size and nature of the project, it will be postponed will be funded by a loan provided by the Conference and projects and move forward with the development of in order to better fit into the camping season demands. will be repaid with the proceeds from the first campsite detailed plans. This project involves a major renovation of the current sale. The first project of the Master Plan has been completed dining facility, with some small additional construction to The next project for both sites will be new lodging and consisted of a full renovation of the Mt. Tabor facility the building. The Little Grassy site also must coordinate facilities. The concepts at East Bay and Little Grassy are at Little Grassy. This older building was virtually gutted to all work with the government’s Department of Fish and quite different with each focused to meet the specific site be brought up to the standard of the new housing to be Wildlife due to current leasing arrangements, which tends needs and terrain features of that site. All new camper constructed in future phases of the Master Plan. to complicate the process somewhat. At this time detailed lodging will be built for year-round use, greatly expanding plans are being developed to reconfigure the interior the off-season retreat options at both sites. At East Bay the first project will be a complete renovation building space to provide a more modern and efficient of the Gatehouse Building into a small retreat facility and The CCRM remains deeply thankful for the help and kitchen, better serving line flow, improved dining space, support of the annual conference. Please keep us in your modern first aid base for the summer camping program. enlarged restroom facility and a new modern first aid The renovation will provide new living space for the camp prayers as we work to develop the detailed plans at both station. campsites. 2017 proves to be exciting year at Little Grassy Camp BY ED HOKE Central Bathhouse also had a makeover with Little Grassy Camp Minister of Mission Expansion new dividers in the showers, dressing areas MAKANDA – 2017 has been an exciting and stalls. The walls were recovered with mold year for Little Grassy Camp (LGC). The proof materials and all new shower valves and highlight of the year was the renovation of showerheads were installed. The result is a (BEFORE AND AFTER) building that will be mold resistant and easier MT. TABOR FACILITY Mt. Tabor Retreat Center. Having been built in the 70’s, little to clean and more pleasant to use for guests. had been done to Tabor since that time. The old staff house has been renovated in Site Maintenance Director James Simpson what is now being called Gethsemane House spearheaded this effort. Several volunteer (or GHouse for short). This is next door to groups helped in demolition as the interior Masada. The summer use will be for summer of Tabor was stripped out. The renovation program management staff housing. In the included replacing all electrical wiring, off-summer season GHouse will be offered to replacing the paneling with sheetrock, new IGRC pastors and their families for free use up flooring, new windows, new fully accessible to a week. It is being furnished like a time-share electric front door, new kitchenette, apartment, two furnished bedrooms, a kitchen replacement of the beds and new mattresses, a with stove and refrigerator, adequate cooking 58” flat-screen TV, and a new concrete ramp/ and serving utensils and washer/dryer. Contact sidewalk to the front. The result is amazing. Heather at the camp office to book your time. But Tabor is just the beginning. The LITTLE GRASSY CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 A Special Edition of The Current CAMPING GUIDE 2O18

VOL. 22, NO. 6

EXPLORE CREATION. ENCOUNTER CHRIST. ADVENTURE ON.

CAMPING RETREAT MINISTRIES

CAMPING RETREAT MINISTRIES the current CAMPING GUIDE 2O18

DECEMBER 2017

PO Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207 8 Phone: 217.529.3007 www.igrc.org/camping [email protected] East Bay ��4-5 24248 Ron Smith Memorial Hwy., Hudson, IL 61748 P: 309.365.7531 F: 309.365.7532 [email protected] East Bay is located in Hudson, IL, on the shores of Lake Bloomington. Campers will experience the wonder of their Creator through Bible Explorations, worship, and intentional community. They will make lasting friendships as they encounter a variety of exciting activities throughout their time at camp including; swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, various water toys, archery, crafts, hayrides, high energy singing, and campfires with s’mores. East Bay is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) which is obtained by meeting stringent national standards in all areas of their programs, facilities, and training Little Grassy ��6-7 NewBY PATRIC NEWTON Paths Ahead 1 Methodist Camp Rd., Makanda, IL 62958 Coordinator of Camping P: 618.457.6030 F: 618.529.2244 Your Camp and Retreat Ministry has been undergoing a variety of transitions over the past few [email protected] years and in 2017 we asked a lot of questions. Two questions have been our guide and will guide us into Little Grassy is located south of Carbondale on 190 acres adjacent to a 2018. What if God is unfolding a bold new vision for our camping ministry? and How will this ministry 1,000-acre lake. Located on the north edge of the beautiful Shawnee continue to be a vital part of the mission of making disciples of Christ for the transformation of our National Forest, Little Grassy offers rock-climbing, rappelling, caving, ever-changing world? These questions are guiding us into some new directions and we are excited about hiking, swimming, and other activities. Campers will experience the where we are headed. wonder of their Creator through their encounters with Creation as well The world is rapidly changing around us, and we believe that Camp and Retreat Ministry still has a as Bible Explorations, worship, and intentional community. Little Grassy role to play. God has big plans for us! In 2018, you will begin to see some changes. Some will be larger is ACA accredited which is obtained by meeting stringent national than others, but all of them are pointing us toward a refined vision of camp and retreat ministry. A standards in all areas of their programs, facilities, and training. ministry that values relationships, experiences, intentionality, and deep connection to our Creator in all Trip Camp �� 8 that we do. This means we are training staff, organizing in new ways, dreaming big dreams, and asking God to give us the courage to be bold. This also means that we are stepping back as a team to focus on Epworth Journey �� 8 the foundations of our ministry. This will enable us to move forward with feet firmly planted, keeping Beulah �� 9 first things first. The Camp experience is perhaps one of the most meaningful things a young person can encounter 700 Trolley Road, Eldorado, IL 62930 P: 618.273.3583 F: 618.273.7124 in our world today. Young people are spending nearly 8 hours per day in front of media and significantly less in meaningful conversations and relationships. Studies also show that young people crave authentic [email protected] experiences and have a deep desire to make a difference in the world. What better place to unplug, find Beulah is located in southern Illinois outside Eldorado. This camp has community, experience Christ, and hear from God than at one of our sites? Camping can be one of the over a century of history and a wonderful heritage of proclaiming the most significant and valuable experiences in the life of a young person today. It is for this reason that Gospel in southern Illinois. Recreation facilities are available on-site for we are looking closely at the experience our campers are having and working to make that our soccer, softball, basketball, and volleyball. number one priority. Employment Opportunities / So, what does that mean and what will be changing this summer? Other Opportunities �� 10 The tiered pricing structure has gone away. This year you will see only one price for camp, but Registration/Discounts/Scholarships �� 11 there are multiple discounts available to families. The early bird discount decreases the price if you register early, the family discount decreases the price of camp for siblings that attend camp in the same season, and our new bring a friend discount is an unlimited decrease for every new friend a returning camper brings to camp. In addition to these discounts we have a scholarship fund available to help offset the cost of camp for those with a need. Money should never be a barrier to attending camp, so we are constantly evaluating our fees and finding new ways to help minimize the cost to our families. Incredible experiences for campers are dependent upon incredible staff. Our goal is to find the best staff available to serve at our sites this summer. We are looking for passionate leaders that want to serve young people, share their faith journey, and guide our campers’ spiritual, physical, and emotional growth. Once hired, our staff will participate in a variety of training experiences to ensure they are fully prepared to serve as conduits of Christ’s love and equipped to care well for those young people they are serving. We know that every camper is different and comes to camp for a variety of reasons. This summer we will be incorporating more choices into the camp experience. This ensures that every camper gets to experience those parts of camp they like the most and gives them some freedom to choose their own adventure. Spiritual growth is a key component of the camp experience and we want every young person that attends camp to go home with new insights, understanding, and direction. Bible Exploration, worship, and community are vital to this growth and so for 2018 we will be more intentional in each of these areas. This will involve better training for our staff, more engaging curriculum, and a renewed focus on seeing healthy spiritual growth in our campers and staff. Every summer is different than the last and in 2018 we’ll begin the process of adding additional experiences and activities to our camps. We want returning campers to have new things to look forward to and for each of our campers to have a wide variety of experiences while they are at camp. the current CAMPING GUIDE 2O18

Scholarships available for all camps! Apply today: www.igrc.org/registrationforms |

DECEMBER 2017

Change Lives This Summer9 There are several ways that you can support us this summer other than sending camp ers to one of our programs. We ask that you please contact our office at 217-529-3007 - prayerfully consider partnering with us this or [email protected]. We will send you summer in one of the areas listed below. an Ambassador packet to guide you along Find the Adventure Your camp and retreat ministry is an exten the way and promotional resources such sion of your local congregation and so we as brochures and videos to make it easy to - That’s Right for You! want to be partners with you in impacting spread the word. Change lives this summer the lives of young people this summer. with your excitement for camp! The pages that follow are your guide to our 2018 program. Below are some additional opportunities to Financial Partner Our camps are now organized into categories to help you serve. In 2017, nearly 20% of our campers applied better navigate. As you look through the camp listings you Mentors/Clergy Mentors for and received scholarship assistance will see a corresponding symbol to help identify which amounting to $45,000. We are always in type of camp is shown. A description of each category is Each summer we have many adult volun teers and clergy that serve at our sites that need of additional contributions to ensure listed below. - we are calling Mentors. There are a variety that funding is available for every camper with a need. Our sites are also continu DAY CAMP of ways one can volunteer including teach ing, speaking, supervising youth, leading ally working to improve their facilities and - - Campers are dropped off in the morning and picked up music at worship, overseeing camper health programs. Both sites have Advance Special each evening. Campers can attend daily or weekly. Often (nurses/doctors), maintenance/cleaning, and Program and Improvement accounts to these are great opportunities for younger campers, campers in any number of other ways. Clergy Mentors support those improvements. You can give that haven’t been away from home, or as an option for are typically asked to help with teaching and to any of these areas directly through the working families with school-aged children. speaking throughout the week. Curriculum camping office or through the IGRC Advance is provided to guide the process and to make Special program through your church using BASE CAMPS it easy to guide the spiritual formation of our the account numbers below. Change lives campers. this summer through your gifts! Base camps are those that are our more traditional camps. Summer Camp Scholarships #6910 These have different themes and activities mixed into the If you have a gift to share this summer and typical camp experience. a passion to serve young people for a few EB Equipment #6845 days, a week, or more, then we would love EB Program #6835 VENTURE CAMPS to hear from you. Individuals 18 or older can contact our office at 217-529-3007 or EB Facility and Maintenance #6840 These camps include a variety of components that set them [email protected] for more information LG Equipment #6825 apart from the base camp experience. Typically, these about how to get signed up and authorize a LG Program #6815 include some offsite, adventure, or rugged components. background check. In many instances, there LG Facility and Maintenance #6820 are options for child care available for our FAMILY CAMPS Mentors. Change lives this summer with your Prayer Partner Family camps are shorter experiences that are intentionally presence! Each summer thousands of children, youth, set apart for various family members to attend together. Ambassador and adults attend our programs which is an incredible opportunity to impact lives, Ambassadors are members of our local but also a lot of work. Please consider lifting LEADERSHIP CAMPS congregations that are interested in our campers, volunteers, staff, and sites in promoting summer camp to their fellow your prayers as we work together to provide We believe that our older campers are ready to be leaders members. We have all the information you meaningful, life-changing experiences. If you themselves. Leadership camps train older campers how need to inform, promote, and help families in are interested in sending notes of encour to lead and then invite them to hone their skills as they your community be prepared for camp this agement to our staff, please contact our of serve younger campers. These are great opportunities for summer. If you are interested in spreading - campers that are ready for the next level, want to grow in fice 217-529-3007 or [email protected] for the word about camp in your community - their leadership skills, or hope to one day serve on staff at more information on how to do that. Change one of our camps. lives this summer through your prayers! PARTNER CAMPS Each summer we partner with a variety of ministries to offer unique experiences for the young people they serve. Typically, these camps have their own leaders and volunteers that run the program, but we partner closely with them to support their vision and their campers. AFFILIATE CAMPS Affiliate camps are those camps that are connected to us through identity and common purpose, but typically happen at sites outside of those owned and operated by the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. These camps are United Methodist in their identity and are led by many clergy and volunteers from our conference. the current CAMPING GUIDE 2O18

DECEMBER 2017

Week June 24 – 29 Week June 10 – 15 Splash Down 10 Grades: 6 – 8 RISE Begins: Sunday, June 24, 4:00 p.m. Grades: 10 – 12 Ends: Friday, June 29, 5:00 p.m. Begins: Sunday, June 10, 4:00 p.m. Dean: East Bay Camp Staff Generations2 Ends: Friday, June 15, 5:00 p.m. Phone: 309-365-7531 Grades: Pre K – 4th and adults Dean: East Bay Camp Staff E-mail: [email protected] Begins: Friday, July 20, 7:00 p.m. Phone: 309-365-7531 Price $630 Ends: Sunday, July 22, 10:00 a.m. E-mail: [email protected] Camp ID: EB328 Dean: Alice Shirley Price: $630 Phone: 618-367-0922 or Camp ID: EB320 Saddle Up Horse Camp Grades: 7 – 12 East Bay 309-365-7531 Begins: Sunday, June 24, 4:00 p.m. E-mail: [email protected] Week June 17 – 22 Ends: Friday, June 29, 5:00 p.m. or [email protected] Dean: East Bay Camp Staff Price: $125 Sports Camp Phone: 309-365-7531 Camp ID: EB344 Grades: 4 – 6 E-mail: [email protected] No discount availalble for this session Begins: Sunday, June 17, 4:00 p.m. Price: $930 Altitude 2 Ends: Friday, June 22, 5:00 p.m. Camp ID: EB338 Dean: East Bay Camp Staff Grades: 7 – 12 Phone: 309-365-7531 Girls Only Camp Begins: Sunday, July 15, 4:00 p.m. E-mail: [email protected] Grades: 6 – 8 Ends: Friday, July 20, 5:00 p.m. Price: $630 Begins: Sunday, June 24, 4:00 p.m. Dean: East Bay Camp Staff Camp ID: EB364 Ends: Friday, June 29, 5:00 p.m. Phone: 309-365-7531 Dean: East Bay Camp Staff E-mail: [email protected] Catch The Spirit Phone: 309-365-7531 Price: $680 Grades: 7 - 12 E-mail: [email protected] Camp ID: EB390 Begins: Sunday, June 17, 6:00 p.m. Price: $630 Ends: Friday, June 22, 5:00 p.m. Camp ID: EB332 Dean: Don Long, Jr. Week July 22 – 27 Phone: 618-466-3624 E-mail: [email protected] Week July 8 – 13 You Did What At Camp? Grades: 3 – 5 Price: $420 Begins: Sunday, July 22, 4:00 p.m. Camp ID: EB394 Altitude 1 Grades: 7 – 12 Ends: Friday, July 27, 5:00 p.m. Giddy Up Horse Camp Begins: Sunday, July 8, 4:00 p.m. Dean: East Bay Camp Staff Grades: 3 – 6 Ends: Friday, July 13, 5:00 p.m. Phone: 309-365-7531 Begins: Sunday, June 17, 4:00 p.m. Dean: East Bay Camp Staff E-mail: [email protected] June 11 - July 27 Ends: Friday, June 22, 5:00 p.m. Phone: 309-365-7531 Price: $630 Dean: East Bay Camp Staff E-mail: [email protected] Camp ID: EB324 Day Camp Phone: 309-365-7531 Price: $680 Monday – Friday, E-mail: [email protected] SPLAT Camp ID: EB391 Grades: 4 – 6 (Daily from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) Price $930 Begins: Sunday, July 22, 4:00 p.m. Grades: Pre-K – 7 Camp ID: EB339 Splish Splash Grades: 3 – 5 Ends: Friday, July 27, 5:00 p.m. Dean: East Bay Camp Staff Campelodeons 1 Phone: 309-365-7531 Begins: Sunday, July 8, 4:00 p.m. Dean: East Bay Camp Staff Grades: 1 – 2 E-mail: [email protected] Ends: Friday, July 13, 5:00 p.m. Phone: 309-365-7531 Begins: Sunday, June 17, 4:00 p.m. Week: $210 Dean: East Bay Camp Staff E-mail: [email protected] Ends: Tuesday, June 19, 5:00 p.m. Day: $50 Phone: 309-365-7531 Price: $630 Dean: East Bay Camp Staff Camp ID: EB310 E-mail: [email protected] Camp ID: EB330 Phone: 309-365-7531 Price: $630 E-mail: [email protected] Altitude 3 Camp ID: EB392 Grades: 7 – 12 Price: $280 Begins: Sunday, July 22, 4:00 p.m. Camp ID: EB312 Hammock Camp Grades: 7 – 12 Ends: Friday, July 27, 5:00 p.m. Campelodeons 2 Begins: Sunday, July 8, 4:00 p.m. Dean: East Bay Camp Staff Grades: 3 – 5 Ends: Friday, July 13, 5:00 p.m. Phone: 309-365-7531 Begins: Tuesday, June 19, 7:00 p.m. Dean: East Bay Camp Staff E-mail: [email protected] Ends: Friday, June 22, 5:00 p.m. Phone: 309-365-7531 Price: $680 Dean: East Bay Camp Staff E-mail: [email protected] Camp ID: EB395 Phone: 309-365-7531 Price: $630 E-mail: [email protected] Family Camp Camp ID: EB380 All ages Price: $375 Begins: Friday, July 27, 7:00 p.m. Camp ID: EB314 Week July 15 – 20 Ends: Sunday, July 29, 10:00 a.m. Generations 1 Dean: East Bay Camp Staff Grades: Pre K – 4th and adults Baby Fold Phone: 309-365-7531 Begins: Friday, June 22, 7:00 p.m. Grades: 10 – 13 E-mail: [email protected] Ends: Sunday, June 24, 10:00 a.m. Begins: Saturday, July 14, 1:00 p.m. Price: $125 Dean: Alice Shirley Ends: Friday, July 20, 3:00 p.m. Camp ID: EB342 Phone: 618-367-0922 or Dean: Tom Corum No discount availalble for this session East Bay 309-365-7531 Dean Phone: 217-356-9078 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Week July 30 – Aug. 4 or [email protected] Price: $475 Price: $125 Camp ID: EB398 Latino Youth Retreat Camp ID: EB346 You Can’t Do That At Camp Ages: 13 - 21 No discount availalble for this session Grades: 6 – 8 Begins: Thursday, August 2, 2:00 p.m. Begins: Sunday, July 15, 4:00 p.m. Ends: Saturday, August 4, 3:00 p.m. Ends: Friday, July 20, 5:00 p.m. Dean: Adrian Garcia Dean: East Bay Camp Staff Phone: 309-673-3641 Phone: 309-365-7531 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Price: $115 Price: $630 Camp ID: EB393 Camp ID: EB350 No discount availalble for this session the current CAMPING GUIDE 2O18

Scholarships available for all camps! Apply today: www.igrc.org/registrationforms |

DECEMBER 2017

11 Camp Descriptions LEADERSHIP CAMPS PARTNER CAMPS RISE (CIT) care for, saddle, tack, and ride a horse. By packed full of water fun! We have a 635- Baby Fold RISE is for high schooler campers who the end of the camp, students will feel acre lake where you can canoe, kayak, Experience emotional and spiritual are ready to take camp to another level confident around horses and will be able bounce on our inflatable aqua toys, fish, growth as you serve children in need. and learn to lead like Christ! RISE (Revive, to perform basic maneuvers on horse- and lounge on our beach. Campers will Work as part of a team during the day, Identify, Shape, Equip) is a Christ- back. Register early, room is limited! also encounter a variety of other water ministering to day campers with emo- centered, discipleship-driven, leadership activities like our bubble slip-n-slides tional and behavior disorders from The development camp for high school BASE CAMPS and diving in at the pool. So, grab some Baby Fold. This is a wonderful opportu- students who are eager to go deeper in sunscreen, sunglasses, and a swimsuit for nity to connect faith with service. There their faith while learning how to lead in Campelodeons an East Bay tradition that you don’t want will be great music and free time for their churches, schools, communities, and Campelodeons are shorter versions of to miss. fellowship. in the IGRC camping ministry program. our camps that make a great choice for Sports Camp first-time campers or for campers with Latino Youth Retreat Campers will Revive as they go deeper At Sports Camp, every day is an opportu- a busy schedule. Campelodeons are Let us seek the Lord along with other in their relationship with God; Identify nity to get in on the action and try your invited to experience the beauty of God’s Youth of our Hispanic Jurisdiction con- their strengths and spiritual gifts and skills at a new sport such as baseball, soc- creation and the awesome experiences gregations. Experience God’s power and learn how to use them to be leaders cer, and basketball. Throughout the week that camp can provide. For some this may Holy fire this summer. for the Church; be Shaped in their faith we will be talking about what it means to be their first sleep away camp experience through their participation in spiritual be a part of a team, what it means to be Busquemos al Señor juntos en compa- and we promise to make it one they will disciplines and service; and be Equipped a good sport, and how Christ makes all of ñía de otros jóvenes de congregaciones never forget!! Come join us as we go as leaders for various ministry settings, us winners! Put on your game face, lace hispanas de nuestra jurisdicción. Experi- canoeing, swimming, hiking, play games, including camp. RISE campers who up your shoes, and join us for one of our menta este verano el poder de Dios y su eat s’mores, do crafts, learn about our display an interest in camping leadership most active camps of the summer! fuego santificador. will have an opportunity to return for an incredibly awesome God, and make new additional week to serve at camp. During friends. You Did What at Camp? / service weeks, RISE campers will work DAY CAMP Catch The Spirit You Can’t Do That at Camp closely with the staff chaplain, deans, and Day Camp counselors to strengthen and refine their In many ways CTS is like other church Think you’ve done everything at camp? East Bay’s Summer Day Camp is located leadership skills while serving younger camps: swimming, boating, singing, pray- Think again! Have you ever wondered on Lake Bloomington and our staff have campers in a variety of ways. ing, Bible study, dining hall food, and lots what camp would be like if campers of hanging out with old and new friends. could break the rules, choose their been busy creating an exciting summer But it’s also unlike any other camp in favorite activities, and create their own camp program for our Day Campers this VENTURE CAMPS the way we do the usual stuff in unique schedule? If you think summer is about year. Each week, campers will explore the ways. We hope you’ll join our crazy camp letting loose, tossing rules out the win- Great Outdoors through nature hikes, Altitude staff for a Spirit-filled, life-changing week dow, and having fun then this is the camp crafts, music, storytelling, archery, field Are you bored with your life on the living in the love of Jesus, making lasting for you. Prepare yourself for a week full of games, swimming, boating, Bible stories, ground? Do you dream of being high in memories and real connections with crazy and unexpected moments, where and more. Your camper will receive a hot the air? Then come to Altitude where you Christ, and oh yeah, building cardboard anything is possible! breakfast, lunch, and snacks each day. spend your week running through our boats for the 20th Annual Cardboard Boat Campers will learn about and explore amazing teams course, climbing some Regatta! their natural surroundings, make new of our tallest trees, and soaring through FAMILY CAMPS friends, and create lasting memories. We the air on the zip line. Campers will also Girls Only have combined the best from the past leave camp and climb in one of the larg- This ALL GIRL camp will be a week-long Family Camp with new crazy fun ideas for our best We all want our families to be the best est climbing gyms in the country. This celebration with no boys allowed! Camp- Summer Day Camp Ever!! they can be, which is why our goal is week will take you to a much higher place ers will stay in the air-conditioned Wesley that when you leave family camp, you’ve Please send your child with sneakers and will leave you understanding what it Lodge and have a variety of experiences grown closer to both God and your fam- (including old sneakers), bathing suit means to fully trust in God. Don’t let this that reflect the diverse interests of girls. ily. And, of course, that you’ve experi- & beach towel, sun screen (high SPF camp fill up without you! We have added We will be doing fun things like a camp enced the most fun camp that you could preferred), change of clothes, insect an additional week to accommodate the spa party, swimming, discussions about ever imagine! Family camp is a perfect repellent, baseball / sun hat, water bottle, popularity of this camp, but you will want inner beauty, tree climbing, a beading mix of active recreation and relaxation. day pack (backpack), medication (if to register early -- room is limited!! party, boating, crafts, tea parties, worship, Don’t be left out…sign up today. needed), please give to staff upon arrival. Hammock Camp watching movies, and Bible Explorations. Don’t miss out on the only camp for girls Generations Hammocks! Spend your nights sleeping only! Room is limited. under the stars in our brand-new ham- No experience needed. If you have never mocks and discover a truly unique way SPLAT set foot aboard a sailboat, it’s ok with us. At East Bay, sailing is a breeze. You don’t to experience camp. Campers will also Are you tired of coloring in the lines? Are need any prior knowledge, in fact most practice outdoor living skills, cook some you wild and crazy about exploring with students who join our summer adven- meals around the fire, and encounter color and experimenting with texture in tures have just a little sailing experience God’s creation in some new ways. Don’t your artwork? Do you really care what and some none at all. You just need to worry, you won’t only be hanging around type of mess your project might make? love being in and on the water. We start all week. You will spend your days doing Neither do we! Chaotic messy arts will be with all the basics and you’ll learn along classic East Bay Camp activities as well. the goal and outrageous fun will be our the way – it is a true hands-on process Sign up today, room is limited! reward. Grab your friends and get ready with our staff by your side. It won’t be for a messy good time. Don’t bring new long before you’re speaking the lingo and Horse Camps clothing to this camp unless you want it Do you love being around horses? working the boat like a real sailor: haul- to go home tie-dyed. Room is limited -- Whether you are a seasoned wrangler or ing, winching, tacking, and jibing. Sign up register early. just beginning an interest in horses, this early - there is limited room! camp is for you. Campers will participate Splish Splash/ Splash Down in daily riding lessons at a nearby riding Can’t imagine your summer without academy. You will learn how to properly water? Splash into summer with a week the current CAMPING GUIDE 2O18

DECEMBER 2017 Week July 8 – 14 Kamp Kids Eligibility: Children of volunteers Week June 24 – 30 Discovery Camp Begins: First day of camp session Grades: 1 – 4 Ends: Last day of camp session 12 On the Rise Begins: Sunday, July 8, 4:00 p.m. Dean: Little Grassy Camp Staff Grades: 4 – 6, Girls Only Ends: Wednesday, July 11, 2:00 p.m. E-mail: [email protected] Begins: Sunday, June 24, 4:00 p.m. Dean: Laura Bishop Phone: 618-457-6030 Ends: Friday, June 29, 2:00 p.m. E-mail: [email protected] Price: $30 for 1st week; Dean: Paige Cooper Phone: 618-201-6124 subsequent weeks no charge E-mail: [email protected] Price: $300 Camp ID: Please see list below Phone: 618-719-1811 Camp ID: LG605 Week: Camp ID: Price: $460 My Shepherd and Me Camp ID: LG668 June 17 – 23 LG 635K Grades: K – 4 with an adult LG637K Camp Rocks! Begins: Friday, July 13, 5:00 p.m. Grades: 4 – 6 Ends: Sunday, July 15, 1:00 p.m. June 24 – 30 LG668K Begins: Sunday, June 24, 4:00 p.m. Dean: Revs. Beth and Mike Fender LG645K Week June 17 – 23 Ends: Friday, June 29, 2:00 p.m. E-mail: [email protected] LG685K Dean: Eric Baldyga Phone: 217-529-2611 LG630K AIR E-mail: [email protected] Price: $220 LG660K Grades: 7 – 13 Phone: 217-891-0410 Camp ID: LG625 July 8 – 14 LG605K Begins: Sunday, June 17, 4:00 p.m. Price: $510 No discount availalble for this session LG625K Ends: Friday, June 22, 2:00 p.m. Camp ID: LG645 Dean: Jim Barnett and Kelsey Ross July 15 – 21 LG680K E-mail: [email protected] HorsePower Camp Week July 15 – 21 LG618K Grades: 4 – 6 [email protected] July 29 – Aug 3 LG610K Phone: 618-967-6363 (Jim) Begins: Sunday, June 24, 4:00 p.m. Fueled 618-558-0748 (Kelsey) Ends: Friday, June 29, 2:00 p.m. Grades: 6 – 9 Price: $460 Dean: Jess Howell Begins: Sunday, July 15, 4:00 p.m. Camp Mentors Camp ID: LG635 E-mail: [email protected] Ends: Wednesday, July 18, 2:00 p.m. Eligibility: Age 21 and over Phone: 618-444-1076 Dean: Rev. Katie Gholson Begins: First day of camp session AIR Horse Camp Price: $660 E-mail: [email protected] Grades: 7 – 13 Ends: Last day of camp session Camp ID: LG685 Phone: 618-550-1887 Begins: Sunday, June 17, 4:00 p.m. Dean: Little Grassy Camp Staff S.T.E.M.s of Grace Price: $300 Email: [email protected] Ends: Friday, June 22, 2:00 p.m. Camp ID: LG680 Dean: Lindsay McDaniels Grades: 4 – 6 [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Begins: Sunday, June 24, 4:00 p.m. Creative Creations Cost: NA Phone: 618-670-4674 Ends: Friday, June 29, 2:00 p.m. Grades: 4 – 6 Camp ID: Please see list below Price: $610 Dean: Daniel Schall Begins: Sunday, July 15, 4:00 p.m. Week: Camp ID: Camp ID: LG637 E-mail: [email protected] Ends: Wednesday, July 18, 2:00 p.m. June 17 – 23 LG 635M Phone: 217-379-7684 Dean: Little Grassy Camp Staff LG637M Price: $460 E-mail: [email protected] June 24 – 30 LG668M Camp ID: LG630 [email protected] LG645M Phone: 618-978-9731 (Andrea) Impact (CIT) LG685M 618-457-6030 (Little Grassy) Grades: 10 – 12 LG630M Price: $300 Begins: Sunday, June 24, 4:00 p.m. LG660M Camp ID: LG618 Ends: Friday, June 29, 2:00 p.m. July 8 – 14 LG605M Dean: Skip Burgess LG625M E-mail: [email protected] Week July 29 – Aug. 3 Phone: 270-556-9014 July 15 – 21 LG680M Price: $460 S’Mores and More LG618M Camp ID: LG660 Day Camp July 29 – Aug 3 LG610M (Daily from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.) Drop off at Little Grassy or Carbondale Camp Mentor Training Dates: 1st UMC Saturday, April 14th, 9:30am-3:00pm, Pick up at Little Grassy from 5-5:30 p.m. Little Grassy United Methodist Camp Grades: K – 5 Saturday, April 28th, 9:30am-3:00pm, Begins: Monday, July 30 Main Street United Methodist, Alton, IL Ends: Friday, Aug 3 Dean: Little Grassy Camp Staff Clergy Mentors E-mail: [email protected] Begins: First day of camp session [email protected] Ends: Last day of camp session Phone: 618-978-9731 (Andrea) Dean: Little Grassy Camp Staff 618-457-6030 (Little Grassy) Email: [email protected] Price: $200 [email protected] Camp ID: LG610 No discount availalble for this session Clergy Mentor Training Dates: Tuesday, March 20, 9:30am-2:00pm, UM Center, Springfield, IL Tuesday, May 22, 9:30am-2:00pm, Little Grassy United Methodist Camp Save the date! April 21 Little Grassy Rally Day Saturday, April 21 from 11:00am-2:00pm on the day of the event. You can come Price: Fee charged on day of event and meet some of the camp staff and Come to Little Grassy Rally Day to help volunteers that will be at camp this sum- kick off the camping season! At Rally mer. If this isn’t your first summer at Little Day you can come see what Little Grassy Grassy you can meet up with your old camp is all about. Come explore what camp friends and get to know new friends. camp can offer you this summer. Camp Check the Little Grassy Camp Facebook tours will be available, along with wor- page in the Spring for more information ship, light lunch, games, and other camp and for a link to register your attendance fun. There will be a nominal fee charged for the event. Please register for this event. the current CAMPING GUIDE 2O18

Scholarships available for all camps! Apply today: www.igrc.org/registrationforms |

DECEMBER 2017

13 Camp Descriptions LEADERSHIP CAMPS DAY CAMP Impact (CIT) Discovery Camps Kamp Kids This leadership training camp is designed for high school Designed for our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is short This program is provided for children who need to come with students who have a desire to be servant leaders in camping on time, but jam-packed with fun. This is a great introduction their parent who is volunteering at camp. We don’t want vol- ministry. Impact campers will participate in spiritual formation to camp where campers will get to explore God’s creation all unteers to be left out of the camp experience because they do with Skip Burgess and Jessica Baldyga as well as learn what it around them while paddle-boating, swimming in the lake, and not have a place for their children. If the child is the appropriate means to be a servant leader in the role of a camp counselor. observing wildlife. With Laura Bishop as Dean, campers are sure age for the camps offered they will attend those. If the child is Campers will also have hands-on experience working with to have a good time while experiencing God through creation too young or too old for the camps being offered the week the younger campers during the week. Those who do well in the and fun camp activities. parent is volunteering then children will register for Kamp Kids. counselor experience will be asked to come back as junior Fueled The day camp is run by experienced camp staff and volunteers counselors other weeks of the summer. Those who have previ- who plan exciting activities and outings for the children while What fuels you? At this camp you will be fueled and recharged ously attended CIT camp need to attend this camp if they want the parent volunteers in the other camp programs. Children will through Bible exploration, worship, mission opportunities in to be a junior counselor this summer. The spiritual formation participate in day camp during the day and eat meals with their the local community, and community building with other mid- materials change each year to help with continued growth in parents and campers as well as sleep with their parents at night. dle school campers from across the conference! After returning faith and leadership. This camp is ONLY for children of camp volunteers and they from local mission opportunities each day there will be time must register to attend this camp. for swimming, crafts, crazy camp games, and all the traditional VENTURE CAMPS camp activities. Rev. Katie Gholson is back again in 2018! S’Mores and More Day Camp AIR Horse Camp On The Rise The staff at Little Grassy Camp are busy creating exciting activities for this new day camp. Campers will get to experience Calling all horse lovers! You will not want to miss this opportu- This ALL GIRL camp is designed to empower girls to be all God many of the traditional camp activities of our overnight camps nity to take care of and ride horses as well as go on a trail ride has created them to be. Campers will participate in team-build- such as hiking, swimming, crafts, and Bible lesson but get to through the beautiful Giant City State Park! Campers will get to ing activities as well as an outdoor adventure where girls will spend each evening at home. This is the perfect way for camp- experience all the fun of AIR camp with the added adventure of experience sleeping under the stars and cooking a meal over ers to end their summer by making lasting friendships and going to Giant City Stables in the afternoons to ride horses. The a fire. With Paige Cooper as Dean, campers will have fun while exploring God’s creation. Campers will receive a hot lunch and stables will have activities fit for all levels of riding experience. discovering who they are as girls in God’s great creation. snacks each day. Children need to wear tennis shoes and bring Lindsay McDaniels is back as Dean in 2018! S.T.E.M.s of Grace with them each day a swimming suit, beach towel, sunscreen, Camp Rocks Daniel Schall and Rev. John Hackman, are back again with even change of clothes, insect repellent, water bottle, backpack, and Ever wondered how many rocks you can stack in the creek more Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math activities. medication (if needed). Everything needs to have the child’s before they fall over? Or how many camp songs you can sing This camp for both girls and boys incorporates interactive, name on it and please give to staff upon arrival. Campers can be while hiking to a camp site? What about how far you can climb hands-on, minds-on learning through connecting S.T.E.M. dropped off at Little Grassy or Carbondale 1st United Methodist up the surface of a rock? Come find the answers to these ques- activities with what it means to be a Christian today. Campers Church at 7:30 a.m. daily. Pick up will be at Little Grassy from tions and so many more as you get up close and personal with will also participate in an outdoor adventure where they will 5-5:30 p.m. nature. Campers will go rock climbing and do an overnight ca- sleep under the stars for one night and work together to cook noe trip to Giant City State Park where they will tent camp, cook a meal over the fire. MENTORS M their food over a fire, and have campfire worship. Come experience God through the great outdoors! (This camp requires the FAMILY CAMPS Camp Mentors stamina to canoe for two hours, followed by a one-hour hike.) Camp mentors are needed in many areas of summer camp. This HorsePower Camp My Shepherd and Me is a great way to get to know the children and youth of your Come join Jess Howell in this amazing camp where we will A weekend of fun awaits as Revs. Mike and Beth Fender are our church! Little Grassy accepts mentors for counselors, nurses, discover the power of God through the power of horses. Along guides in exploring Jesus as our Shepherd through interactive craft people, child care assistants, kitchen help, maintenance, with the traditional camp activities each day, campers will travel worship, games, and silly songs. My Shepherd and Me Camp is and certified lifeguards. If you are interested in being a mentor to Giant City Stables where they will learn how to care for and designed for younger campers and their adult to draw closer at Little Grassy please contact Andrea Stuby at andreastuby@ ride horses, finishing the week with trail rides through the park. together and to have a shared experience of learning about gmail.com or Little Grassy [email protected]. All mentors Campers will also have an outdoor adventure where they will God through creation. Campers will experience the classic must attend a mentor training session, submit a mentor applica- sleep under the stars for one night and work together to cook a camp activities while staying in motel-style accommodations of tion, and undergo a background check. meal over the fire. Masada Lodge. This is a great starter camp to help children get comfortable with being at camp. Up to three children may ac- Clergy Mentors Calling all Clergy! Little Grassy Camp needs your help to ensure company one adult, but all participants must pay the camp fee. BASE CAMPS that a quality summer camping program is delivered to the AIR children and youth of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. Being Do you love staying up late? How about going down a giant a clergy mentor is a great way to get the children and volunteers slip-n-slide or playing a camp-wide game of Counselor Hunt? of your church to participate in camp. It is also a fantastic way to Maybe rock-climbing, arts and crafts, or mission opportunities get to know people in your congregation. Clergy mentors work are more your thing? Whatever your preference, AIR camp together to provide worshipful experiences connected to what has something for you. Come join us for AIR 2018 where Rev. the campers are learning each day. If you are interested in being Carrie Carnes will lead us in worship as we discover who we a clergy mentor, please contact Andrea Stuby at andreastuby@ are in God’s great universe. Chase Carlisle, worship leader from gmail.com or Little Grassy [email protected]. Clergy must at- Springfield First, and his team will lead us in music! Each day tend a mentor training session and submit a mentor application. has intentional small group Bible study, worship, activity time where you choose your activities, and fun evening games. Come join Carrie Carnes, Chase Carlisle, and the AIR staff for an incredible and life-changing experience. Creative Creations This 4 - 6th grade camp explores spiritual formation through art and drama. Kyle Steward will lead us in an experience of God as we create visual arts; while Loren Fear and Jaime Ingle will team up to lead us in experiencing God through drama. Nature can be an artist’s medium with which to create. Come learn how nature and the arts can come together as one. the current CAMPING GUIDE 2O18

DECEMBER 2017

AFFILIATE CAMPS Epworth Journey On! God is doing a new thing with Epworth Camp! Epworth Journey On… Junior Epworth Journey On… Fledgling Camp Sponsor ID: TG910 Junior/Senior Camp Ages: 16 - 20, approved by dean Have a blast this summer at Fledgling Camp! Price: $60 This year’s camp will once again be held at Post High School Camper ID TG935 There will be plenty of fun with a Christ- No discounts available for this session Durley Camp and Retreat Center near Green- One year past high school centered group- zipping through the trees ville, IL. We hope and pray that you will be able Price: $250 ($25 Discount for early registra- on a zip line, swimming/boating on the Epworth Journey On… join us and bring some new friends. It will be tion. $225 if registered and paid in full by April 16) lake, worshiping in the tabernacle, learning Generational Camp an exciting year with dynamic new speakers, No other discounts available for this session exciting new activities and a beautiful location archery, playing in the large game room, and This weekend is designed for young people Adult Sponsor ID TG940 with breathtaking views overlooking the lake. interacting together to simulate the Perse- ages 2 - 12 to enjoy time and structured fun Ages: 21 and older, cuted Church. Journey back in time as you Harvest Ministry Team will be there once again approved by dean with parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, to provide us with music and worship. hear a parable on the lake, much like Jesus’ adult cousins, etc. You will have the joy of Price: $100 No discounts available for this session followers. Together we will meet new friends meeting others while having time to grow This camp will be open to youth entering 6th and have lots of fun making incredible closer to GOD with family! You will be drawn grade through entering 12th grade. Post-High Child of Adult Sponsor ID TG930T campers are very welcome and encouraged to memories! Through stories, team-building closer to God through inspiring, uplifting Grade: Entering 5th and under. register as a camper although these individuals activities, a craft, games, and worship we worship led by Tim Price and Harvest Ministry This will be for minor children will be used in areas of leadership as needed. will learn about God’s love for us! Fledgling Team. Animal Tales will return this year with of adults working camp. Camp is perfect for all stages of campers, their program of exotic animals. There will be Activities at Durley Camp include zip-lining, Price: $25 entering grades 1 - 5. other special events also. swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boats, No discounts available for this session campfires, volleyball, basketball, 9-square, Begins: Friday, July 27, 2:00 p.m. Tell your friends about this exciting program 4-square, gaga pit and much more. What are Sponsors? Ends: Sunday, July 29, 12:30 p.m. with a long history of making disciples of Sponsors at Epworth are adults who have been Dean: Lee Harrison Jesus Christ and having fun while you do it. Please “Like” our Facebook page “Epworth E-mail: [email protected] Journey Church Camp” for developing details, approved in advance by the dean of the camp Phone: 217-494-4686 Ages: 2 – 12 years with an adult snippets of plans and the upcoming release of and who serve as assistants to core staff. Begins: Friday, August 3, 4:00 p.m. who our speaker will be. All staff, volunteer and paid (includes sponsors), Fledgling Ends: Sunday, August 5, Noon Begins: Monday, July 30, 1:00 p.m. must submit a camping volunteer form, avail- Camper ID: TG900 Co-Dean: Gary Pearce Ends: Friday, August 3, 11:00 a.m. able at www.igrc.org/camping, and participate Price: $170 Phone: 618-676-4064 Deans: Deborah Riddle and Amy Ellis in training prior to camp. Persons 18 and older ($25 Discount for early registration. $145 if Co-Dean: TimPearce Email: [email protected] must also undergo a background check. Sub- registered and paid in full by April 16) No other E-mail: [email protected] discounts available for this session Phone: 618-562-4429 mit a camping volunteer form to “Camping, Phone: 618-553-2209 P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207” Junior/Senior Camper ID TG930 Adult ID: TG920 well in advance but no later than May 31st. Price: $250 ($25 Discount for early registra- Sponsor ID: TG905 Price: $140 Please check with the dean of the camp for tion. $225 if registered and paid in full by April 16) Ages: 21 and older, ($25 Discount for early registration. $115 if training dates. No other discounts available for this session approved by dean registered and paid in full by April 16) No other Price: $60 discounts available for this session No discounts available for this session

AFFILIATE CAMPS Trip Camp Lower Wisconsin River Canoe Trip Ages: 8 years and above Begins: Saturday, July 21 Ends: Saturday, July 28 Co-leader: Ron & Phyllis Dickison E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 618-741-4848 Co-leader: Jeremy & Stacey Harminson Phone: 217-254-5775 Price: $400 Camp ID: TGB20 If you enjoy water, earth, and sky as the basic backdrop, you want to consider canoeing the lower Wisconsin River. We focus on God through canoeing, camping, cooking, sharing, singing, and just being with a group in a water and woods primitive-tent-camp setting. (Children under Senior High School must be accompanied by an adult.) the current CAMPING GUIDE 2O18

Scholarships available for all camps! Apply today: www.igrc.org/registrationforms |

DECEMBER 2017

Beulah Listings 15 Week June 17 – 23 E-mail: [email protected] AFFILIATE CAMPS Phone: 618-889-2809 Beulah Youth Institute (BYI) Price: $180 ($25 Discount for early Grades: 8 – 13 registration. $155 if registered and paid Begins: Sunday, June 17, 3:00 p.m. in full by April 16) No other discounts Beulah Camp Descriptions Ends: Friday, June 23, 9:30 a.m. available for this session Beulah Youth Institute (BYI) night camp designed especially for students Dean: Bridget Douglas Camp ID: BC223 We invite you to join us at Beulah Youth who are entering 5th, 6th and 7th grades. Our E-mail: [email protected] Institute for a week of Christian growth and theme this year is, “Paul, Shackled and Ship- Phone: 618-599-9815 Beulah Bible Camp fellowship. Your days will be filled with wor- wrecked.” We have an exciting camp planned Price: $255 ($25 Discount for early Adult Sponsor ship, individual and small group Bible study, with worship, Bible studies, games, crafts, and registration. $230 if registered and paid Age: Adults, approved by dean food, and fellowship! high-energy outdoor recreation. We will also in full by April 16) No other discounts Begins: Monday, June 25, 9:30 a.m. have special evening activities and devotions available for this session Ends: Thurday, June 28, 4:00 p.m. You will have six to eight seminars to choose each night of camp. Come prepared to make Camp ID: BC233 Price: $50 No discounts between daily as well as several recreation new friends and renew old friendships from available for this session options. Our seminars cover a wide range of previous years. Join us for the most exciting Beulah Youth Institute Camp ID: BC225 topics and although most are co-ed, there are week of your summer! Week June 24 - 30 options for gender specific topics offered on (BYI) - Adult Sponsor Beulah Bible Camp certain days. Our recreation options include, Age: Adults, approved by dean Junior Sponsor but are not limited to: team sports, individual Beulah Jr. High Alive Begins: Sunday, June 17, 3:00 p.m. Come join us in a camp perfect for Jr High Age: Young Adult 16 – 20, athletic games such as Octoball, board games, Ends: Saturday, June 23, 9:30 a.m. campers growing in their faith! Excellent approved by dean card games, and crafts. Our days are jammed Price: $100 No discounts speakers (Andrew Spainhour) with Harvest Begins: Monday, June 25, 9:30 a.m. packed so you will want to dress casual and available for this session led worship, fun indoor and outdoor activities Ends: Thursday, June 28, 4:00 p.m. comfy for most of the day. After recreation Camp ID: BC235 (Michael and Emma Howard are back), and Price: $50 No discounts and/or evening activity there will be some Christ Centered experiences await you at Jr available for this session down time so you are able to get cleaned up Beulah Youth Institute High Alive! Week July 8 - 14 Camp ID: BC227 for our traditional evening worship. Dress (BYI) - Junior Sponsor clothes are NOT required for evening worship; Age: Young Adult 18 - 20 Week July 8 – 14 however, traditionally our students (especially Beulah Holiness Camp approved by dean the ladies) enjoy getting a little dressed up for Beulah Holiness Camp begins with the eve- Begins: Sunday, June 17, 3:00 p.m. Beulah Jr. High Alive ning service at 7:30 p.m., July 27, 2018 and Ends: Saturday, June 23, 9:30 a.m. the evening services. Grades: 6 – 8 ends with the final service Friday, August 3, Price: $100 No discounts Begins: Tuesday, July 10, 10:30 a.m. While many churches attend as a youth group 2018. NO meals will be served on Friday, July available for this session Ends: Saturday, June 14, 11:00 a.m. bringing their own sponsors and staying in 27. Camp ID: BC237 All Junior sponsors Dean: Justin Joiner church owned cabins, we also offer dorms must be at least three years older than This historic and intergenerational camp of- E-mail: [email protected] and dorm sponsors to accommodate campers the oldest student coming without their youth group or spon- fers a diversity of programs for people of all [email protected] sors. The new dorms were built in 2017 and ages with an emphasis on the proclamation Phone: 618-401-4041 are ready to be filled! of scriptural holiness. Holiness Camp lends a Week June 24 – 30 Price: $180 ($25 Discount for early spiritual retreat setting and has done so since registration. $155 if registered and paid This year at camp The Great Romance will be 1903. It also provides a contemporary Gospel Beulah the Beginning in full by April 16) No other discounts leading worship. Gabe and Sarah Wanck will message in an historical setting. Age-specific Grades: 2 – 4 available for this session be our morning speakers. Our Evening Evan- programs are available for children, youth, Begins: Friday, June 29, 10:00 a.m. Camp ID: BC243 gelist will be Bishop Frank Beard. You won’t college and career young adults, and older Ends: Saturday, June 30, 1:30 p.m. want to miss this! adults. The youth program will officially kick Dean: Lindsay Vollmar Beulah Jr. High Alive - If you are interested in Beulah Youth Institute off Saturday, July 28. Activities for junior high E-mail: [email protected] Adult Sponsor but still have questions before making your and high school students will include worship Phone: 618-660-7552 Age: Adults, approved by dean final decision to register, please e-mail Bridget time with ministry team, Christian teaching, Price: $105 ($25 Discount for early Begins: Tuesday, July 10, 10:30 a.m. Douglas at [email protected] I awesome recreation with others, as well as registration. $80 if registered and paid Ends: Saturday, July 14, 11:00 a.m. would be happy to answer all of your ques- fantastic mission opportunities and commu- in full by April 16) No other discounts Price: $75 No discounts tions to make your 2018 camping season the nity outreach. available for this session available for this session best it can be! Week June 17 - 23 Camp ID: BC213 Camp ID: BC245 What are Sponsors and Junior Camp ID: BC245C - CORE STAFF ONLY Beulah the Beginning - Beulah the Beginning Sponsors? “Jesus Transform Me” is what we want the Adult Sponsor Beulah Jr. High Alive - Sponsors at Beulah are adults (at least age 18 Age: Adults, approved by dean prayers of our children to be this year at Junior Sponsor and three years older than the oldest camper) Begins: Friday, June 29, 10:00 a.m. Beulah the Beginning Camp 2018. We’re Age: Young Adult 16 – 20, who have been approved in advance by the Ends: Saturday, June 30, 1:30 p.m. going to search throughout the scripture on approved by dean dean of the camp and who serve as assistants Price: $30 No discounts how God can help us change our hearts, our Begins: Tuesday, July 10, 10:30 a.m. to core staff. available for this session minds, where our feet go, what our hands do, Ends: Saturday, July 14, 11:00 a.m. Camp ID: BC215 what comes out of our mouths, what goes in Junior Sponsors are youth (ages 16 - 18 and Price: $100 No discounts at least three years older than the oldest our ears, what our eyes see, and what our will Beulah the Beginning - available for this session is. It’s going to be another awesome camp- camper) who have been approved in advance Camp ID: BC248 ing experience full of eight Bible stories like by the dean of the camp and who serve as as- Junior Sponsor you’ve never heard them before. This year of sistants to core staff. Additional requirements, Age: Young Adult 16 – 20, Week July 27 – Aug 3 transformation will open your kid’s eyes to the including references, may apply according to approved by dean glory of God and help them understand how camp. Begins: Friday, June 29, 10:00 a.m. Beulah Holiness Camp Ends: Saturday, June 30, 1:30 p.m. God makes everything new. Your kids will be All staff, volunteer and paid (includes spon- Grades: All ages Price: $30 No discounts captivated through hands-on Bible stories, sors of all ages), must submit a volunteer Begins: Friday, July 27, 7:30 p.m. available for this session energetic games, creative crafts, movie night form, available at www.igrc.org/camping, Ends: Friday, August 3, Camp ID: BC217 in the Tabernacle, wild & wacky water games, and participate in training prior to camp. following 7:30 p.m. service Questions: Contact Ruby Joy Bronke and meaningful worship. We hope you’ll join Persons 18 and over must also undergo a Beulah Bible Camp us on this exciting adventure as we gear up to 7651 Farmers Mkt. Rd. background check. Submit a volunteer form Age: 5 – 7 let Jesus transform us! Week June 24 – 30 Tamaroa, IL 62888 to “Camping, P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL Begins: Monday, June 25, 9:30 a.m. 62794-9207” well in advance but no later Phone: 618-318-6322 Ends: Thurday, June 28, 4:00 p.m. E-mail: [email protected] Beulah Bible Camp than May 31th. Please check with the dean Dean: Debbie Randoll Beulah Bible Camp is a four-day and three- of the camp for training date. the current CAMPING GUIDE 2O18

DECEMBER 2017 Senior High 16 NOW

Marchinitiative 2 - 4, 2018 Speaker: Rev. Steve Braudt Worship Leader: Rev. Miguel Rios Special Sunday Morning Guest: Bishop Beard Cost: $140 What is the Now Initiative? The Now Initiative is a Youth Retreat taking place at Lake Williamson Center, March 2 - 4, 2018 for Senior High youth. This event was formerly known as YAR. This event, in coordination with our conference youth ministry, is shifting its focus and being updated to reflect some new directions we are taking in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. We are moving toward a new vision for youth ministry in our conference and so we are beginning a new initiative. 1 Timothy 4:12 encourages young people not to wait for some future time to make a difference, but to be an example now. We are excited about the idea of youth leading the church now and our efforts are being focused on making that vision a reality. So, the Now Initiative is a vision and also the name of our upcoming retreats.

What’s new this year? We have been hard at work rethinking our annual retreats for youth. This year you will notice some changes and we will continue to update and explore new possibilities in the future. This year we have asked youth to give their input, help make decisions, and help lead the Now Initiative. Here are just a few changes and additions that you can expect.

• Youth will play a larger role in planning and leading this retreat and future retreats. • The weekend includes a mission component (packaging meals) for every participant. • There will be more intentional opportunities to meet youth from other communities through small group and large group activities. • We are adding new options for our recreation/free time including, art, board games, and tournaments (Mario Kart/Black Light Dodge Ball). • The offering this year will help pay for our event mission project and will be a weekend long offering competition. The highest dollar amount will determine a fun outcome for the final morning of the event.

More Information/Register: www.igrc.org/srhighinitiative Follow on Facebook: @igrcyouth

Extend Your Ministry Are you looking for a place for your next retreat, gathering, meeting, mission experience, or just need to get away? East Bay and Little Grassy are booking now for 2018. Space fills up fast so don’t miss out on your chance to enhance your ministry or organization’s impact. Our mission is to be an extension of your local congregation and we would love to help you extend your reach. Both sites also offer free retreat space for pastors that need to take intentional time away for renewal. It is often difficult for leaders to take time away, so we have made getting away as barrier free as possible. If you are looking for a day or a week to reconnect, recharge, and renew, then let us serve you at one of our sites. For more information about planning your visit to camp please contact one of our sites today. www.eastbaycamp.org www.littlegrassycamp.org Summer Staff There are a variety of opportunities available this summer to serve at our sites as counselors, lifeguards, chaplains, photographers, nurses, and more. We are looking for individuals, 18 and older, interested in serving others with the love of Christ. Our staff undergo a variety of training experiences to prepare them for a unique summer of impacting lives, caring for others, sharing their faith, and creating life-changing community. For more information check out our website or contact Curt Franklin at [email protected]. These positions are all inclusive, meaning our staff are paid a weekly salary, meals are provided while camp is in session, and lodging is provided throughout the course of the summer. Don’t wait until it’s too late, apply online today! https://igrc. campbrainstaff.com

the current CAMPING GUIDE 2O18 Registration Info Scholarships available for all camps! Apply today: www.igrc.org/registrationforms |

Important Registration DECEMBER 2017 Information for 2018 SUBMITTING REGISTRATION igrc.org/camping website. If an email FORM: address is not provided, you will receive 17 your confirmation letter and Health and • Register Online: It’s quick and Permission Form through the postal easy to register for camp by going service approximately two weeks after to www.igrc.org/camping and Discounts and Scholarships processing. If you have any questions a life changing experience at camp. completing the online registration, Early Bird Discount! regarding the information received, Our scholarship fund is set up to assist open after January 10. or if it is in any way incorrect, please If you register and pay in full by April families that need support to make • Download the Registration contact us immediately. We work very 16, 2018 you may deduct $25 from camp a reality. The amount available Form: You may also download the hard to make the check-in process go as the cost of your camp, if applicable. is based on the need of each family, registration form from www.igrc. smoothly as possible for all campers. Online registration for this discount the amount available from their local will end at 11:59 p.m. on April 16 and org/camping, fill it out by hand, HEALTH AND PERMISSION church if applicable, and the amount and send it completed to the camp postmarks will be used to determine of funds available in the scholarship office. FORM: if the April 16 deadline was met for account to be distributed. In 2017, no The Health and Permission form must be those registering and/or paying by one with a need was turned away and • Ask Us to Send the Registration mail. NOTE: Payment “in full” includes Form to You: Call the camp office completed in full and be presented at the we are committed to working hard to camp upon checking in. If you complete any contribution your church will continue this trend. Before a family (217.529.3007), and we’ll mail the make toward the cost of the camp. form to you. the Health and Permission form online applies we encourage you to check with your registration, you must print Sibling Discount with your local congregation to see • NOTE: Those who are registering the Health and Permission form and what funds may be available. Many of for family, adult/child camps must present it at camp upon checking in. New this year, campers attending East our churches have money available to complete a separate registration This health form will be included with a Bay, Little Grassy, or the Canoe Trip assist in covering a portion of the cost form for each participant. confirmation of the camp registration. programs are eligible to receive $25 of camp. To apply for a scholarship off the cost of each additional sibling PAYMENTS AND DEPOSITS: It is also available on the website under and to learn more check out www. Downloadable Forms & Resources or by that registers after the first child of a igrc.org/registrations and click on • Deposit: A minimum registration calling the camping office. Please do not family. For example, Child A registers “Camper Scholarship Application”. deposit of $50 per camp, per person, mail the form to the camping office. It for camp and is charged the full price Complete this form prior to registering is required. Balance is due 3 weeks must be delivered directly to the camp of their camp. Child B and Child C are for camp and send it to IGRC Camping, prior to the start of camp. NOTE: on the day of arrival. siblings of Child A, so each of them PO Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794- To receive the early bird fee – full receives $25 off the cost of their camp. 9207. Applicants will be informed of payment and registration must be REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Please note that some camps are not their application status and approved received by the early bird deadline, Registration deadline is 3 weeks prior to eligible for this discount. This will be scholarship amount as soon as pos- April 16. the start of camp. Registrations received indicated in the camp’s description. sible after the form is received. • Credit Card Payments: Credit cards less than 3 weeks before the start of Bring-A-Friend Discount (Master Card and Visa) are accepted. camp must be approved by the camp FAQ’s About Prices: If you register online there is a office or camp dean. New this year, returning campers Q-1: If I miss the Early Bird dead- place to include your credit card attending East Bay, Little Grassy, or line, can you make an exception for information. If you register through CANCELLATION POLICY: the Canoe Trip programs are eligible my family? the mail, you must communicate the In all cases, an attempt will be made to receive $25 off the cost of camp A-1: Unfortunately, we cannot make card information on the registration to reschedule a camper into another for each additional friend they bring exceptions for any of our discount form. Credit card payments are not week of camp. The parent or guardian to camp that has not attended any policies. We have spent a lot of time accepted over the phone. NOTE: A of the camper must submit a request for IGRC Camp in the last three years. This setting the parameters for these poli- 3% transaction fee is added to the cancellation in writing to the Springfield discount can apply multiple times and cies and to be fair to all we must con- amount charged. Camping Office. Refunds for health is only limited by the cost of camp. A sistently apply these policies which reasons are available upon request. Full returning camper attending a camp also includes deadlines. • Payments by Check: Please make refunds will not be made after the start costing $450 could invite 18 new your check payable to “IGRC” and Q-2: Why are the Sibling and Bring- of camp. If it is not possible to reschedule friends and attend completely free. mail it to: Friends must identify the name of A-Friend Discounts not available for the camper, the cancellation refund all summer camp programs? IGRC Camping Office the friend that invited them on their policy is as follows: A-2: Both of these discounts are PO Box 19207 registration form and returning camp- 45 days prior to camp ��Full refund intended to help offset the cost of our Springfield, IL 62794-9207 ers will identify who they have invited 31-44 days prior to camp ��Refund of 80% on theirs. traditional camping programs. Some Be sure to note the camper’s name 30 days prior to camp �� No refund. of our programs are shorter, specially and camp number on all checks. For Emergencies will be negotiated. Friends must attend during the same priced, or are predominantly run by proper credit, checks must be sent week of camp, though the same pro- volunteers which already substantially to the Springfield camping office. GRADES/CABINMATE gram is not required. lowers the cost of camp for those Please do not take payment to the REQUESTS: This discount will be applied after the programs. campsite. The grade listed in the brochure is the camp session happens. A refund will Q-3: What is ACA accreditation and EMAIL ADDRESSES AND grade the camper will be entering in the be issued for the discount that is ap- which camps are accredited? plied to the account. RECEIPT OF REGISTRATION fall of 2018. We will do our best to honor A-3: The American Camp Association cabinmate requests provided the request (ACA) is recognized worldwide as the CONFIRMATION: Friend and Sibling discounts cannot is made by both campers. We also believe be used for the same person. A child leading organization in setting high The camping ministry continues to try that there is great value in encouraging bringing their sibling for the first time standards and guidelines for camping to keep the cost of camp affordable. campers to make new friends. Please call will either receive the friend discount programs. To be accredited camps are One way we lower the cost is through or email if you have any questions. or the sibling will receive the sibling visited regularly and documentation is consistently submitted to ensure we the use of email. If you have an email CAMPER INSURANCE: discount, they will not both receive a address, we ask that you provide it to discount. are meeting their rigorous standards us on the registration. By providing an Insurance for registered campers in all areas of our site’s management email address, you will shortly receive is provided through the IGRC Scholarships including; camper safety, facility a confirmation letter with a Health and accidental insurance program. This is a We believe everyone that has a desire upkeep, food service, and various Permission Form attached. Other forms supplemental policy. The participant’s to attend camp should not have program elements. East Bay and Little specific to a camp (e.g., a dean’s letter own health insurance is the primary any barriers to making this a reality. Grassy are proud to be ACA accredited and/or camp site information letter) coverage for the camper. This includes financial barriers. Each sites and work hard year-round to may be downloaded from the www. summer we partner with families and ensure that we are meeting the high churches to ensure that no camper standards set by the ACA. misses out on an opportunity to have EXPLORE CREATION. ENCOUNTER CHRIST. ADVENTURE ON.

CAMPING GUIDE 2O18

www.igrc.org/camping Find us on Facebook @IGRCCamps | Twitter @IGRC_Camping the current Camping & Retreat Ministries |

DECEMBER 2017

19 Chicken strips and mashed potatoes BY KIM STUBY With the closing of three of our IGRC camps and a new master East Bay Camp Minister of Mission Expansion plan in place, East Bay staff entered this phase of camping ministry A voice in the crowd was heard yelling, “I love with fear and trepidation, but God’s goodness and faithfulness camp!” were made known to us as we have begun the first phase of the East Bay master plan. In October, we completed the interior A camp staff member asked the rambunctious demolition of Gatehouse and, at the writing of this, we expect camper, “Why do you love camp so much?” construction to begin soon. Gatehouse should be open for use The young camper replied, “Because everything at camp is so in spring 2018. good.” At East Bay we are thankful for our volunteers, who come to Since this conversation occurred during a lunch of chicken fingers camp and work tirelessly to keep the site in good repair. God’s and mashed potatoes, it is probably safe to assume that this goodness has been seen in the volunteer groups that have come camper was talking about the food at summer camp, but the out and helped with various projects at camp. Whether it is a conversation causes one to pause and reflect on what it is that small undertaking or a mighty task, we depend on our volunteers makes camp “so good.” to be in ministry with us by making For most of us, the goodness of camp goes far beyond the East Bay a safe place where guests chicken strips and mashed potatoes. can experience the goodness of God. The Psalmist writes, “Give thanks to the Lord because he is good, There is a renewed sense of hope because his faithful love lasts forever.” (Psalm 107: 1 CEB) Camp at East Bay, hope in the faithfulness is good because God makes camp good. We see the goodness and goodness of God. That hope has of God in the smiling faces of our summer campers and hear the brought with it a renewed sense of goodness of God in their laughter and play. We see the goodness energy. We are planning spring and of God in the colors of the fall leaves, the deer that bed down in fall events in 2018 that will be open the athletic field, the turkey that crosses the road in front of our to the public, planning for summer vehicles, and the red fox that lives near Woods Camp. 2018 is completed and preparations for campers have begun, and our Recently, at East Bay, we have seen God’s goodness in the hiring hospitality team is working on of Garrett Long, our facilities manager. Garrett, his wife, Melanie, decorating the site. It is an exciting and their daughter, Jocelyn, who has an incredible sense of humor time to be at East Bay! for a four-year-old, moved from Tennessee to Illinois in September to be part of the East Bay team. They are expecting their second Whether you come as a volunteer, a summer camper, a retreat guest, or child in December. Garrett brings with him a love of God, an Melannie, Jocelyn and Garrett Long understanding of camping ministry, and the knowledge required to just a curious observer, we hope you maintain the camp. We are excited to have Garrett, Melanie, and will come experience the goodness of God at East Bay. If that Jocelyn at East Bay and look forward to the arrival of Baby Long! isn’t possible, at least come experience the chicken strips and mashed potatoes. We hear they are “so good.”

OPENING TO GOD: A RETREAT Is your spirit feeling dry? Do you need a spiritual is $75 (or $50 if you choose to commute) and includes ture, Prayer 101, or Lectio Divina (a method of encounter- boost? Do you want to try different ways of entering into Saturday breakfast and lunch. Registration is open online ing scripture). The Saturday morning options are Center- prayer or Bible study and don’t know where to begin? If at https://igrc-reg.brtapp.com/OpeningtoGod. Flyers ing Prayer, Sweat Lodge Prayers, and Praying with Prayer you answered “yes” to any of these questions, there is a are available by contacting Rev. Ann Champion at pas- Beads for the “experience” session and then you can choose retreat for you! [email protected]. Deadline to register is Jan. 19. between How and Why to Fast, Forming Covenant Groups, 'Opening to God: A Retreat' is designed to provide Registration includes choosing the sessions you plan to or Intentional Prayer Ministry in the Church for an hour- an immersion experience to help lay and clergy explore attend. Details explaining each experience and the names long presentation. spiritual disciplines you may have never tried before and/ of leaders for each session are in the brochure at www.igrc. In the afternoon there are two times of “experience” or about which you wish to know more. There are 15 dif- org/calendardetail/9833155. Click on “Attached files” to sessions. At the first, choose between Writing to God (Jour- ferent things to explore and you get to pick five over the see the full brochure. You can also register from this link. naling), Taizé Prayer, and Labyrinth Prayer. At the second, 24-hour retreat. Most sessions will include a time to learn Bring Bibles, note-taking items, bedding, towels, and choose between Sharing Through Photography, Growing in about a practice and then time to put them into practice. It personal hygiene items as you would expect for a camping God, and Shaped by the Word. is designed to be a time of hands-on experiences that will overnight. Prepare yourself with new disciplines and prac- In between sessions we will have uplifting worship, draw you closer to God. tices for the season of Lent. If you have questions, contact community time, and a chance to use the Prayer Stations The retreat is being held at East Bay Camp in Hudson Rev. Ann Champion. being prepared for the retreat. Plan to come with a group on Feb. 2-3 from 6 p.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Saturday. Cost Friday evening you can choose between Praying Scrip- and cover all the sessions! the current Camping & Retreat Ministries |

DECEMBER 2017

(BEFORE AND AFTER) MT. TABOR FACILITY Photos courtesy of Ed Hoke LITTLE GRASSY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 Additional equipment has been purchased this more painting. trative Center is also in the plan. year. We have a virtually new diesel Grasshopper An exciting event happened when Christ Because LGC sits on U.S. Department of ZTR mower. We now have a 4WD one-ton truck Church of Fairview Heights started a new summer Interior lands and because there is a rule that the with a fully hydraulic snow plow and lift tailgate. camp of their own this past summer. Fifty youth physical footprint of buildings cannot be increased, There is a new walk-in cooler in the kitchen as and 15 adults spent five days getting in touch with each building built will also require that an equal well as a new 700 pound per day ice machine. We Christ and having loads of fun. amount of square footage be deconstructed. purchased two used food warmers and received a All of this has come about because people be- Several of the old cabins on the south camp will gift of a new walk-behind mower. The camp also lieve in the mission of LGC – to provide intensive be removed but most of the square footage will received a gift of several thousand dollars’ worth of spiritual experiences for youth and adults, to pro- be gained by tearing down north camp cabins. donated office furniture. The beach front received vide radical hospitality to all who come and to help Eventually the shop and surrounding buildings will seven new sit-on kayaks that the youth enjoyed this people have fun in the outdoors. Jesus Christ was need to come down and then a new shop will be summer very much. taught and preached to over 400 young people this constructed on conference-owned land that will The final big project for LGC in 2017 was summer at LGC. Through the leadership of Andrea not affect the footprint issue. Other changes that bringing Disciple Ridge cabins back online. Sitting Stuby, the effective summer staff interacted and will be a part of the Master Plan call for a new and idle since 2009, a lot of work was required includ- grew with youth from many parts of the confer- expanded parking lot and improvements and reno- ing a new water line, new hot water heater, and ence. The youth not only learned about God, faith, vations to the Tabernacle. If LGC is able to grow to overall cleanup was necessary to utilize this rustic, and how they fit into God’s plan, they also had op- the point of need, there are plans then to construct yet effective camp area. portunities to learn about our world, the environ- a second new Youth Lodge that will be located next The camp received several gifts this year. The ment, about nature, and about themselves. to the other Youth Lodge. biggest was of 27.2 acres of wetlands near the At LGC, we are hopeful for the future: the fu- So, as you can see, change is in progress at camp. This property is located just 3.5 miles from ture of camping and of LGC. We are excited about LGC. We are hopeful that LGC will continue to the camp and will figure into the future envi- the Master Plan that calls for many improvements serve the churches of the IGRC as well as other ronmental education offerings from LGC. LGC that will make LGC an effective tool of discipleship faith organizations in the area. When complete, was also given a catamaran sail boat, a new push for congregations of the IGRC well into the future. the Master Plan changes should make LGC into mower, and many monetary gifts as well. In ad- A Youth Lodge, similar to Mt. Tabor, is one of one of the premier camp and retreat sites in all of dition to the generosity of material gifts, LGC has the first buildings to be completed at LGC. A com- the four-state region that LGC serves. Please let us also had more than 3,000 volunteer hours donated plete makeover of the Cedar Lodge Dining Hall know if there is any way we can serve you and your throughout the year. Jobs ranging from demolition, is also slated early in the Master Plan. Eventually congregation in your efforts to make disciples of hanging sheetrock, plumbing, painting, flooring, there will be a pavilion constructed that will serve Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. hanging doors, installing windows, mowing, and camps utilizing Disciple Ridge and a new Adminis-

News from the Episcopal Office Christian Conversations

FORWARD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 RELATIONSHIPS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Let me share a little bit about the models that were opportunity for folks to discuss the values that are present both parties. presented: in each model. Copies of the models will be shared as the As I look into the present and the future, I pray • One sketch of a model affirms the current Book Commission releases its presentation to the COB. The key that my biblical and historical knowledge informs my ministry as a bishop. Of course, I do it in a specific of Discipline language and places a high value on work going forward is, Ongoing conversation in episco- situation and as a bishop whose episcopal area is prob- accountability. pal areas, continued prayer focus, and continuing to seek ably the most diverse in all of The United Methodist • Another sketch of a model removes all restrictive discernment. Church. It spreads from Northern Africa to some language and places a high value on contextu- The Commission will receive and process feedback countries of Western Europe, and from Poland in the alization. This sketch also specifically protects from the COB and the Church as Episcopal areas share North to the Balkans in the South of Central Europe. the rights of those whose conscience will not their conversations and questions. I have learned that just What, then, makes up Christian unity for me, in allow them to perform same gender weddings or as important as what we did do is to understand what the a Wesleyan perspective? It is more the centrality of ordain LGBTQ persons. COB did NOT DO. Here are four things that we did NOT Jesus Christ in whom we trust with all our life than a • A third sketch of a model is grounded in a do: precise doctrinal expression of this belief. It is more unified core that includes shared doctrine and • We did not vote on a particular structural model for the willingness to be renewed into the image of Christ services, and one Council of Bishops while also the future of the church. in all our behavior toward others than a precise moral creating different branches that have clearly-de- • We have not eliminated a particular model. code of good and bad acts. It is more the continued fined values such as accountability, contextualiza- • In working on models we are not ignoring theology effort to stay in relationship with the other as a person tion and justice. or mission. created in the image of God than a fixed set of rules Each sketch represents values that are across the • We are not planning for division. with legal binding. I know that this is no clear answer for many ques- global church. These values are diverse and have a great The process that is being used will require a great deal tions that are before us as a denomination. However, deal of theological variance, as do our constituents. While of patience and much more prayer. I know that we all want it constantly reminds me in my ministry of what the hope and the plan is to maintain unity, each sketch to see the United Methodist Church focus on our mis- needs to remain in the center, and encourages me to includes a gracious way for those who feel called to exit sion and ministry together. There is so much that we can continue the journey of conferencing in a manner that from the denomination to do so. The values of unity and and should be doing to promote the good news of Jesus other people can see that we are disciples of Jesus, the contextualization for the sake of the mission undergird the Christ. Please continue to ask the Lord to show us the way Christ. It is, for me, a gospel mandate. work we are sharing and leading. forward. As already stated, resident Bishops are encouraged to Bishop Patrick Streiff presides over the Central and God Bless, lead conversation in their episcopal areas. There will be an Southern Europe Conference. Bishop Beard the current National/Global News |

Bishop: Puerto Rico rising with church’s help DECEMBER 2017 LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) – Puerto Rico is rising up from the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, but the U.S. territory continues to need The United Methodist Church’s help. 21 Bishop Hector Ortiz shared that message Nov. 6 after dinner with the denomination’s Council of Bishops. Ortiz leads the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico, which is an autonomous denomination that continues to have close ties with The United Methodist Church. Ortiz is a member of the Council of Bishops, which is meeting Nov. 5-8 at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. “The spirit of our people is not destroyed,” he said. “The people of Puerto Rico are resilient. Led by the Holy Spirit, we are rising up.” But, he added, “We can’t do it alone.” the interest in helping has dwindled. access to clean drinking water, according to media He pointed to the ways Nevertheless, he stressed, the reports. church members are already need for volunteer teams is only Since the storm, some 100,000 Puerto Ricans helping the long recovery. getting bigger after this year’s have evacuated to the U.S. mainland, 80,000 of With the support of the United hurricanes, earthquakes and them to Florida, Ortiz said. United Methodists Methodist Committee on Relief and several United wildfires. in Florida and other conferences are working to Methodist conferences, Ortiz said, the Methodist “Friends, you have our conference, you welcome the evacuees. Church of Puerto Rico is providing essential have the Texas Conference, you have the Florida Ortiz asked his fellow bishops to help in supplies, health clinics and pastoral care to a Conference, you have Puerto Rico, you have the following ways: Pray without ceasing, show storm-swept people. Mexico City, you have the West,” he said. “It’s time hospitality to Puerto Rican evacuees, mobilize “At the same time that our congregations to get in the game if you are looking to make a volunteer teams for the long recovery ahead, and are responding to immediate needs in their difference.” advocate to the U.S. Congress to help rebuild communities, we are drafting a comprehensive, The needs are particularly acute in Puerto Puerto Rico’s infrastructure. strategic plan with the help of UMCOR that will Rico, whose 3.5 million residents are U.S. citizens. focus our work,” he said. Puerto Rico was already reeling from Irma “The people of Puerto Rico are resilient. Ultimately, he expects his church to be “a when Maria made landfall Sept. 20 as a Category catalyst of hope for the community in the months 5 hurricane — bringing with it 175 mile-per-hour Led by the Holy Spirit, we are rising up.” and years to come.” winds and 40 inches of rain. The bishops heard updates from Ortiz as well Churches and individuals also can assemble The bishops also decided to take an additional as United Methodist bishops whose areas suffered cleaning buckets. Here is how. step. During worship services Nov. 7 and 8, the the recent hurricanes. “The official death toll stands at 53,” Ortiz said. council is collecting a special offering for the One thing is certain: Recovery is just getting “However, we are certain this number doesn’t even Methodist Church of Puerto Rico and United started in the hurricane-wrecked parts of Texas, come close to reality.” Methodist Committee on Relief to aid in the Florida and Puerto Rico. The storm left more than 250,000 homes island’s recovery. On Nov. 7, the bishops and guests Bishop Robert Schnase, who leads the Rio damaged and more than 100,000 destroyed, Ortiz at the meeting gave $9,000. Texas Conference where Hurricane Harvey said. The island lost power, running water and “Friends, se levanta,” Ortiz said before made landfall, described the paradox many areas communications. repeating in English, “Puerto Rico is rising up. encounter in the wake of disaster. About 30 percent of the Methodist churches “Together, we will rebuild homes, we will A huge number of people are eager to help on the island suffered damage with 10 percent not transform lives and we will renew communities to as soon as disaster strikes, but it’s too soon for safe for use, Ortiz said. give Puerto Rico a future with hope from God.” churches to know what they will need. By the time As of Nov. 7, nearly 60 percent of the island Hahn is a multimedia news reporter for United churches are ramping up a response, Schnase said, still had no power and many residents had no Methodist News Service. Court maintains stand on ministerial candidates BY LINDA BLOOM The issue arose during the 2017 Baltimore-Washington of depth but also breadth of scope to ensure that LOS ANGELES (UMNS) – In an Oct. 27 ruling on the clergy session when the board of ordained ministry did not disciplinary standards are met. duties of a conference board of ordained ministry, The include Tara C. Morrow on the approval list for ordination. “The board is not required to present to the clergy United Methodist Church’s top court re-stated its earlier The Rev. J. Phillip Wogaman — about to celebrate the 60th session a candidate who is not eligible,” the Judicial Council opinion that all qualifications of ministerial candidates must anniversary of his elder’s ordination — decided to turn decision stated. “The clergy session may not elect a be examined. in his clergy credentials because Morrow, a lesbian, and candidate who does not meet this requirement.” The new ruling, on a bishop’s decision of law in the “others like her” were excluded by church law. The council labeled questions about a clergywoman Baltimore-Washington Conference, was one of several The Book of Discipline, the denomination’s lawbook, raised in a request for a decision of law during the 2017 decisions from the United Methodist Judicial Council’s prohibits “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” from being Iowa Conference session as “clear efforts to re-litigate a fall session related to the topic of sexual orientation. The certified as candidates, ordained as ministers or given complaint procedure that was closed and completed by council met Oct. 24-27 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Los church appointments. the previous bishop.” Angeles Airport. In its decision, the top court noted that a certified In Decision 1351, the court upheld the decision by Iowa In Decision 1352, Judicial Council affirmed a decision candidate must be recommended in writing by a three- Bishop Laurie Haller that she had no authority to reopen of law by Bishop LaTrelle Easterling that there was no fourths majority vote of the board of ordained ministry, a complaint procedure against the Rev. Anna Blaedel, who requirement in denominational policy to vote on a saying it was the board’s duty “to conduct careful and certified candidate for the ministry. thorough examination of a candidate, not only in terms CANDIDATES CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 the current National/Global News

| Bishops called to navigate ‘off the map’

DECEMBER 2017 LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) – United of the Commission on a Way Forward. General that has perpetuated sectarianism and disconnect Methodist bishops find themselves “off the map” Conference, the denomination’s top lawmaking within The United Methodist Church,” Ough said, as they try to navigate a way forward through the body, authorized the bishops to form the to murmurs of assent. church’s impasse over homosexuality, said Bishop commission after rumors of a possible church split He also urged the bishops to prepare local Bruce R. Ough. over homosexuality reached a fever pitch. churches, conference leadership teams and, most 22 “There is currently no larger or intractable The 32-member commission so far has held six significantly, the delegations to the special 2019 barrier to the mission, unity and of its nine planned meetings, and it has delivered General Conference to imagine a new church. vitality of The United Methodist its preliminary report to the bishops. The report “If we do not work with our respective Church than the matter of remains under wraps, and the bishops are holding delegations, so that they have a change of heart and homosexuality,” the Council of their discussions about the commission’s work are open to going to the called General Conference Bishops president said Nov. 6, behind closed doors. to be at peace rather than be at war with one in his fall address to 127 of his Bishop Ken Carter, one of three episcopal another, we will fail,” he said. episcopal colleagues. Ough also leaders who serve as commission moderators, The commission will continue meeting until leads the Dakotas-Minnesota area. previously explained that the commission serves next spring. The bishops plan to make their final Nevertheless, he expressed the bishops in an advisory capacity. The episcopal recommendations at their May 2018 meeting. confidence that with “a rock- leaders are responsible for shaping the proposals “It will be our responsibility, and ours alone, solid, Christ-centered core,” the that will go before the special 2019 General to lead the adoption and acceptance of the church can find a way forward Conference, which will in turn determine those recommendations,” Ough said. that “maintains unity, honors our proposals’ fate. Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton, who leads the distinctive Wesleyan connectional The bishops last year established that the New York Area, said Ough’s address “set the right values and has the property of commission would look at possible structural context for our meeting today.” being continuously adaptive.” changes with the goal of maximizing “the presence Bishop José Quipungo, who leads the East UMNS Photo by Paul Jeffrey He likened his fellow bishops of a United Methodist witness in as many places Angola Area, agreed. He added that he thinks the to the U.S. explorers Meriwether in the world as possible,” allowing “for as much bishops can find a way to navigate the church’s Bishop Bruce Ough speaking at the Lewis and William Clark, who contextual differentiation as possible.” cultural and theological differences. 2016 General Conference in Portland, Oreg. expected to navigate their way to Ough urged the bishops to be “My personal idea is that each place should the Pacific Ocean by canoe but uncompromising in reviewing any proposed focus on the problems we are facing locally,” he found their path blocked by the new structural models. He cited the “painful” said. “We do not have the same ideas or same point rugged Rocky Mountains. example of one structure formed for political of view. We do not have the same problems. But in “The specific issues of same-gender marriage, expediency — the Central Jurisdiction, which all these differences, we are still together and we the ordination of LGBTQ persons, and the segregated African-Americans from much of the should go forward together.” underlying issues of scriptural authority and church. That jurisdiction formed with the merger Ough also expressed his faith the church can biblical obedience are our denomination’s Rocky of three Methodist denominations in 1939 and stay united. He advised his fellow bishops to stay Mountains,” Ough said. “And it is clear there is no only ended with the 1968 formation of The United calm and surrender to God’s yearnings. way forward unless we are willing to rethink and Methodist Church. Five geographically based U.S. “Let’s let God be God,” he said. “And by all redesign what a global United Methodist Church jurisdictions remain. means possible, let’s stay connected to each other.” looks like.” “Many historians would argue that the Hahn is a multimedia news reporter for United Ough spoke as the bishops were about to formation of jurisdictional conferences in the Methodist News Service. embark on multiple days of discussing the work United States was a similar structural compromise

CANDIDATES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 announced during the 2016 Iowa Conference that she is order a “resolution for realignment and disaffiliation” from said the matter was still pending and “must go through “a self-avowed practicing homosexual.” That complaint was The United Methodist Church. the requisite judicial and appellate processes first before dismissed on Aug. 30, 2016, by Bishop Julius C. Trimble, Judicial Council held two oral hearings on Oct. 24. Both coming to us as the body of last resort.” the presiding bishop at that time. Trimble said, “a letter of related to the bishop’s decisions of law from the 2017 In other rulings, Judicial Council: reprimand” was placed in her file. Greater New Jersey Conference regarding the involuntary • Declared that a request from the Greater New Another question in the request referred to Blaedel making leave of absence of a clergy member, the Rev. Jisun Kwak, Jersey Conference regarding a decision of law about a a public statement about her sexual orientation. The court who had been serving as a district superintendent. process for initiating part-time appointments “is not a agreed with the bishop’s ruling that the question was Bishop John Schol issued a decision that a vote on the valid request.” hypothetical, since it saw no record of such statements interim action of the conference’s board of ordained since Sept. 1, 2016, or any action by the current bishop. • Said it does not have jurisdiction to review what ministry to place an elder on voluntary leave of absence was it considers to be parliamentary rulings by a Two annual conferences, Denmark and California-Pacific, not acted on. Schol also ruled the clergywoman was to be bishop regarding two petitions during the Western separately petitioned Judicial Council to issue a declaratory paid equitable compensation for lost salary, housing, pension Pennsylvania Conference but recommended a “better decision about “incompatible” language in the church’s and health benefits from Oct. 22, 2016, to June 30, 2017. way” to make a record of a parliamentary decision. constitution. During the oral hearing, the Rev. Robert Costello, • Declared it had no jurisdiction to handle a request While the United Methodist Social Principles state that the representing Kwak, noted that the bishop and cabinet had for a declaratory decision on a constitutionality issue practice of homosexuality is “incompatible with Christian the right to decide where her new appointment should be. raised by the Alaska Conference because there was no teaching,” the Denmark Conference contended that “the But he argued that Kwak’s compensation for the period of indication the question “was germane” to the work of question of homosexuality is not addressed in the doctrinal involuntary leave should be made at the superintendent’s the conference. standards of The United Methodist Church.” level because that was her position at the time the leave was imposed. • Said it no longer had jurisdiction over a salary question The California-Pacific Conference cited the “restrictive rule” for East Africa Area Bishop Daniel Wandabula and against General Conference establishing “new standards However, Judicial Council affirmed the bishop’s decision does not have the authority “to issue a judicial remedy” or rules of doctrine contrary to our present existing and that her equitable compensation would be the salary of the related to housing and office expenses. established standards of doctrine.” appointment that started July 1, 2017. Two alternate members of Judicial Council — the Rev. But the court said it could not consider their arguments In Decision 1355, the council said “there is no question” Timothy Bruster, first clergy alternate, and Warren Plowden because the conferences did not have the authority to ask that her position as a district superintendent ended on Jr., first lay alternate — participated as substitute members for a ruling. “The Judicial Council has no jurisdiction to answer Oct. 22, 2016, with another clergyperson appointed to in some of the decisions during this session. questions from an annual conference that does not relate to lead the Delaware Bay District. In this case, the council annual conferences or the work therein,” the council stated in ruled, “equitable minimum compensation is the basis for The full decisions from the October 2017 session can be Memorandum 1347 and Memorandum 1354. calculating compensation.” found on the Judicial Council website by visiting http:// www.umc.org/decisions/search Judicial Council also said in Memorandum 1356 it “has no The Greater New Jersey Conference also had asked Judicial jurisdiction” to consider a decision by the bishop during the Council for a declaratory decision about whether the Bloom is the assistant news editor for United Methodist News 2017 South Carolina Conference session because it was a involuntary leave of absence had been imposed without a Service and is based in New York. parliamentary ruling. The bishop’s decision had ruled out of fair process hearing. In Memorandum 1350, Judicial Council the current Conference News |

DECEMBER 2017

23 IGRC early response team returns from Texas VICTORIA, Texas – An Early Response Team a long road back to normal for many of them. Second, (ERT) from the Illinois Great Rivers Conference work toward what 102-year-old Ruth told us was the responded to an invitation from the Rio Texas secret to her long life: ‘Love everyone, no exceptions, no Conference to aid in recovery from Hurricane Harvey. excuses.’” Eleven people from Christ UMC in Fairview There is continued need for Early Response Teams in Heights, Champaign, Edinburg, the Kankakee areas and Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, and Florida to muck out and Monticello traveled to Victoria, Texas Oct. 7-14. remove debris. Plans are currently underway for long-term The town of Victoria received a great deal of damage UMVIM rebuild teams. because the eye-wall of Hurricane Harvey traveled The IGRC website under Disaster Response (www. over the town twice and stalled there for an extended igrc.org/disasterresponse) contains information for ERT period of time. Over the course of four days, the team training. The North Central Jurisdiction website lists worked on a total of seven properties. The work included disaster response projects. Contact Bunny Wolfe (bwolfe@ tarping roofs, removing water damaged items from igrc.org) or Sara Brown ([email protected]), homes, clearing and scrubbing floors and walls that had mold, and some IGRC Disaster Response Coordinator for more information. deconstruction. Donations for hurricane response here in the U.S. may be made to U.S. Through their work, the team had the opportunity to meet Margaret, Disaster Response, Advance #901670. Mary, Annie, Wilma and her 102-year old Ruth, Robert and his family, Jesse and his family. Sharing God and praying with the families was a joy. Each family expressed gratitude for the help provided by the team and felt blessed. Each ERT felt they themselves were the ones who were truly blessed by meeting the survivors. Rev. Jeff Bealmear, team leader, reflected on the work trip. “We feel privileged to have been able to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ,” he said. “We ask all of you to do two things. First, continue praying for the people affected by the recent hurricanes and wild fires as there is still

Retired pastor, wife ride out hurricanes in St. Croix Conference mission trip to Grand Bahamas

Photo courtesy of Judy Doyle switch locations to storm-damaged island A group from UnityPoint Health in Pekin left Nov. 2 on a medical mission team SPRINGFIELD – Retired pastor, Rev. Deryck Sonaram and his wife, Mavis, who retired this year at An- to Liberia. Included in the team is Rev. Jim McClarey, lead pastor at First United Methodist Church of Pekin. nual Conference, have accepted an assignment in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. They on the island when Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck and weathered both parts of a 1-2 punch. Reports have indicated they are safe, but the needs of the island are great. In a Sept. 25 message, Sonaram wrote, “I just got into an area where I can get some (electrical) service. Damage is terrible around this island. Palm trees and coconut trees uprooted, as are hundred-year-old mahogany trees. There's a curfew in place, movement only allowed from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm. Get food, gasoline and other necessities.” In an effort to be responsive to the needs, the Feb. 6-13 2018 trip, to Grand Bahamas has been shifted to St. Croix. Rev. Wally Carlson has agreed to lead a trip to St. Croix, but in order for the trip to go as scheduled, there is need of six more to join Wally and commit to the trip by Dec. 1. The team will work alongside the Sonarams in doing recovery work. Cost is $2,200 and includes airfare. Contact Bunny Wolfe at [email protected] or by calling 217-529-2749. the current Conference News |

DECEMBER 2017 New conference website launches aimed at simplifying navigation 24 BY PAUL BLACK house the Charge Conference forms SPRINGFIELD – IGRC Communications unveiled that are being completed and will be a newly-designed conference website Nov. 3 aimed completed for the 2017 season. In 2018, at simplifying the navigation of a large website that churches will log into the portal without consists of several hundred pages. the necessity of obtaining a link to complete them. Working with Brick River Technologies in Exeter, the Northern Illinois Conference N.H., IGRC Communications looked to the analytics • Three links that can be updated and of what users were visiting and the traffic guided adapted as needs arise. Currently, the buttons • Videos – links to videos produced by IGRC the streamlining of the navigation. provide a direct link to UMCOR online giving; Communications a page that provides a complete compilation of • Photo galleries – photos taken by IGRC Several features have been added to the new event registration links on the IGRC website, website, which is located at www.igrc.org: Communications at a variety of events and sorted by date and deadlines for registration; happenings throughout the Conference • The site is more responsive, meaning that and a link for the IGRC web conferencing persons visiting the website on mobile devices center, which will be rolled out in 2018. Conference ministries including Camping, Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Communications, and tablet will see the layout resize to provide There are a series of Quick Links located on the a more effective visit Congregational Development, Discipleship and right-hand side of the home page: New Streams, Missions, Finance and Benefits and • Groupings of pages have been changed so that • Appointments – according to the analytics, the Upcoming Events (Conference Calendar) have their ministry pages can be more easily located. A most visited page on the website own buttons. search box at the top has been limited to just pages on the website, so search results are • Directories –includes listings of people – clergy Another button groups Conference Offices more relevant and narrow in scope locator, church-related ministries, conference (Conference Archives, Pastoral Care and staff, districts, the General and Jurisdictional Counseling, Preachers’ Aid Society, United • A new church portal page enables churches to Conference delegation, general church agencies, Methodist Foundation); Organizations (such as input address changes, worship time changes, health and welfare agencies, lay leadership, lay United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men) website address and other information servant ministries and Wesley Foundations. and Committees (Board of Ordained Ministry, with the use of the church’s six-digit GCFA Conference Committees, Hispanics Ministries, number. The portal also links to the church’s • Forms – links to all downloadable forms on the website. You can refine your search by using Native American Ministries) as well as Course of snapshot information compiled by the Office Study Extension School can be found there. of Congregational Development, it links to the links for the various form types weekly Vital Signs reporting pages for those • Media Resource Center – direct link to the While no website can do everything for everybody, churches that are participating and it will also United Media Resource Center, a free, lending IGRC Communications welcomes your comments library of resources serving both the IGRC and and suggestions in how to improve the experience.

The True Meaning of Christmas tour includes stop in Champaign Dec. 10 BY PAUL BLACK bishop of the Illinois Area of The United Methodist Church. NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The United Methodist Church “We are also extending an invitation to attend a place of The True Meaning of Christmas tour will is hitting the road this Advent season to extend Christmas worship or become part of a faith community.” stop in 21 cities, December 2-24. Follow invitations in 21 cities across the U.S. “The True Meaning of A survey conducted by Pew Research Center in 2013 the tour online at UnwrapChristmas.org Christmas Tour” will be traveling through 16 states Dec. 2-24, and #UnwrapChristmas. indicated that the activities that people least liked at Christmas unwrapping the true meaning of Christmas through holiday time are the commercialism/materialism, money/expense, and Tour dates and locations: cheer, free hot cocoa and support for local church mission and shopping/crowds. What they most look forward to is spending • Dec. 2: Waco, Texas outreach initiatives. time with family and friends (69%) and religious reflection/ • Dec. 3: Dallas, Texas Included in the tour is a Dec. 10 visit to Champaign- church (11%). • Dec. 4: Shreveport, La. Urbana. Churches cooperating in this effort are Champaign First, • Dec. 5: Baton Rouge, La. Pastors from a group of Champaign area churches have Champaign Faith, Champaign New Horizon, Urbana First, • Dec. 6: Jackson, Miss. been working together to design the event, which will be from Urbana Wesley and the Wesley Foundation, Urbana Quest • Dec. 7: Little Rock, Ark. noon to 5 p.m. near the Krannert Center for the Performing Grace, Savoy and Pesotum. • Dec. 8: Memphis, Tenn. Arts, 500 S. Goodwin Ave. Four parking spaces have been Information about winter ministries for the homeless as • Dec. 10: Champaign, Ill. reserved for the food truck which will have hot cocoa and all well as information about Christmas Eve services in the eight • Dec. 11: Indianapolis, Ind. • Dec. 12: Columbus, Ohio the toppings available free. Volunteers from congregations in participating churches will be shared with visitors. • Dec. 13: Charleston, W.Va. Champaign-Urbana area and the Wesley Foundation at the The tour is an extension of the denomination’s advertising • Dec. 14: Johnstown/Altoona, Pa. University of Illinois will be staffing the truck. campaign, an effort to connect people searching for community • Dec. 15: Washington, D.C. The Krannert Center’s annual production of The and deeper meaning in life with a local United Methodist • Dec. 16: Norfolk, Va. Nutcracker Suite coincides with the truck visit. church. • Dec. 17: Greenville, N.C. A collection box for scarves, gloves and caps for the “This tour is a unique way for the church to reach out • Dec. 19: Charleston, S.C. winter will also be available with donations being given to the to people who are experiencing loneliness or who want • Dec. 20: Columbia, S.C. local shelters that operate in United Methodist churches in to give back to the community at this significant time of • Dec. 21: Knoxville, Tenn. Champaign. year,” said Dan Krause, chief executive of United Methodist • Dec. 22: Atlanta, Ga. “We want to offer our community a different type of gift: Communications, which is coordinating the month-long • Dec. 23: Huntsville, Ala. an opportunity to celebrate what Christmas is all about by expedition. “More than 500 volunteers from local United • Dec. 24: Nashville, Tenn. engaging in service with neighbors, boosting joy and building Methodist churches are partnering with us to make this a relationships with others,” said Bishop Frank J. Beard, resident multi-state effort.” the current Equalization members to Conference News annual conference announced

Editor's Note: the list published in the November issue of The Current was incorrect. Please see | the list below for the most up to date information. DECEMBER 2017 BY PAUL BLACK SPRINGFIELD – Annual Conference Secretary Joy Caschetta has announced that 161 additional lay delegates from Illinois Great Rivers Conference churches will be needed in 2018 to equalize the number of clergy and lay delegates at annual conference. 25 According to the conference standing rules, each pastoral charge is entitled to one lay member. Each charge served by more than one clergy member shall be entitled to as many lay members needed for equalization by subtraction the number of lay persons from the number of clergy. The Book of Discipline (2016) indicates that clergy members consist of deacons and elders in full connection, provisional members, associate members and local pastors under appointment (¶32). While certain allocations of seats are made for certain lay positions, if the lay membership numbers less than the clergy members of the annual conference, the Discipline indicates that an annual conference, by its own formula, provide for the election of additional lay members to equalize the clergy membership. Standing Rule III.C.4d provides that lay members of the annual conference elected for lay/ clergy equalization come from the larger churches, in order of decreasing size, who have Photo courtesy of Tracy Hagman, Sunset Home paid 100 percent of their conference apportionments in the previous year. Equalization members shall serve to the end of the quadrennium as long as the congregation continues to pay 100 percent of its apportionments. Sunset Home: Sharing the love of Jesus For 2018, the 161 include all congregations paying 100 percent of 2016 apportionments with a membership of 202 or more. Christ though life in a caring community The churches that will have the additional equalization lay member for 2018 are: BY TRACY HAGMAN Sunset Home Fairview Heights Christ Fairbury Bradley Wesley St Matthew Belleville Chillicothe Edwardsville Immanuel QUINCY – Sunset Home is located in Quincy on the bluffs of the mighty Normal Calvary Orion Douglas Avenue Mississippi River in the LaMoine River District. We are one of your ten Golden Springfield First Decatur Grace Maryville St Luke Cross ministries. Founded in 1889 by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pfeifer living the Bloomington Wesley Metropolis Pinkneyville command of Jesus to “love your neighbor as yourself”, Mark 12:30-31. Normal First Kankakee St Mark Tolono Sunset Home is the Church reaching out beyond the doors. Sunset Peoria First Mackinaw Manito provides compassionate care to our over 250 residents in our Skilled Nursing Washington Crossroads Paxton El Paso and Independent Living communities. We continue to provide physical and Troy Monmouth First Moweaqua spiritual care to all and most especially, to those who have depleted their financial Champaign Faith Tremont Cerro Gordo resources. Charleston Wesley Lexington First Champaign New Horizon Sunset needs our Church families to extend their loving arms through Pontiac First Manteno Bradley Epworth volunteer and financial gifts. Please consider Sunset Home as you identify Springfield Laurel Cambridge Greenville First mission opportunities for 2018, as Sunset Home is YOUR church beyond the Effingham Centenary Beardstown Nokomis doors. Canton Wesley Carlinville Mount Carmel Evangelical We are still accepting donations for our Mattress Fund Drive ($225 purchases Quincy Vermont Street Sparta Rossville a new mattress for the home). We are deeply grateful for the many contributions Macomb Wesley East Peoria First Washington Evangelical received to date. Our stretch goal is 100 mattresses by Dec. 31. Morton Highland Hope Living Faith For information on giving opportunities, contact Tracy Hagman, Taylorville Urbana Wesley Jacksonville Centenary Development Director, Sunset Home, 418 Washington Street, Quincy, IL 62301, East Moline Christ Multisite Chatham Virginia phone 217-223-2636. Sunset IGRC Advanced Health & Welfare #0045. Please Pekin First Paris First Heyworth visit www.sunsethome.org and Golden Cross ministries at www.igrc.org/ Monticello Petersburg Abingdon goldencross. We welcome you to tour Sunset Home - our doors are always open. Pekin Grace Rochester Newton Grace From our family to yours we wish you the best of the Christmas season and Carbondale First Camp Point Lewistown blessings to all. Geneseo Grace St Joseph Robinson First Marion Aldersgate Gillespie First Lawrenceville First Pana Marshall First Elmwood Edwardsville St Johns Rushville First Winchester Danville St James Tuscola Fairview Center Kewanee Harrisburg First Neoga Mahomet Clinton Mansfield O’Fallon First Sherman Hoopeston Geneseo First West Frankfort Trinity Mt Sterling Champaign First Arthur Moline Bethel Wesley Moline Riverside Carthage First Reynolds Lincoln First Havana First Elwin Vandalia First Leroy Tonica Aledo Godfrey Columbia Bethany Murphysboro Centralia First Peoria Bethel Nameoki Delavan Urbana First Gibson City Olney First Barry Mt Vernon First Trenton Roseville Dwight Casey Princeville Decatur First Nashville Grace Altamont First East Peoria Willow Hill Wesley Chapel Warsaw Trinity Dunlap Prospect Momence Flora First Fairfield First Rantoul Catlin Galesburg First Savoy Glen Carbon New Bethel Photo by Bob Schafer Shelbyville First Sullivan Knoxville Sunset Apartment’s Mission Outreach Program recently gifted $294.80 to the UMCOR Peoria University Streator First Watson Disaster Relief Fund for hurricane victims. Coal City Colona Villa Grove Pictured from left are Sunset Chaplain Dixie Croxton; IGRC Coordinator of Missions and Sugar Creek Melrose Chapel Homer Outreach Bunny Wolfe; IGRC Assistant to the Director of Connectional Ministries Christy Jerseyville Arcola Sumner Blickensderfer; and Sunset Director of Development and Public Relations Tracy Hagman. Salem Grace Spring Bay Rivers Edge Preachers’ Aid Society and Benefit Fund

From churches with love and support since annual conference Allerton UMC McDowell UMC Astoria UMC McLean UMC Belleville St. Matthew UMC Melrose Chapel UMC; Quincy Bement UMC Melvin UMC Benld UMC Middlefork UMC; Potomac Bethany UMC Middletown UMC Bethel UMC; Fairfield Moline Riverside UMC Blandinsville UMC Morton UMC Browning UMC; Rushville Mt. Vernon First UMC Camargo UMC Mt. Zion UMC Caseyville UMC Neponset UMC Cave In Rock First UMC New Horizon UMC, Champaign Cedar Grove UMC; Marion Newton Grace UMC Chatham UMC Nokomis UMC Chillicothe UMC Oak Grove UMC Colona UMC Oak Ridge UMC; Robinson Crescent City UMC Pana First UMC Decatur Central UMC Paris First UMC Decatur First UMC Raymond Community of Faith Divernon UMC Robinson Otterbein UMC Douglas UMC; UMW; Yates City Saint Mark UMC; Kankakee Dwight UMC Sesser UMC Edwardsville Immanuel UMC Shelbyville Fourth Street UMC Edwardsville St. John’s UMC Sidell UMC Elkville UMC Springfield Asbury UMC Emmanel UMC in Marshall Stewardson UMC Emmanuel Zion UMC; Faith Circle Trinity Chapel UMC; Vandalia Epworth UMC; Mt. Vernon Trinity UMC, Kankakee Eureka UMC University UMC; Peoria Fairbury First UMC Virden UMC Fairfield Ellen Moore UMC Virginia UMC Fairfield UMC, Port Byron Ware UMC Our Gift to You Galatia UMC Warrensburg UMC Gibson City UMC Washington Evangelical UMC Greenville First UMC Watseka UMC Industry UMC Waynesville UMC Kingston Mines UMC Wesley Chapel UMC; Marion Lancaster UMC Wesley UMC, Vergennes Laurel UMC, Springfield West Olive Faith UMC, Bloomington Lawrenceville First UMC West Salem Trinity UMC, Mt. Vernon LeRoy UMC Westfield UMC Lincoln First UMC Williamsville UMC Louisville UMC Wolf Lake UMC Services to Retired Clergy and Spouses: Mahomet UMC Wyoming UMC • $1.5 Million to purchase Medicare • Fall Banquets Manchester UMC Zion Evangelical UMC, Pekin Supplement Plan • Seminar for Retirees and Spouses Marshall Armstrong UMC Zion UMC in Marshall • Assistance in Research Medicare • Pastoral Care Marshall First UMC Part D Plans • Presence at Funerals and • $500 Thousand Medicare Part D Presentation of Grave Markers Benefit • Dental Loan Program • Clergy Assistance Program for Retirees and Spouses • Hearing Aid Program • Virgin Health Miles Benefits for • Financial and Estate Planning Retirees and Spouses • Advocates for Retirees and • Fellowship Groups Spouses • $580 Thousand Contribution to Pre-82 Plan. www.pasbf.org • 217-529-3221