2012 Post-Annual Conference Issue

the

currentIllinois Great Rivers Conference of The United Methodist Church News Magazine JULY 2012 | VOL. 16 NO. 11

On Friday, June 8, General Conference delegates shared the true meaning of holy conferencing around difficult issues with a seemingly attentive and respectful audience. See the full session at www.igrc.org/AC2012Videos. Photo by Natalie Rowe

INSIDE THIS ISSUE . . . Announcements/Events 3 Christian Conversations 4 Local Church News 5-6 Annual Conference Wrap-up 7 Addresses 8 Awards 9-10 Memorials 12 2012 Retirees 13 Ordination 14 PG. 6 WF biketrip PG. 20 Faith & online ministry Appointments 15-19 Conference News 20 We are better together newsFROM THE EPISCOPAL OFFICE Dear Friends in Christ Jesus: Thank you for a wonderful Annual Conference. It was fabric of community through renewed civic engagement. In consultation with the Cabinet of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, Bishop wonderful to share June 6-9 with you. Our time together It is a good piece of work that helps us see what’s possible. Gregory V. Palmer appoints the following effective July 1, 2012: was filled with meaningful worship, celebration of mis- But the theme that is continually driven home is that we sion, some strategic planning work, election and deploy- are indeed “better together.” Isolation and individualism Cecelia Granadosin to Lead Pastor Smithfield Brock/Locust Lane, Illinois RD. ment of leadership and so much more. I was heartened undermine our better aspirations and potential. They are Tyler Boyer to Lead Pastor East Peoria Faith/Zion Evangelical, Illinois RD. by our willingness to take a few risks. Throughout these self-defeating. It is true in both church and society. Steve Granadosin to Lead Pastor Circle of Grace, LaMoine R.D. pages you will find some excellent reports. Don’t forget That is the way I feel about Annual Conference, to make good use of our conference website to catch up Christian conversation, connection, mission engage- Leanne Noland to Lead Pastor Effingham Grace, Embarras R.D. on the worshipful work of Annual Conference 2012. ment globally and locally. We are better, stronger, wiser,

Appointments Janet Eggleston to Lead Pastor Macon, Sangamon R.D. In 2003, Robert Putnam author of Bowling Alone more effective together. I look forward to what we can Andy Maxwell to Lead Pastor Hoopeston /Wellington, Iroquois R.D. joined with Lewis Feldstein and Don Cohen to produce and will by God’s grace do together. another book entitled Better Together: Restoring the Nathan P. Wolff to Lead Pastor Trinity East Saint Louis, Mississippi R.D. American Community. In this book, the authors tell sto- Yours in Christ, Becky Barrow to Lead Pastor New Holland/Waynesville/McLean (New Charge), ries of and describe the ways that diverse people in widely Gregory Vaughn Palmer Sangamon RD. divergent locations are working together to reweave the Kenneth Harris to Lead Pastor Cuba/London Mills, Illinois R.D. Gregory Courtright to Lead Pastor Monticello, Sangamon R.D. Sally Hamon to Lead Pastor Zion Chapel, Decatur Central, Sangamon R.D. See You at The Table By Joe Scheets, Effingham Centenary UMC Howard Bell to Lead Pastor Farina, Louisville, Kaskaskia R.D. Michael Rayson to Lead Pastor Bethalto, Mississippi R.D. John Hackmann, our Associate eryone of what the Bishop had said in her sermon about William F. Campbell to Pastor of Student Ministries Fairview Heights Christ, Pastor, was ordained Friday eve- tables, and reminded them of our snack table in our Mississippi R.D. ning at Annual Conference. Connection Area at the rear of our sanctuary. This is a big deal; a very big Everyone got up and moved there. Amid cold drinks Leland Legg to Lead Pastor Waverly(charge re-alignment), LaMoine R.D. deal. Our church is thrilled for and cookies and veggies and popcorn being shared, sto- Keith Bradley to Lead Pastor Equality/Wesley Chapel/Ridgway, Cache R.D. him and proud of him! ries and memories and dreams were shared. Zachary R. Waldis to Lead Pastor Benld, Mississippi R.D. The service took place in Peoria. Not too many could Apart from Confirmation or a Bible Study class, I get there, including me, with my ankle problem. think I fielded more theological questions during that Bob Brewer to Lead Pastor Big Prairie/Maunie/Concord, Cache R.D. But 34 of us gathered in our sanctuary to watch the time than any other time in my ministry. Nick Roberts to Lead Pastor Energy/Hurst, Cache R.D. service on our screens, streaming live and it was exciting. It was delightful! And it fit perfectly with what Bish- Michael Laflin to Lead Pastor Oblong Central, Embarras R.D. In the course of worship, Bishop Huie from Texas op Huie had preached. And it fit perfectly with what preached about gathering around tables. She was speak- our group needed. And most importantly, it fit perfectly Cathy Minor to Associate Pastor Champaign First, Iroquois R.D. ing of inclusion, Holy Communion, evangelism, out- with The Gospel of Christ Jesus. Leslie Ica Thomas to Associate Pastor Rock Island Two Rivers, Spoon R.D. reach and love. Who are you going to meet soon, and around what Dan Seibert to Lead Pastor Shelbyville First, Embarras R.D. When it was time to share in The Sacrament of Holy table? Communion in Peoria, and onscreen in Effingham, it fell Betty Coffey to Lead Pastor to Buckeye/Owaneco/South Fork (new charge), San- (Reprinted with permission from the June 10 entry on Rev. Scheets’ blog, gamon R.D. to me as pastor to offer guidance. I simply reminded ev- www.joescheets.com) Annual Conference videos, photos posted on the IGRC website Gretchen Hawf , wife of retired pastor Paul Hawf, died June 2, near Princeton, Video files and photos are posted on the IGRC website and http://www.igrc.org/AC2012Retirees -- for those just want- Ind. can be found at the following locations: ing to view the full interviews of the retirees from the class The Hawfs served local churches in the areas of both the former Southern and of 2012, all of these videos, along with the two five-minute Central Illinois conferences, retiring from Maples Mill in 1989. http://www.igrc.org/AC2012 -- the main Annual Conference montages concerning Call and Advice are found here. A full obituary may be found at page links on that page will take you to other news articles, photos and videos http://www.igrc.org/AC2012Photos -- includes all of the pho- Deaths http://www.short-cunninghamfh.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_ id=1497712&fh_id=11541 ,where you can also leave a note for the family. to galleries of photos taken at Annual Conference. Photos are http://www.igrc.org/AC2012Videos -- the video page that in- viewed in thumbnail, or medium-sized (suitable for websites). Cynthia J. Booher, a former lay member to annual conference from Springfield cludes all videos from Annual Conference, including the ar- At the top photos can be viewed as a Slide Show, or persons Douglas Ave. UMC, died June 1. chived webstream footage. can download the original high-resolution photo. Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at http://www.bischfuneral- homewest.com, where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.

Edna Margaret White , widow of the Rev. Lowell C. White, passed away on May 26, 2012 in Springfield, IL. She and her husband served churches in the former Central Illinois Conference, retiring from Sidell in 1983. He passed away in 2006. A full obituary may be found at http://hosting-4671.tributes.com/show/Ed- na-Margaret-White-93888413, where you can also leave a note for the family.

Word has been received of the recent death of Rev. Herbert Zigbou. He and his wife, Mary, are GBGM missionaries supported by some IGRC congregations. Herbert attended Ganta School. His siblings, parents and one son live in Liberia. Herbert and Mary were responsible for rebuilding Ganta Mission Station and Ganta Hospital following the Liberia Civil War. Last year, Herbert retired after being diagnosed with cancer and Mary was planning to retire later this year. Since April 2011, Mary has been serving stateside serving as of April 2011 with Circles of Hope/Anson County in the Western North Carolina Annual Conference. A memorial service is scheduled for June 16 in North Carolina with an additional service and burial in Liberia to follow. Sympathy cards or notes of condolences on the death of Rev. Herbert Zigbou – former missionary in Liberia – may be sent Bishops Janice Riggle Huie and Gregory V. Palmer preside over the baptism of Zachary Thomas Anthony, son of Rev. Andrew and Sherry to his wife, Mary Zigbou at the following address: 327 Bridget Way, Creedmoore, Anthony. Photo by Natalie Rowe. NC 27522.

The Current (USPS 014-964 is published monthly by the Choir Director and/or Organist Illinois Great Rivers Conference of The United Methodist Church For more information on classified 5900 South Second Street, Springfield, IL 62711 Position involves weekly choir rehearsal (usually Wednesday evenings), An individual subscription is $15 per year. The opinions expressed in viewpoints are Sunday morning worship, and Christian holidays throughout the year. advertising rates, availability and those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Current, The Illinois Candidate must have knowledge of and ability to select appropriate cho- Great Rivers Confernce, or The United Methodist Church. Communications Team leader: Paul E. Black; team members: Natalie Rowe and Michele ral music, teach vocal fundamentals, and conduct volunteer choir. Famil- press deadlines please contact Willson. Send materials to P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207

iarity with Methodist church beneficial. This part-time, paid position works Licensing tel. 217.529.2040, fax 217.529.4155, directly with the Worship Chair and Pastor. Position available Sept. 1, 2012. email: [email protected], website: www.igrc.org Classifieds To be considered, please send resume, three references and cover letter Michele Willson Periodical postage paid at Peoria, IL, and additional mailing offices. explaining your interest to: Choir Director/Organist Position, 300 W. Main, POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to 217.529.2040 or [email protected] The Current, Illinois Great Rivers Conference, Good Hope, IL 61438. P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207

2 | July 2012 | The Current Post-Conference Issue news from the episcopal office Evangelism training slated for the fall By Paul Black events & ANNOUNCEMENTS SPRINGFIELD – Evangelism training, aimed at developing importance and process of developing spiritual leaders that can a culture of invitation and discipling within the local church help a congregation stay centered on the mission. This seminar will be held at five locations throughout the Illinois Great Rivers will also give practical tools for aligning ministry consistently Conference this fall. with the mission, especially at the times of planning and report- The seminars are a collaborative effort of the IGRC Cabinet, ing – including results based ministry descriptions for the sake Fleming to speak at the IGRC Evangelism committee and the Reuben Job Center of the mission. for Leadership Development, a jurisdictional ministry located The afternoon session will focus attention on developing a College of Christian Life at Dakota Wesleyan University. congregation’s ability to do the work of evangelism. The process PEORIA – Dr. James Fleming will be the Online registration was scheduled to open June 1 but its shared is a model of developing in stages the competencies and keynote speaker at the 2012 College of start date was moved up due to widespread interest. More in- confidence for persons to share their faith in Jesus Christ – us- Christian Life to be held at the Four Points formation on the seminar can be found at www.igrc.org/E3 and ing the educational system as an analogy. The model starts with by Sheraton Hotel (formerly the Holiday registration is open at www.igrc.org/E3Registration. “elementary school” evangelism, which is service evangelism – Inn City Centre) Aug. 6-8. The dates and locations for the seminars are as follows: using service as a means of evangelism. Then, participants will Registration is underway online at • Nov. 7 at Galesburg First UMC, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. explore “middle school” evangelism of faith sharing in their www.igrc.org/ccl2012. small groups. After that comes the “high school” evangelism • Nov. 8 at Savoy UMC, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fleming, founder and director of the of testimonies in worship. Next is “college level” evangelism Explorations in Antiquity Center near • Nov. 13 at Mt. Vernon West Salem of invitational evangelism and proven strategies to engage the LaGrange, Ga., will speak on Life of the Trinity UMC, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. congregation in inviting others. And finally, then comes “gradu- Farmer: Lessons from the Land of Israel. • Nov. 14 at Troy UMC, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. ate school” evangelism – sharing our faith with someone not of Utilizing four perspective for a better un- (note different time from the others) faith in order to help them come to faith. derstanding of Biblical times, Fleming uti- Seminar leader Dr. Doug Anderson is executive director • Nov. 15 at Jacksonville Grace UMC, lizes theology, archaeology, history and of the Bishop Rueben Job Center for Leadership Development 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. geography with an ecumenical approach at Dakota Wesleyan University and also Associate Director for aimed at bringing together old and recent E3: Empowering and Equipping for Evangelism is a two- Congregational Development for the Indiana Annual Confer- discoveries to assist persons on their faith pronged approach aimed at staying focused on the mission of ence.  journey. “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the Fleming’s lectures will include: The world,” which is essential for being a fruitful congregation. Land: Understanding the Many Aspects of The morning of this seminar will explore with participants God; Religious Practices and Farming; Im- a variety of issues around the mission. Included are the factors agery from the Life of the Farmer; Summer that cause congregations to make decisions and plan ministries Crops in Antiquity; and Farming Parables that are more reflective of personal preference and comfort than from Jesus. the mission of Jesus Christ. The seminar will then center on the Rev. Rich Rubietta, a conference evangelist appointed to Abounding Ministries, will be the worship leader. Early registration prior to July 20 will Summer seminars for mid-sized and large churches lock in a savings of $25 per person. Hotel reservations need to be made prior to July SPRINGFIELD – A variety of workshops for mid-sized and Mastering the Middle: large churches will be held during the summer months. 23 in order to ensure the CCL block rate of Ministry in a Mid-Sized Church $89 plus tax per night. Contact the hotel Online registration is already underway for these learning directly at 309-674-2500 and ask for the opportunities on the IGRC website. The workshops are jointly Aug. 22-23, UM Center, Springfield College of Christian Life rate.  sponsored by the IGRC Cabinet and the IGRC Equipping and Register online at www.igrc.org/middle Connecting Team, in collaboration with the Reuben Job Center The seminar sessions will be from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 22 for Leadership, a ministry of the North Central Jurisdiction of and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 23. A follow-up session will be Worship in Spirit and The United Methodist Church. held Feb. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Conference Center Building a Terrific Team: in Springfield. Truth seminar Staff Ministry in the Large Church Registration is $50* for each registrant. Motel accommodations Pana First UMC is hosting Worship in July 24-25, Peoria First UMC Spirit and Truth seminar Aug. 17-18, spon- The Sheraton Four Points in downtown Peoria offers a spe- Register at www.igrc.org/terrificteam sored by Aldersgate Renewal Ministries. cial rate if you identify yourself as being with the Illinois Great The sessions will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on A follow-up session will be held Feb. 5, 2013, at the United Rivers Conference when reserving a room for the two Peoria Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sat- Methodist Center in Springfield from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. workshops. The Baymont Inn has a special block rate for the urday. Cost of the seminar is $20 and in- Registration is $50* for the first registrant from a church; August workshop in Springfield. cludes lunch, dinner and a seminar work- $30 for additional registrants from the same church/charge. Seminar leader book. Questions or to register for the event, Leading a Church Staff: Dr. Doug Anderson is executive director of the Bishop Rue- contact the church at 217-562-2823 or by Basic Tools for Effective Lead Pastors ben Job Center for Leadership Development at Dakota Wesleyan University. He was a district superintendent and pastor of sev- email at [email protected]. July 25-26, Peoria First UMC eral growing churches of different sizes in The United Methodist Register at www.igrc.org/leadpastors Church and now also serves on the Indiana Conference Congrega-  Times of the sessions are 1 to 9 p.m. July 25 and 9 a.m. to tional Development team. Parish Nurse Retreat 3 p.m. July 26. The follow-up session will be held Feb. 5, 2013, *The registration fee for each seminar includes lunch, dinner and ma- from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Conference Center in Springfield. terials. Accommodations and other meals are on your own. Aug. 24-25 Registration is $35* for each registrant. The Fourth Annual Parish Nurse retreat will be held Aug. 24-25 at the Chiara Center in Springfield. Raise funds with mugs Sessions will run from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Aug. 24 and 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Aug. 25. for Imagine No Malaria Individual sessions will focus on the following topics: Orders are now being accepted for individuals and • Emotional and Spiritual Care for Victims of churches that wish to purchase Imagine No Malaria mugs Disasters which made their debut at the Thursday morning coffee • Disability Awareness for Your Faith hour during Annual Conference. Community These mugs can be purchased in quantity for $2 each postpaid and churches will be able to place orders through • Please Help Me, I’m Falling! Balance and Friday, July 6 as a fundraising effort for Imagine No Malaria. Mobility in Older Adults Sell the mugs for $5 each and send the $3 profit to Imag- • Complementary / Alternative Medicine • • • ine No Malaria. Orders can be placed online at www.igrc. org/INMMugs.  • (CAM) in Parish Nurse Practice Register online at www.igrc.org/Parish Nurse2012

events & announcments: retirees The Current Post-Conference Issue | July 2012 | 3 Communicating in real time CHRISTIANchristian By Linda Bloom CONVERSATIONS Some people use social media In other posts, he is candid about his deep love for his to let it hang out, warts and all. wife, Carrie. “I never imagined finding a relationship that In the case of the Rev. Scott would fuel my spirit the way my marriage has,” he wrote. Hearing with Carnes, it’s brain surgery and all. Everything is linked to his faith. In “Joy in Ritual,” a May That meant tweets sent from his 11 post on the “Scott & Carrie’s Musings” blog, he compares Pentecost ears hospital bed; iPhone photos of an the difficulty of disrupted household routines because of ill- MRI scan and the back of his scarred, shaved head posted ness to the difficulty of establishing a regular prayer life. By Michael Jinkins on Facebook; a short video of groggy, post-op commentary I admit to being baffled by the idea that Facebook can be shot immediately after a second surgery and later uploaded worth billions of dollars and agree that Twitter can be vastly The miracle of Pentecost was a to his blog. overrated. But the extensive and often unintended ways that miracle of hearing. It still is. It’s all part of his philosophy that, at its core, ministry is people can connect through the internet, consequently de- Several months ago a report about current linguistic about relationships - both with other people and with God. veloping or redeveloping relationships, are hard to dispute. research caught my attention. The report began by asking He uses social media and other online tools as ministry Scott gave me an example of one such connection. His the question: “Where in the world is the largest number of aids - successfully, in my opinion. I’ve written about that in wife’s twin sister, Katie, a real estate agent in St. Louis, took different languages spoken?” Conventional wisdom, even among experienced lin- a story that is found on page 20 of this issue of The Current. an elementary school friend and her boyfriend out to see guists, the report went on to say would probably offer New Scott and I met through the United Methodist Com- some properties. The former classmates had not been in Guinea as the answer. The island has more than 800 dis- mission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, on touch much, so her sister was surprised to learn that the tinct languages “scattered around its isolated, jungle-cov- which he recently finished eight years as a board member. couple had picked up on “Scott & Carrie’s Musings” through ered valleys.” But there is another place in the world that As a Facebook friend who also follows him on Twitter, I’ve Facebook and were immersed in the medical drama. now surpasses the remote island when it comes to diverse admired the matter-of-fact way he has reported on his med- “She told Katie that it’s like a soap opera and they’ll call languages. “The five boroughs of New York City,” according ical journey and, like others, was rooting for his recovery. each other when there is a new post up,” he reported.  to recent linguistic studies, “are reckoned to be home to Sometimes, he sounds like an excited computer geek rather speakers of around 800 languages, many of them close to (Reprinted from the May 18 post of BloomBytes, the blog of Linda Bloom than a patient when he marvels over how the doctors can (www.bloombytes.blogspot.com), who serves as a reporter for the United extinction.” Methodist News Service and is based in New York .) The world in all its startling and sometimes indecipher- look inside his head. able diversity is no longer on the other side of the globe. The whole wide world is on our doorstep. This makes some people nervous and unhappy. Some people see such difference as a threat to their way of seeing the world, a threat General Conference and The Avengers to their own culture, their faith. Consequently, they some- By Narcie Jeter times try to bar admission to their society. Reacting with a fortress mentality, they may try to erect walls and dig moats to keep difference out. After spending two weeks at the ferencing if you didn’t care. Whether we agree all the time Not only is this reaction ill-conceived and counter- United Methodist General Confer- or not, whether we acknowledge or gloss over some of our productive for economic and social reasons, it runs exactly ence in Tampa, Florida, I took a divisions and cracks, whether we shout and point fingers or opposite the expansive message of the gospel. A fortress mentality is not an option for those of us who follow Jesus much needed date night with my just wash our hands of it, we should all be committed to at of Nazareth. husband on Monday night. We least some of the same things. When the church was born, it emerged in a world al- watched The Avengers. And be- I don’t like using soldier/fighting language, but what most as diverse as our own. The story of the church’s birth cause my brain is still in United Methodist land after two united the avengers, was a common cause – something they begins amid a cacophony of different tongues, people intense weeks of watching, listening, tweeting, and engag- each believed in as a whole. What are those things that hold chattering away in Aramaic, in Latin, Greek, and in tongues ing – I couldn’t help but think about GC2012 in light of The us together? Do we believe as Wesley said, “In essentials, most of us only encounter when we draw the short straw Avengers. unity…in non-essentials, liberty…and in all things charity.” and are asked to read the second chapter of Acts on Pen- While at General Conference I had many a friend and What are our essentials? tecost Sunday. People from language groups scattered colleague talk about GC2012 in relation to The Hunger I know it may be a crazy place to find hope, but watch- throughout the ancient world were together on the day the church was born, “Parthians and Medes and Elamites, Games. And I get that. I get that in some ways it seemed ing The Avengers made me feel a lot more positive about the and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, like people were just out for themselves trying to slaughter future of our church – and more than that – the kingdom of Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the the opponent so that they could move on to be the victor. I God. Over the past four years we’ve heard a lot about death districts of Libya around Cyrene,” as well as “visitors from get that those references came from a place of frustration, tsunamis, the cancer of the church needing oncologists to Rome,” Cretans and Arabs. There were people present of anger, of fear, of disillusionment. come in and diagnose us, and other doom and gloom, and whose language the Romans derisively called “barbarian,” One of the joys of this General Conference was the I don’t know about you, but scaring people and taking our because to Roman ears it sounded like a repeated, “bar- effect of social media and multiple voices being lifted up ball and going home has never worked to inspire people in bar-bar.” in a type of call and response. It was powerful and gave my mind. My dream forThe UMC is that we don’t spend the They were all chattering at once. We are told: “when great voice to many. But in kind, one of the great hurts of next four years wringing our hands and talking incessantly this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were bewildered, because they were each one hearing this General Conference was social media. It’s easy to be about our decline or the lack of relevance, but that we actu- them speak in his own language” (Acts 2:6). snarky and give one-liners when you’re not face to face with ally start preaching and living the Gospel and let the rest This was the miracle of Pentecost. And it gave rise to people. And it’s easy to jump on the wave of criticism and come. It can’t just be a structure for a few big church pas- the question: “How is it that we can each hear them in our complaint even in the midst of prophetic voices as people tors or vocal bishops or a handful of radical church plants own language?” Pentecost was a miracle of hearing, of sharpen their favorite knives of choice. or even awesome campus ministries that try to “save” our comprehension, of listening. Part of the beauty of The Avengers is that they’re all su- church. It has to be each of us – each pastor and lay person That should give us pause in these days when so many perheroes in their own right. They’re each bringing gifts to – not just looking out for our own interests or own needs, people strain to shout their views at others, but seldom the table. The hard part is to get them to work together, but actually living as Christ in the world. strive to listen. The church’s birth is swaddled in listening valuing not just their own power/place in the world. So maybe you’re mad about how things went down at to people who speak differently. As any linguist will tell you, to speak a different language means to experience In describing General Conference to a clergy friend this General Conference this year. Go for it. The whole add a the world differently. A language marks the boundary be- morning, it’s hard to explain. There were times when you sticker to the 2008 discipline that says “2012” is funny and tween different cultures, different ways of understanding could visibly see the presence of God and the beautiful tap- snarky and there’s a bit of truth in there. Use that frustra- the world around us. Christian faith crossed these bound- estry that is our church. There were other times when there tion, disillusionment, and unsettled feeling to get started aries not by force of argument, but through the generous were so many power plays and undercuts and self-interests with you. Don’t just point at particular conferences or juris- act of hearing, listening, entering into the ways others con- that it was hugely discouraging. dictions or parts of the world and lift them up or tear them ceive of the world we all inhabit. I don’t doubt any of these people’s conviction. Captain down. Start with you. Because we each have a common her- When the church did utter its first words, they were America in the movie talks about each of the avengers’ con- itage, not just as United Methodists, but as children of God. words that bore witness to the fact that in Jesus Christ viction and it’s not that they don’t have it, but sometimes Sometimes this heritage calls out for prophetic witness and God has come into the world to seek out sinners, to forgive us, to redeem us. The church, at its birth, did not attempt it’s different. They believe strongly in something, but that sometimes it calls out for some non-negotiables, but even to force others into rigid agreement. And the church cer- something is not always the same. We each have those non- in the midst we have to remember the things that unify us. tainly did not attempt to build walls and construct moats negotiables. We each have those things that are hard limits. And we can’t just wait for the general church to give us per- to keep out those who are different (that reaction came a I’ll agree to restructure, as long as… I’ll agree to support mission to grow because of the latest nifty research or plan. little later, though the gospel broke through those barriers this piece of legislation, as long as these words are used… May we come together as one – all of us – with our gifts and even gentiles were admitted to the faith). At its birth, It’s not that they lack conviction, it’s just that they’re and graces and instead of hurling critique and distrust may the church entered the language worlds of others so that not on the same page because they’re bogged down in their we be intentional in actively asking the Holy Spirit to pour it might articulate the good news of Jesus Christ in terms own egos, opinions, hang ups, and contexts. down on all of us – our communities, our churches, our that could be heard and understood. No matter which restructure plan you were for, where world. May we unite not just against a common enemy, but The miracle of Pentecost was a miracle of hearing. It  still is.  you stand on language on homosexuality, or your thoughts for a common purpose. on pension, guaranteed appointment or a set-aside bishop, (Narcie Jeter is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church and the (Michael Jinkins is president and professor of theology at Louisville there’s no doubt in my mind that the people at General Con- campus minister at Winthrop Wesley Foundation in Rock Hill, S.C. and a Presbyterian Theological Seminary.Reprinted from the Call and Re- ference love The United Methodist Church. There would be member . Reprinted from Jeter’s blog, Blessings on the Journey at: http:// sponse blog, Duke Divinity School, www.faithandleadership.com) narciejeter.wordpress.com) no reason to come and be in the hard work of holy con-

4 | July 2012 | The Current Post-Conference Issue christian conversations A much-needed ministry launched local CHURCH NEWS

Compass is an after-school program designed to provide tutor- ing, nutrition and life skills/enrichment to homeless/low income students. Each week there were 25 to 40 students participating. Compass is an after-school program designed to provide tutor- ing, nutrition and life skills/enrichment to homeless/low income students. Each week there were 25 to 40 students participating. Volunteers from Springfield Douglas Avenue UMC were joined by Jewish volunteers from neighboring Temple Israel. Healthy food was provided at cost by a local caterer. Some of the life skills were baking, tae kwon do, rhythm poetry, art, etc. These classes were led by adult community volunteers. The other interesting component is that the weekly “teachers” are select, committed, upper-level high-school students who agreed to work with the same children every Thursday afternoon. As a result of her commitment to Compass, one of the high school student-leaders was selected as top-five finalist in the Top Teen Award sponsored by the Springfield-Journal Reg- ister. The Compass program has proven to be a model that appealed to Springfield’s Family Service Center. FSC’s Executive Director, Erin Predmore, pursued Compass Director, Molly Berendt, and they collaborated to write a grant for United Way funding. It was announced on May 24 that Compass received full funding from United Way at $80,000 per year for two years! Their goal is to expand to six schools with multiple community partners... like Douglas Ave. and Dubois Elementary have partnered this year. Douglas Avenue UMC will still need to fund its program, but now there will be a full-time, salaried director to expand the program into new locations as well as provide a small salary for site directors at each community site. Photos courtesy of Molly Berendt Cave-in Rock UMC Rankin UMC to celebrate 100 years RANKIN – The Rankin UMC will celebrate 100th or by email. anniversary of the present United Methodist The July 22 centennial celebration will Church building July 22. include a worship service, followed by an old- The church is currently gathering photos and fashioned pot luck dinner and ice cream social stories of various happenings in the church. on the church lawn (weather permitting). If you have photos, contact Marilyn Tyler at District Superintendent, In-Sook Hwang has [email protected]. Memories can be sent accepted the churches invitation to join them to Tyler at 4943 State Route 9, Rankin, IL 60960 in the celebration that day.

CORRECTION

Editor’s note: Due to a problem with the layout in the June issue, these two photographs ended up on opposite pages. The photos are being rerun correctly. Cave-In Rock UMC, located in the Cache River District, recently celebrated the restoration of their base- ment after sustaining major damage in the Spring 2011 flooding of the Ohio River. The flood destroyed the fellowship hall, kitchen and appliances with more than 3 foot of water. Donations from IGRC and volunteers from the local community and other local churches helped Cave-In- Rock UMC to come back to the place of restoration and renewed energy for ministry; without which the church saw her doors closing due to the damage and mold. The people of the Cave-In-Rock are very appreciative of the connectional system reaching out to them. Photos courtesy of Roger Russell.

local church news The Current Post-Conference Issue | July 2012 | 5 Garrett honors distinguished alumni conference By Paul Black NEWS EVANSTON – Two clergy from the Palmer, who served nearly 43 years in central and southern Illinois Great Rivers Conference were re- Illinois prior to retirement in 1998, received his bachelor’s de- cently honored as Distinguished Alumni gree from McKendree College in Lebanon, his M.Div. from Gar- Award recipients by Garrett-Evangelical rett Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Here We Stand: Poverty Theological Seminary at its spring com- Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Inc. mencement May 11. During Palmer’s pastoral career, he served various min- By Jane Klopfenstein, IGRC Board of Church and Rev. Tom Goodell, pastor of Cross- istry settings, from rural and small towns to university towns Society roads UMC in Washington, and IGRC to mission churches to an inner city church with a large televi- (Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of articles on the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church written by Rev. Tom Goodell retired clergy Miley Palmer of Decatur sion ministry. For six years, he served the University of Illinois members of the IGRC Board of Church and Society) were the 2012 honorees. Annually, Garrett Wesley Foundation, the largest and oldest Wesley Foundation in presents a distinguished alumnus to two the nation and over the course of his ministry, 36 young adults The United Methodist Social Principles observe that persons who have rendered extraordinary made decisions to enter careers of full-time Christian service most of the world’s people live in poverty. They state, service in their ministries. One award is while he was serving as their pastor. “In order to provide basic needs such as food, cloth- given to one who graduated 25 years ago He has served the IGRC in a variety of roles, having been ing, shelter, education, health care, and other necessi- or less; the other, to a graduate of more elected delegate to both General and Jurisdictional conferenc- ties, ways must be found to share more equitably the than 25 years ago. es, Jurisdictional Council on Ministries and the Jurisdictional resources of the world.” There are specific suggestions: Goodell, son of the late Rev. David and Committee on Ministry. He has been a member of the Confer- “To begin to alleviate poverty, we support such policies Nan Goodell, is a third generation pastor ence Boards of Ordained Ministry, Higher Education and Cam- as: adequate income maintenance, quality education, Miley Palmer decent housing, job training, meaningful employment and a third-generation GETS graduate. He pus Ministry and Global Ministries. He was a member of the opportunities, adequate medical and hospital care, and completed undergraduate work at Blackburn College in Carlin- Commissions on Christian Vocation, Religion and Race and the humanization and radical revisions of welfare programs. ville, majoring in history and worked several years for the State Status and Role of Women. He chaired the Board of Discipleship Since low wages are often a cause of poverty, employ- of Illinois. and the Conference Council on Ministries and current chairs ers should pay their employees a wage that does not re- Receiving his call to ministry, Goodell graduated from Gar- the Conference Board of Church and Society. He has taken an quire them to depend upon government subsidies such rett with a M.Div. degree in 1991 and has served pastorates at active part in prison ministry and was a volunteer chaplain for a as food stamps or welfare for their livelihood.” Cropsey-Strawn UMC’s; Normal First associate; Maryville St. local police force. He also served 25 years as a trustee for Meth- We Christians are taught from our earliest years Luke’s UMC; and director of the Wesley Foundation at Eastern odist Medical Center in Peoria. that the earth and everything in it is the Lord’s. What Illinois University prior to his appointment to Crossroads UMC After retiring from the active pastorate at Decatur Grace we “own” is actually on loan from God to be used in in Washington. UMC, he served three years as a chaplain on staff of Decatur accordance with his will. Genesis tells us that human During his eight years at Crossroads, the congregation has Memorial Hospital and now is Minister of Visitation for both beings are created in God’s image, and the sacrifice of experienced rapid growth from 400 to 930 members with an av- First Presbyterian Church and First United Methodist Church Jesus affirms that every person is precious to God. We learn that in God’s kingdom there will be bountiful har- erage worship attendance of 800. There are several young adults in Decatur. vests enjoyed by all, and we pray, “Thy kingdom come, in the congregation who are considering their call to ministry. Palmer serves on the McKendree University Board of Trust- thy will be done on earth.” Yet we live in a world where In addition to his responsibilities at Crossroads, Goodell is ees, its executive committee and alumni board and has served a few have amassed great wealth and live in comfort, chair of the conference Board of Higher Education, a member of as a development associate for Garrett-Evangelical Theological while the vast majority suffers from poverty with all its the conference Board of Ordained Ministry and a 2009 recipient Seminary. ramifications – hunger, homelessness, disease, and ear- of the IGRC’s Harry Denman Award for Evangelism. He has wife Janet are the parents of four adult children, five ly death. The latest statistics on U.S. poverty rates indi- He and his wife Sherry have been married for 25 years and grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  cate an increase to 15.1 percent in 2010, and 22 percent are the parents of two sons, Andrew and Nicholas. for children under 18. In the developing world, nearly a billion people are living in poverty, many experienc- ing hunger and even starvation. This surely violates the Church and Society hosts ‘Repairing the Ruined Cities’ sacred worth and dignity given by God to every individ- By Ken Burgard, IGRC Board of Church of Society ual, the proper use of “our” property, and the relationships God envisions for his children. The IGRC Board of Church and Society invites your church synagogue. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has Old Testament law lays out rules for society that re- to participate in a discussion of ministry tactics and policy as anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me flect God’s deep concern for the poor. They are an exam- this vision of restoration and hope is applied on a local level. to proclaim release to the captives…” Isaiah continues in that ple for all nations. The prophets strongly condemn both How can our church serve those within our community? How same passage (chapter 61) to use evocative language of restora- persons and nations that oppress the poor. In Micah 6 can we best help those who come to the church with a material tion and transformation to bring hope to those in exile: “They we learn that the true worship of God consists of doing need? You are invited to consider these questions and more in shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former justice and mercy toward the poor, and that, without the upcoming “Repairing the Ruined Cities” conferences this devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations those, our other homage to God is worthless and even rejected. fall. Guest speaker Kathleen Finkle (executive director and of many generations…” May this message of hope continue to In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus lays out the re- founder of H.E.L.P.S. Ministry Outreach, an advance special of inspire us today, as God works through disciples of Jesus Christ quirements for entering his kingdom, and they are root- the IGRC) with more than 20 years of experience in helps min- to transform the world. ed in our treatment of the “least” of Jesus’ brothers and istry will lead a discussion for pastors and volunteers. Churches interested in starting a ministry for those in need sisters. In the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, Jesus Registration for the conference is online at www.igrc.org/ru- in their community are invited to participate in a discussion condemns those who are indifferent to the poor while inedcities. There are different registration links based upon the about coordinating with local agencies, recruiting volunteers, enjoying the finer things of life. conference location. This conference will be offered twice this setting appropriate ministry boundaries, and working with local Christians mostly see their duty to the poor as char- fall. The first will be at Mt. Vernon First UMC. It will be held businesses. ity or direct service, and are amazingly generous. Those Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The second will be held Oct. 20 Churches with existing systems and policies for helping are vitally important, yet there is a dimension that is at Bloomington Wesley UMC from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost for those in need are invited to attend and bring along their minis- generally overlooked, and that is to take action against the conference is $30 (lunch is provided); it is reduced to $20 for try information to network with peers, gain up-to-date regional poverty itself by influencing public policy. With the anyone who registers before Sept. 14. information, up-to-date government program information, and stroke of a pen, laws are enacted that can provide hope In one of the inaugural passages of his ministry in the gos- receive feedback on questions that have arisen in the details of and opportunity for change, or conversely, can cause  utter devastation for poor people. We often feel power- pel of Luke, Christ quotes the prophet Isaiah as he reads to the their ministry. less - yet citizens of the United States possess amazing power compared to those of most other countries. As Christians we have the responsibility to use that power on behalf of the poor and vulnerable. Our legislators in Washington, D.C. are constantly besieged by lobbyists representing the rich and privileged. If we Christians do not speak out for the poor, who will do it? The Book of Resolutions encourages all congregations to participate in Bread for the World, an interdenominational Christian group that works for policies that combat hunger and poverty. 

Students from the Wesley Foundation campus ministry at Pur- due University stayed overnight at the Grayville UMC. The group,  which calls itself Bikers For Jesus 2012, came to the church to begin a bicycle trip from Grayville to Horse Lake, Ky.. This trip was organized to raise money for both the campus ministry and disaster assistance. The group was led by the Rev. Dr. Glen Robyne, the Foundation’s campus minister and included five students plus an adult volunteer van driver. The church fed the group May 14 before embarking on their planned four-day adventure to Horse Lake. Pictured from left to right in back are: Dan Howell, Glen Robyne, and Dale McCoy and in front, from left, are: Bob Caddy, Erin Los- ey, Alex Rouse, and Katey Bartlett. Photo courtesy of Mick Laflin.

6 | July 2012 | The Current Post-Conference Issue local church news Conference session explores, celebrates risk-taking mission By Paul Black

PEORIA -- The Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference IGRC General Conference delegation told of their own con- Higher Education and Campus Ministry, local boards and the was held in Peoria, Ill., June 6-9, under the theme of Risk-Tak- versation around the issue of human sexuality during General Cabinet. On a related matter, the conference celebrated the ing Mission. Conference in Tampa, Fla., after the larger small group ses- planting of three new churches – a satellite campus of Fair- Conference speaker was Rev. Jorge Acevedo, pastor of sions failed to achieve the desired result. Palmer noted that view Heights Christ UMC in Millstadt, Ill., a second campus Grace Church, Cape Coral, Fla., who led sessions on utilizing the hour-long session was a model that could be replicated in of Springfield Kumler UMC located in the former Springfield teams for effective ministry and Turbo-Charging the Wesley- every congregation on a wide range of difficult issues. Trinity UMC and a new church start in Bloomington-Normal an Tradition for the 21st Century. Rev. Moses Kumar, General Secretary for the General with much of the leadership coming from alumni of the Wes- Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, in his episcopal address, re- Council on Finance and Administration, was present to pres- ley Foundation at Illinois State University who have made ported on several front, including a report that the Imagine ent an award to the conference for its 100 percent payment of Bloomington-Normal their home following graduation. No Malaria campaign has surpassed the $1.9 million mark general church apportionments for the ninth year in a row. Bishop Palmer ordained one elders and two deacons in full in the second of a three-year campaign to raise $2.3 million. The Illinois Great Rivers Conference was one of 15 U.S. an- connection. Palmer commissioned one provisional elder. A Shannon Trilli, Director of Global Health Initiatives for the nual conferences to pay 100 percent in general church appor- total of 25 pastors, celebrating 615 years, retired. Bishop Janice United Methodist Committee on Relief was the guest speaker tionments in 2011. Rev. Tom Hazelwood, head of U.S. disaster Huie of the Houston Episcopal Area, was the guest preacher at an All-Conference Dinner which undergirded the risk- response for the United Methodist Committee on Relief, was for Ordination. taking mission theme. Palmer also invited IGRC congrega- also present to represent the agency and the Advance. Attendance stands at 64,838, down 0.95 percent from the tions to engage in risk-taking mission on Sept. 22 or 29 in a Legislatively, the session approved a Higher Education previous year. Membership is at 138,795, down 1.03 percent conference-wide Change the World effort. Congregations will Strategic Ministry Plan, which will have a new half-time Co- from 2010. Sunday School attendance stands at 23,244, a de- choose their venue for ministry. Palmer also invited the ses- ordinator of Campus Ministry position, who will work with crease of 1.42 percent from 2010. sion to a time of holy conferencing in which members of the the Director of Connectional Ministries, Conference Board of

Most effective ministry is done in teams By Paul Black PEORIA – Rev. Jorge Acevedo remembers the wakeup call “pockets” with processes are usually isolated, disconnected, were spending nearly $2,000 per worshipper per year to carry he received from his wife 18 years ago. ad-hoc and chaotic. out the work of the church. “The actual cost is higher at both As a United Methodist pastor, Acevedo was very busy in A tendency to over-commit and an inability to repeat past the smallest churches where more is spent to keep the church ministry. But the busy-ness came at a great personal price and successes doors open and among the largest churches were additional a high cost to his family. Finally, Acevedo said his wife con- Solo, command and control leadership with the attitude of ministries and programs are rolled out to meet demands of its fronted him one day and said, “We need to talk. It’s hard to be “if it’s to be, it’s up to me.” worshippers,” Acevedo said. “These are four year old totals and mad at your mistress when your mistress is the church.” That “If you need a contemporary example, I offer the Crystal as we shrink, the per capita cost continues to increase. moment became a turning point in seeing ministry shift from Cathedral and Robert Schuller,” Acevedo said. “A charismatic The world desperately needs team ministry. Quoting Dr. a solo act to a team effort. leader that built a ministry that lasted one generation, but be- George Hunter, Acevedo noted, “Today, there are 180 million Acevedo, pastor of Grace Church, a multi-site United cause it centered on a heroic solo leader, the Cathedral was functionally secular people in the United States. They have no Methodist congregation in Cape Coral, Fla., shared some of recently sold to the Catholic Church. We think Heroic Solo understanding of the Bible. The U.S. is the third largest mis- the concepts of ministry that has led to taking a congregation Leadership works but it burns out the leader. No one leader is sion field on earth. It is the largest in the Western Hemisphere. from 400 to more than 2,600 with the congregation continu- omnicompetent.” Apostolic teams (and churches) are needed to reach them!” ing to grow a second campus in North Fort Myers and a new Acevedo said there are four reasons that teams are the Acevedo said the fundamental reason for the absence of storefront. But the inner transformation led to an outer trans- most effective: teams is an absence of trust. “Two words: General Confer- formation. The Bible teaches team ministry through the experience ence,” he said. “We saw it play out in the work around restruc- Acevedo identifies the Heroic Solo Leader Syndrome as of David and mighty men; Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the ture of the church. And we have this lack of trust because we one of the greatest impediments toward fruitful ministry and wall; Jesus and the disciples and Paul and his missionary team don’t love and know each other.” effective, risk-taking mission. He said healthy teams get the Our heritage modeled team ministry. Acevedo chal- In order to build teams, one must create environments of best results. lenged the notion of the solitary circuit rider, noting that these high trust, build great unity and have commitment to the mis- The Heroic Solo Leader has the following characteristics: riders were formed in community and persons were invited to sion. Chronic fatigue – success is dependent on the competence be a part of a class meeting. “It’s hard to fight with someone you are praying for,” Ace- and heroics of an individual or a few individuals working Our checkbooks demand team ministry. The Apex Re- vedo said. “But stupid plans done with great unity and with a independently port, which guided many of the Call to Action proposals at great mission accomplishes great things.” He pointed to Joshua  Little innovation in making disciples – fruitfulness is in the recent General Conference noted that churches in 2008 and the Battle of Jericho as an example.

Mission fulfillment requires turbo charging the tradition By Paul Black Pulling2012 Illinois out Great all Rivers the Stops Conference for PEORIA – Rev. Jorge Acevedo makes a united societies, class meetings and bands as disclaimer: Don’t expect that doing what his the structure, which connected with the pre- Since 2001 Church Organ Network and Samuel Music has been pro- church has done will result in another Grace venient, justifying and sanctifying grace. Our viding the Allen Digital Renaissance Organ and the Yamaha Concert church. job is helping people to discover that God Grand Piano for the Conference Worship Services! “It is much more than just doing,” Aceve- loves them,” Acevedo said. “There are also do said in his second presentation. “It is about some folks every Sunday that need to hear that Complete selection of Allen Organs and Yamaha Pianos are avail- turbo-charging the tradition given to us by Jesus still saves.” able to serve your musical worship needs. Organs and pianos used John Wesley who took it off the pages of Scrip- Weaving together personal piety and so- at Church Conferences are offered at reduced prices as well as pia- ture and made it practical for the 18th century. cial holiness. It’s not either/or; it’s both/and. nos and clavinovas which are part of Academic year Univirsity loan Our task is to look for ways to move that mark Author Jim Collins in Built to Last said the programs (Uof I, Greenville and Illinois Collleges, Lincoln Christian 350 years forward to the 21st century.” difference between an A-plus company and University.) The four steps necessary to accomplish the others is that “they are able to embrace the ge- task of applying Wesleyan practice to the 21st nius of the AND instead of the tyranny of the century requires: OR.” “If we are Methodists, if we stand in the For more information regarding specifications and special pricing... Self leadership. Wesley taught, “O begin! stream, we care about your soul but we also Fix some part of every day for private exercis- care about the here and now,” Acevedo said. Call 217.342.2207 or es. You may acquire the taste which you have “Some of us have an ediface complex where we not; what is tedious at first will afterwards be are more focused on building than about lost email [email protected] pleasant. Whether you like it or not, read and people. We have had more persons that come pray daily. It is for your life; there is no other to Christ through our recovery ministries way: else you will be a trifler all your days. than on Sunday morning.” Do justice to your own soul; give it time and A priority of ministry to the poor, the means to grow. Do not starve yourself any lon- marginalized and the addicted. The target g e r.” population of the entire Methodist system was “Part of our rich tradition is that we take “the dregs of English society,” some of whom responsibility for our self leadership,” Acevedo had serious social dysfunctions. The primary said. “How is it with your soul? Are you abid- goal of the penitent band was to restore its ing in Christ? You cannot take people to places members to the mainstream of society and its you have never been. It is also accountability. regular channels of growth. “At Grace Church, How is it in your ministry? Are you abound- we do aid (stopping the bleeding and immedi- ing in the work of the Lord?” ate need), advancement (from dependency to Organizing to beat the devil. One of independence and empowerment) and advo- Wesley’s legacies is an alignment of the grace cacy (changing the conditions of poverty and we receive with connecting that grace to oth- address the injustices) in our ministry with ers. “Grace uses a process: reach, connect, the poor,” Acevedo said.  form and send,” Acevedo said. “Wesley used annual conference wrap-up The Current Post-Conference Issue | July 2012 | 7 Episcopal, Cabinet, Laity Address

Bishop issues several invitations in episcopal address By Paul Black PEORIA – Bishop Gregory V. Palmer invited members of delegation met together well into the night and reported “a a difference in the world by eliminating malaria by 2015,” the Illinois Great Rivers Conference to enter into open, hon- greater understanding and unity” even in the midst of differ- Palmer said. est and heartfelt conversations about difficult issues without ences. The bishop also reported of a number of initiatives which discounting those to whom one disagrees. “Avoidance of issues is beneath the cross of Jesus Christ,” have begun and funded through a $100,000 line-item in the Near the end of a 40-minute Episcopal Address, Palmer Palmer said. He urged that Friday’s session could model con- conference budget identified as “Bishops’ Initiatives.” Palmer announced a change to the Annual Conference agenda in versations that could take place throughout the conference in said the funds have centered on leadership development and which a 45-minute period of time would be set aside to begin local congregations. have included an incubator group of young pastors from the the “difficult work” of entering into holy conferencing. Palmer used the rest of his address to report on several conference; multi-cultural training and work on cross-cultural “What if your greatest hope is also your greatest fear?” items of concern. Reflecting on his involvement in the work and cross-racial appointments. Palmer asked. “Our relationships are so at the surface. Risk- of the Call to Action report, which sought to bring fundamen- taking mission and service is more than activity; it is not less tal change to the church, Palmer noted the General Confer- “It’s not how do we invest in risk-taking mission and ser- than a lifestyle.” ence’s rejection of a major restructuring proposal that would vice, but more a question of how are we able to create condi- Palmer identified just a few of the issues which provide a have streamlined processes and shrunk the size of the general tions where we see risk-taking mission bubble up within our wide spectrum of viewpoints within the Christian community. church. conference,” Palmer said. These include: “A lot of light was thrown on the legislation (on restructur- Palmer invited every congregation to be involved in a Human sexuality ing), but it was just a small part to what we were inviting the Change the World project on one of two Saturdays in Septem- Who we are called to be in addressing violence and church,” Palmer said. “Until we pay attention to relationship ber -- Sept. 22 or Sept. 29. peacemaking in the world we will continue to have outcomes different than we desire.” “This is not a top-down type of initiative, but asking each The removal of security of guaranteed appointments Palmer also reported that the IGRC campaign for Imagine church to find within its community the places where they can No Malaria, now in its second year, has surpassed the $1.9 mil- take a risk in mission and service,” Palmer said, noting that Pointing to the failure of such dialogue sessions which were lion mark -- just $400,000 short of the goal. districts may choose to structure the event district-wide or in attempted at this year’s General Conference, Palmer held up “All of the lemonade stands and car washes have saturated sub-district areas. More information will be shared as plans the IGRC delegation as a model for leadership. After the dia- the conference with the confidence of knowing we can make develop.  logue sessions broke down, many members of the conference

Whitaker offers list of what she has learned in swan song By Paul Black PEORIA -- IGRC Lay Leader Rhonda Whitaker offered Never get between a United Methodist and their food. conference we can do amazing things, and as a a list of things she has learned at Annual Conference in her “We best not run late into lunchtime and heaven forbid if denomination we could transform the world,” Whitaker eighth and final Laity Address. someone tries to cut in front of you in the food line,” she said. “Everything I know about life I learned at Annual Con- said. Laity + Clergy = Claity. “Laity cannot be pew potatoes, ference,” Whitaker said. “I’m going to miss being your Lay If you want something done, ask a United Methodist but clergy, if you want us to follow, you’ve got to be Leader. I’ll even miss all those meetings – ok, maybe not. I’ll “whether it’s beans and rice for Haiti, a school for the leading somewhere worth going,” she said. “Without each miss answering the phone to hear ‘Sister Rhonda, this is your poorest area in Monrovia, rebuilding a tornado-ravaged other we are incomplete and the mission of making humble servant Gregory Vaughn Palmer.’ I have grown so town or hurricane-devastated coastline or eradicating disciples will NOT get done without our partnership.” much over the last eight years, and I’ve learned so much.” malaria.” The means of grace which Whitaker says is “probably one Whitaker’s list is as follows: Connexion works. “None of these things could have been of the most important contributions we as a done by a single church, not even a single distict, but as a denomination can give to the church universal.” The Bishop is always right. The Bishop is always right. 

Cabinet address: purpose, practice, perseverance By Paul Black PEORIA -- Utilizing a metaphor of running, members of to deepen our relationships,” Jones said. She noted the First takes us to the finish line. We need to remember that we are the Cabinet offered a perspective on life in the Illinois Great Thursday observance for the past two years and the Reading not alone in the race. Hwang noted that the Chinese use two Rivers Conference. Through the Bible in a Year this past year as ways many indi- separate characters to represent conflict. The first is crisis or Connecting the Hebrews 12 scripture, Cabinet co-chairs viduals and churches are recapturing the practice component danger and the second is opportunity. In-Sook Hwang and Cindy Jones offered three things the to their faith. “As we practice the means of grace, we become Two of the initiatives that have been birthed in the last Christians life have in common with running a race. more like Jesus Christ each day.” year are the conflict resolution training and the formation of Purpose -- Athletes and Christians don’t runs the race just Perseverance -- “Perseverance is not a choice but a neces- an Intercultural Resource Team. The team was formed in light for fun. “They are willing to sacrifice everything for one pur- sity to refine athlete’s abilities, skills in physical capacity and of 2011 census figures, which show, for the first time, racial pose, that is to maximize their potential, perform their best mental potential,” Hwang said. “Christian life is more like a and ethnic minorities make up more than half the children and hopefully gain a prize,” Hwang said. “They are so focused hurdle race. For the early Christians, persecution was the life- born in the United States. on the purpose. For the Christian, it’s called Christian perfec- threatening hurdle that caused many Christians to fall down The Cabinet is urging congregations to develop a ministry tion or sanctification.” or drive off from the course. Perseverance is a way to develop plan to be more fruitful and vital congregations that will out- Practice -- Both athletes and Christians remain a state of and refine Christian characters in the midst of trials and temp- line achievable, realistic and measurable goals.  excellence through practice with a daily discipline. “As Chris- tations. Struggles are a part of Christian life. How we handle tians, we also need to develop and practice spiritual discipline them makes a difference in our Christian life. Perseverance Legislation Update and Offering Report

Wolfe Amendment adding Dr. Elma Jocson, Missionary Advance 13980-Z approved Legislation Legislative Item 112 -- Discontinuation of East Lynn UMC -- Approved 865- 738-20; Editorial change: United Methodist Village -- Godfrey was omitted from the Legislative Item 103 and 103A -- 2013 Conference Budget -- Robinson 28 Report. Final passage approved 766-4. Amendment to add $5,000 to the General/Jurisdictional Delegate line item from Legislative Item 113 -- Discontinuation of Oliver UMC -- Russell Amend- Report 302 -- Conference Treasurer -- Approved 735-15. $50,000 to $55,000 approved 691-49; Davis Amendment to add $100,000 to Con- ment approved 868-31; legislation as amended approved 875-28 ference Sessions budget defeated 133-613; Budget as amended Approved 690-48 Report 303 -- Board of Trustees Report -- Approved by hand vote Legislative Item 114 -- Discontinuation of Birds UMC -- Approved 865-24 Legislative Item 104 -- CCFA Policies and Guidelines -- Davis Amendment Report 304 -- Preachers’ Aid Society Report -- Approved by acclamation to apply the Mileage Reimbursement rate to Annual Conference defeated 235-473; Legislative Item 115 -- Discontinuation of Galesburg Emmanuel UMC -- Ap- Report 305 -- United Methodist Foundation Report -- Approved final passage approved 693-47 proved 884-22 Report 314 --Nominations Report -- Approved 704-21 Legislative Item 105 -- Conference Board of Pensions -- Approved 806-23 Legislative Item 116 -- Discontinuation of Geff UMC -- Approved 875-36 Legislative Item 106 -- Long-Range Pension Funding -- Approved 854-28 Legislative Item 117 -- Election of Jurisdictional Pool -- Maddi Morrison, Annie Ruckman and David Bell to the jurisdictional pool. Final passage 697-28 Offering Report Legislative Item 107 -- Change to Standing Rule VII.C -- Approved 734-56 Wednesday Legisltative Item 201 -- Equality in Pastoral Housing -- Van Giesen Amend- (2/3 affirmative vote needed) Laity Session offering -- John Kofi Asmah UM School -- $14,568.68 ment exempting new church starts from the policy approved 780-85; second amend- Legislative Item 108 -- Equitable Compensation -- Approved 774-92 ment ruled out of order; motion to refer to a Bishop’s Task Force approved 745-61 Wednesday Memorial Service offering -- New Hope UMC, Liberia -- $11,459.08 Legislative Item 109 -- Higher Education Task Force Report -- presented Legislative Item 202 -- Praying for our Enemies -- Ruled Out of Order to the Annual Conference; discussion has begun; page 40, bullet item 3 ruled out of Friday - Africa University offering -- $8,756.68 order and deleted; Approved as amended 787-46 Legislative Item 203 -- Equalizing Travel Expenses -- Referred to the CCFA with report to the 2013 AC 671-61 Friday - Offering for Ordinands Mission Trip -- $3,593.27 Legislative Item 110 -- Changes to SIU WF Constitution -- Paulson Amend- ment failed 391-430; original legislation Approved 748-58 Report 301 -- Advance Specials for 2013 -- Russell Amendment Approved 747- Saturday - offering for Tom Brown Scholarship, Wiley College $6,240.05 13; Wolfe amendment adding AU Scholarships Advance No. 6980 approved 686-62; Legislative Item 111 -- Baby Fold Covenant -- Approved 810-22

8 | July 2012 | The Current Post-Conference Issue episcopal, cabinet, laity addresses Denman Award winners honored Batz presented Peter Cartwright lifetime achievement award Awardschurch growth By Paul Black 201-1968 members PEORIA – The pastor who has grown worship Jenny, 22, and Kyle, 19 – both students at Southern 101-200 members attendance by more than 50 percent in three years Illinois University-Edwardsville. and a group of leaders who use Walk to Emmaus 4th Day leaders, as an evangelistic tool are the 2012 recipients of the Highland Hope UMC IGRC Harry Denman evangelism award. Jeff Bealmear, pastor of Aledo UMC, is the clergy Denman recipient, while the leaders of 4th Day ministry at Highland Hope UMC is this year’s laity Denman winner. Retired pastor Don Batz is also honored as a recipient of the Peter Cartwright Life- time Achievement Award. All three awards were announced at the John Wesley Fellowship meal at Watson UMC, Embarras RD Fairview Hts. Christ, Mississippi RD the 2012 annual conference in Peoria. Roger McIntire, pastor Shane Bishop, pastor 19 professions of faith 99 professions of faith Jeff Bealmear Bealmear arrived 1-50 members 51-100 members at Aledo UMC in July 2008 and has led the While normally Denman awards are given in congregation to adopt recognition of individuals, a group of leaders from a new mission state- Highland Hope UMC caught the eye of the Awards ment, “We exist to panel this year. connect people to Je- The congregation now has 72 4th Day leaders sus Christ.” Utilizing – a term used to describe individuals who have at- an enhanced worship tended a Walk to Emmaus. experience, personal The emphasis of using the Walk to Emmaus as growth and develop- an evangelistic tool began five years ago. As persons ment of members completed their Walk to Emmaus, they returned to Pleasant Hill UMC, LaMoine RD Braceville UMC, Vermilion RD and evangelistic mission opportunities, worship the Hope congregation with a renewed passion to Sheila Kelly, pastor Andrea Boggs, pastor attendance has increased from 139 to 213, there serve the Lord and filled and/or created key leader- 9 professions of faith 9 professions of faith have been 22 baptisms and 37 persons have become ship positions in the church. When these individu- members on professions of faith. als gave their testimony, others were drawn to par- “Pastor Jeff continually keeps before our church ticipate in a Walk to Emmaus themselves. body our duty to connect people to Jesus Christ “Through their efforts and encouraging others 2012-13 IGRC Scholars whether that be in the things we do or say,” said to attend an Emmaus Walk, they are being awe- IGRC Leadership Scholarships are awarded to college and university students Ann and Gary Olson in nominating Bealmear for some witnesses as they strive to inspire others to be active in campus ministry. Students must complete a ministry project as part of the award. “He has instructed and trained many all God wants them to be,” said Rev. Dan Perry in the $1,500 scholarship, which is paid in two increments during the school year. members of our congregation in how to lead a per- nominating the group. “They are helping to encour- IGRC Merit Scholarships, in the amount of $500 each, are awarded to students son to Jesus Christ and then has encouraged them age others to discover their gifts, living a life worthy enrolled in United Methodist colleges or universities. Funding for this scholarship to enter into some form of an accountability group of the gospel of Jesus Christ and providing a power- comes from the conference’s share of the annual United Methodist Student Day and ministry. Through his likable personality and ful witness and honor to Christ and the Church.” offering. desire to share the love, mercy and grace of Jesus Although not the only tool used by Highland Christ with everyone he met, Pastor Jeff leads by Hope UMC for spiritual growth, there are 10 Re- Jarod Spohrer Jenny Na Kimberly Woods example and reminds us of our duty as Christians union groups that meet weekly that function as ac- to take the Great Commission very seriously and countability groups to help individuals develop and trains us how to comfortably engage in disciple share a plan for piety, study and action. The church’s making conversation.” Stephen Ministry program also has a large number Rev. Janice Griffith, Spoon River Superinten- of 4th Day leaders participating in its ministry. dent agrees. “As I consulted with the SPRC (in Donald Batz 2008) during the pastoral transition, I saw in this Rev. Dr. Donald church the potential to reach well beyond the town Batz, who retired in of Aledo into the rural areas surrounding this 2004, is “the epitome IGRC Leadership Scholar healthy county seat community,” Griffith said. “In IGRC Leadership Scholar IGRC Leadership Scholar of what a United Senior addition, there was a core group of lay leaders who Senior Senior Methodist minister University of Illinois Southern Illinois University- had a dream of revitalization for the church and University of Illinois stands for,” said Susan Urbana Wesley UMC U of I Wesley Foundation Carbondale who were asking for a pastor who could lead them Abbott, a member of Clinton UMC into that dream.” Quincy Union UMC, Raised on a farm in south central Indiana and David Kremmel Staci Phipps Katie Herath who nominated Batz moving to central Illinois in 1979, Bealmear was for the Cartwright raised Roman Catholic and felt the call into minis- award. “He is a gen- try as a sophomore in high school. After many years tleman who puts the of running from the call, he answered it in 1993. needs of others above his own and is willing to go He has served as pastor at Bissell; Sardis-Forman’s the extra mile in order to serve.” Chapel, Ky., while attending seminary; Goreville- Batz began his pastoral career at the age of 17 Creal Springs; and as associate of Fairview Heights when he was appointed to DeWitt in 1952 while at- Christ prior to his appointment to Aledo. On July tending Illinois Wesleyan University. While attend- 1, Bealmear will become pastor of Metropolis First ing seminary at Christian Theological Seminary in IGRC Merit Scholar IGRC Merit Scholar IGRC Merit Scholar UMC in the Cache River District. Indianapolis, Batz was associate pastor of his home Senior Senior Sophomore Bealmear and his wife Lisa have been married church -- Peoria First UMC -- where he served as McKendree University Illinois Wesleyan University McKendree University for 25 years. They are the parents of two children – Belleville St. Matthew UMC Bloomington Park UMC Mossville UMC continued on pg. 14, see Denman

Cramer-Tolly Award for Social Justice Mary Kay Mace For the past few years since her daughter’s murder ton DC to meet with Congressmen, all in an effort card to buy firearms and ammunition. Mary Kay in the school shooting at Northern Illinois Univer- to make sure the general public and our elected has been trying to raise awareness of these prob- sity, Mary Kay Mace has been actively advocating representatives at both the state and national lev- lems ever since finding out that the NIU gunman for common sense gun control laws. She has given els know of the potentially disastrous results when had no trouble purchasing his guns legally despite numerous interviews to newspapers and local tele- good gun control laws are not effectively enforced. a lengthy history of mental illness. She plans to

vision affiliates, and has spoken at two news confer- continue her witness and advocacy until all records In Illinois, the results of a first-ever state audit of ences. In addition, she has made presentations at of prohibited purchasers are no longer missing the Firearm Owners’ Identification system recently a peace symposium and a National Crime Victims’ from the background check database. revealed that our intended safety net is compro- Rights Week conference, has given testimony in a mised by bureaucratic loopholes and inaccurate She and her husband Eric are both “cradle United committee hearing at the State Capitol when con- and incomplete data that fail to prevent felons or Methodists”, and currently attend the Petersburg cealed carry permit legislation was under consider- seriously mentally ill persons from obtaining a FOID Petersburg UMC ation for Illinois, and has traveled twice to Washing- UMC.  awards The Current Post-Conference Issue | July 2012 | 9 Wednesday, 6 June 2012 Thursday, 7 June 2012 registration

imagine no malaria coffee

staff training episcopacy committee

barbar gurtler - cosrow jorge acevedo special lunch

episcopal address

clergy session

all conference dinner

Photos by Natalie Rowe Risk-taking mission: Poverty By Paul Black PEORIA -- Bishop Gregory V. Palmer chal- brought it up...could it be that you are out of lenged the Illinois Great Rivers Conference to right relationship with your possessions, and answer the question of the Rich Young Ruler, so out of relationship with your neighbor?” “What one thing I lack?” in the first of three Palmer posed as a paraphrase. “Asking the Morning Manna devotionals during Annual right question is often more important than Conference. having the right answers.” special dinner “Every moment we breathe, we get to an- While some Biblical scholars debate swer that question,” Palmer said. “If Jesus says whether Jesus’ statement is hyperbole, Palm- to The United Methodist Church, to western- er said the response was of “a jaw-dropping ized Christians, ‘you will find your life by con- moment that took the wind out of his sails.” necting with the margins among the poor... “Jesus is not in the business of giving us or you can have your life as it is.’ What would a hopeless hard time but Jesus is in the busi- you choose?” ness of shaping us into his likeness,” Palmer Palmer said the core of the story of the said. “And you most often find Jesus with the Rich Young Ruler, which appears in all three poor and the marginalized.” synoptic Gospels, is the question: “What must “Jesus is waiting for us in our westernized I do to have eternal life?” “In the 21st centu- world to ask, ‘What do you want me to do?’” ry, we might ask, ‘What must I do to have a Palmer said. “There is no shortage of people meaningful life? If I can just find the one right who need Jesus. Many of us don’t want to thing, what button must I push?” go where the deepest hungers are. And it is After a review of the commandments, not a question of how much we give but how Bishop Palmer said the Rich Young Ruler had much we receive. When we realize every- the courage and “takes the risk of asking, ‘Is thing comes from above, it put you in a differ- there anything I lack?’” ent relationship with your stuff.” “If you really want to be perfect...since you Photos by Natalie Rowe 10 | July 2012 | The Current Post-Conference Issue a pictoral overview Friday, 8 June 2012 Saturday, 9 June 2012

INM 5k run/walk

INM 5k run/walk morning manna morning manna

tom brown scholarship honduras mission

baptism

delegates speak

lewis joe’l keys and sharon brown

Photos by Natalie Rowe Risk-taking mission: Peacemaking Paul Black communion PEORIA – In his final Morning Manna de- and rage,” Palmer said. “Do you hope to live in ordination votional, Bishop Gregory Palmer used the re- those kinds of relationships? Do you yearn for union story of Jacob and Esau as a backdrop that with the heart of God – for the Church Photo by Paul Black Photos by Natalie Rowe to illustrate the risk of peacemaking. and for the world?” “All experiences of restoring broken re- The Jacob story offers one of those unex- Risk-taking mission: Truth-telling lationships come with a nudging that says, pected moments of peacemaking. By Paul Black ‘make things right,” Palmer said. “You ought “I have characterized Jacob as a hustler,” PEORIA -- What one says and what one on framing my response than by listening.” to do something about this or say something Palmer said. “And a hustler is someone look- doesn’t say speaks volumes observed Bishop One of the reality checks each must ask is, about this.” ing out for his own interest regardless of how Gregory V. Palmer in the second Morning “Is the wall I have erected between my con- Palmer said that disagreement and es- it affects others. It doesn’t mean that a hus- Manna Friday morning of the 2012 Annual victions fixed and hardened like concrete, trangement brings distance, which in the tler is not redeemable.” Conference. or is it permeable to be open to the Spirit short term, may be self-preserving. While acknowledging his flaws, Palmer “Speech -- what you say -- is a big deal, where God can speak to me as well as with “But over time, the chasm gets wider and also noted that Jacob was one “who was in but what you don’t say can also be a big deal,” the person for whom I have engaged in con- deeper,“ Palmer said. “We live in a world that touch with God at least occasionally and one Palmer noted. “The Bible seems to be conversation,” Palmer said. “This isn’t to say that has a really slow learning curve on rebuilding that God has God’s eye on for he became Is- cerned about what we say about God and all truth is relative. With humility, gentleness broken relationship and where the enmity rael, almost as if God was yearning for some- about each other.” and patience, truthful conversations proceed rises to the level that it is ‘war’ – whether it is thing different or better for Jacob and almost Using a text from Ephesians 4, Palmer said from positions of hope and courage because between members of a household or a blood as if God was sending him all sorts of signals.” Paul’s interest was concerned about forming it carries with it the conviction that my con- kin family, between tribal groups, between Jacob realized following his wrestling community. “How one speaks or whether we versation partner is a borther or sister in affinity groups that see the world in one way experience that he has some unfinished busi- speak to each other at all matters,” he said. Christ.” and see it so radically different – all of us have ness in a broken relationship with Esau. “The text was precipitated by a conversation Palmer warned that “speaking truth in relationships that need tending.” “Who do we need to be in right relation- in Ephesus that was boiling over over who is love is not making your point, turning on And whether an individual feels the ship with?” Palmer said. “Start with yourself in and who is out.” your heels and then pumping your fist and yearning, there is a yearning in the heart of because that is where you have the great- Palmer said the challenge for today’s saying, ‘Gotcha!’” God. est leverage, but don’t stop there. Because church is being able to frame conversations “When thing weren’t working, even God “Even when the enmity is not up close there’s a world out there that extends beyond with each other rather than at each other or tried something different (in sending Jesus and in your face … there is this yearning that you.” past each other. “How can we begin, with pa- Christ),” Palmer said. “What would it be if we our lives, our relationships and our world Palmer said the standard for forgiveness tience and being with each other, to speak treated conversation as community? I want could be more characterized by peace and comes when one is able to say, “I refuse to let the truth in love?” he asked. “When I have al- to be lined up to that because it glorifies God wholeness and togetherness and reconcilia- what you did to me stand in the way of a right ready made up my mind, I am more focused and I want God to use the Church.” tion than they are by alienation and violence relationship with you.” a pictoral overview The Current Post-Conference Issue | July 2012 | 11 Clergy & Clergy SpouseMemorial Deaths (june 20122 - May 2012)

Helen Perry Everett Richard (Dick) DAVID CARL C. ANDERSON BISHOP BROWNFIELD CHA CUMMINS December 8, 2011 March 10, 2012 May 5, 2012 July 12, 2011 October 18, 2011

John W. Arnold Paul Juanita Earline Curtis Lindbergh CUMMINS, JR DEZUTTER DICKEY DOUGLAS EAKER October 16, 2011 June 19, 2011 April 4, 2012 February 16, 2012 July 7, 2011

The Heritage Ensamble and Ed Kaizer Jazz Quintet. Photos by Paul Black

Nancy Charles Gary G. John W. Fred G. EINHOUSE FRADENBURGH, JR FRITZ GROB HAMMOND January 7, 2012 October 19, 2011 April 22, 2012 December 19, 2011 June 6, 2011

Gretchen Vada E. Irvin Lee Eleanor Ruth Michael HAWF IRVIN KEARNS KEISER KESLING June 5, 2011 January 30, 2012 April 6, 2012 February 25, 2012 March 21, 2012

PHOTO NOT “Why are you here?” AVAILABLE

PEORIA -- The question God asks each of us is, “Why are you here?” Our answer is of eternal significance. Roma V. Striking a jazzy, soulful mood with the story of the prophets Estella (Fern) Roxy M. Emma Jewel Frank H. LESLIE LOTZ MCCLIMANS NESTLER PETERSON Elijah and Elisha as a backdrop, the Rev. Melva Graham Eng- land, pastor of Galesburg First UMC, asked those in attendance, June 16, 2011 March 16, 2012 February 8, 2012 March 5, 2012 May 25, 2011 “Are we bold enough to pick up the mantle, ask for a double share and risk it all for Jesus Christ?” In recalling the Old Testament story, England observed, “Sometimes, it looks like the end of the road but it’s not. For all his faithfulness, Elijah still has to flee to the desert. Not only did he think it was the end of the road, he asks for it to be.” “We are not intended to be a group of people maintaining the status quo nor are we to be a retreat center,” England said. Frank Vera Victor Rita Treva L. “We are to be a power-filled agent of change sent to transform PIERCE PITTMAN RAMSEY, SR. SMITH SNIDER the world. Do we dare to ask for a double share of God’s Spirit?” December 27, 2011 July 18, 2011 February 27, 2012 December 16, 2011 August 27, 2011 During the service, clergy, clergy spouses and lay members to annual conference who have died in the past year were remembered in a video Roll of the Dead. The music included such selections as Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Soon and Very Soon and Down By the Riverside performed by the Ed Kaizer Jazz Quintet and the Heritage Ensem- Scott Loraine (June) Carol Suzellen (Sue) Edna Margaret Charlotte SWIGART SWYEAR TAUBE WEBB WHITE WHITTLE ble, both of Peoria. December 6, 2011 August 12, 2011 September 30, 2011 June 21, 2011 May 26, 2012 February 15, 2012

Laity Memorial

Cynthia Virginia Nora Walter Amer Ema BOOHER EDWARDS HANLEY JOHNASEN SHAY ZIVNEY Springfield Douglas Ave. Collinsville UMC Taylorville UMC Urbana First UMC Cornell Blackstone UMC Minonk UMC

12 | July 2012 | The Current Post-Conference Issue clergy, clergy spouse, and laity memorial Clergy Retiree Class of 2012 Risk-taking mission encourages the call By Paul Black Pam Bradford Marilyn Brewer Tom Brewer Terry Edele Robert Einhouse, Jr. PEORIA -- Rev. John Hartleroad noted that in 1972, when he entered the ministry, the former Central Illinois Conference ordained 15 deacons and the former Southern Illinois Conference ordained 17 deacons. “Of course, we were in the midst of the Vietnam War and there was a draft,” he said. “But for those of us who have stuck it out - Terry Edele, John Sims and Bill Minor - the war is over. We can quit anytime.” Using the refrain, “I love the church, don’t you?” with the conference responding, “Yes, I love the church,” Hartleroad noted in his sermon recognizing 25 clergy members encompassing 615 years that everything that he knew about the faith, he learned John Eisfelder Suzanne H. Geer Rev. John R. Hartleroad Steven Hartman Patricia Hutton through the church. Recalling the story of moving to a new community, Hartleroad pointed to a life-changing experience that began when his sister’s teacher invited Hartleroad, his sister and his brother to Sunday School, and even going the extra mile by picking them up the first Sunday. “That woman who made that simple invitation long ago changed my life,” he said. “A youth group leader ‘loved us into the church’ and was the first to pose the question, ‘Have you ever thought of being a preacher?’” The service included two five-minute vignettes produced by Stephen Killion Dan Lybarger Richard Miles William Minor Larry Patton IGRC Communications with a cross-section of perspective offered by the Retiree Class of 2012. Utilizing a text from Ephesians, Hartleroad said the Apostle Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians was four-fold: Being strengthened in their inner being Having Christ dwell in their hearts Having the ability to comprehend God’s work in their life Knowing the love of Christ -- more than a head knowledge, but being saturated, surrounded and embraced by the love of God Hartleroad said that in his years of superintending where churches create profiles about what they want in their pastor can Mike Pennell Jimmy L. Poole Rev. Paul Prater Rev. William Renner David R. Reynolds be reduced to two things -- one who loves God and one who love their people. “On the one hand, it is strange that churches have to ask for this and they will put up with a great deal of mediocre preaching if they know they are loved,” he said. “We are all in this together.” “I am convinced that some of the biggest risks God may have taken are sitting up here with me on the platform (the retiree class of 2012),” he said. “We hear God call us and don’t think we have what it will take to do the job and then somewhere on the journey, we honestly ask, ‘God, do you know what you are doing?’” And then addressing the conference, Hartleroad said, “On be- John Sims Jack Swank Paul Walles Jim Whitaker Nancy Wood half of my fellow retirees, thank you for your care, your prayers, your generosity and your encouragement,”

Photo by Natalie Rowe clergy retirees The Current Post-Conference Issue | July 2012 | 13 2012 Ordination Answering the call to “go” a challenge By Paul Black

PEORIA -- Bishop Janice Riggle Huie remembers fondly the family kitchen table. The table which Huie said today would range from “retro antique to junk,” was the center of her family’s activity. The table with a formica table, chrome legs and vinyl seat covers was where the worldviews were expanded as guests came and went. “The table is the most social piece of furniture,” she said. “It is ready to welcome anyone.” Huie said the table was where whoever showed up was fed. “My mother would put out another plate, fry an extra piece of bacon or add a little water to the soup,” she explained. “But it was also a place of life moments -- I told my parents I was going to go to seminary the following fall.” Identifying with the gospel writer Luke, Huie wove a tapestry Ordained Deacons Gifty Smith, Bishop Gregory V. Palmer and Kim Stuby. Photos by John Hartleroad. around the table image at Friday’s Ordination service. Using the third table story of Luke 14, Huie told the story of one who gave a banquet and invited people to come. “The overarching theme of Luke’s gospel is that at the table of Jesus, the table is open to all,” Huie said. “And when people sent their regrets, the message changed from ‘Come’ to ‘Go.’” “The table is the most social piece of furniture”

Noting that every parable has several layers of meaning, Huie noted that the Luke 14 table story might be a glimpse in the Reign of God with a full stretch of hospitality. Or, it might be a picture of the church at its finest. “We have an unfilled table in virtually every United Method- ist Church,” Huie said. “Too many times, we say ‘come’ and when they don’t come, we say, ‘oh well, they won’t Come’ and leave it at that. But that is when we are to Go.” Or the third possibility is that the parable might be a picture of heaven. “We might be surprised who might end up in heaven” and para- phrasing a woman’s response, “not everyone I love will be there, but I will love everyone that is there.” Bishop Gregory V. Palmer with commissioned provisional member Nicholas Gleason. “Radical hospitality says ‘Come,’ but risk-taking mission sends us out to the world with Go,” Huie said. “With our empty pews, we are the church John Wesley set out to reform. Most of us are in positions of privilege and power. We want people to come but we want people to come to our church on our terms.” Huie said the reason the Church finds it difficult to Go is not an intellectual unwillingness or a lack of knowledge. “Rather, it’s fear. Fear prevents us from being in risk-taking mission and service and from welcoming all to God’s table. No matter what, there’s always something over which to be fearful. But for those willing to have the courage to Go, there’s a banquet.” The two-hour service included the ordination of John Sondermann Hackmann as an elder in full connection and the ordination of Gifty Wilma Smith and Kimberly Ann Stuby as deacons in full connection. The service also commissioned Nicholas Daniel Gleason as a provisional member. Bishops Huie and Gregory V. Palmer also baptized Zachary Thomas Anthony, son of Rev. Andrew and Sherry Anthony, and were co-cele- brants of the Lord’s Supper.

Ordained elder John Hackmann with Bishop Gregory V. Palmer.

Denman continued from pg. 9

the minister of youth and later, as minister of evangelism mon mission out of two congregations that had previously and developing the church as a weekend meal site for Rock and growth. merged but yet remained divided. Island’s homeless population. In 1961, upon graduating from seminary, Batz served five Batz served at Ransom from 1979 to 1982; Peoria Brad- Although officially retired in 2004, Batz now serves as years as pastor of Chatham UMC, where he completed two ley-Epworth, from 1982 to 1989, where he ministered in the part-time pastor of St. Mark’s UMC in Camanche, Iowa, a major building projects – a new parsonage and an education campus church of Bradley University, supervised the campus church of 125 and in 2010, added part-time service as minister center. ministry to college students and developed and worked in of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Clinton, In 1966, Batz was appointed to Jacksonville Centenary cooperation with the Newman Foundation for Catholic Stu- Iowa, a congregation of 200. UMC, where he developed a program for MacMurray College dents. Throughout his ministry, Batz has also been on adjunct students. He served as chair of the Draft Counseling Center From 1989 to 1999, Batz pastored at Quincy Union UMC faculty at several schools, teaching courses in medical ethics, and also helped to integrate the Centenary congregation with where he also served as president of the Board of Chaplains philosophy, major world religions and New Testament. He and the black congregation, the McCabe UMC. at Blessing Hospital. His final appointment was to Rock Is- his wife Aleta live in Bettendorf, Iowa have four adult children. In 1971, following completion of his doctorate in Social land First in January 1999, where he spent five years laying  Ethics from Christian Theological Seminary, Batz was ap- the groundwork for transforming and revitalizing a declining pointed to Murphysboro UMC, where he developed a com- church in a downtown setting. One of the keys was initiating

14 | July 2012 | The Current Post-Conference Issue ordination Additional pastoral appointments or changes to charges listed below may be made at any time deemed advisable by the bishop and cabinet - The Book of Discipline, Para 434 IGRC Annual ConferencePASTORAL APPOINTMENTS & SUPPLY 2012 -2013 CACHE RIVER DISTRICT Ohio Chapel Tammy Horn 9PL Marshall Armstrong Krista Price 2FE District Superintendent – Roger W. Russell 2 FE Olive Branch Brent Gordon 5SY Marshall Emmanuel/Zion Christopher Quick 2PE Marshall Trinity/Brick Judy Williams 11FL 4503 W. DeYoung St., Ste. 201C, Marion 62959-5801 618-998-0135, Olmsted Scott Kelley 5SY Patton Daniel L. Garner 11SY fax 618-998-0137, [email protected] Daybreak Dr., Marion 62959-3791, Pinckneyville James E. Barnett Martinsville John Gartelos 11PL *618-997-8481, [email protected] ( ) = not a mailing address Rosiclare Haley E Hausman 2SY Mattoon First Kenneth Hutchens 4FE Anna Brett Yates 1PE Sesser/Valier Julie A. Smith 4FE MONTGOMERY GOOD SHEPHERD’S PARISH: Belknap Shawneetown Mike Johnsey 2SY Coffeen West Eden Steve Heisner 27SY Sunfield Donna Jean Blythe 3FE Fillmore Benton First H. Shane Smith 2FE Tamms Brent Gordon 5SY Hillsboro Big Prairie/Maunie/ Tate’s Chapel David Cochran 3PL Irving Concord Bob Brewer 10F Vergennes Faith Angela N. Baughman 9PL Witt Joy Caschetta 2AM Broughton Bonnie Phillips 2SY Vienna Donald L. Meeks 2OE John Walsh 3SY Richard Small 5SY Cache Chapel Mike Sharp 3SY West Frankfort Trinity Joey L. Dunning 4FE Neoga/Etna Debbie Reese* 3FE Cairo Tigert Memorial/ Zeigler/Royalton Lynette Barnett 2 Mounds Michael Shearer PL Newton Grace Timothy Pearce 3FE Zion Van Scott 11PL Carbondale First Alan R. Rhein 4FE Nokomis Steven Williams 2FL Carbondale Grace Robert E. Sabo, Jr. 5FE EMBARRAS RIVER DISTRICT Oakland/Westfield Walter Miller 3FE Carmi Emmanuel Victor E. Ramsey II 3FE District Superintendent – Randall W. Reese 6 FE Oak Ridge Fred White 5SY Carmi First Gary L. Feldman 7FE 1901 S. 4th St., Ste. 236, Effingham 62401-4188 217-347-3915, Oblong Central Michael Laflin 1OF Carrier Mills Stan Irvin 4FE fax 217-347-3916, [email protected] 602 Newman Ct., Effingham 62401- Oblong Evangelical James A Williams 1AM Carterville Stephen L. Palmer 14FE 6404, *217-347-3917, [email protected] ( ) = not a mailing address Oliver Joseph Irwin, Sr. 4SY Cedar Grove ALTAMONT CIRCUIT: Palestine First/ Pittsburg April Turner 7PL Asbury Palestine Grace Jane Drake 5SY Center/Cypress/Luther’s Chapel Dexter Paris First Gary Fairchild 6FE Cypress Kenneth Baker 2SY Funkhouser Pearl Chapel Fred White 5SY Salem Ed Wojnar 7SY Center/Luther's Chapel Kenneth Baker 9SY Robinson First Tiffany S. Black 2FE Altamont First William Deuel 2FE Cobden: Jesus es el Senor Ernesto Trevino 3OE Robinson Otterbein/ Colp Jim Heaney 2SY Beecher City/Shumway Paul R. Bauer 9FE Hutsonville Bessie Adams 3OP Crab Orchard Richard Sullins 3SY Brownstown/Emmanuel Don Thomas 2PL SAINT ELMO CIRCUIT: Casey Penny Barber 9FE Cross Road Cecil Atchison 3PL Fairview Crossville/McHenry John J Carrell 2OE Charleston Otterbein Nicholas Gleason 2PE Trinity Chapel John Heicher 20PL Dahlgren/Macedonia Rolland Devor 5SY Charleston Wesley Walter B. Carlson 4FE Saint Elmo First TBS Dale/Webb's Chapel Delbert G. Essen, Jr. 5PL Cowden/Lakewood Lynette DeAtley 5FE SHELBY COOPERATIVE MINISTRY: DeSoto/Vergennes Wesley/ CUMBERLAND UNITED METHODIST PARISH: Fourth Street Hallidayboro TBS Greenup Wesley Chapel TBS DuQuoin Scott C Baird 2AM Toledo Shelbyville First Dan Seibert 1FE Eldorado/Raleigh John M. Cross 2FE Cottonwood Pleasant Valley Sugar Grove William Duke 16SY Elkville Angela K. Kaye 4SY Salem Tower Hill/ Energy Nick Roberts 1PL Woodbury Ed Davis 6FE Herrick David Hutton 2SY Enfield/Wesley Chapel Jon Westfall 2RL Cyndi Wiedman 3PL Patricia Hutton 2SY Equality /Wesley Chapel/ Dogwood Prairie/ Vandalia Haley Chapel/ Ridgway Keith Bradley 1OF Seed Chapel Hiram Gonzalez 2FL Mount Carmel John O’Dell 13RE Fountain Robert Shook 2SY Vandalia Luster Chapel Gary Graham 2SY EDGAR COUNTY NEW VISION PARISH, CIRCUIT 1: Galatia Harrison Peyton 19RE Chrisman Watson Roger McIntire 5SY Glendale/Eddyville/Taylor Delbert Pancake 4FE Hume Teri Shane 9FL West Liberty/Kedron Joe Crain 23PL Willow Hill/Falmouth Jack Kilburn 2SY Golconda/Cave-in Rock/ EDGAR COUNTY NEW VISION PARISH, CIRCUIT 2: Elizabethtown Sharon L. Wilkerson PL Paris Otterbein Windsor Jeremy Lafary 1SP Goreville/Creal Springs Tim Woodard 9FL Vermilion Don Shane 9FL Zion TBS Grand Tower/Wolf Lake/ Zion Hill Phillip Glick 1SY EDGAR COUNTY NEW VISION PARISH, CIRCUIT 3: Ware Stephanie Voss 7PL Clay’s Prairie GREATER WEST FRANKFORT PARISH: Grandview ILLINOIS RIVER DISTRICT West Frankfort Antioch Scottland Kevin Nourie 3SY District Superintendent – Dan P. Harry 3 FE West Frankfort Central Effingham Centenary Joseph Scheets 4FE 3800 W. War Memorial Dr., Peoria 61615-2598 West Frankfort First Bennett Woods 3PL Leanne Noland 1FL 309-692-0421, fax 309-692-2518, [email protected] Greenwood Jean Webster 9RL Falmouth Tim Pearce 2FE 11607 N. Dunmore, Dunlap 61525-8707, *618-514-1149, [email protected] Harrisburg First Christine D. Cunningham 2FE ( ) = not a mailing address FIVE POINT PARISH: Herrin William Edward Hoke 7FE Stewardson Bartonville Linda Richard 9FE Hurst Nick Roberts 1 Mode Blue Ridge J Michael Robison 27SY Johnston City/Stiritz Ted A. Hartley 6FE Strasburg Bradford Leet/Boyd’s Grove Amy A Holman 3FL Washington Jonesboro/Walnut Grove Robert Fear 10RL Brimfield Leonard Thomas 6PL Gaskill Kathryn Lewis 7PE Joppa/Oak Grove Pete Ryan 5PL TBS Canton South Park/ Karnak/Powers Alan D. Milligan 8FE Shields’ Chapel Rick Atchley 14FL Flat Rock Sheila Ducommon 2SY Marion Aldersgate Timothy D. Ozment 6FE Canton Wesley Bruce Rushing 2FE Harmon/Montrose Gene Creek 9PL Rick Pierce 1FL Marc E Brown 4FE Harvest TBS Marion First Jeff D VanDyke 2FE Chillicothe Ted J Mitchell 7FE Humboldt Jack Woods 14RE Deborah L. Pollex 8PL Crossroads Thomas Goodell 9FE Kansas Jeremy Harminson 6SY McLeansboro First James Peak 8FL Cuba/London Mills Kenneth Harris 1FE Kirk Chapel Sheila Ducommon 4SY Metropolis Jeff Bealmear 1FE Dayspring Gary Billiot 1PL Lerna L. Raymond Roberts, Jr. 8SY Mount Moriah/Pleasant Deer Creek Michael J Barclay 1PL Grove Jimmie D. Lambert 2SY THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES OF MARSHALL: Delavan Larry Moreau 6FE Murphysboro Larry A. Gilbert 5FE Dunlap Dunlap Prospect Mary Kathryn Pearce 14FE New Burnside Rocio Reyes Williams 3SY Marshall Asbury Roger Kilzer 4SY Norris City/Shiloh Janet L. Roy 5FE Marshall First Richard Lewis 5FE East Peoria Faith

AF Affiliate Member FD Full Member Deacon OP Probationary Member of other RA Retired Associate Member AM Associate Member FE Full Member Elder Annual Conference RP Retired Probationary Member DM Diaconal Minister FL Full time Local Pastor OF Full Member of other denomination RL Retired Local Pastor DP Deacon recognized from other LP Other Local Pastor PE Probationary Elder SP Student Local Pastor denomination serving UM probation OE Elder Member of other Annual Conference PD Probationary Deacon SY Supply Pastor, not appointed DR Retired Diaconal Minister or other Methodist denomination PL Part time Local Pastor TBS To Be Supplied EP Elder/full minister recognized from OD Deacon Member of other Annual Conference RE Retired Full Member Elder other denomination serving UM probation OA Associate Member of other AC RD Retired Full Member Deacon appointments The Current Post-Conference Issue | July 2012 | 15 Additional pastoral appointments or changes to charges listed below may be made at PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS & SUPPLY 2012 -2013 IGRC Annual Conference any time deemed advisable by the bishop and cabinet - The Book of Discipline, Para 434 Zion Evangelical Tyler Boyer 1OD James Till 16FD Alma/Pleasant Grove Cheryl Cain 2SY East Peoria First Mary Arnold 5FE Champaign New Horizon Mark Jordan 3FE Asbury Chapel/Bellmont Vaughn Courter 7SY Edwards Phillip E Merritt 16SY Cissna Park/Rankin Janet Longtin 5PL Ashley/ Eureka Ronald R Martz 11FE Countryside William Lakota Eastin 4FE Richview Dennis Gambill 5SY Farmington Jessica Baldyga 3PE Danville Bowman Avenue Dennis Divan 6SY Beulah Harold Quick, Jr 4FE Glasford Walter Wilkins 8AM Jim C Williams 8SY Bluford Otterbein/ Wayne City Karen Blank-Ewell 2OE Green Valley First/Hopedale Bruce W Bolin Ghitalla 7FE Danville Farmers Chapel Janice Reeder 2PL Hanna City/Trivoli Robert L DeBolt 2FL Danville First Peggy Emmert 3FL Bonnie Karol Brown 2SY Bridgeport/Petrolia Jim Allison 1FL Henry/Washburn Lindsay D Churchman 3FE Danville Saint James Randall Robinson 2FE Kewanee Paul Copeland 2FE Justin Snider 2FE Browns Floyd Wood 12SY Lacon Sparland/Varna Casey Taylor 5FL Donovan/Crescent City Bobbi Shultz 7PL Calhoun/Ebenezer Beth Tickner 3RE LaFayette/West Jersey William L Allen 3FL Fairmount/Fairview/ Centralia First/Irvington Rusty Beals 2FE Georgetown Matt Filicsky 5PL Laura/Monica Kristi Hopp 2PE Chauncey/Landes David Cogdill 4SY Fisher Alison Smith 1SY Lewistown Deryck Sonaram 4FE Claremont/Prairieton Jim Majernik 15SY Fithian/Oakwood/Hebron Kim Dancey 5FE Mackinaw Joy Schlesselman 2FE Dix/Union Chapel/ Gibson City John Tennyson 1FE Garrison Temple Michael Hall 5SY Manito Cathy Clark 2FL Megan Thompson 2PE Enterprise/West Michael Buckman 4PL Maples Mill Jerry Sawyer 9RL Gifford/Ludlow Lisa Wiedman 3SY Fairfield Ellen Moore Malcom Jones 1FL Morton Gary Motta 1FE Franklin Silas 3SY Nancy Myers 1SY Lori A Harvey 1FE Gilman/Ashkum Dennis P Brooks 1FE Fairfield First Charles McDonald 2FE Mossville Robert Herath 3FE Hindsboro Bruce Baker 2SY Fairview Don Barker 6SY Mount Pleasant Kathy Sue Barrett 7PL Homer Stephen D Burwell 14AM Farina/Louisville Howard Bell 1FE Norris/Providence Chapel Pamela Cochran 3PL Hoopeston/Wellington Andy Maxwell 1PE Flora First Roosevelt Smith 4FE Pekin First Steve Anderson 1FE Iroquois/Sheldon Larry Houseman 2SY Judith Doyle 18AM Flora Trinity Gifty Smith 1FD Loda Steve R Anderson 6FE Pekin Grace Gary L Ford 11FE GOD’S NEW PARISH: Mahomet Glen W Bocox 8FE Peoria Bethel Rose M Booker-Jones 5FE Centralia Demaree Jeremiah Thompson 6FE Peoria Bradley Epworth Thomas A Eckhardt 24FE Centralia Faith Mansfield Sharon R Monroe 9AM Odin Peoria First Robert J Phillips 4FE Melvin Paula Wallace 2FE Shattuc Eric Swanson 5FE Gilead Mark Doane 2AM Adrian Garcia 3FE Middlefork/Collison Sally Swaim 8PL R C Merten 1SY Cheryl L Hendrix 12FD Milford/Stockland Eugene A Turner 2PL Golden Gate/Conway James W Steinsultz 40PL Peoria Forrest Hill Curt D Keller 6FE Mount Vernon Rachel Berry 6SY Grayville/Fortney Mike Abel 1FE Peoria Madison Avenue Craig R Miller 2SY Newman/Murdock Joy Starwalt 5OE Hopewell/Olive Branch TBS Peoria Northwest Randall W Douglass 3FE Ogden/Broadlands Kathy Murphy 3PL Ina/Waltonville Ed Endsley 1SY Peoria University Paul Arnold 5FE Onarga/Piper City Elizabeth Reis 5FL Kinmundy First/Wesley R Duane Ambrose 8FE Princeville Rex Hendrix 15FE Paxton Terry Westerfield 5FE Lancaster/Pleasant Grove/ RiversEdge Joseph J Richard 5FE Pleasant Grove Guy Keysear 5SY Nye Chapel Adam Hosmer 2SY Saint David/Bryant TBS Quest Andrew Adams 10FE Lawrenceville First Bill Wiggs, Jr 6FE Smithfield Brock/ Rantoul Carol Lakota Eastin 4FE Lawrenceville Otterbein/ Locust Lane Cecilia Granadosin 1OP Ridge Farm/Indianola George Desmond 2SY May Chapel Marion Baker 5SY Texas Raymond P Harrison 11RE Dennis Divan 3SY Lawrenceville Zion/Billett Gary Pearce 7FL Tiskilwa Community Church/ Jim C Williams 3SY Mount Carmel Evangelical William Bunnage 4AM Sheffield Todd Krost 1PL Roberts/Thawville Stan Rapp 12RA Mount Carmel Trinity/ Toulon Paul Wier 19FE Rossville/Bismarck Rebecca Laumeier 5FE Adams Corner David Bigley 2FE Tremont Chester Travis 7FE Sadorus/Parkville Robert Adams 3SY Mount Vernon Epworth/ Molly Spence-Hawk 3PL Saint Joseph Paul Dinges 1AM Hopewell/Zion Elton Storey 5PL Washington Evangelical John Hauck 6FE SALT CREEK PARISH: Mount Vernon First Victor K Long 3FE White Chapel/Kingston Mines/ Farmer City/Weedman/ Annelle Ruemmler 11FD Monterey James W Reed 16FL Weldon Dennis Smith 5FL Mount Vernon Wesley Paul Widicus 2RE Willow Hill Kenneth Hogren 14FE Savoy James C McClarey 18FE Mount Vernon W. Salem Trinity Brad Henson 9AM Wyoming/Neponset Andrew Hopp 4FE Shiloh David Dickey 2PL Mount Zion/Brown’s Chapel David Ducommon 3FL IROQUOIS RIVER DISTRICT Sidell Charles Graul 5FL Noble TBS District Superintendent – In-Sook Hwang 5 FE Sullivan Charliam Renner 4FE Olney First Scott W Carlson 11FE Tolono/Pesotum Bong-Choul Hwang* 3FE Olney Immanuel Jeremy C Henson 5FE 303 S Mattis Ave, Ste 206, Champaign 61821-3070 (*District Superintendent: Randy Reese, Embarras River) 217-359-0640, fax 217-359-6255, [email protected] Olney Saint Paul Bill Wiggs, Jr 6FE Tuscola Patty Johansen 6FE 1403 Glenshire Dr, Champaign 61822-7701, *217-351-3467, [email protected] Parkersburg/Ebenezer/ ( ) = not a mailing address Urbana First Eunjoo Lee 1FE Little Wabash Cathy Seaton 12SY Urbana Grace J Michael Smith 12FE Pinkstaff Terry Weavil 1SY Allerton Clyde Snyder 5SY Urbana Jesus’ Love Ministry Honam Choi 4SY Richview Dennis Gambill 5SY Arcola Vincent Rohn 3FE Urbana Wesley Daniel King Crede 9FE Saint Francisville Richard Madden 10SY Arthur Leroy Allison 6FE Miriam Snider 2PE Salem Grace Michael E Ebersoh 2FE Batestown/Union Corner Patti Wise 17PL Villa Grove Nicholas B Showalter 10FE Salem Trinity/Iuka/ Bellflower Louella Pence 4SY Watseka Wes Osborn 2FE Cubbage Chapel Dean A Beals 7FE Bement E Paul Unger 2SY Woodland Sandra Onken 4SY Sandoval/Patoka/Boulder Clayton Coffey 10AM Bondville J Gerald Nichols 12RE Sumner Jeff Haley 2FL Camargo Sandra Hire 5PL KASKASKIA RIVER DISTRICT Catlin Janet Miller 5FE District Superintendent – Cynthia A Jones 4 FE TRINITY CHARGE: Centerville/Seymour/ 1603 Salem Rd, Mount Vernon 62864-2628 Clay City/Harmony/Bethel Mark Canada 6FE White Heath Dalene Kuebler 13SP 618-242-2817, fax 618-242-2917, [email protected] Union Chapel Tony Reed 2SY 405 Jay Dr, Mount Vernon 62864-2249, *618-244-0538, [email protected] Champaign Faith J Wesley Wilkey 7FE Vandalia First Roger Grimmett 5FE ( ) = not a mailing address Bradley D Shumaker 13FE WAYNE COUNTY PARISH: Champaign First Tom Corum 3FE Albion/Bethel Patricia L Allin 2FE Bethel/Cisne/Johnsonville Malcom Jones 1FL Cathy Minor 1FE Allendale Deetta M Gaither 2PL Nancy Myers 1SY

16 | July 2012 | The Current Post-Conference Issue appointments Additional pastoral appointments or changes to charges listed below may be made at any time deemed advisable by the bishop and cabinet - The Book of Discipline, Para 434 IGRC Annual ConferencePASTORAL APPOINTMENTS & SUPPLY 2012 -2013 West Salem Zion Alice True 3AM Quincy Melrose Chapel Ronald C George 1FE Maryville Saint Luke’s Sigurd N Bjorklund 10FE Xenia Bob McNeely 6SY Quincy Union Robert Morwell 12FE Mascoutah Bethel Jason Woolever 6FE Quincy Vermont Street Scott Grulke 4FE Medor/Piasa H Dean Blackburn 6SY LA MOINE RIVER DISTRICT Rural John Curtis 16SY Mount Olive/Sorento Nancy Ribes 9PL District Superintendent – C Douglas Rorex 2 FE Rushville First Steve Pichaske 5FE Mulberry Grove/ 102 S Fayette St, Jacksonville 62650-2097 Pleasant Mound/Keyesport Robert Chase 8SY THE UNITED PARISH: 217-245-9946, fax 217-243-5448, [email protected] Nashville Grace John Prather 6FE 9 BelAire Ct, Jacksonville 62650-3614, [email protected] Barry New Baden Carl C Johnston 2FE ( ) = not a mailing address Hull New Canton O’Fallon First Ronald G Dickinson 7FE Ashland/Peter Cartwright Pam Hoffman 2FE Pleasant Hill Joel Catlin 8FE Batchtown TBS Hamburg Sheila Kelly 5FE Ken Emery 10FD Beardstown C Robert Schoolcraft 9AM Virden First/Girard Mary Alice Cunningham 3FE Okawville TBS Bethel/Kane JoAnn Ruff 2PL Virginia William T Braswell 9FE Pocahontas/Panama Dave Trover 13FE Beverly/Kingston/Plainville/ Waverly Leland L Legg, Jr 3FL Rosewood Heights St. Paul Daryl A Fansler 13FE Richfield Lois Sorrill 6SY Saint Jacob Pablo D Marty 5SY WEST CENTRAL CHARGE: Bluff Springs Linda Trent 2SY Shiloh Beverly L Wilkes Null 5FE Brooklyn TBS Ebenezer BRIGHT STAR UNITED METHODIST PARISH: Shipman/Dorchester Dennis Doane 12RE Griggsville Houston Sparta First Scott Henley 6FE New Salem Littleton Detroit Clayton Staunton Nancy A Wilson 2PL Florence Camden Steeleville/Percy Matthew Jaiah 6SY Oxville Elm Grove Dixie Croxton 12FL Trenton First Mike R Rucker 3FL Charla J Meyers 3PL Perry Trinity East Saint Louis Nathan P Wolff 1OP Baylis David Kelly 5FE Sidney Crowcroft 3SY Troy/Worden Dennis Price 25FE Alvin Laird 16SY Winchester Robin R Lyons 8FE Peg Ratliff 16SY Wanda Gerald L Savage 4FE Camp Point/ MISSISSIPPI RIVER DISTRICT Waterloo Real Life Gary Mosimann 2SY Centennial Ebenezer Joseph G Tomich 6AM District Superintendent – Gary J Wilson 6 FE Wood River First Kimberly A Allen 2PL Carlinville Robert R Taylor 7FE 121 Behrens St, Ste 2, O’Fallon 62269-1510 DIACONAL MINISTERS: Carrollton/Christ Sara Brown 5PL 618-622-3072, fax 618-622-3073, [email protected] Lebanon Richard Boyd Carthage First Steven M Smith 4FE 713 Wild Horse Creek Dr, Fairview Heights 62208-2047, *618-589-3007, O’Fallon First Robert Noland [email protected] ( ) = not a mailing address CIRCLE OF GRACE CHARGE: SANGAMON RIVER DISTRICT Astoria Alton Grace/Hartford/Elsah Charles Schwaab 17RL Sheldon’s Grove Alton Main Street Jame Hahs 4FE District Superintendent – Terry P Harter 3 FE Browning Nicole Cox 6FE (5900 S 2nd St), PO Box 3487, Springfield 62708-3487 Sugar Grove Steve Granadosin 1PL Belleville Saint Matthew James K Slone 11FE 217-529-3257, Fax 217-529-4181, [email protected] 3100 Saint Helen’s Ct, Springfield 62704-6501, *217-787-7041, [email protected] Concord/Arenzville Chuck Trent 2FE Bill Kierce 2OE ( ) = not a mailing address Doddsville David Haney 9SY Belleville Signal Hill James N Wheeler 3FE Belleville Union/ Argenta/Warrensburg Kevin P Treptow 3FE EAGLE VALLEY CHARGE: New Athens Edward R Weston 18FE Assumption/Findlay Thomas Compton 12FE Bluffs Benld Zachary R Waldis 1PL Naples Stacy Tomich 2FL Athens/Cantrall Jarrett Wells 3FE Bethalto Mike Rayson 1FL Franklin/Durbin Robert Einhouse 1SY Auburn Brian Caughlan 3FE Brighton Saint Paul Amy G Rayson 3FL Grafton/Rosedale Debra Hoertel 5PL Bethany/Sanner Chapel Jeff Stahl 5FL Bunker Hill Barbara Powers 2PL Greenfield/Rock Bridge Tim Gossett 5FL Bethel TBS Cahokia Park Beth A McLaughlin 4FE Hamilton/Warsaw Julie Azbell 5FE Bissell Jack P Joyner 13PL Carlyle/Huey/Beckemeyer Keith A Michaels 5FE Havana First Sidney E Davis, Jr 5FE Blue Mound Randel Myers 1SY Robert Souders 7SY Industry/Vermont Robert D Greene 6FE Buckeye/Owaneco/ Caseyville David O Kueker 8FE South Fork Betty Coffey 5FE Jacksonville Asbury/ Chester H Keith Nation 3PL Lynnville Nancy Wood 9RL Chatham Sara L Isbell 6FE Collinsville First Mark Horn 5FL Jacksonville Centenary/ Cisco Dennis Wayne Beedy 16FE Jacksonville Brooklyn Jean R Hembrough 3FE Columbia Bethany Allynn Walker 5FL Clinton Stephen Killion 1SY Elke Sharma 2OE Coulterville/Tilden John S Hackmann 1FE Decatur Christ Kelly Cox 4FL Jacksonville Deaf Faith East Alton First Daniel Powers 9FE Decatur First Kent King-Nobles 6FE Community Elke Sharma 7OE Edwardsville Immanuel Jackie Havis-Shear 7FE Kathy King-Nobles 6FE Jacksonville Grace Michael W Fender 5FE Edwardsville Saint John’s Sheryl Palmer 6FE Decatur Grace Danny Cox 15FE Jacksonville Wesley Chapel Robert J McKelvey 6FE Ellis Grove/New Palestine/ Bradley Watkins II 3FE Jerseyville Mark C Myers 9FE Preston John P Best 7FE Decatur Wesley/Garver Brick Buzz Swett 6FL Living Faith Bruce Weiman 3FE Fairview Heights Chris Shane Bishop 16FE Divernon/Farmersville/ Loraine Oliver Taube 27RL Troy M Benton 2FE Midland Linda Vonck 6FE William F Campbell 1PE Manchester TBS Easton D Allen Sample 10PL Fairview Hts Prospect Park Karen Oplt 9PL Mount Sterling First/ Edinburg/Stonington Raymond Radae 9FL Columbus Connie Jenkins 5AM Gillespie First Steven J Friese 3FE Elwin Randy McGeehon 5AM Murrayville Dennis Powers 5FE Glen Carbon New Bethel William Adams 3FE Fairview Richard Miles 1SY New Hope Dorothy Isaacs 13RL Godfrey Don E Long, Jr 9FE Forsyth Kenneth Dees 3AM Granite City Dewey Ave/ Fountain of Life Robert Baker 2SY NORTHWEST PARISH: Granite City Good Shepherd Doug Pascoe 4SY Island Grove Matthew Woodcock 2LP Palmyra Granite City Nameoki Timothy Pate 7FE Modesto John Chrisler 13PL Kenney TBS Granite City Niedringhaus Carl Mesiti 8AM Payson Kathryn Herring 2PL Loami Donald Peck 13OF Pittsfield Thomas A Wilber 4FE Granite City Trinity Lisa Guilliams 10FE Pleasant Grove/Paloma Sharon Renner 1PL Greenville First Shalom S Renner 5FE LOGAN COUNTY PARISH: Highland Hope Dan Perry 14FE Lincoln First PRAIRIE MISSION COOPERATIVE PARISH: Beason Lebanon First Peter Wehrly 2FE Oakford Elkhart Bath Litchfield Saint Timothy James O Tinzmann 5FE Hartsburg Mark A Kaley 4FE Fairview Judy Vidakovich 5FL Marissa Rebecca Williams 2OE Darrell Howard 3PL

Tami Werschey-Kessinger 1SY Fairfield Larry Misfeldt 3SY Long Creek/Dalton City Anthony Paulson 1FE Fairview Center Gabriel Wanck 5FL VERMILION RIVER DISTRICT Macon Janet Eggleston 1FE Galesburg Faith Norman Mendell 2SY District Superintendent – Leah R Pogemiller 2 FE Maroa Mark Schleeter 5FE Galesburg First Melva Graham England 4FE 210 W Water St, Ste 2, Pontiac 61764-1790 Mason City/San Jose Stephen E King 9FE Sarah Beth Wanck 2PL 815-844-3530, fax 815-844-6583, [email protected] Middletown Robert Ervin 6RL Galva Grace Karen Martin 2SY 1801 Bob O Link Dr, Pontiac 61764-9370, 815-370-4030, [email protected] ( ) = not a mailing address Monticello Gregory Courtright 1FE GENESEO FIRST-CAMBRIDGE MULTISITE: Mike Whitaker 4FE Geneseo First Atlanta/Ebenezer Robert David Roy 6FE Morrisonville Dayle Badman 3PL Cambridge Christopher M Ritter 4FE Bloomington Grace Richard H Kerr 12FE Mount Auburn Robert Cook 2PL Darrel David Joyce 2PL Bloomington-Normal Mount Pulaski First/ Geneseo Grace Louie Zuck 4FE New Church Start Jennifer Edwards Bertrand 1FE Chestnut/Latham Rachel Stockle 3FE Bloomington Wesley/ GREATER ANNAWAN PARISH: Mount Zion William G Pyatt 4FE Bloomington Park Vaughn A Hoffman 9FE Annawan Community Camilla Hempstead 4FE Moweaqua Sharon Treptow 8FE Fairview New Holland /Waynesville/ Hooppole Zion Dan Wright 12FE BONFIELD/GRAND PRAIRIE PARISH: McLean Becky Barrow 1AM Henderson/ Bonfield First New Salem Chuck Kurfman 6PL North Henderson Suzanne Geer 1RL Bonfield Evangelical Niantic/Illiopolis C W Reneker, Jr 9AM Hills Grove Donald L Long 16RL Grand Prairie Mel Nielsen 2FL Hillsdale Randy Rutledge 5PL Bourbonnais Grace Mary M Brady 1FE OKAW RIVER PARISH: Illinois City/Pine Bluff Toni Ross 5PL Braceville Andrea Lee Boggs 7PL Cerro Gordo Howard Ross 5PL Bradley Wesley Andrew Anthony 4FE Lovington Kirkwood/Smithshire Peggy Kulczewski 2SY Chatsworth/Forrest Ivy Silas 1FE Hammond Knoxville Danny Lybarger 1SY Chenoa Carolyn Carnes 3FL LaPlace Linda Peyla 4FE LaHarpe/Durham/Terre Haute Jim Clayton 2SY Coal City Thomas R Logsdon 8FE Larry Bricker 7PL Colfax Janeen L Tronc 3PL Pana David Hultberg 5FE LA MOINE RIVER PARISH: Cornell Blackstone Pawnee Florene Scott 3FE Good Hope Jerusalem Alan M Simonson 5FE NCS: Fusion, Flanagan Larry D Frank, Jr 5PL Petersburg John Vidakovich 5FE Loraine James A Crozier 3PL Cropsey/Saybrook Wesbein Paulette K Cott 6FL Raymond Community of Faith Robert Sherman 3OF Katherine E Crozier 3FD Downs Kenneth P Burgard 1FE Riverton First Jonathan Dixon 15FE Macomb Korean Fellowship Jungil Rhee 2PE Dwight Lance Leeds 2FE Rochester Kathleen Bueker Sweet 1FE Macomb Wesley Howard White 2FE Ellsworth Janice Ringenberg 3PL Sharon M Catherine Najmon 8FL Jungil Rhee 2PE El Paso Shelly Forrest 4FE Sherman Craig M Sweet 1FE Manantial de Vida Juan Carlos Lara-Cardoso 11PL Essex Terry Ralston 2SY Springfield Asbury William Burton 16OF Maquon/Douglas/ Fairbury Steve Livengood 2FL Springfield Douglas Avenue Julia Melgreen 8FE Orange Chapel Carol Sue Bryce 2OE Grand Ridge/Long Point Lon Alderman 6PL Springfield First Roger Ross 6FE Maxey Chapel Russell D Collister 2PL Herscher/Reddick/ Robert A Swickard 11FE Milan Trinity/Green River James H Ruberg 7FE South Wilmington Kevin Boesen 1FE Michael Paulson 3FE Mineral Terry Lancaster 20PL Heyworth Amanda J Richards 6FE Springfield Grace/ Moline Bethel Wesley Sonia L Alvarado 4FE Springfield Kumler Robert K Freeman 1FE Hudson John Tymonko 6FE Moline Riverside Donald Jackson 7FE Kankakee Asbury Steven Goodin 9FE Springfield Jerome Paul Black 11SY Robb McCoy 3FE Kankakee Saint Mark Linda Harris-Cosby 1FL Springfield Laurel Gerald G King 3FE Monmouth First Jon Ermal Sims 8FE Springfield Northside Kathleen Lossau 6FE Kankakee Trinity/ Nauvoo Randy Azbell 3PL Aroma Park/ Springfield Woodside David Estep 2FE Bradley Evangelical Lee Lovett 1FE Linda Harrod 6FD NEIGHBORS IN CHRIST PARISH: LeRoy Mary Louise Haxton 6FE Sugar Creek Allen W Miller 2FE Galva First Lexington First Garry E Gromley 4FE Taylorville Rebecca B Lembke 2FE Bishop Hill Ann M Champion 5FE Manteno Harvey K Gaither 12FE Thayer Robert Sabo, Sr 16RE Oquawka/Gladstone/ Mazon Mark Amenda 12PL Williamsville Richard F Piscatelli 7SY Biggsville Jeffrey R Robbins 6OE McDowell Donna Baker 15PL Zion Chapel/Decatur Central Sally Hamon 8FE Orion David R Schultz 7FE Port Byron First Donald L Robinson 9AM Minonk/Wenona Saint John’s Angel Taylor 1PL SPOON RIVER DISTRICT Reynolds/Taylor Ridge Mark Slaatte 3FE Momence/Grant Park Timothy D Rhodes 2FE District Superintendent – Sylvester Weatherall 1 FE Rock Island Two Rivers Steven J Kettelkamp 1FE NEW HOPE PARISH: 120 N Kellogg St, Galesburg 61401-4785 Leslie I Thomas 1PL Hennepin 309-344-1435, fax 309-344-1161, [email protected] Roseville/Swan Creek Michael Mayfield 6FE Magnolia 151 Duffey Rd, Galesburg 61401-1237, *309-344-3850, [email protected] Silvis Richard Sebeniecher 1SY McNabb Carol Stufflebeam 3PE ( ) = not a mailing address Stronghurst/Carman TBS Normal Calvary Randall Perry 14FE Abingdon Anita Munden 1FE Grant Armstrong 3FE TWIN RIVERS COOPERATIVE PARISH: Aledo Mark Harris 1FE Normal First John K McIntosh 5FE Carbon Cliff Scott Carnes 1PE Alpha Terry Evans 1SY Church of the Cross Chet McCoy 8PL Normal Morningstar/ Altona/Oneida David Pyell 5FL East Moline Grace Bloomington West Olive Faith Jay Regennitter 5FE Blandinsville Don Riley 5SY Hampton Nicole Ross Bishop 3SY Nueva Jerusalem Juan Angel Rosales 5PL Burnside William I Deisher 8SY Victoria Russell Theobald 2SY Viola/Preemption Cindy Rettig 6FE Odell TBS Bushnell/Avon/ Pleasant Grove Anet Satvedi 6SY New Philadelphia/ Walnut Grove Lyren Haney 3PL Point Pleasant Trisha L Chapman 6FL Pontiac First Raymond P Owens 4FE WESTMER LARGER PARISH: John Douglas 11SY TBS Joy Ransom Danira Parra 1PL Colchester Mark R Smith 2FL Eliza Community Colona Sandy Bunnell 3FE New Boston Beth Nelson 4FE Ritchey Janet Seymour 2SY Colusa/Appanoose Yoked David Poland 4OF Williamsfield/Dahinda Jennifer Seder 2FE Beverly Dehler 2SY East Moline Christ Roger Perry 3FE Roanoke/Secor Kenneth G Sloan-Couch 6FE Joye Perry 3PL Saunemin Jane Bradford 5PL Elmwood Mark B England Graham 8FE Streator First Jerry Haley 2FE

18 | July 2012 | The Current Post-Conference Issue appointments Additional pastoral appointments or changes to charges listed below may be made at any time deemed advisable by the bishop and cabinet - The Book of Discipline, Para 434 IGRC Annual ConferencePASTORAL APPOINTMENTS & SUPPLY 2012 -2013

Tonica/Lostant/Richland Mark Nowakowski 1FL Springfield APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL (Paragraph 416.6) Sylvester Weatherall - 1 FE NONE Trinity UM Parish: Superintendent, Spoon River District, Galesburg Cabery Fred R White - 21 FE DEACONESS AND HOME MISSIONARY APPOINTMENTS (Paragraph Cullom General Evangelist; CC: Oak Ridge UMC 1314.3) Kempton David L Phillips 5SY Gary J Wilson - 5 FE Verona Jill Bunker 1SY Superintendent, Mississippi River District, O’Fallon A Kay Clifton Church Worker, Colusa UMC/Apanoose Faith Presbyterian; CC: Colusa UMC Vae Rose Fultz APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES B. TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES UNDER ENDORSEMENT BY GENERAL Coordinator of Special Needs Services, Deaf Faith Community Church, A. WITHIN THE CONNECTIONAL STRUCTURES OF UNITED METHODISM BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION & MINISTRY, DIVISION OF ORDAINED Jacksonville, IL: Centenary UMC, Jacksonville (Paragraph 331.1b, 344.1a, c) MINISTRY, SECTION OF CHAPLAINS (Paragraph 344.1b, c) Carol Clay Mann Teacher, Lewis County C-1 Schools, Quincy, IL; CC: Melrose Chapel UMC, Quincy, Keith E Anderson - 6 FE Bruce Baumberger - 6 FE IL Executive Director, The Preachers’ Aid Society, Springfield Chaplain, Alton Memorial Hospital, Alton; CC: Main Street UMC, Alton Janet McCarty Karen Blank-Ewell - 2 OE Carl James Brown - 5 FE President/GBGM Missionary, Southern Philippines Methodist College, Director of Pastoral Care and Counseling, IGRC; CC: Bluford-Wayne City UMCs Chaplain, Veteran’s Administration Hospital, Cleveland, OH Kidapawan City, Philippines; CC: Centenary UMC, Jacksonville Michael J Crawford - 7 FE William F. Campbell - 1 PE Chaplain, US Air Force Coordinator of Congregational Development, Springfield; CC: Tuscola UMC INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION OF CLERGY IN ARMED FORCES RESERVE Kelligay King Crede - 9 FE Kenneth R Hayden - 8 FE Chaplain, Cunningham Children’s Home, Urbana; CC: Wesley UMC, Urbana Director of Pastoral Care, Well-Span Health, York Hospital, York, PA; CC: OR NATIONAL GUARD UNITS (Paragraph 344.5e) Carol Edman - 8 SY Carlyle UMC Howard S Bell, US Air Force Reserve Chaplain, Evenglow Lodge, Pontiac Linda A Horrell - 6 FE Phillip L Glick, US Naval Reserve (Retired) Jennifer Edwards Bertrand - 7 FE Clinical Director, Center for Counseling and Pastoral Care, Manchester, MO; CC: Robert D Greene, US Air Force Reserve Director, Wesley Foundation at Illinois State University, Normal; CC: First UMC, Saint John’s UMC, Edwardsville F Jerry Herring, Civil Air Patrol Normal Patsy Kelly - 5 FE James D Johnson, National Guard Daniel King Crede - 2 FE Chaplain, Passavant Hospital, Jacksonville Jack Swank, US Army Reserve Director, Wesley Foundation at University of Illinois, Urbana; CC: Wesley UMC, Brian L Manigold - 4 FE Danny D Wright, Army National Guard Urbana Veterans Administration Illiana Health Care Systems, Danville; CC: Calvary UMC, Beth Fender - 4 FD Normal DIACONAL MINISTER IN EXTENSION MINISTRIES John D Read - 29 FE Coordinator of New Streams, Springfield; CC: Jacksonville Grace UMC Carter L Frank, Catholic Services for Children and Youth Anne Ferguson - 2 FE Chaplain, US Army; CC: Good Shepherd UMC, Granite City Dean of the Chapel, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, IL Ronald A Richter - 11 FE CERTIFIED IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNICATION Ted Frost - 8 FE Supervisory Chaplain, US Bureau of Prisons, Federal Correctional Institution, Director, United Methodist Foundation, Springfield; CC: Chatham UMC Sheridan, OR; CC: Fairview UMC, Sheffield Paul Black, PO Box 19207, Springfield 62794-9207 Janice L Griffith - 1 FE Charles Shelquist - 3 FE CERTIFIED IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Executive Assistant to the Bishop, Illinois Area Office, Springfield Chaplain, Western Maryland Health System; CC: Oakland-Westfield UMC Bruce Timothy Harrison - 15 FE Margaret E Siemer - 10 FE Tawnya Fairchild Chaplain/Director of Church Relations, McKendree University, Lebanon; CC: Chaplain, US Navy; CC: First UMC, Springfield Beth Fender Lebanon UMC Douglas Stewart - 18 FE Cheryl Hendrix Dan P Harry - 4 FE Chaplain, Saint Elizabeth Hospital, Belleville; CC: Shiloh UMC Marcia Heyboer (retired) Superintendent, Illinois River District, Peoria Brian G Storey - 11 FE Barbara Horsch Terry P Harter - 3 FE Director and Pastoral Counselor, Interfaith Counseling Center, Inc, Edwardsville; Superintendent, Sangamon River District, Springfield CC: Saint John’s UMC, Edwardsville CERTIFIED IN EVANGELISM Matthew S Henson - 5 FE Mary S Whetstone - 1 FE David Estep General Evangelist, Living the Adventure; CC: Staff Chaplain, Ohio Health, Columbus, OH; CC: First UMC, Carmi Sheila Fitts (retired) Craig C Hill - 3 FE Research Professor of Theological Pedagogy, Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC; C. OTHER VALID MINISTRIES UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF PARA- CERTIFIED IN MUSIC CC: First UMC, Peoria GRAPH 331.1a,c, 331.4, 344.1d Richard F Boyd In-Sook Hwang - 5 FE Lori L Bultemeier - 7 FD Constance White Guennewig Superintendent, Iroquois River District, Champaign Christian Life Coordinator, The Baby Fold, Normal; CC: Calvary UMC, Normal Janna R Peterson Cynthia A Jones - 4 FE Stephen Lee Busick - 5 FD Margaret L Sayre (retired) Superintendent, Kaskaskia River District, Mount Vernon Klein & Busick Christian Counseling Services, Champaign; CC: New Horizon UMC, Robert S Kirby - 10 FE Champaign CERTIFIED IN SPIRITUAL FORMATION Associate Director, Wesley Foundation at University of Illinois, Urbana; CC: Rebekah Dees-McMahon - 11 FE David Estep Wesley UMC, Urbana Freedom House; CC: Sharon Colbert Garretson (retired) Gary D Livesay - 24 FE Steve Heitkamp - 5 FE Mary Ann Hedges Chaplain, Chaddock School, Quincy; CC: Vermont Street UMC, Quincy Horizon Hope Counseling, Belleville; CC: Union UMC, Belleville Kent A Lolling - 7 FE Leon D McClimans - 9 FE CERTIFIED IN YOUTH MINISTRY Director of Connectional Ministries, Springfield; CC: Laurel UMC, Springfield Christian Counseling Center, Inc, Tinley Park; CC: Gilman UMC Alan D Milligan - 27 FE Lauren M Padgett - 5 FE John M Hauck General Evangelist, Director of Eagle House Ministries; CC: Karnak UMC Harbor Light Hospice, Peoria; CC: University UMC, Peoria Leah R Pogemiller - 2 FE H Edwin Snow - 6 FE IGRC MEMBERS SERVING AS GBGM MISSIONARIES OUTSIDE THE Superintendent, Vermilion River District, Pontiac Chaplain, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN; CC: Stronghurst UMC UNITED STATES Jeffrey A Rasche - 6 FE Stephanie Soon - 7 FD Priscilla Jaiah Associate Director of Stewardship, Chaddock School, Quincy Hospice Chaplain, OSF Homecare and Hospice, Eastern Region; CC: Morningstar Randall W Reese - 6 FE Janet McCarty, SPMC UMC, Normal Connie Wieck, Luzhou Institute of Education Superintendent, Embarras River District, Effingham Kathryn W Tymonko - 5 FD Paige L Roberts - 9 FE Westminster Village Resident Services, Bloomington; CC: Hudson UMC Campus Minister, Wesley Foundation at Eastern Illinois University, Charleston; IGRC MEMBERS SERVING AS GBGM MISSIONARIES IN THE UNITED Patrick Wadsworth - 16 FE STATES CC: Wesley UMC, Charleston Temporary supply to Presbytery of South Louisiana; CC: Carlinville UMC C Douglas Rorex - 2 FE David Wence - 8 FE Sally Wisner-Ott Superintendent, LaMoine River District, Jacksonville Pastoral Counselor, Decatur Psychological Associates, Decatur; CC: Grace UMC, Russell, Roger W - 2 FE Decatur RETIRED IGRC MISSIONARIES THAT SERVED IN THE UNITED STATES Superintendent, Cache River District, Marion Alice J Shirley - 2 FE APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES AND OTHER METHOD- Beatrice Orrell, 1616 Cedar St, Lawrenceville 62439-2154 Coordinator of Camping & Retreat Ministries IST DENOMINATIONS (Paragraph 346.1) Paul Stroble, Jr - 4 FE RETIRED IGRC GBGM MISSIONARIES THAT SERVED OUTSIDE THE Eden Theological Seminary, Saint Louis, Missouri; CC: First UMC, Vandalia James L Cooper - 3 RE - to Indiana Conference UNITED STATES James DeMent - 6 FE - to Baltimore-Washington Conference Kim Stuby - 3 FD Marynell Kirkwood Mario Mayer - 3 FE - to Northern Illinois Conference Program Assistant, Camping and Youth Ministries; CC: Main Street UMC, Alton Sally Morris Glen Robyne - 7 FE - to North Indiana Conference Karen Westerfield Tucker - 9 FE Rev Kim and Marjorie Soon Professor of Worship, Boston University School of Theology, Boston, MA; CC: Lana Robyne - 7 FE - to North Indiana Conference Wesley UMC, Urbana Charles Sward - 2 FE - to Florida Conference Richard A VanGiesen - 17 FE Kook Jin Yun - 4 FE - to Northern Illinois Conference Treasurer and Director of Administrative Services, Springfield; CC: Laurel UMC,

Technology was evident everywhere at the 2012 United Meth- odist General Conference in Tampa, Fla. A visitor uses her iPad to catch the action on the floor. A UMNS photo by Kathleen Barry. View in Photo Gallery In the twittersphere, young adults are holy conferencing and dreaming of a better church in the aftermath of The United Meth- odist 2012 General Conference — all in 140 characters or less. A tweetup to chat about the worldwide assembly happened May 14. More than 150 people came up with more than a thou- sand dreams for the future of the denomination. Two young pastors under 35 organized the social media chat. They were Rev. Becca Clark, an ordained elder in the New England The Feb. 6 surgery was successful, but a bout or two with the flu prolonged his recuperation. After he finally returned to work Annual (regional) Conference and pastor of Trinity United Meth- for a few days, he began to suffer migraines and vomiting. Although those can be part of the recovery, the symptoms were odist Church in Montpelier, Vt.; and the Rev. Jeremy Smith, an or- severe enough to send him to the emergency room in Pontiac on April 14. dained elder in the Oklahoma Annual Conference and associate pastor of First United Methodist Church in Checotah, Okla. The Rev. Scott Carnes wants to see how authentically a doctor. Both Smith and Clark attended General Conference, and both he can share his life and faith through online media. The eventual diagnosis, found “completely by chance” had some positive and negative experiences. For the 32-year-old associate pastor at First United after an MRI in early December, was of a tumor in his Smith said #DreamUMC is a grassroots effort to engage young Methodist Church in Pontiac, Ill., electronic communi- cerebellum. He chose to seek treatment at Barnes-Jewish adults and others who felt disenfranchised by the actions/inac- cations, if used properly, present a “new frontier” that can Hospital in St. Louis, a location that offered both excel- tion of the denomination’s top lawmaking body April 23-May 4 in foster personal relationships, promote connectionalism lent neurological care and the support of his wife’s family, Tampa, Fla. The next tweetup is scheduled at 10 p.m. EST May 28. and, ultimately, contribute to the denominational goal of who live there. “We heard a lot of doom and gloom at General Conference, “making disciples of Jesus Christ.” Carnes said his district superintendent advised him and in the world at large, about the decline of the UMC and “If we don’t start communicating more effectively as to keep in touch with the congregation about his medical mainline Christianity in general, and how the church is no longer a church, the message gets lost on every level,” he said. situation, and Twitter, he decided, was the best way to relevant to a ‘new generation’ of young people,” Clark said. “Drea- He is not the only pastor promoting these tools. In communicate. mUMC proves that this is simply untrue.” Florida, the Rev. Jack Kale, pastor of Gulf Breeze United He explained to church members that they didn’t Methodist Church, launched a private social network have to be active on Twitter themselves to follow tweets Still ‘pain, confusion’ for his church members. At Morning Star Church in about his progress and soon learned the digital divide is Smith said he was surprised by the raw nature of the com- O’Fallon, Mo., the Rev. Mike Schreiner invites churchgo- not as wide among older and younger church members ments. ers to text him questions during his sermons. as often is presumed. “There’s still a lot of pain, confusion and dissonance even 10 The United Methodist Church has a number of social A retired legal secretary in her 70s bookmarked his days after General Conference. But there is also a lot of resilient networking tools. At the recent 2012 United Methodist Twitter page. Now, he noted, she also tracks the bishop hope that refuses to stop loving a church that in some areas seems General Conference, a blog sponsored by United Meth- online and will come up to Carnes and say, “Scott, you out of touch with reality. This interplay of fidelity with account- odist News Service and the MethoBlog, www.gc2012con- haven’t tweeted all week. Where have you been?” ability will be a dynamic part of young people’s experience in the versations.com, drew more than 450,000 page views over coming four years,” he said. a two-week period. Showing faith despite setback Participants at the tweetup were asked three questions, and the answers ranged from optimism to disappointment to love for Carnes’ own journey this year, including two major Throughout his hospitalization and recoveries from the church. surgeries, has attracted a number of online followers. two major surgeries, Carnes stayed connected with his Over the last couple of months, he said, he has received congregation and others via social media, especially What did you learn/take away from GC2012? almost 10,000 hits to the “Scott & Carrie’s Musings” Twitter and Facebook. Carnes was sent by ambulance to St. Louis, where he That we aren’t as divided as we think (or even previous GCs), blog that he shares with his wife, the Rev. Carrie Carnes. I was amazed at how many great people there were! :) Some posts have 400 “likes,” he noted, “which means I’m underwent surgery April 17 to repair a spinal fluid leak. preaching online to more people than I am on Sunday “It was basically the same surgery, but they didn’t go into I learned that code words and christianese mornings.” the brain,” he explained. “They redid the closing of the (holy conferencing, etc) mask some pretty horrifying ideas. Carnes used his “Virtues of Scripture” blog to invite last surgery.” I learned that even if the UMC never changes, I will be “a number of friends, scholars, pastors, lay people, and In a post that day on the Virtues of Scripture blog, completely content spending my life fighting for it to do so. even some bishops to share devotions about resurrection Carrie Carnes described how the couple sang “Lord Who How has this new knowledge changed your Dream (vision or and eternal life” between Easter Day and Pentecost on Throughout These Forty Days,” a hymn about Jesus’ time hope) for the UMC? May 27. in the desert during Lent, when they felt alone in the wil- The idea to create a devotional blog series focusing derness of his illness. “The hymn reminds us that when I dream of a church that is not a lie, truly opendoors, on Eastertide — the 50 days between Easter and Pente- we are in barren places — Christ is with us,” she wrote. openminds, openhearts. cost — occurred while he was recovering from his first “The past couple of days have reminded me that Eas- I also learned in order to move forward we have to be able surgery. ter is not just about the thrill of an empty tomb and new to discuss w/o feeling the need to “change” the other person dresses,” she continued. “While God is creating new life While Lent receives top billing on the Christian faith Motivated me to work harder, be involved, get off the as a time of inward reflection and preparation for Easter, all around us, that life isn’t easy. It’s still filled with pain sidelines, stand up with all of my brothers and sisters. the follow-up response “of uplifting joy and (reflection and challenges, disappointments and starting over. And on) what it means to be a resurrection people” often is some days that sucks. But, just as we are assured that What’s one achievable change that would make the UMC a bit limited to Easter Day, he pointed out. Christ is with us in our Lenten wilderness moments so closer to the church you dream about? Reclaiming time to reflect on Easter and the resurrec- too does that angel at the tomb assure us that the risen Launch hundreds of progressive new churches and change tion “brings continuity as we approach Pentecost, which Christ has gone ahead of us.” UMC demographics (OK, may take more like 8 years) In the end, the complication that sent Carnes back is the new life of the church.” Cookies during Plenary to surgery did not affect his overall recovery, and he feels A challenging journey “back to normal in many ways.” Another change awaits GC2016 via Twitter! The two blogs are often interchangeable because for the couple on July 1, when he starts a new appointment We need to sadly acknowledge our differences, Scott and the Rev. Carrie Carnes, both clergy members as a pastor at First United Methodist Church, located on part amicably. of the United Methodist Illinois Great Rivers Annual (re- the campus of Illinois State University in Normal. “I was pleasantly surprised that many of the comments were gional) Conference, the personal is public. That, he be- Carnes said he will continue to push the social me- not just generally passionate, but some pointedly prophetic, and lieves, is how you build relationships. dia message but understands it can be hard, at first, to many practical and doable as action moving forward (looking to- “The possibilities are endless for us because we’re al- relate it to traditional ministry. “So many of the pastors ward networking, deepening connections, or drafting proposals ready a connectional church.” I’ve worked with, especially older pastors, they look at and perhaps future legislative actions),” Clark said. —The Rev. Scott Carnes Facebook or Twitter as something they don’t understand Clark and Smith said they hope for more ethnic and geograph- The couple, who married in August 2010, met in and don’t want to know.” ic diversity in the May 28 and following tweetups. Evanston, Ill. while attending seminary at Garrett-Evan- Part of the problem, he believes, is that many church- “Expansion of outreach to young adults in the central confer- gelical Theological Seminary. Scott Carnes just finished es and pastors are doing it wrong, using Facebook pages ences is a high priority, and we are committed to involving the eight years as a board member of the United Methodist or tweets merely as bulletin boards rather than tools to worldwide UMC from the beginning, not just tagged onto the Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Con- form relationships and connect with others in the de- end,” Smith said. cerns. Carrie Carnes, who officially graduated from Gar- nomination. “Staying connected and focused keeps us practical and atten- rett this May, has been serving as the pastor at Chenoa “We (United Methodists) could gain so much more tive to what can be done. I don’t want to just talk about changing (Ill.) United Methodist Church since last summer. from social media than so many other churches could,” the church; I intend to do it!” Clark said.

Scott Carnes’ recent journey as a medical patient be- Carnes said. “The possibilities are endless for us because *Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, gan after his mother underwent surgery so a tumor of we’re already a connectional church.” Tenn. the ear that had grown into her brain could be removed. *Bloom is a United Methodist News Service multimedia reporter Because Carnes had similar symptoms and an underly- based in New York. Follow her at http://twitter.com/umcscribe. ing genetic component was possible, he decided to see

20 | July 2012 | The Current Post-Conference Issue conference news