New Bishops Elected and Assigned at North Central Jurisdictional

URRE N

C T

H R T UR EN C AUGUST 2016 • VOL. 21 NO. 1 T New bishops

E elected and

H assigned at T North Central Jurisdictional Conference PAGE 7-14 >> INSIDE THIS ISSUE <<

INSIDE THIS ISSUE News from the Episcopal Office ��1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Announcements & Events ��2 Christian Conversations ��3 Local Church News ��4-6 NCJ Coverage ��7-14 Jurisdictional News ��15-18 Apportionments ��19-23 Conference News ��23-25

The Current (USPS 014-964) is published monthly by the Send materials to: Illinois Great Rivers Conference of The UMC, 5900 South P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207 Second Street, Springfield, IL 62711 or tel. 217.529.2040 or fax 217.529.4155 An individual subscription is $15 per year. The opinions [email protected], website www.igrc.org expressed in viewpoints are those of the writers and do not Periodical postage paid at Peoria, IL, and additional ON THE COVER necessarily reflect the views of The Current, The IGRC, or mailing offices. The Rev. Frank J. Beard is consecrated a bishop of The United Methodist Church by The UMC. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to members of the North Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops July 16th at Peoria First Communications Team leader: Paul E. Black Team members: The Current, Illinois Great Rivers Conference, UMC. Beard has been assigned bishop of the Illinois Area beginning September 1st. Kim Halusan and Michele Willson P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207

Photo courtesy of Dan Perry The Rivers of Life Clergy Band Perry and Ruemmler met while serving presented Bishop Jonathan Keaton on that mission and discovered they a $2,647 check for Africa University’s shared a mutual love of music. When Making Dreams Possible campaign prior he was asked to lead worship for a to the band leading worship at Annual gathering of clergy later that year, Perry Conference. asked Ruemmler to play keyboard. The band had previously donated $3,000 They were later joined by Deuel, Pate to the Imagine No Malaria campaign. The and Scheets to form a band to lead funds were raised from the sale of the worship for the 2006 Annual Conference. band’s CD, Zealous Love. The friends had so much fun playing together they have continued to lead Members of the band are all United services and play concerts throughout Methodist clergy. Dan Perry, lead singer the state. and acoustic guitar, serves at Tremont UMC. Willie Deuel, lead guitar and vocals, Band members meet once a month at serves at Altamont UMC. Tim Pate, the centrally located Sugar Creek UMC or drummer, serves at Alton Main Street the Springfield First UMC to rehearse. UMC. Joe Scheets, bass guitar, serves at The Rivers of Life Clergy Band asks for Effingham Centenary UMC, and Annelle a $10 donation plus $3 shipping and Ruemmler, keyboard, serves at Payson handling for their CD titled, Zealous Love, UMC. and may be purchased by contacting The band had its beginnings on a Dan Perry at [email protected] or mission trip to Juarez, Mexico in 2003. calling him at 618-830-5589.

The Current AUGUST 2016 >> NEWS FROM THE EPISCOPAL OFFICE << From The NEWS Episcopal Office Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton

Give God the glory NEWS FROM THE EPISCOPAL OFFICE The IGRC did a fantastic job hosting the North Cen- of the Board of Ordained Ministry in Detroit Conference. tral Jurisdiction Conference in Peoria, where four bishops If I am not mistaken, Laura is the first ordained deacon to were elected. chair the Board of Ordained Ministry in Detroit Confer- A bevy of people led by Nancy Patton, Randy Rob- ence. inson and Paul Black and numerous volunteers hosted a As I greeted folks following the Consecration Jurisdictional Conference that left delegates, visitors and Service, Barbara Pufundt, my former secretary when I bishops raving with superlatives about our hospitality, served as a D.S. in Northern Illinois Conference, greeted service and care. Between the program, people and the me. I had not seen her is 20 years. Her attendance was a weather, “I give God the glory.” treasured gift. We took a selfie. Then she hit the road, re- From hindsight, I can see the hand of God more fully turning to Naperville. Servants of God like Barbara and in my surprising assignment here. Beverly and I have ordained deacons have contributed much to my ministry, four glorious years in our memory bank. It did not begin “to God be the Glory!” this way. Expecting to end my episcopacy in Michigan I give God thanks for my faith in Jesus Christ. What and unexpected move of my predecessor from IGRC are can be done in four years? How does one avoid think- vivid reminders of the implications of vows taken volun- ing acting or functioning like a lame duck with only four tarily at my Ordination and Consecration. years left to serve? Nearly every waking hour was spent Life is full of surprises. The joy and happiness, suc- doing ministry as best I could. Hardly a minute seemed cesses and accomplishments offer constant reminders of available for true rest and relaxation. The work of minis- Appointments vows voluntarily taken at my Ordination and Consecra- try motivated me. In consultation with the Cabinet of the Illinois Great Rivers tion. For those compelling vows, I thank God. None of The warmth of relationships enlivened me. The Conference, Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton appoints the following: my struggles, illnesses, disappointments and faith chal- prayers and support of my dear wife Beverly supported Michael B. Lawton, elder of another denomination to Good lenges leaves me with anger, regret or bitterness. Would I me. The outstanding servanthood of IGRC from top to Shepherd Parish, Embarras River District, effective July 1. change the path of my ministerial journey? Nay! I would bottom with respect to mission and ministry renewed do it again the same way! To God be the Glory! me. Craig Hill to Dean, Perkins School of Theology and Professor of Two personal encounters at the Consecration Service So much good happened in the life of the United New Testament, Southern Methodist University, effective July 1. for new bishops at Peoria First on Saturday, July 16, Methodist Church’s ongoing struggles that could have Mark Hendrickson to Nauvoo, Spoon River District, ¼ time, reminded me God’s blessings in ministry. Rev. Laura negatively affected our witness at every level. But it did effective July 1 and Director, Wesley Foundation at WIU, Spoon Speiran, an Ordained Deacon from the Detroit Annual not. Yes, we still have a long way to go. But God is not Conference served alongside me and others in the wor- through with us yet. I know God is not through with me. River District, ¾ time, effective July 1. He is serving as a full-time ship service. I still have faith in Jesus Christ. I still want us to focus local pastor. A couple of years ago, her Senior Pastor, Rev. Jim on making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transforma- Supply or assigned not appointed Tuttle of Saline, Mich., asked the bishop to acknowledge tion of the world. Finally, know that whatever IGRC may Eunice Glasser, certified lay minister to Richland County Charge, her contributions to the ministry of Saline UMC. I did have accomplished under my leadership in my four years, Kaskaskia River District (Parkersburg, Little Wabash, Ebenezer with a note and a phone call. During one of our conver- one thing remains true forever, Soli Deo Gloria – “to God sations, Laura informed that she had been elected chair alone the glory!” Sams, Ebenezer North and Calhoun), ¾ time, effective July 1. Change of status Janet Longtin, discontinuation of part-time appointment, Six bishops from the North Central effective June 30. Jurisdiction share a moment of levity Joye Perry, discontinuation of part of a part-time appointment, during the NCJ United Methodist effective June 30. She will continue to be associate pastor at East Women’s Gathering June 23-26 in Grand Rapids, Mich. Moline Christ, Spoon River District. Pictured from left to right are Michigan Thomas Wright, discontinuation of appointment, effective June Area Bishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey, 30. Illinois Area Bishop Jonathan D. Matthew Hansen, discontinuation of appointment, effective Keaton, Iowa Area Bishop Julius C. Trimble; Wisconsin Area Bishop Hee June 30. Soo Jung; Minnesota-Dakotas Area Cathy Minor to Honorable Location, effective July 1. Bishop Bruce Ough; and Ohio West Area and former Illinois Area Bishop Dixie Croxton, discontinuation of appointment of part-time local Gregory V. Palmer. pastor, effective July 1. Nancy Wood, discontinuation of appointment from Jacksonville Asbury, LaMoine River District, effective July 1. She will still be appointed to Jacksonville Brooklyn. Photo by Mark Doyal, Miriam Snider to Urbana Wesley: Associate, Iroquois River Michigan Area Communications District, full-time, effective July 1. She previously served ½ time. Jeremy Harminson to Salem, Embarras River District, ¾ time, Sue McCoy, wife of Rev. Chet River District. She retired from effective July 1. He previously served Salem-Toledo full-time. Deaths McCoy, pastor of Carbon Cliff- New Philadelphia UMC in 2003. Kathy Crozier, full-time deacon, discontinuation of appointment, Retired pastor, Rev. Omer A. Church of the Cross, Spoon River Jones, 94, died June 30 at St. She survives. Condolences effective July 1. District, died June 16. Louis University Hospital. may be sent to her c/o David Bessie Adams, provisional member of Indiana Conference, Expressions of sympathy may be Williams, 203 E Bancroft St., Rev. Jones served 30 years in discontinuation of appointment, effective July 1. She is returning sent to Rev. McCoy at 24005 71st West Point, IL 62380. the former Southern Illinois to her home conference. Ave N, Port Byron, IL 61275-9069. Conference, retiring from Mt. A full obituary may be found at the following Robert DeBolt, discontinuation of appointment, effective April Vernon Epworth-Hopewell in Frank A. Williams, husband of retired pastor Mary website: http://www.printyfuneralhome.com/ 12. 1986. As a retired associate clergy member, he Jo Williams, died June 5 in West Point. He was 88. obituaries/2016/06/05/frank-a-williams/ Corrections served an additional 20 years, through Dec. 31, Rev. Mary Jo Williams served local churches as a 2006 at the age of 84. part-time local pastor in what is now the Spoon Judy Williams to Robinson Otterbein-Hutsonville, Embarras River District, effective July 1. This is a full-time appointment. The Current AUGUST 2016 1 >> ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS << leadership-summit For questions or more information about the West Salem Trinity site, visit the Global Leadership Summit page at: http://www.igrc. org/KRD_globalsummit. There is also a GLS Resource Page at: http://www.igrc.org/KRD_ glsresources as well. Contact the Kaskaskia River District office if you have any questions at 618-242-2817. Aug. 15-17 – College of Christian Life, Embassy Suites Hotel, East Peoria. Rev. Mike Slaughter, pastor of Ginghamsburg UMC in Tipp City, Ohio, will be the speaker. The theme for the 2016 School is Rethink Mission: The How and the Why. Make hotel reservations by calling Embassy Suites at 309-694-0200. Register online at: www.igrc.org/ccl2016. Aug. 20 – Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House will host a retirement celebration for its CEO Bill Kreeb, noon, Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville. Tickets for the luncheon are $30 per person and may be purchased Classifieds prior to Aug. 8 by calling (618) 874-0777. Kreeb stepped down from the position May 1 The Illinois Great Rivers Conference (IGRC) of The United Methodist Church has an opening after 35 years of service to the agency. In lieu for a part-time Administrative Assistant at the Sangamon River District office in of gifts, it has been requested that donations Springfield. For a full job description and application visit this link: http://www.igrc.org/ be given to the Bill Kreeb Scholarship Fund at

ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS classifiedsdetail/5389546 Neighborhood House. Aug. 20 – O'Fallon First UMC is sponsoring Running 4 God, a 5K Walk/Run for Lessie Dreamers wanted Human Resource Administrator www.westohioumc.org/conference/classi- Bates Davis Neighborhood House, 8:30 a.m. To encourage IGRC to continue to dream United Methodist Center, fied/director-communications-west-ohio- about new places for new faces, the Office of PO Box 19207 conference Registration is $25 through Aug. 5 and can be Congregational Development is offering two done on the church's website at: http://www. Springfield, IL 62794-9207 Aug. 4 -7 – NCJ Mission RoundUP, Camp cohorts beginning in September. One is for ofallonmethodistchurch.org/running-4-god- fax: 217-529-4107 Asbury, Hiram, Ohio. A unique jurisdictional those who want to consider the dynamics of 5k.html. Race day registration will be con- Resumes must be received by Aug. 1. Candi- opportunity to learn, to share and to find multi-site and the other is for those who want ducted from 7 to 8 a.m. Persons who register dates will be contacted for an interview. your niche in the mission arena of The United to explore the nature of planting and starting before Aug. 5 will be given an event t-shirt. Methodist Church. new works. The Illinois Great Rivers Conference is an Equal For more information, contact Stephanie Opportunity Employer. Come and explore the opportunities that are Each cohort will include five or six gatherings Michael at [email protected], or by available to you. Visit http://umvimncj.org/ over the course of the next year. There will be a calling 618-803-2513. New Training Grants offered roundup/ for more information. maximum of 12 individuals accepted into each Sept. 2-18 – Priscilla Jaiah, principal of the cohort. The Office of Congregational Development is Aug. 9-12 – Convergence young adult re- United Methodist School in Ganta, Liberia will offering training grants for the remainder of treat for young adults between the ages of 18 Read more at www.igrc.org/cohorts. The ap- be itinerating in Illinois Great Rivers Confer- 2016. The grants are being offered to church and 30, East Bay Camp, Hudson, IL. plication deadline is July 31. teams which include non-paid lay people. ence. The only cost for the young adult is lodg- If you have any questions, please contact Mike Grant monies are not limited to United Meth- She has a number of supporting churches and ing and meals, which will be $155. Program Crawford, Coordinator of Congregational odist sponsored workshops. would like to visit many if not all of them. Her expenses are covered by a grant from the Development. Sunday mornings are already scheduled, as are Deadline for requests is Aug. 15. IGRC. Scholarships are available. Register at: a few other times, but she needs visits through https://igrc-reg.brtapp.com/YoungAdultCon- Applicants sought for Download the request form at: https://db.tt/ the week, even with small groups. Visit http:// vergence Higher Ed coordinator RycI5mBX www.igrc.org/missions-itinerationcalen- For program questions, please contact Rev. dar to view her calendar. Contact Carolyn The Illinois Great Rivers Conference of The Communication Director – Erin Totten at 309-221-9374, or email etot- Yockey by calling 309-452-3936 or by emailing United Methodist Church is accepting applica- West Ohio Conference [email protected]. For registration ques- [email protected] Guidelines for hosting are tions for a part-time Coordinator of Higher tions, please contact the Camping and Retreat also posted at: http://www.igrc.org/hosting- Education and Campus Ministry. The West Ohio Conference of the United Meth- odist Church is currently seeking a creative Office at 217-529-2646 or email them at camp- guidelines This position is intended to provide an [email protected]. and detail oriented professional to be part of Sept. 17 – The Lion and Lamb Festival, Camp experienced resource person to assist with their communications team. SIU Wesley Foundation Director, Sherri Smeds- Milan near the Quad Cities, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. goal setting, fundraising, board development, hammer, will be the main speaker at the four- The Director of Communications is respon- The Lion and Lamb Festival is a community of and accountability for the Wesley Foundation day retreat. Matt Sherrill from Bloomington sible for developing the overall strategy and people coming together to inspire and to be Boards located within our Annual Conference, Wesley UMC will provide music. our United Methodist Campus Ministries, and managing the team that handles all com- inspired by stories of peace, love, and justice. our Conference Board of Higher Education and munication and outreach for the Conference Mission opportunity at Home Sweet Home Musicians, artists, speakers, and people of faith Campus Ministry. including publications, media relations and Ministries, Bloomington. are coming to the Quad Cities for a common the website. The director provides overall Aug. 11-12 - Springfield First UMC and Mt. cause. Come, and Wade in the Water of justice. We seek a leader who is knowledgeable about leadership and will work closely with senior Vernon West Salem Trinity UMC are two sites Free Admission. campus ministry and the development of leadership and department directors regard- within the IGRC that will be downlinking the The event is partially funded with a Peace With non-profit boards. Experience in coaching and ing all communication needs. training of boards is highly recommended. Global Leadership Summit from Willow Justice grant of the IGRC Board of Church and The successful candidate will possess at least a Creek Church in suburban Chicago. Speak- Society and donations can be made online Compensation includes travel expenses. Bachelor’s degree in communications or relat- ers include Bishop T.D. Jakes, founder and at: https://igrc-reg.brtapp.com/donate- Estimated starting date is Sept. 1. Download ed field, minimum of five years’ experience in senior pastor of The Potter's House; Melinda lionandlamb the job description from the online classified a mass media field, have successful experience Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Sept. 17, Oct. 1, Oct. 15 – Reaching New ad at: http://www.igrc.org/classifiedsde- leading and managing change and computer Foundation; and Patrick Lencioni, author of 10 People workshops. Sept. 17 at Argenta UMC tail/5138290 skills including Microsoft Office, PowerPoint business books that have sold nearly 5 million (deadline is Sept. 11); Oct. 1, Galesburg First Clergy members of the Illinois Great Rivers and Internet development. copies. UMC (deadline is Sept. 25); and Oct. 15, Pon- Conference must inform their District Superin- Prospective applicants should submit a cover For questions or more information about the tiac First UMC (deadline is Oct. 9). Recruit a tendent of their application. letter with resume to the Director of Benefits Springfield site, contact Sharon Sweeney at team from your church and plan to attend one Interested applicants should send a letter and Human Resources at mkremnitzer@ [email protected] or call 217- of the fall Reaching New People workshops. detailing their interest and experience with a wocumc.org. A job description can be 793-9760, ext. 131. Read more and register at: Visit www.igrc.org/reachingnewpeople for resume to: [email protected] or: obtained from the online classified at: http:// http://springfieldfirst.org/connect/global- more information and links to registration. ANNOUNCEMENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

2 The Current AUGUST 2016 >> CHRISTIAN CONVERSATIONS <<

Bishop’s statement CHRISTIAN CONVERSATIONS on shootings in Baton Rouge, Minnesota and Dallas

Photo by Steve Nagy, Belleville News-Democrat Members of Christ Church surround their pastor, Rev. Shane Bishop, during a prayer vigil at the church following the shootings in Baton Rouge, Minnesota and Dallas. SPRINGFIELD – By now, you have heard reports of several shootings involving citizens and May the God of mercy and peace comfort the living and the dead in Dallas, Minnesota, police in Baton Rouge, La.; St. Paul, Minn. and most recently, Dallas, Texas. Baton Rouge and the human spirit. May every response to these shocking deaths be that Shooting deaths, families heartbroken, television coverage, suspects killed, fingers pointed, which creates peace on earth, not war. "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who demonstrations and prayers prayed to Almighty God have challenged the church and the trespass against us." world to find a better way. This is my prayer. Will you join me that our prayers might provide a chorus that provides a Over and over again, we've learned that violence begets violence. To protest and change way of peace. things, we have to choose the better way of non-violence. Jonathan D. Keaton July 8, 2016

Reconciliation: a Modeling the Spirit of ministry of the church Jesus in difficult times Editor, The Current: BY ROBERT PHILLIPS to connect and create a community of caring as The ministry of reconciliation has always been a ministry of PEORIA FIRST UMC they catch up on each other’s lives in a safe place, the Church, given to us by Jesus. Since the world has been Last night I was at a city- where a Peoria police man or woman (often an reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, the Church has the community-police sponsored African-American officer) provides safety for all task of spreading that message. This is very important as IGRC event at the Peoria Public Library and positive interaction with our guests as well. continues the work of Native American ministry voted upon by designed to encourage a group Peoria First is a church committed to be part the 2016 Annual Conference session. The fact of reconciliation of young men with past issues of solutions, with active and practical care for calls us all to live in this world which has been reconciled to with the law to take hold of the resources and all. We refuse to bite when others offer a bone of God. This modern reconciled world is a challenge for all of us – people available to help them avoid a descent into contention to polarize or demonize or stereotype Christian and non-Christian. violence. The event was scheduled long before the others based on profession or race or social status. recent shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota of We refuse to play the game of accusation and Today, Native Americans continue to live in a world separated two black males, events widely shared on social finger pointing, for God calls us to build bridges from the world most of us live in. It is a world organized by the video and now under serious and necessary even as others are content to burn them. As Paul U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs and is almost a country set apart. It investigation. Later that night the violence in said, Jesus has entrusted to us 'the ministry of is marked by 100 years or more of dependency programs that Dallas unfolded, leaving five police officers dead reconciliation,' rooted in the risen Christ. provide benefits and entitlements available only to Ameri- in ambush, several others wounded, and one of So please do offer prayer, special and sincere can Indians. The Bureau also controls who can participate in the shooters likewise killed, with other suspects prayer, for those who have lost so much and grieve the various programs by certifying who is and who is not an detained (who have NOT as I write been charged their loved ones in this past week, regardless of American Indian. They have become a separate people living in with any crime). color. Pray for those seeking just response and a government-defined country within a country. Our church has been committed for years to clarity in each situation. refuse to post or forward pray specifically and daily for the men and women any social media blurb that creates suspicion or The fact of reconciliation, I believe, means we are all meant to of the Peoria police department. And we do, hostility toward the police or toward those who live in the same world, each person adapting to what God has together with notes of encouragement and other demonstrate deep concerns in peaceful protest. accomplished in Jesus Christ. The challenge is the same for all ways we as a family of Jesus seek to affirm them And model the Spirit of Jesus, who never judged of us – American Indian and non-Indian. in the difficult jobs they tackle each day to protect a person by the color of their skin or the uniform our community. Yes, reconciliation is the right word for the IGRC collaborative they wore, but loved all, taught all, died for all and Our church also has been committed for welcomes all who believe into his Kingdom and his efforts. I look forward to the IGRC study of Giving Our Hearts years to feed and clothe and care for men and way. Away: Native American Survival and other common IGRC women living on the margins of our community, (Reprinted with permission from the July 8 pastoral events. regardless of race or ethnic background. Loaves letter of the Rev. Dr. Phillips, senior pastor of Peoria and Fish provides a weekly oasis for folks to gather Rev. Douglas Rettig First UMC). Retired clergy, Iroquois River District

The Current AUGUST 2016 3 >> LOCAL CHURCH NEWS << LOCAL CHURCH NEWS

Joyce Fogelman, owner of J & S Professional Pharmacy, was recognized by two organizations for her philanthropy in May. Photo by Nick Mariano, The Southern West Frankfort philanthropist makes many contributions BY NICK MARIANO them the high school music program, the fire depart- ning another trip for other workers. THE SOUTHERN ment, Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, the city’s When she purchased the business in 1988, three WEST FRANKFORT – Joyce Fogelman was sur- aquatic center and the West Frankfort Ministerial Alli- people worked at the pharmacy. Today, there are 24. prised when asked about paying more than what she bid ance, the SIU Foundation and her alma mater, St. Louis They have returned her kindness through their own with in a silent auction for a charity. College of Pharmacy. customers, often taking medicine outside to people wait- “I can’t believe you knew that,” she replied. She has served on several boards including the ing in what is often a long drive-thru line, of delivering For someone who says she does not seek recognition Rotary, Chamber of Commerce and the Community prescriptions to people’s homes. for her philanthropy, the response is hardly a surprise. Council in West Frankfort and as a trustee for the College She has sworn off automated telephone lines and Recognition has come her way — twice in the last of Pharmacy. counting machines. month. The Franklin County Bar Association presented The First United Methodist Church in Toledo, “We need employees. West Frankfort needs employ- her with the Liberty Bell Award on Law Day, and she was where her parents and grandparents attended, has a new ment here,” she said. inducted into West Frankfort’s “Walk of Honor” by the house of worship in large part thanks to her, donating 75 By being added to the Walk of Honor, Fogelman’s Old King Coal Committee. percent of the cost for an 11,000-square-foot church. She name will be added to markers of the 11 recipients given Both awards recognized her community giving. also gives to her church, Benton First United Methodist award since it was introduced in 2010. The markers can “I have been very, very, very richly blessed,” Fogel- Church. be found on the sidewalk in front of the Coal Miners man said. “You can’t take it with you, and we are all just “She has purchased headstones for friends unable to Memorial Park. passing through.” afford them and has made trips abroad possible for many “The Old King Coal Committee hopes this will be a She has decreed in her will that a foundation be es- family members and friends,” a profile story on Fogel- reminder to the citizens for years to come of the generos- tablished to continue giving after she dies, the 56-year-old man published in a booklet for this year’s Old King Coal ity of one of West Frankfort’s favorite citizens,” the profile businesswoman said. Fogelman owns J&S Professional Festival reported. story stated. Pharmacy Inc. in West Frankfort. Fogelman recently returned from a trip to four Euro- (Reprinted with permission from the June 4 issue of The She’s not waiting, though. pean countries with several employees who have worked Southern Illinoisan, www.thesouthern.com) Several causes have benefited from her giving, among for her more than 20 years, paying their way. She’s plan-

4 The Current AUGUST 2016 >> LOCAL CHURCH NEWS <<

The Loda UMC performed a community mission project the first week of June 2016 for an elderly resident of the community. Volunteers re-roofed and poured a new sidewalk for Neppie Caldwell. Funding, supplies, and labor were not only donated by church members but the church's inspiration spread into the community which resulted in additional resources to help offset costs being donated by some local residents. LOCAL CHURCH NEWS

Photos courtesy of Loda UMC Goreville UMC Photo by Richard Sitler, at Freedom Fest The Southern

David Mueth, Sylvia Mueth, and Terry Mueth with the John Wesley Fellowship plaques awarded to the family since 1995. Caseyville UMC On June 5, Carol Ricketts was presented with a John Wesley Fellowship Award by Chapter President Rick Penny. That is not an unusual happening at the Caseyville UMC. Members of the smaller congregation have received 17 John Wesley Fellowship Awards since 1995 prior to As Pastor Andy Black sits in the dunk tank (from left), Amber Sadewicz, 11, Dawn Carlson and Emma Ricketts’ award, but Ricketts is the fifth member Fletcher, 12, retrieve balls during Goreville UMC’s youth dunk the pastor fundraiser during the com- of her family to be awarded the John Wesley munity’s Freedom Fest July 9. Inclement weather postponed the event from July 4. Fellowship. Carol’s Father, Orville Mueth founded the UMM chapter in Caseyville which now bears his name in memoriam. Orville was a driving force in many areas of the United Methodist Church including UMM and received his award in 1995. Both sons Terry and David along with their mother Sylvia received their awards in October 2012. Although she has traveled throughout the world in her career, Ricketts returned to Caseyville UMC upon her retirement. She is active in the Photos courtesy of Rick Penny choir, UMW, yearly VBS, Trustees, Faith in Ac- Carol Ricketts receiving her John Wesley Fellow- Photo courtesy of Betty Treat tion and has been an EMS member for many ship Award from UMM Chapter President Rick Love Fellowship, which meets in the former Granite City years. The Mueth family has been and is today a Penny on June 5. Good Shepherd UMC, received 17 new members, some of them as new dis- cornerstone of Faith, Ministry and action at the ciples for Jesus Christ on June 26. Caseyville UMC and we celebrate with them the Good Shepherd completed its mission and the story of the partnership with award to Carol. Love Fellowship was spotlighted at this year’s Annual Conference.

The Current AUGUST 2016 5 >> LOCAL CHURCH NEWS << Empowered and employed Furniture ministry uplifts and empowers women to become employed LOCAL CHURCH NEWS

From left to right, Ann Jessup, Rev. Margaret Ann Jessup, Megan Shomidie, Shareese Tinsey and Cassandra Lusardi.

BY BRITTANY HILDERBRAND It was then that Jessup realized that the church ILLINOIS TIMES needed to find a way to help the women into SPRINGFIELD – Shareese Tinsey, a Springfield more stable conditions. mother of five children, had been struggling to “One-way giving doesn’t work,” Jessup said. “It find a job that would provide a steady income. That changed when Rev. Margaret Ann Jessup offered Tinsey a job at Wooden It Be Lovely, a non- “Wooden It Be Lovely has filled me with a lot of hope profit in Springfield centered on helping single mothers heal from lives of abuse and poverty. for myself and for humanity. I have had the opportu- “It started with a note on my door,” Tinsey said. nity to create real friendships through the program “I ignored the note, and a few days later, I had and the church congregation.“ – Cassandra Lusardi another one.” Eventually, Jessup knocked at Tinsey’s door and insisted that she stop by Douglas Avenue United doesn’t empower them to be all they could be. Methodist Church for a paint night. This program provides transitional employment “And I did,” Tinsey said. in a place that they can feel nurtured within the Ever since that night in late April, Tinsey has community.” called Douglas Avenue church in Springfield her Cassandra Lusardi, a 26-year-old woman recov- second home and place of employment. ering from a history of drug abuse, says that Tinsey and four other women employed by the the program has made a way for her to see the program are single mothers from Springfield changes she needs to make in her life in order to who come to the ministry to uplift themselves, be a good role model for her two daughters. maintain a form of stable income and refurbish “Wooden It Be Lovely has filled me with a lot of furniture in their own creative styles at Wooden hope for myself and for humanity,” said Lusardi. “I It Be Lovely ministry hosted by the church. In have had the opportunity to create real friend- hopes of expanding the program, the furniture ships through the program and the church will be priced and sold to the public on a month- congregation. I am very thankful they came up ly basis. with the program.” Under the leadership of Pastor Julia Melgreen Most of the furniture and the paint is donated by and Jessup, associate pastor, Wooden It Be Lovely community members. serves as a safe haven for women to come and The women come to work two or three days each Photos by Brittany Hilderbrand, Illinois Times uplift themselves spiritually, mentally and finan- week, learning how to use chalk paint and how cially. Participants use chalk paint, a matte finish and employee of the program, says that the sale to refurbish the furniture for potential buyers. used on furniture that does not require any prior will help build community interest in the pro- priming or sanding, to creatively refurbish vari- “This is a way to give the women a skill so that gram. ous donated furniture pieces. they may have a better resume for future em- “My goal is to continue working here and watch ployment,” said Jessup. “Our goal is that each one The program offers child care services free of Wooden It Be Lovely expand into a furniture store of the women we hire becomes fully employed charge to the employees whenever they are and be the best mother I can be to my daughter, and not reliant on government programs.” working with the program. On Thursdays from 6 Journey,” Shomidie said. to 8 p.m., the program hosts weekly paint nights Wooden It Be Lovely will host its first furniture To donate or volunteer, call 217-546-4631 or directed at helping women who are struggling sale on July 30 at 9 a.m. on the first floor of reach out to Jessup on Facebook at https://www. with abuse and poverty. Douglas Avenue UMC. Community members will facebook.com/Woodenitbelovelydaumc. be able to purchase a variety of furniture pieces Before the program began in early March, the including furniture for kids’ rooms, offices, bed- (Reprinted with permission from the June 16-22 is- church offered assistance to women in the com- rooms and even funky statement pieces. sue of the Illinois Times, www.illinoistimes.com) munity, but noticed that those same women kept coming back for more help. Megan Shomidie, a 30-year-old single mother

6 The Current AUGUST 2016 NCJ opens >> NCJ 2016 OVERVIEW << with worship: Bishop Keaton issues a plea for unity NCJ 2016 OVERVIEW

BY CHRISTA MELAND following?” He asked those present to, “Live our JULY 13, 2016 | PEORIA, ILL. (UMNS) lives according to God’s call or the commitment to PEORIA – The 20th North Central Jurisdictional Confer- be faithful unto death.” ence opened with worship at the Peoria Civic Center. • Young adults, age 18-34, have a lot to say about Bishop John L. Hopkins, president of the College of what they would like to see in the church. Keaton Bishops, East Ohio Area, officially opened the session. read an excerpt titled “Statement on Unity” drafted After opening prayer, led by retired Bishop Sharon by 300 young people from 34 countries attend- Brown Christopher, a time of remembrance and thanks- ing the Global Convocation for Young People in giving followed. Three bishops who have deceased Manila, Philippines. The statement was read during since 2012 were memorialized: Bishop contentious debate at the 2016 General Confer- ence. “First, young people don’t want a divided Wayne K. Clymer, Bishop Rueben Job and Bishop Jesse Paul brought all his talents to bear on the mission church, specifically a schism; don’t want our church DeWitt. Four bishops’ spouses were remembered: Mrs. of Christ and his church. “ to focus only on the issues that divide us,” said Marjorie Duecker, Mrs. Jane Colaw, Mrs. Jan Ott and Keaton. “The church that we have taken our places • Jesus shows up in humility and persistence. Keaton Mrs. Martha Lawson. in is called to a ministry that includes so much reminded the audience that Jesus was, himself, “Love your neighbor as yourself. And who is my more than one issue, our young people said. Some a young adult. “Remember that young man who neighbor; everybody,” said Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton, young people believe we can be of one heart walked into his home synagogue? They ran that resident bishop, Illinois Area during the message, “A though not of one mind; they want solutions that young man out of the church.” Keaton concluded Plea for Unity.” “Can we all get along is another side of promote Global Unity.” that adults in the church need to set aside their Jesus’ command to ‘love for God and love of neighbor?’ rubrics about young people—they are “unrealis- • God’s church is not a one-issue church. “Paul The behavioral question plagues our communion. “ tic, naïve, need to wait their turn”—to hear their had to model this behavior in his leadership of a “clarion call for unity.” Keaton, who will retire September 1, 2016, named four divided church. For better or worse, striving for possibilities that call North Central Jurisdiction United behavioral unity, marinated in the love of God and Bishop Bruce R. Ough, resident bishop, Dakotas-Min- Methodists to unity. neighbor took priority over simmering concerns, nesota Area and Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher, retired, invited and prepared the gifts for communion. • Recalling a recent experience with an enthusiastic hurts and inequities in the body of Christ,” said Ke- young woman whose vocation is forensic science, aton. Keaton reminded those present about Paul’s Music was provided by a team of laity and clergy from Keaton stressed that we are all called. “We are all Damascus experience that led him to be “Like a the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. The team, led by called,” said Keaton. “What is your call and are you prisoner of war, he was never the same. As a result, Rev. Eric Swanson, LeRoy First UMC, has been meeting since September 2015. “We were able to bring together some very talented and skilled individuals, “ said Swanson. “They are a diverse group of clergy, laity, various ages, ethnicity and churches. All of the liturgy that we use today are denominational resources that are not in the Book of Worship or the United Methodist Hymnal. We hope that people will note these resources and use them.” The worship team also served as the musicians throughout the North Central Jurisdictional Confer- ence. Meland is director of communications for the Minnesota Conference of The United Methodist Church.

The Current AUGUST 2016 7 >> EPISCOPAL ELECTIONS <<

Tracy Smith Malone elected bishop in North Central a bishop of The United Methodist Church. Race. She serves on the Board of Trustees of Garrett- Malone, who has been serving as the Chicago Evangelical Theological Seminary and is a member Southern district superintendent since 2011, was of Black Methodists for Church Renewal. elected on the sixth ballot with 120 votes. The same The bishop-elect said people began sowing the ballot elected the Rev. Frank Beard from the Indiana seeds encouraging her to run for bishop a few years Conference with 109 votes. The Rev. David Bard was ago and that she did not take the decision lightly, elected during the 10th round of voting with 117 praying and fasting about what to do. “I asked the votes. North Central must elect one more bishop and Lord to show me and it became very clear in my will continue voting on July 14. spirit that this is the path that God wanted me on,” The consecration service for the four new bish- she said. ops was held July 16 at Peoria First United Methodist She was unanimously endorsed by the Northern Church. Malone will serve as bishop of the East Ohio Illinois Conference Delegation in September 2015 Conference starting Sept. 1. and last November by the conference. Smith Malone is the first female bishop to be “Tracy is an inspirational leader who brings out elected from the Northern Illinois Conference and the best in others— a gift for ministry that The Unit- the first candidate from the conference to be elected ed Methodist Church so desperately needs during in the last 20 years. Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton was these challenging and changing times,” said Northern elected in 1996. Illinoise Conference delegate the Rev. Chris Pierson. Smith Malone grew up in the church as a “Tracy is a leader who not only casts a vision for the preacher’s kid – the daughter of the late Rev. Willie church but has the leadership and administrative Smith. skills to bring vision to fruition/fulfillment as she She received her call to ministry at the early age points the Church to a more excellent way.” of 13. She says as an episcopal leader she will continue She graduated from United Methodist-related to look to her mentors and those who have guided EPISCOPAL ELECTIONS EPISCOPAL North Central College with a B.A. in religious stud- and shaped her along the way (both laity and clergy). ies and sociology and earned her master of divinity “Leadership is the ability to give space for listen- The Rev. Tracy Smith Malone (left, Northern Illinois Conference) is introduced by Maggie at United Methodist Garrett-Evangelical Theological ing and hold together different perspectives,” said the Jackson, North Central Jurisdiction Committee on Episcopacy chair, as a newly elected Seminary. She earned her D.Min. at United Theologi- bishop-elect. “I’m going to give my very best to God bishop of the North Central Jurisdiction. Smith Malone was elected July 13, 2016 on the cal Seminary, also a United Methodist seminary. and my very best to the church. People can count on sixth ballot. She is dean of the cabinet for the Northern Il- me to be faithful.” BY ANNE MARIE GERHARDT linois Conference and has served various churches Malone and her husband Derrick Malone have JULY 13, 2016 | PEORIA, ILL. (UMNS) in the conference since 1989, when she began her two daughters, Alexis and Ashley. The Rev. Tracy Smith Malone of the Northern ministry as a youth pastor at Jessie Walker United Three candidates withdrew their names from Illinois Conference was the first bishop elected by the Methodist Church in Joliet. consideration as the day progressed: the Revs. David North Central Jurisdictional Conference on July 13. Before she was appointed district superintendent Meredith, Christopher Ritter and Charles Boayue. “To God be the glory. Friends, I stand before you in 2011, she served as senior pastor of Gary United Meredith, an openly gay candidate from the West as one who feels very blessed. Blessed for the journey, Methodist Church in Wheaton. Ohio Conference, delivered a heartfelt “thank you” by your prayers and confidence in my leadership. I She was a delegate to General Conference 2016, when he publicly withdrew after the fourth ballot. am a child of a church. You raised me and formed where she was chair of the Agenda and Calendar Gerhardt is director of Communications of the North- me. I consider it a privilege and an honor to serve the Committee and is a member of the board of the ern Illinois Conference. church,” said Smith Malone after being introduced as United Methodist Commission on Religion and Frank Beard elected bishop by North Central Jurisdiction BY JOEY BUTLER of the General Commission on General Conference JULY 13, 2016 | PEORIA, ILL. (UMNS) since 2004 and a member of the United Methodist The Rev. Frank Beard, pastor of Castleton United Board of Higher Education and Ministry since 2012. Methodist Church in Indianapolis, has been He is a five-time General Conference delegate and elected as a United Methodist bishop by delegates a six-time Jurisdictional Conference delegate. He at the North Central Jurisdictional Conference. is a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY. Beard was elected July 13 at the jurisdiction’s quadrennial meeting in Peoria, Illinois. On the sixth A consecration service for the four new bishops ballot, he received 109 votes, one more than the was held July 16. Beard was assigned bishop of the 108 needed for election. Illinois Area starting Sept. 1. Beard told delegates that in 1968, he was a “snotty- Within the United States, local United Methodist nosed” kid playing around a United Methodist churches are organized into increasingly larger church when its members invited him for cookies groups: numerous districts, dozens of annual and Kool-Aid — and then provided a scholarship conferences and five jurisdictions (regions). Nine so he could attend United Methodist Church camp. active bishops now lead the 11 annual conferences that form the North Central Jurisdiction. “That little Methodist Church took me under their wing,” he said. “In 1968, it wasn’t popular for white A United Methodist bishop is elected for life. Typi- churches to invite little black boys to be part of cally, a bishop will serve in a specific annual confer- their congregation.” Beard said that church blessed ence for eight years. The United Methodist Book him and God called him to the glorious task of of Discipline, the denomination’s law book, directs preaching the good news. each bishop to “guard the faith, order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline of the Church” and to “lead all Beard was the second bishop elected by the persons entrusted to their oversight in worship, in delegates, an equal number of United Method- the celebration of the sacraments, and in their mis- ist clergy and laity, from the nine states that form sion of witness and service in the world.” Bishops Photos courtesy of the North Central Jurisdiction the North Central Jurisdiction. The assignments of The Rev. Frank Beard, Indiana Conference, is introduced as a newly elected bishop of the also are to be “prophetic voices and courageous bishops for the next four years will be announced leaders in the cause of justice for all people.” North Central Jurisdiction July 13, 2016 on the sixth ballot. later in the week. His four-year term of service begins Sept. 1. The states represented in this jurisdiction are: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Beard has served Castleton United Methodist since Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. 2012. He was previously superintendent of the Kokomo District 2004-2012. He has been vice chair Butler is a multimedia producer/editor for United Methodist Communications.

8 The Current AUGUST 2016 >> EPISCOPAL ELECTIONS <<

North Central Jurisdiction elects David Bard as bishop BY CHRISTA MELAND tional bishop. JULY 13, 2016 | PEORIA, ILL. (UMNS) The North Central bishops received their assign- The third time was the charm for the Rev. David ments at the end of the consecration service on Bard. He was an episcopal nominee in both 2004 July 16. Bard will serve the Michigan Area starting and 2008, but this year the North Central Jurisdic- Sept. 1. tion elected him as a bishop for The United Meth- odist Church. He was also the third bishop elected The Minnesota Conference delegation rallied by the jurisdiction on July 13. behind Bard, working to spread the word about his gifts and skills, and his election was as much their Bard was elected during the 10th round of voting victory as it was his.

with 117 votes; 108 were needed for election. He’s EPISCOPAL ELECTIONS the first bishop to be elected from Minnesota in “The delegation worked so hard, and David is more than four decades. the absolute best candidate — he’s an extremely fair person, a great listener and can bring people Addressing delegates from the podium immedi- together,” said Faye Christensen. “I’m just absolutely ately after his election, Bard gave thanks to God, delighted and so overwhelmed with joy.” whose love in Jesus Christ he said touched a 13-year-old in a United Methodist church in Du- Her comments were echoed by other members of luth, Minnesota — the same place he now serves. the delegation, all of whom cited Bard’s ability to listen and to unite. “I pledge with God’s grace and the help of God’s spirit and all of your help to work to make The “David is a well-balanced leader — theologically, United Methodist Church the best it can be, for us emotionally, biblically and culturally,” said the Rev. to be a church that indeed offers hope and healing Woojae Im. “He will be an exceptional leader for in a broken and battered world,” he said. our jurisdiction. At this time, we need a leader who can be inclusive and who can have rich dialogue Bard, who has been serving First United Methodist with people from all spectrums. He is best suited Church in Duluth since 2005, has been in ministry for that.” for more than 30 years and served in many roles Photos courtesy of the North Central Jurisdiction within both the Minnesota Conference and the The Rev. Judy Zabel said Bard brings “a steady, The Rev. David Bard, Minnesota, is introduced as a newly elected bishop of the North General Church. He was a General and Jurisdic- calm leadership style” and is a “non-anxious pres- Central Jurisdiction. Bard was elected on the 10th ballot on July 13, 2016. tional Conference delegate in 2000, 2004, 2008 and ence that will help the church move forward with Faith and Order and the North Central Jurisdiction 2012. confidence and strength.” Committee on Episcopacy. He has also previously Within the Minnesota Conference, Bard is chair of “I celebrate all those called and elected to the served on the United Methodist Board of Higher the Episcopacy Committee and the Higher Educa- episcopacy across the connection,” said Dakotas- Education and Ministry, the Commission on Gen- tion Ministry Team, and he serves on the Board Minnesota Area Bishop Bruce R. Ough. “I especially eral Conference, and the Commission on Theologi- of Ordained Ministry and the Congregational Re- celebrate the election of the Rev. Dr. David Bard cal Education. from the Minnesota Conference. David will serve sponse Team. He’s also the conference parliamen- “Leadership matters,” said Bard when previously the episcopacy with great humility and integrity.” tarian. He was a district superintendent from 1998 to 2005 and spent three years on the Commission asked what type of episcopal leader he would be. Delegates had earlier elected the Revs. Tracy Smith on Religion and Race. “I’d be very committed as a bishop to try to find Malone of the Northern Illinois Conference and good leaders for every congregation. I would also Within the General Church, Bard serves on the Frank Beard of the Indiana Conference on the sixth really like to help a conference identify what it’s ballot. Delegates must still must elect one addi- Study on Ministry Commission, the Committee on DAVID BARD CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 Frank Beard elected bishop by North Central Jurisdiction Laurie Haller elected bishop BY KAY DEMOSS proud of the way she and all the delegates have handled this JULY 14, 2016 | PEORIA, ILL. (UMNS) is such an example for us.” Wayne Bank, lay delegate from The Rev. Laurie Haller of the West Michigan Confer- Detroit added, “I was with Laurie on a 900 mile bike trip for ence was elected by the North Central Jurisdictional Con- Imagine No Malaria and every person she met, she wanted ference on July 14. to listen and hear their story, share Jesus love and build Haller currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Birming- community.” ham 1st United Methodist Church, Detroit Conference. She “I think Laurie brings an amazing depth of spiritual- was elected on the 13th ballot with 132 votes. She begins ity,” said Alex Plum, another of Detroit’s lay delegates. “It is serving as Bishop of the Iowa Area starting Sept. 1. not enough for us to rely on politics or look at the divisions, “I am the first bishop ever to be elected with a visible if we are going to have true unity that only comes in Jesus black eye,” she said addressing the body after election. “I Christ. Laurie’s commitment to Christ is the promise she got it from a stray piece of airplane luggage and decided brings to this church.” not to cover it up. It reminds me that I offer myself in utter The new bishop is the latest in a series of women elect- transparency, honesty and vulnerability.” She continued, “It ed from the West Michigan Conference, beginning with the reminds me of all who live under oppression and those with historic consecration of Bishop Marjorie Matthews in 1980. wounds so deep that no one knows they exist.” Matthews was the first woman to enter the episcopacy of Balloting that could have stretched through the day The United Methodist Church. Bishop Sharon Zimmerman suddenly came to a close at noon on Thursday after a series Rader was then elected in 1992 while serving as Superinten- of gracious concessions. First to step aside, before the ini- dent of the Grand Rapids District. In addition, Bishop Linda tial ballot of the morning, was the Rev. Kennetha Bigham Lee, of the Detroit Conference, was elected bishop in 2000 Tsai, also of West Michigan. Quoting Native American Ray with endorsement by the West Michigan Conference. Buckley, she said, “Let us call ourselves the nothing in be- Haller was carried by the endorsement of the combined tween people. That is my hope for the UMC.” Two nominees Michigan Area Delegation to General and Jurisdictional from Iowa–the Rev. Dr. Lillian Gallo Seagren and Rev. Dr. Conference. She, along with the Rev. Kennetha Bigham- Barrie Tritle—soon followed. Then came the Rev. Dr. Gary Tsai, received a vote of acclamation at the 2016 West Michi- George (East Ohio) still strong in vote-getting, who stepped gan Annual Conference. aside saying, “I leave you with three things. Hold on to Jesus Haller’s election completes the process in Peoria that brought four new bishops into The United Methodist The Rev. Laurie Haller, West Michigan Conference, is introduced as a newly Christ. Hold on to one another. Reach out for the sake of the Church. Others elected by NCJ delegates on July 13 were elected bishop of the North Central Jurisdiction. Haller was elected on the gospel and transform the world.” Haller’s election followed. the Rev. Dr. Tracy Smith Malone (NIL), the Rev. Dr. Frank 13th ballot on July 14, 2016. Nichea Ver Veer Guy, chair of the West Michigan Del- egation said, “I am excited that everyone else now gets to Beard (IN), and the Rev. Dr. David Bard (MN). discover the Laurie Haller we all know and love. I am just so LAURIE HALLER CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

The Current AUGUST 2016 9 >> EPISCOPAL ELECTIONS << DAVID BARD CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 doing well and build on that — and from there look at places where they’d like to grow The North Central Jurisdictional Conference elected four bishops this year to fill the vacancies left by retirements. Those elected and pictured from the left, are in new areas. I think it’s important to ask Frank J. Beard of Indiana, Laurie Haller of West Michigan, Tracy Smith Malone of Northern Illinois and David Bard from Minnesota. churches to look at who they are and their community, and identify one or two things they could do differently that would make an impact.” Bard, who headed the 2016 General and Jurisdictional Conference delegation from Minnesota, said he has a good combination of relational, strategic and visionary skills. His leadership at the local church level has resulted in growth for his congregation: First United Methodist Church has increased its membership by more than 10 percent over the past five years. During that period, the church started several outreach ministries, including a school mentoring program that a nearby community later used as a model for a similar program. “I want to meet people where they are,” said Bard. “To hear where people are and to begin there matters.” Bard acknowledged that this is both an exciting and challenging time to be in ministry within The United Methodist Church, and he welcomes the opportunity to help the

EPISCOPAL ELECTIONS EPISCOPAL church navigate the changes ahead. That includes finding a way forward around the Photo by NCJ Communicators issue of human sexuality. “I am strongly committed to trying to help 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 the church work through this together,” Bard Total Ballots Cast 184 184 182 184 184 184 183 184 184 184 179 179 176 said last fall. He was part of a conference Valid Ballots 176 181 177 180 175 180 178 179 183 180 179 179 176 team that developed a marriage study guide for all Minnesota churches. “At a time when Ballots Needed to Elect 106 109 106 108 105 108 107 108 110 108 108 108 106 our country is so fractured, if we are a model of working amid differences, the church Tracy Smith Malone 76 95 95 100 102 120E can be a strong witness to the power of the gospel. The Methodist stream of the Chris- Frank Beard 77 87 86 92 95 109E tian tradition, the Wesleyan stream, has a lot David Bard 55 66 73 84 84 85 80 92 107 117E to offer.” Laurie Haller 58 74 84 87 88 81 73 85 91 89 94 102 132E Three candidates withdrew their names from consideration as the day progressed: Gary George 67 71 76 78 78 80 68 72 73 69 71 75 the Revs. David Meredith, Christopher Ritter Lilian Gallo Seagren 29 42 52 55 55 51 27 22 27 30 W and Charles Boayue. Meredith, an openly gay Sylvester Weatherall 67 68 62 65 61 57 35 34 31 23 W candidate from the West Ohio Conference, delivered a heartfelt “thank you” when he Kennetha Bigham-Tsai 72 82 84 83 79 79 50 39 27 21 W publicly withdrew after the fourth ballot. Barrie Tritle 15 14 15 13 12 23 W Bard has a wife, Julie, and three adult chil- Chris Ritter 37 27 15 19 17 16 W dren. In his free time, he enjoys music, reading, baseball and walking outside. David Meredith 40 30 26 16 W Meland is director of communications for the Charles Boayue, Jr. 18 18 14 W Minnesota Conference of The United Methodist Jerome Devine 26 16 Church. Cindy Reynolds 20 LAURIE HALLER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 E – Elected The four were consecrated at Peoria First W – Withdrew UMC in a worship service July 16. The North Central Jurisdiction’s Committee on the Epis- copacy met to determine the assignment of all nine NCJ bishops for the coming four years. The newly-elected leaders will begin ministry in their Area on September 1. Pastoring in Michigan since 1982, prior to going to Birmingham 1st she served six years as a Superintendent of the Grand Rapids District and was co-pastor with her husband, Gary, of Grand Rapids 1st UMC for 13 years. Rev. Haller served as a director of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry from 2000-2008 and is currently a Trustee at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. Rev. Haller is married to Gary Haller, an elder in the West Michigan Conference. They have three young adult children and two grandchildren. Rev. Haller is an avid long distance runner, cyclist, triathlete, golfer and hiker. She also loves classical music, reading, traveling and prayer walking. Kay DeMoss is the Senior Editor-Writer for the Michigan Area

10 The Current AUGUST 2016 NCJ 2016 ROUNDUP - - 11 AUGUST 2016 AUGUST << ROUNDUP >> NCJ 2016 The Current The director of connectional director ministriesThe in each confer ence will work in an advisory will work help determine ence to role idea is to The the $500,000 will be administered. how finan- jurisdictional the overall into funding integrate cial support project. of a proposed was it before In the new budget process explaining Giesen said this allows Van Rick Treasurer approved, ministries right the jurisdiction innovative begin to the next until than waiting Jurisdictional rather away funding approval. and receive request to Conference “What be idea could if starting a great funding for he asked. not years?” in weeks, delivered sup budget also includes $200,000 to approved The port in hosting the 2020 the Dakotas-Minnesota Area 5-15 of that May take place set to General Conference, in Minneapolis. year - Approval of budget Approval a four-year approved little discussion, delegates After new budget the With $1,124,300. budget totaling a portion administering for of its a new process comes funds. 13 non-disciplinary- to assigned No funds were re had previously ministries that program required Between and 2017 budget. of the total a share ceived Mission will implement Council 2020, the jurisdiction’s of these and other ministries. restart” “zero-based a emerging and innovative “exciting Start-up funds for will be a jurisdiction-wide impact” have ministries that - consid applications of grant on the basis distributed of $500,000 was A total the Mission by Council. ered these grants. budget for set aside in the quadrennial - a begin an application, Each funded project will have and an evaluation. an end, ning, es, engaging in small group studies focused on unity studies focused in small group engaging es, to social circles our own and expanding races, across ethnic diversity. and include racial resolution Human sexuality - of a resolu an amended version body approved The a spirit of of unity while the Council calls for tion that issues of human sexuality within the Bishops explores for the resolution calls the Specifically, denomination. North Jurisdiction of Bishops and the College Central respectfully and all clergy treat of Bishops to Council on human sexuality. of their views fairly regardless explore on the bishops to also calls resolution The in grace live help members of the church options to further avoid to ways with one another—including upholding The and harm—while trials, complaints, by introduced was resolution The Book of Discipline. and written Ohio Conference West MootsPhil of the and laity, both clergy with delegates, in collaboration began that the jurisdictionacross after conversations Conference. General at - -

tion College of Bishops calendar request to set aside to of Bishops calendar request tion College this time. “The be an instrument is to business of the church who leads the Trimble, Bishop Julius grace,” of God’s (He made the delegates. reminded Conference, Iowa of Bishops.) on behalf of the College calendar request - conversa make time for is a need to there believe “We and commitments.” prayer for tion and listening, Bishop Sally Dyck, bishop of the Northern resident asked all attendees—delegates, Illinois Conference, of three in groups gather and visitors—to bishops, She then led them with others they do not know. a series to respond and asked them to in prayer of hurt words What questions in their small groups: as you’ve with you stayed or healing or hope have and other racism, others talk about race, to listened thinking has your about How incidents? racialized question about race What time? changed over race been reluctant you perspectives have or race relations or ethnic, racial, own ask outside of your to or afraid group? cultural their discussions and some of then shared Attendees Commitments group. with the larger commitments have that honor the lives to included holding vigils talkingbeen lost, - privilege within church white about The day’s business session began with 90 minutes of business session began with 90 minutes day’s The vio recent to in response and deep listening prayer Deep listening, prayer around around prayer Deep listening, and race violence on Delegates in our country. tensions and racial lence a special North Jurisdic Central approved Wednesday BY CHRISTA MELAND BY CHRISTA of their last full day spent PEORIA – NCJ Delegates and listening, and praying Jurisdictional Conference, human sexuality to related a resolution they approved the for as a budget and a new budget process as well years. next four approve budget and resolution budget approve Delegates listen, pray, pray, listen, Delegates >> NCJ 2016 OUR NEW BISHOP << NCJ 2016 OUR NEW BISHOP BISHOP Frank Beard ishop Frank Beard served has served in positions with the as the senior pastor of General Commission on General Castleton United Method- Conference, including 2020 Site Bist Church prior to being Selection Chair; General Board of elected to the Episcopacy. He has Higher Education and Ministry been elected five times to serve and the General Board of Disciple- as a delegate to General Confer- ship, as well as serving as a mem- ence, and six times to represent ber of the National Black Method- the conference at Jurisdictional ist for Church Renewal and the Conference. He served as the General Board of Discipleship. chairperson of the Indiana delega- Ordained a deacon in 1982 and tion this year. an Elder in 1985, Bishop Beard has Delegation member and World served in many different ministry Methodist Evangelism Institute settings ranging from small to Executive Director the Rev. Dr. large churches, as well as having Kim Reisman said, “I’ve worked served as district superintendent with Frank in a variety of contexts – local church, of the former Kokomo and North Central Districts Annual Conference, General Church. In all of for eight years prior to his appointment to Castle- these environments, he brings an important blend ton UMC in July 2012. of firm conviction and pastoral grace. I believe Bishop Beard has a strong sense of community that’s a crucial combination for leadership in our and has extensive volunteer experience through d ay.” the National Association for the Advancement of “Frank Beard brings a great deal of experience Colored People (NAACP), Youth for Christ, the to the table as a leader of the local church, the Urban League, K-21 Foundation of Kosciusko Indiana Conference, and the General Conference. County, Greater Warsaw Ministerial Association He is a godly leader filled with love and compas- and more. He has also served as an adjunct profession for people. His leadership inspires me to be sor at Grace College, Winona Lake, Ind., teaching a better pastor and leader,” said the Rev. Tony at two of their correctional system sites. Alstott, pastor of Wesley Chapel United Methodist “Dr. Frank Beard has been prepared by God to Church and delegation member. help lead the church in the 21st Century. His pas- Bishop Beard has served in a variety of leader- sion, genuine love of God, and commitment to the ship roles at every level of the Church. Within the church is evident to all who look with a discerning conference, he has been a district superintendent, heart,” said the Rev. Dr. Reginald Lee, pastor of and has been actively involved as a member or for- Wesley United Methodist Church, Indianapolis. mer member of the Board of Ordained Ministry, Bishop Beard is married to Melissa Kay Riffell, the Episcopacy Committee, the Church Develop- and they have two daughters: Eleanor Lee and Em- ment Committee, the Black Methodist for Church ily Beard. They have two grandchildren: Maya and Renewal (BMCR), and the Large Church Initiative, Elijah Lee. He is an avid outdoorsman, fisherman, just to name a few. and lover of sports. Other hobbies include cook- At the General Church level, Bishop Beard ing, antiquing and garage sales.

12 The Current AUGUST 2016 >> NCJ 2016 OUR NEW BISHOP <<

Meet Bishop Frank Beard Preaching He is in frequent demand as a revival preacher, retreat director, keynote speaker and as a work- shop leader. He has led preaching crusades in Nigeria, Jamaica and the United States. NCJ 2016 OUR NEW BISHOP Appointments to Local Churches • Castleton United Methodist Church, India- napolis, Ind., 2012 – 2016 • Kokomo District Superintendent, 2004 – 2012 • Warsaw Walnut Creek UMC, Warsaw, Ind., 1997 – 2004 • Elkhart Faith UMC, Associate, Elkhart, Ind., 1993 – 1997 • Kokomo Beamer UMC, Kokomo, Ind., 1986 – 1993 • Anderson New Hope UMC, Anderson, Ind., 1982 – 1986 • Clark Chapel UMC , Winchester, Ky., and Wiley Chapel UMC, North Middletown, Ky., 1980 – 1982 Leadership in the Indiana Conference • Episcopacy Committee, 1996 – 2016 • Campaign Committee, 2015 – 2016 • Large Church Initiative, 2012 – 2016 • Black United Methodist Pastors (BUMP), 2000 – 2016 • District Superintendent, 2004-2012 • Cabinet Chairperson, 2008 • Board of Ordained Ministry • Imagine Indiana Design Team • Strategy Council • Sessions Committee • Board of Discipleship • Dean’s Task Force (Camping) • Evangelism Committee • Nominations Committee • Ethnic Local Church Concerns • Religion and Race • Black Methodists for Church Renewal • Church Development • Indiana UM Fed. Credit Union Board • Next Step Ministries Board Leadership in the North Central Jurisdiction • North Central Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee, 2004 – 2016 • NCJ – Election Committee, 2008 – 2016 • NCJ – Committee on Investigation, 2008 – 2016 • NCJ Delegate, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 • NCJ member of Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR) General Church service General Commission on General Conference, 2004-2016 • Vice Chair of the Commission • 2016 Response Team • 2020 Site Selection Chair • Site Selection Committee • Programming Committee Chair • 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 General Del- egate (First-elected Clergy since 2004) Installation service • Legislative Committee Chair • Legislative Committee Vice-Chair set for Sept. 11 at National Black Methodists Springfield First UMC of Church Renewal (BMCR) Racial Ethnic/Cross-Cultural Pastors SPRINGFIELD – The Installation Service for new of Large Churches (GBHEM) | 2008-Present Bishop Frank Beard will be held on Sunday, Sept. 11 General Board of Discipleship | 2004-2012 at 3:00 in the afternoon at Springfield First UMC.

The Current AUGUST 2016 13 >> PICTORIAL REVIEW << PICTORIAL REVIEW

14 The Current AUGUST 2016 ANNOUNCEMENTSJURISDICTIONAL & EVENTS NEWS - - 15 Photo by NCJ Commuicators Photo by AUGUST 2016 AUGUST The Current JURISDICTIONAL NEWS << >> JURISDICTIONAL 2016-17 appointment list, clergy direc tory downloadable directory been updated list and clergy appointment have The be to available now and are year the 2016-17 conference for downloaded. http://files.ctctcdn.com/72d8f968001/6573e45e-5e20- Visit 480f-a7b7-cfc75b37e1ee.pdf list. the 2016-17 appointment for http://files.ctctcdn.com/72d8f968001/14b76fb7-a73c- Visit directory. the 2016-17 clergy 42ba-b1e5-4f0b0c78c517.pdf for since office the Conference to Both lists include corrections given entirely stays no list ever While Conference. the end of Annual of publication. it is the best listing as of the date correct, they can be in PDF so that but are sizeable Both are documents and phones. tablets used on computers, bursements for an employee's family members), but indexed for for but indexed family members), an employee's for bursements years. in future inflation capped at $5,130 ($10,260 for arrangements providing for reim for providing arrangements $5,130 ($10,260 for capped at >> ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS << - - Dr. Maggie Jackson, chair of the North Jurisdictional Central on the Episcopacy Committee Dr. reports the assign- during the NCJ the 2016-2020 quadrennium ment of bishops for Service First Consecration Peoria July 16 at UMC. – Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton; Peninsula-Delaware – Bishop Peggy A. Johnson; – Bishop Peggy Bickerton; J. Peninsula-Delaware Thomas – Bishop Webb; – Bishop Mark J. York Upper New Park; J. Susquehanna – Bishop Jeremiah – Pennsylvania Western Ball; L. Steiner – Bishop Sandra Conference Virginia West Moore-Koikoi Bishop Cynthia – JurisdictionTexas – ArkansasSouth – Bishop Gary Central Mueller; E. Central – Bishop Louisiana Michael Lowry;Bishop J. – Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr.; Plains Great – Bishop Texas North Farr; “Bob” Harvey; Fierro Missouri – Bishop RobertCynthia – Bishop Earl Mexico Bledsoe; Oklahoma/ Texas/New Michael McKee; Northwest – Bishop Oklahoma Indian MissionaryTexas Bishop James G (Jimmy) – Nunn; Rio Jones J. – Bishop Scott Texas Robert C. Schnase; Northwest – Bishop Jurisdiction – Alaska, and Pacific Oregon-Idaho Western Elaine Stanovsky; – Bishop Minerva California-Pacific California-Nevada Carcaño; Desert Hagiya; – Bishop Robert– Bishop Grant Southwest Rocky Hoshibata; – Bishop Karen Oliveto Yellowstone Mountain and lars through a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) and (HRA) a Health Reimbursement Arrangement lars through a health plan purchase use those HRA funds to could employees in the individual market. be such HRA may arrangements offer that employers Currently, also be would employees tax. Under the bill, subject an excise to medical out-of-pocket for pay use the HRA costs funds to able to be initially would and services. Reimbursement payments care ment, snacks and Saturday lunch. Groups are responsible for for responsible are lunch. Groups snacks and Saturday ment, housing. their own email visit www.ignitionconference.org, information, more For , or call 618-667-6241 [email protected] 14. House passes health insurance allow ance legislation passed a bill which would House of Representatives U.S. The least partpermit paid to at Allowance" of the "Health Insurance on if and yet is no word There be on a pre-tax to pastors basis. Obama will will take it up or whether President when the Senate it. sign On June 21, the House passed H.R. 5447, the Small Business with fewer small businesses Under the bill, Relief bill. Health Care pre-tax employees dol give be able to would than 50 employees - - - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 PAGE FROM CONTINUED

tries, Youth Ministries, Music, Tech, Hospitality, Small Groups, Small Groups, Hospitality, Tech, Ministries, Music, Youth tries, Missions. The UMC. Troy Oct. Middle 28-29 – Ignition School Conference, 4 p.m. at and concludes Friday 7 p.m. at will begin conference Saturday. will be in North (pastor Jamie Hudgins Conference) Georgia and Harvest Band Price Tim speaking this discipleship event, at and the special guest is Juggling Jeff. will be leading worship entertain recreation, includes programming, fee registration The to register. to ets-24934986215 author of Clip In: Risking Hospitality Speaker:Keynote Jim Ozier, in can work that will discuss practical approaches Church, in Your church. any sessions about his book,Roger Ross will lead breakout Meet the the non-churched leaders reach help church to Goodpeople, a lead people into their faith to share to and equip congregants Jesus and his Church. with relationship transforming Other that on a mindset change and what focus sessions will Minis including: Children's of ministry, looks like in each area ANNOUNCEMENTS First UMC. Springfield Conference, Oct. 20-21 – ReVision Visit 4 p.m. 9 a.m. to and Friday, 8:30 p.m. 7 to from Thursday https://www.eventbrite.com/e/revision-conference-tick

Episcopal assignments Episcopal Florida Graves; – Bishop David Florida Southeastern Jurisdiction – Alabama-West Kentucky and Red Taylor; – Bishop Ken Carter;Virginia – Bishop Mary Holston Mississippi Missionary – Bishop James Swanson; Bird Fairley; – Bishop Leonard McAlilly;William North and Memphis – Bishop Debra Alabama – Bishop Tennessee North – Georgia Ward; North – Bishop Hope Morgan Carolina Wallace-Padgett; South Holston; – Bishop Jonathan SouthBishop Sue Haupert-Johnson; Carolina Leeland; North – Bishop Paul Carolina Western Bryan; – Bishop Lawson Georgia – Bishop Sharma Lewis. Conference Virginia Jurisdiction – Dakotas/MinnesotaNorth Ough; East Ohio – Bishop Bruce Central Indiana Beard; J. Smith Malone; Rivers – Bishop Frank Illinois Great Tracy – Bishop – Bishop Laurie Haller; Iowa Michigan Alan – Bishop David Trimble; – Bishop Julius Palmer; V. Ohio – Bishop Gregory Northern Bard; West Illinois – Bishop Sally Dyck; – Bishop Hee Soo Jung. Wisconsin DC – Bishop LaTrelle Northeastern Jurisdiction – Baltimore-Washington, New Jersey A. Johnson; Greater – Bishop Peggy Pennsylvania Eastern Easterling; York – Bishop John R. Schol; New England – Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar; New

15 new bishops to take office Sept. 1 office Sept. take to bishops new 15 elected 15 new U.S. jurisdictionalconferences the five to and alternates Delegates in balloting conducted July 13- women African-American including four bishops, 16. In the Southeastern Jurisdiction, made history Methodist delegates United July 13 Lewis Sharma woman bishop. African-American first electingby the jurisdiction’s David by followed elected, bishops the first of five was (North Conference) Georgia Bryan (North R. Lawson (Alabama-West Carolina), Fairley Leonard (Holston), Graves elected in a single were bishops five All (Florida). Haupert-Johnson and Sue Florida) of voting. day Smith Malone (NorthernTracy elected – bishops were In four the North Central, both elected on the sixth (Indiana) Beard ballot; David were J. Illinois)and Frank (Minnesota)Bard on the 10th ballot and Laurie Haller (West Michigan) 13th on the the first gathering for this year’s hosted Conference Rivers IllinoisThe Great ballot. Center. Civic the Peoria at time in 48 years elected was as a bishop Moore-Koikoi (Baltimore-Washington) Cynthia Rev. The on the 11th ballot of the 2016 Northeastern Methodist Church United The in elected was Easterling bishop on the LaTrelle Rev. The Jurisdictional Conference. bishops. women African-American of the four two providing 17th ballot, new bishops – Rev. elected three Jurisdictional South Conference Central The and the Texas) Nunn (Northwest “Jimmy” James Rev. Texas); (Rio Ruben Saenz, Jr. election came on a jurisdictional record (Missouri). Farr’s Robert Farr "Bob" Rev. if elected, of Oklahoma,Wilson who, David Rev. getting the nod over 35th ballot, American bishop elected. the first Native become have would of senior pastor Karen Oliveto, lone election the Rev. was Jurisdiction’s Western The story Memorial Glide on page 13). (see related UMC San Francisco’s >> JURISDICTIONALNEWS<< JURISDICTIONAL NEWS standing ovation. Oliveto was with blessed aresounding Westernthe Jurisdiction, Karen Phyllis packed church as newest the bishop of – The first time she a and faced stood Judicial Council. former president of denomination’s the professorTheology of church history and William Lawrence, aPerkins of School tensions within council, the said Rev. the the church.the Conference is top the lawmaking of body currently covered inchurch law. General ofaddress human aspects all sexuality appoint commission aspecial that would to support of Council the Bishops' plan to Conference General the 2016’s decision is one.’ the ” leader. body spoke The saidand ‘Yes,this a question of spiritual was best who the question orientation, of (sexual) it was person. It was best this the was not a implications,political but inour mind bywas led Holy the Spirit. camp as counselors 17years ago. tionship met at since they ajunior-high two years, and have they inarela been tomarried Robin Ridenour for more than homosexuals. Oliveto legally has been forbids ordaining practicing, self-avowed as bishop means, since denomination the swered questions about what her election Episcopal Area Bishop Grant Hagiya an ence where she and Greater Northwest firmationfrom acrossthe denomination. a bishop, she is not receiving same the af (We Are the Body of Christ). sional hymn, Somos el Cuerpo de Christo, cheered and danced with her to reces the with family, and friends supporters who Unitedley Methodist Church were filled Western Jurisdiction consecrated in lesbian Married church would find Bishop Oliveto’s pres and own their leadership ecclesial inthe a position where own their theology voice and vote,themselves find who in ofcil Bishops, active bishops have who Tensions among bishops purpose. not does election negate commission’s the Bishops, agreed with Hagiya that Oliveto’s president Ough, Bruce of of Council the tion's supreme court. The Councilthe denominais Judicial regarding gay and lesbian church leaders. for Council dicial adeclaratory decision voted 109-84late on July 15to ask Ju the ofbers Jurisdiction South the Central 16 BY KATHY L.GILBERT On July at pews 16,the Paradise Val SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (UMNS) “There will be membersCoun thewill of “There Oliveto’s might election intensify On the heelsOn the of her mem election, He not will election derail this added “We understand there may some be Hagiya said of election the Oliveto Her day with started apress confer As first the out lesbian be elected to In aJuly 16phone interview, Bishop The Current AUGUST 2016 ------disappointed that Western the Jurisdic North Conference, Georgia said he is UnitedLanier Methodist Church inthe the global UMC global the community that are they of Discipline of UMC the are saying to of Discipline, he said. supported by United the Methodist Book loyal to Jesus Christ,” he said. obedient to teaching the of Scripture and moved.be We continue will to remain Word Jeremiah of God) 6:16.We not shall on ancient the path holy, (the undiluted to continueas we God trust tous lead United inLiberia. Methodist seminary dean of Gbarnga of School Theology, a decision,this said Rev. the Kulah, Jerry have will Africa seriousproblems with inson. ofelection Episcopal Bishop Rob Gene similar to what happened following the as annot to used excuse force be schism more urgent level,” he said. logue within church the to and ahigher Church! It is bound to propel dia the BTQ inclusion inThe United Methodist ens LGBTQ the rights movement. for LGBTQ the community and strength said Oliveto's the news is election good at same-gender the wedding of his son, went through achurch for trial officiating California-Pacificin the Conference who commission. represented work inthe of bishops’ the means voice the of gay be people will lifted up been as a bishop the of church.” population that one of number their has tion),” she said. “It means alot to that transgender and queer. LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, ity of members are LGBTQ individuals. United Methodist Church where amajor seniorthe pastor of Atlanta’s Saint Mark Southeastern Jurisdiction delegate, is ConferenceGeneral delegate. superintendenttired district and veteran are heard or not,” said Tomlinson, are without voices really caring all whether commission would do. tion didnot wait what to see bishops’ the Reactions across theconnection now than it was yesterday,” Lawrence said. table but it Ithink is more likely denomination has faced. created asituation any unlike the “has changed dynamic” the and ence intolerable,” Lawrence said. TheRev. Ed Tomlinson,pastor of “Those violating the “Those Bible Book and The Bible the is authority,primary “We are inprayers here inAfrica Many of United the Methodists in He he will election hoped added this “It's shift aseismic towards LG TheRev. Schaefer,Frank a clergyman Oliveto’s she election, said, also “We’re ecstatic (about Oliveto’s elec TheRev. LaRocca-Pitts, a Beth “It to rushed judgment they seems “I don’t schism is inevi think To Lawrence, Oliveto’s election ------those who want who those to defend current church sponses. nextin the few days to agree upon re ists within church the conferring be will at Paradise Valley UMCinScottsdale, Ariz. Photo from the Western Jurisdiction’s Oliveto ofUnited MethodistBishopKaren 16 July Consecration Service election thatelection evangelicals and traditional News said instatementsGood afterthe do. are said they clergy considering what to church position against ordaining gay loyalty somewhere else,” Kulah said. exit their taking and transferring their jurisdictional conferencesjurisdictional thisweek. Oliveto was U.S. oneof15clergy asUnitedbishops during Methodist elected Chicago. when theCouncil ofBishopsexecutive committee meetsJuly19-20in saidOliveto’sOugh would likelybeamaintopic election ofconversation we currently have over matters ofhumansexuality.” ofthechurch. other parts an reflects expressionThe ofthedivision election ofthechurch,”in many parts hesaid. “And there willbegreat celebration in runthere willbesignificant andnegative anxiety “I thinkintheshort reaction a flexible pattern for unity.” in thesecircumstances ifthechurch hasany hopeoffindinga way to develop bishops, itseemsto me, willhave“The to finda kind ofunity way to modela Judicial Council. professor andformer ofchurchpresident history ofthedenomination’s bishop,”elected saidtheRev. William Lawrence, of aPerkins School Theology or appointed and, suddenly, inchurch thepersondescribed law exactly is church law specificallysays apersoninthissituation shallnotbeordained are noprecise precedents“There for ofthingwhere thedrama ofthiskind is unclear. Central appealto theJudicialCouncil Jurisdiction for judgment, adeclaratory What willhappenwithany suchastheSouth challengeto theelection, to herelection. treatment withintheCouncil ofBishops, basedonsomemembers’ opposition saidhedidnotforeseeOugh Oliveto BishopKaren newlyelected gettingill whenwe’reGod inthemidstofsuchgreat andfear.” anxiety for any organization to betrulyopento andto thespirit theimagination of “I justthinkwe have to bevery, opento innovation,” very hesaid. “It’s difficult property, said, Ough “not necessarily.” Asked ifthat meant anexit strategy for churches that wishto leave withtheir that we’ve seeninfellow mainlinedenominations.” “move that someoftheintense inadirection doesnotreflect divisiveness ofthecouncil andthedenomination asawhole tocommitment onthepart Council ofBishopsPresident Bruce saidhebelieves Ough there’s astrong the church’s law bookdealingwithhumansexuality. 2016 callingfor thecouncil to appoint of acommission to review allportions will discuss “A Way Forward,” aproposal adopted by theGeneralConference The United Council Methodist ofBishopswillmeetJuly19-20inChicagoand declaratory judgment for court South Central appeals tochurch The ConfessingThe Movement invited Both the Confessing the Both Movement and Groups that support current the Photo by Patrick Scriven, Pacific NorthwestConferenceUMC - - following lawbook. the intothem who conflictwiththose are not “follow Discipline” the evenifthat brings bishopsthe and leadersof church the to sion and meantime inthe upon calls work the ports of bishops’ the commis Church,”odist group the said. who arewho evangelicals inThe United Meth for will other those than God's to seek form Wesleyan the Covenant Association. to inChicago meet 7to on Oct. doctrine The statementsaidgroupthe sup “There is no “There agenda forthis meeting WESTERN CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 - - - - JURISDICTIONAL NEWS - - 17 CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 PAGE ON CONTINUED SEJ AUGUST 2016 AUGUST Photos by NCJ Communicators Photos by Acknowledging the pain her election her the pain Acknowledging carrying pain they are great know “I unity of The United Methodist Church. May unity Methodist Church. United of The maintain unity seek to God guide us as we in the bond of peace. R. Ough, President Bishop Bruce of Bishops Council July 15, 2016 ert, director of communications, Great Great communications, of ert, director at Gilbert Contact Conference. Plains [email protected]. (615) 742-5470 or will cause for many in the church, Oliveto Oliveto in the church, many will for cause to bear could witness she hoped she said their pain. I can … I hope questions. of a lot and their to bear witness their tears, catch in Christ as then walkpain, their sister as both seek bewe neither to a place led to go.” to intended us of one for reporter news is a multimedia Gilbert Service. News UMNS Methodist United Hahn Heather and Hodges Sam reporters Seif Todd as did story, this to contributed The Current - JURISDICTIONAL NEWS << >> JURISDICTIONAL The Book of Discipline, the denomination’s govern denomination’s the The of Discipline, Book been working have groups Methodist United Various ops),” McAllily told United Methodist News Service. “We Service. News “We Methodist United told McAllily ops),” jurisdic before the church to speak to a word also wanted actually began.” conferences tional worth, sacred of all are people that states document, ing homosexuality the of practice considers the church but bans church The Christian teaching.” with “incompatible bans and weddings same-gender at officiating from pastors That clergy. gay practicing” “self-avowed of the ordination bishops. to clergy applies ban decades success. no with for those prohibitions change to - - - - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 PAGE FROM CONTINUED She said this was a moment to show show to a moment this was said She The Rev. Dottie Escobedo-Frank, Dottie Rev. The LG my to say to like I would “And Our differences are real and cannot be real and are Our differences also reconcilable. but they are glossed over, especially God is with us, confident are We is a in uncharted There times and places. constant your invite We with hope. future for the witness and prayers and ardent A peaceful demonstration for full inclusion during the 2016 North Jurisdictional for in Central A peaceful demonstration Conference July 13-16. Peoria WESTERN in this as that sisters, and brothers BTQ an in being included are you moment like it’s what forget do not way, extreme agree those to who do not beto excluded a make Because don’t if we you. with the of be to loving the world to witness in the Christ, body then why whole of here?” we are heck the denomination the world of the rest theology. because of split to have does not (AT LEFT) about sexuality Bishop Bruce Ough a statement reads (AT of Bishops Council the denomination’s from and the church Ore. Portland, in Conference the 2016 General 18 at May Jeffrey Paul UMNS Photo by who was a strong bishop candidate in candidate bishop who a strong was her during said Jurisdiction, the Western the election of speech that withdrawal plan.” not could we miracle “a was Oliveto - - - - The college, which includes active and retired bishops, bishops, retired and active includes which college, The “We wanted to assure the Southeastern Jurisdiction Jurisdiction the Southeastern assure to wanted “We Nashville (Tennessee) Area Bishop William T. McAl T. William Bishop Area (Tennessee) Nashville released the letter the evening of July 12, the eve before 12, the eve before July of the evening thereleased letter ju U.S. begin elections in all five bishop Methodist United lily, president of the college of bishops, said he and his col his and he said bishops, of the college of president lily, election the potential to be to reactive want leagues did not bishop. a gay of alsowe but in the church, the tension understand we that as our leadership in them the confidence give to wanted bish (as consecration our at made we the vows uphold we risdictions. Three of the U.S. bishop candidates are openly are candidates bishop U.S. of the risdictions. Three gay. - - Leading the church in mission, witness in mission, the church Leading and service; including administer Ordering the church for handling complaints; ing processes Seeking unity in Christ, including the work - Con the General to proposed the Council Forward.” Way Offering for a in “An ference • • • There are those in the church who will view those in the church are There law and a this election of church as a violation are a split, while there toward step significant the election as a mile others who will celebrate stone toward being a more inclusive church. church. inclusive being a more toward stone Others questions as we will no doubt have never we have where in a place find ourselves see this election as others will likely been. Still, moot the purpose rendering disrupting or even being currently of the Commission and work the Council. formed by our hope in place to continues Council The The and fragile, conflicted Jesus Christ. Though wit- a strong remains Methodist Church United of God and the love the transforming ness to affirm Jesus Christ. We of our Lord, saving grace by an absence not that our witness is defined, we act in our disagree but how of conflict, Forward Way mentation of our Offering for a called and the formation of the Commission at this work will resume We for in the proposal. scheduled meeting on July 19-20 our regularly A the Jurisdictional Conferences. following reportprogress shortly will be released after the meeting. ments. We affirm that our unity is not defined We ments. our compassionate but by our uniformity, by with our covenant to and Spirit-led faithfulness and one another. Church Christ’s God, maintain that the to continue we As a Council, and the formation forward for a way proposal is the best path. Anof the Commission end- less cycle reactions and counter- of actions, at the reactions is not a viable path and tears and very current The of our Connection. fabric recently Committees Executive COB incoming the imple initiate to call conference met by - -

Shepherding all persons committed to our to all persons committed Shepherding care; The letter is the most recent move in the debate on in debate the move recent most is the letter The “We recognize the pain felt both by those advocating those advocating both by felt the pain recognize “We Bishops in the Bishops (UMNS)– N.C. LAKE JUNALUSKA, Western election Western letter following President issues President Council of Bishops Council

• BY HEATHER HAHN BY HEATHER able offense for any clergyperson in The United The United in clergyperson able offense for any if indeed this is the case. Methodist Church, this situ- of Bishops is monitoring Council The does not have Council The ation very closely. authority interveneconstitutional to in the election or supervisory at either the processes jurisdictional or central conference, annual not to careful are we And, levels. conference due pro or lay person’s clergy any jeopardize ill-advised by cess comments. understand the Church clearly we However, provide expects to the Council appropriately uphold leadership and for bishops to spiritual General prior to In May, vows. our consecration to again affirmed the Council Conference, made at our consecrations, the promises keep among others: including, Bishop Bruce R. Ough, president R. Ough, president Bishop Bruce PEORIA– of Bishops, Methodistof the United Council regarding statement issued the following election Episcopal at of today’s the results The of Jurisdictional Conference Western the meeting in Scotts- Methodist Church, United Arizona. dale, Jurisdiction has elected the Western The of Glide Memorial United Oliveto Karen Rev. serve to in SanMethodist Francisco Church Methodist Church. United as a bishop of The openly has been described Oliveto as “an Rev. election This raises lesbian clergyperson.” and questions of church concerns significant polity and unity. Our Book of Discipline has clearly delineated as issues even for resolving in place processes as this election. and unprecedented complex authorityThe - elect to bishops is constitution ally reserved the jurisdictional to and central Any elder in good is standing conferences. eligible for election as a bishop of the church. is still complaint An elder under an unresolved Being a self- be in good to standing. considered is a charge homosexual practicing avowed, how the church ministers with people who are lesbian, gay, gay, lesbian, who are people with ministers the church how queer. or questioning and transgender bisexual, enant and as divisive and disruptive.” and divisive as and enant tion College of Bishops said in a pastoral letter. “We also “We letter. in a pastoral said Bishops College of tion cov our of a violation as view nonconformity the acts of

plans as ‘divisive and disruptive’ ‘divisive plans as SEJ Bishops denounce non-conformitySEJ Bishops denounce for and those opposing change,” the Southeastern Jurisdic the Southeastern change,” those opposing and for U.S. Southeast denounced as “divisive and disruptive” the disruptive” and “divisive as denounced Southeast U.S. church with conform to conferences some refusal by public individuals. LGBTQ to related restrictions >> JURISDICTIONAL NEWS <<

SEJ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 In recent years, the debate has intensified as some With rumors of schism in the air, General Con- bishops’ commission. United Methodists publicly defy these restrictions ference — the denomination’s top lawmaking body At their annual meetings this summer, the New and others call on the church to consider splitting up. — opted not to vote on any legislation related to England , Desert Southwest, California-Pacific, and how the church ministers with LGBTQ people. Pacific-Northwest conferences each passed “non- Instead, the assembly authorized the Council conformity” resolutions, saying they would not of Bishops to set up a commission to examine and comply with provisions that discriminates against possibly recommend revisions to each policy re- LGBTQ people.” The clergy session of Oregon-Ida- lated to sexuality. ho Conference supported a similar resolution. The Southeastern Jurisdiction bishops pledged The California-Nevada Conference approved an they would seek “unity in Christ, including the “aspirational resolution” asking that United Meth- work the General Conference requested the Coun- odists not to follow the Book of Discipline’s restric- cil of Bishops do in relation to the Commission on tions related to LBTQIA individuals. LGBTQIA Human Sexuality.” stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer The bishops also committed themselves to the or questioning, intersex and asexual. shepherding of all individuals and “administering The New York Conference commissioned or processes for handling complaints about violations ordained four openly gay clergy. of our Book of Discipline that occur within our The Rocky Mountain Conference passed a reso- episcopal areas.” lution that sexual orientation and gender identity McAllily said they wanted to focus the church should not be a bar to election to the episcopacy. on the mission that unites United Methodists: Mak- Conferences in the Western Jurisdiction have each ing disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation endorsed two gay candidates: the Revs. Karen Olive- of the world. to and Frank Wulf. Oliveto is married, and Wulf is The bishops addressed a jurisdiction whose in a “long-term covenanted relationship.” The Rev. theme for this year’s conference is “Hope and Unity David Meredith is a candidate for bishop in the in Christ.” The delegates in the Southeastern Juris- North Central Jurisdiction from West Ohio. diction will be electing five bishops, a third of the Hahn is a multimedia news reporter for United Meth- bishops to be elected this week. odist News Service. Contact her at (615) 742-5470 or JURISDICTIONAL NEWS Current controversy [email protected]. Photos by NCJ Communicators A peaceful demonstration for full inclusion during the 2016 North Central Jurisdictional Outside the Southeastern jurisdiction, multiple Conference in Peoria July 13-16. conferences have decided they cannot wait for the NEJ passes resolution urging jurisdictional adaptability BY ERIK ALSGAARD AND MAIDSTONE MULENGA Bickerton explained that the college had reviewed the transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual persons. It also LANCASTER, Pa. (UMNS) -- The Northeastern Juris- resolution and that it needed to be more “aspirational” in asked the jurisdiction not to participate in or conduct diction of The United Methodist Church approved a nature. As printed, he said, it called for bishops to violate judicial procedures related to those prohibitions. restructuring resolution recommending the bishops’ the Book of Discipline. When Johnson ruled the resolution out of order after it study commission on sexuality include a plan to allow The Rev. L. Fitzgerald “Gere” Reist II, Susquehanna Con- passed, as amended 91-74, some delegates invited the regional bodies — such as jurisdictions — to decide for ference, offered an amendment, which was adopted bishops to consider being out of order with them. themselves to adapt the Book of Discipline within their 96-64. The final paragraph requested that councils on Vicky Flippin, New York Conference, was one of those own ministry context. finance and administration of the jurisdiction’s annual delegates. After thanking the college for allowing the Delegates approved that and two other resolutions to conferences “state that there are no funds available for jurisdiction to have a time of sacred conversation, she show disagreement with church law on sexuality issues. initiating and processing of complaints and initiating of urged the bishops to take a bold stance and join in non- One of those, a petition for “non-conformity” to denomi- investigations and trials based upon the sexual orienta- conformity. national church law, was later ruled out of order by the tion or marital status of faith United Methodists or involving clergy for conducting same-sex weddings.” Johnson replied that the College of Bishops would, in presiding bishop. fact, receive the invitation and have a conversation. She The third resolution, a proposal to have annual confer- Opposition to the amendment centered around the said that they would get back to the full body before the ence councils on finance and administration agree that interpretation that this amendment was asking those end of the conference. councils to lie. there is “no money” for church trials, was eventually ruled When Bishops Johnson and Schol returned to the stage in order after it was amended by deleting the title. After the final vote to approve the “Stop the Trials” resolu- following the dinner break, the college had not accepted The restructuring resolution, brought by the Rev. Ginger tion, Bickerton declared the motion out of order. “I can’t the conference’s invitation. “We know that we are all not Gaines-Cirelli, from the Baltimore-Washington Confer- remember having a conversation at Jurisdictional Confer- of one mind,” said Johnson. “We honor the work of the ence, called for a recommendation to the bishops’ “Way ence on this level,” he said. body, where 60 percent were in favor of this,” said Schol. Forward” commission that is expected to review all “The college felt it important not to squelch this conver- “And, we also honor the 40 percent who disagreed.” church law related to sexuality. sation. We recognize that there is pain around the issue. Dorothee Benz, New York Conference, then issued an ap- Creed Pogue, from Greater New Jersey, argued that mov- We acknowledge that in this room there are a variety of peal of the chair, seeking to have the resolution declared ing in this direction would create a more independent, opinions. All of our hearts ache as we struggle. Regret- “in order.” non-connectional church. He urged delegates to vote no. tably, I must call this petition out of order, and we’ll move on.” To help understand the parliamentary situation the The Rev. Charles Parker, Baltimore-Washington, dis- jurisdiction found itself in, Schol spoke off-the-cuff from agreed. “I would respectfully suggest that the point of But after a discussion on the non-conformity resolution, the podium. the “Stop the Trials” petition was re-visited. Bickerton this resolution is to create a space for people who are in “We are all struggling,” he said. “We recognize that there different theological places and ministry contexts to be said the college of bishops was aware that the United Methodist Judicial Council reviews petitions in their en- are annual conferences and individuals who have very at the same table together,” he said. “What this resolution different views of the Book of Discipline.” does is to lift up a model. The purpose is to create a wider tirety. “We have looked at the ‘Stop the Trials’ resolution table… and model it for the denomination.” as it was amended,” he said. “Our finding is that the title Noting that the vote to maintain the current disciplin- is not compatible with the content of the petition, and ary language at General Conference is about the reverse After further debate, an amendment to add the words, that if a motion is made to amend the title, the petition is of what it is in the Northeastern Jurisdiction, Schol said “and with expanded power to make contextual based ad- properly in order.” that the bishops are charged at looking at this issue from aptation of the Book of Discipline to ensure full inclusive- both places. ness” was passed. The full motion passed 109 to 56. A motion to “strike the title” was made and approved, 111-53, allowing the final version of the resolution to be The vote to uphold the decision of the chair was affirmed Resolution on church trials adopted. by a vote of 94 to 73, which meant the non-conformity The resolution calling for the Northeastern Jurisdiction Be ‘out of order’ with us resolution remained out of order. College of Bishops to stop church trials was deemed Alsgaard is the managing editor for the Baltimore-Washing- Bishop Peggy Johnson, sitting with Bishop John Schol, out of order before debate began by Bishop Thomas ton Conference and Mulenga is assistant to the bishop and initially ruled the petition on “non-conformity” out of Bickerton, who was chairing the session. But he said he director of Connectional Ministries for the Baltimore-Wash- order because it was calling for the jurisdiction’s annual would allow the debate to continue, along with possible ington Conference. Media contact: Vicki Brown, 615-742- conferences to not conform or comply with provisions of amendments. 5470 or [email protected] Discipline that discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual,

18 The Current AUGUST 2016 >> CONFERENCE APPORTIONMENTS RECEIPTS AS OF JUNE 30, 2016* << *Churches reflecting contributions of 50% or greater of total apportionments are considered current.

District/Church CS/Adm CS/Adm B/CM B/CM Total Total District/Church CS/Adm CS/Adm B/CM B/CM Total Total Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid

CACHE RIVER DISTRICT EMBARRAS RIVER DISTRICT Anna UMC $5,538 50.00% $3,204 50.00% $8,742 50.00% Zion UMC $1,338 50.00% $774 50.00% $2,112 50.00% Belknap UMC $636 50.00% $366 50.00% $1,002 50.00% Asbury UMC $456 50.00% $264 50.00% $720 50.00% West Eden UMC $276 50.00% $156 50.00% $432 50.00% Dexter UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Benton First UMC $2,558 16.67% $1,482 16.67% $4,040 16.67% Funkhouser UMC $348 50.00% $198 50.00% $546 50.00% Big Prairie UMC $243 25.00% $141 25.00% $384 25.00% Salem UMC $168 33.33% $96 33.33% $264 33.33% Maunie UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Altamont First UMC $1,840 16.67% $1,066 16.67% $2,906 16.67% Concord UMC $540 31.03% $240 23.81% $780 28.38% Beecher City UMC $1,775 41.67% $1,025 41.67% $2,800 41.67% Cache Chapel UMC $960 50.00% $558 50.00% $1,518 50.00% Shumway UMC $2,004 50.00% $1,164 50.00% $3,168 50.00% Cairo Tigert Memorial UMC $1,510 41.67% $875 41.67% $2,385 41.67% Brownstown UMC $1,080 50.00% $624 50.00% $1,704 50.00% Mounds UMC $774 50.00% $444 50.00% $1,218 50.00% Emmanuel UMC $780 50.00% $450 50.00% $1,230 50.00% Carbondale First UMC $28,740 50.00% $16,638 50.00% $45,378 50.00% Casey UMC $10,490 41.67% $6,075 41.67% $16,565 41.67% Carbondale Grace UMC $8,862 50.00% $5,130 50.00% $13,992 50.00% Charleston Otterbein UMC $3,138 50.00% $1,818 50.00% $4,956 50.00% Carmi Emmanuel UMC $6,100 41.67% $3,530 41.67% $9,630 41.67% Oakland UMC $1,400 41.67% $810 41.67% $2,210 41.67% Carmi First UMC $7,704 50.00% $4,458 50.00% $12,162 50.00% Charleston Wesley UMC $15,475 41.67% $8,960 41.67% $24,435 41.67% Carrier Mills UMC $6,378 50.00% $3,690 50.00% $10,068 50.00% Chrisman UMC $3,534 50.00% $2,046 50.00% $5,580 50.00%

Carterville UMC $5,936 33.33% $3,436 33.33% $9,372 33.33% Clay's Prairie UMC $352 33.33% $204 33.33% $556 33.33% APPORTIONMENTS Cedar Grove UMC $2,628 50.00% $1,524 50.00% $4,152 50.00% Scottland UMC $395 41.67% $230 41.67% $625 41.67% Pittsburg UMC $282 50.00% $162 50.00% $444 50.00% Cowden UMC $1,750 41.67% $1,010 41.67% $2,760 41.67% Cypress UMC $768 50.00% $444 50.00% $1,212 50.00% Lakewood UMC $1,632 50.00% $942 50.00% $2,574 50.00% Center UMC $240 50.00% $138 50.00% $378 50.00% Dogwood Prairie UMC $3,636 50.00% $2,106 50.00% $5,742 50.00% Luther's Chapel UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Seed Chapel UMC $1,530 50.00% $888 50.00% $2,418 50.00% Colp UMC $1,056 50.00% $612 50.00% $1,668 50.00% Effingham Centenary UMC $17,310 50.00% $10,020 50.00% $27,330 50.00% Crab Orchard UMC $792 25.00% $459 25.00% $1,251 25.00% Falmouth UMC $642 25.00% $372 25.00% $1,014 25.00% Cross Road UMC $3,036 50.00% $1,758 50.00% $4,794 50.00% Willow Hill UMC $1,536 50.00% $888 50.00% $2,424 50.00% Crossville UMC $3,462 50.00% $2,004 50.00% $5,466 50.00% Stewardson UMC $2,394 50.00% $1,386 50.00% $3,780 50.00% McHenry UMC $2,154 50.00% $1,248 50.00% $3,402 50.00% Mode UMC $1,044 50.00% $606 50.00% $1,650 50.00% Dahlgren UMC $870 50.00% $504 50.00% $1,374 50.00% Strasburg UMC $4,128 100.00% $2,388 100.00% $6,516 100.00% Macedonia UMC $504 50.00% $294 50.00% $798 50.00% Washington UMC $954 50.00% $552 50.00% $1,506 50.00% DeSoto UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Gaskill UMC $600 50.00% $348 50.00% $948 50.00% DuQuoin UMC $4,509 33.64% $2,984 38.44% $7,493 35.40% Flat Rock UMC $1,854 50.00% $1,074 50.00% $2,928 50.00% Eldorado UMC $883 6.99% $3,140 42.97% $4,023 20.00% Greenup UMC $1,554 50.00% $900 50.00% $2,454 50.00% Raleigh UMC $624 50.00% $360 50.00% $984 50.00% Cottonwood UMC $762 50.00% $438 50.00% $1,200 50.00% Enfield UMC $966 50.00% $558 50.00% $1,524 50.00% Harmon UMC $364 33.33% $208 33.33% $572 33.33% Wesley Chapel UMC $894 50.00% $436 41.67% $1,330 47.16% Harvest UMC $1,150 41.67% $665 41.67% $1,815 41.67% Equality UMC $1,254 50.00% $726 50.00% $1,980 50.00% Humboldt UMC $1,146 50.00% $666 50.00% $1,812 50.00% Wesley Chapel UMC $954 50.00% $552 50.00% $1,506 50.00% Hume UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Ridgway UMC $534 50.00% $312 50.00% $846 50.00% Kansas UMC $2,658 50.00% $1,536 50.00% $4,194 50.00% Fountain UMC $942 50.00% $546 50.00% $1,488 50.00% Kirk Chapel UMC $315 22.44% $185 22.67% $500 22.52% Galatia UMC $924 50.00% $534 50.00% $1,458 50.00% Lerna UMC $468 50.00% $270 50.00% $738 50.00% Glendale UMC $1,914 50.00% $1,110 50.00% $3,024 50.00% Marshall Asbury UMC $432 50.00% $252 50.00% $684 50.00% Eddyville UMC $1,134 50.00% $654 50.00% $1,788 50.00% Brick UMC $552 50.00% $318 50.00% $870 50.00% Golconda UMC $2,460 50.00% $1,422 50.00% $3,882 50.00% Grandview UMC $648 50.00% $372 50.00% $1,020 50.00% Cave In Rock UMC $834 50.00% $480 50.00% $1,314 50.00% Marshall First UMC $12,222 50.00% $7,074 50.00% $19,296 50.00% Goreville UMC $4,650 50.00% $2,694 50.00% $7,344 50.00% Marshall Armstrong UMC $4,782 50.00% $2,766 50.00% $7,548 50.00% Creal Springs UMC $1,686 50.00% $978 50.00% $2,664 50.00% Marshall Emmanuel UMC $2,124 50.00% $1,230 50.00% $3,354 50.00% Grand Tower UMC $840 50.00% $486 50.00% $1,326 50.00% Zion UMC $1,945 41.67% $1,125 41.67% $3,070 41.67% Wolf Lake UMC $858 50.00% $498 50.00% $1,356 50.00% Marshall Trinity UMC $1,785 25.00% $1,032 25.00% $2,817 25.00% Ware UMC $768 50.00% $444 50.00% $1,212 50.00% Dunlap UMC $888 50.00% $516 50.00% $1,404 50.00% West Frankfort Antioch UMC $1,458 50.00% $846 50.00% $2,304 50.00% Patton UMC $1,464 50.00% $846 50.00% $2,310 50.00% West Frankfort Central UMC $834 50.00% $480 50.00% $1,314 50.00% Martinsville UMC $3,090 50.00% $1,788 50.00% $4,878 50.00% Greenwood UMC $1,662 50.00% $960 50.00% $2,622 50.00% Mattoon First UMC $19,332 50.00% $11,190 50.00% $30,522 50.00% Harrisburg First UMC $10,890 50.00% $6,306 50.00% $17,196 50.00% Coffeen UMC $950 41.67% $550 41.67% $1,500 41.67% Herrin UMC $945 7.50% $555 8.00% $1,500 7.61% Fillmore UMC $508 33.33% $296 33.33% $804 33.33% Energy UMC $1,428 50.00% $828 50.00% $2,256 50.00% Hillsboro UMC $4,500 41.67% $2,605 41.67% $7,105 41.67% Johnston City UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Irving UMC $912 50.00% $528 50.00% $1,440 50.00% Stiritz UMC $1,524 50.00% $882 50.00% $2,406 50.00% Witt UMC $1,788 50.00% $1,038 50.00% $2,826 50.00% Jonesboro UMC $810 50.00% $468 50.00% $1,278 50.00% Montrose UMC $588 50.00% $342 50.00% $930 50.00% Walnut Grove UMC $912 50.00% $528 50.00% $1,440 50.00% Neoga Grace UMC $5,694 50.00% $3,294 50.00% $8,988 50.00% Joppa UMC $157 8.33% $91 8.33% $248 8.33% Toledo UMC $2,472 100.00% $1,428 100.00% $3,900 100.00% Oak Grove UMC $666 50.00% $384 50.00% $1,050 50.00% Etna UMC $774 50.00% $450 50.00% $1,224 50.00% Karnak UMC $3,336 50.00% $1,932 50.00% $5,268 50.00% Newton Grace UMC $5,196 50.00% $3,006 50.00% $8,202 50.00% Olmsted UMC $966 50.00% $558 50.00% $1,524 50.00% Kedron UMC $924 50.00% $534 50.00% $1,458 50.00% Ohio Chapel UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Nokomis UMC $4,458 50.00% $2,580 50.00% $7,038 50.00% Marion Aldersgate UMC $29,946 50.00% $17,334 50.00% $47,280 50.00% Oak Ridge UMC $624 50.00% $360 50.00% $984 50.00% Marion First UMC $8,780 41.67% $5,080 41.67% $13,860 41.67% Oblong Central UMC $5,478 50.00% $3,168 50.00% $8,646 50.00% McLeansboro First UMC $2,341 15.91% $1,365 16.02% $3,706 15.95% Oblong Evangelical UMC $4,785 41.67% $2,770 41.67% $7,555 41.67% Metropolis UMC $3,726 11.67% $5,204 28.14% $8,930 17.71% Oliver UMC $822 50.00% $474 50.00% $1,296 50.00% Mount Moriah UMC $750 50.00% $432 50.00% $1,182 50.00% Palestine First UMC $142 3.79% $83 3.83% $225 3.80% Pleasant Grove UMC $555 41.67% $325 41.67% $880 41.67% Palestine Grace UMC $834 50.00% $480 50.00% $1,314 50.00% Murphysboro UMC $13,620 41.67% $7,885 41.67% $21,505 41.67% Paris First UMC $9,678 50.00% $5,604 50.00% $15,282 50.00% New Burnside UMC $1,002 50.00% $582 50.00% $1,584 50.00% Paris Otterbein UMC $3,696 50.00% $2,142 50.00% $5,838 50.00% Taylor UMC $990 50.00% $570 50.00% $1,560 50.00% Vermilion UMC $1,704 50.00% $990 50.00% $2,694 50.00% Norris City UMC $3,248 33.33% $1,880 33.33% $5,128 33.33% Pearl Chapel UMC $1,374 50.00% $798 50.00% $2,172 50.00% Shiloh UMC $810 50.00% $468 50.00% $1,278 50.00% Pleasant Valley UMC $402 50.00% $234 50.00% $636 50.00% Olive Branch UMC $1,086 50.00% $630 50.00% $1,716 50.00% Robinson First UMC $8,448 50.00% $4,890 50.00% $13,338 50.00% Tamms UMC $1,210 41.67% $700 41.67% $1,910 41.67% Robinson Otterbein UMC $1,230 10.87% $- 0.00% $1,230 6.88% Pinckneyville UMC $4,997 29.77% $2,930 30.14% $7,927 29.90% Hutsonville UMC $1,308 50.00% $756 50.00% $2,064 50.00% Powers UMC $1,392 50.00% $810 50.00% $2,202 50.00% Fairview UMC $1,056 100.00% $612 100.00% $1,668 100.00% Rosiclare UMC $2,128 66.67% $1,232 66.67% $3,360 66.67% Trinity Chapel UMC $1,080 50.00% $624 50.00% $1,704 50.00% Sesser UMC $3,738 50.00% $2,166 50.00% $5,904 50.00% Saint Elmo First UMC $2,776 43.32% $1,573 42.44% $4,350 43.00% Valier UMC $1,182 50.00% $684 50.00% $1,866 50.00% Salem UMC $1,452 45.15% $852 45.81% $2,304 45.39% Shawneetown Emmanuel UMC $1,404 50.00% $810 50.00% $2,214 50.00% Fourth Street UMC $2,112 100.00% $1,224 100.00% $3,336 100.00% Sunfield UMC $5,106 50.00% $2,958 50.00% $8,064 50.00% Wesley Chapel UMC $630 50.00% $366 50.00% $996 50.00% Tate's Chapel UMC $2,604 100.00% $1,512 100.00% $4,116 100.00% Shelbyville First UMC $6,048 33.33% $3,500 33.33% $9,548 33.33% Broughton UMC $1,344 100.00% $780 100.00% $2,124 100.00% Sugar Grove UMC $1,656 50.00% $960 50.00% $2,616 50.00% Vergennes Faith UMC $788 16.32% $463 16.54% $1,250 16.40% Tower Hill UMC $1,445 41.67% $835 41.67% $2,280 41.67% Vergennes Wesley UMC $1,032 50.00% $594 50.00% $1,626 50.00% Herrick UMC $1,518 50.00% $876 50.00% $2,394 50.00% Elkville UMC $888 50.00% $518 50.00% $1,406 50.00% Vandalia Haley Chapel UMC $720 50.00% $414 50.00% $1,134 50.00% Vienna UMC $6,520 41.67% $3,775 41.67% $10,295 41.67% Mount Carmel UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Webb's Chapel UMC $474 50.00% $276 50.00% $750 50.00% Vandalia Luster Chapel UMC $186 50.00% $108 50.00% $294 50.00% West Frankfort Trinity UMC $12,528 50.00% $7,248 50.00% $19,776 50.00% Watson UMC $2,220 50.00% $1,284 50.00% $3,504 50.00% Zeigler UMC $1,278 50.00% $744 50.00% $2,022 50.00% West Liberty UMC $870 50.00% $504 50.00% $1,374 50.00% Royalton UMC $888 50.00% $516 50.00% $1,404 50.00% Westfield UMC $2,550 50.00% $1,476 50.00% $4,026 50.00% Woodbury UMC $708 50.00% $408 50.00% $1,116 50.00% Cache River District Totals $262,118 40.56% $157,698 42.15% $419,815 41.14%

The Current AUGUST 2016 19 >> CONFERENCE APPORTIONMENTS RECEIPTS AS OF JUNE 30, 2016* << *Churches reflecting contributions of 50% or greater of total apportionments are considered current.

District/Church CS/Adm CS/Adm B/CM B/CM Total Total District/Church CS/Adm CS/Adm B/CM B/CM Total Total Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Zion UMC $912 50.00% $528 50.00% $1,440 50.00% Collison UMC $846 50.00% $486 50.00% $1,332 50.00% Zion Hill UMC $1,344 50.00% $780 50.00% $2,124 50.00% Countryside UMC $4,752 50.00% $2,748 50.00% $7,500 50.00% Tolono UMC $3,864 50.00% $2,238 50.00% $6,102 50.00% Embarras River District Totals $239,836 45.64% $138,085 45.40% $377,922 45.55% Danville Farmers Chapel UMC $2,352 50.00% $1,362 50.00% $3,714 50.00% Danville First UMC $2,106 50.00% $1,218 50.00% $3,324 50.00% ILLINOIS RIVER DISTRICT Danville Bowman Avenue UMC $2,076 50.00% $1,200 50.00% $3,276 50.00% Danville Saint James UMC $21,760 41.67% $12,595 41.67% $34,355 41.67% Bartonville UMC $3,396 50.00% $1,962 50.00% $5,358 50.00% Donovan UMC $1,962 50.00% $1,134 50.00% $3,096 50.00% Kingston Mines UMC $1,134 50.00% $660 50.00% $1,794 50.00% Crescent City UMC $1,386 50.00% $804 50.00% $2,190 50.00% Blue Ridge UMC $792 50.00% $462 50.00% $1,254 50.00% Fairmount UMC $1,074 50.00% $618 50.00% $1,692 50.00% Bradford Leet Memorial UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Fairview UMC $648 50.00% $378 50.00% $1,026 50.00% Boyd's Grove UMC $1,584 50.00% $918 50.00% $2,502 50.00% Georgetown UMC $1,542 50.00% $894 50.00% $2,436 50.00% Brimfield UMC $996 50.00% $576 50.00% $1,572 50.00% Farmer City UMC $4,458 50.00% $2,580 50.00% $7,038 50.00% Canton South Park UMC $1,710 50.00% $990 50.00% $2,700 50.00% Weedman UMC $1,404 50.00% $810 50.00% $2,214 50.00% Shields' Chapel UMC $2,994 50.00% $1,734 50.00% $4,728 50.00% Fisher UMC $2,388 50.00% $1,380 50.00% $3,768 50.00% Canton Wesley UMC $19,155 42.00% $11,085 42.00% $30,240 42.00% Fithian UMC $3,444 50.00% $1,992 50.00% $5,436 50.00% Chillicothe First UMC $12,161 54.00% $7,036 54.00% $19,197 54.00% Oakwood UMC $3,426 50.00% $1,986 50.00% $5,412 50.00% Crossroads UMC $45,096 50.00% $26,100 50.00% $71,196 50.00% Hebron UMC $876 50.00% $504 50.00% $1,380 50.00% Cuba UMC $505 8.33% $292 8.33% $797 8.33% Gibson City UMC $10,820 41.67% $6,265 41.67% $17,085 41.67% London Mills UMC $3,030 50.00% $1,752 50.00% $4,782 50.00% Gifford UMC $978 50.00% $570 50.00% $1,548 50.00% East Peoria Faith UMC $1,422 50.00% $822 50.00% $2,244 50.00% Gilman UMC $145 1.74% $145 3.01% $290 2.21% Deer Creek UMC $870 50.00% $504 50.00% $1,374 50.00% Ashkum UMC $2,058 50.00% $1,194 50.00% $3,252 50.00% Delavan UMC $6,960 50.00% $4,026 50.00% $10,986 50.00% Grace Quest UMC $1,215 8.33% $703 8.33% $1,918 8.33% Dunlap Prospect UMC $10,182 50.00% $5,892 50.00% $16,074 50.00% Hindsboro UMC $978 50.00% $1,128 100.00% $2,106 68.29% East Peoria First UMC $11,188 44.82% $6,482 44.87% $17,670 44.84% Homer UMC $5,088 50.00% $2,946 50.00% $8,034 50.00% Eureka UMC $8,736 50.00% $5,058 50.00% $13,794 50.00% Hoopeston UMC $5,046 50.00% $2,922 50.00% $7,968 50.00% Farmington UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Wellington UMC $1,075 41.67% $620 41.67% $1,695 41.67% Glasford UMC $1,200 13.16% $800 15.15% $2,000 13.89% Iroquois UMC $258 50.00% $150 50.00% $408 50.00% Green Valley First UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Sheldon UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Hanna City UMC $2,860 41.67% $1,655 41.67% $4,515 41.67% Loda UMC $4,465 41.67% $2,585 41.67% $7,050 41.67% Trivoli UMC $2,724 50.00% $1,578 50.00% $4,302 50.00% APPORTIONMENTS Ludlow UMC $1,632 50.00% $948 50.00% $2,580 50.00% Henry UMC $1,530 21.00% $1,100 26.12% $2,630 22.88% Mahomet UMC $11,850 41.67% $6,860 41.67% $18,710 41.67% Washburn UMC $860 17.61% $750 26.60% $1,610 20.90% Mansfield UMC $5,838 50.00% $3,378 50.00% $9,216 50.00% Kewanee First UMC $11,868 50.00% $6,870 50.00% $18,738 50.00% Melvin UMC $6,840 100.00% $3,960 100.00% $10,800 100.00% Lacon Sparland UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Middlefork UMC $1,776 50.00% $1,026 50.00% $2,802 50.00% Varna UMC $2,016 50.00% $1,170 50.00% $3,186 50.00% Milford UMC $2,694 50.00% $1,560 50.00% $4,254 50.00% LaFayette UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Mount Vernon UMC $1,860 50.00% $1,074 50.00% $2,934 50.00% West Jersey UMC $270 16.67% $156 16.67% $426 16.67% Bondville UMC $1,872 50.00% $1,017 47.08% $2,889 48.93% Laura UMC $1,475 41.67% $855 41.67% $2,330 41.67% Newman UMC $2,886 50.00% $1,668 50.00% $4,554 50.00% Monica UMC $774 50.00% $444 50.00% $1,218 50.00% Murdock UMC $795 41.67% $460 41.67% $1,255 41.67% Lewistown UMC $5,958 50.00% $3,450 50.00% $9,408 50.00% Ogden UMC $1,794 50.00% $1,038 50.00% $2,832 50.00% Mackinaw UMC $7,975 41.67% $4,615 41.67% $12,590 41.67% Broadlands UMC $1,866 50.00% $1,080 50.00% $2,946 50.00% Manito UMC $5,040 50.00% $2,916 50.00% $7,956 50.00% Onarga UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Maples Mill UMC $2,178 50.00% $1,260 50.00% $3,438 50.00% Piper City UMC $343 8.33% $398 16.67% $741 11.39% Morton UMC $26,658 50.00% $15,432 50.00% $42,090 50.00% Paxton First UMC $8,180 41.67% $4,735 41.67% $12,915 41.67% Mossville UMC $7,236 50.00% $4,188 50.00% $11,424 50.00% Pesotum UMC $580 41.67% $335 41.67% $915 41.67% Mount Pleasant UMC $918 50.00% $534 50.00% $1,452 50.00% Pleasant Grove UMC $378 50.00% $216 50.00% $594 50.00% Norris UMC $396 50.00% $228 50.00% $624 50.00% Rantoul First UMC $7,088 35.86% $4,112 35.96% $11,200 35.90% Providence Chapel UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Ridge Farm UMC $846 50.00% $492 50.00% $1,338 50.00% Pekin First UMC $17,106 48.08% $9,900 48.51% $27,006 48.07% Indianola UMC $606 50.00% $348 50.00% $954 50.00% Pekin Grace UMC $19,800 50.00% $11,460 50.00% $31,260 50.00% Roberts UMC $888 50.00% $516 50.00% $1,404 50.00% Peoria Bethel UMC $10,386 50.00% $6,012 50.00% $16,398 50.00% Rossville UMC $4,800 50.00% $2,778 50.00% $7,578 50.00% Peoria Bradley Epworth UMC $21,780 50.00% $12,606 50.00% $34,386 50.00% Bismarck UMC $2,622 50.00% $1,518 50.00% $4,140 50.00% Peoria First UMC $47,838 50.00% $27,690 50.00% $75,528 50.00% Sadorus UMC $1,920 100.00% $1,116 100.00% $3,036 100.00% Peoria Forrest Hill UMC $7,878 50.00% $4,560 50.00% $12,438 50.00% Parkville UMC $570 50.00% $330 50.00% $900 50.00% Peoria Northwest UMC $5,975 41.67% $3,460 41.67% $9,435 41.67% Saint Joseph UMC $8,616 50.00% $4,986 50.00% $13,602 50.00% Peoria University UMC $15,618 50.00% $9,042 50.00% $24,660 50.00% Savoy UMC $11,568 50.00% $6,696 50.00% $18,264 50.00% Princeville UMC $8,202 50.00% $4,746 50.00% $12,948 50.00% Shiloh UMC $1,644 50.00% $948 50.00% $2,592 50.00% RiversEdge UMC $6,030 50.00% $3,492 50.00% $9,522 50.00% Sidell UMC $4,980 50.00% $2,880 50.00% $7,860 50.00% Saint David UMC $252 50.00% $144 50.00% $396 50.00% Sullivan UMC $11,022 50.00% $6,784 53.13% $17,806 51.15% Bryant UMC $492 100.00% $288 100.00% $780 100.00% Tuscola UMC $11,568 50.00% $6,696 50.00% $18,264 50.00% Sheffield UMC $1,362 50.00% $792 50.00% $2,154 50.00% Urbana First UMC $8,244 50.00% $4,770 50.00% $13,014 50.00% Smithfield Brock UMC $808 33.33% $468 33.33% $1,276 33.33% Urbana Wesley UMC $12,120 41.67% $7,015 41.67% $19,135 41.67% Locust Lane UMC $1,032 50.00% $600 50.00% $1,632 50.00% Villa Grove UMC $5,358 50.00% $3,102 50.00% $8,460 50.00% Texas UMC $315 41.67% $185 41.67% $500 41.67% Watseka UMC $4,879 26.11% $2,824 26.12% $7,703 26.12% Tiskilwa Community Church UM/AB $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Weldon UMC $2,334 50.00% $1,350 50.00% $3,684 50.00% Toulon UMC $4,068 33.33% $2,352 33.33% $6,420 33.33% Woodland UMC $762 50.00% $438 50.00% $1,200 50.00% Tremont UMC $9,279 37.50% $5,373 37.50% $14,652 37.50% Washington Evangelical UMC $10,278 50.00% $5,952 50.00% $16,230 50.00% Iroquois River District Totals $360,389 44.41% $209,758 44.66% $570,147 44.50% White Chapel UMC $1,482 50.00% $858 50.00% $2,340 50.00% Monterey UMC $1,032 50.00% $594 50.00% $1,626 50.00% Willow Hill UMC $15,198 50.00% $8,796 50.00% $23,994 50.00% KASKASKIA RIVER DISTRICT Wyoming UMC $450 6.94% $450 11.98% $900 8.79% Adams Corner UMC $360 50.00% $210 50.00% $570 50.00% Neponset UMC $1,758 50.00% $1,020 50.00% $2,778 50.00% Albion UMC $5,808 50.00% $3,360 50.00% $9,168 50.00% Zion Evangelical UMC $578 16.67% $336 16.67% $914 16.67% Bethel UMC $2,118 50.00% $1,224 50.00% $3,342 50.00% Allendale UMC $1,518 50.00% $882 50.00% $2,400 50.00% Illinois River District Totals $422,844 45.12% $245,528 45.27% $668,372 45.18% Alma UMC $618 50.00% $354 50.00% $972 50.00% Pleasant Grove UMC $396 50.00% $234 50.00% $630 50.00% IROQUOIS RIVER DISTRICT Asbury Chapel UMC $810 50.00% $468 50.00% $1,278 50.00% Allerton UMC $1,050 50.00% $612 50.00% $1,662 50.00% Bellmont UMC $1,050 50.00% $404 33.00% $1,454 44.00% Arcola UMC $7,008 50.00% $4,056 50.00% $11,064 50.00% Ashley UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Arthur UMC $7,002 50.00% $4,056 50.00% $11,058 50.00% Beulah UMC $7,584 50.00% $4,386 50.00% $11,970 50.00% Batestown UMC $1,608 50.00% $930 50.00% $2,538 50.00% Bluford Otterbein UMC $628 33.33% $364 33.33% $992 33.33% Union Corner UMC $1,266 50.00% $732 50.00% $1,998 50.00% Bonnie UMC $32 1.28% $19 1.31% $50 1.27% Bellflower UMC $1,210 41.67% $700 41.67% $1,910 41.67% Bridgeport UMC $4,662 50.00% $2,700 50.00% $7,362 50.00% Bement UMC $5,016 50.00% $2,904 50.00% $7,920 50.00% Petrolia UMC $636 50.00% $372 50.00% $1,008 50.00% Camargo UMC $2,412 50.00% $1,398 50.00% $3,810 50.00% Centralia First UMC $9,120 50.00% $5,280 50.00% $14,400 50.00% Catlin UMC $5,874 50.00% $3,402 50.00% $9,276 50.00% Irvington UMC $840 50.00% $486 50.00% $1,326 50.00% Centerville UMC $2,808 50.00% $1,626 50.00% $4,434 50.00% Claremont UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Seymour UMC $1,002 50.00% $576 50.00% $1,578 50.00% Prairieton UMC $100 26.00% $20 9.00% $120 20.00% White Heath UMC $882 50.00% $510 50.00% $1,392 50.00% Dix UMC $822 50.00% $474 50.00% $1,296 50.00% Champaign Faith UMC $13,014 25.00% $7,533 25.00% $20,547 25.00% Union Chapel UMC $595 41.67% $345 41.67% $940 41.67% Champaign First UMC $27,180 50.00% $15,732 50.00% $42,912 50.00% Garrison Temple UMC $546 50.00% $318 50.00% $864 50.00% Champaign New Horizon UMC $32,928 50.00% $19,056 50.00% $51,984 50.00% Enterprise UMC $2,064 50.00% $1,194 50.00% $3,258 50.00% Cissna Park UMC $1,560 50.00% $900 50.00% $2,460 50.00% West UMC $1,224 50.00% $708 50.00% $1,932 50.00% Rankin UMC $2,460 100.00% $1,428 100.00% $3,888 100.00% Fairfield Ellen Moore UMC $2,682 50.00% $1,554 50.00% $4,236 50.00%

20 The Current AUGUST 2016 >> CONFERENCE APPORTIONMENTS RECEIPTS AS OF JUNE 30, 2016* << *Churches reflecting contributions of 50% or greater of total apportionments are considered current.

District/Church CS/Adm CS/Adm B/CM B/CM Total Total District/Church CS/Adm CS/Adm B/CM B/CM Total Total Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid

Cisne UMC $972 50.00% $564 50.00% $1,536 50.00% Concord UMC $620 41.67% $360 41.67% $980 41.67% Johnsonville UMC $972 50.00% $564 50.00% $1,536 50.00% Arenzville UMC $3,594 50.00% $2,082 50.00% $5,676 50.00% Bethel UMC $954 50.00% $552 50.00% $1,506 50.00% Doddsville UMC $1,008 50.00% $582 50.00% $1,590 50.00% Fairfield First UMC $11,598 50.00% $6,714 50.00% $18,312 50.00% Bluffs UMC $2,280 50.00% $1,320 50.00% $3,600 50.00% Parkersburg UMC $708 50.00% $408 50.00% $1,116 50.00% Naples UMC $1,230 50.00% $714 50.00% $1,944 50.00% Ebenezer Sams UMC $924 100.00% $528 100.00% $1,452 100.00% Beverly UMC $135 8.33% $78 8.33% $213 8.33% Little Wabash UMC $690 50.00% $402 50.00% $1,092 50.00% Plainville UMC $738 50.00% $426 50.00% $1,164 50.00% Calhoun UMC $450 25.00% $174 16.67% $624 21.94% Richfield UMC $630 50.00% $366 50.00% $996 50.00% Ebenezer North UMC $1,176 50.00% $684 50.00% $1,860 50.00% Franklin UMC $470 16.67% $272 16.67% $742 16.67% Farina UMC $3,474 50.00% $2,010 50.00% $5,484 50.00% Durbin UMC $1,194 50.00% $690 50.00% $1,884 50.00% Flora First UMC $8,634 50.00% $4,998 50.00% $13,632 50.00% Greenfield UMC $3,954 50.00% $2,286 50.00% $6,240 50.00% Flora Trinity UMC $1,056 50.00% $612 50.00% $1,668 50.00% Rockbridge UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Cornerstone UMC $4,386 50.00% $2,544 50.00% $6,930 50.00% Hamilton UMC $1,548 50.00% $900 50.00% $2,448 50.00% Odin UMC $672 50.00% $390 50.00% $1,062 50.00% Warsaw UMC $2,436 50.00% $1,410 50.00% $3,846 50.00% Shattuc UMC $2,094 50.00% $1,212 50.00% $3,306 50.00% Havana First UMC $6,025 41.67% $3,485 41.67% $9,510 41.67% Gilead UMC $1,116 100.00% $648 100.00% $1,764 100.00% Industry UMC $5,244 50.00% $3,036 50.00% $8,280 50.00%

Golden Gate UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Vermont UMC $1,794 50.00% $1,038 50.00% $2,832 50.00% APPORTIONMENTS Conway UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Jacksonville Asbury UMC $835 41.67% $485 41.67% $1,320 41.67% Grayville UMC $4,362 50.00% $2,526 50.00% $6,888 50.00% Jacksonville Centenary UMC $4,671 25.00% $1,802 16.67% $6,473 21.95% Browns UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Jacksonville Brooklyn UMC $2,436 50.00% $1,410 50.00% $3,846 50.00% Hopewell UMC $75 9.19% $75 15.63% $150 11.57% Jacksonville Grace UMC $11,844 50.00% $6,858 50.00% $18,702 50.00% Olive Branch UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Jacksonville Wesley Chapel UMC $7,884 50.00% $4,566 50.00% $12,450 50.00% Ina UMC $852 50.00% $492 50.00% $1,344 50.00% Jerseyville UMC $16,176 50.00% $9,366 50.00% $25,542 50.00% Waltonville UMC $594 50.00% $342 50.00% $936 50.00% Littleton UMC $984 50.00% $570 50.00% $1,554 50.00% Kinmundy First UMC $7,970 41.67% $4,610 41.67% $12,580 41.67% Living Faith UMC $4,700 41.67% $2,720 41.67% $7,420 41.67% Wesley UMC $2,016 100.00% $1,164 100.00% $3,180 100.00% Loraine UMC $2,664 50.00% $1,542 50.00% $4,206 50.00% Lancaster UMC $576 50.00% $336 50.00% $912 50.00% Manchester UMC $750 50.00% $432 50.00% $1,182 50.00% Nye Chapel UMC $390 50.00% $228 50.00% $618 50.00% Mount Sterling First UMC $3,610 41.67% $2,090 41.67% $5,700 41.67% Lawrenceville First UMC $7,068 50.00% $3,339 40.80% $10,407 46.63% Columbus UMC $924 50.00% $534 50.00% $1,458 50.00% Billett UMC $3,078 50.00% $1,782 50.00% $4,860 50.00% Murrayville UMC $5,070 50.00% $2,934 50.00% $8,004 50.00% Lawrenceville Otterbein UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% New Hope UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Lawrenceville Zion UMC $1,824 50.00% $1,056 50.00% $2,880 50.00% Palmyra UMC $1,110 50.00% $642 50.00% $1,752 50.00% Louisville UMC $2,406 50.00% $1,392 50.00% $3,798 50.00% Modesto UMC $996 50.00% $576 50.00% $1,572 50.00% May Chapel UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Payson UMC $1,230 50.00% $708 50.00% $1,938 50.00% Mount Carmel Evangelical UMC $9,138 50.00% $5,286 50.00% $14,424 50.00% Pittsfield UMC $7,675 41.67% $4,445 41.67% $12,120 41.67% Mount Carmel Trinity UMC $6,846 50.00% $3,966 50.00% $10,812 50.00% Pleasant Grove UMC $1,716 50.00% $996 50.00% $2,712 50.00% Mount Vernon Epworth UMC $2,540 41.67% $1,470 41.67% $4,010 41.67% Paloma UMC $792 50.00% $462 50.00% $1,254 50.00% Wayne City UMC $1,914 50.00% $1,110 50.00% $3,024 50.00% Oakford UMC $3,048 50.00% $1,764 50.00% $4,812 50.00% Zion UMC $1,132 33.33% $656 33.33% $1,788 33.33% Bath UMC $655 41.67% $380 41.67% $1,035 41.67% Mount Vernon First UMC $15,000 33.33% $8,684 33.33% $23,684 33.33% Fairview UMC $930 50.00% $540 50.00% $1,470 50.00% Mount Vernon Wesley UMC $2,815 41.67% $1,630 41.67% $4,445 41.67% Quincy Melrose Chapel UMC $8,980 41.67% $5,200 41.67% $14,180 41.67% Mount Vernon West Salem Trinity UMC $8,982 50.00% $5,196 50.00% $14,178 50.00% Quincy Union UMC $9,552 50.00% $- 0.00% $9,552 31.66% Mount Zion UMC $1,101 25.00% $636 25.00% $1,737 25.00% Quincy Vermont Street UMC $18,330 50.00% $10,608 50.00% $28,938 50.00% Brown's Chapel UMC $702 25.00% $405 25.00% $1,107 25.00% Rosedale UMC $3,036 100.00% $1,764 100.00% $4,800 100.00% Olney First UMC $11,045 41.67% $6,395 41.67% $17,440 41.67% Rural UMC $3,372 100.00% $1,944 100.00% $5,316 100.00% Olney Immanuel UMC $1,419 10.79% $831 10.91% $2,250 10.83% Rushville First UMC $16,471 94.60% $9,695 96.18% $26,166 95.18% Olney Saint Paul UMC $3,396 50.00% $1,968 50.00% $5,364 50.00% Barry UMC $2,256 50.00% $1,302 50.00% $3,558 50.00% Pinkstaff UMC $1,794 50.00% $1,038 50.00% $2,832 50.00% Hull UMC $2,256 50.00% $1,308 50.00% $3,564 50.00% Chauncey-Landes UMC $732 50.00% $426 50.00% $1,158 50.00% New Canton UMC $996 50.00% $576 50.00% $1,572 50.00% Pleasant Grove UMC $666 50.00% $384 50.00% $1,050 50.00% Pleasant Hill UMC $1,218 50.00% $708 50.00% $1,926 50.00% Richview UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Hamburg UMC $180 50.00% $102 50.00% $282 50.00% Saint Francisville UMC $1,536 50.00% $888 50.00% $2,424 50.00% Virden First UMC $3,550 41.67% $2,055 41.67% $5,605 41.67% Salem Grace UMC $15,276 50.00% $8,844 50.00% $24,120 50.00% Girard UMC $3,516 50.00% $2,034 50.00% $5,550 50.00% Salem Trinity UMC $3,305 41.67% $1,910 41.67% $5,215 41.67% Virginia UMC $6,606 50.00% $3,828 50.00% $10,434 50.00% Iuka UMC $2,040 50.00% $1,182 50.00% $3,222 50.00% Waverly UMC $5,124 50.00% $2,964 50.00% $8,088 50.00% Sandoval UMC $3,222 50.00% $1,866 50.00% $5,088 50.00% Brooklyn UMC $576 50.00% $336 50.00% $912 50.00% Patoka UMC $2,826 50.00% $1,632 50.00% $4,458 50.00% Ebenezer UMC $492 50.00% $282 50.00% $774 50.00% Boulder UMC $1,056 50.00% $612 50.00% $1,668 50.00% Houston UMC $696 50.00% $402 50.00% $1,098 50.00% Sumner UMC $6,270 50.00% $3,630 50.00% $9,900 50.00% Camden UMC $1,296 50.00% $750 50.00% $2,046 50.00% Clay City UMC $2,754 50.00% $1,596 50.00% $4,350 50.00% Winchester UMC $12,120 100.00% $7,008 100.00% $19,128 100.00% Harmony UMC $2,202 50.00% $1,272 50.00% $3,474 50.00% LaMoine River District Totals $260,779 48.49% $144,129 46.29% $404,908 47.68% Bethel UMC $- 0.00% $1,212 50.00% $1,212 18.00% Union Chapel UMC $630 50.00% $366 50.00% $996 50.00% Vandalia First UMC $14,622 50.00% $8,460 50.00% $23,082 50.00% MISSISSIPPI RIVER DISTRICT West Salem Zion UMC $5,184 50.00% $3,000 50.00% $8,184 50.00% Alton Grace UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Xenia UMC $2,808 50.00% $1,626 50.00% $4,434 50.00% Hartford UMC $1,122 50.00% $654 50.00% $1,776 50.00% Kaskaskia River District Totals $248,253 44.17% $143,879 44.22% $392,131 44.19% Elsah UMC $2,052 100.00% $1,188 100.00% $3,240 100.00% Alton Main Street UMC $15,024 33.00% $8,696 33.00% $23,720 33.00% Belleville Saint Matthew UMC $64,164 50.00% $37,140 50.00% $101,304 50.00% LAMOINE RIVER DISTRICT Belleville Signal Hill UMC $4,212 32.00% $2,106 27.00% $6,319 30.00% Ashland UMC $2,466 50.00% $1,428 50.00% $3,894 50.00% Belleville Union UMC $23,112 50.00% $13,374 50.00% $36,486 50.00% Peter Cartwright UMC $2,610 50.00% $1,512 50.00% $4,122 50.00% Benld UMC $2,088 50.00% $1,206 50.00% $3,294 50.00% Astoria UMC $1,936 91.67% $1,122 91.67% $3,058 91.67% Bethalto UMC $3,356 17.00% $1,728 15.00% $5,084 16.00% Sheldon's Grove UMC $774 50.00% $450 50.00% $1,224 50.00% Brighton Saint Paul UMC $4,155 42.00% $2,405 42.00% $6,560 42.00% Batchtown UMC $294 50.00% $174 50.00% $468 50.00% Bunker Hill UMC $870 50.00% $504 50.00% $1,374 50.00% Beardstown UMC $7,008 50.00% $4,056 50.00% $11,064 50.00% Carlyle UMC $2,820 17.00% $1,632 17.00% $4,452 17.00% Bethel UMC $786 50.00% $456 50.00% $1,242 50.00% Huey UMC $705 42.00% $410 42.00% $1,115 42.00% Grafton UMC $1,164 50.00% $672 50.00% $1,836 50.00% Beckemeyer UMC $505 42.00% $295 42.00% $800 42.00% Bluff Springs UMC $582 50.00% $336 50.00% $918 50.00% Caseyville UMC $4,275 38.00% $2,475 38.00% $6,750 38.00% Griggsville UMC $2,436 50.00% $1,410 50.00% $3,846 50.00% Chester First UMC $2,735 42.00% $1,585 42.00% $4,320 42.00% New Salem UMC $606 50.00% $354 50.00% $960 50.00% Collinsville First UMC $8,112 50.00% $4,698 50.00% $12,810 50.00% Detroit UMC $1,584 100.00% $924 100.00% $2,508 100.00% Columbia Bethany UMC $8,562 50.00% $4,956 50.00% $13,518 50.00% Florence UMC $162 50.00% $96 50.00% $258 50.00% Coulterville UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Oxville UMC $576 100.00% $336 100.00% $912 100.00% Tilden UMC $1,332 50.00% $768 50.00% $2,100 50.00% Perry UMC $2,094 50.00% $1,212 50.00% $3,306 50.00% East Alton First UMC $- 0.00% $1,545 18.00% $1,545 7.00% Baylis UMC $282 50.00% $162 50.00% $444 50.00% East Saint Louis Trinity UMC $1,890 26.00% $1,110 27.00% $3,000 26.00% Browning UMC $612 50.00% $354 50.00% $966 50.00% Edwardsville Immanuel UMC $8,556 50.00% $5,540 56.00% $14,096 52.00% Sugar Grove UMC $940 41.67% $545 41.67% $1,485 41.67% Edwardsville Saint John's UMC $14,918 43.00% $7,580 38.00% $22,498 41.00% Camp Point UMC $5,508 50.00% $3,192 50.00% $8,700 50.00% Ellis Grove UMC $864 50.00% $498 50.00% $1,362 50.00% Centennial Ebenezer UMC $714 25.00% $414 25.00% $1,128 25.00% New Palestine UMC $1,164 50.00% $672 50.00% $1,836 50.00% Carlinville UMC $6,544 33.33% $3,788 33.33% $10,332 33.33% Preston UMC $204 33.00% $116 33.00% $320 33.00% Carrollton UMC $1,716 50.00% $996 50.00% $2,712 50.00% Fairview Heights Christ UMC $83,195 42.00% $48,155 42.00% $131,350 42.00% Christ UMC $2,737 58.33% $1,582 58.33% $4,319 58.33% Fairview Heights Prospect Park UMC $955 42.00% $550 42.00% $1,505 42.00% Carthage First UMC $1,000 6.53% $- 0.00% $1,000 4.13% Gillespie First UMC $6,120 50.00% $3,540 50.00% $9,660 50.00% Clayton Federated UMC $1,425 41.67% $825 41.67% $2,250 41.67% Glen Carbon New Bethel UMC $8,838 50.00% $5,118 50.00% $13,956 50.00%

The Current AUGUST 2016 21 >> CONFERENCE APPORTIONMENTS RECEIPTS AS OF JUNE 30, 2016* << *Churches reflecting contributions of 50% or greater of total apportionments are considered current.

District/Church CS/Adm CS/Adm B/CM B/CM Total Total District/Church CS/Adm CS/Adm B/CM B/CM Total Total Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Godfrey First UMC $11,345 42.00% $6,565 42.00% $17,910 42.00% Monticello UMC $16,962 50.00% $9,822 50.00% $26,784 50.00% Granite City Dewey Avenue UMC $690 23.00% $390 22.00% $1,080 23.00% Morrisonville UMC $2,754 50.00% $1,596 50.00% $4,350 50.00% Granite City Nameoki UMC $7,615 42.00% $4,410 42.00% $12,025 42.00% Mount Auburn UMC $1,220 41.67% $705 41.67% $1,925 41.67% Granite City Niedringhaus UMC $1,002 10.00% $498 9.00% $1,500 10.00% Mount Pulaski First UMC $1,130 16.67% $654 16.67% $1,784 16.67% Granite City Trinity UMC $1,136 13.00% $2,055 42.00% $3,191 24.00% Chestnut UMC $1,182 50.00% $684 50.00% $1,866 50.00% Greenville First UMC $7,175 42.00% $4,150 42.00% $11,325 42.00% Latham UMC $1,674 50.00% $972 50.00% $2,646 50.00% Highland Hope UMC $13,775 42.00% $7,975 42.00% $21,750 42.00% Mount Zion UMC $6,972 50.00% $4,043 50.00% $11,015 50.00% Keyesport UMC $768 50.00% $444 50.00% $1,212 50.00% Bethany UMC $936 50.00% $540 50.00% $1,476 50.00% Lebanon First UMC $2,834 17.00% $1,640 17.00% $4,474 17.00% Moweaqua UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Litchfield Saint Timothy UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Sanner Chapel UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Marissa UMC $1,000 17.00% $1,000 30.00% $2,000 22.00% Niantic UMC $2,478 50.00% $1,122 39.00% $3,600 46.00% Maryville Saint Luke's UMC $10,398 50.00% $6,018 50.00% $16,416 50.00% Illiopolis UMC $1,572 50.00% $912 50.00% $2,484 50.00% Mascoutah Bethel UMC $12,006 50.00% $6,948 50.00% $18,954 50.00% Cerro Gordo UMC $4,422 50.00% $2,562 50.00% $6,984 50.00% Medora UMC $744 50.00% $432 50.00% $1,176 50.00% Lovington UMC $2,658 50.00% $1,536 50.00% $4,194 50.00% Piasa UMC $565 42.00% $330 42.00% $895 42.00% Hammond UMC $2,280 50.00% $1,320 50.00% $3,600 50.00% Mount Olive UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% LaPlace UMC $1,074 50.00% $624 50.00% $1,698 50.00% Sorento UMC $708 50.00% $408 50.00% $1,116 50.00% Pana UMC $6,965 41.67% $4,030 41.67% $10,995 41.67% Mulberry Grove UMC $1,098 50.00% $636 50.00% $1,734 50.00% Petersburg UMC $4,512 33.33% $2,612 33.33% $7,124 33.33% Pleasant Mound UMC $900 100.00% $516 100.00% $1,416 100.00% Elwin UMC $6,414 50.00% $3,714 50.00% $10,128 50.00% Nashville Grace UMC $12,684 50.00% $7,338 50.00% $20,022 50.00% Macon UMC $4,140 41.67% $2,395 41.67% $6,535 41.67% New Athens UMC $2,514 50.00% $1,452 50.00% $3,966 50.00% Zion Chapel UMC $2,000 19.09% $2,000 33.00% $4,000 24.19% New Baden UMC $3,294 50.00% $1,908 50.00% $5,202 50.00% Raymond Community Of Faith UMC $4,835 41.67% $2,800 41.67% $7,635 41.67% O'Fallon First UMC $26,260 42.00% $15,200 42.00% $41,460 42.00% Riverton First UMC $898 8.33% $520 8.33% $1,418 8.33% Okawville UMC $935 42.00% $540 42.00% $1,475 42.00% Rochester UMC $11,970 50.00% $6,930 50.00% $18,900 50.00% Pocahontas UMC $2,944 33.00% $1,704 33.00% $4,648 33.00% Sharon UMC $5,172 50.00% $2,994 50.00% $8,166 50.00% Panama UMC $945 30.00% $555 30.00% $1,500 30.00% Sherman UMC $11,330 41.67% $6,560 41.67% $17,890 41.67% Rosewood Heights Saint Paul UMC $3,758 17.00% $2,174 17.00% $5,932 17.00% Springfield Asbury UMC $3,324 50.00% $1,926 50.00% $5,250 50.00% Shiloh UMC $12,212 33.00% $5,018 24.00% $17,230 30.00% Springfield Cotton Hill UMC $7,236 50.00% $4,188 50.00% $11,424 50.00% Shipman UMC $2,835 75.00% $1,647 75.00% $4,482 75.00% Springfield Douglas Avenue UMC $17,028 50.00% $9,858 50.00% $26,886 50.00% Dorchester UMC $582 50.00% $336 50.00% $918 50.00% Springfield First UMC $89,952 50.00% $52,068 50.00% $142,020 50.00%

APPORTIONMENTS Sparta First UMC $7,990 42.00% $4,625 42.00% $12,615 42.00% Springfield Grace UMC $3,137 29.61% $1,818 29.65% $4,955 29.62% Staunton UMC $1,475 42.00% $850 42.00% $2,325 42.00% Springfield Kumler UMC $4,169 29.90% $2,415 29.90% $6,584 29.90% Steeleville UMC $1,050 50.00% $606 50.00% $1,656 50.00% Springfield Jerome UMC $2,262 50.00% $1,308 50.00% $3,570 50.00% Percy UMC $1,110 50.00% $642 50.00% $1,752 50.00% New Salem UMC $1,519 58.33% $882 58.33% $2,401 58.33% Trenton First UMC $6,780 50.00% $3,924 50.00% $10,704 50.00% Springfield Laurel UMC $24,140 41.67% $13,970 41.67% $38,110 41.67% Troy UMC $20,130 42.00% $11,655 42.00% $31,785 42.00% Sugar Creek UMC $11,520 41.67% $6,670 41.67% $18,190 41.67% Worden UMC $945 42.00% $545 42.00% $1,490 42.00% Taylorville UMC $15,576 50.00% $9,018 50.00% $24,594 50.00% Saint Jacob UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Williamsville UMC $2,670 50.00% $1,548 50.00% $4,218 50.00% Wanda UMC $5,070 50.00% $2,934 50.00% $8,004 50.00% Sangamon River District Totals $503,634 46.94% $291,803 46.98% $795,438 46.96% Waterloo Real Life UMC $414 50.00% $240 50.00% $654 50.00% Wood River First UMC $4,164 50.00% $2,412 50.00% $6,576 50.00% Mississippi River District Totals $467,755 39.84% $270,963 39.88% $738,719 39.86% SPOON RIVER DISTRICT Abingdon UMC $5,442 50.00% $3,150 50.00% $8,592 50.00% Aledo UMC $10,105 41.67% $5,850 41.67% $15,955 41.67% SANGAMON RIVER DISTRICT Alpha UMC $4,488 50.00% $2,598 50.00% $7,086 50.00% Argenta UMC $2,592 50.00% $1,500 50.00% $4,092 50.00% Altona UMC $3,882 50.00% $2,250 50.00% $6,132 50.00% Warrensburg UMC $2,250 50.00% $1,302 50.00% $3,552 50.00% Oneida UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Assumption UMC $1,500 50.00% $870 50.00% $2,370 50.00% Blandinsville UMC $1,458 50.00% $846 50.00% $2,304 50.00% Findlay UMC $1,482 50.00% $858 50.00% $2,340 50.00% Burnside UMC $1,920 100.00% $- 0.00% $1,920 63.24% Windsor UMC $2,118 50.00% $1,224 50.00% $3,342 50.00% Bushnell UMC $1,575 25.00% $912 25.00% $2,487 25.00% Athens UMC $3,876 50.00% $2,244 50.00% $6,120 50.00% Avon UMC $1,100 25.00% $500 20.00% $1,600 23.39% Cantrall UMC $2,712 50.00% $1,572 50.00% $4,284 50.00% New Philadelphia UMC $318 50.00% $186 50.00% $504 50.00% Auburn UMC $7,092 50.00% $4,104 50.00% $11,196 50.00% Point Pleasant UMC $540 50.00% $312 50.00% $852 50.00% Beason UMC $1,560 50.00% $900 50.00% $2,460 50.00% Colchester UMC $5,310 50.00% $3,072 50.00% $8,382 50.00% McLean UMC $2,844 50.00% $1,650 50.00% $4,494 50.00% Hills Grove UMC $515 41.67% $300 41.67% $815 41.67% Waynesville UMC $2,802 50.00% $1,620 50.00% $4,422 50.00% Colona UMC $7,212 50.00% $4,176 50.00% $11,388 50.00% Bethel UMC $310 39.14% $190 41.67% $500 40.06% Colusa UMC $1,338 50.00% $774 50.00% $2,112 50.00% Bissell UMC $1,194 50.00% $690 50.00% $1,884 50.00% East Moline Christ UMC $24,288 50.00% $14,058 50.00% $38,346 50.00% Blue Mound UMC $5,406 50.00% $3,132 50.00% $8,538 50.00% Elmwood UMC $7,482 54.36% $4,584 57.53% $12,066 55.52% Buckeye UMC $1,452 50.00% $840 50.00% $2,292 50.00% Fairfield UMC $1,002 50.00% $582 50.00% $1,584 50.00% Owaneco UMC $1,368 50.00% $792 50.00% $2,160 50.00% Fairview Center UMC $5,358 50.00% $3,102 50.00% $8,460 50.00% South Fork UMC $3,048 50.00% $1,764 50.00% $4,812 50.00% Galesburg Faith UMC $3,825 62.99% $2,193 62.37% $6,018 62.76% Chatham UMC $12,590 41.67% $7,285 41.67% $19,875 41.67% Galesburg First UMC $19,506 50.00% $11,292 50.00% $30,798 50.00% Cisco UMC $4,044 50.00% $2,340 50.00% $6,384 50.00% Galva Grace UMC $597 25.00% $345 25.00% $942 25.00% Clinton UMC $12,442 60.00% $7,200 60.00% $19,642 60.00% Geneseo First UMC $26,694 50.00% $15,450 50.00% $42,144 50.00% Decatur Central UMC $3,060 50.00% $1,770 50.00% $4,830 50.00% Cambridge UMC $6,042 50.00% $3,498 50.00% $9,540 50.00% Decatur Christ UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Geneseo Grace UMC $12,275 41.67% $7,105 41.67% $19,380 41.67% Decatur First UMC $22,608 50.00% $13,086 50.00% $35,694 50.00% Annawan Community UMC $1,196 33.33% $692 33.33% $1,888 33.33% Decatur Grace UMC $43,578 75.00% $25,227 75.00% $68,805 75.00% Fairview UMC $2,286 50.00% $1,320 50.00% $3,606 50.00% Decatur Wesley UMC $1,896 50.00% $1,098 50.00% $2,994 50.00% Hooppole Zion UMC $1,210 41.67% $700 41.67% $1,910 41.67% Divernon UMC $2,832 50.00% $1,638 50.00% $4,470 50.00% Henderson UMC $816 50.00% $474 50.00% $1,290 50.00% Pawnee UMC $378 7.43% $222 7.55% $600 7.47% North Henderson UMC $972 50.00% $564 50.00% $1,536 50.00% Thayer UMC $1,302 50.00% $756 50.00% $2,058 50.00% Hillsdale UMC $1,962 50.00% $1,140 50.00% $3,102 50.00% Easton UMC $2,766 50.00% $1,602 50.00% $4,368 50.00% Illinois City UMC $3,030 50.00% $1,758 50.00% $4,788 50.00% Edinburg UMC $2,910 41.67% $1,685 41.67% $4,595 41.67% Pine Bluff UMC $864 50.00% $498 50.00% $1,362 50.00% Stonington UMC $3,270 50.00% $1,580 41.67% $4,850 46.94% Kirkwood UMC $2,706 50.00% $1,566 50.00% $4,272 50.00% Elkhart UMC $1,230 50.00% $714 50.00% $1,944 50.00% Smithshire UMC $732 50.00% $426 50.00% $1,158 50.00% New Holland UMC $3,348 100.00% $1,944 100.00% $5,292 100.00% Knoxville UMC $5,388 50.00% $3,120 50.00% $8,508 50.00% Fairview UMC $840 50.00% $486 50.00% $1,326 50.00% LaHarpe UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Farmersville UMC $336 50.00% $192 50.00% $528 50.00% Durham UMC $822 50.00% $480 50.00% $1,302 50.00% Forsyth UMC $7,968 50.00% $4,614 50.00% $12,582 50.00% Terre Haute UMC $1,788 50.00% $1,038 50.00% $2,826 50.00% Fountain of Life UMC $3,330 50.00% $1,926 50.00% $5,256 50.00% Good Hope UMC $3,618 50.00% $2,094 50.00% $5,712 50.00% Garver Brick UMC $951 25.00% $552 25.00% $1,503 25.00% Jerusalem UMC $1,842 50.00% $1,068 50.00% $2,910 50.00% Hartsburg UMC $570 41.67% $330 41.67% $900 41.67% Loraine UMC $6,696 50.00% $3,876 50.00% $10,572 50.00% Island Grove UMC $1,314 50.00% $762 50.00% $2,076 50.00% Macomb Wesley UMC $18,320 41.67% $10,605 41.67% $28,925 41.67% Kenney UMC $588 100.00% $348 100.00% $936 100.00% Maquon UMC $2,442 50.00% $1,410 50.00% $3,852 50.00% Lincoln First UMC $12,042 50.00% $6,972 50.00% $19,014 50.00% Douglas UMC $1,491 58.33% $861 58.33% $2,352 58.33% Loami UMC $1,240 41.67% $720 41.67% $1,960 41.67% Orange Chapel UMC $1,000 41.67% $580 41.67% $1,580 41.67% Long Creek UMC $4,056 50.00% $2,346 50.00% $6,402 50.00% Maxey Chapel UMC $1,170 50.00% $678 50.00% $1,848 50.00% Dalton City UMC $1,836 50.00% $1,062 50.00% $2,898 50.00% Milan Trinity UMC $5,040 50.00% $2,916 50.00% $7,956 50.00% Maroa UMC $7,836 50.00% $4,536 50.00% $12,372 50.00% Green River UMC $690 50.00% $396 50.00% $1,086 50.00% Mason City UMC $4,025 41.67% $2,330 41.67% $6,355 41.67% Mineral UMC $1,164 100.00% $672 100.00% $1,836 100.00% San Jose UMC $2,692 33.33% $1,560 33.33% $4,252 33.33% Moline Bethel Wesley UMC $9,024 50.00% $5,226 50.00% $14,250 50.00% Middletown UMC $882 50.00% $510 50.00% $1,392 50.00% Moline Riverside UMC $18,702 50.00% $10,824 50.00% $29,526 50.00% Midland UMC $3,186 50.00% $1,842 50.00% $5,028 50.00% Monmouth First UMC $11,466 50.00% $6,636 50.00% $18,102 50.00%

22 The Current AUGUST 2016 >> CONFERENCE APPORTIONMENTS RECEIPTS AS OF JUNE 30, 2016* << *Churches reflecting contributions of 50% or greater of total apportionments are considered current.

District/Church CS/Adm CS/Adm B/CM B/CM Total Total District/Church CS/Adm CS/Adm B/CM B/CM Total Total Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Nauvoo UMC $1,974 50.00% $1,140 50.00% $3,114 50.00% Long Point UMC $2,190 50.00% $1,266 50.00% $3,456 50.00% Galva First UMC $3,512 33.33% $1,524 25.00% $5,036 30.28% Herscher UMC $5,064 50.00% $2,934 50.00% $7,998 50.00% Bishop Hill UMC $1,152 50.00% $666 50.00% $1,818 50.00% Reddick UMC $2,550 50.00% $1,476 50.00% $4,026 50.00% Oquawka UMC $1,116 50.00% $642 50.00% $1,758 50.00% South Wilmington UMC $630 50.00% $366 50.00% $996 50.00% Gladstone UMC $875 41.67% $505 41.67% $1,380 41.67% Heyworth UMC $5,980 41.67% $3,460 41.67% $9,440 41.67% Biggsville UMC $1,254 50.00% $726 50.00% $1,980 50.00% Hudson UMC $4,434 50.00% $2,568 50.00% $7,002 50.00% Orion UMC $9,426 50.00% $5,454 50.00% $14,880 50.00% Kankakee Asbury UMC $- 0.00% $13,404 75.83% $13,404 27.81% Port Byron First UMC $5,875 41.67% $3,400 41.67% $9,275 41.67% Kankakee Saint Mark UMC $7,476 50.00% $4,326 50.00% $11,802 50.00% Reynolds UMC $1,460 16.67% $846 16.67% $2,306 16.67% Kankakee Trinity UMC $4,308 50.00% $2,496 50.00% $6,804 50.00% Taylor Ridge UMC $1,158 50.00% $672 50.00% $1,830 50.00% Bradley Evangelical UMC $1,908 50.00% $1,104 50.00% $3,012 50.00% Rock Island Two Rivers UMC $9,954 50.00% $5,760 50.00% $15,714 50.00% LeRoy UMC $10,392 50.00% $6,012 50.00% $16,404 50.00% Roseville UMC $5,532 50.00% $3,204 50.00% $8,736 50.00% Lexington First UMC $9,114 50.00% $5,274 50.00% $14,388 50.00% Swan Creek UMC $905 41.67% $525 41.67% $1,430 41.67% Manteno UMC $8,004 50.00% $4,632 50.00% $12,636 50.00% Silvis UMC $3,348 50.00% $1,938 50.00% $5,286 50.00% Mazon UMC $2,052 50.00% $1,188 50.00% $3,240 50.00% Stronghurst UMC $1,826 41.67% $1,056 41.67% $2,882 41.67% McDowell UMC $5,220 100.00% $3,024 100.00% $8,244 100.00% Carman UMC $1,476 50.00% $852 50.00% $2,328 50.00% Minonk UMC $1,224 50.00% $708 50.00% $1,932 50.00% Wenona Saint John's UMC $1,494 50.00% $864 50.00% $2,358 50.00%

Carbon Cliff UMC $1,362 50.00% $792 50.00% $2,154 50.00% APPORTIONMENTS Church of the Cross UMC $1,980 50.00% $1,146 50.00% $3,126 50.00% Momence UMC $5,724 50.00% $3,312 50.00% $9,036 50.00% Hampton Grace UMC $1,320 33.33% $764 33.33% $2,084 33.33% Grant Park UMC $1,500 50.00% $870 50.00% $2,370 50.00% Victoria UMC $2,958 50.00% $1,710 50.00% $4,668 50.00% Hennepin UMC $5,604 100.00% $3,252 100.00% $8,856 100.00% Magnolia UMC $775 41.67% $450 41.67% $1,225 41.67% Viola UMC $3,654 50.00% $2,118 50.00% $5,772 50.00% McNabb UMC $864 50.00% $504 50.00% $1,368 50.00% Preemption UMC $4,272 50.00% $2,472 50.00% $6,744 50.00% Normal Calvary UMC $50,580 50.00% $29,274 50.00% $79,854 50.00% Walnut Grove UMC $2,562 50.00% $1,482 50.00% $4,044 50.00% Normal First UMC $30,246 50.00% $17,508 50.00% $47,754 50.00% Joy UMC $325 8.33% $188 8.33% $513 8.33% Normal Morningstar UMC $6,444 50.00% $3,726 50.00% $10,170 50.00% Eliza Community UMC $1,506 50.00% $- 0.00% $1,506 50.00% Bloomington West Olive Faith UMC $3,588 100.00% $2,076 100.00% $5,664 100.00% New Boston UMC $1,165 41.67% $675 41.67% $1,840 41.67% Pontiac First UMC $23,502 50.00% $13,602 50.00% $37,104 50.00% Williamsfield UMC $3,036 50.00% $1,758 50.00% $4,794 50.00% Ransom UMC $3,102 50.00% $1,800 50.00% $4,902 50.00% Dahinda UMC $6,036 100.00% $3,492 100.00% $9,528 100.00% Verona UMC $1,026 50.00% $594 50.00% $1,620 50.00% Spoon River District Totals $339,728 47.41% $194,260 47.03% $533,988 47.27% Ritchey UMC $1,656 100.00% $960 100.00% $2,616 100.00% Roanoke UMC $4,524 50.00% $2,622 50.00% $7,146 50.00% Secor UMC $1,626 50.00% $942 50.00% $2,568 50.00% VERMILION RIVER DISTRICT Saunemin UMC $3,216 50.00% $1,860 50.00% $5,076 50.00% Aroma Park UMC $1,716 50.00% $990 50.00% $2,706 50.00% Saybrook Wesbein UMC $2,766 50.00% $1,602 50.00% $4,368 50.00% Atlanta UMC $1,506 25.00% $870 25.00% $2,376 25.00% Streator First UMC $7,560 50.00% $4,374 50.00% $11,934 50.00% Ebenezer UMC $5,880 100.00% $3,408 100.00% $9,288 100.00% Ellsworth UMC $3,510 50.00% $2,034 50.00% $5,544 50.00% Hopedale UMC $2,232 50.00% $1,296 50.00% $3,528 50.00% Cropsey UMC $2,202 50.00% $1,272 50.00% $3,474 50.00% Bloomington Wesley UMC $46,098 50.00% $26,682 50.00% $72,780 50.00% Colfax UMC $1,704 50.00% $- 0.00% $1,704 31.70% Bloomington Park UMC $3,684 50.00% $2,136 50.00% $5,820 50.00% Pleasant Grove UMC $1,752 50.00% $1,014 50.00% $2,766 50.00% Bonfield First UMC $1,440 50.00% $834 50.00% $2,274 50.00% Tonica UMC $4,941 75.00% $2,862 75.00% $7,803 75.00% Bonfield Evangelical UMC $2,886 50.00% $1,668 50.00% $4,554 50.00% Lostant UMC $1,935 75.00% $1,125 75.00% $3,060 75.00% Grand Prairie UMC $2,070 50.00% $1,200 50.00% $3,270 50.00% Richland UMC $462 50.00% $270 50.00% $732 50.00% Bourbonnais Grace Community UMC $5,395 41.67% $3,125 41.67% $8,520 41.67% Cabery UMC $1,074 50.00% $624 50.00% $1,698 50.00% Braceville UMC $2,102 37.51% $1,215 37.50% $3,317 37.51% Cullom UMC $1,206 50.00% $696 50.00% $1,902 50.00% Bradley Wesley UMC $6,308 44.21% $3,664 44.38% $9,972 44.27% Kempton UMC $1,308 50.00% $756 50.00% $2,064 50.00% Chatsworth UMC $5,796 100.00% $3,360 100.00% $9,156 100.00% Forrest UMC $3,072 50.00% $1,776 50.00% $4,848 50.00% Vermilion River District Totals $391,701 49.54% $239,188 52.26% $630,888 50.54% Chenoa UMC $5,184 100.00% $3,000 100.00% $8,184 100.00% Coal City UMC $8,940 41.67% $5,175 41.67% $14,115 41.67% Quest UMC (MERGED) $10,944 50.00% $6,336 50.00% $17,280 50.00% Cornell UMC $1,496 33.33% $868 33.33% $2,364 33.33% Springfield Northside UMC (CLOSED) $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Downs UMC $9,891 58.33% $5,726 58.33% $15,617 58.33% Stockland UMC (CLOSED) $1,218 50.00% $708 50.00% $1,926 50.00% Dwight UMC $14,670 50.00% $8,490 50.00% $23,160 50.00% Dale UMC (CLOSED) $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% El Paso UMC $5,346 50.00% $3,096 50.00% $8,442 50.00% West Frankfort First UMC (CLOSED) $948 50.00% $552 50.00% $1,500 50.00% Essex UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Urbana Grace UMC (MERGED) $6,075 41.67% $3,515 41.67% $9,590 41.67% Fairbury First UMC $6,792 50.00% $3,930 50.00% $10,722 50.00% Grand Ridge UMC $2,760 50.00% $1,596 50.00% $4,356 50.00% IGRC TOTALS $3,178,210 44.72% $1,853,132 44.77% $5,031,342 44.84%

>> CONFERENCE NEWS << MacMurray placed on probation, president says ‘unjust sanction’ JACKSONVILLE – MacMurray College has been placed Board will review MacMurray’s accreditation status in the college will be assessed again on probation over concerns related to “strategic plan- June 2018. A loss of accreditation would mean students and that the HLC will no longer ning and systematic improvement” by the Higher attending the school would not be eligible for federal express any concerns. Should Learning Commission identified in October 2015. financial aid and other assistance. HLC still have concerns, a “show Mark Tierno HLC, which accredits roughly 1,000 institutions of The official notice states the HLC board placed the cause” order will be issued where- higher learning in 19 states, issued its findings in a school on probation “because of concerns related to by the HLC will ask the institution notice to the school. governance, assessment of student learning, institu- to show reasons why the accreditation should not be removed. However, MacMurray President Mark Tierno, who be- tional resources, planning and performance improve- came president July 2015, called the action “an unjust ment.” Although HLC acknowledged that MacMurray “Since arriving on campus in July 2015, I along with my sanction” in an email to MacMurray alumni July 11. meets accreditation standards in these areas, it has senior administration, have addressed or are working concerns about the autonomy of MacMurray’s govern- to address the issues identified by the HLC through “Based on MacMurray’s unprecedented progress in the ing board, its commitment to educational achievement changes in policy, procedure and resource alignment,” past academic year, I am disappointed with the HLC’s and improvement through ongoing assessment of Tierno said. “As has always been the case, other insti- action against MacMurray College as it unjustly pun- student learning, and that its resource base supports its tutions of higher education make the final decision ishes us for actions that predate the current administra- current and future educational programs.” whether to accept MacMurray credits for admission to a tion and ignores recent and current advances,” Tierno MacMurray will have until November 2017 to provide program at a graduate level. MacMurray graduates will said. “I have confidence in our ability to overcome continue to graduate from an accredited institution.” this unjust sanction as we continue to strengthen our evidence that the college has resolved the HLC board’s institution.” concerns, and must host a comprehensive evaluation Certain MacMurray academic areas – such as educa- no later than December 2017 to determine whether the tion, nursing and social work programs – are unaffected During the probationary period, which began June probationary concerns have been resolved. by the HLC probation as they have program-specific 30, MacMurray remains fully accredited and students accreditation, from various credentialing boards. remain eligible for all forms of financial aid. The HLC Tierno is confident at the end of the two-year period,

The Current AUGUST 2016 23 >> CONFERENCE NEWS << CONFERENCE NEWS

Photo courtesy of Marge Stout Pictured are those from the IGRC United Methodist Women who attended the North Central Jurisdictional meeting in Grand Rapids, Mich., June 23-26. Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton and former IGRC Bishop Gregory V. Palmer celebrated Communion on Sunday morning. IGRC UMW President Marge Stout was a server. Mission u will be held the weekend of July 29-31 and the school weekday will be July 31-Aug. 3 at the Northfield Center in Springfield. The UMW Annual Meeting will be Oct. 1 at Decatur Grace UMC. Evenglow’s wellness gym, physical therapy enhances its ministry to seniors BY KATHY ALEXANDER now complete for that area, too. EVENGLOW LODGE A colorful wall mural of Pontiac’s swing- “I am an 86 year old Evenglow resident who ing bridge makes the newly redecorated physical found it increasingly difficult stepping off curbs ... therapy room a much more inviting space, as do I soon learned the local stadium bleachers do not attractive flooring, brighter lighting, and new have hand rails to assist climbing to a seat…Well- equipment. Residents say the cheerful surround- ness Director Amy Bomarito developed an exer- ings make the therapy feel easier. cise routine for me using the new wellness gym’s… Rooms redecorated with arts and crafts style excellent machines. Now, I can step off curbs with- furniture add to the comfortable atmosphere for out fearing a fall. I can climb the school bleachers residents needing short-term physical therapy [to watch my grandchildren’s games] with very before returning home after a hospital stay. little assistance. I am free to use the gym at any There is plenty of seating for visitors to share a time. I feel so grateful!” – Janet Lindsay private meal with the resident in their room. Natural lighting abounds in the wellness gym. Evenglow is able to make enhancements like Residents who do not require specialized therapy these and maintain EAGLE accreditation because are frequent users of the cardiovascular and of our dedicated staff, board, volunteers, and fi- strength training equipment. Silver Sneakers cir- nancial supporters. For information on giving op- cuit classes also meet here. Fresh towels, refreshing portunities, contact Mark Hovren, CEO, or Kathy water, and wood laminate flooring add to the spa Alexander, development, at 815-844-6131. atmosphere. (Evenglow Lodge is one of 10 Golden Cross agencies. In addition to wellness, physical therapy is an For more information on Golden Cross ministries, important component of Evenglow’s ministry of visit www.igrc.org/goldencross). Photo courtesy of Evenglow Lodge providing services for older adults. Updates are Tanya Gensler and Pat Shoemaker take advantage of Evenglow Lodge’s therapy room renovation. Deaf/Hard of Hearing Committee needs your help What is the sweetest sound to your ears? Can you phrase hard of hearing, we think of those who have had need and/or already have deaf/hh ministries in place, imagine how much you might miss it if you could not complete or partial hearing loss for most of their lives. and what resources – human and otherwise – are avail- hear it clearly? Or not at all? Are you, and/or someone But the truth is that almost everyone must deal with able. We would like to invite anyone who has ques- you care about, already struggling to understand oth- hearing impairment at some point in their life. Causes tions, concerns, suggestions, etc. in this area to contact ers when they talk? Is the volume of your TV and/or may include aging, illness, trauma, and/or other unex- one of the following: Carrie Grieme (co-chaiperson; set up higher than most people’s comfort level? Have plainable hearing loss. [email protected]), Jean Hembrough (co- you ever missed an appointment or gotten something The IGRC Deaf/Hard of Hearing (HH) Committee is ex- chairperson; [email protected]), or Bunny Wolfe wrong because you didn’t hear the instructions clearly? ploring ways to be in ministry with people throughout ([email protected]). If any of these situations “sound” familiar, you and/ our Conference who struggle with hearing issues for a We appreciate your help and prayers as we continue or a loved one may already be dealing with impaired variety of reasons. The Committee is trying to identify helping IGRC and its churches be in ministry with the hearing. Often when we think of the word deaf or the where those folks might be found, which UMC’s may deaf/hh community.

24 The Current AUGUST 2016 >> CONFERENCE NEWS <<

Jesus Theatre provides new look at old story The WIU Wesley Foundation concluded the spring semester on a high note. Following spring break, 11 stu- Getting connected dents committed themselves to putting on a very special production for the final with ISU Wesley Pulse worship of the year. This required a great deal of prayer, time, effort, Foundation communication, and teamwork. Each student used their unique gifts to make BY BLAIRE LOTZ ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY this worship very meaningful. For the past couple of summers, As I was entering my freshman year of col- student Hannah Porter has worked at CONFERENCE NEWS lege at Illinois State University I knew that I Star Lake Camp, a Salvation Army camp, wanted to be involved in a campus minis- in New Jersey. This camp gives youth try. I only knew 2 other people on campus, from New York City the opportunity to and honestly, I was nervous about how the experience nature, and the out of doors, year was going to go. as they have never done before. At the When I attended freshman orientation last conclusion of the camp the camp leaders summer there was a time where we could put on a production of Jesus Theatre: go around and talk to all of the different Balloons. Hannah felt the production campus groups that were available. There was worthy of sharing with her friends were at least 100 just in this one room, at Wesley Foundation. which made me feel very overwhelmed. As The entire production was student- I came across the Wesley Foundation table, led and student-produced. Hannah and I was pleasantly surprised. The people at Jillian Ross served as directors during rehearsals and narrators during the per- the table asked me about my major, where the part very closely defined some of the characteristics that formance. Rey Brinson played God, Michael Perkins played I was from, and then told me about Merge, we try to avoid as Christians. It also showed the force that Jesus, Mattie Porter played Satan, while Logan Bangert, Ryan the campus ministry. I then went on my had to be overcome by Jesus. I really enjoyed being a part of Hall, Jordan Mance, Corrin Sanders, and Terry Torres-Cruz way and didn’t think much about it, until the team that performed this unique adaptation of the most played the roles of “the people.” At the conclusion of the pro- I got a handwritten note in the mail from important story ever told.” duction, Natasha Morgan provided special music. The time somebody from Merge! They remembered The students decided to open this Pulse to anyone who of worship was completed by the Pulse Praise Band sharing my major, wished me luck in the coming wanted to be a part of this special worship. As they learned praise through music. Ryan had this to say about his partici- year, and invited me to service once I got about the strong interest from the community, they made pation, “To me, Jesus Theatre was showing the Good News of on campus. The note made me feel all the the decision to announce that this unique form of worship God’s love for us in a whole new way.” more welcome into their space of worship. would be available on two separate dates. Both nights had Jesus Theatre: Balloons is a powerful production that rep- overflow crowds. Jesus Theatre: Balloons proved to be a very Move-in week came and there were so resents a symbolic look at God’s unending love for all people. inspirational experience for youth, WIU students, people many different activities to go to, but I The performance is a brief (about 25 minutes), moving, from Macomb, and the surrounding communities. Wesley was really looking forward to going to the choreodrama, with actors sharing an artistic view of life with, Foundation provided a great opportunity for “connections” cookout that Merge was having. I was a and without Christ. The actors perform to music and narra- to take place with such a diverse audience. Both worships little intimidated as I met all of the people tion. Different colored balloons are used at certain times by were followed by a wonderful time of sharing and fellowship. for the first time. They had remembered my specific characters to represent love, hate, and the uniqueness Lots of food and desserts were provided as well. name from Preview! Just knowing that they of each child of God. Mattie shared these thoughts, “Playing This production can be viewed on You Tube: WIU Wes- cared enough about me to remember my the role of Satan gave me a very interesting perspective, as name, or even remember talking to me at ley Foundation Jesus Theatre “Balloons.” orientation made me feel so special. The people I met at the cookout that night have now become some of my very best ISU Wesley student interns with Project Transformation friends, and people that I know I can trust BY EMILY LEWIS Nashville this summer but God had a dif- ISU WESLEY FOUNDATION and confide in. I am so glad that I found ferent plan for me. Merge as a freshman. Knowing that I have Project Transformation, where do Project Transformation was getting ready a family away from home for the rest of my I even start? How do even explain to expand to Memphis and I would later college career that genuinely cares about the joys that it has brought me over learn that I would be the only returning my life is so comforting. the past two summers? intern to be placed in Memphis. Not only have I connected with Merge I started attending Merge my The news of me not being in Nashville socially, I connected spiritually as well. freshman year of college and found with all of my friends made me uncom- myself attending the Next confer- Continuing my spiritual journey through fortable because I was being pushed out ence in Denver in the fall. At the college was very important to me. I have of my comfort zone. I remember being conference I found out about Project Transformation and fell attended church my whole life, but I was pretty confused and upset about this decision and I sat and in love with who they are and what they do. Last year I had ap- really excited for college because it was a talked to Mallory Moore who is my campus minister at ISU plied and found out that I was not accepted. I had told myself Wesley and she said, “It sounds like Project Transformation time to make my faith my own, to find a that maybe it was just meant to turn out that way and there sees great potential in you to help start a new site. This experi- church that I liked and agreed with, and to might be better things in store. ence is for you, but it’s also an opportunity to impact another figure out what I believe. However like they say, God had a plan for me. I had received community and the families there.” I love being part of a family that has fun an intern position with Project Transformation about three This statement has been stuck in my head as I have spent the together but can also help you through the weeks before I was scheduled to leave for Nashville, Tenn. I ac- last four weeks embracing this beautiful city and its com- tough times. There is something to be said cepted and found myself moving to Nashville for eight weeks. munity. This summer I am spending eight weeks in Memphis about hanging out with friends and having Along with 40 other interns, I would be implementing literacy serving at Longstreet UMC and living with 16 other college fun, and also worshiping our awesome day camps for children and families who live under the pov- age interns at Christian Brothers University. God with those same people. Merge was erty line. On Fridays we would be visiting different organiza- As I look to the future I can’t wait to see what is in store! This definitely an answer to my prayers, and my tions and non-profits discovering what they do and how we summer has brought so much light to me; I have made so first year of college would not have been as can learn about what we feel we are being called to do. many new friends, stayed up until midnight making up a silly great had I not found the Wesley Founda- dance for the kids to learn, found a love for Memphis but most tion. I loved everything last summer: Antioch United Methodist, my kids, my community of interns and the city of Nashville. I had of all I have realized that I will always have a love for Project (Blaire Lotz just finished her freshman year at even left Nashville switching my major from Sports Manage- Transformation Tennessee. Illinois State University. She is an active leader ment to Elementary Education. As the summer wound down (Emily Lewis is an active leader at the Illinois State Wesley Foun- for the ISU Wesley Foundation. Her energy I knew that I would like to return to Nashville in the summer dation. She is spending her second summer as an intern with and passion in our ministry is contagious!) of 2016. I applied and had every intention of serving back in Project Transformation.) The Current AUGUST 2016 25 cmu006856_TheCurrent10x7_NewWrds.indd 1 or PianoGalleryofPeoria,4640NBrandywine,IL Network, 902SWillow,Effingham,IL or UprightPiano,ClavinovaareinvitedtocontactChurchOrgan Churches, Schools,or Individuals searching foraChurchOrgan,Grand C6XPE seriesConcertArtistPolishedEbonyGrandPiano. Piano Gallery of Peoria, will be providing Yamaha’s newly designed the greatestPipeOrgansofWorld. Digital ComputerRenaissance Organ, featuringsampled pipe voices of Church OrganNetworkofEffingham,IL,willbeprovidingtheAllen 2016 NorthCentralJurisdictionalConference Pulling out alltheStopsfor PianoGalleryofPeoria.com 309.966.0434, email 217.342.2207 [email protected] As thenation’s our leading of we insurer offer religious institutions, policyholders access to the industry’s most robust network of strategic of strategic network robust most industry’s to the access policyholders connections. Our partnerships offer the specialized insight specialized and the offer partnerships Our connections. services you need to succeed in your mission — and you —and can’t inyour mission get to you succeed need services them anywhere else. When it comes to protecting your people, to comes it protecting else. When anywhere them your property and the traditions you dear, hold traditions the and you’ll ﬁyour property we’rend more than an insurer. an more than the We’re helps you serve who a partner greater good. Make astrategicconnectiontoday. Call The IllinoisGreatRiversConferencehaschosenChurch Mutual as itsrecommendedpropertyandliabilityinsurance company. (800) 554-2642orvisitwww.churchmutual.com . Michele at 217-529-3122. Michele [email protected] orby calling at WillsonMichele responding church to addresses andthecor send thosenames, email a church may have. Merely subscriptions on thenumberofelectronic version ofThe Current andthere isnolimit to canalsosubscribe theelectronic Members church guaranteedwith every aminimumoffour subscriptions. Print are subscriptions baseduponachurch’s average worship attendance the church’s GCFA six-digit number. Churchvisiting www.igrc.org/subscriptions. andenter theDistrict, Select Pastors: to Checkthelistofsubscribers The Current for your church by tosubscriptions The Current are available to congregation. eachIGRC ofourchurches, toDue thefaithfulpayment ofapportionments free Current subscriptions Your church hasFREE One-half ofthosesubscriptionsgounclaimed! The badnews? One-half mwill- - TM best keptbest secret: IGRC’s

7/14/16 1:23PM !