CurrentJuly 2014 • Vol. 18 No. 12

Annual ConCOVERAGE f e r en ce 2014

F THE P {OUT O EWS}

Post-Conference Issue News from the Episcopal Office 2 Cabinet Address 3 Christian Conversations 4 Local Church News 5-6 Annual Conference Wrap-up 7-26, 28 Ephesians 4:11-16 Memorial Service 12 Retirees 13 Appointments 22-26 Ordination News 28 National/Global News 27 NEWS From The Episcopal Office Annual Conference NEWS

2015 Holy Land Pilgrimage Life doesn’t frighten us dates announced (Editor’s note: Below is the transcript of the Cabinet Address Caleb, is prophetic, saying in effect, “Wouldn’t it be cool everything from delivered by Rev. Dr. Terry Harter at the 2014 Annual Con- if?” “We can go ahead, we can do God’s will, if only we leaves to seals and Bishop Jonathan Keaton has announced that the 2015 Holy Land Pilgrimage NEWS ference. Due to the large number of requests for the address, don’t lose hope” which we can translate as a passion for oak trees, then what will be Feb. 10-19, 2015. From The Episcopal Office the address is presented in transcript form instead of a news the possible. The majority report, as one might expect, is is it I can’t do?” Cost for the trip is $3,196 from St. Louis, Chicago or Indianapolis. Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton article.) pragmatic. The prudence it counsels only thinly veils the The giants we To learn about the Illinois Great Rivers Conference 2015 Bishop’s Holy Land Last Wednesday, at the age of 86, Dr. Maya Angelou set cowardice of those submitting it. It speaks of “giants in the face are not an iden- Pilgrimage, visit the EO website at: www.EO.travel/find_trip (there is aside her writings, books and poetry, her clarion calls for land” – the sons of Anak, literally, “the long-necked one”. tifiable group in the an underscore between find and trip). The Tour is HL15 and the Code is The substance of commencement full humanity and dignity and fearless living in community “And we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers and so we church or the world 021015K. with all on this planet, as well as her stories and testimony seemed to them.” (Numbers 13:33) Predictably, the chil- – much as we would The 2014 Annual Conference reflected of healing and blessing – because her greatest work… her dren of Israel accept the majority report and we read that like to point them the substance of Commencement. Praise life … was completed. Appointments was conferred. New beginnings were initi- Since then, she rightly has been hailed as a Renaissance " Ahead are giants. But what are giant obstacles if not brilliant In consultation with the Cabinet of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, ated. And our faith was renewed. woman, poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, dramatist, opportunities brilliantly disguised as giant obstacles? " Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton appoints the following: A total of 30 pastors retired. To replace producer, actress, historian, filmmaker and civil right Floyd Blackard to Fairbury, Vermilion River District, effective July 1. them, five persons were commissioned. activist… And three were ordained as full members. Was she not also one who (in the words of Paul in “all the congregation raised a loud cry and the people wept out as this or that Timothy Pate to Alton Main Street lead pastor, Mississippi River District, Both groups have begun writing new chap- Ephesians) “was given for the equipping of the saints … that night; and all the people of Israel murmured against interest group of the left or the right. The giants instead are effective July 1. ters in their lives. for the edifying of the body … that we should no longer be Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, forces that act to deter the daring action and risk-taking Debra J. Hoertel to Alton Main Street associate pastor, Mississippi River Five congregations received church children tossed to and fro and carried about …” “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt, … and they ventures to which Jesus calls us … In the churches that have District, effective July 1. growth awards. Although Beason UMC But speaking the truth in love, Dr. Angelou still speaks said to one another, ‘Let’s choose a captain and go back to suffered loss of membership over the past year, there is the Gerald Aloran to Geneseo First-Cambridge Multisite, Spoon River District, received 9, Mt. Olive UMC 14, Midland to us this morning as God’s children, fellow disciples: as Egypt.” And then when Aaron and Moses remonstrate, and giant of uneasiness and discomfort that invites us to focus effective July 1. He will be launching a new church start with Geneseo First UMC 40, Geneseo First 57 and Fairview she said in an interview just last year that it was her faith in Caleb gets up once again, and Joshua, and say, “The Lord is on what will add numbers without counting the cost to the at Cambridge. Heights Christ 90 professions of faith, their God that allowed her to full-voiced gospel. In the market-driven religious environ- Duane Ambrose to Louisville, Kaskaskia River District, effective Jan. 1, work of Christian nurture has only begun. achieve such incredible " The giants are forces that act to deter the daring action ment, there is the giant of temptation to offer only what will 2014. He is a retired elder serving ¼ time. We praised members of IGRC who feats. and risk-taking ventures to which Jesus calls us. " please – rather than stir and transform. For the church that now residing in the church triumphant. Dr. Angelou told struggles with its identity, there is the giant of a temptation Walter Carlson to Coal City, Vermilion River District, effective July 1. He They will be remembered. Later, we af- her interviewers: to settle on the lowest common denominator, one that will will be serving as a retired elder full-time. His retirement date is June 30. firmed persons ministering to our neigh- “I found that I knew not only that there was God but with us” the congregation said to stone them. (Numbers 14: hold people together at all costs. And there is the equally Terry Lancaster to Sheffield, Illinois River District, effective July 1. He bors in Liberia, China, Zimbabwe, Central that I was a child of God, when I understood that, when I 1-10). corrupting giant desire to provide a formula-faith that will also be serving Mineral in the Spoon River District. The churches will America, etc. Our witness in mission will comprehended that … more than that, when I internalized I recall this story because that line “We seemed to invests authority in what is less than ultimate: our experi- remain separate and not a two-point charge. never be done. that, ingested that, I became courageous. ourselves like grasshoppers” seems to reflect the constant ence, the scripture, the church, some creed, some political Nick Jordan to Bartonville-Kingston Mines, Illinois River District, effective We sang the praise of all the above I dared to do anything that was a good thing. I dared to problem, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” viewpoint – rather than what IS ultimate – the God who July 1. Bartonville and Kingston Mines becomes a new charge. This is Nick conferring on them plaudits like Cum do things as distant from what seemed to be in my future. As in Jesus’ story of Jordan’s first appointment in the IGRC. Laude. If you had heard Dr. Lallene Rector, If God loves me, if God made everything from leaves to the one-talent man, we " there is the giant of temptation to offer only what will first woman President of Garrett-Evangeli- seals and oak trees, then what is it I can’t do?” see again the protective Jame Hahs to Havana, LaMoine River District, effective July 1. cal Theological Seminary; General Sec- My name is Terry Harter, and I am serving as the Con- strategy of deliberate fail- please – rather than stir and transform. " Supply not appointed retary Barbara Boigegrain of the General ference Superintendent for the Sangamon River District. I ure, only with two added Mark Hendrickson to Nauvoo, Spoon River District, effective July 1. This Board of Pensions and Health Benefits; Dr. want to ask my fellow Superintendents to stand, acknowl- wrinkles: if you think other people make you into a failure calls us, graces us, and send us in Jesus Christ. is Mark’s first supply arrangement in the IGRC. Colleen Hester first woman President of MacMur- • Third, Harper Jane Krost (above) was edging their service, and relieving them for responsibility – “giants in the land” – then you don’t have to feel badly There is the alluring giant, in an unstable environment, ray College; Bishop Hopkins’ Ordination Sermon, baptized during the Ordination Service. for the content of this address on their behalf. about being one. And if you think that those trying to wean to long for and to seek a risk-free world – or at least to make Dennis Gambill to Ashley, Kaskaskia River District, effective May 1. He Dr. Terry Harter’s Cabinet Address and Morning Harper became a member of Christ’s holy It is inherent to the office of Superintendent that, from you from your sense of failure – the Joshuas and Calebs of the church an enclave of assurance and comfort – And then currently serves Richview UMC and will continue to serve both congrega- Manna speaker Jessica Davenport deliver their mes- church. Moreover, we promised to help time to time, we encounter both pastors and congregations the world – are only trying to push you around, then you there arises in the church a culture of intimidation that tions. sages, you would have been blessed and touched. nurture baby Harper in the faith until she that are facing the future with courage – as well as pastors can stone them in good conscience. works against standing up for the right and the just, and Nancy Myers to Flora Trinity, Kaskaskia River District, effective July 1. God’s call upon their lives revealed itself with can profess her own faith in Jesus Christ. and congregations that are facing the future with fear – ALL Now I do not think there is a Promised Land for any- seeking the truth, no matter what. This is a cultural giant of Tim Delaney to LaFayette-West Jersey-Laura-Monica, Illinois River Dis- a distinction of great praise or Magna Cum Laude. • Last but certainly not least, I offer TOTAL of them are called upon to “do things as distant from what body any more, but I recall this story because I believe there defensiveness and fear, discouraging and avoiding struggle, trict, effective July 1. This is his first supply arrangement in the IGRC. The Biblically speaking, three acts of kindness garnered PRAISE to God. God’s grace, forgiveness, seems to be in their future.” is a Promised Time for everybody. After a far longer and of denying the giants of ignorance and greed, of poverty four churches will become a new four-point charge/parish. the distinction of Summa Cum Laude or the High- empowering spirit and direction brought Some may be beset by problems of their own making – even more arduous trek, the 7 billion of us who inhabit this and constriction of spirit, the giants that prowl around us est Praise. us through Annual Conference 2014. It has or maybe they find themselves awash in the vast tidal flows planet are in fact on the very border of that time promised and within us. Change of status • First, IGRC raised over $2.5 million for equipped us for the days ahead. of cultural change … adrift and overwhelmed by powerful in Scripture – “and it shall come to pass in the latter days” But listen to Caleb and Joshua: “Let us go up at once Craig R. Miller, discontinuation of a retired clergy from other confer- Imagine No Malaria for our neighbors in TOTAL PRAISE to God is better than Cum, currents beyond their control. – a time when quite literally, if we do not lose our passion and occupy the country. We are well able to conquer it. ence, effective July 31. Rev. Miller has been serving Peoria Madison Ave. Africa. Children and families will be saved. Magna and Summa Cum Laude put together. “God In our itineration and service as superintendents we for the possible, we might indeed create a world without The Lord is with us. You have nothing to fear from them.” UMC, which will close July 31. It will become a legacy church as another Plus malaria’s death grip on poverty-stricken is not through with us yet.” Beverly and I thank hear of financial struggles and spiritual malaise. As our borders, a world without famine, a world at one, a world at (Numbers 13:30 and 14:9-10) denomination takes over the Madison Avenue facility. folks will be loosened. God for the privilege of serving among you. Let’s Bishop has already attested, we witness gloriously hope- peace. That is not a threat – it is a charge worthy of your gifts, • Second, tons of volunteers became servants keep the faith. (It’s the substance of things hoped filled ministries, and at the same time (along with you) we But instead of pressing forward, God’s children once your faith, your knowledge. It is not a word to douse your Deaths of the annual conference. Jesus called servant for!!!) observe aging congregations, decreasing membership and again are holding back. Instead of “seizing the time”, we are enthusiasm but to elevate it. It is a word not to discour- leaders “the greatest.” (Mark 9:35) worship attendance – summarized again this year in the losing our grip; and some of us seem eager to elect captains age you but to encourage you. It is a word not to make the Retired pastor Richard L. Stolp, 91, died June 7 in Springfield, Mo. Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton now standard GCFA report of Financial and to lead us back to work of ministry and mission threatening, but to affirm its He served local churches in the former Central Illinois Conference and Statistical Trends for the past 20 years. The the fleshpots and noble and enabling dimensions… was the District Superintendent of the Peoria District from 1970-1974. He New York City youth seminar Aldersgate 2014 coming to Springfield 2014 version is a pastel cherry sheet easily spiritual slavery of We are not sent out with automatic weapons to kill retired from Peoria University Ave. UMC in 1987. Youth ages 16-18 (or juniors or seniors in high school) Aldersgate Renewal Ministries (ARM) will hold its Na- overlooked in the massive collection of Egypt. the giants, but as bearers of the love and grace of God that His wife, Susan Mae Stolp, passed away in 2003. are invited to join the IGRC youth ministry on a New tional Conference on Spirit-filled Living in Springfield documents assembled for you in your vari- It is under- will overcome them. This love confronts the giants before York City adventure of "finding our voices and shap- July 17-20 at the Prairie Capital Convention Center. ous packets – This has already been drawn standable. We which our spirits cower – this love rests on the love of God He is survived by two children, Deborah Sue Olson of Neillsville, Wisconsin to your attention by Bill Adams. And what have been through that has in Jesus Christ overcome all the giants of the world, ing the world," June 27 - July 6. ARM is a non-political and non-adversarial movement and Richard D. Stolp of Raleigh, NC. if we were to attend to its content? Even if tough disillusion-disillusion rebuking the untruthful – and urging us to thinking and The three-day seminar this year is on youth violence. which is committed to equipping the local church to A full obituary may be found at the link below and notes for the family we believe we can predict the future based ing times. Who acting that frightens! And giving us the courage to risk The young people will have several days for touring, minister to the world in the power of the Holy Spirit. was it who said, our comfort and security for the sake of The Gospel – The may be left on-line: visiting many of New York City's "must see" attrac- It receives not funding from The United Methodist on these trends of seemingly perpetual de- was it who said, http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/news-leader/obituary. tions, and enjoying 4th of July fireworks over the Church and is a member of the Evangelical Council cline – What exactly are we to do about it? “I used to be an Good News of Jesus Christ – that in him – we need not aspx?n=richard-l-stolp&pid=171273180#sthash.zHvEjxFa.dpuf Hudson River. for Financial Accountability. What things are we to dare to do that are as incurable optimist, be frightened by life – that we must act on our relentlessly distant from what seems to be our future? If but now I’m cured.” impossible dreams, and the breathtaking evidence of such Retired pastor, the Rev. Larry L. Lawler, 81, died June 6 in Bloomington. For more information and a registration form, please For more information about the conference, visit: God loves us, if God made everything from And understand an embodiment of hope. visit www.igrc.org/nyc. Space at present is limited www.aldersgate2014.org. leaves to seals and oak trees, then what is it why we are fearful. So, dear friends, let us continue with good heart our Rev. Lawler served on the Conference Council on Ministries of the former to 10 males and 10 females, but may be expanded if we can’t do? Ahead are giants. exodus from old time to promised time. The road is hard Central Illinois Conference as well as serving as Director of the Council of interest warrants. Ministries from 1989 to 1995. He also served 10 years as the Director of We invite you on this golden morning to But what are giant but the future is bright. The Promised Time is there ahead, The Baby Fold and retired from active ministry in 1995. think big thoughts. Let’s make our hearts as obstacles if not already we can dimly view its contours. The spies are back The Current (USPS 014-964) is published monthly by the Send materials to: wide as God’s universe, and to get us started, brilliant opportu- – you have heard reports, the prophetic ones among them Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life service will be at Illinois Great Rivers Conference of The UMC, 5900 South P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207 let’s call to mind the story in the 13th and nities brilliantly announcing that the Promised Time will be far better than 2 p.m. July 2 at First United Methodist Church, Normal, with the Rev. Dr. Second Street, Springfield, IL 62711 or tel. 217.529.2040 or fax 217.529.4155 14th chapters of the Book of Numbers. disguised as giant the good old days! So enough of this Egypt talk! Enough Don Jackson officiating. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home, Bloom- [email protected], website www.igrc.org An individual subscription is $15 per year. The opinions After a long and tear-stained trek, the obstacles? of this talk about seeming to ourselves like grass- THE CURRENT ington, is assisting with arrangements. JULY expressed in viewpoints are those of the writers and Periodical postage paid at Peoria, IL, and additional children of Israel finally reach the borders of And aren’t we hoppers. We, too, can become giants, Anaks, - by Condolences and memories may be shared at: www.kiblerbradyruest- do not necessarily reflect the views of The Current, The mailing offices. the Promised Land. Spies are sent out, and children of God to sticking out our necks. Let us go up at once. We

man.com. IGRC, or The UMC. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to ON THE COVER: when they come back, there is a majority say with Dr. Ange-Ange need not be FRIGHTENED of the New Life Christ 2014 Communications Team leader: Paul E. Black; Team The Current, Illinois Great Rivers Conference, Images from the 2014 Annual Conference report and there is a minority report. The lou: “If God loves has given and made possible for all of us. members: Kim Halusan and Michele Willson P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207 Photos by Kaitlyn Conrad minority report, submitted by Joshua and me, if God made LIFE DOESN'T FRIGHTEN US CONTINUED ON PAGE 19 2 3 Christian Conversations NEWS Local Church NEWS Graduation and weeds BY JOHN ROBERT MCFARLAND I went to see a man who was undergoing chemo. It was about mid-afternoon. He said, “I’ve been thinking for several hours about taking a shower.” TheThe timetime hashas comecome That’s one of the worst things about chemotherapy, the fatigue. Thinking about doing something is about as far as you can get on for immigration reform most days. So it was with me. I was about six months into the 13 months of my chemotherapy. I was able to BY DOUG BAIRD, ADRIAN GARCIA, R. ANTHONY LEE, BRAD immigrants are church-going, values-centered people MCMILLIAN, MARK PETERS AND BEN TAYLOR do one thing a day. I never chose pulling weeds who flee poverty or persecution in search of a place where as my one thing. they and their families can live with dignity. PHOTOS AND STORY While Congress remains paralyzed COURTESY OF BURENA HOWARD by partisan gridlock on many issues, one We recognize that immigration reform is a highly So a lady from church was sitting on the walkway particular issue is emerging with increas- charged issue, but we encourage our fellow Peorians and to our house, pulling the weeds from the flower ing bipartisan support: immigration Illinoisans across the state to support our country’s strong beds along the walk. She was good at it. She was ore than 150 women that in- with a renewed sense of spiritual en- reform. immigrant heritage and our commitment to being a wel- about 70, so she’d had lots of experiences with Mcluded Illinois Great Rivers lightenment, leadership information and Republicans, Democrats and a large coming beacon for those who seek freedom and prosper- weeds. I decided my one thing for the day would Conference Officers, District Officers and other resources to make it happen inside and out. be to get up and go out to thank her. majority of the American people now ity. We also ask all those engaged in the debate to avoid members joined 7,000 (women, youth and children) from The General Secretary on Church and Society, believe that Congress must act on immigration reform. divisive rhetoric. No one, for example, is asking for am- I had another motive to talk with her. I knew that around the world who converged on Louisville Interna- General Commission on Race and Religion, General The reasons for this support are clear. nesty for those who have broken the law. We recognize, her grandson, in his early 20's, had moved in with tional Convention Center, April 25-27 for the 19th qua- Secretary of the World YMCA and former Secretary of drennial Assembly. Immigration reform is about securing our country’s however, that America has a policy of de facto amnesty her and her husband, come from another state to State Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke about the challenges future and honoring our nation’s past. Fixing our broken in place by allowing the broken immigration system to go do so. He was deep into drug addiction and had Leaders of Assembly 2014 chose Make It Happen! as a facing women. As a lifelong United Methodist, Clinton immigration system would not only grow the economy by unfixed. To get right with the law, those who are here ille- been disowned by his parents and every rehab theme based on the Gospel story of Jesus feeding 5,000 said, “we need to wake up our country and wake up our roughly $700 billion by 2023, it would also continue our gally should pay a fine, pay back taxes, undergo a criminal facility in several states. What do you do when no people with only a few loaves of bread and two fish. The world about the work that can and should be done.” background check, learn English and join the line to earn rich heritage as a nation of immigrants. one else will have you? You go to Grandma’s. women of IGRC attended education for mission projects, Pictured above are some of the IGRC delegation with Immigration reform is about ensuring the availability their way to citizenship or legal status. This would allow workshops, town halls and worship services offered to Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton. of a reliable workforce — from lesser-skilled workers in them to become fully engaged, responsible members of “Everybody says we’re crazy,” she said. “Nobody equip everyone with the challenges of the 21st Century the trades, retail and hospitality industries to America’s our society, as so many of them desperately desire to be. else has been able to help him. Why could we? all-important agricultural sector. It is estimated that im- Currently, immigration reform legislation is held up We’re old. But that’s the point. I don’t have migrant workers make up three-quarters of our agricul- in the U.S. House of Representatives. There are, however, much to look forward to, but I have a lot to look tural workforce, but a broken immigration system makes leaders on both sides of the aisle pushing for a vote on back at. I remember him when I held him in my obtaining visas for farm workers incredibly burdensome, this issue, including our own U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock. For arms, when I rocked him when he cried, when and seasonal workers harder to find. An unstable work- a vote to be scheduled in the U.S. House, we need more we played in the sand box, when I taught him Man tells transformation story at force for farmers means rising food prices and fewer man- members of Congress to follow his lead and reject parti- how to ride a bike. I can’t give up on all those agement, transport and sales jobs for American workers. sanship, step forward and do the right thing. memories.” Immigration reform also is about providing our When he voted to end the delay on Civil Rights leg- I was glad my one thing that day was listening to commencement, hoping it inspires others manufacturing, engineering and technology companies islation in 1964, Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen her memories, and rejoicing in her commitment. BY BRE LINDSTROMBERG COOPER high school. He did not think he would succeed in col- “It was a huge rock-bottom moment in my life and it with the talent they need to compete on a global level. For of Pekin said that “stronger than all the armies is an idea Jacksonville Journal-Courier lege. came at a time when I was doing the right thing (seek- example, the current immigration system puts companies whose time has come.” For our businesses, our farms, our I understood what she was saying, but not really. Partly inspired by an uncle who has achieved high ing treatment) … but I wasn’t paying my rent right, I like Caterpillar at a distinct disadvantage by artificially communities, our churches, and our nation, immigration I didn’t have grandchildren yet. JACKSONVILLE -- Andrew Dewey’s often wayward life has com- rank in the military and partly because “I figured here wasn’t going to work right … what did I expect (friends limiting the number of high-skilled visas that allow reform, too, is an idea whose time has come. Now, though, I understand. Last night my first menced anew. Rousingly. is something that will pay me while I try to figure out and family) to do? Yes, it was horrific and scary, but I foreign, often U.S.-educated professionals to work in our (Doug Baird is the owner of Baird Seed Co.; Adrian grandchild graduated from high school. She is Dewey, a member of Lincoln Land what I’m doing,” Dewey enlisted in the U.S. Army. felt like I had brought it on myself,” Dewey said. “There country. Currently, the number of H-1B visas is capped at Garcia is the pastor of Latino & Outreach Ministries at beautiful. Last month she was prom queen. Last Community College’s Class of 2014, was the school’s After serving as an infantryman for two years, he had to be something for me to stand in front of, some 85,000. This year, all 85,000 were sought and filled in the Peoria First UMC and IGRC Coordinator of Hispanic Min- night she was awarded honors and scholarships. graduation speaker. His life story, his gratitude for returned home and set out on what would be a winding accountability to push me forward. first week, meaning thousands of high-skill positions will istries; the Rev. R. Anthony Lee is co-moderator for social I watched her every move with love and pride, LLCC and his heartfelt words — free of the boilerplate, path through “something like 42 jobs” in 14 cities in “I had so much room to go up. There was so much justice of the Diocese of Peoria; Brad McMillan is executive remain empty, as there are not enough American science, with rejoicing for what she will become, but blather and blah blah typically trudged out for such nine states, trying to find a job that suited him, that space in front of me.” director of the Institute for Principled Leadership in Public technology, engineer and math graduates to fill them. mostly with memories of what we have shared in events — earned a rare standing ovation from his peers would perhaps give him focus in his life. He eventually For the next two years, Dewey would take addiction Service at Bradley University; Mark T. Peters is corporate American companies and the U.S. economy will suffer the past. and has moved others who have caught the speech on married and became a father. recovery, as AA members say, one day at a time, and he counsel of Immigration Group, Legal Services Division at because of it. YouTub e. “I was still bouncing around in life,” Dewey said. “We would take school, as he says, one semester at a time. Lastly, immigration reform is about respecting the Caterpillar, Inc.; and Ben Taylor is executive director of the But I also scanned up and down the rows of the were fine, making money, but I just couldn’t find a spot “I feel like I’ve found a place to focus all those feel- other graduates, looking for that kid who is not “You never know how it’s going to be received. It’s dignity of every individual and the sanctity of the fam- Great Lakes Region of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.) scary to stand up there in front of so many people and where I could say, ‘That’s my career. That’s what I want ings and thoughts that, before, I didn’t know what to beautiful, who received no honors or awards or ily unit. American Evangelicals, Protestants, Catholics, admit to your past when it’s not what you are proud to do with my life.’” do with,” said Dewey, who, come fall, will pursue a scholarships, the one who will be tempted to Muslims and Jews have joined their voices in support of,” Dewey said. “There was a purpose to it. I wanted When Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University on this moral issue. In Christianity, Judaism and Islam, make wrong decisions and take wrong turns. I to impact just one person. If I could just do that, then I Louisiana, in 2005, Dewey and his family were living in of Illinois Springfield. He hopes to obtain his master’s believers are called to treat our brothers and sisters as we prayed for him, that he will have a grandma who would feel like it — giving up my story — was worth it.” a home just miles from shore. degree in human development and become a drug and would hope to be treated, and to be particularly protective Webstream appreciated knows how to pull weeds… On the day of commencement, Dewey had little time Their home and most of their possessions lost to alcohol treatment counselor. the hurricane, Dewey moved his family to Jacksonville, Dewey’s commencement talk praised the profes- of travelers and strangers in our own lands. Many modern Editor, The Current: (Rev. Dr. John Robert McFarland is a retired IGRC to be nervous about his speech. His parents and teenage where he had found work. sors at Lincoln Land and its students, not only for their clergy member living in Iron Mountain, Mich. He is son were in town to congratulate Dewey on his gradu- I did not get to conference this year as I had planned, so The next six years would be a spiral downward into commitment to academic achievement but for caring the author of Now That I Have Cancer, I Am Whole. ation and to stand by as he signed the lease on his new I was very thankful to connect through the live stream- apartment. drug and alcohol addiction, until one morning in early about him personally and helping him right his life ing of conference. I told the people at church this He has written for more than 40 publications March 2012 when, Dewey said, he hit “rock bottom.” course. ranging from Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home A little more than two years ago, Dewey, then 45, morning that the only thing I missed was the fellow- was adrift in the wreckage that was his life. The Army “I was getting ready to go to my job and I reached It generated a wave of emotion — and that standing Companion to the Chicago Tribune and Midwest ship. I used my June Current paper for the daily agenda veteran was living at New Directions Warming and into my drawer — I had a bottle of vodka and some ovation. Poetry Review. He writes regularly a blog, Christ In and also followed the worship bulletins. I was amazed Cooling Center, a homeless shelter located within (prescription) painkillers in there — and I was going “The speech was not intended to draw that response, as I watched the reports and resolutions how much it Winter, www.christinwinter.blogspot.com, of Jacksonville Grace UMC, where he was recovering from to take a small handful (of the pills) and go ahead and but … my fellow classmates were the ones who thought felt like I was sitting on the conference floor. I did miss which this was his May 24, 2014 post. Reprinted alcohol and drug addiction. He had lost his job, his finish the bottle before going to work,” he said, “and my it deserved that response and I saw it and I was so some of what went on as I was not able to sit all day and with permission.) marriage was shattered and all of his other relationships hands and my brain stopped and I wondered what was moved. I was told beforehand that (the audience) will watch my iPad, but thanks to all who helped make live were damaged to one degree or another. going on with my life. Why was I thinking about drink- clap, but (do not expect) a momentous occasion, but it webstream possible. I truly felt that I was a part of con- After two years of some serious rebuilding, his life ing at 6 o’clock in the morning?” was for me,” Dewey said. “Not only had I found a home ference this year even though I was not actually there. has a new and hopeful trajectory. Dewey joined Jacksonville’s chapter of Alcoholics in school, not only had AA given me my life back, but Dewey was raised on the family farm near Cham- Anonymous, where he was encouraged by other mem- now hundreds of people wanted to let me know that THE CURRENT Thanks for making this possible! JULY paign by his adopted parents, John and Marilyn. His bers to check himself into the Wells Center in Jackson- they cared for and respected me. To me, it was a culmi- Cathy Seaton father farmed and is a sought-after rebuilder of pianos; ville for professional treatment. nation of everything I was trying to do, trying to be and

As he dealt with his addictions, Dewey’s life outside hoping to become.” 2014 Lay Minister his mother was employed in social work. As he worked his way through school — a self-described mediocre the center eroded. His marriage had ended, he lost his (Reprinted with permission from the May 25 issue of Parkersburg-Ebenezer-Little Wabash student, he said, “B’s, C’s, some D’s” — Dewey struggled home and his job, and relationships with family and the Jacksonville Journal-Courier, www.myjournalcourier. Kaskaskia River District 4 to settle on an area of interest to pursue as a career after friends were soured. com) 5 Local Church NEWS Annual Conference NEWS

Left photo: Tracy Bailen, right, looks on as Jay Bailen, Keith Oye and Susan Jones construct play- ground equipment at Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church.

Right photo: Keith Oye, Susan Jones, Carolyn O’Brian, and Jay Bailen build new playground Annual Con f e r en ce equipment at Mt. Vernon United COVERAGE Methodist Church. 2014 Photos courtesy of Phyllis Godwin, Mt. Vernon UMC

Mt. Vernon UMC playground donation Sisters Amy Oye and Tracy Bailen and their families recently donated a children’s playground for the Mt. Vernon (Champaign) UMC yard. They also worked tirelessly to build it and with the help of Keith Oye, Jay Bailen, Carolyn O’Brian and the supervision and building skills of Susan Jones, the playground is ready for the children of the church to enjoy. Oye and Bailen are the daughters of the late Judy Cameron, long-time member who had a special love for the children of the church. A dedication ceremony in Cameron’s honor is planned. Home Depot, UM Village partner to build garden BY BRETT LUSTER Westfield congregation has strong GODFREY — A total of 14 Home Depot volunteers joined forces with United Methodist Village retirement community staff Thurs- Ministry of the Laity celebrated day morning to build 14 garden plots for residents there. ties to its EUB roots Brethren Staff and some of the 218 residents will maintain the plots set on Community was home to Westfield College in early 20th century an approximate 75-foot by 75-foot space next to the maintenance building. at the 2014 Annual Conference BY PAUL BLACK program, whereby the current self-fund insurance plan will end Dec. 31, BY ROB STROUD Westfield College and the local congregation had been The garden represents social and environmental aspects of well- IGRC Director of Communication Ministries with clergy purchasing their insurance through government exchanges un- Charleston Times-Courier meeting in the former college building until this structure ness — two of the eight dimensions of wellness United Method- PEORIA – The Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference was held in der the Affordable Care Act. The plan calls for local congregations to pay WESTFIELD -- Judy Justice knew she wanted to play was destroyed by fire in 1917. ist Village promotes for residents, according to executive director Peoria, June 4-7, under the theme of Ministry of the Laity. The 2014 session an additional $12,000 as a health care allowance to assist the pastor with the grand pipe organ at the Westfield United Methodist Salvaged from the fire, Westfield College's bell is now Patrick Noonan. displayed outside of Westfield United Methodist. (The is the first of a three-year celebration focused on ministry. the purchase of health insurance. Currently, local congregations served by Church not long after hearing its bold sound fill the sanc- The other six elements are physical, emotional, social, intellectual, full-time pastors pay $17,520 as the employer’s share for insurance, mean- tuary when she was a child. She started taking lessons at church became known as Westfield United Methodist in The theme was apparent throughout the conference as the conference 1969 after it united with the nearby Methodist Church's vocational, health services and spiritual. opened with a nearly $40,000 offering for Imagine No Malaria that pushed ing a savings of more than $5,000 for the churches. age 8 and became an official organist at age 12 in 1969. The conference also approved the formation of a streamlined, 21-mem- She has been playing hymns and classical music for the congregation. The former Methodist building is now “These eight dimensions of wellness we try to incorporate into the conference’s campaign past its $2.5 million goal. Rev. Larry Hollon, ber Connectional Table which will replace the current organizational struc- church ever since. home to the Westfield Baptist Church.) services for our residents,” Noonan said. general secretary for United Methodist Communications and a visionary ture that has been in place for the past six years. The new model provides "I just love to play," Justice said. "When you are up Church member Betty Young noted that when the leader in the denomination’s global health initiative was present to receive a Tina Steibel, director of development at the village, organized the better clarity of purpose and objectives, aligns with The Book of Discipline here at the organ, you are kind of by yourself. You just United Brethren built their new building, they made 2 ½ by 5 foot replica check for the $2.5 million raised. event. and is more understandable in that resembles a local church Administrative block everything out. You just get so involved in the mu- extensive use of hand-selected walnut and stained glass "Because of Imagine No Malaria, the United Methodist Foundation, sic you kind of lose track of everything else." windows in the sanctuary. The sanctuary also holds a When Steibel visited Home Depot’s website she noticed the orga- the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Global Fund, The United Justice said she particularly enjoys playing for the stained glass Westfield College Memorial Wall that was nization likes to work with the community Methodist Church is the only faith-based organization sitting around the presented by alumni and students. table with governments of the world working on this problem of malaria, church's Easter and Christmas services, and has fond “I stopped in at the store and talked to (store manager Rich Pfau) memories of playing for Westfield High School gradu- "Visitors are astounded by the church and how beauti- HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis," Hollon said. "(Because of your efforts), there and said, ‘Hey we did this last year, would you guys like to come ful it is even though it is in the are children, pregnant mothers and seniors who are alive this night because middle of this rural area," Young out and help us?’” she recalls. “He jumped on the opportunity; he’s you cared. Lives have been saved and given health and hope for the future." said. like, ‘Absolutely.’” During the conference, special offerings were held for a variety of Elnor Biggs said Westfield Alton Home Depot store manager Rich Pfau and volunteers from causes. Laity of the conference collected $7,314 for the Conference Disaster alumni were still playing an ac- his store intended to plant two rosebushes and some annuals in Relief Fund which will assist early response efforts within the IGRC. The tive role in the then-Evangelical the project he said they would have completed that day. conference, in addition to $39,413 for Imagine No Malaria, collected $7,705 United Brethren Church when for a $1 million campaign to endow she joined in the mid-1940s. Steibel said she will welcome plant donations from other organi- eight Africa University scholarships; Biggs said joining the church zations to fill out the garden. $4,710 to assist in funding a pilgrim- SPECIAL OFFERINGS was an easy transition for her Home Depot in Alton is not new to volunteerism. age to the Holy Land for the confer- because she had known a lot of REPORT ence’s newly-ordained pastors; and former Westfield College faculty They directed traffic for one night in December during the Christ- Laity Session offering for $6,025 for the Tom Brown Scholarship and their children during her mas Wonderland light show at Rock Springs Park and have helped Conference Disaster Fund at Wiley College, one of the denomi- studies at United Brethren-affil- at that event for the past five years, according to Pfau. $7,314.43 iated Indiana Central College in nation’s 11 historical Black Colleges. His employees also rehabilitated a north St. Louis County home for Speakers for the Conference were Imagine No Malaria $39,412.81 Indianapolis. the widow of a veteran as part of a larger project in which several United Brethren Bishop Barbara Boigegrain, executive for the Africa University Making Home Depot stores renovated 28 homes of veterans or their wid- Milton Wright, father of aviation General Board of Pensions and Health Dreams Possible Scholarships ows in greater St. Louis. pioneers Orville and Wilbur Benefits Fund and Dr. Colleen Hester, $7,705.49 Photos by Kaitlyn Conrad Wright, was a frequent visitor Travis Devine, who is a flooring specialist at Home Depot, volun- president of MacMurray College in From top left clockwise: Bishop Jonathan Keaton preaches in Opening Worship service. Rev. Victor Photo by Ken Trevarthan, Mattoon Journal Gazette & Charleston Times-Courier Jacksonville. Both spoke of their faith Ordinands’ Holy Land Long and Rev. Troy Benton file in procession at the Service of Ordination. Worship was a great part of Westfield United Methodist organist Judy Justice plays a piece April 11, 2014 on the pipe organ donated by West- to the college and a photo of teered Thursday. Pilgrimage $4,710.01 the Annual Conference both at morning manna and with the variety of worship experiences. Newly- field College alumni to the church in Westfield. him from this era can still be journeys and how as laity they have T OF THE PEWS He said it feels good to build a garden for residents. found their respective callings in a ordained pastor Scott Carnes serves Communion during the Ordination service and the visit of the {OU } found at Westfield UMC. Tom Brown Scholarship, Annual Conference children on Saturday morning is always a much-anticipated event. ation ceremonies that packed the church and filled its Rev. Walter Miller said the Devine also created a garden for his grandmother who was diag- general church agency and in church- Wiley College $6,025.49 balcony. She is also proud of the church restoring the strong musical tradition of Westfield College carried over nosed with Stage IV lymphoma last year. Though she is limited in related higher education. Devotional Board. Proponents also pointed out that the new formation places mission, organ in 2008. to the church, which has long produced many talented the activities she can do because of ongoing chemotherapy treat- speakers each morning were IGRC ministry and finances at the same table. "This is such a joy to play since it has been fixed and organists, pianists, soloists and quartets. ments she can now sit outside and look at her garden. clergy member Chaplain Col. John Read of the U.S. Army; Jessica Daven- "There is a variety of skills. There is never a shortage port, a seminary student who was influenced through campus ministry and Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton, ordained three elders and commissioned redone," Justice said. "There is nothing more discouraging “Growing just tends to do something to somebody,” he said. “It just of special music here," Miller said. Dr. Roberta Robbins, a certified lay minister. five provisional elders. A total of 30 pastors, celebrating 788.75 years, THE CURRENT than trying to play on something where the notes makes them feel good.” JULY are not playing or they are sticking." (Reprinted with permission from the April 25 issue of The conference was also recognized for its 100 percent payment of gen- retired. the Charleston Times-Courier, www.jg-tc.com. The church’s (Reprinted with permission from the April 13 issue of The Alton Tele- eral church apportionments for the 11th consecutive year. The IGRC was Attendance stands at 61,007, down 4.25 percent from 2012. Member-

In 1918-19, the pipe organ was installed when this church building was constructed at 225 S. story was part of a larger feature on the entire Westfield graph, www.thetelegraph.com) one of 20 of the 59 U.S. annual conferences to pay 100 percent in general ship is at 132,023, down 1.29 percent. Sunday School attendance stands at 2014 Madison as the new home for the Evangelical community) church apportionments. 20,008, a decrease of 7.33 percent from 2012. United Brethren. The United Brethren had founded Legislatively, the body approved changes to the clergy health insurance Ephesians 4:11-16 6 7 Annual Conference NEWS Annual Conference NEWS

OPENING WORSHIP Gifted Saints: builders of unity BY PAUL BLACK unity by 585 persons of the North Georgia Confer- the number from just over 1 in 7 to 1 in 3 -- a goal ence (see related story on p.27), rejecting a call for accomplished. Highly vital congregations were SPRINGFIELD -- Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton used schism for the sake of unity. The proposal called in- defined by several factors: his opening night message of the 2014 Annual stead for the church to remain united even in the Conference to underscore the challenge of staying • Increase in average worship attendance midst of diverse opinions on issues of sexuality. united in the midst of differences -- an issue that is • More laity in core ministries of the church facing the United Methodist denomination, while Keaton's observation seems to mirror a poll com- • Evidence of the church reaching out into the also reporting on congregations within the Illinois missioned by United Methodist Communications, community Great Rivers Conference and how they are finding which was conducted May 30-June 2. In a press vitality. release issued June 4, the same day as the epis- • Payment of 100 percent of apportionments copal address, respondents rated issues related "Disciple making and mission go hand in hand It was also reported that new church starts in the to human sexuality rank significant lower than and when we focus our attention on them, growth United States increased from 115 in 2012 to 145 in other concerns, and members want the church to in membership and average worship attendance 2013 and that 640 faith communities have been engage on this issue and bring a positive perspec- are by-products," Keaton said. He pointed out that formed in the non-U.S. central conferences in tive to the discussion. following his election as bishop, he was contacted Africa, Europe and the Philippines. by both liberal and conservative groups, request- Creating disciples of Christ, spiritual growth and Keaton also reported on signs of vitality within ing an audience with him to persuade him to see youth involvement are among the top priorities the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, noting that things their way. for U.S. church members, according to the survey, "the Can-Do Spirit outweighs weak resignation." which was conducted by Corporate Research of "After meeting with both, I told them I had been He shared the creative ministry ideas offered by Greensboro, N.C. and Research Now of Dallas. It sent to be a bishop for everybody," he said. two churches from each of the conference's 10 has a 4.4 percent margin of error. Read more... districts, noting that one church is even praying Keaton's remarks came just days after a document "Some would tell God that unity cannot be for the Holy Spirit to empower their church. signed by 80 evangelical large church pastors achieved," Keaton said. "How does one stay in the called for an "amicable separation" of The United "Be careful what you pray for!" Keaton said. "When church when the unity seems frayed? Two options Methodist Church due to what they consider you pray that prayer, you lose control of your -- we can build it up or we can tear it down. The breaches of covenant by pastors who officiate church and you lose control of your pocket book." choice is ours." same-sex union ceremonies and complaints that Keaton reminded pastors that there are "a whole either do not result in a church trial or a verdict Keaton pointed out that many individuals find lot of laity that love the Lord, that have responded they don't consider severe enough. Others argue ways to get along at the ballpark, when some are to the call to service and desire to see their church that complaints in some rooting for the Cardinals and some for the Cubs. be a force in the community -- just like you do." conferences are being "We see things different, but we all celebrate when And Keaton reminded the laity, "We (the pastors) handled by a just resolu- the song Take Me Out to the Ballgame is played," can't do it without you." tion process afforded to Keaton said. "Yet, we get to God's house, our unity Among signs of vitality in the conference, Keaton bishops and that church dissipates too often and our connected bridges pointed to the Book of Discipline where it says, "A trials are seen as an op- walls itself into silos. Whatever our lot, unity in the church in mission is a sign of God's presence in the tion of the last resort. church is not a theological pipe dream for Christ; it may be to you, but not to Christ." world." In addition to the variety of local church The declaration by the ministries, Keaton highlighted the newly-formed group of 80 has been Keaton also pointed out that even in the midst Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries of Illinois, a met with a call for of differences, there are some positives signs partnership with the Northern Illinois Conference; within the denomination. Last year, the Council the Imagine No Malaria campaign, and the confer- of Bishops voted to work toward doubling the ence's Liberia Partnership where 157 laypersons number of highly vital congregations, moving and 67 clergy have traveled to the west African country in the past eight years and the financial support and labor that has rebuilt schools and churches; dug wells; and provided pastor's salary support and scholarships. "Who are gifted saints? They are people like you and I, receiving gifts. They are faithful follow- ers of Jesus Christ. And they are called to build up the unity," Keaton said. "We have a calling."

IMAGINE NO MALARIA CELEBRATION Over the Top: IGRC's opening night offering pushes past $2.5 million From top left: Fairview Heights UMC worship team “We see things different, BY PAUL BLACK in the vision of a world without malaria,” Palmer said. told how IGRC leads opening worship. Bishop Keaton preaching. but we all celebrate when PEORIA -- Members of the Illinois Great Rivers “Dream dreams so big that without working together they had inspired his Cabinet members join in the opening night worship. Conference celebrated on opening night as an offering of cannot be done and absent God‘s help we will surely fail. Western Penn- Andrea Rios reads from Ephesians 4: 11-16 – the more than $39,000 for Imagine No Malaria pushed the We need to attempt great things for God and expect great sylvania Confer- theme of Annual Conference. Young adults were a the song Take Me Out to part of the Annual Conference. UM Communications campaign past its $2.5 million goal. things from God.” ence to increase Executive Secretary Larry Hollon addresses the the Ballgame is played.” Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton announced the Wednes- The Rev. Larry Hollon, general secretary for United its $1.8 million Methodist Communications and a visionary leader in the to a matching annual conference and presents a plaque to Bishop - Bishop Jonathan Keaton day night offering totaled $39,412.81, pushing overall Keaton (bottom). (Inset) Executive Assistant to the church‘s involvement in global health, was present for the $2.3 million, amount to $2,531,894.10. Bishop Janice Griffith and District Superintendent “This is a testimony as why God sent me to the Illinois celebration, calling the $2.5 million milestone “a celebra- the IGRC voted Gary Wilson and Muriel Wilson present a large check Great Rivers Conference instead of letting me spend my tion of people being a sign of God‘s presence in the world.” in the closing to Hollon. last four years in Michigan,” “Because of Imagine No Malaria, the minutes of the Keaton said. “God reminds United Methodist Foundation, the Bill and conference to me every so often, ‘I know Melinda Gates Foundation and the Global increase its com- what I am doing,‘ and I thank Fund, The United Methodist Church is mitment to $2.5 million. The $2.5 million is the second God for that and I thank God the only faith-based organization sitting largest amount raised by any of the 59 annual confer- for y ou .” around the table with governments of the ences in the United States for Imagine No Malaria. The The Imagine No Malaria world working on this problem of malaria, Minnesota Annual Conference has amassed $2.7 million campaign began when Bishop HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis,” Hollon in funds raised and pledged. Bishop Palmer, who was Gregory V. Palmer challenged said. ”(Because of your efforts), there are assigned to the West Ohio Conference in 2012, has chal- THE CURRENT Photos by Kaitlyn Conrad the Illinois Great Rivers Con- children, pregnant mothers and seniors lenged West Ohio to raise $3.5 million and has secured JULY ference to raise $2.3 million who are alive this night because you cared. $2.1 million in cash and pledges. All three annual confer-

for Imagine No Malaria in his Lives have been saved and given health ences are in the North Central Jurisdiction. Across the 2014 From top downward: Rev. Lindsay Churchman leads the opening worship processional. Conference Lay Leader Ken Miller leads the opening prayer. Worshippers join in as the worship team from Fairview Heights Christ leads the song set. More than 2010 Episcopal Address. “We and hope for the future.” denomination, Imagine No Malaria has raised $60 million $39,000 was collected, pushing IGRC past its $2.5 million mark for Imagine No Malaria. Kathy Bouchard speaks of the Bishop’s 2015 Pilgrimage to the Holy Land and the Service of Communion was part of the opening service with Executive Assistant to At the 2013 Annual Conference, toward its $75 million goal. the Bishop Janice Griffith as one of its celebrants (inset). need to immerse ourselves 8 after guest Bishop Thomas Bickerton 9 JULY 2014 11

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LISTENING NEWS Conference Annual So in closing, let me tell you a little more about Bill. Bill. about more a little you tell So let me in closing, doing I am, be where not I would point: my is So here my upon is imprint onwhose often reflected I have So, simple this share to opportunity this for you Thank easier to die. It wasn’t just the cross-stitching but to whom whom to but the cross-stitching just wasn’t It die. easier to not I would attached. was the cross-stitching what to and its the powerful and ministry laity of without I am be where my life. upon effect life, his with see, do something destined Bill to was You became a licensed call, local and own his Bill answered too. Bill in peace,the Rev. rest he friend,dear may My pastor. a very for on go could we more, are there Now Hesseldenz. as a gifts remarkable had Caschetta Joy Rev. The time. long Besides there Bill, ministry. carries into which she layperson I as me who honored Good at Shepherd others two were military of but service the possibilities pursued a chaplain as this the direc- was that clear was it a secret until it keeping Harold and ministry – Erv go and life would Stengel my tion Watters. that are They life. themin my without doing, I am what imagin- horrific things the most seen of some critical. I have care to be to able been measure blessed beyond have but able when home coming in this I carry setting. of the burden to be blown children innocent watched I’ve did not. others in my soldiers dying held God I’ve of and in the name pieces the time at commendation and comfort for prayed and arms their deaths. of me enabled has and me with heart, is whose faithfulness of none The truthis: moments. in these hard beto present clergy or – lay doing are we what doing be here would us whose witnesses ministry lay of cloud this great – without so is and key world in this sin sick the Church behalf of on on who these reflect to So time today take some important. still living, they are you If you. for been are and have folks when God knows used has how them. Who themthank for Sun- a simple or a live save will help cross-stitching a simple service. of lead a life School to lesson day heart. my from devotion Listening: a generous, a generous, Listening: powerful ministry gift ROBBINS BY ROBERTA honored laity, clergy, Members, Cabinet Bishop Keaton, for you Thank CLM colleagues: and my visitors, guests, My understanding speak this morning. to the invitation the certified to address I am the first is that lay minister I will that are My hope and prayer annual conference. not be the last. In I see many looking this morning, around TGISaturday! checkingpastors their smartphones frequently. more worship tomorrow’s get home for “I need to of Thoughts “Resolutions, laityThe is perhaps thinking, exist. services” is physi- Everyone resolutions.” and more resolutions, tired. cally and mentally my personal you briefly talk with is to My purpose today others or experienced trained I have discipleship; how or CLM, I have a certified As minister, lay this myself. lead weekly to worship covenant been under church Vaca- Directing the yearly services music. and provide and with children work me to tion Bible School allowed purpose the of instructingadults for Christian develop- opportunities spouse, a pastoral to As children. for ment one primarily been when a loved have love God’s share I am married that discovers or someone has passed away a shift sharing to occurs, the latter When a minister. to self-disclosures can happen because as one high-level and can under- wife pastor’s a are “You me, told woman stand such things.” based on a familiar scrip- are remarks my morning, This This and know“Be I am God.” still, that 46:10, Psalm ture, of politely way because it is God’s is a favorite scripture up and listen.” “shut me to telling in sharing the gospel I do frequently is what Listening teacher a communication As others. to and ministering It is the of listening. I understand the value and scholar, activitycommunication daily most of us experience that to According bad listeners. notoriously are although we immedi- we a message, to listen when we researchers, weeks, two After of the message. 50 percent forget ately of Part message. of the original only 25 percent recall we CONTINUED ON PAGE 19 PAGE ON CONTINUED

Photos by Kaitlyn Conrad Photos by GROWING INTO DISCIPLES INTO GROWING ” I broke out into a cold sweat. I had never told Bill told never I had sweat. a cold into out I broke tank with the shark at frenzy a feeding like was it Well, I seriously doubt that if Bill hadn’t put that article in article in that put if Bill hadn’t that doubt I seriously stitch- this cross brought I have forward: Let fast me me Joehad given Antonio, to San to drive left we Before Throughout my time at the Wesley Foundation, I Foundation, Wesley at the my time Throughout graduated, in the ministry, active So I remained sure not I am but God that, called I know and me United The of that is mission our Wesley, ISU At and said, “You know, this is what you are supposed to be to supposed are you what this is know, “You said, and in the ministry.” doing called serve to I felt in thethat military Bill Pyatt setting. and Lirely Steve of seminary, year first thisour knew about feed- remember the They Bill Cooper. and McGuire Randy we week when first my group colloquium in my frenzy ing calling, and vocation on paper position a two-page wrote called God gifted by and felt I I articulated that wherein serve to in ministry Spirit the vocational with the Holy by being the military. setting away that So Bruggemann. tucked I Walt Dr. peers and my Bill confronted when seminary, after years three until it. him for I thank article. magazine blasted that with me this by been touched have that the lives imagine can’t You journey. validated front of me, that I would not have completely pursued this pursued completely have not I would that me, of front that a work complete to helped calling. Bill just nuanced youth and School teachers Sunday with ago begunwas long Brooks, George Matthews, Carlene notably, leaders. Most I never whose lessons Schwab, Charlie and Savage Royce they became and so formative. forgot medically 1992, I was August In a reason. for me with ing see to family, Illinois to home sent the Army, from retired bone a much-needed for Texas, Antonio, San to en route One leukemia. myelogenous acute for transplant marrow good Scheets, friend, Joe my weekends, the transitional of 4:13 which has speak, to me Philippians soasked I did using verse. banner my become Wood from laywoman a dear by done this cross-stitching my as wall and hospital my on hung was It UMC. First River this emaci- death, in the balance between and life hung life and cross-stitching, that body look 120-pound at could ated been much have would when it longer a little on go I could felt that I was called to work for the church. So I told the church. for called I was work to that felt talk never about to me her to then I told and pastor, my in this story scoffed people which point At again. it right a conversation have I would “no, thought and enough well me know pastor my I said, like but there,” if I can’t independent and stubborn I am that know to to going not God, I’m from sensing this callaccept I’m else. anyone from it accept then realized called I was and to a job teaching got Garrett-Evangelical, at up I am So now right ministry. while Divinity of Master’s my at away chipping slowly person. a lay as Foundation the Wesley at working for weren’t if it responded or realized it have I would me push to enough cared friends that and Wesley, ISU which God all to in the direction been had pointing along. Christ Jesus of disciples make – to Church Methodist God is all around us, so how so how us, God is all around can we limit the distractions can we an environment and create the people have where opportunityspace, and support God to respond to their call? into and grow “ effect upon my life.” effect upon ministry of laity and its “I would not be where I not be where “I would am without the powerfulam without the Good morning. It’s Good It’s morning. in up grow really I didn’t of the end not so that’s today here I am Obviously, students what in hearing interested more was She it all could learn what we space, kind of that In It is so incredible to be home and I am so thankful I am and for be to home so is incredible It church the last was UMC Good City Shepherd Granite prayer intercessory an on worked us of A small group an was It him a magazine. with Bill brought night, One Growing into your call your as disciples into Growing DAVENPORT BY JESSICA all. be to you with wonderful the Davenport, Jessica I am minister/associate campus State the Illinois of director Founda- Wesley University tion. dad grew up My the church. was mother my and Catholic moved we When Methodist. in northern small a to town The out sought we Illinois, Church. Methodist United members while were And we we occasionally, attended and a at this church encountered were parents my And healthiest. its wasn’t that point the first this wasn’t and hurt was family whole our hurt, growing and So away backed we a church. from wound places are churches that mail our I learned from up, tithing. stop … when you there aren’t you notice that to came and University State Illinois to I went story. my a because of year freshman my Foundation the Wesley so for though, Foundation the Wesley at I stayed boy. boss, friend the time – now at pastor My reasons. many conversa- and theological – valued thought pastor and tion. gave she and say to wanted she what than say to had call lives. in our God’s hear be space to us leaders and to love, with be to welcomed meant it I learned what a be such that have to Christ and following lead a life share but help not I could life my part of predominant people. with it desper- who were people be authentic to real, meant me. know my pastor And Christ. seeking after ately this opportunity to provide a simple message for this family. this family. for message a simple provide to this opportunity to get to needing imagine can if you long, be terribly won’t It the service messages and the in a day, locations 13 different be very long. can’t Con- Annual Illinois Southern in the former pastored I that church. in that of faith man remarkable a was There ference. our married to and Catholic, Born raised a Roman and warrior. a prayer Bill was pianist, church could we Room so that the Upper of out program study a Room. Bill was the partners Upper with prayer become it that nights some were there and group that partfaithful of in the study head to would We me. being him and ended up folks for hours, for pray and the parsonage of the basement everything for imaginable. in the church, an to it opened he prayed, we before and magazine Airman me at looked then he and chaplaincy Force the Air article on BY CHAPLAIN CAPT. JOHN READ BY CHAPLAIN CAPT. MORNING MANNA MORNING chaplain Army for homecoming conference Annual Creating new places for new people and renewing existing existing renewing new and people new for places Creating congregations in ministryEngaging the poor with the killer diseases poverty out of Stamping “The Four Areas of Focus have exciting connections to connections exciting Focushave of Areas “TheFour students and scholars affords higher education Methodist 33 has in 1846 and College founded was MacMurray • • • higher education,” Hester noted. “John Wesley believed education believed education Wesley “John noted. Hester higher education,” Wesley, of said has writer One life. richer a fuller, the to key was attri- intellectual a purely so much not him was for ‘knowledge crucial which is self-understanding of a channel rather but bute salvation.’” for “Where collaboration. fosters and academic freedom greater with 4 ½ nowlasts career American average The in? fit does vocation certain skills, so you that gives profession “A said. Hester years,” higher education the to key is service, be can vocation of you but by informed vocation is needed is first What distinctive. is that to the words have we called before are We the Christian tradition. it.” talk about has been The school programs. pre-professional academic and Col- of Central Association the North 1908 by since accredited 20 baccalaureate Top a named was college Schools. The and leges the past of two Monthly Washington by in the nation college being reported the 2013 graduates of 96 percent and years three school. graduate attending or employed “While some have asked for divestment, it is not our preferred it is not our preferred divestment, “While asked for some have activemethod because as an stockholder sell our it means we no longer “We Boigegrain. the table,” from away and walk shares or influence and the ability engage a company to a voice have be sell would we shares The practices. change in its business a wash. perspective it’s the company’s others –from by bought action the is made, has virtually the initial statement After no impact or influence.” and now UMC pastor First Peoria of former the assistance With Bias, Tim secretarygeneral Discipleship of of the General Board time, that and since Caterpillar met with have pension officials all to carefully and listened their conversation broadened have and Jerusa- Palestine also visited have officials Pension voices. information. hear first-hand lem to people of Palestinian oppression Wall, the Separation saw “We we agree and their lands checkpoints, farmersat cut off from met twice “We said. Boigegrain is egregious,” the treatment that Sanctions or BDS Divestment, with the head of the Boycott, a from companies singling out three us that He told Movement. gesture.’” ‘symbolic as a intended than 100 was list of more and the role acknowledged interests Boigegrain the competing can understand “We play. is called upon to the General Board but it is not an appropri- as an activist strategy, divestment Pension plan with the a fiduciary for of the UMC strategy ate of more financial best interest the long-term, for responsibility the focus believe “We said. Boigegrain than 90,000 participants,” that and the governments belongs on human rights violators the world around they occur wherever the violations implement of or in the sweatshops Territories – whether in the Occupied China.” the meeting the $25 million goal for also mentioned Boigegrain small which will provide Initiative Pension Conference Central pastors. conference central retired pensions to fund needed to money’ ‘seed “The is the $25 million amount and surviving retirees spouses in the cen- current pensions for the conferences a base for provides “it she said. conferences,” tral in pension funding their own build upon as they take over to establish, to us 12 years took Dignity in retirement the future. all confer- for in place sustainable pension plans are but today and surviving need them, with 2,892 retirees that spouses ences payments.” receiving “It never seems to fail, when fail, to seems “It never you God for has something the opportunity do, to and over itself presents listen.” you until over CONFERENCE SPEAKER A call to serveA call to in higher education Developing principled Christian leaders principled Developing When her father worked in other cultures, Hester’s family family Hester’s cultures, in other worked father her When plane father’s Her family. Hester’s hit then adversity And belief in humans’ and optimism my of realized some “I MacMurray of president woman the first named When • found her reading by flashlight under the covers after she was she after covers under the flashlight by reading her found learn- for passion a genuine had “I sleep. to be to going supposed not was learning of the pursuit a sense had that “I Hester. ing,” – God’s greater and bigger far something about but me about p l an .” new customs, very experience to different new worlds, able was fauna and flora the unique forests, rain as such things foods and faith. and love human of seeing as the universality well as Despite death. and life the of brink on hung life his and crashed rods of the aid with and odds, survived, home he came the long walked. he were, once bones where family’s my born was from challenges transcend to capacities another one with connections our faith, mother’s experience, our said. she God,” with and align to the learning of love her on drew College in 2007, Hester after Shortly Methodist Church. United The with institution agencies church the general and Bishops the Councilarriving, of which served Focus of Areas the as Four started talking about Jesus of disciples “making of fulfilling mission the for strategies the world.” of the transformation Christ for “The inclusiv- importance like equality, values of strong ity and acts with me as I completed of mercy stayed Texas in San University Antonio, Trinity at education by top-of-mind busi- the and they remained I entered as she said. ness world,” with Dart held positions Boigegrain Industries 16 years, and For such as values Corporate tax practice. Marwick’s Peat KPMG the impor- legal compliance, detail, to attention productivity, and efficiency integrity service, of client teamwork, tance and her with her next assist would be things that would work hard assignment. it was that was career corporate my thing I learned from “One “I be- said. Boigegrain I made,” difference to see what difficult not contrib- was life uncomfortable my that came increasingly good.” the greater uting to and after declining Boigegrain contacted recruiter A persistent to be interviewed. she finally agreed times, several looking for who were of directors “I interviewedthe board with be could hold the vision of what someone stubborn enough to when God “It fail, seems to never she said. and make it happen,” the opportunity itself do, to presents you has something for opportunityThis be turned out to listen. you until and over over the Church.” – and back to me full circle brought one that has served 1994,Boigegrain secretarySince as general of the the Benefits and Health merging of Pensions General Board and transpar- integrity inclusivity, of community, family values function to as in order ency business values with the corporate The United financial servicesa highly-controlled, agency within Methodist Church. on behalf the $20 billion in assets agencyThe for is responsible fiduciaryThe role and of the participants and agencies served. as Book of Discipline as well The guided by are responsibilities Social with the align Principles. decisions seek to investment derive that companies or bonds from do not buy stocks “We pornography, gambling, from of revenue than 10 percent more prisons,” and/or private weapons alcohol, products, tobacco carry we “In this, addition to out our work said. Boigegrain engage- and direct corporate voting proxy advocacy, through do affect change in business policies and practices that to ment with UMC values.” not closely align Caterpillar in Peoria-based the issue of investment Addressing because its earth-moving Israel is used by equipment Corp., and was offered resolution conflict, a in the Israeli-Palestinian divest- called for that the 2012 General Conference at rejected Solutions and Hewlett-Packard. Motorola in Caterpillar, ment “I had a genuine passion for “I had a genuine passion for the I had a sense that learning. not about pursuit of learning was me but about something far bigger plan.” – God’s and greater

PEORIA -- For MacMurray College President Colleen College President MacMurray -- For PEORIA speaker morning story the Friday as faith her shared Hester speaking of are we speak ministry we of the laity, of “When employment, be service calling may one’s outside one’s While ability her for the shaping provided life early her said Hester and in Hester who strengthened mother, her to pointed She father her said Hester first grade, her after summer The

Hester, a love for learning was a guiding force toward a vocation a vocation toward force a guiding was learning for a love Hester, higher education. Methodist in United Conference. the 2014 Annual at of members “All said. Hester the ministry God,” of the people of be can called serve to the Church in love.” to talks a deeper of response “Vocation also can beit a vocation. said. Hester summons,” God’s to a response is, call. It, God’s full was potent life of early “My life. call her on God’s to yes say to was “It said. she learning,” of privilege and the joys of memories arts,foreign to the exposure and reading,filled conversation with I didn’t reflection, In literature. art and museums, as well as travel happening.” was experience it as vocational my understand identify with to a readiness and others for empathy siblings her early “My help. extending in their shoes and standing others, be to an going was life the sense with that happy were memories make to and I lived people with shared and be to lived adventure to serveand others God.” for a difference BY PAUL BLACK BY PAUL BY PAUL BLACK BY PAUL she had never that admitted Boigegrain PEORIA – Barbara faith journey as much of her personal as she did when shared Rivers Annual of the 2014 Illinois Great the platform to she took Conference. and of Pension Board General head of the denomination’s The than $20 billion in more oversees Boigegrain Health Benefits, clergy on behalf of active managed retired and assets which are Methodist United Church. The in long before begin “When our journeys think about it, really you “There choices two are said. Boigegrain on the scene,” arrive we and parents cannot choose your – you make in life cannot you very Some of us are siblings. lucky choose your cannot and you the because blessed when family members turn out well really and the difference become – the people we quality of our lives make – can depend so very ultimately much on them.” we was Boigegrain Methodist of a United pastor, daughter The her a and the doctors gave blood disorder born with a severe had just been appointed “My father very of survival. chance low par- my “As said. Boigegrain start new church a to in Colorado,” of of a newborn – let alone the array dealt with the realities ents out went the word I required, and transfusions blood exchanges I needed blood – of about 80 adults that church father’s my to donate.” than 70 reported to the hospital within hours to more “The lining – it connected my had a silver unfortunate situation child’ ‘everyone’s I became their new congregation, to parents personality blood saw life’s my and those who had provided parsed and attrib- characteristics were that and physical traits I “I quickly that found she said. of them,” many widely to uted with anything!” get away couldn’t for- during were childhood said these experiences Boigegrain relationships “Myand developing ongoing interactions mative. “I came she said. connectional values,” lifelong subtly formed of United the values really time they were understand over to Methodism.” practiced hospitality in a small parsonage, her parents While refu- Cuban in 1962 when a family of four expanded their world as they months several with the parsonage family for gees lived jobs and found States, the United to and acclimated assimiliated home. set up their own eventually Boigegrain where became a time of social awareness 70’s The community-based help the Denver to sent and her siblings were they before the early days “in of the Black Panthers chapter children for and helped collect toys and wrap became radical” Christmas. for personal faith, vocation intersect significance faith, vocation personal for CONFERENCE SPEAKER SPEAKER CONFERENCE secretaryGeneral how shares pensions for

THE CURRENT 10 NEWS Conference Annual JULY 2014 13 32 years 23 years 32.5 years Robert Greene Wesley Osborn Kevin Treptow 29 years 12.25 years 19 years Gerald King John Gartelos Chuck Trent NEWS Conference Annual 43.5 years Ivy Silas 24 years 29.5 years Guy Keysear Thomas Compton “How very different than the call I receive from a church church a receive from call the than I very different “How request common be the most surprised not that should “We long ago when I was a DS in a foreign land – the dear soul on soul – the on dear land when a DS in a foreign I was ago long be OK not would called if it ask to the phone of end the other pastor,” newly-coming serve and to the leaving to cake the same forthe new useto leftover “This said. wanted dear soul Jones money.” party save to pastor’s what when asked committees, pastor-parish from heard I have to they been has want that pastor their next about important was words, in other us… with theybe will home that WITH us; be at And us…. serve and among here they willthat their home make very a will special we serve have to I believe place that retirees, as and laity interpreting for bridge a being – often in the church clergy each other.” to 41 years 17 years 21.75 years Walter Carlson Gerald Savage Steve Kettelkamp Photos by Kaitlyn Conrad Photos by 4 years 34 years 33 years Janet Roy Mark Kaley Don Burkhart 8 years Edward Wojnar 15 years 16 years 34 years* Ron Richter Carol Bryce Jack Joyner And although the book acknowledges that Jesus would never never would Jesus that the book although acknowledges And in up too caught get sometimes can we churches, our “In our – is loved and – accepted home at feel another help “To welcome to place a sacred have “you said, Jones the laity, To , my grandmother Esther Jones gave me me gave Esther Jones grandmother , my House My to Came Jesus book – invitational an is “…It said. Jones old,” when 3 years I was ques- asks visit…it and come could child as Jesus that imagine to do.” would we what and I take Jesus would where about tions can someone how the book explains way, call that a child on for welcome others making and worship and sing pray, kneel and me.” for do it them, you for do it you “when said, Jesus be who to the is pleased guest as MY kind (with seeing ourselves meet- people me, time for the convenient and worship music, of to name in God’s hosts as seeing needs) ourselves than my ing last hospitality such of example an cited She said. Jones others,” so expecting was a crowd church in which a large Christmas Eve then chose and the folks greeted early, came members regular its utilizing a large room, overflow hall in an in the fellowship sit to the service. the for best seats have TV to others screen, allowing we “As she said. us,” because God loved first love we as mission love, have, we forgiveness and acceptance love, experience God’s others.” offer to acceptance and forgiveness She home.” at feel pastors appointed assigned, your help and meals, a thoughtful 4, wonderful July on invitation an mentioned babysit- free for a coupon and of diapers huge boxes of two gift of examples as babies two in with moved whenting the pastor hospitality. 37 years James Wheeler If Honoring Retirees Our 38 years 10 years 31.75 years Sara Brown Cynthia Jones Timothy Rhodes 37.75 years* Patrick Wadsworth 22 years 36.25 years 34.25 years C.W. Reneker Kenneth Hayden William Braswell 11 years John Tymonko 46 years 22 years 30 years – When it comes to the topic of home, Rev. Cyn- Rev. home, of the topic to comes it – When PEORIA again. moving 2014, she’s in the Class of 30 retirees of one As is,” home where answer to it difficult found often have “I nomadic were faithful God’s of writings the early While we – God – might us IS with truly Jesus we believed that “If of inter- service recognition snippets retiree included The “While packing books, I recently re-found this little book, this little re-found books, packing I recently “While Randall Perry Dennis Beedy Mary Louise Haxton thia Jones speaks from experience. As a daughter of an itinerant itinerant an of a daughter speaks experience. As from thia Jones believes Jones herself, pastor intinerant who became an pastor places. 20 different in about lived has she service. recognition the retiree at sermon her during said Jones and where is mail sent to where is address “Thethe answer easy of family my of also is the rooms home But live. I presently a but a place, not is home us deep inside know origin….We relationship!” they carried the tabernacle them – a visible wandered, with and God – God they “meet” of where could the presence of reminder Isra- when the followed Temples and sanctuary. worship offering then God Emmanuel settled as and did a radicalelites act – Jesus people. God’s with God where abides us,” with “God – meaning take some to ourselves), (especially laugh to at inclined be more God’s them from glimpse could because we seriously less matters asked. Jones perspective,” Home is a relationship Home BLACK BY PAUL views with the Class of 2014, offering wisdom and insight from from insight and wisdom 2014, offering views the Class of with pack- the of task service. many of 788.75 years For their coming place. common become has more once ing Edith Widcus Rev. Mary a bell as Alice Cunningham rings Rev. of the Dead is read. the Roll Beulah Shay MEMORIAL SERVICE MEMORIAL powerof The hope… resurrection tears through BLACK BY PAUL PEORIA – It is the shortest Bible and in the verse one of the most powerful. Jesus wept. yet the text used of Lazarus’ Keaton Bishop Jonathan Jesus joins how to point to and resurrection death pain and feeling are when we even us in our grief loss. Laza- for love “Jesus’ me some-rus tells thing about your Keaton ones,” loved family mem- told bers who gath- 2014 the for ered Memorial Service at annual conference. has the Lord “Our your for same love one as he loved Lazarus…. had for weep Jesus, Weep learn from on till we again tears your and again, till we see again and again will that ‘love us with a perfect a love you love, that not let us go.’” the story Beverly shared of he and his wife Keaton was on baby “A healthy expecting their first child. he had health insurance,” we still, Better the way. insur- The sorrow. turned“Soon, to our joy said. her of expenses the pay to refused company ance our baby of having pregnancy and hospital costs pur- We a pre-existing(because it was) condition. after she got pregnant.” chased health insurance for he had responsibility that related Bishop Keaton Sheldon of Bishop Deuc- at the funerals officiating and who died in 2011 Marjorie, ker and his wife, their homegoing,” over “I wept 2012 respectively. dry“Bishop Deucker asked me to recalled. Keaton me about death, to addressed in a letter tears my and his last wishes.” resurrection people…health Easter them we’re tell “Jonathan, the full story of sicke- of our days issues aren’t every day,” faith is being renewed ness…our suffer- his wife’s to referring And, Deucker wrote. that them “tell Duecker said, Alzheimer’s, ing from and dying is not the full story death of Marge’s the family will rise again that them she’ll Tell today. after the resurrection.” be together loved your “before the families present, told Keaton a pre-existing already was there condi- one died, ‘They will rise again.’ activated. be to tion waiting ‘will’; so a to life gives death As and me. So will you triggersdeath a resurrection.” added, Keaton Martin Jr., King, Luther Quoting Dr. is an Easter.” there every Good Friday, “For up in will be swallowed “death the Last Day, “On the night” for endured that “weeping And victory.” in the morning.” joy “to way will give Margaret Sayre Jack Kaley Gloria Davis Noreta O'Dell Harold Bodeen Maxene Raper

Frona Davis Karma Webel Alice Pearson E. Michael Jones at time of publication: of time at Alene Jones Photographs not available available not Photographs Lucille Mitchell Mildred Hooper Velma Rodgers Marshall Semingson Gina Sheridan Jack Kilburn Cam McKinney Walter Davidson Jerry Travelstead Ruth Walls Robert O. Edwards Judy Ensdley Robbie Ervin . Lay personsLay Clergy spouses and members

Adra Reinhardt Alice Heitkamp David Dees Rolland Devor, Jr Oren Banks Vera Bellamy Marilyn Ann Best Eugene Black Mabel DeGrush Alora Bowles Carroll Erwin George Harjes Wayne Hess Nathan Althoff ROLL OF THE DEAD: THE OF ROLL ROLL OF THE DEAD: THE OF ROLL Jim Whitehurst Etta York Barbara Zwetz Esther Plummer Beulah Pruett Harold Simpkins Norman Sloan Oliver Taube C. Raydean Davis Meribah Laughlin Mrs. Erma Lockart Richard Mader Jack Martin Robert MCCarter JoAnne Bultemeier Bumpus Lloyd Joseph Crain

12 NEWS Conference Annual THE CURRENT Annual Conference NEWS Annual Conference NEWS PICTORAL REVIEW THE CURRENT Photos by Kaitlyn Conrad JULY

2014

14 15 Annual Conference NEWS Annual Conference NEWS

DIRECTOR OF CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES LIBERIA REPORT Liberia Partnership rolls out new scholarship initiative BY PAUL BLACK In all, 39 teachers from 20 different schools attended training their voices and their words in their greetings that God would It's all about focus... in one of two sites where it was held. A second teacher train- use us to help them with their needs: pastor’s salary support, BY PAUL BLACK (see related story on page 17). Adrian Garcia will pleted its four-part series of evangelism events PEORIA – The Liberia Partnership announced a new scholarship initiative during its report to the 2014 Annual ing is scheduled for July 9-23, 2015. scholarships and reconstruction of churches and schools. PEORIA – When it comes to making dis- be leading a group to Honduras in the summer with Doug Anderson. This fall, the committee, in Conference in which churches or individuals can sponsor a “We made it clear that we did not come with all the There are many children who need an education in all 21 ciples, it’s all about focus. And for the and a mission trip to the Philippines is slated in cooperation with Lay Servant Ministries, will be Liberian child’s education. answers, but rather wanted a sharing of ideas and methods districts of Liberia. Will you answer the call to help God’s connectional ministries of the annual August 2014 with the aim of having partnerships sponsoring Lay Witness Mission training events A gift of $175 to the conference’s scholarship program can that would help us all,” Sims said. “Imagine a classroom full children in your partner districts?” conference, it is about equipping the on every continent. Nov. 14-15, aimed at specifically helping laity send a child that you will know by name to a specific school of young adults hanging on your every word. I had the feeling Wolfe reported that an outbreak of Ebola in neighboring local church for ministry and providing Disaster response has been another area of formulate and share their own faith stories. There in Liberia for a year. The initial goal of 500 scholarships has that I was working with baby birds, leaning forward and eager Guinea caused a July trip to Liberia to be postponed. A team a connection to ministry beyond the mission as the Nov. 17 tornados ravaged Illinois. will also be an Advanced Lay Servant course on been set for the 2014-15 school year with the long-range goal for every morsel. I was touched by their spirit and attitude. We of young adults will travel to Liberia Dec. 30 and focus on local church. To date, IGRC has received $202,180 in offer- evangelism approved by the General Board of of sending 50 students from each of the Liberia Annual Con- started and ended each day with a devotion and prayer. Their safe water and health training with the possibility of assisting ings and have expended $103,212. Some of the Discipleship in the Mississippi River District in Utilizing videos from two of Chattanoo- ference’s 21 districts to a United Methodist School. singing and their prayers for us, their well-worn Bibles and in the digging of wells in the Monrovia area. Three trips are money is being used to pay for foundations on late fall and early winter. ga, Tenn., entrepreneur Mike Mixson’s The $175 gift provides a child a one-year scholarship that memorized scriptures were overwhelming and humbling.” scheduled for 2015. rebuilt homes in Brookport; to pay for materials The Fruitful Congregations Leadership Institute is commercials, Director of Connectional includes: Sims noted that classes were crowded with 35 to 40 Zimmerman also reported on the 2013 Liberia Partners for swing sets in the Hope Swings in Washington now on its ninth edition led by IGRC Coordinator Ministries Rev. Dr. Kent Lolling illus- • Tuition and other school fees students, no supplies other than a chalkboard and usually no Summit, which was held at Alton Main Street UMC in No- initiative this summer. of Congregational Development Mike Crawford. trated the power of focus. “It seems • School uniforms and shoes electricity. Books are scarce and libraries are scarcer. Educa- vember. In all, 68 persons from 13 U.S. states and Liberia were to be that Mike is pretty focused on “While other groups may have moved on to In development of Latino lay leadership, three • School supplies tion consists of copying information and memorizing it. in attendance. The first summit in 2012 was organized and what he does,” he said. “Does the church ever get the next disaster and photo opportunity, The persons will be graduating from Juan Wesley “World Vision and Compassion International are Chris- Teachers are paid US$80 a month when it is available. A large implemented by the IGRC Partnership team. Leadership for distracted? Does the church ever forget what it is United Methodist Church is there for the long- Seminary with six more graduating either later tian organizations impacting the lives of children all over the bag of rice alone is US$50. the 2013 expanded to include persons from Indiana and the about and called to do?” term, helping people get back on their feet,” this fall or next year. Another will be attending world,” said Keith Zimmerman, chair of the Liberia Partner- In March, Carol Russell and Wolfe worked with Helen Detroit conferences. Roberts-Evans, a missionary who is the Liberia Annual The 2014 summit will be held in the Detroit Confer- “For us, we fulfill this through mission, innova- Lolling said. “We have 516 Early Response Team the Indiana Extension School for part-time local ship Committee. “Some of you and some in your congrega- members trained across the conference that are pastors. tions may sponsor children through these organizations. This Conference’s Director of Education to begin an IGRC Scholar-Scholar ence Nov. 13-14 at Nardin Park UMC in Farmington Hills, tion, education and through connecting and ship Initiative. Russell Mich. Additional membership on the steering team spiritual formation,” Lolling said. badged and ready when called upon. We also Connecting and Spiritual Formation is wonderful! God bless you for doing that. But how would it have six UMCOR-trained trainers.” look if the IGRC began to make a significant impact in Liberia visited the Sinoe is coming from the Baltimore-Washington and North Mission “Probably one of the best kept secrets in camp- by sending children to school?” and Kru Coast Carolina conferences. Innovation districts – the Lolling updated the Conference session on a new ing and one of the most powerful has been the Zimmerman noted that the World Vision sponsorship is partner districts ministry, Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries of A new Board of Discipleship is off and running. Mom and Me Camp at East Bay,” Lolling said. The $35 per month and Compassion International is now $38 per for the Cache Illinois, which was jointly approved by the Illinois “The catch phrase they used as they began their camp is for children whose mother is separated month to sponsor a child. The IGRC scholarship is less than River District. Great Rivers and Northern Illinois conferences work has been, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if…’ A Face- from them through incarceration.” The children $15 per month. “They believe in their respective annual conference sessions book page is gathering ideas and also focusing stay at East Bay and then travel to the prison so For more information, contact IGRC Missions and in the midst of in 2013. The first site in a federal prison in Pekin their work to better respond to the needs of local they can reconnect with their mothers. Outreach Coordinator Bunny Wolfe at 217-529-2749 or by their modest liv- where 16 prisoners are meeting with significant churches,” Lolling said. The Five-Day Spiritual Academy for Spiritual emailing [email protected]. ing, God will pro- fruit. A second Bible student is being planned for A total of 18 summer interns are serving this Formation had 38 in attendance. It will be offered Wolfe also mentioned a new 18-month Liberia calendar vide their needs,” Pinckneyville in the near future. summer throughout the IGRC. “The intern pro- again in 2015 or 2016. from July 2014 to December 2015 now available for purchase. Information will be posted on the IGRC website in the near Russell said. “As At Pekin, Coordinator Howard Woolard shared gram is a critical part of our intentional leader- A conference youth trip to Washington, D.C. was future at www.igrc.org/liberia. we visited 12 by video the story of prisoners, who as a result of ship development program that allows interns re-established in 2013. This year, the trip will be Carol Sims reported on the Teacher training team that churches in Sinoe, their engagement with to not only explore ministry possibilities but to New York City. went to Liberia in July 2013 to assist Liberian teachers. She 10 churches in Kru Disciple, decided to tithe do so immediately in a hands-on way, allowing Higher education and campus ministry continues noted that education is the key to Liberia’s recovery. The Unit- Coast and United off of their meager earn- innovation and exploration of God’s call at the to offer a place for young adults to explore their ed Methodist Church has been instrumental in the building Methodist schools ings from doing menial same time.” faith questions while being a part of a commu- and current operation of 100 schools throughout the country. in both districts, tasks at a few cents an A brand new camp, JEES Bilingual Camp, is being nity. “Whether through feeding programs like you could hear in hour and buy personal launched for the first time this year. The camp, the food pantry at U of I or SIU-C to McKendree’s items that could be given operating out of Little Grassy Camp, is done in trip to Washington to help build swing sets for HONDURAS REPORT to new prisoners as they English and Spanish simultaneously. Hope Swings in Washington, campus ministry is are incarcerated. “Talk The camping commission has contracted with alive and well in the IGRC and remains a vital part about a balance of acts of Kaleidoscope to listen to the hopes and dreams of the connection and spiritual formation with piety and acts of mercy,” IGRC'S Honduras Initiative: An of the five conferenced-owned campsites. Town young adults away from home,” Lolling said. Lolling said. “It is some- Hall meetings were held in April and May to pro- “To succeed requires the grace of God and a level thing John Wesley would vide current information to the Camping Com- be proud.” of cooperation between laity and clergy on a Invitation to Serve... and Learn mission’s consultant. The last study conducted high level,” Lolling said. “So it is important to not BY GREG GELZENNIS one spending time in Tegucigalpa (the capital city) Lolling also mentioned the Liberia partner- by the camping commission was 10 years ago. providing medical services and the other providing only cooperate but adapt, in whatever ways nec- The United Methodist Church has had a significant pres- ship where a new initiative is beginning where construction on the Mission HQ site; Education essary, to the changing world and circumstances ence in Honduras following the devastation of Hurricane churches and individuals can sponsor a child in – while never losing the heart of the gospel mes- Mitch in 1998. Just imagine what would happen in your • Our second Conference Team worked this past year one of the country’s United Methodist schools The conference’s evangelism committee com- sage and the mission of the church.” city, let alone a majority world country such as Honduras, if providing construction assistance on the Mission HQ a hurricane came right over your community and stayed for site in Tegucigalpa and providing VBS for the children LAITY ADDRESS a week. That is what happened to Honduras and there are in the surrounding community. I also know that there still signs of Mitch to this day. were individual members from other IGRC churches that joined the aforementioned teams and provided But the Honduran people are very hardworking and resilient wonderful assistance and support (increasing our IGRC Laity Address offers glimpse into disaster response and today, after 16 years of “relief” as we traditionally know reach in Honduras) and for that I am very grateful. BY PAUL BLACK to leave,” she said. “Even as we rebuild, there’s The Illinois Great Rivers Conference is funding it, the Honduran Mission is in place and overseeing the Photo courtesy of Greg Gelzennis something about knowing the church is there for a summer camp, Camp Noah, for the children growth of 18 United Methodist church plants throughout But, as I look out on the delegation floor at Annual Confer- PEORIA – When two dozen tornados blazed a m e .” of the community. The camp will be held in two the country...many in the true spirit of Wesley's Movement. ence there are many more churches, individuals, and per- The third IGRC Honduras Mission Team pre- trail of destruction across Illinois last Nov. 17, no At the 2012 Annual Conference, the IGRC selected Hondu- spective teams who could share with us in the exciting work pares to leave June 21. Members of the team weeks. pictured (not necessarily in order) are Pastor one could imagine the enormity of the challenge Judi Hauck of Washington Evangelical UMC told ras as the Conference's 2nd Initiative and we now have the going on in Honduras...and in following the lessons learned and the way in which pastors and laity in the Il- of how her church became a strategic partner in Mark Souders, a lay member from Metropolis Adrian Garcia, Jose Garcia, Greg Gelzennis, opportunity to serve with and learn from our brothers and in “When Helping Hurts” come away with skills and insights Juan Lara, Jr.; Lisa Nordstrum, and Mark Wal- linois Great Rivers Conference would respond. the aftermath of the EF4 tornado. The church First UMC, told of the tornado that struck his sisters in Honduras. that we can use in our local churches back home and in our dron. Members not pictured include Victoria served as a Red Cross shelter feeding site with hometown – a small river community across the Conference Lay Leader Ken Miller yielded his work with the poor or less advantaged people in our own Garcia and Mary Sievers. the church’s women providing hundreds of meals Ohio River from Paducah, Ky. 2013 was a busy year for IGRC churches and VIM Teams from time to allowing others caught in the storm to tell communities...a WIN/WIN!!!! throughout the first week after the tornado. The the Conference, but there is plenty of room for many more their stories and how the United Methodist pres- Reconstruction has begun in Brookport and the church also heard from churches throughout the of you to get to experience this exciting Movement first If this sounds like something you have always wanted to do, ence has been present in all parts of the confer- IGRC Disaster Fund has provided $50,000 to United States and the United Methodist connec- hand: or if the Holy Spirit is gently nudging you to answer a call to ence. assist the community in building the foundations missions, then I hope you will prayerfully consider joining will be participating in their very first International Mission tion was present. • Fairview Heights Christ UMC has been working with of the reconstructed homes. In all three deaths our 2015 IGRC Conference Team which will be going to experience, so please keep us in your prayers. Mandy Mattingly, who attends Washington Cross- one of the Mission's first “urban plants” in San Pedro The Illinois Great Rivers Conference was able were reported in Brookport, including one in Honduras June 21-28, 2015. We will be doing construction roads UMC, shared via video how she was getting Sula (the second largest city in Honduras); For those of you who are Facebook users, please follow our to provide $18,500 in funds for Hope Swings in nearby Unionville. Although the United Method- ready for worship when she and her daughters at the Mission HQ site in Tegucigalpa and providing vbs for upcoming trip on the IGRC Missions Journal Facebook Page Washington (www.hopeswingswashington.org) ist Church closed in 2008, Metropolis First UMC Alton Main Street UMC split time with the Mission were taken to a safe area of Crossroads UMC to • the kids for sure, and based on the team's make-up, may or the IMT Honduras Facebook Page. I would also mention to purchase materials for the construction of 100 has served as a contact point for teams going into Headquarters Project in Tegucigalpa and their In Mis- ride out the storm. answer God's call to do other types of ministry as well. that if you are interested in finding out more about our IGRC swing sets this summer by youth mission teams. Brookport. sion Together Partnership Church in El Paraiso (a rural I am also pleased to announce that “at press time” our Third Mission Initiative opportunities in Honduras, would like “We never realized how much damage there was, church near the Nicaragua Border) doing construction Lisa Wiedman, pastor of Gifford UMC, spoke The fourth site – Diamond and Coal City area – IGRC Honduras Mission Team is preparing to depart on Sat- someone to visit your church to discuss Honduras Mission because we were protected,” Mattingly said. “And and Vacation Bible School; Photos by Kaitlyn Conrad about the aftermath of the EF-2 tornado that were assisted by the Coal City UMC, which had urday, June 21. The Team is made up of Pastor Adrian Gar- Opportunities, or if you are interested in joining us in 2015 THE CURRENT although my husband was still at home and get- JULY struck the community. In all, 80 homes were de- a cadre of badged early responders which took • Sullivan First UMC has continued their work in the cia, Victoria Garcia, Jose Garcia, Greg Gelzinnis, Juan Lara, Jr., please contact Greg Gelzinnis by e-mail at hondurasimt@ ting ready to come to church, God protected him stroyed in Gifford with another 15 in the outlying the lead in cleanup and recovery. Bolstered by northern community of La Ceibita in the areas of Lisa Nordstrum, Mary Sievers, and Mark Waldron. This will gmail.com. I can promise you it will be a life-changing

a s w e l l .” 2014 areas. A total of 150 homes were damaged. volunteers from the Northern Illinois Conference, medical missions, VBS, women's outreach, sewing and be the first time that we have had so many members of the experience. Mattingly said the experience was life changing. construction; Hispanic Community join us and it will be delightful to see Wiedman said the community is in recovery due the community has come through the disaster and (Greg Gelzennis is the chair of the Honduras Partnership Com- “When I come into the church now, there is a Honduras through their eyes. Several members of the team to “an outpouring of love and gifts.” is into long-term recovery. • Bloomington Wesley UMC actually had two teams – mittee for the IGRC) 16 sense of calm that comes over me and I don’t want 17 Annual Conference NEWS Annual Conference NEWS

LIFE DOESN'T FRIGHTEN US Health insurance, Connectional Table proposals among legislation approved GROWING INTO DISCIPLES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 “ When you start asking CONTINUED FROM PAGE19 BY PAUL BLACK For pastors, the impact is mixed. Pastors with • Approved a $12,336,929 budget for 2015 – a for the transformation of the world, and our tagline In her life, Dr. Angelou faced PEORIA – Lay and clergy members approved lower than average taxable income will eligible for 0.81 percent increase. The proposal includes is Committed to Christ and Community. And as staff that question - down more fearful giants than most tax credits which will offset some if not all of the restoring $1,500 for Youth Leadership De- a proposal to change clergy health insurance and there, I understand my job to be supporting students of us, and out of her life came this additional tax liability. Pastors with high compen- velopment and Young Adult Ministry, which ‘wouldn't it be cool if...’ a new, streamlined Connectional Table during the in those commitments and getting out of their way so psalm spoken from her heart to ours: sation and/or with spouses with high compensa- had been reduced in the Equipping and Con- 2014 Annual Conference session. they can fully live into them. tion, insurance will be affordable but will not necting Team budget. the fear dissipates. ” Shadows on the wall The measure, recommended by the Confer- As a result, we spend a lot of time talking about qualify for tax credits. Pastors will also have the • Approved several standing rules, that Noises down the hall ence Board of Pensions, would move active clergy our call – together and individually. We know God option of enrolling on a spouse’s health insur- includes policies on the Bishop’s Resource Life doesn't frighten me at all covered by the conference’s self-insured plan to has given us gifts and unconditional love and we can ance plan if one is provided. Local churches being Team, Safe Sanctuaries and Sex Offender Bad dogs barking loud purchasing insurance from the exchanges that are respond by living into our call. Some folks go into served by full-time pastors have the option, but boundaries. A policy on clergy sexual mis- Big ghosts in a cloud a part of the Affordable Care Act. vocational ministry. In the past eight years, we have IGRC Director of Administrative Ser- are not required to provide more than $12,000 for conduct was also approved. Life doesn't frighten me at all the health insurance allowance. • A 2 percent increase in past service funding had nine, and hundreds of others serve their call by vices Rick Van Giesen said he would be holding We know that the disciples were the devoted pupils Mean old Mother Goose Early retirees will not be paying the $18,540 for pre-1982 service years was approved as being a teacher, nurse, accountant, or having a job District meetings in each of the conference’s 10 of Jesus, following him, soaking up everything he had Lions on the loose (clergy and spouse) to the Conference prior to part of the Conference Board of Pensions that supports them, so they can fulfill their call outside districts to assist pastors with understanding to say. But apostles are messengers – they share and They don't frighten me at all becoming Medicare-eligible. They will simply report. The service rate for 2015 will now of work. enrollment decisions. Those meetings will be teach the Good News. We know the mission of The continue with their exchange plans. Retirees past be $717 per service year – up from $702 in But we know we’re all called. God doesn’t stop call- Dragons breathing flame scheduled for the early fall since Open Enroll- United Methodist Church is: “to make disciples of the age of 65 are not affected by the change as 2014. ing people. So how are we helping to foster those calls? On my counterpane ment for the exchanges for 2015 will be Nov. 15 to My role is helping students hear and live out this Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” and Dec. 15, 2014. Medicare is already primary. • Approved an application for recognizing That doesn't frighten me at all. McKendree University as a Conference call, and strangely I’ve learned a lot from goldfish. we do that well. But we have some apostleship making The proposal, which was approved 735-106, Connectional Table I go boo historic site, which will make it eligible to be If you give a goldfish a good-sized tank, clean to do. also calls for a $12,000 health insurance allowance Conference members also approved a stand- Make them shoo recognized as a United Methodist historic water and food, its body can adapt and grow and Often times, when students hear the world evan- to be added to full-time clergy compensation ing rule that affects the composition of the Con- I make fun site. McKendree, founded in 1828, is the old- honestly, it becomes quite the fish. If the tank is small, gelism, they recoil visibly. So we have to work and packages by their congregations. Currently, local nectional Table. The proposal, as amended, was Way they run est and first permanent college in the United the goldfish not fed well or the water isn’t clean, the practice. Once they can articulate their story, when congregations pay $17,520 per full-time pastor approved 809-25. I won't cry States with continuous ties to The United goldfish will stay small. Its growth depends on its envi- they get opportunities, they share it. They love the for insurance coverage, while pastors pay $65 One amendment called for the approved So they fly Methodist Church. ronment. And while the goldfish isn’t the most elegant ministry and if they love it so much, other people will per month for individual coverage and $320 per legislation to take effect July 1, instead of Jan. I just smile • Approved the closing of Bloomington Grace comparison for humans, our growth also depends too – but they have to know about and they need to be month for spousal coverage. The actual cost to the 1, 2015, while the other amendment was more They go wild UMC, Hurst UMC and Peoria Madison Ave. upon our environment. personally invited. pastor purchasing insurance would depend upon editorial in nature. UMC’s as part of the Trustees report. Bloom- I need to make sure that I’m not limiting people Throughout all of this, I have learned that the big- Life doesn't frighten me at all. the plan which the pastor chooses. The new Connectional Table is comprised of ington Grace and Hurst have already closed; from growing into their call by making sure our en- gest thing I can do is help break down the barrier of Most of the floor discussion centered around 21 voting members – 19 which are mandated by Tough guys fight Peoria Madison Ave. UMC will close Aug. 1. vironment is one where people can hear God. God is fear. One of the phrases that Jesus says the most is “do the tax issues such a change will create. Current- The Book of Discipline (2012) and two elected All alone at night • A resolution regarding the Israeli-Palestinian all around us, so how can we limit the distractions and not be afraid.” ly, the $17,520 assessment is tax-free; the $12,000 at-large. In addition to the voting members, the Life doesn't frighten me at all. conflict and issues regarding divestment create an environment where people have the space, God calls us and God calls us to places and people housing allowance will be taxable because the Executive Assistant to the Bishop, Co-Deans of and boycott was referred to the Conference opportunity and support to respond to God and grow that we would not have thought of on our own. And Panthers in the park Affordable Care Act doesn’t allow it to be tax-free. the Cabinet, Director of Connectional Ministries, Board of Church and Society. into their call? that can be scary. Living into our call is not always Strangers in the dark Clergy also lose the ability to put aside pre-tax Director of Communications and the Director of • A resolution commending the conference All of our student leaders affirm and live into this comfortable, it’s often not what others expect from us, No, they don't frighten me at all. dollars to fund a flexible spending account since Finance and Administration have voice but no to a year of fasting, prayer and study regard- as well. We spend a lot of time trying to figure out and we need support and community and direction. such an account requires an employer to have its vote. That new classroom where ing Response to Same Gender weddings was We need somewhere that lets us dream – to dream the own health insurance plan. The new streamlined Connectional Table what people need to be committed to Christ and Com- Boys all pull my hair amended and approved, 427-298. dreams God has placed on our hearts. In 2013, health care costs exceeded revenue will replace a Connectional Table that numbered munity; what people need to be and make disciples to (Kissy little girls • A resolution “Living Into Inclusiveness” I’m so excited by the Board of Discipleship’s from the local church assessment and premiums more than 100, which made it difficult to func- transform the world. With their hair in curls) which called for the Committee on Nomina- “wouldn’t it be cool if” slogan… if you haven’t gotten a by $1.5 million. As a means of addressing the tion. The former Connectional Table requested a This year, at our retreat, the students indicated the They don't frighten me at all. tions to seek self-proclaimed “out” gay men chance, go stop by the table in the exhibition room be- shortfall and to provide a delay into moving to smaller size and better clarity of purpose and ob- first thing is hospitality. There are many people who and lesbian representation on all Conference cause when you start asking that question – “wouldn’t Don't show me frogs and snakes a new place, the Conference approved $500 de- jectives at its last meeting. The new model is fash- come through our doors like me – unchurched or de- committees and agencies was referred to the And listen for my scream, ductibles for in-network expenses and $1,000 for ioned after a local church Administrative Council churched. What can we do to make sure everyone who it be cool if…” the fear dissipates. Connectional Table, 357-335. If I'm afraid at all out-of-network providers; additional deductibles which makes its structure more understandable comes through our doors to seek Christ is welcomed I am not trying to deny realities. The students and • A resolution “Humane Treatment to Farm It's only in my dreams. on prescription drugs and a $1,500 in-network and places mission, ministry and finance at the like Christ would want? some of us have seen the Pew Study on American Animals” was defeated, 180-532. family deductible and $3,000 for the family out- same table. We have determined it often involves cupcakes or religious life. We know anecdotally from our churches I've got a magic charm of-network deductible. In other action, the Conference: snickerdoodles. Pinterest has made the food both wel- that there aren’t many folks my age or younger in the That I keep up my sleeve coming and exciting. It takes a lot of courage to walk pews. We hear tales of a church waiting a few years, I can walk the ocean floor across campus at 9 p.m. on a Wednesday. And when gathering ammunition to split. And never have to breathe. Folks have gotten so afraid that I have been asked they arrive, a student coming up and talking to them, Life doesn't frighten me at all Don’t Table that Motion! “what are you doing investing your time in a degree asking about their major, thanking them for coming, Not at all and a process for a church that won’t exist in a few Walking Challenge Final Results asking them if they have someone to sit by can make a Not at all. huge difference. The students know that worship isn’t years?” I don’t know what the future holds; none of Total steps: 3,184,326 Joy Schlesselman -- 70,956 just about catching up with their friends or finding us do. But I am reassured because I know that the Life doesn't frighten me at all. Average Steps: 42,458 Jon Sims -- 70,738 their “assigned” seat; it’s about God. Holy Spirit hasn’t gone anywhere. And I know that if Sisters and brothers in Christ: Let us go up at once and oc- Charles Graul -- 139,086 Roger Perry -- 69,413 And there are students who don’t click with our I respond to that question with fear, I am not freed to cupy the Promised time – we are well able to conquer it. You Paul Dinges -- 102,904 Regina Rhodes -- 66,020 ministry. But we certainly don’t want our lack of answer God’s call in my life – and what God calls us to need not fear the giants – they have lost the protection they R. David Reynolds -- 99,305 Donald Shane -- 65,046 hospitality to get in the way of someone who is seeking is stronger than any fear. had. The Lord is with us. You have nothing to fear from them. Jeffrey Hempstead -- 86,316 Paul Wier -- 64,241 God. And from that kind of hospitality, we can work I know on Sunday we celebrate the Pentecost and Photos by Kaitlyn Conrad James Peak -- 83,961 Amanda Richards -- 63,630 on building an authentic community. we’ve been waiting patiently, but I urge you to not Life doesn’t frighten us. Kristi Hopp -- 62,845 The next thing students pointed to was disciple- take that waiting too literally. The Spirit is here and Robert Mushrush -- 79,343 In Jesus name and power. Edward Weston -- 61,583 ship, learning Christian practice. When you have a the Spirit is not going anywhere and is ready for those Ronald Dickinson -- 75,032 Amen. Eric Swanson -- 73,513 Jeffery VanDyke -- 58,531 lot of unchurch or de-churched folk, they might have who ask. Kent King-Nobles -- 72,156 William Deisher -- 58,395 only heard Scripture from a bullhorn evangelist being But that doesn’t get us off the hook for excellent Lori Harvey -- 58,359 yelled at them on the quad. So we have to start with evangelism, discipleship and leadership. In fact, we the basics: are challenged to be excellent. We know our 2013 Annual Conference Legislation & Report Results • What does it mean to be a Christian? current realities but God calls and gives us all • What is the Bible really and how can we read kinds of gifts and we know our final reality lies Legislation Item Action Taken Legislation Item Action Taken Legislation Item Action Taken it as our plumbline, that enrichjes and sustains in the hope of the resurrection. 101 Organizational Motions Approved by Hand Vote 111 Standing Rule on Sex Offender Boundaries Approved 789-81 202 Non-Violent Actions Toward Peace Referred to Church and Society 647-66 our faith life – not a bumper sticker or Facebook It’s easy to respond with fear – I know I do 102 Bar of the Clergy Session Approved by Hand Vote Amendment failed 148-680 203 Humane Treatment of Farm Animals Failed 180-532 status? that – especially when I am feeling sorry for 103 Receive Items in Supplemental Packet Ruled Out of Order Rayson Amendment Failed 172-689 204 Living into Inclusiveness Referred to Connectional Table 357-335 We give people the tools and support they need myself and mourning the church that I think 104 2015 Budget -- CCFA Approved as amended 612-28 112 Equitable Compensation Approved; Amendment failed 205 Responding to Same Gender Weddings Approved as amended 427-298; to respond to God. God takes care of the rest and our should exist. And over and over and over I Croxton Amendment Approved 510-67 113 Discontinuation of Bloomington Grace UMC Approved 684-18 Schonert Amendment Approved 487-203 students can grow in their commitment to Christ read Jesus saying, “don’t be afraid” and when 105 CCFA Policies and Guidelines Approved 738-42 114 Discontinuation of Hurst UMC Approved 673-20 206 Amend CBOP Policies and Guidelines through worship, the 24/7 prayer room, recreational I can muster the strength to listen, I can get 106 Conference Board of Pensions Approved 687-16 115 Policy on Clergy Sexual Misconduct Approved 779-67 Referred to Board of Pensions As amended 642-27 sports and tailgates and mission. If you ever needed an up, shake off my selfishness for a church that 107 Health Insurance Changes in 2015 Approved 735-106 116 Policies on Submitting Resolutions Approved 814-19 Thompson Amendment Approved 621-7 affirmation of prevenient grace, look at the upcoming has never been and never will be mine, and Barnett Amendment Failed 165-689 117 Display Policy Approved 796-31 Report 301 Advance Specials for 2015 Received 736-7 generations and the heart they have for social justice. listen, teach, learn and invest in authentic Gilbert Amendment Failed 239-579 118 Covenant with Sunset Home Approved 787-9 Report 302 Treasurer's Report Received 634-16 We can have conversations with those folks about how relationships with those around me and act Warren Amendment Failed 77-684 119 McKendree University as Historic Site Approved 657-5 Report 303 IGRC Board of Trustees Received 661-6 social justice for Christians is a commitment in recog- like the Gospel, the Good News, really is good. THE CURRENT 108 Standing Rule on Connectional Table Approved as amended 809-25 120 Webb Funds Use and Management Approved 668-5 Report 304 Preachers' Aid Society and Benefit Fund Received on Voice Vote nizing every human’s sacred worth. Our missions team Because I know it is. Because we know it is, JULY Iutzi Amendment Approved 578-198 121 Standing Rule on Submitting Resolutions Approved as amended Report 305 United Methodist Foundation Received on Voice Vote is everyone and their roommate. because it has changed our lives and will con-

Hempstead Amendment Approved 810-27 827-18; Hempstead Amendment Approved 778-21 Report 306 Christian Response to Violence Update Received 652-34 tinue to change lives. God, your will be done

And while discipleship is important, we also need 2014 109 Standing Rule on Bishop's Resource Team Approved 719-23 122 Ministry with Ethnic Minorities Approved 638-31 Report 307 Bishops' Task Force CR/CC Report Received 624-17 apostle-ship, evangelism. That’s the third thing stu- on earth as it is in heaven. Amen. 110 Standing Rule on Safe Sanctuaries Approved by Hand Vote 123 Discontinuation of Peoria Madison Ave. UMC Approved 670-25 Report 308 Conflict Transformation Ministry Received 680-9 dents pointed to at our retreat last month. Amendment failed 180-562 201 Discontinuation of Printed Current Failed 84-656 Report 309 IGRC Committee on Nominations Received 631-9 18 19 Annual Conference NEWS Annual Conference NEWS

LISTENING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 this difficulty is due to the fact that our brains cream signs. I asked my father, “Daddy, could we stop for an ice cream, Cache RD Paris First UMC Weldon UMC West Salem Zion UMC New Baden UMC East Moline Christ UMC can work faster than our tongues in commu- please?” “Sure honey. In a little while.” More and more of these roadside Carmi Emmanuel UMC Fourth Street UMC Troy UMC Fairfield UMC Kaskaskia RD Lamoine RD nicating a message. locations were passed by. A second time I said, “Daddy, could we please Hallidayboro UMC West Liberty UMC Wanda UMC Galesburg Faith UMC Allendale UMC Jacksonville Centenary UMC stop for an ice cream?” “Sure, honey. We will pretty soon.” More locations Hills Grove UMC In conversations and meetings, more often Equality UMC Illinois RD Beulah UMC Jacksonville Wesley Chapel UMC Sangamon RD were passed. Golconda UMC Good Hope UMC people clamor to be heard, to prepare pithy Boyd's Grove UMC Chauncey UMC Manchester UMC Auburn UMC Ware UMC Orion UMC statements that others will be impressed by Now, it is about 4:00 in the afternoon. I have been traveling with these Hanna City UMC Garrison Temple UMC Murrayville UMC Bethel UMC 2013: Powers UMC Port Byron First UMC or remember. Yet, when actively or empathi- grownups in the hot and dusty Arizona desert since early morning. They Trivoli UMC Flora First UMC Modesto UMC Chatham UMC Sunfield UMC Williamsfield UMC cally listening to others, in other words, being are really on my last nerve. Finally, in exasperation, I say to my father, Odin UMC Rural UMC Decatur First UMC Tate's Chapel UMC Iroquois RD Gilead UMC in the moment and paying attention to what “Daddy, I want an ice cream cone and I want one now! Please?” I don’t 5-Star Decatur Grace UMC Vermilion RD the other person is saying or emotionally re- remember if I got that ice cream cone. My only lasting impression of this Bellflower UMC Lancaster UMC Mississippi RD Embarras RD Carlyle UMC Midland UMC Ebenezer UMC flecting, a person can find his or her voice by “fun” day in the desert is that I wanted to be heard and to have some ac- Centerville UMC Mount Carmel Evangelical UMC Churches Casey UMC Huey UMC Elkhart UMC Bloomington Wesley UMC knowing that there is an attentive and caring tion taken. Champaign Faith UMC Mount Vernon First UMC Charleston Wesley UMC Caseyville UMC Mason City UMC Bonfield Evangelical UMC “An attitude of person who will listen. Weedman UMC Mount Vernon West Salem Trinity We can parallel this childhood experience with our call to God. “I want Hume UMC East Alton First UMC Sharon UMC Braceville UMC Paxton First UMC UMC quietude, servitude, Rev. Guy Keysear in the Thursday video of God and I want Him now!” “Aren’t you here, God?” “You are supposed to Dogwood Prairie UMC Fairview Hts Prospect Park UMC Sherman UMC Normal First UMC Shiloh UMC Saint Francisville UMC retiring pastors, advised that listening is be around when I need you.” Kedron UMC Granite City Nameoki UMC Roanoke UMC and Beatitudes are Tuscola UMC Patoka UMC Spoon RD important to new pastors when particularly Listening, perseverance, and self-control are good lessons for us in our Oak Ridge UMC Maryville Saint Luke's UMC Saunemin UMC Urbana Grace UMC Union Chapel UMC Bushnell UMC part of discipleship. visiting with the lonely. The late Dr. Maya Verona UMC search for God through Christ. These discipleship skills are precious Be still and know that Angelou once said that “People will forget commodities that God wants us to hone. Debbie Macomber, in her book what you said, people will forget what you I am God. Be still and published in 2009, One Simple Act: Discovering the power of generosity, did, but people will never forget how you views listening as a powerful gift of generosity. She notes the difficulties know that I am God. made them feel." of listening but presents many more benefits to good, or generous, listen- Ministry of the Laity seen Church Growth Awards These words are my Listening is essential because if you are not ing. When we generously listen to others, we benefit by increasing our generous with your ability to listen in that own well-being, wisdom, and our ability to listen to God. call to discipleship. I moment, our relationships with others and By listening to what people tell us, we can better ask questions about in Denman Award winners Membership 1-50 Membership 101-250 don’t know if people our ministries suffer. what they need. BY PAUL BLACK Active in the com- Beason UMC, Midland UMC, see in me these tenets “Be still, and know that I am God.” We live in a I had a conversation with a student lay servant about the difficulty of pre- PEORIA – While the 2014 munity, Ribes has been Sangamon River District Sangamon River District but they are my din-filled world that can be plugged in 24/7 if senting a sermon. The student kept talking about his nervousness and Annual Conference theme was instrumental in starting Darrell Howard, pastor Linda Vonck, pastor we let it. (Examples of multitasking observa- uncertainty in overcoming it. Finally, I said to him, is it the presentation or tions.) The static of our lives requires atten- Ministry of the Laity, the selection a local food pantry in 9 professions of faith. 40 professions of faith guideposts.” your uncertain attitude of witnessing to people that really bothers you? of this year’s Denman Evangelism Mt. Olive. She is also tion. If we want to be better listeners, we He said that it was his fear of witnessing to others. We had an extensive need to focus on the other person. Listening Awards underscores the sig- active in the Walk to conversation about feelings of inadequacy, uncertainty, and fear about Membership 51-100 Membership 251-500 takes time and it takes effort. Have you ever nificance an empowered laity can Emmaus gathers, drives witnessing to others. If I had not focused on what this student was talk- had a conversation with someone whom you considered to be a good lis- have on the life of the church. the church van to pick Mt. Olive UMC, Geneseo First UMC, ing about, I would not have understood the question that he had. tener? What made this person a good listener? I imagine that this person The IGRC Evangelism Com- up children and those Mississippi River District Spoon River District focused on you rather than themselves or the things around them. Epictetus, a Greek philosopher, said, “Nature gave us one tongue and two mittee has announced the award- unable to get to church Nancy Ribes, pastor Chris Ritter, pastor ears so we could hear twice as much as we speak.” Hanging on to this ing of the clergy Denman Award and is very active with 14 professions of faith. 57 professions of faith When I was a little girl, my parents vacationed in Arizona during the quote helps prepare us for a better attitude about listening. An attitude to the Rev. Nancy Ribes, pastor the youth in both her Christmas break from school. I was about 6 or 7 years old, and we were of quietude, servitude, and Beatitudes are part of discipleship. Be still and of Mt. Olive and Sorento UMC’s churches. staying at a motel that had a pool. My father and I had a daily early morn- Membership 501+ know that I am God. Be still and know that I am God. These words are my and the laity Denman Award to ing swim while my mother prepared breakfast. One day, I was awakened call to discipleship. I don’t know if people see in me these tenets but they Jon and Robyn Clark, who are a Jon and Robyn Fairview Heights Christ UMC, particularly early for this swim for on this day, my parents, a friend of are my guideposts. Mississippi River District theirs, and I were going to go for a day trip to the desert. I kinda thought part of the Maryville Campus of Clark Shortly before she passed, Dr. Maya Angelou wrote, “Listen to yourself Jon and Robyn that we were already in the desert. Off we go…for the next hours that Fairview Heights Christ UMC. Shane Bishop, pastor and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God.” I pray this morn- Clark are the bi- seemed an eternity for a young child, we drove through the hot, dusty The awards were presented at 90 professions of faith ing that you will find your quietude and hear the voice of God so that you vocational campus leader of the Maryville Arizona desert. Thursday’s John Wesley Fellowship of Illinois luncheon can be a disciple for Jesus Christ. Let us pray. Thank you, Heavenly Father, campus of Fairview Heights Christ UMC. along with church growth awards which were presented These grownups were really getting on my nerves with the sway of the for this time together. We are so thankful that you are with us and will to the church’s recording the greatest percentage of Called and selected to serve in leadership in car and their conversation. I started seeing roadside gas stations that never leave us. To you we give the praise, honor, and glory. In your Name professions of faith. spring 2011, services began at the Maryville advertised sandwiches, pop, and ice cream. I particularly noted the ice we pray. Amen. YMCA in September 2011 with 50 Pioneers Nancy Ribes from the main Fairview Heights campus. For Nancy Ribes, ministry has been a part of her life Presently, more than 100 worship at the Congregational Development celebrates new church starts even before she became a part-time local pastor. campus weekly despite the 50 Pioneers “Nancy was one of my church members at Benld returning to the home church. BY MIKE CRAWFORD has led to a new after- Denman Award recipients (see related story on page 20) from 1993 to 2000,”wrote retired pastor Rev. Nelson The campus has three children’s min- IGRC Coordinator of Congregational Development school program, a re- because of the amazing evangelistic work they have done Reiber. “She has a very strong passion for those that need istry rooms with a fourth to launch soon, Exciting things are happening throughout the Illinois started youth ministry, both individually and through the campus leadership, con- to receive Jesus as their Savior. She works very hard in a junior high youth Sunday School and an Great Rivers Conference as the Office of Congregational and because of growth necting many people with Jesus Christ. the church and in the world where ever she is serving.” adult Sunday School. Because the campus Development has had opportunity to partner with local in worship attendance, I am excited about what God is doing through the Reiber noted her work as a youth worker, a leader has other uses, the church sets up and tears churches in ministry. in September 2013, partnerships between local churches and the Office of and helper on many mission projects. “In each setting, down each week. The Maryville campus For many years, First Peoria UMC has worked in through the partner- Congregational Development. And I am excited about people were led to the Lord.” was launched by Fairview Heights UMC in partnership with a neighborhood elementary School. That ship of congregational the appointment of Gerald Aloran to serve as the planting Rachael DeMartini, another person who nominated partnership with the IGRC Congregational outreach was expanded through a summer soccer program. development, a new pastor sent out by the Geneseo 1st/Cambridge Multisite to Ribes, agreed. “I have known Nancy for about 37 years. Development Team funding. Identifying that a growing number of children and families worship service led by a launch a new congregation in Rock Island. We worked together in the Benld church through choir, “They serve faithfully, effectively and touched through these ministries were Latino, Rev. Adrian praise band was started, As I conclude the Congregational Development report, Bible School, and fruitfully and offer a living Garcia, was appointed as one of the pastors of Peoria First reaching families with I’d like to draw your attention to the screen for a few “Did playing the piano example of how Laity can be UMC in 2010. children. In 2013, wor- You Know?” facts regarding some of the ways the Office and organ to- in ‘real time’ ministry and After starting in 2011 with 10 to 12 people, the ship attendance was up of Congregational Development has and can partner with gether,” she wrote. keep their day jobs,” wrote bilingual worship now averages 40 adults, plus children 22 percent. Since launching the new service attendance is local churches to equip leaders to reach their communities “Nancy always Rev. Shane Bishop, senior and youth, participate in worship weekly and about 60 up 51 percent. On Easter Sunday, Cambridge UMC had for Jesus Christ. strives to do her pastor of Christ Church. total adults are connected with the ministry. Through 293 in worship. • 73 churches from all 10 districts have participated in Geneseo First, with encouragement from their District Fruitful Congregations Process; hundreds of clergy best in whatever “Saying yes to this opportu- Photos by Kaitlyn Conrad the partnership between the church and congregational she does. We also nity (as campus leaders) has development, Pastor Miguel Rios has been added to staff as Superintendent Sylvester Weatherall, and in partnership and lay participants in workshops. taught in the literally changed the trajectory (Left) Incoming Director of Connectional Ministries Tom Logsdon speaks to the John Wesley Fellowship lun- worship leader, to increase the reach of this ministry. with the Office of Congregational Development, is sending • 161 pastors have participated in the Congregational cheon. (Inset) Rev. David Kueker, chair of the IGRC evangelism committee presents a Church Growth Award same elementary of their lives.” In 2010, Cambridge UMC was at a low point. They a staff member to be appointed as a local pastor to start a Development Leadership Institute (CDLI). to Rev. Shane Bishop of Fairview Heights Christ UMC. (Bottom left) Director of Connectional Ministries Kent new congregation in the Rock Island area. Gerald Aloran, • Eight churches completed the Small Church Planning school until Nancy In addition to campus Lolling with Clergy Denman Award Winner Rev. Nancy Ribes. were afraid of what the future held, as worship attendance retired from leadership, which includes had dropped into the 50’s, less than half of what it had been who has served as First UMC’s youth pastor, will begin July Process in 2013. full-time teaching leading worship where the message is a few years earlier. That July, Rev. Steve Kettelkamp was ap- 1 to gather a launch team with the goal of launching weekly • In past six years, more than 250 people have partici- three years ago.” delivered via video from the main campus, Robyn has helped to establish a women’s Bible study pointed as part-time interim pastor, with David Joyce as a worship by the fall 2015. pated in the North Central Jurisdiction Church Plant- DeMartini said the Clarks are responsible for Leader- group and co-leads the Marriage Study in their home. lay supply pastor. Bringing renewed focus through strategic Also, through partnership with the Office of Congrega- ing Boot Camps hosted by IGRC. despite challenges, ship Huddle meetings. They have led the Several additional marriage studies have grown from visioning and planning, the church began to see hope and tional Development, in September, 2014, Fairview Heights • In past year, there have been more than 100 partici- “Nancy has helped first Marriage Study for Maryville and theirs. initial growth. Christ UMC will launch their third campus. The worship pants in workshops for launching new worship and me to see that no Jon Clark has formed a men’s account- “Jon and Robyn seek out and greet the people that Conversations started with Geneseo First UMC regard- site is in a Grange Building just outside the east entrance of new campuses. come through the door with energy and a genuine car- Scott Air Force Base and the primary target are the mem- • Eight churches from five districts are participating THE CURRENT

matter what, God ability group at Maryville and an Iron ing the possibilities of a partnership in ministry. Out of that JULY is always, with- Man (men sharpening men) group in the ing spirit,” wrote Steve Garlinghouse. “(Through their the Geneseo First/Cambridge Multisite was born. David bers of the military and their families. in the Reaching Younger Adults process, the first in leadership), my wife an dI are able to openly invite Christ UMC is finding that the multisite ministry has IGRC.

out fail, with me Collinsville-Maryville area. He is involved Joyce, now a licensed local pastor, is appointed as the Asso- 2014 through whatever in evangelistic efforts through No Greater friends to our church and know with confidence they ciate Pastor of the Multisite with his primary responsibility not only increased worship attendance and professions of • Nine people, mostly college-age young adults, traveled is going on in my Love ministry that takes men to Mardi will be greeted and accepted right where they are which being the Cambridge campus pastor. faith, but has greatly multiplied and grown their laity in 1,400 miles in five days to visit four of the fastest grow- life.” Gras each year to street preach. is what I believe we are called to do.” Since partnering with Geneseo First, shared resourcing leadership. In fact, the leaders of the first multisite campus, ing new United Methodist Churches in the Midwest. 20 Collinsville/Maryville, Jon and Robyn Clark, were the 2014 21 IGRC Annual Conference PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS & SUPPLY 2013-2014 IGRC Annual Conference PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS & SUPPLY 2013-2014 Please Note: Additional pastoral appointments or changes to charges listed below may be made at any time deemed advisable by the bishop and cabinet - The Book of Discipline, Para 434 Please Note: Additional pastoral appointments or changes to charges listed below may be made at any time deemed advisable by the bishop and cabinet - The Book of Discipline, Para 434 CACHE RIVER DISTRICT Olive Branch Brent Gordon 7SY Witt Joy Caschetta 4AM Farmington Jessica Baldyga 5FE Collison Sally Swaim 10RL Bridgeport/ Olmsted Mindy FarrenI 3SY John Walsh 5SY Glasford Walter Wilkins 10AM Countryside/Tolono Alan M Simonson 2FE Petrolia Jim Allison 3FL District Superintendent – Roger W Russell 4FE Pinckneyville James E Barnett 13FE Montrose Camero Saint Michael 2SY Green Valley First/Hopedale Bruce W Bolin Ghitalla 9FE Danville Bowman Avenue Dennis Divan 8RE Browns Floyd Wood 14SY 1508 Sioux Dr, Ste C, Marion 62959-5209, 618-998-0135, S Rosiclare Haley E Hausman 4PL Neoga/Etna Todd Krost 1PE Hanna City/Trivoli Robert L DeBolt 4FL Jim C Williams 10RE Calhoun/Ebenezer Eunice Glasser 2LM fax 618-998-0137, [email protected], 1108 Daybreak Dr, Marion 62959-3791, Sesser/Valier Zachary R Waldis 2PE Newton Grace Timothy Pearce 5FE Henry/Washburn Richard H Kerr 1FE Danville Farmers Chapel Janice Reeder 4PL Centralia First/ *618-997-8481, [email protected] ( ) = not a mailing address Irvington Rusty Beals 4FE Shawneetown Emmanuel Mike Johnsey 4PL Nokomis Steven Williams 4FL Kewanee Paul Copeland 4FE Danville First Nathan Jeffries 2PL Chauncey/Landes David Cogdill 6LM Anna Brett Yates 3FE Sunfield Erin Totten 1FL Oakland/Westfield Walter Miller 5FE Lacon Sparland/Varna Michael J Barclay 2FL Danville Saint James Randall Robinson 4FE Justin Snider 4FE Claremont/ Belknap/West Eden Steve Heisner 29SY Tamms Brent Gordon 7SY Oak Ridge Fred White 7SY LaFayette/West Jersey Donovan/Crescent City Bobbi Shultz 9PL Prairieton Jim Majernik 17SY Benton First H Shane Smith 4FE Tate’s Chapel/Broughton David Cochran 5PL Oblong Central Michael Laflin 3OF Laura/Monica Tim Delaney 1SY Fairmount/Fairview/ Dix/Union Chapel/ Big Prairie/Maunie/ Oblong Evangelical James A Williams 3AM Lewistown Deryck Sonaram 6FE Vergennes Faith Stephanie Voss 2PL Georgetown Matt Filicsky 7PL Garrison Temple Michael Hall 7PL Concord TBS Oliver Joseph Irwin, Sr 6SY Mackinaw Joy Schlesselman 4FE Vienna Larry Moreau 2FE Farmer City/Weedman Jeremiah Thompson 2FE Enterprise/West Michael Buckman 6PL Cache Chapel Mike Sharp 5SY Palestine First/ Manito Cathy Clark 4FL West Frankfort Trinity Joey L Dunning 6FE Fisher Alison Smith 3PL Fairfield Ellen Moore Malcom Jones 3FL Cairo Tigert Memorial/ Palestine Grace Jane Drake 7SY Zeigler/Royalton Lynette Barnett 4SY Maples Mill Jerry Sawyer 11RL Fairfield First Donna Blythe 1FE Mounds Doug Atkins 2PL Paris First Gary Fairchild 8FE Fithian/Oakwood/Hebron Kim Dancey 7FE Zion Van Scott 13PL Morton Gary Motta 3FE Fairview Don Barker 8SY Carbondale First Alan R Rhein 6FE Paris Otterbein/Vermilion Jeff Stahl 2FL Lori A Harvey 3FE Gibson City John Tennyson 3FE Megan Thompson 4FE Farina Rob Dillingham 1FL Carbondale Grace In-Sook Hwang 1FE Pearl Chapel Fred White 7SY Mossville Robert Herath 5FE EMBARRAS RIVER DISTRICT Gifford Lisa Wiedman 5PL Flora First Scott Baird 1AM Carmi Emmanuel Robert McKelvey 2FE Pleasant Valley TBS Mount Pleasant Kathy Sue Barrett 9PL Gilman/Ashkum Anita Munden 2FE Flora Trinity Nancy Myers 3SY Carmi First RebeccaO Laumeier 2FE District Superintendent – Scott Grulke 1FE Robinson First Tiffany S Black 4FE Norris/Providence Chapel TBS Hindsboro Bruce Baker 4RE Carrier Mills Stan Irvin 6FE 1901 S 4th St, Ste 236, Effingham 62401-4188, 217-347-3915, fax 217-347-3916, Robinson Otterbein/ Pekin First James C McClarey 1FE God’s New Parish: Hutsonville Bessie Adams 5OP Homer Teri Shane 2FL Centralia Demaree Robert L. Manier 2PL [email protected], 602 Newman Ct, Effingham 62401-6404, *217-347-3917, Pekin Grace Gary L Ford 13FE [email protected], ( ) = not a mailing address Hoopeston/Wellington Andy Maxwell 3FE Centralia Faith Carterville Robert Morwell 2FE I Saint Elmo Circuit: Pam Cochran 2PL Odin Fairview Iroquois/Sheldon Vickie Killus 2LM Cedar Grove/Pittsburg April Turner 9PE Altamont Circuit: Peoria Bethel Gary J Wilson 1FE Shattuc Trinity Chapel John Heicher 22PL Loda Steve R Anderson 8FE Center/Cypress/ Asbury Peoria Bradley Epworth Thomas A Eckhardt 26FE Gilead Mark Doane 4AM Saint Elmo First Daniel Laack 3PL Ludlow Stephen Hudspath 1SY Luther’s Chapel Kenneth Baker 4SY Dexter Peoria First Robert J Phillips 6FE R C Merten 3LM Center Funkhouser Salem/Toledo Jeremy Harminson 2PL Adrian Garcia 5FE Mahomet John K McIntosh 2FE Golden Gate/ Luther's Chapel Kenneth Baker 11SY Salem TBS Scottland/Clay’s Prairie Carolyn Carnes 1PE Mansfield Sharon R Monroe 11AM Conway James W Steinsultz 42PL Cobden: Jesus es el Senor Ernesto Trevino 5OE Altamont First William Deuel 4FE Grandview Kevin Nourie 4PL Cheryl L Hendrix 14FD Melvin Paula Wallace 4FE Grayville/Fortney Mike Abel 3FE Peoria Forrest Hill Curt D Keller 8FE Middlefork Caleb McGregor 2PL Colp Jim Heaney 4SY Beecher City/Shumway Paul R Bauer 11FE Shelby Cooperative Ministry: Hopewell Crab Orchard TBS Brownstown/Emmanuel Don Thomas 4PL Fourth Street Peoria Madison Avenue Craig Miller 4OE Milford/Stockland TBS Olive Branch Tommy Vaught 2SY Cross Road Cecil Atchison 5PL Casey Penny Barber 11FE Wesley Chapel TBS Peoria Northwest Randall W Douglass 5FE Newman/Murdock Joy Starwalt 7OE Ina/Waltonville Ed Endsley 3OF Crossville/McHenry Jon D Carrell 4OE Charleston Otterbein TBS Shelbyville First Dan Seibert 3FE Peoria University Paul Arnold 7FE Ogden/Broadlands Kathy Murphy 5PL Kinmundy First/Wesley David O Kueker 1FE Dahlgren/Macedonia Rolland Devor 1RE Charleston Wesley Robert Swickard 1FE Sugar Grove William Duke 19SY Princeville Rex Hendrix 17FE Onarga/Piper City Elizabeth Reis 7FL Lancaster/Pleasant Grove/ Nye Chapel Patti Hanzel 2LM Dale/Webb's Chapel Delbert G Essen, Jr 7PL Chrisman/Hume Peggy Emmert 2FL Tower Hill/Herrick David Hutton 4RE RiversEdge Joseph J Richard 7FE Paxton Stephen King 1FE Patricia Hutton 4RE Tom Hanzel 2LM DeSoto,Vergennes Wesley/ Cowden/Lakewood Lynette DeAtley 7FE Saint David/Bryant TBS Pesotum Lenny Summar 2SY Vandalia Haley Chapel/ Lawrenceville First/Billett Gary Pearce 9FL Hallidayboro Steve Utley 3PL Dogwood Prairie/ Sheffield Terry Lancaster 1PL Pleasant Grove Guy Keysear 7SY Mount Carmel TBS DuQuoin Jarrett Wells 1FE Seed Chapel Hiram Gonzalez 4FL Smithfield Brock/L Quest Andrew Adams 12FE Lawrenceville Otterbein Floyd Wood 2SY Vandalia Luster Chapel Gary Graham 4SY Eldorado/Raleigh John M Cross 4FE Effingham Centenary Joseph Scheets 6FE Locust Lane Ellen Doddo 2SY Rantoul First Charles McDonald 1FE Lawrenceville Zion Tony Reed 2PL Elkville AngelaT K Kaye 6SY Leanne Noland 3PE Watson James Whitaker 3RL Texas Raymond P Harrison 13RE Ridge Farm/Indianola George Desmond 4PL Louisville Duane Ambrose 2RL Enfield/Wesley Chapel Jon Westfall 4RL Falmouth Timothy Pearce 5FE West Liberty Kenneth Miller 3RE Tiskilwa Community Roberts/Thawville Stan Rapp 14RA May Chapel TBS Willow Hill TBS Church UM/AB TBS Mount Carmel Evangelical William Bunnage 6AM Equality/Wesley Chapel/ Five Point Parish: Rossville/Bismarck Carl Mesiti 2AM Toulon Sidney E Davis 1FE Equality Keith Bradley 3PL Stewardson T Windsor TBS Sadorus/Parkville Robert Adams 5PL Mount Carmel Trinity/ Adams Corner Edward L Davis 2FE Fountain Robert Shook 4RE Mode Woodbury Roger Kilzer 2PL Tremont Dan Perry 2FE Saint Joseph Paul Dinges 3AM Molly Spence-Hawk 5PL Mount Vernon Epworth/ Galatia Harrison Peyton 21RE Strasburg Zion James Brookhart 3OF Savoy Marc E Brown 1FE Washington Washington Evangelical John Hauck 8FE Wayne City/Zion/ Glendale/Eddyville Michael Shearer 2PL Zion Hill Phillip Glick 3RE Shiloh David Dickey 4PL Gaskill Kathryn Lewis 9PE White Chapel/Monterey TBS Hopewell Elton Storey 7PL Golconda/Cave In Rock Sidell Donald Shane 2FL TBS Willow Hill Kenneth Hogren 16FE Mt Vernon First Victor K Long 5FE Elizabethtown Sharon L Wilkerson 4PL ILLINOIS RIVER DISTRICT Sullivan Charliam Renner 6FE Annelle Ruemmler 13FD Flat Rock Christopher Quick 2PE Wyoming/Neponset Andrew Hopp 6FE Goreville/Creal Springs Ed Hoke 2FE District Superintendent – Mary Kathryn Pearch 2FE Tuscola Ted J Mitchell 1FE Mt Vernon Wesley Phil Poe 3RE Greenup/Cottonwood Cyndi Wiedman 5PL Zion Evangelical Phillip Icenogle 3RE Grand Tower/Wolf Lake/ 3800 W War Memorial Dr, Peoria 61615-2598, 309-692-0421, fax 309-692-2518, Urbana First Eunjoo Lee 3FE Mt Vernon W. Salem Trinity Brad Henson 11AM Harmon Cameron Saint Michael 2SY Ware Jonathan Walden 3SY [email protected], 11607 N Dunmore, Dunlap 61525-8707, *618-514-1149, Urbana Grace J Michael Smith 14FE Mount Zion/Brown's Chapel David Ducommon 5FL Harvest Jeff Morrison 4SY IROQUOIS RIVER DISTRICT Greater West Frankfort Parish: [email protected], ( ) = not a mailing address Urbana Jesus' Love Ministry Sion Kim 1OF Olney First Donald L Meeks 2FE Humboldt Jack Woods 16RE West Frankfort Antioch District Superintendent – Rose Booker-Jones 1FE Urbana Wesley Daniel King Crede 11FE Olney Immanuel Jeremy C Henson 7FE Kansas Karen Blank-Ewell 2OE Bartonville/Kingston Mines Nick Jorden 1FL West Frankfort Central 303 S Mattis Ave, Ste 206, Champaign 61821-3070, 217-359-0640, Miriam Snider 4PE Olney St Paul Jeremy C Henson 2FE West Frankfort First Susan Cox 2OR Kedron TBS Blue Ridge J Michael Robison 29RE fax 217-359-6255, [email protected], 1403 Glenshire Dr, Champaign Villa Grove/Camargo Sandra Hire 7FL Parkersburg/Ebenezer/ Kirk Chapel Sheila Ducommon 6SY Greenwood Richard Sullins 1RE Bradford Leet/Boyd's Grove Amy A Holman 5FL 61822-7701, *217-351-3467, [email protected], ( ) = not a mailing address Watseka Robert E Sabo, Jr 1FE Little Wabash Cathy Seaton 14LM Lerna L Raymond Roberts, Jr 10RE Harrisburg First Christine D Cunningham 4FE Brimfield Leonard Thomas 8PL Weldon Charles Don Ferrill 2RE Pinkstaff Terry Weavil 3OF Allerton Clyde Snyder 7RE Herrin/Energy Bill Wiggs, Jr 2FE The United Methodist Churches of Marshall: Canton South Park/ Woodland Sandra Onken 6SY Richview Dennis Gambill 7LM Shields’ Chapel Rick Atchley 16FL Arcola Vincent Rohn 5FE Johnston City/Stiritz Michael D Mayfield 2FE Brick Tawnya Fairchild 2PL Saint Francisville Deetta M Gaither 2PL Marshall Asbury Tawnya Fairchild 2PL Canton Wesley Bruce Rushing 4FE Arthur Leroy Allison 8FE KASKASKIA RIVER DISTRICT Jonesboro/Walnut Grove Robert Fear 12RL Salem Grace Michael E Ebersohl 4FE Marshall First Richard Lewis 7FE Larry Frank, Jr 1PE Batestown/Union Corner Patti Wise 19PL Joppa/Oak Grove PeteA Ryan 7PL District Superintendent – Carol Lakota Eastin 1FE Salem Trinity/Iuka/ Marshall Armstrong Krista Price 4FE Chillicothe Ronald R Martz 1FE Bellflower Louella Pence 6RL Karnak/Powers Alan D Milligan 10FE T 1603 Salem Rd, Mount Vernon 62864-2628, 618-242-2817, fax 618-242-2917, Cubbage Chapel Nancy Wilson 1PE Marshall Emmanuel/ Crossroads Thomas Goodell 11FE Bement Jeremy Lafary 1FL Marion Aldersgate Timothy D Ozment 8FE Zion Michael Wooton 2FL [email protected], 405 Jay Dr, Mount Vernon 62864-2249, *618-244-0538, Sandoval/Patoka/Boulder Mark E Slaatte 2FE Casey Taylor 2PE Bondville J Gerald Nichols 14RE Marshall Trinity/ [email protected], ( ) = not a mailing address Sumner Jeff Haley 4FE Marion First Jeff D VanDyke 4FE Cuba/London Mills Kenneth Harris 3FE Dunlap Judy Williams 13FL Catlin TBS Deborah L Pollex 10PL Trinity Charge: Patton Daniel L Garner 13SY Dayspring Gary Billiot 3PL Centerville/Seymour/ Albion/Bethel Steve Livengood 1FL Clay City/Harmony/Bethel Mark Canada 8FE McLeansboro First James Peak 10FL Deer Creek Russell Rhodes 2PL White Heath Cindy Rettig 2FE Allendale Deetta M Gaither 4PL Martinsville TBS Union Chapel Tony Reed 4PL Metropolis Jeff Bealmear 3FE Delavan V Eugene Ramsey II 2FE Champaign Faith J Wesley Wilkey 9FE Alma/Pleasant Grove Cheryl Cain 4LM Mattoon First Kenneth Hutchens 6FE Vandalia First Terry Westerfield 1FE Mount Moriah/ Dunlap Prospect Stephen Pichaske 2FE Bradley D Shumaker 15FE Asbury Chapel/Bellmont Vaughn Courter 9LM Pleasant Grove Jimmie D Lambert 4RL Montgomery Good Shepherd’s Parish: East Peoria Faith Gary Billiot 3PL Champaign First Tom Corum 5FE Ashley Dennis Gambill 2LM Wayne County Parish: Murphysboro Larry A Gilbert 7FE Bethel Coffeen East Peoria First Mary Arnold 7FE Cathy Minor 3FE Beulah Harold Quick, Jr 6FE Fillmore Cisne New Burnside/Taylor Rocio Reyes Williams 5PL Edwards Phillip E Merritt 18RE Champaign New Horizon Mark Jordan 5FE Hillsboro Bluford Otterbein Ann Hinds 2SY Johnsonville Malcom Jones 3FL Norris City/Shiloh Eugene Turner 1PE Cissna Park/Rankin Janet Longtin 7PL Irving Eureka Paul Wier 1FE Bonnie Karol Brown 4RL West Salem Zion Alice True 5AM Ohio Chapel Tammy Horn 11PL

AF Affiliate Member OA Associate Member of other Annual Conference PL Part time Local Pastor AF Affiliate Member OA Associate Member of other Annual Conference PL Part time Local Pastor AM Associate Member OD Deacon Member of other Annual Conference RA Retired Associate Member AM Associate Member OD Deacon Member of other Annual Conference RA Retired Associate Member DM Diaconal Minister OE Elder Member of other Annual Conference RD Retired Full Member Deacon DM Diaconal Minister OE Elder Member of other Annual Conference RD Retired Full Member Deacon DR Retired Diaconal Minister or other Methodist denomination RE Retired Full Member Elder DR Retired Diaconal Minister or other Methodist denomination RE Retired Full Member Elder THE CURRENT JULY FD Full Member Deacon OF Full Member of other denomination RL Retired Local Pastor FD Full Member Deacon OF Full Member of other denomination RL Retired Local Pastor FE Full Member Elder OP Provisional Member of other Annual Conference RP Retired Probationary or Provisional Member FE Full Member Elder OP Provisional Member of other Annual Conference RP Retired Probationary or Provisional Member

FL Full time Local Pastor OR Retired Member of other Annual Conference SP Student Local Pastor FL Full time Local Pastor OR Retired Member of other Annual Conference SP Student Local Pastor 2014 LM Certified Lay Minister serving as Supply Pastor, not appointed PD Provisional Deacon SY Supply Pastor, not appointed LM Certified Lay Minister serving as Supply Pastor, not appointed PD Provisional Deacon SY Supply Pastor, not appointed LP Other Local Pastor PE Provisional Elder TBS To Be Supplied LP Other Local Pastor PE Provisional Elder TBS To Be Supplied 22 23 IGRC Annual Conference PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS & SUPPLY 2013-2014 IGRC Annual Conference PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS & SUPPLY 2013-2014 Please Note: Additional pastoral appointments or changes to charges listed below may be made at any time deemed advisable by the bishop and cabinet - The Book of Discipline, Para 434 Please Note: Additional pastoral appointments or changes to charges listed below may be made at any time deemed advisable by the bishop and cabinet - The Book of Discipline, Para 434 Xenia Bob McNeely 8PL Rural John Curtis 18RE Maryville Saint Luke’s William Campbell 2PE Middletown Robert Ervin 8RL Galva Grace Karen Martin 4RA Bloomington Wesley/ Rushville First Grant Armstrong 1FE Mascoutah Bethel Jason Woolever 8FE Monticello Gregory Courtright 3FE LA MOINE RIVER DISTRICT Geneseo First-Cambridge Multisite: Bloomington Park Vaughn A Hoffman 11FE Medora/Piasa Chad Cox 2PL Matthew Stump 2FL Camilla Hempstead 6FE The United Parish: Geneseo First/ District Superintendent – C Douglas Rorex 4FE Mount Olive/Sorento Nancy Ribes 11PL Morrisonville Dayle Badman 5PL Barry Genesco New Church Start/ Bloomington-Normal Hope NCS Jennifer Edwards Bertrand 3FE 102 S Fayette St, Jacksonville 62650-2097, 217-245-9946, fax 217-243-5448, Hull Mulberry Grove/ Mount Auburn Robert Cook 4PL Cambridge Christopher M Ritter 6FE Bonfield/Grand Prairie Parish: [email protected], 9 BelAire Ct, Jacksonville 62650-3614, [email protected] New Canton Pleasant Mound Robert Chase 10SY Mount Pulaski First/Chestnut/ Gerald Aloran 1FL Bonfield First Pleasant Hill ( ) = not a mailing address Nashville Grace John Prather 8FE Latham Rachel Stockle 5FE Darrel David Joyce 4PL Bonfield Evangelical Hamburg Sheila Kelly 7FE New Baden Carl C Johnston 4FE Mount Zion/Bethany Ted A Hartley 2FE Grand Prairie Mel Nielsen 4FL Ashland/Peter Cartwright Pam Hoffman 4FE Geneseo Grace Melva Graham England 2FE JoAnn Ruff 2PL Moweaqua/Sanner Chapel Patricia L Allin 1FE Astoria/Sheldon's Grove Robert D Greene 1RE O'Fallon First Ronald G Dickinson 9FE Mark England Graham 2FE Bourbonnais Grace Cmmnty Mary M Brady 3FE Virden First/Girard Mary Alice Cunningham 5FE Joel Catlin 10FE New Holland/Waynesville/ Batchtown TBS Greater Annawan Parish: Braceville Bennett A Woods 2PL Virginia Carol Stufflebeam 1FE Okawville TBS McLean Becky Barrow 3AM Bradley Wesley Julie Smith 2FE Beardstown C Robert Schoolcraft 11AM Steven Barrow 2PL Annawan Community/Fairview/ Waverly Leland L Legg, Jr 5FL Pocahontas/Panama Dave Trover 15FE Hooppole Zion Dan Wright 14FE Chatsworth/Forrest Roosevelt Smith II 1FE Bethel/Kane Adam Hosmer 2LM New Salem Roger L McIntire 2SY Rosewood Hts Saint Paul Daryl A Fansler 15FE Chenoa Deborah Honegger 1SY Bluff Springs Linda Trent 4SY West Central Charge: Niantic/Illiopolis C W Reneker, Jr 11RA Henderson/ Brooklyn Saint Jacob Pablo D Marty 7SY Coal City Walter Carlson 1RE Bright Star United Methodist Parish: North Henderson Roberta Robbins 1SY Ebenezer Shiloh Danny F Cox 2FE Okaw River Parish: Colfax TBS Griggsville Hillsdale Randy Rutledge 7PL Houston Shipman/Dorchester Dennis Doane 14RE Cerro Gordo Cornell Blackstone David Baker 1RE New Salem Littleton Lovington Illinois City/Pine Bluff Toni Ross 7PL Sparta First Gary Feldman 2FE Cropsey/Saybrook Wesbein TBS Detroit Clayton (Federated) Hammond Howard Ross 7PL Florence Staunton TBS Camden LaPlace Linda Peyla 6FE Kirkwood/Smithshire Peggy Kulczewski 4LM Downs Kenneth P Burgard 3FE Oxville Elm Grove Dixie Croxton 14FL Steeleville/Percy Marvin (Bud) Bennett 2SY Larry Bricker 9PL Dwight Lance Leeds 4FE Perry Knoxville Danny Lybarger 3RE Sidney Crowcroft 5RE Trenton First Mike R Rucker 5FL Ellsworth TBS Baylis David Kelly 7FE Pana Stephen L Palmer 2FE LaHarpe/Durham/ Troy/Worden Dennis Price 27FE Alvin Laird 18SY Winchester Robin R Lyons 10FE Pawnee/Thayer Chuck Kurfman 2PL Terre Haute Jim Clayton 4PL El Paso Shelly Forrest 6FE Peg Ratliff 18SY Wanda TBS Essex TBS Petersburg John Vidakovich 7FE La Moine River Parish: MISSISSIPPI RIVER DISTRICT Waterloo Real Life Alan Abert 2PL Browning/Sugar Grove Charla J Meyers 1PL Raymond Cmmty of Faith Larry Moslener 3OF Good Hope/Jerusalem Delbert Pancake 2FE Fairbury Floyd Blackard 1RE Wood River First Kimberly A Allen 4PL Camp Point/ District Superintendent – Roger Grimmett 1FE Riverton First Jonathan Dixon 17FE Loraine James A Crozier 5PL Grand Ridge/Long Point Lon Alderman 8PL Centennial Ebenezer Joseph G Tomich 8AM 121 Behrens St, Ste 2, O’Fallon 62269-1510, 618-622-3072, fax 618-622-3073, Diaconal Ministers: Rochester Kathleen Bueker Sweet 3FE Katherine E Crozier 5FD Herscher/Reddick/ Carlinville Robert R Taylor 9FE South Wilmington Kevin Boesen 3FE [email protected], 713 Wild Horse Creek Dr, Fairview Heights 62208-2047, Lebanon Richard Boyd Sharon M Catherine Najmon 10FL Macomb Korean Fellowship Jungil Rhee 4FE Carrollton/Christ TBS Heyworth Amanda J Richards 8FE *618-589-3007, [email protected], ( ) = not a mailing address O'Fallon First Robert Noland Sherman Craig M Sweet 3FE Macomb Wesley Howard White 4FE Carthage First Steven M Smith 6FE Jungil Rhee 4FE Hudson Scott Carnes 1FE Alton Grace/Hartford/Elsah Steven Barrett 2PL Springfield Asbury William Burton 18OF Concord/Arenzville Randy Azbell 1FL SANGAMON RIVER DISTRICT Manantial de Vida Juan Carlos Lara-Cardoso 13PL Kankakee Asbury Scott Henley 2FE Alton Main Street Timothy Pate 1FE Springfield Douglas Ave Julia Melgreen 10FE Doddsville David Haney 11SY District Superintendent – Terry P Harter 5FE Maquon/Douglas/ Kankakee Saint Mark Dalene Kuebler 2PE Debra J Hoertel 1FL Margaret Ann Jessup 1PL Eagle Valley Charge: (5900 S 2nd St), PO Box 3487, Springfield 62708-3487, 217-529-3257, Fax Orange Chapel Krey Leesman 1FL Kankakee Trinity/Aroma Park/ Belleville Saint Matthew James K Slone 13FE Springfield First Roger Ross 8FE Bluffs Maxey Chapel Russell D Collister 4PL Bradley Evangelical Lee Lovett 3FE Andrew Anthony 2FE 217-529-4181, [email protected], 3100 Saint Helen’s Ct, Springfield 62704- Michael Whitaker 2FE Naples Stacy Tomich 4FL Milan Trinity/Green River James H Ruberg 9FE LeRoy Eric Swanson 1FE Belleville Signal Hill Arthur James Francis 1PL 6501, *217-787-7041, [email protected], ( ) = not a mailing address Nicole Cox 1FE Faithful Followers: Springfield Grace/ Mineral Terry Lancaster 22PL Lexington First Garry E Gromley 6FE Beverly Belleville Union/ Argenta/Warrensburg TBS Springfield Kumler Robert K Freeman 3FE Moline Bethel Wesley Florene Scott 2FE Manteno Harvey K Gaither, III 14FE Kingston New Athens Edward R Weston 20FE Assumption/Findlay Thomas Compton 14FE Cory Blackwell 2PD Mazon Mark Amenda 14PL Plainville Benld Ethan L Carnes 2PL Moline Riverside Scott Carlson 2FE Athens/Cantrall Paulette K Cott 1FL Springfield Jerome Paul Black 13SY TBS Richfield Lois Sorrill 8PL Bethalto Mike Rayson 3FL McDowell Andrew Black 2PL Auburn Brian Caughlan 5FE Springfield Laurel Kent Lolling 1FE Monmouth First Jon Ermal Sims 10FE Franklin/Durbin Robert Einhouse 3RE Brighton Saint Paul Amy G Rayson 5FL Minonk/Wenona St John’s Donna Baker 2RL Bethel TBS Springfield Woodside Sharon Treptow 1FE Nauvoo Mark Hendrickson 1SY Grafton/Rosedale TBS Bunker Hill Barbara Powers 4SY Momence/Grant Park Janice Ringenberg 1FL Bissell/ Linda Harrod 8FD Greenfield/Rock Bridge Tim Gossett 7FL Cahokia Park TBS Neighbors In Christ Parish: New Hope Parish: Springfield Northside Mark Milhouse 1PL Sugar Creek Allen W Miller 4FE Hamilton/Warsaw Nicholas Gleason 1PE Carlyle/Huey/Beckemeyer Keith A Michaels 7FE Galva First/Bishop Hill Ann M Champion 7FE Hennepin Blue Mound Randel Myers 3FL Havana First Jame Hahs 1FE Robert Souders 9RE Taylorville Rebecca B Lembke 4FE Oquawka/Gladstone/ Magnolia Buckeye McNabb TBS Industry/Vermont Stephen Grandadosin 1PE Caseyville TBS Williamsville Richard F Piscatelli 9RE Biggsville Jon Warren 2PL Owaneco/South Fork Betty Coffey 7FE Normal Calvary Randy Reese 1FE Jacksonville Asbury Nancy Wood 11RL Chester Zoila C Marty 3PL Zion Chapel/Decatur Cntrl Sally Hamon 10FE Orion David R Schultz 9FE Chatham Sara L Isbell 8FE Deborah Reese 1FE Jacksonville Centenary/ Collinsville First Mark Horn 7FL Port Byron First Chester Travis 2FE Cisco Rick Pierce 1PE SPOON RIVER DISTRICT Normal First Donald Jackson 2FE Jacksonville Brooklyn Jean R Hembrough 5FE Columbia Bethany Allynn Walker 7FE Reynolds/Taylor Ridge Paul Newhall 2FE Clinton Stephen Killion 3RL District Superintendent – Sylvester Weatherall 3FE Lindsay Churchman 1FE Nancy Wood 2RL Coulterville/Tilden John S Hackmann 3FE Rock Island Two Rivers Robb McCoy 1FE Decatur Christ Kelly Cox 6FL 120 N Kellogg St, Galesburg 61401-4785, 309-344-1435, fax 309-344-1161, Normal Morningstar/ Jacksonville Grace Michael W Fender 7FE East Alton First William G Pyatt 2FE Roseville/Swan Creek David E Bigley 2FE Decatur First Kent King-Nobles 8FE Bloomington W Olive Faith Jay Regennitter 7FE Jacksonville Wesley Chapel Dean A Beals 2FE [email protected], 2184 Catherine St, Galesburg IL 61401-1402, *309-344- Silvis Joye Perry 2PL East Saint Louis Trinity TBS Kathy King-Nobles 8FE Stephanie Soon 1FD Jerseyville Mark C Myers 11FE 2046, [email protected], ( ) = not a mailing address Stronghurst/Carman Karna Peterson 1SY Edwardsville Immanuel Jackie Havis-Shear 9FE Decatur Grace Sigurd N Bjorklund 2FE Nueva Jerusalem Juan Angel Rosales 7PL Living Faith Bruce Weiman 5FE Edwardsville Saint John’s Sheryl Palmer 8FE Beth McLaughlin 2FE Abingdon Jeffrey Robbins 2OE Twin Rivers Cooperative Parish: Odell TBS Loraine Connie Jenkins 2RA Katherine L Gholson 2PD Decatur Wesley/Garver Brick Buzz Swett 8FL Aledo Mark Harris 3FE Carbon Cliff Pleasant Grove Curtis Flake 2PL Manchester TBS Ellis Grove/New Palestine/ Divernon/Farmersville/ Alpha Terry Evans 3FL Church of the Cross Chet McCoy 10PL Pontiac First Raymond P Owens 6FE Mount Sterling First/ Preston John P Best 9FE Midland Linda Vonck 8FE Altona/Oneida David Pyell 7FL East Moline/Hampton Nicole Ross Bishop 5PL Ransom Danira Parra 3PL Columbus Cecelia Granadosin 2FE Fairview Heights Christ Shane Bishop 18FE Easton D Allen Sample 12PL Blandinsville Don Riley 7RE Victoria Russell Theobald 4LM Ritchey Janet Seymour 4SY Murrayville Dennis Powers 7FE Troy M Benton 4FE Edinburg/Stonington Raymond Radae 11FL Burnside William I Deisher 10RA Viola/Preemption Linda Harris-Cosby 2FL Beverly Dehler 4SY New Hope Dorothy Isaacs 15RL Fairview Hts Prospect Park Karen Oplt 11PL Elwin Randy McGeehon 7AM Bushnell/Avon/ Walnut Grove Lyren Haney 5PL Roanoke/Secor Charles Graul 2FL Northwest Parish: Gillespie First Steven J Friese 5FE Fairview Richard Miles 3RL New Philadelphia/ Saunemin Jane Bradford 7PL Westmer Larger Parish: Palmyra Glen Carbon New Bethel William Adams 5FE Forsyth Kenneth Dees 5AM Point Pleasant Trisha L Chapman 8FL Streator First Jerry Haley 4FE Joy/Eliza Community/ Godfrey First Don E Long, Jr 11FE Fountain of Life Kevin Treptow 1RE John Douglas 13LM Tonica/Lostant/Richland Mark Nowakowski 3FL Modesto John Chrisler 15PL New Boston Beth Nelson 6FE Granite Cty Dewey Ave/ Island Grove Matthew Woodcock 4LP Colchester/Hills Grove Mark R Smith 4FL Payson TBS Williamsfield/Dahinda Jennifer Seder 4FE Trinity UM Parish: Good Shepherd Doug Pascoe 6SY Kenney TBS Colona Sandy Bunnell 5FE Pittsfield Thomas A Wilber 6FE Cabery/Cullom/Kempton Rebecca Joy Klemm 2PL Granite City Nameoki TBS Loami Donald Peck 15OF Colusa/Appanoose Yoked David Poland 6OF VERMILION RIVER DISTRICT Pleasant Grove/Paloma Sharon Renner 3PL Verona Jill Bunker 3PL Granite City Niedringhaus Gary Mosimann 2SY East Moline Christ Roger Perry 5FE Logan County Cooperative Ministries: District Superintendent – Leah R Pogemiller 4FE Prairie Mission Cooperative Parish: Granite City Trinity Lisa Guilliams 12FE Joye Perry 5PL APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES Lincoln First Michael Paulson 3FE 210 W Water St, Ste 2, Pontiac 61764-1790, 815-844-3530, fax 815-844-6583, Oakford Greenville First Shalom S Renner 7FE Elmwood Bradley Watkins 2FE A. WITHIN THE CONNECTIONAL STRUCTURES OF UNITED METHODISM Beason/Elkhart Darrell Howard 5PL [email protected], 1801 W Bob O Link Dr, Pontiac 61764-9370, 815-370- Bath Highland Hope Beverly Wilkes Null 2FE Hartsburg Tami Werschey-Kessinger 3PL Fairfield Larry Misfeldt 5LP (Paragraph 331.1b, 344.1a, c) 4030, [email protected], ( ) = not a mailing address Fairview Judy Vidakovich 7FL Keyesport Carynne Paterson 3SY Long Creek/Dalton City Anthony Paulson 3FE Fairview Center Gabriel Wanck 7FL Keith E Anderson - 8 FE Quincy Melrose Chapel Ronald C George 3FE Lebanon First Peter Wehrly 4FE Macon Janet Eggleston 3FE Galesburg Faith Norman Mendell 4RA Atlanta/Ebenezer Robert David Roy 8FE Maroa Nicholas B Showalter 2FE Executive Director, The Preachers’ Aid Society, Springfield; CC: Chatham UMC Quincy Union Tim Woodard 2FL Litchfield Saint Timothy James O Tinzmann 7FE Galesburg First Glen Bocox 2FE Mason City/San Jose Daniel Powers 2FE Rose Booker-Jones - 1 FE Quincy Vermont Street Patty Johansen 1FE Marissa Rebecca Williams 4OE Sarah Beth Wanck 4PL

AF Affiliate Member OA Associate Member of other Annual Conference PL Part time Local Pastor AF Affiliate Member OA Associate Member of other Annual Conference PL Part time Local Pastor AM Associate Member OD Deacon Member of other Annual Conference RA Retired Associate Member AM Associate Member OD Deacon Member of other Annual Conference RA Retired Associate Member DM Diaconal Minister OE Elder Member of other Annual Conference RD Retired Full Member Deacon DM Diaconal Minister OE Elder Member of other Annual Conference RD Retired Full Member Deacon DR Retired Diaconal Minister or other Methodist denomination RE Retired Full Member Elder DR Retired Diaconal Minister or other Methodist denomination RE Retired Full Member Elder THE CURRENT JULY FD Full Member Deacon OF Full Member of other denomination RL Retired Local Pastor FD Full Member Deacon OF Full Member of other denomination RL Retired Local Pastor FE Full Member Elder OP Provisional Member of other Annual Conference RP Retired Probationary or Provisional Member FE Full Member Elder OP Provisional Member of other Annual Conference RP Retired Probationary or Provisional Member

FL Full time Local Pastor OR Retired Member of other Annual Conference SP Student Local Pastor FL Full time Local Pastor OR Retired Member of other Annual Conference SP Student Local Pastor 2014 LM Certified Lay Minister serving as Supply Pastor, not appointed PD Provisional Deacon SY Supply Pastor, not appointed LM Certified Lay Minister serving as Supply Pastor, not appointed PD Provisional Deacon SY Supply Pastor, not appointed LP Other Local Pastor PE Provisional Elder TBS To Be Supplied LP Other Local Pastor PE Provisional Elder TBS To Be Supplied 24 25 IGRC Annual Conference PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS & SUPPLY 2013-2014 National/Global NEWS Please Note: Additional pastoral appointments or changes to charges listed below may be made at any time deemed advisable by the bishop and cabinet - The Book of Discipline, Para 434

Superintendent, Iroquois River District, Champaign General Evangelist; CC: Oak Ridge UMC DEACONESS AND HOME MISSIONARY APPOINTMENTS (Paragraph 1314.3) Kimberly Noel Burke - 2 PD B. TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES UNDER ENDORSEMENT BY GENERAL A Kay Clifton North Georgia clergy, laity The Baby Fold Community School Coordinator at Fairview Elementary; CC: First Church Worker, Colusa UMC/Apanoose Faith Presbyterian; CC: Colusa UMC BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION & MINISTRY, DIVISION OF OR- UMC, Normal Vae Rose Fultz Michael J Crawford - 9 FE DAINED MINISTRY, SECTION OF CHAPLAINS (Paragraph 344.1b, c) Coordinator of Special Needs Services, Deaf Faith Community Church, Coordinator of Congregational Development, Springfield; CC: Tuscola UMC Bruce Baumberger - 8 FE Jacksonville: Centenary UMC, Jacksonville take stand against schism Daniel King Crede - 4 FE Chaplain, Alton Memorial Hospital, Alton; CC: First UMC, Godfrey Carol Clay Mann Director, Wesley Foundation at University of Illinois, Urbana; CC: Wesley UMC, Carl James Brown - 7 FE Teacher, Lewis County C-1 Schools, Quincy; CC: Melrose Chapel UMC, Quincy BY HEATHER HAHN “It is a more faithful, stronger witness Lord and one for us to remain together,” Grady said. “I have baptism.” Urbana Chaplain, Veteran’s Administration Hospital, Cleveland, OH; CC: Fairview Center NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - As talk INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION OF CLERGY IN ARMED FORCES RE- great hope that we will pause, worship, pray She said Kelligay King Crede - 11 FE UMC, Monmouth of splitting The United Methodist Church and conference together and discern that is a that some of the Chaplain, Cunningham Children’s Home, Urbana; CC: Wesley UMC, Urbana SERVE OR NATIONAL GUARD UNITS (Paragraph 344.5e) reaches a fever pitch, a theologically diverse Rebekah Dees-McMahon - 13 FE better witness to the world.” pastors calling Julie Dowler - 2 FD – Therapist, Freedom House; CC: Sheffield UMC Howard S Bell US Air Force Reserve group of clergy and lay members of the North for denomina- Associate Director, Wesley Foundation at University of Illinois, Urbana; CC: William Campbell US Naval Reserve Georgia Annual (regional) Conference are Contention and conversation Steve Heitkamp - 7 FE tional separa- Wesley UMC, Urbana Phillip L Glick US Naval Reserve (Retired) signing a covenant calling for unity. Still, the covenant comes at a time when Horizon Hope Counseling, Inc, Belleville; CC: Union UMC, Belleville tion are among Carol Lakota Eastin - 1 FE - Robert D Greene US Air Force Reserve “While our disagreements are significant, United Methodists differences, particularly Kristi Hopp - 4 FE F Jerry Herring Civil Air Patrol regarding homosexuality, are intense. her friends. Superintendent, Kaskaskia River District, Mount Vernon we confess our faith in a God who creates out Chaplain, Air National Guard of Illinois; CC: Laura UMC James D Johnson National Guard Still, she noted of nothing, makes a way out of no way, and Though not calling for a denominational A UMNS file photo by Mike DuBose Jennifer Edwards Bertrand - 9 FE that 80 clergy Linda A Horrell - 8 FE Jack Swank US Army Reserve holds the power to bring the dead to life,” split, several United Methodist churches, Delegates to the United Methodist Church's 2004 General Conference in Pittsburgh hold hands prior to a vote Director, Wesley Foundation at Illinois State University, Normal; CC: First UMC, cannot speak Clinical Director, Center for Counseling and Pastoral Care, Manchester, MO; CC: Danny D Wright Army National Guard says the document “That They May Be One. conferences and unofficial organizations have affirming unity in the church. The resolution on unity followed several days of contentious debate on the issue Normal for a global Saint John’s UMC, Edwardsville A Covenant for Unity in the North Georgia made public declarations that they cannot of homosexuality in the church. Front row, from left are: the Rev. Gunshink Shim, Fred Brewington and the Beth Fender - 6 FD VOLUNTEER CHAPLAINCY AND SPECIALIZED MINISTRY: W denomination Rev. Constance Pak. Patsy Kelly - 7 FE Conference of the United Methodist Church.” follow church law as currently stated. Some Coordinator of New Streams, Springfield; CC: Grace UMC, Jacksonville Glen Bocox US Air Force Reserve of some 12.5 Chaplain, Passavant Hospital, Jacksonville “Though there are some issues about clergy have engaged in “ecclesial disobedi- Anne Ferguson - 4 FE James D Johnson US Naval Reserve million members. In the United States alone, week with no plan for the Great Commission.” Brian L Manigold - 6 FE which we profoundly disagree, we are united ence,” officiating at same-gender unions in Dean of the Chapel, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston; CC: Steve Livengood Fire Chaplain there are more than 46,000 active and retired The Rev. B. Wiley Stephens, senior pastor Staff Chaplain, Veterans Admin Illiana Health Care Systems, Danville; CC: Wesley in our opposition to schism in the United defiance of a ban under church law. Grace UMC, Urbana Mike Mayfield Specialized (Emergency) United Methodist clergy. of Dunwoody (Ga.) United Methodist Church, UMC, Bloomington Methodist Church,” the statement continues. The Book of Discipline, the denomina- Ted Frost - 10 FE James Michael Rogison General Hospital “We are supposed to love alike even when was among the first signers of the covenant Lauren M Padgett - 7 FE As of June 6, 585 United Methodists in tion’s law book, states that marriage is between Director, United Methodist Foundation, Springfield; CC: Chatham UMC Jon Sims Fire Dept & Police Dept we don't think alike,” Jones said. “Unity is best who did not have a hand in drafting it. He is Chaplain, Harbor Light Hospice, Peoria; CC: Dayspring UMC, East Peoria the North Georgia Conference had signed the a man and a woman. It also affirms that all Jack Swank Fire Department expressed when we love as Christ loves and retiring this year after 50 years in ordained Adrian M Garcia - 12 FE John D Read - 31 FE covenant, including 225 clergy. Signers also people are of sacred worth, that all are in need Patrick Wadsworth Police Department lives in us. That is central to my reason for ministry. He also has been a delegate to four Coordinator, Conference Hispanic Ministries; CC: First UMC, Peoria Command Chaplain for the South Command, US Army; CC: Good Shepherd UMC, include six members of the bishop's appointive of the church’s ministry, and that God’s grace James C Williams Veterans Affairs signing the unity covenant.” General Conferences, the denomination’s top Janice L Griffith - 3 FE Granite City cabinet. It is being shared through email and is available to all. DIACONAL MINISTER IN EXTENSION MINISTRIES lawmaking assembly. Executive Assistant to the Bishop, Illinois Area Office, Springfield Charles Shelquist - 5 FE various social media. The Rev. Steve Wood, pastor of Mount Not just ‘unity for the sake of unity’ His congregation has about 4,750 mem- Roger Grimmett - 1 FE Chaplain, Western Maryland Health System; CC: Oakland-Westfield UMCs Carter L Frank With more than 362,000 professing Pisgah United Methodist Church in Johns The Rev. Richard Hunter, senior pastor of bers. Like many churches, he says his congre- Superintendent, Mississippi River District, O’Fallon Catholic Services for Children and Youth members as of 2012, the conference reports Creek, Ga., has been involved in conversation Sugar Hill (Ga.) United Methodist Church and Margaret E Siemer - 12 FE gation includes gay and straight members. Scott Grulke - 1 FE the biggest membership of any in the United with the 80 clergy calling for amicable separa- another contributor to the covenant, said he is Chaplain, US Navy; CC: First UMC, Springfield CERTIFIED IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNICATION “It just breaks my heart to see the danger Superintendent, Embarras River District, Effingham States. The Rev. Dalton Rushing, the North tion. He said he does not remember signing not calling for unity just for the sake of unity. Brian G Storey - 13 FE Paul Black of the church breaking up,” he said. Bruce Timothy Harrison - 17 FE Georgia pastor who has been tallying the the call for separation. At the same time, he He wants to renew the denomination’s focus Director and Pastoral Counselor, Interfaith Counseling Center, Inc, Edwardsville; Like a family, The United Methodist Chaplain/Director of Church Relations, McKendree University, Lebanon; CC: CERTIFIED IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION signatures, said similar statements have now did not sign the covenant either. on its key mission. CC: Saint John’s UMC, Edwardsville Church has reasons to stay together, Stephens Lebanon UMC Tawnya Fairchild been crafted in other conferences, including He said he is glad both conversations are “I’m saying unity for the sake of let’s get David Wence - 10 FE maintains. Beth Fender Holston, Louisiana, Mississippi and the new happening, but neither statement precisely focused on what our culture needs so we can Terry P Harter - 5 FE Pastoral Counselor, Decatur Psychological Associates, Decatur; CC: Grace UMC, “We need to keep struggling and particu- Cheryl Hendrix 4 Rio Grande Conference. captures the views. While the covenant con- do what (John) Wesley called us to do,” he Superintendent, Sangamon River District, Springfield Decatur larly listening to each other,” he said. “I don’t The covenant follows a statement by a tains noble sentiments, he said, "the problem, said. “That is to bring scriptural holiness to all Matthew S Henson - 7 FE Mary S Whetstone - 3 FE CERTIFIED IN EVANGELISM think we listen enough to those who disagree group of 80 United Methodist pastors and for me, is how we are living out our definition the land, and that includes our justice minis- General Evangelist, Living the Adventure; CC: Albion UMC Staff Chaplain, Ohio Health, Columbus, OH; CC: First UMC, Carmi David Estep with us. We need to be in serious dialogue so theologians in 30 conferences calling for “tra- of being one." tries for the poor and disenfranchised.” Craig C Hill - 5 FE Linda Harrod we can all grow.” C. OTHER VALID MINISTRIES UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF ditionalists” and “progressives” to part ways He noted that The United Methodist He added that it’s a “sin to spend $1 mil- Research Professor of Theological Pedagogy, Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC; (Hahn is a multimedia news reporter for PARAGRAPH 331.1A,C, 331.4, 344.1D CERTIFIED IN MUSIC “amicably.” The group’s press release described Church's membership in the United States has lion a day on General Conference and end the CC: First UMC, Peoria United Methodist News Service.) the debate regarding homosexuality and other decreased each year since the 1968 merger Gary D Livesay - 26 FE Richard F Boyd Lori L Bultemeier - 9 FD issues as irreconcilable. between the Methodists and the Evangelical Chaplain, Chaddock School, Quincy; CC: Vermont Street UMC, Quincy Constance White Guennewig Christian Life Coordinator, The Baby Fold, Normal; CC: Calvary UMC, Normal Most of the 80 clergy have chosen to United Brethren, although the church is grow- Thomas R Logsdon - 1FE Stephen Lee Busick - 7 FD CERTIFIED IN SPIRITUAL FORMATION remain anonymous, but at least one is in the ing worldwide. Director of Connectional Ministries, Springfield; CC: Klein & Busick Christian Counseling Services, Champaign; CC: Quest UMC, David Estep North Georgia Conference. He did not return He has talked to United Methodists Pulling out all the Stops for Alan D Milligan - 29 FE Champaign Beth Fender requests for comment. around the global church, he said, and he has 2014 Illinois Great Rivers Conference General Evangelist, Director of Eagle House Ministries; CC: Vienna UMC Katherine L Gholson - 2 PD Sharon Colbert Garretson The covenant originated with a Facebook noticed common themes. "I haven't talked to Mary Kathryn Pearce - 2 FE anybody who is happy with the way things Volunteer Coordinator, The Family Treehouse, Granite City; CC: Saint John’s UMC, Linda Harrod post by Rushing, pastor of North Decatur Church Organ Network of Effingham, IL, will be providing the Allen Digi- Superintendent, Illinois River District, Peoria Edwardsville Mary Ann Hedges are," he said. "And I think that is becoming United Methodist Church in Decatur, Ga. tal Computer Renaissance Organ, featuring sampled pipe voices of the Leah R Pogemiller - 4 FE Robert S. Kirby - 2 PD our motivation to say 'So we can't continue CERTIFIED IN YOUTH MINISTRY “I realized, as a number of folks have said, greatest Pipe Organs of the World. Superintendent, Vermilion River District, Pontiac Campus Minister, United Campus Ministry, Montana State University, Billings, that if the church were to split, I wouldn’t have things the way they are.'" John M Hauck Jeffrey A Rasche - 8 FE MT; CC: Wesley UMC, Urbana a denomination,” Rushing told United Meth- Contention, he said, is compromising Piano Gallery of Peoria, will be providing Yamaha’s newly designed C6X- Associate Director of Stewardship, Chaddock School, Quincy; CC: Camp Point UMC Leon D McClimans - 11 FE IGRC MEMBERS SERVING AS GBGM MISSIONARIES OUTSIDE THE U.S. odist News Service. The United Methodist Church's witness to the PE series Concert Artist Polished Ebony Grand Piano. world. He does think amicable separation is Paige L Roberts - 11 FE Christian Counseling Center, Inc, Tinley Park; CC: Gilman UMC Priscilla Jaiah “There is something about the tension possible, as a last resort. But he also acknowl- Churches, Schools, or Individuals searching for a Church Organ, Grand Campus Minister, Wesley Foundation at Eastern Illinois University, Charleston; Debra Olsson - 2 FD Connie Wieck between the two traditional camps of the CC: Wesley UMC, Charleston Volunteer, OSF Hospice/CASA of Peoria County, Peoria; CC: First UMC, Peoria church that feels right to me. I like the evan- edged he does not know what such a breakup or Upright Piano, or Clavinova are invited to contact Church Organ Net- would look like. C Douglas Rorex - 4 FE H Edwin Snow - 8 FE IGRC MEMBERS SERVING AS GBGM MISSIONARIES IN THE U.S. gelical focus of the conservative wing. I like work, 902 S Willow, Effingham, IL "There is hope for a way forward for us Superintendent, LaMoine River District, Jacksonville Chaplain, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN; CC: Stronghurst UMC Sally Wisner-Ott the social-action focus of the progressive wing. And if the church were to split, I realize there all," he said. "Here's why. It's because of who 217.342.2207 Roger W Russell - 4 FE Stephanie Soon - 2 FD RETIRED IGRC MISSIONARIES THAT SERVED IN THE UNITED STATES would be nowhere for me to go.” God is, not because of who we are or how we Superintendent, Cache River District, Marion Advocate BroMenn Hospice Chaplain, Normal; CC: Morningstar UMC, Normal email [email protected] Beatrice Orrell He soon found that many other United think. And so my prayer is: 'God can get us Paul Stroble, Jr - 3 FE Alice J Shirley - 4 FE Methodists hold a similar view. there in a new way forward. Lord, let it be so.'" or Piano Gallery of Peoria, 4640 N Brandywine, Peoria, IL Coordinator of Camping & Retreat Ministries, Springfield; CC: Laurel UMC, Webster University, Saint Louis, Missouri; CC: First UMC, Vandalia RETIRED IGRC GBGM MISSIONARIES THAT SERVED OUTSIDE THE U.S. Covenant coming together 309.966.0434, Springfield Marynell Kirkwood Confession of falling short APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES AND OTHER METH- After the positive response on Facebook, Kim Stuby - 5 FD Janet McCarty The covenant confesses and seeks forgive- PianoGalleryofPeoria.com ODIST DENOMINATIONS (Paragraph 346.1) Rushing reached out to clergy friends from ness for where United Methodists have fallen Program Assistant, Camping and Youth Ministries; CC: Main Street UMC, Alton Rev Paul and Rachel McCleary James L Cooper - 5 FE Indiana Conference various theological perspectives to help craft short in handling the debate over sexuality. Karen Westerfield Tucker - 11 FE Kathleen S Lossau - 1 FE Baltimore-Washington Conference Sally Morris a covenant for unity. Ultimately, about 15 to “We confess to God and each other that Professor of Worship, Boston University School of Theology, Boston, MA; CC: Mario Mayer - 5 FE Northern Illinois Conference Rev Kim and Marjorie Soon 20 laity and clergy had a hand in drafting the we have sometimes failed to watch over one Wesley UMC, Urbana Glen Robyne - 9 FE Indiana Conference statement. another in love,” the covenant says. “We have, Richard A VanGiesen - 19 FE Lana Robyne - 9 FE Indiana Conference Rushing emailed the covenant to pastors at times, failed to keep true to our covenant as Treasurer and Director of Admin Services, Springfield; CC: Laurel UMC, Springfield Charles Sward - 4 FE Florida Conference on June 1, a week before the North Georgia United Methodists, preferring the easy work Sylvester Weatherall - 3 FE Conference’s annual session, which is sched- APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL (Paragraph 416.6) of disruption and covenant-breaking to the Superintendent, Spoon River District, Galesburg uled to meet June 11-15. It was made public to difficult work of discipline. Likewise, we have, Fred R White - 23 FE None the wider conference early June 2. at times, failed to recognize the sacred worth Rushing said he and others considered of each of God’s children.” introducing the statement as a proposed The Rev. Sondra R. Jones, senior pastor resolution at the annual meeting but decided of Buford First United Methodist Church, AF Affiliate Member OA Associate Member of other Annual Conference PL Part time Local Pastor that the point of the statement was not just for noted that her congregation — like many AM Associate Member OD Deacon Member of other Annual Conference RA Retired Associate Member the conference. others across the connection — has members DM Diaconal Minister OE Elder Member of other Annual Conference RD Retired Full Member Deacon “The point, at least from my perspective, who disagree about everything from what DR Retired Diaconal Minister or other Methodist denomination RE Retired Full Member Elder is to help people realize that the things that color paint to use in the building to biblical THE CURRENT JULY FD Full Member Deacon OF Full Member of other denomination RL Retired Local Pastor connect us are stronger than the things that interpretation. FE Full Member Elder OP Provisional Member of other Annual Conference RP Retired Probationary or Provisional Member divide us,” he said. “If you look at the local church as your

FL Full time Local Pastor OR Retired Member of other Annual Conference SP Student Local Pastor The Rev. David Allen Grady, senior pastor core model, homogeneity is not the goal,” she 2014 LM Certified Lay Minister serving as Supply Pastor, not appointed PD Provisional Deacon SY Supply Pastor, not appointed of Druid Hills United Methodist Church in said. “We are not all supposed to look alike, LP Other Local Pastor PE Provisional Elder TBS To Be Supplied Atlanta, echoed that sentiment. He was among think alike and be alike. We are supposed 26 those who helped draft the document. to be of one heart, one mind, one faith, one 27 Ordination NEWS

2014 Annual Conference Service of Commissioning and Ordination

Photos by Paul Black

Three were ordained elders in full connection and five persons were commissioned for the work of provisional member elders at the 2014 Annual Conference’s Service of Ordination and Commissioning. Those ordained elder (top) pictured with Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton, from left, are: Cecilia de la Cruz Granadosin, Scott Eugene Carnes and Kristi Linn Hopp. Those commissioned provisional members (left) pictured with Bishop Keaton, from left, are: Todd Nicholas Krost, Eugene Allan Turner, Larry David Frank, Jr., Stephen Locke M. Granadosin and April Dawne Turner.

Recognizing greatness BY PAUL BLACK pointment or the denomination and you will want to put distance oneself from PEORIA – In a world that confuses success with signifi- an accountability group,” Hopkins said. cance, Bishop John Hopkins asked those attending this “There is no way to escape. John Wesley year’s ordination service, “Can we recognize greatness?” believed in accountability in which the Using the text from Mark 1 where James and John asked classes asked, ‘How is it with your soul?’” for preferential treatment in sitting to Christ’s left and Bishop Hopkins told the story of Captain right, Hopkins said several things were happening: Elezar Hull. “In the days when the great First, they had forgotten their call to servant minis- fleets of whaling ships put out of New try. They were following Jesus for the wrong reason. Bedford, Mass., to scour the oceans for “Tonight, ordinands are being claimed by the church whale oil, one of the most famous captains was Elea- and the church gives them authority for servant minis- zar Hull. Captain Hull took his vessel into more remote try,” Hopkins said. “Ordination credentials are not for us seas, brought home greater quantities of oil, and lost but a sacred trust with the church as evidence of the life, fewer seamen in the process than any other master of death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.” his time. This was all the more remarkable because he had never had formal navigational training of any kind. Hopkins asked: “Would people recognize the greatness When asked how he guided his ship so infallibly over the of Jesus Christ by our humble service.” desert of waters, he would reply, ‘Well, I go up on deck, He noted that servant ministry was “tough these days” listen to the wind in the riggin’, get the drift of the sea, as witnessed by the Pew Research Group who published and take a long look at the stars. Then I set my course.’ “One day, however, the march of time caught up with this ancient mariner. The insurance company and graduated whose policies covered the vessels near the top of of Captain Hull’s employers said his class. Then Photos by Kaitlyn Conrad they would no longer write a policy he returned to his ship and put out to sea for the usual for any ship whose master did not two-year voyage. meet certain formal standards of education in the science of naviga- “When the captain’s friends heard that he was putting tion. Captain Hull’s superiors could into port again, they all trooped down to the dock to understand the need for this new meet him. They inquired eagerly how it felt to navigate rule. But they were at a loss to know ‘by the book’ after so many years doing it the other way. how to approach this proud old ‘It was wonderful,’ Captain Hull responded. ‘Whenever I man who had spent his entire life wanted to set my course, I’d go down to my cabin, get Photo by Kaitlyn Conrad on the deck of a ship and tell him out all my charts, work through the proper equation, that either he must go back to school like some ap- and set my course with mathematical precision. Then I’d that a vast number of young adults under the age of 30 prentice seaman or be retired. After some discussion, go up on deck, get the drift of the sea, listen to the wind are “spiritual but not religious.” they decided to meet the problem head-on. Three of the in the riggin’, take a long look at the stars, and correct my “At some point, you will be tempted to be religious but company’s top executives waited on Captain Hull and computations for human error!’” not spiritual and try to shape ministry in your image,” put the problem before him as tactfully as possible. Hopkins said when one is out of balance between Hopkins said. “It isn’t our low nature but our high nature spirituality and religiosity, there is a tendency to “be hard THE CURRENT “To their surprise, the old fellow responded enthusi- that gets us in trouble. Treat your church as a grandchild astically. He had, it appeared, always wanted to know on oneself and drive oneself.” Hopkins said the family (love on them) not as a child.” something about this “new-fangled science of naviga- gets the brunt of the consequences from being out of Second, you will be tempted to be spiritual and not tion” and he was quite willing to spend several months balance. religious. ashore studying it. So the arrangements were quickly “Within each of us is God’s Spirit but when we are out of “There will be a time where you will be critical of an ap- made and Eleazar went back to school, studied hard, balance, we fail to hear God speaking,” Hopkins said. 28