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MAR 2021 | VOL. 25 • NO. 7 Pioneers in Methodism current THE NEWS FROM THE EPISCOPAL OFFICE Inside THIS ISSUE LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING 1 News from the Episcopal Office “Lift every voice and sing the plague of poverty, and the polarization of the biblical pattern established on the day of 2 -3 Christian Conversation Till earth and heaven ring racism all clamor for the church’s undivided Pentecost (Acts 2). The Holy Spirit brought Ring with the harmonies of Liberty attention. People are searching for resolutions, cleansing fire that united and launched the 4 Announcements & Events Let our rejoicing rise and many are looking to people of faith for church in mission and ministry. Everyone 5 Local Church News High as the listening skies answers. I believe that the church of Jesus Christ told his or her own story, but the focal point 6-7 Historical Messenger Let it resound loud as the rolling sea…” has the greatest opportunity and platform for of the story, summed up by Peter, was Jesus Those are beautiful words of inspiration and sharing the “good news” of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was God’s job to open the ears of 6-7 National and Global News hope penned by James Weldon Johnson during a Christ on a global scale then we have ever had. the hearers and to contextualize the message. My hope is that we do not miss these golden God is clearly invested in two streams coming 10 Higher Education dark period of American history. This beautiful moments because we are obsessed with our own together: obedience and spiritual hunger. 10 (ABOVE LEFT) Campus Ministries at SIU 9 poem has become an anthem of hope to millions. 11-12 Conference News personal or denominational agendas. When Christians are obedient in sharing their provides Covid-19 packages Difficult times are not a recent The beauty of our connectional system is transformation stories, God makes sure that the (ABOVE RIGHT) People seeking shelter phenomenon. People in America, whether that we can quickly and easily, literally, reach hungry can hear and that they can dine on the from snow and bitter cold are offered Holy transplants or indigenous, have always faced spiritual banquet set in front of them. Communion in the gymnasium at First United times of difficulty. It is sad to say, but most of around the globe in a moment’s notice. We THE BISHOP Methodist Church in Hot Springs, Ark. The church our difficulties have been self-inflicted. Greed, have a healthy network for communication, “Lift every voice and sing” is my prayer for is operating the warming shelter in cooperation hatred, indifference, ignorance, and intolerance education, distribution, and dissemination. the United Methodist Church. As we sing, to the with the local Red Cross. Frank have all been used as kindling to fuel the fires of Our major challenge is agreeing on the message glory of God, I believe God will blend our voices that we send. If we continue to fight, insisting into a beautiful symphony of sound that will (LEFT) Gibson City UMC family hosts Epiphany injustice and division throughout this country current at various times. Animosity and ill-will directed that our particular personalized message is “the connect us to Jesus and to each other in love. Drive-Through Beard MAR 2021 | VOL. 25 • NO. 7 towards persons of color continues to create message,” we will leave folks without the hope, May it be so! more problems than we can shake a stick at. help, and healing they hunger for. God Bless, This current pandemic, the political divide, If we want to be effective, we need to follow Bishop Beard 5 condolences may be sent to his wife, Beverly Marjorie Soon, 96, widow of the Rev. Kim Yong local pastor for Thayer, Divernon and New Hope DEATHS Barnett, 23 Ridgeway Dr., Decatur, IL 62521-5471. Soon, died Feb. 16. UMC's from 1994 to 2000. IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. Dr. IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. Together with her husband, the Soons served 33 For a complete obituary, visit: https://www. Vernie T. Barnett, 93, died Feb. Wesley L. Osborn, 72, died Feb. years of active ministry in the former Central Illinois bramleyfh.com/obituary/William-Woodruff 20 in Decatur. 16 in Neoga. Conference as well six years as a missionary to where condolences may be left for the family. Dr. Barnett served 49 years Korea. Rev. Soon retired in 1991 after six years of Rev. Osborn served 30 years IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. T. DECONSTRUCTING DEPRESSION of active ministry, retiring in service as Pontiac District Superintendent. Rev. of active ministry in the former Owen Candler, 89, died Feb. 1 in November 1997 as Executive Soon died Aug. 31, 2017. Central Illinois and Illinois Great Groveland. Secretary of the Conference Board of Pensions Rivers conference, retiring in 2014 from Watseka. Service arrangements are pending. and Preachers’ Aid Society. He served four years Rev. Candler served 40 years Condolences may be sent to her sons and superintendent of the Vandalia District in the A memorial service is to be held in June. of active ministry in the former Build Your Mental Health Foundation daughters-in-law, Wong and the Rev. Stephanie former Southern Illinois Conference and 11 years at Central Illinois Conference, Swengel-O'Dell Funeral Home of Neoga is assisting Soon, 260 W. Southern Ave., Lot 249, Tempe, AZ Decatur: Grace. retiring in 1996 from Grand Ridge. with arrangements where online condolences may 85282-4225; or Han and Colleen Soon, 154 Blue Cremation rites have been accorded and a be expressed at www.swengel-odell.com. Heron Rd., Lacon, IL 61540-8857. For a complete obituary, visit: https://www. dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/east- memorial service will be held in the future. For a complete obituary, visit: https:// William "Bill" Woodruff, 91, peoria-il/t-candler-10035055 A complete obituary may be found by visiting: www.swengel-odell.com/obituary/ died Feb. 6 in Springfield. REVERENDWESLEY-OSBORN Condolences may be sent to his wife, Ida Candler, https://www.dawson-wikoff.com/obituaries/ Mr. Woodruff, a member of the 115 Sheffield Rd., Groveland, IL 61535-9648. Vernie-T-Barnett?obId=20066917 where Condolences may also be sent to his wife, Rinda Auburn UMC, served six years condolences may be left for the family, or The Current (USPS 014-964) is published Osborn, 17 Lakeview Dr., Neoga, IL 6244-2204. as a supply pastor and part time monthly by the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of The UMC, 5900 South Second Street, Springfield, IL 62711 APPOINTMENTS UMC bishops offer weekly Lenten devotions An individual subscription is $15 per year. In consultation with the Cabinet of a supply assignment, Cache WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Council of Bishops of The To date the initiative has sponsored a service of lament, The opinions expressed in viewpoints are of the Illinois Great Rivers River District, effective Jan. 12. He United Methodist Church will be offering a weekly devo- several town hall meetings (co-sponsored with General Conference, Bishop Frank J. Beard previously served New Burnside- those of the writers and do not necessarily tion during the Lenten season which begins this week. Agencies), dialogue sessions within the Council and now appoints the following: Taylor. Each Wednesday during Lent and every day during Holy continues with this series of Lenten devotions. reflect the views of The Current, The IGRC, Gabe Wanck to East Moline: Jenny Howard, discontinuation Week, a 15-minute recorded devotion, led by a bishop and or The UMC. “The Council of Bishops has unanimously affirmed our Christ-Multisite (Associate), Spoon of supply assignment, Cache leaders from their episcopal areas will be released. commitment to engage the work of anti-racism in our Communications Team River District, effective July 1. River District, effective Jan. 12. She “We are offering this Lenten Devotion Series on Disman- individual annual conferences, in our shared life within the Leader: Paul E. Black Sarah Beth Wanck to East previously served Concord. tling Racism in the hope that the church can engage in Council and in our leadership of the church. My prayer is honest reflection about the realities of racism, colonialism that the church at every level will join with us in rejecting Team members: Moline: Christ-Multisite (Lead Dixie Croxton, discontinuation Pastor), Spoon River District, of appointment, LaMoine River and tribalism. All of these sins persist in the church, our lo- the sin of racism and oppression in the church and world Kim Halusan, Michele Willson effective July 1. District, effective March 31, 2020. cal communities and the world. Lent is the time to humbly and in embracing the diversity of the kingdom of God Support for everyday WEBINAR COVID-19 Resources acknowledge this reality, to pray, to learn and ultimately where love, peace and justice reign,” said Bishop Cynthia Send materials to: Jane Bradford to Chaplain, She previously served as Chaplain Understanding Depression coronavirus.eaptoolkit.com of Spiritual Life, Sunset Home. work to reshape our world as it is in heaven,” noted Bishop Fierro Harvey, president of the Council of Bishops. Issues. Every day. P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207 Evenglow Lodge, Vermilion River Available May 1. Located in the Monthly Feature Tile. Hope Morgan Ward of the North Carolina Annual Confer- The devotions can be found online by visiting: https://www. Depression can affect anyone at or tel. 217.529.2040 or fax 217.529.4155 District, effective May 20, 2020. Andrew Jones, discontinuation ence, who chairs the Council’s Task Force to End Racism. Among mental health illnesses, umc.org/en/content/dismantling-racism-lent-devotions-by-our- any time for any reason such as [email protected], She will continue to also serve at of appointment, Sangamon isolation, loss or significant life depression may be the most Saunemin.