the

AUGUST 2012 | VOL. 16 NO. 10 From innocent to incensed A theory on bullying and cyber-bullying - epidemics that are killing our youth.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE . . . Announcements/Events 3 Cover Keaton 2 Bishop Jonathan Keaton assigned to Illinois, Christian Conversations 4 effective 1 Sept. 2012. Jurisdictional Conference News 5-7 Local Church News 8 & 9 Cover Bullying 10-11 Global Church News 12 & 13 Apportionments 13-17 Conference News 18-20 FROM THE EPISCOPAL OFFICE A day that brings change Deaths Beloved in Christ Jesus: I trust that this note finds you well and thriving in ministry. To say that a day brings about a change is more Rev. Ray Porter retired pastor and district superintendent than understatement especially in light of the grizzly tragedy in Aurora, Colo. Thank you for your prayers and of the former Southern Illinois Conference, died June 28. support for the families and communities affected. This includes your community as well as mine. Rev. Porter served five years as Olney District Superinten- While most of us have not been directly affected by unexplained violence on this scale we do know of tragic dent and a second five-year tenure as East St. Louis District Su- violence in every community. This most recent event which is holding us glued to news sources is a call to re- perintendent in the former Southern Illinois Conference prior to member who we follow and serve and how Jesus Christ has invited us to live our lives. We are indeed called to be retiring in 1996. peacemakers, healers and reconcilers whether or not that is our first impulse. But the other thing that is tugging Condolences may be mailed to his wife, Joan in c/o their at me in the face of the Colorado tragedy is the question of mental illness and what role it may have played. daughter Cathy Riley at: Joan Porter, 202 Stewart St., Carmi, IL On another matter in the area of change, I want to give you a huge shout out for the generous and thoughtful 62821. outpouring of love, kudos, affection and so much more that has been directed toward me and Cynthia. We have had a blast here and leave quite naturally with feelings of incompleteness. But if the truth be told, I leave every Retired pastor, Rev. Robert Wiedrich died June 18 in De- setting with that sense. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to move the ball down the field so to speak. catur. During a short watch I believe that all of us pulling together got a lot done. Perhaps more than any of us realized. He served several churches throughout central Illinois dur- Whatever was accomplished during these last four years was built upon the strong foundation that I inherited. ing his pastorate and retired from Washington First in 1990. I followed a superb visionary and strategic leader in Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher. I have been privileged to Condolences may be sent to his wife, Alice, at 4702 Arbor Ct., work with a strong capable staff in the Episcopal Office and the Conference and I have partnered with diligent, Decatur IL 62526-9279. knowledgeable and passionate superintendents. All of you -- the lay and clergy of this conference -- have been warm, generous and responsive to me and my ministry initiatives. You are a grace-filled, leader-full people. What Retired pastor, Rev. George W. Loveland, died June 10, more could I have asked for? You have everything you need to keep on keeping on for God. in Silvis. Speaking of the incompleteness, if I had one wish it would be to know on my last day as your bishop that we He served local churches in the former Central Illinois Con- had reached or exceeded the goal we have been moving toward for Imagine No Malaria. ference, the Illinois Great Rivers Conference and the Wesley I am so pleased that I will be handing the proverbial baton to Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton. He is a good leader, Foundation at EIU, retiring from Moline Bethel Wesley in 2006. strong preacher and passionate proponent of the mission of the church and missional outreach. He is an out there Condolences may be shared on-line at http://www. with the people kind of bishop. I know him as friend, colleague and for four years, he was my bishop. I am confi- trimblefuneralhomes.com/obits/obituaries.php/obit- dent that you will embrace him and his family and receive the gifts for ministry that they bring. Lots of important ID/189992/obit/George-W-Loveland transitional work is underway and our staff leaders are functioning at a high level to assist the Keatons and the conference to get off to a smashing start. Frances Fechtig, wife of retired pastor Bill Fechtig, died Now I know some are wondering what happened. Why is the bishop leaving after only four years? These are Feb. 19, in Evansville, Ind. understandable questions for which the only answer is: nothing happened. Put another way: the process worked. Bill and Frances served the Big Prairie charge (near Carmi) All bishops are assigned for four years at a time and all assignments are reviewed every four years. Bishops, like from 1989 to 2011. other pastors, move for a variety of reasons to help assist the mission of the church. A number of factors are al- Condolences may be sent to Bill Fechtig, 7410 E. Mulberry ways at work as in the appointive process in the Annual Conference. We had strong leaders on the Jurisdictional Street, Evansville, IN 47715. Episcopacy Committee from IGRC. And the whole committee (made up of one lay and one clergy member from every conference) has to work together to serve the best interest of the parts and the whole jurisdiction. Retired pastor Rev. Leoncia (“Lee”) Drayton died Feb. 6, Cynthia and I have had an awesome ministry experience here. We have been challenged to grow and blessed in Tennessee. beyond measure. Thank you. We embrace the next chapter in ministry with faith and joy. Thank you for allowing She served local churches in both the former Southern and us to move forward in this spirit. As always I am, Central Illinois Conferences prior to merger, last serving Long Creek, near Decatur, in 1994. Expressions of sympathy may be Your servant in Christ Jesus, sent to her daughter: Laurie Adams, 1232 Jacksons Hill Road, Gregory Vaughn Palmer Hermitage, TN 37076-2872.

Ralph Ogden (83), a retired pastor, passed away on Satur- day, July 21, 2012 in Morton, IL. He served the Wyoming UMC from 1988 until his retirement in 1995. Keaton assigned to Illinois Area beginning Sept. 1 Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, July 24, By Paul Black 2012 at the Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home in Morton, IL. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, AKRON, Ohio -- Bishop Jona- •Dakotas/Minnesota Area: Bishop Bruce Ough July 24, at Grace Church in Morton, IL. than Keaton has been assigned •Michigan Area: Bishop Deborah Kiesey A full obituary may be found at www.knappjohnson.com as episcopal leader of the Illinois Miriam Ogden, his wife, survives. Condolences may be sent Area, effective Sept. 1. •West Ohio: Bishop Gregory V. Palmer to 109 N. Nebraska Ave., Morton, IL 61550 – or you may sign the Keaton, currently bishop of •Chicago Area: Bishop Sally Dyck the Michigan Area, will succeed guestbook at www.knappjohnson.com •Ohio East: Bishop John Hopkins (3rd term) Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, who has Classifieds been assigned to West Ohio after a •Illinois Area: Bishop Jonathan Keaton single term in Illinois. •Wisconsin Area: Bishop Hee-Soo Jung “It’s going to be another good Keaton was elected to the episcopacy in 1996. Prior to opportunity,” Keaton said follow- For more information on classified that, he served as a District Superintendent in the Northern Bishop Jonathan Keaton ing the announcement by the NCJ Illinois Conference. advertising rates, availability and Committee on Episcopacy. “I say He was a member of the conference staff responsible that because I have been in ministry 40 years and it has all press deadlines please contact for monitoring the church's stand on social issues, provid- been itinerant ministry. That means that in all these years, ing support and encouragement for ethnic local churches I have gone where I have been sent. My whole ministry has and promoting spiritual formation. Keaton also has served been that whenever I have gone, God is already there await- Michele Willson churches in Chicago and Rockford and was a teaching as- ing me and it will be the same in the Illinois Great Rivers sistant at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, where 217.529.2040 or [email protected] Conference.” he earned a Master's of Divinity and Doctorate in Sacred Bishops Michael Coyner and John Hopkins were as- Theology. Keaton teaches in numerous conference Schools signed for a third four-year term to Indiana and East Ohio of Christian Mission. Currently, Bishop Keaton chairs the Licensing respectively. Both have completed eight years in their areas. denomination's Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st The Current (USPS 014-964 is published monthly by the Bishop Bruce Ough, who has completed 12 years as epis- Illinois Great Rivers Conference of The United Methodist Church Century Committee. copal leader in West Ohio, will be going to the new episco- 5900 South Second Street, Springfield, IL 62711 He has traveled extensively in support of world missions. An individual subscription is $15 per year. The opinions expressed in viewpoints are pal area formed by the joining of the Dakotas and Minne- those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Current, The Illinois In 1967 he received the Outstanding Service Award from sota conferences. Although remaining separate conferences, Great Rivers Confernce, or The United Methodist Church. Philander Smith College, Little Rock Ark., where he did his Communications Team leader: Paul E. Black; team members: Natalie Rowe and Michele Ough will have presidential responsibilities over both confer- Willson. Send materials to undergraduate work. Also, Garrett Evangelical presented ences. P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207 Bishop Keaton with the Distinguished Alumni Award in tel. 217.529.2040, fax 217.529.4155, The complete listing of assignments are as follows: email: [email protected], website: www.igrc.org 2001. Periodical postage paid at Peoria, IL, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to •Indiana Area: Bishop Michael Coyner (3rd term) Keaton and his wife, Beverly, have three children: Jona- The Current, Illinois Great Rivers Conference, than II, Tandreka and Anaya. They have one grandchild, Ma- P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207 •Iowa Area: Bishop Julius Trimble liah Hope Keaton.

2 | August 2012 | The Current news from the episcopal office events&announcements

Preachers’ Aid Society sponsors seminars on

financial success, preparing for retirementchure at www.igrc.org/events/detail/2271. Are You Ready for Retirement?, a seminar for clergy and spouses that are 10 BLOOMINGTON – Preachers’ Aid Society and Benefit Fund will host two years or less from retirement, will be Nov. 9-10, at Doubletree Hotel and Con- seminars aimed at persons in different times of their ministries. ference Center in Bloomington. Financial Success in Life and in the Church will be Oct. 19-20, at Doubletree Topics to be covered include: the United Methodist pension plan, health Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington. This seminar is targeted for insurance for retirees, taxes in retirement, Medicare/Medicaid, housing options clergy and spouses in their first 10 years of ministry. and changes, adjusting to retirement, identity changes, boundaries as retired Topics which will be covered include: personal financial planning (debt, clergy, relationship with spouse and rest and relaxation. creating a budget, covering personal risks); United Methodist pension plans; Registration is $30 per person and $50 per couple. Cost of lodging is on IGRC health insurance plan, clergy taxes, stewardship in the church, reducing your own although PASBF has a block of rooms reserved and reservations financial risk in the church, building a realistic church budget and individual can be made at registration time prior to the block deadline of Oct. 9. Pension meetings with a financial planner. projections will also be available for participant if registered prior to Nov. 2. Registration is $30 per person and $50 per couple. Cost of lodging is on Register online at www.igrc.org/retirement. Download an event brochure your own although PASBF has a block of rooms reserved and reservations can at www.igrc.org/events/detail/2273. be made at registration time prior to the block deadline of Sept. 19. Pension projections will also be available for participant if registered prior to Oct. 12. Register online at www.igrc.org/financialsuccess. Download an event bro-

Whitler to speak at Women’s Retreat Don't Forget... Christian author/musician Celia Fleming to speak at College of Christian Life Whitler will be the keynote speaker for PEORIA – Dr. James Fleming will be the keynote speaker a women's retreat at Little Grassy Camp at the 2012 College of Christian Life to be held at the Four Sept. 21-22. Points by Sheraton Hotel (formerly the Holiday Inn City Cen- Cost for the weekend is $80 for tre) Aug. 6-8. women 35 and younger, $150 for women Registration is underway online at www.igrc.org/ccl2012. over the age of 35. Fleming will speak on Life of the Farmer: Lessons from the Whitler is a singer-songwriter who Land of Israel. Utilizing four perspective for a better under- makes music in a wide variety of venues standing of Biblical times, Fleming utilizes theology, archae- both sacred and secular. As a performer, ology, history and geography with an ecumenical approach worship and music leader, she has sung aimed at bringing together old and recent discoveries to more than a thousand concerts and assist persons on their faith journey. events for groups numbering from 5 to Rev. Rich Rubietta, a conference evangelist appointed to 25,000, covering 44 states and Europe. Abounding Ministries, will be the worship leader. She has recorded seven albums and has authored two books, On the Way to Somewhere (Abingdon Press, 2006); Firelight, a middle school curriculum published by Augsburg Press and A Parish Nurse Retreat Aug. 24-25 Time to Praise, a Cokesbury youth worship curriculum. The Fourth Annual Parish Nurse retreat will be held Aug. Read more and download event brochure at www.igrc.org/events/ 24-25 at the Chiara Center in Springfield. detail/2201. Sessions will run from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Aug. 24 and 9 a.m.to 3 Online registration is open at www.igrc.org/Celia. p.m. Aug. 25. Individual sessions will focus on the following topics:

• Emotional and Spiritual Care for Victims of Disasters • Disability Awareness for Your Faith Community • Please Help Me, I'm Falling! Balance and Mobility in Older Adults • Complementary / Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Parish Corrections Nurse Practice The July post-Annual Conference issue omitted the name of a new Online registration is now open at www.igrc.org/Parish- church start celebrated in the past year. In addition to the Fairview Nurse2012. Heights Christ UMC’s Millstadt campus and the new church start in Bloomington-Normal, the third site was a second campus for Spring- field Kumler UMC in the former Springfield Trinity UMC. Mastering the Middle seminar In addition, several lay members to annual conference pictured in Mastering the Middle: Ministry in a Mid-Sized Church will be the Roll of the Dead had incorrect church affiliations. The correct list- ing is as follows: from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 22 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 23 at the United Methodist Center in Springfield. A follow-up • Cynthia Booher, Springfield Douglas Ave. UMC session will be held Feb. 6, 2013, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Virginia Edwards, Collinsville First UMC Registration is $50 per person at www.igrc.org/middle. • Nora Hanley, Taylorville First UMC The workshop is jointly sponsored by the IGRC Cabinet • Walter Johansen, Urbana First UMC • Amer Shay, Cornell Blackstone UMC and the IGRC Equipping and Connecting Team, in collabora- • Erma Zivney, Minonk UMC tion with the Reuben Job Center for Leadership, a ministry of the North Central Jurisdictional of The United Methodist Church.

events & announcments The Current | August 2012 | 3 Using internet and more, small churches can be vital By Donald Haynes General Conference is perhaps at its lowest ebb of leader- age that included significant audio-visual upgrades in the timid or whiny or cynical. The small membership church can ship since 1844, the conference that led to the division of the sanctuary, and developing a website that would be monitored provide intensive congregational care, and to preach the mes- Methodist church, over the issue of slavery, into two denomi- daily. Many of our older people had no clue what they were sage of Charles Wesley’s hymn: “Let every soul be Jesus’ guest. nations. I am hearing from someone in every jurisdiction talking about, but the recommendations were adopted in a You need not one be left behind for God has bid all human- that the effectiveness of Jurisdictional Conferences in electing congregational business session with no dissenting votes. k i n d .” bishops is also under question. The talk of “term episcopacy” John and Megan designed a website. Now we have out- Using the web for evangelism is one way of doing that, is widespread, too. The truth is that our present system has grown its elementary sophistication and he has launched an- but this summer is a time for every local congregation to de- elected some bishops who are not effective leaders. Even the other. Among other things, every sermon that I “tweak” and velop what our forebears called “holy boldness” as we reach annual conference is losing some of its historic role of ener- convert from oral to written communication style is on the out and touch the people in our local community. The lan- gizing the base. web. In addition to the sermons, I will write each week a para- guage of Wesley and early Methodism was “passion for souls.” In 1997, Kennon Callahan of Candler wrote: “The day of graph or two about a book I am reading currently. Being small Our pulpit message must move from old moralistic legalism the professional minister is over. The day of the missionary does not mean we are not on the cutting edge. chastisement and recent social justice castigation. Guilt trips pastor has come.” In 1775, when few people had any image GC as wake-up are not motivational. The Gospel shows us what it means to of the word “Methodist,” Thomas Ware was asked if he was a Re-vitalizing also means that “every Methodist is a mis- experience God’s love in our messed up lives. God’s vision is missionary. He answered, “I am a Methodist and we are all sionary” with talking points they share with their own net- for our local church mission to experience a transformation missionaries.” work of colleagues. Our local challenge is to bring new peo- of congregational culture. Sundays at the small membership If every church is a mission station and every pastor a ple to our church—even though it’s tucked away on a rural church can no longer be “same ol’, same ol’” or the “same old “resident alien” reaching an increasingly secular culture with road, so far that, from the front door of the church, you can’t seven and six,” but re-vitalizing, re-visioning, re-awakening. a message of grace theology, we must go to the bottom line of even see a house! Morale is high as our attendance has moved This is where the “John” to whom I refer comes in. Stud- the defunct Call to Action plan: vital congregations. Now that from the 60s to over 100. Our folks are often mobile on week- ies show that when church-oriented people are moving to a everyone is back home, how do we jump start dead or weak ends, but on those Sundays when we all get there, we have new community, they check the websites of churches in their batteries and re-energize our congregations? 150. Most weeks I send an email or call absentees, express new area. Every church has someone like John who is a whiz Let me be personal. A pivotal moment in the fifty-sixth my hope that they are OK and tell them we missed them. It’s with social networking. If half of the members of a church year of my ministry came when, in the winter of 2010, a man not a guilt trip, just an encouraging word that says, “You are sent a message to their Facebook or email network, even the named John first visited our rural church. I asked several important.” smallest membership church would spread its message fur- people seated behind him before worship, “Who is the dis- In worship, we now show YouTube and movie clips that ther than Billy Graham’s crusades ever dreamed of! tinguished man at the end of that pew?” No one knew; so I I have chosen as part of my sermon, via a motorized screen. Something to say introduced myself. At the church door I asked if he lived in We have a new mixing board in a new control room. Soon, The final test for web-evangelism is whether we really have the area. He does. Then I asked if he had a regular church we will be able to take DVDs of every service to homebound anything going on! When Thoreau was informed by some home. He didn’t. Then I asked if he could meet on Tuesday members and offer them to members to share with their un- technophile of his day that the new-fangled telegraph was so for lunch. He could. churched friends. Our worship service will soon be accessible marvelous that “Maine can now speak to Texas,” Thoreau’s re- As we ate, John walked me through his journey as a “PK” worldwide, via the Internet. sponse was, ‘Does Maine have anything to say to Texas?” This (preacher’s kid), a tour of military duty, college, a stint teach- Why share this? Because we have no connectional leader- is the Achilles Heel of all social networking. Okay, we can say ing science and math in a Masonic orphanage, and 30 years ship; we are congregational in polity. If Kallam Grove can do what we wish to the world, but do we have anything to say? teaching in public schools. He closed with, “Sometimes I feel this, any church can! The United Methodist Church is at a When Methodism was the most rapidly growing religious I have let God down with my life.” I responded, “John, are you tipping point. If we continue to commiserate about the failure organization in America, our clergy were poorly educated, ready to come home?” He said, “Yes,” and two gray headed of General Conference to change the Book of Discipline or our meeting houses were woefully austere, and the circuit rid- men sat in a public restaurant, wiping tears from our cheeks. our connectional organizational flow charts, we might come ers arrived at respective preaching points about once every six This conversation is the language I use in inviting people to back in 2016 as a house even more divided. However, if we weeks. What they had was a “first person singular” witness of get in touch with their soul. use the 2012 General Conference as a wake-up call, we can what God was doing in their lives and a passionate mission to John joined the church. With his teaching career, I asked acknowledge that the word “vital congregation” is ultimately share their story with the world. The “world” was the Ameri- him to teach a new Sunday school class for young adults. This a local term. We must move our focus from institutional can frontier and the beginnings of our cities. They had “fire has been one of our disappointments. He uses PowerPoint, bodies at the global and regional level and focus on the local in the belly.” Their secret strategy was the located Elder, the brings refreshments, and is well prepared, but attendance has church and the pastor of that church. lay preachers, the exhorters, and the famous class meeting. not gone well. I am not sure that traditional Sunday school is During our recent history, we have looked to the upper In Bishop Asbury’s last year, 1815, he wrote, “We have seven a viable option for re-vitalization; it is an old wineskin. Re-vi- echelons of the connection for “the vision” and “the mission,” hundred traveling preachers and three thousand local preach- talizing is transformation of congregational culture and some even for the motivation of our ministry. Sadly for many cler- ers who cost us nothing. We will not give up the cause—we old paradigms must be jettisoned. We are considering now a gy, we have drawn our energy from our ambition, too often will not abandon the world to infidels.” Skype class where young adult participants can chat with each looking to the next appointment. That old dog will no longer “Rise up, ye saints of God, the church for you doth wait!” other, or the teacher, via the Internet—perhaps a new alterna- hunt! Dispirited clergy will result in dispirited congregations. We do not have to be a mega- church to be a vital congrega- tive to traditional Sunday school. Let us internalize Charles Wesley’s oft-sung words: “My gra- tion! Secondly, John expressed interest in word processing and Dr. Haynes is a retired member of the Western North Carolina Confer- cious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim/to spread ence. He is the author of On the Threshold of Grace: Methodist Fundamen- website development. He is a prodigy who has brought us into through all the earth abroad the honors of Thy Name.” tals. Email [email protected]. Reprinted with permission from the a new paradigm of evangelism through the web. John and a God still has a mission for the United Methodist message. United Methodist Reporter website, www.umportal.org young colleague presented an idea to the church’s Quarterly We must, by God’s grace, be open to the igniting ministries Conference: investing up to $23,000 in a multi-media pack- of the Holy Spirit. We must be creative, daring and bold, not 5 websites/apps that are ‘new places for new people’ Have you ever considered the gregants have all sorts of things sitting around that could be MeetUp.com Internet a place where the peo- useful to someone in your neighborhood. In Luke 6, Jesus Out of all these sites, MeetUp has been around the longest, ple are? Did you know that the tells us to “lend, and expect nothing in return.” That’s exactly 5but has experienced resurgence of late. MeetUp is just like it average Internet user spends what this site enables. sounds; it’s a site for promoting public meetings. It also allows 2.5 hours a day online? For individuals to find meetings they are interested in attending. LocalMind.com many people, half of that time Not only is this a great place for churches to promote visitor- Like most of these tools, LocalMind exists as a handy Smart- is spent on a mobile device. This friendly events, but it also helps churches find other com- Phone app as well as a website. With LocalMind, church leadlead- means that no matter where a3 munity events in which to get involved. The cost is $12 per ers and congregation members can provide information person is physically, he or she month. about an area to a user. Locals who respond to questions will can still be at a place online. gain stature and receive preference in being asked questions. The idea of creating new places for new people is also the Furthermore, newer, more so- By Wil Ranney Congregation members can provide Christian hospitality and mission of Path1, the denominational church-planting move- phisticated online tools are giv- may be able to tie a person’s interest or question to a ministry ment encompassing national, regional and local levels of The ing more substance to the time we spend online. All of this is the church provides. Be careful with this method as people UMC. Path1 provides collaborative leadership to re-evange- good news for doing ministry there. Thus, here are five sites do not like bait-and-switch tactics. Their interest should have lize the U.S.so that we might reach more people, more young (new places) where people of faith can reach out to others in a strong contextual link to whatever it is you are recommend- people, and more diverse people for Christ. Path 1 seeks to their community (new people): ing. cultivate the leaders, develop the systems and implement the DonorsChoose.org strategies necessary to regain our healthy denominational SeeClickFix.com DonorsChoose matches individuals to teachers whose stu- habit of starting one new church a day. Learn more about SeeClickFix allows citizens to name problems in their neigh- 1dents lack the resources they need to thrive. By mobilizing Path1 and join the movement . borhoods and come together (with or without government your church to support these projects, you send a strong4 involvement) to solve those problems. It gives individuals a Wil Ranney is a self-proclaimed “Online Ministry Evangelist.” He serves message to teachers, students and parents that Christian as Director of Discipleship, Technology and Communicatio for Collegiate venue for improving their communities. The site is fairly new, charity extends to investing in the future of your community. UMC in Ames, Iowa, the 2011 winner of the Culture of the Call Award so if it doesn’t have traction in your neighborhood, you get to given by the Foundation for Evangelism. The church has been heavily NeighborGoods.net kick things off by suggesting community needs. involved I using today’s social media tools to communicate and build NeighborGoods is a tool for sharing resources that often go relationships with their congregation online. Reprinted with permission from the United Methodist Communications website, www.umcom.org. 2unused, like a saw, a lawnmower or a bike. Churches and con-

4 | August 2012 | The Current christian conversations Vital congregations: NCJ’s ‘adaptive challenge’ By Paul Black

AKRON, Ohio – If The United Methodist Church is to tractional drives everything. We must create a risk-taking process is being employed to develop lay leaders for become a movement again, it must redirect the flow of at- missional culture in our jurisdiction. Risk-taking mission fruitful congregations. tention, energy and resources to increasing the number of occurs when we choose to defy the odds. You miss 100 per- • Vitality exists when clergy leaders are passionate and vital congregations effective in the disciple-making process cent of the shots you don't take, so take the shot." skilled at leading congregations and ministries. and the episcopal leadership in the North Central Jurisdic- Ough shared several practices that are currently leading Crucible, a two-year clergy leadership initiative in West tion is committed to leading in that direction. to signs of vitality. Ohio is providing training for clergy in necessary skills Bishops Bruce Ough of the West Ohio Conference • Vitality emerges when congregations reach out to for personal and ministry growth and prosperity as a and Bishop Gregory V. Palmer of the Illinois Great Rivers children and youth. Xenia UMC in the Kaskaskia River way to revitalize spiritual leadership in the conference. Conference shared the stage for the Episcopal Address and District of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference was held shared a number of best practices already being employed up as an example of a congregation that began a "Risk aversion is the number 1 killer of innovation," by churches around the North Central Jurisdiction. Wednesday night Bible School program that grew into Palmer said. "We ought to lean into some things large “The adaptive challenge to create more vital congrega- a year-round weekly children’s ministry. And when enough that we might fail. If we know we won't fail, it isn't tions in the US and in the NCJ was the essential centerpiece additional space was needed, the church chose building risk-taking mission. No Risk. No Vitality." of the Call to Action report before General Conference and a ministry center for the community’s children instead Ough added that leadership is essential. "It's leader- remains the essential challenge after General Conference,” of keeping money in the bank. ship, leadership, leadership," he said. “Passionate, skilled Palmer said. clergy and lay leadership is the key to vital congregations. • Vitality emerges in new faith communities. In the We must create a culture of call and systems for developing Utilizing statistical data gathered by the Towers Watson Northern Illinois Conference, Harvest 2020, a Report for the Call to Action initiative, the North Central effective leadership in every annual conference. Leadership conference-wide initiative is underway with a goal of has faith, fire and fruit. No Leadership. No Vitality." Jurisdiction showed only 11.58 percent of NCJ churches as 100 new churches by the year 202. A total of 30 will have “vital.” It ranges from 8 percent in Wisconsin to 14.7 per- Evangelism arising from both personal and social holi- been started by year’s end using creative ways without ness is essential. “There is a synergy between personal and cent in West Ohio. The Illinois Great Rivers Conference bricks and mortar. total was 10.7 percent. social holiness that must find its expression in relationship Among jurisdictions, the highest vitality was in the • Vitality emerges when congregations respond to the with others,” Ough said. “We must reclaim our evangelical Western Jurisdiction with 20.02 percent, South Central at needs and opportunities in their communities. In heritage and create a culture where we are prepared to go 19.15 percent; Southeastern Jurisdiction at 15.84 percent; Brookings, S.D., First UMC built a Community Life where the people are and to share our "God stories" of per- North Central at 11.58 percent and Northeastern at 10.96 Center to provide a place for activities for families and sonal and community/world transformation. Do you know percent. children in the community. As the center and church of anyone who is asking, 'Am I too late to get to know Je- And yet specific goals have been set by North Central has become the center of the community, numbers and sus?' Without Evangelism, there is No Vitality." Jurisdictional conferences to reach by the year 2015: vitality have grown. Palmer noted that much of creating vitality is a ques- • Vitality emerges when congregations pray for the tion of will. Quoting this year’s annual conference speaker • 639,445 disciples worshipping weekly Holy Spirit to lead them. Gaines UMC in West Ohio Jorge Acevedo who said his church prayed, “Lord, send • 122,652 new disciples is using prayer to transform their church through an us the people nobody wants, Palmer said oftentimes the prayer needs to be, "Lord make me want the people to be in • 69,640 small groups outwardly focused ministry, using prayer walks through- out the community as the church moves outside the relationship with me." • 92,020 disciples serving in mission walls. Ough added, “Vitality always begins on our knees at- • $639,542,393 in mission giving tentive to God. We must create a culture that embraces that • Vitality exists when lay leaders are fully engaged in transformation in Christ through prayer, Bible study and “There is only one forgivable sin and that is low aim,” the leadership, mission and ministry of the church. In life in community.” Palmer said. “Mission that is risk-taking and not just at- Indiana, a Fruitful Congregation Journey consultative

NCJ Treasurer Rick VanGiesen, LaVon Wilson taking part in the Black Methodists for Church Renewal; Bishop Palmer delivers part of the Episcopal Address, IGRC delegate Andy Adams as part of a BMCR Forum panel on leadership. Photos by Paul Black. NCJ leading way on IGRC represented on general, jurisdictional boards AKRON, Ohio – Despite a reduction in size on general Imagine No Malaria church agency boards, a number of persons from the • General Commission on Religion and Race: Illinois Great Rivers Conference have been selected Marian McCray, Mississippi River District Lay The North Central Jurisdiction has raised more than to serve in various capacities at both levels of the Leader, Cahokia Park UMC $4.2 million for Imagine No Malaria with Illinois Great church. Rivers and Minnesota leading the way. The Dakotas • NCJ Jurisdictional Treasurer: Rev. Rick Van The NCJ Nominations Report included the following and Iowa have just begun their fundraising efforts. Giesen (he also is a member of the NCJ Mission assignments for IGRC people: The NCJ amount is more than the South Central ($3.6 Council), IGRC Treasurer and Benefits Officer million); Northeast ($2.6 million); the Southeastern • General Board of Church and Society: Melissa Jurisdiction ($201,239); and the Western Jurisdiction Calvillo, Carthage UMC, LaMoine River District • Mission Council Member: Rev. Bill Pyatt (2012- ($96,377). 2016), pastor, Mt. Zion UMC, Sangamon River • General Council on Finance and Administration: District IGRC and Minnesota were two of eight conferences Ryan Davis, Havana First UMC, LaMoine River (the others being Central Texas, New Mexico, North District • Mission Council At-Large Member: Rev. Rose Texas, Northwest Texas, Southwest Texas and West- Booker-Jones (2012-2020), pastor, Peoria Bethel- ern Pennsylvania) named as Pioneer Conferences, • General Board of Pension and Health Benefits: Wesley UMC, Illinois River District leading the way toward the $75 million goal. Rev. Janice Griffith, Executive Assistant to the Bishop jurisdictional conference news The Current | August 2012 | 5 U.S. bishops elected, assigned for 2013-2016 By United Methodist News Service* United Methodists elected 11 new U.S. bishops and as- Northeastern Jurisdiction delegates meeting in Charles- same episcopal area, by 2016; the conference’s new name will signed many bishops to new areas during jurisdictional ton, W. Va., elected the Rev. Sandra Lynn Steiner Ball as the be decided later. meetings July 18-21. first new Northeastern bishop. Steiner Ball has been director North Central The jurisdictional conferences gathered simultaneously of connectional ministries in the Peninsula-Delaware An- Meeting in Akron, Ohio, the North Central Jurisdic- in five regions of the United States with the primary purpose nual Conference since 2007. tional Conference included an episcopal address presented of electing and assigning bishops. The United Methodist Her election was followed by that of the Rev. Martin by Bishop Gregory Palmer (Illinois Area) and Bishop Bruce Church has 46 active bishops overseeing more than 7 mil- McLee, superintendent of the New England Conference’s Ough (West Ohio Area). Palmer described the address as an lion U.S. members. The new assignments take effect Sept. 1. Metro Boston Hope District, since 2008; and the Rev. Mark experiment, and it included a two-hour conversation featur- In coming months, United Methodists also will elect or J. Webb, superintendent of the York District of the Susque- ing discussions among the delegates about mission opportu- re-elect bishops in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. The hanna Annual Conference since 2007. nities and video clips of vital ministries around the region. denomination has 13 million members worldwide. Delegates also approved a resolution July 19 affirming Palmer thanked the conference for its support for build- Besides electing bishops, the conferences focused on their commitment to the rights of all people, including les- ing ministries and for aiming high in moving the mission of other concerns, including placing a bishop on involuntary bian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. “Clergy, lay per- the church forward. The church has plenty of stories about retirement in the South Central Jurisdiction and providing sons and congregations may feel bound by conscience to of- things that have not gone well, he said. “Now we are say- prayer support for victims and others involved in a movie- fer the ministries and sacraments of the church to all persons ing we are purposed to aspire to be something more than theater shooting in the Western Jurisdiction. on an equal basis and that even though bound to the Book what we are because we are convicted and convinced that Pervading throughout the conferences, however, were of Discipline, we are also bound by Jesus’s commandment to it matters how many people we touch in the name of Jesus themes of spiritual renewal and possibility for the church. stand with the marginalized and the oppressed in our midst,” Christ, and it matters how many lives are changed, renewed “I believe The United Methodist Church is the greatest the resolution stated. The measure received approval from 61 and transformed…” he said. church in the Kingdom of God,” newly-elected Bishop Wil- percent of the delegates. Ough said signs of vitality can be seen across the juris- liam McAlilly told the Southeastern Jurisdiction, “and we Another group, the Northeast Jurisdiction Evangelical diction, and vital congregations are in every annual confer- just need to tell our story and lift the spirits of the people, Connection, quickly issued a short statement outside of the ence. “We see the Holy Spirit breaking through everywhere, and we will do the things God is calling us to do in the fu- conference proceedings, stating that the earlier statement bringing revival and renewal. Can I get an amen?” (See relat- tu re .” “stands in opposition to the doctrine and discipline of The ed story on the Episcopal Address on page 5 of The Current) Like General Conference, the worldwide legislative gath- United Methodist Church. A jurisdictional conference does Other highlights of the gathering included a forum host- ering that met April 24-May 4 in Tampa, Fla., jurisdiction- not have the authority to speak in a manner contrary to the ed by Black Methodists for Church Renewal on the future of al conferences meet once every four years. Items on every General Conference of the denomination. Therefore, we do the jurisdiction. agenda include adopting a conference budget, conducting a not believe this statement can be implemented or enforced The delegates also received a report from members of memorial service for bishops who have died in the previous in any way.” a transition team tasked with creating a new episcopal area four years, and celebrating the careers of retiring bishops. The church’s Book of Discipline states that homosexual- from the Dakotas and Minnesota. ity is incompatible with Christian teaching, and it forbids the Two fewer bishops Separately, the jurisdictional Town & Country Asso- ordination of self-avowed practicing gay people as clergy and ciation report concluded with a prayer for drought-stricken The number of U.S. bishops in 2013-16 is decreasing by the performance of same-gender union ceremonies. farmers. "So God we ask, look to our clear skies, dry hills and two because of a plan approved by the 2008 General Con- parched fields then open the heavens and give us rain," said ference, the denomination’s top lawmaking body. The plan South Central the Rev. Tom Graves. included a new formula for setting the number of bishops in The South Central Jurisdictional Conference, meeting in a jurisdiction based on church membership. Oklahoma City, Okla., began electing bishops on July 19, a Western The Southeastern Jurisdiction began balloting quickly day after the Southeastern and Northeastern jurisdictions. Though they didn’t elect bishops, delegates to the West- July 18 and finished electing all five of its new bishops be- The Rev. Cynthia Fierro Harvey, deputy general secretary ern Jurisdiction in San Diego took other significant actions. fore lunch July 19, well ahead of the Northeastern and South of the United Methodist Committee on Relief and a member They combined the Alaska, Pacific Northwest and Oregon- Central jurisdictions. The remaining two jurisdictions — of the Texas Annual Conference, took a quick lead on the Idaho conferences into the Greater Northwest Area, with the North Central and Western — did not have elections, since first ballot and was elected four ballots later. main office in Seattle. the retirements of bishops in those areas automatically put “We haven’t done this in 16 years, right?” said Harvey, re- They also voted to rename the Denver Area, comprising them in compliance with the General Conference mandate. ferring to the fact that 1996 was the last time the South Cen- the Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone conferences, to call it Of the 11 new bishops elected, three are women and tral Jurisdiction elected a female bishop. “I’m honored that I the Mountain Sky Area. eight are men — a 27 percent-to-73 percent gender ratio that would be this person at this point in our life of the church.” The Alaska Missionary Conference was renamed the is consistent with the groups of bishops elected in 2008 and Later that day, the delegates elected the Rev. Gary E. Alaska United Methodist Conference. The conference tech- 2004. One of the new bishops is Korean-American, two are Mueller of the North Texas Conference. Mueller has served nically is still a missionary conference, but the name change African-American, one is Hispanic and seven are white. as senior pastor of First United Methodist Church, Plano, was requested because of the negative connotations associ- The new bishops have an average age of 54, a slight since 2002. ated with the acts of early missionaries toward native people downtick from the 56.6 average age of the Class of 2008 but The Rev. Michael McKee, senior pastor of First United in the area. close to the 53.5 average age of the bishops elected in 2004. Methodist Church in Hurst, Texas, since 1997, rounded out News of a shooting at a theater in Aurora, Colo., cast The youngest of the new bishops, Debra Wallace-Padgett, is the South Central’s trio of new bishops and also was the final a somber tone in the Western Jurisdictional gathering, as 46, and the most senior is Young Jin Cho, 65. chosen in the jurisdictions. McKee was elected shortly after delegates began their session July 20 by praying for those 3 p.m., July 20, becoming the first bishop from the Central Southeastern Jurisdiction involved. Other jurisdictions also held moments of prayer. Texas Annual Conference. Twelve people were killed and 59 injured in the attack, and Delegates to the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference, Getting as much attention as the elections, the disagree- suspect James Holmes was arrested and charged, according meeting at Lake Junaluska, N.C., were the first to elect bish- ment between Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe of North Texas and to news reports. ops. Their first ballot, cast just before the lunch break on July the jurisdictional episcopacy committee was played out on “Precious children of a loving God died violently last 18, resulted in the election of the Rev. Jonathan Holston, se- center stage at the South Central conference. Earlier this night in Aurora, Colo.,” said Bishop Elaine Stanovsky, whose nior pastor of St. James United Methodist Church in Atlanta, year, the committee had asked Bledsoe to retire, citing his area includes Colorado. “Each life taken is a reminder of North Georgia Annual (regional) Conference. administrative performance as a factor. After meeting with God’s amazing and limitless love and grace, and the tragedy The final Southeastern bishop elected with a come-from- the committee, the bishop announced June 1 that he would of just one person who wanders off into the darkness of fear behind vote was the Rev. Young Jin Cho, superintendent of retire, but then he changed course June 5 and said he would and hate. And so we pray. the Arlington District of the Virginia Annual Conference. fight for his job. He charged the committee with trying to “God, you create a beautiful world. And you give breath He was elected on the 29th ballot. force him out of office. to all who breathe. Thank you for every unrepeatable mo- Cho referred to his late streak to the top of the ballot in In a hearing July 16-17, before the opening of the juris- ment of life that we receive. Thank you for the miracle that his acceptance speech. dictional conference, the committee voted to place Bledsoe each moment of every life is. Pick up and carry each one “I learned there are many kinds of resurrections,” he said on involuntary retirement. On July 19, after hearing from who fell to a gunman’s violence last night. Send your healing to laughter from the gathering. “By the grace of God, I am both Bledsoe and committee chair Don House, the jurisdic- mercy to those who were harmed. And shine a light into the what I am. Thank you for your support and affirmation.” tional delegates affirmed the decision to remove Bledsoe in darkness where James Holmes wanders lost, and lead him After Holston, the next three Southeastern bishops a 208-45 vote. even now on a path of peace.” elected were the Rev. Kenneth H. Carter, superintendent of Late in the evening of July 20, House announced that Western Jurisdiction delegates adopted a separate state- the Smoky Mountain District in the Western North Caro- Bledsoe would be “placed in a retired position” as of Aug. ment on the shooting as well as statements on several social lina Conference since earlier this year; the Rev. William T. 31. The decision came after consultation with the jurisdic- issues late July 20. Those included “A Statement of Gospel McAlilly, superintendent of the Seashore District in the Mis- tion’s other bishops. Bledsoe would remain retired even if he Obedience,” in which the jurisdiction delegates stated “our sissippi Conference since 2006; and the Rev. Debra Wallace- appealed the ruling to the denomination’s top court, the Ju- belief that The United Methodist Church is in error on the Padgett, pastor of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Lex- dicial Council, House said. The bishop, 61, was elected to the subject of ‘homosexuality’s incompatibility with Christian ington, Ky., since 2004. episcopacy in 2008. teaching.’ Four young adults serving as missionaries with the Unit- In other action, the delegates approved joining the Kan- “We commend to our bishops, clergy, local churches and ed Methodist Board of Global Ministries shared their stories sas East, Kansas West and Nebraska conferences into the ministry settings, the challenge to operate as if the statement and encouraged support for the Mission Intern and US-2 Great Plains Annual Conference, effective Jan. 1, 2014. The in (Book of Discipline) Paragraph 161F does not exist, creat- programs. new Great Plains Episcopal Area is made up of the Kansas ing a church where all people are truly welcome,” the dele- Rachel deBos, 22, said she became a US-2 as the result and Nebraska areas, which the South Central College of gates said. The statement was to be submitted to the jurisdic- of “spontaneous calling God placed in my life when I didn’t Bishops directed to merge to meet the General Conference tional bishops, annual conferences and others for discussion even know I needed it.” mandate. The delegates also approved joining the Rio Grande and implementation. Northeastern and Southwest Texas conferences, which already were in the continued on pg. 7, see Elections

6 | August 2012 | The Current jurisdictional conference news Jurisdictional Conference votes & elections

Bishop Dr. Sandra Lynn Bishop Martin McLee Bishop Mark Webb (NEJ) Bishop Cynthia Fierro Bishop Mike McKee (SCJ) Bishop Gary Mueller Bishop L. Jonathan Bishop Ken Carter (SEJ) Bishop William T. Bishop Dr. Deborah Bishop Young J Cho (SCJ) Steiner Ball (NEJ) (NEJ) Harvey (SCJ) (SCJ) Holston (SEJ) McAllily (SEJ) Wallace-Padgett (SEJ)

These are the assignments made by the committees on Pittsburgh (Western Pennsylvania): Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton Paul L. Leeland episcopacy in each of the five jurisdictions in the United States. Upper New York (Upper New York): Bishop Mark Webb Birmingham (North Alabama): Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett The bishops will begin their assignments for the 2013-16 Washington (Baltimore-Washington): Bishop Marcus Matthews Charlotte (Western North Carolina): Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster quadrennium on Sept. 1. West Virginia (West Virginia): Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball Columbia (South Carolina): Bishop Jonathan Holston Note: Area appears first, with annual (regional) conferences in parentheses. Florida (Florida): Bishop Kenneth H.Carter South Central Holston (Holston): Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor North Central Arkansas Area (Arkansas): Bishop Gary Mueller Louisville (Kentucky, Red Bird Missionary): Bishop Lindsey Davis Chicago Area (Northern Illinois Annual Conference): Bishop Dallas (North Texas): Bishop Michael McKee Mississippi (Mississippi): Bishop James Swanson Sally Dyck Fort Worth (Central Texas): Bishop Michael Lowry Nashville (Memphis, Tennessee): Bishop William T. McAllily Dakotas/Minnesota (Dakotas, Minnesota): Bishop Bruce Ough Great Plains (Kansas East, Kansas West, Nebraska): Bishop Scott North Georgia (North Georgia): Bishop B. Michael Watson Illinois (Illinois Great Rivers): Bishop Jonathan Keaton Jones Raleigh (North Carolina): Bishop Hope Morgan Ward Indiana (Indiana): Bishop Michael Coyner Houston (Texas): Bishop Janice Riggle Huie Richmond (Virginia): Bishop Young Jin Cho Michigan (Detroit, West Michigan): Bishop Deborah Lieder Louisiana (Louisiana): Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey South Georgia (South Georgia): Bishop James King Kiesey Missouri (Missouri): Bishop Robert Schnase Ohio East (East Ohio): Bishop John Hopkins Northwest Texas-New Mexico (New Mexico, Northwest Texas): Western Ohio West (West Ohio): Bishop Gregory Palmer Retired Bishops William Hutchinson and Dan Solomon, interim Greater Northwest (Alaska United Methodist Conference, Wisconsin (Wisconsin): Bishop Hee-Soo Jung (recommendation of College of Bishops to be approved by Oregon-Idaho and Pacific Northwest annual conferences): Council of Bishops) Bishop Grant J. Hagiya Northeastern Oklahoma (Oklahoma, Oklahoma Indian Missionary): Bishop Los Angeles (California-Pacific): Bishop Minerva Carcaño Boston Area (New England): Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar Robert E. Hayes Jr. Mountain Sky Area (Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone): Bishop Harrisburg (Susquehanna): Bishop Jeremiah J. Park San Antonio Area (Rio Grande and Southwest Texas Annual Elaine Stanovsky New Jersey (Greater New Jersey): Bishop John Schol Conferences): Bishop James Dorff Phoenix (Desert Southwest): Bishop Robert Hoshibata New York (New York): Bishop Martin McLee San Francisco (California-Nevada): Bishop Warner Brown Philadelphia (Eastern Pennsylvania, Peninsula-Delaware): Southeastern Bishop Peggy A. Johnson Alabama-West Florida Area (Alabama-West Florida): Bishop

Retired Bishop Joel Martinez congratulates the Rev. Cynthia Fierro Harvey on her election to the episcopacy by the South Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church. Photo by Amy Forbus.

Elections (continued from pg. 6)

Sending forth the next ecumenical officer for the Council of Bishops. agents of transformation through Christ working within us Retirement celebrations provided some of the joyful Like Swenson, retiring Bishop Linda Lee of the Wiscon- and through us.” highlights for the jurisdictional gatherings. The send-off sin Area was celebrated in the North Central Jurisdictional In her final sermon as an active bishop, she gave an im- for Bishop Mary Ann Swenson of the Los Angeles Area, Conference. Lee also was the closing preacher for her confer- passioned testimonial to Christ as the living Savior, active in exemplified the celebrations. Actor Pauley Perrette, of the ence, and she urged that the church move from captivity to the world today, and she concluded with a blessing. “NCIS” television show, announced in a video message a gift possibility — from captivity to struggles over issues such as “May your life be filled with joy,” Lee said, “and may the from Hollywood United Methodist Church to clean water sexuality to possibility for revival and witnessing for Christ. road you travel always lead you home.” projects in Swenson’s honor, and the episcopacy committee “It is the things that we do for Christ that will last,” she *This report was written with information from conference communicators announced creation of a scholarship in Swenson’s name at said, as she began. “Today we go back to the places from and United Methodist News Service staff monitoring the jurisdictional gath- Claremont (Calif.) School of Theology. Swenson will become which we have come to serve to witness and to be God’s erings. jurisdictional conference news The Current | August 2012 | 7 LOCAL CHURCH NEWS Worship in Spirit and Truth seminar Pana First UMC is hosting Worship in Spirit and Truth seminar Aug. 17-18, sponsored by Aldersgate Renewal Ministries. The sessions will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday. Cost of the seminar is $20 and includes lunch, dinner and a seminar workbook. Questions or to register for the event, contact the church at 217-562-2823 or by email at [email protected]. Ignition Conference Oct. 26-27 TROY – The 2012 Ignition Middle School Conference will be Oct. 26-27 at Troy UMC. Sponsored by Harvest Ministry Team, the conference is aimed at middle school students grades 6 to 8 and is designed to bring youth closer to Christ. Lisa Joiner, middle school pastor at Central Christian Church Three Boy Scouts were recently honored for sav- and lifesaving merit badges, Lolos dove into in Mt. Vernon, will be the speaker, with music provided by Harvest ing the life of a youth during a June 2011 campout in the dark water near where he last saw Turner, grabbed Litchfield. him, brought him to the surface and led him to shore. Ministry Team. Austin Lolos, 16, a member of Bunker Hill UMC Once on shore, Lane and Dial were prepared to per- More information and registration can be found at www.igni- (pictured center), Quintin Dial (left), a member of the form CPR on Turner as they had been trained in Scout- tionconference.org. Jerseyville UMC, and Alex Lane (right) were recog- ing’s First Aid merit badge training. nized for their quick action during an awards ceremo- Lolos was awarded the Boy Scout Honor medal, ny recently at Jerseyville UMC. awarded to a Scout who has demonstrated unusual Morrisonville UMC opens Caring Corner On June 4, 2011, Boy Scout Troop 492 was on a heroism and skill in saving, or attempting to save a life Morrisonville UMC recently launched a new outreach minis- weekend campout at Lake Lou Yeager near Litchfield. at considerable risk to self. As of 2011, there were only While swimming at the public beach, Lolos heard 31 such awards presented nationwide. try, Caring Corner. screams for help from Dial and Lane. Upon swimming All three scouts are members of Boy Scout Troop A "free will" donation thrift shop, the Corner features cloth- out to where the two boys were, Lolos saw Coltyn 492, chartered and sponsored by American Legion ing, house hold items, baby items, books, shoes, etc. New items Turner’s head pop up out of the water and disappear Post 492 of Jerseyville. Photo courtesy of Bunker Hill will be featured weekly. Proceeds will be used to help fund the again. UMC. Vacation Bible School co-sponsored by the United Methodist, Using his Boy Scout training in both swimming Presbyterian and Catholic churches of the community. "We had two rooms that weren't being used, why not use them to help others?" This is the brainstorm of the pastor and one of the teachers in the local high school who recognized a need in the community for low-priced, good items, and its hours coin- cide with the hours of the Food Pantry which is also co-sponsored by the United Methodist church, and others, and serves the resi- dents of Morrisonville, Palmer and surrounding area. "Many in the community are facing economic hardships and the church wants to be responsive to the needs of the commu- nity. We hope that those that can will make donations for the goods they receive, but we are not going to set prices. It is up to the conscience of the patrons, We also invite those who come to the Caring Corner to spend a moment in the church sanctuary for a time of rest and prayer, " said Pastor Dayle Badman. The shop is staffed by volunteers from the three churches. Individuals are encouraged to donate items and can contact the church for drop off times. For more information contact Badman 217-652-2997.

United Methodist Women from Cropsey UMC and lip-shaped kazoos. Games also included prizes. are taking part in a New Neighborhood Picnic Has 150% Children tried to throw a foam ring over a two li- Life for Old Bags crochet- Attendance Increase ter bottle of soda. If they were successful (and most ing project. were), they won the soda. Everyone also registered to For the third time in the past four years, Decatur It takes about 700 win one of three large containers of cereal by guessing Christ UMC organized a neighborhood picnic that was bags to do a mat, they are the number of pieces that were in the jar. The bounce held June 23. The event utilized the spacious grassy cut, tied together, rolled in house, designed as an obstacle course, was a big hit area between the church and parsonage and attract- balls and crocheted into with the children and some brave adults; one person ed many people from the surrounding neighborhood mat size. Since not every- was quoted as saying, “I’m too old for this bounce who were greeted and welcomed by church members. one has the same talent house.” At the end of the hot and sunny day, a water According to Lynn Dixon, Outreach Chairman, you can see by the photo balloon toss cooled everyone down. As you can see, his committee thought that children would be inter- that a person can find the step they the activities truly appealed to the young at heart. ested in “toys, noise, fun, candy, fun, and an inflatable can do to make the finished product. The picnic has grown from 60 to 150 with much of bounce house. “ In addition, they knew that parents Our church takes the mats to Evenglow, they are blessed and sent to a the publicity being done by fliers and word of mouth would like anything that their children enjoyed. “We shelter in Chicago. In all, the UMW unit has made eight mats thus far. within the neighborhood. The church’s United Meth- planned activities and food that catered to the chil- Pictured in the photo are from left to right: Janice Kemnetz, Sheri King, odist Men manned the grill and members brought dren, but everyone leaves with a prize,” said Lynn. covered dishes to complement the hamburgers, Tina Crabtree and Donita Brucker. Photo courtesy of Marilyn Elliott . These included back scratchers, water guns, lotions, cheeseburgers and hot dogs. Photo by Karen Rivera.

Essex UMC recent- ly celebrated the com- The United Methodist Children’s Home recently pletion of its first con- held its annual volunteer appreciation dinner. In ad- firmation class in 20 dition to the volunteers, three UMCH youth were years as eight persons also honored for volunteering within the commu- were confirmed, two nity. more were received A girl living at UMCH held a bake sale and do- on profession of faith nated more than $200 to Murray Center in Centralia. and five baptisms A young man living at UMCH gathered cleaning sup- were performed. plies and financial contributions of more than $200 Pictured in the and sent the donation to Harrisburg First UMC for front row from left to right, are: Joseph Kirchner, tornado relief efforts while a third youth traveled to Cassandra Huffman, Lorissa Willis, Allexis Fox and Madalynn Erickson. Harrisburg and assisted with cleanup efforts. Standing in back row are: Vermilion River District Superintendent Leah Pictured from left to right are: Volunteer of Pogemiller, who presided over the baptisms and confirmations; Katie Kirch- the Year Elaine Johnson, and honored volunteers ner, Kevin Hefner, supply pastor Terry Ralston and Kaitlyn Wills. Photo cour- Therese Greene, Mary Suddarth, Carol Ritchey, Vol- tesy of Terry Ralston. unteer Coordinator Bobby Mooney, Chris Blank, Ina Rae Drake, and Geni Zibby. Photo courtesy of Unit- ed Methodist Children’s Home

8 | August 2012 | The Current local church news The Southern Route finishes H.I.S. Home 300. Photo courtesy of Mary Grant.

300 mile bicycle ride for Haitian orphans By Mary Grant

The last week of June was hot in the Midwest, but the is an ‘interdenominational’ orphanage, and we are an ‘in- The cyclists rode into Harrod under a “FINI” (meaning H.I.S. Home 300 bicyclists kept telling themselves, “It’s hot- terdenominational’ bike ride. This year we had cyclists “finish”) banner painted by the kids at H.I.S. Home, and ter than this in Haiti!” The photos of orphaned and aban- from at least six different denominational backgrounds. were cheered by an enthusiastic crowd of children who doned children living at the Haitian Interdenominational We are thankful for the refreshment offered by all of God’s have been adopted from the orphanage, along with their Shelter (H.I.S. Home) in Port-au-Prince - which were at- people because this allows us to give one hundred percent American and Canadian parents. tached to their handlebars - also kept them going through of the funds we raise to H.I.S. Home,” reported coordinator The Nungesters, formerly from Harrod, founded H.I.S. the heat, the saddle sores, the flat tires, and a major wind- Mary Grant. Home in 1999 and live in Port-au-Prince at the orphanage. storm. Grant and her husband Mark are members of Athens H.I.S. Home serves “the least of these,” caring for children For the fourth year, the Southern Route of the H.I.S. UMC, as are team members David and Mary Sellman and from birth through age 18 in three houses – one for babies Home 300 was sponsored by Athens UMC in the San- Bryce Stott. Other UMs on the journey included Cathy and younger girls, one for boys, and one for older girls who gamon River District. Their six-day, 300-mile route took Lambdin and Molly Berendt from Springfield Douglas Av- were living as slaves in the tent cities of Port-au-Prince. the cyclists through east central Illinois, across Indiana, enue UMC; Bob Bevill from Dunlap Prospect UMC; Heidi H.I.S. Home has their own school on-site and a mostly and into Ohio. This year they started at Oakland Christian and Clay Sherrock from Williamsville UMC, and Holly Haitian staff. Their next goal is to open a fourth house Church in Oakland. Swaim from Champaign New Horizon UMC. to specifically meet the needs of children with physical During the ride, the cyclists stayed overnight in several When the cyclists neared Harrod, Ohio, they joined and mental disabilities. For more information, visit www. United Methodist churches, and stopped to visit many oth- forces with two other groups that started in Joliet and hishomeforchildren.com ers. Rockford, Mich. All three routes combined the donations The H.I.S. Home 300 rides again June 24-29, 2013. For “We have made friends with a great variety of churches they raised and prepared one big check to be presented to information about participating on the Southern Route, go all along our route. They host us for breaks, lunches, din- H.I.S. Home directors Hal and Chris Nungester. This year, to http://hh300sr.blogspot.com or call Athens UMC at 217- ners, showers, and let us sleep on their floors. H.I.S. Home the total amount raised was $61,000. 636-8844. Africa University missionary to speak in Bradford

BRADFORD – Larry Kies, sary. Please bring your own chairs. to develop an agricultural program that makes the uni- United Methodist mission- The purpose of Kies’ visit is to widen support for a versity farm more efficient in its roles of teaching and ary with the General Board ministry that teaches African people appropriate farm- research. In addition, he is involved in student agricul- of Global Ministries, serving ing methods, so they can better feed the hungry. Reflect- tural practicals, and teaches classes in crop production as technical advisor to Africa ing on his ministry, Kies shares, “I am in mission with the and farm management. University, Mutare, Zimbabwe, African people as we manage a commercial-scale farm Raised near Jesup, Iowa, Kies’ parents gave him southern Africa, will speak at that demonstrates appropriate farming methods. Stu- his love of farming and sense of global mission. After the Wright Farm, 4415 1725 E, dents, even those not studying agriculture, are exposed graduating from Iowa State University with a Bachelor in rural Bradford on Sept. 18 to sustainable practices, as many work part-time on the of Science degree in biology, he began a 15-year career beginning at 9 a.m. farm to help pay their school fees. In teaching, I hope to in Botswana. He first served as a Peace Corps Volunteer Directions to farm avail- reinforce in students a Christian outlook toward farm- teaching agriculture, then managed the farm and taught able at http://www.mapquest.com/ ing and business, since many of them will be the African at Maun Secondary School. If driving from the north, look for a sign at the junc- leaders of the future. By so doing, I hope to obey Jesus’ Kies returned to the US to earn a Master of Science tion of 1725 E and 700 N (Kentville Road). If driving command, implicit in Matthew 25, to feed the hungry.” degree in vegetable crops at the University of California, from the South, look for a sign at the junction of 1700 E Africa University is a United Methodist Church- Davis. While at Davis, he was active in the Davis United and 250 N (Bradford Rd). related institution that is being nurtured and funded by Methodist Church, playing guitar and singing in the folk Following Kies’ presentation, there will be time to church members from all over the world. It is a conse- choir, leading the signing for youth Sunday school, and visit with him about his ministry. There will also be an quence of the growth of United Methodism on the Afri- helping teach adult Sunday school. opportunity for those wishing to ride in a working com- can continent and has its foundations in the history and In 1994, he returned to Africa to mange a beef, dairy, bine to do so (corn and soybeans are important crops in legacy of the church. Africa University opened in March cotton, and maize farm. Prior to moving to Africa Uni- Zimbabwe as in the United States). A light lunch will be 1992 as the first private, international university in Zim- versity in 2002, he managed the farm at Nyadire Mission served at noon. All conference churches and the general babwe. in Zimbabwe. public are welcome to attend. No reservation is neces- Kies’ duties involve working with the farm manager

Moweaqua UMC holds Ketch-up Sunday By Sharon Treptow, Moweaqua UMC Moweaqua UMC recently held Ketch-Up Sunday as Finance committee meeting. The church was getting Sunday we gather in the offering and have a Hot Dog meal a way of drawing attention to the needs of financial as- behind in insurance and pension bills (not to mention after the service sponsored by the Finance Committee. sistance throughout the year – even during the summer apportionments). It was a success, raising $13,125 that The cost is relatively minor. We print up a bunch of months. along with an auction helped us to pay all the bills. This labels to put on small envelopes, and on the Ketchup bot- The idea for Ketchup Sunday originated while I was year our finances were not quite as desperate but we de- tles themselves. There is also some cost to mailing out serving as pastor of Elmwood UMC. After studying the cided to do it again and so far we have raised $12,401 with letters to each family, and of course the meal costs about giving patterns it was apparent that the church followed money still coming in. $75 but it is miniscule in contrast to the rewards. the same pattern as most churches. In the summer peo- Basically all Ketchup Sunday consists of is a good na- I think the congregation has fun with it and we all ple attend church less regularly causing a steep decline tured reminder that the churches financial needs contin- breathe a sigh of relief to know that we are caught up with in giving. Consequently, we were behind in paying our ue in the summer even though people are on vacation. some big bills for awhile. I worried that it might affect our bills and we needed to catch up. Hence Ketchup Sunday Through puns we remind people we are in a pickle and we offerings in the fall, but it seemed to produce no negative was born. I don't remember what it garnered, but it was do not relish doing this...but hot dog we need to Ketchup. drain on monthly giving. We observe a Harvest Sunday of- enough to take care of the bills and get us through the Every family receives a letter explaining the need and on a fering every November and that offering was less but not summer financial drought. designated Sunday we give everyone a bottle of Ketchup by more than $5,000. So our net giving improved. I resurrected the idea last year at the Moweaqua UMC with a special Ketchup Sunday envelope. On Ketchup

local church news The Current | August 2012 | 9 How to intervene: What should young people do if they witness an act of bullying?

Ÿ Ask yourself, “Is it my job to help? How would I feel if it were happening to me? Ÿ If you feel safe, tell the bully to stop. Ÿ Don’t be a bystander. If other students laugh or join in, let them know they’re not helping. Ÿ Say something kind to the child. Ÿ Be a friend. Ÿ Don’t bully back. It won’t help and could make things worse. Ÿ Tell an adult—a teacher, school counselor, school nurse or principal. If you’re afraid of retaliation, ask the adult at school to help keep you safe after telling. Ÿ Talk to your parents about bullying that you see or know about.

From innocent to incensed A theory on bullying and cyber-bullying, epidemics that are killing our youth.

"Jerk-gene" theory, more nurture than nature? By Natalie Rowe, Assistant Editor The Current & IGRC Graphic Designer

"Jerk." havior commences, we are left with a chain of reactions parents have been deprived of the right to hit their children You've probably used this word in a moment of an- and the problems our teens face today. they have resorted to cruel words and verbal attacks to dis- ger. I regrettably have applied it and worse to describe cipline their children. This is where children learn to be cruel someone's behavior. Merriam-Webster online defines a Where does it all start? to other children. Children who have kind parents, who jerk: an annoying person; especially one who is cruel, rude, Which came first the bully or the bullied? Certainly, speak kindly but firmly, learn to be kind to others, even their or small minded. So when I refer to someone as being af- this question has valid arguments for both sides. How- siblings. Parents often do not know the difference between flicted with the "jerk-gene" I mean anyone who falls into ever, earlier I mentioned the "complexities of nurture," punishment and discipline. Punishment is about what the the definition above, specifically bullies. which may shed some light on a viable answer. child did and discipline is about what the child is going to do Before personally being the target of harassment, I I submit the bully and bullied were simultaneously in the future. Life does not go backwards therefore punish- used to think bullying referenced the occasional mean born. A bully cannot exist without an outlet, so techni- ment is less effective than discipline. I recommend to parents name and physical confrontation, usually occurring be- cally anger, rage, insecurity are born first and influence that they use a method of discipline, that I call "timeout with tween boys ages grade school through high school, or the behavior of the potential bully. purpose" where the child is given a timeout but while they the occasional tiff between girls of the same age. Perhaps Everyone has a breaking point, whether it is one mo- are in timeout, they are expected to think of a solution to there was a time when that rang true. ment, one day, or one week of bad experiences. If a par- their behavior and then discuss their solution with the par- But the good old days of boys "duking" it out and girls ent's stress level is high, perhaps their child(ren) suffer(s). ent who put them in timeout. As soon as they present their having slap fights, are a distant past. It seems those times If a teacher is having a bad day perhaps their students solution to the parent and it is acceptable to the parent they have given way to a breeding ground of hate that seems pay the consequences. It's the trickle down effect of hu- get out of timeout. The length of the timeout then is deter- to be gaining acreage virtually by the second. man behavior. Example: Mom is stressed about getting mined by the child, however, the child returns to timeout Now, what was once simple name calling has escalat- the kids to school and making it to work on time as well. immediately if he/she fails to carry out their solution. This ed into full-blown teenage psychological warfare. In this She yells at the eldest child who is running behind sched- works well with children who are as young as three years of day and age, with the availability of so many technolo- ule "Can't you do anything fast?" The eldest child then age. Preaching to your children doesn't work because they gies and social networking in full swing the definition of yells a variation of this phrase at his/her younger sibling soon learn to tune the parent out. bullying seems to broaden with every passing day; en- who has spilled his/her juice "Can't you do anything with- compassing a growth spurt in new and unsavory behav- out spilling it?" The younger child then yells at a class- Youth and teens iors from our youth. mate once at school for dropping a box of crayons. Cycle Take a moment to THINK. Next, THINK AGAIN. Then complete. THINK A THIRD TIME and be sure you are thinking CLEAR- Why? Where people, especially pre-adolescent youth and LY before speaking, texting, FaceTiming, IMing or utiliz- I am of the opinion that bullying is strictly a learned teens get into trouble is falling into the routine of lashing ing whatever new form of communications technology behavior (read narratives The Station and The Countdown out, or doing what is easy. Which lets face it for youth still exists. and see if you agree). Some would disagree when I offer growing physically, mentally and emotionally it is difficult LEAD each other by GOOD example. Stand up for the opinion that people, especially children, are naturally, to stand for what is right when what is wrong seemingly what is right even if socially it is difficult. mostly good. Some would argue instinctual survival of and socially offers less resistance. And in the advent of Take a deep breath and consider your options when the fittest. But I wouldn't apply that concept to the bul- social networking, cell phones, text messaging, the home reacting to someone who has made you mad or caused lying crisis. Instead I would argue that it's the complexi- PC and school computers, there are immediate and read- you problems. If mad at someone, directly express your ties of nurture in day to day environment that break the ily available outlets for one small, insignificant situation feelings to the individual don't involve others unless it is soul, warp the mind and deliver us to evil instead of from to snowball out of control before homeroom is over. Or, an adult. it. By nature, teenagers are impulsive. Behavior, thoughts for one student to have 400 enemies before lunch time Sound too easy or overly simplistic? Well, consider and reactions are not always the most well thought out, because one badly behaved child started a rumor and this: The simplest solutions are most often the best solu- however I do not believe teenagers are by nature cruel, the other 399 students jumped on the bandwagon. tions. for cruelty is only one type of behavior. Gene Brodland, LCSW and psychotherapist offers the I also believe bullying is a cycle of abuse perpetuated following theory and solution: by action and reaction. And unfortunately once bad be- It is my belief that bullying is learned from parents. Since

10 | August 2012 | The Current cover story: from innocent to incensed The station By Natalie Rowe, Assistant Editor The Current & IGRC Graphic Designer Exxon-Mobil on the corner of King Avenue in Columbus, display. The man was screaming, "He did it, I can't believe this!" disapprovingly shaking his head while he spoke. Ohio, was my usual pre-trip oasis for fuel, smokes and a soda He noticed my entrance and screamed again, "He did it," vigor- It was at that moment I could not tolerate another second before making the drive home to Illinois for a visit with family. ously motioning his head in the direction of the soda fountain, of this father's nastiness. No longer able to hold my peace I ut- The station provided prompt service and all the conve- "it's his fault, he can't manage to get a drink without spilling it." tered, "If you knew he was going to spill the drink, then this is niences necessary for a long haul across three states. The same About the time of the second strained announcement, an really your fault." The boy's expression changed from shame to attendant was always working. He wasn't friendly, he never awkward, gangly boy revealed himself from behind the kiosk. subtle satisfaction. He looked at his father and said, "I'm going smiled, but the upside was he didn't bombard people with the His father still castigating him. He sheepishly peeked out of his to go wait in the car." usual last minute sales attempts. He worked with great effi- long parted hair and walked to the register placing his new The father looked flabbergasted that someone would have ciency to get customers on their way with minimal wait. soda. Obviously embarrassed, the boy turned to face the audi- the audacity to address his comments and place blame on him One specific day I encountered an unusual scene upon en- ence of customers. His face was red with humiliation. I could for the mess. Then he slowly realized that the customers were try of the service station. To the left of the door in front of the tell he was one of those kids that was a little more timid than all staring at him now, appalled by his behavior. I'd like to think checkout counter was the attendant, looking less friendly than the average 13 or 14 year old boy. Even the college boys -- ste- that immediate hindsight revealed the true scene had been usual. He was mopping the floor. To the right were three col- reotipically known for laughing at anything -- stood still with caused by him. His behavior was deplorable. And perhaps next lege age boys staring in befuddlement at a disgruntled man empathy. The father approached the counter still loudly mut- time there was a spill maybe, just maybe he would handle the directly in front of the entrance. The man was accompanied by tering about the mess his son had made, directing an unkind situation with compassion, a little more grace and a little less his son. His son was at the soda fountain, obscured by a kiosk tone at his son "Every time you get a drink you always spill it," shouting.

The countdown By Natalie Rowe, Assistant Editor The Current & IGRC Graphic Designer Whirring florescent lights were the only sound that broke minutes to endure before summer break began. school. What a relief, no one spoke but the teacher during the dead silence in the stuffy classroom penetrated by the Soon the laughing, name calling and humiliations would announcements. stifling heat of early June. A small sea of elementary student cease to exist at least until fall. Now just 12 minutes remained Mrs. Fuss continued, "Aaron Lukes wishes his bad reputa- faces appeared sleepy and unusually still for children of that until she could say to herself, "today was a good day." Maybe tion doesn't haunt his little brother Jake, and that Mrs. Asham age. No child dared to make a even a whisper of a noise during this summer she would lose her baby flub, a term she had over- (the 6th grade teacher) understands that Jake is a good kid. the designated reading time, or any other time for that matter, heard adults use, but what other children had a multitude of "April advises her little sister, Karen, to take good notes in the penalties doled out by Mrs. Fuss were harsh. less compassionate labels. She was called chubby, fatty, thun- history, because 'man it's tough'. The child sat at her desk sneaking peeks at the clock as der thighs, other cruel names, received simile comparisons to "Daniella and Olympia advise Carmen to keep up the hard it counted down the last 14 minutes of the day. Every tick of large mammals and farm animals, and of course there were work so that they can select her for the pom pom team when the large hand seemed to strike with a dramatic crescendo, a noises used to denote she was heavy, sometimes those were she is a 7th grader." Only 8 minutes left... clicking that echoed in her ears needling her with dreadful an- worse than the names. All of these demonstrations made her "Aaron Lendering wishes his charm and good looks to all ticipation. Each passing minute brought short sighs of relief. feel ashamed and loathsome of herself and her body. She was the boys of the 5th grade class so that they may find girlfriends." Seconds now passed as minutes, minutes as hours and hours overcome with such stirring sorrow that she spent countless The list continued for the next several minutes with wishes dragged on for so long everyday pent in school seemed like a nights crying, praying and wishing that God would make her and advice one would expect eleven to twelve year olds to give week. She briefly mused this made a strong argument for an beautiful like the other girls in her 5th grade class. Why did she to younger children. Some items were inside jokes between early dismissal time for her next year, though she knew it was have to be so different? siblings and friends. Other bits were pieces of sincere advice. only wishful thinking. This idea was interrupted by the thought Tick-tock, now only 11 minutes to freedom. 60 more sec- And yet still more were just harmless wishes, funny but heart- that she had managed to get through the 3 worst times of day - onds there would be closing announcements and then safety. felt. Only 4 minutes to dismissal... gym class, lunch and recess - without someone picking on her. At the head of the class the grayed-haired monster, Mrs. "Jed and Ned (twin brothers that had a brother in the 5th P.E. always brought embarrassment, for she was awkwardly Fuss, arose from her old-fashioned, wheeled office chair. Pierc- grade), wish their "skinniness" to Natalie Rowe." heavier than her classmates and was always selected last for ing sounds of rusty screws and dull thudding of dated springs I was mortified. Nausea pitted my stomach and radiated team sports. Finally when chosen, her appointment was always broke the silence. Mrs. Fuss was either revered or feared de- heat, slowly overtaking my chest, arms and neck until finally greeted with disdainful looks and disapproving groans. Lunch pending on which students were asked, but there was no pas- the wave reached my face and all but the whites of my eyes certainly was no picnic for she was ridiculed by the boys for sive indifference when she was considered. She spoke, "I know flashed red. I spent the last 3 minutes of the day blinking hard what and how much she ate, frequently receiving suggestions you are all anxious to begin your summer break, however, I to avoid releasing the tears that formed. of going on a diet or just not eating period. And then there was have a very special announcement to make." Continuing, she More wishes were read. More advice was given, though recess, which she did have a few friends to play with though smiled, "The 6th grade class has made a list of advice and wish- they only registered as a blur of white noise as I thought how often times she spent crying, reflecting on her inadequacies es for you, since at the end of this day you will all be incoming close I had come to feeling human, feeling a sense of belong- pointed out throughout the course of the morning and early 6th graders. After reviewing the list I can say you should listen." ing, feeling how any child that age should feel - accepted. That afternoon. No matter though, for now there were just 13 little What a nice way to spend the remaining 9 minutes of day was not a good day.

Bullying is also found in the church By Terry Harter You don’t know William Stover. verbal, emotional, or physical abuse. It can be one-on-one, or a worship service, or in a class, or at a Board meeting. Of- I do. I can see him in my mind’s eye engaged in by a group. Bullying almost always occurs in an ten, those present are bystanders, and are reluctant to speak today, even though my memories imbalance of power. Since it is a human relational dynamic, out. As a result, it appears that the bully has the support of a are 54 years old. Billy Stover and I it can occur anywhere: in the family, at school, at work, in a majority of those present. Over time, when a bully “mental- were in the same 5th grade class. neighborhood, or even in a church. ity” has been allowed to become the defining feature of the He came from a family that lived Researchers have noted that bullying need not be direct, group’s culture, a steady stream of abuse becomes a regular on the north side of town, literally but is often more indirect and verbal and can include name- and predictable part of persons’ experience. across the tracks. I never knew his calling, arguing others into submission, manipulation, gos- This toxic environment will become the status quo of the family’s circumstances, if he had sip, spreading false rumors, mocking, and threatening. In the group, unless challenged. siblings, where his father worked, or anything that would workplace, or in a church, bullying activities can also include Far better is the option of creating a church behavioral have humanized him. I just knew that he often wore the same administrative end-runs, character assassination, and coer- covenant that identifies those behaviors that are acceptable shirt and pants all week, wasn’t very clean, and he was picked cive activities like secret meetings and organizing into voting and those that are unacceptable, and the remedies for such on by his classmates. blocs. behavior. Your church, or class, or group can give permission, Today, we call it bullying, and I remember the day when As a District Superintendent, I have; sadly, encountered in advance, to individuals to identify bullying behaviors and Billy stood in the middle of Mrs. Schuler’s classroom crying. forms of bullying that are not worthy of our calling as dis- intervene appropriately. He was all alone. Kids had been making fun of Billy, and re- ciples of Jesus. There have been instances in which a pastor As long as we are together in church communities there duced him to tears. The bullies weren’t the big kids; they were has identified someone by name from the pulpit, and pro- will be differences of age, race, culture, opinion, gender, poli- the “good” kids. No one touched Billy, no one hit him, but he ceeded to use public worship as an opportunity to carry on tics and theology. We are called upon to grow in our witness was injured emotionally. He was outcast by his classmates. a one-sided conversation that has demeaned, threatened or to the Gospel by valuing our differences, and living in faithful I am ashamed to say that I was standing there, and I knew humiliated an individual. This is an unconscionable abuse of civility. that this was wrong (I wouldn’t have wanted it to happen to the pulpit, and the worst kind of harassment. If you would like to learn more, a key resource is Behav- me), but I didn’t try to stop the teasing. To this day, I’m regret- Likewise, there have been instances of church members ioral Covenants in Congregations: A Handbook for Honoring ful of that morning. verbally abusing and threatening both pastor, and other lay- Differences, by Gilbert R. Rendle. 1999. This book is published Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior. It can be the persons. by the Alban Institute. ISBN# 1-56699-209-5. kind of verbal harassment that 5th graders specialize in, but In both of these instances, the bullying takes place in the (Rev. Dr. Terry Harter is superintendent of the Sangamon River District.) it can escalate to physical coercion of assault. It can include presence of a relatively large group of persons, whether at

Anti-Bullying Resources for youth, teens and parents

Online Resources http://www.stopbullying.gov/ http://www.education.com/topic/school-bullying-teasing/ http://www.ebully411.com http://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/children/schoolviolence.html DVD Resources http://www.parentfurther.com/high-risk-behaviors/bullying http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/problems/bullies.html Stop Bullying: Standing up for yourself and others http://www.ncpc.org/topics/bullying/ Stop Bullying: What every parent needs to know

cover story: from innocent to incensed The Current | August 2012 |11 LOCAL CHURCH NEWS

Farmer City hosts Iowa missions group By Heather Howell FARMER CITY – The Farmer City UMC recently had an opportunity to host a group from Iowa City UMC in Iowa in what may become a yearly tradition of hospitality. Bob Dane is the travel coordinator for the Iowa City United Methodist church's mission project, ASP (Appalachia Service Project). One week every Bob Gardner watches the screen after rolling his ball down the virtual bowling alley summer they travel into Appalachia to assist in making existing homes warm- in the Wii Bowling Tournament at Hampton UMC July 7. Watching the action are er, safer, and drier. Chaz Burns, Nancy Gardner and Abby Gardner. Photo by Toni Ross. The past few years their Saturday picnic lunch stop has been at the Farm- land Rest Area just north of Farmer City, Illinois. Unfortunately, there isn't much shade and the heat this summer has been horrendous. When Bob contacted Twin Rivers Parish ‘bowl’ for nets the Farmer City Chamber of Commerce a few weeks ago looking for a shady By Sue McCoy, Twin Rivers Cooperative Parish spot in town for his group to stop and eat lunch, he never dreamed of how the Lord was going to work. HAMPTON -- The first (soon to be annual) Wii Bowling Tournament for Bob happened to get in touch with Krista Voyles, Treasurer for the Farmer Imagine No Malaria netted more than over $400. This tournament was City Chamber of Commerce---- and also a very active member of the Farmer held at Hampton UMC (a member of the Twin Rivers Cooperative Parish), City United Methodist Church. When Krista found out what Bob and his group on Saturday, July 7, 2012. were up to, she immediately thought of using the fellowship hall at church for We were blessed to have 11 bowling teams of 4 people each. The this group's Saturday lunch stop. When Krista suggested providing lunch for teams consisted of young and old persons, differently- abled persons, the group, Bob at first was reluctant----- they usually pack food to make their community kids, and many differing racial/ethnic backgrounds. own cold cut sandwiches. It is through the efforts of many supporters that we are able to pro- Krista insisted, and many church members donated food, desserts and vide 40 mosquito nets to families who may have been affected by malaria. their time to help with this luncheon. The group of 35 youth and adults were The Imagine No Malaria campaign provides medical attention, education, happy to have a hot meal in the air conditioning before getting their three pas- and/or mosquito nets which are so badly needed. senger vans, two mini vans, two2 trailers (with tools and luggage), a pick-up Along with the bowling fee, the cost of admission was one can of food truck and an SUV back on the road. per participant and supporter for the food pantry. The remaining conces- Everyone at the Farmer City United Methodist Church thoroughly enjoyed sion snacks were given to the Eagle Ridge Child Outreach ministry. We hearing about what this mission is all about, viewing DVDs of past trips, and were able to support three missions in one! getting the opportunity to "pay it forward" by providing lunch for everyone.

Trenton First UMC has announced the recipients in St. Louis, Mo., and a member of Alton Main Street church music ministries.” Donations for this scholar- of the 2012 J.A.M. Scholarship – A Celebration of the UMC. Goodell is a student at Illinois Central College ship are accepted throughout the year and should Music and Life of Justin Melzer. Zachary Funk, left, and and a member of Washington Crossroads UMC where be mailed to First UMC, 3324 Old Hwy. 50, Trenton, IL Andrew Goodell, right, are pictured with Trenton First his father, the Rev. Tom Goodell, is pastor. 62293, with “JAM Scholarship” written in the memo of UMC pastor Mike Rucker following the presentation The scholarship was established with the mission the check. Photo courtesy of Lisa Campbell. of the $500 scholarships. of honoring “the memory of Justin Melzer and his min- Funk is a student at Missouri Baptist University istry through music and to encourage participants in

12 | August 2012 | The Current local church news GLOBAL CHURCH NEWS

in Côte d’Ivoire with other refugee children. When for his home country, the Democratic Republic of Africa University students peace returned to Liberia, he returned and served Congo, and for Africa as a whole. as a teacher at the Ganta United Methodist Church “I want to play an active role in my communi- become mission interns Mission. Operation Classroom, a program to up- ty’s development rather than waiting for others to By Andra Stevens* grade United Methodist elementary and secondary come to do the job,” said Otshudi. “There is so much schools in Liberia and Sierra Leone, was initiated by deforestation and a lack of policies and regulations the Indiana Annual (regional) Conference in 1987. to guide environmental protection. Without these, At graduation, he sent a letter of thanks to the people destroy the environment at will … we will Indiana conference saying, “I don't know if I'd be lose the Congo forest and become one of the great- here without you.” est emitters of polluting gases.” A legacy of generosity The next step All three of the other trainee mission interns The next step for these prospective mission in- from Africa University come from the southern terns is training and orientation at the United Meth- part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. They odist Board of Global Ministries in July, followed by also owe their studies to the generosity of United a commissioning service in early August. An intern’s Methodist congregations and individuals that set time is divided between an international assign- up endowed scholarships or donated to the univer- ment and an assignment in the intern’s home coun- sity’s endowment, from which financial aid dollars try. Mission interns work as grassroots organizers MUTARE, Zimbabwe -- War in Liberia robbed are drawn. and advocates in areas of conflict resolution, peace Christian Zigbuo of his parents and three siblings Rachel Faida Bahati received scholarships from with justice education, environmental preservation, and turned him into a refugee when he was 10 the United Methodist Women of Los Altos United economic development, indigenous rights, women's years old. Methodist Church in the San Francisco Bay area and children's issues, and more. His life was turned around by United Method- and from others. Bahati is from a family of four girls The Young Adult Missionary program is celebrat- ists who helped him obtain an education as a child and is the second-born. Her father died when she ing its 35th year, and Elizabeth Chun Hye Lee, the in Côte d’Ivoire and as an adult at Africa University. was very young, so the family relies on her mother’s executive secretary for Young Adult Mission Service, On June 9, Zigbuo was one of the 400 graduates work as a tailor for its livelihood. That income could notes that although the applicants were many, the from United Methodist-related Africa University. He never accommodate university fees. four from Africa University really stood out. is also getting a chance to give back to all who have “Their existing leadership in their communities, The scholarships for Jacques Kazemb Kambol’s helped him as one of four Africa University gradu- commitment to justice and desire to integrate their four years of study came from a variety of sources, ates accepted into the United Methodist Young faith with service is impressive,” said Lee. “They’re all including the Peninsula-Delaware Conference en- Adult Missionary program. very articulate and display a lot of maturity.” dowed scholarship and the W.B. and Ruth Brooks “I’m very grateful to God for bringing me so “Sometimes persons talk about the ‘return’ they Foundation direct scholarship grants. Albert Otshu- far, especially looking at my background and see- get for an investment in education,” said Ruth Ellen di Longe received financial aid awards from Africa ing where I am today, God has truly answered my Stone, a member of Indiana’s Africa University Com- University. prayers,” said Zigbuo. “I can say that the dream is mittee and of the A.U. Advisory Development Com- For Bahati, Kazemb, Otshudi and Zigbuo, the alive for me. A.U. has connected me to so many mittee. “This is an enormous and rapid one. We send mission interns program is a great way to live out people and made me who God wants me to be.” congratulations to Christian and the other gradu- their faith, serve others and give back for the many Zigbuo’s four years at Africa University were ates, and look forward to hearing about his experi- ways in which they have been blessed. An environ- paid by direct scholarship grants from Indiana ence wherever he is assigned to serve.” mental studies major, Otshudi says that learning United Methodists. As a child, he was able to attend at Africa University has strengthened his concern (*Stevens is director of communications in the Africa University De- an English-language Operation Classroom facility velopment Office in Nashville, Tenn.)

Symbols of past and future in Liberia church By E. Julu Swen* GANTA STATION, Liberia Troubled, I decided to try to find out more. sity of Liberia with a degree in architecture, if the -- My memory of Miller McAl- The Rev. James Z. Labala, district superintendent 60-year-old building posed any danger to the con- lister United Methodist Church of Gompa District, who was once pastor of Miller gregation. was shattered when I reached McAllister, provided some background. “Not in another 50 years’ time,” he said. the Ganta United Methodist “I spent five years debating with my congrega- As I wrote this piece, thinking I needed to cap- Mission Compound, the official tion on the need to preserve the building as it has ture the attention of those who would want to grounds that host the church, been for the past 60 years, but they won the argu- rescue this piece of history, I saw visible cracks in which was established in 1926. ment,” he said. Others complained that the stones the walls and sunlight streaming through the roof, I struggled all that day try- were uneven, he said, and took away the beauty of which suggested that water also pours down on the ing to find the natural stone the church. congregation during the rainy season. building of the church that represented a piece of Members of the church wanted the church plas- Then I told myself that these folks may be right the history of The United Methodist Church and of tered with cement to conceal the natural stony look. by saying “away with the old.” the community of Ganta. He said the compromise decision was to spray in- I also realized a new campaign of “generational Instead I kept seeing a cement-sprayed ash-gray stead of plastering with thick concrete. change” was about to enter the church. structure. “As a matter of fact, there are some members I decided to ask Labala about the cost of chang- The church was established in 1926 by Dr. who want the church reroofed with zinc instead of ing the roof to zinc, which is what some of his mem- George Way Harley from the United States. Harley maintaining the present clay tile roof,” Labala said. bers were suggesting. was a member of the Edenton Street United Meth- I approached a group of church members who “It will cost us U.S. $14,000 to keep the clay roof odist Church in Raleigh, N.C. Attendance at worship were cleaning around the church before the funeral and probably the same amount or more even if we usually is between 250 and 300. for the Rev. Herbert Zigbuo, a missionary for the decide to use zinc,” Labala said. The building of a church in Ganta was said to be United Methodist Board of Global Ministries who The cost of preserving would be high but the the culmination of Harley's work in Liberia. It took was superintendent of Ganta for many years. Labala impact of erasing it would be more devastating to many years to build the church because of a short- had told me in our earlier discussion that Zigbuo those of us who value history so much. age of funds and pressing demands for other build- was one of those who supported him in his drive to But, I also realized that “away with the old” is not ings. preserve this piece of history. just a campaign of wanting to change the appear- The church was completed in 1950 and was I asked indirectly why the church was sprayed ance of the Miller McAllister Memorial United Meth- named Miller McAllister Memorial United Method- with cement. odist Church. It is also a way to make sure that the ist Church, after the largest contributors of funds to “We want to get rid of the old look of the church,” church looks forward into the next century. the building project, Charles Miller and Agnes McAl- a young lady said to me. “We are in modern days *Swen is a journalist, transitional justice worker, and former inquiry lister. Miller was a devoted Methodist layman; McAl- now,” another responded. officer for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia. He lister was a gallant young missionary among the Trying not to judge as wrongdoers those who I is director of communications for the United Methodist Church in Kru people in Garraway in the 1890s. No one knows thought were in the process of defacing the church, Liberia. what the church was called before that. I asked Labala, who is also a graduate of the Univer-

global church news The Current | August 2012 |13 CONFERENCE APPORTIONMENT RECEIPTS AS OF *Churches reflecting contributions of 50% or greater of total apportionments are considered current. JUNE 2012*

District/Church CS/Adm CS/Adm B/CM B/CM Total Total District/Church CS/Adm CS/Adm B/CM B/CM Total Total Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid CACHE RIVER DISTRICT EMBARRAS RIVER DISTRICT Anna UMC $1,968 19.69% $1,560 25.74% $3,528 21.97% Asbury UMC $348 50.00% $210 50.00% $558 50.00% Belknap UMC $684 50.00% $414 50.00% $1,098 50.00% Dexter UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% West Eden UMC $210 41.67% $125 41.67% $335 41.67% Funkhouser UMC $258 50.00% $156 50.00% $414 50.00% Benton First UMC $3,720 25.00% $2,253 25.00% $5,973 25.00% Salem UMC $128 33.33% $60 25.00% $188 30.13% Big Prairie UMC $258 18.07% $- 0.00% $258 11.26% Altamont First UMC $3,198 25.00% $1,938 25.00% $5,136 25.00% Maunie UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Beecher City UMC $1,818 50.00% $1,104 50.00% $2,922 50.00% Concord UMC $292 25.89% $180 26.32% $472 26.05% Shumway UMC $1,992 50.00% $1,206 50.00% $3,198 50.00% Broughton UMC $450 50.00% $270 50.00% $720 50.00% Brownstown UMC $1,146 50.00% $696 50.00% $1,842 50.00% Cache Chapel UMC $942 50.00% $570 50.00% $1,512 50.00% Emmanuel UMC $840 50.00% $510 50.00% $1,350 50.00% Cairo Tigert Memorial UMC $1,170 50.00% $- 0.00% $1,170 31.15% Casey UMC $7,412 33.33% $4,488 33.33% $11,900 33.33% Mounds UMC $432 25.00% $261 25.00% $693 25.00% Charleston Otterbein UMC $2,736 33.33% $1,656 33.33% $4,392 33.33% Carbondale First UMC $21,870 50.00% $13,248 50.00% $35,118 50.00% Charleston Wesley UMC $18,132 50.00% $10,980 50.00% $29,112 50.00% Carbondale Grace UMC $7,512 50.00% $4,548 50.00% $12,060 50.00% Cowden UMC $1,962 50.00% $1,188 50.00% $3,150 50.00% Carmi Emmanuel UMC $6,474 50.00% $3,918 50.00% $10,392 50.00% Lakewood UMC $1,770 50.00% $1,074 50.00% $2,844 50.00% Carmi First UMC $6,840 50.00% $4,140 50.00% $10,980 50.00% Greenup UMC $1,626 50.00% $984 50.00% $2,610 50.00% Carrier Mills UMC $4,962 50.00% $3,006 50.00% $7,968 50.00% Toledo UMC $1,434 50.00% $870 50.00% $2,304 50.00% Carterville UMC $7,278 50.00% $4,410 50.00% $11,688 50.00% Cottonwood UMC $786 50.00% $474 50.00% $1,260 50.00% Cedar Grove UMC $1,818 50.00% $1,104 50.00% $2,922 50.00% Pleasant Valley UMC $402 50.00% $246 50.00% $648 50.00% Pittsburg UMC $300 50.00% $180 50.00% $480 50.00% Salem UMC $1,224 50.00% $738 50.00% $1,962 50.00% Cypress UMC $426 50.00% $258 50.00% $684 50.00% Woodbury UMC $1,350 50.00% $816 50.00% $2,166 50.00% Center UMC $180 50.00% $108 50.00% $288 50.00% Dogwood Prairie UMC $2,706 50.00% $1,638 50.00% $4,344 50.00% Luther's Chapel UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Seed Chapel UMC $1,386 50.00% $840 50.00% $2,226 50.00% Cobden Jesus Es El Senor UMC $2,025 32.32% $1,240 32.70% $3,265 32.47% Chrisman UMC $2,988 50.00% $1,812 50.00% $4,800 50.00% Colp UMC $930 50.00% $564 50.00% $1,494 50.00% Hume UMC $1,050 50.00% $636 50.00% $1,686 50.00% Crab Orchard UMC $1,335 41.67% $810 41.67% $2,145 41.67% Paris Otterbein UMC $3,750 50.00% $2,274 50.00% $6,024 50.00% Cross Road UMC $2,820 50.00% $1,710 50.00% $4,530 50.00% Vermilion UMC $1,446 50.00% $876 50.00% $2,322 50.00% Crossville UMC $4,308 50.00% $2,610 50.00% $6,918 50.00% Clay's Prairie UMC $174 50.00% $102 50.00% $276 50.00% McHenry UMC $846 50.00% $516 50.00% $1,362 50.00% Grandview UMC $490 41.67% $300 41.67% $790 41.67% Dahlgren UMC $768 50.00% $468 50.00% $1,236 50.00% Scottland UMC $395 41.67% $240 41.67% $635 41.67% Macedonia UMC $564 50.00% $342 50.00% $906 50.00% Effingham Centenary UMC $16,356 50.00% $9,906 50.00% $26,262 50.00% Dale UMC $260 33.33% $156 33.33% $416 33.33% Falmouth UMC $1,224 50.00% $744 50.00% $1,968 50.00% Webb's Chapel UMC $348 50.00% $210 50.00% $558 50.00% Stewardson UMC $2,556 50.00% $1,548 50.00% $4,104 50.00% DeSoto UMC $1,650 50.00% $996 50.00% $2,646 50.00% Mode UMC $1,014 50.00% $618 50.00% $1,632 50.00% Hallidayboro UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Strasburg UMC $2,976 100.00% $1,800 100.00% $4,776 100.00% DuQuoin UMC $614 3.83% $809 8.33% $1,423 5.53% Washington UMC $798 50.00% $486 50.00% $1,284 50.00% Eldorado UMC $627 8.33% $380 8.33% $1,007 8.33% Gaskill UMC $450 50.00% $276 50.00% $726 50.00% Raleigh UMC $534 50.00% $324 50.00% $858 50.00% Flat Rock UMC $2,071 62.99% $1,381 69.33% $3,452 65.38% Elkville UMC $576 50.00% $348 50.00% $924 50.00% Harmon UMC $590 41.67% $360 41.67% $950 41.67% Energy UMC $1,086 50.00% $660 50.00% $1,746 50.00% Montrose UMC $630 50.00% $384 50.00% $1,014 50.00% Enfield UMC $1,395 41.67% $845 41.67% $2,240 41.67% Harvest UMC $1,230 50.00% $744 50.00% $1,974 50.00% Wesley Chapel UMC $780 50.00% $474 50.00% $1,254 50.00% Humboldt UMC $1,040 41.67% $630 41.67% $1,670 41.67% Equality UMC $1,476 50.00% $894 50.00% $2,370 50.00% Kansas UMC $1,872 50.00% $1,134 50.00% $3,006 50.00% Wesley Chapel UMC $1,680 50.00% $1,020 50.00% $2,700 50.00% Kirk Chapel UMC $480 50.00% $288 50.00% $768 50.00% Ridgway UMC $1,110 50.00% $672 50.00% $1,782 50.00% Lerna UMC $408 50.00% $246 50.00% $654 50.00% Fountain UMC $1,092 50.00% $660 50.00% $1,752 50.00% Dunlap UMC $768 50.00% $468 50.00% $1,236 50.00% Galatia UMC $990 50.00% $600 50.00% $1,590 50.00% Marshall Asbury UMC $280 33.33% $168 33.33% $448 33.33% Glendale UMC $2,148 50.00% $1,302 50.00% $3,450 50.00% Marshall First UMC $11,442 50.00% $6,930 50.00% $18,372 50.00% Eddyville UMC $918 50.00% $558 50.00% $1,476 50.00% Marshall Armstrong UMC $3,414 50.00% $2,070 50.00% $5,484 50.00% Taylor UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Marshall Emmanuel UMC $1,986 50.00% $1,200 50.00% $3,186 50.00% Golconda UMC $1,368 50.00% $828 50.00% $2,196 50.00% Zion UMC $2,611 58.33% $1,582 58.33% $4,193 58.33% Cave In Rock UMC $558 50.00% $336 50.00% $894 50.00% Marshall Trinity UMC $1,665 25.00% $1,008 25.00% $2,673 25.00% Elizabethtown UMC $228 50.00% $138 50.00% $366 50.00% Brick UMC $139 6.24% $201 15.00% $339 9.51% Goreville UMC $4,340 47.59% $2,660 48.19% $7,000 47.81% Patton UMC $900 50.00% $546 50.00% $1,446 50.00% Creal Springs UMC $1,614 50.00% $978 50.00% $2,592 50.00% Martinsville UMC $2,034 50.00% $1,230 50.00% $3,264 50.00% Grand Tower UMC $636 50.00% $384 50.00% $1,020 50.00% Mattoon First UMC $20,544 50.00% $12,444 50.00% $32,988 50.00% Wolf Lake UMC $714 50.00% $432 50.00% $1,146 50.00% Coffeen UMC $1,098 50.00% $666 50.00% $1,764 50.00% Ware UMC $858 50.00% $522 50.00% $1,380 50.00% Fillmore UMC $816 50.00% $492 50.00% $1,308 50.00% West Frankfort Antioch UMC $1,182 50.00% $714 50.00% $1,896 50.00% Hillsboro UMC $4,385 41.67% $2,655 41.67% $7,040 41.67% West Frankfort Central UMC $834 50.00% $504 50.00% $1,338 50.00% Irving UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% West Frankfort First UMC $1,008 50.00% $612 50.00% $1,620 50.00% Witt UMC $1,260 50.00% $762 50.00% $2,022 50.00% Greenwood UMC $1,212 50.00% $732 50.00% $1,944 50.00% Neoga UMC $3,054 50.00% $1,848 50.00% $4,902 50.00% Harrisburg First UMC $7,845 41.67% $4,750 41.67% $12,595 41.67% Etna UMC $534 50.00% $324 50.00% $858 50.00% Herrin UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Newton Grace UMC $4,944 50.00% $2,994 50.00% $7,938 50.00% Hurst UMC $492 50.00% $300 50.00% $792 50.00% Nokomis UMC $4,446 50.00% $2,694 50.00% $7,140 50.00% Johnston City UMC $1,568 16.67% $950 16.67% $2,518 16.67% Oakland UMC $1,104 50.00% $666 50.00% $1,770 50.00% Stiritz UMC $1,236 50.00% $750 50.00% $1,986 50.00% Westfield UMC $1,710 50.00% $1,032 50.00% $2,742 50.00% Jonesboro UMC $876 50.00% $534 50.00% $1,410 50.00% Oak Ridge UMC $534 50.00% $324 50.00% $858 50.00% Walnut Grove UMC $876 50.00% $528 50.00% $1,404 50.00% Oblong Central UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Joppa UMC $816 50.00% $492 50.00% $1,308 50.00% Oblong Evangelical UMC $4,885 41.67% $2,960 41.67% $7,845 41.67% Oak Grove UMC $520 41.67% $315 41.67% $835 41.67% Oliver UMC $624 50.00% $378 50.00% $1,002 50.00% Karnak UMC $2,910 50.00% $1,764 50.00% $4,674 50.00% Palestine First UMC $882 50.00% $534 50.00% $1,416 50.00% Powers UMC $1,566 50.00% $948 50.00% $2,514 50.00% Palestine Grace UMC $690 50.00% $414 50.00% $1,104 50.00% Marion Aldersgate UMC $29,142 50.00% $17,652 50.00% $46,794 50.00% Paris First UMC $9,408 50.00% $5,700 50.00% $15,108 50.00% Marion First UMC $11,862 50.00% $7,188 50.00% $19,050 50.00% Pearl Chapel UMC $1,326 50.00% $804 50.00% $2,130 50.00% McLeansboro First UMC $5,934 50.00% $3,594 50.00% $9,528 50.00% Robinson First UMC $593 3.23% $582 5.23% $1,175 3.99% Metropolis UMC $9,695 32.71% $4,773 26.59% $14,468 30.40% Robinson Otterbein UMC $642 6.75% $393 6.81% $1,035 6.77% Mount Moriah UMC $618 50.00% $378 50.00% $996 50.00% Hutsonville UMC $1,302 50.00% $792 50.00% $2,094 50.00% Pleasant Grove UMC $516 50.00% $312 50.00% $828 50.00% Fairview UMC $900 100.00% $552 100.00% $1,452 100.00% Murphysboro UMC $9,725 41.67% $5,890 41.67% $15,615 41.67% Trinity Chapel UMC $810 50.00% $492 50.00% $1,302 50.00% New Burnside UMC $606 50.00% $366 50.00% $972 50.00% Saint Elmo First UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Norris City UMC $4,158 50.00% $2,520 50.00% $6,678 50.00% Fourth Street UMC $1,260 50.00% $762 0.00% $2,022 80.00% Shiloh UMC $760 41.67% $460 41.67% $1,220 41.67% Wesley Chapel UMC $756 50.00% $462 50.00% $1,218 50.00% Ohio Chapel UMC $2,766 50.00% $1,674 50.00% $4,440 50.00% Shelbyville First UMC $7,184 33.33% $4,352 33.33% $11,536 33.33% Olive Branch UMC $882 50.00% $534 50.00% $1,416 50.00% Sugar Grove UMC $1,248 50.00% $756 50.00% $2,004 50.00% Olmsted UMC $522 50.00% $- 0.00% $522 31.07% Tower Hill UMC $1,390 32.09% $850 32.49% $2,240 32.24% Pinckneyville UMC $7,225 41.67% $4,380 41.67% $11,605 41.67% Herrick UMC $852 50.00% $516 50.00% $1,368 50.00% Rosiclare UMC $792 50.00% $480 50.00% $1,272 50.00% Vandalia Haley Chapel UMC $1,086 50.00% $660 50.00% $1,746 50.00% Sesser UMC $4,422 50.00% $2,682 50.00% $7,104 50.00% Mount Carmel UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Valier UMC $920 41.67% $555 41.67% $1,475 41.67% Vandalia Luster Chapel UMC $144 50.00% $70 41.67% $214 46.93% Shawneetown UMC $1,026 50.00% $624 50.00% $1,650 50.00% Watson UMC $1,890 50.00% $1,146 50.00% $3,036 50.00% Sunfield UMC $3,255 41.67% $1,970 41.67% $5,225 41.67% West Liberty UMC $798 50.00% $480 50.00% $1,278 50.00% Tamms UMC $936 50.00% $570 50.00% $1,506 50.00% Kedron UMC $834 50.00% $504 50.00% $1,338 50.00% Tate's Chapel UMC $1,519 58.33% $924 58.33% $2,443 58.33% Willow Hill UMC $1,452 50.00% $882 50.00% $2,334 50.00% Vergennes Faith UMC $1,590 50.00% $966 50.00% $2,556 50.00% Windsor UMC $1,965 41.67% $1,190 41.67% $3,155 41.67% Vergennes Wesley UMC $906 50.00% $552 50.00% $1,458 50.00% Zion UMC $1,110 50.00% $672 50.00% $1,782 50.00% Vienna UMC $7,115 41.67% $4,310 41.67% $11,425 41.67% Zion Hill UMC $1,326 50.00% $804 50.00% $2,130 50.00% West Frankfort Trinity UMC $12,210 50.00% $7,398 50.00% $19,608 50.00% Zeigler UMC $875 41.67% $530 41.67% $1,405 41.67% Embarras River District Totals $211,667 42.13% $128,668 42.49% $340,334 42.27% Royalton UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% ILLINOIS RIVER DISTRICT Zion UMC $1,122 50.00% $684 50.00% $1,806 50.00% Bartonville UMC $3,438 50.00% $2,082 50.00% $5,520 50.00% Cache River District Totals $253,021 42.07% $151,858 41.68% $404,879 41.92% Blue Ridge UMC $816 50.00% $492 50.00% $1,308 50.00% Bradford Leet Memorial UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00%

The Current |August 2012 | 14 apportionments CONFERENCE APPORTIONMENT RECEIPTS AS OF *Churches reflecting contributions of 50% or greater of total apportionments are considered current. JUNE 2012*

District/Church CS/Adm CS/Adm B/CM B/CM Total Total District/Church CS/Adm CS/Adm B/CM B/CM Total Total Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid ILLINOIS RIVER DISTRICT (cont.) IROQUOIS RIVER DISTRICT (cont.) Boyd's Grove UMC $1,476 50.00% $894 50.00% $2,370 50.00% Oakwood UMC $3,108 50.00% $1,884 50.00% $4,992 50.00% Brimfield UMC $1,032 50.00% $624 50.00% $1,656 50.00% Hebron UMC $828 50.00% $504 50.00% $1,332 50.00% Canton South Park UMC $438 11.69% $315 13.87% $752 12.51% Gibson City UMC $3,308 16.67% $2,004 16.67% $5,312 16.67% Shields' Chapel UMC $2,574 50.00% $1,560 50.00% $4,134 50.00% Gifford UMC $1,140 50.00% $690 50.00% $1,830 50.00% Canton Wesley UMC $25,758 50.00% $15,606 50.00% $41,364 50.00% Ludlow UMC $1,524 50.00% $924 50.00% $2,448 50.00% Chillicothe First UMC $11,730 50.00% $7,104 50.00% $18,834 50.00% Gilman UMC $2,141 27.66% $1,310 27.99% $3,451 27.78% Crossroads UMC $7,196 10.00% $21,798 50.00% $28,994 25.00% Ashkum UMC $1,686 50.00% $1,020 50.00% $2,706 50.00% Cuba UMC $403 8.33% $244 8.33% $647 8.33% Hindsboro UMC $1,056 50.00% $240 18.69% $1,296 38.16% London Mills UMC $2,232 50.00% $1,350 50.00% $3,582 50.00% Homer UMC $4,992 50.00% $3,024 50.00% $8,016 50.00% Dayspring UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Hoopeston UMC $5,070 50.00% $3,072 50.00% $8,142 50.00% Deer Creek UMC $1,098 50.00% $666 50.00% $1,764 50.00% Wellington UMC $1,314 50.00% $798 50.00% $2,112 50.00% Delavan UMC $6,252 50.00% $3,786 50.00% $10,038 50.00% Iroquois UMC $540 50.00% $330 50.00% $870 50.00% Dunlap Prospect UMC $8,990 41.67% $5,445 41.67% $14,435 41.67% Sheldon UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% East Peoria Faith UMC $940 27.39% $519 25.00% $1,459 26.49% Loda UMC $5,016 50.00% $3,036 50.00% $8,052 50.00% Zion Evangelical UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Mahomet UMC $18,612 50.00% $11,274 50.00% $29,886 50.00% East Peoria First UMC $10,380 50.00% $6,288 50.00% $16,668 50.00% Mansfield UMC $5,334 50.00% $3,234 50.00% $8,568 50.00% Edwards UMC $888 66.67% $536 66.67% $1,424 66.67% Melvin UMC $4,740 100.00% $2,880 100.00% $7,620 100.00% Eureka UMC $8,418 50.00% $5,100 50.00% $13,518 50.00% Middlefork UMC $1,722 50.00% $1,044 50.00% $2,766 50.00% Farmington UMC $3,345 41.67% $2,025 41.67% $5,370 41.67% Collison UMC $615 41.67% $375 41.67% $990 41.67% Glasford UMC $960 10.09% $640 11.00% $1,600 10.00% Milford UMC $2,814 50.00% $1,704 50.00% $4,518 50.00% Green Valley First UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Stockland UMC $1,212 50.00% $738 50.00% $1,950 50.00% Hopedale UMC $1,925 41.67% $1,165 41.67% $3,090 41.67% Mount Vernon UMC $1,824 50.00% $1,104 50.00% $2,928 50.00% Hanna City UMC $2,515 41.67% $1,525 41.67% $4,040 41.67% Newman UMC $2,586 50.00% $1,566 50.00% $4,152 50.00% Trivoli UMC $2,388 50.00% $1,446 50.00% $3,834 50.00% Murdock UMC $588 50.00% $354 50.00% $942 50.00% Henry UMC $6,575 87.95% $2,694 60.00% $9,269 77.00% Ogden UMC $1,716 50.00% $1,038 50.00% $2,754 50.00% Washburn UMC $700 19.32% $550 25.00% $1,250 21.00% Broadlands UMC $1,926 50.00% $1,164 50.00% $3,090 50.00% Kewanee First UMC $10,476 50.00% $6,342 50.00% $16,818 50.00% Onarga UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Lacon Sparland UMC $2,765 41.67% $1,675 41.67% $4,440 41.67% Piper City UMC $322 8.33% $195 8.33% $517 8.33% Varna UMC $1,416 50.00% $858 50.00% $2,274 50.00% Paxton First UMC $10,754 61.13% $3,552 33.33% $14,306 50.64% LaFayette UMC $369 5.94% $151 4.01% $520 5.21% Pleasant Grove UMC $318 50.00% $192 50.00% $510 50.00% West Jersey UMC $828 50.00% $504 50.00% $1,332 50.00% Quest UMC $4,265 41.67% $2,585 41.67% $6,850 41.67% Laura UMC $2,300 41.67% $1,390 41.67% $3,690 41.67% Rantoul First UMC $6,562 34.65% $3,844 33.51% $10,406 34.22% Monica UMC $890 41.67% $540 41.67% $1,430 41.67% Ridge Farm UMC $875 41.67% $530 41.67% $1,405 41.67% Lewistown UMC $5,550 50.00% $3,360 50.00% $8,910 50.00% Indianola UMC $804 50.00% $486 50.00% $1,290 50.00% Mackinaw UMC $8,592 50.00% $5,202 50.00% $13,794 50.00% Roberts UMC $846 50.00% $510 50.00% $1,356 50.00% Manito UMC $3,428 33.33% $2,076 33.33% $5,504 33.33% Thawville UMC $336 33.33% $204 33.33% $540 33.33% Maples Mill UMC $1,878 50.00% $1,140 50.00% $3,018 50.00% Rossville UMC $4,794 50.00% $2,904 50.00% $7,698 50.00% Morton UMC $22,860 50.00% $13,848 50.00% $36,708 50.00% Bismarck UMC $2,430 50.00% $1,470 50.00% $3,900 50.00% Mossville UMC $5,288 33.33% $3,204 33.33% $8,492 33.33% Sadorus UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Mount Pleasant UMC $1,278 50.00% $774 50.00% $2,052 50.00% Parkville UMC $648 50.00% $390 50.00% $1,038 50.00% Norris UMC $414 50.00% $252 50.00% $666 50.00% Saint Joseph UMC $- 0.00% $4,325 41.67% $4,325 15.81% Providence Chapel UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Farmer City UMC $3,330 50.00% $2,016 50.00% $5,346 50.00% Pekin First UMC $22,744 50.17% $13,774 50.00% $36,517 50.00% Weedman UMC $1,950 50.00% $1,182 50.00% $3,132 50.00% Pekin Grace UMC $16,908 50.00% $10,242 50.00% $27,150 50.00% Weldon UMC $3,339 75.00% $2,025 75.00% $5,364 75.00% Peoria Bethel UMC $9,048 50.00% $5,478 50.00% $14,526 50.00% Savoy UMC $9,108 50.00% $5,514 50.00% $14,622 50.00% Peoria Bradley Epworth UMC $18,780 50.00% $11,376 50.00% $30,156 50.00% Shiloh UMC $1,746 50.00% $1,062 50.00% $2,808 50.00% Peoria First UMC $64,056 50.00% $38,802 50.00% $102,858 50.00% Sidell UMC $4,176 50.00% $2,526 50.00% $6,702 50.00% Peoria Forrest Hill UMC $6,552 50.00% $3,966 50.00% $10,518 50.00% Sullivan UMC $7,580 41.67% $4,590 41.67% $12,170 41.67% Peoria Madison Avenue UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Tolono UMC $3,455 41.67% $2,095 41.67% $5,550 41.67% Peoria Northwest UMC $3,975 25.00% $2,409 25.00% $6,384 25.00% Pesotum UMC $1,110 41.67% $670 41.67% $1,780 41.67% Peoria University UMC $12,132 50.00% $7,350 50.00% $19,482 50.00% Tuscola UMC $10,644 50.00% $6,444 50.00% $17,088 50.00% Princeville UMC $6,996 50.00% $4,236 50.00% $11,232 50.00% Urbana First UMC $3,894 16.67% $2,358 16.67% $6,252 16.67% RiversEdge UMC $4,383 37.50% $2,655 37.50% $7,038 37.50% Urbana Grace UMC $7,758 50.00% $4,698 50.00% $12,456 50.00% Saint David UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Urbana Wesley UMC $10,176 50.00% $6,168 50.00% $16,344 50.00% Bryant UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Villa Grove UMC $7,338 50.00% $4,446 50.00% $11,784 50.00% Smithfield Brock UMC $1,254 50.00% $762 50.00% $2,016 50.00% Watseka UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Locust Lane UMC $1,140 50.00% $690 50.00% $1,830 50.00% Woodland UMC $762 50.00% $462 50.00% $1,224 50.00% Texas UMC $210 25.00% $126 25.00% $336 25.00% Tiskilwa Community Church UM/AB $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Iroquois River District Totals $358,071 43.97% $217,770 44.14% $575,840 44.03% Sheffield UMC $1,182 50.00% $714 50.00% $1,896 50.00% Toulon UMC $2,847 25.00% $2,300 33.33% $5,147 28.14% KASKASKIA RIVER DISTRICT Tremont UMC $3,460 16.67% $2,096 16.67% $5,556 16.67% Albion UMC $5,106 50.00% $3,096 50.00% $8,202 50.00% Washington Evangelical UMC $9,288 50.00% $5,628 50.00% $14,916 50.00% Bethel UMC $1,998 50.00% $1,212 50.00% $3,210 50.00% White Chapel UMC $1,460 33.33% $884 33.33% $2,344 33.33% Allendale UMC $1,044 50.00% $630 50.00% $1,674 50.00% Kingston Mines UMC $1,272 50.00% $774 50.00% $2,046 50.00% Alma UMC $624 50.00% $378 50.00% $1,002 50.00% Monterey UMC $1,098 50.00% $666 50.00% $1,764 50.00% Pleasant Grove UMC $522 50.00% $318 50.00% $840 50.00% Willow Hill UMC $12,858 50.00% $7,788 50.00% $20,646 50.00% Asbury Chapel UMC $552 50.00% $336 50.00% $888 50.00% Wyoming UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Bellmont UMC $700 41.67% $425 41.67% $1,125 41.67% Neponset UMC $400 14.81% $80 4.90% $480 11.08% Ashley UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Richview UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Illinois River District Totals $382,841 41.19% $248,565 44.15% $631,407 42.31% Beulah UMC $10,810 83.33% $6,550 83.33% $17,360 83.33% Bluford Otterbein UMC $1,753 49.52% $1,069 49.77% $2,822 49.61% IROQUOIS RIVER DISTRICT Wayne City UMC $1,926 50.00% $1,164 50.00% $3,090 50.00% Allerton UMC $696 50.00% $420 50.00% $1,116 50.00% Bonnie UMC $94 5.80% $56 6.00% $150 6.00% Arcola UMC $6,054 50.00% $3,666 50.00% $9,720 50.00% Bridgeport UMC $3,940 41.67% $2,385 41.67% $6,325 41.67% Arthur UMC $5,690 41.67% $3,450 41.67% $9,140 41.67% Petrolia UMC $516 50.00% $312 50.00% $828 50.00% Batestown UMC $1,010 41.67% $610 41.67% $1,620 41.67% Browns UMC $966 50.00% $588 50.00% $1,554 50.00% Union Corner UMC $1,206 50.00% $732 50.00% $1,938 50.00% Calhoun UMC $1,206 50.00% $732 50.00% $1,938 50.00% Bellflower UMC $1,164 50.00% $708 50.00% $1,872 50.00% Ebenezer UMC $906 50.00% $552 50.00% $1,458 50.00% Bement UMC $4,890 50.00% $2,965 50.00% $7,855 50.00% Centralia First UMC $5,552 33.33% $3,364 33.33% $8,916 33.33% Bondville UMC $1,944 50.00% $1,176 50.00% $3,120 50.00% Irvington UMC $650 41.67% $395 41.67% $1,045 41.67% Camargo UMC $2,742 50.00% $1,662 50.00% $4,404 50.00% Chauncey UMC $972 75.00% $585 75.00% $1,557 75.00% Catlin UMC $5,946 50.00% $3,606 50.00% $9,552 50.00% Landes UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Centerville UMC $1,770 50.00% $1,074 50.00% $2,844 50.00% Claremont UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Seymour UMC $612 50.00% $372 50.00% $984 50.00% Prairieton UMC $60 16.13% $60 26.32% $120 20.00% White Heath UMC $642 50.00% $390 50.00% $1,032 50.00% Dix UMC $732 50.00% $444 50.00% $1,176 50.00% Champaign Faith UMC $23,844 50.00% $14,442 50.00% $38,286 50.00% Union Chapel UMC $600 41.67% $365 41.67% $965 41.67% Champaign First UMC $33,630 50.00% $20,370 50.00% $54,000 50.00% Garrison Temple UMC $486 50.00% $294 50.00% $780 50.00% Champaign New Horizon UMC $27,354 50.00% $16,566 50.00% $43,920 50.00% Enterprise UMC $1,704 50.00% $1,032 50.00% $2,736 50.00% Cissna Park UMC $1,134 50.00% $684 50.00% $1,818 50.00% West UMC $1,044 50.00% $630 50.00% $1,674 50.00% Rankin UMC $2,256 100.00% $1,368 100.00% $3,624 100.00% Fairfield Ellen Moore UMC $3,642 50.00% $2,208 50.00% $5,850 50.00% Countryside UMC $4,390 39.76% $2,651 39.66% $7,041 39.73% Fairfield First UMC $9,375 41.67% $5,680 41.67% $15,055 41.67% Danville Bowman Avenue UMC $1,818 50.00% $1,104 50.00% $2,922 50.00% Fairview UMC $312 50.00% $186 50.00% $498 50.00% Danville Farmers Chapel UMC $1,662 50.00% $1,008 50.00% $2,670 50.00% Farina UMC $3,516 50.00% $2,130 50.00% $5,646 50.00% Danville First UMC $2,628 25.00% $1,593 25.00% $4,221 25.00% Louisville UMC $1,494 16.67% $906 16.67% $2,400 16.67% Danville Saint James UMC $28,266 50.00% $17,124 50.00% $45,390 50.00% Flora First UMC $9,948 50.00% $6,024 50.00% $15,972 50.00% Donovan UMC $1,656 50.00% $1,002 50.00% $2,658 50.00% Flora Trinity UMC $1,260 50.00% $762 50.00% $2,022 50.00% Crescent City UMC $1,314 50.00% $798 50.00% $2,112 50.00% Centralia Demaree UMC $272 3.93% $168 4.00% $440 3.96% Fairmount UMC $1,146 50.00% $696 50.00% $1,842 50.00% Centralia Faith UMC $3,222 50.00% $1,956 50.00% $5,178 50.00% Fairview UMC $756 58.33% $462 58.33% $1,218 58.33% Odin UMC $1,010 41.67% $610 41.67% $1,620 41.67% Georgetown UMC $1,770 50.00% $1,074 50.00% $2,844 50.00% Shattuc UMC $2,034 50.00% $1,230 50.00% $3,264 50.00% Fisher UMC $1,917 25.00% $1,161 25.00% $3,078 25.00% Gilead UMC $1,032 100.00% $624 100.00% $1,656 100.00% Fithian UMC $3,432 50.00% $2,082 50.00% $5,514 50.00% Golden Gate UMC $510 50.00% $312 50.00% $822 50.00% apportionements The Current | August 2012 | 15 CONFERENCE APPORTIONMENT RECEIPTS AS OF *Churches reflecting contributions of 50% or greater of total apportionments are considered current. JUNE 2012*

District/Church CS/Adm CS/Adm B/CM B/CM Total Total District/Church CS/Adm CS/Adm B/CM B/CM Total Total Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid KASKASKIA RIVER DISTRICT (cont.) LAMOINE RIVER DISTRICT (cont.) Conway UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Vermont UMC $1,650 50.00% $996 50.00% $2,646 50.00% Grayville UMC $4,002 50.00% $2,424 50.00% $6,426 50.00% Jacksonville Asbury UMC $828 50.00% $504 50.00% $1,332 50.00% Fortney UMC $504 50.00% $306 50.00% $810 50.00% Lynnville UMC $702 50.00% $426 50.00% $1,128 50.00% Hopewell UMC $78 18.06% $47 17.80% $125 17.96% Jacksonville Centenary UMC $4,254 25.00% $2,577 25.00% $6,831 25.00% Olive Branch UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Jacksonville Brooklyn UMC $2,262 50.00% $1,368 50.00% $3,630 50.00% Ina UMC $468 50.00% $282 50.00% $750 50.00% Jacksonville Grace UMC $11,330 41.67% $6,865 41.67% $18,195 41.67% Waltonville UMC $984 50.00% $594 50.00% $1,578 50.00% Jacksonville Wesley Chapel UMC $6,960 50.00% $4,212 50.00% $11,172 50.00% Kinmundy First UMC $6,234 50.00% $3,780 50.00% $10,014 50.00% Jerseyville UMC $22,761 75.00% $15,320 83.33% $38,081 78.00% Wesley UMC $708 50.00% $432 50.00% $1,140 50.00% Living Faith UMC $4,955 41.67% $3,000 41.67% $7,955 41.67% Lancaster UMC $612 50.00% $372 50.00% $984 50.00% Loraine UMC $2,304 50.00% $1,392 50.00% $3,696 50.00% Pleasant Grove UMC $432 50.00% $264 50.00% $696 50.00% Manchester UMC $330 50.00% $198 50.00% $528 50.00% Nye Chapel UMC $240 50.00% $144 50.00% $384 50.00% Mount Sterling First UMC $2,952 33.33% $1,788 33.33% $4,740 33.33% Lawrenceville First UMC $11,520 56.41% $1,862 15.05% $13,382 40.80% Columbus UMC $942 50.00% $570 50.00% $1,512 50.00% Lawrenceville Otterbein UMC $200 5.95% $- 0.00% $200 3.71% Murrayville UMC $5,364 50.00% $3,252 50.00% $8,616 50.00% May Chapel UMC $300 41.67% $180 41.67% $480 41.67% New Hope UMC $468 33.33% $284 33.33% $752 33.33% Lawrenceville Zion UMC $2,454 50.00% $1,488 50.00% $3,942 50.00% Palmyra UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Billett UMC $2,412 50.00% $1,464 50.00% $3,876 50.00% Modesto UMC $865 41.67% $525 41.67% $1,390 41.67% Mount Carmel Evangelical UMC $10,932 50.00% $6,624 50.00% $17,556 50.00% Payson UMC $1,620 50.00% $984 50.00% $2,604 50.00% Mount Carmel Trinity UMC $2,712 25.00% $1,644 25.00% $4,356 25.00% Pittsfield UMC $8,442 50.00% $5,112 50.00% $13,554 50.00% Adams Corner UMC $564 50.00% $342 50.00% $906 50.00% Pleasant Grove UMC $1,296 50.00% $786 50.00% $2,082 50.00% Mount Vernon Epworth UMC $2,322 50.00% $1,404 50.00% $3,726 50.00% Paloma UMC $774 50.00% $468 50.00% $1,242 50.00% Hopewell UMC $414 50.00% $252 50.00% $666 50.00% Oakford UMC $960 16.67% $582 16.67% $1,542 16.67% Zion UMC $1,074 50.00% $648 50.00% $1,722 50.00% Bath UMC $595 41.67% $360 41.67% $955 41.67% Mount Vernon First UMC $19,446 50.00% $11,778 50.00% $31,224 50.00% Fairview UMC $846 50.00% $510 50.00% $1,356 50.00% Mount Vernon Wesley UMC $2,256 50.00% $1,368 50.00% $3,624 50.00% Quincy Melrose Chapel UMC $4,662 25.00% $2,823 25.00% $7,485 25.00% Mount Vernon West Salem Trinity UMC $8,070 50.00% $4,890 50.00% $12,960 50.00% Quincy Union UMC $8,466 50.00% $3,500 34.15% $11,966 44.03% Mount Zion UMC $1,624 33.33% $984 33.33% $2,608 33.33% Quincy Vermont Street UMC $18,270 50.00% $11,064 50.00% $29,334 50.00% Brown's Chapel UMC $1,836 50.00% $1,116 50.00% $2,952 50.00% Rural UMC $2,736 100.00% $1,656 100.00% $4,392 100.00% Noble UMC $350 41.67% $210 41.67% $560 41.67% Rushville First UMC $7,836 50.00% $4,746 50.00% $12,582 50.00% Olney First UMC $9,440 41.67% $5,715 41.67% $15,155 41.67% Barry UMC $1,905 41.67% $1,155 41.67% $3,060 41.67% Olney Immanuel UMC $2,656 19.40% $1,771 21.00% $4,427 20.00% Hull UMC $2,328 50.00% $1,410 50.00% $3,738 50.00% Olney Saint Paul UMC $3,754 41.43% $1,833 33.00% $5,587 38.00% New Canton UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Parkersburg UMC $606 50.00% $366 50.00% $972 50.00% Pleasant Hill UMC $684 50.00% $414 50.00% $1,098 50.00% Ebenezer UMC $1,164 100.00% $708 100.00% $1,872 100.00% Hamburg UMC $192 50.00% $114 50.00% $306 50.00% Little Wabash UMC $660 50.00% $396 50.00% $1,056 50.00% Virden First UMC $3,450 50.00% $2,088 50.00% $5,538 50.00% Pinkstaff UMC $2,250 50.00% $1,362 50.00% $3,612 50.00% Girard UMC $3,018 50.00% $1,830 50.00% $4,848 50.00% Saint Francisville UMC $1,572 50.00% $954 50.00% $2,526 50.00% Virginia UMC $6,924 50.00% $4,194 50.00% $11,118 50.00% Salem Grace UMC $12,780 50.00% $7,740 50.00% $20,520 50.00% Waverly UMC $3,468 50.00% $2,100 50.00% $5,568 50.00% Salem Trinity UMC $2,466 25.00% $1,494 25.00% $3,960 25.00% Brooklyn UMC $492 50.00% $294 50.00% $786 50.00% Iuka UMC $1,488 50.00% $906 50.00% $2,394 50.00% Ebenezer UMC $438 50.00% $264 50.00% $702 50.00% Cubbage Chapel UMC $270 50.00% $162 50.00% $432 50.00% Houston UMC $684 50.00% $414 50.00% $1,098 50.00% Sandoval UMC $2,886 50.00% $1,752 50.00% $4,638 50.00% Littleton UMC $906 50.00% $552 50.00% $1,458 50.00% Patoka UMC $2,275 41.67% $1,375 41.67% $3,650 41.67% Clayton Federated UMC $1,644 50.00% $996 50.00% $2,640 50.00% Boulder UMC $774 50.00% $468 50.00% $1,242 50.00% Camden UMC $1,122 50.00% $678 50.00% $1,800 50.00% Sumner UMC $6,030 39.44% $3,695 40.00% $9,725 40.00% Elm Grove UMC $564 50.00% $342 50.00% $906 50.00% Clay City UMC $2,880 50.00% $1,746 50.00% $4,626 50.00% Winchester UMC $5,166 50.00% $6,252 100.00% $11,418 69.00% Harmony UMC $1,632 50.00% $990 50.00% $2,622 50.00% Bethel UMC $- 0.00% $1,980 100.00% $1,980 37.67% LaMoine River District Totals $231,359 45.00% $142,866 45.54% $374,224 45.20% Union Chapel UMC $744 50.00% $450 50.00% $1,194 50.00% Vandalia First UMC $14,640 50.00% $8,868 50.00% $23,508 50.00% MISSISSIPPI RIVER DISTRICT Bethel UMC $1,098 75.00% $666 75.00% $1,764 75.00% Alton Grace UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Cisne UMC $804 50.00% $486 50.00% $1,290 50.00% Hartford UMC $1,230 50.00% $744 50.00% $1,974 50.00% Johnsonville UMC $594 50.00% $360 50.00% $954 50.00% Elsah UMC $1,092 50.00% $660 50.00% $1,752 50.00% West Salem Zion UMC $3,876 50.00% $2,352 50.00% $6,228 50.00% Alton Main Street UMC $23,040 50.00% $13,956 50.00% $36,996 50.00% Xenia UMC $2,688 50.00% $1,626 50.00% $4,314 50.00% Belleville Saint Matthew UMC $66,402 50.00% $40,224 50.00% $106,626 50.00% Belleville Signal Hill UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Kaskaskia River District Totals $244,865 44.61% $144,888 43.57% $389,753 44.22% Belleville Union UMC $11,804 33.33% $7,148 33.33% $18,952 33.33% New Athens UMC $1,080 50.00% $654 50.00% $1,734 50.00% Benld UMC $1,655 41.67% $1,000 41.67% $2,655 41.67% LAMOINE RIVER DISTRICT Bethalto UMC $3,182 16.11% $1,616 13.51% $4,798 15.13% Ashland UMC $2,190 50.00% $1,326 50.00% $3,516 50.00% Brighton Saint Paul UMC $4,416 50.00% $2,676 50.00% $7,092 50.00% Peter Cartwright UMC $2,628 50.00% $1,590 50.00% $4,218 50.00% Bunker Hill UMC $876 50.00% $528 50.00% $1,404 50.00% Batchtown UMC $366 50.00% $222 50.00% $588 50.00% Cahokia Park UMC $2,035 28.50% $1,247 28.79% $3,282 28.61% Beardstown UMC $5,665 41.67% $3,430 41.67% $9,095 41.67% Carlyle UMC $7,602 50.00% $4,602 50.00% $12,204 50.00% Bethel UMC $596 33.33% $360 33.33% $956 33.33% Huey UMC $714 50.00% $432 50.00% $1,146 50.00% Kane UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Beckemeyer UMC $325 41.67% $195 41.67% $520 41.67% Beverly UMC $595 41.67% $360 41.67% $955 41.67% Caseyville UMC $3,995 41.67% $2,420 41.67% $6,415 41.67% Kingston UMC $415 41.67% $- 0.00% $415 26.00% Chester UMC $2,705 41.67% $1,635 41.67% $4,340 41.67% Plainville UMC $1,458 50.00% $882 50.00% $2,340 50.00% Collinsville First UMC $7,338 50.00% $4,446 50.00% $11,784 50.00% Richfield UMC $774 50.00% $468 50.00% $1,242 50.00% Columbia Bethany UMC $7,715 41.67% $4,675 41.67% $12,390 41.67% Bluff Springs UMC $504 50.00% $306 50.00% $810 50.00% Coulterville UMC $3,594 50.00% $2,178 50.00% $5,772 50.00% Griggsville UMC $2,280 50.00% $1,380 50.00% $3,660 50.00% Tilden UMC $1,230 50.00% $744 50.00% $1,974 50.00% New Salem UMC $522 50.00% $318 50.00% $840 50.00% East Alton First UMC $6,080 33.33% $3,684 33.33% $9,764 33.33% Detroit UMC $1,452 100.00% $876 100.00% $2,328 100.00% Edwardsville Immanuel UMC $5,268 33.33% $1,596 16.67% $6,864 27.04% Florence UMC $150 50.00% $90 50.00% $240 50.00% Edwardsville Saint John's UMC $13,605 41.67% $8,240 41.67% $21,845 41.67% Oxville UMC $612 100.00% $372 100.00% $984 100.00% Ellis Grove UMC $690 50.00% $414 50.00% $1,104 50.00% Perry UMC $1,665 41.67% $1,010 41.67% $2,675 41.67% New Palestine UMC $828 50.00% $498 50.00% $1,326 50.00% Baylis UMC $282 50.00% $174 50.00% $456 50.00% Preston UMC $270 50.00% $168 50.00% $438 50.00% Camp Point UMC $4,818 50.00% $2,916 50.00% $7,734 50.00% Fairview Heights Christ UMC $54,980 41.67% $33,300 41.67% $88,280 41.67% Centennial Ebenezer UMC $1,212 50.00% $732 50.00% $1,944 50.00% Fairview Heights Prospect Park UMC $688 33.33% $416 33.33% $1,104 33.33% Carlinville UMC $8,255 41.67% $5,000 41.67% $13,255 41.67% Gillespie First UMC $2,462 24.99% $1,492 25.02% $3,954 25.00% Carrollton UMC $1,008 25.00% $609 25.00% $1,617 25.00% Glen Carbon New Bethel UMC $7,890 33.61% $7,110 50.00% $15,000 39.80% Christ UMC $2,004 - $1,212 50.00% $3,216 133.33% Godfrey UMC $9,376 33.33% $5,680 33.33% $15,056 33.33% Carthage First UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Granite City Dewey Avenue UMC $1,500 50.00% $906 50.00% $2,406 50.00% Astoria UMC $751 17.47% $456 18.00% $1,206 17.00% Granite City Good Shepherd UMC $1,385 41.67% $840 41.67% $2,225 41.67% Sheldon's Grove UMC $774 50.00% $468 50.00% $1,242 50.00% Granite City Nameoki UMC $6,135 41.67% $3,715 41.67% $9,850 41.67% Browning UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Granite City Niedringhaus UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Sugar Grove UMC $1,332 50.00% $804 50.00% $2,136 50.00% Granite City Trinity UMC $560 8.33% $339 8.33% $899 8.33% Concord UMC $828 50.00% $498 50.00% $1,326 50.00% Greenville First UMC $6,800 41.67% $4,120 41.67% $10,920 41.67% Arenzville UMC $3,726 50.00% $2,256 50.00% $5,982 50.00% Highland Hope UMC $9,954 50.00% $6,030 50.00% $15,984 50.00% Doddsville UMC $750 50.00% $450 50.00% $1,200 50.00% Lebanon First UMC $6,985 41.67% $4,230 41.67% $11,215 41.67% Bluffs UMC $2,862 50.00% $1,734 50.00% $4,596 50.00% Litchfield Saint Timothy UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Naples UMC $1,356 50.00% $822 50.00% $2,178 50.00% Marissa UMC $3,876 50.00% $2,352 50.00% $6,228 50.00% Franklin UMC $1,008 50.00% $612 50.00% $1,620 50.00% Maryville Saint Luke's UMC $9,864 50.00% $5,976 50.00% $15,840 50.00% Durbin UMC $1,197 58.33% $721 58.33% $1,918 58.33% Mascoutah Bethel UMC $6,156 50.00% $3,726 50.00% $9,882 50.00% Grafton UMC $1,968 100.00% $1,188 100.00% $3,156 100.00% Medora UMC $792 50.00% $480 50.00% $1,272 50.00% Rosedale UMC $1,254 50.00% $756 50.00% $2,010 50.00% Piasa UMC $864 50.00% $522 50.00% $1,386 50.00% Greenfield UMC $3,492 50.00% $2,118 50.00% $5,610 50.00% Mount Olive UMC $76 2.04% $- 0.00% $76 1.27% Rock Bridge UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Sorento UMC $534 50.00% $324 50.00% $858 50.00% Hamilton UMC $2,358 50.00% $1,428 50.00% $3,786 50.00% Mulberry Grove UMC $1,116 50.00% $678 50.00% $1,794 50.00% Warsaw UMC $2,292 50.00% $1,386 50.00% $3,678 50.00% Pleasant Mound UMC $730 83.33% $440 83.33% $1,170 83.33% Havana First UMC $3,105 25.00% $1,881 25.00% $4,986 25.00% Keyesport UMC $564 50.00% $342 50.00% $906 50.00% Industry UMC $4,440 41.67% $2,690 41.67% $7,130 41.67% Nashville Grace UMC $8,575 41.67% $5,195 41.67% $13,770 41.67%

16 | August 2012 | The Current apportionments CONFERENCE APPORTIONMENT RECEIPTS AS OF *Churches reflecting contributions of 50% or greater of total apportionments are considered current. JUNE 2012*

District/Church CS/Adm CS/Adm B/CM B/CM Total Total District/Church CS/Adm CS/Adm B/CM B/CM Total Total Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid Paid % Paid MISSISSIPPI RIVER DISTRICT (cont.) SANGAMON RIVER DISTRICT (cont.) New Baden UMC $3,618 50.00% $2,190 50.00% $5,808 50.00% Springfield Laurel UMC $22,160 41.67% $13,420 41.67% $35,580 41.67% O'Fallon First UMC $23,650 41.67% $14,325 41.67% $37,975 41.67% Springfield Northside UMC $58 0.53% $58 0.88% $115 0.66% Okawville UMC $1,578 50.00% $954 50.00% $2,532 50.00% Springfield Woodside UMC $7,524 50.00% $4,554 50.00% $12,078 50.00% Pocahontas UMC $3,402 50.00% $2,064 50.00% $5,466 50.00% Sugar Creek UMC $12,954 50.00% $7,848 50.00% $20,802 50.00% Panama UMC $1,365 41.67% $825 41.67% $2,190 41.67% Taylorville UMC $11,916 50.00% $7,218 50.00% $19,134 50.00% Rosewood Heights Saint Paul UMC $3,686 16.67% $2,234 16.67% $5,920 16.67% Thayer UMC $1,506 50.00% $912 50.00% $2,418 50.00% Saint Jacob UMC $1,100 33.33% $668 33.33% $1,768 33.33% Williamsville UMC $2,076 50.00% $1,260 50.00% $3,336 50.00% Shiloh UMC $16,680 40.87% $9,978 40.36% $26,658 40.68% Zion Chapel UMC $798 8.33% $484 8.33% $1,282 8.33% Shipman UMC $2,538 75.00% $1,539 75.00% $4,077 75.00% Decatur Central UMC $3,256 33.33% $1,972 33.33% $5,228 33.33% Dorchester UMC $395 41.67% $240 41.67% $635 41.67% Sparta First UMC $7,770 41.67% $4,710 41.67% $12,480 41.67% Sangamon River District Totals $454,711 44.01% $271,581 43.40% $726,292 43.78% Staunton UMC $2,163 83.45% $1,223 77.80% $3,386 81.32% Steeleville UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% SPOON RIVER DISTRICT Percy UMC $834 25.00% $504 25.00% $1,338 25.00% Abingdon UMC $4,810 41.67% $2,915 41.67% $7,725 41.67% Trenton First UMC $4,920 33.33% $2,980 33.33% $7,900 33.33% Aledo UMC $9,310 41.67% $5,640 41.67% $14,950 41.67% Trinity East Saint Louis UMC $489 3.32% $- 0.00% $489 2.07% Alpha UMC $3,528 50.00% $2,136 50.00% $5,664 50.00% Troy UMC $500 1.26% $2,746 11.43% $3,246 5.10% Altona UMC $3,264 50.00% $1,974 50.00% $5,238 50.00% Worden UMC $1,242 50.00% $750 50.00% $1,992 50.00% Oneida UMC $822 25.00% $498 25.00% $1,320 25.00% Wanda UMC $4,512 50.00% $2,736 50.00% $7,248 50.00% Blandinsville UMC $1,056 50.00% $642 50.00% $1,698 50.00% Wood River First UMC $2,651 31.83% $2,651 52.59% $5,301 39.66% Burnside UMC $1,800 100.00% $500 45.79% $2,300 79.53% Mississippi River District Totals $403,726 37.54% $247,911 38.06% $651,637 37.74% Bushnell UMC $3,888 50.00% $2,358 50.00% $6,246 50.00% Avon UMC $2,106 50.00% $1,278 50.00% $3,384 50.00% SANGAMON RIVER DISTRICT New Philadelphia UMC $294 50.00% $180 50.00% $474 50.00% Point Pleasant UMC $516 50.00% $312 50.00% $828 50.00% Argenta UMC $2,502 50.00% $1,518 50.00% $4,020 50.00% Colchester UMC $4,962 50.00% $3,006 50.00% $7,968 50.00% Warrensburg UMC $2,856 50.00% $1,728 50.00% $4,584 50.00% Colona UMC $5,300 41.67% $3,210 41.67% $8,510 41.67% Assumption UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Colusa UMC $930 50.00% $564 50.00% $1,494 50.00% Findlay UMC $2,928 50.00% $1,776 50.00% $4,704 50.00% East Moline Christ UMC $19,944 50.00% $12,078 50.00% $32,022 50.00% Athens UMC $3,972 50.00% $2,406 50.00% $6,378 50.00% Elmwood UMC $6,990 54.69% $4,470 57.75% $11,460 55.85% Cantrall UMC $2,880 50.00% $1,746 50.00% $4,626 50.00% Fairfield UMC $1,295 58.33% $784 58.33% $2,079 58.33% Auburn UMC $6,132 50.00% $3,714 50.00% $9,846 50.00% Fairview Center UMC $4,242 50.00% $2,568 50.00% $6,810 50.00% Bethany UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Galesburg Faith UMC $4,249 62.79% $2,125 51.77% $6,374 58.63% Sanner Chapel UMC $1,680 50.00% $1,020 50.00% $2,700 50.00% Galesburg First UMC $23,214 50.00% $14,064 50.00% $37,278 50.00% Bethel UMC $355 41.67% $215 41.67% $570 41.67% Galva Grace UMC $1,020 41.67% $620 41.67% $1,640 41.67% Bissell UMC $1,104 50.00% $672 50.00% $1,776 50.00% Geneseo First UMC $22,344 50.00% $13,536 50.00% $35,880 50.00% Blue Mound UMC $4,572 50.00% $2,283 41.18% $6,855 46.67% Cambridge UMC $4,890 50.00% $2,964 50.00% $7,854 50.00% Buckeye UMC $1,878 50.00% $1,140 50.00% $3,018 50.00% Geneseo Grace UMC $13,824 50.00% $8,370 50.00% $22,194 50.00% Owaneco UMC $1,284 33.33% $780 33.33% $2,064 33.33% Annawan Community UMC $1,734 50.00% $1,050 50.00% $2,784 50.00% South Fork UMC $3,102 50.00% $1,878 50.00% $4,980 50.00% Fairview UMC $1,720 41.67% $1,045 41.67% $2,765 41.67% Chatham UMC $10,430 41.67% $6,315 41.67% $16,745 41.67% Hooppole Zion UMC $1,308 50.00% $792 50.00% $2,100 50.00% Cisco UMC $3,948 50.00% $2,394 50.00% $6,342 50.00% Henderson UMC $576 33.33% $348 33.33% $924 33.33% Clinton UMC $15,876 60.00% $9,618 59.99% $25,494 60.00% North Henderson UMC $948 50.00% $576 50.00% $1,524 50.00% Decatur Christ UMC $3,365 41.67% $2,035 41.67% $5,400 41.67% Hills Grove UMC $678 50.00% $408 50.00% $1,086 50.00% Decatur First UMC $19,296 50.00% $11,688 50.00% $30,984 50.00% Hillsdale UMC $1,782 50.00% $1,080 50.00% $2,862 50.00% Decatur Grace UMC $30,108 50.00% $18,234 50.00% $48,342 50.00% Illinois City UMC $2,814 50.00% $1,704 50.00% $4,518 50.00% Decatur Wesley UMC $1,812 50.00% $1,098 50.00% $2,910 50.00% Pine Bluff UMC $564 50.00% $342 50.00% $906 50.00% Garver Brick UMC $3,192 100.00% $1,932 100.00% $5,124 100.00% Kirkwood UMC $1,960 41.67% $1,185 41.67% $3,145 41.67% Divernon UMC $2,466 50.00% $1,494 50.00% $3,960 50.00% Smithshire UMC $565 41.67% $340 41.67% $905 41.67% Farmersville UMC $594 50.00% $360 50.00% $954 50.00% Knoxville UMC $9,304 66.67% $4,928 58.33% $14,232 63.52% Midland UMC $1,715 41.67% $832 33.33% $2,547 38.52% LaHarpe UMC $1,404 50.00% $852 50.00% $2,256 50.00% Easton UMC $2,280 50.00% $1,380 50.00% $3,660 50.00% Durham UMC $990 50.00% $600 50.00% $1,590 50.00% Edinburg UMC $3,036 50.00% $1,842 50.00% $4,878 50.00% Terre Haute UMC $3,285 75.00% $1,989 75.00% $5,274 75.00% Stonington UMC $2,934 50.00% $1,776 50.00% $4,710 50.00% Good Hope UMC $2,976 50.00% $1,800 50.00% $4,776 50.00% Elwin UMC $5,400 50.00% $3,270 50.00% $8,670 50.00% Jerusalem UMC $1,448 33.33% $876 33.33% $2,324 33.33% Fairview UMC $1,272 50.00% $774 50.00% $2,046 50.00% Loraine UMC $4,506 50.00% $2,730 50.00% $7,236 50.00% Forsyth UMC $6,300 50.00% $3,816 50.00% $10,116 50.00% Macomb Wesley UMC $16,805 41.67% $10,180 41.67% $26,985 41.67% Fountain of Life UMC $3,552 50.00% $2,154 50.00% $5,706 50.00% Maquon UMC $2,532 50.00% $1,536 50.00% $4,068 50.00% Island Grove UMC $1,212 50.00% $738 50.00% $1,950 50.00% Douglas UMC $1,242 50.00% $756 50.00% $1,998 50.00% Kenney UMC $324 50.00% $198 50.00% $522 50.00% Orange Chapel UMC $1,062 50.00% $642 50.00% $1,704 50.00% Loami UMC $1,182 50.00% $714 50.00% $1,896 50.00% Maxey Chapel UMC $1,542 50.00% $930 50.00% $2,472 50.00% Lincoln First UMC $8,856 33.33% $1,341 8.33% $10,197 23.90% Milan Trinity UMC $4,830 50.00% $2,928 50.00% $7,758 50.00% Beason UMC $1,266 50.00% $768 50.00% $2,034 50.00% Green River UMC $672 50.00% $408 50.00% $1,080 50.00% Elkhart UMC $972 50.00% $588 50.00% $1,560 50.00% Mineral UMC $1,080 100.00% $660 100.00% $1,740 100.00% Hartsburg UMC $1,060 41.67% $640 41.67% $1,700 41.67% Moline Bethel Wesley UMC $8,826 50.00% $5,346 50.00% $14,172 50.00% Long Creek UMC $1,101 25.00% $666 25.00% $1,767 25.00% Moline Riverside UMC $20,328 50.00% $12,312 50.00% $32,640 50.00% Dalton City UMC $1,518 50.00% $918 50.00% $2,436 50.00% Monmouth First UMC $9,978 50.00% $6,042 50.00% $16,020 50.00% Macon UMC $2,592 25.00% $1,569 25.00% $4,161 25.00% Nauvoo UMC $1,452 50.00% $882 50.00% $2,334 50.00% Maroa UMC $5,808 50.00% $3,516 50.00% $9,324 50.00% Galva First UMC $4,340 41.67% $2,630 41.67% $6,970 41.67% Mason City UMC $3,820 41.67% $2,315 41.67% $6,135 41.67% Bishop Hill UMC $1,116 50.00% $678 50.00% $1,794 50.00% San Jose UMC $3,180 41.67% $1,925 41.67% $5,105 41.67% Oquawka UMC $2,382 50.00% $1,446 50.00% $3,828 50.00% Middletown UMC $780 50.00% $474 50.00% $1,254 50.00% Gladstone UMC $1,104 50.00% $672 50.00% $1,776 50.00% Monticello UMC $15,948 50.00% $9,660 50.00% $25,608 50.00% Biggsville UMC $1,278 50.00% $774 50.00% $2,052 50.00% Morrisonville UMC $3,090 50.00% $1,872 50.00% $4,962 50.00% Orion UMC $7,818 50.00% $4,734 50.00% $12,552 50.00% Mount Auburn UMC $1,085 41.67% $655 41.67% $1,740 41.67% Port Byron First UMC $4,254 50.00% $2,574 50.00% $6,828 50.00% Mount Pulaski First UMC $2,460 41.67% $1,490 41.67% $3,950 41.67% Reynolds UMC $3,135 41.67% $1,900 41.67% $5,035 41.67% Chestnut UMC $1,098 50.00% $666 50.00% $1,764 50.00% Taylor Ridge UMC $978 50.00% $594 50.00% $1,572 50.00% Latham UMC $1,374 50.00% $834 50.00% $2,208 50.00% Rock Island Two Rivers UMC $12,126 50.00% $7,344 50.00% $19,470 50.00% Mount Zion UMC $1,340 6.65% $1,340 10.98% $2,680 8.28% Roseville UMC $4,608 50.00% $2,790 50.00% $7,398 50.00% Moweaqua UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Swan Creek UMC $1,050 50.00% $636 50.00% $1,686 50.00% New Holland UMC $1,860 50.00% $1,128 50.00% $2,988 50.00% Silvis UMC $2,796 50.00% $1,692 50.00% $4,488 50.00% Waynesville UMC $3,558 50.00% $2,154 50.00% $5,712 50.00% Stronghurst UMC $2,255 41.67% $1,365 41.67% $3,620 41.67% McLean UMC $6,024 100.00% $3,648 100.00% $9,672 100.00% Carman UMC $1,836 50.00% $1,110 50.00% $2,946 50.00% New Salem UMC $1,356 50.00% $822 50.00% $2,178 50.00% Carbon Cliff UMC $1,290 50.00% $780 50.00% $2,070 50.00% Niantic UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Church of the Cross UMC $1,740 50.00% $1,056 50.00% $2,796 50.00% Illiopolis UMC $1,553 41.35% $962 42.19% $2,515 41.67% East Moline Grace UMC $984 50.00% $600 50.00% $1,584 50.00% Cerro Gordo UMC $4,392 50.00% $2,658 50.00% $7,050 50.00% Hampton UMC $1,530 50.00% $924 50.00% $2,454 50.00% Lovington UMC $2,502 50.00% $1,518 50.00% $4,020 50.00% Victoria UMC $1,790 41.67% $1,085 41.67% $2,875 41.67% Hammond UMC $1,760 41.67% $1,065 41.67% $2,825 41.67% Viola UMC $2,694 50.00% $1,632 50.00% $4,326 50.00% LaPlace UMC $1,080 50.00% $654 50.00% $1,734 50.00% Preemption UMC $3,354 50.00% $2,034 50.00% $5,388 50.00% Pana UMC $3,002 16.67% $1,818 16.67% $4,820 16.67% Walnut Grove UMC $2,634 50.00% $1,596 50.00% $4,230 50.00% Pawnee UMC $93 0.97% $57 0.98% $150 0.97% Joy UMC $1,788 50.00% $1,086 50.00% $2,874 50.00% Petersburg UMC $2,759 21.49% $1,951 25.09% $4,710 22.85% Eliza Community UMC $1,176 50.00% $- $1,176 50.00% Raymond Community Of Faith UMC $2,064 50.00% $1,254 50.00% $3,318 50.00% New Boston UMC $210 8.33% $127 8.33% $337 8.33% Riverton First UMC $4,560 50.00% $2,760 50.00% $7,320 50.00% Williamsfield UMC $2,862 50.00% $1,734 50.00% $4,596 50.00% Rochester UMC $12,966 50.00% $7,854 50.00% $20,820 50.00% Dahinda UMC $6,444 100.00% $3,900 100.00% $10,344 100.00% Sharon UMC $4,212 50.00% $2,550 50.00% $6,762 50.00% Sherman UMC $10,345 41.67% $6,265 41.67% $16,610 41.67% Spoon River District Totals $333,081 49.44% $199,552 49.07% $532,633 49.30% Springfield Asbury UMC $2,664 50.00% $1,614 50.00% $4,278 50.00% Springfield Douglas Avenue UMC $13,080 50.00% $7,920 50.00% $21,000 50.00% VERMILION RIVER DISTRICT Springfield First UMC $87,792 50.00% $53,178 50.00% $140,970 50.00% Atlanta UMC $3,060 50.00% $1,854 50.00% $4,914 50.00% Springfield Grace UMC $3,771 44.77% $2,282 44.74% $6,053 44.76% Ebenezer UMC $2,600 66.67% $1,576 66.67% $4,176 66.67% Springfield Kumler UMC $5,645 49.94% $3,433 50.10% $9,078 50.00% Bloomington Grace UMC $3,932 26.97% $1,408 15.94% $5,340 22.81% Springfield Jerome UMC $2,538 50.00% $1,536 50.00% $4,074 50.00% Bloomington Wesley UMC $40,752 50.00% $24,684 50.00% $65,436 50.00% apportionments The Current | August 2012 | 17 September "We could no longer is National Recovery live in denial Awareness Month By Robert Baker, retired IGRC clergy member, Fountain of Life UMC, Sangamon River District and secrecy"

I have come to believe that Here are some of the things that I have learned child, mascot, and the gatekeeper. Everyone is wound- local congregations can be ef- about alcoholism and addiction: ed, and if they stay “stuck” in their role, they will deal fective healing places for in- with their wounds their entire life and most likely will • The earlier a person starts drinking, the dividuals and families dealing pass it on. That is a characteristic of ACoA (adult child greater the chances of addiction. with alcohol and other addictive of alcoholics). There is also the issue of codependency. issues. It clearly falls within the • Addiction is an equal opportunity abuser. The Lord has taught me a lot about the issues of Bishop’s goal of reaching out to It respects no one or their status in life. recovery. As a pastor, a father and a grand-father, I the world around us through • There is only one of three outcomes for an have come to believe that we, the Church, the body Risk-taking mission and service. alcoholic or addict: death, institutionalization, of Christ, can make a difference in the lives of many, And, our mission field through or recovery. many people. We can transform our world when our this ministry is in our own communities. local congregations become healing places. We don’t • Addiction is a spiritual issue. I was 49 years old when I entered the ministry. Al- need to go to other parts of the world. You see, indi- most from the very beginning, the Lord placed the is- • The church has traditionally treated addiction viduals and families who are struggling with recovery sue of alcoholism and addictions before me. While in as a moral failure. Science has discovered how issues are already sitting in our pews. Then there are seminary, I participated in a class on contemplative the brain works so as to understand that it is a the children and grandchildren of our active mem- prayer at Dunklin Memorial Camp, a treatment com- chronic disease much like diabetes. bers. We can be in ministry “for the transformation of munity for men with chemical addictions. There, I wit- the world.” • Addiction is a progressive disease. There is no nessed miracles of healing through faith. It stretched There is very good news. Several years ago, I starting over again. A person can be “clean and me. I had not been in my second appointment six learned of a prevention and recovery ministry called sober” for twenty years and relapse right back weeks when I got a call from a member who had just Faith Partners (http://faith-partners.org). The ap- to where they stopped. had a crisis. She needed to talk to someone to maintain proach is proactive and works through a small team her new sobriety. We talked for a couple of hours in a • There are many other addictive issues besides of committed laity who provide awareness informa- park. Then she attended nearly every A.A. meeting in alcohol, drugs, gambling and pornography. Dr. tion and educational activities to the congregation. the city. Over time, she taught me a great deal about Gerald May, in Addiction and Grace, identified In addition, they provide recovery support for families A.A. and addictions. 150 other addictive issues. A person can also and individuals. The Faith Partners approach is not a But, it was when I was appointed to an inner-city switch from one addictive issue to another. “cookie cutter” program but is built upon the gifts and church that I truly began to learn about the magnitude graces of the team members and the needs of the lo- of the issues surrounding addictions. Drugs, alcohol, • Celebrate Recovery talks of addictive/ cal congregation. Resources are available through and prostitution were at our doorstep. More person- compulsive issues that are a response to “hurts, Faith Partners and by networking with other local con- ally, after eighteen years of being “clean and sober,” the hang-ups, and habits.” gregations and related community organizations. pastor at The Recovery Church in St. Paul, Minn., helped Four years ago, I became aware, in a very personal Dr. May says that addictions take away our free- me be comfortable acknowledging that, “My name is way, of another aspect of addictions. We had a family dom to become the people that God created us to be. Bob, and I am an alcoholic.” One of the misconceptions crisis. My (then) 13-year-old grandson showed signs of If you would like to learn more about how we, togeth- (and self-deceptions) is that we think of the alcoholic addiction. We could no longer live in denial and secre- er, can make a real difference in the lives of our family, as the homeless guy sitting on a curb with a bottle in a cy. I soon learned that addictions impact every mem- friends, and neighbors, please contact me. Let’s work brown paper bag. That image is of a person nearing the ber of the family, and we pass our issues on from one together as disciples of Jesus to set people free and end of a 20 or 30-year “drinking career.” Fortunately, I generation to another. Family systems identify differ- transform the world. found recovery long, long before that would have been ent survival roles: enabler, family hero, scapegoat, lost me on the curb.

CONFERENCE APPORTIONMENT RECEIPTS AS OF *Churches reflecting contributions of 50% or greater of total apportionments are considered current. JUNE 2012*

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

Bloomington Park UMC $1,169 10.76% $745 11.33% $1,914 10.98% Mazon UMC $1,506 50.00% $912 50.00% $2,418 50.00% Bonfield First UMC $930 41.67% $565 41.67% $1,495 41.67% McDowell UMC $5,400 100.00% $3,276 100.00% $8,676 100.00% Bonfield Evangelical UMC $3,654 75.00% $2,214 75.00% $5,868 75.00% Minonk UMC $1,008 50.00% $612 50.00% $1,620 50.00% Grand Prairie UMC $2,142 50.00% $1,296 50.00% $3,438 50.00% Wenona Saint John's UMC $1,452 50.00% $882 50.00% $2,334 50.00% Bourbonnais Grace UMC $5,600 41.67% $3,395 41.67% $8,995 41.67% Momence UMC $5,055 41.67% $3,060 41.67% $8,115 41.67% Braceville UMC $2,454 50.00% $1,488 50.00% $3,942 50.00% Grant Park UMC $1,464 50.00% $888 50.00% $2,352 50.00% Bradley Wesley UMC $4,896 50.00% $2,964 50.00% $7,860 50.00% Hennepin UMC $1,493 22.10% $911 22.26% $2,404 22.16% Chatsworth UMC $5,928 100.00% $3,588 100.00% $9,516 100.00% Magnolia UMC $990 50.00% $600 50.00% $1,590 50.00% Forrest UMC $3,174 50.00% $1,920 50.00% $5,094 50.00% McNabb UMC $572 33.33% $348 33.33% $920 33.33% Chenoa UMC $4,242 50.00% $2,568 50.00% $6,810 50.00% Normal Calvary UMC $38,978 49.99% $23,616 50.00% $62,594 49.99% Coal City UMC $8,990 41.67% $5,445 41.67% $14,435 41.67% Normal First UMC $27,708 50.00% $16,788 50.00% $44,496 50.00% Colfax UMC $2,154 50.00% $1,302 50.00% $3,456 50.00% Normal Morningstar UMC $4,655 41.67% $2,820 41.67% $7,475 41.67% Cornell Blackstone UMC $1,640 41.67% $995 41.67% $2,635 41.67% Bloomington West Olive Faith UMC $4,632 100.00% $2,808 100.00% $7,440 100.00% Cropsey UMC $1,758 50.00% $1,062 50.00% $2,820 50.00% Pleasant Grove UMC $2,226 50.00% $1,350 50.00% $3,576 50.00% Saybrook Wesbein UMC $2,418 50.00% $1,464 50.00% $3,882 50.00% Pontiac First UMC $19,584 50.00% $11,862 50.00% $31,446 50.00% Downs UMC $4,872 50.00% $2,952 50.00% $7,824 50.00% Ransom UMC $2,586 50.00% $1,566 50.00% $4,152 50.00% Dwight UMC $13,044 50.00% $7,902 50.00% $20,946 50.00% Ritchey UMC $816 100.00% $492 100.00% $1,308 100.00% Ellsworth UMC $2,010 41.67% $1,215 41.67% $3,225 41.67% Roanoke UMC $4,332 50.00% $2,628 50.00% $6,960 50.00% El Paso UMC $5,280 50.00% $3,198 50.00% $8,478 50.00% Secor UMC $1,680 50.00% $1,014 50.00% $2,694 50.00% Essex UMC $426 50.00% $258 50.00% $684 50.00% Saunemin UMC $2,928 50.00% $1,776 50.00% $4,704 50.00% Fairbury UMC $6,930 50.00% $4,200 50.00% $11,130 50.00% Streator First UMC $8,406 50.00% $5,094 50.00% $13,500 50.00% Grand Ridge UMC $2,736 50.00% $1,656 50.00% $4,392 50.00% Tonica UMC $3,486 50.00% $1,408 33.33% $4,894 43.71% Long Point UMC $1,362 50.00% $828 50.00% $2,190 50.00% Lostant UMC $1,700 83.33% $1,030 83.33% $2,730 83.33% Herscher UMC $6,342 50.00% $3,846 50.00% $10,188 50.00% Richland UMC $564 50.00% $342 50.00% $906 50.00% Reddick UMC $2,665 41.67% $1,615 41.67% $4,280 41.67% Cabery UMC $906 50.00% $552 50.00% $1,458 50.00% South Wilmington UMC $600 50.00% $360 50.00% $960 50.00% Cullom UMC $1,074 50.00% $654 50.00% $1,728 50.00% Heyworth UMC $6,948 50.00% $4,212 50.00% $11,160 50.00% Kempton UMC $1,026 50.00% $624 50.00% $1,650 50.00% Hudson UMC $3,594 50.00% $2,178 50.00% $5,772 50.00% Verona UMC $1,068 50.00% $648 50.00% $1,716 50.00% Kankakee Asbury UMC $8,079 25.00% $3,262 16.67% $11,341 21.86% Kankakee Saint Mark UMC $- 0.00% $- 0.00% $- 0.00% Vermilion River District Totals $341,679 46.32% $205,506 45.99% $547,185 46.20% Kankakee Trinity UMC $3,738 50.00% $2,262 50.00% $6,000 50.00% Aroma Park UMC $570 12.50% $345 12.50% $915 12.50% IGRC Totals $3,215,036 43.25% $1,959,173 43.52% $5,174,209 43.35% Bradley Evangelical UMC $- 0.00% $1,770 50.00% $1,770 18.84% LeRoy UMC $10,038 50.00% $6,078 50.00% $16,116 50.00% Lexington First UMC $6,775 41.67% $4,105 41.67% $10,880 41.67% Manteno UMC $6,882 50.00% $4,170 50.00% $11,052 50.00%

18 | August 2012 | The Current conference news Aurora community gathers for prayer By Barbara Dunlap-Berg*

AURORA, Colo. -- After a lone gunman entered a mov- times like this, he said, denominational divisions don’t mat- Methodist Church, Denver, when the 1999 shootings at ie theater in Aurora, Colo., early on July 20, killing at least ter. He cited the example of local pastor Elizabeth Jackson. Columbine High School occurred, just 20 miles from Au- a dozen people, the stunned community rallied to support “United Methodist clergy don't just minister to their rora. Reflecting on the latest tragedy, he said, “Today, re- survivors, pray for those who lost loved ones and prepare own parishioners,” Goodier said. “Elizabeth knows 12 gardless of who we are, where we live or what our politics for a vigil that evening at the city municipal building. people who were at the theater. I believe six were shot, and may be, we are all ‘family.’ United Methodist-related Iliff School of Theology kept three of those are in surgery or in the hospital. Elizabeth is “And even though it is a greater challenge, my Christian its chapel open for prayer all day. at the hospital now, sitting with families and doing the hard faith compels me to remember the one who did the killing News reports said the shooter tossed tear gas before work of pastoral care to folk outside The United Methodist as well as his family. Tragedies like this evoke anger, ques- opening fire on the terrified audience. Dozens of theater- Church. So her work is reaching people who are, in some tions and doubts in most of us. But my faith keeps me from goers, including a 3-month-old baby, were wounded. cases, just beginning their Christian journey. And that is falling victim to hatred.” Federal law-enforcement officers identified the shooter as where the church needs to be.” Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence issued a state- James Holmes, 24. The Rev. Steven Mitchell serves Mountain View United ment. “We … hold in prayer the victims and families of the Emma Goos, 19, daughter of the Rev. Ken Berve, was Church, Aurora. Mountain View is an ecumenical con- tragic shooting in Aurora, Colo. Like all those who suffer attending the midnight screening of “The Dark Knight gregation affiliated with The Presbyterian Church (USA), from gun violence, we appreciate the expressions of grief Rises” with several friends when the gunman entered the The United Church of Christ and The United Methodist and concern from our nation's leaders. But, these expres- theater, walked past them and began shooting. All but one Church, and Mitchell is a UCC pastor. sions are not enough. Faiths United to Prevent Gun Vio- of her friends — a young man — escaped unscathed. The Incidents like this “are really heartbreaking,” he said. lence pledges to work with our nation's leaders to do all condition of the friend, who was shot, was unknown as this “It makes you feel very vulnerable about going to public we can to make sure that tragedies like this do not happen story was written. places. You realize how easily you could be targeted for no again.” James Winkler, who heads the United Methodist “Emma got out of the theater and immediately called apparent reason and see how tragic it is for all of the fami- Board of Church and Society, is chair of the religious coali- us,” said Berve, pastor of Grant Avenue United Methodist lies affected.” tion. Church in Denver. Mitchell said he has been doing a sermon series based The Board of Church and Society also called on Con- “My wife, Judy, and I were sitting at home, just a few on “Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate gress to stand up to the gun lobby and pass “common-sense blocks from the theater, when we started hearing sirens.” of Every Person Who Ever Lived” by Rob Bell.” Ironically, policies” to ensure public safety. They headed to Gateway High School, where police inter- the topic for Sunday, July 22, is hell. While we need to un- On the campaign trail in Fort Myers, Fla., President viewed Emma and other survivors. derstand that hell is real, he noted, we need to “spread the Barack Obama turned attention to the tragedy. “It’s what “It was a long night,” Berve said. love of Jesus Christ as much as possible.” we do on a daily basis to give our lives meaning and to give “Whenever we’re ministering to others, we’re actually our lives purpose — that’s what matters,” he said. “At the ‘Where the church needs to be’ ministering to Christ. That’s the counteraction to hell.” end of the day, what we’ll remember will be those we loved The Rev. Steve Goodier, Denver Metro District superin- and what we did for others. That’s why we’re here.” tendent, said he and his colleagues are trying to learn if any Prayers and calls to action (*Dunlap-Berg is internal content editor for United Methodist Communica- United Methodists were among the dead or injured. But at The Rev. Gil Caldwell was pastor of Park Hill United tions, Nashville, Tenn).

NIU victim’s dad: ‘I’m sick in my heart’ By Mark Brown, Chicago Sun-Times

(Editor’s note: Eric Mace is the son of IGRC retired pastor Eugene and heart. I’m sick in my stomach, and as you can probably tell, What the Maces do want is for our government to do Sally Ann Mace. Mary Kay Mace is the daughter of IGRC retired pastor Miley and Janet Palmer.) I’m close to losing it emotionally.” a better job of vetting the people who seek gun ownership Actually, I couldn’t tell. He seemed pretty calm for a guy with tougher background checks, particularly through the PETERSBURG -- Eric Mace who had awoken to the news that his family’s nightmare use of mental health records to screen out dangerous indi- was reluctant at first when I had been repeated and to the certainty he would have to viduals. It’s a position that puts him at odds with both gun reached him by telephone early spend the day reliving it. rights and mental health advocates. July 20 to discuss the Colorado The Maces were living in Carpentersville when Ryanne Mace understands both their points of view but wants theater massacre. was killed, but moved afterward to downstate Petersburg. to see something done. All he knew were the numbers, “It disappoints me mightily in our society,” he said. he said — 12 dead, 59 wounded — “For a change of scenery” is how his wife explained “I just wish we could stop this garbage of being scared but none of the detail that would the move to me last year, but Mace was more explicit: “I you’re going to take away my guns.” help him make an informed com- just wanted to get out of the house. There were too many “This is not a game of numbers to me,” Mace said. ment. memories there.” “There’s only one number that means anything to me, and “I don’t know what to say at Ryanne Mace that’s the one person who meant everything to me.” this point,” Mace demurred. “I’m “It disappoints me “I don’t want to sound like I’m pointing a finger at all not necessarily in a rational state on this.” these places,” he added. His personal philosophy, he ex- “Now we have to welcome more people into this frater- plained, is to “point fingers at the person who did it.” nity that none of us want to be in.” mightily in our society” “You see what he was able to do in a very short period of And what a terrible fraternity it is: the ever-growing time,” Mace said, referring to the Colorado shooter. group of family members of the victims of America’s mass I could hear birds singing in the background as Mace, Mace does not say the gunman’s name, just as he refuses shootings. a 50-year-old telephone support specialist, sat on his back- to speak the name of his daughter’s killer, not wishing to Mace and his wife Mary Kay were inducted against yard deck at his home on a lake, and I could picture an idyl- accord him any more of the fame he sought. Out of respect, their will on Feb. 14, 2008, when a gunman opened fire in a lic setting meant to dull a pain that can never be escaped. I have done the same. lecture hall at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb — in “I don’t see where we’re doing anything to stop this from Mace said he agrees with that old bumper sticker: the process killing five students including their 19-year-old happening,” Mace said, meaning the shooting rampages. “Guns don’t kill people. People kill people.” daughter Ryanne. Mace said he wouldn’t be surprised to learn the Colo- “This has not been about the guns themselves but about Ryanne was the Maces’ only child, and her murder left rado gunman acquired all his weapons legally, just as he the people behind them,” he said. not only an unfillable void in their lives but also a sense of won’t be surprised if the NRA uses the murders to reason Just the same, he wants tougher gun laws. responsibility to speak out in favor of common sense solu- that more people should be allowed to have guns for self- Most of all, though, he wants to cut off membership to tions to our national epidemic of gun violence. defense, even though Colorado already had a concealed the fraternity. So reluctant or not, Mace talked — rambled actually by carry law. (Reprinted with permission from July 22 issue of the Chicago Sun-Times, his own admission — for more than an hour while I mostly “I am not anti-gun,” Mace stressed. “I am not looking www.suntimes.com) just listened. to take guns away from people who are responsible with “I’m no authority on this,” he told me. “I’m sick in my them.” conference news The Current | August 2012 | 19 The Replacement Child By John Robert McFarland I suppose each one of us is a replace- would be there. Everybody else came, but no Clement. We During those seven years, though, it was George who kept me ment child in the grand scheme of things, didn’t know it at the time, but his culture demanded that he sane. It was very hard for George to compliment anyone, but but I have known only two intentional re- say “yes” to any invitation from an elder, but didn’t require one way or another he would remind me that although there placement children. One was a girl in The Wesley Foundation him to come. We had a good time, though, so we decided to was a small and well-organized opposition to me, [George [Methodist campus ministry] at Indiana State University in keep meeting as a young singles group. Each time we invited called them “the children of darkness.” Well, I called them Terre Haute when I was the campus minister there. I did a lot Clement. Each time he accepted. Each time he failed to show. that, too.] I was doing good preaching and good pastoral work of counseling with her. The other one died on Sunday, June 10. George named the group The Clement Asare Supper Society, and that the vast majority of the congregation appreciated my During our years as colleagues in Charleston, IL, he did a lot and suggested that we could take turns pretending to be Clem- work. I knew he had my back. of counseling with me. ent and whenever someone arrived, they could ask, “Who’s George had two older sisters, and an older brother, How- George W. Loveland was the di- Asare now?” ard. He never knew Howard, though. He was killed in a train rector/campus minister of The Wesley During the presidential campaign of 2000, he ended a accident when he was ten. George’s parents had him specifi- Foundation at Eastern Illinois Uni- sermon with “I’m George W. Loveland, and I approved this cally to replace Howard. I have often wondered how that af- versity during the time I was directing message.” fected George, because I knew how difficult it was for that girl minister at Wesley United Methodist He was usually one of our liturgists for our second wor- in Terre Haute who had been conceived to replace her sister, Church. The WF building was located ship service on Sunday morning. That was the one that had the even down to having the same name. He was a private person, in the church’s front yard, and although majority of students, and we wanted them to see our campus though, and we never talked about that. All Helen and I ever The WF had a separate board and bud- minister in that worship-leadership role. He gave the prayer really knew about George was that he was our friend, and we get, George operated very much as a after the sermon, and if he felt I had gotten something wrong, love him, and we shall miss him. George W. Loveland member of our church staff. It was an ex- or incomplete, during the prayer he would “perfect” what I George never married. He had no children. Somewhere, ceptionally good staff, and George helped to make it such. said during the sermon. I didn’t mind; I figured George was as though, at 2:35 a.m. on Sunday, June 10, a replacement child George loved language and used it both well and cleverly. likely to be led by the Holy Spirit as I was, and it gave people was born. He will not be named George, but I hope that child We had a student from Ghana at EIU, Clement Asare, pro- a choice. will be as good a person as the one he is replacing. nounced uh-sor´ry. His father had written me from Ghana to I have often described my time at Wesley UMC in Charles- (The Rev. Dr. John Robert McFarland is retired IGRC clergy and writes two ask me to look out for him. Clement was a bit older than the ton as “seven years of hell.” My successor, Terry Clark, worked blogs, the Periwinkle Chronicles and Christ In Winter. He is the author of the usual undergrad, but we had several very nice young single hard to help me make peace with my experiences there, a very book, Now That I Have Cancer I Am Whole. Reprinted with permission from professionals in the congregation, so we arranged a supper at gracious and highly unusual thing for a successor, giving me McFarland’s blog, www.christinwinter.blogspot.com.) our house to introduce them to Clement. He assured us he far more credit for advances in the church than I deserved. Here We Stand: Media violence and Christian values Scholarship recipients graduate By Rev. Ken Burgard, Member, IGRC Board of Church and Society (Editor’s note: This is a third in a series of articles on the Social Principles of The UMC from Africa University written by members of the IGRC Board of Church and Society.) MUTARE, Zimbabwe – Two students who have re- ceived scholarship assistance from the Illinois Great In the section of our Social Principles that affirms, “all per- scripture itself would earn at least a PG-13, and yet it is still Rivers Conference were among the 400 graduates at sons as equally valuable in the sight of God”, a few paragraphs God-breathed and useful for teaching and instruction. But the Africa University’s 18th commencement ceremonies can be found that relate the topic of media violence and Chris- challenge of the Social Principles is relevant: as a significant held June 9. Faida Rachel Bahati of the Democratic Republic of tian values to that affirmation. The Principles go on to state portion of the violence we see in media is dehumanizing. Congo and Paulina Da Gloria Buangi of Angola each that: “We express disdain at current media preoccupation with What can we do? Our Social Principles urge awareness of were conferred with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Hu- dehumanizing portrayals, sensationalized through mass media the ways in which mass media can work to undermine the Bib- manities and Social Sciences. ‘entertainment’ and ‘news.’ These practices degrade human- lical image of who we are in Christ. Awareness begins with Young women comprised 48 percent of the 2012 kind and violate the teachings of Christ and the Bible.” ourselves and our families, with our own decisions about our graduating class and 10 of 11 first class degree holders Much of our culture’s discussion on this topic surrounds watching habits and preferences. Our Social Principles also were women. the effect violent media has on our children, yet we should not call for action, for Christians to “work together to halt this ero- discount its effects on adults as well. The average American sion of moral and ethical values in the world community”. This spends 20 percent of their day watching television (accord- is done in a variety of ways: Some seek to promote awareness VIM Teams asked to report trips ing to a Nielsen survey). Our scripture teaches a link between of effect (both positive and negative) that mass media has on what we see and desire (Luke 11:34-36) and what’s in our hearts us, especially our children. Some seek to hold the media ac- SPRINGFIELD – Local congregations who have mis- (Matt 6:19-23). countable for the role they play in the decline of values we ob- sion teams deployed throughout the year are remind- ed to complete the Volunteer in Mission Report form As a pastor I appreciate the wording of our Social Principle serve in society today. Others may work to create better tools on the IGRC website. when it uses the word “dehumanizing” to describe the type of that can be used in the home to help families filter the content The online form, located at www.igrc.org/VIMRe- violent media that is in contrast with the teachings of Christ. of their media, blocking what is dehumanizing. Still others will port, helps track the mission and outreach work of our This choice of word steers us clear of exhausting legalistic work to create media that encourages, motivates, and inspires conference by its local congregations. systems to monitor media and moves the discussion into the its audiences to adopt lifestyles based on the sanctity of life. A good practice is to complete the form shortly af- realm of discipleship. Our best work for the community of faith and for our cul- ter returning home while information is readily avail- Discerning in our media between what is good and what ture at large begins with a prayerful consideration of our own able. isn’t, between that which is dehumanizing and that which pre- habits of screen time for entertainment and news, and the ef- For more information or questions, contact Chris- serves the sanctity of life is not always a simple thing. The abil- fect it has on our ongoing process of discipleship. In doing so ty Blickensderfer at [email protected] or IGRC ity to recognize the subtleties of this question (aside from the we invite God to issue a holy challenge to the often unspoken Mission and Outreach Coordinator Bunny Wolfe at obvious examples) is a process in our discipleship. Discern- assumption that what we watch has no effect upon our souls. [email protected]. ment grows as we grow in faith. Of course, not all stories of the human condition are safe and easy stories. Sometimes even

Clergy and Benefit Costs for 2013 IMPORTANT NUMBERS FOR 2013, (Expressed in annual cost) CHARGE CONFERENCE PLANNING CATEGORY MIN. SALARY HEALTH INS. CRSP-DC CRSP-DB CPP Full-Time Elder $36,975 Mandatory $17,520 3% of Salary + Housing $7,152 3% of Salary + Housing GRC Minimum Salary • Full-Time Local Pastors $33,930 CRSP Defined Contributions Cost to the Full-Time Local Pastor $33,930 Mandatory $17,520 3% of Salary + Housing $7,152 3% of Salary + Housing • FM, AM and PE $36,975 Church: ¾ - Time Elder Negotiated Optional $17,520 3% of Salary + Housing $5,364 Optional $2,811 • For pastor in a parsonage: Denominational Avg. Comp. (DAC) (Salary x 1.25) x 3% ½ - Time Elder Negotiated Not Eligible 3% of Salary + Housing $3,576 Not Eligible $63,867(+1.7%) • For pastor in his/her own home: Conference Avg. Comp. (CAC) (Salary + Housing Allowance)x 3% ¼ - Time Elder Negotiated Not Eligible 3% of Salary + Housing $1,788 Not Eligible $63,689(+2.3%) CPP Premium (for full-time pastors) ¾ - Time Local Pastor Negotiated Not Eligible 3% of Salary + Housing $5,364 Not Eligible Remember that DAC and CAC generally include • For pastor in a parsonage: ½ - Time Local Pastor Negotiated Not Eligible 3% of Salary + Housing $3,576 Not Eligible a parsonage component of 25%; to approximate (Salary x 1.25)x 3% avg. salary alone, multiply DAC or CAC by .80 • For pastor in his/her own home: ¼ - Time Local Pastor Negotiated Not Eligible 3% of Salary + Housing $1,788 Not Eligible Minimum Salary to qualify for CPP coverage (Salary + Housing Allowance)x 3% (must be appointed full-time or ¾-time Elder; PTLP Lay Employee Negotiated Not Eligible Not Eligible Not Eligible Not Eligible CPP Premium for ¾-time Elders -- are not eligible, even at ¾-time) $ 2,811 • With a Parsonage $30,658 These figures are accurate only for a clergy person United Methodist Pension Plan • Without a Parsonage $38,322 Health Insurance Assessment appointed by the Bishop to a valid ministry. (same as 2012 and 2011) For clergy who reside in a church-owned parsonage, CPP = A death and disability insurance plan for Unit- CRSP Defined Benefit Pension Cost to the- • Church share $17,520 the housing benefit is calculated as 25% of salary for ed Methodist Pastors Church: • Pastor share for self & kids $ 780 pensions. Lay Employees are not eligible for the United Meth- • Full-Time $ 7,152 • Pastor share for spouse $ 3,840 odist Clergy benefits plans, however the employer • ¾-Time $ 5,364 CRSP-DB = the defined benefits portion of the Unit- may provide pension benefits from another United • ½-Time $ 3,576 Standard Mileage Reimbursement – usually ed Methodist Pension Plan. Methodist plan and/or health insurance from a com- • ¼-Time $ 1,788 released by the IRS in December. CRSP-DC = the defined contributions portion of the mercial vendor.

20 | August 2012 | The Current conference news