www.igrc.org Vol. 15 No. 4 The December 2010 CNewsurrent of Illinois Great Rivers Conference of The United Methodist Church Alternative giving — twelve ways to In this issue share at • General, Jurisdictional delegate election information......................pg 3 Christmas • Advent, Christmas shaped by traditions ...................pg 7 • Becoming a Powerful church ............................pg 10 Page 2 Illinois Great Rivers Conference — The Current December 2010 News from the Episcopal Office Bishop support church reforms, accountability By Heather Hahn for promoting congregational vitality and roles. Editor’s note: In lieu of his monthly for establishing a new culture of account- n Greater accountability column, Bishop Gregory V. Palmer has PANAMA CITY, Panama (UMNS) ability throughout the church. The studies had a U.S. focus, and some requested that readers of The Current – United Methodist bishops have unani- Consolidate general church agencies bishops questioned whether the drivers of take a look at the following news stories mously endorsed recommendations for and align their work and resources with vitality would be as effective outside the from a recent Council of Bishops’ meet- widespread church reforms, including the priorities of the church and the decade- United States. Still, many of the bishops ing in anticipation of further reflection greater accountability for denominational long commitment to build vital congrega- from other parts of the world applauded in the near future. leaders in promoting church growth. tions. Also, the agencies should be recon- the report’s recommendations – particu- The Council of Bishops’ approval of stituted with smaller, competency-based larly the call for greater accountability. Bishops urged to the recommendation in the Call to Action boards. “It’s time for us as bishops to stand up Steering Team Report on Nov. 4 was her- Some of the recommendations will re- and do this,” said Zimbabwe Area Bishop embrace change alded as a step forward for a church that quire the approval of General Conference, Eben K. Nhiwatiwa. “Let us make this By Heather Hahn has suffered decades of membership de- the denomination’s top lawmaking body. happen.” cline in the United States. The bishops also supported the creation of Not every recommendation requires PANAMA CITY, Panama – United “What this means is that whatever goes an interim operations team, which will be action by the bishops or the General Con- Methodist bishops need to transcend the forward, the council is committing itself – responsible for helping to draft any legisla- ference. Local churches can work on the status quo and abandon church structures and hopefully the Connectional Table will tion that will be required. drivers of vitality now, said team members. and practices that are not working, Bish- make the same commitment – that yes, we n Drivers of vitality Palmer acknowledged that church op Larry M. Goodpaster said Nov. 2 in are taking a stand and these are the levers The Call to Action team based its leaders have made similar recommenda- his presidential address to the Council of to pull the church in the direction in which recommendations on two studies it com- tions before with the goal of improving Bishops. we feel the Spirit of God is calling us,” missioned from independent researchers. church vitality. And some church members “By our decisions and actions this said Illinois Area Bishop Gregory V. Palm- One was an “Operational Assessment of have criticized the report as the “same old, week in Panama, we will either lean into er, the steering team co-chair. “And that is the Connectional Church” that found the same old.” the future or content ourselves with more toward more congregational vitality.” church was undergoing a “creeping crisis “There has not always been sustained of the same,” Goodpaster told the crowd The major recommendations for re- of relevance” and rated general agencies attention and organizational follow- of more than 80 active and retired bishops form include: below average in fulfilling the church’s through on good things that have been from around the global church. “Many Starting in January 2011, make con- mission. initiated,” Palmer said. “I think people are of us are convinced that what we have in gregational vitality the church’s “true first Another study, “The Vital Congrega- rightfully concerned about the church’s at- place will work if we try harder, give more priority” for at least a decade. tions Research Project,” analyzed data tention span.” or change a few of the players. That’s a Dramatically reform clergy leadership from 32,228 United Methodist churches Still, he said, he is optimistic this is the recipe for further decline.” development, deployment, evaluation and in the United States and classified 4,961 beginning of a new thing in the denomina- He quoted the Call to Action report, accountability. congregations, or 15 percent, as “high- tion. which said, “Leaders, beginning with the Collect statistical information in con- vital” local churches. The study found that “I feel as though this council is digging bishops … must lead and immediately, sistent and uniform ways for the denomi- four key drivers of congregational vitality in sustained focus and, hopefully, we will repeatedly and energetically make it plain nation to measure attendance, growth and in the United States are effective pastoral stick with it as long as it has been suggest- that our current culture and practices are engagement. leadership, multiple small groups, diverse ed, which is at least 10 years.” resulting in overall decline that is toxic and Reform the Council of Bishops, with worship styles and a high percentage of *Hahn is a multimedia news reporter constricts our missional effectiveness.” the active bishops assuming responsibility spiritually engaged laity in leadership for United Methodist News Service. To heed God’s direction for the church, Goodpaster asked the bishops to join him Deaths father of the Rev. Patricia Allin, an IGRC Positions pastor who serves at the Bloomington Trin- in fasting and prayer every week from Philip R. Carriker, husband of retired Administrative Secretary – Eureka ity of Hope UM Parish, 221 S. Orr Drive, now until General Conference. He sug- pastor Esther F. Carriker, passed away on UMC, Eureka IL, is accepting applications Bloomington, IL 61761-3223. A full obitu- gested the bishops follow the example set Wednesday, November 10, 2010. Esther for the position of Administrative Secre- ary and guest book may be found at: www. by John Wesley, who fasted every Thurs- retired in 1987 from the former Southern tary. Resumes, with references, can be sent legacy.com/obituaries/pjstar/obituary. day evening and Friday. Illinois Conference, serving the Altamont to Leonard Savage, SPRC Chairperson, at aspx?n=david-allin&pid=146375068 He also asked the bishops to host Circuit, Altamont Asbury, Xenia and Alma. [email protected]. Patsy B. Conrad, wife of retired pas- monthly conversations among clergy and Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Music Director – Jacksonville Grace tor Lawrence “Skip” Conrad, died Oct. laypeople about how once again to be- Rev. Esther F. Carriker, 1106 S. Chestnut UMC is seeking music support for its 17. Rev. Conrad retired in 1996 after 24 come “a movement of Christ … that, by St., Litchfield, IL 62056-2414. weekly worship service. The successful years of ministry. Together, the Conrads God’s grace, transforms the world.” Rev. C. Wayne King, a retired pastor, applicant would be one that can play or- served Oconee-Fairview, Falmouth-Rose In the wake of decades-long mem- died Nov. 4. Rev. King was ordained in the gan and/or piano and be able to direct the Hill-Harmon, Ullin-Beech Grove, Mt. bership declines in the United States, the Presbyterian Church and served as chap- church choir and praise band. The position Zion, Flanagan, Vermilion West Parish and Council of Bishops and Connectional Ta- lain, professor of religion and philosophy will begin in Jan. 2011. For more informa- Downs-Pleasant Grove. Expressions of ble created the 16-member Call to Action and Director of Public Relations and Af- tion, contact Richard Ommen, chair, Staff- sympathy may be sent to: Rev. Lawrence Steering Team, which includes clergy and fairs for Blackburn College. He transferred Parish Relations Committee at 217-245- Conrad, 208 Breezy Point Ct., Varna, IL laity, to reorder the life of the church for to the former Central Illinois Conference 5977 or the church office at 217-245-9521. 61375-9652. greater effectiveness in the church’s mis- of The United Methodist Church in 1983 sion to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for where he served Decatur First, Bismarck, The Current (USPS 014-964) is published monthly by the Illinois Great Rivers the transformation of the world.” Roanoke and Lovington prior to his retire- Conference of the United Methodist Church, 5900 South Second Street, Springfield, The group’s recommendations in- ment in 1994. Expressions of sympathy IL 62711. An individual subscription is $10 per year. clude: may be sent to his daughter, the Rev. Kathy The opinions expressed in viewpoints are those of the writers and do not neces- Starting in January 2011, make con- King-Nobles, 1640 S. Lynnwood Dr., De- sarily reflect the views of The Current, the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, or The gregational vitality the church’s “true first catur, IL 62521-4566. United Methodist Church. priority” for at least a decade. David H. Allin, a retired pastor, died Communications Team leader: Paul E. Black; team members: Catherine Flynn Dramatically reform clergy leadership Oct. 31. He served churches in Weldon, and Michele Willson. Send materials to P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794- development, deployment, evaluation and Princeville, and Mossville, retiring in 2003. 9207, tel. 217-529-2040, fax 217-529-4155, e-mail [email protected], web page: accountability.