FEB 2021 | VOL. 25 • NO. 6 current THE PEOPLE, NATURE, AND CHRIST NEWS FROM THE EPISCOPAL OFFICE Inside THIS ISSUE RANDOM THOUGHTS FROM A ‘RANDOM’ GUY 1 News from the Episcopal Office My daughters call me “random.” because the laity and the pastors are committed continue to haunt and challenge Christians in I fought against that title for a long time, to engaging in ministries that make a difference. the IGRC and around the globe. There are no 2 -3 Announcements & Events at least until my wife confirmed that they were Our unity in Christ, though threatened and easy answers to the issues facing us. The issues, 4-5 Local Church News correct. challenged, is not shattered by the multitude of however, are not a surprise to the Lord. The 6 Christian Conversations So, I am “random.” divisive issues that we face. advice that, I believe, Jesus would give us is Sometimes my thoughts are not ordered We are not all of “one mind” when it comes simply: 7 National and Global News or structured with a discernable pattern or to addressing racism, party politics, human • Humility promotes healing 8-9 Camping & Retreat Ministries intentional predictable combination. Here are a sexuality, or denominational schism. We do, • Self-denial is preferrable to self-reliance few of my “random” thoughts: however, agree that the role of the church is to 10-14 Apportionments • Pray, “Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in • Our Christian unity is challenged by issues offer help, healing and hope in the name of Jesus heaven.” 15-16 Conference News 4 of racism, party politics, issues of human Christ. We want our congregations to be places Photos courtesy of Gina Ellis, BISHOP Random though it may seem, these three Mt. Vernon First UMC where folks can turn to for relief and assistance sexuality, and denominational schism. simple things just may be the healing balm New churches work to persevere during during these dark days of challenge. • The Gospel (good news of Jesus Christ) is we need to produce wellness in our spiritual pandemic. Frank needed now, more than ever. Our collective giving and sharing of THE blessings are a testimony that we believe that body. Jesus humbled himself, emptied himself, Photos by Darren Iozia, Jacksonville Journal-Courier5 • Nearly everyone wants to be blessed. denied himself and prayed that God’s will would there is still “good news” offered to everyone by Centenary United Methodist Church held a live, drive- Beard When the financial books of the IGRC were surpass even his own personal desire. through Nativity Dec. 18, with stations promoting Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus can and will reconciled and closed it became official that in As we prepare to enter into the season the Christmas spirit and the birth of Jesus. Toward bring us together as we claim allegiance to him the end of the route, a two-minute video was played current spite of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we finished and seek to replace our agendas with his plans of Lent, I will, because I am “random,” do so showcasing children telling the Christmas story. The FEB 2021 | VOL. 25 • NO. 6 the 2020 year with a surplus. The credit, of and purpose for humanity. The blessings of God as I continue clinging to the promise that the church typically would have a live children’s Christmas course, should go to our laity that gave faithfully are provided to us for much more than our own darkness will not overcome the advent light of program but came up with the idea of an outdoor event and sacrificially. Thank you all for sharing your personal edification and enjoyment. God always Jesus Christ. because of pandemic restrictions. blessings. blesses us to be a blessing! God Bless, The IGRC is a wonderful place to serve The issues of politics, gender, and race will Bishop Beard DEATHS Rev. Best served 31 ½ years of Distribution Center. L. Darlene Jones, 89, wife of active ministry, including seven No memorial services have been planned. IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. years with the General Board of Donald J. Jones, died Dec. 26. Robert Ray Smith, 82, died For a complete obituary, visit: https://www. Pensions. Together with her husband, Jan. 24. legacy.com/obituaries/sj-r/obituary. Mutual Respect Condolences may be sent to the Joneses served 40 years aspx?n=jack-d-travelstead&pid=197488745 Rev. Smith served 39 years of his wife, Judy Best, 19 Shiloh Sr., Edwardsville, IL of active ministry in the former active ministry, retiring in 2002 62025-3211. Condolences may be sent to a son, Stan Travelstead, Central Illinois Conference. She served many years from Pinckneyville. His wife, Elaine, also served 10 2213 Augusta Dr., Springfield, IL 62704-3197. For a complete obituary, visit: https://www. on the Cunningham Children's Home board and was years and she survives. Building Trust in the Workplace weberfuneralhome.com/obituaries/John-Best-13 Clark Roan, spouse of the Rev. an active member of Bloomington Wesley UMC. The family has requested that condolences be sent Cherrie Lynn Roan, pastor of Sherry Lindeman, 87, the A Service of Celebration will follow on July 29. to a son, Larry Smith, 109 Creek View Dr., St Charles Golconda and Cave in Rock UMC’s, widow of the Rev. A. Thomas Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home in Bloomington MO 63304. died Jan. 8 in Evansville, Ind. Lindeman, died Jan. 15 in is handling arrangements. Entombment will be Rev. John P. Best, 68, pastor of New Palestine-Ellis Summerfield, Fla. For the complete obituary, visit: in East Lawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Grove-Preston UMC's for the past 15 years, died Jan. 19. https://www.tributearchive. Bloomington. Together with her husband, com/obituaries/19594234/Clark-Roan/Eddyville/ For a complete obituary, visit: https://www. the Lindemans served several Illinois/Aly-Funeral-Home churches in the former Central Illinois Conference. calvertmemorial.com/obituaries/L-Darlene- Jones?obId=19436375 The Current (USPS 014-964) is published APPOINTMENTS Rev. Lindeman retired in 1991. He died Feb. 24, 2005. Condolences may sent to Rev. Cherrie Roan, P. O. Box 129. Golconda, IL 62938-0129. Condolences may be sent to the Rev. Donald J. monthly by the Illinois Great Rivers In consultation with the Cabinet of the Illinois Funeral services were held Jan. 21 at Florida Jones, 2025 E. Lincoln St., Apt. 1217, Bloomington, IL Conference of The UMC, 5900 South Second Great Rivers Conference, Bishop Frank J. Beard National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla. Elizabeth Colleen Miller, 87, the widow of the Rev. Marlin 61701-5995. Street, Springfield, IL 62711 appoints the following: For a complete obituary, visit: https://www. Miller, died Jan. 2, in Cowden. IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. Russell Collister to Maxey-Victoria Chapel, ½ tributearchive.com/obituaries/19653849/ An individual subscription is $15 per year. Keith A. Michaels, 71, died time, Spoon River District, effective Jan. 1. He Sherry-Lindeman/Belleview/Florida/Hiers- Together with her husband, the The opinions expressed in viewpoints are Dec. 22. previously served at Maxey. Baxley-Funeral-Services---Ocala Millers served 11 years of ministry those of the writers and do not necessarily in the former Central Illinois Rev. Michaels served 35 1/2 Braden Parks to Decatur Christ, ¾ time, and Condolences may be sent to a daughter, Cheryl Pruett, reflect the views of The Current, The IGRC, Conference, retiring from Concord-Arenzville in 1986. years of active ministry, retiring Latham, ¼ time, Sangamon River District, 1010 Rockaway Blvd. NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144. Rev. Miller died April 14, 2011. Jan. 1, 2019, from East Alton First or The UMC. effective Jan. 1. He previously served Decatur Bernetta Jeanine Milam, 91, UMC. From July 2019 through August 2020, he served Christ and Mt. Auburn. For a complete obituary, visit: https:// Communications Team widow of the Rev. James G. www.lghfuneralhomes.com/obituary/ Grafton and Bethel in the LaMoine River District. Chester Travis to Neighbors in Christ (Galva Milam died Jan. 17 at home in Leader: Paul E. Black ElizabethColleen-Miller For a complete obituary, visit: https://www. First-Bishop’s Hill), ½ time, Spoon River District, Creve Coeur. Team members: colliersfuneralhome.com/obituary/keith- effective Jan. 1. Condolences may be sent to a son, Phil Miller, 1 Kim Halusan, Michele Willson Together with her husband, the River Oaks Blvd., Searcy AR 72143. michaels where persons can leave condolences Support for everyday WEBINAR Phone Randy Burwell to Owaneco, ¼ time, Sangamon Milams served in the former for the family. Send materials to: River District, effective Dec. 1, 2020. This is in Central Illinois Conference. He died Aug. 3, 1999. Cynthia K. "Cindy" Perkins, Dealing with Difficult People: 1-888-881-LINC (5462) 60, died Dec. 26 in Gibson City. IGRC retired local pastor Mary Issues. Every day. P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207 addition to an appointment at Midland. For a complete obituary, visit: https://www. Managing Workplace Dynamics Confidential Assistance Jo Williams, 87, died Dec. 16 in 24 Hours a Day, 365 Days a Year An adult psychologist, she The workplace environment has Available March 1. Located in the Monthly Feature Tile. or tel. 217.529.2040 or fax 217.529.4155 Richard Lewis to Cissna Park-Rankin Associate, dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/creve- Quincy. a significant effect on an [email protected], ¼ time, effective Jan. 1. coeur-il/bernetta-milam-10007797 was consecrated a deacon individuals’ contribution as well Most of us have come across in the former Missouri East Rev. Williams served Point Condolences may be sent to her daughter, Gwen as on the company’s overall difficult people, whether at work website www.igrc.org Supply not appointed Conference of The United Pleasant, Bardolph and New Milam, 303 Rainbow Dr., Creve Couer, IL 61610.