ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS
C H R I S T I AN CONVERSATIONS
Bishops issue statement on U.S. elections
BISHOP KENNETHA ISSUES POST-ELECTION MESSAGE (Editor’s note: Bishop Bigham-Tsai hosted a one-hour Vespers service on Wednesday, Nov. 6 via Zoom. A resource for local churches to host their own vespers service has been made available for download at: https://www.igrc.org/files/tables/content/18744929/fields/files/84c5 38ae9c8c4821815a8cc385bf1503/vespers+service+for+small+groups.pdf )
Baby Fold's Festival of Trees Nov. 21-23 NORMAL – The Baby Fold's Festival of Trees is central Illinois' premier holiday extravaganza to kick-off the holidays and
of Christmas trees around! Visit the coffee, cookie, and bake shops for a tasty treat! Bring the family out for a delicious meal and live holiday entertainment during our Avanti's Family Night! And don't forget to place your best bids on over 600 hand- crafted holiday decorations in an online auction that blesses local children served by The Baby Fold! Tickets for The Baby Fold’s Festival of Trees are now on sale at www.FestOfTrees.org or can be purchased at the event, held Nov. 21-23 at the Interstate Center, 1106 Interstate Dr., Bloomington, IL. 61705. For additional information, please visit the FestOfTrees.org or call The Baby Fold at (309) 451-7202.
bless local children! At the Interstate Center you can expect a gorgeous display of Christmas trees, festive wreaths, gingerbread creations, holiday centerpieces and more! Santa Claus will be on-site every day to delight the children and each will enjoy a take-home holiday craft bag. Stroll through Gingerbread Village and take in the alluring scent of gingerbread and icing from over 100 charming creations! Sip on hot cocoa while admiring an Enchanted Forest filled with one of the largest displays Advent study on nativities and creches SPRINGFIELD – A four-part study on creches and nativity sets will be offered at Springfield: Jerome UMC, 1570 Reed Ave. during the season of Advent. Each session will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the following evenings in the church's fellowship hall: The study is based on many programs presented over several years at Friends of the Creche Conventions. Some of the programs influenced additions to the collection. Nov. 20: Historic Developments: Changes in poses and perceptions of Mary over the centuries, the variety of structures used, and other developments in how the story has been told. The 3 early centers of moveable figure sets. Dec. 4: Who Comes to Your Nativity Scene? In-depth look at the figures that come to the manger in the Provencal French tradition, and that influenced stories in countries that were French colonies and/or that had Jesuit
“Now faith, hope, and love remain... and the greatest of these is love.” – I Corinthians 13:13 (CEB) Greetings, May the grace of God and the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits. Amid the change and uncertainty that have resulted from the recent U.S. elections, and the ways in which these matters will impact the whole world, we remember that we are held by the enduring power of God's love and the call to be agents of that love in the world. We find ourselves at a critical historical juncture that future generations will scrutinize. It presses upon the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church, a worldwide body, to speak and act with moral clarity, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ and our commitment to justice and compassion for all. We affirm the inherent dignity of all God’s children. As our Social Principles remind us, “God calls all members of the human family to recognize and protect the dignity and worth of all people.” The lessons of history teach us the dangers of silence in the face of threats to human rights. Therefore, we cannot remain silent. We call upon all United Methodists to exercise their faith and to pray, speak, and act for justice and peace. Our baptismal vows call us “to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.” We therefore reject rhetoric, policies, and actions that demean or discriminate against any of God's children and will be vigilant in defending the rights of the vulnerable and speaking out against oppression. To people of all generations, especially our young, who yearn for a more just and inclusive world, your vision and passion give us hope. We commit to working alongside you to build the beloved community that reflects God's kingdom on earth. In the days ahead, we will continue this vital work uninterrupted and with renewed vigor. And we commit ourselves to prayer for our political leaders around the globe. Bishop Tracy S. Malone
“Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.” – Isaiah 43: 1, CEB Dear Friends, Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am praying for you, especially as we deal with the outcome of this election. I know that many are pleased with the outcome, but many also are afraid, confused, or uncertain about what lies ahead. I pray that you know that God is with us. And, no matter what happens, God will give us the courage to live as a people of grace. Indeed, as United Methodists, God’s grace centers us in both personal and social holiness and helps us live out God’s greatest commandments, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind…You must love your neighbor as you love
yourself,” (Matthew 22: 37-39). We will be challenged in the days to come to live out that love, but I trust that God will give us the strength. For those who are experiencing trauma and grief, I encourage you to take concrete steps to care for yourselves deeply. Move, drink plenty of water, eat healthily, get as much rest as you can. And ground yourselves in the disciplines of fasting, meditation, and prayer. I am making a commitment to pray and meditate through Isaiah 43: 1-2, 4. I invite you to pray those verses with me. But most importantly, do not go these days alone. Surround yourselves with a community that will walk with you. Find someone with whom you can share your
Bishop Kennetha to hold Advent Study online You're invited to Migration, Immigration and Beloved Community
United offering new certificate in Worship Leadership DAYTON, Ohio – Registration is now open for United Theological Seminary’s new fully online Certificate in Worship Leadership (CWL) program. The CWL is intended for the cultivation and formation of worship leaders and pastors in the church. In this certificate, students will examine principles of worship to learn how to design and preside over services of Christian worship, as well as what it truly means to be a Worship Leader. This program is a great foundation for persons who are interested in music leadership, design and the arts or who currently participate in regular worship planning in the local church. Students will learn from experienced instructors and connect with a community of students and fellow worship leaders. The program consists of three online courses, offered year-round. A bachelor’s or master’s degree is not a prerequisite. As an added benefit, students will be able to transfer these courses into United’s Certificate in Theology and Ministry (CTM) or Certificate in Service and Leadership (CSL) programs as an Emphasis in Worship Leadership. Total Per Course: $500 If you or someone you know is called to ministry as a worship leader, visit United’s website ( www.united.edu ) to learn more and apply to learn more and apply. If you have questions please direct them to Kimberly Hamby, khamby@united.edu . migration, which is surging because of oppression, climate change, and conflict. We know that those who choose to move are in search of survival and a better life. Yet, tragically, immigrants in the U.S. are being demonized, causing some to fear for their safety. We will learn about the Great Migration, the largest internal migration in U.S. history. During the Great Migration, more than six million African Americans moved from the South to northern, midwestern, and western states to escape racial terror and oppression. This study will present that history through poetry by some of our greatest American poets and through the artwork of acclaimed African American artist Jacob Lawrence.
Join Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai and Iowa and Illinois Methodists on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. Central. Join us this Advent for a three-week videoconference study focused on global migration, immigration, and beloved community. We will engage the Bible and our Social Principles as we think and pray about our call to love our neighbors as ourselves. Register for the online Advent Study by visiting: https://us06web.zoom.us/ meeting/register/tZUpd-urrzsrHddvJ0W _ A0lwzHCoOAAL43dK All societies are being impacted by global
hopes and your fears. Blessings and Peace, Bishop Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai
Nigeria church yearns for reconciliation
on Nov. 23-24, Admission to the Festival of Trees is included with all tickets to the Cedarhurst Center from 5 to 9 p.m. Daytime visitors can view for free from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All are welcome to bid on the Festival trees. As an additional initiative, Spero is sponsoring a Tree for Every Home which seeks to provide small trees, spanning 3 to 5 feet, to families who otherwise wouldn't have a tree. For more information on a Tree for Every Home, visit: https:// www.sperofs.org/a-tree-for-every-home/ missionaries. Some old legends are incorporated into the figures, and stories told. The over 100 figures in the collection represent occupations from 1825-50. Dec. 11: Around the World in 80 Nativities. Local art forms, local dress, local buildings, local animals. Dec. 18: Artistic Interpretations. Many artists have had insights into the Christmas story and created sets telling the story a little differently than you might have experienced. For more information on this four-part study, contact Hope Wright, hopewsew@aol. com who will be study facilitator.
Now Nigerians are advocating for unity and peace, and church members are tired of conflict, rancor and fighting over leadership. Voices can be heard in every corner and from all factions praying and asking for peace and unity. For example, this is what the Rev. Philip Micah Dopah, the leader of the first faction, has to say: “Let us be the children of light (and) be calm, and we should not destroy our church further but look forward to a hopeful future.” All United Methodists should put their differences aside in order to work toward peace and unity, he added. Evangelist Joel Gilenya added that “if there is any blessing we ever yearn for, (it) is the need for peace and unity amongst us. Living in peace and unity is the only panacea for God’s blessings towards humanity because where there is no harmonious living, the society is doomed physically and spiritually. “For the sake of ourselves and children yet unborn, let us keep our differences aside and work towards peaceful coexistence and healthy relationship,” he said. The church has been through a lot of crises that have pulled it backward for many years, he said. A voice from the second faction, Mrs. Saroustina Philip Johnson, said, “When the atmosphere is peaceful and people united, there will be development. Therefore, let there be peace, love and reconciliation amidst us so that God will heal our church.” The third faction includes those loyal to the authority of the church regardless of prejudices and injustice, reflecting their obedience to God and the church’s Book of Discipline. “We yearn for God’s glory, love, justice and respect for the church authority,” said the Rev. Dr. Rhoda Manzo. “Let diversity be seen as strength not division. Therefore, we look forward to a better, unified, reconciled and spirit- flowing church. “We believe and are hopeful that with the coming of the interim bishop and the episcopal team, the Holy Spirit will guide and lead them to the direction that peace and unity will be achieved.” (Iliya is a district superintendent for The United Methodist Church of Nigeria.)
BY REV. DR. EUNICE ILIYA
The United Methodist Church of Nigeria is emerging from two decades of schism resulting from tribalism and power tussles. During those two decades, the peace, progress and healthy ubuntu —
recognizing the humanity of one another — that were enjoyed by the community disappeared, leaving the church in stagnation, pain, regret and backwardness in development. We lost members to Pentecostal churches and faced unhealthy relationships among our own church members. The recent resignation of the bishop and his loyalists, along with the Council of Bishops’ appointment of a team to lead the Nigeria Episcopal Area, signals the long-awaited remedy for decades of pain and frustration. Peace, unity and reconciliation can return to the church after a very long absence. During the years of conflict, there were several factions. The first faction disassociated itself from the leadership of the church for about 12 years due to lack of trust in the episcopal leader, including a rejection of the nomination process that led to his election. The second faction disassociated itself from the leadership due to unjust treatment of pastors and conference staff, along with what it viewed as maladministration. The third faction consisted of those who stayed loyal to the church, despite the problems. Both of the first two factions were running parallel leadership, with people performing the activities of the bishop even when they knew it to be against the discipline of the church. The church became lawless, with members taking the law into their hands even if they went against the Book of Discipline, without being afraid or remorseful. Unity can lead to a more inclusive and equitable church. Peace refers to the absence of conflict or violence. It is a vital component of progress and development. Due to lack of peace and unity, members were unable to focus on building a better future church as they were constantly preoccupied with conflicts.
Spero Family Services Festival of Trees MT. VERNON – Spero Family Services will have its Festival of Trees Nov. 22-24 at the Mitchell Museum at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mt. Vernon. More information can be found at: https:// www.sperofs.org/fot/
President - Council of Bishops The United Methodist Church
Radicle Methodism 2025 Dive into United Methodist Roots
A Holiday Ball kicks off festivities on Friday, Nov. 22, at 6 p.m. The black tie optional affair is a time for persons to place bids on Festival trees as well as a social hour and an hor d'oeuvre dinner. Tickets are $150 per person. The Festival of Trees open to the public
Are you curious about the foundational roots of The United Methodist Church? Join us for Radicle Methodism 2025, an enriching program brought to you by the General Commission on Archives and History in collaboration with Discipleship Ministries. Read more about the course, the variety of formats and get an overview by visiting: https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/articles/ radicle-methodism-2025-dive-into-united- methodist-roots Applications sought from churches, candidates for 2025 Intern Program SPRINGFIELD – Applications are now open for the 2025 IGRC Intern Program. Prospective interns, mentors, and host church representatives are welcome to visit www.igrc.org/interns for all the details and application links. Priority deadline is Jan.15, and the final deadline is March 3.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
Wesley Heritage Tour with the Krosts Join Pastor Todd and Deaconess Christina Krost for the trip of a lifetime on a Wesley Heritage Tour Nov. 5-13, 2025! Experience the best culture and history England has to offer with its beautiful countryside and magnificent cities. Most importantly, visit and learn first-hand about where the Methodist movement started in the 18th century led by brothers John and Charles Wesley. Participants will tour Epworth, the Wesleys' home town; Oxford, where the young Wesley brothers began their ministries; the New Room and Charles Wesley’s grave in Bristol; Aldersgate, where their hearts were "strangely warmed”; and central London, where John and his mother, Susanna, are laid to rest. Bring a companion for a journey you will never forget! For information email Todd at todd.krost@gmail. com or visit: https://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/ he25a#eotours
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
2 | DECEMBER 2024 | THE CURRENT
THE CURRENT | DECEMBER 2024 | 3
Powered by FlippingBook