UMCOR's response to the California wildfire, Hurricane Helene relief update; Final listing of 2024 apportionments; Bishop Bard's Martin Luther King Day letter; Bishop Bigham-Tsai's advocacy letter on behalf of migrants; 2025 Annual Conference information
FEB 2025 | VOL. 29 • NO. 6
UMCOR Responds to California wildfires, remains with Helene relief efforts
THE current
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River Ramblings CLEAR-EYED LOVE How many of you remember February’s past when you pasted colored construction paper over a shoebox, cutting a hole in the top and drawing hearts on the side? This was your Valentine card box which you brought to school along with cards for every student in your class. You put cards in their box and they put cards in your box. Maybe you asked your parents the question, “Do I have to give a card to _______?” someone in your class who you really did not care for. Of course, the answer from your parents was “yes, you do.” There is a good lesson on love in that. In the economy of God’s love, everyone deserves dignity and respect. Love is the topic of many a novel, movie, poem or song. While most are enjoyable, not every artistic work about love, not every statement about love, is insightful or helpful. Years ago in the movie Love Story, a main character said, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” It sounded nice in the film, but it is horribly bad advice. Any of us who have been married for any length of time know that saying “sorry” is part of the relationship. Being able to apologize is an important part of love. The familiar saying, “love is blind” can be insightful . When we are “in love” it is easy to overlook something in the one we love. At its best, this is rather benign. None of us is perfect and any long-term love relationship includes being able to overlook small faults and annoyances. Does it really matter if your spouse never learned to squeeze the toothpaste from the bottom up? We should see our spouses in their best light. At its worst, however, a person “madly in love” may overlook deeply hurtful or even abusive behavior. They may love, but they are not being
NEWS FROM THE EPISCOPAL OFFICE
Inside THIS ISSUE 1 News from the Episcopal Office 2 Announcements & Events 3-4 Christian Conversations 5-6 Local Church News 7 Bishop Bard's MLK Letter 8-9 CA Wildfires / UMCOR Response 10-14 Apportionments 14 Global News 15-16 Conference News T H E current FEB 2025 | VOL. 29 • NO. 6
loved. If you are in such a relationship, there are resources to help. While a certain kind of romantic love may be “blind,” the essence of love is just the opposite. Love isn’t really blind. It is clear-eyed and resilient. Paul’s prayer for the followers of Jesus at Ephesus includes a prayer that the eyes of their hearts might be enlightened. Love is intended to be wise and clear-eyed. Love is not blind, it is open-eyed and resilient. I often think of resilient and clear-eyed love in February when the month that includes its celebration also marks Black History Month. I love my country, and I want to see it clear-eyed, honestly, including the times when we have failed to live up to our promise. In his famous August 28, 1963 speech, “I Have a Dream,” the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said: “In a sense we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir…. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned.” We have not always lived up to our promise. The black poet Langston Hughes wrote a powerful poem in which he expressed his desire for America to be America but then notes “America never was America to me.” I want a love for this country that is clear-eyed and resilient, a love that sees our history with all its joys, and beauty, and achievements, and its failings, and shortcomings, and brutalities.
We are a country
whose history includes slavery and segregation, mistreatment of indigenous people, immigrants and migrants. We put Japanese-American
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citizens in internment camps during World War II. My hometown of Duluth, Minnesota witnessed a lynching of three black men in 1920, a story I never heard until I was well into adulthood. Speaking of clear-eyed love many of us are now aware of the Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, who preached at a prayer service the day after inauguration day. President Trump and Vice President Vance were in attendance and Bishop Budde concluded her sermon with a direct plea to the president for mercy for those frightened and vulnerable, specifically naming LGBTQ and migrant persons. Many have seen those last moments, but they need to be put into the context of her entire sermon in which she speaks of national unity rooted in honoring the inherent dignity of all, in honesty and in humility. She speaks of unity as a way of being with one another and genuinely caring for one another even in disagreement. BISHOP David Alan Bard
Harrisburg First’s United Women in Faith held its 88th Annual Christmas Bazaar Dec. 5. The bazaar included coffee and donuts, a silent auction, baked goods, candy, attic treasures and dinner. The event raised $4,646 for United Women in Faith. Photo courtesy of Harrisburg: First UMC
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An Aledo man is taking the Christmas spirit to the next level.
DEATHS
Sally Ann Mace , 84, wife of IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. Eugene Mace, died Jan. 1 in Peoria. Together with her husband, the Maces served 43 years in
and superintendent, including 18 years as superintendent at Fairbury-Cropsey and Prairie Central Schools in Fairbury, IL. He served in several capacities at the local church, district and conference level, including being a lay member to the Conference Board of Ministry as well as a lay member to annual conference. For a complete obituary, visit: https://www. duffypilsmemorialhome.com/obituary/dr- calvin-jackson Condolences can be sent to his wife, Veva Jackson, 700 E Maple St, Fairbury, IL 61739-1365.
IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. Stephen L. Palmer , 74, died Jan. 19, at his home in Gays. Rev. Palmer served 40 years in active ministry, retiring in 2016 from Pana.
RIVER RAMBLINGS CONTINUED ON 15
Isbell appointed East District Superintendent
APPOINTMENTS In consultation with the Cabinet of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference Bishops David Alan Bard and Kennetha Bigham-Tsai appoint the following: Randy Azbell to Hudson, North District, effective April 1. Michael Hall to Springfield: Kumler- Williamsville, North District, ½ time, effective Jan.15. Sylvester Weatheral l to Dunlap: Prospect, North District, ½ time, effective Jan. 1. Jon Brashear to Villa Grove-Newman, East District, effective Jan. 1. This is a charge realignment where Newman is yoked with Villa Grove, making it a two-point charge. Change of status Ray Long to retired status, effective July 1. He is currently on medical leave. Pete Ryan to retired status, effective June 1. He is currently serving at Glendale-Powers, South District. Timothy Pearce to retired status, effective July 1. He is currently on medical leave. Helen Dayle Badman , discontinuation of appointment, effective July 1, 2024. She previously was serving at Buckeye, Central District. Lori Van Horn , discontinuation of interim appointment, effective Dec. 1, 2024. She previously was serving Pinckneyville: First-Nashville: Grace, South District. Curt Keller , discontinuation of appointment, effective April 1. He is currently serving as a retired elder at Hudson, North District.
ministry. Rev. Mace retired in 1999 as Director of Pastoral Care at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria. For a complete obituary, visit: https://www. pjstar.com/obituaries/pils1050689 Condolences may be sent to the Rev. Eugene Mace, 6901 N Galena Rd, Apt 218, Peoria, IL 61614-3161. IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. David L. Hurley , 90, died Dec. 31 in Fairfield, Ohio. Rev. Hurley began his 41 years of ministry in the former New York East Conference in 1954, transferring to the former Southern Illinois Conference in 1964. He served several congregations in both Southern and Central Illinois, retiring in 1995 from Peoria: Forrest Hill. For a complete obituary, visit: https://www. echovita.com/us/obituaries/oh/fairfield/ david-hurley-19099698 Condolences may be sent to his widow, Carolyn Hurley, 7129 Gilmore Rd, Apt. 213, Fairfield Township, OH 45011.
Naomi Roberts to retired status, effective July 1. She is currently serving at Bement-Bondville, East District. Dennis Powers to retired status, effective July 1. He is currently serving at Roseville-Swan Creek, West District. James Pernell , Sr, discontinuation of appointment, effective April 1. He is currently serving at Elmwood- Brimfield, North District. Nancy Wilson to retired status, effective July 1. She is currently serving at Greenville: First-Mulberry Grove, Central District. Krista Price to retired status, effective July 1. She is currently serving at East Peoria: First, North District. Shane Sims , discontinuation as a part-time local pastor, effective Jan. 1. He previously served at Williamsville, Central District. Scott Henley to retried status, effective July 1. He is currently serving at Kankakee: Asbury, North District. Carolyn Carnes , withdrawal to unite with another denomination, effective Nov. 4, 2004. She was serving at Trinity Lutheran Church in Galesburg at the time of her withdrawal and she is uniting with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). Amanda Richards to medical leave, effective Jan.1. She was serving at Decatur: First, Central District. Casey Taylor , withdrawal to unite with a non-denominational church, effective Jan. 1. He was serving at Urbana: Quest Grace, East District. John Cross to retired status, effective Jan. 1. He was serving at Marshall: Emmanuel-Zion.
and the 2019 Special Session in St. Louis. "I am honored to be asked to serve in this way," Rev. Isbell said. "I have been proud to work with Bishops Bard and Bigham-Tsai as a member of the Jurisdictional Committee on the Episcopacy. I look forward to working with them and supporting their vision for the Illinois Great Rivers Conference." Rev. Isbell said The United Methodist
BY PAUL BLACK SPRINGFIELD – Bishops Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai and David A. Bard announced today the appointment of the Rev. Sara L. Isbell as district superintendent of the East District, effective July 1. Rev, Isbell will succeed the Rev. Angie Lee as superintendent. Lee has served the maximum eight consecutive years as a district superintendent and will be receiving another appointment.
For a complete obituary, visit: https://www. howeandyockey.com/obituaries/stephen- palmer Condolences may be sent to his wife, Linda Palmer, 1006 Front St., Gays, IL 61928-9779.
We have just received word of the Oct. 24, 2024 death of Roy Wallace Trueblood , 90, in Daphne, Ala. A native of Decatur, Roy Trueblood answered the call
Mary Jane Fester , 88, widow of the Rev. William D. Fester, died Jan. 11, in Glen Carbon.
Together with her husband, the Festers served 42 years of active ministry in the former Southern Illinois and later Illinois Great Rivers Conference, retiring in 2002 from Alton: Main Street. Rev. Fester died June 27, 2009. In addition to her role as a pastor’s wife, she had a 30-year career teaching elementary school music in the Granite City School District and took an active role in the music life of the church, playing piano or organ, leading various choirs, or holding down the alto part in the sanctuary choir. For a complete obituary, visit: https://www. gentfuneralhome.com/obituaries/mary-fester where condolences may be left for the family. IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. Burt A. McIntosh , 98, died Jan. 7, in Normal. where he served four years as Director of the Conference Council on Ministries and six years as Galesburg District Superintendent. He retired in 1992 from Morton. In retirement, he served interim pastorates and was the interim Director of Camping and Retreat Ministries in 1999-2000. He is the father of IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. John K. McIntosh. For a complete obituary, visit: https:// calvertmemorial.com/obituaries/burt-mcintosh Condolences may be sent to his son, Rev. John K. McIntosh, 1303 W. Westbrook Dr., Mahomet, IL 61853-9503. Rev. McIntosh served 39 years in active ministry in the former Central Illinois Conference
Church has much good to share with the world. "I hope to let God use me to help the Illinois Great Rivers Conference – and especially the churches and pastors of the East District – celebrate our United Methodist identity and calling," she said. "I will do my best to serve faithfully, listen well, and support the churches, campus ministries, and agencies of the East District, and their leadership, to fulfill their mission and make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." Rev. Isbell is a graduate of the University of Illinois and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston. In her 22 years of active ministry, she has served as Associate Pastor of Decatur Grace UMC; Chatham UMC; and for the past seven years, Bloomington: Wesley UMC and for the last year, Bloomington: West Olive UMC. She and her husband, Andy, are the parents of two grown children. Rev. Isbell's father, IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. E. Paul Unger, and with her new appointment become the first father-daughter to serve as District Superintendents in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference and its predecessor conferences. Rev. Unger served as district superintendent of the former Peoria District from 1985 to 1991 prior to retiring in 1999. Central District Superintendent, the Rev. Bradley Watkins II became the first father-son to serve on the Cabinet when he was appointed in in 2020. His father was superintendent of the former Champaign District from 1991 to 1998 before retiring in 2001.
to ministry and served several churches in the former Central Illinois Conference and was the first director of the Wesley Foundation at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. After obtaining a PhD in religious studies from Northwestern University, he joined The Atlanta Consulting Group and became a successful management consultant who traveled the United States and several countries abroad training corporate managers in human relations skills. In 1979, he was placed on honorable location. Upon retiring from The Atlanta Consulting Group, Roy and his wife, Jackie, began Partners in Ministry, a program where they wrapped the principles Roy taught in the business world in Scripture and taught clergy and laity throughout The United Methodist Church how to work together more effectively. For a complete obituary, visit: https:// neptunesociety.com/obituaries/daphne-al/ roy-trueblood-12042488 Condolences may be sent to his widow, Jackie Trueblood, 8686 Rosedown Lane, Daphne, AL 36526. Retired diaconal minister, Laura Jo Smith , 85, died June 30 in Jackson, Mo. She served 17 years of active
The Current (USPS 014-964) is published monthly by the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of The UMC, 5900 South Second Street, Springfield, IL 62711 An individual subscription is $15 per year. The opinions expressed in viewpoints are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Current, The IGRC, or The UMC . Communications Team Leader: Paul E. Black Team members: Kim Halusan, Michele Willson Send materials to: P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207 or tel. 217.529.2040 or fax 217.529.4155 thecurrent@igrc.org , website www.igrc.org Periodical postage paid at Peoria, IL, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to The Current , Illinois Great Rivers Conference, P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207
"I am delighted to have Sara join the Cabinet and become the East District Superintendent," Bishop Bard said. "She has a deep and thoughtful faith in Jesus Christ along with a passionate desire to see the church be its best. She brings to the position of superintendency a compassionate pastoral heart, a concern for the church to be engaged in the world, wonderful creativity and wonderful relationship- building skills. She will be a great addition to the Cabinet team. “Making a new appointment to the cabinet is always a joy, and always also means a loss," Bishop Bard added. "The Rev. Angie Lee has served the conference faithfully and well as a district superintendent. Her ministry among us has been deeply appreciated. She has served both the IGRC and the East District, and its predecessors, with integrity, intelligence, joy, a deep faith, and a deep love for the church. Her cabinet colleagues and bishops will miss her.” Bishop Bard noted that Rev. Isbell has held a variety of leadership positions in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference including leading the delegation to the 2020/2024 General Conference. She is a past chairperson of the North Central Jurisdiction Committee on the Episcopacy -- the committee which assigns bishops to episcopal areas. And she has been a member of the NCJ Committee on Episcopacy since 2012. Rev. Isbell is also a four- time elected delegate to General Conference at the 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020/2024 regular sessions
Thomas W. Montgomery , 79, a former lay member to annual conference from Cambridge UMC, died Dec. 6, 2024. Mr. Montgomery was an attorney and a longtime member of
the Cambridge UMC where he served in various leadership positions, including lay member to annual conference. He was also a certified lay speaker. For a complete obituary, visit: https://www. stackhousemoore.com/obituaries/Thomas- W-Montgomery?obId=34166457 Condolences may be sent to his wife, Barbara Montgomery, 209 S Main St, Cambridge, IL 61238-1345.
Dr. Calvin C. Jackson , 89, a former lay member to annual conference from Fairbury: First UMC, died Nov. 18, 2024, in Pontiac. A lifelong educator, Dr.
ministry at Belleville: Signal Hill. For a complete obituary, visit:
https://www.crainsonline.com/obituaries/ Laura-Smith-54 where condolences may be left for the family.
Jackson served as a teacher, coach, principal,
THE CURRENT | FEBRUARY 2025 | 1
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS
C H R I S T I AN CONVERSATIONS
Youth Ministry Leader Part Time Youth Ministry Leader for Island Grove UMC, https://www. igrc.org/classifiedsdetail/18871612 to view requirements, responsibilities and how to apply for the position.
Maintenance is NOT the mission Matters of measurement and measurement matters
Bishop Kennetha scheduling District Town Hall meetings SPRINGFIELD – Bishop Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai is scheduling Town Hall Meetings in each of the five districts in the upcoming months. and ask questions. The day's schedule will have the bishop preaching at a church in the morning followed by the District Town Hall Meeting in the afternoon. This will be an opportunity to meet Bishop Kennetha The following dates have been confirmed: Central District – Sunday, Feb. 2. Preaching at Taylorville: First UMC, 8:45 a.m. Town Hall at Belleville: Union UMC, 1:30 p.m. East District – Sunday, Feb. 23. Preaching at Champaign: Faith, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Town Hall Meeting at Charleston: Wesley, 3 p.m. North District – Sunday, March 23, Preaching at The Bridge, Town Hall at Pontiac: First UMC, 2:30 p.m. West District – Sunday, April 6, Preaching at Macomb: Wesley. Town Hall at Monmouth UMC, TBA South District – Sunday, May 4. Preaching at Mt. Vernon: First UMC, 10 a.m. Town Hall Meeting at Carbondale: First UMC, time TBA
Nepal. Lester serves as a General Practicioner and Training Coordinator and Deborah serves as the Expatriates Support Officer. The fourth panelist will be Yu-ting Chiu who serves as Support Staff for Communications with the Christian Conference of Asia in Thailand. You will have the opportunity to meet in a small group to hear a presentation from a single missionary during the call. When you register, you will select the speaker's presentation you wish to attend. You will get a confirmation email once your registration is accepted. If the limit is reached, you will get priority for future events. Read more about the #StillinMission broadcasts by visiting: https://umcmission. org/stillinmission/
West Chestnut St, Chatham, IL Cost? $25 (includes lunch). Register by Feb. 12. Questions? Contact Kay Clifton, akclifton38@ gmail.com Use a registration form for each person registered. Registration and payment due by Feb. 12. Download the registration form by visiting: https://files.constantcontact. com/72d8f968001/739e8795-b8c9-4ee4-a52d- 1b027dc9d4e6.pdf Please send form(s) and check payable to ‘IGRC United Women in Faith’ to: Sally Smith, IGRC UWFaith Treasurer, 902 Eldridge, Washington, IL 61571 Bishop Bard to host Confirmation Rally AUBURN – Bishop David Bard is inviting confirmation students to join him for the 2025 IGRC Confirmation Rally, which will be Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Auburn UMC. Register for the Confirmation Rally by visiting: https://igrc-reg.brtapp.com/2025Bish opsConfirmationRally The rally is open to all current 2025 confirmation class students and those recently confirmed youth who joined the church in 2024. This special day of celebration and witness brings together confirmands from across our conference to strengthen their faith journey and connection with our United Methodist family. Cost is $8 per student confirmand with adult leaders being free. Registration of both students and adults are needed for an accurate lunch count. Registration deadline is March 24. Year-end reporting portal now open SPRINGFIELD – AC Stats, the year-end reporting platform is now open through Feb. 28 for reporting statistical information for 2024. AC Stats can be accessed through the Church Dashboard at: www.igrc.org/ dashboard The link will be found in the upper right-hand corner of the dashboard. To log-in into AC Stats, use the following information on your initial log-in: User Name: the church's six-digit GCFA number Password: stats2024! (you will be asked to change the password once you log in for the first time) Read more about the ACStat process by visiting: https://www.igrc.org/acstats Course of Study registration through Feb. 7 SPRINGFIELD – Registration for the April- May classes which will be April 4-5, May 2-3 are open through Feb. 7. Courses for the April-May session are: • COS 123 Formation and Discipleship (Instructor: Rev. Dr. Beth Fender) • COS 322 Theological Heritage III: Medieval and Reformation (Instructor: Rev. Dennis Powers) Read more and register by visiting: https:// igrc-reg.brtapp.com/COSApr2025 Applications sought from churches, candidates for 2025 Intern Program SPRINGFIELD – Applications are now open
The lessons of the pansies BY SHARON BROWN CHRISTOPHER
communities where they are situated? (communal transfiguration). These two key relational dimensions are clearly articulated in the current United Methodist mission statement: “The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Local churches and extension ministries of the Church provide the most significant arenas through which disciple-making occurs.” Making disciples involves personal formation in the way, truth, and life of Jesus. More people living the way of Jesus together, doing Jesus things, leads to a transfigured world. A more compassionate world, a just world, a healed world. While inspired by Matthew 28:19 “Go make disciples…” (The Great Commission), this mission statement has certain limitations, it could be rightly called the “Great Omission”: It leaves out the active call to “Go” into the world as part of discipleship. The phrasing implies a passive model of discipleship– waiting for people to come to the church rather than actively seeking them out. This reflects a deeper challenge: institutional processes and policies, while intended to facilitate mission, have unintentionally contributed to passivity, restricting churches from engaging in transformative mission to our communities. How sociology can guide new metrics From the perspective of a sociologist these are indeed constructs we can measure. I am currently conducting research at the University of Florida exploring the relationships between compassion, religiosity, religious affiliation, and political affiliation, aiming to explore their role in the “compassion gap”–the erosion of empathetic responses in the face of societal challenges like political division, loneliness, and inequality. The primary theoretical framework for my research is grounded in Allport and Ross’s (1967) Religious Orientation Theory which distinguishes between intrinsic religiosity, characterized by a deep personal commitment to faith, and extrinsic religiosity, which involves engaging with religion primarily for external rewards (Allport & Ross, 1967). Religious affiliation refers to an individual’s formal association with a specific religious group or tradition, regardless of the depth or personal significance of their engagement with its teachings or practices. While religious affiliation marks group membership, forms of religiosity emphasize personal belief orientation and the internal integration of faith into daily life. These distinctions are essential as religious affiliation alone may not lead to an increase in social compassion. And extrinsic religiosity shows weaker associations with prosociality. While intrinsic religiosity has been linked to heightened prosocial behaviors and greater well-being. Our current metrics primarily measure affiliation and extrinsic religiosity, not intrinsic religiosity. It is also possible to measure community impact. Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of social capital provides a valuable framework for understanding how churches create value through relationships (Bourdieu’s concept predates and is similar but distinct from Robert Putnam). Bourdieu’s theory of capital highlights the plurality of social fields, where various forms of capital–economic, cultural, and social–define the positions and possibilities of actors within these fields. Social capital, in particular, refers to the resources gained from group membership and social networks, which can enhance an individual’s social standing in different areas of life. This capital is produced through relationships and is crucial in determining how economic and cultural capital is leveraged. Social capital also has a symbolic dimension, where the recognition and distinction it provides play a critical role in sustaining power dynamics and influencing social positions. Social capital, a concept centered on social
BY MICHAEL ADAM BECK
For several weeks now I have been observing my balcony porch winter garden. It consists
How do we measure this? It seems to be the inevitable question that comes up in every training. Ten years ago, I wrote a white paper titled, New Missional Metrics for a Blended Ecology of Church . Denominational leaders and
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. Final deadline is March 3. Living Into My Yes sessions explore calls into ministry SPRINGFIELD – The “Living Into My Yes” online inquiry session is designed for people of any age or life stage who are beginning to discern a call to some form of vocational ministry but who have not yet officially begun the process toward ordination or licensing. Pastors and other leaders are welcome to attend to learn more about the process. Upcoming events in the Living Into My Yes series include: • Tuesday, Feb. 11, 1 to 2 p.m. Living Into My Yes for Pastors. This session is for pastors and other leaders who are walking alongside someone who is discerning. • Tuesday, April 29, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Living Into My Yes for Supply. This session is especially for laity currently assigned to a church as Supply to learn their options. • Thursday, June 12, 6 ot 7:30 p.m. Living Into My Yes online inquiry session. This session is for anyone discerning how God might be calling you. Read more by visiting: https://www.igrc.org/ living-into-my-yes United Methodist Scholarship portal open for 2025-26 school year NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Information for the 2025-26 school year. Scholarships and low interest loans made possible through UM Student Day offering. Applications will be accepted through March 31. Apply for a UM Scholarship by visiting: https://www.gbhem.org/scholarships/apply- for-scholarships UM Higher Education Foundation accepting scholarship applications The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2025-26 school year. The foundation's scholarship program awards $2 million to nearly 1,000 students attending United Methodist-related institutions. Deadline for applying is April 1. Read more by visiting: https://umhef. org/2025-scholarship-applications Job opening CENTRAL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: The Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference is seeking an individual with a servant’s heart to maintain an effective administrative system undergirded by excellent relational, communication, and organizational skills. The successful ANNOUNCEMENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
of two small red cedar trees, two box elders, and seven pots of pansies. With just-the-right positioning of my chair I can see, through two long, wide glass panels, all my pansies. This is what I am learning from them: • They require much less water than my summer flowers, I suppose in large part because of the lower temperatures in which they dwell. • With a bold fierceness they defiantly withstand the north and east winds that bludgeon them on stormy days. In fact moderate breezes strengthen both the stems and the root system. • They droop dramatically when the temperature descends below freezing point and especially when it drops to 10 degrees or below. • They sag even more when glazed with ice during winter ice storms. • And, and, and with an untold gumption they pick themselves up and raise their colorful faces to the sun when above-freezing warmth returns. • How many times have I written them off for dead... only to be both surprised and amazed when strength and beauty and their resulting endurance show up again. Stronger than the Energizer Bunny. A resurrection of sorts. If I were to identify one word to best describe their character, it would be “resilience.” 1. the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness 2. the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape 3. Elasticity... flexibility, pliability, suppleness, plasticity (Definitions from Oxford Languages) Resilience, or being mentally tough, refers to the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to challenges, and maintain a positive mindset in the face of adversity. It involves emotional strength, nimbleness, and the capacity to persevere through difficult situations. It has something to do with being grounded in hope. As I anticipate the winds of political uncertainty and disruption ahead of us, I am taking my cue from the pansies and their resilience. The first image is a composite of the pansies currently blooming on my porch. The second was taken several years ago in our Nashville front yard after a snow. (Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher is a retired bishop of The United Methodist Church. She served the Illinois Area from 1996 to 2008. Recently, she launched a blog, Gathering the Fragments, https://www.gatherinthefragments. org where she shares reflections illustrated by her photography. Persons can subscribe to the blog by visiting the blogsite, opening a blog post and clicking Subscribe at the bottom of the post. Reprinted with permission of the author.)
colleagues who read it often responded favorably, “Yes, this makes sense!” but that was as far as we got. However, today there is renewed energy around the missional metrics conversation. What is clear is that our current metrics are good at measuring decline. “Religious affiliation” or people self- reporting membership and worship attendance continue to decrease. This shift coincides with a broader decline in institutional religion, which has traditionally provided ethical frameworks for prosocial behavior. As religious participation declines, loneliness and social isolation are on the rise, as traditional church networks that foster community are diminishing (Murthy, 2023). The decline in church participation is particularly evident in The United Methodist Church (UMC), which has seen a steady drop in membership since the 1960s. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this decline, as did the disaffiliation of congregations from the UMC to form the Global Methodist Church (GMC). The UMC has faced significant loss of membership, resources, and leadership. This fragmentation not only weakened the church’s ability to present a unified mission but also diverted attention and energy from outreach and mission, deepening internal conflict and hindering its overall vitality. The resulting uncertainty has left many congregations struggling to maintain momentum and engage their communities effectively. These trends collectively underscore the urgent need for the church to adapt, or more specifically to appropriately measure the Spirit-led adaptation that is already occurring. What we measure matters. It programs the behaviors of people in the system. Clergy and congregations put energy and effort into the things they will be asked to report. Consider the annual evaluation of pastors in the UMC, of the 21 identified skills and behaviors, only one skill, “reaching out to and supporting the community beyond the church’s walls,” is truly outwardly focused. These assessments often focus on internal priorities such as preaching and pastoral care rather than innovative outreach which often push pastors toward institutional maintenance rather than mission-focused outreach. This creates a cycle where pastors prioritize satisfying members’ needs rather than pursuing new missional efforts. But does what we’ve been measuring really measure matter? Matter = anything that has mass and takes up space. Rethinking Church Metrics for a Changing Landscape In light of these changes, traditional metrics of church vitality – like membership, worship attendance, and giving– no longer suffice. Historically, these metrics have measured the internal health of churches. However, in the blended ecology, where traditional forms of ministry are living in symbiotic relationship with new expressions of church, these metrics fail to capture the full scope of the church’s outward-facing mission. Transvocational ministry, where clergy and laity work together as partners in God’s mission, requires a new approach to measuring church vitality. The church is a community of people, living in loving relationship with God, one another, the wider church, and the world. A simple framework for rethinking metrics should focus on real flesh and blood, matterized people, with two key relational dimensions: personal and communal. • Personal: how are people growing in loving union with God and neighbor (inner transfiguration)? • Communal: how do congregations impact the
Church and Society hosting online Book Study SPRINGFIELD – Lent is a season of prayer, fasting, and repentance. It's also a good time to dive deep into a challenging topic, discuss with our brothers and sisters in faith, and chart action toward a new future. We hope participation in this book study inspires action toward Church and Society's goal of becoming anti-racist in the IGRC. Register online for the book study by visiting: https://igrc-reg.brtapp.com/sumofus Meeting once a week for 4 weeks (March 12, 19, 26 and April 2, 7 to 8:15 p.m.) during Lent, participants will discuss the book, The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee and explore content with a theological lens. Sessions will also feature learnings on what is happening in our world now and how to engage in meaningful action. We hope you'll register today and join us on the journey. Please email christina.krost@ gmail.com if you have any questions. United Women in Faith Spiritual Growth Seminar focuses on soul and earth care CHATHAM – What is soul care? What is earth care? Our inner selves and our outer subsistence, given to us by our loving God. Come with ears to hear what the Bible says and how our Church and UWFaith are working to enliven our souls and sustain the earth. These are more connected than you thought. Program by Christina Krost and Kay Clifton. 9 a.m. — Check in and fellowship (bring snacks to share) 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Program (includes lunch) The offering will go toward our 2025 Pledge to Mission. (Checks payable to: IGRC United Women in Faith) When and Where? Saturday, Feb. 22, Chatham United Methodist Church, 104
MOVING FROM
Register for Covenant Keepers 2025 O’FALLON – Registration is now open for Covenant Keepers 2025, which will be held Monday, Feb. 24 - Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the Regency Convention Center in O'Fallon. This is scheduled as an in-person event. The theme for this year's event is From Grief to Hope , based upon Psalm 30:11-2 and Lamentations 3:21-22. Register online at: https://igrc-reg.brtapp.com/CK2025 The agenda will be from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and from 8:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday. The presenters will be Bishops David Alan Bard and Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai. Price: $50 (includes lunch on Feb. 24). Individuals are responsible for overnight accommodations. Rooms are available at the Hilton Garden Inn St. Louis/Shiloh/ O'Fallon, and the Hampton Inn O'Fallon. There will be no on-site registration. Registration deadline: Feb. 16 . IGRC missionaries to be on #StillinMission broadcast Missionaries Connie Wieck, Lester Dornan and Deborah Dornan will be presenting their missionary work via Zoom tonight through Global Ministries monthly #Still-in- Mission series. Wieck and the Dornons' presentation are part of a Feb. 6, 2025 #StillinMission broadcast, to air at 7 p.m. Central time. Registration is required at: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcuf- uorz0uGtKmBcbO9fATiGr1Y9FLuP99#/registration . Wieck serves as the Coordinator for English Language Programming with the Southeast Asia Mission Initiative. The Dornons serve together with the United Methodist Mission in
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provide a more adaptive framework:
relationships, includes elements like networks, civic engagement, trust, and norms of reciprocity, and has gained prominence in academic and policy debates since the 1990s. It is a complex, multidimensional asset that facilitates cooperation and collective action for mutual benefit, with types such as bonding, bridging, and linking. Though it can be measured at various levels, the concept remains elusive, with challenges in defining, quantifying, and empirically testing its effects. Thus, congregations that have “social capital” in their communities can have a transfiguring effect. Conversely, congregations can function as closed systems, which can be completely disconnected from the larger social ecosystem, for a time. But with no output, and no influx of new people, energy, and resources, closed systems eventually stagnate and die. Social capital—comprised of networks, trust, and relationships—offers a more holistic measure of church vitality than the inward-focused metrics of membership and attendance. In the blended ecology, church vitality should be measured by the social capital it generates through its outreach and engagement with the broader community, rather than by passive metrics that reflect only what is collected. As church leaders, it is time to shift our focus from inward metrics to outward engagement—tracking relationships and missional impact in the broader community. The case for new metrics The true vitality of a church lies in its outward-facing mission—how it engages and transforms its community. Drawing inspiration from Bourdieu’s theory of social capital, churches must track how they build relationships and foster community engagement. Instead of focusing on what is “inside” the church, we should measure how the church is creating connections and networks that extend beyond the walls of the building. To assess the social capital a church generates, we can track: • The number of new relationships formed with unchurched or de-churched individuals. • The degree to which church members are integrated into community-based social networks. • The tangible social impact of the church’s service, mission, and outreach initiatives. Examples of technical vs. adaptive metrics Using insights from Junius Dotson’s distinctions between counting and measuring, we recognize the need to shift focus from numbers alone to trends, movement, and transformation: Counting Metrics • How many dollars were pledged this year? • How many members are active in church? • How many attendees are present on Sunday? Measuring metrics • Are worship participants showing consistent and deep engagement with the life of the church? • Is financial giving increasing over time as a sign of spiritual growth? • How many professions of faith have been made over time? Adaptive metrics must address deeper spiritual questions, such as: • How far has a person come on their spiritual journey? • How deep is their faith rooted, and how is it being lived out? • How wide is our communal impact? This shift allows churches to measure movement, not just attendance. New missional metrics for a blended ecology To ensure alignment with the mission of the UMC in a blended ecology, new metrics are needed that capture the dynamic nature of both inherited and Fresh Expression congregations. These metrics should reflect the outward focus of the mission—moving beyond traditional, inward- looking measures to those that assess the “going” aspect of disciple-making, as stated in the UMC mission statement. The Fresh Expressions movement and blended ecclesial models introduce both opportunities and challenges for how we assess mission and discipleship. Metrics should reflect both inherited expressions of church and new, decentralized Fresh Expressions models. The following proposed metrics
Aledo man spreads holiday cheer with his Christmas village collection
Winter Wonderland” sign for the collection. “It’s a fun thing we do together,” Linda said. “I don’t need to buy him anything. I go with him to Goodwill, or a lot of friends have given him a lot of them too. When they hear he has a big collection, they say, ‘Oh, I’ve got houses. Can I give them to you?’” Hal used to box up all the figurines, but decided it took way too long. His daughter suggested he keep them on the garage shelves year round and just pull a curtain over them. Soon he'll have to add more shelves. He likes to invite family, friends and neighbors over to explore the villages. “I had one gal came over here last year, the year before, and was going through a rough time in her life, and after going through here, she said it just changed her life. And that makes it all worth it,” Hal said. “That’s why we do it. Joy, joy, joy. Everybody that comes in here, you don’t come out of here without a little joy in your heart.” (Reprinted from the Dec. 18 broadcast of WQAD-TV, the ABC affiliate in Moline)
BY JENNA WEBSTER WQAD-TV Moline
ALEDO — An Aledo man is taking the Christmas spirit to the next level. His entire garage is filled with Christmas villages, part of his way of spreading joy to his community. About two decades ago, Hal Earl and his family put out their first miniature village. His collection has only grown from there, stacked full on shelves in his garage. “I haven’t counted them,” Hal said. “I tried one time, and I lost count because some of the little ones, do you count that? Do you not count that?” His collection includes just about anything you can imagine, from a ski resort to a bridal shop to elves carrying beer steins at a brewery. There’s also an entire corner dedicated to Santa. The carnival rides are one of the most popular, including a favorite of his wife Linda’s, although she jokes it’d be nice to instead keep her car in the garage away from the snow during the winter. She picked out many of the Santa's and even made a “Hal’s
*Adapted from the Diocese of Leicester
1. Relational Engagement: Assess the depth and quality of relationships formed through ministry and mission. Example: How many new meaningful relationships have been formed through acts of service? 2. Discipleship Movement Indicators: Evaluate not just attendance but spiritual growth trends. Examples: Increased frequency of personal prayer or new participation in small groups over time. 3. Indicators of Social and Community Impact: How well is the local church responding to visible human need in its immediate context? Example: Relationships built through community engagement initiatives. 4. Contextual Innovation and Experimentation: How well is the congregation adapting to new models of mission? Example: How many new Fresh Expressions communities were launched in the past year? How successful are they in drawing new participants into shared faith experiences? 5. Gateway Participation Metrics: Move beyond traditional metrics of worship attendance to track spiritual pathways. Examples: Participation through life stage events, mission opportunities, or small group attendance. Drawing inspiration from the Church of England’s approach to living into a mixed ecology, I propose a narrative-based framework centered around the Loving First Journey, a missional framework that tracks key phases of engagement and growth. Listening The first phase in a church's missional journey is listening to the community. Metrics here could include: • Number of prayer walks conducted. • Frequency of conversations with non-church members. • Time spent in key locations (e.g., first, second, third places) for community engagement. • What new insights have been learned from listening? These questions help evaluate how well a congregation is engaging with the broader community and discerning its needs. Loving/Serving The next step is to actively love and serve the community, identifying organic needs and responding to them. Relevant metrics could include: • How well does the congregation understand and serve the passions, dreams, and needs of its neighbors? • Number of partnerships with other organizations already meeting similar needs. • Names of individuals or groups served and how relationships are deepened through serving. Tracking authentic needs versus imposed ones. These metrics demonstrate how a congregation is moving beyond service to developing authentic, relational connections. Building community As relationships develop, a church must foster a sense of community and belonging. Metrics in this phase could ask: • Frequency of gatherings and facilitation of those gatherings. • Whether “digging deeper” conversations are taking place and trust is being built. • How many regular attendees are showing vulnerability and connection. These metrics measure the formation of community beyond transactional relationships. Exploring discipleship At this stage, new disciples begin to show a hunger
for deeper engagement with the faith. Key questions for measurement could include: • How many individuals express a desire for more spiritual depth or discipleship? • Opportunities for discipleship and the forms they take (e.g., prayer, Scripture study, service). • How many people in the congregation are equipped to share a Jesus Story? These questions gauge the church’s ability to invite people into the journey of spiritual growth and deepen their commitment to the mission. Church taking shape In the final phase, the church begins to take shape as a missional community with a clear outward focus. Metrics could include: • How many baptisms, professions of faith, or celebrations of Holy Communion occur. • Examples of the “Up/In/Out/Of” model in practice (worship, community, outreach, connection to the larger body). • The level of engagement with both Fresh Expressions and inherited church, including “bridge backs” where individuals return to the life of the traditional church. This phase reflects the church’s maturation into a full expression of its mission, including ongoing outreach and engagement with the larger body of Christ. Additional Metrics for a Blended Ecology: • Preaching and Lay Leadership: o Number of people involved in the preaching team and their level of engagement. o Percentage of lay-led small groups and care teams. o Active participation of lay leaders in key ministry areas, such as discipleship and pastoral care. • Space Utilization and Financial Sustainability: o How often and how well space is being used for both ministry and community engagement. o Diversification of income streams to ensure sustainability beyond traditional tithes and offerings. These metrics help assess the practical aspects of church vitality and sustainability in a blended ecology, where the church engages both inherited and emerging models of ministry. By using these metrics, congregations can better assess their missional health in a blended ecology. These questions not only track traditional measures like attendance and membership but also capture holistic, relational, and outward-focused aspects of ministry. Conclusion: Moving beyond maintenance metrics Fresh Expressions and other creative experiments potentially provide a hopeful way forward. The focus of fresh expressions is to cultivate communal life in Jesus with people currently not connected to the inherited church. It is not merely about revitalizing dying churches or ensuring the survival of denominations. Instead, fresh expressions embody the self-donation of the church—reaching the unchurched, marginalized, and excluded by cultivating contextual, missional expressions of the gospel. Thus, the movement provides a framework to shift away from the institutional default-mode of self-preservation , toward the Jesus way of self-donation (John 12:24). By focusing outward, adjusting key metrics, and
Photos by David Schultz
Photos courtesy of Harrisburg First UMC
Harrisburg First UMC enjoyed a wonderful Children's Christmas program and March to the Manger Dec. 15. The church offering for the March to the Manger for Coats for Kids totaled $3749, when including the funds raised from a recent Chili Cook Off. The funds supplied all the needed coats and hoodies for students in the Harrisburg and Carrier Mills school districts.
Photo courtesy of Harrisburg: First UMC
Harrisburg First’s United Women in Faith held its 88th Annual Christmas Bazaar Dec. 5. Becky Barnhill is our 94-year "young" UWF President and is the main Bazaar organizer. The bazaar included coffee and donuts, a silent auction, baked goods, candy, attic treasures and dinner. The event raised $4,646 for United Women in Faith. applicants for the position will exhibit the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality, the desire to work collaboratively with a variety of team members toward ongoing improvement, attentiveness to detail, appreciation for complex processes/procedures, proficiency with technology, and software that assists with communications. Works under the direction of the District Superintendent to administer all functions for the Central District Office (in Springfield) of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of the United Methodist Church. Read more at: https://www.igrc.org/classifiedsdetail/ administrative-assistant-central-district-18802911 ANNOUNCEMENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
Members of East St. Louis Trinity UMC collected its annual special offering during the four Sunday of Advent as a way of saying “Happy Birthday to Jesus.” Over the last four years, the church has provided resources to women’s and men’s shelters in the community. They have provided resources to senior homes in the community. This year’s offering invested in the community and church’s future by providing mid-year school supplies to the students at East St. Louis Lincoln Middle School. Trinty wanted to help those in need to finish the school year well.
Photo courtesy of East St. Louis Trinity UMC
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