CONFERENCE APPORTIONMENTS
CONFERENCE NEWS
RECEIPTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024* *Churches reflecting contributions of 100% or greater of total apportionments are considered current.
Night in a Car spotlights plight of homelessness
District/Church
CS/Adm Paid
CS/Adm % Paid
B/CM Paid
B/CM % Paid
Total Paid
Total % Paid
District/Church
CS/Adm Paid
CS/Adm % Paid
B/CM Paid
B/CM % Paid
Total Paid
Total % Paid
Virden First UMC
$5,952 $7,188 $4,512 $3,110 $7,800 $4,764
100% 100% 100%
$4,176 $5,040 $3,168 $2,180 $5,472 $3,348
100% 100% 100%
$10,128 $12,228 $7,680 $5,290 $13,272 $8,112
100% 100% 100%
Winchester UMC
$8,508
100%
$5,964
100%
$14,472
100%
BLOOMINGTON – Home Sweet Home Ministries’ 9th annual Night In A Car is right around the corner on Friday, Feb, 7. Participants are eagerly gathering up hats, gloves, and blankets to brave a cold night in their cars. While only lasting one night, Night In A Car provides a real glimpse into the realities of facing homelessness through Bloomington’s harsh winters. Participants can choose to drive-in to Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington or Zoom-in from the convenience of their own driveway. It’s going to be another powerful night filled with fun games, client testimonies, and other educational activities. This unique event is something all ages can experience. It serves as a great educational opportunity to learn more about homelessness and the work HSHM ( Conference Advance Special #0098 ) does to help those in need. Home Sweet Home encourages you to join the ride whether you can withstand an hour or the whole evening. Together we can achieve our goal of raising $175,000 to support those in need. Because of you, families experiencing homelessness can discover refuge and renewal at Home Sweet Home. It’s such a blessing to have you as part of this caring community. We couldn’t do it without you. There is still time to help! Please consider signing up or donating today by visiting www.nightinacar.org . If you have any questions, please reach out to our Night In A Car Coordinator, Leslie Bunge, at 309-319-2820 or lbunge@hshministries.org . Spero Family Services announces key leadership changes
Virginia UMC
WEST DISTRICT TOTALS
$866,043
95%
$607,266
95%
$1,473,309
95%
Walnut Grove UMC - Prairie City
Warsaw UMC Waverly UMC
83%
83%
83%
100% 100%
100% 100%
100% 100%
IGRC TOTALS
$4,649,012
91%
$3,266,558
91%
$7,915,570
91%
Williamsfield UMC
Bishop Kennetha signs Iowa ecumenical letter advocating for migrants GLOBAL NEWS
DES MOINES, Iowa – Bishop Kennetha J. Bigham- Tsai was one of nine signatories on a letter, Time for Action: Immigration and Advocacy Support Letter from Iowa Ecumenical Leaders Monday. The letter was also signed by representatives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), United Church of Christ, the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Episcopal Church. The letter followed another letter of support from the Roman Catholic Church calling for fair and equitable treatment of the migrant population. “I know that the climate around immigration and the rhetoric that we all hear has made many fearful for our siblings who are immigrants and refugees or for ourselves,” Bishop Bigham-Tsai wrote to Iowa United Methodists. “This letter was distributed widely throughout the state, including to media outlets. I commend it to you. Please consider reading it from your pulpits this coming Sunday. You might also include the attached litany. Let’s all keep our country and the most vulnerable among us in prayer.” The ecumenical letter reads as follows: Time for Action: Immigration Advocacy and Support Letter from Iowa’s Ecumenical Leaders January 20, 2025 To our migrant siblings in Christ: As we celebrate the life and witness of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, and his call to beloved community, we stand with our Catholic colleagues in extending to you our prayers, our solidarity and our witness in these trying times. We are aware of the uncertainty, fear and threat you face as migrants, immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. We want you to know that you are loved and valued by God and by us. You are not alone. We are neighbors, friends and colleagues. Together, we are part of the household of God. Despite the harmful rhetoric we hear, we are all made in God’s image and precious and
honored in God’s sight (Isaiah 43:4). We recognize and are thankful for the immense gifts contributed to the collective culture and shared experience. As members of the Body of Christ, we stand together, reminding our nation of its historic commitments to human rights. We will renew our commitment to live out God’s second greatest commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). We will work to protect inherent dignity and insist on fair, lawful and compassionate treatment of everyone. All of us in the Church of Jesus Christ are sojourners, “For here we have no lasting city, but we are looking for the city that is to come,” (Hebrews 13:14). We invite all people of Iowa to join us in sojourning with you in ways that are just and respectful of our shared humanity. May God bless you and give you peace as we walk together this common journey. In Christ, Rev. Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai, bishop of the Iowa Annual Conference and Illinois Great Rivers conferences of the United Methodist Church Rev. Amy Current, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America The Rt. Rev. Betsey Monnot, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa Rev. Roberto Ochoa, conference minister of the Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota Conferences of the United Church of Christ Rev. Kendy Miller, associate conference minister of the Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota Conferences of the United Church of Christ Rev. Lorna H. Halaas, bishop of the Western Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Rev. Ian McMullen, executive presbyter, Presbytery of Des Moines, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Elder Amgad Beblawi, ministry and mission executive, Presbytery of Des Moines, Presbyterian Church (USA) Rev. Kevin Jones, bishop of the Northeastern Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America LITANY IN SUPPORT OF MIGRANTS LEADER: The love of Christ shines in the lives of all people—including those who are migrants, immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. We stand with our migrant neighbors in the face of threats to their basic human rights. PEOPLE: We commit ourselves to being the love of Christ in the lives of our immigrant neighbors. LEADER: God calls us to treat all people with the compassion. Christ compels us to love our neighbors as ourselves. The Holy Spirit leads us to speak up when our migrant neighbors are vilified or dehumanized. PEOPLE: We commit ourselves to be the love of Christ in the lives of our immigrant neighbors. LEADER: In Christ, we oppose language, actions and policies that do harm to our migrant neighbors. In Christ, we oppose language, actions or policies that further racism and delay racial healing. In Christ, we call for reconciliation and beloved community. PEOPLE: We commit ourselves to being the love of Christ in the lives of our immigrant neighbors. LEADER: Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid... Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven,” (MtT 5: 14,16 NRSV). ALL: We commit ourselves to allowing the love of Christ to shine in us. We commit ourselves to allowing Christ’s justice to work through us. We commit ourselves to being the light of God’s peace, reconciliation and hope in the world. Amen.
Retired pastors publish new books
SPRINGFIELD – IGRC retired pastors, the Rev. Dr. Theodore M. Snider and the Rev. Dr. Bong- Choul Hwang have recently published new books. Rev. Snider’s new volume, The Evolution of God: Our Changing
Hwang has published a book titled Heidegger’s Being and Time and Kierkegaard’s The Sickness unto Death as Hermeneutic to Paul’s Epistles . In the book, Hwang delves into the intricate relationships between the philosophies of Martin Heidegger and Søren Kierkegaard, and explores how their
MT VERNON – In December, Spero Family Services implemented significant changes to its organizational leadership structure, introducing new administrative support aimed at fostering growth and sustainability for years to come. This strategic change is designed to enhance efficiency in service delivery and improve overall organizational effectiveness.
Understandings of Deity , presents an examination of how the concept of God has evolved across history and cultures. The book invites readers to reconsider traditional views of the divine through a blend of personal
HWANG
ideas can enrich our understanding of Paul’s epistles. The intersection of these thought leaders presents a unique framework for interpreting biblical texts, and Hwang is eager to share these insights with a broader audience. The book examines conscience, guilt and temporality of time, the book offers a unique perspective on how we understand ourselves and relate to others. The timeless questions posed by these thinkers can illuminate a path to finding meaning and projecting the possibility of future being beyond the confines of mortality. Published by Pickwick Publications, the book is available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats. sake, but for the sake of our ministry together for Jesus Christ in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. We have challenges ahead as we seek to live our God’s love in Jesus Christ, a love that heals, frees, and redeems. We will need to look clear-eyed at where we have not lived up to our own professions of faith. We will need to speak the truth in love to one another and to the world. If we are going to have a positive impact on the wider world in the name of Jesus, we will need to find ways to work for and speak for justice and the common good. Such work and such speech will take us places where others will disagree with us. We need to find ways to disagree in love. God loves us in Jesus Christ with a love that is clear- eyed. God sees us as we are and loves us. God loves us in Jesus Christ with a love that is resilient, a love that does not give up on us. May we live with the same kind of love for one another and for the world. Love is not blind. It is clear-eyed and resilient. Rambling the Rivers of Grace with You, Bishop David Bard
As part of this restructuring, Mandy Bernard has been promoted to the position of Chief Program Officer . Having dedicated 16 years to Spero, Mandy possesses a rich history within the organization, having held various
SNIDER
narrative, historical and biblical contexts and philosophical inquiry. A pivotal element in the book is Snider’s recounting of his grandmother’s influences. Her compassionate and forgiving nature contrasted with the rigid doctrines of his childhood faith, shaping and evolving view of the divine. This personal story highlights the possibility of reconciling traditional beliefs with a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of God. For more information about The Evolution of God and his other books visit: https://theodoresniderbooks.com/
roles across multiple programs. In her new capacity, she will continue overseeing community programs while supporting the Foster Care program. Mandy expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to collaborate with fellow leaders to develop strong, sustainable programs for the community. “The best part of this job will be helping the people that help the people, watching them grow into amazing leaders, and supporting others in exploring innovative ideas,” said Mandy.
Additionally, Tammy Sweet has been promoted to Chief Clinical Officer . With eight years of experience at Spero, Tammy has served in many roles, including Residential Treatment Therapist, Clinical Director of Residential Treatment,
RIVER RAMBLINGS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
BY JIM PATTERSON Looking for middle ground in a divisive era THE CHURCH’S STANCE ON IMMIGRATION
Here is a link to her entire fifteen-minute sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwwaEuDeqM8 Reaction to her sermon was swift, including scathing remarks from the President. In response, Bishop Budde has said she was hoping to encourage a different conversation and broaden the characterization of migrants. She said she wants the church to be a conscience and a consolation. Vitriol toward and threats against Bishop Budde have continued. A bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives condemning her sermon. You may disagree with some of what Bishop Budde said. I hope, though, that you will see her sermon as grounded in clear-eyed love. She wanted to call attention to the frightened and vulnerable in our country. Isn’t caring for the frightened, the vulnerable, the least, something the church has been doing for centuries? I hope you will see Bishop Budde as standing in the tradition of the prophets, of Jesus, and of faith-informed reformers like Martin Luther King, Jr. I hope you will do this not for Bishop Budde’s
“And that means being able to enter into the contentious spaces and the diversity that’s there, knowing how to speak the truth, and love in ways that build up and do not tear down.” Climate change, economic disparities
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (UMNews) – Most children know that if they scribble blue crayon and then red on top of it, they’ll get the color purple. In the Western North Carolina
and Executive Director of Clinical Services. In her new role, she will provide oversight and support for all mental health and behavioral health initiatives within Spero. Tammy is dedicated to ensuring that all programs feel comfortable addressing mental health issues and that the organization’s CARE philosophy remains central to its interactions with youth, families, stakeholders, and community partners. She emphasizes that the best aspect of her role is the incredible team she works with. These leadership changes at Spero Family Services underscore a commitment to innovation and collaboration, positioning Spero to thrive both now and into the future. With Mandy and Tammy leading the way, Spero is well-equipped to continue its vital work in the community, ensuring that its programs not only endure but flourish for decades to come.
The revised Social Principles adopted by the 2024 United Methodist General Conference state: “We affirm the dignity, worth and rights of migrants, immigrants and refugees, including displaced and stateless people... We urge United Methodists to welcome migrants, refugees and immigrants into their congregations and to commit themselves to providing concrete support, including help with navigating restrictive and often lengthy immigration policies, and assistance with securing food, housing, education, employment and other kinds of support. We oppose all laws and policies that attempt to criminalize, dehumanize or punish displaced individuals and families based on their status as migrants, immigrants or refugees.”
and social issues divide Americans, and Christians, today. But immigration seems the most urgent concern, since President Trump has made it clear that the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants is at the top of his agenda. Shortly after his inauguration, he revoked a policy that prohibited arrests by U.S. immigration agents at places of worship and other “sensitive locations,” and his administration paused the refugee resettlement program. “We have to have a prophetic voice responding to the policies and the practices that will impact racial and cultural minorities in this country,” said the Rev. Giovanni Arroyo, top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race. “The concern for our immigrant siblings is very well into the realm of xenophobia, and we are very committed to addressing xenophobia.”
Conference, United Methodist leaders are hoping that formula works when it comes to politics. There, the Purple Church Initiative is trying to find a starting place for dialogue and middle ground between conservative and progressive United Methodists. The effort is especially important as U.S. President Donald Trump begins his second term after a four-year interim, in a time of heightened political tension. Avoiding the issues won’t do, said Beth Crissman, Uwharrie District superintendent and director of peace- building ministries in the Western North Carolina Conference. “We absolutely have got to talk about politics,” Crissman said. “But before we can have a prophetic voice, and it be a healthy prophetic voice, it’s got to be rooted in a relationship that is, first and foremost, committed to the love of God and love of neighbor.
MIDDLE GROUND CONTINUED ON PAGE 17
14 | FEBRUARY 2025 | THE CURRENT
THE CURRENT | FEBRUARY 2025 | 15
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