2025februarycurrent

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

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

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,

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