2025marchcurrent

Board of Church and Society focuses on its priorities for 2025 BY CHRISTINA KROST Chair, IGRC Board of Church and Society SPRINGFIELD – The General Board of Church and Society works to mobilize and equip networks of United Methodists across the connection to advocate for peace and justice. Their mission is to provide educational resources, build and sustain relationships, and help mobilize networks to engage in social advocacy and action. The Illinois Great Rivers Conference Church and Society Committee meets monthly to advance this mission in our conference. In January 2025, the committee held a goal-setting and visioning meeting and identified anti- racism, immigration, and LGBTQ inclusion as our foci for the year. We will deploy our Peace with Justice grants to proposals that intersect with these priorities. We accept grant proposals year-round but make funding decisions at our March, July, and October meetings. Successful proposals might include plans to educate your church on becoming anti-racist through a training or book study, advocacy on immigration or direct assistance to resettle refugees in your community or organizing an LGBTQ allyship training. You can find our grant application at https://www.igrc.org/peacewithjustice . Our committee will be hosting a book study by Zoom through Lent on The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee in collaboration with United Women in Faith. This is part of our effort to collectively learn how to become anti- racist. You can register for this study at https://igrc-reg. brtapp.com/sumofus . We are working collaboratively with the Northern Illinois Conference UMC on a Lobby Day in Springfield on May 7. Further information will be coming soon. We hope to increase our committee members with diversity across region, gender, and race. If you are interested in joining our work, please connect with Christina Krost, Chair of the IGRC Church and Society Committee, at christina.krost@gmail.com .

CONFERENCE NEWS

Preachers for Prentice, Cartwright memorial sermons announced

The Baby Fold’s Ministry of Love Reaching the littlest ones in childcare settings

SPRINGFIELD – The IGRC Commission on Archives and History has announced that the annual Prentice Sermon will be on Sunday, April 27, at Murphysboro UMC. The church is celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2025. South District Superintendent, Rev. Stan Irvin will preach the Prentice Sermon that day. The Prentice Sermon began with proclamation of the Gospel, the pioneer Methodist circuit riding preachers. Hiram Buck Prentice made his bequest to the Illinois Conference in 1922 to pay the expenses for one of the ministers of the Illinois Conference to preach upon the topic, "the Ministry and Service as exemplified by the lives and labors of pioneer preachers of the Illinois Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church." Circuit rider Josiah Patterson was appointed to the Brownsville Circuit in August 1825. One of the church’s early pastors was Philip Davis, who will be remembered at the April 27 service. Davis, who is buried at a local a bequest from a Methodist layman in Springfield to honor a group of persons who are well known for their untiring

cemetery, has no grave marker and so a partnership between the IGRC Commission on Archives and History, Preacher’s Aid Society and the church has financed the purchase of a grave marker which Rev. Irvin will dedicate that day. The ministry of Patterson will be celebrated June 8, when Bishop David Bard will preach the church’s bicentennial service. Under Patterson’s leadership, camp meetings, located on South 17th Street, were frequent. Peter Cartwright preached at one of these meetings. After Brownsville burned, the town was relocated on the Logan farm property and renamed “Murphysboro.” The Methodist Church moved with the town. Rev. Dr. Charliam Renner, Executive

overworked. The impact of the program is evident in the heartfelt gratitude and testimonies from providers, who see it as a blessing that strengthens their ability to nurture and guide the children in their care. “Childcare providers are extremely grateful for the Caregiver Connections consultants and often send us notes and show appreciation by continuing to make referrals and encouraging other providers to reach out to us as well," shares Hawk, "Our work often prevents expulsions and allows childcare providers to connect with children and families on a deeper level.” Hawk continues, "When providers feel exhausted and frustrated, having a support person, to give them the boost they need to stick with it and lean into the relationships with the child and family, can make all the difference in a child’s life." Early childhood mental health is a vital foundation for a child’s well-being, and the Caregiver Connections Program serves as a guiding light, ensuring that both children and caregivers in Central Illinois receive the loving support and encouragement they need to flourish. With faith and perseverance, The Baby Fold is planting seeds of kindness, understanding, and resilience that will bear fruit for generations to come. To learn more about The Baby Fold’s programs and services, or for more information on the Caregiver Connections program, visit https://www.TheBabyFold.org . About The Baby Fold: The Baby Fold is a Health and Welfare Ministry of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. Since 1902, it has been dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families in Central Illinois through services including foster care, adoption support, special education, early intervention programs, and more. Guided by a Christian mission to serve others, The Baby Fold provides hope, healing, and stability to those in need, ensuring that every child and family has the opportunity to thrive. (Jill Riesenberg is Baby Fold’s Assistant Vice President of Development and Public Relations.)

BY JILL RIESENBERG NORMAL – As an Illinois Great Rivers Conference Health and Welfare Ministry Agency (IGRC Advance Special 0042), The Baby Fold builds positive futures with children and families while reflecting the Christian principles of love, hope, and healing. This mission is lived out through a variety of child and family-centered programs with the newest being Caregiver Connections, which provides much-needed support to childcare providers and families, enhancing early childhood mental health and addressing social-emotional challenges that affect children’s well-being and success in early learning environments. The program employs six early childhood mental health consultants who, with compassion and a servant’s heart, serve children from birth to age 5 in daycares, preschools, and childcare centers across 19 counties in Central Illinois. On average, each consultant visits around 10 sites per month and handles up to 15 cases. Working closely with caregivers, the consultants observe children in their natural environments and identify behaviors that may be signs of underlying developmental issues. The most common reasons for referrals? Aggressive behaviors and difficulty listening. This can look like biting, breaking toys, hiding under furniture, and more. The goal is to help providers interpret what the behavior is communicating, understand what is developmentally typical for young children, and identify when additional resources or interventions may be necessary. “We also help caregivers identify their strengths, reflect on their practices, and build stronger relationships with the children in their care. This leads to more positive outcomes,” says program supervisor Cris Hawk. The program also offers training and professional development opportunities to childcare providers on a variety of topics related to development and mental health in young children. Childcare providers are excellent at providing the structure and nurture children need yet are often are underpaid and

Assistant to Bishops Bard and Bigham- Tsai, will be the preacher for the annual Peter Cartwright Memorial Sermon on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Peter Cartwright UMC in Pleasant Plains. The annual sermon remembers

the contributions of Peter Cartwright, who served as presiding elder in the Illinois Conference for 50 years.

CHAMPAIGN – Mindy Smith of Champaign is the new East District Administrative Assistant. She will begin her work in the East District office on Feb. 3. Smith new East District Administrative Assistant

“Mindy is a bright, professional, and highly gifted individual with extensive experience in communication, branding, and digital engagement,” said District Superintendent Angie Lee in making the announcement. “She brings a wealth of skills, including expertise in social media, website design, and strategic planning, as well as strong leadership in managing projects and fostering partnerships. “Mindy is no stranger to the United Methodist Church, and her deep connection and care for the church make her a perfect fit for this role. With her remarkable abilities in organization, computer skills, and creative problem-solving, she is well-equipped to support the ministry and mission of the East District.”

BY LESLIE BUNGE Home Sweet Home

Tips from United Methodist Campus Chaplains Make meaningful connections on campus

MISSION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

intimate relationship with God. A revitalized church must be one that prays, teaches and forms its members for mission. Small prayer communities and Bible study groups are powerful tools to encourage a culture of mission. They help cultivate passion for service and spreading the Gospel while strengthening fraternal communion. A universal calling Finally, a revitalized mission within The United Methodist Church cannot be limited to the local dimension. Wesley promoted a global vision of Christian mission, supporting missionaries not only in England but also in Africa, America and other regions of the world. “The Church’s mission is universal, and the globalization of the Gospel is essential for the building of God’s Kingdom,” he writes. Today, The United Methodist Church must reclaim this tradition of global mission, while remaining rooted in its local context. The call to mission is universal and global. It involves both local mission, addressing the specific needs of immediate communities, and global mission, contributing to initiatives that support peace, justice and development in regions most affected by poverty, conflict and humanitarian crises. Wesleyan mission theology, with its focus on sanctification, social transformation and global engagement, offers valuable pathways for revitalizing The United Methodist Church. A mission that responds to contemporary challenges, empowers the laity, values prayer and spiritual formation, and is both local and global is key. By following this path, The United Methodist Church can regain its vitality, bearing witness to God’s transformative love around the world. (Maleka is a pastor and member of the South Congo Conference. He is interim assistant to the general secretary of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries for the West Africa Region.)

Have you made it to college but are surprised to feel lonely and isolated among a campus full of fellow students? Whether attending a small private school or sprawling university, many students find it difficult to make meaningful connections. These tips and tricks from campus chaplains at United Methodist- related schools across the country will help you not only survive but thrive. Be yourself. Edwin Ferguson, the chaplain at North Carolina Wesleyan University, urges students to be themselves. “Several students will try to assimilate into the larger group, hang around, and/or imitate those who may get more attention,” he says. “Even though there are some things you’re still learning about yourself, understand that you are enough. When you’re comfortable in your shoes, it will become easier to make meaningful connections. You’ll discover who you vibe with and who will add to your life.” Reach out. When feeling lonely, it can be easy to isolate in the comfort of your dorm room or apartment. Rev. Dr. Beverly L. Wilkes-Null, McKendree University’s chaplain, suggests reaching out instead. “Give yourself permission to explore,” she encourages. Her suggestions include asking the Student Affairs Office about opportunities and, if you enjoy it, seek out opportunities to serve in the community. Find a faith community . Campus ministries provide invaluable opportunities to connect with other students while

strengthening your faith. Greensboro College’s Campus Chaplain and Assistant Professor of Religion, Robert Brewer, agrees. “Go to chapel worship or weekly services and meet other students in the service or those leading it,” he advises. Your campus ministers or other faculty and staff can also share with you how to meet others and connect with students in their areas. Expand your circle. Most college and university campuses are populated by adults between 18-23 years old. While it’s important to make friends with peers, expanding your circle can richen your connections. “It can be really fun to be surrounded by peers of a similar age, but it can also be limiting,” says Kendra Grimes, Chaplain and Director of Church Relations at Randolph- Macon College. “I remind our students how meaningful it is to regularly see young children, to have friendships with people the age of their grandparents, and to not simply exist in a bubble of young adults while in college.” To connect with people of all ages, consider attending worship at a church near campus or volunteer with community organizations. Don’t spend this semester feeling alone. Pick from these helpful tips and take a step toward making meaningful connections today! (Reprinted with permission from the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation website, https://umhef.org/make-meaningful-connections-on- campus/ )

they work toward goals like stable housing, employment, and reconnecting with family. Case Manager Olivia describes her role as one of partnership, helping residents identify and achieve their goals. “Whether connecting to resources like healthcare or childcare, finding housing, or assisting with resumes, I empower residents to build confidence and resilience,” Olivia says. The most rewarding part of her work is watching residents transform as they reach milestones and regain hope. Darlease, another dedicated Case Manager, explains that HSHM’s trauma-informed care addresses the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social needs of each resident. “We meet each person where they are, providing tailored support that encourages growth and stability,” she says.

BLOOMINGTON – At Home Sweet Home Ministries (IGRC Advance Special 0098) , we strive to support residents on their journey to self-sufficiency and healing. In March 2024, we launched Support Services, a program designed to improve client engagement and foster meaningful relationships, empowering individuals to take charge of their lives and make lasting changes. Audrey Cail, HSHM’s Director of Client Services, emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed, strength-based, and client-centered services. “Grace is one of our core values, and we must ensure every service reflects the love of Jesus,” she says. This holistic approach ensures our residents feel seen, heard, and supported as

One inspiring story involves a resident who transitioned into shelter after years of homelessness and incarceration. Within weeks, he collaborated with HSHM’s team to secure essential documentation, find employment, and navigate public transportation. His proactive approach, including volunteering in our kitchen, highlights his determination to rebuild his life. He remains hopeful and is committed to achieving permanent housing in Bloomington. Another powerful success story involves a woman who struggled with homelessness for years. After facing significant mental health challenges and being disconnected from her family, she found the strength to rebuild her life. Today, she has stable housing, a job she loves, and a supportive network. At Home Sweet Home, we believe every person is capable of transformation. We are committed to being a supportive, grace-filled presence in their lives. Through trauma-informed care, personalized support, and meaningful relationships, we are helping residents not only survive—but thrive.

This holistic framework focuses on long-term transformation, supporting residents on diverse paths toward healing—whether through sobriety, rebuilding relationships, or spiritual restoration. Both Olivia and Darlease value the deep relationships they build with residents. Darlease reflects, “It’s amazing to see trust grow and safety fostered over time. We become a part of their story, walking with them toward healing and hope.” Olivia also cherishes these connections, saying, “Building trust and repairing harm through restorative practices helps create meaningful relationships. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their journey of growth and resilience.”

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