NEWS FROM THE EPISCOPAL OFFICE
Inside
River Ramblings THE PARADOXES AND POSSIBILITIES OF LENT The church season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on March 5.
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In Lent we acknowledge that we can be both self-centered and compassionate. In a world where constriction of care is often the norm, Lent encourages us to lean into compassion by the grace of God and the power of God’s Spirit. In Lent we acknowledge that we can be both narrow-minded and deeply reflective. In a world where too many spend reflective time in echo chambers which never deepen thinking, Lent encourages us to lean into reflectiveness and thoughtfulness by the grace of God and the power of God’s Spirit. In Lent we acknowledge how often we are trapped in ways of thinking that demean and divide us from others and yet have an incredible capacity to overcome such divisions and build community. In a world where demeaning rhetoric is all too common and multiple tribalisms seem ascendent, Lent encourages us to lean into beloved community by the grace of God and the power of the Spirit. In Lent we acknowledge that we can be both unloving, even hateful, and deeply loving, gentle and caring. In a world where hate remains too strong, and where people are so willing to appeal to our deep animosities, Lent encourages us to lean into love by the grace of God and the power of the Spirit. In Lent we have the opportunity again to look deeply into our frailties and our failings and recognize that even amid such God does amazing things in us and through us. And God is not done with us. I know there is much going on in the world, events about which I have and will comment. And a critical part of our response to distressful currents in our world is to continue to develop into the kind of people God intends us to be in Jesus Christ. The world needs these kind of people. I invite you to observe a holy Lent. Rambling the Rivers of Lent together, Bishop David Bard
THIS ISSUE
die” (Ecclesiastes 9:5). We sense our own end, and we experience the death of others who we love. In the season of Lent we are asked to face the fact that as human beings we have a tremendous capacity to foul things up. “It’s our active inclination to break stuff, stuff here includes moods, promises, relationships we care about, and our own well-being and other people’s, as well as material objects whose high gloss positively seems to invite a big fat scratch” (Francis Spufford, Unapologetic , 27). We not only have this capacity, the tendency to foul things up often gets the better of us. And as human beings we are capable of taking flight. In the course of my ministry, I changed the traditional greeting on Ash Wednesday from “You are dust and to dust you shall return” to “You are dust and stardust.” Yes, we are fragile and finite and foul things up. And we are made of the same material as the stars that shine in the night. The image of God remains within us. “The God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image” (Genesis 1:26). The Spirit of God breezes through our souls. “The the Lord God formed the human from the dust of the ground, and breathed into the human’s nostrils the breath of life” (Genesis 2:7). We humans are this incredibly complex tapestry of fragility, finitude, tendency to foul things up and capacity to take flight and soar. A favorite Psalm of mine captures this well. “What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Yet you have made them a little lower than God.” (Psalm 8:4-5). In Lent we ponder the incredible complexity of who we are and our relationship to the God who created us and redeems us in Jesus Christ.
Lent invites us to do more than reflect upon our human reality. It encourages us to, by the grace of God in Jesus and the power of God’s Spirit, develop qualities of character befitting of such self-knowledge. Knowing that we
For a number of years neither Ash Wednesday nor Lent were given much attention in many Protestant churches. To many, it seemed too “Roman Catholic.” I have almost no memories of Lent growing up, but then my family was not the most active church-going family either. I have come to love this season. While its themes are difficult and the mood somber and subdued, it is a season that invites us to attend to our humanness in all its complexity. We acknowledge our fragility during Lent. “You are dust” is part of the classic greeting when ashes are imposed on our foreheads or our hands. “All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades” (Isaiah 40:6-7). We treasure longevity, and know that with longer life comes stiff joints, fading vision, creaks, pains and loss. During Lent we confront our finitude. We will not last forever. The classic Lenten phrase which begins, “You are dust,” concludes with “And to dust you shall return.” We may not relish the pains that come with aging, but we treasure even these years because we recognize that we will not go on forever. “The living know that they will APPOINTMENTS In consultation with the Cabinet of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference Bishops David Alan Bard and Kennetha Bigham-Tsai appoint the following: Leanne Noland to Nashville: Grace (1/2 time) and Pinckneyville: First (1/2 time), South District, effective Feb. 1. This is a charge realignment making both churches single-point charges. Krey Leesman to Port Byron: First, West District, effective July 1. Roberta Robbins to Orion, West District, ½ time, effective July 1. Justin Snider to Champaign: Faith, East District, effective July 1. Miriam Snider to Champaign: Faith, East District, effective July 1. Robert Herath to Havana: First-Oakford, West District, effective July 1. Sherry Cisneros to Streator: First-Grand Ridge, North District, effective July 1. Aletha Weatherall to Lebanon: First, Central District, effective July 1. Angie Lee to Belleville: Union, Central District, effective July 1. Nicholas Showalter to Bloomington: Wesley-West Olive Faith, North District, effective July 1. Sheila Kelly to Peoria: University, North District, effective July 1. David Kelly to Delevan-Hopedale, North District, effective July 1. Supply not appointed Squire D. Prince to Mason City, Central District, ¼ time, effective Jan. 15. Mason City is now a single-point charge. Mark Queener to Mascoutah: Bethel, Central District, ½ time, effective Jan. 1. Change of status Charles Graul to retired status, effective July 1. He is currently serving at Delevan-Hopedale, North District. David Cogdill to retired status, effective July 1. He is currently serving Pinkstaff-Chauncey Landes, South District. Rhoda Warner , discontinuation of appointment, effective April 1. She is currently serving at Alton: Main Street, Central District. Jeremy Henson to retired status, effective June 1. He is currently serving at Carlinville-Rural, West District. Kimberly Hagedorn to retired status, effective July 1. She is currently serving at Lebanon: First, Central District. James C. McClarey to retired status, effective July 1. He is currently serving at State Street Ministry (Jacksonville: Grace- Jacksonville: Centenary-Waverly), West District. Mary Arnold to retired status, effective July 1. She is currently serving at Dwight, North District.
1 News from the Episcopal Office 2 Announcements & Events 3 Christian Conversations 4-5 Local Church News 6-7 UM Stance on Immigration 8-9 General Church News 10-12 Conference News
BISHOP David Alan Bard
are fragile and finite, knowing that we can and do foul things up, break things, yet knowing that we are capable of incredible acts of kindness, creativity, beauty, justice, compassion, courage and love, Lent invites us to lean into these qualities. We are sometimes frail and we don’t have forever, and we will mess things up sometimes, and yet in the span of our lives we can make a difference. We can do justice, and love kindness, and glow with the grace of God. “Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind” (I Peter 3:8). In Lent we acknowledge that we can be both cruel and kind. In a world where cruelty seems to often have the upper hand, Lent encourages us to lean into kindness by the grace of God and in the power of the Spirit. In Lent we acknowledge that we can be both callous and tender. In a world that often encourages callousness and defensiveness, Lent encourage us to lean into tenderness by the grace of God and the power of the Spirit.
Photo by Paul Black Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai answers a question from the Central District Town Hall meeting on Feb. 2 at Belleville: Union UMC. A second Town Hall meeting – in the East District – was held Feb. 23 at Charleston: Wesley UMC. For a listing of dates and locations for the three remaining Town Hall meetings, see page 2 of this issue of The Current .
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In the spirit of the Christmas season, the Mattoon First UMC endowment committee has disbursed $10,000 in financial gifts. Picturd above, Mike and Diane Snow of the Mattoon Rotary Club and members of Mattoon First UMC with $1,500 check to the Mattoon Rotary Club for their ramp ministry.
Photos courtesy of Mattoon First UMC 5
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Fielder appointed West District Superintendent
development, a calling I believe God has entrusted me," Dr. Fielder said. "I am committed to guiding others to the next level in their ministries, nurturing disciples who will spread the word of God and positively impact the world. My mission is to help others experience the love of Jesus Christ by fostering their spiritual growth, helping them discover their spiritual gifts, and preparing them for effective ministry."
BY PAUL BLACK SPRINGFIELD – Bishops David Alan Bard and Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai announced today the appointment of the Rev. Dr. James Fielder as the West District Superintendent, effective July 1.
DEATHS
Lois Lytle , 96, widow of the Rev. Hubert P. Lytle, died Feb. 9 in Carmel, Ind. For a complete obituary, visit: https://www.arnmortuary. com/obituaries/lois-
by companies around the world on countless items including children’s books, greeting cards, prints, counted cross stitch kits, plush animals, mugs, puzzles, kitchenware, collectible figurines and music boxes. For a complete obituary, visit: https://www. hamiltonfuneralhomes.net/obituaries/ shelly-rasche Condolences may be sent to Rev. Jeff Rasche, 2121 E 2400th St., Camp Point, IL 62320-2504.
IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. Gary C. Scheller , 86, died Jan. 24 in Aviston.
Dr. Fielder, currently the pastor of Moline Riverside UMC, succeeds the Rev. Nic Showalter, who has served the maximum eight consecutive years as superintendent. Rev. Showalter was recently appointed as directing pastor of Bloomington: Wesley and West Olive Faith UMC's. "The Rev. Nic Showalter has served the conference faithfully and well as a district superintendent," Bishop Bard said. "His ministry among us has been deeply appreciated. He has served both the IGRC and the West District, and its predecessors, with integrity, intelligence, joy, wit, a deep faith, and a deep love for the church. His cabinet colleagues and bishops will miss himr.” Regarding the appointment of Dr. Fielder, Bishop Bard said: “I am delighted to have James join the cabinet and become the West District Superintendent. He brings some wonderful educational and ministry experiences to this role, having earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in Christian leadership development and having served in a variety of ministry settings. He is committed to helping the congregations of his district, as well as the entire conference, focus on the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. He has helped the congregations he has served revitalize their ministries. All this is rooted in his deep, personal faith in Jesus Christ. He will be a wonderful addition to the Cabinet team.” A native of St. Louis, Mo., Dr. Fielder is a decorated veteran, having served in the United States Marine Corps for 12 years and is a current member of the conference Board of Ordained Ministry. At age 23, Fielder enlisted in the Marines where he received his call into the ministry. "My life's work has been dedicated to leadership
Rev. Scheller served 38 years of active ministry in the former Southern Illinois and later, Illinois Great Rivers Conference, retiring in 1999 from Trenton. A celebration of life will be held later this spring. For a complete obituary, visit: https://www. spengel-boulanger.com/obituaries/Gary- Scheller/#!/Obituary Condolences may be sent to his wife, Patricia Scheller, 120 Sun Ct., Highland, IL 62249-2424. IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. Southern California-Arizona Conference and was ordained in the New York Annual Conference in 1969. He transferred to the former Central Illinois Conference in 1973, serving 27 years of ministry, retiring in 2000 from Washington: Evangelical UMC. For a complete obituary, visit: https://www. swartzmortuary.com/obituary/reverend- robert-raymond-wood where condolences may be left for the family. Condolences may also be sent to his wife, Janet Wood, 500 Dove Dr., Franklin, IN 46131-2739. Robert R. Wood , 86, died Jan. 17. Rev. Wood began his 34 years of active ministry in the former
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
sprague-oneal-alexander-lytle . Condolences may be sent to a granddaughter, Emily Schwindler, 3627 Brumley Mews, Carmel IN 46033, and will be shared with the rest of the family.
Dr. Fielder has led campaigns from Camp Lejeune, N.C., to Okinawa, Japan, and San Diego, Calif., spearheading technology initiatives. He has received two Navy Achievement Medals for excellence in leadership and as an instructor Marine in his military operational specialty. "For 18 years, I honed my leadership skills in the corporate sector, leading a team of ten technicians," he said. "Their work on various technology platforms, web development, networks, and service desks equipped me with the skills to manage and lead teams effectively." In addition to his being on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, Dr. Fielder is a board member, associate and facilitator of the Kaleidoscope Institute, which has as its mission "to train leaders to create gracious spaces for courageous conversations and consulting to heal and transform organizations." He is also an International Coaching Federation certified life coach. He is also chair of the IGRC chapter of Black Methodists for Church Renewal and has served on the BMCR national board of directors. Fielder is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a double major in Organizational Leadership and Business Information Systems; master's degrees in religious education and church administration from Liberty University; a doctorate degree, focusing on self-awareness and leadership development from Northern Theological Seminary with an advanced course of study certificate from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Tia are the parents of three children.
Carolyn K. “Casey” Andrew , 89, a member of Lebanon: First UMC, died Feb. 6 in Lebanon. Mrs. Andrew was very active with the church not only as a Sunday school teacher and
Fumiko Shibata Brown , 97, widow of the Rev. Thomas H. Brown, died Feb. 2, in Madison, Ala. Fumiko graduated with a degree in art from a women’s university
youth leader but served in leadership roles with the United Methodist Women as District President, Conference Vice-President and Dean of the School of Mission. She was also a former lay member to annual conference, served on the board of both Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House and Cunningham Children’s Home, where she served as Board President. For a complete obituary, visit: https:// meridithfuneralhome.com/obituary/carolyn- k-casey-andrew/ Condolences may be sent to her daughter, Kerri Yess, 12074 Carberry Pl., St. Louis, MO 63131. Shelly Rasche , 69, wife of IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. Jeff Rasche, died Feb. 3. Shelly was a prolific freelance commercial artist whose designs have been published
in Tokyo, Japan, and was also an accomplished seamstress, running her own alterations and custom sewing business in her 60s and 70s. Following World War II, Fumiko worked in her great-aunt’s orphanage to learn the skills needed to be a missionary to China. Little did she know her future husband would be one of the American soldiers who took orphans out for day trips through the Army chaplain’s office. Fumiko and Thomas H. Brown married, started a family and later returned to the United States. The Browns served for more than 20 years in the former Central Illinois Conference. For a complete obituary visit: https://www. legacychapelfunerals.com/obituaries/ fumiko-brown Condolences may be sent to her daughters, Pam Molitoris, 1937 E Cook St, Springfield IL 62703, or Sharon Brown, 84 Carefree Dr, Chatham, IL 62629-1565.
THE CURRENT | MARCH 2025 | 1
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