Missional CROSS ROADS For to us a child is born

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1 December 2015 Missional Crossroads seeks to build relationships, report missional activity, and focus on congregational stories expressing how we speak and live the reign of God. Illinois Mennonite Conference An area conference of Mennonite Church USA Missional CROSS ROADS For to us a child is born By Michael Danner For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) In this issue 2 Mennonite Women Can Create Day of Discernment 4 NO YOUTH Youth Leader Retreat 5 Year-end giving & Congregational Leaders Workshop 6-7 Life in the Congregations 8 RAWtools Event 9 Dove s Nest Training 10 Conference Executive Minister - Installation Services 11 Meat Canning 12 Calendar & EMU We stand poised to enter the Advent season. We also stand in stunned silence amidst continued eruptions of violence around the world. When people do speak, what often spills out is confusion and fear. Part of that fear and confusion rightly focuses on the role religion plays in the violence, and what role religion plays in restoration and healing. If you are reading this, you are connected - in some way - to Anabaptist Christianity within the Mennonite tradition. That means that you bear witness to a radical truth. You bear witness to the reality that the advent of the Son, who is the Prince of peace, has something important to say about violence. You also bear witness when what is said by the Son is lived among His people, the church, in such a way that His healing and hope are made real in the world. The gospel texts for this Advent season focus on fear producing events in the world and hope rooted in Jesus. John the Baptist calls people to repent and participate in God s shalom through the tangible sharing of materials like food, clothing and shelter. Elizabeth and Mary testify to the work of Jesus who is coming to set things right. The texts point us to practices that help build peace, to confidence rooted in Jesus and to hope that Jesus, himself, will fully and finally set things right. One temptation for us during the Advent season is to hide our eyes from the realities around us that give birth to fear. After all, who wants to be scared during the Advent and Christmas? I am experiencing this temptation as I write this. A voice in my head is saying, Say something uplifting and light about Jesus. But I can t. I can t because I can t imagine Jesus saying something uplifting and light. I CAN imagine him saying something hopefilled and drenched in love and compassion. But, like most of the things Jesus says, walking in that hope and love requires walking a difficult and costly path (deny yourself, take up your cross and follow him) If we give in to the temptation to hide our gaze from the suffering around us, we also hide our gaze from Jesus and the reason he came here in the first place. To fully emerge ourselves in the story of Jesus advent - and to allow that story to shape us here and now - is to pay attention to the conditions around us and to respond in ways that lead to peace. As you enter into the Advent season, and anticipate the first advent of Jesus - even as you long for the second - may you meet Jesus and follow Jesus, the Prince of peace.

2 PAGE 2 Top left: Associate Conference Minister, Kim Litwiller. Bottom left: Pat Willis member at East Peoria Mennonite Church. Bottom Right: MaryAnn Schwenk member at Trinity Mennonite in Morton. Kim Litwiller Mennonite Women Can Create By Kim Litwiller Mennonite Women Can Create was an event inspired by the encouraging call Spark, a women s bible study, offers to women to ignite their God-given creativity. A few women from IMC gathered on Oct. 24 at the Tremont Community Center to Create. We had a great time fellowshipping, snacking and creating burlap wreaths. Wreaths were not the only thing created as burlap was being twisted and stuffed into wire frames Friendships were created, memories were made and sisterhood was sown. SAVE THE DATE: Illinois Mennonite Women Spark Retreat April at Menno Haven Camp and Retreat Center. More details will be mailed to your congregation in January 2016.

3 ! PAGE 3 Day of Discernment Deciding on how to decide together By Michael Danner Pastors and church leaders from across Illinois Mennonite Conference gathered on Nov. 7 in Tremont, IL for the Day of Discernment. The focus of our gathering was seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance together. We entered into the day with a time of worship led by Kate Kortemier, Michael Danner and Kim Litwiller. We sang our theology of the Spirit. We reflected on article three of the Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective concerning the Holy Spirit. We had times of silent reflection and prayer. This intentional time of worship set the stage for the rest of our work. Next we heard from our keynote speaker, Kristin Jackson, one of the pastors at Living Water Community Church, Rogers Park, IL. She shared her personal story of discerning the Spirit's guidance through various seasons of church life. She then shared some principles gleaned through that experience. This was a rich time, that helped anchor spiritual discernment in the real life decisions that face congregations and congregants everyday. Following Kristin's sharing, we broke into table groups. Each group worked on shaping a process of Spirit-led discernment that we, in Illinois Mennonite Conference, can use when we have issues and questions before us that require the discernment of the whole of IMC. The output from those discussions is in the hands of the Missional Leadership Team, as they shape it into a workable process to present to the delegate body at the IMC annual assembly. We had many good discussions, shared in a meal together, and raised important issues facing IMC going forward. We are grateful for Bethany Fosdyck, Kim Litwiller, Holly Mason, Kate Kortemeier, and Kristin Jackson for helping make this Day of Discernment possible.

4 PAGE 4! CONFERENCE NEWS: From Kim Litwiller, Associate C onference Minister NO YOUTH Youth Leaders Retreat By Kim LItwiller Youth Leaders throughout IMC were invited to Menno Haven Camp and Retreat Center November to rest, relax and recharge their spirits by way of retreat into the PRES- ENCE of the living God. Michael Danner, Conference Executive Minister, led the group in bible study and discussion that centered on the PRESENCE of God. God s PRESENCE was not only discovered but experienced by those gathered as we looked at creation, the incarnation, discipleship and the Holy Spirit. Here are some reflections from a few of the youth pastors/leaders who attended the retreat: Stephen Lamb, Living Water - It was super great to actually get to know some of the other Youth Pastors. I have met several but its usually in the midst of a retreat, so it was great to actually have space and time to get to know and listen to what others had going on. I enjoyed it and thanks for setting it up! Ashley Litwiller, Arthur Mennonite - This past weekend, I spent time at the haven. Reflecting on God s presence, the gift of family, friends, good 'ol Menno 4 part harmony, and a walk through the woods can really slow things down to leave time to rest with God. I am blessed to work with such a great group of Christ s Disciples. Jacob Landis, Menno Haven Camp & Retreat Center - I jumped into and out of the youth leader retreat, as able. It was so life giving to spend time worshiping and fellowshipping with these leaders who are out there in the churches working hard to raise up the future (and current!) church. It felt so good just to laugh with people, sing with people, and dive deeper into the theme for the weekend (presence). I have been encouraged and renewed this weekend. left: Collage from Ashley Litwiller of the weekend event right: Sheena Johnson, David (Doc) Johnson and Michael Danner during a worship session.

5 !! PAGE 5 Year-end giving please remember IMC By Michael Danner Remember Illinois Mennonite Conference in your year-end giving. If your congregation takes special offerings during the Christmas season, please prayerfully consider a donation to Illinois Mennonite Conference. At the same time, if you or any congregation members are looking for ministries to give to at the end of the year, Illinois Mennonite Conference is a great tax-exempt organization. The work of Illinois Mennonite Conference supports the missional activity of local congregations through administration, communication, equipping congregations and leaders, as well as assisting congregations in times of conflict, transition, pastoral searches, and pastoral credentialing (which ensures that congregations have healthy pastors). You can give to IMC by sending checks to PO Box 3, Tremont, IL designated Christmas Giving. 100% of these gifts will go to support the ministry of IMC. Congregational Leaders Workshop The Bible in Ministry By Michael Danner Illinois Mennonite Conference will host a Congregational Leaders Workshop on Feb The focus of the workshop will be "The Bible in Ministry". Pastors and Congregational leaders know that the Bible is important in shaping the beliefs and practices of congregations. But how do we go deeper than a simple devotional at the beginning of a meeting? How does what the Bible teaches shape governance? How do we teach the Bible well? How do we read the Bible together? These are some of the topics we will cover at the Congregational Leaders Workshop. At the same time, we will be introducing a new approach to congregational equipping entitled Leadership Institute. Leadership Institute will offer quarterly, one-day, training on topics related to doing ministry well (and missional practices. Come to the Congregational Leadership Workshop and learn more about Leadership Institute. Keep your eyes out for more information.

6 PAGE 6! Arthur LIFE IN THE CONGREGATIONS By Melissa Schrock Arthur Mennonite Church held their 75 th Anniversary Celebration on Sept. 13. The day of celebration started with a coffee and donut fellowship time in the AMC foyer. During the worship celebration several people shared thoughts and memories about the church including Pastor Michael Dean from East Bend Mennonite Church. East Bend was instrumental in planting AMC in Arthur in Former pastors Paul Sieber and Wayne Hochstetler where also on hand and shared as well. Surviving members of the Mellow Tones, an AMC singing group from the 1970 s reunited and shared a song during the celebration. After the worship celebration a fellowship meal was held outside in a large tent on the AMC grounds where attendees were encouraged to share even more thoughts and memories about their experiences with the church. History books, photo albums and displays were available for attendees to view throughout the day and commemorative pens and coffee mugs were distributed. In October work was completed on a house in Pilger, Nebraska that AMC was helping to build along with Sunnyside Mennonite Church. The house was built as part of Mennonite Disaster Service s Partnership Home Program for a person who had lost their home due to a tornado. The project had started on June 15 and after more than 900 hours of work and seven trips to Nebraska, the project was finished and the house was dedicated on Oct. 2. Cazenovia By Susie Jauch Tim Kennel was our guest speaker on July 26. He spoke emphasizing that when we place our trust in God He will guide us. Mission Task Force met on Aug. 17. They distributed money to the follow: Clayton and Thelma Nisly to help with building a church in Ecuador, Waggoners for their work in Albania, Open Doors, Voice of the Martyrs, and to the Peoria Rescue Ministries. The Waggoner family was in charge of the service on Aug. 9. This was followed by a time of food and fellowship after the service. We were in charge of the service at Peoria Rescue Mission on Aug. 27. Doug Hicks was the speaker. We held our annual business meeting on Sept. 10. The first meeting of the year for Women s Fellowship was held on Sept. 14. The Gospel Echoes held a musical concert in the fellowship hall on Oct. 1. After the concert, we held a pie auction with the proceeds going to the Gospel Echoes. We have designated November as our Mission Month. Joe Bachman talked about the fellowship of Christian Farmers International on Nov. 1. This organization works on projects involving construction of church buildings, well drilling, installation of irrigation systems, and the distribution of seeds and gospel tracts. Sermon was given by Doug Hicks. Greg and Annette Beyer spoke on the ministry of Wycliffe Bible Translators. They served in Cameron, Africa, which is about the size of California with a population of 20 mission people speaking 280 different languages. We had breakfast in the Fellowship Hall on Nov. 14 featuring Tim Kennell and Galen Burkholder of Global Disciples. Women s Fellowship was Nov. 9. We had a fun evening of fellowship with Laurel Bender giving the devotions. There was a baby shower for Kelly and Derrick Kennell on Nov. 7. The Mission Task force distributed money to Wycliffe Associates and the Fries family in Mexico. East Peoria By Mary Lou Howard We had communion services led by Pastor Kim Litwiller on Oct. 4, which was filled, with the Holy Spirit for the entire congregation. We held on business meeting on Oct. 11 after the church service with a discussion on where we are in our church, how are the new changes being done, and what is a head of us. We are so blessed and God is leading us upward and outward. School has started and it is time for Snack Pac. We packed 300 Snack Pac bags on Oct. 17 to be distributed to three local schools. Michael Danner, our new conference minister, gave the message on Oct. 25 followed by a potluck so we could meet Michael and get to know him. It was a real blessing. We cooked and served 136 dinners at Southside Pantry (Neighborhood House) on Nov. 1. It is such a good feeling we can do this outreach program four times a year. Sunday School is now in full swing and it is such a blessing to have all ages represented. We have not seen this for a long time. The year has gone so fast, so much has happened, and it is now time to get ready for the holidays. We all have very much to be thankful for and are looking forward to celebrating the birth of Baby Jesus. First, Champaign- Urbana By Rebecca Bare A Welcome Back potluck was held on Sept. 13, followed by a presentation on Ukraine by Andrei Utkin, who is a leader in a Mennonite church in that country. Paul Sieber was able to attend the 75 th Anniversary of the Arthur Mennonite Church the weekend of Sept. 13.

7 ! A painting of our church building was presented to us by the Central Illinois Mosque and Islamic Center (CIMIC) on Sept. 20. Twenty women from our congregation attended the Women s Retreat at Camp Friedenswald on the weekend of Sept Marcia Nelson, Janet Liechty, Kajsa Herrstrom, and Deb Sutter were among the planners. A Menno Mug was presented to Carrie Nelson on Oct. 11. She moved to Tucson, AZ. The guest speaker on Oct. 11 was Tim Peebles. He led a workshop in the afternoon, with another local church. The theme for the day was making peace with violence in interpersonal conflict. First, Norwood By Dot Dalbey and Sue Lane We had a Mother s Day service on May 10 with each Mother receiving a flower. Doug Hicks gave the morning messages on May 17 and 24. The Norwood Community garage sale was held on June 6, the church had a food tent with proceeds going to our Brotherly Love Fund. We welcomed Doug Hicks back on June 14. For Father s Day the fathers all received small flashlights. We held a breakfast on July 5 before the morning service. Membership Renewal Sunday was held Aug. 9, with a carry-in and council meeting. We had a hot dog roast on Sept. 5, due to the heat we move inside to the fellowship hall. All who attended had a good time. A workday was held Sept. 19 with many jobs getting done. Doug Hicks filled in for Pastor Rick as he recovered from surgery on Sept. 20, 27 and Oct. 4. An Elders Bible Lot was held on Oct. 11, for the two elders whose terms were up. Lot to fill the elder positions called Joe Lane and Sue Lane. Our Fall Festival was LIFE IN THE CONGREGATIONS PAGE 7 held on Oct. 31. We had over 100 kids and their parents come through our door. The new elders were anointed on Nov. 1. We had a thank you and recognition for the two elders who terms were over with a carry-in meal and council meeting. Metamora By Beulah Fierce Ron and Jeanne Sears spoke on "Hearts Set in Pilgrimage" on Aug. 23. A new elective S.S. Class, "God's Story, Our Story - Exploring Christian Faith and Life", began Sept. 6. We met in the fellowship hall on Sunday evening, Sept. 13 to greet transitional Pastor Randall Miller with an informal time of fellowship and discussion along with dessert. Randy began visiting homes on Sept. 14, with plans to visit all homes in the congregation. Randy Miller was officially installed by Michael Danner, Conference Executive Minister on Sept. 27. Stephen Rauh completed his year of voluntary service in Elkhart, IN. He has now joined Vicki and Danny Blank in their work on their twelve seasons farm in Fort Myers, FL. Our congregational business meeting was held on Oct. 18 following our worship service. We met at Camp Menno Haven for worship on Oct. 11, followed by a delicious lunch. A special part of the service was the baptism of Ozzy Surrat and Jeremy Tieman, which took place in the lake. A special Open Table Worship service and breakfast was held on Nov. 8, beginning with communion service. We then enjoyed a breakfast of pancakes and sausage. This was followed by our worship service. We then folded Operation Christmas Child boxes, which the children and youth packed along with hygiene kits for MCC. This fall we again partnered with Youth for Christ to sponsor 5th quarters events to provide a safe place for students to hang out following foot ball games. Metamora Mennonite is currently providing 90-snack pack lunches every weekend to four schools and Noah's Ark and Woodford Regional Alternative s Season of Life Anniversaries Arthur Dick and Sarah Storm, 40, June 7 Cazenovia Johnny and Betty Bertolo, 50, July 31; Steve and Susie Jauch, 50, Aug. 1; Jim and Linda Schrock, 40, Sept. 6; Mick and Trudy Cochran, 45, Sept. 11; Larry and Rosie Christ, 50, Sept. 13 Metamora Norman and LeAnne Gross, 50, Aug. 27; Charles and Rhonda Danner, 50, Nov. 7; Ben and Shirley Egli, 60, Nov. 10 Births/Adoptions Arthur Emma to Elmer and Kim Miller on May 16; Jaxson to Andy and Nancy Plank on May 18; Wyatt to Colby and Jordon Herschberger on July 17 Cazenovia Ivana Kathleen to Kelly and Derrick Kennell on Nov. 8 First, Champaign/Urbana Dean Lee Anderson was born on Sept. 15 and was received for adoption by Amber and Ryan Anderson on Sept.18; Levi Daniel Lehman to Rachel Horst and David Lehman on Nov. 4 New Members Arthur Ashley Litwiller on May 31; Elmer Miller by baptism on October 18; Kim Miller, Andy Plank and Nancy Plank on Oct. 18 Metamora Ozzy Surrat and Jeremy Tieman on Oct. 11 by baptism; Anna Tieman and Michael Tieman on Oct. 18

8 PAGE 8 RAWtools Event By Krista Dutt On behalf of MCC Great Lakes, you are invited to become a part of a RAWtools event March 4, RAWtools is an organization that within a worship setting takes a gun and turns into garden tools as a way to illustrate the Isaiah 2 passage: The program event will have artistic groups such as Colored Girls are Colored Girls, peacemaking organizations such as Parents for Peace and Justice and Moms Demand Action sharing about how to get involved locally and a keynote speaker. We are pursuing a keynote speaker who inspires people to continue in the challenge to be peacemakers. MCC Great Lakes still needs to raise $2000. Please consider sponsoring this event that will bring peacemakers together in the Chicago area. The event will witness to the peacemaking that is happening and inspire us all to continue the work of peacemaking. Sponsors who make a contribution by Dec. 31 will be listed on the program. Please keep this event in your prayers. If interested in donating or being a part of this program in some way please contact Krista Dutt or by kristadutt@mcc.org RAW tools Guns made into gardening tools.

9 PAGE 9 Training Opportunities Dove s Nest By Kathy Haake When you read headlines about child abuse or neglect, you may feel powerless to help. None of us can protect every child, all the time, but we can take steps to protect the children in our homes, churches, and communities. Do you have the tools you need to save a child from abuse or neglect? What is your faith community doing to protect the children in its midst? Dedicated to empowering and equipping faith communities to keep children safe, Dove s Nest offers training and resources on a variety of topics related to child and youth protection. In January 2015, Dove s Nest created a national Speaker s Bureau peakers-bureau of highly qualified members who are available to train across North America. Presentations can be uniquely tailored to your faith community to meet your training and assistance needs as you work to keep kids safe. Here are some examples of training events we offer: raising awareness about the importance of a safety policy developing a child and youth protection policy guidelines for safely incorporating abuse offenders into faith communities implementation information for the Circle of Grace child protection curriculum. Speaking events may range from a 1 8 hour community training, a 20-minute sermon, or a 10- minute outreach spotlight during worship. Dove s Nest also offers presentations for Sunday school classes, children s sermons, and other church presentations. When requested, we have provided training to camp counselors, camp staff, and others who work with children and youth. Visit the Dove s Nest website to learn about current events or to request a training event for your faith community. Also visit the bio page for the Speaker s Bureau member in your area to see a list of her qualifications and training specialties: Brenda Yoder, LMHC, counselor, writer, speaker, educator; Shipshewana, IN. We look forward to partnering with you in your efforts to keep children and youth safe? For more information you can contact - Kathy Haake, Events and Volunteer Coordinator for Dove's Nest at kathy@dovesnest.net Web site: Empowering and equipping faith communities to keep children and youth safe in their homes, churches, and communities. Consider a contribution toward keeping children and youth safe in faith communities:

10 PAGE 10! CONFERENCE NEWS: From Michael Danner, C onference Executive Minister Installation Services Illinois Mennonite Conference Amy Aschliman Pastor Amy Aschliman was installed on Sept. 6, as pastor of Christ Community Mennonite Church in Schaumburg, IL. In this picture, Amy is delivering a sermon on Genesis 1. Following her installation, Amy led the congregation in communion. This is a fitting, and powerful, first act as a newly installed pastor. Please pray for Amy and the congregation of Christ Community as they get to know one another in this new relationship. May they be blessed with a spirit of collaboration as they discern together the leading of the Spirit. Randall Miller Randall Miller was installed as the Transitional Pastor at Metamora Mennonite Church on Sept. 27. Randall's work will focus on helping the congregation refine their vision as they prepare for the next season of ministry and leadership. Randall will join pastor Jon Byler, who will continue in his role as associate pastor. Pastor Michael Danner, current Conference Minister for Illinois Mennonite Conference, pastored at Metamora Mennonite Church for 18 years along side pastors Jon Byler and Ada Nofsinger (now retired). Please pray for the Holy Spirit's leading for Randy, Jon and the congregation as they continue on their journey.

11 PAGE 11 Kayla Graybill, member of Freeport Mennonite Church is canning meat to help the hungry. Meat Canning Project Feeding the Hungry Can Make a Difference By Chad Weber The annual Meat Canning Project for Freeport Mennonite Church and community is quickly approaching. As we have done for the past 65 years, FMC is looking forward to having the Mennonite Central Committee s portable canner here for three days, December 17-19, 2015, to can meat to help feed the hungry around the world. This year we anticipate canning 32,000 pounds of meat resulting in approximately 16,000 + cans. This unique project brings people together from the church, community, and other churches from Illinois and Wisconsin to enjoy work and fellowship while helping the needy. In 2014, 90% of the meat that FMC canned was sent to MCC for use around the world. FMC s meat went to Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Ukraine. The other 10% was distributed locally to Rockford Rescue Mission, Freeport Area Church Cooperative, Gospel Outreach Food Pantry in Freeport, Davis Community Church s Food Pantry and Firehouse of God Ministries of Sterling. To make this project happen, FMC needs to raise approximately $45,000. This project is funded through donations only. For the success of this project, 41 volunteers are needed at all times during these 3 days. Donations to help fund this project (designated as Canning ) can be sent to Freeport Mennonite Church, 3416 E. Brick School Road, Freeport, IL If you would like to get involved as a volunteer worker, call Chad Weber, Assistant Canning Coordinator, at (815) or David Graybill, Assistant Canning Coordinator, at (815)

12 PAGE 12 IMC CALENDAR DECEMBER 2-5 National Conf. Ministers Gathering - Orlando, FL 10 Pastor Peer Meeting Mennonite Church of Normal Freeport Mennonite Church 24 Christmas Eve 25 Christmas Day JANUARY 7 Chicago Area Pastor Peer location TBA 14 Pastor Peer Mennonite Church of Normal 20 Mission Leadership Team Tremont Skype Pastor Peer Youth Ministry Council Orlando, FL FEBRUARY 4 Chicago Area Pastor Peer location TBA 11 Pastor Peer Mennonite Church of Normal Congregational Leaders Menno Haven 18 Skype Pastor Peer 15 Missional Crossroads articles are due FOR LATEST CALENDAR UPDATES PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: ILLINOISMENNONITE.COM MISSIONAL CROSSROADS PO Box 3, Tremont, IL Designed & edited by Holly Mason, Executive Assistant. Published: March, June, September, December. Articles and news items should be submitted directly to Holly at hmason@mennonite.net on the 15 th of the month preceding publication. ILLINOIS MENNONITE CONFERENCE IS NOW ON FACEBOOK.