Hit the Ground Running?

"Let's jump right in to get things done!" is a statement often made when wanting to accomplish something new. Arguing against this philosophy of action is difficult. Action is required if we hope to reach our goals.

An idiom suggesting immediacy of action we frequently use is "hit the ground running." A common meaning of this phrase is "to start working on something (activity, task, project) immediately and successfully." I thought it would be interesting to put this idiom into a word picture. Imagine a marathon runner who is encouraged to run an unfamiliar route. The athlete is toned for the race and expected to be a contender for finishing first. Would this expert marathoner agree to run without studying the route or, so to speak, "hit the ground running" without first going over the course? I have my doubts. My knowledge of running a marathon is very limited. What understanding I do have is a result of conversation with a friend who participates in triathlons. Before participating in an event, he goes over the course gaining familiarity with it. Otherwise, obstacles on the course, such as potholes that need to be avoided, could hinder his successful completion of the race.

Would it not be wise to "chart the course" in all other matters of importance when encouraged to "hit the ground running?" Reading from Kenneth J. McFayden's book Strategic Leadership for a Change: Facing our Losses, Finding our Future (Alban, 2009) pointed me in the direction of answering this question in the affirmative. McFayden writes:

"Many congregations feel a sense of urgency to grow." The motive for growth, though, is important to understand. Frequently, McFayden claims, a congregation's motive for growth is primarily "to increase membership numbers." This motive will hopefully contribute toward the ever-diminishing budget, help find Sunday school teachers, and provide a larger base of volunteers needed to fill leadership positions. But does a motive only to increase numbers really get at what is needed for an increase to really happen?

Let's assume that a congregation has a strong desire to grow. They "hit the ground running" with the goal of increasing attendance by 20% over a 3-year period. Their success of attaining the goal may very likely be contingent upon how well they "chart the course." In other words, what are the true motives to achieve growth? What does the course look like in order for growth to occur?

Taking the time to understand the course is an important factor in realizing hoped-for results. What motives would be more helpful? Desired growth, McFayden offers, more fully "emanates from a vision of serving as a faith community for potential members, or of sharing the good news of a living, sovereign, and graceful God who creates, redeems, and sustains." More simply stated, motives for growth will focus more on what can be done for those we reach rather than what those we reach can do for us. McFayden simplifies it in these words: "...if our message were more focused on how you want to grow in faith and mission, through worship and education, I could get excited about joining your church. And if I joined, then (emphasis added) I would contribute money and might consider teaching Sunday school."

Hit the road running? Sure, after studying the course and making sure good, attractive motives are leading us to the finish line!

The New Beginnings Fellowship congregation at Batavia is no longer meeting together. The District Leadership Team has assumed responsibility for the property in accordance with Church of the Brethren polity. At the most recent District Leadership Team meeting held January 14, 2012, a decision was made to sell the church property in Batavia. There are some things that need to be cared for prior to initiating a sale.

It seems important to bring closure to the congregation, therefore a brief closing service will be held at the New Beginnings Fellowship meetinghouse located at 613 N. Van Buren St. in Batavia on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at 2:00pm. Additionally, contents in the building such as hymnals, kitchen utensils, some furniture, Sunday school supplies, and other items need to be disposed of appropriately. This will be done through an auction that will be held immediately following the closing service.

We hope you will be able to attend this special event to support those who have been associated with the congregation as they say their final farewells. And, we hope you will find items in the auction that you can use personally or in your congregation.

The proceeds of the auction will be deposited in the Batavia Fund of the District's resources. Following the sale of the property, the Leadership Team will determine how to best utilize all proceeds to best support the ongoing work and ministry of the district.

Note: This is not a public auction. It is open only to Church of the Brethren congregations, members, and associated persons.

The application deadline for the 2012 YPTT has been extended until January 31 - apply today!

www.brethren.org/youthpeacetravelteam

Online registration for the 2012 workcamps in now open. Go to www.brethren.org/workcamps to register. For questions, please contact Cat Gong or Rachel Witkovsky in the Workcamp Office by e-mail at cobworkcamps@brethren.org or by phone at 800-323-8039 ext. 283 or 301.

The General Assembly of the United Nations unanimously adopted a resolution designating the first week in February to be an annual World Interfaith Harmony Week. The U.N. General Assembly called for dialogue among the different religions internationally, nationally, and locally to enhance interfaith harmony and cooperation.

In this historic action the U.N. General Assembly recognized the possibility and necessity for the believers in the major world religions to facilitate peace building and to engage in the global moral issues of poverty, hunger, health care, environmental destruction, and other world challenges. Clergy and congregations are asked to focus during this week on (1) learning about the faith and beliefs of followers of other religious traditions, (2) remembering in prayers and messages about interfaith cooperation, and (3) sharing together in cooperative compassionate care for persons suffering and marginalized in our local communities.

Brethren representative on the Interfaith Relations Commission of the National Council of Churches, Larry Ulrich commented, "Increasingly American diversity has persons of other faith traditions living with us as neighbors. In the cacophony of misunderstanding and mistrust, harmony is a recognition of the moral impact of learning about each other's faith, religious beliefs and practices, and the increased possibilities of helping local people in need through cooperative service. The World Interfaith Harmony Week is an opportunity to expand compassion locally by reducing our fears and prejudices."

For further information and resources:
www.worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com

Submitted by: Larry Ulrich
lnulrich@comcast.net
630.620.4044

Our District is going on a Disaster Relief Trip the week of February 12th - 18th. That is a Sunday through Saturday.

We will be going to Ashland City, Tennessee. In May, 2010, thousands of homes were damaged in the worst flood in Tennessee history. Brethren Disaster Ministries began serving the needs of the flood-affected residents in the Ashland City area in January 2011. This project is expected to continue at least through March 2012, due to the volume of cases still needing assistance with home repair and rebuilding. To date, more than 3500 volunteer work days have been given by BDM volunteers serving the needs in this area.

We need all sorts of workers and can have up to 15 people on the trip.

If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Rick Koch at revrick-dutchtown@jcwifi.com or 815-225-7812. Rick needs to know as soon as possible!

Registration opened on January 2 for early registration for congregational delegates to the 2012 Annual Conference in St. Louis, Mo. at www.brethren.org/ac. The early registration fee is $285 per delegate. The fee increases to $310 on Feb. 23. Congregations will be able to register their delegates online and will be able to pay either by credit card or by sending a check. A memo and registration form has been mailed to every congregation. Nondelegate registration and housing reservations will begin Feb. 22. Contact the Conference Office at annualconference@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 229.

There is a 2012 Speakers List for the Illinois/Wisconsin District. Persons included in this document have accepted the invitation to be available to preach during worship services or for other special events as indicated. Hopefully you will find this tool useful and valuable when the need arises for inviting a guest speaker.

The speakers on this list are all credentialed ministers, either licensed or ordained. We would like to expand the list to include more credentialed ministers as well as interested laity. If your name is absent from the list and you have interest in serving as a guest speaker, please inform the district office. We would also welcome the names of persons you might suggest for inclusion on the list.

Since this is a new venture, it is likely we may need to provide more information than is included. Your input as to how the list can be improved would be welcomed.

Please share with the District Office any questions, comments, or concerns you may have.

Director of Advancement/Marketing, Pinecrest Community

General Purpose:

Develops, coordinates and monitors overall fundraising strategy for solicitation, cultivation and closing of major and planned gifts and manages relationships with donors, congregations and prospects. Oversees capital campaigns, direct mail and social media appeals, and advancement communications. Maintains and expands 50-60 major donor relationships. Expands the Century II Club, the planned giving society of Pinecrest Community. Active leader in the organization as part of the administrative team and works closely with the Board of Directors, Foundation Board and community volunteers.

Requirements:

Education/Experience:

Minimum Bachelor's degree; Preferred five years of fundraising experience with two years supervisory experience and understanding of retirement and long term care communities.

Skills and Abilities:

Coordinate and/or direct a variety of complex tasks and assignments simultaneously, excellent oral and written communication skills; superior management skills; ability to deliver individual and group presentations; energy and vision to take the advancement function to the next level; able to motivate self and others with strong relationship skills; able to work individually and/or collaboratively; working knowledge of general business operations in a nonprofit, social service or similar environment; responsible for departmental budget; fluent in fundraising software; working knowledge of MS Office;

Pinecrest Community offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefit package.

Resumes should be sent electronically to vmarshall@pinecrestcommunity.org or mailed to Pinecrest Community, Attn: Victoria Marshall, 414 S. Wesley Ave., Mt. Morris, IL 61054.

The Fall 2011 Way of Christ weekends have blessed a new group of weekend participants. As they return home encouraged and equipped with new tools to be purposed participants in their families and congregations, I am wondering who will next take such a step.

The weekends for 2012 are scheduled and leadership is starting to organize for these events. Now is the time to plan to attend. So look at your calendar then contact me:

March 1-4, 2012: Men's Weekend #21
March 8-11, 2011: Women's Weekend #21

October 18-21, 2012: Men's Weekend #22
October 25-28, 2012: Women's Weekend # 22

- Dan Rusmisel (d_rusmiselle@yahoo.com)

Mark your calendar and plan to join us at the Grove Community Center on March 10, 2012 for a fun filled afternoon. Pinecrest Community will be hosting a pie baking contest open to all ages and talents. Prizes will be awarded to the bakers of the winning pies, a pie auction will be held, crafters and vendors will be displaying their goods, and children's activities are planned. All proceeds from the pie baking contest benefit Pinecrest's Good Samaritan Fund. For more information, to register as a baker, register as a crafter or vendor, or to volunteer, contact Amy Sikyta at asikyta@pinecrestcommunity.org or 815-734-4103 x277. More information will be available online at www.pinecrestcommunity.org and on Pinecrest Community's Facebook page. You won't want to miss this event which is sure to be fun for all ages!

A training event for Children's Disaster Services will be held at the Cerro Gordo Church of the Brethren, 102 E. Durfee St., Cerro Gordo, IL, on Friday and Saturday, March 23-24, 2012.

For additional information and to register for the event call the New Windsor Disaster Response Office at 800-451-4407. It is not necessary to be a part of the Church of the Brethren to participate in this training event. Questions about the event can be directed locally to Rosie Brandenburg at (217) 763-6039 or samrosie@ctiwireless.com.

Rosie would be glad to receive invitations to come to speak at your church or organization.

Young adults between the age of 18 and 35 are invited to the National Young Adult Conference in Knoxville, TN. This event will be a chance for young adults to gather and create a loving community, have engaging conversations about our role in the denomination and also enjoy various speakers.

NYAC takes place on June 18 - 22, 2012 at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Our theme is "Humble, yet Bold: Being the Church," based on Matt. 5: 13 - 18, "Being Salt for the Earth" and "A light for the world."

Online registration are open at www.brethren.org/yac. The cost for the event will be $375 and includes housing, programming and meals. The Young Adult Steering Committee encourages congregations to offer NYAC scholarships in their 2012 budgets. NYAC gift certificates may be purchased by friends and families.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the community that will be created during these five days in Knoxville. Join us on Facebook on "Young Adults of the Church of the Brethren."

For more information call 800-323-8039 ext. 281 or E-mail NYAC2012@brethren.org.

CCS 2012 participants will consider carbon footprints and carbon labeling. Join us on the journey!

April 14-19, 2012 - New York and Washington, D.C.

Register online now! Registration is limited to 100 participants, so register early!

Who is eligible to attend?

All high school youth and adult advisors are eligible to attend the seminar.

Churches sending over four youth are required to send at least one adult advisor to insure an adequate number of adults. Registration is limited to the first 100 participants.

What does it cost?

CCS 2012 registration costs $375, which includes:

* lodging for five nights
* dinner on the opening evening of the seminar
* transportation from New York to Washington D.C.

Each participant needs to bring additional money for meals, sightseeing, personal expenses and a few subway/taxi fares.

Stepping Out: Our Relationship with Carbon

At this particular Christian Citizenship Seminar, rather than a debate on "global warming," participants will focus on how we as individuals and as a country might respond to the high level of carbon in today's atmosphere. How much carbon do everyday tasks, such as driving to school or eating a banana imported from a tropical country, put into the atmosphere? What is our country's carbon footprint? How does that footprint compare to other developed countries? Are there actions we can encourage our government to implement?

Carbon labeling is one large scale response being experimented with in other parts of the world. As always, after a number of educational sessions, CCS participants will visit their legislators to discuss what they have learned and what changes they would like to see in government policy as a result.

For more information contact:

Youth and Young Adult Ministries Office
1451 Dundee Ave.
Elgin, IL 60120
CoBYouth@brethren.org
(800)323-8039
www.brethren.org/ccs

WORSHIP * WORKSHOPS * FELLOWSHIP * FOOD

Leadership will include

Donna Kline, Chris Douglas, Genie Fifer,
Denise Nichols, John Sgro, and others.

Registration Fee --- $5.00

Plan now to attend this exciting event. Bring your favorite potluck dish to enjoy with others from across the district. Drinks and table service will be provided. Share this information with others in your church. There will be something for everyone including pastors, Christian education teachers, deacons, spiritual advisors, and those who simply want to learn, worship, and enjoy wonderful fellowship. So, bring a car load. More details about workshops coming later.

This one-day event is being planned by your District Deacons on behalf of the Leadership Team of the District.

High school youth are invited to attend Exploring Your Call (EYC) at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., this summer, June 15-25. This event provides the opportunity for young people entering their junior or senior year of high school in fall 2012 to explore faith and vocation through classes, congregational involvement, service projects, personal and spiritual enrichment, and recreation.

Russell Haitch, associate professor of Christian education and director of the Institute for Youth and Young Adults at Bethany, oversees EYC. "It's an intense but beautiful program. Last year, youth studied theology in the classroom, then shadowed pastors and did real-life ministry, then took a trip to Chicago to live in an intentional community and learn about all sorts of non-pastoral vocations. The level of conversation and quality of friendship that developed was really splendid, and I'm excited that equally good things will happen this year."

Sustaining and developing ministry (mission) within congregations, as well as maintaining property (mortar), is sometimes hindered because of inadequate financial resources. The Illinois/Wisconsin District, whose mission is to support the growth and development of member congregations, realizes that this dilemma exists and desires to financially support congregations that are in good standing with the district and have specific needs. Congregations in good standing are those that for the past two years have sent delegates to district conference and have supported the district financially with undesignated gifts of at least $100 per year for the past two years.

The Gifts Discernment and Call Committee seeks your help. We are commissioned to call active, informed, and committed members of congregations or fellowships from within our District to positions of service. These persons, both pastors and lay members, are to be called from all parts of the District and to represent the diversity among us. Our committee's knowledge of members eligible and capable to serve is limited. Therefore, we make this appeal for assistance.