OCTOBER IS PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH!
We love our pastors on the Illinois District. These men and women are special people who have answered God’s call to serve His kingdom, ministering to the sheep in the fold and reaching out to those who are hopeless and broken. Offering hope and light to our world. I really appreciate our churches who are expressing their appreciation to these men and women in many different ways – cards, baked goods, gifts and words of kindness.
Thank you for supporting your pastors by sending them to our annual m&m retreat. It was an excellent retreat. Dr. Jim Cooper spoke encouraging and challenging words. We prayed together, worshipped together, played together, laughed together, and ate together. It was beneficial to be together. Make sure your pastor plans to attend next year – September 27-29 at New Harmony, IN.
Our Adult R&R (Reignite & Renew) Retreat was also a very good week-end. The weather was excellent. The accommodations were adequate, the food was delicious and even though we had to change directions on the speaker at the last minute, God still moved and encouraged us in out faith. The dates for next year are September 20-22, 2024. We had 81 this year. The place can hold 250 but there are limited # of spaces for couples. You will want to get your reservations in early.