Ms. Sheryll Bray and Rev. John Prain, Moderators of Eastern and Western Associations, respectively, led us into the joint fall meeting held at at First Congregational UCC in Decatur.
The Western and Eastern Associations held a shared 2019 Fall Meeting in Decatur. Laity, clergy, and youth from the two associations gathered for “Conversations Across the (CHURCH) Aisle.”
The Western and Eastern Associations held their joint 2019 Fall Meeting in Decatur.
Rev. Mark Binder and the People of God at Bethlehem UCC in Sutter, Illinois.
Western Association Committee on Ministry gifted First Congregational UCC in Canton a “Supply Shower” as a way to show gratitude and express thanks for hosting many meetings at the church.
The Western Association is located in the lower portion of the conference, on the western side of the state. Its 27 congregations gather people to worship from the state capital of Springfield to the Quad City town of Moline, from prairie to river, farm to metropolis. With the challenges of the life of rural communities and the struggles of Illinois state government in both its front and back yards, Western Association congregations bring a presence of justice and compassion where it is often needed most.