The IGRC Neighborhood is a ministry of CEF (Christians Engaged in Faith Formation). In addition to the online conversations below, you can engage with the group on Facebook. The Neighborhood is for anyone connected to the Illinois Great Rivers Conference or any of its local congregations who is engaged in faith formation (small group ministry, Sunday school, children's ministry, youth ministry, older adult ministry, camping ministry, discipleship, spiritual formation, nurture, nursery ministry, Bible studies, etc.). Laity and clergy, paid staff and volunteers are all welcome!
This IGRC Neighborhood Conversation from February 19, 2020, is intended for those new to faith formation ministry. It is moderated by Beth Fender, IGRC Coordinator of Discipleship and New Streams.
This online conversation in the IGRC Neighborhood, originally held on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, is for anyone who is wondering about any of these questions. Participants will benefit from the experience of our panelists, including Jessica Baldyga, associate pastor of Effingham Centenary UMC; John Hauck, pastor of Paxton UMC; and Robb McCoy, pastor of Rock Island Two Rivers UMC. The conversation is moderated by Beth Fender, IGRC Coordinator of Discipleship and New Streams.
The IGRC Neighborhood Conversation from May 6, 2019, focuses on strategies for attracting families with children and teens to your church. Panelists include Debbie Randoll from Marion Aldersgate UMC, Dena Hopkins from Metropolis UMC, and Honey Bejmovicz from West Frankfort Trinity UMC. (Sadly, Honey Bejmovicz has since passed away. We are blessed to still have some of her insights shared here.)The conversation was moderated by Beth Fender, IGRC Coordinator of Discipleship and New Streams..
This IGRC Neighborhood Conversation was recorded on October 8, 2019. Panelists include Sue Endsley, a member of the Rochester UMC; and Kathi Pritts, Director of Christian Education at Bloomington Wesley UMC. The conversation is moderated by Beth Fender, IGRC Coordinator of Discipleship and New Streams.
This conversation took place January 25, 2021. It was designed for anyone looking for new ideas on how to keep doing children's faith formation despite the challenges of the pandemic - and how to use this time of disruption to experiment with new forms of faith formation that might continue even after it is safe to meet together in person. The conversation was moderated by Beth Fender, IGRC Coordinator of Discipleship and New Streams.