In this season of storms and disasters, both natural and man made, stretching from Puerto Rico along the Gulf Coast upto Las Vegas through Northern California, and upto Ft. McMurray in northern Alberta, may the peace of Christ be present in your lives, those of your families, and your congregations.  I am amazed how many times, despite the circumstances, when Jesus comes to his disciples his first words are “Peace; be not afraid.”  So may it be with us.

Mennonite Disaster Service will hold its annual meeting for the Illinois Unit on Friday afternoon, October 27th, beginning at 3:00 PM at the First Mennonite Church of Morton.  In addition to hearing reports about unit activity from the past year, we have an important discernment to undertake concerning the next year.

The Illinois Unit is being asked by the Long Term Recovery Group in Ottawa/Naplate for assistance in rebuilding after the tornados of last February.  Please read through the description of their work and be praying with us about whether this is something God would have us do.  Because of the importance of this request please attend or find another person from your congregation to attend the unit meeting.

Finally, the Illinois Unit Meeting is preceeding the MDS Region 2 annual meeting this year which commences right after our unit meeting.  Please consider joining us for some or all of that meeting as well.  Registration information for that event is also included.

Thank you for all of your work in your home communities and congregations.  Please contact me with questions.  I look forward to being with you.

—
Ronn Frantz,
MDS Illinois Unit Chair