2025 Journal-Yearbook

Illinois Great Rivers Conference 2025 Journal-Yearbook

and assigned. Significant funding is also provided for ethnic minority ministries not receiving adequate support from their own annual conferences or whose ministries extend beyond annual conference boundaries. Benevolences & Connectional Ministries Apportionment – $2,591,002 Camping & Retreat Ministries - $300,000 The Illinois Great Rivers Conference camping program is an extension of the local church’s disciple-making process. Its mission is to connect people, nature, and Christ for the transformation of the world. In fulfillment of the camping ministry’s mission, programming at both East Bay Camp and Little Grassy Camp makes the most of their locations on lakes, which, along with plentiful timber, invites guests to explore God’s creative genius in a leisurely manner, enjoy prolonged experiences of Christian community, forge relationships with God and others through worship, study, mealtimes, and play, and foster growing relationships with Jesus Christ. Congregational Development – $192,500 The Congregational Development Team (CDT) serves the local church by assisting in the process of analyzing their growth potential and helping chart a future course. CDT also provides training for pastors and lay people to implement growth strategies in existing congregations or the tools to plant new congregations. The goal is to reach new disciples of Jesus Christ. The Congregational Development Team (CDT) works with the Cabinet to identify potential areas of growth to expand the witness of The United Methodist Church. Connectional Program Ministries – $373,868 The Connectional Ministries Team serves the local church by providing a variety of resources and opportunities to expand their ministries and fulfill their mission. The CMT is responsible for the program area of the Annual Conference. The fund provides for the salaries and benefits of the CMT staff and direct support for many conference and local ministries. COSROW – Administration – Included in Connectional Program Ministries The Commission on the Status and Role of Women serves the local church by helping us be aware of the vital role of women participating in all areas of the life of the church. As outlined by The Book of Discipline (¶644), COSROW provides proactive advocacy to ensure women are full participants. The fund provides for training, programs and meeting expenses. Religion and Race – Administration – Included in Connectional Program Ministries The Conference Commission on Religion and Race serves the local church by helping us strive towards the full inclusion of all of God’s children in all areas of the life of the church. As outlined by The Book of Discipline (¶643), Religion and Race serves as a monitoring body and seeks to develop programs and policies to ensure all races are full participants. The fund provides for training, programs and meeting expenses. Higher Education Ministries - $375,000 The purpose of Higher Education and Campus Ministry is to empower college-aged

90 Legislative Items