In Sympathy: Lynn Everitt Longenbaugh
Rev. Dr. Lynn Everitt Longenbaugh, a retired member of Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on June 6, 2024.
The One Matters Discipleship Award was created by the Discipleship Ministries (GBOD) in 2015 with the purpose of lifting up churches who have in recent years moved from 0 baptisms and 0 professions of faith into positive numbers as they redirected their focus toward intentional discipleship. In addition to the One Matters Discipleship plaque, each church will receive $1,000 to encourage the continuation of their work in discipleship.
The Northern Illinois Conference is one of the most diverse conferences in The United Methodist Church, so instead of recognizing one congregation, we have the opportunity to offer six awards, with the help of the Office of Connectional Ministries.
Most importantly, as we celebrate these churches and hear their stories, we are invited to ask “What are they doing differently that is helping them to turn things around, by God’s grace?” And when we discern an answer to that question, we can ask ourselves, “What can we do to make a difference?” Each person matters to God! This we celebrate!
2018 awards presented to:
(click each to read their stories)
Rev. Dr. Lynn Everitt Longenbaugh, a retired member of Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on June 6, 2024.
Rev. Dennis M. Oglesby Jr., a member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024.
Rev. Cheryl Weaver, Wisconsin Conference’s benefits officer, will also serve Northern Illinois Conference in this capacity, beginning June 1.
Rev. Philip A. Bergstrom, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on April 17, 2024.