Gifts For All Generations

As the people of God, we have been so richly blessed by all who have come before us and established our congregations. Now, it's our chance not only to give back but to "give forward" to the coming generations. We can do that by joining with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Illinois & Wisconsin in a 3-year capital campaign to raise $2,250,000 to benefit a variety of "units" within the life of our denomination and our CCIW Region.

Ministries in Higher Education
$325,000

$150,000 from the capital campaign will be divided between campus ministries facilities at Illinois State University, Southern Illinois University and the University of Illinois. All of the facilities are in desperate need of repair. College years are very important ones for faith development and staff and facilities are needed on each campus as a "presence" for students. These funds will provide the repairs for the continued maintenance of each building that houses the campus ministries.

Campus Ministry at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, is led by Hugh Muldoon. Despite a building in much need of repair, Hugh has developed an outstanding ministry with the students there with the assistance of student interns and volunteers from local churches and communities. Programs include worship, faculty luncheon speakers, work on environmental issues, wonderful use of the building as ministry - an ability to bring together the various religions on campus (Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Native American) for dialogue and understanding. He also has a strong ministry with international students as well as maintains good relations with the three local churches.

The building that houses the campus ministry at Illinois State University, Normal, was completed in 1970 and is in need of everything new as well as making it more handicapped accessible. One of the most important efforts of this ministry is the creation of a worshipping community. Led by Bob and Susan Ryder, the New Covenant Community was created in response to the decision by both University Christian Church and First Presbyterian Church to leave campus. They offer two different types of midweek services, a women's support group, a traditional Sunday night supper. Various activities of the community include rock climbing and spring break trips. Many of the students serve on university committees. Several students were instrumental in helping create a Minority Student Academic Center, which is located on the premises. The facility also houses the Interdenominational Youth Choir, the student gospel choir on campus.

The Illinois Disciples Foundation on the campus of the University of Illinois was founded in 1916 and has been at the forefront of many important social issues facing the University. Their mission is dedicated to peace with justice. Many of their activities have addressed such issues as the civil rights struggles, the Equal Rights Amendment, anti-apartheid and anti-racism and the ecology.

For more information about these Ministries in Higher Education, contact Rev. Jim Pruyne, secretary, Illinois United Ministries in Higher Education, 201 W Summit, Normal, IL 61761, or log onto their website at: <www.iumhe.org>

Campaign Home Page