The Current Week in Review

August 1, 2025

Beulah Camp Meeting sermons available online

The 123rd Annual Beulah Holiness Camp Meeting concludes this evening in Eldorado. For the past week, daily Bible Study sessions combined with morning and evening evangelistic services have been conducted.

Recordings of the messages from Bible teachers, the Rev. Jim Slone and John Hamilton; and evangelists Stan Key and Chris Bounds are available for playback on the camp's website. The website media player also has messages from previous encampments for the past 15 years.

Pruett to celebrate 100th birthday Aug. 24

A birthday celebration honoring the 100th birthday of IGRC retired pastor, the Rev. William E. Pruett, will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at First UMC, 201 W. North St., in Decatur.

Rev. Pruett served 33 of his 35 years of active service in the former Central Illinois Conference, retiring in 1991 from Sherman.

Rev. Pruett was born Aug. 18, 1925.

Persons wishing to send greetings may do so at: Rev. William E. Pruett, 4365 E White St, Decatur, IL 62526-5763.

Subscribe to The Current

Beginning in September, readers will have the option of receiving a free digital version of The Current or subscribers may opt for a print magazine at the cost of $30 per year. Preachers' Aid Society and Benefit Fund has agreed to underwrite the subscription cost for retired ministers and surviving spouses.

What do I need to do?

If you wish to receive the digital version and you received the August issue via email, you need do nothing. You are already subscribed for the digital version as the default choice.

If you wish to pay for a print subscription or take advantage of PASBF's offer, please complete your request clicking the button below.

If you do not want to receive either a digital copy or a print copy, please send an email to pblack@Igrc.org and merely put UNSUBCRIBE in the subject line. We will promptly remove you from our mailing list.

Bishop Bigham-Tsai to preach at Dubuque Aug. 5

Bishop Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai will be one of two prominent church leaders who will be preaching at The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary’s Woods Lecture Series in August. The two speakers will be preaching and presenting on the topic, "The Church's Witness in the World."

“In this series, we are honored to be hosting two prominent church leaders from the United Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): Bishop Bigham-Tsai and Co-Moderator Rev. Larson. We are keen to benefit from their view of the church in the world for the 21st century,” said the Rev. Dr. Beth McCaw, dean of the seminary and vice president of the University of Dubuque.

Bishop Bigham-Tsai, episcopal leader of the Iowa Conference UMC and co-bishop of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference UMC, will preach on Tuesday, Aug. 5. The Rev. Tony Larson, Co-Moderator of the PC(USA)’s 226th General Assembly (2024), will preach on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

Both will begin at 11 a.m. Central Time with worship and sermon in Blades Chapel, Blades Hall. A luncheon will be held at 11:45 a.m. Central Time followed by a question-and-answer period in Blades Chapel. The events are free and open to the public. To register for the luncheon by Friday, Aug. 1, please email UDTS@dbq.edu.

Addresses by Larson and Bigham-Tsai will be livestreamed by clicking the button. here.

Missionary Sandra Raasch itinerating in IGRC

General Board of Global Ministries missionary Sandra Raasch will be in the IGRC July 31-Aug. 8. If you would like to have Sandy join you, contact Carolyn Yockey, 309-452-3936 or CLPY508@aol.com to schedule a time for your visit. Sandy's schedule will take travel time into consideration; stops should be relatively convenient and not require excessive miles each time.

Churches are asked to be supportive with meals, room and expenses if visit is being held on site.

Prayer retreat at East Bay Camp Aug. 25

Join us for a spiritual retreat for IGRC pastors on Monday, Aug,25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at East Bay Camp. The cost will be $20 for the use of the camp and for the lunch provided by East Bay Camp. That day, you may pay with cash,or write a check to East Bay Camp. If you have diet concerns, please contact East Bay Camp.

Water will be provided for our snack time. Participants may bring snacks to share. Bring a Bible. You may bring a book or books that have been inspiring to you, to share with others.

It will be helpful, but not required, if participants will read Michael and Norrisey’s Prayer and Temperament: Different Prayer Forms for Different Personality Types, and discover their Myers Briggs Personality Type. Part of the day we will discuss it.

Do you need renewal in your spiritual life with God, a spiritual shot in the arm? This retreat is designed to draw us closer to the Bread from Heaven. IGRC retired pastor Joe Richard will be sharing some things he has learned and is still learning along his spiritual journey, as a fellow disciple. 

There will be opportunities for people to share and ask questions. "I hope to learn and be encouraged by you, as well. My hope is that it will be enriching for each of us individually and may provide ideas to take back to our congregations," Richard said. "I am not an expert. God has shown me a few things I would like to share with others."

Some of this will be a repeat of last year, and some of it will be new material. Pastors will receive 0.5 CEUs. Interested parties should be contact Joe Richard by Aug. 10th, by emailing: joerichard57@yahoo.com

Bishops: Ukrainians need church's presence

The war that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been ongoing for more than three years.

Newly elected Bishop Knut Refsdal is leading the Northern Europe and Eurasia Central Conference, which includes Ukraine, after the retirement of Bishop Christian Alsted from active episcopacy. 

United Methodists continue to do what they can to boost morale and get food, clothing, medical care and other support to those who need it. 

Why disability inclusion matters

The United Methodist Church’s Social Principles recognize the gifts of those with disabilities and call on churches to remove barriers that would prevent them from participating. In 1992, the Book of Discipline was updated to ensure that those with disabilities could become full members. A family in Knoxville, Tennessee, helped bring about that change.

Learn more about other churches across the connection who are leaders in accessibility in the above video.

LBGTQ advocates head for 'uncharted' territory

United Methodists gathered for the Reconciling Ministries Network’s first Convocation since last year’s momentous General Conference removed denomination-wide bans targeting LGBTQ people.

Even with success at General Conference, the group’s message throughout the July 24-27 event was that the movement is still needed as the denomination rebuilds and addresses injustice around the globe.

The gathering was filled with moments of celebration as well as recognition of the challenges ahead.

About      Our Bishops       News       Get Involved 

Connect With Us