With Warm Faith, Pastors Seek to Counter ICE
United Methodists are striving to lead courageously as their cities face threats of militarization and an onslaught of masked federal agents. In both the Northern Illinois (and othe…
Posted: June 7 2024 at 01:40 PM
Author: Victoria Rebeck
Rev. Cheryl Weaver, Wisconsin Conference’s benefits officer, will also serve Northern Illinois Conference in this capacity, beginning June 1.
“Cheryl Weaver has a heart for The United Methodist Church and has served it as a clergy leader,” said Bishop Dan Schwerin. “Her experience and wisdom, combined with a winsome spirit, will be a gift to both conferences. I am grateful for the collaboration that brings this sharing to fruition. Our clergy and families deserve great support.”
Northern Illinois has been without a CBO since 2020. When the North Central Jurisdiction confirmed in January that Wisconsin and Northern Illinois Conferences would share the same bishop (while remaining separate conferences), the NIC board of pensions began conversing with Wisconsin about possibly sharing a CBO.
“Ministry is my second career,” Ms. Weaver said. "In my first career, I worked in administration and marketing and my roles have always involved customer service. I enjoy helping people and knew at an early age that I was called into ministry. What a gift to be able to combine my skills in technology and my knowledge of insurance with ministry.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve both the Wisconsin and the Northern Illinois Conferences. I’m looking forward to partnering with Lameise Turner and the Northern Illinois boards of pensions and benefits to provide programs that help our clergy (both active and retired) flourish in ministry and in life.”
Ms. Weaver is filling the role of a much-appreciated predecessor, Woody Bedell.
“Cheryl is a fitting heir to Woody’s legacy, with a strong background in pensions as well as the heart of a pastor,” said Rev. Katherine Paisley, chair of the NIC board of pensions. “She will assist our active clergy in preparing for retirement, provide support for our retired clergy, and facilitate our relationships with both Wespath and the Clergy Fund.
“Lameise Turner [NIC’s benefits administrator] has been covering brilliantly,” Rev. Paisley said, “but we have all felt the lack of a CBO. Cheryl is a wonderful partner in this work—and an answer to our prayers."
Rev. Weaver will be introduced at NIC annual conference session next month and will attend the retiree luncheon.