This portion of the web site shows the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Heart of Illinois Via de Cristo and the answers to those questions. This is updated as needed.
Q: Perhaps the main question many would like answered is how the recent (August, 2009) sexuality decisions by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) might affect Via de Cristo.
A: The NLS has issued a statement regarding recent (August, 2009) decisions made by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America(ELCA). The statement in its entirey is answered here.
"Via de Cristo and Recent E.L.C.A. Assembly Actions
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is one of many bodies within the Lutheran Church
Via de Cristo (Way of Christ) is a Lutheran “Fourth Day” movement comparable to Roman Catholic Cursillo® but autonomous from any church body. In regards to recent actions by the E.L.C.A., Via de Cristo maintains that we do not, as a matter of policy, endorse, denounce or pass judgment on actions by any church body. This includes the recent action taken by the E.L.C.A. pertaining to human sexuality/homosexuality. We believe strongly that taking any formal stance would be contrary to our purpose.
Via de Cristo is based on the fundamentals of Christianity, concentrating on the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. The purpose of the movement is to inspire, challenge and equip local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches and communities. The focus is not on Via de Cristo itself but on developing leaders within the church. We emphasize a method of living the faith that people can use in daily life. All participants are encouraged to develop a vital relationship with their own pastor. As a “Fourth Day” movement, we strive to build up the one true church as described in Ephesians 4:1-6 and remain consistent with the historical Lutheran confessions.
Again, we do not take any official stances on the actions of any organized church body - we are not a church, a church within the church, nor a para-church organization. As a simple movement within the church, our priorities remain on teaching the gospel of grace, assisting participants to influence their environments with the gospel, and encouraging a renewed personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Our prayers will continue for all persons embroiled in controversy. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the authentic love of God our Father, and the true fellowship that is provided by the Holy Spirit, embrace us all." (End of statement)
Q: Perhaps the main question many would like answered is how the recent (August, 2009) sexuality decisions by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) might affect Via de Cristo.
A: The NLS has issued a statement regarding recent (August, 2009) decisions made by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America(ELCA). The statement in its entirey is answered here.
"Via de Cristo and Recent E.L.C.A. Assembly Actions
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is one of many bodies within the Lutheran Church
Via de Cristo (Way of Christ) is a Lutheran “Fourth Day” movement comparable to Roman Catholic Cursillo® but autonomous from any church body. In regards to recent actions by the E.L.C.A., Via de Cristo maintains that we do not, as a matter of policy, endorse, denounce or pass judgment on actions by any church body. This includes the recent action taken by the E.L.C.A. pertaining to human sexuality/homosexuality. We believe strongly that taking any formal stance would be contrary to our purpose.
Via de Cristo is based on the fundamentals of Christianity, concentrating on the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. The purpose of the movement is to inspire, challenge and equip local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches and communities. The focus is not on Via de Cristo itself but on developing leaders within the church. We emphasize a method of living the faith that people can use in daily life. All participants are encouraged to develop a vital relationship with their own pastor. As a “Fourth Day” movement, we strive to build up the one true church as described in Ephesians 4:1-6 and remain consistent with the historical Lutheran confessions.
Again, we do not take any official stances on the actions of any organized church body - we are not a church, a church within the church, nor a para-church organization. As a simple movement within the church, our priorities remain on teaching the gospel of grace, assisting participants to influence their environments with the gospel, and encouraging a renewed personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Our prayers will continue for all persons embroiled in controversy. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the authentic love of God our Father, and the true fellowship that is provided by the Holy Spirit, embrace us all." (End of statement)
Q: How did all this start here?
A: See About Heart of Illinois Via de Cristo
Q: I can't find a reunion group that works out for me because of day, time or location. Can someone help me find a group?
A: Contact the reunion groups chairperson on the secretariat. He/she should be able to help find one that works for you, or possibly match you up with others to start a new group.
Q: How often are ultreyas held?
A: Ultreyas are held 8 times per year. They are not held on the two months (in the spring and fall) when weekends are being held, or August or December. In August, the annual DeColores celebration is held which is a grand ultreya of the different fourth day movements in the area, and in December you are encouraged to enjoy the holidays with your church, family and friends.
Q: What do I have to do to serve on a Heart of Illinois Via de Cristo team?
A: First of course, is you have attended a fourth day movement weekend.
If you have gone through a Heart of Illinois Via de Cristo weekend, you are already in our community database. That in itself means it's possible you might get called in the future. Additionally, filling out a team service form and returning it to the Heart of Illinois Via de Cristo team selection person on the secretariat sets an indicator in the database which further improves your chances of being on a team. Finally, attending ultreyas demonstrates your support of the movement, makes you more visible to others, and enhances team service opportunities. You also need to be in a reunion group.
If you have gone through a weekend other than Heart of Illinois Via de Cristo, fill out a team service form and return it to the Heart of Illinois Via de Cristo team selection person on the secretariat. Again, you need to be in a reunion group.
Q: When I serve on my first team would I have to give a rollo?
A: No. First time team members are usually assigned to outside cha or silent professor positions.
Q: How do I sponsor someone to a weekend?
A: See the section on sponsoring.
A: See About Heart of Illinois Via de Cristo
Q: I can't find a reunion group that works out for me because of day, time or location. Can someone help me find a group?
A: Contact the reunion groups chairperson on the secretariat. He/she should be able to help find one that works for you, or possibly match you up with others to start a new group.
Q: How often are ultreyas held?
A: Ultreyas are held 8 times per year. They are not held on the two months (in the spring and fall) when weekends are being held, or August or December. In August, the annual DeColores celebration is held which is a grand ultreya of the different fourth day movements in the area, and in December you are encouraged to enjoy the holidays with your church, family and friends.
Q: What do I have to do to serve on a Heart of Illinois Via de Cristo team?
A: First of course, is you have attended a fourth day movement weekend.
If you have gone through a Heart of Illinois Via de Cristo weekend, you are already in our community database. That in itself means it's possible you might get called in the future. Additionally, filling out a team service form and returning it to the Heart of Illinois Via de Cristo team selection person on the secretariat sets an indicator in the database which further improves your chances of being on a team. Finally, attending ultreyas demonstrates your support of the movement, makes you more visible to others, and enhances team service opportunities. You also need to be in a reunion group.
If you have gone through a weekend other than Heart of Illinois Via de Cristo, fill out a team service form and return it to the Heart of Illinois Via de Cristo team selection person on the secretariat. Again, you need to be in a reunion group.
Q: When I serve on my first team would I have to give a rollo?
A: No. First time team members are usually assigned to outside cha or silent professor positions.
Q: How do I sponsor someone to a weekend?
A: See the section on sponsoring.
Q: How much should I tell a potential participant about the weekend without spoiling it for them?
A: That is entirely up to you, of course. But normally you tell them about the many great talks they are going to hear, the uplifting worship services and music, good food and fellowship, more fully understanding the gift of grace, and building up a personal relationship with Jesus. It's probably best that some of the surprises go unmentioned.
Q: I attended a weekend some time ago, but still haven't been asked to be on a team. Why not?
A: Some of this has been answered above, but there are other factors to consider.
Realize there are many others who attended weekends prior to yours, and they still haven't been called yet either. It may take time for your name to come up.
A rector(a) can only call a certain number of team members from their own church.
A team must be balanced between experienced and first time team members. This means only a certain number of first timers can be on any particular team.
The rector(a) is encouraged to invite some of those from their reunion group to serve on their team.
Some other team service qualifications, not necessarily directed toward the first time team member are:
- Any team member should not have served on
consecutive weekends.
- No more than 25-30% of the team should
come from one congregation.
- There should be a reasonable diversity on
each team.
As you can see, there are a lot of factors used in determining who is called for a team.
Q: Does the site of the weekends accommodate handicapped people?
A: Yes. Although there is some distance (100 yards or so) between some buildings, most of the paths are paved. There is a wheelchair ramp in the main building. Rest rooms are equipped to handle the handicapped.
A: That is entirely up to you, of course. But normally you tell them about the many great talks they are going to hear, the uplifting worship services and music, good food and fellowship, more fully understanding the gift of grace, and building up a personal relationship with Jesus. It's probably best that some of the surprises go unmentioned.
Q: I attended a weekend some time ago, but still haven't been asked to be on a team. Why not?
A: Some of this has been answered above, but there are other factors to consider.
Realize there are many others who attended weekends prior to yours, and they still haven't been called yet either. It may take time for your name to come up.
A rector(a) can only call a certain number of team members from their own church.
A team must be balanced between experienced and first time team members. This means only a certain number of first timers can be on any particular team.
The rector(a) is encouraged to invite some of those from their reunion group to serve on their team.
Some other team service qualifications, not necessarily directed toward the first time team member are:
- Any team member should not have served on
consecutive weekends.
- No more than 25-30% of the team should
come from one congregation.
- There should be a reasonable diversity on
each team.
As you can see, there are a lot of factors used in determining who is called for a team.
Q: Does the site of the weekends accommodate handicapped people?
A: Yes. Although there is some distance (100 yards or so) between some buildings, most of the paths are paved. There is a wheelchair ramp in the main building. Rest rooms are equipped to handle the handicapped.
Established 1997
Promoting and practicing piety, study and action in Central Illinois
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,
and kindle in us the fire
of your love.
Send forth your Spirit, and we shall
be created, and you shall renew
the face of the earth.
O God, who by the light of the Holy
Spirit instructs the hearts of the
faithful, grant that by the same
Holy Spirit we may be truly wise
and ever rejoice in his consolations;
through Christ our Lord. Amen
and kindle in us the fire
of your love.
Send forth your Spirit, and we shall
be created, and you shall renew
the face of the earth.
O God, who by the light of the Holy
Spirit instructs the hearts of the
faithful, grant that by the same
Holy Spirit we may be truly wise
and ever rejoice in his consolations;
through Christ our Lord. Amen
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