This Week's Issue of The Current Week in Review

November 18, 2016


	Click on the cover to view the December issue

The December issue of The Current will be hitting your doorsteps this weekend. The double issue includes the 2017 Camping catalog of opportunities available for campers of all ages.

Bishop Frank Beard challenges the conference to pray for Black Friday results in our congregations.

There is also a story on Springfield Laurel's hosting of a post-election unity service; Decatur Sharon UMC's celebration honoring its 50-year members; Decatur Christ UMW's donation of mats; and Albion First UMC's service recognizing its community's first responders.

In addition to the Camping section and the national and global news roundup, there is a story on Sunset Home, a Golden Cross agency; and the United Media Resource Center's expansion of its services to the Northern Illinois Conference.

Bishop issues call to prayer for Jan. 22-28

Bishop Frank J. Beard is asking that the Illinois Great Rivers Conference set aside the week of Jan. 22-28, 2017, as a Week of Prayer for the Way Forward Commission and its work.

The week selected is part of a church-wide call to prayer in 2017 and 2018 as the Commission moves forward its work. Bishops of the church have covenanted with one another to pray 15 minutes each day for the Commission. The second phase is involving each individual annual conference in prayer for a week.

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Board of Pensions approves navigators to assist pastors

Recognizing the struggles some pastors are going through to find affordable healthcare, the Conference Board of Pensions is funding a Healthcare Navigation and advisory service. These folks are like Navigators on steroids.

One of our pastors agreed to be a test case, and the service helped him save around $10,000 in healthcare costs.

A letter will be going out to full-time pastors serving local churches tomorrow that has all the details. Right now, this service is only available to full-time pastors who are receiving the health insurance allowance. For more information, call Monte Chamberlain at Cost Stewardship: 317-409-2984. He will connect you to a company called Gravie.

If you are satisfied with your health insurance arrangement, there is no need to do anything.

There is no cost to the pastors for this service. The CBOP will pay the fee from leftover health insurance plan funds.

Gravie may be engaged directly at the website below or the toll-free number 800-501-2920, but it is a better idea to call Chamberlain at 317-409-2984.

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The church and new overtime regulations (one person's opinion)

IGRC Director of Administrative Services and Conference Treasurer Rick Van Giesen wades into the new Department of Labor regulations which go into effect Dec. 1 and how they affect the church.

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27 students benefit from UM Student Day offering

A total of 27 students have been awarded a combined total of $44,000 to further their education with scholarships from General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

Funds for the scholarships are derived from the United Methodist Student Sunday offering which will be observed on Sunday, Nov. 27 this year. Resources are available to assist you with the planning and observance of this Special Sunday offering.

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UMC #Giving Tuesday set for Nov. 29

Mark your calendars! UMC #GivingTuesday is Nov. 29. Last year, thanks to the extravagant generosity of our supporters, we raised just short of $2.8 million on UMC #GivingTuesday.

UMC #GivingTuesday is part of an international movement to extend the spirit of giving thanks into the Advent season. It offers an opportunity to start off the holiday season with he LIFE."

As you know, 100 percent of all gifts made through my Advance number directly support the missionary community.

Join in the UMC #GivingTuesday campaign by visiting the Giving Tuesday resource page.

On Nov. 29, donate at www.umcmission.org/give.

Donation Matches: The Advance remains committed to sustaining a strong foundation that allows projects and missionaries to build relationships and empower ministries. In the past, the Advance was fortunate to offer matching funds to motivate giving. This year, while matching funds will not be available. To keep this momentum going, The Advance continues to allocate 100 percent of all giving to the designated project and missionary with the administrative overhead covered through apportionments.

Annual Conference 2017 shortened by a half day

Bishop Frank J. Beard, in consultation with the Executive Team of the Annual Conference Sessions committee has announced that the 2017 Annual Conference will be held June 8-10 at the Peoria Civic Center.

Plans are to have the clergy and laity sessions begin at 10 a.m. Thursday with the opening worship set for 1:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon with the Service of Ordination and Commissioning being held on Saturday morning.

While the shorter agenda may not actually result in persons being able to reduce the number of lodging nights, it is an ongoing attempt at listening to attendees and trying to make the schedule easier for those who must take time off from their work to attend.

The Sessions Committee will be working on streamlining the agenda and further announcements will be made as plans unfold.

The 2017 theme is Let's Get Fired Up! and will focus on ministries to children.

Photos for the clergy directory will also be taken at the annual conference session as well as at Covenant Keepers Jan. 30-31 at the East Peoria Holiday Inn.

Covenant Keepers set for Jan. 30-31

Online registration is now open for Covenant Keepers 2017 which will be Jan. 30-31 at the Holiday Inn and Convention Center in East Peoria.

Registration and more information can be found at: www.igrc.org/CK2017. Registration is $30 per person and includes a Monday noon luncheon.

The theme for this event is: CK2017: Keepers of the Covenant.

Keynote speakers for the event are Dr. Jay Carter and Dr. Sandra Whitacre Herron.

Yahweh

Why Church on Sunday?

Chuck discusses Yahweh, why Sunday?

The many names we call God reveal a rich history -- and even includes a burning bush. Chuck explores the origins of this most important word in his 114th episode!

Chuck also tackles Going to church on Sunday - which we take it for granted. But church on Sunday has not always been so straightforward. Chuck sets us straight on his 113th episode.

The award-winning Chuck Knows Church, a production of Discipleship Ministries, is an online web series. Use each episode in worship, youth groups, fellowship groups, confirmation classes, worship teams, new member classes and late-night snack viewing!

Follow Chuck on his website: www.ChuckKnowsChurch.com

Sincerely,

Paul E. Black
Illinois Great Rivers Conference
217-529-2848

Illinois Great Rivers Conference
217-529-2040