The Current Week in Review
February 16, 2018
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Bishop issues statement on Parkland, Fla. shooting
Bishop Frank J. Beard issued a statement in the aftermath of a school shooting in Parkland, Fla., that killed 17 and injured many more.
"I encourage pastors and churches to offer opportunities for others to unite in prayers of support and solidarity," Bear wrote. "I strongly encourage us to be in dialogue with one another about being instruments of peace and conduits of grace and mercy. I invite the IGRC family of laity and clergy to offer moments of prayers in our Worship services, Sunday Schools, Small Group Fellowships and any other gatherings deemed appropriate.
"Once more we turn our attention to the process of healing and recovery understanding that only the healing virtue that flows from the heart of Christ can sooth this pain. Please join me in praying for Parkland, Florida and for our world: 'Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.'”
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Pastors, churches respond to gun violence
The Rev. Vance Rains had expected that his church’s Ash Wednesday evening service would be just like the noon service.
But in-between, a mass shooting occurred at nearby Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, Fla.
So evening worship at First United Methodist Church of Coral Springs, became a time for grieving, consoling and praying, with Rains improvising a new message.
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Shirley named Annual Conference Secretary
Bishop Frank J. Beard has appointed retired pastor Alice J. Shirley as Annual Conference Secretary for the 2018 Annual Conference. The appointment was made in consultation with the IGRC Cabinet following the Feb. 3 resignation of Rev. Joy Caschetta.
Shirley completed her term as annual conference secretary in 2016 but will be serving in the interim. The 2018 annual conference session will elect a secretary who will complete the quadrennial term in 2019 and 2020.
UPDATE ON 2017 CONFERENCE JOURNAL-YEARBOOK: IGRC Communications sent the Journal-Yearbook to the printer on Wednesday and master discs were sent for duplication Thursday. Announcements concerning the distribution of discs and books will be made in the near future.
The Journal-Yearbook is posted online at the IGRC website.
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SIU-C Wesley Foundation, Carterville First UMC a part of a four-ministry effort for Houston
Ministries in southern Illinois are reaching out to the Hurricane Harvey victims in the Houston, Texas, area.Although the storm hit last August, people are still trying to rebuild. Four local ministries are teaming up to help.
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Suggestions for churches with a young pastor
Churches that receive a young pastor need to remember how lucky they are. Many congregations say they want a younger pastor, but few have the opportunity. Learn how you can support a young pastor.
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EZRA Year-End Reporting link posted on website, church portal
As churches prepare for their 2017 Year-End Reports, a link has been posted at the top of the IGRC Homepage that will take you to the log-in screen for year-end reporting. You can also log into to the Church Portal Page on the IGRC website and a link to the sign-in page for Ezra is provided within the portal. More details can be found in the Year-End reporting page under Finance and Benefits or by clicking the button below.
The filing deadline is March 31.
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Sexual ethics makeup session
A Sexual Ethics Training makeup session has been scheduled for those who were unable to attend any of the three February sessions, on Saturday, June 23, at the Sugar Creek UMC, 1022 New City Road, Chatham.
Because of heavy registration in the past week, please note the change in location. The session will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is is mandatory for all pastors and laypersons appointed or assigned to local churches.
Registration is open through June 16.
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Conversations around A Way Forward
Two Conversations on A Way Forward remain
at the following locations. Please register online by clicking the link below for the location you wish to attend. There is no cost, but registration is requested to ensure adequate space for the expected crowd:
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Our Conference, Our Kids resources
IGRC Communications, in cooperation with the Our Conference, Our Kids Task Force, has produced video and print resources which can be used in promotion of the campaign. The new videos feature the chaplains or spiritual life directors from four of the five agencies. A fifth video, featuring Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House, will be produced later in 2018 as it was not possible when the other four were filmed.
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Music video suitable for an offertory.
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One of two informational videos about the Our Conference, Our Kids campaign.
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A Christian Response to
Gun Violence
Several years ago, the Christian Response to Violence Task Force created a curriculum for use in churches and at seminars.
It includes sections on multiple topics about how to respond to a violent world in a healthy way.
The curriculum that has been created can be used in both a congregational setting over the course of multiple weeks, or used in a workshop setting over the course of a day.
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UMCOR Sunday March 11
UMCOR Sunday (formerly One Great Hour of Sharing is Sunday, March 11.
Prepare to celebrate this Special Sunday be ordering resources today!
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United Methodist Center Contact Information
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USPS (U.S. Postal Service)
P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794-9207
Office Phone: 217-529-2040
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UPS and FedEx deliveries only use the street address:
United Methodist Center
5900 S. 2nd Street
Springfield, IL 62711
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