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Bishop Frank J. Beard and the Cabinet of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference have announced that the Quadrennial Training on Sexual Ethics will be held the week of Feb. 5-9, 2018, in locations throughout the Conference.
Locations have not been confirmed but will be shared shortly. However, the dates have been confirmed with Rev. Becky Posey Williams, who will facilitate the training.
More information will be coming shortly.
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Plans underway for 2018 Clergy Self-Care Retreat
Pastoral Care and Counseling's Second Annual Self-Care Retreat is in the works!
This opportunity to replenish after the Lenten season will begin Wednesday, April 25 and conclude with lunch Friday, April 27, at the Pere Marquette State Park Lodge near Grafton.
The retreat has been extended an extra day and will include more free time in response to feedback from 2017.
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Children's Ministry Leader's Retreat Jan. 19-20
Are you engaged in ministry with children? Are you looking for time away, new ideas, and fellowship with other children's ministry leaders?
The next 24-hour Children's Ministry Leaders' Retreat will be Jan. 19-20, 2018, at East Bay Camp.
Workshop leaders include Rev. Kim Stuby, Minister of Mission Expansion at East Bay; Rev. Jennie Edwards Bertrand, pastor of Hope Church in Bloomington and Director of the Wesley Foundation at ISU; and Rev. Beth Fender, IGRC Coordinator of Discipleship and New Streams.
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United Methodist Student Day Nov. 26
Think about the young people in your congregation as you prepare to celebrate United Methodist Student Day on Nov. 26. By celebrating and promoting generosity on this Special Sunday of The United Methodist Church, you are wrapping your arms around tomorrow's Christian leaders.
Now is the time to share this message with your congregation and church leaders so that they, too, have the opportunity to ensure a brighter future for United Methodist students.
Download the United Methodist Student Day pastor's kit today for all the tools you need to celebrate on Nov. 26. You'll find sermon starters, social media images, e-books, videos and so much more to get your church excited about this special day.
To enhance your celebration, order leaflet offering envelopes and posters at www.umcgiving.org/ss or call 888-346-3862.
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StepUP prayer workshops
The deadline is Tuesday for registering for the StepUp prayer workshop on Saturday, Oct. 21 at Mt. Vernon West Salem Trinity UMC.
Register by Tuesday!!
Do you want to ignite a complete or marked change in the prayer ministry of your church? Join Rev. Mike Crawford and Peggy Hisey from the Office of Congregational Development.
We will explore what collective and consistent prayer looks like when we ask God to do things in new and miraculous ways. We will share concrete examples of how this type of prayer can fuel the atmosphere of possibility. We will help you design a plan that ignites your congregation.
We will look at ways to incorporate this type of prayer into the daily life of the church. It's easier than you think, and the results can impact your church, community, and the Kingdom.
The greatest effectiveness in this workshop happens when the pastor brings others along to learn, understand, and plan together. The training is only for TEAMS consisting of the directing pastor and five unpaid leaders (staff and others are welcome as well). The larger your group, the more impact your plan will have when you return to your church.
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Worship software workshop
The IGRC chapter of the Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts will be hosting a Worship Software Workshop on Saturday, Oct. 21 at
MidState College in Peoria.
The computer lab space is somewhat limited, registration is on a first come, first served basis.
Download a brochure for more details and information. The number of registrants and learning interests will determine the final structure of the workshop.
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Healthy Masculinity training slated for Oct. 23-26
The Illinois Great Rivers Board of Church and Society and the General Board of Church and Society have partnered to create a special training event called "Theology of Healthy Masculinity" to be held at Two Rivers United Methodist Church in Rock Island, on Oct. 23-26.
Applications are available online...
Applications are being reviewed, and if accepted, the registration, hotel, and some meals will be provided. This event is funded through GBCS grants.
At this training, participants will learn how the dominant story of masculinity can be challenged with a counter reading of the Biblical story. The foundation of the event is that men and women are created in the image of God, and are equipped to be partners in the created order. An hierarchical understanding of gender stems from an ultimately inadequate reading of Scripture. Participants will be equipped to bring ideas, exercises, and practical resources back to their congregational settings to train other men to understand healthy masculinity.
The workshop is facilitated by the nationally-renowned non-profit organization Men Can Stop Rape. The mission of MCSR is "to mobilize men to use their strength for creating cultures free from violence, especially men's violence against women." While much of MCSR's work has been on college campuses, this workshop represents a new initiative to include a faith-based perspective on their important peacemaking work
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Vienna First UMC to celebrate 175th anniversary
Vienna First UMC and the Vienna community celebrated the 175th Anniversary of the church in weekly services during the month of October and will culminate the celebration with a special anniversary celebration on Sunday, Oct. 29 at 3 p.m.
Retired Bishop William B. Lewis, who served at Vienna from 1957 to 1963 will be the speaker for the afternoon celebration which will include special music and dramatic readings.
The month-long celebration began on Sunday, Sept. 24 with current pastor, Rev. Joe Richard performing a new hymn for the 175 celebration entitled
Marching On. The song captures the spirit of the church and highlights its years of community service and evangelism. Services continued as Adam and Julie Hook presented a historical dramatic reading as Eddie and Hattie Moffett from 1862. The Moffetts discussed their lives and beginnings of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Johnson County.
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Vermilion River District sponsors interactive evangelism workshop
The Vermilion River District is sponsoring a one-day, interactive workshop on evangelism,
Evangelism for Non-Evangelists, which will be taught be Dr. Mark Teasdale on Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pontiac First UMC.
All clergy and laity are invited to attend and lunch will be provided. Registration is $25 per person and limited to the first 150 persons.
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Exploration 2017 registration now open
Registration for Exploration, a three-day event for young adults age 18-26, is now open. This biennial event is designed to help attendees listen, discern, and respond to God's call to ordained ministry, as they explore their gifts for service as a deacon or elder in The United Methodist Church. Exploration is a program of the office of young adult discernment and enlistment at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM).
This year's event will be held Nov. 3-5 in Portland, Oregon. Young adults who have a sense that God might be calling them to ordained ministry, who have wondered what ministry in The United Methodist Church is all about, who would like help sifting through issues involved in an ordained vocation, or who want to learn more about The United Methodist seminaries and theological schools should attend this event. Exploration is part of GBHEM's strategy to enable and resource leadership within the church.
Register or learn more...
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Retirement celebration for MMDC's Pat Wright
The Midwest Mission Distribution Center Board of Directors and staff invite you to join them in celebrating the retirement of Executive Director Pat Wright on Saturday, Nov. 4, from noon to 4 p.m. at Sugar Creek UMC in Chatham.
RSVP by Nov. 2 to
cchase1253@gmail.com. Persons unable to attend may send cards to MMDC. Indicate on the envelope "Pat's Retirement" and they will be given to her at the celebration.
Mailing address is: Midwest Mission Distribution Center, P. O. Box 56, Chatham, IL 62629.
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Tickets available for
Exponential Conference
Dream Big
is the theme for Exponential 2017 to be held in Chicago Nov. 7-8. Jesus challenged us with a big dream.
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ReVision Conference at Springfield First UMC
Springfield First UMC's ReVision Conference is slated for Nov. 9 from 5:45 to 8 p.m. and Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Haydn Shaw, expert on multiple generations, author of Generational IQ and Sticking Points, will be the keynote speaker both days. Haydn will share practical approaches to creating a culture where all the generations can find ways to work together.
Break-out sessions for church leaders will focus on the following areas: youth ministry, children's ministry, worship arts, technical arts, facilities management, connectional ministry, group life, hospitality and missions.
Looking for Continuing Education Credit? If you come Thursday and Friday, there will be 8 hours of lecture time. Attend just Friday and receive 5.5 Hours of lecture time. 10 hours of lecture equals 1 CEU for IGRC. A certificate will be available for pickup after the closing session.
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Reaching New People Workshop Nov. 11
The Office of Congregational Development has scheduled a Reaching New People workshop on Saturday, Nov. 11, 9 am to 3 pm, at Oquawka UMC.
This workshop is designed for the pastor and team of 3 or more people attend (bring as many as you can). The only cost is for lunch and snacks ($10 per person).
A registration limit of 50 people has been set for this workshop.
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Young clergy educational event Nov. 13-15
revitup!
is an energizing and educational event for young clergy ages 39 and under that strengthens personal, financial and leadership skills in order to sustain a lifetime in ministry. This year's event is in Pensacola Beach, Florida - Nov. 13-15.
Scholarships Available!
The UMC Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders is offering a limited number of scholarships for first-time attendees of revitup! These scholarships are provided through a Lilly Endowment grant which seeks to strengthen personal and congregational financial stewardship leadership. The opportunity includes complimentary registration and two nights at the host hotel if the recipient agrees to the following requirements:
- Participate in an online survey and
- Complete the EY (Ernst Young) financial assessment survey prior to attending the event in November.
These two steps will also confirm your eligibility for other support and/or incentives after the conclusion of this event.
If you are interested in receiving a scholarship to attend revitup! and agree to the requirements, utilize the code provided during the registration process. For questions, contact Renee Smith-Edmondson, Manager of Meetings and Events at rsmith-edmondson@wespath.org or Bonnie Marden, UMC Lilly Endowment Grant Project Manager at umclillyproject@gmail.com.
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Peace on the Korean Peninsula Forum
The Peace on the Korean Peninsula Forum, sponsored by the General Board of Church and Society, will be held on Nov. 13-15, in the United Methodist Building in Washington D.C. on Capitol Hill.
Registration for the event is open...
Registration is $200 per person which includes housing (shared room), lunch and registration fees. Registration without housing is $75.
A limited number of need-based scholarships and student scholarships are available. Please
contact Aimee Hong, Director of the Seminar Program, for the discount codes or for more information.
Registration will end on Oct. 27. Space is limited!
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Why Water Matters summit Nov. 16-18
Registration has begun for Why Water Matters, an ecumenical summit offering workshops, worship, and keynote presentations from United Methodist bishops, Native American activists, professors, and ecumenical faith leaders.
This event has been planned by Native American clergy and laity, with the hopes of creating an inter-generational opportunity for solidarity and transformation. The leadership team encourages each annual conference to bring a small group, including at least one young adult. From our conference, Bishop Frank Beard is attending and several church leaders. IGRC members registering for the event are encouraged to
contact Carol Lakota Eastin for IGRC team information.
Registration is
$225. Registration includes Thursday dinner, Friday lunch and Friday dinner.
Hotel reservations
can be made with group code WAS. Limited scholarship funds are available. Priority is given to young adults, Native American attendees or other ethnic representatives.
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Registration open for Bishop's Wesleyan Heritage trip
Join Bishop Frank Beard and the 2017 and 2018 Ordination classes from the IGRC for a trip to the birthplace of Methodism. You don't want to miss this golden opportunity to experience and enjoy England.
Get a chance to learn and laugh with the Bishop as we explore our historical roots and retrace the life and legacy of the Wesley family and other significant contributors to the development of the Methodist movement. Travel to Epworth, Oxford, Bristol, London and several charming England villages as we explore our Wesleyan heritage.
This all-inclusive trip from Oct. 23-31, 2018, begins in either St. Louis, Indianapolis, or Chicago. The tour includes roundtrip international airfare, first class hotel accommodations, daily breakfast buffet, dinner, deluxe motor-coach transportation, guided tours and sightseeing.
Travel with members from your church, small group, clergy covenant group, or come on your own. You will not regret this experience. The basic tour cost is $3,598.
Churches may want to consider blessing their pastor with this special opportunity to walk where Wesley walked. Participants are sure to be inspired and blessed.
Early registration has started and discounts are now available. Post-Tour extensions are available in London or in Ireland.
Start with a strong sentence that engages your readers and introduces them to the focus of your email. Keep it short and let the rest of the email cover the details.
Contact Educational Opportunities by email or call 1-800-247-0017. Mention Tour HE18 for Bishop Beard's tour.
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UMCOR Advance Special numbers
With the large number of disasters encompassing a large area of the globe, UMCOR and the IGRC have established the following Advance Special numbers to channel disaster response giving.
- Advance Special #901670 -- U.S. Disaster Response. This is the UMCOR number that is being used for offerings to assist in disaster relief efforts in the United States and U.S. territories. Donate online...
- Advance Special #982450 -- International Disaster Response. This is the UMCOR number that is being used for areas outside the United States. Donate online...
- Conference Advance Special #6620 -- Midwest Mission Distribution Center. MMDC has been in forefront of assembling and transporting flood buckets and other items from the conference and the North Central Jurisdiction to the affected areas. Donate online...
- Conference Advance Special #6800 -- IGRC Disaster Response. Funds from this Advance purchased and shipped nearly 1,500 plastic totes to Texas following its hurricane, allowing families to begin rebuilding their lives. Funds given to this Advance also undergirds our conference's disaster response whether inside the IGRC or beyond its borders. Donate online...
Offerings may also be made through your local church with the church treasurer remitting the offering amounts with the church's monthly apportionment payments with the earmarking provided with the check to ensure proper accounting.
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Disaster Response training events
Fairbury UMC will host a re-certification of early response team members whose certification has expired or will expire in the near future on Nov. 10.
Register online by Nov. 3...
The mission of an early response team is to provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of disaster. It is a cooperative effort between the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission. The team is neither a first response group of emergency workers nor a recovery, rebuild or repair team. Rather, it fills a specific need in the early days after a disaster to establish the presence of the church.
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Ignition Middle School Conference
Duffy Robbins will be the speaker at Ignition Middle School Conference, hosted by Harvest Ministry and the Troy UMC on Oct. 27-28.
Youth Workers (paid or volunteer), parents, and/or pastors are encouraged to invite middle school students to join them in the event. They will love the worship times, seminars, speakers, recreation, snacks and meals, all designed to help middle school students grow in their faith and deepen their walk with Jesus.
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Renovate in two locales -- Arenzville and East Moline
Renovate Conference, a two-day discipleship event for students in sixth through 12th grades, will be held in two locations during the 2017-18 school year.
Mark your calendars and take a look at the registration information available online now. On Nov. 10-11, Renovate will be held in the Jacksonville area at Arenzville UMC. Another identical version of the conference will be held at East Moline Christ UMC Feb. 9-10, 2018.
The theme for this year's Renovate Conference is DO SOMETHING. Harvest will be leading the music and sessions will be geared around calling to say yes to God's call on their lives, to follow Christ more deeply, and to put action to their faith!
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Apply now to become a Global Mission Fellow
Applications are available online through Jan. 21, 2018, for young adults to become Global Mission Fellows. This program sends young adults aged 20 to 30 to serve throughout the world, where they can grow spiritually and combine faith with justice.
This is a program of the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church.
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Missouri Conference, Path One webinars
The Missouri Conference and Path 1 invite you to participate in a monthly "LEARN + LEAD" webinar every third Tuesday from 1 to 2 p.m. Central Time.
In this webinar series pastors, church planters, and lay leaders from churches of all sizes will share their stories of growth and provide tools that you can use in your congregation.
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Sincerely,
Paul Black
Illinois Great Rivers Conference
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