October 2, 2017
Hdr_IGRC Eventsfull


Wesley Heritage Tour -- Educational Opportunities

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 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.
UMCOR Advance Special numbers

UMCOR logo
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. 

UMCOR benefit concert at Champaign First UMC Oct. 13

A benefit concert for UMCOR Disaster Relief will be hosted by Champaign First UMC on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.

'Canes, 'Quakes and Fires will feature Dan Holmes, a folk artist from Belvidere and the Rivers of Life Clergy Band.

The Rivers of Life Band is looking for other opportunities to do UMCOR benefit concerts. For scheduling, contact Dan Perry at 618-830-5589 or email dperry416@gmail.com.
Disaster Response training events

Peoria Bethel UMC will host an early response training Nov. 4. Register online by Oct. 27...

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...

Fairbury UMC will host an early response training Nov. 11. 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.
StepUP prayer workshops
 
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 at one of two upcoming workshops.
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.

NOW Initiative registration is now open
 
Registration is now open for the NOW Initiative for junior high students which will be Oct. 6-8 at Lake Williamson Christian Retreat Center in Carlinville.
 
Information and the downloadable forms can be found on the IGRC website at:
http://www.igrc.org/jrhighinitiative. Cost for the entire weekend is $140.  
  
Rev. Elizabeth Bjorling Poest will be the speaker and Rev. Miguel Rios will be the worship leader.
 
Poest has been a full-time youth pastor for 15 years, in ministry with junior high students and pre-teens at a large multi-site church; children and youth at medium-sized suburban university congregation, and now at a smaller urban church in Chicago. Poest is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene, wrote Wired Preteen Curriculum, speaks at camps, revivals, and conferences about getting dusty with Jesus, and this summer led a three-week theological camp for urban high schoolers. 
 
Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Rev. Rios graduated from the Methodist Seminary, John Wesley and is an ordained elder of the Methodist Church of Mexico. Rev. Rios has toured churches throughout Mexico and the United States, ministering and equipping worship teams as well as providing support for youth groups for at least 20 years. Currently, he is an associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church Peoria and Director of contemporary and bilingual worship services.
Illinois River District hosts seminars with Bishop Farr

Bishop Bob Farr
The Illinois River District Leadership Team is bringing Bishop Robert Farr, author of 10 Prescriptions for a Healthy Church to the IGRC.  No registration is required and the Bishop will be making presentations at the following times and locations:
  • Tuesday Oct. 10, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Peoria First UMC -- for pastors and teams of lay people
  • Wednesday, Oct. 11, 8:30 a.m. to noon at Pekin First UMC -- for clergy
Barr is the episcopal leader of the Missouri Area of The United Methodist Church. 
Missions Craft Fair Oct. 14 at Bloomington Wesley

To help families in crisis throughout Illinois, the United Methodist Women of Bloomington Wesley UMC is holding a large, biannual craft fair. 

Last held in 2015, the fair is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 14 at the church, 502 East Front Street, Bloomington, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the church's Wesley Hall (lower level).

All proceeds go to United Methodist Women missions. Lunch will be available. Admission is free.
Mariachi Night at Peoria First UMC

Back by popular demand, Music at First, Peoria First UMC's Music Series, presents Mariachi Monumental de Mexico and Mexican Dance Ensemble from Chicago. The two ensembles will be at the church as part of National Hispanic Heritage Month during the church's block part on Sunday, Oct. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m.

The event is free of charge and made possible through the First United Methodist Church Foundation. Attendees are urged to bring their own lawn chairs or blanket. Food will be available for purchased from local vendors.

For more information, visit the Music at First website or contact Doug Grogan by email or at 309-673-3641, ext. 117, for more information.
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.

Register online... 
 
For more information, contact Doug Grogan by email or by calling 309-673-3641.
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 October 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.

There is a dominant story told in our culture that a man's strength comes from how many people he can control, that his worth is calculated on his paycheck, and that his emotion is his weakness. Christian men are to follow the example of the one who laid down his life for others. who demonstrated his power by allowing himself to be vulnerable, who wept for his friend and for his people, who welcomed the outcast, and who stood up to the powerful.

Many problems of our society stem from an unhealthy understanding of masculinity. Domestic abuse, sexual assault, and suicide are serious issues that must be addressed in the Church. For far too long, the Church has been a part of perpetuating an unhealthy understanding of masculinity. This has to stop.

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
Vermilion River District sponsors interactive evangelism workshop

Mark Teasdale
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.

The presentation is based upon Dr. Teasdale's new book, Evangelism for Non-Evangelists.

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...
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.
 
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. If He had sketched out His big dream for His Church, we think it would be something like, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). 
 
The dream that Jesus gave His followers was the dream of a movement. Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, the ends of the earth-that is a very big dream! We are here because of that dream. As Christ followers and leaders of His church, Jesus is asking us to also dream big!  Join hundreds of leaders at this regional event for two days of inspiration, encouragement and equipping .
 
Limited tickets available, contact Peggy Hisey

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.
 
Register by Oct.10 to receive the Early Bird rate of $40 for both days and lunch on Friday. Registration after Oct. 10 is $50.  
 
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.
 
The conference will be full of inspiration, information, practical next steps, and great networking. Together we can learn to work better with our staff, volunteers, congregations, and customers.
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.
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.
 
Caring for Kids program at revitup!
New this year! Onsite childcare will be provided so you can get away to learn and be inspired and your child(ren) will have a great time, too. Childcare will be provided by a licensed, fully-insured, background-checked, uniformed and CPR & First Aid certified team. Hours of service will be during the day while classes are in session. Age-appropriate activities, games, toys and snacks will be provided. Childcare will not be provided in the evening or during meals. The cost for childcare at revitup! this year is complimentary.
 
If you wish to bring your family along to revitup!, register your child(ren) to attend the Caring for Kids program during the registration process 
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!
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.
 
Register before Oct. 15 for $195. A fter Oct. 15, registration increases to $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.
The Well seminar for local church youth and children's workers

Harvest Conferences logo
Registration is open for The Well, a seminar for local church youth workers and children's ministry workers. The event will be hosted in O'Fallon First UMC Oct. 5, and in Normal Christ Church Oct. 12.

The identical events begin run from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., concluding with lunch. 

Topics are "The Emotionally Healthy Ministry Leader" and "More Than Enough Volunteers." Every participant receives five months of personalized follow up coaching (in partnership with Ministry Architects)!

Visit harvestconferences.org/thewell for more information, or contact Tim Price (tim@troyumc.org).

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.  
 
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! 

For more information, contact Tim Price at 618-667-6241 or visit the Renovate Conference webpage.
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.   
 
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.
 

Oct. 17:
Maximizing the Holidays (effective outreach & generosity during the Advent and Christmas holiday seasons)

Nov. 21:
Maximizing the New Year (planning worship, outreach, stewardship and discipleship for a breakthrough 2018)

Dec.19
: Put a Bow on It (End of year wrap up, key questions for reflection, goal setting, self-care)

Can't attend? Check back at www.moumethodist.org/learnleadwebinars to view recordings of past webinars.
Sincerely,
Paul Black's signature
Paul Black
Illinois Great Rivers Conference
 
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