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Tim Alexander, chairman of the film series, says that the films shown so far this year have been well received, “The positive responses we have seen as a result of our evaluations show that folks have learned new details that will assist them in going deeper in their understanding of the roots of racism in America.”
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Join the Anti-Racism Task Force for the last event in the Film Series on Thurs. Nov. 30, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at various locations across the conference (and online). The evening will start with a selection of Latin American food, a presentation by Dr. Rudolph Reyes II (pictured right), and end table discussions. Before attending the event, it is recommended to watch the documentary The Bronze Screen directed and produced by Susan Racho and Alberto Dominguez.
Read more, register, and find a link to the film here.
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SAVE THE DATE: Sat., Jan. 20 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Oak Lawn: First UMC, 10000 Central Ave, Oak Lawn | |
Apply for a Grant for Your Church's Ministry
Looking for a financial boost to help get a ministry off the ground? Healthy churches look share God’s love with their neighbors in meaningful ways. The NIC offers a number of grants to turn your church’s plan into reality. Some of the deadlines are approaching, so visit the grants web page now in order to plan ahead.
Read more
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The burden of taking on prohibitive amounts of debt can feel overwhelming. It limits bright, qualified students from bringing their full selves into the professions to which they feel called. Supporting United Methodist students gives them a financial boost to help them realize their dreams, and a spiritual boost to help them recognize that the church has confidence in them and in their gifts. It offers encouragement and builds them up to be strong leaders in the church and the world.
Every year, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry awards an average of $5.5 million in financial aid to United Methodist students. Read more here and give at your church on Nov 26.
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'The Recap' offers snapshot of denomination news
The latest episode, episode 12, of “The Recap” video series remembers those affected by war in the Middle East, celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and highlights United Methodists putting their faith into action. Produced by United Methodist Communications, “The Recap” helps viewers gain a better understanding of what is going on in The United Methodist Church, find inspiration in stories of ministry and learn how the denomination is transforming the world. Watch episode.
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HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE | |
Access the Amazon Gift list here. | |
Help MYSI Provide Youth a Merry Christmas
For many of the youth served by Methodist Youth Services Inc., this will be the first Christmas they celebrate. MYSI has worked with their five sites to identify a wish list of festive and useful gifts for the young people. Read over the list and contact MYSI if you and/or your church would like to contribute. Read the list.
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Wheatland Salem UMC, 1852 95th St, Naperville
Choirs, bands, and singers from across the conference will join in singing in English or their native language. Dinner to follow. Participation from choirs, bands, and solo singers are welcome. More information.
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Opportunities for Native American month
The diverse cultures of Native American people will be featured during November, which is Native American Heritage Month. Bryan Tener, a member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, writes about joining one of four warrior societies and lists some resources to help better understand Native Americans. Read more.
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Picture Advent starting soon!
#pictureAdvent is an intergenerational, spirit-filled, invitational, and reflective way to approach Advent. With a daily devotion in the style of 'Visio Divina' (Divine Seeing), you are invited to reflect on the scripture through images, questions, and prayer. Find #pictureAdvent on Facebook or sign-up to receive the daily email. Learn more.
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Suicide Hotline available
For those contemplating suicide or who just desperately need someone with whom to talk. It is confidential and free. Just call 988. The service has also been expanded for Spanish-speaking persons and deaf or hard-of-hearing persons, including those who use American Sign Language.
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2024 Property & Casualty Premiums May Rise
The NIC risk management department is now assembling information for the 2024 property insurance renewal. Driven by global factors such as climate change, increases in health care expenses, and political and economic shifts, the 2024 insurance renewal is shaping up to be challenging. NIC churches preparing their 2024 budget should factor a 12 to 18 percent increase above 2023 premiums. We'll provide an update when 2024 terms are finalized.
Contact Dwayne Jackson for information
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2023 Church Conference Reports
Just a quick reminder that all Church Conference (CC) forms & reports are due at least 1 week prior to your CC date. There is plenty of time to submit them in time if you plan ahead and submit them early. We encourage everyone to be working on them now. All Things Church Conference can be found here.
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NIC Prayer Network Monthly Zoom Meetings**Note date change**
The NIC Prayer Network is an entryway for joining in common prayer for the ministries of the Northern Illinois Conference. NIC Prayer Network team meets every month on the 2nd Thursday at 10:00 AM to pray for the churches, pastors and ministries of Northern Illinois. The next meeting is Thursday, December 14, at 10:00 a.m. All are invited to join. No preparation is necessary; just log in. The Zoom link is available here. Meeting ID: 813 9510 9144, Passcode: 459872. You can also call 312-626-6799.
If you’d like to pray but have other appointments at that time, email Katherine Howell at howellkvh@gmail.com and request the agenda or add to the agenda. Also, pray along each week for clergy, churches, leaders, and NIC Advances by visiting the Prayer Network website.
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Other Resources
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#BeUMC Resources -Tool Kits, Social Media Kits, Graphics, and more.
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Social Media Shareables - Free graphics for social media for different events, months, and ministries. (Through Outreach, log-in is needed, but resources are free)
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UMC Giving Resources - Mission Moments, Special Sunday Info, Leader Kits, Pew Cards, and more.
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United Media Resource Center - Lending library of Christian materials for local churches, small groups, pastors, children, and individuals.
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Copyright © 2023 Northern Illinois Conference | |
Do you have news to share?
We are always looking for stories of what is happening in your church. We welcome articles from churches highlighting ministries, outreach, and missions that tell the story of being vital Christians. Events considered should be of conference-wide appeal and United Methodist-related.
District eNews are sent out the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Please submit stories and events by end of business on the 2nd and 4th Mondays. Space is limited. Stories of fewer than 250 words are preferred. Submissions will be edited at the discretion of Communications staff. Information can be emailed to communications@umcnic.org.
Check out our Submit News page for more details.
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