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Still time to get your Statistical Numbers in!
Statistical Reports are due February 28, 2022. These numbers are important information both within our conference and for the larger denomination. The statistical numbers are also used in determining apportionmnent payments. Reach out to David Quin if you have any questions. If you need to find your church number, check this list.
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March Reporter Now Online - Special Issue on Apportionments
The March issue of the Reporter is dedicated to Apportionments with a special pull-out insert, "Connecting your Church to the World." Find resources on why we give, what your apportioned dollars fund, and how Mission Links support local and global ministry projects. Look for the print Reporter in the mail and post this special section on your church bulletin board or download here to share electronically.
Also, in the March issue read the Bishop's column on healthy living, and the cover story on how one small church is making a big impact in their community, thanks to a year-long coaching process to help reach new people. Read the full issue here.
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Join the Conference-wide Book Club this Lent
What kind of experience do you have in your prayer life? Is it full of joy or does it fall flat? Gary Neal Hansen, author of the Discipleship Task Force’s first selection for the NIC Book Club, suggests if your experience is the latter, conceivably you haven’t found a prayer method that you really connect with.
In his book, “Kneeling with Giants,” Hansen offers a wide range of approaches to prayer that are all classics. What better time than Lent to search out a deeper relationship with the God who so loved the world…? Join the Discipleship Task Force in dropping to our knees by joining a group this Lenten Season. If you're interested, visit umcnic.org/Discipleship/NICBookClub to sign up.
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Join First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple for their Joy after the Storm Virtual Retreat on February 26, from 9:00 am - noon with Rev. Dr. Hanna Ka as the guest speaker and a moderated panel to follow. Find out more details and download the flyer here. | |
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NIC UMM Annual Breakfast
March 12 starting 8:30 am. In-person and livestreamed from Grace UMC, 3555 McFarland Rd, Rockford, IL. Guest Speaker Greg Arnold, UMM's new General Secretary. Cost $10. No cost for pastors. Click here for details.
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Town and Rural Grant Applications Open
It's grant application season again for the Keagy/Town and Rural Committee. If you are a small town or rural congregation in need of financial assistance for ministry opportunities, we encourage you to apply for a Keagy/Town and Rural Committee grant. If your ministry is in need of minor funding ($300-$500) be sure to apply to the PACK application. If you have a more expensive ministry in mind ($500-$3,000,) then the Keagy application is the one you need. Applications must be completed online by March 15.
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Nominations Seeking to fill Board of Trustees Committee
Have you enjoyed volunteering with the Appalachian Service Project (ASP) but want to serve closer to home? Are you a home inspector? Realtor? Construction worker? Insurance broker? Project manager? Please consider offering your time and gifts to the NIC Board of Trustees. Three people will be completing their terms of service and special consideration will be given to laywomen. The NIC Nominations Committee has begun its work for the 2022-2023 year and beyond. If you are curious about volunteering for this committee or any other ministry area, please find more information and the interest form on the NIC's Committee Volunteers webpage.
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Early Bird Registration Deadline Approaching!
Register by March 20th for financial savings
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One Earth Film Festival 2022 coming soon
Join the NIC Eco-Sustainability Task Force and One Earth Collective for the 11th annual One Earth Film Festival, March 4-13, 2022.
Learn about and protect God’s creation. Please attend these virtual and in-person events.
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My Octopus Teacher - Sunday, March 6 online/virtually and Urban Village Church, River Forest
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On the Fenceline: A Fight for Clean Air and The Sacrifice Zone: Life in an Industrial Wasteland - Sunday, March 6 online/virtually and at Euclid United Methodist Church, Oak Park
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Inhabitants: Indigenous Perspectives on Restoring Our World Saturday, March 12 online/virtually and at Chicago Temple, Chicago
More information here.
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Global Ministries EarthKeepers 2022 trainings open
Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a training program that equips US-based United Methodists to launch and grow environmental projects in their communities. Topics include eco-theology, anti-racism, community organizing, and project planning. Spring classes are March 18 - April 2 online (application deadline March 1). Summer classes are July 18 - August 11 online (application deadline June 30).
Find out more information here.
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Is your church information up to date?
When is the last time you reviewed your church’s Find-A-Church profile that is listed by The United Methodist Church? If it’s been awhile, it may be in need of an update. With people everywhere looking to connect and make new connections, there’s no time to waste.
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United Methodists often take the Lenten season to grow and strengthen their faith, spending time reflecting on what it means to be a follower of Christ. Check out this book list that United Methodist Communications put together of both new and older releases to be used on your Lenten journey, either in a group or by yourself.
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Resources for the Local Church
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UMCOR Sunday (March 27) - Worship Resources, Children's Resources, Social Media graphics, videos and more.
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Lent - Worship Resources, Stations of the Cross, Studies, Spiritual Practices, and more.
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Easter and Holy Week - Worship Resources, Hymns, Devotions, Outreach Resources, 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 - for small groups, pastors, children and individuals.
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