IGRC Events-full
September 7, 2021
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McKendree plans 9-11 remembrance
McKendree University will be hosting an observance of the 20th anniversary of 9/11 at the Quad on its Lebanon campus. The event is slated for Saturday, Sept. 11 and will begin at 8 a.m.
The public is welcome to attend and join the students, faculty, staff and special guests in remembering and honoring those who lost their lives on that day. The McKendree University Chamber Choir will also perform under the direction of Dr. John McDonald with Dr. Nancy Ypma performing as the University organist.
The event will begin with the McKendree University Chamber Choir singing the National Anthem, followed by the posting of the colors by the Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard. Emmanuel Segbedzi, class of 2023 representative of the Student Government Association, will then lead the opening prayer. President Daniel Dobbins will offer words of greetings and reflections, and the McKendree University Chamber Choir will sing O God of Every Nation.
Four religious leaders from Lebanon will offer prayers and reflections for each of the flights:
- Rev. Dr. Donald Wagner, Saint Paul United Church of Christ –American Airline Flight 11
- Rev. Kim Hagedorn, First United Methodist Church – United Airlines Flight 175
- Deacon George Mills, Jr., St. Joseph Catholic Church – American Airlines Flight 77
- Dr. Charles E. Bennett, Pentecostal Power Congregation – United Airlines Flight 93
Following the prayers, the McKendree University Chamber Choir will sing This is My Song, and Hannah Hall, class of 2025, will say the Litany of Remembrance. The event will conclude with recognition, reflections and prayers for first responders then and now, led by Rev. Allynn M. Walker, Mississippi River District Superintendent.
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Green Team Summit
Many churches in the IGRC have established and active Green Teams, and some churches are just getting started in their creation care efforts.
Faith in Place is hosting this three-night immersive experience with the theme, .
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Grace across Generations
A free webinar for young adults Tuesday, Sept, 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p,m,
Are you baffled by the generational categories you keep reading about? Are you categorized as a Millennial but don't want people to think you're one of "those entitled kids?" Do you fall in between generations, or find yourself not identifying with the labels others place on you? Good news - you're not alone!
Join us for a conversation around generational identity - separate myth from fact, find empowerment by embracing your generation, and better understand other generations from a perspective of grace rather than judgment. We'll also discuss ways to connect with others across generations and utilize each of our generational strengths to enhance the relationships and ministries within our congregation and community
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Both/And: To Be Continued
Join Jason Moore for a follow up to the popular BOTH/AND webinar. BOTH/AND: To Be Continued will focus on why hybrid should carry on, how to continue to iterate and will provide tangible handles on how to do it well. This brand new 90-minute training brings all new content focused on the why, how and what we can do to run the next leg of this very important race. We are living in an incredible “Great Commission” moment in the church. Let’s lean in and continue to iterate forward.
This webinar will include:
- An invitation to determine your WHY for BOTH/AND worship
- 13 reasons why BOTH/AND must continue
- Answer to the “what if they don’t come back to the building” question
- How to create a BOTH/AND Think Tank at your church
- How to build an intentional chat strategy in order foster real relationships
- \BOTH/AND pro tips
- Q&A
This webinar is being provided without charge to all who paid to register for the March, 2021 workshop or participated in the 2021 Reach 1,000 Leadership Institute (emails have already been sent to these people).
Churches that missed the original March webinar are encouraged to participate
For new participants the registration fee is $15 per church and includes the September webinar plus one-month of access to the recording of the original March Both/And webinar.
New participants must register by Sept.18.
Paid participants will also receive 60-day access to the recording of the Sept. 22 webinar even if they cannot participate live.
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New Room Conference
Peoria First UMC will be hosting a Livestream of the New Room Conference, an initiative of Seedbed, Sept. 22-24.
Registration is required and there is no cost for the event.
The church will be offering in a box lunch on Thursday at a cost of $12. Pay when you register on-line. You will have approximately two hours between the afternoon and evening sessions to obtain dinner on your own.
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In Search of Being
The Illinois Conference of Churches invites you to its annual assembly. This year’s assembly, with an abundance of caution, will be on Zoom. It will be a day of centered peace during this time of intense chaos, anchored in our present as a touchstone to our future. It is designed for anyone, clergy and laity alike.
Presenters and leaders will be from the Center for Courage and Renewal, the wellness organization partly founded by Parker Palmer. Assembly attendees will be examining and applying the Center's Principles of the Circle of Trust. For more information on the organization and the Principles, go to https://couragerenewal.org/wpccr/
The Assembly/retreat leaders will be
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Albert Bellg, Ph.D. is a writer, psychologist, poet, and Circle of Trust facilitator with the Center for Courage & Renewal. He spent many years working with medical patients and professionals to help them cope with their personal and professional challenges. He has also led numerous retreats for First Congregational UCC in Appleton, facilitated Clearness Committees for UCC ministers, led a session on discernment for UCC Lay Academy ministers, and facilitated two retreats for UCC ministers to help them cope with changes in their work related to the pandemic. He also a Quaker, the facilitator for a weekly Quaker spiritual nurture group, and has completed a book on discernment called Living the Deepest Truth You Know. You can find out more about him at www.lifepathgroup.org.
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Rev. Chelsey Hillyer has served in pastoral roles in local congregations for the last 10 years, and was ordained as an Elder in the Missouri Annual Conference in 2018. During her time in parish ministry, she served rural, suburban, and urban congregations that worshipped from 25 to 500 people each weekend in Missouri. She lead each congregation through significant discernment about their future, values, and strategic plan, while also guiding them to deeper engagement of their spiritual beliefs. She currently offers coaching and spiritual direction for individuals, as well as opportunities for groups and organizations to engage in work around bringing their deepest held values into meaningful action in the world. You can learn more at www.amateurefforts.com.
The cost for the retreat, in part underwritten by the ICC, is $25 per person. Scholarships are available and all college and seminary students are invited to attend for free.
For more information, to inquire about scholarships, or to register, contact the Reverend Walter Carlson, Sharon United Methodist Church, 4363 W. Center Street, Decatur, Illinois 62522. carlson.walter@gmail.com 217-653-8305
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Leadership Institute 2021
The Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan., is hosting its Leadership Institute and there are both in-person and online options.
Price of the in-person registration is $299 with registration limited to the first 500 registrants. Persons may also opt for an online experience for $99..
Persons may also organize watch parties for 10 or more registrants at the cost of $649.
For a complete listing of speakers and to register, visit the Leadership Institute 2021 website by clicking the button below.
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The Dangerous Truth about Today's Marijuana
Illinois Chruch Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems will sponsor a free video presentation from 11 a.m. to noon on Oct. 12.
Laura Stack, a Hall of Fame speaker, best-selling author and founder of Johnny's Ambassadors, will speak. In November 2019, Laura suddenly acquired the undesired wisdom of knowing what it's like to lose a child when her son, Johnny committeed suicide after suffering from delusions triggered from marijuana-induced psychosis.
The presentation will educate parents and teens about the dangers of today's high-THC marijuana on adolescent brain development, mental illness and suicide.
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Cunningham Be a Hero 5K
You can be a hero in the eyes of Cunningham kids! Join us Saturday, Oct. 16 for Cunningham Children’s Home "Be a Hero 5K."
Whether you move like “The Flash” or at “Hulk” speed, the "Be a Hero 5K" is open to runners and walkers of all skill levels.
All funds raised through the event will help to meet the critical needs of the 777 youth, adults and families served by Cunningham. More information about how our programs help youth and families to heal, learn and grow, can be found at cunninghamhome.org.
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Fall Rally with Harvest
Harvest Ministry Team is re-launching its conferences that have been on hold due to the pandemic with a Fall Rally for grades 6 to 12 on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at Troy UMC.
The event will focus on Jesus through worship, preaching, seminars, and fun! The $25 registration fee includes refreshments, Chick-Fil-A lunch, all sessions and a free t-shirt (for those registered by Oct. 6).
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Click the above graphic to learn more and to register for the webcast |
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Bishop Palmer's Leadership Clinics
extended to IGRC clergy, laity
Bishop Gregory V. Palmer has extended an invitation to IGRC pastors and laity to join him and the West Ohio Conference this fall for a series of online Leadership Clinics which will be held in September, October and November.
Cost for registration is $20 per session for West Ohio leaders, $40 for non-West Ohio leaders. However, the IGRC will be able to take advantage of the West Ohio price tier as details are being worked out this week. There is also a special price of $50 for all three sessions for West Ohio (and IGRC) registrants and $100 for non-West Ohio leaders if registration is made prior to Sept. 13.
Watch for further information later this week for registration information to lock in the lower price.
Speakers for the individual sessions are as follows:
Sept. 17, 9 to 11 a.m. Central time -- Nadia Bolz-Weber
A three-time New York Times best-selling author who has been called "a pastor for America's outsiders." The community of faith she planted in Denver -- House for All Sinners and Saints -- is a haven for a diverse community seeking affirmation and acceptance. In a time when institutions of every kind are struggling to exert influence and maintain relevance, Nadia's church thrives especially among Millenials. She has a popular podcast, The Confessional with Nadia Bolz-Weber and has been featured in The Washington Post, The New Yorker, NPR's Morning Edition, Fresh Air, on cable news and the BBC World Service. Nadia is a graduate of the Iliff School of Theology.
Oct. 14, 9 to 11 a.m. Central time -- Beth Comstock
Beth is known as GE’s Czar of Innovation, a bestselling author, corporate director/advisor, and nature conservationist. She built a career as storyteller, marketer and innovation champion, as GE's first female Vice Chair, as well as Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer. She was President of Integrated Media at NBC Universal as part of her journey through media, which included roles at NBC, CBS and Turner Broadcasting. Beth is currently a director at Nike and EVgo, a Trustee at National Geographic Society, and a partner in Climate Real Impact Solutions. Beth is considered one of "The World's 100 Most Powerful Women” by Forbes magazine, a top ten most influential leader in the US, and a top 20 most influential communicator in the US. Beth’s book Imagine It Forward: Courage, Creativity, and the Power of Change has become a great resource for organizations looking to innovate and change. Beth is a graduate of The College of William and Mary.
Nov. 9, 9 to 11 a.m. Central time -- Jemar Tisby
Jemar Tisby is a New York Times best-selling author, the Deputy Director of Narrative and Advocacy at the Center for Antiracist Research at Boston University, and the founder of The Witness, Inc. His bestselling books, The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the Church's Complicity in Racism and latest work How to Fight Racism have been used as resources by churches and organizations around the globe. Jemar has been a co-host of the Pass The Mic podcast since its inception seven years ago. His writing has been featured in The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and The New York Times, among others. He is a frequent commentator on media/news outlets. He speaks nationwide on the topics of racial justice, U.S. history and Christianity. Jemar has a degree from the University of Notre Dame and is currently finishing his PhD in History this year at the University of Mississippi where he studies race, religion, and social movements in the 20th century.
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Stephen Ministries training goes online
Stephen Ministries St. Louis is now training caring ministry leaders through a live, interactive online training experience called the Bridge Leader’s Training Course (BLTC). This event fully trains Stephen Leaders—the pastors, church staff, and lay leaders who begin and lead Stephen Ministry in their congregation.
The BLTC draws on newly redesigned and updated Stephen Ministry resources to equip participants with the skills and know-how to lead all aspects of their congregation’s Stephen Ministry. This includes training a team of congregation members as lay caregivers (called Stephen Ministers), matching them with hurting people in the congregation and community, and offering ongoing guidance and support to Stephen Ministers as they provide one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people experiencing a wide range of life difficulties.
The Bridge Leader’s Training Course is delivered via Zoom to cohorts of twenty people, led by two members of Stephen Ministries’ teaching faculty. Each session uses a variety of teaching methods—presentation, small- and whole-group discussions, skill practice, video, and more. The course consists of ten sessions held twice weekly for five weeks or once weekly for ten weeks.
The Bridge Leader’s Training Course has welcomed participants from churches across the United States and Canada, as well as from other countries including Australia, China, Germany, and Switzerland. Since the initial cohort in July 2020, more than a thousand individuals representing hundreds of congregations have completed the training from the convenience of their own home or office and are now serving as Stephen Leaders.
Established in 1975, Stephen Ministry is a lay caring ministry being used by thousands of congregations of all types, sizes, and settings—across the US, Canada, and 30 other countries. Stephen Leaders in these congregations have equipped more than 600,000 people as Stephen Ministers, who in turn have cared for millions of people in need. The new training and resources carry this ministry into the future, preparing congregations to meet the ministry challenges of an ever-changing world.
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Disability Awareness Sunday Sept. 26
The Committee on Accessibility Ministries would like to remind you to celebrate Disability Awareness Sunday on Sunday, Sept. 26.
People with disabilities are the largest minority group in the world, and also the largest unchurched group in the world. Every community has people with disabilities living in it. This means that EVRY United Methodist church has a largely untapped mission field in its back yard. Celebrating Disability Awareness Sunday will help your congregation understand the great need to the Church to open its doors to the disabled community, and spark ideas on how your local church can minister to this important mission field.
Check out the resources to help you plan your worship. All funds from special offerings for this day stay in the conference and help make our churches more physically and spiritually accessible to the disabled community.
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Mediation Skills Training Institute
Registration is now open for Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders, to be held on Oct.11-15 and Nov. 15-19, sponsored by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center.
The two identical sessions will be held remotely via Zoom. This workshop is designed to help church leaders deal more effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict. For details consult this MSTI Brochure.
For a complete list of training events being offered by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center — including our one-day Conflict Transformation Skills and Healthy Congregations — please consult this LMPC 2021 Program Calendar. For online registration go to our website at www.lmpeacecenter.org/all-events. Plan now to take advantage of these outstanding opportunities for spiritual and professional growth!
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Online certification classes
The Institute for Discipleship at Southwestern College is here to help in an affordable and convenient way. We offer several certifications based on GBHEM education requirements, as well as other leadership courses. It would be my joy to share these with you.
There are five practical ministry certifications that are starting on Aug.23, which are designed to give laity in the Church affordable and accessible foundations for ministry. Certifications are available in Spiritual Formation, Missions, Rural Ministry, Women’s Ministry, and Christian Care and Counseling.
Each certification consists of four online courses, each just $125. Students receive over 20 weeks of high-quality, small-group instruction for a total of $500. The certifications are split evenly between Biblical and theological instruction and practical, on-the-ground skills.
A United Methodist emphasis can be added to any certification with one additional course in United Methodist Studies.
Persons seeking UM Professional Certification, particularly as part of a route to ordination, should be aware that these courses are not currently approved by GBHEM for that purpose.
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Check out the latest list of resources which may be borrowed for the cost of return postage.
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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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