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April Reporter Available Online
The April issue of the Reporter is now available online and heading to the post office. Read more about the NIC's connection to a United Methodist District Superintendent and his wife in Ukraine who are working to support refugees fleeing the war-torn country.
Also, Bishop Hopkins addresses questions about a division in the church in his monthly column.
Also, learn how one church is giving to reparations efforts in their city. Plus, find out what some churches are fasting from this Lenten season that will help the environment.
Read more and share with your churches.
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UMCOR Sunday - March 27
Giving to this Special Sunday offering allows us to make a difference in the lives of communities and individuals whose lives have been upset by storms, wars, fires, displacement and climate change. This offering underwrites UMCOR’s “costs of doing business,” allowing UMCOR to keep the promise that 100% of any gift to a specific UMCOR project will go toward that project, not administrative costs. Click here for resources.
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The 2022 Northern Illinois Annual Conference will meet in person June 8 - 10 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. The Annual Conference committee has been diligently working to make this a safe gathering for everyone, while monitoring COVID-19 infection rates for the area. For current requirements for AC members to attend, please read the health and safety statement.
Important Dates:
April 4 - Online registration opens
April 6 - Legislation and Historical documents due (email to ACdocuments@umcnic.org - instructions at umcnic.org/AC2022)
May 24 - Clergy Session in person at New Lenox UMC starting at 9 am.
June 1 & 2 - Pre-Conference Briefings
June 8 - Laity Session 11 am - 12 noon (register with AC registration)
June 8 - Annual Conference session opens with Memorial Service at 1:30 pm
June 8 - Legislative Sections at 7 pm
June 8 & 9 - On-site Blueprint for Wellness screenings 7 - 10 am
June 9 - Retirement Service at 8:45 am
June 10 - Ordination Service at 1:30 pm
Download a Fact Sheet with more details and information.
The worship services and plenary sessions will be livestreamed on the NIC YouTube Channel for guests and observers.
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The 2022 Northern Illinois Annual Conference Bishop's Appeal special offering will go toward Ukraine assistance. While immediate needs are great, we know the people of Ukraine will need assistance in the long term. For more details on fundraiser ideas and bringing your collective offering to Annual Conference, visit umcnic.org/Bishopsappeal2022. In the meantime, you are encouraged to give to your local church and designate "Ukraine Assistance."
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Invitation from Martin Lee to learn more about the "How To Reach New People" cohort
Since the pandemic, our ministry environment has shifted dramatically and each congregation needs to retool to more effectively reach new people. There are tools available to you through the Office of Congregational Development and Redevelopment. I encourage you to explore every tool at your disposal in this unusual time. Train to succeed in building a vital ministry.
I would like to invite you to come and see a preview of the "How To Reach New People" event n April 2 at 10:00 am online. Please visit the event page.
Together we can make a difference!
Martin Lee, Director of Congregational Development and Redevelopment
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Kyeong-ah Woo,an elder in our conference, is going to be featured in #StillInMission Episode 41 on April 7 at 1:00 CST. Kyeong-ah Woo is serving as the Consultant to the WCC Assembly Programs & Workshop Coordinator with the World Council of Churches in Switzerland. You will have the opportunity to meet in a small group to hear a presentation from a single missionary during the call. Find more information and register here.
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Uplifting Young Methodists Scholarship
For many students, continuing education beyond high school is a challenging decision due to financial circumstances. The United Methodist Foundation wants to
empower students to continue their education by providing financial assistance. This scholarship is designed to assist minority United Methodist students to attend a trade school, community college, college, or university. Applications are due April 30. For more information and to apply, click here.
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Ministry Course Planning and Administration Offered
Christine V. Hides, an ordained deacon in the Northern Illinois Conference, is leading Ministry Planning and Administration Course for Faith Formation Leaders, Thursdays April 21-May 19, online. The Ministry Planning and Administration course is designed to equip ministry leaders with tools and best practices for organizing people, schedules, projects, budgets, communications, and content. Options for churches of varied budgets and sizes will be shared.
This course is sponsored by the Faith Formation Leadership Academy of the Rio Texas Conference
More Information and Registration available here.
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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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Native American Ministries Sunday (Sunday in April of May) - History, Worship Resources, Communications, Children's Resources, Social Media Graphics, Podcasts, Devotions 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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