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Center for Changing Lives Gala
Sat., Sept. 23rd, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.,
Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center,
4048 W. Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
Center for Changing Lives (CCL), founded by Humbolt Park UMC, is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Financial Opportunity Center that connects people, resources, and opportunity so that households may uncover possibilities, overcome barriers and realize their potential through coaching in the areas of finances, employment and resource development. All are welcome to come as an individual/household or your church can purchase a sponsorship.
Read more.
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Join in the discussion around Privilege, Power & Race
Multiple gatherings are taking place on Sept. 21, 6 to 8 p.m., at various locations across the conference. A Zoom option for participation and discussion is also available. Registration is strongly encouraged.
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The gatherings include a soul food meal, a presentation by director Frances Causey, and table discussions. (Online participants log in at 6:45.) Before the gathering, please watch the documentary The Long Shadow, directed by filmmaker and investigative journalist Francis Causey. It explores the shameful legacy of American slavery to its insidious ties to racism today. Read more.
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HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE | |
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Planning for Health Support Groups
The Discipleship Task Force Disciples Nurturing Action or DNA ministry will be rolling out in early 2024. This new ministry will provide support groups for clergy and lay to journey together toward better mind, body, and spiritual health through Biblically informed and prayerful discussions. We would like your feedback as we start planning. Click here for the survey.
DNA Ministry event recommendation: Be the Spark Leadership Summit: Sat., Sept. 30 in Wheaton, IL
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Black Clergy and Laity: Join the Black Healing Collective to Examine Racial Trauma & Lead Healing
A Black Healing Collective Cohort is forming to enhance individuals’ capacity to help churches and communities become more trauma-informed and resilient. Black NIC lay and clergy will meet for 12 to 18 months to explore how racial trauma affects themselves as well as congregations and society. Monthly meetings will include skill-building and leadership development. Additional activities will include outings, travel, and learning and engagement opportunities. This will be a life-changing and empowering experience.
Learn more.
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Celebremos los Ministerios Hispanos/Latinos en nuestra Conferencia del Norte de Illinois con un tiempo de adoración, capacitación, compañerismo, renovación y camaradería. Ven con todos los miembros de tu iglesia. Tod@s son bienvenidos.
Celebrate the Hispanic/Latino ministries in the conference with a time of worship, training, fellowship, renewal, and camaraderie. Invite your church to attend! All are welcome. Translation equipment and nursery will be provided. The celebration takes place at Franklin Park UMC, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Read more.
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Fall 2023 Lay Academy offerings:
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Get the Latest Conference Directory
The NIC directory is now published! It contains contact information for conference churches, clergy, laity, committees, and agencies. View online or download a free PDF version. Or purchase a paperback version from Amazon. Click below to learn about all these options. Read more.
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UMC Outreach Resources for Advent
UM Communications offers churches customizable Advent outreach resources―banners, postcards, invitation cards, posters, digital ads, worship graphics and more. Your church's name, website, street address, and information like service times and age-specific programming can be included. Over 20 designs are available. The agency is offering a $300 credit toward these resources. Use code UMCA23. Limited amount of discounts available.
See what's available and how to order.
Hay Recursos de Aviento en Español.
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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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The World Service Fund is one of seven apportioned funds of The United Methodist Church. The World Service Fund is the financial lifeline to a long list of Christian mission and ministry throughout the denomination. The General Board of Church and Society, funded by the World Service Fund, is dedicated to the work of living faith, seeking justice, and pursuing peace. Church and Society lives out the calling to work toward personal and social holiness through five program priorities, all grounded in racial justice: poverty, climate, health, peace, and civil & human rights.
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A few of the services offered by Church and Society include:
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Letters to My Daughters Fall 2023 Study: A virtual monthly study companion that will examine the intersection of faith and advocacy as it relates to the social conditions of women, girls, and femmes. Find all the resources and future dates here.
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Sacred Worth Books Database: Created to honor the dignity and sacred worth of all God's children, use this resource to search for children's books with diverse main characters. Access the database here.
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2023 Faith & Facts Cards: The Faith and Facts cards are a set of half-sheet cards on a number of social issues. On any given issue, they explore what the Bible says, what The United Methodist Church says, some facts about the issue, and then action steps to address the issue. Read more.
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Gun Violence Prevention Resources: All forms of violence are detestable, but guns make violence more deadly and more frequent. Read more.
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Website Redesign: Your Opinion Needed!
Every few years, an organization’s website needs a refresh. Your Northern Illinois Conference communications staff is working with Big Heart Creative to redesign the NIC website. To make sure that you can easily find on the site the resources and information you want, we need your opinion. Please take this survey to let us know what you need from the conference website. Your feedback will help us create a helpful, easy-to-use website. Take the Survey.
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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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