|
|  |
Friday, September 21, 2022 | | |
Reparations Resolution
Rev. Dr. Terrill Murff
| |
The Indiana-Kentucky Conference (IKC) has invited the Illinois Conference to partner with them as a co-sponsor for a Resolution on "Reparations" to be presented during General Synod. This Resolution is calling for the IKC to form a Task Force within each of its Associations to study and understand the institutional structures within the IKC "that still promote, consciously or unconsciously, systemic racism." The IKC is calling on its newly created Task Force to "develop a conference-wide action plan designed to address issues of racism" within their churches, Associations and within its Conference committees. You can read the full resolution here.
The desire is that we (in the Illinois Conference) co-sponsor this Resolution, and that we also agree to shape the Resolution to fit our context. During the All Conference Chat this past Wednesday, Sept. 21, we had our first look at the IKC Resolution and enjoyed a good discussion. In case you missed the chat, you can watch the recording here. The Illinois Conference Justice & Witness committee is planning to present the "co-sponsorship" with IKC to Conference Council.
We will be planning a second Conference-wide discussion at the All Conference Chat on October 12th. Please familiarize yourself with the Resolution so that we can have fruitful conversation which can lead to presenting the co-sponsorship with IKC and "our" version of a Resolution on Reparations.
| |
UCC Disaster Relief Response
Puerto Rico - On Sunday, September 18, Hurricane Fiona hit Puerto Rico, causing power outages for millions of homes and businesses and life-threatening flooding across the island. Hurricane Fiona has left 35 inches of water on the entire island and practically devastated the progress of the electrical system, and the highway system, especially in the southwest area. Global H.O.P.E. is raising awareness of the needs and offering solidarity grant support. Disaster Ministries will continue to monitor emerging needs and engage in coordination calls through their state Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (PRVOAD). In addition, Church World Service is conducting partner coordination calls for further coordination of resources.
Learn more and find out how to help in this document.
For more information and updates on other active UCC Global H.O.P.E. response efforts around the world, click on the links below:
Pakistan - Torrential Monsoons and Massive Flooding
Missouri/Kentucky/West Virginia - Massive Flooding
Ukraine Emergency Appeal
| |
Out & Faithful: A Multi-Faith Celebration of LGBTQIA+ Spirituality and Call to Advocacy
Tuesday, October 11, 7-8:30 PM
The Illinois Conference is partnering with Elmhurst University and Community Renewal Society to offer a special event on National Coming Out Day, October 11th. This event will be an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made towards full LGBTQIA+ inclusion within religious communities. We will also recognize those who have helped paved the way forward, including Rev. Bill Johnson, an Elmhurst alum who recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination as the first openly gay man ordained in any mainline protestant denomination. As we celebrate and reflect, we will also be reminded that our work is far from over and we must keep fighting to expand that welcome and inclusion as people of faith.
The event will include music and liturgy as well as a Multi-Faith Panel Presentation and Q&A. We are still finalizing some of our panelists and more information will be coming soon. The panel will include representatives from various faith traditions and diverse racial/ethnic identities. Spread the word and join us at 7:00 PM in Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel at Elmhurst University on October 11th. Download the flyer here.
| |
 |
Autumn Adult Retreat
October 23-25
Wholeness is the goal of life, but wholeness does not mean perfection. It means “embracing brokenness as an integral part of life.” Thus writes Parker Palmer in his 2018 book, On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity, and Getting Old. In these 48 sacred hours, we’ll explore what’s brave and beautiful about aging. Our time together will include a range of contemplative practices, community activities, rest, silence, and fun! Participants will be encouraged to read Palmer’s book before the retreat.
Retreat leader Rev. Jeffrey Phillips is a UCC pastor and certified interfaith/ interspiritual spiritual companion. Participants will each have the option to spend thirty minutes with Jeffrey in a spiritual companionship session.
Guests will stay in one of our retreat centers, with their own bedroom, shared bathrooms, large gathering spaces, sunny decks and private fire circles. Cost for the Retreat is $350 / person. Register online here or contact Rev. Tracy Heilman, site director (269-426-3881).
| |
Youth Leader Retreat
October 14-15
Over the last 2 years, you have found ways to care for and support our children and youth in the midst of a pandemic, lock-downs, virtual school, socially-distanced youth gatherings… THANK YOU! We appreciate what you have done and continue to do!
Our gift to you is an opportunity to step away from it all so that you can reconnect with colleagues, with yourself, and with Creation. Through a generous grant from Living Legacy Endowment of the Congregational Church of Deerfield, you are invited to come to Pilgrim Park for a special 2 day/1 night, all expenses paid Retreat.
Enjoy delicious meals, wonderful conversations and take a tour to Echo Bluff. Download the flyer here.
Space is limited so register soon! Click here to register online.
Questions? Please contact Tara Cade, Registrar, Outdoor Ministries Administration, at 815-447-2390 or email Tara directly.
| |
Pilgrim Park: Frantzen Conference Center Dedication | |
On Saturday, September 10, Pilgrim Park celebrated the life of Dave Frantzen with the dedication of the Frantzen Conference Center. Approximately 50 people were present including those on a women’s retreat from Good Shepherd UCC, Chicago. Dave was a dedicated and strong supporter of Pilgrim Park through his donation of time and resources, taking on many maintenance projects in partnership with Gary Dahn. Over the years they did maintenance on every building on site. The last project they completed as a team was building the ramp on the deck of the conference center. In addition, he and his wife Sue were Tenderfoot counselors for Camp Worship and Wonder (W&W) for a number of years. He had a warm and friendly sense of humor that he shared with the W&W campers, counselors, and Pilgrim Park staff. We miss this good and faithful servant. | |
|
You are receiving this message because you are listed on our Conference email list, one of our leadership/committee email lists, or because you previously subscribed to receive our e-newsletters. PLEASE NOTE: if you unsubscribe from this email you will no longer receive our monthly newsletter.
This communication is made possible by your contributions to
Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM)
FAITHFUL FRIDAYS is published by the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ, 1840 Westchester Blvd, Suite 200, Westchester, IL 60154. The Rev. Molly Carlson, Conference Minister; Sarah Lohrbach, Editor. Copy may be sent to: SarahLohrbach@ilucc.org.
| | | | |
