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In 1968, GCORR was established to hold the newly formed United Methodist Church accountable in its commitment to reject the sin of racism in every aspect of the life of the church.
GCORR will not rest in its work of challenging and equipping the church to complete its unfinished agenda of dismantling racial discrimination. They continue to do this by championing diversity, equity, and inclusion; developing interculturally competent leaders; and catalyzing authentic community.
While racism remains their primary focus, their perspective and partnerships reflect a broader context, which includes poverty, nationalism, tribal conflicts, gender discrimination, homophobia, disability, and generational bias—because we know all forms of oppression are connected, and they cannot be dismantled in isolation.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we remember that Black history is everyone’s history. Black individuals have been at the forefront of some of the most significant cultural and scientific advancements in history. Their gifts, skills and talents have blessed our world. The life of the United States and of The United Methodist Church is richer because of Black individuals and the experiences they bring.
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HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE | |
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Lead and Love in Mission
Dreaming of putting together a mission journey but need some help getting started? Lead mission journeys but want to be more intentional? Come to our one-hour panel discussion, "Connecting for Mission: a Conversation for Dreamers, Planners, and Volunteers," on February 23rd from 7-8 via Zoom. This will be a panel of experienced team leaders who have traveled nationally and internationally. This is a collaborative effort of the Anti-Racism and Discipleship Task Forces to equip our churches in leading youth mission experiences. We invite youth leaders and those who lead youth in mission to attend. Kris Aves, NIC UMVIM co-coordinator, with extensive experience leading youth in mission locally and nationally, will moderate. Click here to register for the link.
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4-Hour Workshop, Sat., March 11, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
St. Mark UMC, 8441 S. St. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL
Cost: $25 (includes lunch)
The content of this 4-hour workshop is for people of Black African heritage and will:
- Define racial trauma.
- Discuss the significant impact that racial trauma has historically had and continues to have within the Black community, including the UMC.
- Discuss coping strategies that have been used within the Black community for healing our trauma.
Click here for more information and to register.
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Statistical reports due
It’s that time of year again when each local church gathers its attendance, program, and financial records and submits its statistical report to the Conference. The NIC office uses the statistics you report to asses how your church is doing, to report to the larger denomination, and to calculate apportionments for your church. It’s very important that we have accurate, up-to-date information. This way, your apportionments accurately reflect your church’s ability to contribute to the conference’s connection. 2022 statistics can be entered at umctables.org. The deadline is February 28, 2023. For resources and more information, click here. If you have questions, contact David Quinn at dquinn@umcnic.org.
Click here to get started.
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NIC Prayer Network Monthly Zoom Meetings
The NIC Prayer Network is an entryway for joining in common prayer for the ministries of the Northern Illinois Conference. You’re welcome to join in praying for the upcoming events of our conference. Yes, God can do things without our praying, but God chooses to involve us. And without God, our work is futile. The next meeting is Tomorrow, February 10 at 10:00 am. All are invited to join. No preparation is necessary, just log in. The Zoom link is available here. Meeting ID: 897 7835 0821 Passcode: 152529
If you’d like to pray but have other appointments at that time, email us DiscipleshipTF@umcnic.org and request the agenda or add to the agenda. Also, pray along each week for clergy, churches, leaders, and NIC Advances by visiting the Prayer Network website.
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Resources for the Local Church
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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 - for small groups, pastors, children and individuals.
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Copyright © 2022 Northern Illinois Conference | |
Do you have news to share?
We are always looking for stories of what is happening in the local church. We welcome articles from churches highlighting ministries, outreach, and missions which 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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