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UMCOR Sunday is Sunday, March 19
UMCOR Sunday is a denomination-wide celebration designed to raise awareness and support for UMCOR. UMCOR, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to alleviating human suffering around the globe. Working in more than 80 countries worldwide, UMCOR provides survivors with temporary relief and long-term education, training and support. UMCOR spends 100 percent of designated gifts on the projects that donors specify. None of these designated gifts support administrative or operating costs.
Every year on the fourth Sunday in Lent, we celebrate UMCOR Sunday, a day when individual and local church gifts are received to support UMCOR’s administrative costs. Learn more about UMCOR and UMCOR Sunday here.
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For the April issue of The Reporter - we would like your input.
"What is the most meaningful or most moving part of your Lent observance or Easter celebration? Why?" Share your answers with communications@umcnic.org and get featured on the website or in The Reporter.
We are also looking for churches that are doing something different than past years. If your church, your cluster or a church you know is doing something different this year - please share with communications@umcnic.org.
Send your submissions (50-100 words) in by March 10.
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HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE | |
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Kids Above All Distribution Center Grand Opening
Join Kids Above All for Continental Breakfast and tours of the New Better Life Distribution Center on Mon., March 20 at 10:00 am at the Better Life Distribution Center, 1801 E. Oakton St, Des Plaines, IL. Questions and RSVP to Deaconess Catherine Inserra, cinserra@kidsaboveall.org or Zulma Colon, zcolon@kidsaboveall.org
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Join in a Docent-Led Museum Tour
As the first quarter event in the 2023 Anti-Racism Task Force Film Series will focus on Black History and Culture. The event on Sat., March 25, from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, will be a docent-led tour of The Negro Motorist Green Book exhibit at the Illinois Holocaust Museum.
In The Negro Motorist Green Book Exhibit, visitors will explore film, photographs, interactives, and oral histories from travelers and “Green Book” business owners; compare “Green Book” sites then and now; and appreciate historical objects from the Smithsonian and from a variety of “Green Book” sites. The exhibition includes artifacts from business signs and postcards to historic footage, images, and firsthand accounts that illustrate not just the apprehension felt by Black travelers but also the resilience, innovation, and elegance of people choosing to live a full American existence. Shopping at the museum gift shop is available afterward.
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Cost: (includes tour, lunch, and discussion)
- Adults: $20
- Seniors (65 and older): $17
- Teens and Youth: $15
- Active Military/Veterans: $13
Learn more about the 2023 Film Series here.
Learn more about the event here.
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NICUMM 2023 Annual Meeting
Join the Northern Illinois Conference United Methodist Men for their Annual Meeting and Communion Service on Sat., March 25 at 8:30 at Kingswood UMC, 401 W. Dundee Rd., Buffalo Grove, IL. Breakfast will be served, followed by the UMMen Annual Meeting, Worship Service, and Communion. The event will also be live-streamed. Click here to register and for more information.
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NIC 2023 Civil Rights Pilgrimage
Wed., April 26 - Mon., May 1 A historical and educational tour designed with intent and discernment to help journey-goers take action against racism. Registration is full! However, we've started a waitlist so that if an opening becomes available, we’ll notify you. Click here to find out more.
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Committee members continue to plan for the 184th session of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference that will be held June 6-8, 2023 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center at 1551 N. Thoreau Dr., Schaumburg, Ill.
Important Dates
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April 3 - Online registration begins ($100)
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April 3 - Historical Documents and Proposed Legislation due - Form found here.
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Apil 28 - Early Bird Registration ends (changes to $125)
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May 8 - Video and Media presentations due - Form found here.
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May 23 - Clergy Session
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May 28 - Registration closes
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June 6 - Evening, Ordination Service
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June 7 - Morning, Retirement Service
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June 8 - Morning, Memorial Service
More updates and details will be posted in the NIC eNews and on the website at umcnic.org/AC2023.
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GCSRW invites churches to celebrate Women's History Month 2023
In celebration of Women’s History Month 2023, The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW) will be publishing eight blog articles written by the Rev. Emily Nelms Chastain in order to highlight the newly elected women bishops by The United Methodist Church. This blog series will follow the national theme of “Celebrating Women who tell our Stories.” Additionally, they encourage you to document your own celebrations of women in leadership and that you share these stories with your Annual Conference COSROWs through social media using the #GCSRW. Learn more and read the current article here.
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Scholarships Available for United Methodist Students
Scholarship Applications are now being accepted for the following UMC-based scholarships:
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Archives and History Grants/Awards - for students and researchers to in a number of fields of study, including United Methodist history, particularly as it relates to women and ethnic groups and archival science. Deadline for applications is March 17, 2023. For the complete list, along with details about applying, click here.
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General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) - for United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Scholarship applications are open until March 30th, 2023. To learn more and apply, click here.
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United Methodist Foundation - for students to empower them to continue their education. 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, 2023. Click here for more information and to apply.
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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. The next meeting is Friday, March 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
“May God open our eyes to see what the holy ministry of intercession is, to which, as His royal priesthood, we have been set apart. May He give us a large and strong heart to believe what mighty influence our prayers can exert. And may all fear as to our being able to fulfill our vocation vanish as we see Jesus, living ever to pray, and a standing surety for our prayer life.” Andrew Murray.
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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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 - for 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 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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