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Faithful Fridays

Friday, April 14, 2023

Continuing Education Opportunities

From Rev. Dr. Terrill Murff, ACM for Program, Innovation, and Events:


I am excited to announce a series of new Continuing Education opportunities for Pastor's, MID's, and Church Leadership. Keith Clark-Hoyos has worked with the Illinois Conference Leadership for the past three years to provide financial structure, organizational and operational control for the finances of the Illinois Conference. Keith provides consulting, coaching, and training for church leaders through his consulting business, Church Training Center. Keith has developed and is launching specialized training for church leadership which focuses on church council leadership, strategic planning, budgeting for mission, financial oversight, and healthy administration efficiencies that support effective ministry.


We are looking to provide training to cohort's containing 8 - 12 participants through four different areas of church operation. The four areas of focus : Governance, Pastor & Church Finance, Budgets That Inspire Giving and Churches and Taxes. The current costs for participants per cohort is $100. Please reach out to Rev. Terrill Murff for more details. Registration information and further details will be shared soon.


From The Damascus Project:


Transforming Conflict Course - This course will be taught by Rev. Elena Larssen and will take place from April 17 - May 15, 2023 with Zoom sessions on May 1, 8 and 15. This course will cover popular concepts of conflict transformation, both interpersonal and community based. Emphasis will be placed on self-knowledge, prayerful practices, and the role of a leader in church conflict. Learn more here.


Exploring Implicit Bias Course - It is designed to align with the Marks and to fulfill the Manual on Ministry requirements for ongoing DEI training. We have room for more participants in the upcoming session: April 20 - May 25, with Zoom sessions on April 27, May 11, May 25 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Central Time. Learn more here.

Widening the Circle Breakfast - Opening Your Space to Asylum Seekers in Chicagoland

Wednesday, May 3, 9:00 -11:00 AM


Asylum seekers risk everything in the hopes of finding protection and welcome in the United States. As more and more asylum seekers arrive at our city’s doorstep, there is a very urgent need for the wonderful people of Chicago to open their spaces to their newest neighbors. Come and learn how to make it happen from several faith communities, organizations, and individuals who have opened their space and hearts to asylum seekers throughout Chicagoland! The event will take place at Old Saint Patrick's Church, 700 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60661. For more information click on the links below.


Widening the Circle Breakfast Invitation

Resource Guide

Registration Link

Outdoor Ministries - Camp of the Week!

Spirit Camp

July 10-15 at Pilgrim Park Camp

Grades 3-10 | Fee: $405

Directors: Sara Buresh, Diane Hooper, Colleen Maney


A place to make new friends, learn about God, and just be yourself! Each day has a different theme based on a Bible story, and we live out these lessons while enjoying our favorite camp activities with our friends! Come join us to find out what the Spirit Camp spirit is all about.

Spirit Tenderfoot Camp

July 13-15 at Pilgrim Park Camp

Grades K-3 | Fee: $190

Director: Terri Kelly


A camp of new friends and fun memories while learning about God in our life. All of this in just two sleeps! Come and enjoy the fun!

Festival of Homiletics Clergy Retreat

May 15-18, 2023

Tower Hill Camp & Conference Center


Would you love to attend the Festival of Homiletics in Minneapolis but can't make the trip? Join with colleagues at Tower Hill to view and engage with the best of the Festival of Homiletics. There will also be ample time to wander in the woods, walk on the beach, go kayaking on the river, and just relax. Registration includes private bathroom, shared bathroom, and all meals. If you would like to access every session of the Festival of Homiletics you may also register for the Online Upgrade for an additional fee.

Online Registration

Ecumenical Advocacy Days

April 25-27, 2023


Join UCC staff and advocates at Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2023, a virtual conference to worship, educate, and advocate for the innovative and courageous policies needed to realize the prophet Micah’s vision: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”


The conference this year will again be virtual, and will start with worship at 10am ET on Tuesday, April 25. All worship, plenaries, and workshops will be recorded for later viewing.



Registration is $50 and scholarships are available.

Learn More Here

UCC Stewardship Webinars


April 26 - Rethinking What God Calls Volunteers to Do

6:30 PM Central Time

Rev. Bridget Flad Daniels of Union UCC in Green Bay, WI, and Rev. Elena Larssen of the National Ministries will reflect on ways to engage volunteers and hear God's call to something new when you can't find volunteers. They will help us think about ways to make more dynamic volunteer experiences. Register here.


May 24 - Building an Endowment

6:30 PM Central Time

An endowment can support a congregation and its wider mission. But where do you start? This webinar will provide ideas and policies for creating and growing an endowment for your congregation. Rev. Andrew Warner will draw on his experience with the Wisconsin Foundation UCC when discussing how to raise, manage, and use endowment funds. Register here.

Upcoming Events at Our Churches!

Saturday, April 15 - Join the CHICAGO screening of PRAY AWAY, the Netflix documentary that explores the narratives of former leaders and a survivor of the “conversion therapy” movement who speak out about its lasting harm and its devastating persistence. The screening will be followed with a panel discussion featuring survivors of "conversion therapy", mental health experts, LGBTQIA+ advocates, and faith leaders who will reflect on the themes of the film. Come learn, connect and get plugged into a movement working to advance liberation for LGBTQIA+ Chicagoans. This event is being hosted by the Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches, Chicago Theological Seminary, Eden United Church of Christ, Gather, Living Well Ministries, Multitude Films, The Open and Affirming Coalition Of the United Church of Christ and United Church of Hyde Park. Learn more here.


Doors open at 11:30 a.m., program begins at 12:00 p.m. Lunch provided!

Eden United Church of Christ (5051 West Gunnison, Chicago, IL 60630) will host "Bridging Our Divides: A Mission & Model for Concerned Citizens" on Sunday, April 23, from 1pm - 4pm. Join us -- to gain a sense of encouragement and connection necessary to work as peacemakers in family, community, and other settings. Eden UCC & Braver Angels-Illinois present this program, open to all who would like to be a part of constructive dialogue and political de-escalation in our divided times. We will enjoy lunch and view and discuss the 50-minute documentary, Braver Angels: Reuniting America, and our common visions moving forward.

1 pm: Welcome lunch

2 pm: Documentary: Braver Angels: Reuniting America

3 pm: Discussion led by Eden staff and Braver Angels volunteers


Sign-up here! For more information, contact info@edenuccchicago.org or 773-283-5557.

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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. 

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