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The 2022 Northern Illinois Annual Conference Bishop's Appeal special offering will go toward Ukraine assistance. While immediate needs are great, we know the people of Ukraine will need assistance in the long term. For more details on fundraiser ideas and bringing your collective offering to Annual Conference, visit umcnic.org/Bishopsappeal2022.
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T-Shirt Sales
There's still time to buy a shirt or place a bulk order to help raise money for this year's Bishop's Appeal and support our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.
Click here to order.
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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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AC Ushers Needed
As we gather in-person this June 8-10 for Annual Conference, ushers will once again be needed to help the event run smoothly. During the daily proceedings ushers often help with distribution of materials. Ushers are also needed to distribute worship programs at the Memorial Service (Wed. 6/8 1:30 pm), Retirement Service (Thurs. 6/9, 8:45 am), and Ordination (Friday, 6/10 1:30 pm). Ushers do not need to be present the entire day, shifts can be arranged. If you are able to volunteer some time, please contact Laura Lopez, LLopez@umcnic.org.
Last call for notification of Lay Members no longer with us for the Memorial Service
The Memorial Service Committee needs your help in collecting names and photos of AC lay members who have passed since July 2021. Lay members can be current or former representatives. Submission can be sent to communications@umcnic.org.
AC Mission Challenge
The NIC Board of Global Ministries is coordinating with the Midwest Mission Distribution Center (MMDC) to organize its fill-the-truck collection drive for the most needed items at this time. The truck will be parked at the Schaumburg Convention Center on June 8 and 9 to take in your donations. Click here for items needed. Download flyer.
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The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the Arlene Campbell Foundation – a Texas-based humanitarian organization focused on Ukraine – and Ohio Health are collaborating to send 47,895 pounds of medical supplies and equipment worth $935,000.00 to three hospitals in Kyiv, Ukraine. AEC Parcel Services is handling transport of the supplies, which are being sent in three shipments.
The effort was put together by the Arlene Campbell Humanitarian Foundation, headquartered in North Zulch, Texas, which has links to health facilities in Ukraine. UMCOR is paying specific costs, including transportation, of approximately $160,000. Ohio Health, a not-for-profit, charitable, health care ministry of The United Methodist Church, donated the supplies through a medical surplus program. UMCOR put the foundation in touch with Ohio Health and coordinated with the United Nation’s Logistics Cluster to move the supplies into Ukraine from Poland through AEC Parcel, a private shipping company. Read more.
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Through the Mission Links giving, United Methodist congregations support the running of UMCOR. To support UMCOR’s continued efforts to offer immediate relief and long-term recovery for the war in Ukraine, make a gift to Advance #982450.
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Deerfield: Christ UMC Fair Trade Gift Boutique
Deerfield: Christ UMC is hosting a Fair Trade Boutique in cooperation with the Chicago Fair Trade event in celebration of World Fair Trade Day, Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 11am to 4 pm. 600 Deerfield Road Deerfield, Ill.
CUMC will be hosting several fair-trade vendors in our coffee lounge, with an array of products to sell including jewelry, candles, handbags and honey-infused skin lotions and creams! Click here for more info and the Facebook Event Page.
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Heritage Sunday, May 22
Heritage Sunday, (Aldersgate Day) calls the Church to remember the past by committing itself to the continuing call of God. This year's theme is “Splits, Separations, and Reconciliations.” From now through the remainder of the year, the General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH) will be producing and releasing a number of resources to help the denomination better understand the multifaceted and multi-faced history of the Methodist movement in a global context. Click to read more.
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Clergy Ministry Review due date is May 24
Each year, it is helpful to church leadership and their clergy/pastors to take time to reflect on their goals and life together in the past year. The evaluation tool seeks to foster opportunities for dialogue, support, and accountability in order to enable growth and ministry for the congregational and pastoral team. It is available on the NIC website on the Clergy Life Forms Page under the heading, CLERGY MINISTRY REVIEW. Like last year, the Clergy Profile information questions are included to help keep the Conference database current and are on the clergy/pastor’s EM360 online form for simplicity. The deadline to complete the evaluation and update the Clergy Profile Sheet is May 24, 2022.
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Global Ministries Features Northern Illinois Conference Elder
Rev. Jin Kim, an elder in the Northern Illinois Conference, will be featured in the General Board of Global Ministries #StillInMission Episode 43. on on June 2 at 11 am CST. Register here. Rev. Jin Kim serves as the Coordinator of Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace with the World Council of Churches in Switzerland.Register here. You will have the opportunity to meet in a small group to hear a presentation from each missionary during the call. Registration is limited.
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The trainings are being offered both on-line via zoom and in-person.
The dates offered are:
- Thursday, June 23 - 6:30 pm - Plainfield UMC
- Wednesday, June 29 - 6:30 pm - Plainfield UMC
- Saturday, July 16 - 1:00 pm - Des Plaines: First UMC
- Saturday, July 30 - 10:00 am - Rockford: Christ UMC
- Saturday, August 6 - 10:00 am - Rockford: Christ UMC
- Saturday, August 10 - 1:00 pm - Des Plaines: First UMC
Find more information and register here.
**This free training is an alternate for those who cannot participate in other training options and does not include a background check.
Also, we have redone our NIC Safe Sanctuaries Website. Check out the site for videos, policies, FAQ, downloads and more resources. umcnic.org/safesanctuaries
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Speaker Series: Race, America, and the Church
The Northern Illinois Conference, in partnership with the Indiana Conference and other groups, is pleased to announce a 2022 Speaker Series.
The second event will be held June 23.
Thursday, June 23, 2022, 12:00 -1:30 PM
via Zoom
Speakers: Rev. Derrek Belase, Rev. David Lagos-Fonseca, Rev. Dana Neuhasuer, Rev. Brian Tillman, & Rev. Kathy L. Williams Moderator: Rev. Pamela Pirtle
Representatives from different conferences discuss what the local church and their conferences are doing to address racism.
Register and Learn More
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Clergy Retreat Directory Created
As clergy navigate their ministry year, may they find comfort knowing that there are "sacred places apart" prepared for them. United Methodist camps and retreat centers across the country have created the Clergy Retreat Directory, as they continually strive to provide intentional, sacred spaces where the faithful can find rest and rejuvenation. The directory is a list of UM sites across the connection that offer free or reduced cost retreat space for United Methodist clergy. Check out the resource here.
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Resources for the Local Church
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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Month of May) - Worship Resources and Prayers
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Heritage Sunday (May 22) - Resources and information on this year's theme "Splits, Separations and Reconciliations."
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United Voices for Children Sunday (May 29) - Information and videos to share with your congregation.
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Pentecost (June 5) - Resources, planning materials and more.
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Peace with Justice Sunday (June 12) - Worship Resources, pew cards, prayers and more.
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Junteenth (June 19) - Overview and ideas to celebrate as well as links to worship resources.
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Father's Day (June 19) - Prayer and video as well as links to 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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