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We want to "Be The Change"
The Anti-Racism Team at Christ UMC in Rockford offered a challenge to its congregation titled, "4 weeks of Inclusive Strategies for Loving Your Neighbor," from Jan. 22 to Feb. 12, 2023. Our challenge was based on Luke 10:27 and "30 days of Antiracism," from the Religion & Race website.
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Participants were given handouts that included a family history questionnaire and suggested actions to complete. There were 3 levels of action based on how informed people were about racism. Activities included watching videos, guided writing, reading books from our Diversity Issues Book Study, and having conversations about race with friends/family. When an action was completed, people could display them on a "peace pole" for others to see. Each week after worship, there were small group discussions. In the final week, the team organized a gathering of multicultural treats for everyone. We served African-American, Filipino, Korean, Hispanic, and Guatemalan treats. We also offered a weekly resource table for the entire congregation, with information about racism from Religion and Race's "What Is ..." series.
Questions or comments - please reach out to Debbie Whinnery at phowhin@yahoo.com
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How Galena UMC Became a Reconciling Congregation
They not officially a Reconciling Congregation, even though they thought they were. When Pastor Jin-Hee Kang discovered this, she helped them start the process to join. Since then, their Sunday worship attendance has been growing. After The Galena Gazette interviewed Pastor Kang, over 50 visitors have attended worship, two new members joined, and an infant was baptized. Read more.
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Send-off for Rev. Jane Eesley
May 12, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Kingswood UMC, 401 W. Dundee Rd., Buffalo Grove. Rev. Eesley will start her UM missionary appointment as the Methodist liaison office advocacy coordinator in Jerusalem on July 1. At this reception, you'll hear Jane speak about her calling and learn how you can support her work. Enjoy wonderful desserts and fellowship! Email Rev. David Aslesen or call (847) 825-3144 with questions or for additional information. Visit the Facebook page for the event here.
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Mission Links helps you live out the beatitudes and be a blessing for projects around the block and around the world.
United Voices for Children Sunday is celebrated on each fifth Sunday in months with five Sundays. The next time we celebrate is April 30.
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United Voices for Children (UVC) is a coalition of NIC congregations, agencies, groups and individuals that speaks and acts on behalf of children, youth and families in need. Funds are divided among the institutions in the UVC coalition: Kids Above All (formerly ChildServ), Rosecrance Health Network and MYSI (formerly Methodist Youth Services, Inc.) Learn more about the 5th Sunday Appeal here.
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More updates and details will be posted in the NIC eNews and on the website at umcnic.org/AC2023.
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Bishop's Appeal for Migrant Needs
This year, the Bishop’s Appeal focuses on migrant needs. Your donations will help area organizations provide migrants with immediate needs like hygiene kits, temporary shelter, and food and longer-term needs like employment, housing, medical care, and legal assistance. Read more here.
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HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE | |
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Donate Childcare Supplies to Kids Above All
Kids Above All's Happy Babies Drive is collecting childcare supplies so that parents, caregivers, babies, and toddlers have the essentials they need for a happy and healthy start to their lives together. They've created a wish list of the most needed items. The donation location, as well as volunteer opportunities, for this year’s drive is Kids Above All’s Better Life Distribution Center, located at 1801 E. Oakton in Des Plaines, IL 60018. Learn more here.
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At this quarter’s Anti-Racism Film Series, discover the rich history and culture of the multitude of Asian communities. On May 25, from 6 to 8 p.m., ten host sites will serve a meal followed by a presentation and panel discussion. (You may also attend via Zoom.) The series guides participants into deeper awareness of race and ethnicity. Register and find more information here.
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NIC Repair the Harm to Children Campaign launched
As you may know, the Boy Scouts of America recently settled a lawsuit related to accusations of sexual abuse of children. The Repair the Harm to Children campaign was created to address the needs of the survivors in three ways; listening and providing healing to the survivors, contributing our fair share to the survivor fund established by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and working to create safeguards against harm in the future. We seek pledges from churches and individuals to fund restorative healing for the survivors. Click here for more information.
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May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time when we honor the history and contributions of members of this fastest-growing population in the United States. This is a diverse group of people with origins in the Far East, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. In The United Methodist Church, we have an opportunity for a richer experience of worship and life as the people of God when we celebrate the voices of our Asian American and Pacific Islander brothers and sisters among us. Find worship resources and more here.
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The United Methodist Church celebrates Heritage Sunday annually near Aldersgate Day (May 24). This year Heritage Sunday is May 21. The observance provides an opportunity for reflection on heritage, celebration of where the Church has been, how it understands itself as it shapes us today, and the meaning of Christian conferencing. The theme for Heritage Sunday 2023: “Local Church Histories: The Cornerstone of Our Faith.” Find worship resources and more here.
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Shop UMC Market & Support Ministries
Now that Amazon Smile is no longer available encourage your supporters to use UMC Market. Like Amazon Smile, UMC Market enables online shoppers to raise donations for your ministry or church simply by making purchases. Nearly 2,000 vendors participate, including Expedia, Kohl’s, Ticketmaster, and Walmart. Visit UMC Market.
Read more here.
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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, small groups, pastors, children, and individuals.
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Copyright © 2023 Northern Illinois Conference | |
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Do you have news to share?
We are always looking for stories of what is happening in your church. We welcome articles from churches highlighting ministries, outreach, and missions that 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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