News & Updates

August 10, 2023

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"Follow Me"

It has been such a pleasure so far, getting to know so many of you across the district. I look forward to continuing to meet others.

I want to thank you for your faithful commitment to your churches and for the lives you have touched with the love of Christ. In addition to the vital ministries you have done, I also notice some common problematic trends: attendance and income reduced as a result of the Corona Virus Pandemic, buildings too large for the congregation to manage, which drains ministry funds, givers passing away and moving away, aging congregation, etc. I, too, had to deal with these issues in pastoral ministry.

So what do we do? As the saying goes, “While alive, live!” Keep moving forward and ensure the community knows the church is still open for business. Yes, but how do we keep going? Another famous saying is, “When all else fails, read the instructions.”

One interesting fact about Jesus and His ministry is that Jesus didn’t have any church members. No one got away with just “belonging” to His ministry. Jesus only had disciples. And everyone had the same assignment, ‘go tell (and demonstrate to) others the good news that the Christ has come.’ Then there was also that ‘prayer thing’—seeking God together in prayer until we are empowered by God’s Spirit, and then we will be witnesses (in word and power). I’m just guessing that what worked for the early church will work for the church today (we are the same church).

Some might say, “Well, that worked for them, but it won’t work for us today.” Well, if what we have been doing isn’t turning things around for us, perhaps we should try what has worked in the past. We in the church today are the proof that the early church’s work worked over the long haul. Jesus’ original disciples told others about Him. Someone told us—parents or otherwise. Someone told them. You get the picture. The word gets around when we tell it, just like all the other things we tell. The good news about Christ is contagious if each of us would just spread it. Easier said than done, right? Maybe. Maybe not.

We must do our part in order for God to do God’s part through us. We must go back to Jesus’ instructions to His disciples concerning the continuation of His ministry. That’s the only thing that will work over time. I would challenge each of us to compare all that our church is doing with all that Jesus commissioned His disciples to do as He was departing this earth physically. Following Jesus (and His instructions) will work. Perhaps nothing else will.

We will develop district-wide strategies for working alongside our congregations who are serious about growing and living into the future. Sure, it’s not easy, and there are all sorts of challenges. Yet if we give what we have and do what we can (about going and telling and making disciples), then God can multiply our two fish and five loaves to reach multitudes. Remember, we do the planting and watering. God gives the increase. I look forward to embarking with you on a journey toward increase.

May God Bless you as you serve.

DS Audrea Nanabray

Lake South District Superintendent

Many churches are starting up Mission Trips after a pause or change due COVID. It is great to see everyone being the hands and feet of Christ in our word. Read Mission Trip stories from across the conference.

First UMC in LaGrange sent a large team of 105 to serve with the Appalachia Service Project (ASP)at the end of July! This was the church’s 29^th year of service with ASP. They had a blast beating the heat while building relationships with neighbors in Dickenson County, VA.

Read Vacation Bible School stories from across the conference.

We would love to hear your stories and see your photos.

Share with us by sending information and photos to LSmith@UMCNIC.org.

Lake South District Encouraging Conversations

To get to know everyone better, DS Dr. Audrea Nanabray has times planned to meet everyone. Called Lake South District Encouraging Conversations, these will be times of sharing and encouragement on our journey for Christ. Laity are encouraged to sign up to meet with her on a first come first served basis for the remaining Summer conversation on Sept 2nd from 10:00 am - noon at 10010 S. Union Ave, Chicago, IL. (Lake South District Home Office). Click here for the sign up. During their interviews, she will meet with clergy over the next two months. We will do more clergy and laity group meetings next year.

Do you know American Sign Language?

DS Audrea Nanabray is looking for anyone proficient in American Sign Language and interested in serving in ministries with deaf persons. Please contact our District Administrator, Leola, at ltucker@umcnic.org for more information.

Oak Lawn: First would like to extend an invitation to all churches to come and experience Africa in America. The day will be filled with African songs, cultural dances, delicious African food, an exhibit of African Arts and Fashion, fellowship, and a speech about African spirituality and wellness. This day is all about celebrating our diversity!

Please check out the flyer here for more information and to share with your friends. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the church office at 708-423-1170, fumcoffice1@att.net, or Pastor Amos at 773-600-9799, oladipoamos@yahoo.com.

Register for the Fall NIC Book Club Registration is open for this fall's groups that will be reading and discussing Living Our Beliefs: The United Methodist Way, by retired UMC Bishop Kenneth L. Carder. Starting in September, groups will meet throughout the conference, via Zoom, in person, and hybrid for five to six weeks. Learn more, find a listing of group options, and register here.

Watch the video intro for the Fall NIC Book Club here.

It's Back to School Season!

Over the next month or two, students, teachers, and school staff across the conference will return to the classroom. Back-to-school Sundays or nights are a beloved and much-needed mainstay in many United Methodist churches. Congregations will be blessing backpacks, collecting and distributing school supplies, hosting seasonal events, supporting teachers and other staff, and beginning or continuing partnerships with schools.

There are many resources available for your church:

Pray, bless, support: Ideas and aids for back-to-school ministry: A wealth of worship, children's ministry, and ministry resources, as well as images and social media graphics posted on Resource UMC
Back to School Social Media Graphics, free from Resource UMC and Outreach
Family Prayers for School Mornings by Rethink Church
Back to School Blessing for different age groups from Discipleship Ministries
Back to School Blessing Video from United Methodist Communications
Deepen your Back to School Night, three tips from Church and Society

See you at church!

The end of summer brings new opportunities to grow in our faith and reignite our passion for serving others. It’s time to head back to church, and as we connect with each other, let’s invite someone to join us on the life-changing journey of discipleship and ministry.

Watch this video to find inspiration and share it with others as an invitation.

HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

“Keep the Dream Alive” – United Methodists Stand for Racial Justice

On Sunday, August 27, 2023, the NIC Anti-Racism Task Force will be hosting two back-to-back events in Chicago to honor the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington and to lift up the on-going work of seeking racial justice.

Worship & Musical Celebration at First UMC at the Temple at 1:30 pm with light refreshments served before
Rally & March across the street from the Church at Daley Plaza at 2:30 pm

Find more information and register here.

Nominate a Child Advocacy Leader

Each year the United Voices for Children Board of Directors selects individuals or groups to receive their Annual Child Advocacy Awards. These awards honor extraordinary service or advocacy efforts on behalf of children, youth, and/or families throughout the NIC. Any United Methodist member, congregation, or friend of UVC in Northern Illinois and the Chicago area can submit a nomination to receive one of these awards. Award winners will receive a grant for their organization or ministry, a commemorative plaque, recognition in the annual conference program, and local media outlets. Read about the award categories and nominate someone by Aug. 30. Read more.

NIC Youth Fall Retreat

The NIC Youth Fall Retreat Team is excited to invite you to our second annual retreat, intended for 6th-12th graders in the Northern Illinois Conference. This year's theme is "Behold." The retreat will happen Fri., Sept. 29 - Sun., Oct. 1 at the Lake Geneva Youth Camp in Lake Geneva, WI. The cost is $140 each person. There is a requirement of one adult who is Safe Sanctuary certified for up to every six youth. We hope you'll join us for a time of rejuvenation, growth and connection!

Click here for more information and to register.

12 - 18 month Cohort Program beginning in Fall

The Black Healing Collective Cohort is a small group created to understand racial trauma personally, congregationally, and in society. The cohort program will utilize trauma-informed research and practices to develop a pathway(s) toward healing. The cohort will be 12-18 months with various leadership development and skill-building monthly meetings, outings, travel, and learning and engagement opportunities to enhance individual capacity to support the church and community in becoming more trauma-informed and resilient. Learn more here.

Other Upcoming Conference Events:

Sept. 15-17: Men's Spiritual Congress: Meet other UM men, relax, and nurture your faith. Read more.
Sept. 21: 23 Film Series: Privilege, Power and Race: Meal, presentation, panel discussion and table discussions around privilege, power, and race at many locations across the conference. Read more.
Oct. 21: What Makes for a Vital Church Today? Workshop: Presentation by Rev. Dr. Pail Nickerson. Read more.
Nov. 4: Vital Partnerships: New Models of Cooperative Ministries: Attend this workshop and explore new ways your church might become healthier through a merger. Read more.

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

Apportionment Highlight - Interdenominational Cooperation Fund

In the United Methodist Church, we deeply appreciate the value of ecumenism—the desire to find common ground and foster unity among different Christian traditions. The Interdenominational Cooperation Fund allows The United Methodist Church to partner with our Christian family worldwide to fulfill our shared mission. As followers of Christ, we are bound together by a common purpose: to love and serve God wholeheartedly. Our faith teaches us that through the Holy Spirit, we become part of God's family, joining the multitude of believers across various churches and denominations.

Many Grant Options Available for Local Churches

North Central Jurisdiction Mission Grants: Applications are due Sept. 1. Read more.
Midwest Methodist Foundation Creative Ministry Grants: Applications are due Sept.15. Read more.
Grants Available to Help Strengthen the Ethnic Local Church: Applications are due Sept. 30. Read more.

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. The next meeting is Friday, August 11 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.

Other Resources

#BeUMC Resources -Tool Kits, Social Media Kits, Graphics, and more.
Social Media Shareables - Free graphics for social media for different events, months, and ministries. (Through Outreach, log-in is needed, but resources are free)
UMC Giving Resources - Mission Moments, Special Sunday Info, Leader Kits, Pew Cards, and more.
United Media Resource Center - Lending library of Christian materials for local churches, small groups, pastors, children, and individuals.

Rev. Audrea Nanabray

Lake South District Superintendent

ananabray@umcnic.org

312-346-9766 ext. 783

Leola Tucker

Administrative Assistant

ltucker@umcnic.org

312-346-9766 ext. 733

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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