The United Methodist Church
Northern Illinois Conference

e-News for April 23

Greetings!

Welcome to the NIC e-News. This newsletter is published every Thursday morning at 10 a.m.

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In This Issue
Harvest 2020 Prayer Services
Financial Ed
Native American Ministries Sunday
Job Postings
Art Contest
NCD Training
North Central College Breakfast
Pancake Breakfast of the Week
Quick Links
Harvest 2020 Prayer Services

Harvest2020LogoApril 28 and 30, the Harvest 2020 Spiritual Formation Group invites you to an evening of prayer, meditation, music and scriptures at one of six churches around the conference.

Clergy and laity will gather together to pray for the vision of Harvest 2020 as we plant new faith communities, grow healthy disciples and promote cooperation between our local churches. Click here for dates and locations.
 
More Financial Education

Many churches in our conference are serving their communities during the recession by offering seminars in financial planning. How is your church addressing this issue? Tell us: [email protected]

Thursday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Hinsdale UMC, 945 Garfield (Corner of 55th Street & Garfield), 630)325-1280

Sessions:
  • The Economic Prognosis for 2009 and Beyond
  • 10 Strategies for Protecting and Growing your Net Worth during Volatile Times
  • How to search for a Job during a Recession
  • Opportunities to Refinance Mortgage and Other Personal Debt and College Financing
Native American Ministries Sunday - April 26
Native American Ministries Sunday is a time for United Methodists to remember and celebrate our connection with our Native brothers and sisters, and a time for the church to support programs and scholarships for Native peoples. It is observed on the third Sunday of Easter, which this year is April 26th, but it can be celebrated at any time of year. Read more
Job Postings

Northern Illinois churches may post open positions for free for up to 30 days. Check our jobs board for the latest. 

 
Rainbow Covenant Art Contest

Calling all Northern Illinois United Methodist Children!

Students in grades 1-8 are welcome to enter a drawing for the cover of the 2010-2011 Rainbow Covenant Book.

This year's theme is: COLORING GOD'S WORLD WITH LOVE

Please complete the design on 8.5" x11" white paper, oriented vertically.
On the lower right hand corner of the BACK of the artwork please print the artist's name, age, address, phone number and church.

Please mail by May 29, 2009 to:

Emmy Lou John
1541 Kenilworth Pl.
Aurora, IL 60506
630-264-2892
 
Natural Church Development Training May 30

Call Judy Siaba at 312-346-9766 ext. 124 or e-mail [email protected] to register:

May 30, 2009, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Natural Church Development training at Barrington UMC
Cost: $10/person (includes lunch)

Jeannette Buller Slater will lead the training. Slater has consulted pastors and church planters toward effective ministry and has been involved in all aspects of NCD since its inception in 1998. 

Childcare available upon request.

This training will serve as continuing education for current coaches and will allow potential coaches to learn the Natural Church Development process. All current coaches, potential coaches, pastors, lay leaders and the church's NCD Health team should attend.
Rethink Church launches May 5-6
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Resources for conferences and churches are available at www.rethinkchurch.org, a Web site that offers tools and resources to United Methodists for the Rethink Church launch. Just added to the site's "Getting Started" area is new information on how congregations can get involved, including tips for launch-date activities. Also included is a conference- and church-level strategy for staging random acts of kindness events, similar to the event scheduled for New York City. Ideas range from cleaning up graffiti to bagging groceries.
Churches of North Central College students to be honored

At its Annual Conference breakfast at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, June 8, North Central College will honor NIC churches whose membership includes current students attending the College.

If your church falls into that category, please contact Rev. Lynn Pries, campus chaplain, at [email protected] by May 22. We hope at least one representative from each church will be able to attend to receive the well-deserved recognition. North Central's president, Dr. Harold R. (Hal) Wilde, will be there to present the awards, and members of the summer New Visions and New Beginnings teams will be available to talk about their experiences working with churches in the Northern Illinois and Wisconsin Conferences.
Placki of the Week

placki
The Pancake Breakfast of the Week has returned from a grand tour of Poland, Germany and Italy. The European championship goes to Krakow, with its magnificent placki.

Please send candidates for Pancake Breakfast (or other community meal) of the Week to [email protected], subject line "Pancakes."