The United Methodist Church
Northern Illinois Conference

July 23 eNews

Greetings!

Welcome to the NIC e-News. This newsletter is published every Thursday morning.

Flash Poll:

The NIC section of the print Reporter costs the conference about $25 per subscription per year in staff and fees to produce and mail. It is mailed to about 3,000 addresses. The current policy is that the newspaper is sent for free to local church offices, clergy and a number of lay people in each church. Other folks may subscribe at a fee of $25/year.

If you receive the print version of the Reporter, please click the link below ONCE that best corresponds to your view about this policy. Thank you!

  1. The Reporter should be free for anyone who wants it

  2. The Reporter should be free for church offices, clergy and some leaders, but for a subscription fee for others

  3. The Reporter should only be available for a subscription fee (with scholarships available for those who need them)

  4. The Reporter should be replaced by less expensive options like email, website and occasional direct mail


Other views or questions about subscriptions? Please email communications@umcnic.org.
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In This Issue
School of Congregational Development
Stewardship Conference
Clergy Retreat
Church Builders
Progress on New Website
PBotW
Quick Links
top School of Congregational Development:

- Sessions and Workshops SOLD OUT
- Worship Services Open to All
- Volunteers still needed

SCD
The Northern Illinois Conference is hosting the School of Congregational Development at First UMC in Evanston from
July 29 to August 2. For more than 20 years, the school has trained pastors, lay people and
other leaders who are starting or redeveloping new churches around the world.

Registration of 500 has already been reached, but you can still take part by joining us at the two major worship services at First UMC Evanston, 516 Church St.

Wed, July 29, 7:30pm - preacher Dr. Irving Cotto
Sunday, Aug 2, 7:00pm - preacher Rev. Mike Slaughter, lead pastor, Ginghamsburg UMC

Childcare and snacks are provided.

For more information, see the official website.

Volunteers are greatly appreciated!
Stewardship Conference - Aug. 29 - Sign up now!

Rev. Clif Christopher, founder and president of Horizons Stewardship Company and author of the book, Not Your Parents' Offering Plate, will present to the Northern Illinois Conference on stewardship in the 21st century, particularly about:
  • why people give
  • generational differences in giving patterns
  • the leadership of the pastor
  • the importance of focusing on ministry that changes peoples lives
Registration Form (.pdf)

Host Church: Barrington United Methodist Church at 98 Algonquin Rd., Barrington
Date:  Saturday, August 29
Time:  8:30 am- 3:30 pm
Cost:  $35 for first person from a church, $35 for second person, $100 for three or more people, unlimited
Food: Includes breakfast and lunch

Contact: Carolyn Cook at the Foundation's office, 312-346-9766 x104.
 
Clergy Retreat - Sept 13-15 - Sign up now!

This year's retreat features accomplished composer and Church of Scotland minister Rev. John Bell. Join clergy from across the conference at Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan, Wisconsin.

Find more information and registration information on our website. 
 
Church Builders Call: Sugar Grove UMC

The second of this year's Church Builders calls features Sugar Grove UMC in the western suburbs. Read all about their exciting project on our website.

Church Builders is a Northern Illinois Conference program that directs individual and group donations toward three deserving construction projects in the conference each year. To join Church Builders, or for more information, please call the conference office at 312-346-9766.
 
Progress on new website

From Matt Kuzma:

We are progressing nicely with our new website development, led by Big Heart Design.

We have received first drafts of the architecture for the new site and will be asking for input (especially on colors!) in the coming weeks.

Many thanks to those who participated in our online survey and focus groups about the current functionality of our site. Please know that we hear your feedback and are working to make sure our new website, launching this fall, will be functional and professional.


We know that our current website infrastructure is insufficient and unsustainable. However, there are improvements we can make now that will make the transition this fall more successful. And you can help! Please contact us anytime at communications@umcnic.org.
  • Is your church's website listed in our conference listing?
  • Are there other church, organization or corporate sites out there that you really like, whether because of form or function?
  • Does your committee, work area, board or agency have resources for local churches that should be included in our site?
Pancake Breakfast of the Week


ice cream

Lois Parr, Pastor North Northfield UMC:

Our candidate for PBotW is actually an Ice Cream Sundae, sponsored by our Evangelism Committee.

Our first was last Sunday; the second is August 16.
While our congregation really enjoys the homemade ice cream and fellowship, we hope it will also serve as outreach to the community-we are on the front lawn so you can't miss us when you go by this corner!

North Northfield UMC
797 Sanders Road, Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 272-2250 or call Chairperson John Klein at (847) 215-6190








To submit an entry for Pancake Breakfast of the week, please email details of your community event to communications@umcnic.org, subject heading "Pancakes."
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