Update:
"Video gambling takes a beating," Sun-Times News Group
"Homewood residents take side on gambling," Sun-Times News Group
"Gambling debate at town hall meeting," Sun-Times News Group
"Nearly 60% oppose video gambling," Chicago Tribune


The Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Task Force to Oppose Gambling for Chicago and national anti-gambling organization Stop Predatory Gambling are working together to encourage city neighborhoods, towns and villages to reject video poker in their communities.
 
The new effort, called "Operation Let the People Decide," will be holding public meetings in local communities to educate people on the video poker issue in their jurisdictions. We believe that citizens should have the right to either reject or invite gambling into their neighborhoods.
 
Earlier this year, the Illinois General Assembly passed legislation that authorized the expansion of video poker into restaurants, bars and fraternal organizations. Funds from the gambling machines would be used to finance statewide capital improvement.
 
Debate about this funding mechanism did not include the public in any meaningful way. It was added in the waning days of the legislative session. With an estimated 45,000 video poker machines needed to raise the required revenue for the capital bill, many towns and cities across the state could be affected.
 
Meetings are scheduled for:

Sept. 24, 7:00 p.m., Our Redeemer UMC, Schaumburg, 1600 W. Schaumburg Rd.   
Contact: Jon Montgomery, 847-687-2416

By Sara Spoonheim, Faith in Place

Do you want to pilot state-of-the-art storm water management practices in your congregation? Are you thinking about repaving your parking lot? Are you tired of flooding at your church?
 
Faith in Place is looking for partners in Cook and Lake counties to pilot "green infrastructure" to transform rainwater into a valuable resource. Once we secure funding, two or three congregations will become demonstration sites with green technology like permeable pavers, low-maintenance rain gardens, parking lot bioswales, 300-gallon cisterns, vertical gardens, etc.

 
Eligible sites must have external downspouts with some unpaved area nearby or a parking lot with flooding problems, be willing to put some financial and volunteer resources into the effort, agree to use their site for educational events, and test a new FiP curriculum on water with a group in their congregation.
 
Intrigued? Call Sara at 312-733-4640 right away! We'd like to include your interest in a grant proposal we're submitting on October 15.

By the UM General Board of Higher Education & Ministry

Do you know a youth or young adult who is discerning a call to ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church? EXPLORATION 2009 is a three-day gathering for high school seniors and young adults up to age 24 who are considering a call to ordained ministry as a deacon or elder. The event will be held Nov. 13-15 in Dallas. Now is the time to register, so if you know of those who should attend, please pass this message on to them and invite them to consider registering for EXPLORATION.