I appreciate your request-
- I pray continually for healing and restoration in Haiti
-that we come together, centering on The Christ in this Lenten journey
-for our attentiveness to those in trouble because of economic downturn, job loss, hunger, overwhelming debts, and isolation
-I pray that we build a healthy stewardship culture in the conference and all local churches

 
Bishop's schedule in March

March 1-5 - Extended Cabinet and Laity Cabinet Mission Trip to Detroit, Mich.
March 7 - Preaching at Leland UMC
March 8  - Preaching at Board of Ordained Ministry Candidates Conference, Christ UMC Rockford
March 10  - Chicago Southern District Day on the District at Oak Lawn UMC
March 11 - Rockford District Day on the District at Freeport: Faith UMC
March 15-16 - Cabinet Meeting
March 17-20 - General Board of Discipleship Board of Directors Meeting
March 21 - Preaching at Princeton UMC
March 22-25 - North Central Jurisdiction Korean Academy for Spiritual Formation, Darien (Bishop Jung will be the co-leader of this five-day academy specifically designed for the Korean Community)
March 29-30 - Cabinet Meeting

All documents are due to Rev. Daniel Diss and Rev. Lora Zink at NIAC2010documents@rocketmail.com by March 1.

This includes resolutions to be considered by the conference as well as historical reports. All agencies and committees must complete a historical report that describes their ministry and accomplishments in 2009.

For more information, visit http://www.umcnic.com/conference

Church Item Swap: Does your church have extra choir robes, pews, pianos, or other items to give away? Post it here with your contact info so other churches can use them. Self-moderated. Jump in!

Links to Local Church Pages: Does your church have a Facebook Page? Post a comment here and we'll add you to the list.

371 fans and counting! More info about Facebook, Twitter and other social media on our website, or email us at communications@umcnic.org.

Need help putting together a Vacation Bible School program?  The North Central College outreach ministry, New Beginnings, can lead an effective VBS program that reaches out to children and family in your neighborhood.  New Beginnings is a team of five North Central College students dedicated to sharing the love of God though leading VBS programs in churches. 

The New Beginnings team provides the curriculum, the music, and the lead teachers for a weeklong program.  With singing, crafts, drama of Bible stories, games, and lessons, children learn about Jesus and God's love using the Cokesbury VBS curriculum. 

For more information about this program please contact North Central College Chaplain Lynn Pries at llpries@noctrl.edu or 630-637-5104.

By Connie Baker

You are invited to meet David Hosey, young adult UMC Missionary for 3 years with the General Board of Global Ministries in Jerusalem. The event is hosted by the NIC End-The-Occupation Task Force.
 
Friday, March 19 at noon
First UMC Elmhurst
232 South York St.
Elmhurst, IL 60126

Bring your own lunch or call 630-834-1461 by Wed, March 17th to order a box lunch for $10. Bring a friend or two, or more! Questions? Call 630-363-7713
 
Please come to support this young man who dedicated three years of his life serving as a UMC missionary in Jerusalem and is currently working with the National End-The-Occupation organization as media coordinator.
 
David is meeting with United Methodists to talk about actions we can take to help end the occupation in Israel/Palestine. How can we most effectively talk to our congregations about the issue? What are Christians in the Holy Land asking of us?