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December 23 - In this issue

Please send email about e-news or the Reports to communications@umcnic.org. If you are interested in becoming the communications director see the job posting

  • Upcoming Conference Events
    • Remember victims of Haiti Earthquake, January 12
    • UMW School of Christian Mission
    • Clergy Tax Seminar
       
    • Laity Convocation, February 5
       
  • Christmas Greeting from the Bishop
  • District Leadership Training Events
    • Aurora
    • Chicago Northwestern
    • Chicago Southern
    • Elgin
    • DeKalb
    • Rockford
       
  • Winter/Spring Lay Academies
     
  • Kathryn Monfortte of the NIC Becomes a Missionary
     
  • Apportionments Update
     
  • Job postings
    • Communications Director
    • Reynoldswood Site Director
       

 

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Upcoming Conference Events - join us!

January 12, 2011, Haiti memorial Service,  Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, 6 pm.
An ecumenical service will be held in the Chapel of the Unnamed Faithful at Garrett, to remember the victims of the Haitian earthquake of January 12, 2010, and  to raise funds for the people of Haiti. the service will include prayer, music, and dance. Haitian food will be provided by Chez Violette. Contact Ms. Julie K. Fleurinor or Ms. Elizabeth Pierre for more information.

January 14-16, 2011, UMW School of Christian Mission, Camp Reynoldswood.
United Methodist Women will present a shorter version of the Summer School of Christian Mission in the more intimate setting of Camp Reynoldswood. There is opportunity to study one of the three mission studies in depth: For the Love of God: the Epistles of John, Joy to the World: Mission in the Age of Global Christianity; or The Beauty and Courage of Sudan.

January 27, 2011, Clergy Tax Seminar, Barrington UMC
The UM Foundation will offer a Tax Seminar for Clergy. This is offered each year for clergy.

February 5, Laity Convocation, Sycamore UMC
Save the date! This crucial training event draws hundreds of laypeople as we get ready for another year of ministry. This year, we are thrilled to have Bishop Robert Schnase, author of the book "Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations."
Christmas Greetings from the Bishop
bishopjung
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Advent has been our time of preparation. We have prepared our hearts and minds for the arrival of the Prince of Peace.    The Hebrew Scriptures foretold it, the angels proclaimed it, the shepherds and wise men saw it for themselves.  Christmas is about an innocent baby born in poverty, heralding God's grace and peace, bringing hope to the world.

My prayer this Christmas is for the peace of Christ to be renewed in our hearts, our minds and our world. I pray for peace in the streets of Chicago where violence has become so common an occurrence that we are no longer shocked by the deaths of teenagers and young people. I pray for peace in warring nations where US troops and peace keeping forces remain in harm's way and life is threatened each day.  I pray for peace in Rwanda, the Korean Peninsula and so many other villages and towns plagued by unrest. I pray for peace in our immigrant communities where there is a longing to belong and know welcome.

My prayer this Christmas is that the peace of Christ may settle into your heart, enfold your home, and radiate into your community as you worship, praise and sing the carols of the season.  Claim Christ's peace for your heart today, and share Christ's love so the world might know our Savior's power to transform and heal those in need.

Your Brother in Christ,

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung
Districts offer Leadership Training

Aurora District Leadership Training will be held in January, 2011, Location TBD

Chicago Northwestern District Leadership Training will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2011, at Glenview UMC.

Chicago Southern District Leadership Training will be held, Saturday, January 22, 2011, at First UMC of Orland Park

Elgin District Leadership Training will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at First UMC of Crystal Lake.

DeKalb District Leadership Training will be held Saturday, January 8, 2011, at Wesley UMC in Sterling, IL.

Rockford  District Leadership Training will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at Faith UMC in Freeport.

Winter / Spring Lay Academies

Several Districts will be offering Lay Academies in the winter and spring of 2011. Take advantage of this opportunity to improve your skills for serving and leading in your local church.

Rockford District Lay Academy will be held on Saturday & Sunday February 19-20, 2011, at Trinity UMC in Freeport.


Kathryn Monfortte of NIC becomes a Missionary

Kathryn S. Monfortte of Calvary UMC in Villa Park, IL, of the Northern Illinois Conference, if one of 17 new missionaries commissioned on October, 12, 2010. Read more...

Conference Job Postings

Energetic and skilled talent is being sought for several key conference positions. Select the link below to learn about these positions and to apply.

Director of Communications

Reynoldswood Site Director

Apportionments Update

While 2010 has been yet another stressful year on the budgets of local churches and the Northern Illinois Conference, many churches have maintained and increased their level of Apportionment giving throughout the year.  As of December 21st, 63 churches have paid 100% (or more!) of their Apportionments.  Meanwhile 70 churches have increased the percent of apportionment paid over 2009. Read more...
Pancake Breakfast of the Week

'Tis the Season.
I'm sure that every United Methodist Church in the Northern Illinois Conference has something wonderful and inspiring going on this week. Participate and be blessed!