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NIC to pay 100% of our
Conference Apportionments
Thank-you!
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
I write with great joy in my heart. I am grateful for the dedicated, visionary leadership of laity and clergy in our Northern Illinois Conference churches and the deep commitment made by so many in fulfilling our connectional commitments. Yesterday with tears and cheers the Cabinet offered a prayer of thanksgiving as our Conference Committee on Finance and Administration made the decision to pay 100% of our conference apportionments for 2010.
The last few years have been difficult for us. As the recession created hardships for many churches we have gone two years without being able to pay 100% of our connectional giving. In anticipation of lower receipts conference leadership voluntarily under spent their budgets by 15%. Some of these cuts will need to be restored but I am deeply grateful for the sacrificial commitment made by so many leaders.
Lonnie Chafin, our Conference Treasurer experienced a miracle of the loaves and fishes these past few days as small gifts and large checks were hand delivered and arrived by mail. Struggling congregations, small churches and large churches came together to make our 100% apportionment goal a reality. Twelve congregations gave in excess of their apportionment to assist those who were unable. We have truly experienced the abundance of God's grace. Through careful planning and deep commitment we have offered an important response to a troubled world in our connectional giving.
Many people have played a part in this story. I am grateful to the Conference Committee on Finance and Administration for their leadership under the direction of Reverend May Zajac and Lonnie Chafin. The witness of our faithful giving is an inspiration as we move forward in strengthening our conference through the work of Harvest 2020.
Please offer my thanksgiving to your congregation this Sunday as you gather in worship and celebrate this great achievement in the Northern Illinois Conference.
Your Brother in Christ,
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung
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