| December 8, 2011 |
Please send emails for the e-news or the Reporter to Anne Marie Gerhardt, Dir. of Communications at communications@umcnic.org. All submissions for e-news must be received, in writing no later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday each week. |
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Local Church Events
| Local church events are posted on the web.
Read about December Events |
| Communicator's Corner | Unique opportunity to meet missionaries from our conference.
Jeff Wasilevich and Deb Rissing, a husband and wife team from First UMC Downers Grove, are long-term United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UM VIM) serving as site hosts and coordinators of the Peru-Bolivia Lake Titicaca Border Mission, Advance #3021288.
They have recently returned home for a short stay and are eager to speak to groups and congregations about their work and their experiences as new missionaries.
First UMC Downers Grove will be hosting two programs by Deb and Jeff, the first on Sunday, December 11 at 11am and the second on Tuesday, December 13 at 7 p.m. at their church, 1032 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove.
Contact Jeff Wasilevich and Deb Rissing at 630-915-3155 or via e-mail at jeffandeb@gmail.com (NOTE: Only one "d" connects "and" and "deb.") to inquire about available days and times for them to speak.
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Registration Open for NIC
Laity Convocation | Cyberspace & Sacred Space
Saturday, February 4, 2012
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Rev. Larry Hollon
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8:30am registration
9am Worship 3pm Sending Forth
Cost:
$15 before Jan. 28.
Then $20 per person
Includes Continental
Breakfast and lunch
Keynote Speaker:
Rev. Larry Hollon, General Secretary United Methodist Communications - Leader & creator of the successful "Rethink Church" campaign.
Childcare available with prior notification.
Clergy CEU's will be available.
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| Advent Resources | 
Here are a few downloads/websites to guide you through your Advent journey:
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Sunday Suppers
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 On Sunday, January 15, 2012, you are invited to participate in a community-by-community, nationwide conversation about our most pressing social issues in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This is an opportunity for individuals to reach out to new persons and build community over a shared meal. Inspired by the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., America's Sunday Supper invites people from all backgrounds to come together to share a meal, discuss issues that affect their community and highlight the power each person has to make a difference! Sign up to host a Sunday Supper or to RSVP to an event click here
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Aurora District Gets in the
Christmas Spirit |
 The sounds of Christmas filled the historic Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet on Sunday, Dec. 4 to an audience of more than 1200 people. For the first time, the churches in the Aurora District came together for a special musical Christmas Celebration on the Rialto's stage.
The event raised $4,000 from ticket sales and a special offering. Organizers say they'll be able to use the money to buy hundreds of pounds of food for the Ridgewood Food Pantry at Trinity UMC in Joliet. The other half of the money raised will go toward UMCOR and other needs within the Aurora District. Read the full story with photos>>
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Elmhurst Church Gets
Peanut Butter and Jolly
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Christ UMC Secretary Becky Nemchock and Pastor Joan Seaton count the peanut butter jars donated for the Chicago Food Depository.
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Christ UMC of Elmhurst was quick to pitch in when John Williams from WGN Radio read that the price of peanut butter was rising and food pantries would be suffering. In response, Williams started the "Peanut Butter and Jolly" one day food drive. His producer put a box in the Tribune Tower lobby to collect peanut butter for the Chicagoland Food Depository.
Christ UMC secretary, Becky Nemchock called the station to offer the church as a drop off location for folks in DuPage County who wanted to help out but couldn't get their donations downtown.
In a day and a half, Christ UMC collected 250 jars of peanut butter (and some jelly, too!) and delivered them to the Tribune Tower for the Chicagoland Food Depository. "I met so many wonderful people as they dropped off their donations, it truly warmed my heart," said Nemchock.
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Support Chicago Hyatt Workers
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"Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable."
Proverbs 31:8 Common English Bible
 During this season we are reminded that as John the Baptist prepared the way for the coming Christ, he lifted his voice or cried out calling all people to repentance, to living just lives, and for the creation of a just social order.
Recently, I learned from the NIC Hyatt Boycott Monitoring & Organizing Committee that Hyatt Hotels have threatened to strip workers in Chicago of their health insurance.
I encourage you to learn more about their struggle and to prayerfully consider taking action by clicking here!
The NIC Hyatt Boycott Monitoring & Organizing Committee will be participating in a rally in support of Hyatt workers and encourages us to join them.Thursday, December 15
3:00-4:00PM Hyatt Global Headquarters - 71 S. Wacker
Please contact Rev. Teran Loeppke, NIC Deacon, with any questions and/or to RSVP at teran1e@gmail.com or 773-827-4366.
May God's Shalom reign in our hearts during this Holy Season.
Reverend Christopher Pierson,
Director of Connectional Ministries
Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist ChurchTo read Rev. Pierson's entire statement click here>>
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JFON Celebrates Volunteers!
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In this season of giving, the local Justice For Our Neighbors (JFON) clinic in Aurora held a volunteer appreciation luncheon to honor the volunteers that have given of their time and energy to help immigrants in need. On Saturday, Dec. 3, volunteers gathered to celebrate all that they have been able to do together.
To date, the Aurora site of JFON has seen over 60 immigrants and helped to resolve the legal cases for immigrants in need. Those we have helped have included victims of crimes, those requesting to adjust their status, or those seeking to extend their current immigration status. None of that work would have been possible without the work of dedicated volunteers who provide hospitality, childcare, and listen to an immigrant's story. Read the full story>>
For more information about JFON or to schedule an appointment, see jfonnic.org
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