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Lenten Season
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Yesterday the downtown streets of Chicago were dotted with commuters whose foreheads were marked by ashes with the sign of the cross. (see story below) Many Christians joined in the observance of Ash Wednesday and marking the beginning of Lent.
Our Christian rhythm of seasons shifts with this remembrance from one of Epiphany - a time of revelation, to one of penitence - a time of reflection and redirection.
As we make this Holy shift I invite you to journey through these 40 days of Lent open to Gods direction for your faith and life. Together we seek a faithful way as we grow in discipleship and proclaim Christ love.
Your Brother in Christ,
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung
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Ashes on the GO
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Joyce Bahe of Bethany Fox Valley dispensed ashes to commuters at the Aurora Metra train station on Ash Wednesday.
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Commuters rushing to and from work on Ash Wednesday had a chance to stop and receive ashes at several train stations, CTA "L" stops and other locations including the "Bean" at Millenium park.
For the second year, Urban Village Church took its "Got Ashes" message to the streets. The Aurora Cluster Churches of the Aurora District also dispensed ashes at several Metra Stations in Aurora and Elburn and Members of First UMC of Evergreen Park were out at the 95th street Metra stop in Bethany. Read more>>
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Lenten Resources
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 Lenten Study for Young Adults
These weekly Lenten studies were written by young adults for young adults. They address some of the basic questions and needs of young adults such as time, fasting, and money management. Download the pdf
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UMC-NIC Mission Fair- March 3
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 Celebrating USA Ministries: Urban, Native American, Appalachian, Disaster
Sponsored by the NIC Board of Global Ministries and NIC VIM (Volunteers In Mission), come out to the Mission Fair, Saturday, March 3, 2012 at Downers Grove First UMC at 1032 Maple Ave. from 2-6pm. Download the flyer for more information.
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Chicago Lay Academies offer classes for Lay Speakers!
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The Chicago Northwestern and Chicago Southern districts are offering a variety of classes for Lay Speakers at their two-week Lay Academies, each taking place on March 3 & 10. Registration forms & online registration options are available on the District's pages at www.umcnic.org. Click here for Chicago Northwestern and click here for Chicago Southern. Sign up today!
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Adult Interfaith Bus Tour- March 23-25
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 Register Today!
Join Bishop Hee-Soo Jung and a host of other guides as we visit several interfaith sites around the Chicagoland area.
Cost: $195 which includes all travel, meals, and two nights single lodging.
$150 for double occupancy.
$75 commuter rate.
Transportation provided by Dixon-Meyers Trailways.
Please register by Mar. 1. Contact: Harriet McCabe at harrietmccabe@earthlink.net or by phone at 630-355-4617.
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Committee Members & Chairs Needed
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The Northern Illinois Conference Committee on Nominations is currently seeking to fill several positions to serve as chairs and members of committees in the next quadrennium. This is a great opportunity to utilize your spiritual gifts and abilities in a wide range of conference ministries. All persons need to submit a new form for the terms- this includes those already serving and will continue on as well as new nominees. Click here to download the form Questions? Please contact the new Nominations Committee Chair, Cerna Rand at nominations@umcnic.org. |
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2012 Annual Conference- June 6-9
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Legislative documents, historical reports, requests for presentation time during the plenary sessions, and notification of awards to be published in the awards booklet must be submitted to both Rev. Lora Zink and Rev. Daniel Diss no later than close of business (5 p.m.) on Thursday, March 1, 2012. Click here for more information.Popping Presentations
Those presenting at Annual Conference are strongly encouraged to attend a seminar on Saturday, March 17 from 1pm-2:30pm at the Elgin Program office at 217 Division St., Elgin to learn the dos and don'ts of making a presentation which will pop! Click here for registration and more information. |
