NIC eNews

A local paper company is trying to liquidate and has reams of paper of all kinds and colors that they would like to donate to a church or charitable organization -- ideal for Sunday school classes.

Pick Up Location:

Victor Envelope Co.

301 Arthur Court

Bensenville, IL

(630) 616-2750

Contact Catherine Petersen at Trinity UMC 847.224.2870 for more information. The only day to get the paper is this Friday at 11:00 am.

Take the pledge and Reclaim Christmas this year!

Just as the Magi honored the Christ child with gifts, we honor the Savior by sharing with others. One way is by giving a special Christmas contribution to a United Methodist churchwide special Sunday offering.

Click here for alternative giving opportunities.

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Please send emails for the eNews or the Reporter to Anne Marie Gerhardt, Dir. of Communications at communications@umcnic.org.

All submissions for eNews must be received in writing no later than 4pm on Tuesday each week. The deadline for the January Reporter is Dec. 12.

World AIDS Day - December 1

How will you mark this day as a church family?

The Theme for World AIDS Day 2012 is "Getting to Zero " ... zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero related Deaths.

To help increase the awareness of HIV/AIDS, there are some resources that you can use to share with your congregations such as bulletin inserts and other information.

Click here for more info.

For more on how to donate to the The United Methodist Global AIDS Fund click here.

Patrik-Ian Polk, film-maker & creator of the TV series, "Noah's Arc," will be the keynote speaker at Center on Halsted for their World AIDS Day event, "End the Epidemic," this coming Saturday (12/1/12) from 9am-1pm.

For additional information and to register click here.

Harvest 2020 Advent Offering

Take part in a special Sunday conference-wide Harvest 2020 Advent offering. Harvest 2020 offering envelopes will be provided, as well as bulletin inserts.

Trained speakers are also now available to come and speak to your church, Sunday school classes, mission committees, UMM and UMW meetings, or circles. God's work of planting new faith communities in the NIC continues!

For more information contact, Anne Coon, Harvest 2020 Campaign Coordinator, 312-346-9766 x.107, acoon@umcnic.org.

Christmas at the Rialto

Two concerts are being presented on Sunday, December 2 at the historic Rialto Theater in Joliet. Tickets are $10 per person for each concert, and profits will go to Ridgewood United Community Food Pantry and Aurora District ministries.

At 3:00 p.m., "Make a Joyful Noise" will feature talents from Aurora District area churches as concert attendees gather together for music, and to hear again the story of Jesus' birth.

At 7:00 p.m. three bands will be featured in the second concert, "Rockin' the Rialto." P. Diddy & the Trustees will play bluegrass music in the Rialto's rotunda prior to the concert. For tickets call Rev. Dave Price at 708-479-6944.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

Rev. James Lawson

Bishop Sally Dyck invites all NIC members to a conference wide celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013.

Special guest speaker is Rev. James Lawson, Pastor Emeritus at Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles and human rights leader.

Location:
Hartzell Memorial UMC
3330 S. King Dr., Chicago

4pm Gathering with light refreshments

5pm Worship Service

Reception to follow

Hurricane Sandy Relief

On the Jersey Shore, families discard possessions ruined by Hurricane Sandy.

Chris Heckert

Share UMCOR's response to Hurricane Sandy with others using this new church bulletin insert .

You can also give online by clicking any of the "DONATE" links or make a $10 donation anytime by texting "UMCOR" to 80888. If your church is taking part by either giving a special donation/offering or collecting kits, please contact Anne Marie Gerhardt at communications@umcnic.org.

Cokesbury Stores Closing Dates

The Naperville Cokesbury store will be closing on February 16, 2013 and the Garrett Cokesbury store will be closing somewhere between March 2-16, 2013. For the most up to date information and announcements please visit Cokesburynext.com.

The Cokesbury Sales Representative for our area is Stephan Quarles. His email is squarles@cokesbury.com. He is available now and will be a great resource after the closure of the stores for customers in our conference.

Illinois Veto Session

There are a number of efforts to call your state senator and representative about bills in Springfield.

Say no to Gambling Expansion
Support Governor Quinn's Veto of SB1849, a veto that limits a massive gambling expansion bill click here for more information.

Voice your support for the Driver's License for All Campaign
This allows temporary driver's licenses for everyone, regardless of immigration status, making Illinois roadways safer. With this bill, nearly all drivers can purchase insurance and be trained. Visit highwaysafetycoalition.org for more info.

Illinois Minimum Wage Increase
Join faith leaders from Protestants for the Common Good and Arise Chicago as they travel to Springfield on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 to advocate for passage of SB 1565, the bill that calls for an increase in the Illinois minimum wage.

Click here to read a fact sheet. Visit thecommongood.org for more information.