Quick Links
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5 Day Academy for Spiritual Formation Coming Up!
Only a few spots remain for the 5 day Academy for Spiritual Formation -
July 29-Aug. 3. Join the many who have already registered including several International participants.
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Bishop Sally Dyck appoints new Urban Ministry Coordinator, Rev. Robert Biekman and Conference Secretary for Global Ministries, Pastor Shirley Pulgar-Hughes... read more...
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Free Webinar
Thursday, July 25, 2013, 6:30pm
Is Your Church Ready for a Capital Funds Campaign?
Does your church have the need for capital improvements that can't be met with funds from your operating income? Join us as GBOD's Executive Director of Fund Development, Scott Gilpin, offers key indicators for churches to determine whether they are ready to conduct a successful Capital Campaign. The webinar is free and you can register by clicking here.
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Outdoor & Retreat Ministries Summer Camp
There is still time to register for many camps from now through our last retreat August 9-11.
Come for a full week or check out the partial week camps. Limited financial assistance is still available.
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Spanish as a Second Language
Registration begins July 29
 As a part of our Annual Conference's Harvest 2.0 initiative, we are asking 100 congregations in the Annual Conference to teach Spanish as a Second Language. This fall, we will begin our first round of these classes. We have 5 "pilot churches" that have agreed to be host sites.
If your church would like to host a class this fall, please submit a point person for our task force. You will also need to set aside a 6-week time for the class, anytime between October 1 and December 15. There will be other opportunities in 2014 for classes to take place.
For site locations, more information and registration visit www.umcnic.org/ssl. Questions email ssl@umcnic.org
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Registration Closes Friday at noon!
Summer Summit on Stewardship with Rev. Mike Slaughter
This Saturday, July 20, you have the opportunity to spend a day with one of the most exciting and effective pastors in the church today. Seize this opportunity! This day can help each of us who are clergy and each of us who are laity be more effective as leaders of our congregations.
The live Summer Summit is at Faith UMC Orland Park. It's live streamed to Elgin, Rochelle, Zion, Naperville, Princeton, Freeport and Park Ridge.
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Safe Sanctuaries Training
Registration Open
 Conference-wide Safe Sanctuaries Training
Saturday, August 24, from 9 am - 3 pm
at First UMC, 216 E. Highland Ave., Elgin.
Registration will begin at 8:30 am. Click here for more information and registration.
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Florida Bishop asks for prayers following the Zimmerman Acquittal
By Bishop Ken Carter
The county seat town of Sanford, with a population of about 50,000, lies in the heart of the Florida Annual Conference, between Orlando and Daytona Beach.
Ordinarily, Sanford would be of little interest to the major media markets of the United States. All of that changed with the death of Trayvon Martin and the trial and subsequent not guilty verdict for George Zimmerman, which has sparked reflection, debate and outrage across our nation over the past weekend. Read the full commentary
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 Shock and Sadness over Marcy-Newberry Closing
Many people are expressing shock and sadness following the sudden closure of Marcy-Newberry Association's programs (MNA) on June 28, 2013.  United Voices for Children (UVC), which speaks and acts on behalf of all children and youth in the Northern Illinois Conference, is too saddened by the closing of MNA. "We are grateful to the staff which provided services to the community for over 130 years, filling a void in neighborhoods in need of human services. It is unfortunate for all concerned that despite MNA's amazing history, it has closed," said UVC Board President, Lois Moreland-Dean. "As families search for replacement services, let us keep them and the staff of Marcy-Newberry in our prayers." Read the full story... |
AC2013 DVDs Available
Videos from several key events and services are available for purchase. Cost is $5 per DVD plus $5 shipping and handling. (The $5 S & H will cover sending up to 10 DVDs in a single shipment.) Send your requests to, Susan Gieseler sgieseler@umcnic.org, indicating which DVD you want, and the number of copies. Retirees will be sent one free copy of the retirement service, and each person ordained or commissioned will receive a free copy of the Service of Ordination & Commissioning. |
Application deadline extended for ICD & Academy Classes of 2015
The Office of Congregational Development and Redevelopment has extended the deadline for applying to the new Institute for Congregational Development (ICD) Class of 2015! Visit www.umcnic.org/ICD and apply to ICD by August 1! Are you interested in doing the same kind of ministry in a Hispanic/Latino setting? The Academy for Faith Community Development Class of 2015 has also extended its deadline. Visit www.umcnic.org/Academy and apply to the Conference Academy by August 1! For more information about ICD and the Conference Academy, contact Judy Siaba at 312-346-9766 ext. 724 or jsiaba@umcnic.org. Don't wait! Pray and act today!
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Disciple Bible/Outreach Training
August 24, 9am-4pm
The Illinois Great Rivers and Northern Illinois Conferences are pleased to announce the establishment of Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries of IL, Inc. DBOM recruits, trains and equips local church volunteers for ministry in the prisons, jails and youth development centers using DISCIPLE Bible Study materials. All DBOM prison volunteers must be trained and certified for this ministry. This training is the first to be offered through our brand-new Illinois affiliate. Click here for more information and to register.
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 Come to the Lakeshore
A Retreat for the Youth and Youth Leaders of the Northern Illinois Conference
August 9-11, 2013
Wesley Woods
$119 [Scholarships Available]
Youth: Grade 6 - High School
Join us! For further information please contact Rev. Dr. Barbara Javore ~ bjavore@yahoo.com or 847.835.0588 [home]/847.835.1227[church]
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 Plumbline Plumbline 2013 is gearing up for another adventure in New York City. This 4-day experience starts on Sunday, October 13, and goes until Wednesday, October 16.
This year's theme is Immigration: stories, faith, future. We will look at the history and the stories surrounding people's migration to the U.S., including why this issue has come up at this time. If you know of youth who are interested, click here for an application and more information. Contact Rev. Michael Mann at 847-931-0710, ext. 20 or mmann@umcnic.org. Please return applications no later than August 30.
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Register Now for Natural Church Development Training!
September 13-14, 2013
The Office of Congregational Development and Redevelopment invites you to a unique training opportunity in Natural Church Development. NCD is a process that has been developed over the past 14 years to help all churches increase in health and vitality. Join us at this special event and learn how your church can benefit from the process.
Registration only costs $60, but you must register by September 6. Registration includes materials and lunch, but participants must make their own hotel arrangements. To register or receive more information, visit www.umcnic.org/NCD or call Judy Siaba at (312) 346-9766, ext. 724.
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