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UMC.orgCheck out The United Methodist Church's newlyredesigned website which launched Feb. 12. General Board of Higher Education and Ministry's new website
Check out the new look at:
Different Drummers
Learn more how
United Church of
Rogers Park is
helping to address
the growing concern
of youth
violence on Chicago's
north side.
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Different Drummers: Youth Violence Prevention
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UM FOUNDATION
Job Opening:President Rev. Harry Nicol announces his retirement.
 For information on the
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SCHOLARSHIPS
2014 Scholarships for undergraduates are available through the Northern Illinois Conference.
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Outdoor Retreat Ministries News
Register for Spring Confirmation Retreats at Reynoldswood and Wesley Woods this April!
Not too early to start thinking of Summer Camp either!
Click herefor info and registration.
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Work Teams needed in Washington, IL
Hope Swings is a cooperative ministry of three United Methodist churches and is inviting volunteers for the summer to help rebuild Washington, IL which was ravaged by the Nov. 17 tornado.
The goal is to build a 100 swing sets for children and families.
Hope Swings is a cooperative effort of Peoria First UMC, Washington Crossroads UMC and Washington Evangelical UMC.
Opportunities exist for internships with this emerging ministry as well as persons who have construction experience.
Visit the ministry's websitefor more information.
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Inaugural Celebration for new
Garrett President - Feb 28 & Mar 1
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Lallene J. Rector
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 You are cordially invited to the two day inaugural celebration of Lallene J. Rector, the first layperson to become president of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.
A variety of events, including a panel discussion, concert and a worship service, are scheduled. The Inaugural Ceremony will take place on Saturday, Mar. 1.
Clergy of all denominations are invited to vest for the service and join the procession. The liturgical color will be red. If you will be part of the procession and have not already submitted a response form please acknowledge this invitation so that appropriate seating can be arranged. To respond, please go to www.garrett.edu/inauguration2014.
Click here for info.
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General & Jurisdictional Lay Delegate Election
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 We will be electing delegates for the 2016 General and Jurisdictional Conferences at the Annual Conference Session in June 2014.
This will be the first time delegates will be elected two years before the conferences, rather than one year before. Lay members interested in being a delegate must be members of a local church for two years, and active for four years to be eligible for election. Those wishing to stand for election must complete a form, click here and mail it to: NIC Program Office Attn: Mr. Arnold Rivera 217 Division St. Elgin, IL 60120 The form is also available to download at www.umcnic.org/AC2014. Click here to read the letter from NIC Lay Leader, Arnold Rivera.  For updates and information on the 175th Annual Conference - June 8-10 visit www.umcnic.org/AC2014. The site will continually be updated as information becomes available.
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SBC21 Training Event - Registration Open
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Set a fundraising goal
Goal forms are due April 25, 2014.
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 The conference continues to ask each church to set a fundraising goal for our Imagine No Malaria campaign. Make a commitment for an amount of money your church will raise over the next three years (by the end of 2016) from the congregation and the community. Click here for the goal form.
You can commit to hold one fundraiser for Imagine No Malaria and invite people from outside your church doors to learn about your congregation and this amazing ministry. Funds you raise will be "new" dollars.
If you are looking for help setting your goal, look to your youth for advice:
Young people from our conference have been leading the way in fundraising and action for Imagine No Malaria.
Youth play to combat malaria
On Sunday (Feb 23) over 160 youth and adults gathered at two events and raised over $4,000 for Imagine No Malaria.
 Kingwood UMC in Buffalo Grove held a youth game day giving young people from 7 churches an opportunity to learn about Imagine no Malaria, worship and play together.
The Chicago Northwest district held a dodgeball tournament at Glenview UMC which included young people from 8 churches.
When asked how they raised the money, Irving Park UMC shared that youth sold snacks at their alternative gift fair in December making a few hundred dollars in one day. The youth brought all that money to the tournament as their donation to the cause.
The youth were excited to take this ministry to the community through: scouting, school and community centers. Both events inspired those gathered to continue to hold multi-church youth events.
Contact: Rachel Birkhahn-Rommelfanger
Field Coordinator, Imagine No Malaria
Northern Illinois Conference
c:847-431-4880
e: rbrommelfanger@umcnic.org
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Report any issues with filling prescriptions
The Conference Board of Pensions has become aware that many clergy who previously secured prescription drugs through Express Scripts have been experiencing problems with the transition to the new vendor: Catamaran. The Board is concerned and wants you to find a resolution to your issues as quickly as possible.
If you are having difficulties getting prescriptions filled, discovering major cost differences or undergoing any other disturbances related to the vendor change, please call Shirley Burkhart at (312) 346-9766 x720 or the Health Team at the General Board of Pensions at (800) 851-2201.
Spanish as a Second Language - Hosts Needed
Would your church be interested in hosting a class after Easter and before Annual Conference? We currently have openings for up to 4 more churches to host classes for those in their congregation and community. Each class should have at least 10 people interested in attending. The SSL Team will work with that congregation train each point person and to supply a trained teacher.
To host a class, please e-mail ssl@umcnic.org and visit www.umcnic.org/ssl for the FAQs and host site checklist.
Deadline: March 14
Interested in teaching or being trained as a point person for your host site's class? E-mail ssl@umcnic.org for the next training date.
Need a Way to Reach Children and Youth This Summer?
 North Central College's New Visions Summer Company has an open week (July 6 to 13) to lead a musical Vacation Bible School in your church. Interested or have questions, contact NCC chaplain Lynn Pries at llpries@noctrl.edu (630-637-5104) or by directly contacting the 2014 student co-directors Colleen Jajewski at ccjajewski@noctrl.edu or Nicole Novy at nknovy@noctrl.edu. Click here for more information.
Save the Date: Bishop's Bus Tour is Coming!
 Saturday, April 26 8:30am-6:30pm Registration opens next Thursday and is limited to the first 55 who apply. This year, we will have a Youth Urban Ministry Mission Bus Tour. In the past, we have alternated our bus tours between religious sites and mission sites. Youth are invited to join Bishop Sally Dyck as she visits mission sites in Chicago. Each site shows how youth are making a difference in their church and community. Connect with mission; connect with other youth; and learn how we are being church together with our communities. This tour is a one-day tour that will start around 8:30 on the northern side of Chicago. This Tour is only for youth and their chaperones.
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Moving Beyond the Box: Reaching Out and Raising UP