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Communicator's CornerJoin the Conversation
The General Commission on Religion and Race have launched a Vital Conversations Project. This month they're examining human (race) relations and how our Church can be instrumental in helping us tackle difficult conversations and move forward together. Each day there will be new resources, commentaries and stories. Click here to follow and join the conversation.NPR Correspondent Cheryl Corley to speak at Chicago Temple's Feb. 1 Racism Discussion
Cheryl Corley, an award-winning journalist and NPR correspondent who works for the National Desk, will kick-off the discussion by giving some background about what has happened in Ferguson, MO and New York City following the killings of unarmed black men by the police; subsequent protests that have erupted nationwide; and her reflections on what it all might say about racism and race relations in America. All are welcome in Dixon Chapel/James Parlor (located on the second floor) at 12:15-1:30 p.m. Click here for more info. Free Webinar Series
The Committee on Accessibility Ministries is pleased to provide this information on an upcoming webinar conference series for 2015. This is an opportunity for you to participate and discover strategies for improving how we address the spiritual needs of those with physical and mental challenges. It's free but registration is required. Click here for more information.
Camp News
Registration Opened Dec. 8 for Summer Camp 2015!
Check out the Dec/Jan Reporter pages 5-8 for a special Camps insert with all the listings for Reynoldswood and Wesley Woods.
Or click here to check it out online.
Sympathy Notices
For death notifications of current lay members to annual conference, please click here for the policy from the
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Ferguson United Methodist Pastor to speak at MLK Day Celebration
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This Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015 at 5pm.
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Rev. Johnson, who is also a father of a teenage son, has been leading the way working to bring peace in the community following the shooting death of Michael Brown. He and other area UM pastors have led prayer vigils, helped with cleanup, met with community leaders and comforted protesters.
"The ultimate concern is this: under no pretense does someone deserve to lose their life, and in this case to have innocence stripped," said Johnson in a recent UMNS article. "Innocence is not defined by court law but by the fact all life is sacred. In our faith tradition, that is enough to stand on." |
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Join us for a viewing of Selma
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Monday, Jan. 19, 2015 at 10am - 1pmLocation: Regal Cantera Stadium, 28250 Diehl Road, Warrenville, IL  The Golden Globe-nominated movie tells the story of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march and the efforts of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and many others to secure the right to vote. The NIC is taking part in the "Selma Hand-In-Hand" program to engage diverse congregations and organizations in screening and discussing the film. After the movie, stay for a brief, guided discussion. Tickets are going quickly and are available only through Rev. Michael Mann (not the box office) for $7.50 (cash or check only). We have fewer than 50 spots left. Please RSVP to Rev. Mann, mmann@umcnic.org or 847-931-0710, ex. 20. He will check you in at the theater. Download the Flyer If your church would like to organize a group outing and discussion of the movie, click here to download the toolkit. The General Board of Church and Society is holding a conference call on Feb. 2 at 3pm central time to discuss faith questions inspired by this thought-provoking movie. Click here for details.
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Winter Warming Jan. 17
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 Saturday, January 17, 2015 2:00 - 8:00 pm First UMC Elmhurst 232 S. York Rd. Elmhurst, IL Cost: $15 for Adult $10 for Youth Schedule includes:
- Ferguson Forum: Faith and Confronting Justice - led by Rev. Dr. Pamela R. Lightsey
- Workshops
- Dinner
- Worship with Bishop Sally Dyck preaching
- Click here to Register
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Laity Convocation - Feb. 14
The "Wesley" Way TODAY Can Show You! Registration is open for the 2015 Laity Convocation at Sycamore UMC, 160 Johnson Ave., Sycamore, IL. Bishop Sally Dyck will be the speaker. Cost $15 per person. After Feb. 7 $20 per person. Click here for more information and to register.
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2014 Apportionment Giving Update
By: Merrie Bunt
As we enter the final week of 2014 Apportionment giving, we give thanks for the 351 churches and 3 new faith communities that have faithfully contributed a total of $5,756,196 in Apportionment giving, down about $500,000 or 9% compared to 2013. Second-mile, designated giving has totaled almost $800,000, compared to $850,000 in 2013. We are so grateful for every congregation's faithful generosity. Apportionment giving TRULY helps sustain the transformational ministries of the NIC and is a blessing to each and every community impacted by our work. We celebrate with the 165 churches who have already contributed 100% of their Apportionments. Click here for the list.
Click here for information on the 2015 Apportionment Appeals Process from CCFA.
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Human Relations Day - Jan. 18
One of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church, Human Relations Day calls United Methodists to recognize the right of all God's children in realizing their potential as human beings in relationship with one another.Together, we extend a helping hand to those in crisis so they can overcome formidable obstacles. Click here to learn more about how your gifts make an impact.
Volunteers needed for meal-packing - Feb. 15-16
Community volunteers are needed to help feed starving children by packing meals in two-hour shifts Feb. 15-16 at North Central College's Residence Hall/Recreation Center, 440 S. Brainard St., Naperville. An estimated 4,000 volunteers will pack up to 800,000 meals in less than 42 hours to help starving children in more than 70 countries. More than 300,000 of the meals will be directly delivered to countries impacted by the Ebola outbreak. Click here for details.
Creative Ministries Grant Application - Due Mar. 2
The NIC Program Council is currently accepting applications for creative ministries.The maximum amount available for a grant award is $3,000. Applications will be accepted until 12pm on Mar. 2. Click here to download the form. Read more about last year's grant recipients. Click here.
Acts of Repentance Next Listening Session - Mar. 28 10am
LaSalle Room of Starved Rock Lodge in Utica, IL. For more information contact Rev. Michael Mann at mmann@umcnic.org.
Clergy Tax Seminar - Jan. 29
9:30am at Barrington UMC. Clergy need to understand the special tax issues that apply to them in order to structure compensation packages appropriately and pay the correct amount of taxes. Our presenter is Ellen Feliciano, a Tax Advisor with H&R Block with a particular interest in clergy taxes, investment income, healthcare expenses and retirement income. Ellen is a member of Urban Village Church and serves as Director of the Chicago Northwestern District Lay Academy.Click here for details.
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