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Communicator's Corner
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Laity Convocation Resources
For PowerPoint presentations from the Feb. 14 workshops and slides from the Bishop's keynote address visit
www.umcnic.org/laity.
Prayers for Abducted Missionary in Nigeria 
The World Methodist Council asks for your prayers for abducted Free Methodist Church missionary, Phyllis Sortor who is reportedly being held for ransom.
Read more.
Action for Children Webinar
The Illinois Action for Children has been advocating and following budget issues for childcare assistance programs, which may include some of our churches' programs. Click here for more information and their response to Gov. Rauner's budget address.
Illinois Action for Children, along with the Ounce of Prevention and Voices for Illinois Children, will be hosting a webinar on
Mon., March 2 from 1-2pm
to provide a more in-depth analysis of the state budget as it stands to impact children and families. Additional information will be sent closer to the date, reserve your space now by registering here.
In the News:
Letters to God
Winnebago UMC was recently featured on WIFR Channel 23 in Rockford for a unique letter-writing campaign. The church has placed a mailbox outside it's front door labeled "Letters to God". Anyone can place a prayer, concern or question in the mailbox. Watch the clip on this outreach ministry by clicking here.
Youth 2015, the national gathering for United Methodist Youth and Youth Leaders, is planned for June 24-28 in Orlando, FL
for ages 12-18. It only happens once every 4 years!
Click here fore more information.
March Women's
History Month
For Women's History Month
2015, GCSRW is pleased to offer a series of sermon preparation
notes and resources. They are written by the Rev. Hyemin Na, a mother, Ph.D. student in Homiletics at Emory University and ordained elder in the NIC, and follow the lectionary texts for March and all arise from the wider theme of hearing God's word from the experiences of women's stories and proclaiming the call to live out the gospel. Download available resources by clicking here.
United Methodist Women National Seminar 2015 to be held in Chicago
July 29-August 2
Registration Open for Summer Camp 2015!
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2014 Statistical Reports due Feb. 28
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Local Church Login: www.umctables.org
Username = GCFA # (6 digits)
Password = Conference ID # (5 digits)
Reports are due by 11:59pm on February 28, 2015!
While most of the questions within the statistical tables have remained the same, pastors and local church leaders will find a refreshing new look to the Statistical Data entry site this year. New this year is an addendum featuring six questions from the Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CCFA) seeking local church input about electronic giving. For further instructions and resources, please click here.. |
Creative Ministry Grants due March 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 noon on Mar. 2. Click here to download the form. Read more about last year's grant recipients. Click here.
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La Luz De Cristo - New United Methodist Church
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Congratulations to La Luz De Cristo, (The Light of Christ), which was chartered as a new Hispanic United Methodist Church on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015 with 146 members.
Elgin District Superintendent Oscar Carrasco led the chartering service and Bishop Sally Dyck delivered the message.
Congregational Development and Redevelopment Director Rev. Martin Lee, other cabinet members, pastors from El Mesias, Epworth UMC and Cornerstone UMC along with representatives from Path One New Church Starts and the National Hispanic plan, all instrumental in guiding La Luz De Cristo on its journey, were also present.
Pastor Ruben Rivera began the ministry five years ago as a lay minister with the NIC's Latino Lay Academy for New Faith Communities with about a dozen people in worship. Today, the congregation has grown to almost 170 in worship on Sundays in a space-sharing relationship at Epworth UMC in Elgin. Read more...
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Save the Date - March 21 - Don't miss the bus!
 The 2015 Annual Bishop's Youth Missions Bus Tour is scheduled for Saturday, March 21 from 8am to 5pm. Youth will learn how different organizations, such as the Night Ministry and the Center for Changing Lives are responding to helping young people across Chicago. Some of the issues we will hear about include homelessness, food security, and church and community partnerships (especially with local schools). Cost: $20 per participant Lunch included Click here for details and to reserve your seat on the bus contact Rev. Michael Mann at mmann@umcnic.org.
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| | Click on above image for Imagine No Malaria Lenten Resources and click here for more resources and devotionals.
Read Bishop Dyck's Message for Lent.
Lenten Idea - Lent in a Bag! Read more how Glenview United Methodist Church is helping families practice Lent at home.
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Healthy Church Initiative - Mar. 4-5The Office of Congregational Development and Redevelopment invites you to "Healthy Church Initiative!" This is for all pastors and laypersons interested in bringing greater vitality and health to their congregations. This is an Institute of Congregational Development (ICD) event that is open to everyone. The speaker is Rev. Bob Farr, the Director of the Center for Congregational Excellence at the Missouri Annual Conference. Early Bird pricing ends Feb. 15. Click here for details.UMM's Annual Meeting will be held at Crystal Lake UMC. Gathering begins at 8:00am followed by breakfast, the business Meeting, and then a communion service. Click here for details.
Selma Movie Screening - Mar. 12
On March 12 at 7pm, three days after the 50th anniversary of the historic "Bloody Sunday," in which men and women attempted to march from Selma to Mont-gomery on behalf of Voting Rights, the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago invites you to view the movie SELMA and get to know some first-hand witnesses of the event. Where? Pickwick Theater, 5 South Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge, IL. Cost? $20.00 includes parking, movie ticket, popcorn and a soft drink. Discounts? Groups of 10 or more people: $15.00/person. Where do I order tickets? Please visit www.crlmc.org for details.
One Great Hour of Sharing - Sunday, Mar. 15
One Great Hour of Sharing is what allows UMCOR to act as the arms and legs of Christ's church, moving toward the most vulnerable in their darkest days. Convinced that all people have God-given worth and dignity-without
regard to race, religion or gender-together we are assisting those impacted by crisis or chronic need such as victims of tornadoes, tsunamis and disease. Click here for resources.
Denman Award Nominations
The Evangelism committee is currently accepting nominations for the 2015 Harry Denman Evangelism Award for Clergy, Lay, and Youth. The Harry Denman Evangelism Award recognizes a person whose life and ministry exemplifies the teaching of Christ and the Great Commission. Award winners will be announced at the School of Evangelism, April 18, 2015. To learn more about the award, contact Rev. Robert Sathuri at robert@morrisumc.com. Nominations must be received no later than March 20. Click here for the forms.
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