June 14-16, 2015

 

A few updates as we get closer to the 2015 Northern Illinois Annual Conference

• We have a stronger Internet connection this year, but we strongly suggest downloading all the documents you need on your device prior to the session. When you do go online, please remember to connect only one device at a time. This year's Twitter hashtag is #umcnic15.

• The Opening Worship will include Native American participation and a "smudging" ceremony. In light of this, we suggest that if you are allergic to fragrances or smells, please sit farther away from the front sections.

• Displays will be available to peruse all day on Monday in St. Charles Ballrooms I, III and IV. The rooms will open at 6am on Monday for set-up. Key Ministry Display times (when the tables will be staffed) will be 7-8am, 12noon - 2pm, 4:30-6:15pm, and 8:30- 9:00pm. *If you wish to bring your display table materials prior to Monday's set-up, they can be stored in the St. Charles Ballroom Coat Room (please see registration desk staff for assistance).

• This year we have an Accessibility Coordinator. For any accessibility concerns/needs please see her. She will have a special table in the registration room and will also be available at the office in Mega Center. Her name is Kathy Wellman.
   
• New member orientation will be offered Sunday at 1:00pm in the Atrium of the main building. 
   
• Petition forms are due by Sunday, June 14 at 2pm.

• Flood Bucket Challenge - The drop-off for Emergency Cleanup Buckets will be in front of the Mega-Center starting at noon on Sunday. Please locate the sign for your district and let the person know how many buckets you have and your church's name.  [First UMCs should indicate the town or city.] Donation checks for transportation should be made out to CWS. *Please note that any list you have used to assemble items is acceptable. Click on "mission" for further instructions under the AC webpage.

• Save the date: A special session of the Annual Conference is scheduled for November 7, 2015 at Court Street UMC in Rockford.

• Childcare: space is reserved for those who have already registered. We may not be able to accommodate walk-ins especially infants. If you know you will need childcare and have not yet signed up, please call Susan Gieseler by 4pm today at 847-931-0710 ext 17.

• Online Evaluation forms will be emailed to you on Tuesday or Wednesday.

And a few reminders: 

• The Annual Conference sessions will be live-streamed again this year. The link will be available on the AC webpage closer to the date.
• As hard as we try to control the temperature in the Mega Center, it can either be too hot or too cold for some. It is always a good idea to dress in layers and bring a sweater/shawl to the MegaCenter.

We also invite you to pray for our Annual Conference session and we look forward to seeing you soon,

Rev. Alka Lyall
Chair- Annual Conference committee