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Special Session News
CCFA is working on answering the questions raised at the Special Session on Nov. 7 and some will be posted later today.
For a full report and information on the budget and Landscape survey visit:
November is Native American Heritage Month
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General Conference News
#CTTalks
Continuing the conversation around key topics related to General Conference 2016, The Connectional Table began a month-long series on Christian Conferencing as part of the #CTTalks online forum. Click here to watch the video and download a companion guide.
GBCS Internship Program
The General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) Internship Program provides a unique opportunity for emerging leaders to gain valuable professional advocacy experience, increase leadership skills and deepen their Christian walk and witness. The next cohort begins February 16. You don't have to be in school, but you could be. Learn more by clicking here.
ChildServ Holiday
Gift Drive
 ChildServ offers many ways your church can help bring a smile to a child this Christmas Season. You can sponsor a child, donate a toy, make a cash gift or volunteer.
Invitation to
40 Days of Hope
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HealthFlex Changes - open enrollment through Nov. 19
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For 2016 there will be some changes to our HealthFlex program provided by the General Board of Pensions and Health Benefits (GBOPHB) to the Northern Illinois Conference. To all Church Treasurers and/or those responsible for establishing the Church budgets: For 2016 there will be no increase in premium to the churches for the cost of the HealthFlex program. The monthly charge for the HealthFlex program will remain $1,350 a month.
To Participants: In 2016 the HealthFlex plan deductible will increase from $750 to $1,000 per individual and $2,500 to $3,000 per family. Open Enrollment for the 2016 HealthFlex program is from Nov. 4, 2015 to Nov. 19, 2015. For all the details click here.
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Drawing Closer to God
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Saturday, Nov. 14
9am - 3pm
Christ United Methodist Church
Rockford, IL
Walk-ins will be accomodated. Cost: $15
Come be "Replenished" with several spiritual and prayer workshops at the NIC Spiritual Formation "Drawing Closer to God" event on Saturday, November 14.
Bishop Linda Lee will be the Keynote Speaker. She is the Bishop-in-Residence at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and working in the areas of spirituality, spiritual formation and United Methodist studies/polity. She is editor of the book A New Dawn in Beloved Community: Stories with the Power to Transform Us.
In addition to hearing Bishop Linda Lee speak, four workshops will be presented including; Contemplative Photography, Praying in Color, Labyrinth Walking Prayer, or Praying with Beads. All presenters are members of the NIC Spiritual Formation Committee.
Registration is closed but if you are interested in attending please contact Judy Pohlman at 847-354-8015 no later than 5pm Friday, Nov. 13.
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United Methodist Student Day - Nov. 29
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Town and Rural Festival - Nov. 21
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Join us as we celebrate new and exciting ministries happening in the rural areas of our annual conference. Come hear churches share details of how they are reaching out to their neighbors. Rev. Jill Sanders will be offering the keynote address. Where: Faith UMC, 702 E. Dixon, Polo, IL. Click here for more details.
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Refugees Welcome Weekend
As the United States works to resettle additional refugees, including many from Syria, the Interfaith Immigration Coalition is encouraging communities to take part in Welcome Weekend Nov. 13-15 through prayers, worship and sermons. Click here for resources. Another way to help is to house one of the few refugee families that might be able to make it to the U.S. Contact, Refugee One, at ksnoddy@refugeeone.org. Our Conference has multi-decade relationship working with Refugee One.
Youth Summit in the City - Nov. 21
Celebrating the Death of Gun Violence In Our Time. United Methodist Youth (6th to 12th grade) are invited to participate in the 2nd annual Urban Strategy Youth Summit in the City at St. Matthews UMC in Chicago from 10am-3pm. The aim of the Youth Summit is to empower youth to hope for, imagine and envision the possibility of a country with no more hand gun violence in their lifetime. Click here for registration information and more details.
Churches With Childcare Centers: FREE Energy Assessment Available
In response to the budget crisis, Elevate Energy is offering FREE energy efficiency advice to childcare centers within the ComEd territory.That includes those centers housed in churches and congregations.They can help identify steps you can take - now or later - to save on utility and maintenance costs. Click here to learn more.UMC #GivingTuesday - Dec. 1
United Methodists are once again coming together to support the work of Advance projects and missionaries on UMC #GivingTuesday. And once again, every gift made online through The Advance at www.umcmission.org/give on Dec. 1, 2015 will be matched up to $1 million dollars*. T his year consider creating your own team to support a project that is working in a area you care about, such as Hunger and Poverty, Education, or Social Justice. *Get more information on the matching details and resources click here.
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