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Special Session News
CCFA and Cabinet have been working on the questions raised at the Special Session on Nov. 7. You can find the answers and a full report at:
November is Native American Heritage Month
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My Call Story
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry has launched the MyCallStory.org website to encourage United Methodists around the world to share videos of how God has called them to make a difference.
United Methodists are asked to record and submit a video that explains why they feel called to do the work they do and to describe how this work impacts others. Select videos will be featured at General Conference 2016
(May 10-20), on the MyCallStory.org website and via Higher Education and Ministry social media channels (@GBHEM).
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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Syrian Refugee Crisis - An Open Letter to
Gov. Rauner
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Serbia refugees from Syria and other countries cross the border into Croatia on Sept. 28, 2015. - A 2015 file photo by Paul Jeffrey for the ACT Alliance
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Bishop Sally Dyck sent an open letter to Illinois Governor Rauner asking that he reconsider his decision to temporarily stop accepting Syrian refugees to the state.
"United Methodists across the world, including Germany, have been involved in resettling Syrians in our countries and states. It is part of our biblical tradition (Deuteronomy 10:17-19 and Luke 10:25-36) and our long history as people of faith (our global United Methodist Committee on Relief)," wrote Bishop Dyck. "Most Syrians are caught between the violence in their homeland and the refusal or difficulty of settling in a place of peace. These are families like yours and mine, longing to be safe and to have a future of peace."
Bishop Dyck also reminded the Governor that proper and diligent screening is necessary for all refugees entering the United States and has taken up to two years to complete in order to insure safety. Bishop Dyck asks all United Methodists across Northern Illinois to continue to pray for all Syrian refugees and Governor Rauner during this critical time of our history. Mayor Rahm Emanuel has signed on with 18 other mayors around the country, indicating that he is open for the city of Chicago to receive more refugees from Syria. Read Bishop Dyck's entire letter.
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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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Youth Summit - Nov. 21
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Youth and Youth leaders are invited to the second annual youth summit this year being held at St. Matthew UMC in Chicago starting at 10am. The theme this year is "Celebrating the Death of Hand Gun Violence in Our Time." One need only turn on the television news or read the local newspaper to understand the harmful effect hand gun violence is having on our country, cities and neighborhoods. Handgun Violence and the collateral damage it causes has reached epidemic proportions, and thus there are those calling for it to be treated a public health issue.T he Rev. Julian "J.Kwest" DeShazier (Senior Pastor of University Church Chicago) will lead us in worship. Click here for details.
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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 closes Nov. 19, 2015. For all the details click here.
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GCORR Vital Conversation Series: The Rev. Chebon Kernell
(Tonight) Thursday, Nov. 19 at 9pm ET, GCORR premiers The Rev. Chebon Kernell's vital conversation talk on the Acts of Repentance and relationships with the Indigenous community, after you will be invited to engage in dialogue with Rev. Kernell. You may submit your questions and comments by email, chat, or Twitter. Click here to join the conversation.
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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